New era... but the old problems still need to be fixed

Travers shows his worth as more-than-able deputy - and Moyes in deep discussion

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The enduring image of this preseason friendly was a scene that most of the 11,399 spectators who came to Ewood Park to watch Blackburn Rovers beat Everton 1-0 did not see, as most of them had departed by this point.

Although the travelling Blues supporters did not outnumber their hosts like they had done less than 10 miles away from this ground on Tuesday night when drawing 1-1 with League Two Accrington Stanley in their opening summer fixture at the Wham Stadium, they still took their entire allocation as always, filling the lower tier of the Darwen End as 4,541 made the short trip from Merseyside to take in the action.

What they witnessed will leave them with more questions than answers though, as having fallen behind to a sloppy goal early on, Everton were unable to hit back against their Championship opponents.

The display, which was neat at times, but still lacking in sharpness, certainly left them with plenty of food for thought. But after most of the paying customers were on their way home, some players were conducting post-match interviews and substitutes finishing their warm-downs, a couple of high-ranking figures from the visitors were deep in conversation in the Ewood Park tunnel.