Blue smoke billowed around Goodison Park hours before kickoff, a fitting prelude to a day brimming with history and emotion at this venerable stadium, not built for quiet farewells.
A football match briefly interrupted the celebrations marking the end of 133 years of men’s senior football at Goodison. Everton provided a fitting send-off, securing a victory as Southampton seemed to yield to the poignant atmosphere, Iliman Ndiaye scoring two first-half goals.
The familiar sights and sounds of Goodison Park overwhelmed the senses as Evertonians flocked to this atmospheric location, three miles from the city center, eager to witness this historic moment, tickets or not.
A ten-minute walk from the car park? More like an hour, given the throngs of fans.
Thousands filled the streets from 8 am, Goodison Road nearly impassable, forcing the Everton team to take an alternate route, their coach arriving on Bullens Road, obscured by more blue smoke plumes under the Merseyside sun.
Evertonians gravitated towards iconic landmarks.
The ‘Holy Trinity’ statue, commemorating the 1970 title-winning midfield of Alan Ball, Colin Harvey, and Howard Kendall, opposite St. Luke’s Church, was surrounded by fans, as was the statue of Dixie Dean, whose 60 league goals in 1927-28 remain a record.
These statues will remain as Everton transitions to their spectacular new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, now known as the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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Fans of all ages gathered around Goodison Park.
Traditional gathering spots like The Blue House and The Winslow Hotel (with its Howard Kendall Bar) were packed, before ticket holders entered Goodison. Businesses like the Blue Dragon fish bar and The Goodison Cafe thrived, reflecting years of loyal patronage.
Goodison will remain home to Everton’s women’s team, but many cherished rituals concluded as fans moved through the streets surrounding the stadium.
Inside, the stadium filled well before kickoff. The air raid siren wailed, tears flowed, and the familiar drumbeat of Everton’s ‘Z Cars’ anthem echoed.
Goodison Park vibrated with energy, the Main Stand and Bullens Road Stand, testaments to renowned architect Archibald Leitch’s design, awash in royal blue.
A moment of eerie silence followed the game’s conclusion. When the board signaled the final four minutes, a wave of sound surged until referee Michael Oliver’s whistle brought the curtain down.
Celebrations continued, featuring video messages from football figures like England coach Thomas Tuchel, sharing memories of Goodison’s unique atmosphere.
Blue smoke filled the air.
Former players, from near and far, paid tribute, with heartfelt ovations for Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti.
More tears fell as a violinist played a moving rendition of ‘Z Cars’ as over 70 former players were paraded before the fans.
They came from around the world to share this emotional occasion.
Tim Cahill and Gary Stevens traveled from Australia, Paul Rideout from the United States, and Bob Latchford from Germany.
Graeme Sharp also attended.
Wayne Rooney received a hero’s welcome, remembered for his early Everton goals and later achievements, before returning to his beloved club.
These moments reflected the global Everton family’s reunion.
Fans celebrated the 2-0 victory.
Everton manager David Moyes, returning to lead the club into the new stadium, captured the mood.
“An extraordinary atmosphere,” he stated. “The crowd was amazing, both inside and outside the stadium. Unbelievable. The goal was to win and to leave Goodison on a high note.”
“It felt like everyone united as one club. The support at Everton is immense. We need success. This is a day they’ve waited for, with a new stadium on the horizon.”
The 62-year-old added: “I never thought I’d lead Everton into the new stadium. I’m honored. We need to rebuild Everton. We’ve secured our place, and we must build on that. An atmosphere like this in the new stadium will give us every chance to win.”
He revisited a familiar theme: “Goodison Park will be remembered for one thing: the people.”
Iliman Ndiaye scored both goals in Everton’s final Goodison Park match.
Moyes hopes this day’s passion will inform Everton’s new American owners, The Friedkin Group.
“I hope the owners recognize this,” he said. “This should be bottled and taken to the Mersey. The club needs to return to its former glory. There are 100 great players here from great teams. We have to recreate that.”
Everton now faces the challenge of recreating Goodison’s heart and soul at Bramley-Moore Dock.
It won’t be easy.
While the architecture was unique, some things transcend bricks and mortar.
Former Everton striker Andy Gray stated: “We will leave Goodison Park. Goodison Park will never leave us.”
A lone trumpeter played a final, mournful ‘Z Cars’, as fans lingered, unable to leave their beloved home.
Tears of joy, despair, and relief have been shed at Goodison. This day was a blend of emotions.
As Everton declared, it was “the end of an era.”
Tony Bellew, Duncan Ferguson, and Wayne Rooney were in attendance.
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