Match Preview: Everton v Southampton

Who wants the historic last Everton goal at Goodison Park most?

UTFT!

In our Blue City home, in our Blue City home

We speak with an accent exceedingly rare

Meet under a statue exceedingly bare

And if you want a STADIUM, we've got one to spare

In our Blue City home.

A repeat of the 8 nil game wouldn't go amiss !

To everyone who gets in please give it the Farewell it deserves. I'll be watching, all choked up, tissues at the ready. God Bless You Goodison Park.

PS: An anecdote. We were playing Swindon in night game. A slide takle by an Everton player, tore up a large piece of turf. A Swindon player pisked it up put it back in place and started stamping it down, when a wag in the Paddock shouted, "Eh Percy Thrower get on with the effin game". Priceless.

Well, it's happening. Regardless of our views, Sunday is about Goodison.

She's been a part of my life since the first time I went in 1976. When I first went in the Top Balcony as a young kid. Terrified looking down the steep sloping stand, thinking I might fall into the Main Stand below.

The days stood on the Gwladys Street with my mates.

We will all enjoy the moment, with a more than a touch of sentiment and sadness. But we will remember her for what she has given us.

Like a Scouse mother looking down on you, she will beam with pride.

Don't let us down Everton. The supporters won't. Go and win the most historic fixture the Grand Old Lady has had, and there have been a few.

He smuggled a bag of tools into the Ipswich game and tried to remove his seat and take it home with him.

The seat fought back and rejected removal, but in his failed attempt the idiot did a lot of damage to the surrounding seating area, which had to be repaired by the club in time for Sunday's game.

Oy vey.

PS... Guess I should read more carefully. John beat me to it. Sorry about that.

Dave, Tony & Michael "enjoy" if it is at all possible.

Fevered brain Don? I'm not having that. You are a breath of rationality and your diplomacy puts Mother Teresa and other Nobel Peace Prize winners trailing in your wake. Take that as a compliment mate, I always look forward to your direct comments and views.

My favourite match at Goodison v Southampton was the 6 - 1 win in our second to last match of the season a couple of weeks before the FA Cup Final.

In a similar, but different way, that was a tremendous match tinged with sadness.

Someone in the Main Stand to the right of where we were stood in the Gwladys Street, triggered a short burst of celebrations, and as rumours spread around the ground (no smart phones or internet at our fingertips then), we thought Liverpool were losing at Stamford Bridge and we still had a chance of a second league title in two seasons and the double.

Alas, they beat Chelsea and took the title. But there was still the cup, but he 10th May 1986 still ranks as one of my worse Everton days. When Lineker scored what was to be his 40th goal, all competitions that season, and 1 - 0 up at half time, we thought we were on our way. But that that boyhood Evertonian red nemesis, Rush, put pay to that. Devastated.

Everyone will enjoy Sunday. In the ground, outside the ground or wherever you are watching it from. Get the tissues ready.

An afterthought and it will be too late now, but it would have been a gesture to have members of Alan Ball's family on the pitch alongside the former players. Just a thought.

I’m literally sitting here with my morning coffee and have tears in my eyes after reading your post.

Beautifully written.

I'm going on me own tomorrow. I will see all the people I see every week sitting around me, but no pre-match pint. Tomorrow will be one of total self indulgence for me. I will look around and reflect. Remember absent loved one's Supporters and players alike. I will remember special moments. So many special moments. I will even remember the heart ache too and the laughs. They were ALWAYS part and parcel. I will definitely shed a tear.

Did all those dear, dear people have Goodison in their souls ? Or where they themselves the soul of Goodison ?

My thoughts and emotions are already all over the place

Coffee all over my keyboard!
UTFT

We need to win his convincingly, hopefully by a cricket score. But Everton so often fail to live up to hopes and expectations. I still remember, with pain and sorrow, the game we played against Man U the day Howard died. Flat as a sodding pancake!!

The fans need to leave the Grand Old Lady feeling elated and enthusiastic for the coming season. Not sad and wary.

So come on Everton. Let’s make this a day to remember. A 6-0 romp sounds like a decent score. Make us smile when skies (might be) are grey. Don’t let us down.

Fans remember fondly the likes of Main Road, Upton Park, The Baseball Ground, Highbury, Roker Park etc… So let’s make our own history in BMD to honour the Old Queen. UTFT

Put on a show Everton and enjoy the moment

Remember, the weekend is about us, the fans, and Goodison. Don’t be distracted.

No falling flat on the big stage. Those players and manager have been blessed by God to deliver a fitting service.

Emotional, monumental, not a dry eye in the house, but plenty of smiles and hugs. That's just with the dog before I leave.

I took Everton as I found them and loved them from the beginning and love them even more now.

In 1948 when I first saw them we were a poor first division team and stayed that way until we were relegated in 1951 and spent three years in the 2nd. division before we were promoted in 1954 and had my first celebration as an Evertonian——oops sorry we got to the semi- final of the FA cup in 1953!

Then more sad days until John Moore’s got a grip on the situation and gave us something special to watch and celebrate with two league titles and a very special FA Cup win.

Then we got back to reality until the terrific years under Kendall and Harvey when we got used to following our team——but this is Everton and nothing lasts so from 1987 until the FA cup final win v United nothing to celebrate except the escapes from the jaws of the second division.

So a lot more misery than joy but I take as I found and love them a lot more now than when I first fell in love with them and I’ll show my love on Sunday with 35,000 or more avid Bluenoses and thousands more outside listening to that love and joining the noise along with Christine and others miles from home enjoying the spectacle and shedding a tear or two.

It’s goodbye to our spiritual home and whether you’ve been good bad or indifferent we’ve loved you and finally lost you.

The 8-0 has already been mentioned. The week after the derby match win a snowy November proved that all was well with the world. Our fancy new scoreboard struggling to keep up!

FA cup replay in 1981. 21st birthday and stood my girlfriend (now wife) up to go to the replay, for the penultimate time with my dad. Sat in the Park End stand watching an Eamon O'Keefe 20-yard screamer into the Gwladys street goal in extra time. Midnight call to the girl friend and all was forgiven.

And now Sunday. No idea what the day holds but it surely will be unforgettable

While very excited to look forward to our new home, I am also sad to say good-bye to Goodison Park (at least the men's game). Thank you GP for the memories. COYB!

If you go tomorrow you will almost certainly be going in your own and it will be an entirely self indulgent day indeed. The games on Sunday mate.
(I know, I know – just couldn't resist!)

Have a great day on Sunday and my envious best wishes sit with you. I'll be stuck outside with many more teary, probably pissed up, Blues.
UTFT and Goodbye Goodison Park.

Some spring to mind.

Driving across the Brenner Pass from Austria into Italy on a ski-ing trip. A snap blizard and the Autostrada (Motorway), was quickly covered in snow, making it as hazardous as driving a 13 tonne truck up a mountain in northern Norway, 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle in winter.

It was taking all my driving skills and 99% of my concentration. My dear wife was a nervous wreck and doing that passenger imaginary break thing to assist. The other 1% of my concentration was that I knew Everton were playing Manchester City and my phone kept pinging when the Alps allowed me a signal. Eventually I couldn't resist and picked up to open the last message telling me we had won 4 - 0. Cue a proper telling off and being reminded we were on holiday and could I just leave it? We had a good holiday in the Dolomites.

Another was one of many was when I was in sandy climes, detached from the world for several months. The lads were under strict instructIons to keep me updated of Everton's results. Good or bad, over the crackling radio communications they came. I somehow managed not to operationally compromise us.

To all of you, watching from afar, don't hide behind your couch. Your voice will be heard. Loud and proud blues. We only know one way to support them. Straight from the heart and soul.

I will be in the homeland. I might as well move back there. Enjoy blues wherever you are.

And Sunday ? I booked my wife and I into a couple of days in Wadebridge and Padstow and did so very many moons ago to get the cheapest rates never appreciating the significance of the day.

I have though, been given a pass out to watch on my phone on the beach at Polzeath or in the pub. It was that or divorce after 41 years. We Evertonians are so considerate.. COYB.

But Sunday is definitely more about the occasion than the game.

I assume this weekend? Therefore, some players may be getting a kick on Sunday won't be getting one next season.

Also, it will be reported to the press after the players themselves are notified. I wait, like many, with great interest.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/everton

I will be glued to the TV from early morning soaking in the atmosphere and hopefully you get a similar result.

Looking forward to new era at BMD when I will be 60 years supporting the Toffees and hopefully will get a chance to get to a few games.

Fingers-crossed we play energetic, exciting football and win by 3 or 4 goals. I haven't got a ticket but will be outside the stadium, listening for the roars as (hopefully) the goals go in.

Hard to imagine that, after Sunday's match, that's it. It'll be like losing a parent or grandparent; an ever-present in your life until, one day, they're not.

On the other hand, if my lucky threepenny bit works, Everton will score for fun and joy will burst out from the Grand Old Lady.

We have to go out in style, to make up for so few wins in our final season at Goodison.

It is a privilege to have it shared amongst your tribe… because that is what we are.

I would not back us at that price, I might at 1/2 its no walkover.

So what will Moyes do? Will he go all-out to win or will he be more cautious and be afraid to lose the last game at Goodison? We have more players fit for selection now than any other time this season so there will be no excuses.

Just go for it and win for us fans past and present, lads.

Sadly, I am not at Goodison all season but those Blues who are lucky enough to be there will do each and every one of us proud. Enjoy the occasion and roar the boys on to one last victory! UTFT!

My last game is hopefully Southampton, in the Paddock.

Just Saying.

I'll be soaking up the atmosphere somewhere in town or near the ground. Just being amongst the greatest fans in the world is enough for me.

It'll be like a family event. But thousands of us and no uncle nob head.

COYB.

I went to see Everton and the shite play. Chose blue and never missed a home game. Johnny Morrisey crossing the ball and Joe Royle heading goals for fun, his penalty taking was so simple. Run up and welly the ball as hard as you can.

Harvey, Kendall, Ball, Jimmy Husband and the unsung hero, John Hurst. I was at the 8-0 game.

Wonderful memories of Goodison. COYB

Let's hope tomorrow is a good send off.

Bramley-Moore will be a catalyst. But Goodison will always be our home. I wish it could be different. But it's the modern world.

Up the Fucking Toffees and Forever Everton!

A Humdinger of a game on Sunday methinks,with a Grandstand finish to end our association with the "Grand Old Lady".

A 3-2 win I reckon, coming from behind to pinch it in dramatic style...it will be emotional folks!!!

Angus Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer of Everton, said: “Welcoming Hill Dickinson as our naming rights partner is a bold and strategic step forward. This partnership goes beyond branding – it's a shared commitment to progress, excellence and the regeneration of our city. Hill Dickinson Stadium will stand as a symbol of Everton's ambitions, our values, and the global future we are building together."

The naming rights agreement with Hill Dickinson will create a shared legacy that extends beyond matchdays. Hill Dickinson will work closely with Everton in the Community, helping to amplify the reach and impact of the Club's award-winning charitable programmes and its own Hill Dickinson Foundation across Merseyside and beyond.

Craig Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Hill Dickinson, said: “To put our name to Everton's new stadium is a once-in-a-generation opportunity We believe deeply in what this project stands for – a bold, transformational vision for Liverpool and its future.

“This partnership is about legacy, ambition, and the power of two globally recognised organisations coming together to make a difference.

“As Hill Dickinson continues to grow internationally, we remain proud of our Liverpool roots – and we are honoured to be part of one of the most exciting waterfront developments in Europe."

Everton 0-1 Southampton.

Everton That!

I've listened to, and read as much as possible of the memories this week and to hear the legends talk about the old lady is humbling.

So any win will do, even a last minute scuffed shot. If I was playing I'd want to be the last player to score there for Everton in the top flight. UTFT!

The history and memories of Goodison Park

Some inputs from many big hitters including those that some won't be comfortable with, but a great watch.

My favourite is Colin Harvey saying he bought a season ticket when he was still a player.

Of course I knew it was Sunday.

The problem is It was about lunch time before I realised today wasn't Saturday.

This will be Ipswich on every drug imaginable. The occasion might be too much, or it might inspire them to give the Old Lady a great send off.

While we always want to win, it's worth remembering that there's much more to going to the match than the result. It's a huge occasion for one last time. Soak it in.

“Just like moons and like suns - - With the certainty of tides - - Just like hopes springing high - - Still I'll rise."

The day has just about come - - I have some sadness but also joy when (back and forward) looking beyond Sunday towards New Blue Days: I will head to Goodison via The Dark House along the Way - - Visions of Walt Whitman:

“Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long Blue path before me leading wherever I choose.”

I had a dream that I got up early - - put my Pink Button-down Ben Sherman shirt on, with my shot green silk suit, made to measure by The Harrison Brothers on Kirkdale Road, burgundy silk hankie in the top pocket matching my Ox Blood Saxone Comos - - Visions of “66 - - just like Cool Hand Luke - - the days when going to the game was a spiritual experience - - in my dream I floated above The Streets where I lived - - close to Goodison:

“I have often walked down this street before
But the pavement always stayed beneath my feet before
All at once am I several stories high
Knowing I'm on the street where you live
And oh, the towering feeling
Just to know somehow you are near
Thе overpowering feeling
That any second you may suddеnly appear”

Like The Boy in the opening of Ivan's Childhood I floated above my surroundings giving me a different eye - - Anne/Ma Joad - - arms folded across her flowered pinnie - - waving to me - - “ go on Son have a good day” - - Father Winder “God Bless Evertonians' he says - - “never forget The Holy Trinity” and Blesses Us All - - there's Brian Brady from Lamb Street - - and Frankie Bones - - Match going friends throughout the 60's - - still see Frankie - - I can see the 33 (again that Magical number - -“ But oh, that magic feeling”) bus stop in Whittle Street - - where I used to get on the Dockers Bus - - upstairs coughing our way to Cardinal Godfrey every morning - - I look down - - is that me running to Wessie Road Baths cossie already on under “me kekes” - - kept up with my best snake belt from Woolworths - - towel in hand. - - trying to be first in - - and later the chippie for 4d ‘s worth of chips - - wrapped in vinegar-soaked paper - - gourmets that's what we were - - terraced Streets packed with life and memories and joy and innocence and pleasure - - the back entries - - “ennogs” - - where doing “the jumps” was part of our “rite of passage” to full blown youth - - there's Uncle Gerard. With his best suit on - - shirt and tie - - ready for his visit to The Blue and White Palace - - up past TDH (never thinking then it would be our watering hole for 40+years) - - and something hit you when you got to the lights at Walton Road and Spellow Lane - - you could feel it - - taste it - - something in the air - - the atmosphere - - the excitement - - the sheer joy of Being Blue - - I knew it even then in 1959 as I know and feel it now 66 years later - - Take Me Back:

“Take me back, take me back, take me back
Take me way, way, way, way, way, way, way back
To when I, when I understood
When I understood, yeah
Oh, ah, take me way back to when, when, when, when, when, when
When, when, when, when, when, when
When I was walking down the, walking down the street
And, it didn't matter
'Cause everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt, everything felt, everything felt
Everything felt so right (Ha) and so good”

It will be a strange day - - Sunday - - Magic - - Cosmic Blue Groovers Floating in the Air - - I will not need any Car/Bus/Train - - I will float all The Way there on The Astral - - Onwards - - Upwards - - towards TDH - - friends - - comrades - - An Assemblage of Blue Bloods - - The Notre Dame of Walton - - with the gargoyles on the inside - - no wonder it has such a nickname - - heaving - - Bluebloods - - their Heart Soul their very Breath soaked in Memories of The Old Lady - - Love for their Club - - their Fellow Fans - - their whole Life - - measured alongside their times here together Bound In Blue - - “ Oh Happy Day” (Mick Gillon) - - sing it today of all days Mick:

“And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burning coal
Pouring off of every page
Like it was written in my soul, from me to you
Tangled up in blue”

These words are from all of us: - - along with Goodison becoming a “memory” - - our gang are facing a future without The Dark House - - where we have been going for 40+ years now - - Births Deaths and Marriages - - Saturday after match Quiz from the Pink - - waiting for the “paper boy” to shout “Echo” in The Street - - - - our children and grandchildren over the years standing on a stool to mark the points in chalk for each side - - given £1 for their “work” - - “us versus The Speke Gang” - - many gone now - - watching us on this last Game from their Blue Heaven - - sending love and best wishes to all of us Blues - - remember when we won the League in the 80's - - in undies and vests running around the block - - out one door and back via the side door (gone now converted into the conservatory - - don't know who we think we are now days) - - our own Blue Olympics - - after match sing songs - - “our Monica” - - dancing - - poetry - - hugging each other - - friends who left turning up at Christmas/Easter/Special Days and walking in and their “pint” put on the table for them as if they had never left:

“There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed.
Some forever, not for better;
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall.
Some are dead and some are living,
In my life I've loved them all.
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you.
And these mem'ries lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Tho' I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
In my life I love you more.
Tho' I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them,
In my life I love you more.
In my life I love you more.”

Of course - - like all of you - - I will miss Goodsion - - the memories it conjures up - - the emotions - - formed and fermented and ripened by us - - me you and the players and managers - - I started with Jonny Carey - - have a listen to this -- I am on it around 10 mins in - - Goodbye Goodison - memories of the Grand Old Lady - -

On 20.11.1971 - - it was my 22nd Birthday - - I treated myself to seat in The Upper Bullens - - it was snowing - - we were playing Southampton:

“One
Two
Three
Four
If I had ever been here before
I would probably know just what to do
Don't you?
If I had ever been here before on another time around the wheel
I would probably know just how to deal
With all of you
And I feel
Like I've been here before
Feel
Like I've been here before
And you know it makes me wonder
What's going on under the ground
Do you know?
Don't you wonder?
What's going on
Down under you
We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before
We have all been here before”

And so here we are - - The Here and Now:

I am sending Cosmic Grooves and “Posso” Waves to all Blues Everywhere - - wake up wherever you are on Sunday morning - - catch the Bluetiful Blue Rays - - close your eyes for a moment - - open them slowly - - look up - - and Feel The Blue:

“And together we will float
Into the Mystic”

Your friend - - with special Thanks for helping me to be here after all the “trials” of the past 2 years;
“And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make”

With a firm handshake - - Georgeous George.

I don't often praise the BBC, but there was a nice feature on the Breakfast show this morning about Goodison, paying tribute to Lily Barnes, a lady who worked for Everton for 43 years, leading the stadium tours before sadly passing away in 2023.

Her legacy has been continued by her Granddaughter, Elle, who was interviewed and now follows in her nan's footsteps. Hopefully, the club will allow her to carry on the good work to the Everton Stadium.

I never once thought all those years ago that I would be in 'merica for her last game. 6AM. Confession at St. Helens used to be noon Saturday and then the 30C from Crosby to Queens Drive and by 5 I was damned once more.

Enjoy Sunday George and everyone. Bless you George and your health.

The link was lovely.

In my Life. has to feature somewhere at the Dock. John would have insisted on it.

I bet your Mum had to drag you into the bathroom to wash your face.

I sat up late in my “den” playing If There Is Somethingby Roxy Music on repeat, thinking of contacting the first love of my life and drinking myself to death, whilst remembering the old days, the games, home and away, and what might have been.

Woke this morning with a massive hangover to take with me on the 5-hour drive and the disapproval of my wife, and 25-year-old son (!) for staying up late with the music on too loud…

It's going to be a momentous, life changing weekend. Half of me can't wait… the other half is dreading it.

Those way older than 30 years of age may well have witnessed the best of times. Like winning the Football League Division One title, the FA Cup,The Charity Shoeld and of course The European Cup Winners Cup. All paraded around The Grand Old Lady, celebrations with the players by the fans in the stands with such joy and happiness.

Then the Premier League arrived. And that was that. An FA Cup win in 1995.

As the new Millennium loomed, so did a shadow of darkness that would only sink its roots deep into the very sinews and fibres that once made this great old stadium rock to its foundations.

As years turned to decades, the forlorn hope that something positive would emerge was thrust upon us Blue Bloods every season. That fake golden carrot was brought out and dangled religiously, be it signings that turned catastrophic, promises bust, assurances of lies… Evertonians are believers.

And hell, why not? Evertonians know football. They love their team. They worship at their ground. But sadly the Grand Old Lady was in the hands of the black lord. And it was he who oversaw the demise and the collapse of a once great club.

As the Grand Old Lady, a theatre of blue hope stood strong against the tyrant, ensuring football, no matter how bad, would succeed until the end, no R-word on her Toffee Lips. Nothing could ruin her grandeur. Not even the evil inside.

And so the dark one passed and its collaborator fled. Yet celebrations were muted. Not because of fear, but sorrow at what Blue Bloods had witnessed and endured for over three decades.

And it seemed, her last goodbye would be from a footballing graveyard. The next rebirth being something she just couldnt contemplate. Her demolition date set, a little flame flickered from the ashes of doom. A phoenix: her reprieve. The Royal Blue shirt would still grace her turf.

Football was not gone. Just rearranged and she could cradle her grandchild with a twinkle in her blue eyes.

Goodbye Goodison. May the Ladies bring you the glory you so deserve.

It's going to be a great but very sad day, but nothing lasts forever, good or bad. What about 4-0 today, George — it's got to be surely!

Andy (72) Thought about you lately and it's no conciliation but if for some reason I couldn't have got to tomorrow's game you would have had my ticket. The man from Belfast who loved the Blues as much as any Evertonian and more than some. Take care, Andy, best wishes as usual.

I am 60 now and still remember my first time there v Birmingham City in 1985, the 4-1 win. Being 19-20 years old then, I arranged to visit England by bus from Athens (3-day trip).

Since then, I made that trip a hundred times (by plane of course). Unfortunately, I won't be there on Sunday but my heart and soul will be there with all of you.

Goodbye my Beloved.

Christos, Athens, Greece.

Such devotion from afar, well done!

I was thinking about something a week or so ago and lo and behold there's a bit on the BBC about it!

The bloody Toffee Lady !!!

All those years she went round before kick off. Then disappeared?
I never knew why?
Anyway in the article it explained they stopped her because of HSE issues!! HSE issues! Bloody unbelievable

Wouldn't it be great if we could get her to walk around just one more time, all decked up, throwing sweets into the crowd

Bloody HSE. Crazy!!

I don't go to Evertonia, a bit dull and worthy. No one will accuse you of that, you curmudgeonly fucker!!

Seriously, cheers, MK.

Gonna be very emotional tomorrow. The Old Lady will sing her head off!!

Growing up in Cork, Ireland, a trip across the Irish Sea was more of an effort than it is today. 44 years later, I remember every single detail, from sidestepping the vomit on the Dublin to Liverpool B+I ferry, to breakfast at the Aldelphi, to the black taxi and on to Goodison.

I even remember the music blaring out; Wired for Sound (Cliff Richard), Souvenir (OMD), even Hands Held In Black And White (Dollar).

I remember my brother pushing me towards Howard Kendall for an autograph and photo which he lovingly agreed to and which I cherish all these years later.

We sat in the Main Stand, a Billy Wright free-kick against Brighton giving us a 1-1 draw. I didn't make it back until 38 years later for our victory against West Ham with my 'new' family; the emotions were as strong then as they were in my teenage years.

I have always been envious of Evertonians who live in that fabulous city. I can't imagine how those of you who have had the privilege of going to the ground every two weeks and those former regular attendees who live around the globe will be feeling tomorrow. To say it will be emotional is an understatement. It is more than a stadium, it is a home.

Goodbye wonderful Goodison and thanks for being an enormous part of my life.

I'm not nervous but I'm apprehensive. I know I shouldn't be but I went into an empty Goodison, on Thursday, and it made me realise that tomorrow is going to be a lot more emotional, than anything I had ever envisaged, and probably because my focus has been on our new home for so long now.

I can't wait to get to Bramley-Moore, Dock but Goodison has got so many memories and they are all going to start flooding out from the minute I wake up early tomorrow morning.

“We Sshall Not Be Moved” will never be beaten for me, but we are moving, and when it becomes final tomorrow, I think it's going to totally overwhelm loads of us.

If not, are we going to go from Goodison to HD afterwards?

Could do with knowing, like.

It doesn’t matter if our women’s team are playing there or if it is demolished to build a supermarket, once you’ve visited The Grand Old Lady it will always be with you.

If you’ve been …. you are one of the lucky ones.
Always remember that.

George McKane, God bless.

I hope you meant that will be Michael's last live report for a Goodison match. I too don't know how he does it. I have to give myself 24 hours in the cooler before reporting.

I don't watch Granada Reports often these days, but it popped up on YouTube. Another spine tingling, heart string pulling report.

It is all really starting to hit home.

Wherever we are tomorrow. Try not to be sad blues. It's about remembering the place we all grew up with.

And let's be unified in celebrating her. I have no doubt we will be. Everton and Goodison are what have bonded to us. We can carry the baton to the Everton Stadium, but tomorrow is respecting the place that made us all the Evertonians we are.

Long gone family and friends who stood with us. Those who are still with us.

I will probably still hear my late father asking why the manager hasn't picked Alan Ball and Alex Young!!

Enjoy and embrace. It's going to be as enjoyable as it will be emotional.

I wish I could give the team talk tomorrow. I would have to borrow Howard's words. "Hear them? Are you going to let them down"?

I think even I could get through that, but I would probably break down and go to pieces!!

So the local is putting the match on.

Me, Breige, my son, my daughter and their better halves and of course the grandchildren...the next generation of Irish Toffee's are here.

If I can't be at Goodison...then I can't think of a better place to be for a send off. We were talking about driving to Killybegs [Seamus's heartland] but nobody's really going to offer to stay sober.

Enjoy Tony, Dave, Peter, Michael, Jerome Alan, Nick,Sam, Paul, Robert, Andy, Eugene, Jamie, Dale, Mike, Steven, Colin, Conor and all the other names I've misremembered.

Do you ever stay in Belfast?

My biggest [only) claim to Everton fame is that I knew Seamus Coleman was going to be signed by Everton well before it was announced. I wasn't on TW at the time.

I also knew about Shane Duffy before it was announced. Also wasn't on TW at the time.

Yet we hear nothing on ToffeeWeb. Liverpool's a much bigger village than Tony A. likes to portray it as.

A Goodison Memory

Evertonian, “real socialist”, and wonderful father.

He was very proud of Goodison when we got our floodlights and under pitch heating but I know for sure that he would be even more proud of our new home.

Greetings to all Evertonians around the world (and in the cosmos George).

Up the Blues!!!

When I think of the great teams I've seen at The Old Lady, this lot is not fit to lace their boots (and that includes Gordon Lee's lads who so often shined brightly). But I suppose that this is also a symbol and symptom of why we need to move to the river.

We need to win today/tomorrow and next weekend to match our points tally from last season.

I hope you're proud of yourself destroying England's batting one Ashes after another and you and your sledging.

So to the fortunate ones going tomorrow, make enough noise for the Grand Old Lady to remember you always in the best way!
Its the people’s club!
UTFT!

An entire world of Evertonians will be watching in a few hours. That kinship will be only part of what makes this day special.

Off to bed for me. I’m four hours behind you, so my alarm is set for 3:15 AM.

Buenos Aires, if you live there, is one of my top 6 cities where I have been lucky enough to go to. So, if you are from there Nicolas the big question, Plate or Boca?

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It's eight hours to Manc Airport DW .........

Still got a boss dry white calling from the fridge so it will be. bed at 1/7 and up at 5-45/11-45.

Please say a big hello from me to the Harlech lads - buses already laid on for next season.

DW, a favour please, could you whisper goodbye and thanks for everything to The Old Lady for/from me mate.

Don't forget to cry.

And give yourself a little pat on the back while you are at it.

When I take my 4-5 minute walk to the old lady. I sometimes forget how Jammy I am to live in her shadows.

Then I come on here and see what a monumental effort some people have to make just to be able to check in for the match. 39,000 will be there in body today. Fuck knows how many of you will be there in spirit

Meeting the lads in the 5ways pub around 8am…..jeez, that’s only 70 minutes away. No ale though, as it will be Ubers straight down to the ground. Ten pack of Moretti all chilled up in the fridge, to enjoy morning sun and welcome the team coach in for the final time. No chance of getting into any of the pubs as I reckon they will be rammed by nine, so hopefully we can get a spec by the Holy Trinity. I’m hearing upto 70K - 75K are expected around the vicinity of Goodison, so the atmosphere will be nothing short of spectacular!!

So, for the final time it’s “Come on come on get down to Goodison Park”. I’ve been watching all the YouTube videos showing all the past glories and not so glories, etc, (avoiding relegation is nothing to celebrate in my opinion), and as try as I might, trying not to shed a tear is nigh on impossible when watching some of these videos. Some of the stuff being passed around on WhatsApp is enough to make anyone weep, so god knows how we will all feel as the day goes on.

So, to The Grand Old Lady, thanks for the past fifty years, for me anyway. We’ve had ups, we’ve had downs, but you’ve taken care of us, especially in our darkest hours of the past few years, as if nursing us through illness and bringing us back to life and see us through into your new granddaughter on the Banks of the Royal Blue Mersey!

Farewell Goodison Park. 😢😢😢😢

One reason I am glad not to be there CC is that last longing thirsty love forever look at the Old Lady as the faithful put their feet on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and oh no 6th stair.

That said, I wish I was.

Cab to the station and train over into town for breakfast at 08:00 in Shiraz in Ranelagh street.

Not a clue what the plan is after that but personally I wanna get to the ground nice and early and make sure we get in handy too.

My first "date" with the old lady began on the 18th of January 1964, a one one draw with Ipswich.

Longest relationship I've ever had!

UTFT!

No more words needed.

💙💙💙💙

Great article on the BBC from Rats and Barry Horne and their memories of the Old Lady

Link

My favourite game is the Andy King Derby followed closely by being their for when we won the league in '85 and almost getting sacked for going back to work in London half a day late.

Could I also add I was impressed with Rooney yesterday, especially with the support he showed Haaland yesterday

UTFT and hope you all have a great day

No phone, tv, radio, tablet etc… incommunicado. All the best to everyone going to, or watching the game. UTFT!!

My own personal favourite goal didnt win us anything, but I can still shut my eyes and remember another derby moment under the lights. A few snide Kopites had infiltrated the TB and were getting more and more obnoxious as the final whistle rapidly approached.

Time stood still as AVM's cross landed at Dan Gosling's feet. Goodison held its breath. A little Ali shuffle.. And then the sight of the ball nestling just inside the far post.

The place just exploded. I really thought the TB was going to collapse that night Didnt give a fuck

A large Efes and maybe a raki or two. For me it all started with a four nil home defeat to Wednesday, late summer '61. And so the curtain falls.

Odd feeling overall and expressed better by others than me !

My first game was 3 - 0 v Norwich in 1977 then getting a father and son ticket in the lower Bullens.

Today, going with my dad who I think first went in 1952 v Swansea 0 - 0

Favourite games

Andy King 1-0 v Liverpool
Bayern Munich of course
Rooney 1-0 v Arsenal
3-2 Palace
And the last 2 home games v Liverpool …

COYB and I hope everyone has a good and memorable day

I’ll be watching my daughter in a football tourney thinking of all the great moments I spent at Goodison.

Enjoy

UTFT

Have good day blues.

The remainder of my 37 years as an Evertonian, I have experienced Goodison through the description of friends and members of the ToffeeWeb family. Although I would have loved to experience another matchday in person - physical distance, work schedules and financial limitations have gotten in the way. I have no regrets yo be honest as I have still experienced the ups and downs like any other fan. There have been many days(and nights) where I've sat with tears in my eyes and wondered how much more of it my heart could take.

I have been feeling very emotional leading up to this and it's gone up a few levels over the last couple of days. Been watching YouTube videos of former players and fans and that has opened up the flood gates. Have adjusted my schedules so that I am free to watch the match at home with my family.

To all the members of my Everton family - those attending in person and those, like me who are there in spirit, let us remember how privileged we are to be a part of this. The tears will flow but we all know that we will carry the same feelings with us when we relocate for next season. Nobody can take away what lies in our hearts - a deep and powerful love for our beloved club. God bless you all!

I longed to visit the special place that my father and grandfather told me about but because I was a sickly child, who had missed school through a conspiracy of life-threatening illnesses, my mother dismissed my pleas and prayers. Most likely she just wanted me to have a happy childhood. Eventually, in 1957, my father was allowed to take me to Mama Blue – his nickname for Goodison Park. I caught my first glimpse of her as we crossed Stanley Park and felt like the luckiest boy in the world. I didn't have to enter the stadium to know it was where I wanted to watch my football.

Goodison resembled a temple of worship, pilgrimage and culture adorned with religious symbols. Outside, men carrying placards proclaiming ‘The Lord is My Saviour' and nuns armed with collection boxes provided a guard of honour at the turnstiles. The floodlight pylons as well as the roofs of St Luke's church pierced the heavens. Inside, Archibald Leitch's balconies trapped the devotion pulsating from the massive terraces below. Instead of incense there was the fragrance of Brylcreem, Higsons and Woodbines. And of course, there was the deafening noise from the congregation – no hymn singing, just community swearing and roaring synchronized with the action in the 3-3 draw with the Busby Babes.

As for my baptism? It occurred shortly before 6.15pm when I was hoisted onto a milk crate located near the perimeter wall. With the air full of unwavering faith, my father claimed that Goodison was the most evocative place on earth.

My parents were Methodist-strict yet encouraged independence and adventure. Therefore I was allowed to journey to Walton by myself at age 11. Or so they thought. In truth, I had returned 12 months earlier after I heard Mama Blue calling my name. Wrapped in my hand-knitted scarf and clutching my football money acquired by running errands for lazy neighbours, I caught the train to Liverpool. But not knowing how to get to Walton, I wandered outside Central Station until I spotted two early-birds wearing Everton colours who adopted me. Throughout the bus ride to Spellow Lane, they assured me that, given the newly-arrived financial clout of John Moores, it was a great time to be an Evertonian.

Though the vast stadium was near empty, I was enthralled by the voices of other early-birds echoing around the double-decker structures and then bedazzled by the relentless waves of fans flooding the terraces. Once the game against Tottenham kicked off, supporters leant on those in front of them causing human cascades down the terraces. Long before the game ended in a 2-1 victory I had tumbled head over heels in love with Everton.

Though irregular and tired, Mama Blue oozes character and, like every other cathedral, has God in her corner. But my most vivid memories are the camaraderie, kindness and special bonds she cultivates between Blues. For 66 match-going seasons, as an illiterate schoolboy, apprentice gas fitter, scientific researcher and international business executive, she has provided an uncommon sense of belonging albeit in the Boys' Pen or Directors' Box and confirmed that Evertonians radiate collective warmth that puts more conventional families to shame.

To date, I have lived in 23 houses but have had just one enduring home. Goodison has been a constant throughout my life. While I‘m saddened to leave her, I believe that we are at the threshold of an exciting era at the waterfront.

That said, the Grand Old Lady will live forever in my heart.

About to head off. My plan is to walk the route of my first ever match at Goodison Park. From my Grandma’s old house on Stuart Road in Walton, down County Road.

Hard to imagine that it’s for the very last time.

To all you blues out there, thanks for being part of my ‘family’ and for shared experiences like this.

Been going since the 60s so it's going to be strange knowing we won't ever be going back there.

That said I go past the place everyday on my way to work so I'll still keep an eye on her.

I know a lot on here reference the Munich game as the greatest ever and it was unbelievable, the game that done it for me was when we walloped United 5 0, I just thought yes this is what supporting us is going to be like for the rest of my life, incredible then went and beat them away a few days later up there in the league cup.

How was I to know what was around the corner, as Michael pointed out about the despicable act of our neighbours, an act that vile club has airbrushed from their history.

Anyway on to today I'm going for a comfortable win but my dream would be for us to get a late penalty and Pickford rams it home, one can dream can't one.

UTFT.

I'm leaving at 10:15 am ready to meet the crowded Bullens Road and having a struggle to get in but then enjoy the rest of the day, pubs have been advertising they are open from 9:00am til late tonight or tomorrow morning — it will be one long street party — wish I was young enough to last the pace but I'll do my best.

My brother bought me a programme – it cost one penny! Wonderful memories ever since including the sad times in the 1940s and 1950s. Here's hoping for a resounding victory today to end the use of this memorable ground.

Up early to get ready. Thought it would be a good idea to have a decent breakfast — who knows when I'll get home! — but could only get halfway
through it.

Waiting for my passenger to arrive, checking out of the window every minute… but there were still 20 minutes before they are due!

Still 4 hours to kick-off so lots of emotion still to go through, and I'm not sure how I'll feel by 2:00 pm this afternoon when the final whistle blows.

The one thing I can guarantee are a lifetime's memories and emotions I can recall. Seeing great players and teams, title wins, relegation fights (too many) and great cup nights.

I hope a young 5-year-old at today's game gets those experiences over the next 60 years at BMD

You will feel the excitement once more, the thrill of pride and the taking back of the city!

I asked him "How are you getting them in?"

He said, "I'll let them go; I'll stay outside."

Me and Sonny took off on him. Sonny said "You can have my ticket, you're not staying outside!"

I said, "They'll have to toss up whose going — you're not missing this game; The loser can go to the first game at Bramley-Moore Dock."

He's just gone — I hope he does the right thing… there”s loving your kids, I know, but only so bleedin' far!

BBC breakfast just showed an interview with Big Joe, and fantastic article on BBC website.

C'mon Everton let's win in style today!

I have been thinking alot lately about what it must have been like to grow up under her presence, to engage in the rituals every other Saturday...the experience of which was determined by the era and zeitgeist I guess but the passion of the fans remained a constant.

I feel the emotion of every one of you today from reading this thread and I wish I could be there. I feel emotional myself but can't begin to imagine what its like for those of you who have been going since you were little. Carrying the weight of expectations from your parents and grandparents with you.

There is no result other than victory today and it will be the crowd who ensure it. COYB.

I have a Goodison Park street sign. Can't remember where I got it from. Like Brendan, I have only been there a handful of times, but they were special occasions for me, though Everton did not play that well.

I attended more away games where they did look more the part. My last view of Goodison was on a wet Monday when I managed to detour my Daughter away from Southport on the way back to college in Lancaster. I must say it didn't look as good as I previously remembered.

I intended to get back. Even have a flight ticket I keep having to rebook to keep it active. I have had a busy five years, so was not able to use it, unfortunately.

I'm up from Cardiff yesterday staying with rellies in Aintree. It's packed at L4 already.

Gonna start walking down Melling Road after this message. We won't meet, we won't know if we got in each other's way. But we (all) are kindred spirits.

I'm going to enjoy the street life today. Hope we all do. Up the Toffees.

Three points should secure 13th spot, and a finish above United and Spurs. If not common knowledge TNT Sports 1 are doing a programme from 10:45 (Finch Farm) then the build up at Goodison from 11:00 till the final whistle, then a switch to TNT Sports 7 will cover the after-match celebrations and interviews. All the best to all the Blue Family, far and wide, and near too!

The one game which stands out for me is the game against Man.Utd, we were 3-0 down at half time. Pulled it back to 3-3 and United won it in injury time. A rollercoaster of a game and the weather that afternoon brought patches of sunshine along with a downpour of rail, moderate winds, some hail. It was all seasonal climate wrapped in one.

I suppose for me it captures the highs and lows over the last 40 years supporting this club. Today will be a tough watch and exceptionally emotional but we'll move on to brighter times.

I seriously considered making the 700-mile round-trip to feel the atmosphere (no chance of a ticket) but plans did not allow for that so I will be watching from afar.

Not forgetting, of course, there is a match to be won today (Southampton must be feeling somewhat honoured) and just as an aside – I'm a little surprised we don't have a live forum up yet on this historic day.

I wonder if David Moyes will mention to the players that the team is playing for £6.2M for the club? If we win, it would need Wolves and West Ham to win both their remaining games, with us losing at Newcastle, to drop us to 14th or 15th. Unlikely?

Enjoy the day, folks and remember we are all in the Grand Old Lady's family. Can't be there in person but George McKane has me floating since his piece yesterday.

Let's hope today give everyone a story to pass on to our next generations of fans.

Everyone in the stadium apparently getting a commemorative scarf, placed on their seats. Nice touch!

Things will never be the same again. You can see that Moyes doesn't want to leave. He knows we're making a disastrous mistake, but what can you do.
We'd better savour today, Everton will never play another home match.