Thousands lined the streets surrounding Goodison Park as blue smoke filled the air
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson was mobbed as he made his way into Goodison Park for Everton men's first team's last-ever game at the historic ground. Ferguson, affectionately known as 'Big Dunc', sits behind only Romelu Lukaku as the club's all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League era. He is worshipped for his exploits during his stints with the Blues.
Ferguson scored 73 goals in 273 appearances for the club across two spells which lasted from 1994-1998 and 2000-2006. And while others strikers have scored more and walked away from Goodison Park with a bigger honours' list, few, if any, are as revered as 'Big Dunc'.
Known by many as one of the hardest men in world football, Ferguson had a reputation for taking no-nonsense on the field. During his time as a player, Ferguson received eight red cards in the Premier League, tying with Patrick Vieira and Richard Dunne.
Ferguson was always going to return to Goodison Park to watch the Toffees play their last game at the Grand Old Lady, with people mobbing him as he was escorted to the ground ahead of Everton's midday game against Southampton.
Fans could be heard chanting his name, with Everton supporters filling the streets around the ground ahead of the historic last fixture at the iconic ground.
Fans began arriving at the stadium more than four hours before kick off with hundreds singing and chanting by 9.30am today.
Pubs were packed as fans reminisced on their memories at Goodison Park. Before the bus arrived at the ground this morning, blue smoke filled the tightly packed terraced streets. Before long thousands were crammed into the area around Goodison Park, with the atmosphere palpable as they prepare to watch their team there one last time.
Everton fans ahead of their sides final match at Goodison Park
It is not the end of Goodison as a football ground, however. It was announced on Tuesday that Everton Women will move into the famous old stadium for the start of next season as it becomes their permanent home.
After today's game, Evertonians Tony Bellew and Gethin Jones will host the ceremony that will mark the end of an era at Goodison Park.
Current players and club legends will be part of the event which will include live music on the pitch.
The occasion will mark the conclusion of one chapter of football heritage with the men’s team set to move to the club’s new home for next season.
Goodison Park has been the home of Everton since 1892 but the men's first team is moving to their new 52,888-capacity waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.