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Roberto Martinez will be hoping lessons learned from last season turn Everton into a European-chasing force once more as they look to make amends for a disappointing campaign.

After a thrilling debut term at Goodison saw the talented Martinez steer the club back into Europe, the Blues had a heavy dose of second season syndrome last time out ... even admitting at one point they were in a relegation fight.

Expectations were sky high, but Everton’s players never fully recovered from some early setbacks, and though the Europa League provided an outlet, their Premier League form dipped as a consequence.

Europe gave with one hand ... took with the other

The Blues dropped 16 points post­Europe and went through a torrid run that saw them win just once in 10 games.

It was as if Europe gave with one hand and took with the other.

The lowest point came on a windy night at the Britannia Stadium in March, when Martinez’s men lost meekly to Stoke, and accepted they were officially in a relegation battle.

A win over Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 of the Europa League and a comfortable victory over Newcastle momentarily eased the tension, but a capitulation in Ukraine the following week saw the pressure return.

Martinez and his players had to dig in, grind out a win over QPR and went on a run that saw victories over Southampton, Burnley and Manchester United that at least saw fears of the drop eased.

However, almost fittingly, Everton finished an underwhelming season inconsistently and Martinez knew changes had to be made for the upcoming 2015­16 campaign.

The manager wasted little time in making key personnel decision this summer. Veteran defenders Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz were released, while Martinez was quick off the mark to bring in Tom Cleverley on a free transfer.

The former Manchester United midfielder was soon followed by fans’ favourite Gerard Deulofeu after Everton agreed a cut­price £4.2m deal with Barcelona for the winger, while defender Luke Garbutt committed his future to the club before joining Fulham on loan.

More signings are expected, with Martinez targeting a No.10 to bring creativity to Everton’s forward play, but keeping the spine of his side together is equally as important.

John Stones has been the subject of well­ documented bids from Chelsea, while Tottenham continue to circle around James McCarthy.

Martinez insistent Everton are NOT selling club

Martinez has been insistent that Everton are not a ‘selling club’ any more and is determined to hang onto his stars. Those London clubs have certainly tested his resolve.

The Catalan sees vast potential if he can keep his squad together and this is the season for him and the players to realise it.

Key will be the form of Romelu Lukaku up front, Everton’s record signing possessing the ability, power and presence to elevate the Blues into possible top four contenders.

Lukaku showed what he can do in the second half of the season, plundering 13 goals since January to finish with 20. He became the first Everton player to hit that tally since Yakubu. At £28m, the Goodison fans will be expecting an even bigger return this time around.

A push for Europe and a run in one of the cups are a must for those fans.

Lukaku’s goals can determine whether Everton achieve those targets or not.

ONE TO WATCH: Romelu Lukaku.

Injury and poor form saw the Belgian make a slow start to his time as a permanent member of the Everton squad last season.

But after being dropped over Christmas he came back with a bang and began firing in the goals. The Goodison fans will want even more in 2015­16.

NEED TO IMPOSE:

Everton have to rediscover their fearless streak and make Goodison Park a fortress once again.

NEED TO IMPROVE:

Martinez's side were badly missing a cutting edge last season. The signing of a playmaker remains an absolute must before the transfer window shuts.

LAST SEASON IN A SNAPSHOT:

Expectations weighed heavy, fears of relegation grew. 11th

DON’T BET AGAINST:

Martinez overseeing a turnaround in Everton's fortunes. Expect more of the exciting football that took them within touching distance of the top four in his first season. Europa League qualification is a realistic target.

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