Former Everton fan favourite expecting some stick

Some of the names that Ross Barkley has been called by the Everton fans are quite unprintable for even this site. These two animals though are seen quite often - and .

With Everton traveling to Chelsea tomorrow and the former Toffee expected to feature prominently, many of those of forgotten bad feelings are surfacing again, especially keeping in mind his acrimonious exit from his boyhood club and subsequent comments claiming that Everton stymied his development.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Barkley admitted he knows he faces a torrid reception from the sizeable away support that will show up at Stamford Bridge.

“I don’t think it (the reception) will be the best.

”I was approaching 25 and I felt looking back I could have improved a lot more [at Everton]. At Chelsea I knew I’d improve a lot quicker around better players, world-class players.

“I’m not nervous, I’m excited to play against my former club and team-mates - I understand how some of them play, so that could be an advantage for me.

”On the day I might get a few nerves as it will feel a bit strange. I’m looking forward to catching up with some of the staff there who I used to get on really well with.”

Towards the end of his Everton tenure, his relationship with the fans had definitely soured, with his poor decision-making continuing to prevent him from cementing his place in the squad. The supporters have always adored one of their own, but his time at the Blues was coming to a natural end. What was not appreciated however was his refusal to train with Everton as he tried to force a move to Chelsea despite being under contract, and then purportedly canceling a move despite a transfer fee already being agreed upon.