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Everton hero sends warning over crucial 'first step' as takeover and new stadium move near

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: A general view  from Wirral of Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as the lights on the Western Barrel Roof are illuminated on December 13, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC)
-Credit:Tony McArdle/Everton FC


Everton hero Leon Osman can't wait for the club to move to their new stadium. He believes there are some potential complications they will need to be wary of though.

The Blues are currently in their final season at Goodison Park before making the switch to a state-of-the-art facility at Bramley-Moore Dock.

During Osman's playing career, Goodison was a huge force for good for the Blues. Under the guidance of David Moyes, Everton had an exceptional record at the Old Lady, although in recent years visiting teams have enjoyed more and more success there.

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This season has been tough for Sean Dyche and his players too, with just three wins registered overall. Two of those, over Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers, were at Goodison.

Speaking as he opened the new BoyleSports shop in The Concourse shopping centre in his boyhood town of Skelmersdale, Osman gave his verdict on how the Goodison atmosphere could be translated to the club's new home.

"Goodison Park is certainly unique, I think that's a good way to describe it," he said. "The fact there's a church in the corner says a lot about the history steeped in the community there. The atmosphere is outstanding. I hope the new stadium can bring that and it’s the Evertonians who can bring it there.

"It won't be easy, it won't fall into place overnight and when you move into a new stadium there are bumps in the road. But with the fanbase we have, it won't be too long before the intensity and the atmosphere can rival Goodison Park."

One of the key factors behind improving the team's performances on the pitch will undoubtedly be settling matters off it.

Eight years of Farhad Moshiri's turbulent ownership look set to end this week, with The Friedkin Group close to completing a purchase of the football club.

Under Moshiri the Blues initially spent lavishly only to see performances suffer. In recent seasons Everton have been punished twice for breaches of spending rules and have narrowly avoided relegation on three occasions.

Osman, who made 433 appearances for Everton, now wants some calm.

"It's never a smooth transition with the amount of managers we've had in recent years," said the former midfielder ahead of the potential takeover confirmation.

"Stability is key. If you want that stable base you need to keep the right people in the right places. That’s the first step and if you follow that with hard work, all being on the same page and playing as a team and a unit, Everton is the type of team that can put a run together."

The first game of the new regime could be on Sunday at Goodison Park, when Everton host an impressive Chelsea side.