Grealish: How Goodison Can Make Key Difference For Everton Women

Jack Grealish has commended the “incredible” decision for Everton to move their Women’s team to Goodison Park – and says the stadium can become a “fortress” for the side as they enter a new era.

By making the switch to the Grand Old Lady, Goodison now becomes the largest dedicated women's football stadium in the UK.

Everton Women are back in action at their home ground on Friday evening (7.30pm BST) against London City Lionesses – and tickets are on sale now.

Grealish – delighted to see the growth in the women’s game – discussed Everton Women and their Goodison move in a recent interview with evertontv.

“I’m so, so close with my two little sisters and my mum. Obviously, my daughter and then my girlfriend as well,” he explained.

“I think women's football is coming on so much since I think when England won the Euros at Wembley, especially since then, and it's so good to see. 

“I think it's incredible from Everton to give Goodison Park to the team because I feel like it's like theirs now to go and perform.”

The on-loan Everton winger has experienced a host of difficult contests at Goodison Park over the years through games for his boyhood team Aston Villa, as well as current parent club Manchester City.

He recognises the impact the Grand Old Lady can have on matches and believes Everton Women can use that to their advantage.

“Listen, I've had so many tough games [at Goodison] over the years,” Grealish continued. “I know what the atmosphere can be like, so I think it would be nice for people to go and support them and get behind them.

“I think it can be like a fortress for them and I think it would be really good for them to play with that sort of atmosphere and to get as many people there as possible, I think it would be brilliant.”

It’s not taken long for Grealish to become a fans' favourite among supporters since arriving last month.

He picked up August’s Premier League Player of the Month award after terrific displays in his opening matches, notching four assists across excellent wins over Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolves.

“Yeah, I am [loving it],” he added. “Honestly, I'm not just saying that at all. Since I've come here, I don't really know how or why the connection's been the way it has, but it's just something that's just happened and it's so lovely. 

“Everyone, all of my family say it as well, because they come to every game and they can see it. I just want to thank [the fans] for all the support and all the love. Listen, hopefully I can repay you in so many different ways and hopefully there's many more good times to come.”