Everton boss Sean Dyche has taken a fresh swipe at Demarai Gray.

Gray left for Al-Ettifaq under a cloud after he and Dyche traded barbs through the press.

Dyche wrote in today's match programme notes: "Reflecting on the summer transfer window, it's no secret it was a challenging one for us, but I am pleased with the five signings we were able to get through the door. The Club put a situation to me that we have to cut our cloth accordingly while still being proactive, which I think we showed as much as we could. I must also give credit to Kevin Thelwell for his work in constructing deals that were right for the Club and the team.

"On the outgoings side, we sold Alex Iwobi, who we were reluctant to lose but, at the end of the day, we received a very substantial fee for a player with one year left on his contract and that had to be considered.

"Demarai Gray also left us last week and it was unfortunate for it to end the way it did because I always try to keep our business in house. As I said at the time, we look after our players in every way possible - physically, tactically, technically and their mental wellbeing - but the Club always comes first when it comes to decisions.

"I'm very privileged to be Everton manager and I'm acutely aware that, for as long as that is the case, I am a custodian of this football club. To reiterate, the badge, the people, and the Club will always be above any one person – including the players, the staff and myself."