Everton news: Finch Farm closed in ‘big’ pre-Southampton blow – Mills
Everton closed their training ground on Friday morning and the squad have travelled down to Southampton on a bus, according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-England defender whose son is a member of the Everton Under-23s squad claimed it could have a “big” detrimental impact on the players.
The Toffees face Southampton at St. Mary’s in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday (18 February) and have made alternative travel arrangements due to Storm Eunice.
Frank Lampard’s side will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League after their impressive 3-0 victory over Leeds United last weekend (13 February).
But Mills has revealed their pre-game preparations have taken a major hit.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I know that Everton have taken the bus down to Southampton – that can have a big impact on players.
“Everton have closed their training ground today. Nobody was in today and the first team left early and got the bus down to Southampton to make sure they can get there in time.
“There are issues with the motorways and getting stuck in traffic. Ok, you’ve got your feet up but it’s not ideal to be sat on the bus for that long. Yes, you can make regular stops to stretch your legs but it’s not what you are used to.
“If you get caught in traffic or something happens then it’s a long old trek and it’s certainly not the greatest preparation.”
Everton ran out 3-1 winners over the Saints on the opening day of the season in Rafa Benitez’s first game in charge.
A win tomorrow could see them pull eight points clear of the relegation zone.
In other news, a pundit has revealed Everton may have suffered a ‘huge’ behind-the-scenes blow after ‘speaking to people at the club’.