As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, fans are reflecting on 133 years of memories created within the beloved stadium.
The iconic ground, nestled in Walton, has long been more than just a sports venue; it has been the beating heart of the community, uniting locals and fans alike.
On the horizon is the final match against Manchester City, marking the end of an era for both the club and the city.
A Community Tied to Goodison Park
Dave Parker, an Evertonian whose home sits just a stone’s throw from the ground, has seen firsthand how Goodison Park has shaped the lives of fans and locals.
Standing outside his house on Gwladys Street, Dave takes a moment to appreciate the view: the Holy Trinity statue of Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey, and Alan Ball gleaming in the sunlight, and the portrait of Kendall on the stand named after him.
For Dave, it’s a bittersweet farewell, as he recalls the electric matchday atmosphere that has been part of his life for 34 years.
“I get a shiver down my spine just thinking this is all coming to an end,” he shares.
The sense of community here runs deep, with regular fans gathering in front of his house, sharing cups of tea, chips, and stories.
It’s these simple moments—like the young fans who ruffle his grandson’s hair—that Dave will miss most as Goodison Park closes its doors.
Memories from the Stands: A Legacy of Everton’s Fans
Dave Fehily, a local with deep roots in Everton’s history, shares his own stories from Goodison Park.
His first match in 1968, an FA Cup game against Tranmere, marked the beginning of his lifelong connection to the club.
As a young boy, Fehily had a special connection with the area, often visiting his uncle, who lived near the stadium.
These memories, from watching games on Gwladys Street to running to the nearest phone box to demand answers from the club’s manager, are ingrained in the fabric of his identity as an Everton fan.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken to be leaving here,” Fehily admits, reflecting on the emotional weight of leaving a place that has meant so much to him and countless other fans.
For him, Goodison Park isn’t just a football ground—it’s like leaving a family member behind.
The Local Landmarks: St. Luke’s Church and Community Ties
As Everton moves on, some local landmarks will remain constant, such as St. Luke’s Church, a stronghold of community spirit.
This church, situated between the Gwladys Street and Main Stand, has long been a gathering place for Evertonians.
For many fans, it was a place of refuge and camaraderie on matchdays.
Lynn Davidson, the church’s current rector, acknowledges the deep emotions surrounding the club’s move but emphasizes the church’s role in continuing to support the local community, especially as this chapter comes to a close.
The church’s connection to Everton is undeniable, with fans regularly visiting before and after games, and the church hall providing a matchday refuge.
Even the late rector, Harry Ross, humorously reminisced about the fans who climbed the church roof for a better view of the action.
Everton’s Legacy in the Local Youth Community
The connection between Everton and the local community extends beyond matchdays.
The Shewsy, a youth center founded in 1903, plays a vital role in supporting the youth of Everton.
Many fans, including current players and volunteers, have ties to this center.
Adam Byrne, a lifelong Everton fan, recalls the importance of the Shewsy in his own upbringing. “It’s a place where you felt safe, where you get listened to,” he says.
The center has long been a part of Everton’s legacy, offering both support and footballing opportunities to the young people of the area.
The New Era: Everton’s Move to Bramley-Moore Dock
As Goodison Park fades into history, Everton’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock represents a bold new future.
Adam Byrne, a local who has deep family connections to the dock, expresses pride in the club’s progress.
“I come from a docker’s family,” he says, referring to the generations that have worked at the dock.
“It’s a nice connection for me.”
From the new stadium’s location, fans can already see the promise of the future, with its sleek design standing tall in the city’s skyline. The £800 million project at Bramley-Moore Dock will provide a state-of-the-art facility for fans, but the memories and community spirit of Goodison Park will remain forever etched in their hearts.
Saying Goodbye to a Local Tradition
Matchdays at Goodison are a sensory experience, and this season, fans are soaking it all in as they prepare for the final goodbyes.
The smell of burgers and chips, the sounds of banter and football songs filling the streets, and the sight of kids playing football before the match—all of these moments will soon be a part of history.
For longtime locals like Tony Murray, who has run a food van near Goodison for decades, the change represents both nostalgia and uncertainty.
He reflects on his long history with Everton, having served food during some of the most memorable games, including a 4-0 win against Newcastle in 1988.
The Future of Everton Fans and Businesses
As Everton moves into its new stadium, local businesses like The Winslow pub face an uncertain future.
Dave Bond, the pub’s licensee, worries about the impact of the move on his business, especially since the pub has been a gathering place for fans on matchdays.
He hopes to continue supporting the Everton community, possibly by running shuttle buses to the new stadium.
For businesses like Dave’s, the move brings both hope and anxiety as they adjust to the club’s new chapter.
Full Circle: Everton’s Legacy Lives On
For ex-Everton defender Michael Ball, the connection to Goodison Park is deeply personal.
Having been born just streets away, his relationship with the club spans decades. “Every time I see Goodison I get a nice feeling,” he says.
“It’s our home.” As Ball reflects on the club’s move to a new stadium, he feels a sense of pride in Everton’s continued legacy, knowing that, though Goodison is closing its doors, the club’s spirit and family-like atmosphere will live on.
Conclusion: A Heartfelt Farewell to Goodison Park
Goodison Park has been more than just a football ground—it has been the soul of Everton Football Club and the heartbeat of its community.
As the club prepares to move to its new home, the emotions are running high.
The memories of generations of fans, from Dave Parker to Michael Ball, will live on in the stories they share, the moments they cherish, and the legacy of Goodison Park that will never be forgotten.
The journey may be ending here, but the Everton spirit is far from over.