The Hill Dickinson Stadium has not played host to many happy moments for Everton so far this season.
David Moyes oversaw a strong start at the new ground after leaving Goodison Park, picking up two wins and two draws from his first four Premier League encounters at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The optimistic fanbase helped as spirits were high amongst supporters amid a fresh start, but it is starting to become a place associated with misery – Everton have lost three and drawn two of the last five Premier League games at home.
It is ultimately down to the eleven players on the pitch, but Ben Foster shared comments in 2022 which suggest Everton fans may have some involvement.
What is going so wrong at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton? 😳
It is now less than one win in every three following the loss against Bournemouth… 😤
A general exterior view of Hill Dickinson Stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and Bournemouth.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
Ben Foster was adamant that Everton fans make life “horrible” for the players
It is undoubtedly hard for fans to keep chanting and bring a positive attitude to games during a five-match winless streak. Ultimately, those who pay to come and watch can do as they please.
However, there is no invisible wall blocking negativity from getting to the players, and Foster revealed on his Fozcast podcast back in 2022 that the Everton fanbase actually enter the discussion during pre-match team talks.
The 42-year-old said: “If you can get on top of Everton early doors, the Everton fans are horrible to Everton players. They get right on top of them. For sure they get into the players’ heads.
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“All we said before the game is, right lads, we need to start fast and get on top of them. We won the game 5-2 (Watford at Goodison Park) and we make a point of saying it, the Everton fans are horrible. If it looks like we’re overrunning them, they get on the Everton players like crazy.
“If you are playing away at a stadium where you know the home fans will get on their team if they’re not dominating, we will make a point of saying, get under their skin quickly because the fans will turn on them.”
That is not to say Everton fans should be dancing around happily regardless of how poorly Moyes has the team performing, but the more negative the atmosphere, the more confident opponents would seem to become based on what Foster said.
David Moyes has to give Everton fans reason to cheer
It works both ways. There is an argument that some Everton fans need to be more supportive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the fanbase are no mugs. They will not just back players for the sake of it because they are wearing blue.
It is on Moyes to give supporters something to actually support, or they will quite rightly make their frustration known.
What do you miss most about Goodison Park after months in the Hill Dickinson Stadium? 🥺
The new stadium has surpassed all expectations so far 🔥
Gary Neville quote on Goodison Park's shaky gantry.
Credit: Getty Images/Matt McNulty.
Hopefully, Everton can have a strong end to the season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and make the stunning away form count for something – with European football still up for grabs.
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