'There was nothing but smiles'

There was a run last season where playing at home was tough, there was also the winless run of seven that left Everton out of the European spots at the end of the season and there was also a run of four opening day defeats in the last four years.

However, walking out with the buoyant home fans after this opening win against Crystal Palace, there was only excitement in the sunshine around Bramley Dock. New season positivity everywhere. Kiernan Dewsbury Hall had told me before the game how important a strong start was.

Once Everton weathered the early Palace threat, he was the man to get the fans off their feet in jubilation with a superb goal late in the first half. There was a little niggle to the game and some frustrations in the stands, but that melted away after the opener. The fans were nearly horizontal in relaxation after their second.

That came from Thierno Barry, who came in for criticism at his conversion rate last season. He’s done well in pre-season and so the fans hope he’ll be more adjusted to the Premier League this campaign. An opening day goal will certainly help. David Moyes wants more signings before the window closes, it’s a long season and the challenges will be many.

But for the fans, alongside Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was in attendance, there was nothing but smiles.