Good afternoon.

Today gives us the opportunity to once again show the key core values that have been evident from my players since I became Everton manager. 

The spirit, strong mentality and willingness to give everything for the cause is a very important part of the culture and environment that we wanted to set and, on the whole, the squad have shown that in abundance.

Last weekend’s loss away to a very strong Manchester United side was a reminder to our players that if those qualities as a collective drop ever so slightly, it will affect the outcome in the Premier League.

Although United were stronger than us, particularly in the first half, it could have been different had we taken our chances early in the contest. What is important now, however, is for us to remember what was integral to us building a four-match unbeaten run before that match.

Key to that has been character, hard work and determination to never give in, highlighted by our late goals against both Chelsea and Tottenham, which left us all proud of how the players fought until the end.

I think the way we have been going about our football has been very pleasing. I tell the players that you play for every breath of the game because you never know what’s going to happen. And when your intent is to make things happen, don’t be surprised when they do. 

The mentality in our squad continues to grow and, combined with hard graft and passion for the shirt, it gives us a base to work from that is such an important fibre of this club.

We know we can still play better at times. But the starting point for every game must be the hard yards and details of a match which can help to grind out results when needed, along with the good play necessary in order to win even when we are not quite on our “A” game. We know we have the talent throughout the squad to continue to secure wins.

My assistant, Ian Woan, is always saying there has to be a future in what we do. There’s definitely a future in the performances we have been showing – and that’s a crucial factor for us this afternoon and going forward.

We welcome Marco Silva and the players and staff of Fulham to Goodison today.

Adapting from the Championship to the demands of the Premier League is a tough challenge but one that Marco and his team have done well this season. 

Fulham have good players and a clear identity, and we are under no illusions as to what will be needed to come out on top this afternoon.

On our side, of course, is being back at Goodison and having you, our passionate supporters behind us. Our fans have been terrific, both home and away, and remain such an important part of what we are trying to achieve.

The players laid a foundation with that win against Arsenal in my first game as Everton manager and the connection has grown from there. Our fans are staying with us no matter what and the result of that is a group of players giving everything and our supporters giving everything, too. 

Finally, today on the 34th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, we remember the 97 victims who tragically lost their lives in the tragedy. 

I know the importance for everyone at Everton to always stand shoulder to shoulder with Liverpool to remember the innocent supporters who passed away watching the team they loved.

I was at Hillsborough with Nottingham Forest’s youth team on that tragic day and it is difficult to find the words to describe the sadness of what took place.

Our thoughts continue to be with the families and many friends of all those who were lost.

We remember and will never forget.

Sean.