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After our jittery start to the season, you'd expect a few nerves, and supporters being desperate to know that Everton will pull out of the slump we find ourselves in. So, when faced with a visit to see a world famous psychic, what question would you expect an Evertonian to ask?

Our man in touch with his spiritual side takes up the tale :

My wife and I attended a show in Worthing last night which featured the high profile medium Derek Acorah. He is internationally acclaimed, and there's a two year waiting list for personal readings from this man.

We've seen his show twice before and both times he was spot on. Last night was no different, he astounded people in the audience by picking out complete strangers and passing on messages from people he couldn't have known existed.

Some of these people were in tears, and if they were actors, then they should be winning oscars!. We queued for an hour after the show, and as we waited it struck me I must ask the burning question on every Evertonian's mind - should I be investing in a guide to the Championship grounds?.

Being an ex-liverpool player from the Shankly era (although not making the first team) he pulled a face when I mentioned Everton, but went on to say they will stay up 'by the skin of their teeth'.

He said that he was obviously aware people were calling for the manager's head but felt he should stay and that people had such short memories. In hindsight I should've asked if Moyes will stay but I was deliriously pleased that they'd be staying up at the time.

I agreed about the short memories and he suddenly wagged a finger at me and said "but next season will be MUCH BETTER!"

I sensed he'd been asked this many times before, we took his autograph and disappeared into the night.

Nonetheless, I for one felt incredibly re-assured about our prospects - whilst it looks like this season will mirror that of two years ago at least we'll stay in the Premiership and can expect a better season next year.

It's also worth pointing out to the sceptics among us, at the start of the 94/95 season a psychic on Sky predicted Everton would win the FA Cup that season, the odds were 50-1 at the time and it seemed very unlikely. Needless to say I ignored his advice and then watched in astonishment as we scooped the cup in May.

Admittedly Derek could've made the whole thing up just to keep me happy (which it did), we'll have to let the sands of time be the judge of that.

Mark