Alan Stubbs has declared Everton Under-21s’ training camp in Spain as a resounding success.
The young Blues return to Merseyside on Friday evening after spending the last six days in Jerez.
The players were put through their paces in eight intense training sessions, with the trip’s focal point being a tightly-contested 1-1 draw with Real Betis B on Wednesday evening.
Stubbs told evertontv: “It’s been great and I think the players have really enjoyed getting away. The facilities we have had have all been really good.
“It’s probably the perfect setup for us starting [our fixtures] on Monday, to be honest. The lads have got a bit of sun on their backs and they have worked really hard in training.
“The game on Wednesday was great for us for a final little top-up and the players looked really strong from a fitness point of view.
“It’s been great for them to get away and we are ready for Monday now [against Wolves].”
Stubbs insists that the trip to Andalucia has also allowed the group of players to develop a team spirit, as well as the opportunity to work on technical and tactical aspects of their games.
He continued: “They have all got on really well. Sometimes when you are away with a group for a long time you can start to look forward to the end of the trip. It can get a little bit tetchy towards the end because you want to get home.
“We have had five good days here and it has probably been perfect. They have trained really hard and before you know it, it’s time to go home.
“I’ve been really pleased with how they have got along. They have respected each other and have been great to work with so I’m very happy.”
The Under-21s begin the new league season on Monday evening when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Telford’s New Buck’s Head ground. Kick-off is at 7pm.