McNeil absence the ‘biggest challenge’ for set-piece coach

CHARLIE ADAM'S “biggest challenge” while Everton set-piece coach was dealing with the absence of Dwight McNeil.

- By JOE THOMAS

The former Scotland international was brought in by David Moyes as he reshaped the coaching team following his return to the Blues in January.

Adam’s stint at the club has since come to an end but the 39-year-old, whose personal relationship with Moyes had grown through chats over coffee close to their homes, has since had offers of taking on the same role elsewhere, though he is also eager to return to management.

Adam arrived at Everton with the club facing a relegation fight because, for all the resilience of the defence left by Sean Dyche, they were struggling to create chances.

Given the size and strength of their options from attacking set-pieces, the hope was that corners and free-kicks could provide a solution - as they had done at times under Dyche, with the likes of James Tarkowski and Jar-rad Branthwaite having previously chipped in with important goals.