Stan Collymore warns Jordan Pickford he may need to leave Everton

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Stan Collymore has told the Daily Mirror (3/11; page 49) that Jordan Pickford will have to be prepared to leave Everton if he is not willing to change his attitude – as he is unlikely to stay in Carlo Ancelotti’s long-term plans.

Pickford has made a poor start to the season. He has made a number of mistakes that have threatened to cost the high-flying Toffees.

His form prompted Ancelotti to leave the England international on the bench at the weekend. It was Robin Olsen who got the chance to make his league debut for the club following his summer arrival.

Collymore suggested that Pickford’s situation reminds him of what happened to Joe Hart at Manchester City. It once appeared that Hart was one of the first names on the team sheet for a star-studded City side.

However, within a few years, he went from being a clear number one to being sent out on loan and ultimately leaving permanently in 2018.

And Collymore has seemingly warned Pickford – who cost an initial £25 million in 2017 (via BBC Sport) – that he could go down a similar path if he is not prepared to make changes.

“Pickford’s situation reminds me in so many ways of what happened with Joe Hart and England. Hart, remember, showed the same confidence and exuberance that Pickford has so often displayed in an Everton shirt. It was a confidence that bordered on cockiness, and it needed to be checked,” he told the Daily Mirror (3/11; page 49).

“I’m sure Gareth Southgate will still select Pickford for England but I do wonder if the writing is starting to appear on the Goodison walls for the Everton star, in the same way it did for Hart at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

“Ancelotti is clearly not entirely convinced by Pickford. And if the keeper loses his place long-term, he would have two options. One, to look to leave Merseyside in a bid to cement his place in the international set-up. Two, to rein in that cockiness, show a little humility, and get back to basics.”

The change certainly appears to have been a warning to Pickford. Ancelotti disclosed after the weekend clash with Newcastle that Pickford will return for their next game (via Liverpool Echo).

It may have surprised some to hear Ancelotti’s comments. Olsen did extremely well at St James’ Park and has arguably put further pressure on Pickford.

It was surely the kind of performance that has ensured that the Toffees number one could be set for a much longer run out of the side if his form does not turnaround.