David Moyes has described Everton's move to Hill Dickinson Stadium as the start of a 'new romance', but insists the strength of the marriage depends on building a team worthy of the £800m arena. The Toffees host Brighton on Sunday in the stadium's first competitive match, and Moyes feels it was 'written in the stars' that he should be in charge for the historic occasion.
'We've got a new stadium that we can fall in love with,' Moyes said. 'A long marriage has a lot to do with how the team is and what team we put on the pitch over the years to come. Can we make that marriage last with the supporters? I think that's the next bit.' The manager acknowledged the difficulty of the current transfer window but expressed confidence in laying the foundations for a competitive side.
Moyes, who saw two stadium projects fail during his first spell at Goodison Park, returned in time for the move to Liverpool's waterfront. 'To be at any one club for 11 and a half years takes some doing,' he reflected. 'I'm very fortunate to be back, and it just happens I'm back in time for the new stadium. I feel that maybe it was written in the stars.'
Meanwhile, Everton are close to securing a deal for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. After protracted negotiations, Saints have indicated they will accept a fee just over £40m including add-ons, below their initial £45m valuation plus a 20% sell-on clause. The 19-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has made clear his desire to move to Hill Dickinson Stadium. The transfer would be the second most expensive in Everton's history as Moyes seeks to strengthen his right flank.
