Everton face Southampton on Sunday afternoon, which will be the final game at Goodison Park before moving to the new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.
There likely won’t be a dry eye in the stadium, as Everton bid farewell to their home of 133 years, dating back to 1892.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho are among many to share their love for Goodison Park, whilst Carlo Ancelotti also admitted he’s sad the Toffees are leaving.
“It’s a historic stadium,” Ancelotti told Sky Sports. “I get a little bit sad when Goodison closes. This is the life of Everton fans and I hope they bring the same passion and the same noise to the new stadium.”
Ahead of Sunday’s game, former manager Sean Dyche has now revealed his favourite ever memory at the Grand Old Lady.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Sean Dyche shares his favourite Goodison Park memory
Sean Dyche managed Everton for just under two years and oversaw some memorable games at Goodison Park.
The 2-0 victory over Liverpool last season instantly springs to mind, but Dyche’s favourite match of all was the Bournemouth win on the final day of the 2022/23 season to keep the club up.
“I think Doucoure one, like I say, the heaven and hell or that moment,” the 53-year-old told the Stick To Football podcast.
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“Awful week. We had injuries galore. We had to change the system, five at the back playing a winger and a midfielder.
“Jimmy (Garner) played right back, Dwight McNeil played left back, people just playing all over the place and we won.
“So the heaven and hell of that has got to mean something because that made sure the club at least had a good breath to move forward.”
Sparked a pitch invasion at full-time
Doucoure’s winning goal against Bournemouth sparked a pitch invasion at full-time, with fans so relieved Everton had managed to retain their Premier League status.
Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton were subsequently relegated to the Championship, with the Toffees staying up with Nottingham Forest.
Position Club Played Won Drawn Lost GF GA GD Pts
16 Nottingham Forest 38 9 11 18 38 68 -30 38
17 Everton 38 8 12 18 34 57 -23 36
18 Leicester City 38 9 7 22 51 68 -17 34
19 Leeds United 38 7 10 21 48 78 -30 31
20 Southampton 38 6 7 25 36 73 -37 25
Speaking after the game, Doucoure said: “It was incredible. I think about all the season, all my personal life, everything.”
The midfielder added: “I’m not a hero. Nobody is here. We work and play for Everton Football Club. We have to be much better than that.
“We need to realise the mistakes we made this season. Everyone showed passion at the end but next season we need to come back stronger and put Everton high up.”