As Everton Football Club prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, fans and historians alike are reflecting on the iconic stadium’s rich legacy. Known as England’s first purpose-built football ground, Goodison Park has been the stage for countless memorable matches and pivotal moments in Everton’s history. With the club set to move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, the ECHO has curated a special souvenir edition to commemorate this historic transition.
Everton Football Club should never have been in that position and it wasn’t a great feeling to be thinking you could be part of a team that takes our great club down. Thankfully it all worked out in the end but it was not without its problems. I think we just cracked open a few beers. There was certainly no champagne flying around, it wasn’t a champagne moment.
The farewell to Goodison Park is not just a goodbye to a physical structure but a celebration of the memories it holds. The ECHO’s special edition delves into the archives to unearth fascinating stories from the stadium’s past, including its construction in 1892 and the origins of its world-famous name. This edition is available for purchase online and in stores across Merseyside from April 2, 2025.
One of the most significant matches in Goodison’s history was the dramatic encounter against Wimbledon, described as ‘Roy of the Rovers’ stuff. Despite the tension, the Evertonians who flooded the pitch at the final whistle showcased the power of Goodison and the supporters’ unwavering ability to propel their team forward.
Another historic moment was the match on April 20, 1963, when Everton secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. This game marked the dawn of a new era for the club under the leadership of manager Harry Catterick and owner John Moores. The victory was a pivotal moment, signaling Everton’s dominance in the 1962/63 season, during which they remained unbeaten at home.
Leslie Edwards reported: “When the goal came, after sixteen minutes (Tottenham’s best sixteen of the match), the applause literally shook the place. I’ll swear the Press Box moved inches up and down from the reverberations of the din.”
The match drew a record crowd of 67,650 fans to Goodison Park, a testament to the club’s immense popularity and the stadium’s significance. As Everton transitions to their new home, the memories of Goodison Park will continue to inspire and resonate with fans, preserving its legacy in the club’s storied history.
