It is finally time for Everton fans to bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park, and there will also be a chance for fans to show their appreciation for departing veteran Ashley Young.
The time has come for Evertonians to experience their final game at the iconic stadium, with Southampton today’s opponents.
Thankfully, there is nothing really riding on this game in terms of the Premier League. Everton sealed their safety weeks ago, and fans can simply enjoy the occasion today without any fear of relegation.
That said, David Moyes will want to win the game to give supporters the perfect parting gift.
There is also incentive for Everton in that finishing 13th – the highest position the club can now finish – will earn the club more prize money.
It promises to be a fantastic day, and there will also be a chance for fans to bid farewell to Ashley Young, who will leave Everton on the expiry of his contract.
Everton stars send messages to Ashley Young ahead of his exit
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The atmosphere today at Goodison should be something else.
The Grand Old Lady is steeped in history, and emotions will be running very high throughout the course of the day.
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It’s a game that will capture a huge audience, and no doubt many former Toffees players will also be either in attendance or tuning in.
And one man who is soon to be a former Everton player is Ashley Young, who is leaving the club this summer when his contract expires.
There had been some suggestions Young had been set for a new contract at Everton.
But yesterday the club confirmed he’d be leaving, along with Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic, and he sent a message to fans on social media.
Young thanked both Sean Dyche and David Moyes for giving him the opportunity to play for the club, as well as the fans and his teammates in what was a pretty classy statement on Instagram.
And a few of his teammates responded in firm agreement with each other:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Legend of the game 💙
Abdoulaye Doucoure – legends mate 💙🥲
Dwight McNeil (via Story) – legend of the game 💙
What a career
So Young is closing two years at Everton – and he will go with the well wishes of many an Evertonian.
It was a decent spell at Goodison for Young despite joining the club in his late thirties, and this term he put in some great displays.
The star hasn’t said he’ll retire, so it’ll be interesting to see where he goes next. And Young has already had some approaches from other clubs.
Ashley Young for Everton
Appearances – 68
Goals – 2
Assists – 4
Young has played over 600 games at club level, winning seven trophies, and also represented England 39 times.
Everton fans obviously never got to see him in his peak, but undoubtedly he was a top professional and enjoyed a solid two years amid some challenging times at Goodison.