MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 23 May

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

BBC Sport has reached out to Everton supporters to deliver their review of the 2023/24 season.

Mike Richards, from Unholy Trinity, applauded the Toffees' efforts and rated the campaign eight out of 10.

"That is solely for the fight and heart the players and manager have shown in such difficult circumstances," he said. "External factors have made the season incredibly tough.

"Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job in what he described as the "most difficult" in his managerial career. The way he has navigated a campaign that included two points deductions, one appeal, ownership uncertainty and a distinct lack of leadership at the top, he certainly deserves to be our manager next season."

Evertonians also had their say on who their Player of the Season is and after voting in their thousands, Jarrad Branthwaite was crowned the winner.

Briony Bragg from This Fan Girl said: "At 21 years old, Branthwaite has commanded Everton's backline and forced his way into England boss Gareth Southgate's plans for the Euros. If I have any wish for next season it is that we can keep hold of him!"

The young defender also scooped up Everton's Players' Player of the Season and fans' Young Player of the Season which was announced yesterday.

In other news, Academy prospect Reece Welch is expected to be sent on loan next season, according to a report.

Sources have claimed to Football Insider there is interest among English Championship and Dutch Eredivisie clubs to bring the 20-year-old in on a temporary basis.

Pete O'Rouke of the online outlet writes: "Welch spent the first half of the most recent campaign on loan at Forest Green in League Two and the Toffees feel he would benefit from another temporary spell away from Goodison Park next season.

"Dutch sides SC Heerenveen and NEC Nijmegen have registered their interest in the 20-year-old as well as English second-tier clubs as they look to offer him more first-team football.

"Goodison chiefs have high hopes for Welch and believe a loan move this summer will be the ideal step for him to continue his development."


Finally, TheStadiumBusiness.com reports on the recent developments at Everton Stadium.

The Club's new home is set to have one of the biggest fan zone spaces in English football, with the potential to hold 25,000 supporters.

Alix Waldron, the Club's principal lead for stadium development project management, spoke of the importance of the plaza on the seafront: “The space available will be the big difference.

“The Club has utilised the limited room at Goodison to the best of our ability. However, the tight confines of Goodison Park mean that a large section of the car park has needed to be sectioned off for the several food outlets, which operate from mobile catering units.

“An adjacent stage, with some nearby cover provided from inclement weather, provides the focal point for a live show that runs in the build-up to kick-off, and is a real attraction that works well. The carefully choreographed show, filmed and screened live on a large screen nearby and broadcast live on the Club’s YouTube channel, includes live music and special guests.

“Overall, the existing site works well in attracting a healthy number of fans, but does suffer, somewhat, from being a little cramped. In contrast, the Fan Plaza at Everton Stadium will provide a breath-taking, spacious entrance point to the stadium site.

“The unique location of the new stadium means that, unlike Goodison, everyone arriving at the stadium will pass through the expansive fan plaza, which covers 30,000 square metres on the eastern edge of the stadium footprint. Granite stone paving makes this fully accessible, and with trees and concrete benches lining the plaza, there is no shortage of space for the thousands of supporters to enjoy the programme of entertainment and events that will be laid on.”