After 133 years, tomorrow's lunchtime marks the end of an era as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ hosts a men’s match for the final time before the Toffees move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
David Moyes’ side will be desperate to bow out with a bang before Goodison Park next season becomes home to Everton’s women’s team, but already relegated Saints are looking to spring a surprise.
“Since David Moyes has gone in, they’ve done well to really sort of finish their season strongly,” interim boss Rusk said.
Simon Rusk applauds Southampton's fans. _(Image: Richard Crease)_ READ: ['Hasn't trained much' - Walker-Peters a doubt ahead of trip to Everton](https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25169395.hasnt-trained-much---walker-peters-doubt-ahead-trip-everton/?rel=cl_mra)
“We know it’s going to be an emotional game for the football club as a whole – the last men’s game at Goodison.
“We know they’re going to want to give a really strong account of themselves on the day and win the game, that’s for certain, so we’re going to have to be at it.
“I think Everton have got players that can hurt you, and we have to be prepared for that. We have to be ready, a side that can be aggressive in their actions.
“So, look, as is the case for us, we need to be as organised and motivated as possible, and our intention is to go there and perform as well as we can to get something out of the game.”
Southampton head to Goodison Park buoyed by last weekend’s 0-0 draw against high-flying Manchester City, whose farewell to Maine Road was ruined by Michael Svensson sealing a 1-0 win in 2003.
“When the whistle blows, by the nature of it, you’re focused on your own individual jobs and the team’s job,” Rusk said of the occasion awaiting them.
“I think whether it’s partisan or not, or whether it’s a hot atmosphere on the day, the lads want to win the game and want to play well, so I don’t see that as being a distraction.
Interim Southampton manager Simon Rusk. _(Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)_ READ: [Saints reportedly interested in Scottish full-back as potential fee named](https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25169880.saints-reportedly-interested-scottish-full-back-potential-fee-named/?rel=cl_mra)
"It won't be overwhelming for us. Many of these players played in the play-off final at Wembley; the magnitude of that game supersedes this one from our perspective.
"That's no concern for me. We want to go and ruin the party, if you like. Any team going into this game as an opponent will want to give the best version of themselves.
"We're playing for as much pride as possible, and we spoke about performing as well as we can.
"Whatever the team selection is, whatever that looks like, every individual involved has a responsibility to live up to that as best we can.
"The bits around the edges and the noise in the last game at Goodison, that's for other people to reflect upon and enjoy, or not enjoy. But for us, it's about being great professionals."