Everton

Mike Hughes
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

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That day is almost upon us. The day that Everton fans have dreaded. The day that always seemed a long way off is very much part of the here and now.

Sunday's Premier League match with Southampton is "The Last Dance" at Goodison as far as the men's senior team is concerned, and for the almost 40,000 fans who have been fortunate enough to get tickets for the match, it is going to be an incredibly emotional occasion.

Goodison is the place where the footballing focus of Evertonians has been centred for their whole lives. It is the place they were taken for the first time, either by a family member or friend. It is where they first became captivated by the lush green turf, the clatter of those old wooden seats and the spine-tingling cacophony that greets the players as they come out of the tunnel and onto the pitch on match days.

The 'Z Cars' theme music that has been part of the pre-match ritual at Goodison since the 1960s has become an iconic emblem for all Everton fans. At 11:55 on Sunday, on hearing the staccato drum beats at the beginning of the piece, will lead to a super-charged welcome from the fans that will probably on the Richter scale.

Football is nothing if it is not about the memories; of your favourite match, the players you adored and of those magical moments that are indelibly marked in the minds of those who saw them. For Everton fans there has been a whole raft of idols to worship down the years, from the days of Dixie Dean all the way through to the modern generation of players that now wear the royal blue jersey with pride.

Opinions will vary as to who are the finest teams to grace Goodison Park, and will largely be dependent on what era you belong to. The fan base may have been starved of silverware for 30 years, but it has not altered the pride and the ion they have for their team.

The halcyon days of the Ball, Harvey and Kendall-inspired team that won the title in 1969-70, or of the all-conquering side from the mid-1980s, seems an awful long way off. But football is also about dreams and with David Moyes back at the managerial helm, the future looks much brighter that it has done for years.

The fulfilment of those dreams will not come at Goodison, with the team moving lock, stock and barrel to a brand new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. Nevertheless the stadium stands at the very core of all that is good about Everton. It might not be their first stadium, but it is the place they have called home for the past 133 years and home is where the heart is.

Moyes told his players after the 3-1 win at Fulham that this match with Southampton is Everton's most important game of the season. He wants to give the fans some moments to as the team say their final farewells to Goodison. Those privileged enough to be there will the day for the rest of their lives.

Saying goodbye to someone you will never see again is heartbreaking. But unfortunately it is the price you pay for love.

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Earlier we gave you a few Goodison Park teasers.

We've put the answers below and hope you enjoyed taking them on.

Can you name the three managers to have taken charge of the most Everton games at Goodison Park?

1. Thomas McIntosh (359 matches)

2. Harry Catterick (295)

3. William Cuff (287)

Which opposition manager achieved the most wins at the stadium?

Sir Alex Ferguson (17)

Which club have Everton beaten more than any other at Goodison Park?

1. Sunderland (60 times)

2. Newcastle (51 times)

3. Aston Villa (49 times)

Who were the Toffees' first opponents at Goodison Park in 1892?

Nottingham Forest in a 2-2 draw

Across all competitions, have Everton lost more games or drawn more games at the stadium?

Won 1,537

Lost 591

Drawn 660

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For the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.

The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.

Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.

When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.

It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.

I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.

I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

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Everton fan and former boxing world champion Tony Bellew says Goodison Park is "the most special place to me in the whole world" as the men's team prepare to say goodbye to the stadium on Sunday.

Bellew had the unique experience of winning the WBC cruiserweight title at the home of his childhood club in May 2016.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, the 42-year-old said: "This club is my life. I love Everton Football Club with all that I have got.

"After my family, this the second-most important thing in my life. It is more important than boxing to me - it is everything. It is what I have been raised on. I love what our club stands for. If I hadn't won that night, I would have never come back to Goodison Park and it would have been the worst night of my life.

"I'm the only person in history to ever win a world title at Goodison Park. The main event, the dream scenario, the dream stage and thankfully I got the job done. I did get knocked down heavily in the first round and got my nose broken on the way to it, but I got up and wreaked havoc just like Everton do.

"It is everything I dreamed of as a kid. When I came into this place, I realised my dreams. This was my lifelong dream to fight for a world title at Goodison Park. I wasn't good enough to play for Everton football club but I was good enough to win that world title here.

"This is my home away from home. This place is the most special place to me in the whole world. This club means more to me than I could possibly put into words."

Listen to more on the Goodbye to Goodison podcast on BBC Sounds

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We have collated a few Goodison Park teasers for you to try out.

The questions focus on all competitions at the famous stadium.

• Can you name the three managers to have taken charge of the most Everton games at Goodison Park?

• Which club have Everton beaten more than any other at Goodison Park?

• Who were the Toffees' first opponents at Goodison Park in 1892?

• Across all competitions, have Everton lost more games or drawn more games at the stadium?

• Which opposition manager achieved the most wins at the stadium?

Call back to this page later on Wednesday to see if you got the right answers.

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We asked for your views on Everton's decision to relocate their women's team to Goodison Park, saving the stadium for football use moving forward.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: Fantastic news - shows real vision and understanding. Well done to The Friedkin Group!

Anton: Wonderful news, absolutely wonderful! Goodison Park couldn't be anything other than a football stadium. This news is music to my ears. Hopefully now we'll have a men's team and a women's team to be proud of, challenging at the right end of the table and for cups. Thank you to The Friedkin Group for being so decisive and so quickly too. Goodness gracious, is the future of Everton Football Club really going to be rosy?

Graham: Is it financially viable? One of the reasons for Everton seeking a new ground was the cost of keeping Goodison safe for spectators. The women play 11 home league games a season and the revenue from those minus the cost of opening and policing the stadium will not see much cash in the coffers. If Friedman is prepared to subsidise the women at Goodison, all well and good but it won't be self-financing.

Steve: I think this is a good decision and totally logical. The legacy will continue within the club as a whole. There is too much history and tradition to just remove the ground and delete it from the memories of so many Evertonians. Long live our club... long live Goodison Park. Let the history continue.

Macca: I've watched Everton since 1963, I am a season ticket holder, and Goodison Park holds lots of golden memories for me. But the original plan was to build community-based buildings with a central park, gardens culminating with a central area to mark the kick-off spot. This would have benefited the local area, shops, tourism, the local businesses, and local communities. That being said, the actual viewing and seating inside the stadium is dreadful - it's outdated. With poor facilities for fans, I'm surprised by the change of plans to continue to use the stadium.

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Everton says the relocation of its women's team to Goodison Park "addresses Everton Women's rapid growth and need for a larger, more suitable venue than Walton Hall Park".

The men's side will play their final competitive game at the stadium, which has been their home since 1892, on Sunday.

They will move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock ground in time for the start of next season, which is also when Everton Women will relocate to Goodison.

The decision comes after an in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project by The Friedkin Group following their takeover of the club in December.

The project was launched in 2020 to define the future of Goodison and, after an in-depth review, The Friedkin Group have decided that "football must be kept at the heart of Everton's community".

It has also been confirmed that Goodison, in addition to the women's matches, will stage selected academy games and expand Everton in the Community's L4 campus.

Newly-appointed Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear said: "We know how treasured Goodison is, not only to every Evertonian, but to the game itself, and being able to keep such an iconic stadium at the heart of the legacy project is something that has been incredibly important to us.

"From next season, we are proud to say our women will have an unrivalled permanent home in the WSL - another statement of intent as we look to build the foundations that will help us challenge for trophies."

Dave Kelly, chair of the Everton Fan Advisory Board, added: "Goodison Park holds the most special place in the hearts of all Evertonians. It has been a glorious home for the men's team since 1892, and for it now to be transformed into a home for Everton Women is something I know many if not every Blue will ."

What do you think about the decision?

Let us know

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Former Everton forward Duncan Ferguson has been reflecting on some of his favourite memories of Goodison Park as the final game at the stadium nears.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside about some of his most memorable goals, the Scot said: "I've got favourites and most of them are against Liverpool!

"The first one sticks in mind because there is a story to it as well - it was my first goal, we beat Liverpool, they are top of the league and we are bottom of the league. I've just come in and it's big Joe's [Royle] first game and we have just beaten Liverpool 2-0 - you couldn't have made it up really. It was a crazy 24 hours for me and I think that then gets the fans on board with you."

On another fond memory, Ferguson said: "I don't think we had beat Manchester United for 10 years. I had scored the winner and took my shirt off and run across the pitch. Then, 10 years later at the same end, I got a header again and that was my last big goal for Everton. That put us in the Champions League then.

"That was an incredible atmosphere that night at Everton, I have not experienced an atmosphere like that - when that went in, the stadium was shaking."

Reflecting on how he will feel seeing the club leave their famous home ground, Ferguson said: "It is sad. It will probably hit home a lot more as we get to the last game. A lot of memories are on that pitch. People walking to the game with their families, their mums, their dads, their sisters, their brothers, some that are no longer with us.

"The fans will those moments with their families going to the game, and I think about that, I think about them. Coming to the house, walking to the game with their kids - it's sad, very sad indeed. I am sure there will be plenty of tears spilt on Goodison Park again."

Listen to the Goodbye to Goodison episode on BBC Sounds

Hear Ferguson's full chat with Phil Munns

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BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope believes Everton are bringing in "huge amounts of experience" with the arrival of Angus Kinnear as the club's new chief executive.

Everton confirmed on Monday that Kinnear had taken up his new role, having departed Leeds United.

"I think it's a loss for Leeds and a real positive for Everton," Pope said. "Angus has got massive experience at top-flight football, having been at West Ham and Arsenal in particular and also with the FA prior to that, too.

"He's certainly been a part of major negotiations and some pretty critical stuff that's gone on at those two other Premier League clubs.

"[He has] a huge amount of experience and he leaves with a legacy of having led Leeds United back into the Premier League.

"One thing that you might not credit him for, but he was involved in, it would be recruitment, and his knowledge and s and getting things done. I think he will be very useful and very helpful."

Listen on BBC Sounds

Mike Richards
Fan writer

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David Moyes was eager to point out how close he was to making numerous changes at half time against Fulham, before a highly fortuitous equaliser from Vitaliy Mykolenko changed his thinking.

Such has been the pattern of performances lately, Everton have struggled to string two decent halves of football together, with Ipswich last weekend a prime example.

It maybe should have been expected that a different Everton would emerge for the second half at Craven Cottage and that is precisely what materialised.

It was refreshing to see. With safety assured many weeks ago, squad mentality is always a concern when there is very little riding on a match.

To the delight of the few thousand boisterous travelling Evertonians, the players were terrific in the second half.

It felt imperative that we could take some kind of positivity into what will be an incredibly emotional day on Sunday at Goodison Park.

I had not allowed myself much thinking time about leaving our home until just a few weeks ago.

Whether it be because of our seemingly constant struggles or simply because I have not wanted to, it is now impossible to ignore.

The enormity of the day, what it means and the thought of matchday routines never being the same again, is somewhat overwhelming.

The move away from Goodison Park is potentially the most monumental event that our club will ever go through.

Leaving behind a home steeped in history, memories and dreams, should not be taken lightly, but signifies a much-welcomed brave new dawn for our club.

I, like many, will be in and around the ground in time to enjoy breakfast and make the most of a day that you simply cannot put a price on.

There will not be a dry eye in the house.

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external

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"Every corner of Goodison has a story to tell."

That is what Everton tours and commercial events manager Elle Barnes-Reen told BBC Radio Merseyside as part of a special podcast that goes on one last tour of Goodison Park with Barnes-Reen's grandmother and legendary club tour guide Lily Barnes, who ed away in 2023.

"We're educating everybody through the history of Everton but when you look back through the older generations like my nan, they lived it so they are just pulling it through," she said.

"She's used to telling stories of how she met Dixie Dean and she didn't know how big and fantastic his Everton record would be. You just don't realise what effect that has continuing that journey and teaching new generations of Evertonians and football fans the history that we have got here.

"It is so important and what she had a true ion about.

"Every corner of Goodison has a story to tell. Nothing will ever get boring, nothing will ever be the same and it is nothing I will ever take for granted. It is just breathtaking and spectacular every time.

"It brings back so many emotional memories for me and it will do for everyone else. I sometimes sit there and think no-one understand what Goodison means to me, but actually everyone does understand what it means, just in their own personal way. They might not understand my story but their story will be just as important to them."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

On BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Everton winger Theo Walcott discussed his experiences with former chairman Bill Kenwright:

"He was very different because I he always used to take his time and phone you. It would be on a Sunday evening and you'd get a phone call and he'd just want to check in and see how the family is or how your week is looking.

"It was a bit more personal and he actually wanted to know the player differently, away from the football. I think that side of it helps with players feeling good about themselves, going into it knowing that someone cares about something other than just their playing ability."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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As the final game at Everton's famous Goodison Park nears, BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould is taken on one last tour of the ground by the late Toffees' tour guide Lily Barnes.

The podcast also hears from Barnes' granddaughter Elle Barnes, who worked with her at Goodison.

Through the episode, you will be taken through the key areas of the stadium and the famous facts behind it.

Listen to the full audio on BBC Sounds

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Everton have confirmed the appointment of Angus Kinnear as the club's chief executive officer.

Kinnear has served as Leeds United's CEO since 2017 and has previously held positions at Arsenal and West Ham.

"It is a tremendous honour to be ing Everton as chief executive officer," Kinnear said in a club statement.

"I am excited to work with my colleagues at the club, our partners, and our fans as we strive together to deliver a successful and sustainable future for Everton, both on and off the pitch."

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Richard: Yet another well-below par performance. A disappointing end to the season. Fulham very much in need of an established striker.

Brian: Dire! The whole season is collapsing after such a bright beginning and middle. Marco Silva will be off and we may see an exodus of our best players. The board should address these issues now as next season will be difficult.

Rob: So frustrating. Superb for first 30 minutes, but yet again we failed to score the second and third. After that, awful. Are the players on a bonus not to qualify for Europe? Silva won't hang around with these performances.

James: Very disappointing result. We dominated the first half and lost all control in the second. This is a massive dent to our European hopes.

Everton fans

Ian: What a difference the subs made! The score doesn't reflect the game too closely - Fulham were the better side most of the game - but the subs made all of the difference

Dave: Down 1-0 away was once a definite loss. Now we seem to have turned a corner.

Gary: With nothing to play for but contracts, this was never going to be a classic. I'd like to congratulate the referee for being strong enough to stay with his original decision over the penalty. Something you don't see very often.

Anton: I'm still trying to get my head around how we won that. Horrifically awful for the majority of first half, yet somehow we went in all square. Then nicked a couple of goals when Fulham ran out of belief and steam. I suppose credit should be offered for winning such a match, and clearly Moyes is manager of the meason but there are far too many technically sub-standard players in the squad. No control, can't , can't beat a man. We've 15 players potentially leaving in the summer and we keep hearing how we can't go changing that many in one fell swoop. News flash, we should.

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Everton manager David Moyes speaking to BBC Sport after the 3-1 victory over Fulham: "It didn't look [like it would go] that way after the first 20, 25 minutes. I thought we were terrible on the ball but we stuck at it. We are a resilient crew and the players did a good job in the end.

"Michael Keane was terrific today, he was a proper centre-half. Keane scored a really good header, it was a really good goal."

On Beto's development: "He's done great, he's improving. If he was a 19-year-old striker you'd say he's got a bit to go, he's not but he's certainly improving. Let's hope he can get goals in the remaining games.

"I have been pleased [with performances away from home]. It was a worry for me how this game would go [missing key players] but great credit to the players, we hung in a little bit but certainly improved in the second half."

On referee Darren England standing by his decision not to award Fulham a penalty after being sent to the pitch side monitor: "I clapped him. I would have had a Mexican wave. I saw it on the ipad and I saw the boy was running so I don't know where you'd expect his hands to be. Isn't it great we have someone who is willing to go to the screen and stick with his decision? We want referees to go by their own decision, and from what I've seen the correct decision."

On next week's final game at Goodison Park: "I have just said to the players we have the biggest game of the season next week, and we are all ready for it."

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Everton came from a goal down to beat Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage ahead of the Toffees' farewell game at Goodison Park.

Striker Beto and defender Michael Keane found the back of the net within three minutes of one another in the second half to give the Toffees their second win in 11 Premier League matches.

Fulham had taken the lead through Raul Jimenez's header, only for Vitalii Mykolenko to equalise on the cusp of half-time with a deflected effort.

Having been below-par in the opening 45 minutes, Everton improved considerably in the second half and took the lead 18 minutes from time when Keane headed in Dwight McNeil's corner.

The Toffees found a third just 22 seconds after the restart when Leno allowed Beto's tame effort to squirm under his palm, helping the striker to his eighth league goal of the campaign.

It was perfect preparation for next week's Goodison Park farewell, when the Toffees take on Southampton.

"I have just said to the players we have the biggest game of the season next week, and we are all ready for it," said Moyes after the victory in London.

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Through Vitalii Mykolenko (1-1) and Beto (3-1), Everton scored two goals from outside the box in a single Premier League away game for the first time since December 2018 at Burnley (Lucas Digne scoring both from range).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Everton's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies