Everton signed off for the international break with a convincing 2-0 win over Fulham. The start to the season has had some ups and downs but, as always, there is plenty to discuss.
It has been a massive week off the pitch, too, with Hill Dickinson Stadium being handed a starring role for the next European Championship. DOMINIC KING delved into his inbox to find the best questions from inquisitive Blues…
What do you think of the only world-class stadium in the city being selected for five Euro 2028 games? (County Road Bobblers and UpperGwladysBlue)
Plenty of correspondence on this, as you can imagine. As you correctly observe, County Road Bobblers, Hill Dickinson absolutely fits the description of being world-class. I loved going to Goodison Park – the lights, the noise, the atmosphere, the banter from the rows behind the press box.
But I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling that a new level had been achieved, on first walking into Hill Dickinson in August. It also doesn’t matter what your allegiances are, if you can’t see the opportunity and potential it brings to the city, you’ve got a serious issue with bias.
Five fixtures at Euro 2028 is brilliant and those looking for good omens will point to 1966 when Goodison Park was on the World Cup roster and England won the tournament. Can you imagine what it will be like around by the docks, with another three years of regeneration, when fans from across the continent step foot into the arena?
I actually think England will play a game at Hill Dickinson before then, too. This is a reward for Everton’s ambition to build a venue that will have its own distinct character soon enough. It’s one of the finest stadiums in the land and I know how desperate David Moyes is to build a team to match it.
Manager David Moyes is determined to build an Everton team worthy of their brilliant new home at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton and England star Jordan Pickford could find himself in familiar surroundings at the 2028 European Championship
Hill Dickinson Stadium will host five games at the tournament in the group stage and last 16
Have you tried the blue doughnuts at Hill Dickinson? (ChunkyMoz)
You don’t get to look like this, ChunkyMoz, by eating doughnuts – though I’m led to believe by colleagues they are excellent.
I did, however, have a warm apple pie during the recent Tottenham game and it was outstanding. The ones from the ‘Golden Arches’ tended to be hotter than the surface of the sun. This, by contrast, was magnificent.
We haven’t seen enough replays of Iliman Ndiaye’s goal against Sunderland (Keith McClure)
Outstanding, wasn’t it Keith? It was one of those moments that made you jump out of your seat. Moyes called it ‘stunning’ and it’s exactly what Ndiaye is capable of doing.
There’s been a lot of focus on Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall but Ndiaye has the potential to be a difference-maker – if he can chip in with a few more goals, consistently, it would be tremendously helpful.
Iliman Ndiaye’s goal against Sunderland was one of those moments that made you jump out of your seat
What’s the feeling behind the scenes about Moyes? Is there patience there? (Famous EFC)
Moyes was the right man at the right time for the right club, Famous EFC. Everyone recognises there was nobody more suited to this job and his determination to work with everyone, with enthusiasm, is apparent.
David wants to learn, he wants to be progressive and his desire to work has never changed. You use a good word – patience. There has been way too much upheaval in recent years.
Is there enough money to get a Premier League-ready striker and improve our full-back options in January? (Mo_Marra)
The Friedkin Group are realistic about what it’s going to take to move Everton up the table, Mo. The summer was busy but, behind the scenes, there was recognition that it would take three windows – at the least – to get the squad competitive.
I’ve no reason to doubt TFG won’t back the manager if he spots someone who can do just that.
Adam Aznou, Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry cost £75million – shouldn’t that money have gone on a top striker? (Louise Harrison)
A great question, Louise! The three lads you have mentioned are all raw and all need to learn. For Aznou and Thierno Barry, it has probably been a culture shock, too. Barry has had some criticism but I know of some wise judges who feel the key with him is perseverance – that if he gets one or two goals, he could easily get to 10. He’s only been here for four months, he needs time.
I can’t help but feel there was a sliding-doors moment in the summer. Liam Delap would have been absolutely perfect for Everton and Moyes had done a huge amount of work trying to convince him that a move to Merseyside would be the perfect fit. Chelsea won the day and it is to be hoped it works out for him in west London as he envisaged.
Tyler Dibling challenges Manchester City’s Phil Foden – but the Everton man has yet to make much of an impression since his summer move from Southampton
Striker Thierno Barry has struggled for goals so far – though put in a more encouraging performance against Fulham last time out
What’s Everton’s stance on Ivan Toney? (Jimmy F and Phil E)
If Toney wants to return from Saudi Arabia, Moyes will absolutely be at the head of the queue banging the drum for Everton.
He’s admired the England international for a long time, he’s followed his progress in the Middle East and knows the quality he provides. Of course, everything comes down to money and Toney has been handsomely rewarded since leaving Brentford. He would be a brilliant addition. It’s definitely a narrative to follow.
There was a lot of fuss about Virgil van Dijk’s ‘goal’ against City. I didn’t see the same for Jake O’Brien’s against Spurs… (Adam Graves)
I was flabbergasted O’Brien’s goal was disallowed, Adam. I had a long conversation with Ian Snodin, the club ambassador, after the game and we both agreed how VAR is ruining football. I didn’t think the goal should have been ruled out and had it stood, the outcome would have been different.
The twist in the press conference, however, was the fact Moyes said he didn’t have an issue with the decision being made.
As soon as that was the case, the story was nipped in the bud. I still stick to my original view. I can’t stand VAR.
Jake O’Brien’s goal against Spurs was controversially disallowed but the story died down when Moyes said it was the right call
Why do you always write so negatively about Everton, Dom? (OfficialDannyE)
What makes being a football reporter in Merseyside the best job in the world, Danny, is that whatever you write carries meaning. It can be an injury update, a signing, a match report or straight news but someone, somewhere is always invested in it.
The last few years covering Everton have been a challenge. There have been players who didn’t really care about who they were playing for; there have been mistakes in hirings-and-firings, money was lavished without thinking of the wider picture and form, at times, was abysmal.
I understand why you ask the question. I’ll tell you allegiances have nothing to do with how I write but I doubt you will believe me. But I will put it to you another way: my best friends and some family members are match-going Blues. They put their heart, soul and finances into going to games.
When I know of incidents when you, they, everyone is being let down, shouldn’t I say so? I appreciate you might not always agree with an opinion I take but believe me when I say this: one of the best periods of my working life was covering Everton for The Liverpool Echo from 2005 to 2009.
I’d love nothing more than for it be like that again – only this time with a silver lining.
