Gareth Barry Exclusive: Everton Under Pressure This Season

Former Everton midfielder Gareth Barry admits his old club could be under pressure to make a bright start in their new stadium.

After three troublesome seasons, expectation levels among fans are as high as they have been for a number of years.

Toffees fans hope that a new beginning at their new home brings a change of fortune this season.

In an exclusive interview with Gambling.com, Barry admits that David Moyes will have to cope with the fans' expectation levels.

Everton Will Feel The Pressure This Season

Barry played 131 times for Everton during his playing career and has fond memories of his time on Merseyside.

The Toffees will move to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium for next season, and their former midfielder thinks David Moyes' side will feel the pressure from expectant fans at their new home.

“There'll be a lot of pressure on Everton this year," Barry said.

"I'm sure David will be aware because of moving to the new stadium. Goodison was such a fortress. 

"Having played at home there, it was amazing when things were going well.

“The fans can pull you across the line. That will be missed there."

The 53-time England international was impressed with the job Moyes did last season, but feels that he will need support in the transfer market if it is to be a good season.

"He finished the season in good form," Barry said of the Everton boss. "There'll be a positive vibe around the club. 

"I think it's important that they try and get off to a good start at the new ground and go from there. 

“David will want a couple of key signings to strengthen them. 

"It's a tough Premier League out there, and with the teams coming up. They'll be chomping at the likes of Everton, trying to catch their tails.”

New Stadium Is Impressive

Everton's brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium is eye-catching to say the least, and fans will get a first glimpse of Premier League action in their new surroundings against Brighton on August 24.

Although Barry, who will take part in the upcoming Manchester Masters on September 5 at the AO Arena, has yet to see the inside of the impressive ground, he feels it is something the club needed to move forward.

“I've only seen it from the outside quickly when we went up for the last game at Goodison," he told Gambling.com. 

"It looks impressive in a great spot there. There's actually an old players' legends game on August 9 that I've been invited to. 

“Hopefully, I can make that and test the pitch as well as see the stadium. 

"It's definitely something the club needed. Every club needs to keep moving forward. 

"As good as Goodison Park was for years and years, they needed to move on because football keeps moving forward.”

A New 'Barry' On The Team Sheet

Everton have already made some signings this summer, with the most eye-catching being Thierno Barry from Villarreal.

The 22-year-old scored 11 goals in La Liga last season, and Moyes splashed out £27 million for the French striker.

Despite the same surname donning the Everton jersey next season, Gareth knows little about the new arrival but is hoping he makes a big impact.

“Great name!" he said. "But I haven't seen enough of him to pass judgment. 

"There's a good little buzz about him.

“I've read little clips and seen a couple of videos. Apart from that, I couldn't hold my head on the line and say he's going to do this, do that. 

"Let's hope he can produce the goods.”