Second Test Event at Bramley-Moore Dock

I think they did last time out?

Second half, (wholesale) subs were an improvement, but Wigan were 2 up by then. I would be very surprised if Everton TV didn't cover this, with the better U21s and a 25,000 crowd.

It's like a planned military operation!!

Paul, I was in Chicago for July 4th, 2016. Great city. We watched the fireworks from Navy Pier.

I've been checking out hotels for the West Ham match in July. Feck me they're expensive if you want to be near the waterfront and not too far from Soldier Field, which we walked to and had a look around.

I've just seen it and added the link above.

Live Forum open too for anyone who wants to link up or share the experience!

Would it be possible if the club had an open day, organised, where we could walk around inside the Old Lady before work commences on her demise (or not)?

Even for a fee, I'm sure it could happen. Your thoughts? Thanks

Shuttle buses only start running from 12 o'clock so I'll probably head straight for the Tai Pan and hopefully catch up with a few of you.

Is the Tai Pan just a restaurant or a drinking establishment too?

If I was an owner of the pubs around County Road, I'd be considering putting a couple of those mobile bars on a trolley type things outside for the Southampton match because hundreds, if not thousands of ticketless supporters will travel regardless just to be part of it.

Colin, that's got to be annual, surely?

It's actually monthly but you're in luck as I can't use my Executive Box next season at all... dam tax residency rules.

I could let you have use of it for a knock down £100k per month?

I just have a sneaking suspicion that, with the last game a week later, there will be many people who would go to watch - just for one last time at the Old Lady.

I believe Leban and Barnsley are away on International duty, so he may be from one of the younger Academy sides. Apparently, he's a trialist...

He's a 22-year-old from the UAE.

I've not seen him mentioned here, but I like Jacob Beaumont-Clark. Quick, instinctive distributor with a nice left foot. Released Dixon well on the goal move.

Should be huge atmosphere next season with 52,000 capacity.

Do you need to use specific turnstiles or is it open access once you get in?

Takes your breath away when you enter through the gates.

My ST is for East Stand but today was in South Stand. Once in, you can walkaround. I went to my ST seat for a look so don't see any reason why you can't go in any upper turnstile and walk around to your block.

- There's a real bottleneck / crush trying to get past the corner of the first food bar at east end of South Stand upper. Once past that the concourse opens up nicely.

- All the paper towel dispensers in men's toilet were empty after only 20 minutes of the match. As there are no electric hand-dryers, there was no way to dry hands.

Not a moan just constructive.

When I say crammed, I mean dangerously crammed. You are also caged in from the upper tier. Can anyone explain why?

I don't think it'll be a problem going forward though – the salt and pepper chicken and chips was pretty average for the dosh, tbh!

It was a bit of a struggle getting up there but it was great looking around the new stadium — then again the players are much further away from the crowd up there and I prefer my present seat at Goodison to the one I sat in today!

The game wasn't the main event today, the stadium was — good job it was very poor with no plan and a series of misplaced passes all over the field… How does the coach of the U21s justify his position?

I can't understand Samuels-Smith playing left-back because he is predominantly right-footed, thought the Number 4 centre-back, Tamen did okay too.

The first test game that just 1 end was used, my nephew who was at the game said there was a real cold breeze coming in off the Mersey… Did anyone experience that today?

Yes, there was a cold wind on the evening of the first test; no, you don't feel it within the stadium.

I met an old mate for brekky at 8:15, so it was an early start. Down to Waterloo for a pint at 11:00, then caught the 12:05 train to Sandhills, followed by a 15-minute walk to the ground. Derby Road was coned off to a single lane each way – that's not going to be popular.

The stewarding on the Dock Road was very thorough. No traffic. In through the dock wall, there was plenty of room inside the complex, although it was a good hour before kick-off.

We decided to go straight into the stadium. It's very impressive outside, I found it a bit less so on the inside.

I was a bit surprised to have to walk up 50 steps to reach the upper level, there was no sign of escalators where I was.

I found my season ticket seat and am pleased with it. We tried to replicate our current Main Stand spec and have pretty much done so, although it is higher and further away from the pitch.

I found my seat in the South Stand. The view was great, higher than I prefer. Due to the steepness of the stands, there is an excellent view over the heads of those in front of you. So, there is no real need for anyone to stand up - not sure how that will pan out!

The acoustics were very good, and will help the atmosphere.

On the down side, I found it a bit soulless. It needs an Everton stamp on the place, work is needed there. It felt a bit like a small Wembley, somewhat anonymous. I hope that can change after a few big occasions.

Getting away wasn't great, we ended up walking into town. I'm sure drinking holes will develop along that route.

So, a mixed bag for me. But it's not about me, it's about my grandsons, who loved it. But leaving Goodison, with all its soul, all its spirits, is going to be even tougher than I expected.

You are also caged in from the upper tier. Can anyone explain why?

You are probably "separated" (I use that term rather than the dramatic "caged in" you use) for the same reason you can't access the main stand concourse from the top balcony in Goodison.

It's likely so that neither are overused and that there's a more controlled number on each concourse. Makes sense don't you think?

The return journey back to Commutation Row was just has good, I was able to use my bus pass as well, so really pleased with that.

I've been a bit worried about how I will get to the Stadium next season but after today I'm looking forward to it now. I must say as well what a magnificent stadium we have.

Yes, Heath had a good and lively first half. Tamen looked strong but there wasn't much link-up play, like the players had never played together before, and Bolton were just as bad.

It would have been better if the two coaches had decided to go all out for goals, it was a friendly, and give us some entertainment instead of the boring nothing sort of game.

I think I gave the crowd some fun watching me struggle up the stairs just before the game began with them betting if I was going to make it to the top or not and coming down at the end!

Did you bother in the end getting a season ticket? I know you where debating whether to get one.

Yes, I got it but I think someone else will be using it, see how things turn out.

All that practice he got playing on loan for a struggling Marine team earlier this season (before their remarkable turnaround over recent weeks) has paid off!

I won't ever be at Goodison Park again and it is very melancholic. I can't even begin to imagine what it will be like for you and all the friends I have met at Goodison.

Went in entrance 22 with no queue but other ones close by had 50-yard queues.Once inside, I had 4 flights of stairs to upper tier.

Had a coffee and sticky chicken for about £13. Chichen fine but my white coffee was black and only a third full. Was asked if I wanted black or white. Surprised that the milk, sugar, forks, spoons etc were just like Goodison on shelves at the back. Thought it looked out of time within a new set-up.

Up to my seat on row 57 Seat 304, above the away section. 60 steps up and I was 7 rows from the back. God help anyone who isn't sprightly and sitting near the back.

Very glad I will be diagonally across and in the lower tier. Views are great but not for anyone with vertigo. Also seat leg room no more than the main stand. I was expecting a bit more decor under the stands. Thought it looked and felt like a bare concrete shell.

Some good and some bad aspects from today. To be fair, I thought the lads played okay.

Absolutely gobsmacked by that experience. It's awesome!

Hopefully it will be improved before August.

We got there early, 11:45, and parked in the Walter Street car park by the Titanic Hotel, easy access, although cost £15. We used to pay £10 at the garage opposite the Stanley Park car park for Goodison. We travel from Wolverhampton and are beginning to suffer from aches and pains so need to be relatively close.

Quick 5-minute walk to the Bramley Moore. Quick drink before going into the plaza. The views across to the river and other docks are stunning and we felt quite emotional.

The plaza and the walk under the South Stand are amazing. We walked round to under the West Stand and then back to the plaza. The steps outside the West Stand weren't accessible but it looks as if the views over the Mersey to the Wirral will be fantastic.

Once back in the plaza, sampled the fish and chips from the Parkgate van. Very nice although a bit pricey at £15. Sat and people watched for a few minutes before going into the ground.

We were in block 216 row 36. Great seats but load of steps up to level 2. Knackered by the time we got there! Where are the escalators that we've seen on videos?

We entered through gate 14 and the only option was up the stairs – not easy for someone with a knackered hip. We'll have to investigate the accessible entrances to see if they will allow us through there next time.

Views from the seats we had were great. Problem is our season tickets are row 61 in block 214 – a lot more bloody stairs unfortunately. However at least we will be there for all games next season.

Other thoughts:–

Some parts of the concourses were jammed, much worse than I expected.

The concourse inside needs some blue as does the exterior of the ground.

A bit chaotic leaving – Regent Road going towards town and past the Titanic was chocka.

Took about 45 minutes from getting in the car at Walter Street to reach Wallasey Tunnel entrance but probably better than walking into town.

All-in-all, a great experience and can't wait for the first game of the season.

Paul, Phil’s point is not about Everton Ladies team but about the Old Lady. It doesn’t matter who is playing. But mate you need to tone down your anti-footy-ladies stuff, it’s a little yawn and definitely outdated.

Peter Mills (42): A really great write up Pete. Thanks. Your point about soul together with the mechanics of access (not least the one way in from the Dock Road) – nothing I’ve read on here has softened this concern - are for me at this moment the ones that concern me the most.

My two Spurs mates (sorry Rob, I've been trying to disown them for years) still call the new ground “soulless” or more usually “no/lacking atmosphere” after six years. Nine years later, the West Ham, I know, more than two (!) are more extreme in their views. They just want to go “home” to the old ground without 25,000 tourists (their word not mine).

I look at our new ground as magnificent as it looks and think that it could be anywhere in the world if you don’t look outside. It looks modern, super, pressing all the right code buttons (we hope), but blue apart it looks cold. I wish that Archibald was somewhere there. This is why ZCars remains crucial but GOT is not right somehow. It's tinny.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s no plastic prefab Sunderland, ‘boro, Derby, Leicester (etc.). It is not confined to the edge of town like a mall or gallows, lazarhouse, or plague pit. It’s in a remarkable location that breathes history. I’ve been to Spuds but not London Stadium and surely it will help for sound and song that we are certainly steeper and closer than Spuds (and West Ham, any old fool can see that). But those Goodison silences/murmurings will be even “louder” at the Dock.

Bayern H could never, in my opinion, be replicated down by the river. The Old Lady is special, warmer, tighter etc. Mind you, I won’t be there until August and I am excited about that. Each one of us has our own thoughts, hopes, and concerns. Ped’s walk/video ought to make everyone lick their lips but the real time for considered conversations will be the end of next season, not first impressions.

I hope the Everton Stadium feels like manna from Heaven for our younger fans (and I don’t mean you Liam Morgan) who will own this place for decades and decades to come. And they will raise blues who only know the Dock for whom Goodison is an image, a piece of film, something that 95-year-old Grandad Tony Abrahams goes on and on about from his armchair in the corner.

Newcastle Ladies v Sunderland Ladies at St. James' Park today. Championship level not even Ladies Premiership standard.

Crowd? 38,500!

My point proved?

PH, deny it again. That's fine. You could also say that you have had a Road to Damascus moment. Either way, there is no point in replying again to someone who is in denial. It never works. It never ends up good.

Your point is proved Phil (55).

The game has come on massively recently. Different obviously to the men's game but still very enjoyable in its own right. The quality of the girls playing in my son's u11 league is great to see. Bodes well for the women's game in future.

I’ve been to Goodison many, many times but never to the Docks (that I can properly remember).

Which bridge are they talking about please?
Cheers UTFT

I did say no more words, PH, but you know what happened. And with that, no more words, but do keep on with the trite stuff. I know.

If there's a concern about the bridge, it should have been underpinned last year, at the latest, not buy a few stop/go signs and a megaphone yesterday FFS!

I remember at the time on here, how more than a few of us were waxing lyrical about England's ability - unlike Everton - to actually take corners that went beyond the near post and come up with effective free kicks. Not to mention that delicious goal by Alessia Rouso.

Now if Messi had done that ........

My only negative of the day was the performance of the first-half players, especially in the first 20 minutes, and especially Roman Dixon, who was, to be kind, fucking shocking! I don't see any of them stepping up to the first-team squad next season. The second-half team looked better to be fair.

But the stadium! That stadium! It's massive and it echoes and it's magnificent.

I expected a better version of the Amex. I experienced a whole solar system bigger than that. When the siren rang out, I felt shivers.

But when they announced “Operation Everton Stadium” instead of "Operation Goodison", I felt upset.

The lady simply said, "I have just seen our dream turned into reality” (saying 'our' made it sound even more brilliant!). And then, when I drove towards our stadium after the game, it was full of Evertonians walking away from the ground.

I must have done that drive a few thousand times since the work began and I've watched it growing and grow. Today, watching those beautiful Evertonians walking away from our soon to be new home actually made it feel more real than anything.

You sound like a teenager lad. Safe travels home.

Great post, Tony. Hope you gave her a hug.

If you don't know the match is on Yuface, what ever it's called😀

It sounded very quiet but the roar when the goal went in was very loud on TV.

Was it the same in the ground?

Yes, we planned to walk from town but I got there first and the plan A meet at Dr Duncs was thwarted by the cunts not opening until 12.

So we decided to get the soccerbus which, due to traffic queues for Costco (apparantly a weekly problem) got us to near the ground for 12:45. We went for a chinky at Taipan and sat at a table next to David James and some very pretty young Chinese girls. Neil complimented “David” on his good looks and longevity (wtaf Neil??) and we had a great appetisers mix plate)

I personally walked back after the game and it took 40 minutes but I headed for the Pier Head and turned left. I reckon I could shave 10 minutes off that going direct. There were at least 5 bars I didn't know about on the way back so I reckon there'll be plenty of choice by next season.

Regarding the “traffic lights” system at the bridge, it's the same as we get at West Ham. It works and it's not a big deal. There are alternative side streets anyway.

The approach and departure is different to Goodison but it's not that different to make it an issue. Next season, I'll walk from Lime Street to one of the bars near the ground then to the fans plaza.

It's going to be great!

A new footballing god arrives

Apologies BTW

Everyone seems to have covered the feeling of the bare walls inside and absent from feeling like Everton football club, plain walls and no club crest, but the biggest miss for me and no matter how many times you looked round the ground, I thought wow how magnificent would that stadium be, if we built up the north stand, so that it meets up with the rest of the stadium instead of dipping down behind the goal, I know its a bit of a whinge, but you cannot help but notice that in the north stand.

Hopefully in time we will fill that part in with more seats, so that all 4 areas of the ground are at the same height.

Overall the stadium designed with excellent views all round, but even if no crest, at least get those walls painted inside the concourses, looks bland.

Looking forward to hearing the noise level when the stadium is filled, compared to other stadiums, I think we have one hell of a stadium to move into.

Does the Junction Inn do rooms?

Butlin's then

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvGy6pjG1IY

on West Ham's last game at The Old Lady.

There is always going to be teething problems, and to the people concerned about the plain inside or the lack of branding, we all have to keep calm and remember the stadium still isn't finished.

My gripes from what I've seen are minor; the cheap-looking asphalt at the entrance gates on Regent Road, the lighting on the barrel roofing, and the (at present) slightly temporary and amateur-looking) green track around the sides of the pitch, but these may all be addressed by August. Some great comments.

ps: Also some less welcome comments about ‘chinkies' and ‘foreigners' when it comes to where people live. I thought I'd just stumbled on a bitter 1970s comedy routine.
Anyway. COYB.

Can we have a ‘Two Paul Maximum’ going forwards, please?!

Alex Murphy. The best ever.

I was 8 in 1966 and would've been a bit heavy even for him.

On saying that my southern born wife picked me up on it recently and I said she was wrong. It seems she was right afterall – again!

My apologies to anyone I've offended – it wasn't my intention. In fact, I had a sharp intake of breath myself when Paul H mentioned “foreigners”.

The idiots who I came across in the Junction Inn were certainly not “foreigners”. They were very very local – hence the Duelling Banjos reference. (My apologies to any Hillbillies on here for that last comment).

Mark, I think that Paul O’Neill’s point was very much aimed at PH as well as you. It was a very poor choice of words by PH as he like all of us should understand the pejorative and prejudiced provocative politicising of “foreigner” and “immigrant” these days. It was this sort of erm “thinking” that led to the ignorant and unjustifiable rioting across the north after those three beautiful girls lost their lives in Southport when the dangerous thickest of the thick assumed the murderer was an immigrant with zilch evidence.

If PH’s first “foreigner” was bad, the second was worse. To respond PH wrote “I said junkies and foreigners”, as if that is somehow a justification or defence of his first post on this. It’s actually a second confirmation. And then we have the Eddie Booth “when you live with them”.

I understand that this is clearly something that PH cares about for his reasons, but just about EVERYONE lives with “foreigners”.

I'm reminded of the crude BREXIT/UKIP voter who, when asked about why he voted to exit the morning after the vote and whether immigration had a part to play, told the Radio-4 interviewer (I’m paraphrasing): “the immigrants had nothing to do with it, even though there are too many of them, but I voted the way I did because I am fed up that my country is being ruled by Zurich”.

Are we not foreigners to natives of a country when we're visiting?

Not something I'd be offended by, I have to say.

Next, the term “woollyback” will be banned.

I'm not for one second saying that this is PH at all. But his use of "foreigner" in this context was,I think, unfortunate.

I rarely disagree with you so apologies mate.

Quite a basic concept we all learn at a young age? Disingenuous to pretend otherwise.

No apology necessary to me mate.

I understand it's not always what's said but how it's said, and I hope you're not accusing me of being disingenuous, Liam.

I'm merely making a point that things can be said that aren't necessarily offensive but some people choose to be offended by it.

A foreigner, to me, used to be when someone who worked for a firm as say a plumber during the week and did work for you at the weekend "off the books." 😁

Yes the concept of the 'foreigner' as a job on the side is one specific to the construction industry in Liverpool?

There was always one member of the family working on a Saturday "doing a foreigner."

A "doin' a foreigner" was a term often heard.