The anticipation in Liverpool is almost tangible.
After years of ups and downs, Everton fans are about to step into a new era — one built not just on hope, but on the shimmering promise of a brand-new stadium and a fresh vision for the club.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium, a £500 million jewel on the waterfront, is ready to welcome a near-capacity crowd for the club’s final pre-season test before the campaign kicks off.
This is more than a football match — it’s a symbolic turning of the page for a team that’s spent the last decade battling instability, poor signings, and financial disputes.
Now, Roma’s visit feels like the first sentence in an entirely new story.
Fans Ready for an Emotional Return
For lifelong supporters, this is personal. Claire Hill, a devoted Evertonian, stood outside the stadium in the midday sun, smiling as the glass and steel shimmered.
“I didn’t come to the first two test events,” she explained.
“I wanted to see it when it was full of Blue and bouncing.
I used to go to Goodison with my mum and dad for 30 years. I lost my dad recently, and we have a stone with his name outside this stadium.
When I come here with my son, I’ll feel like he’s here with me. This is a fresh start.”
Moyes Speaks His Mind
But while the stadium is ready, David Moyes is clear: the squad isn’t.
On Everton’s pre-season U.S. tour — which included stops in Manhattan for team bonding — the manager didn’t sugarcoat his frustration.
“We’re not ready to start the Premier League season,” Moyes admitted after a string of underwhelming results, including a draw with Accrington Stanley and defeats to Blackburn, Bournemouth, and West Ham.
“I don’t have the players I need. Our attacking play has been poor, and we haven’t created enough chances.
I’ve never had to sign this many players in one window.”
Transfers Under New Leadership
The Moyes rebuild is happening under new ownership — the Friedkin Group — who are determined to avoid the costly mistakes of the Farhad Moshiri era.
Five signings have already arrived: striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal, goalkeeper Mark Travers from Bournemouth, young left-back Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, midfielder Carlos Alcaraz after a strong loan, and Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
And they’re not stopping there. Jack Grealish is a major target — a signing that could electrify the stadium from day one.
Napoli and Atletico Madrid are also in the race, but Everton are banking on the pull of a fanbase that would embrace him instantly.
Talks are ongoing. There’s also serious interest in Aston Villa’s captain John McGinn, though Villa’s reluctance to sell could complicate matters.
Building the Right Structure
Behind the scenes, Everton have restructured their football operations.
Former Manchester United academy chief Nick Cox is now technical director, James Smith has joined from Manchester City to lead scouting and recruitment, Chris Howarth is overseeing football strategy and analytics, and Nick Hammond is handling player trading.
Moyes has also brought back trusted scout Mick Doherty, whose experience spans Chelsea, Sunderland, Celtic, and Atalanta.
This new “leadership structure” replaces the old director of football model, with a focus on smart, sustainable recruitment.
Supporters Sensing a New Dawn
Long-time fan Craig Harrison, standing in the new club shop beside a display of Alan Ball’s iconic white boots, summed up the optimism.
“This is our chance for a new dawn,” he said. “I want us to win something.
It’s been 30 years. I’m fine with the slow pace in transfers as long as we get them right.”
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall shares that excitement. Speaking after joining from Stamford Bridge, he called Everton “one of the biggest clubs in the country” and said the stadium left him “unbelievable” impressions.
The Stadium That Tells a Story
It’s not just a football ground — it’s part of Liverpool’s heritage.
Everton spent £50 million preserving historic features like the old dock bollards and tramlines.
For locals like Rachel Flood, whose family has run the nearby Bramley Moore pub for over three decades, the project has been life-changing.
“We’ve watched it go up brick by brick,” she said. “Everyone will be welcome here.
We’ve waited so long — now it’s finally here.”
All Eyes on the Season Ahead
Everton start away at Leeds on Monday night, before the Hill Dickinson Stadium opens competitively against Brighton on August 24.
For fans, players, and staff alike, the message is clear — it’s finally time to dream big again.