Fuente : Everton FC
http://www.evertonfc.com/

EVERTON:LATCH: TOP SIX IS TARGET

/noticias.info/ Everton legend Bob Latchford has backed David Moyes to recreate the magic which guided the club to fourth place last season - tipping the Blues for another top six finish.

Latchford was back on Merseyside this week for the Former Players' Foundation testimonial game between Everton and Udinese at Goodison.

Now based in Germany, the Blues' striking legend makes a point of returning to Goodison at least two or three times a season.

And he has seen enough from David Moyes' side in the last 12 months to convince him the ingredients are there for the side to build on last season's fourth place Premiership finish.

He told evertonfc.com: "I have been very impressed and a little taken by surprise by what has happened in the last year. But the big thing is to keep that going and if the side can repeat what they did last season and the manager can instill that same confidence and spirit in the team then they can.

"If they can do that again then the club can go to the next level, sustain a good run in Europe and be fighting for a top six place again.

"The spirit will be the key. Without it that would be tough to repeat but if they do they have got a great chance for another top six finish."

Latchford was a footballing superstar in the 70s at a time when they were something of a rarity. Nowadays, there are an army of players regularly highlighted in celebrity magazines.

But Latchford believes Everton's squad deserves credit for avoiding such a spotlight.

He explains: "The success is partly due to the fact there are no major stars in the squad. They are all good honest pros who know they are capable of performing to their maximum provided the conditions are right. If the coaching staff can do that and get those conditions right then a top six finish is certainly attainable again this season, as is a good run in Europe.

"The Champions League draw could have been a little bit kinder. But I suppose you have got to play these teams. It will be a tough test but if they get through that to get into the group stage could help them for next season.

"Just getting into the draw could prove a huge benefit to the club, so this game is a big test for the club."

Latchford now focuses much of his involvement with football on work for the Everton Former Players Foundation.

It is something he finds hugely rewarding.

He continues: "I come back two or three times a year to help out the Former Players Foundation, which is a very good cause.

"It is something unique in football, certainly in this country and maybe throughout Europe.

"I think the foundation personifies why this is such a special club because there are very few clubs that could carry this sort of charity. It is because the fans get behind it and support it that it works so well. The fans do love their former players.

"It amazes me all the time how much affection there is from the fans for the former players. Every time I come back the passion and warmth is always fantastic. The general interest in what you are doing is quite overwhelming at times."
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