Hayden Hackney has said he can't wait for next week's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace after experiencing the 'unbelievable' atmosphere at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.
Hackney made his first appearance at his new home as Everton rounded off the pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Lille.
The summer signing started in central midfield alongside Harrison Armstrong and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, in a fixture that ended all square as Iliman Ndiaye's penalty was cancelled out by a late Lille equaliser.
Speaking to evertontv at full-time, Hackney said the home atmosphere was everything he expected after arriving from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old said Everton are determined to reward that support with an opening win against Crystal Palace on August 22nd.
“I really enjoyed it. Obviously, first time being here and seeing the fans, it was unbelievable. I really enjoyed the game" he said.
"I can’t wait for a Premier League game (here). The atmosphere here – even in a friendly game – was everything I thought it would be.
“I just can’t wait for the season to start now. It’s important we start with, hopefully, a win and I know the atmosphere will be unbelievable. We just have to do our bit now.”
After concluding his first pre-season with Everton, Hackney thanked his new teammates for aiding an 'easy' adaptation.
"I've loved it. The lads have been unbelievable with me, I can't thank them enough. They've made me feel welcome, it's been easy. Ever since I started training on day one, I've felt settled. I think that's been the main thing. Hopefully I can use my ability and help the team."
Reader Comments (6)
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2 Posted 16/08/2026 at 14:05:00
Some fella kept shouting “Sign a fucking right back!” --loud as fuck and the whole ground giggled as they could hear it. 😂
3 Posted 16/08/2026 at 14:05:52
Presumably everyone but one!
4 Posted 16/08/2026 at 14:38:38
On a separate note, he is beautifull to watch. He will get better and sharper but his ability to swerve away when winning the ball, seeing the open spaces -- he has vision to die for and ability to put it on a needle, he is so very far away from what we have had before, including and especially Tim and Gana - who were lose possesion specialists.
We have an outstanding central midfield on the cards!
This will give confidence to our wide men and forwards to make runs in behind. Plus linking with the likes of Dewsbury-Hall, Harrison and full backs charging on ... we can but hope. ;-)
5 Posted 16/08/2026 at 15:10:26
6 Posted 16/08/2026 at 23:40:09
"Full backs charging on".
We have two??? When did we sign one?
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1 Posted 16/08/2026 at 11:03:03