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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Everton fan power praised by Alex Iwobi as new bus route planned for Brentford clash

Here's your Everton evening headlines for Thursday, May 12.

EXCLUSIVE: Alex Iwobi reacts to new Everton position and how fans have transformed dressing room

Alex Iwobi has hailed Everton fans for their huge support of the side over the last few weeks, including in the aftermath of a 0-0 draw with Watford on Wednesday evening.

Frank Lampard's side pulled one point further away from the relegation zone after a stalemate at Vicarage Road. A match of little quality didn't result in many clear-cut chances for either side, with the best for the Blues falling to Demarai Gray as he poked wide inside the box.

The match followed another show of solidarity from Evertonians on Tuesday as they gathered in large numbers outside Finch Farm to see the team coaches off with banners, smoke bombs and songs. Throughout these huge events, Iwobi has been keeping his social media followers well informed with the mood on those buses. He mentioned that the squad certainly appreciate the love they have been receiving in recent matches. And the Nigeria international particularly highlighted the amount of away fans who stayed in their seats on Wednesday to applaud the side off the pitch despite what might have been seen as a disappointing result.

READ MORE: Everton coach fumes on touchline as Roy Hodgson denies Watford snub

READ MORE: Everton LIVE Q+A - Watford game, transfer plans, fan campaign and away support

Iwobi told the ECHO: "We have to stay positive after this game. We wanted to get the three points, but we didn't. But we've got seven out of the last nine [points], so it's a good result for us to keep on moving. Before they [the fans] probably would have been disappointed but it shows how far we've come and how far they've come as well. They're still sticking by us until the end.

"Nobody left when we went to go and clap them, there were no empty seats. So it's helping us when we're on the pitch, because we can feel it. Without them, we wouldn't be able to perform the way we are. Especially at Goodison, but to do it away as well we feel it. At Finch Farm when they first did it we were a bit surprised, it took us 30 minutes to get out! Normally it's just a simple drive! But we appreciate the support they're showing us."

Iwobi has found another new position in the side across recent weeks, despite having shown some of the best form of his Everton career as an attacking midfielder previously. The 26-year-old has been used primarily as a right wing-back by Lampard in the last three matches. And it's a position he is happy to keep playing as long as he is helping the team. The Blues star described the message he has received from the boss and how he is taking that onto the pitch.

"It's good, anything I can do to help the team. I do get the ball a lot, I get into attacking opportunities as well, I just have to keep on doing what I can do for the team," he added.

Read the full exclusive interview HERE.

Everton coach route vs Brentford revealed as fans given new instructions

The route for Everton's coach arriving at Goodison Park for Sunday's match against Brentford has been revealed as supporters are set to line the streets once more.

Blues fans have been regularly lauded in recent weeks as they have shown their tremendous support for the side. Ahead of the last home match against Chelsea, thousands arrived early and took to the streets to produce incredible scenes as Frank Lampard and his squad arrived for the game.

Banners and flags were on full display, there was constant loud singing and numerous smoke bombs filled the air to create a raucous atmosphere for the day - which eventually saw Everton win 1-0 thanks to Richarlison's strike. Similar scenes have been seen outside Finch Farm ahead of the two most recent away trips to Leicester City and Watford too.

Plans are already in place for another coach welcome as the Blues return to Goodison on Sunday and numerous fan groups have been sharing the route on social media. Towards the very end of the route, the coach will turn down Luxmore Road and then onto City Road, before making its way to the ground.

Everton supporters who are planning to attend from 2:30pm onwards to show their support for the players as they arrive are this time being urged to line up along City Road and right up to the Holy Trinity Statue, due to the coach taking a slightly different route for Sunday's match than it did against Chelsea.

Read the full story HERE.

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