NOT far from Craven Cottage the Eight Bells pub was doing a roaring trade from Everton supporters yesterday afternoon.

The Blues’ army spilled out onto the streets in front of the establishment, revelling in the London sunshine and in the fact their team have had a memorable season – it was a scene unimaginable eight months ago.

No doubt heard eight miles away at Wembley, the Everton fans warmed up for their big day in the national stadium with a party in the Bank Holiday heat, determined to let any Londoner know of the year they have had – one that could become a whole lot sweeter come 5pm on Saturday.

David Moyes’ men had made a start to the campaign from which only the most ardent of Evertonian could have foreseen such a turn around, a fifth place finish and a place in the FA Cup final must have been beyond the dreams of many at Goodison Park.

But as we all know Moyes and his squad, a group consistently reduced in numbers as the year progressed, have transformed, dug in and gained their just rewards.

The scorching capital heat will have brought back memories of the opening day of the season when Blackburn Rovers arrived at Goodison and stole three points from a side who looked anything but the best team outside the top four – if you asked many of the faithful that day if they fancied a final day trip to London, no doubt you would not have had many takers.

Defeats to Portsmouth, Arsenal and Standard Liege coupled with a draw at Hull City only furthered the doom and gloom in the Blue half of Merseyside but then came the series of late shows that revitalised a team in need of inspiration.

Last gasp victories over Bolton, Fulham and West Ham United kick started Everton’s term and proved the catalyst from which they never looked back.

The occasional set back at the hands of Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic only served to strengthen their resolve and spirit that saw redemption over Villa in the FA Cup and deserved draws with Manchester United and Chelsea.

Everton’s travelling band of fans probably felt like their summer holidays had come earlier as Fulham’s high streets were bathed in sunlight but cruising towards the end of the season is something that can not be levelled at Moyes’ men.

Some people said they had switched off, with fifth all but consolidated and the showpiece final place in the bag, it was suggested they were cruising towards May 30 – if any Blue was in doubt they only had to look at yesterday’s team sheet.

Many managers would have rested key players, taken a youth team to Roy Hodgson’s outfit and played it safe for Wembley.