Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko has admitted that he misses Goodison Park, despite the comforts of the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton left their historical home at the start of last season, bringing an end to a 133-year-old residency at The Grand Old Lady.
Their final competitive game at the stadium was a 2-0 win over Southampton in 2025, with the men’s team moving to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the banks of the river Mersey.
Difficult start at Hill Dickinson
They enjoyed something of a difficult start to life at the Hill Dickinson, winning just six competitive games at the stadium in their debut campaign. They actually played better on the road, picking up seven away wins compared to the six at home.
The Toffees are yet to truly settle into their new, modern home, something that other clubs have also found down the years. And Mykolenko admits he misses Goodison Park to some extent.
“Sometimes I miss the atmosphere at Goodison,” he told the VZBIRNA YouTube channel.
“But I wouldn’t say I miss our old home all that much, because this stadium is much newer and more comfortable.
“The first season at the new stadium wasn’t the best because we didn’t win many matches, but there is hope that we’ll secure more victories this season.”
Premier League precedent
First season struggles are nothing new for clubs when moving to new stadiums. Indeed, most tend to struggle in their first seasons at their new grounds. It even has a name ‘New Stadium Syndrome’.
Data from the Premier League in particular shows a stark reality. Only one team – Tottenham (ironically) – managed to improve their home points total in their first full season compared to their final season at their old ground.
West Ham, Southampton, Manchester City and Arsenal all dropped points in their first seasons at their new grounds when they moved.
In fact, Southampton and West Ham were nine points fewer and Manchester City ten. Arsenal were only three fewer after leaving Highbury. So in comparison, Everton have little to worry about on that front.
