Stubbs likes the challenge

Everton veteran Alan Stubbs is looking forward to the battle for positions at Goodison Park this season following the club’s summer recruitment drive.

Speaking to Everton TV Stubbs said: "I am really looking forward to the season because there is a great squad here now,"

"There is more competition for places which is important, whereas in the past players have stayed in the team even if they are not performing well. 

"Now we have some serious competition for places and it keeps everyone on their toes. 

"As a manager that is what you want and you need to know that you have players ready to grab their chance. That is good for Everton."

"We are approaching the season full of optimism despite last season's finishing position," he added.

"We will be looking for a European place and I am sure the fans will be looking for us to be there or thereabouts.

"For a club of this size I think it is the only ambition. We have tasted bits of it in the past and maybe last year we were thrown in the deep end in the Champions league.

"But a club like Everton should be there and as long as we move in the right direction we will be happy. The fans don't want to see us up and down, they want stability and if we can do that we will be happy with that."