The scenes outside Goodison Park on the last game at the ground for the men's team
The scenes outside Goodison Park (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Fans were brought to tears as they watched Everton men's first team play their last match at Goodison Park. Flares were lit and songs were sung as fans enjoyed the 2-0 win over Southampton as marked the end of an era at The Grand Old Lady.
Thousands filled the streets around the ground ahead of the emotional fixture, with blue smoke filling the air as Everton's team bus was forced to take an alternate route after manic scenes outside the stadium.
As fans poured into the ground, Everton legend Duncan Ferguson was spotted being mobbed by fans as he made his way into Goodison Park.
Moments before kick-off, fans were seen sobbing in the stands as they welcomed the teams onto the pitch, with them encouraged to remember all those who have come before them - friends, family and fellow Blues.
The Toffees took the lead just six minutes in when Iliman Ndiaye fired home from the centre of the box. The forward doubled the home side's lead in the second minute of added time at the end of the first half, sending Goodison Park into mayhem on its big day.
Once the final whistle blew, Evertonians Tony Bellew and Gethin Jones hosted a ceremony marking the end of an era at Goodison Park. Current players and legends, including Tim Cahill and Peter Reid, all got involved in the celebrations, with Ellis Murphy and Bill-Ryder Jones performing in front of the joyous crowd.
After fans left the Merseyside ground, pubs and bars nearby were filled to the rafters as Blues continued their celebrations into the night.
The occasion marks the conclusion of one chapter of football heritage with the men’s team set to move to the club’s new home at Bramley Moore-Dock for next season.
Photos compiled together by the ECHO show the ecstasy and emotion of the day as Evertonians soaked up the final Premier League fixture at Goodison Park.
Big queue for the Winslow as Everton gear up for Southampton at home
Big queue for the Winslow before kick-off
The Blues are out in full force for the final game at Goodison Park
A sea of blue outside Goodison Park
Everton fans prepare to bid a fond farewell to Goodison Park
'We are the Goodison gang'