Premiership strugglers Everton turned to the scenery of South Lakeland in a bid to turn round the club's disastrous start to the season.

Manager David Moyes, along with his first team squad, arrived at the Lakeside Hotel, at Newby Bridge, on Monday for a spot of relaxation and team building.

Everton fan and front of house manager at the hotel, Tom Sharp, said the team seemed to enjoy themselves: "The impression we got is that (the poor run of form) was part of the reason for them being here, to get away from everything and take stock of things."

After arriving on Monday and taking brunch, the team (known by their fans as the Toffees) went mountain biking in Grizedale and took advantage of the spa facilities. After dinner they spent a bit of time in the bar before staying overnight. On Tuesday morning, they used the Lakeside YMCA facilities for some training before heading back to Merseyside.

Tom Eccleston, business manager at the YMCA, said the squad, including latest signing Phil Neville, did a few circuits of the YMCA's grounds.

The team also enjoyed a meal at the Porthole restaurant, in Bowness, and joint-owner Stefan Lydka said the players had a good time eating, drinking and singing songs.

"One of the players gave a very good rendition of a Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice. They also signed one of the menus and said they would come back if they were up in the Lakes in the future," he said.

Mr Sharp told the Gazette Everton have promised they would make another visit to the hotel should they beat Chelsea on Sunday.

RIGHT: Everton manager David Moyes (left) outside the Lakeside Hotel with front of house manager Tom Sharp.

(Contributed picture)