Fans have been supporting Everton legend Neville Southall after he made a statement about his attendance for the Southampton game
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Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall
Former Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall(Image: Gwent Gazette)
Evertonians have issued messages of support to their club’s legendary goalkeeper Neville Southall after he issued an update about his attendance at Sunday’s historic game against Southampton.
After 133 years at Goodison Park, the first purpose-built football ground in England and a venue that has hosted the most top flight matches, the Everton men’s first team will play their final fixture at the ground against the Saints before moving to their new 52,888 capacity stadium on the Mersey waterfront next season.
Around 100 former Everton players have been invited this weekend and are set to take part in the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony on the pitch following the final whistle.
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Southall, who was widely regarded as being the best goalkeeper in the world at the peak of his powers, is the Blues’ most decorated player having won two League Championships, two FA Cups and a European Cup-Winners’ Cup and having turned out 751 times, he also holds the club’s appearance record, some 217 games ahead of his closest challenger, Brian Labone.
On May 1, the 66-year-old former Wales international took to X to reveal he was taking a break from the platform as he was “in hospital with a couple of drips due to a bad infection.”
Southall was due to appear at An Evening with Everton Legends event at the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, on Saturday May 17, alongside Kevin Sheedy and Peter Reid, but he has now been removed from the bill with Paul Bracewell and Gary Stevens added.
Returning to X at 12:49pm on Friday, Southall wrote: “Be at the game Sunday. Going on pitch maybe too much at moment.”
In reply, an Evertonian called Stu wrote: “Legend Nev hope you can enjoy it,”
Barry Howells remarked: “You definitely deserve your place on there Nev,”
Theartofgoalkeeping stated: “Take it easy Neville. Look after yourself,” while Anne Williams said: “Oh Nev you must if you can. You are one of the best players we ever had.”