Everton's Michael Keane explains why the bond built during relegation survival won't fade away in new season
CBSN
The England defender talks to CBS Sports ahead of Everton's preseason friendlies in the United States
One might argue that the worst thing that could have happened for Everton at the end of last season was for it to reach its conclusion. Spurred on by the burgeoning bond between supporters, manager and player, the Toffees had extracted themselves from a relegation battle that seemed destined to end their lengthy stay in the top half. Saturday July 16 Everton vs. Arsenal 7 p.m. Baltimore, Maryland M&T Bank Stadium Wednesday July 20 Minnesota United vs. Everton 8 p.m. St. Paul, Minnesota Allianz Field
Premier League giants had been felled at Goodison Park, Frank Lampard was the toast of Merseyside and players who had struggled for form over a number of months seemed to be finding their best selves again. Such alchemy can be hard to create and easy to lose, but Michael Keane, a veteran of Everton's last five seasons, sees no signs that the bond the club built in the early months of 2022 might be fading away.
"The bond is still there, 100 percent," he tells CBS Sports. "The last six weeks of last season was probably the hardest time of of my career, but also the best to see how the Everton fans, the whole club came together in a desperate time. Obviously in general, it was a season to forget. But that time was something special, what the fans brought to us, the energy they gave us players and staff, that we then managed to repay that on the pitch.
