Baines Has Full Belief In Blues

After more than 15 years in professional football, Leighton Baines knows all about the highs and lows of the beautiful game. And despite Everton’s tricky start to the season, he explains why he has every faith the Blues’ squad has the talent, spirit and hunger for a quick turnaround in form.

- Paul McNamara

Leighton Baines wants to address the issue of Everton’s disappointing start to the season.

It is inevitable, then, that this conversation is dotted with terms such as ‘adversity’ and ‘struggle’. The team’s form, Baines concedes, is “not great”.

He considers every answer, picks his words carefully and is an unflinchingly honest interviewee.

The Everton left-back’s candour lends substance to his thoughts. So, when he shifts the narrative on, to his team’s robust sprit and character, to the strong relationships which exist within the Club and his utter conviction that a difficult couple of months is just that – a frustrating start to a season and nothing more – you are compelled to listen.

His view on any criticism that rains down on Everton from beyond the Club’s four walls is succinct and instructive. Relevant in the current climate, too.

Initially, though, Baines tackles the bare facts of a Premier League season that has seen the Toffees win two and lose six of their opening 10 matches.

He talks, too, about most of the eight summer signings trying to find their feet in unfamiliar surroundings.

Baines, remember, an Everton institution, had a fractured first campaign at Goodison Park after joining from Wigan Athletic more than 10 years ago. A combination of non-selection and injury restricted him to 13 Premier League starts in 2007/08.

The following season he was a key cog in the Toffees side that overcame winning only two of its opening nine league matches to finish fifth – and reach the FA Cup final.