Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, a midfielder for Everton, has spoken out against the widespread perception of the club being in crisis after a turbulent summer transfer window. Many observers deemed Everton to have had the most challenging summer of any Premier League club, with a thin squad and missed key transfer targets. The club's owners also faced criticism for attempting to sell academy product Harrison Armstrong.
Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Everton from Leicester and found himself on the periphery at Chelsea, stated that the negative reaction to the club's situation was "annoying." He emphasized that the existing 19 players in the squad are committed to achieving positive outcomes for the team this year. "I was seeing people saying, ‘We’ll be lucky to stay up this year.' What message is that sending to the lads who are already here?" Dewsbury-Hall questioned.
He urged for a more positive outlook, stating, "Let’s all be positive – right, it’s done, bang, let's go." The 28-year-old midfielder is now a key figure under manager David Moyes and has been selected for the club's leadership group, which also includes James Tarkowski, Jordan Pickford, and James Garner. Despite the club's transfer window struggles, Everton remains unbeaten in the Premier League and advanced in the Carabao Cup.
Following the deadline-day drama, Moyes addressed the leadership group, urging them to disregard external commentary. "There won't be one excuse from any of the players or staff about anything this year," Dewsbury-Hall recounted of Moyes' message. "In fact, it'll be the opposite. There’s an opposite mentality of, ‘OK, not everything's perfect in football, you’re not going to get exactly what you want, but it’s on us now to control what we can control."
Dewsbury-Hall expressed confidence in the team's starting XI, describing it as "top, like it's a European starting XI." He acknowledged the smaller squad size but believes the available players are of a high caliber. "We've got 17, 18 players at a really, really good level," he said. "If we do the right things we can be successful."
He also praised Moyes' management style, noting the manager's high expectations and focus on continuous improvement. "He is not letting it affect him, not in front of us, so we have to try to repay that," Dewsbury-Hall said of Moyes' resilience. "When you see your gaffer like that, as a player you go, 'Wow! I can’t be moping around, I need to be standing up, making things count.'"
Looking ahead, Dewsbury-Hall believes a push for European competition is achievable, referencing the team's strong position last season before a late-season slump. "If we are in that position again… we know what we did wrong and are learning from those mistakes," he stated. He also highlighted the team's motivation to win domestic cups, aiming to end a 32-year trophy drought.
On an individual level, Dewsbury-Hall has been placed on a long-list of players being monitored by England manager Thomas Tuchel for upcoming international fixtures. "I know I’m the closest I have ever been now," he commented. "Physical things like that tell you that you’re getting closer. It’s up to me. It’s got to be me that forces his hand to choose me."