'I hate pre-season' - Super Falcons star Payne ready to make official debut for Everton against Brighton 

Everton's Super Falcons star Toni Payne has confessed that she isn't a fan of pre-season but is extremely excited for the official start of the new Women's Super League season this weekend. 

Payne ended her six-year association with Sevilla in Spain to become the first signing of the summer transfer window for Brian Sorensen’s side.

The American-born player reported late for pre-season training at Everton due to international commitments with the Super Falcons at the 2024 Olympic Games, where she started every single game contested by the African powerhouse.

Payne made her unofficial debut in a friendly against Newcastle United on August 18 and was handed a starting berth as Everton were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool in their last preparatory game on September 13.

Ahead of their season opener against the Seagulls on Saturday, Payne was also given minutes against another WSL team Aston Villa which would help the Nigerian adapt to the physicality and pace of the league.

She also got a feel of how passionate the Everton supporters are, with the fans cheering her on during the friendly with Liverpool. 

Speaking to Everton TV, Payne said: "It has definitely been good regardless of the results, it's good to play these really strong teams before the season starts.

"It's going to prepare us for Brighton. After this game we are all feeling very positive and ready to hopefully get a result against Brighton.

"I hate pre-season, I am always ready for the season to start so now that it's finally coming this weekend, I am super excited. I'm just ready for it to start."

After finishing eighth in the Women's Super League for the 2023-2024 season, Everton will aim to perform better in the forthcoming campaign.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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