Aftermath of Sean Dyche and Nathan Patterson ‘misunderstanding’ shows true story of Everton training camp

An incident involving Sean Dyche and Nathan Patterson during Everton’s training camp is understood to have been no more than a misunderstanding that was swiftly resolved.

Reports emerged last night of an issue arising during a team meal at the Portuguese resort the first-team squad had been staying at.

They centred on claims Dyche caught Patterson with a playful “slap” that led to a reaction from some team-mates and required the intervention of James Tarkowski to cool things down.

Sources have said the incident was a simple misunderstanding that was quickly dealt with and did not diminish what is being viewed as a positive week for the squad and management. Pictures from the camp appeared to back up that view, with images captured the following day showing players, including Patterson, smiling and laughing during one of their final sessions on Portugal’s south coast.

EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Ratcliffe lifts the lid on what Howard Kendall told him to inspire Everton's greatest night

ROYAL BLUE: Everton takeover decision could shape major summer transfer even if there is a Wayne Rooney repeat

Dyche took his team to the Quinta do Lago resort in a bid to continue his work with a squad that has gone 11 league games without a win. Defeat at Manchester United last weekend took the Blues into a three-week run without a game due to the postponement of the Merseyside derby that was scheduled for this weekend until it clashed with Liverpool’s FA Cup commitments. A two-week international break follows the league and cup games over the coming days.

Dyche spoke of his intention to work his players hard during the break, though it is also likely to have served as a psychological break for a small group that has been dealt challenges on and off