The latest Everton Notebook from Blues correspondent Joe Thomas
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All eyes are on Goodison Park as Everton gear up for a celebration of the Old Lady on Sunday. Preparations have been underway on and off the pitch, with Blues boss David Moyes insisting to his players the visit of Southampton is the biggest game of their season.
Emotions will be running high on the occasion, which will take place days after the club confirmed Everton Women will call the famous ground home from next season.
On a poignant week, here is the latest in and around the club.
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Moyes and Temple open up on Goodison memories and Everton future
David Moyes took time away from plotting for his final game as a manager at Goodison Park to hand club legend Derek Temple a major honour.
The Blues boss was one of several club heroes to take up a place in the Alex Young suite on Monday night in a ceremony to mark the career of FA Cup winner Temple.
The 86-year-old scored 83 goals in his 275 Everton appearances and is best known for grabbing the winner in the 1966 FA Cup final comeback win over Sheffield Wednesday.
He was handed the prestigious Dixie Dean Memorial Award for those exploits, his name joining former winners such Graeme Sharp, Duncan Ferguson and Ian Rush - the award is open to Everton, Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers greats.
Speaking on the night dedicated to his impact, organised by Everton Heritage Society, Temple said: It is a privilege to be here tonight amongst Evertonians. I am very honoured, this is a surprise to me - I thought picking up gongs was long gone.”
He added: "I've had a few meals out on that goal in 1966. It's an honour to pick up an award in the name of the greatest goalscorer football has ever seen.
"And I'd like to thank David for taking the time out to come here tonight in what is obviously a very busy week."
Moyes’ assistant - and former Blues player - Alan Irvine was also present. Club legends from the 1980s, Peter Reid and Derek Mountfield, and stars from the 1970s, Martin Dobson and Ronny Goodlass, were among the guests on a memorable night hosted by Everton Heritage Society.
Temple offered his seal of approval to Moyes and predicted a bright future for the club. He said: “I had a great career at Everton and they are a wonderful club and we are going to be there again, I know that. We have the right people in charge now. I’m delighted David has come back to us and I am sure we are on the right track.”
Moyes spoke to the audience of club supporters and heroes after presenting the award to Temple, opening up on his own thoughts of Goodison while talking in one of its exclusive settings. He said: “I am only just back but I had 11-and-a-half great years here that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a fantastic place for me, a fantastic place for my family, so it was something I hugely enjoyed.
“It will always play a huge part of my life. As you get a bit older you start to look back a little more and start to think about what you have done and where you have been. The period I have had just now has been terrific, the support I have had - whether it be from the supporters or the players - it has been great over these past four months.”
What role will Seamus Coleman play on historic day?
Moyes is fully focused on preparations for the visit of the Saints but he is keeping his cards close to his chest about his plans.
While club captain Seamus Coleman will be offered the chance to stay at Everton beyond this summer, it is unresolved over whether that will be as a player or as a member of the backroom staff - Coleman has his coaching badges.
Moyes values the 36-year-old’s input and he will have the chance to be part of the setup in one way or another next year. While his contract situation is yet to be concluded there remains the chance for Southampton to be his final home game at the club. He came off the bench for the closing stages of the win at Fulham on Saturday so is fit to play.
Asked whether he had given thought to Coleman’s involvement on Sunday, Moyes said: “I would hope he will at some point and I will make a decision on that. I try to get him involved as much as he can because he certainly deserves it.”
Injured centre back still set to be working on final day
While the club captain could be in line for what would be an emotional appearance on a poignant day, the on-the-pitch captain in his absence will also be playing a significant role. James Tarkowski is out of action after undergoing an operation on his hamstring - surgery the ECHO understands went well - and so is unable to play a part in the game.
Tarkowski will still be working though - the centre back is set to be part of broadcaster TNT’s coverage of the game, joining former Blues Phil Jagielka and Duncan Ferguson as the organisation throws its weight at doing Goodison justice.
Chance to visit piece of history
While attention may firmly be on Sunday, there is an event for Blues on Saturday. Everton Heritage Society is teaming up with the Friends of Everton Park to host an ‘Everton in Everton Day’.
Supporters will be able to step inside the famous lock-up tower on the Everton crest while Goodlass will be speaking to those in attendance. The event will run from 11am to 1.30pm.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, St Luke’s will open as an Everton hub for one last time. Doors will be open between 9am and 11am, with the early closure designed to give stall holders the chance to get to their seats in good time.
More information on the free lock-up event is available here.
Jack Harrison backs mental health initiative
Everton winger Jack Harrison is lending his support for a health initiative as he prepares for the Blues’ final men’s game at the Old Lady.
On Mental Health Awareness Week, the Premier League is urging supporters to check on the wellbeing of others as part of its ‘Inside Matters’ initiative.
Backing the scheme, Harrison said: “There’s always been a stigma against men being vulnerable and showing emotion. I think people can also get too tied to their phones and social media where there’s all these expectations. A call can help so much during difficult times, and I think it’s important for men to be able to speak openly about it.”
More information is available on the Premier League website.
Rapid Vienna mark their role in 1985 final
The end of an era celebrations against Southampton on Sunday will include appearances from a host of the heroes who won the 1985 European Cup Winners’ Cup side.
This week marks the 40th anniversary of that memorable night in Rotterdam, when goals from Andy Gray, Kevin Sheedy and Trevor Steven secured a 3-1 victory over Rapid Vienna.
Everton are not the only team to be marking that occasion this week - the Austrian club are also acknowledging the anniversary and have released a special run of merchandise for sale to supporters - including a replica of the players’ training jacket that night.