Farewell to Goodison – an opposition fan's view

You say goodbye, I say hello

Wow! My first visit to Goodison Park, in fact my first visit to the city of Liverpool. What an incredible experience the weekend proved to be. I'm an artist so I took my oil painting kit to the home of Everton to record the final game at ‘The Grand Old Lady’. The feeling that keeps coming back to me is one of absolute privilege to have been there and join in with the Evertonians as they bid an emotional farewell to what has been their home since 1892.

I know what it’s like to say goodbye to a football stadium that means so much more than bricks, mortar and turf. As a Spurs fan, I’ve said my goodbyes to White Hart Lane 8 years ago – a ground my dad had a season ticket at for years – a stadium that provided a genuine connection to him every time I walked through those turnstiles.

I was never able to go to a game with him but I’ve since experienced the same adrenaline-fuelled joys and crushing disappointments in the same space that he felt those emotions all because of what has happened on the pitch at N17. And, I shared those moments with great friends and a brother over many years. We go for the football but it is the being together to share the highs and lows that creates connection and memories.

Connections can be fleeting too. I have gone to many games on my own, night games under the lights, surrounded by strangers, but sharing common hopes and occasionally embracing with a celebratory hug, never to see each other again.

Funnily enough, my final trip to White Hart Lane was with my brother to watch Spurs v Everton. I have a soft spot for the Toffees because of some family who support the club so it was the perfect fixture for me to bid farewell. I remember that day clearly and fondly – I miss the old ground.

Sunday 18 May was Everton supporters’ moment. Collectively and individually they have their own connection to their home that goes beyond simply being a venue to watch the local football team. I ‘get it’ and I respect it and it was an unforgettable day to be part of. Thank you to all the supporters who stopped and chatted with me while I painted. I felt very welcome in the sea of blue around me.

The weekend had been planned with three painting buddies on the back of doing a few football-themed works in January. The idea of capturing Goodison before it was bulldozed – as we know, that isn’t happening now – was mooted and, once that seed was planted, it had to happen.

We thought about going to an earlier game in the season to avoid what could be a day of carnage or at least a day that isn’t particularly suited to 'en plein air' painting but I’m so glad we settled on the finale. All four of us managed to pull off successful works amid the crowds in party mood on a day of pure celebration. It is a day I’ll never forget. When else will I be stood painting with thousands around me while fireworks are let off at 9:30 am?

The players from both teams read the script as Everton secured a 2-0 win against the Saints but the game was almost irrelevant as the day was all about looking back, being thankful, and saying an emotional farewell.

Goodbye Goodison.

– Limited edition prints of the original oil painting are available to buy from my website. 

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