Everton had their first full capacity crowd at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
David Moyes’ side fell to a 1-0 defeat, however, there were certainly positives to take from the pre-season friendly.
Moyes was really pleased with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as he created two big chances for his teammates on his debut.
The £28m signing was well worth at least one assist, and his corner kick deliveries were really impressive, too.
Speaking to Everton’s website after the game, Moyes gave his honest verdict on the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton manager David Moyes.
Photo by AJ Reynolds/Getty Images
David Moyes shares what he thinks about the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton’s new stadium is set to generate an extra £40m in revenue every year, so whilst it was emotional to leave Goodison Park, it was certainly for the benefit of the football club.
Moyes admitted post-match that it will take some getting used to, but it does feel like home.
“I think it does [feel like home],” the Scotsman explained.
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“It’s going to take a bit of us getting used to it completely, but it’s a great stadium and hopefully it’s a chance to see some really good players and good teams in future.
“It’s brilliant for the football club. For my journey as well – I’ve had lots of different twists and turns – but overall I think the football club has been so desperate for this situation to arise with the new stadium.
“I think it’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a step up, certainly, from Goodison and I think for Everton Football Club it’s a real positive step.”
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It hasn’t been the greatest pre-season results-wise, however, that’s probably due to the lack of depth in the squad at the moment.
Everton are working on a deal to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton and it seems the two clubs aren’t too far away in terms of valuation.
Dibling was left out of Southampton’s squad against Wrexham, with manager Will Still saying: “There are a few players who are where they’re at in their careers and making choices, so Tyler won’t be available tomorrow.”
Jack Grealish is also being linked to the Toffees and there is belief that that transfer could materialise, too.