Everton fans ahead of the men's final home game at Goodison Park
Everton fans ahead of the men's final home game at Goodison Park
Thousands of Everton fans lined the streets outside Goodison Park as the men's team prepares to play its final game inside the famous stadium. Sporting club colours and setting of flares, fans of the Toffee's are bidding farewell to one of the oldest stadiums in English football.
Some fans gathered in Liverpool city centre pub, the Denbigh Castle to share their Goodison memories and reminisce over a pint ahead of kick-off.
One fan, Owen Shaw, told the ECHO: "I’m feeling nervous, weirdly. I’m feeling sad. I sobbed in the shower a few times thinking about today. Even just thinking about the end of the game makes my hairs stand on edge.”
The Blues play already relegated Southampton at midday on what promises to be an emotional day for fans. Goodison Park has been the home of Everton since 1892 but the men's first team is moving to its new 52,888-capacity waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Fans welcomed the team bus at around 10am with a chorus of chants. Duncan Ferguson and Jordan Pickford were among the names sung by fans. ECHO reporter Chris Beesley was outside Goodison as the fans gathered and said the atmosphere was more of “a party rather than a wake”. It comes after last week’s announcement Goodison would be spared the bulldozers to become the new home for Everton’s women’s side
After today's game, Evertonians Tony Bellew and Gethin Jones will host a ceremony marking 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.
Big queue for the Winslow as Everton gear up for Southampton at home
Big queue for the Winslow before kick-off
2. The Blues are out in full force for the final game at Goodison Park
A sea of blue outside Goodison Park
3. Everton fans prepare to bid a fond farewell to Goodison Park
'We are the Goodison gang'