The former world champion boxer spoke to the ECHO about the Toffees season so far and his proud Scouse roots
Tony Bellew spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview at the Randox Grand National Weights Lunch
Tony Bellew spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview at the Randox Grand National Weights Lunch(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
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Tony Bellew has shared his assessment on Everton FC's season so far as he said a double edged sword has impacted the campaign. The retired boxer is a proud Evertonian who regularly follows his team home and away.
The Bomber spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview this season about David Moyes' team's Premier League campaign, which has shown two sides of The Toffees. On the road, the Blues have been incredibly impressive as they have wracked up six wins away, including fantastic wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa.
However, it has been a different story at their new home in the Hill Dickinson stadium where the side were most recently defeated by Bournemouth. Ahead of the team's return to action against Manchester United tomorrow, Monday February 23, Bellew said teething problems at the new home are to be expected in an exclusive interview with the ECHO.
The I'm A Celebrity contestant said the state of the art new stadium is a great thing for the club, but ideal conditions to play football have been a double edged sword. However, Bellew is confident the tide will turn eventually as he said patience is needed and pointed towards the team's healthy position in the league table.
He told the ECHO: "The team have been fantastic. The league position speaks for itself and we're in for the European spots. The lads are doing fantastic. I agree the home form has not been that great, but ultimately, they're getting the points to get us up the league. Home form will turn.
"It's known now that every team going to a new stadium struggles in their first couple of seasons. I don't think it's down to atmosphere. I just feel it's such a beautiful great, place to be that away teams are thinking, 'I like it here, it's lovely'.
"And they're enjoying themselves a bit too much. I do think that will change eventually, but, for now, Everton are flying high."
Bellew spoke to the ECHO ahead of the Weights Lunch where he handed former Blues player Leon Osman with a legacy cap to honour his service to Everton and his national team. The Weights Lunch was held at St George's Hall on Tuesday (February 17) and kicks off the countdown to this year's Grand National event.
The boxer was proud to be in attendance as he said it is fitting the iconic steeplechase is held in his home city. He said: "It's a fantastic thing that goes on once a year. The biggest horseracing event in the world and it's in the greatest city in the world so it fits perfectly."
Bellew enjoyed a glittering career in the ring as he won 30 of 34 fights and also held the WBC cruiserweight title. Bellew grew up in Toxteth and is proud of his roots in the city, which helped him to achieve the incredible highs he did in his career.
He said: "I'm a Scouser through and through, we back each other, we stand by each other and there's nothing better I can be than being a Scouser."
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