Everton chief Robert Elstone admits manager Roberto Martinez's positive attitude is an inspiration.
Martinez led Everton back to Europe at first attempt last season.
Elstone told the Liverpool Echo: "Everything is an opportunity to him: even something like a player getting injured.
"It's so refreshing to have someone like that and who knows if that culture on the field almost subliminally has an effect off it. I'd say it does.
"We've been doing a lot of things right for a long time but now we have a platform for some of it to shine through.
"Securing Leighton Baines (contract) was important and sent out a strong message. Then getting 72 points - the best since 86/87 - was special. You had mixed feelings though because you look at that total and thought it would normally have been enough to get us in the Champions League.
"For all the excitement of Europa League, Champions League is what it's all about.
"It was mentioned in that first press conference with Bill and Roberto and there's some real credibility about our aims there now."
