Ian Wright has defended Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in the conversation for the Premier League’s best ground.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium has transformed the landscape for Everton both on and off the pitch this season.
Everton have dramatically increased revenue following the opening of their new stadium.
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The new stadium has surpassed all expectations so far 🔥
Gary Neville quote on Goodison Park's shaky gantry.
Credit: Getty Images/Matt McNulty.
However, it has taken Wright to defend the new home of the Blues against former Everton forward Wayne Rooney.
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Ian Wright hits back at Wayne Rooney over Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium
Scotland manager Steve Clarke was impressed with the Hill Dickinson Stadium when his side visited the other week.
It has certainly put Everton back on the map commercially, but Rooney still thinks the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is better.
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General view outside the stadium as fans gather prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason
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“Number one is Tottenham’s new stadium, it has to be. I think it’s amazing,” said Rooney on the Stick to Football podcast.
“Waz, if you want to go like that, then you’ve got to say the Hill Dickinson, as well,” Wright quickly responded.
Gary Neville also gave a mention to Goodison Park, with the older stadiums getting a lot of love in the conversation.
With the owners crushing the finances off the pitch, Everton are looking to create two statues for Howard Kendall and Dixie Dean at the new stadium.
As good as the numbers away from the pitch have been, it is important that Everton are able to keep a strong link back to their history in L4 on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Wayne Rooney has been impressed by Everton’s new stadium
Although he gave Tottenham’s stadium the advantage, Rooney has admitted in the past that he has liked what Everton have done on the docks.
“The atmosphere was brilliant,” Rooney previously said.
“That’s always the big worry when you move into a new stadium, but the fans made it feel like home already.”
Even rival fans have been impressed with the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but a big test lies ahead for Everton supporters.
There is an understanding that Everton season ticket prices will be increased later this week, which could put a strain on the relationship with the new ground.
Three final home games of the season lie ahead for the Blues, where the players will need the fans to raise the noise levels as they push for European qualification.
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