This Sunday marks the end of an era as Everton prepares to play their final game ever at Goodison Park.
It’s a moment charged with emotion, nostalgia, and memories — especially for those like Alan Stubbs, a true Everton legend who has lived and breathed the club all his life.
From Childhood Dreams to Captaincy
Alan Stubbs wasn’t just a fan watching from the stands as a kid; he grew up dreaming of playing for Everton.
As a boy, he stood on crates at the Gwladys Street End, trying to catch a glimpse of the action.
Years later, he made that dream a reality, captaining the very team he adored.
A Special Day on the Pitch with Family
Last Friday, I got to see something special. The 54-year-old Stubbs came out of retirement to play once again on Goodison’s famous turf — but this time, it was in a fun company game alongside his son Sam.
Seeing him last 80 minutes and still chatting pitch-side afterwards was a testament to his enduring love for the club.
Everton and Liverpool: Friendly Rivalry with Fierce Memories
Though I’m a Liverpool fan, I’m proud to have shared moments on this iconic ground.
Alan and I reminisced about the 2003 Merseyside derby where I scored a “spectacular” winner.
He recalled Michael Owen’s first goal that day, which ended a long-standing scoring drought against Everton — and Owen teasing him afterward for doubting his ability.
Growing Up Everton in the Glory Days
Stubbs’s memories stretch back to 1980, when as an eight-year-old he first attended Goodison.
He remembers the crates on the wall for kids and the electrifying atmosphere of winning trophies, with heroes like Peter Reid and Graeme Sharp lighting up the pitch.
The epic semi-final against Bayern Munich in the Cup Winners’ Cup was a moment that still lifts him when he talks about it.
The Odd Feeling of Playing Against Your Childhood Team
Interestingly, Stubbs’s first Goodison appearance was not as an Everton player but wearing a Bolton Wanderers shirt — and he even scored! That was a strange experience, knowing his family in the stands wanted him to do well but more importantly, wanted Everton to win.
Returning to Everton and Making History
When Stubbs finally donned the Everton shirt in 2001 after signing from Celtic, it marked the beginning of seven important years as a central defender, helping the club rise from relegation battles to European competition.
He remembers the team celebrating a fourth-place finish in 2005 with champagne at Albert Dock — a night that still brings a smile.
Watching Legends Rise on Goodison Turf
Stubbs witnessed some of Everton’s greatest moments, including Wayne Rooney’s iconic goal against Arsenal.
He shared how David Moyes tasked him with keeping the young Rooney grounded — a job that didn’t quite go to plan when Rooney ended up out partying while Stubbs was put to bed instead!
The Changing Nature of the Merseyside Derby
Goodison Park was once famous for its intimidating atmosphere.
My former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier preached discipline to keep calm on derby day, knowing Everton might lose their heads first.
Stubbs believes the rivalry has evolved with fewer local players but an even fiercer fan rivalry, admitting it’s drifted away from the “friendly derby” spirit he first experienced in 1991.
Looking Ahead to Everton’s New Home
Everton’s move to a new stadium is filled with hope.
Stubbs has seen the new ground and is optimistic about the atmosphere it will create.
He compares it to moving into a new house — impressive but needing character, something only fans and players can build over time.
The Future of Everton and Its Young Talents
Stubbs is realistic about Everton’s challenges ahead, from financial pressures to the need for homegrown stars.
He highlights Jarrad Branthwaite as a key player they cannot afford to lose and praises Harrison Armstrong’s loan success while acknowledging the academy isn’t producing prospects like it once did.
A Bittersweet Final Farewell
Sunday’s game will bring together Everton greats like Bob Latchford, Peter Reid, Graeme Sharp, and Wayne Rooney.
Alan Stubbs will also be working the radio commentary, knowing this final farewell to Goodison will be emotional — and he’s not afraid to admit there might be a tear or two.
Closing One Chapter, Starting Another
As the gates close on Goodison Park for the last time, there’s a mixture of sadness and excitement in the air.
Stubbs sums it up best: it’s an end of an era but also a hopeful start to Everton’s next chapter.
For now, the memories live on — and the future awaits.