What The Papers Say - 17 December

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

The Liverpool ECHO looks ahead to Everton’s upcoming clash with Arsenal on Saturday night (8pm GMT), focusing on the 1878s upcoming “extraordinary spectacle”.

The supporters' group are set to put on their first display at the Club’s new home this weekend, with 15,000 cards being held up to create an incredible welcome to the players when they emerge from the tunnel just before kick-off on Saturday night.

Looking forward to the occasion, the 1878s’ Katie Carter said: “We can’t wait. We have been dying to get our hands on the new stadium.

“We know there will be added pressure to what we are doing because this is something the players, supporters and the manager want and now we have finally got something in place.

“That has only been possible through the fundraising from the fans and with the help of the club.

“The nice thing now is that we are able to do this for the right reasons - when we first started it was because the players needed picking up during difficult times.

“Now we can enjoy it and embrace it all and the players can too - it is all about helping them on the pitch.”

Elsewhere, Everton Women have been spreading festive cheer at two local hospices – a quartet of players visiting Zoe’s Place and Claire House to hand out presents, get involved in some arts and crafts activities, and put smiles on faces.

Deputy Head of Care at Zoe’s Place, Michelle Hawkins, said: “Zoe’s Place is a very special place. It is a 24/7 job for these parents, so when they drop their children off here they can completely relax. It is important that we do what we do because if it wasn’t for us, there would be nowhere else for them to go.”

Head of Communications at Claire House, Hannah Shannon, said: “We are really grateful that Courtney and Megan have come down. They have met the children, got involved with some art activities and got the glitter out. It just makes little mementos for the children so they can remember this day. It is something really special for everybody.”

Everton Women captain Megan Finnigan said: “Me and Courtney have come down to spread some Christmas cheer and meet the children, their families, and the incredible people that work here. We brought them presents and had a nice and fun day together.”