Kevin Kilbane labelled the club’s 2005 win over Manchester United as an experience like no other as he reflected on his love for Goodison Park.
The winger, who made just over 100 appearances during a three-year stint at the Blues, played the full 90 minutes in a win that was crucial to securing Champions League qualification that season.
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It came under the lights and was secured by a second half Duncan Ferguson header from Mikel Arteta’s free-kick, a goal that sparked wild celebrations.
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For Kilbane, who played more than 500 professional games and earned over 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland, it was a standout night in his career and one he still recalls with fondness some 20 years on.
Speaking a fortnight after the emotional goodbye to Goodison, which will host Everton Women from next season, Kilbane said: “It'll always be my favourite ground. I used to love the older grounds. Even before I signed for Everton, I loved White Hart Lane and I loved Goodison Park.
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"They were my two, and I'm not just saying it because I played for Everton, they really were.”
Kilbane was a key part of the squad that, during current manager David Moyes’ first spell at the club, secured a top four league finish.
Speaking to the ECHO, via Online Casino, he said: “When you get the chance to play at Goodison, I think any Evertonian, every fan, would always have said, Everton under the lights was very, very special.
"The night games, the big games at night at Goodison Park were incredible.
“The one that sticks out in my mind was when we played Man United, when we qualified for the Champions League, when Duncan Ferguson got the winner. That is one memory that I always have - that I've never probably experienced an atmosphere like it.
"And I'm a bit gutted I wasn't able to get back this year but it's such a special ground in many different ways.”