I am writing this in the midst of the hazy fog of new-born parenthood, following the birth of my second daughter last weekend.
Holding that precious bundle of life in my arms is, if I ever needed it, a reminder of what is truly important in life, and how shouting at 11 men running a football pitch should be put in sharp perspective.
But as the great Arrigo Sacchi once said, football is the most important of the least important things, which explains the visceral emotion being felt by Evertonians building up to Goodison’s last dance (in its current guise anyway) against Southampton on Sunday.
Because while we are still watching 11 men running around a football pitch, the emotions we feel and the relations we build with those around us are very real. Build those up over years or even decades, then it is little wonder fans become teary eyed at the thought of that connection being broken.
I have felt that emotion rise as each home game has been chalked off this season, though it has gone unsaid.
We all know it is coming, but do not want to fully acknowledge it.
Everton FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier League Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
We all have our own Goodison stories. Mine began in typically Everton fashion, losing 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in August 1993. I wasn’t even a teenager then, now I’m in my 40s (just).
It was my first game in the Gwladys Street that really lit the fire. I was sat with my brother on a freezing January evening just under the roof. It was an assault on the senses. I could barely see the action when everyone stood up but I didn’t mind, because the clattering of the seats (the iconic Goodison sound?), the roar, and feeling of belonging were inescapable.
And in typically Everton fashion, the Toffees threw away a two-goal lead and lost 3-2 in extra time to Division One Bolton.
Two of my favourite matches of all-time came in the first few years – the derby when Duncan Ferguson scored his first Everton goal, and the game against Manchester United later that season, with Dunc scoring again.
Soccer - FA Carling Premiership - Everton v Manchester United - Goodison Park Goodison goes wild as Duncan Ferguson (without his shirt) celebrates the goal that he scored to give Everton a famous victory over Manchester United.
Photo by John Giles/PA Images via Getty Images
Like many fans of my generation Ferguson was a hero in what was pretty gloomy times for the club. Had I been born a generation earlier I would have seen the club’s glory years. Instead I witnessed the club’s decline in all its ugly detail.
Yes still, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It was helped by the drama of the Wimbledon game followed up by a glorious FA Cup triumph, Moments of extreme emotion that forged a lifelong connection.
But that is what makes moving such a wrench. I have grown up at Goodison, as have my friends and family. And reminders of the good times – and the bad – are everywhere.
Since I began to write for Royal Blue Mersey I have been blown away by the loyalty and dedication of our team from across the globe, some of whom have made the pilgrimage to Merseyside to get a last – and sometimes a first – look at Goodison Park. Even if they never made in person they are there watching, supporting, cheering, often late at night or early in the morning.
It made realise that I have so often taken the ground for granted, given I have been fortunate enough to be able to go regularly. But as the clock began to tick down towards Sunday I started to appreciate every second I spent there.
Two of the most emotional moments over the past few months do not involve any action on the pitch. First, after the derby in February, waiting around for ages after the game to take one last look at the lights in full glare, with Elton John’s ‘I guess that’s why they call it the blues’ playing in the background.
Then against Ipswich I waited around after full time again with a friend who was making his final pilgrimage to Goodison. No Elton John this time, just quiet contemplation. We went up and down the Gwladys Street, taking pictures from all angles. As we went to leave the ground my friend paused, looked back and patted one of the exit gates before quietly stepping out on to the street.
But...
While this is goodbye, it is not farewell.
"Am I dreaming?"
After seeing 5-year-old Ava's reaction to Goodison Park being announced as Everton Women's new home, Club captain Megan Finnigan sent the young Blue a special message. pic.twitter.com/2cXqcKfGik
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) May 16, 2025
It was confirmed this week that Goodison will remain, albeit in a different form, for Everton Women from next season. A new chapter in its 133-year old life.
As a father of two daughters it is wonderful to know that I can not only take them to Goodison, the source of so many happy personal memories, I can take them to watch wonderful female role models, showing that your gender should never hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
What a wonderful legacy that will be for the Grand Old Lady.