Season › 2024-25 › News Looking ahead to The Final Day at Goodison Park Michael Kenrick 08/05/2025 106comments | Jump to last Updated With the final ever game set to be played at Goodison Park in just 10 days, regular fans on ToffeeWeb have been musing over what sort of unique events might be in the works to celebrate the passing of Everton's iconic home ground. The 1878 Group have done a fantastic job orchestrating the fans at Goodison Park as the countdown to this final game against Southampton a week on Sunday has ticked on relentlessly through the remaining home games this season. But the 1878s finished their brilliant work last Saturday at the penultimate game against Ipswich Town. So now it will be the club itself that becomes the focus as they take final control of the pre-match and half-time revelries, as well as what might be done to control what is set to be an emotional post-match wake as a pitch invasion must surely be on the cards once that final whistle blows. There have been suggestions that the team will wear a special kit recalling the 'Cambridge Blue' shirts worn at the first ever game. Former great and Goodison regular, Peter Reid is expecting Everton to invite a lot of their club legends back for the final game at Goodison. “On that day, I just want to suck everything in,” said Reid. “I think it will be very. very emotional. I think even talking about it, you go wow the last time at Goodison Park. I’ve gone about the history, but that will all come out. “I don’t know how many ex-players are being invited. I’m sure the club will all of the living ones they can there. I’m convinced, that’ll be amazing.” But today the club provided further information on what is planned: Before kick-off, The 1878s supporters’ group will stage a special coach welcome to create a vibrant, passionate atmosphere as the players arrive at the stadium. More information on the route the team coach will take into the stadium and safety information for supporters will be provided across Club and 1878 channels in the days before the game. Following the final whistle, Evertonians will be asked to remain in their seats for a special on-pitch celebration that will include guest presenters, appearances from current and former players, live musical performances, and specially-curated big screen content that captures the spirit, memories and history of the stadium. The ceremony, called ‘End of an Era’, will last for approximately one hour. Once the match has ended, supporters will be able to purchase food and drink – including alcohol – on Goodison’s concourses and return to their seats to enjoy the show. Consumption of alcohol will be permitted within the stadium bowl from the full-time whistle until bars close at 2:45 pm. And the club has already announced plans for fans to buy their seats at Goodison Park! Season Ticket and Hospitality Members will have an exclusive purchase window starting from tomorrow at 10 am (Friday 9 May), with seats priced at £90 each (plus £10 for UK postage and packaging). Pre-order final matchday programme Buy your Goodison Park seat Plans To Mark End Of An Era Reader Comments (106) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer () Mike Doyle 1 Posted 07/05/2025 at 19:07:02 Has the club actually arranged anything of significance to mark the end of playing at Goodison?I've seen plenty of evidence of what the 1878 Group have done, but has anything else happened?I was expecting to players of yesteryear paraded to the crowd (and other sentimental stuff). Have I missed anything? Paul Ferry 2 Posted 07/05/2025 at 19:09:32 I hear, Mike, that there is a plan for 100+ old players to be paraded after the final whistle. Nothing else yet. Mike Doyle 3 Posted 07/05/2025 at 21:17:48 PaulI hope you are right. It would seem fitting to see a selection of the older players grace the pitch again… Colin Harvey, Bob Latchford, Big Nev – and if Graeme Sharp can be forgiven, then it's time my late father's favourite Everton player, Tony Kay, was invited to join them. Brendan McLaughlin 4 Posted 07/05/2025 at 21:27:38 "I hear, Mike, that there is a plan for 100+ old players to be paraded after the final whistle."What about the guys who are under 100? Paul Ferry 5 Posted 08/05/2025 at 03:09:22 Alright Brendan, that's good.Hallelujah Mike: I would love to see Dave Abrahams and the others who hold Tony Kay dear to their hearts see him walk out on that pitch for maybe the last time. He's 87 for fuck's sake. He deserves this moment, as does Dave A et al. Danny O'Neill 6 Posted 08/05/2025 at 07:10:24 Paul,Dave Abrahams, my father and many others have spoken in high regard of Tony Kay for me to have a view on a player I never watched.Some say he would have played in the England 1966 World Cup winning team. I think it might have been Dave, but the only question was who would have made way had he been allowed to carry on his career. Kendall, Ball or Harvey? I hope the club includes him. Today, he would have got a 10 match ban and a hefty fine. Not a lifetime footballing sentence. Paul Ferry 7 Posted 08/05/2025 at 07:19:58 Is right, Danny. Really good post. I think Dave A et al might shed a tear if Tony Kay 87 walked on that pitch after our last game in what will always be our spiritual home. Tony Abrahams 8 Posted 08/05/2025 at 07:50:19 I have been having to go to Southport a lot lately.According to one of the fellas who has to travel with me, he reckons that the pub at the side of the pier, that plays live music every day, belongs to Tony Kay. Frank Fearns 9 Posted 08/05/2025 at 07:57:16 Tony Kay was one of the best midfield players I've watched over the years. I was trying to liken him to a player from the modern age. The one that comes to mind is Gana Gueye when he was at his peak.I'd be interested to know what other 'old farts' think. Sometime after his suspension, I believe he graced the pitches of Huyton playing for a pub team - I think the Oak or Wheatsheaf?! Paul Ferry 10 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:00:45 Formby By-pass, Tony, through Ainsdale, Birkdale. I know that better than Knotty Ash and somewhere called Childwall. I know that boozer by the pier. Lovely story TA. He's making a few quid there.'Tony Kay was once again present on the pitch at Goodison Park among a group of 100 Everton Legends, as the club celebrated a record 100 seasons of top flight football at the start of the 2002–03 campaign. He received a standing ovation from the crowd'.I bet Tony Kay will be there at the last farewell. Danny O'Neill 11 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:04:04 More my time, I hope the club invites Neville Southall. That's if he would accept it. It's a new regime now, so they shouldn't be scared of him like the last lot.He understands the supporters better than most and the club could learn a lot off him.I read recently that the big man had been on a drip in hospital. I'm not sure how true it was, but if so, I hope he is recovering. Peter Mills 12 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:04:48 Some great comments about Tony Kay, a lovely gentleman I have met a couple of times over the past few years. A very modest man, kind with his advice to my grandsons, who has no bitterness about the huge injustice that befell him. Paul Ferry 13 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:10:30 Lovely post, Peter. You have a way with words and emotions. Tony Abrahams 14 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:12:15 One of the best things about those legendary “Hall of Fame” nights, was bumping into characters like the permanently smiling Wally Fielding, Paul.The arguments are getting stronger in my house between my twins, because me being an old fashioned dad, means I only got my boy a season ticket, but it's definitely my daughter, who has got that blue blood, running through her veins.They are constantly fighting over that last game, and it's usually started by my daughter, because her brother hasn't conceded yet, and it's probably making her nervous!I wonder how many people will turn up around the streets of Goodison Park? Paul Ferry 15 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:13:52 I wonder how many people will turn up around the streets of Goodison Park?Thousands, Tony. Danny O'Neill 16 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:19:33 I seriously hope the club and the city have factored this in. I think it will be tens of thousands. Some will stay in town, but most will head to Goodison and County Road.In my opinion, big screens in Stanley Park is a sensible approach. My fear is how they steward and police a potential surge when they open the gates to let people out. Surely they must be aware that people, with good intentions, will try to get in?? Derek Thomas 17 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:27:58 Danny; the legend has it (and we romantics always go with the legend, as the newspaper proverb states - when given a choice between the so called facts and the Legend - always print the Legend) is that Alf Ramsey phoned Harry up nearly in tears asking is it true and who will replace him and Harry recommended Stiles, the rest as they say - is History.I went to the Roger the Dodger's testimonial in the early 70s and playing under 'A. N. Other' Tony Kay was MotM.If we go all Harry Turtledove, imagine a universe where Catterick doesn't get rid of Collins in 1962...who was Footballer of the year in 1965.Where Tony Kay is not banned.Colin Harvey is in the mix along with Gabriel and Denis Stevens.In 1966/67 Ball and Kendall are added.The mind boggles.The whole of the 1963 Inter Milan game is on the GOT site somewhere... maybe via Pathe?Watch Kay playing in the Gana / Carsley role...only better...Alex Parker was pretty tasty too.Turn off Wolstenholme's patronising/ damning us with faint praise commentary though. Tony Abrahams 18 Posted 08/05/2025 at 08:33:11 Fifty thousand? Sixty thousand? Seventy thousand, or over one hundred thousand even?They have done their best to possibly try and limit the numbers with a 12 o'clock kick-off… but it's Everton, and the last ever game we are talking about, so it wouldn't surprise me if there are over 100,000 on the streets of Walton a week on Sunday.Is it too late to arrange a march from Bramley-Moore Dock to Goodison Park, I wonder? Do us a favour, Danny, e-mail your mates in the 1878 fan group and ask them, please, mate, because it would be lovely to see a few thousand people making their final pilgrimage to Goodison Park from our new home! Danny O'Neill 19 Posted 08/05/2025 at 09:07:38 Derek, and others, great suff. Rather than live in the past, I always respect it, just as we will today on VE Day. I wish the club would remember some of those they have forgotten, or ignore.Tony, I can only ask, but that is a great idea. Dave Abrahams 20 Posted 08/05/2025 at 09:35:35 Regarding Tony Kay I rate Gana Gueye a lot. And no disrespect but Kay was really unreplacable – he definitely would have been in that 1966 England team with Jackie Charlton and Bobby Moore tossing up to see who played centre-half. I'm afraid Colin Harvey would have to drop out of that midfield trio. I lived in Shaw Street off Islington when I first got married and Tony Kay had a place almost opposite my house and a big van with “Kay's Kardboards” right across it, how sad to see such a fabulous footballer scrapping for a living.Tony later received a short jail sentence for something trivial and he was well looked after by people I knew doing his time, Reds and Blues. He kept that friendship up when he came out — they came out a lot longer than Tony!Derek, I went to that Roger Hunt benefit game, had to jib in there was that many at the game and it was pissing down, sorry raining very heavily, that night but didn't know Tony played in that game. Rob Halligan 21 Posted 08/05/2025 at 09:41:25 Let's hope it's a warm sunny day and we can stand outside Goodison with a few cans because all the pubs are going to be absolutely rammed. We plan on getting down to the stadium around 9:00 am but I bet even then everywhere will be packed. I've heard the Winslow will be opening at 8:30 am, the Taxi Club on Cherry Lane at 9:00 am, and The Brick probably won't shut on Saturday night! We went to The Winslow last Saturday and I wish we hadn't bothered. If you've no patience, standing in a queue in a pub waiting to be served, then I think none of the pubs around the stadium will be to your liking! Danny O'Neill 22 Posted 08/05/2025 at 10:03:36 I think bring the former players out and introduce them just before the match. Form a welcome party as the team comes out to the siren and Z-Cars.Having them on pitch at half-time often gets lost as many have gone downstairs for a cold sausage roll, drink or call of nature.No point bringing them on at the end. Many are getting on a bit and the pitch is going to be invaded, so it will be dangerous for them. It's one thing showing Jake O'Brien in the air, but doing it to an 80-year-old would put his health in danger as much as he'd probably love it!!!This is going to be massive. We could potentially match the dreaded events of 26 May here and there will be an outpouring of emotion to match it. Geoff Cadman 23 Posted 08/05/2025 at 10:17:22 Frank #9He was a celebrity referee for a game at Jubilee Park in Huyton. I can't remember the details of the game, it was early '60s, before the betting scandal.Danny, I think he would have played instead of Kendall, which begs the question, if Kay had not been banned, would Howard Kendall have signed, and later become our most successful manager??? Ernie Baywood 24 Posted 08/05/2025 at 10:18:43 There are the plans: Everton's Plans To Mark End Of An Era At Goodison Park Danny O'Neill 25 Posted 08/05/2025 at 10:45:37 Thanks Ernie,To repeat, I just wouldn't bring them on after the final whistle. Try as they may, right or wrong, I doubt it will be possible to stop a pitch invasion.As for advising ticketless supporters not to travel. Good luck with that.They should have been thinking about this months ago and setting up Stanley Park or even the new stadium. Not waiting until just over a week before to advise people not to travel. They should have foreseen this and made contingency plans for those who can't attend, but want to be there. Brian Williams 26 Posted 08/05/2025 at 10:53:43 Hope there isn't a pitch invasion as that could adversely affect the after-match show and celebration that's planned.Will have to be a change of plan with regard to the usual gate openings at 3/4 time too! Ernie Baywood 27 Posted 08/05/2025 at 11:13:46 I'll be watching from afar. I really hope they stream the after-match occasion. I very much doubt overseas broadcasts will cover the whole lot. Liam Mogan 28 Posted 08/05/2025 at 11:28:54 Hopefully Everton stick the post match stuff live on the website or on YouTube, Ernie. I can't see why they wouldn't. Rob Williamson 29 Posted 08/05/2025 at 12:12:36 I know it's probably too late now but I wonder if the club considered asking the Southampton fans to forgo their ticket allocation to allow a few more Blues to get in for the final game? ps: I met Tony Kay in a beach bar outside Benidorm in 1972. Nice guy. James Hughes 30 Posted 08/05/2025 at 12:51:45 Tony, sorry but Southampton took all their allocated tickets. I guess they want to be part of the party! Danny O'Neill 31 Posted 08/05/2025 at 12:52:29 They can't, Rob.Premier League rules state it must be 3,000 to away supporters if the capacity is over 30,000.I think ours is just below that, but only by a few, due to segregation arrangements. The only way it happens is if the opposition club declare they can't sell their allocation. At Goodison, that has often resulted in the Upper Bullens away section being released to home supporters. Many away supporters I travel with also want their last visit to Goodison. I'll be hope. In the ground or not, I've got nearly half a century of memories that will never leave me. Geoff Cadman 32 Posted 08/05/2025 at 12:59:54 Southampton sold out their full allocation last week. The tickets where only on sale to season ticket holders. To try and prevent tickets being sold on, 1,000 ticket holders, to be decided randomly, will need to collect their tickets at Goodison before the game. Colin Malone 33 Posted 08/05/2025 at 13:16:10 I would love to see Johnny Morrissey again. Now 85 years of age, according to Wiki. Jeff Armstrong 34 Posted 08/05/2025 at 13:21:43 Do they still open the gates at 3/4 time?Could get messy if they do. Bill Gall 35 Posted 08/05/2025 at 13:33:28 Frank @9 I ran a Sunday League team and we played a friendly against I believe it was Crawfords. At that time, it was a rumour that Tony Kay was playing in some teams, so it was a bit of a surprise when he played against us.If anyone wonders if he just played for fun, they could talk to our winger who I imagine is still carrying the bruises today!The sadness of his suspension was Kay was supposed to be voted as Man of the Match for the game that was part of the investigation. Peter Mills 36 Posted 08/05/2025 at 14:42:42 Bill #35, I believe it was the case that Tony was Man of the Match. I understand that he, and other players at Sheffield Wednesday, earned a basic salary with a match bonus, the amount of which was based on whether the team drew or won. 3 players, including Tony, had a bet on their opponents to win, the winnings would merely cover the loss of the win bonus if Wednesday were unexpectedly beaten. A mistake, of course. But not the daftest thing a young man has ever done, and certainly not worthy of the draconian punishment meted out.It was uncovered by a sting from a Sunday newspaper, which milked it. Eugene Ruane 37 Posted 08/05/2025 at 15:06:44 A case of all Good…ison things must come to an end? (soz)I saw my first game there in May 1966 (Man Utd, 0-0).It was a night game which, to the 7-year-old me, was pure magic and from that moment, I was hooked... forever.As a kid, from about 1967 to 1971, I couldn't eat, sleep, think, breathe unless it was Alan Ball – I was truly obsessed with him.I was 12 when he was sold to Arsenal and it was probably my first real experience of discovering how shitty and cruel life could be (more than 50 years later,, I can still remember how hard I cried when I finally grasped what had happened).A few years later (1974?), it felt like a big deal when I stopped going to games with my (late) pater and started going with ‘the lads' ("The Everton boys are in town, na-na-naaah...")I should add my dad was more than happy to stop going as, a couple of years earlier, he'd decided the 1970s Everton side were “a shower of puddins” and “not fit to lace the boots of..” - insert name of various 1940s/1950s Everton players (or see Rigsby talking about Tommy Lawton).Btw, my dad's idea of a date, when he started courting my mother, was to take her to Goodison for games.Living in rural Ireland (as she had before arriving in Liverpool) I don't know if she'd even heard of Everton, but she loved Irish players Peter Farrell and Tommy Eglington and she eventually became a genuinely bitter blue who had NO time at all for anything to do with (spit!) them across the park.Everton weren't much to watch for most of the 1970s but for me it didn't really matter.Being with all my (blue) mates, starting to go to pubs, away games, off the leash, personally it was a wonderful period.From 1966 to 2025, I was only ever on the pitch once at Goodison - 29th April 1978, last game of the season, Latchford's 30th goal.Then in the 1980s, out of nowhere, Howard Kendall suddenly produced the most successful side in the history of the club.In 1985 we were going to Goodison not just thinking we'd win games, but knowing we'd score 3/4 goals and batter the opposition.Two titles, an FA Cup, the European Cup Winners Cup in just 3/4 years, plus regular Wembley trips, charity shields, players of the year, oh yes Everton WERE magic.I imagine Sunday will be a strange, moving, possibly surreal day.I will (in two small plazzie bottles) be sneaking in a few nips of Calvados for the final whistle.Non, je ne regrette rien.Thanks for the memories, up the Toffees! and on to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in August. Phil Roberts 38 Posted 08/05/2025 at 16:08:03 Peter #36. Unexpectedly beaten? Ipswich had won 4-1 at Hillsborough earlier in the season and went on to win Division 1 dropping only 6 points from a possible 42 at home.Wednesday on the other hand only got 20 points on the road.It was a nailed on certainty that Ipswich would win - and no matter how well Tony Kay played (and yes, I hear he had a blinder) they would lose. I don't even think there was any evidence that the Wednesday players involved actually threw the game. It was, if anything, "If we win, we get the bonus. If we lose, which we probably will, at least we get the money from the bookies" Kevin Jones 39 Posted 08/05/2025 at 16:13:15 Afternoon All. Is there any way we could stream the last game and festivities to the New Stadium. £15.00 a head @ 40,000 = £600,000 with food etc.Just a thought John Raftery 40 Posted 08/05/2025 at 16:22:43 The plans for the final game make sense but are dependent on people not invading the pitch at the final whistle. If they do, there will be no post-match celebration or recognition of former greats. The neighbours across the park recently celebrated what was for them a significant event. Nobody invaded the pitch. That allowed their players, manager and staff to celebrate on the pitch after the final whistle. Surely it is not too much to ask supporters to follow their example. If we can't do that, we are letting ourselves and the club down by spoiling the occasion for everyone involved. Actually, I have every confidence we will all do what the club asks us to do. Peter Mills 41 Posted 08/05/2025 at 17:10:03 Phil #38, you have told the story more fully than I. The most salient point, as you also say, is this was the players trying to cover potential bonus losses, perhaps a few bob more, not match-fixing. Wrong, yes. Met with appropriate punishment? I dont think so. Thanks for the additional information and link. Paul Washington 42 Posted 08/05/2025 at 18:48:28 Eugene #37,Great memories from a similar time as myself...Bally's gone to Arsenal and the kids can't sleep! Rob Halligan 43 Posted 08/05/2025 at 20:03:38 Heres a weepy one……….https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IXCvu0iPr5Y Danny O'Neill 44 Posted 09/05/2025 at 07:31:55 I agree John. My last pitch invasion was years ago at Anfield. I can't remember which match it was, but I ran to Neville Southall, who told me to f@%k off and swatted me away as he ran to the tunnel.Those days are long gone. I can barely get over the seat in front of me. The knees and ankles won't allow it!!I hope it doesn't happen, but I can't see it not. Rob, it's getting to that time of year where the hay fever is kicking in and making my eyes water. Paul Ferry 45 Posted 09/05/2025 at 07:40:45 Thanks Rob. You should do one of them mate. Paul Ferry 46 Posted 09/05/2025 at 07:46:28 My. last pitch invasion was Coventry - 'WE WANT JOHNSON OUT'.Dear God, how mistaken we were as the lying narcissist piece of shit was digging up the sofa for coins and - YOU LYING TWAT - remortgaging his gaff to buy us. Scott Hamilton 47 Posted 09/05/2025 at 07:56:05 My first game was in 1977, a friendly against the Dutch side, Nijmegen.I was only 5 years old so most of its a bit of a blur but I do remember leaving from grandmas house on Stuart Road in Walton, calling in at the corner shop for a couple of bottles of Panda Pop on the way, and then the tiny me being quite shocked by the crowds as I got near the ground.I also recall hearing a few words that day that Id never heard before! My Dad made me promise I wouldnt repeat any of them when I got home, and I agreed because he promised to buy me a pork pie and a cup of tea at half time.For most of us, The Grand Old Lady has been a significant part of our lives pretty-much since we were born. I think most of us know well miss her but, like losing a dear relative, are perhaps underestimating just how much. I havent got a ticket for the final game (£800+ FFS) but will be there for the last home game, just to soak up the atmosphere and pay my respects one last time. Every good family needs a home and shes done us proud for over 130 years. Paul Ferry 48 Posted 09/05/2025 at 08:01:09 Nice Scott. I was at that game too. Wasn't Nijmegen Ronny Goodlass's Dutch team - anyone?£800 Scott? Try the highest I have just seen, £12,750 and two minutes later £13,400. Danny O'Neill 49 Posted 09/05/2025 at 08:04:03 Better out than in Paul. Anger management techniques!!!Scott, mine was also a pre-season friendly, around 1976 I think. Home Farm.The last home game will probably see more supporters outside the ground than inside. The parade before the parade.We're the originals. Paint and smoke the city blue. Dye the Mersey next to Bramley Moore Royal Blue in a Chicago St Patrick's Day style when they dye theirs green. Scott Hamilton 50 Posted 09/05/2025 at 08:09:48 Jeez Paul, thats crazy money!BTW - I see the club is offering season ticket holders the chance to buy their seat for £90.00. Quite a clever move that could raise over £3m quid.I wonder if theyll sell-off bits of the stadium in this way, right the way down to individual toilets, filled with dark yellow piss, with a fag floating in them? Thats another less welcome memory thats (literally) just come floating back. Paul Ferry 51 Posted 09/05/2025 at 08:49:26 Not the best facilities Scott mate. But apparently BMD has flush handles and towel dispensers that are not always empty. But smart predictions are that it will take 3 years and 46 days for the bogs to smell of piss. Paul Washington 52 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:01:16 Paul F #48I'm sure Ronnie Goodlass played for Breda in Holland. Andy Duff 53 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:08:15 The club statement along with the police has told supporters without tickets not to go the game. "To help ensure a safe and respectful environment on the day, Everton and Merseyside Police are politely asking supporters without a ticket for the match not to travel to or congregate around Goodison Park. This is to protect the safety of local residents, fans, players, staff, and to allow those inside the stadium to fully participate in what will be a deeply significant day for the Everton family."It really does show the difference in approach I don't recall similar rules the other week when they won the title. The club should have planned for this. Got a license for part of Stanley Park massive screens showing the match and then the after show, vendors etc...What have they done? Nothing other than told fans to stay away. Questions should be asked why the police allow that lot near the ground but not us?I get there is going to 10000s extra there and it could be a safety issue so why not an extra large fan zone in the park. Absolutely no forward thinking at all, the fans as always are at afterthought. We should do a survey are you going the last game yes, no, do you have a ticket yes no. Might be good to see how many are planning on going the game without a ticket Rob Halligan 54 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:17:06 Andy, do we actually know the police and the club told fans without tickets to stay away? I don't read anything about them, so wouldn't know if fans were told to stay away or not? Andrew Ellams 55 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:33:26 With The Bobble reporting on X that negotiations are close to concluding on the women's team moving into Goodison next season, how does that work with people buying their seats? James Marshall 56 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:38:04 Does anyone believe people are going to stay away from the ground, regardless of what the old bill say?There's no law in place as far as I'm aware, so the authorities can get knotted. People will show up, and they won't be able to stop them getting near the ground.Andy@53 makes a good point though - why has the club not made arrangements for those supporters who can't get in? Goodison holds what, 39,000? The streets will be rammed, and they know there's nothing they can do about it other than make flimsy statements on the OS. Craig Walker 57 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:38:47 I haven't got a ticket but I was hoping to travel up. If the other lot can have a parade where they'll be travelling from Norway etc. in their droves then why can't we go to the ground that we've been going to for years?On another topic, what do people think of the Cambridge Blue shirt that was launched today? I quite like it. Danny O'Neill 58 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:40:58 I wonder if a similar statement will be issued by them and Merseyside Police before the Devil's parade in the interests of public safety and to stop Speke Airport and Lime Street being overwhelmed? Rob Halligan 59 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:42:16 Andrew # 55……..I would be very surprised if all seats were bought by fans. There is also the near 3000 seats in the away section which could be moved to wherever the club want to put them should the womens team locate to Goodison. Personally I cant see that happening though. Andrew Ellams 60 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:45:42 Rob I've seen stories of Goodison being partially demolished and becoming a 15,000 capacity but not sure how they're going to make it work either. Danny O'Neill 61 Posted 09/05/2025 at 09:48:53 I don't think they will move to Goodison as is. It wouldn't be cost-effective and, with no disrespect to the female game, it would be 90% empty for most fixtures aside from big events. It would be soulless.If they are going to do it, demolish the existing Goodison and build a downscaled purpose built stadium that can host the women's team as well as the U21s and U18s.Alternatively, they could upgrade and upscale Walton Hall Park. Still close to the Goodison roots. Brian Williams 62 Posted 09/05/2025 at 10:05:08 Nowhere else to put this but it looks as though Doucoure has a very different view from the majority of supporters.His contract has been a talking point for some time now, with it expiring this summer, as Everton fans think Doucoure is overpaid.Well, the midfielder has clapped back at the supporters who say this, as speaking to the Fozcast, Doucoure has made his stance very clear.“I see Everton fans saying to lower my wages. Im amazed, I deserve to have my salary right now,” Doucoure said.“To be honest, I wont readjust my salary to stay at the club. Ive seen Mo Salah get a pay rise.“Im playing every season, Im important for the club, no, I should have an increase!”“People talk about my salary, and Im just surprised, like, no, Im sorry, I dont agree with this.”Salah got a pay rise so he thinks he should too. Rennie Smith 63 Posted 09/05/2025 at 10:11:14 Andy@53, trying to get sign-off on something like a fan zone in the park is an absolute nightmare (and bloody expensive of course seeing as you couldn't ticket it). Also, BT wouldn't let them livestream the game so there's not much point in setting it up.The don't turn up if you don't have a ticket message is just a formality from the club, they have to run that line otherwise the bizzies would be a right arse to deal with in the future. But does anyone seriously think people will stay away? I know I'm very fortunate to be a season ticket holder but I'd love the streets of L4 alive with blues for one last time. And as for that mob across the park, there'll be more people on the streets of Oslo than on Anfield Road, so the city have nothing to worry about. Danny O'Neill 64 Posted 09/05/2025 at 10:25:41 Rennie,Those bastards have effectively closed off Anfield Road with their latest loft extension.If it's on TNT, the club can screen it if they have the licence. The match at most grounds, Goodison, included, is screened in the concourses for those who go down early for half time refreshments. Rennie Smith 65 Posted 09/05/2025 at 10:38:36 Yeah fair enough Danny, but that's a captive audience, they're already in the ground.Either way, I know people will rightly want more if they don't have a ticket, but I also know how hard these things are to get off the ground.Lets turn all the streets blue, I'll be devastated to leave (26th Nov 1977 my first game, 6-0 v Cov), but seeing a huge celebration inside and out will make it a day to remember. Rob Halligan 66 Posted 09/05/2025 at 10:58:34 When the RS won the Covid league, Im pretty sure we were still in the middle of a lockdown, yet hundreds, maybe thousands gathered in town with their fireworks and rocket launchers to celebrate. So fuck em, the more the merrier! 🍺🍺🍺🎊🎊🎊🎉🎉🎉🍺🍺🍺 Andy Duff 67 Posted 09/05/2025 at 11:06:18 I do wonder how many will turn up on the day. I've got my season ticket so will be in the ground. It could actually get too busy hence why we really needed a large fan zone overspill Liam Mogan 68 Posted 09/05/2025 at 11:07:57 You know what Rob, you are 100% right.The City of Liverpool bends over backwards for those Mordor dwelling Goblins. Not one word of criticism for thousand upon thousand of them breaking lockdown (they even tried to blame a load of their 'shenanigans' on blues. Similar to how they tried to blame Heysel on Cockneys)Now the fun police want to ruin what is a once in a lifetime moment for the City's founding football team. Feck em. There'll be millions of canutes doing what the feck they want when they have their parade and it'll all be about how wonderful they are. A few thousand will turn up outside Goodison and it will be reported as if its the Southport Riots again if there is any sniff of trouble. Paul Hewitt 69 Posted 09/05/2025 at 11:18:49 Jesus. Can we not have a thread that doesn't mention the other lot. People getting obsessed with them. Danny O'Neill 70 Posted 09/05/2025 at 11:20:50 Liam, I don't often swear on here, but fuck them.It's our city. We will celebrate Goodison as we see fit in our homeland.No-one will tell us otherwise. Danny O'Neill 71 Posted 09/05/2025 at 11:52:19 It's not obsession Paul. When you live with them, communicate with them and are related to them, you can't help mention them!!I hope the 18th is our day and the decent ones respect that. Eugene Ruane 72 Posted 09/05/2025 at 11:58:36 .I've no idea how things like fire regulations and crowd control work at grounds, but over the years, having seen loads of people leave their seats (at Goodison) with more than ten mins to go, my guess is, way before the final whistle, certain gates have to be (by law?) open.Anyone know if that's the case?Anyone know if this will this be the case on Sunday?Or will supporters be told "the earliest you can leave is 3pm"?Why do I ask?At home games, walking up to the St End from the Park End (past The Winslow) I pass a line of hi-viz wearing 'security' personnel (male/female) and one of them (a young Asian lad) always catches my eye as he has to be Britain's smallest security 'man'.His bright yellow coat (probably size XS) looks like it was made for Tyson Fury(I can't be the only one who has noticed him)My point?If these are the only security on offer on Sunday, the potential for problems/chaos deffo exists.Let's hope Everton FC will decide to be wise before the event. Paul Hewitt 73 Posted 09/05/2025 at 12:02:20 Danny, my 2 brothers are rs, I work with loads of them. Some are knobheads, a lot are sound blokes. I've met knobhead evertonians as well. The worlds full of them. Danny O'Neill 74 Posted 09/05/2025 at 12:06:04 We've all got them Paul, ourselves included.Collectively I'd say we're better, but I can have sensible conversations with my brother-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.Broadly speaking, it's the ones that live around me in London that get to me. Ian Wilkins 75 Posted 09/05/2025 at 12:07:50 The gates were opened on 90 minutes at the Ipswich game, not to stop people leaving but to stop people coming in ( it was said), tho I saw nobody outside. What is going to happen when the Southampton fans leave at full time, and Everton fans attempt to take their place? Paul Hewitt 76 Posted 09/05/2025 at 12:11:06 Ian. Apparently Everton fans are well behaved and wouldn't dream of rushing into a ground without a ticket. Colin Glassar 77 Posted 09/05/2025 at 12:14:54 I remember the weeks and months leading up to the final game at Upton Park there was massive media coverage. Maybe its just me (I stopped watching ssn a long time ago) but this seems to be largely ignored, at least in the press.I just hope Seamus is allowed to walk on the hallowed turf one more time before he hangs up his boots. That will be emotional. Danny O'Neill 78 Posted 09/05/2025 at 12:21:47 Paul, there is footage from one of our many trips to Wembley in the 80s with supporters (both red and blue) risking life and limb scaling the walls to get in.In fairness Colin, the BBC has been given it a lot of coverage. If anyone tries to storm the gates, they will be stopped. Eric Myles 79 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:38:32 I would like to see the former players parading in the kits they were wearing in their heyday. Shirts at least, doubt their legs are as sexy as they were back in the day.Also hoping the Club or someone posts the post match event on YouTube. This is one game I might actually get to watch as a sports bar has opened local to me and the timing is good. But the commentary will likely be in Vietnamese! Eric Myles 80 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:44:55 An aside but I noted on another thread that some of you were quoting from Big Dunc's book.Did you pre-order or buy it in a shop 'cos my pre-order hasn't arrived yet. Craig Walker 81 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:53:23 I pre-ordered a signed copy, Eric and it was delivered on Wednesday. Colin Malone 82 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:53:46 Brian #62Is that what Doucoure said? 🤣🤣🤣I'll give him the money he wants, only if he leaves. Eric Myles 83 Posted 09/05/2025 at 13:59:32 Thanks Craig, the commentsI read were earlier than Wednesday. I'll see if I can chase them. Mark Murphy 84 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:13:17 Ive not got a ticket and Ive never been in the fanzone.Im going on the day - will I need a ticket to get in the fanzone?? Brian Williams 85 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:15:43 Colin#82.That's what's being reported mate. Ian Bennett 86 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:20:04 You'll be sound msrk. It will be rammed though Danny O'Neill 87 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:23:21 I tried the fan zone before the Arsenal match to meet a friend. I gave up. Totally rammed. Paul Hewitt 88 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:25:19 Why not put big screens at BMD. That fan zone holds 17 thousand. Tony Abrahams 89 Posted 09/05/2025 at 14:44:58 Very interesting reading that comment from Doucoure..Do these footballers not stop and think about how lucky they are? In saying that I suppose his goal, probably kept Everton solvent, at a time when the club was in major trouble, but how many times have the Everton squad, got together after another appalling away performance and decided to reimburse the very loyal away supporters?Those West Country blues, dont often get home before midnight from a home game, and although Im aware they do it through choice, has anyone ever suggested reimbursing them for their incredible loyalty after another terrible home performance?These footballers say the wrong thing at times and hearing comments like this just have me shaking my head in disbelief.I doubt there would be many Evertonians, who agree with Doucoure, although he must have some good offers on the table, if this is what hes saying 🤷♂️ Mark Murphy 90 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:29:23 Ive just realised the enormity of whats about to happen.Ive changed my mind. I dont want a new stadium.I want to stay at Goodison Park. Danny O'Neill 91 Posted 09/05/2025 at 15:30:05 I think it was after the Bournemouth away two horrible defeats in four days, I suggested the club should reimburse the supporters for those quick turnaround trips to the south coast.So I am told (no evidence) Roman Abramovic used to do it for Chelsea supporters and cover the costs for their away coaches for certain matches. Michael Kenrick 93 Posted 10/05/2025 at 14:03:28 Like every Evertonian, the reality of leaving Goodison Park, and the memories and history it brings to us all, is sacred, unique and special. Using one of my favourite road trip songs from 1971, here's my effort on a simple song for Evertonians to consider in view of this very emotional event.To the tune of Lake Shore Drive, Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, 1971, adapted for an Everton Ditty:There's a place I'd like to tell you about, it's in my home town,Goodison Park, the place is called, and it will bring you up or down,From rats or up to riches, 100 minutes you are high,The pretty blue lights on the way, they help you right on by,and the flood lights shine with a heavenly grace, help you right on by,Chorus And there ain't no place just like it, anywhere I found,Getting down to Goodison Park, then heading into Town,|Just slipping on by on lagers and glee, Saturday night trouble bound.Chorus repeat And for today all travelling Toffees have safe passage and a great day in Fulham! Dave Williams 94 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:07:57 Tony #89 its not getting home thats the problem next Sunday- Ive got to get up at 3am to catch the coach up!!Some guys have a two hour drive just to get to the coach - thats what a midday kick off does and it might be too packed to get a beer in the pub!!Cant wait!! Peter Mitchell 95 Posted 11/05/2025 at 10:20:51 Not sure where to post this, but this seems to be the thread with the most relevance, I thought I would try here. I was watching politicslondon this morning about government plans to crack down on touts and re-sale sites for tickets (sporting, music and entertainment etc). That got me thinking about my recent experience in trying to get tickets for one last visit to Goodison Park which resulted in me having to use a re-sale site, as nothing was available from the club or Ticketmaster, despite the fact that all four of us are members. It cost me more than £500 for 4 tickets, which didn't actually arrive until the day before the game (against Man Utd). They were e-tickets that we had to download on our 'phones (3 attempts only allowed per ticket) and I still was not convinced that they would work until we actually got into the ground. I had to make the decision to book accommodation (as we are London-based) sort travel arrangements and then trust that the tickets worked, with absolutely no guarantees whatsoever. A total (and expensive) lottery.I wonder what the club will be doing in respect of the Southampton game and in the new stadium to protect fans who cannot get seasons tickets (we are on the waiting list) and who cannot attend regularly from being extorted. Si Cooper 96 Posted 12/05/2025 at 05:19:48 I won't be there next Sunday. I made my pilgrimage last week.I will be attaching my ‘Goodbye to Goodison' flag to the car before setting off for work at 6 o'clock in the morning. See how many acknowledgments I get in Herts over the following week or so…A march from Bramley-Moore Dock to Goodison? Good on you Tony. My creaky knees barely stood up to the trip from Bankhall Station last week. Joe Bibb 97 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:28:21 I will be outside Goodison before the last game, I haven't got a ticket but that does not matter. Goodison Park has been part of my life for over 60 years, I met the love of my life there, it is worth more than any amount of GOLD to be there.Feelings will be mixed, very sad to see Goodison Park for the last time but the future is now on the Banks Of The Royal Blue Mersey Mark Murphy 98 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:34:17 Me too Joe - look out for me - Ill be wearing my Everton top!UTFT Mark Murphy 99 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:40:53 Peter I have had exactly the same experience this season, as a member. I wrote to the club and got an auto reply saying the advice was to not buy off unofficial sites.I wrote back saying the club should be identifying the tickets and addressing the issue. To be fair, they wrote back and said they recognised its a problem and were looking into ways to combat it. I think the future will involve photo id tickets. As an away supporter who relies on friends for tickets I guess that could be bad news for me but if it makes the system fairer then so be it!UTFT Scott Hamilton 100 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:47:00 Me too, Joe.Gonna get there super-early and have a wander around the stadium and the area as a whole. So many memories…Must have my half chips/half rice with curry sauce from Luckys Blue Dragon too. We always win when I do that. Well, mostly. OK, sometimes! Martin Mason 101 Posted 12/05/2025 at 10:53:53 I'm weighing up whether to go to Goodison on Sunday and my current thoughts are not to go and be outside but to watch it on TV and try to create the atmosphere in my mind. A day standing plays havoc on my knees now. My thoughts will be with all of the Evertonians who will be there. I was lucky to experience many great times at Goodison since the late 50's so my mind now is going to be more on how I can keep getting to some games next year. Rob Halligan 102 Posted 12/05/2025 at 11:22:45 Mark # 90……….Start a petition…..Quick!! Richard Duff 103 Posted 12/05/2025 at 12:08:01 For so many, a trip to Goodison is about so much more than the game. The blue shirts up County Road, the crowd outside the Brick drinking from plastic cups are cans from the offy! Standing on the kerb stone outside the bookies and the church. The peeling paint hanging off the Winslow, the sounds of girls and boys talking excitedly to mums and dads, the murals, Big Duncs cut eye, Cahill 17. The chips, onions and burgers smell, the old iron turnstiles, the rivets on the beams, the tight corners, tight stairs but happy faces. The joy of a beer and pie but “please stand away from the bar!” The clackety clack of wooden seats and fading paint showing your row. The pillars, the yellow army of stewards lying down on the verge with 10 minutes to go! The floodlights, the final whistle and the usual playlist of tunes. Back down the stairs out into the cooler air and a sea of blueblood heads bobbing their way to another place. Another place is where we are heading as a club and blimey it looks amazing but were going to have to be patient to develop the new matchday. Will miss you old girl! Si Cooper 104 Posted 12/05/2025 at 22:38:06 “BTW - I see the club is offering season ticket holders the chance to buy their seat for £90.00. Quite a clever move that could raise over £3m quid.I wonder if they'll sell-off bits of the stadium in this way, right the way down to individual toilets, filled with dark yellow piss, with a fag floating in them?”I've been told it's only the ‘placky' back piece that is on offer. Many probably need refurbishing anyway so I don't think the club would be bothered about selling them off. Definitely don't think it could mean they'd end up with a seatless stadium they would then need thousands of brand new seats for. Dave Roberts 105 Posted 13/05/2025 at 13:36:59 What about people like me? I had a season ticket from 1968 to 2018 when my wife got dementia. I couldn't leave her alone so had to give up my seat. My wife died 2 years ago but there was a long waiting list by then. I don't expect special treatment and I know I can't attend the game. But why not open the gates and let a few of us old timers in to enjoy the day and suffer the sadness of leaving the old girl. My dad first took me to Goodison in 1952 when I was 6 years old. I just want to get in there one more time. Rob Halligan 106 Posted 13/05/2025 at 14:55:31 Dave # 105………I think the only possible answer for you is to hang around the away section until the final whistle, and then once the Southampton fans empty out, I guess the club will allow Everton fans to occupy the seats taken up by Southampton. They took, and have sold the entire away allocation, and I doubt very many Southampton fans will stay behind for the after match celebrations, so just under 3K seats will be empty. Dave Roberts 107 Posted 14/05/2025 at 11:05:12 Good idea, Rob! I'll try that. I'll take some bribery wherewithal with me! Add Your Comments In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site. » Log in now Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site. 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