First look at Goodison's facelift

, 16 June, 67comments  |  Jump to most recent

Newly-released artist's impressions of the cosmetic changes planned for Goodison Park show how Everton's ground will hopefully look when the new season kicks off in August.

The club announced earlier this month plans to upgrade the outside of the stadium with new cladding on the stands and the new images offer a glimpse at how the exterior of the Grand Old Lady will look.

The corners of the stands will have royal blue cladding with a prominent Everton crest and new decoration on the Park End will include the name "Goodison" in letters above the top of the stand.

In addition, a banner system will adorn the front of the Main Stand overlooking Goodison Road and a new tower construction is planned for the corner of the Park End.

For full details and more images, visit evertonfc.com.  



Reader Comments (67)

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Barry McNally
1 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:12:23
Some blue lippy for the Old Lady!
Rob Halligan
2 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:24:37
Plans have only just been submitted to the council for this. How long will it take for the council to approve these plans, and then for the work to be completed, bearing in mind the season starts 8 weeks on Saturday?
Mark Tanton
4 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:37:33
The planning isn't anything so complicated as a new building, you'd think, and cladding and stuff - well they can whack that up over a weekend surely.
Paul Hewitt
5 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:40:10
Better than nothing I suppose. Probably be in our new ground by 2019-20 anyway.
Tony Draper
6 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:41:39
Just getting me spoon ready to tuck into my self served portion of "humble pie", 'cos on another thread I poured my scorn flavoured gripe water upon this project.

I really like the impression that this creates.
"The Grand Old Lady", really is just about my favourite place on earth. But ! We need to improve ALL of the crappy views, the wood needs to go, there needs to be something a bit more impressive than bare breezeblock and bare plaster and bare cables and bare pipework in ALL the concourses beneath the stands.

If we stay at completely refitted "Grand Old Lady", so it looks the same to the cameras from pitchside, but is in ALL respects a football ground fit to serve for another century ahead, then I'll be happy.
If we build a brand new "God's Acre" in one of the north docks (Stanley, Sandon, Trafalgar ? All sound good to me) then it really must be in each and every respect a fucking monster, a bearpit, a theatre fit for the true Toff's of English football !

No embarrasing "lego castles" like at West Hambarassments old gaff.
So no to a "Rupert Tower" in each corner.

Ged Simpson
8 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:42:48
Love it. You can make our old place look cool with blue lights.
John Malone
9 Posted 16/06/2016 at 19:56:11
I think we are the only dugout to still have plastic seats!

Looks a bit naff when the rest of league all have leather sports car bucket seats with there badge embroided!

Simon Jones
10 Posted 16/06/2016 at 20:16:46
I don't care if we have a shitty wooden bench with slats. I always think those fancy seats are a bit "noveau-riche" anyway.
Brian Cleveland
11 Posted 16/06/2016 at 20:26:08
It's easier to clean plastic seats when they've had sweaty bollocks sat on them than leather ones!
Andrew Yates
12 Posted 16/06/2016 at 20:46:13
Facelift, full refurbishment, new stadium even — or any other such positive moves... I'm not fussed as I am starting to believe that this revolution is under way and it won't stop until we are sitting pretty on top of pile!

We'll not be left behind and the future of Everton Football Club is and will always be the greatest thing on earth (in sporting terms, I love my wife and children!!)

Let's match the Koeman appointment with some world class additions to the squad.

Tommy Webber
13 Posted 16/06/2016 at 21:12:06
I'll probably get a roasting for this comment and deservedly so but as long as we don't put the word Juicy (in bright Pink) on the back of the Grand Old Lady's arse then I think we're good! How we got from possible new stadium on the waterfront to Mutton dressed up as Lamb IDK!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1toSU5KItF8
Barry Kay
14 Posted 16/06/2016 at 21:16:15
Mark (4) I'm a cladder and I can tell you it will take more than a weekend. It would actually be easier on a new building.

Also it's called Rain Screen which is harder than it looks. A lot of build up work involved.
Adam Smith
15 Posted 16/06/2016 at 21:17:32
Pleased that it's being done, as it shows some direction at last from board level. However, what's with the two blue towers either side of the Park End?

To me, the design looks a bit like they've sent a couple of work experience lads over to the club shop for two of those boxes we sell commemorative Everton golf tees in, and stood them up either side of the Park End, before taking a forced perspective shot!

Olalekan Taofik
17 Posted 16/06/2016 at 21:40:33
I wish to visit Goodison Park soon from Lagos,Nigeria to feel the electrifying 12th man behind EFC players.

I have been an Evertonian since September 2002 when Joseph Yobo joined the club after the World Cup.I have been enjoying the club despite the trophyless seasons all these years.

I hope the club will win something this coming season.
Ray Roche
20 Posted 16/06/2016 at 22:15:00
Well,Olalekan, I'm sure that when you do eventually make your visit you'll be made very welcome.
Paul Black
22 Posted 16/06/2016 at 22:47:01
Olalekan (17), get yourself to Goodison Park as soon as you can, our Nigerian brother, and for the first time you too can be one of the 12th men.

Welcome to the Blue Revolution, my friend! We are one!

James Morgan
23 Posted 16/06/2016 at 22:49:59
Olalekan, hopefully you won't have to put up with as many barren years as many of us have and see us lift a trophy this year!
You'll be welcomed with open arms like all our fellow toffees from abroad.

As for the refurbishment, anything is welcome to tart the place up a bit. Finally feels like stuff is getting done with the new man upstairs.
Colin Metcalfe
24 Posted 16/06/2016 at 22:50:06
Brian#11 good job we didn't get Joachim Low then ... With his scratch and sniff technique !!
Olalekan#17 welcome and yes you have to experience Goodison at least once , it is truely a bearpit when it's rocking. !!!
John Audsley
25 Posted 16/06/2016 at 22:53:03
Looks ok but we are all waiting for a new stadium which I believe will happen now the Mosh is running the show.

Welcome Olalean, great to hear from you and Yobo was a very good player for EFC.

Eugene Ruane
26 Posted 16/06/2016 at 22:54:49
Brian (11) - 'It's easier to clean plastic seats when they've had sweaty bollocks sat on them than leather ones!'

Well exactly, I mean imagine trying to get Joachim Low stains out of suede

As for the facelift pics, I remember a few years ago meeting Tracey Emin at an exhibition of her work at the Tate.

I asked her if she was happy with the response to her work and she suddenly jutted out her chin, leant forward, put her fist on her forehead and said "Niiiiiice to see you, to see you..wih-wih-wih-wih-wih-wih...niiiiiiiice!!"

I've never trusted an artist's impression since.

I'll get me coat.

Minik Hansen
27 Posted 16/06/2016 at 23:07:42
John #9 I think that's why the squad had a decent away record last season, 'cause the benches were so comfy and replacers hit the ground running.
Duncan McDine
28 Posted 16/06/2016 at 23:10:01
Bloody hell Eugene, you should be banned for that.
Jay Griffiths
30 Posted 16/06/2016 at 23:38:32
Had a good look at the main stand on Sunday whilst passing. With the street empty I was able to scrutinise. As much as I've loved Goodison for over half a century I accept and realise that a move is sadly, a necessity. The docks has to be the future. Aesthetic and practical. We cannot mark time whilst the rest are busy constructing.
Eugene Ruane
31 Posted 16/06/2016 at 23:42:15
Duncan - 'Bloody hell Eugene, you should be banned for that.'

You make a good point.

And wih-wih-wih-wih what do points maaaake? (waves arm encouraging TWers to shout 'prizes!')

Actually under normal circumstances I'd be inclined to agree with you, however in my defence, it is summer and bad-gag leeway should (imo) be given at this time of year.

Plus it was surely no less stimulating than the 8,065 posts we've had so far informing us "I'd like us to go for..." followed by the names of every player not currently on our books.

Peter Mills
32 Posted 16/06/2016 at 23:47:31
"Good game, good game".

(Something I look forward to shouting at Mr Niasse this season).

Bobby Thomas
33 Posted 16/06/2016 at 23:56:44
Barry #14

For the images that seem to be going on the sides of the stands, would the wrap around with the big screen that was placed around St Johns opposite Lime Street be anything like whats proposed?

Mike Green
35 Posted 17/06/2016 at 00:33:28
Barry Kay #14 - I think I've been on TW for about ten years and I can honestly say thats the best post I've ever seen on this site.

Its simply the best. Brilliant. : )

Andy Crooks
36 Posted 17/06/2016 at 00:46:12
Best thread in a while, Mike. Laugh out loud stuff. Cracking stuff from Eugene and a blinder from Barry.
Mike Green
37 Posted 17/06/2016 at 00:51:45
Andy - I chink glasses from across the sea to you, yours and both Irish teams. What a result today for Northern Ireland, superb.
Gordon Crawford
38 Posted 17/06/2016 at 01:30:10
Looks well. Much needed face life.

And well done GAWA. 😀

Christine Foster
39 Posted 17/06/2016 at 01:33:41
Eugene, your starting to sound like Arkwright still are you starting to look like him though? That would be a worry!
Eugene Ruane
40 Posted 17/06/2016 at 08:44:49
Christine - 'Eugene, your starting to sound like Arkwright still are you starting to look like him though? That would be a worry!'

That certainly would be a worry

(looking like an 11 year-old corpse)

Dave Horne
41 Posted 17/06/2016 at 09:07:39
Getting back to the original topic title.
Rather than cheap looking partial cladding i'd like to see a hot water supply in the top balcony toilets. Are other parts of the ground also lacking hot water?
It is the 21st century after all !
Geoff Williams
42 Posted 17/06/2016 at 11:10:58
A bit of cladding was all the Duckworths needed to raise their profile in the Street. (For the older readers)
Maynard Hanna
43 Posted 17/06/2016 at 11:31:14
With regard to any new stadium design, and after watching the Euros and looking at their stadiums, What about the Stade De Lyon? It would look mighty well sitting on the docklands alongside the Mersey. Just add in an extra 4,000 seats for we will need a 64,000 all-seater stadium in the years ahead.
Kevin Tully
45 Posted 17/06/2016 at 14:23:42
I could never understand why this relatively cheap makeover wasn't addressed by BK & chums. On the approach to GP, the sight of warehouse type cladding looked absolutely awful 20 years ago - never mind today. The rusty windows on the main stand just added to the perception that nobody actually gave a fuck about the ground or what condition the place was in.

About time, even though we are only hopefully there for a few more years until the waterfront dream becomes a reality. Every RS fan I speak to is hoping we don't get permission for a new stadium in town. They know they will be instantly downgraded if we manage to pull it off. In fact, a few of the bitter bastards have said they will organise a protest group to stop it happening!

Colin Metcalfe
46 Posted 17/06/2016 at 15:17:51
Finally got the time to take a walk down to Clarence Dock today .
What can I say ..... It's perfect !!
Took me about 25 mins from Albert Dock , it's an enormous piece of land certainly big enough for a 50,000+ stadium and right on the Mersey !
If Moshiri can work his magic with Peel Holding then we will have one of the most iconic stadiums in the country !!
They can keep the outer wall in place as it has many entrances , I can just imagine our crest and Everton FC - Clarence Dock entrance illuminated in royal blue !! It will be a truely outstanding location .
Roger Helm
48 Posted 17/06/2016 at 19:59:32
I'm not bothered about the outside, it's the inside which tells the story. I'm a STH in the upper Bullens and it's like being in the '70s – tiny wooden seats, no leg room, exposed painted brickwork, obstructed views, hundreds of fans jostling in a tiny space for shit beer, junk food or £2+ tea and coffee.

Has anyone attended a US major league sports venue? It is a different world where they actually value their customers.

I don't suppose BK has ever been in the Upper Bullens but Mr Moshiri – sort it out!

Nicholas Ryan
49 Posted 17/06/2016 at 20:32:55
Sorry to rain on the parade etc. but I saw a news item yesterday [BBC website I think] which said that a Chinese hedge fund-type business, which is effectively the Chinese government, was looking at buying LFC for £700m.

They were part of a delegation which came to UK recently, and asked to be taken to Liverpool, because it has the oldest Chinese community in Europe. While here, they expressed an interest in LFC, and were shown around Chinatown by George Osborne, "... and the docks area WHERE THEY WOULD LIKE TO BUILD A STADIUM...'

Now, remember, Peel Holdings, who own all the land, said that their Mersey Waters project was backed by Chinese investors. Put the two stories together, and I think we might have a problem!

If Peel have two stadium-building parties, for the same land, the price will go through the roof!

The saving grace may be, that the article concluded with the words; Fenway Sports are not thought to be keen to sell!

Jim Lloyd
50 Posted 17/06/2016 at 21:06:07
Roger (48) I'm in the Upper Bullens as well and it can be "cosy" to say the least. However, we are hoping to get a new stadium built, either down at the waterfront or Croxteth.

It wouldn't seem likely that a massive rebuilding in GP is going to take place, unless the stadium becomes a non starter. So it's "Cosy Old Bullens" for the next few years, I would think.

Frank Crewe
52 Posted 18/06/2016 at 11:26:07
@ Nicholas Ryan.
Would any or all of that investment be dependent on whether the UK is in or out of the EU? Because since Osbourne is for staying in I would assume he would have bigged up investment opportunities on the basis of remaining in (which I agree with BTW).

Now if in our current hysteria over immigration we decide to leave I think the PL will become a much less secure investment. Especially if we can't get the top european players like we have been doing up to now.

Not to worry. We can always go back to our super talented English players like Kane, Lallana, Sterling etc. Who wouldn't want to pay premium prices to see them?

Just Everton's luck. We finally get some cash to spend but there is a good chance that we may get cut off from the very players we would want to spend it on.

Steve Carse
53 Posted 18/06/2016 at 12:05:19
Being out of the EU will have no impact. All that would happen is that the UK Government would provide an exemption to the normal rules to cover cross border football transfers. That's the beauty of leaving - your own elected government makes the decisions.
Frank Crewe
54 Posted 18/06/2016 at 12:38:00
I see. Exemptions for rich footballers based on the fact that they can kick a ball. A skill this country so desperately needs. So much for the points system. Wouldn't that be classed as taking jobs from British workers? Don't we have football players in this country that need the work?
Exemptions? I think not.
Kevin Jones
55 Posted 18/06/2016 at 20:29:17
Eugene, I think it was Van Gogh who did a marvellous Tommy Cooper when Cezanne asked "do you want a fez" Vinny said "no thanks I've got one ear"
Brendan Moriarty
56 Posted 18/06/2016 at 20:40:14
I would prefer to see an artist´s impression of any trophies we are likely to win next season.
Colin Glassar
57 Posted 19/06/2016 at 16:50:14
Just read that The Old Lady saw the 7th highest attendance in the history of British football in 1948. It was a derby and there were over 72.000 in attendance. Who won that one?

The rs came in at 22 (why bother? Usually it's the top 20 but the media had to include their beloved) with 62.000. The record is held by Ranger with 118.000+. The 1930's seem to be the Golden Years attendance-wise.

Ray Roche
58 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:08:00
Colin, there were 78,299 at the match that day who saw a 1-1 draw. We had attendances in the 1950-60's that saw over 70,000 there, and they were against teams that are not quite the draw that they were in those days, like Burnley, Blackpool etc. They 72000 you refer to was probably the first Derby after the RS were promoted.That ended 2-2.
James Hughes
59 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:19:03
Colin .that match must have been a bit interesting to say the least. I've been there when we had 54,000+ and it was tight to say the least. I think we were capped at 55,000 at the time, and then came 3/4 time when the gates opened!! I've had to use that as well when I couldn't get a ticket, 75 minutes gone , the gates open and every man, women and child for themselves.
Trevor Lynes
60 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:19:36
I was in Goodison for three games with gates over 70,000...72,000 was for a fifth round cup tie against Spurs which we won two one.78,000 and 75,000 were for derby games.Incidently, what about the cup tie against Liverpool when BOTH grounds were filled to capacity and thousands were locked out and stood in Goodison Road shouting up for the scores.Ball scored the winner that evening and an estimated 137,000 fans watched the game at Anfield on close circuit and live in Goodison.Strangely enough almost all were standing and no problems at all.I miss the atmosphere of the all standing period when the fans were much more vocal.Sitting down definitely dampens the atmosphere IMO.The highest league gate was at Maine Road 81,000.
Dave Abrahams
61 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:24:47
Colin I was at that game, just turned eight, as Ray points out big attendances were not unusual in the forties fifties and sixties. Just after the war Newcastle United had an average attendance in one season of over 56, 000 and that was in the old second division.

When Everton came up from the second division in 1954, the first the home against Arsenal and PNE were 69,000 and 76,000 and they were on the Wednesday and Saturday of the same week, it has to be said it is amazing that there were not some distasters, crowds were literally pushed from pillar to post.

Goodison Park was one of the best grounds in the country at that time if not the best.Sad to see the old lady today, but we will soon be on the banks of the Mersey.

Colin Glassar
62 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:36:01
So basically they lied in that piece? I'd heard of bigger crowds at Goodison but that's what the article said. Queens Park (Scotland) had over 95.000 for one of their games which is mind blowing.

The biggest crowd I can remember at Goodison was a derby game and their were around 52.000 in the ground. We were packed in like sardines but what an atmosphere. Games are dead in comparison nowadays. I envy those of you who were in even bigger crowds.

Ian Robert
63 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:43:45
Dont Queens Park play at Hampden? would explain the attendance Colin
Ian Robert
64 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:45:42
Highest League Attendance 78,299 v Liverpool, 18 September 1948
Highest FA Cup Attendance 77,902 v Manchester United, FA Cup, 5th Round, 14 February 1953
Colin Glassar
65 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:48:39
Could be Ian. I think it was in the 30's as well. Charlton had 80 odd thousand for a home game as well, also in the 30's. I wonder how much it cost to get in?

My dad, if I remember right, used to tell me he'd go to the match, have something to eat then go to the pictures afterwards all for less than a shilling. That can't be right can it?

Ian Robert
66 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:51:36
FA cup finals in 1930s were about 6d.....so a shilling including chips sounds right to me Colin...oh and they do play at Hmpden
Ray Roche
67 Posted 19/06/2016 at 17:57:57
Colin, this could turn into a Monty Python Yorkshire Man script if we're not careful......" We used to live on a handful of hot gravel for us tea" etc..

I remember getting pissed on crappy Double Diamond on 10s, (50p),in the mid sixties. And I had a bag of chips...

Colin Glassar
68 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:04:15
Ten bob Ray? Luxury!! I worked 366 days a year, 25 hours a day, 8 days a week and all for a Penny every 3 years!!!
Dave Abrahams
69 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:09:08
Must get this in before the thread closes, when Everton won the league in 1962-3 we had an average attendance that season of over 51,000, when Liverpool were winning all their trophies in the sixties and seventies they never had an average attendance anywhere near this and the ground held well over this, mind you they were only followed, like us, by fans mainly from The local areas. Now most Liverpool Scouse fans follow them from the local PUB.
Dave Abrahams
70 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:11:35
Colin(68) fuckin' grabber!!!!!!
Ray Roche
71 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:13:17
Colin, you were lucky...we used to dream etc...etc..

True, Dave, very true.

Pete Cross
72 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:14:05
Colin I was in a 73,000 att at Goodisonpark on a Christmas Day !!
Andrew Clare
73 Posted 19/06/2016 at 18:30:50
Steve#53,
Do you think your own elected government are making decisions for you?
On another note the biggest crowd I was in was the '66 Charity Shield game. 66,000 at Goodison. I won't mention the result but a fantastic atmosphere all the same.
Dick Fearon
74 Posted 20/06/2016 at 10:47:20
My best atmosphere at Goodison for a non-derby game was midweek very misty vs Charlton. 72,000 in attendance with a hell of a squeeze getting in but, once in, there was no trouble.

I am convinced that, with proper control of space, standing room places are OK.

Martin Nicholls
75 Posted 20/06/2016 at 15:34:01
Inter in 1963 (62000) and rs 1967 FA Cup (65000) my biggest although managed the 75 minute bunk-in at 1966 league derby (the Alan Ball derby) (64000). Loved standing at games and still do at aways - agree Dick#74 final paragraph
Paul Burns
76 Posted 24/06/2016 at 13:59:53
Two sayings sum up this cosmetic effort, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear and you can't polish a turd.
Insert as appropriate.
Roll on the riverside stadium.
Ian Hams
77 Posted 29/06/2016 at 18:44:55
Has any work started on this yet,I'm not from the city so wouldn't knoy but it sounds like a tall order if any sort of planning permission is required.
Ian Hollingworth
78 Posted 30/06/2016 at 12:56:15
Christ, I cannot imagine over 70k in Goodison.

I think the Bayern semi in 1985 was about 51k and you could not move. It was a brilliant atmosphere though.


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