May

Despite a fantastic April, results elsewhere meant Everton headed into their final three games of the campaign with no realistic hopes of European qualification.

There was, however, an opportunity to finish above neighbours Liverpool for the first time since 2005.

Successive draws against Stoke and Wolves made that feat trickier than it should have been, but normal service was resumed on the final day as goals from Steven Pienaar, Nikica Jelavic and a first of the season from John Heitinga secured an impressive 3-1 win over the league's surprise package Newcastle United.

Afterwards, Pienaar bade a tearful farewell to the Club as his loan spell from Spurs came to an end. Little did he know, he’d soon be back. And this time for good.