£17m Everton star reveals what he misses most about Goodison Park after Hill Dickinson Stadium move

Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko has admitted he misses the atmosphere at Goodison Park following the club’s move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

However, the Ukraine intertnational is hopeful the Blues can turn their new home into a fortress as they target an improved Premier League campaign.

Vitaliy Mykolenko misses Goodison Park atmosphere

Everton moved to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium after 133 years at Goodison Park, with the new waterfront ground providing a modern home for the club.

The Blues made a promising start at their 52,769-seater venue in 2025-26, but won just four more home league matches for the remainder of the campaign as they finished 13th.

David Moyes’ side have started the 2026-27 season more positively, recording victories over Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, alongside a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Speaking on the VZBIRNA YouTube channel, Mykolenko acknowledged the atmosphere at Goodison remains special, but praised the comfort of the new ground.

“Sometimes I miss the atmosphere at Goodison,” he said. “But I wouldn’t say I miss our old home all that much, because this stadium is much newer and more comfortable.”

The £17m left-back also expressed optimism about Everton’s prospects, describing the current squad as the strongest he has been part of since joining the club.

The Blues entered the international break unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions and sitting seventh in the early Premier League table.

Mykolenko hopes Everton can improve on consecutive 13th-place finishes, adding that even climbing one or two places each season would represent progress.

FGG says: Goodison Park will always be home for many Everton fans

Mykolenko’s comments highlight the challenge Everton face in establishing a new identity at Hill Dickinson Stadium while retaining the atmosphere that made Goodison Park special.

The defender’s praise for the modern facilities reflects the benefits of the move, but his admission that he misses the old ground’s atmosphere shows that the transition is about more than just infrastructure.

Everton’s encouraging start to the season provides an opportunity to build a stronger connection with their new home, particularly if results continue to improve.

For many, Goodison Park will always be home.