Jagielka: Fans helped us fight back

Defender Phil Jagielka has credited Everton’s loyal fans for fuelling the club’s recovery from a slow start this season.

After a confident win over Bolton, which was watched by 5,000 travelling Everton fans, Jagielka believes the Merseyside club will be able to string together a good sequence of results and climb the table with the support the fans are providing.

The defender told EvertonTV about the edge the fans support gave them at the Reebok Stadium: “The supporters were fantastic, they always are, especially in the local away games – they always come in their thousands.”

“That was obviously off the back of another good showing the week before (against Wolves) and we are all looking forward to the next game against Stoke.”

As well as the fans, Jagielka praised the recent performances of his team-mates, in particular those of goalkeeper Tim Howard and left-back Leighton Baines.

“Tim Howard and I have a good friendship, having played together for a number of years now,” he said.

“I always try and back him up and make his job as easy as possible and vice versa. There was a save (against Bolton) when we were 1-0 up and I wouldn’t say it turned the game but it certainly kept our momentum going.”

“Bainesy was terrific again and had he shot a foot lower or passed a yard the other way he could easily have got another goal and assist.”

“He has been fantastic for us with his set-pieces and his all-round play. At Bolton he was like another left winger.”