The life of an Everton fan is rarely smooth but this season has been particularly rough. After a run of years where relegation seemed more likely than any chance of lifting a trophy, there was a point earlier in this campaign when it felt that the trapdoor to the Championship was finally going to open – and the best soccer betting sites seemed to agree.
This season was always going to be emotional, with the new stadium at Bramley Moore officially opening later in the year, fans would be saying goodbye to Goodison.
It also felt as though they would be saying goodbye to the English top-flight for the first time since the 1950s too. New ownership and the return of David Moyes sorted all that out though, and now the future looks bright for the Toffees.
There is little still to play for in the remainder of the current campaign – and the emotion of the last few games at Goodison is sure to completely take over – so the fans will be relieved just to enjoy what is left of 2024-25. But what might happen next season? After the surge in form over the last few months, what can the fans realistically hope for next season?
New Owners
Any Everton fan will tell you that everything started to get better as soon as the new owners officially took over. Once Farhad Moshiri left and The Friedkin Group took charge, there was an instant uplift in the mood – and ultimately, results. It might have just been a coincidence, but the team has been playing better ever since.
With further impressive performances expected before the end of the season, Everton fans will now go into the summer in a very positive mood. The new owners have already stated that they are willing to bankroll a new-look squad for next season and that could completely change the club’s course of direction in the years ahead.
Moyes Rebuild
Much has been written about the effect that David Moyes has had on the club since he returned in January. Club icons don’t always manage to bring back glory days when they return to the places they are most associated with but Moyes has inspired the players to perform at the level the fans always believed they could.
Since Moyes’ return, Everton has barely lost a game and even the Merseyside derby was a close-run thing after years of trailing in the other club’s wake. The fact that they will win the league this season just shows how much Everton has improved. He can now bring in his players in the summer – and have a healthy budget to do so.
New Stadium Boost
It is with great sadness that Everton leaves Goodison Park this year. Its unique charm – and the passion it has always inspired – has made it one of the icons of English football. But even the most traditional of fans must agree that the club deserves something better – and the new stadium fits the bill.
Whereas some club’s new stadiums have witnessed a downturn in form and fan togetherness – such as West Ham’s London Stadium – the new Everton Stadium is simply impressive. Increased capacity will make Everton an even more difficult place to come to and this gleaming new arena can act as a symbol of the club’s return to successful days.
Cup Glory
So, what can be expected of next season? Everton has, sometimes in the past, been considered a cup team. This is really more down to the fact that the Toffees have rarely challenged for the league title. Sure, we won the FA Cup and Charity Shield in 1995, but that is 30 years ago now!
Aiming to win one of the cup competitions may be the most natural target for Everton next season but it could end up acting as a disadvantage to the club. Whereas winning the Premier League title is probably beyond an Everton fan’s wildest dreams, finishing as high up the table as possible should be the priority – and that might mean that chance of cup glory has to be sacrificed.
European Dreams
It is 40 years since that memorable night in Rotterdam when Everton beat Rapid Vienna to win the Cup Winners’ Cup. Every fan believes that the next few years could have seen the club dominate the European competitions if it were not for the ban imposed on English clubs. There have been European trips more recently but nothing has ever really come close.
With everything that is happening at the club, David Moyes and his players should be aiming to qualify for a continental competition next season. Following the examples set by the likes of Aston Villa – and Forest this year – Everton can challenge for one of the increasing number of European places.
The Future is Blue
This is an exciting time for Everton. Once regarded as one of the big clubs of English football, the Toffees have been more of an afterthought in recent years – or worse – relegation fodder. The fact Everton haven’t dropped down to the Championship has sometimes seemed more by way of luck than planning.
But now the club is on the rise again. The new stadium will act as a beacon for success, while the new owners have promised to provide David Moyes – a club legend – with the funds he needs to make the team competitive again. It may not all happen overnight but Everton fans should get ready to witness a resurgence.
Everton has the potential to qualify for Europe next season, playing attractive, creative football. The future of the club looks bright. The future is blue.
