Sam Allardyce has cancelled the Everton players’ Christmas party, insisting the club must ease its way out of trouble before organising any celebrations.

Although the Merseyside club has moved into mid-table since Allardyce's appointment they are still too close to the bottom three to be comfortable. Their new manager feels it would send the wrong message to arrange a night out.

A planned get-together after next Monday’s home game with Swansea has been postponed.

Allardyce promised the squad he will make alternative arrangements in the New Year once targets are met.

“Yes I’ve stopped the Christmas party because it is not needed at the moment because of the position we were in when I first arrived here,” said Allardyce.

“I told the players I will pay them back when they come out of Christmas and into January and we will socialise and they can go and socialise at the right time.