Days of Heaven (from Tony's seat)

Isn't it wonderful, for those few hours, to be childlike, childlike in a way where things can almost be too much, too good, childlike where emotions aren't suppressed by adulthood and years of growing up. Where you can show your sheer joy and happiness and not be looked at like a complete fucking tool!

That feeling of walking from the concourse (concourse ffs!) and seeing the painted green of the pitch the somehow artificially bright royal blue shirts that bring a lump to my throat EVERY fucking game mate.

Isn't it wonderful being a Blue, mate?

Isn't it?

I'm delighted that you got to watch the game with Dave and benefited from the generous efforts of the Abrahams family, as I did in December. They are the finest of Evertonians!

And yes, the sky is bluer and the grass is greener at Goodison than anywhere else in the world. At least that was my impression on my first glimpse two years ago. I will never forget the moment.

Manure are no slouches and have done well since Mourinho went but somehow we knew the Solksjaer bubble would burst eventually.

Everton, have played few outstanding games this season, arguably Leicester and West Ham away and the great efforts in the RS games.

Now, having taken a point off RS and maximum points from 3 top six clubs as well as the Hammers in recent weeks we can be forgiven for have a lot more optimism for the rest of the season Including another game against a top six London club (bring em' on) and also for next season.

Everton were looking half decent at the start of the season and again now but most of the in between was just lukewarm and even less especially after that injury time loss at Analfield.

Obviously there is still a lot to sort out with personnel and hopefully all the right moves will be made in the Summer but for now enjoy the reruns of the Manure game.

I posted in the matchday thread that I genuinely thought of you as each goal went in, imagining what a great, GREAT day you were having.

The stars most certainly did align for you on every front.

Delighted for you.

Great piece. Your bringing back memories. The first time I went to Goodson was under the floodlights versus Feyernoord. They had a heavily policed vocal set of fans at one end but yeah that roar any time Everton get near a goal is magical. I remember being there when we beat Soton 7-1. Talk about noise! Only negative was the restricted view so I missed seeing five of the goals but it was evident we scored lol

Tony, Michael and Cameron ( he can't half rabbit, can't he) enjoyed your company as much as me.

If my wife reads your post she'll think you met someone
else “ the wonderful Mr. Abrahams “ she'll never let me live that down !!!

Once again Andy it was great meeting you again and whatever little we did for you, you were well worth it.

We'll meet again Andy.

I'm asking as I'll be over for the Burnley match. If any of the Toffee-Webbers are around, I would love to meet up. Staying in Jury's Inn and not heading back until Saturday night. My first visit was Easter 1970 for Chelsea game, where Howard Kendall made me wait all of 14 seconds for my first Goodison goal, in a 5-2 win. As match finished, word came through from Southampton that Jimmy Gabriel had scored v Leeds.

It's only a pitch I know, but it was a perfect pitch, on a perfect day, and I'm glad you got to witness Goodison at its finest.

I didn't realise how such a small gesture could give someone so much pleasure, but I didn't realise Everton, were going to play so well, which was the main contribution to a perfect day for you Andy.

I think I took as much pleasure as you anyway Andy, because I know you've had your own troubles in the past mate, and the guts you had, to pull yourself out of a big hole, is the only thing that made days like Sunday possible.

A Lovely day, was only bettered by both the team, and the company Andy, and also the thing that I thought we'd lost. Everton's greatest weapon, is starting to really come to the fore once again, and that's what makes Goodison Pk, one of the most special places on earth!

Kieran - I was at both of the games you mentioned, Feyenoord we just couldn't get a goal! Southampton 7-1 was brilliant sat in the upper Gwladys Street with the Speed hat trick! Even remember Paul Gerrard replacing Southall at half time (still shudder at some of his games!)

I'm just gutted that I missed out on a free drink from Mr Gaynes. I'm sure that can be rectified soon!!

I think Dave is right, possibly we do take it for granted and not realise the on off moments for those not as fortunate as most.

I'm sorry not to have been able to make it to the Excelsior, but hope to catch up with you and everyone else at a future event.

Best wishes all round.

Well done also to the Abrahams family for helping you out so brilliantly. It was a pleasure to meet you in the Excelsior, but how come nobody told me anything about a free pint?! I'm starting to think George might have had two by claiming craftily that one was for G. McK and the other was for G. McK. (!)

Always found Andy to be an excellent contributor and this piece was no exception.

Having not been to Goodison for some years now, (...fathering three kids in consecutive years does tend to hit the pocket..!!) I have asked my wife for two tickets for a home game (any) as my birthday present in October; one for me and the other for my eldest who I have deliberately infected with the Everton bug..His first game!!

I cannot wait. That walk up the stairs and seeing the pitch for the first time. Me and my six-year old - I know I'm going to well-up, like I did when I first walked into the Vatican.

Everton is my (our) religion. As much as they frustrate & delight us. They hold a spiritual power over us all.

Great stuff Andy.