Everton are preparing for a final farewell to Goodison Park before their move to the new ground for next season, as thousands of fans arrive to say goodbye to their home of 133 years.
The Toffees are playing bottom side Southampton today with kick off at noon and the faithful are hoping their side can win the last game of the men’s side at the old ground. Everton Women will play there from next season
The men will in August begin life at the 52,888-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But before a ball is kicked there, there is just enough time for Everton fans to say goodbye to their old home - with Southampton hoping to ruin the party atmosphere.
_**Follow our live blog for updates at today's game**_
12:09KEY EVENT
Everton's emotional send off has taken only six minutes to get its first goal, as Iliman Ndiaye tucked the ball away from the edge of the box brilliantly to spark the celebrations with the home fans.
Goodison, not for the first time today, is rocking!
Iliman Ndiaye opens the scoring at Goodison Park (Getty Images)
12:06Antony Clements-Thrower
The first real chance of the game fell to Beto, with the effort well saved by Ramsdale.
The striker perhaps could have done better.
12:02Antony Clements-Thrower
The last match at Goodison has started, with Southampton doing the honours.
The home crowd is LOUD.
11:58KEY EVENT
As Everton's anthem Z Cars plays out for the last time at Goodison Park, many fans can be seen with tears in their eyes as emotions got the better of them.
The two sides were met with a huge roar as the two teams walk out in front of the packed ground.
(PA)
11:53Antony Clements-Thrower
What are your favourite memories of Everton's old ground?
Was it beating old rivals Liverpool, clinching the old first division title in 1987, or perhaps a match with a now departed friend or family member?
Email webnews@mirror.co.uk with your memories and we will share the best ones.
11:49Antony Clements-Thrower
The Everton fans are making their farewell game one to remember already, with emotions running high for some as they prepare to say goodbye.
(Offside via Getty Images)
11:46Antony Clements-Thrower
Taking a step away from the emotional scenes outside the stadium, a match is still to be played. Below are the teams for Everton and Southampton - with Seamus Coleman captaining the former.
11:41Antony Clements-Thrower
With less than half an hour before kick off, many fans are now heading into the ground and taking their seats for the last time.
However, outside as many as 10,000 fans not lucky enough to secure tickets for today have crowded around the old ground to soak up the incredible atmosphere.
Several flares were let off turning the area blue. There are so many fans outside, the coach bringing the team to the game have had to take a different route to normal.
(PA)
11:36Antony Clements-Thrower
The Blues play already relegated side Southampton today, as they hope for a victory to end their 133 year stay at the stadium.
Their fans will hope their side ends their final season at Goodison Park better than how they started, when they lost 3-0 to Brighton back in August.
Everton lost 3-0 to Brighton in August (Getty Images)
11:23Antony Clements-Thrower
Everton will bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park today after 133 years at the iconic stadium.
The club’s men are moving to a £750million arena at Bramley-Moore Dock, on the banks of the River Mersey. And when they leave the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of Goodison, there will be tears in the surrounding terraced streets, where Everton FC is deeply embedded.
Formed in 1878, the club played early games on fields at the nearby Stanley Park and Priory Road, before moving to Anfield in 1884. Eight years later, after a rent row, the Blues set up home in Goodison Road and the switch led to one of the greatest football rivalries when a new team - Liverpool - emerged at Anfield.
Read more [here](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/everton-fc-goodison-park-stadium-35242611)
(Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)