In his first Royal Blue column as the ECHO's Everton FC correspondent, Connor O'Neill looks at the situation Jack Grealish finds himself in after his apology to supporters
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish
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When the full-time whistle sounded to end Everton’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United last month, Jack Grealish should have been the most relieved man in the country.
A 3-1 victory that night not only secured the Blues a quarter-final showdown against Fleetwood Town next month, but also kick-started a run of three wins in eight days for David Moyes’ side.
But just a couple of hours before the game at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton supporters were left angry and confused when the club took the unusual step of confirming that Grealish was unavailable for selection due to a breach of club discipline. Unusual because in today's football world, it would have been much easier for the club to just say Grealish was struggling with an injury and wouldn’t be risked - or he was still under the weather after missing the previous game against Arsenal due to illness.
The club, though, wanted to be open and honest with supporters about why the England international was unavailable for selection, and that approach should be applauded. But what followed has caused manager David Moyes an unwelcome headache as he was forced to field questions before and after games about Grealish and his situation.
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And what makes it even worse is that he has been such a staunch defender of the attacker since the moment he welcomed him to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Not only did he help the England international rediscover his love for football, but he also defended Grealish in April when he was pictured asleep in a chair at a rooftop bar in Manchester after going out drinking with friends.
The Everton boss has every right to feel let down by the 31-year-old. As do his team-mates and the club’s supporters.
The apology that came on Thursday night after he made his return to action in a 4-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Derby County was an encouraging development, but Grealish would be mistaken for thinking this is the end of the story as he still has work to do.
When Everton brought him back from Manchester City for a second loan spell on deadline day there was understandable optimism.
His previous stint at the club had demonstrated exactly why supporters had taken to him.
He offered personality, creativity and the ability to make something happen. He was a player who appeared to enjoy the responsibility of playing for supporters who idolised him.
The friendly appearance against Derby is a positive first step forward. His apology is another. But the real test will come when his side return to competitive action against Brentford a week on Monday.
There is no doubt Everton need what Grealish can offer. Not only from an ability point of view, but also because his boss only has 18 senior players to choose from.
Moyes has done a remarkable job this season, but he cannot be expected to continue to work wonders while members of his squad are absent due to their own decisions.
David Moyes and Jack Grealish during Everton's Premier League defeat to Arsenal
David Moyes and Jack Grealish during Everton's Premier League defeat to Arsenal last season(Image: (Matt McNulty/Getty Images))
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The fact his side managed to win all three games they played ahead of the international break speaks volumes for the resilience the Scot has instilled in his squad.
This is a group of Everton players who have been keen to make clear that they will not be making excuses this season.
Players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have stepped up and driven the team on in Grealish’s absence, and the former Aston Villa man should be extremely grateful they have.
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Had they not, and had Everton been dumped out of the League Cup by the Magpies, then you do wonder whether Grealish might have been feeling the heat a bit more than he has
Everton supporters undoubtedly want to see him back in action. They know what he can bring when he is at his best, but they will also want to see a player who understands the standards expected of him.
The next chapter of Grealish's Everton career is there to be written, and a return to action provides him with the chance to make the headlines for all the right reasons.
But as ever in these situations actions speak louder than words and now it is time for Grealish to let his feet do the talking.
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