Exclusive: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on Snooker Inspiration, Everton’s Ambitions, and Merseyside Derby Hopes

SME News UK. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is preparing for his first taste of a Merseyside derby with Everton, but his inspiration for finding calm in high-pressure moments comes from a rather unlikely source – the snooker table.The 27-year-old midfielder has made an impressive start to life at Goodison Park following his summer switch from Chelsea. An ever-present in Everton’s opening four Premier League fixtures, Dewsbury-Hall has already registered a goal and an assist, helping Sean Dyche’s side climb to sixth ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Liverpool at Anfield.Snooker roots and Mark Selby connectionGrowing up in Leicester, Dewsbury-Hall spent countless hours in snooker halls and even had a table at home. His passion for the sport eventually led to a friendship with fellow Leicester native and four-time world champion, Mark Selby.”I used to play all the time,” he told us. “I was fortunate enough to have a snooker table at my house a couple of years ago and I used to be in there constantly. I’d say I’m an average player — my highest break is 45 — but I absolutely love it.”I’m good friends with Mark Selby. He’s a lovely guy, a big Leicester lad, and we always chat. He’s invited me to the Crucible to watch him, and I’ve learned a lot just from observing his composure.”That composure, Dewsbury-Hall believes, is a trait that translates perfectly from snooker to football.”I’ve tried to take little tips from people like Mark that helped him win four world titles. Just that calmness and composure under pressure — I think it’s something that’s helped me a lot in my own game.”The midfielder also paid tribute to snooker greats Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump.”For me, Ronnie is the GOAT. I don’t think there’ll ever be anyone as good as him. Judd is fantastic too, really exciting to watch.”Embracing Everton and Merseyside passionSince arriving at Everton, Dewsbury-Hall has been struck by the passion of the club’s supporters.”I feel like everyone around here is just football mad,” he said. “Even if you’re just walking down the street or in a taxi, people want to talk football. I’ve had taxi drivers who are Everton fans and it turns into a proper conversation. You can see how much the club means to them.”It’s been lovely to start the season in a positive way because you see how the city unites. Now it’s about continuing that momentum and seeing where it can take us.”That momentum will be tested in the fiercest of arenas this weekend. Liverpool have made a perfect start to the season, but Dewsbury-Hall believes Everton are ready to compete.”Everyone knows Liverpool’s level, but we’re on a journey now, trying to progress. It’s going to be a very competitive game.”Europe on the horizon?After narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, Everton are targeting a brighter future. Dewsbury-Hall sees a club finally looking upwards rather than over its shoulder.”We’ve got a great balance in the team — experienced Premier League players, exciting young talents, just a really good mix,” he said. “And we’ve got one of the best managers in the league, in my opinion. He’s been doing this for 25 years, and that tells you everything.”It’s been a tough couple of years, but now it’s about building for the next chapter. With the new stadium coming, it feels like the start of something fresh. Hopefully we can push towards Europe.