Allardyce cancels Everton’s Xmas party over demands
Sam Allardyce thinks it was important to cancel Everton’s Christmas party ahead of a busy festive schedule.
The former England boss has had a positive start to life at Goodison Park and is unbeaten in three matches in all competitions since taking over the reigns.
The Toffees’ improved form has seen them climb out of the relegation places in recent weeks and move up into tenth position – but Allardyce is not in the mood for celebration.
Everton are still only six points away from the bottom three in comparison to a huge 12 point leap to the top four in the Premier League.
“It is not needed at the moment and because of the position we were in when I first arrived here,” Allardyce said.
“I told the players I will pay them back when they come out of Christmas and into January in a better position. They can go and socialise at the right time. As a manager it was very important that the players, in today’s environment with social media, were not seen to be out enjoying themselves too much.
“They have turned things around already for me but [the festive schedule] is our biggest demand. It is probably not overall because a lot has been demanded already with their season starting in July with Europe, and the injuries. A lot has been demanded of the players and Christmas will be the same.
“The party is off until there is a period of time when we are in a very good position and I can tell the lads they can have the relaxing time that they deserve. But whatever they do I don’t want a phone call telling me they’ve been in trouble or they will be in even more trouble with me.”