Michael Ball tackles the big issues at Hill Dickinson Stadium following Everton's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest
Fans outside the Winslow Hotel prior to Everton's final match at Goodison Park against Southampton on May 18, 2025
Fans outside the Winslow Hotel prior to Everton's final match at Goodison Park against Southampton on May 18, 2025
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The news that the Winslow Hotel is closing hit me hard after the positives of Everton’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, there was an air of inevitability about it following the team’s move from Goodison Park as the pubs in the surrounding area probably would suffer and it would be difficult with business.
Everyone has been finding their new ways and matchday routines going to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
New habits are bedding in and while they’ve tried to keep it going as best as they could, as the manager Dave Bond has said, the time has come to close the doors.
I’ve got memories there from when I was a very small child, being around those streets and in there from just three, four, five years old, going as a family after every game and then I’ve taken my own son in the last few years.
I know they’re going to hold a farewell event next month so if anyone wants to say their goodbyes then they should probably get some tickets as I’m sure it will be one hell of a party.
As a venue, it’s seen good times and bad, but what they’ve always do generate is an atmosphere and community of everyone together.
There’s a video of my granddad getting interviewed about the performances back there on the Everton history, and a lot of fond memories for myself and my family over several generations, including standing outside there, sticking the heads out of the window and singing to the players, when we won the league in 1987.
I wish Dave and everyone involved all the best for the future.
I’m sure the farewell party will be an absolute banger.
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