EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Ratcliffe sends message to Everton players before 'defining' week

Kevin Ratcliffe believes Everton are facing a season-defining double-header of fixtures at Goodison Park and the players need to realise how important the games are.

Everton remain just a point clear of the relegation zone following a 5-0 thrashing at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday and have won just one two of their last 19 Premier League fixtures.

Burnley go to Brentford on Saturday and if Sean Dyche’s side avoid defeat in west London then Frank Lampard’s men will go into Sunday’s fixture at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the bottom three.

The Blues, who haven’t picked up three points on their travels since a 2-0 success at Brighton & Hove Albion in August, have back-to-back matches at Goodison with the visit of Newcastle United on March 17.

Ratcliffe, Everton’s most successful captain of all-time, having lifted two League championships, the FA Cup and European Cup-Winners’ Cup, believes the next couple of fixtures could be crucial towards the Blues’ chances of survival.

He told the ECHO: “These two games at Goodison on Sunday and Thursday could define Everton’s season. They are so vastly important to the players, the club and the fans.

“We could come out of the other end with a nice, comfortable gap or still be in among it and then it’s squeaky bum time for everybody, the players, the management and the fans.

“It won’t be an easy ride. They can’t depend on the fans getting them through all the time.

“Maybe they can see you over the line now and again but they won’t do it on every occasion and have off-days themselves.

“The atmosphere has been very good against both Leeds United and Manchester City but all of a sudden you get a bit apprehensive and I think the fans could get nervy as well if the game goes on and