Young says players aiming for 'high up in the top 10'

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Shamoon Hafez
  • Role, 大象传媒 Sport football news reporter in Ireland

Everton players want to "put the club back to where it belongs", says full-back Ashley Young.

The Toffees have struggled at the wrong end of the table in recent years and finished 15th in the Premier League last season.

This campaign is their final one at Goodison Park before moving to a new, state-of-the-art venue at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Young told 大象传媒 Sport: "It is going to be a sad time leaving Goodison Park but having the new stadium to look forward to - and the takeover - we, as players, have to go out there and play football and do well for the club.

"It is exciting times and we want to get off to a good start in the Premier League and put the club back where it belongs - that is high up in the top 10 in the table."

Ex-England international Young joined on a free transfer last summer and signed a one-year contract extension in June after featuring 34 times in 2023-24.

"We did something special," said Young. "The two points deductions we took were tough to take.

"The team spirit got us through that and so did the fans. I am nowhere near ready to retire and I can give more to this club."

As it stands, Young will be the Premier League's oldest outfield player next term - and Everton's oldest ever outfield player in the top flight.

"I am still able to do it," said the 39-year-old. "I know what I can do, how fit I am and what I can bring to this team. I prove it year in, year out.

"There have been many times people have written me off and I have always got answers. The best way to answer the critics is on the pitch."