Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has dismissed the wave of pessimism that engulfed Everton following a chaotic transfer deadline day, insisting the mood inside the dressing room remains upbeat despite the club being left with a threadbare squad under the ownership of the Friedkin Group.
David Moyes ended the window with fewer senior players than he started with, just one recognized striker, and no cover at either full-back position. The situation was compounded when American forward Folarin Balogun pulled out of a proposed £40m move away from the club at the eleventh hour, shortly after a deal sheet had been filed.
The fallout sparked frustration and anxiety among Everton supporters, with some suggesting the club could face a relegation battle this season. But Dewsbury-Hall, who has become an increasingly influential figure since his £28m move from Chelsea last summer, says that outside narrative does not reflect the atmosphere among the players.
"Really good to be honest," he said of the current mood in the squad. "Definitely not the same mood as what I've seen on the outside. There's a good mentality this year of: 'We'll show everyone.'"
The 28-year-old admitted the reaction from fans and pundits had irritated him. "I've seen all of the reactions, all of the meltdowns, and in all honesty it annoyed me a bit," he said. "I get where people are coming from; everyone wants to sign everyone and have the perfect squad. But there are still 19 lads in this building who are going to hopefully take this club to good things this year. That was getting disregarded."
He pushed back specifically against suggestions that Everton might struggle to avoid the drop. "I saw people saying: 'We'll be lucky to stay up this year.' What message is that sending to the lads who are already here? I'm not blaming anyone. We get it. It didn't work. But let's all be positive – right, it's done, bang, let's go – and that's what we've been trying to say in the dressing room."
Asked whether the turbulent business had damaged morale, as Moyes himself has previously suggested it might, Dewsbury-Hall was firm. "Not really, no. I know we've got a smaller squad but we've got some really good players. Our starting XI is top, a European starting XI... we've got 17, 18 players at a really, really good level. I don't think a couple of years ago it was at that level. Actually I know it wasn't."
Dewsbury-Hall's stock at Goodison Park has risen sharply since his arrival, and he was recently voted into a newly formed leadership group set up to fill the void left by the departure of long-time captain Séamus Coleman. The group also includes goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, new captain James Tarkowski and midfielder James Garner. "It's nice but it's definitely an impact I wanted to have," he said. "I'm really pleased that the lads look at me as someone that can be important for the dressing room."
That leadership extends to mentoring 19-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong, who came close to joining Nottingham Forest before a strong reaction from Everton fans at Bournemouth prompted the club's owners to reverse course on deadline day. "They definitely made their feelings known and obviously it worked," Dewsbury-Hall said. "Big credit to them for that, they were amazing that day."
Looking ahead, Dewsbury-Hall has set his sights on European qualification, a deep cup run, personal improvement and a first England call-up. He revealed he has already received preliminary contact from the Football Association ahead of Thomas Tuchel's squad announcement. "I know I'm the closest I have ever been now," he said. "It's a good feeling because you think: 'OK, I am close,' but you know you have to keep pushing it to the last minute. It's up to me."
Based on reporting from Guardian Football.