Former Everton striker Andrew Johnson has been speaks of his hopes for the Blues following their move to Hill Dickinson Stadium
Andrew Johnson has backed David Moyes’ ambition to return Everton to European football and expressed his regret at not staying longer with the Blues. Moyes steered Everton to nine top eight finishes during his first spell in charge, including their highest ever Premier League placing of fourth in 2004/05.
Returning to Goodison Park at the halfway point of last season with the team only one point above the relegation zone, the Glaswegian steered them to safety with five matches remaining and they ultimately came 13th.
When speaking exclusively to this correspondent from the Blues’ team hotel in Chicago while on their pre-season tour for the Premier League Summer Series, the 62-year-old revealed that having whetted his appetite by lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham United in 2023 – the east London club’s first major honour in 43 years – he was now determined to take Everton back into continental competition. Moyes told the ECHO: “I wouldn’t want to use the word dream, but I’ve got an ambition to see if I can get Everton back towards European football.”
Johnson reckons that such aspirations are where the club need to be aiming for. The 44-year-old told Fruity King: “We were always in Europe when I was there. Historically, Everton are a European club so hopefully they can kind of build themselves back up the league and start challenging for that sixth spot.
“They’re a huge club, a huge club, historically one of the biggest clubs, but the Premier League is just becoming so hard now. Everyone’s beating each other, and even the teams that are coming up are strong.
“No one’s place is guaranteed now, which is what’s nice about the game, it’s really nice. It looks like the three that have come up could do better this season.
“It’s a lot more challenging now and people are investing. So yeah, it’s great entertainment to watch. Maybe not so much when you’re down there.”
The former striker, who won eight caps for England, reveals he’d love to see Jack Grealish back in the national team set-up now the Three Lions have qualified for next summer’s World Cup finals and he’s delighted with how the £100million man has started on his loan spell as part of a new-look Everton side. Johnson said: “Their recruitment has been excellent, with Jack Grealish already being a really positive addition. They’ve made some really good signings and already had a strong foundation.
“The stadium is incredible, it was great to be invited there to play in a legends game against Roma. What they’ve achieved there with Hill Dickinson Stadium is amazing.
“They've built it incredibly steep, keeping a close atmosphere to the pitch. It’s a state-of-the-art stadium.
“It’s also great to see David back, he’s a fantastic manager.
“I’d love to see Jack Grealish back in the England fold. If he keeps playing the way he is at Everton and keeps performing, then I don’t see why he won't be back in there.
“He’s great to watch, an exciting player, and it’s nice to see him back playing with a smile on his face. It’s great."
Everton record signing Andrew Johnson with manager David Moyes at Goodison Park on May 31, 2006
Everton record signing Andrew Johnson with manager David Moyes at Goodison Park on May 31, 2006
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Moyes eclipsed the £6million Everton transfer record fee he’d paid Southampton for James Beattie 18 months earlier to make Johnson their most expensive player at the time when he moved to Goodison Park from Crystal Palace for £8.6million in 2006. Despite being mobbed by jubilant Blues fans after making his debut in a 3-1 friendly win at Bury and netting six goals in his first seven matches for the club, he was sold to Fulham for £10.5million two years later, citing a desire to return closer to his south east roots after scoring 22 times in 74 games.
Over 17 years on, the Bedford-born star admits he probably departed Merseyside too soon. Johnson said: “I can only comment on David Moyes’ time at Everton, where he built an amazing squad with a strong culture.
“Everyone worked hard and fought for each other, and we had great morals and ethics. It was a fantastic club to be at, and it was a pleasure to work under him.
“He helped me personally with my development. I have very fond memories of my time at Everton and sometimes wish I had stayed longer.”