Seven weeks after jet-setting across the Atlantic for their pre-season tour, Everton were back on US soil. This time, it was a much smaller party - FA Cup winner Graham Stuart leading a Blues delegation to a Premier League convention in Kansas.

But it was a trip filled with intent. Club chiefs have their sights firmly set on the US market and are determined to make the most of their foothold.

They do have one, too. As a country the size of a continent awakens to football, it is easiest for those fighting for silverware to win over new supporters. Everton have pulled on heartstrings in their own way, however, and hope improvement on the pitch combined with new US owners will help to exploit the opportunities they do have.