DOMINIC KING: How players slipped through Everton's fingers in an absurd transfer window, with their search for a striker resembling a frantic charge around the shops on Christmas Eve - it is no wonder the fans are FURIOUS

It was 9.39pm on Tuesday when Sean Dyche's jeep rolled out of Finch Farm on to Finch Lane.

It was cold, the wind was whipping off the Mersey estuary but still there was a band of hardy fans waiting for him.

Everton's new manager had no option but to stop, given the way the group had circled, but was happy to spend a couple of minutes. He scribbled a few autographs, posed for selfies and was sent on his way with cries of 'good luck'. He will need it.

This pleasant little scene was juxtaposed to all that played out before and after.