James Tarkowski admits the first reaction of Everton players learning about their 10-point deduction on WhatsApp was ‘shock’.
But with Manchester United visiting Goodison Park at its bearpit best on Sunday afternoon, Sean Dyche’s stand-in captain says the mood in the Blues camp is anything but morose.
‘There has been a good feeling this week. It’s not like a sad building where we are all moping around with doom and gloom,’ he says following the punishment which dropped Everton from mid-table into the relegation places.
‘Since I’ve been here, there has at times felt a separation between players, fans and club but this news has definitely brought everyone together.