Season 2026-27: Hopes, Dreams & Expectations

With the eagerly-anticipated fixture list released on Friday, I thought now was as good as any to pen a look forward and, concurrently, have a look back at last time out.

Personally, I thought we recruited well last summer in the areas that needed strengthening. A positive start, however, was soon replaced by a disappointing 13th league placing, no end in sight to our 30-year trophy drought and no European qualification when it was ours for the taking.

So, where to start as to what is required in preparation for next season? As always, let's start with the playing staff.

1. At the time of writing, I fully expect Jordan Pickford to resist overtures from Juventus and remain our undisputed number 1. He needs experienced backup. A bit left-of-field and maybe out of our reach but, for me, the former Schalke academy product, now Bayern and Germany legend Manuel Neuer fits the bill. That leaves room for a young, developing keeper to benefit from being mentoring from two of Europe's best keepers of their generation.
2. We finally resolve the right back postion and replace our Donegal warrior, Seamus Coleman. Patterson has not been the answer. He belongs back in Scotland or the lower echelons of English football.
3. Onto the left backs: Fresh from signing a new contract, Vitalii Mykolenko is a good age for a defender. I've had him described to me as a contemporary Tony Hibbert; solid defensively, tends to get a nose bleed when crossing the half way line. At the other end of the age spectrum, we have young AdamAznou. A.shame we haven't seen more of him. I suspect he will move in the summer, with my preference bein a loan so we get him back.
4. Next up, the centre backs: James Tarkowski will be used increasingly sparingly and we will need to replace Michael Keane. That leaves the mouth-watering prospect of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jake O'Brien, back in his natural central role. A truly top-drawer patrnership that will be the envy of any Premier League club for a generation.
5. Central midfield: Firstly, a replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye. Clone him now! We have capable replacemets in Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Röhl, but you can never have enough players in this area of the pitch, where games are won or lost. Well, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been nothing short of a sensation. I know a lot of Chelsea supporters still seething at his departure  James Garner had a sterling season – more of the same. Keep improving next time out, young man.
6. Over to that fine Everton tradition, wingers: Jack Grealish is likely to return to his parent club, Manchester City, as his loan deal draws to a conclusion. Wages will dictate, but he's welcome to stay in my book. To say Dibling has been a disappointmenti is huge understatement. In fairness to the player, he needs more game time and heeseems to play with fear of the football. He's still young enough to learn and playing more will boost his confdence.
7. Further up the fiield: Clearly not fancied by Moyes, how Charly Alcaraz is supposed to impress with the odd 5-minute cameo is beyond me. He deserves more of a chance from the manager. I will always remember him for that goal on a cold wet night at Selhurst Park, when the coolest head in the house calmly slotted in the winner when all of those around him were baying for a penalty, sending the magnificent travelling blue army into raptures. Not a world-beater, but as a relative snip at £15m, we will do good business.
8. Who would be an Everton centre forward? The enigma that is Thierno Barry frustrates. Young and full of raw potential, he will, unfortunately, move on in the summer. That leaves Beto, with only the young untested Ulsterman Braiden Graham as back-up, so couple of strikers is a necessity in the summer.

Finally, the question of the manager. Hopefully, our Texan owners will move swiftly and sever links immediateltly. But who are the lijkely candidates?

1. What appears to be the popular choice, Oliver Glasner. Two seasons and two trrophies for the Austrian.
2. It wouldn't surprise me to see Don Carlo back on Crosby beach with his dog post-World Cup.
3. Some Evertonians have mentioned the current PSV coach, Peter Bosz. 
4. Now for the real statement of abition and intent: Serial winner, the Catalan Pep Guadiola. Why not? Make it so, Everton.

Which brings me back to the title. I hope for a top 6 finish and, as part of a 5-year plan, clinching our 10th league title. I dream of Everon competing in the Champions League and a second European trophy. I expect us to end the torture and win trophies – a 6th FA Cup and finally win that evasive League Cup.

As we enter the new season, I am full of optimism as to what we can acheive.