View: Scotland squad's reaction to Hill Dickinson Stadium says it all about Everton's new home

Everton are looking to have made the perfect decision regarding their move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees left Goodison Park at the end of last season, bringing an end to the famous link between the men’s team and the iconic ground.

Since moving to their new state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, things haven’t all been plain sailing for Blues fans, with early criticisms surrounding the lack of Everton branding, alongside the usual teething problems that arise when opening a venue so big.

Over the ongoing international break, Scotland played out a 1-0 loss against the Ivory Coast at Everton’s new stomping ground, as part of the Pitch International ‘Road to 26’ series – featuring several matches between qualified World Cup nations at neutral venues.

An early goal from Nicolas Pepe would condemn Steve Clarke’s side to defeat, but the reactions to the stadium prove that the Toffees’ decision to make the switch was absolutely the right one.

Scotland and Ivory Coast loving Hill Dickinson Stadium

Since making the switch last summer, home form has not been the prettiest for Everton, with David Moyes’ side waiting until the eve of the international break to end their wait for two successive wins at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

A brace from Beto and a stunner from Iliman Ndiaye would seal a 3-0 win against Chelsea, leaving the Toffees firmly in the hunt for European football.

Beginning to find consistency at home, Moyes’ side are shifting through the gears on home soil, while they battle for their first European spot since 2017.

Speaking after Scotland’s loss on Tuesday, Blues full-back Nathan Patterson outlined the positive reviews among his national camp.

“It was a nice experience,” he said, saying that the stadium has been a hot topic among teammates this week.

“They were asking me during the week,” said Patterson about his teammates. “Everyone was really surprised and taken aback at how good the facilities were. That is what we get every week, so it is nice for all the lads to see it.”

Alonge side this, the Ivory Coast fans themselves looked to have a fantastic evening, while the Scottish fans were housed in Everton’s new South Stand.

Tuesday’s match is not the only neutral outing to be played at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with England Rugby Leagye playing out the second test of the Ashes series against Australia on Merseyside.

As the stadium experience improves for fans inside, Everton are looking to continue growing with it on the pitch.

Hill Dickinson Stadium accelerates Everton project

Goodison Park was iconic, there is no doubt about it. However, it must be acknowledged that the time had come for Everton to move on.

And despite the initial growing pains, the decisions made with the new arena seem to have worked out brilliantly.

After multiple years fighting at the wrong end of the Premier League, the Toffees now find themselves in a battle for Europe.

Since Moyes rejoined the club last season, the improvements have been magnificent – seeing the club gain serious momentum for the upcoming project.

Everton have a stadium fit for the future, alongside crucial additional revenue streams in a tight financial landscape.

It is also a stadium that players across the globe will likely flock to play at, something that will not harm the summer recruitment at all alongside the bonuses of potential European football.

Toffees fans have been given a break from the relegation worries of recent years, while the club is looking set to continue progressing when it comes to the on-pitch success.

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