I have been a massive Everton fan for over 30 years now and Sunday was special for numerous reasons, but bringing my 8 year old son for his the first trip to Goodison (what an introduction to EFC this ended up being) made it very special.

I wanted to take this opportunity to comment on the players who make the effort to meet the fans before the game.

We set off from Southampton at 8am on Sunday to ensure an early spot near the players cars as they arrive. Despite somewhat annoyingly this week a catering truck in the space normally occupied by the fans we secured a spot right in front what seems to be Seamus’s parking space (is he always first in or what...)

Seamus and Aiden duly arrive first and were brilliant stopping to speak to the fans and for photos with my Son who is a massive McGeady fan. Seamus was a brilliant as ever and very talkative. John Stones parked right in front of us to arrive next but unfortunately was directed to the opposite side and we missed him.

Then came Robles who gave a few signatures close to us then wandered in (shame as I had some Spanish ready for him!) then sadly Naismith and Howard walked straight in.

Super Kev arrived next with Alcaraz and I have to say what an amazing effort, they both stopped and spoke to pretty much everyone they could. Kevin is my favourite player and his attitude summed it up. He said hello to my son, had a photo and welcomed him to Goodison. We wished him well with parting words as "hope you smash ’em today" which he clearly took on board!

Meeting these players really made it a special day and I know all the players can’t meet all the fans waiting but it is a little disappointing that some players did not even acknowledge a shout-out with a wave at least.

Next, Everton come to my now home town of Southampton and for the first time I have tickets in the away end... Can’t wait to sing loud and proud!

I should also point out for any ToffeeWebbers who are coming down next Saturday that it will be my son sitting with me in the Saints kit in the away end (we sat in Saints seats last year in the 0-0 game). Please be as accommodating as you were at Spurs last year when he was wearing a Saints kit but supported his dad’s team then...

He supports his home team but loves the way we play and loves coming to games with me.

Looking forward to the banter. If anyone wants to meet for a beer before we will be in the Bridge pub.

Cheers!

Allez Allez Allez Oh......!

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Reader Comments (5)

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Ray Roche
1 Posted 22/04/2014 at 17:21:26
It's always good to hear of players who respond to supporters and their lads in the way that some of them did for you, Jeremy. I don't suppose we can say that we pay their wages in the way that we once did pre Sky/TV money but it costs them nothing to be friendly and appreciative of the fans who support them week in, week out. Enjoy the Saints game, I can't see any Evertonian's giving your lad any grief for wearing his kit, especially if he's with you.
Rob Halligan
2 Posted 22/04/2014 at 21:31:08
Hi Jeremy. Coming down on Saturday on the official Everton supporters coach.

These leave the ground at 6.00 am (jeez) and no alcohol is allowed. I'm guessing we will arrive in Southampton between 11.00 - 11.30 so will be gagging for a pint. Where about is the bridge pub as can't remember seeing any pubs near St Mary's, and do they allow away fans?

Jeremy Robbins
3 Posted 23/04/2014 at 09:08:32
Hi Rob

Yep, it is a long drive 4 hours with one service stop in a car... we do it quite often! Do you know where the coach drops you off?

The bridge pub is the other side of the Toll bridge in Woolston (a 15 minute walk from the stadium.)

There are not too many pubs close to the stadium, if you don't want to walk that far, try heading towards ocean village to the 'The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis' or the 'Chapel Arms' the latter being more of a Saints pub...

Saying that you are only 5-10 minutes from the high street and there are pubs there..

I often wear my Everton colours with pride and never get any issues in Southampton. So I don't think there are any specific 'away' pubs

Hope that Helps

Brian Morton
4 Posted 23/04/2014 at 10:34:34
I’ve supported Everton for over 30 years also and came down from Glasgow and took my nephew, who lives in London, to his first game at Fulham. Asked him if he was wanting to try get some autographs and his shirt signed, which he said would be good, so got there early to where the bus arrives.

Were waiting by the barrier and a security guy asked if we wanted to go behind the barrier next to the stand wall and get a better chance of getting things signed and said ok. Bus came and they all got off but not one of them stopped and went straight in. My nephew was a bit disappointed nobody stopped, but the turnstiles had not long opened and said he was hungry, so asked if he wanted to go into the ground and get something to eat which he did.

Got something and went to our seats and the ground was empty at that point, and luckily some of the players were on the pitch so said we should go down and get them to sign the programmes, shirt which we did and met Mirallas, Distin, Barkley, Stones, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Big Dunc and they signed stuff and were very accomodating and polite. Just as well he was hungry and got into the ground at that point when the players were on the pitch and managed to get the stuff signed as made his day, and mine also, meeting some of his heroes.
Rob Halligan
5 Posted 23/04/2014 at 18:26:15
I've only been once by coach Jeremy, which was last season. Then we were dropped right outside the ground. We normally go by car and park away from the ground. We will try and find the bridge if you tell us the name of the road it is in.

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