Everton midfielder Hayden Hackney made an emotional return to Aston Villa at the weekend
Everton midfielder Hayden Hackney made an emotional return to Aston Villa at the weekend
View 3 Images
Everton finally return to Premier League action when they take on Hull City on Sunday afternoon. David Moyes’ side haven’t played competitively since they beat Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, September 19.
But this weekend the Blues put their unbeaten run on the line when they take on Sergej Jakirovic’s newly promoted team at the MKM Stadium. However, although Everton haven’t played in the Premier League for nearly a month, plenty has been happening off the pitch.
And ahead of the game, the ECHO brings you all the latest in its Everton notebook.
Jake Doughty's departure confirmed
Jake Doughty has completed his move from the Blues to Aston Villa after it first emerged back in August that their Premier League rivals were closing in on the 16-year-old’s signature.
Isak, Gakpo, Jacquet, Leoni - Liverpool injury news and return dates ahead of Man City
But because Doughty has not signed a professional contract, Everton will only receive youth development compensation rather than a transfer fee from Villa.
Doughty will link up with Villa’s Under-18s squad, with the club’s academy manager Mark Harrison saying: “We are delighted that Jake has joined us from Everton. He is a wide attacking player with excellent technical qualities and an ability to create and score goals.
“Jake played a number of times for Everton U18s and represented England at U16 level. We look forward to seeing how Jake develops over the next few years.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on as he inspects the pitch before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Emotional Hayden Hackney
Everton’s players who have not been away on international duty have been given some time off during the recent break.
And while some may have headed abroad, Hayden Hackney used the break as a chance to make an emotional return to the Riverside for Middlesbrough’s Legacy Game.
The midfielder departed his boyhood club for the Blues during the summer and he received a huge ovation when introduced among many other non-playing former stars at half-time of the event celebrating 150 years of Boro's history on Sunday.
Boro fans chanted ‘T-T-Teessider’ at Hackney before, and with tears in his eyes, he told Teesside Live: “It was unreal. It makes me feel a bit emotional, to be honest. It’s a full house, I’m here watching the legends who I grew up watching from the stands myself.
Hayden Hackney back at the Riverside for Middlesbrough's Legacy Game
Hayden Hackney back at the Riverside for Middlesbrough's Legacy Game(Image: (Trevor Wilkinson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
View 3 Images
“It means everything to be back. Obviously last season didn’t end up the way we wanted it to, so to be able to come back today means everything.
“I know, looking back, to be able to play at the Riverside every weekend, it’s something that makes me feel really proud. It’s special. This club’s meant everything to me since I was a young boy.”
On his time at Everton so far, the 24-year-old added: “It’s going really well. I’m really enjoying it and I’ve settled in well, I think. Hopefully I can gradually get myself into the team and yeah, I’m just really enjoying it.”
Southern role confirmed
Everton’s academy underwent a well-documented overhaul during the summer, with several staff arriving and leaving.
One of those to depart was Keith Southern, who had served as U18s manager from January 2025 until his departure.
Prior to that, Southern, who started his playing career with the Blues, was Paul Tait’s assistant and worked with players like Anthony Gordon, Harrison Armstrong, Tom Cannon and Braiden Graham.
And he has now been appointed U21 lead coach at Fleetwood Town, with a focus on developing players and supporting their transition towards first-team football.
Paul Tait and Keith Southern both left Everton during the summer
Paul Tait and Keith Southern both left Everton during the summer(Image: (by Matt McNulty/Getty Images))
View 3 Images
Also joining the League Two club is former Blues academy coach Alan Moogan, who takes up the role of head of coach development.
Former Everton youth teamer Spencer Myers has also moved into the role of youth development phase lead, having previously led the club’s foundation phase.
And another long-standing Blues academy coach, James Olsen, has moved to Bolton Wanderers to work with their teams between U13 and U15 level.
Injury fears confirmed
Ruby Mace netted twice as Everton Women beat winless Birmingham City 2-1 at Goodison Park in the Women's Super League on Sunday.
But the victory has come at a cost for Scott Phelan’s side, as it has now been confirmed that Zara Kramzar sustained an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury during the win.
The Slovenia international was forced off in the 31st minute of the game and a scan confirmed the extent of her injury.
Everton have confirmed that the 20-year-old will now undergo rehabilitation under the care of the club's medical team.
Ensure our latest news and what's on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source.Click here to activateor add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.