Everton fans were treated to what felt like the longest and least successful January in recent memory.
Not only was there little to celebrate on the pitch, having won just one of the five games they faced, but also off the pitch their efforts to bolster a threadbare squad ravaged by injuries was fruitless in the end.
The transfer window slammed shut with the Toffees, alongside many other Premier League sides admittedly, having failed to make a single acquisition.
Desperately disappointing, but understandable given the well-documented financial restraints.
One of the big reasons behind these restrictions is actually the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which continues to silently drain funds in the background of their footballing operations.
Fortunately, it is nearing completion.
What has Everton just installed at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium?
When Arsenal moved into the Emirates stadium, they were forced to endure a short dull period where finances were somewhat thin.
Tottenham Hotspur similarly saw costs skyrocket for their new home, but fortunately, Mauricio Pochettino had already fashioned a fine squad capable of challenging.
For Everton, however, they are seeking to forge their magnificent waterfront arena in the midst of some of their darkest ever days, which is making for quite the culmination of negativity.
Despite that, the progress being made does actually offer momentary breaks from the trials and tribulations of supporting the Toffees, with regular updates an easy way to ease fans’ troubles.
This latest one, whilst minor in the grand scheme of the actual stadium construction, showcases how the entire area surrounding the Dock is set to be revolutionised upon its completion.
Detailing updates to the surrounding wall and the installation of the first tree, they write: ‘The boundary wall around the steel gates continue to be reinstated while the first set of trees have now been planted.’
Exciting times after a dreary transfer window
Whilst such an update was never likely to be received well in the midst of a Deadline Day in which there was barely a sniff of any activity, perhaps now the dust has settled people can appreciate what a huge step forward this is.
Not to blow a mere tree out of proportion, but this is just the start of a rebuild that will completely transform an otherwise run-down part of the city.
If the stadium and its surrounding area are made a welcoming, hospitable place, then just watch as hotels, restaurants, bars and more spring up and help contribute.
This tree, whilst insignificant alone, is a signal towards what the completely finished project will look like, creating not just the home that will soon inhabit Everton, but an area to call their own.
Or, it is literally just a tree. I like to be more optimistic though!
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