By Gabriel Agbonlahor

8th Feb, 2023 | 4:30pm

Agbonlahor salutes 'strict' Sean Dyche as Finch Farm footage emerges from Everton

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Sean Dyche’s “strict” training overhaul will “make a difference” to Everton as they look to avoid relegation.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted training “should feel like a game” – and hailed the 51-year-old former Burnley boss as someone making changes “from a good place”.

Dyche got off to the perfect start on Saturday (4 February) as his Everton side ran out 1-0 winners against Arsenal at Goodison Park.

As per the Daily Mail (5 February), Dyche has moved to ban snoods and hoods from the training ground and has ensured shinpads are worn in full-contact sessions.

Footage has also emerged on Twitter (2 February) of the former Burnley boss conducting the bleep test at Everton’s Finch Farm training base.

The Merseysiders remain in the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of their derby clash with Liverpool on Monday (13 February).

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Sometimes managers come in with strict rules – but he’s doing it from a good place.

“Some managers come in and try and do everything with military precision. It doesn’t work with the players.

“But these Everton players should understand where he’s coming from. If training is like a game, then you shouldn’t have gloves on, or snoods on, or hats or trousers.

“When you train, it should feel like a game. It’s high intensity, you’re covering the same distance.

“I think they’ll be on side with this, and I think it will make a difference to Everton.”

In other news, pundit not convinced by Everton amid “disappointing” Sean Dyche verdict – “where’s the positive?”