Former Everton defender Martin Keown “sincerely hopes” the Toffees can return to their former glory days and steer clear of relegation battles.

Keown, who spent fours years at the club between 1989 and 1993, spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside: “Looking back to when I was there it was volatile and it has certainly been volatile in the last couple of years too.

“The stadium is the next thing but it is a sad season to wave goodbye to Goodison Park. It is a wonderful place, great atmosphere there and the fans would really drive you on. I really appreciated their support when I was there, that’s for sure.

“I loved playing for Everton. It is a real hotbed of football, that is what took me there. I loved every minute of living there but it just didn’t happen on the pitch for me, for one reason or another.

“There were some big characters, big people, and everyone loved their football. It was a turbulent time but nonetheless I loved being there.”

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds