Andy Hunter
Andy Hunter is at Goodison Park for today’s big farewell party. You can get your questions to him via [email protected] or BTL.
Goodison Park is serene and celebratory inside as it prepares to stage the men’s 2,791st and final competitive game. David Moyes and Wayne Rooney just shared a hug on the pitch as the Everton manager broke from the pre-match warm-up. Outside, by contrast, it is utter chaos. The call to welcome the team coach as it made its way along Walton Lane and Goodison Road attracted 10,000s of Evertonians to the route. Goodison Road was packed by 9.30am. It took almost an hour to get to the media entrance, via a detour of Bullens Road, Gwladys Street, down Neston Street, along County Road, back up Winslow Road and in. Everton’s team coach was eventually forced to find an alternative route due to the crowds and made its way in through the car park entrance on Bullens Road. Bumped into an old school friend en route who said, “Imagine this place if Everton won something?”
Key events
This is excellent: a picture essay by Guardian snapper Tom Jenkins on what Goodison Park means to Everton fans.
As noted by RaisedByPuffins below the line, today’s National League North playoff final pits Scunthorpe United against Chester – “two former league clubs who have gone through the mill.” Scunthorpe are hosting the final, with the winner promoted to the National League alongside league champions Brackley Town.
It’s also the National League South final today, with Boreham Wood hosting Maidstone. After the six-team title battle on the final day was won by Truro City, it’s the fifth- and seventh-placed teams who have reached the playoff final.
Everton fan Paul Quinn, aka theesk.org, tells us about his Goodison Park memories.
What was your first match there? 5 February 1972, aged nine, a 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win over Walsall. I was sitting next to my twin brother for the only time ever – he didn’t like football. It’s all seared in my mind: the lights, the vivid green pitch, the smell of cigarette smoke, Higson’s booze and horse muck, that perfect royal blue shirt, white round collar, no badge, no motif, no sponsor. And the noise! Magical. We signed Bernie Wright from them five days after the game, then sent him back 11 months later after an old-school ‘training ground incident’.
Best game you’ve seen there? The Bayern Cup-Winners Cup semi in 1985 – I was on the Lower Gwladys Street terrace. We drew the first leg away 0-0 and were losing 1-0 at half time in the second, which is when Howard Kendall famously told the players: “Get the ball into the box, and the Gwladys Street will suck it in”. Graeme Sharp, Andy Gray and Trevor Steven did the business. I’ll never forget that third from Tricky Trev, skipping away from the Munich defence and slotting home. What noise, what celebrations.
And the worst? 31 December 1983 v Coventry. 0-0. We were 16th, hadn’t scored in four games. 13,000 endured it. Truly shocking.
What makes Goodison so special? It’s a cathedral. It hosted more top-flight games than anywhere. Most of what’s taken for granted in football happened first there: the first English stadium to have dugouts and nets, the first with four double-tiered stands, then the first triple-tier. It’s been a stage for the greats of every generation, from Dixie Dean to the Holy Trinity (Kendall, Harvey and Ball). It was a 1966 World Cup venue, the most used outside Wembley, hosting a semi-final; Pelé was hacked to pieces on our turf by Bulgaria and Portugal; Eusebio called it his favourite ground in the world. But above all else it’s about the people around it, the people who love it. The home of the Senior Club in Liverpool is, and always will be, the heart of the Walton Community.
But leaving it was the right call? It means so much, but times change. It couldn’t be rebuilt due to all the local housing, and the facilities were creating a drag financially. But the decision to retain it for women’s football again demonstrates the club’s commitment to our city and will mean loads to one of the most economically and socially deprived areas of the country.
Won’t the new ground be soulless in comparison? One of the key design principles was to maintain Goodison’s atmosphere and character as much as possible. So the stands are as close to the pitch as regulations permit, and so steep that they’re within one tenth of a degree of the maximum. Each side has its own identity, the stadium fits beautifully into the riverside, and there are lots of nice touches, including the plaza and the Everton Way, a carpet of 36,000 individual stones each carrying an inscription from fans, recognising family bonds and loved Blues of the past. Simply, it’s mind blowing.
It’ll be emotional today, though… Everyone will have their own reflections on what they’ll miss most. For me it’ll be walking to the ground through Anfield Cemetery, that moment when the stadium pops into view, the glow of floodlights. It was a chance to pass my grandad’s grave, the man who introduced me to the club. But I think all of us will miss that one binding moment, with Z-Cars playing, when the team comes into sight pre-match and runs left towards the Gwladys Street. That Goodison roar, that tingle down my spine and – increasingly these days – a tear in the eye (perhaps it’s the dust). As Evertonians we’re privileged to have experienced it. Now we’ll make new memories at Bramley-Moore.
A reminder of today’s Premier League fixtures:
Everton v Southampton (12pm)
West Ham v Nottm Forest (2.15pm)
Brentford v Fulham (3pm)
Leicester v Ipswich (3pm)
Arsenal v Newcastle (4.30pm)
Suzanne Wrack
After 10 years of Wembley women’s FA Cup finals we have a sellout crowd, and the approximately 90,000 fans are in for a treat. Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea are the favourites, unbeaten domestically and bidding for a domestic treble after securing the League Cup and WSL title. However, despite 13 wins in their last 15 games against Manchester United, their dominance is far from certain. This is a different United to the team that suffered a 1-0 loss to the Blues at Wembley two years ago. Marc Skinner’s side are more streetwise and, having knocked out Chelsea on the way to a final and first FA Cup title last season, they understand the occasion and what winning looks and feels like. What to expect? United have the ability to shock Chelsea but even when not at their best performance wise this season the Blues have had a plan B or plan C and turned out result after result.
Tom Garry
The Manchester United defender Gabby George will today banish the memories of missing two FA Cup finals because of two separate anterior cruciate knee ligament injuries, as she fulfils a childhood dream of playing for Manchester United at Wembley.
The lifelong Manchester United fan did play an FA Cup final for Everton in 2014 at Stadium:MK as a teenager but then missed Everton’s 2020 FA Cup final appearance because of an ACL and then again had to watch on from the stands after another ACL injury last season, when Marc Skinner’s side won the cup.
“The second time was tougher because we actually won it,” George recalls. “The club made me feel part of the day but you can never change the feeling of wanting to help the team. I was still buzzing because I was there when we won our first major trophy – as a Manchester United fan growing up, that’s what dreams are made of – but I had moments like when they walked up the stairs where I was just watching it and it was tough. It’s bittersweet isn’t it, but we’ve got another opportunity to do it. It’s third-time lucky for me.”
After a year out, George returned to this side and cemented her place at the start of this season and adds: “My aim when I returned was to enjoy football and that’s what I’ve done this season. The squad has made that so much easier. They’re good people. We all stick together through tough times and good times.
“The 10-year-old Gabby would be absolutely screaming, over the moon. I’m a Man Utd fan living my dream every single day. I’m lucky that I get to do that. It’s surreal to be here and achieve things that 10-year-old Gabby would have wanted.”
Andy Hunter is in position now to answer any questions you may have about Everton and Goodison Park. Be sure to send them over to our matchday live email address now!
Catarina Macario insists Chelsea want to “push for more” despite being on the verge of a domestic treble. The Blues face Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final this afternoon.
Scenes.
The Everton team bus has been re-routed due to the large crowds outside Goodison Park. Thousands of fans have lined the streets in the area as they prepare to say goodbye to the stadium.
Today’s La Liga fixtures
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Atlético Madrid v Real Betis
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Barcelona v Villarreal
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Celta Vigo v Rayo Vallecano
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Las Palmas v Laganes
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Mallorca v Getafe
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Osasuna v Espanyol
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Real Sociedad v Girona
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Sevilla v Real Madrid
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Valencia v Athletic Bilbao
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Real Valladolid v Alaves
More from Goodison Park
Sonia Bompastor insists today’s final will be “50-50” between her Chelsea team and Manchester United.
In case you missed it, the co-founder of social media site Reddit, Alexis Ohanian, has invested a 10% stake – worth £20million – in Chelsea Women.
Ohanian, who is also the husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, is expected to be at Wembley this afternoon for the Women’s FA Cup final.
Jacob Steinberg
More on Southampton’s managerial search
Southampton’s search for a new manager has seen them hold talks with Tom Cleverley and Will Still. Danny Rohl, the Sheffield Wednesday manager, is also in the running for the job.
Southampton are looking to rebuild after their relegation to the Championship and are thought to have identified a handful of leading candidates to manage them next season.
Cleverley is available following his departure from Watford and is thought to have made a good impression during talks over the role. Sources close to the former Manchester United midfielder believe that he has a strong chance of being appointed by Southampton, who placed Simon Rusk in caretaker charge after firing Ivan Juric. Cleverley, 35, is seen as one of the most promising young English coaches.
But there is competition from Still, who has announced that he is leaving Lens for “personal reasons”. The 32-year-old Englishman has cited a desire to be closer to his family. Still’s girlfriend, the Sky Sports presenter Emma Saunders, revealed in March that she has been diagnosed with encephalitis.
There is a chance that Still will land a job when he moves back to England. He has been approached by Southampton and there is confidence that a deal can be struck. There are still details to iron out with Lens before anything can advance with Still.
Southampton are also considering Rohl, who has impressed at Wednesday. There are suggestions that the 36-year-old German will look to leave the Hillsborough club this summer.
Southampton have endured a terrible season in the Premier League. They have avoided setting a new record for the lowest points tally in the competition’s history but have otherwise had little to cheer. Russell Martin, who led them to promotion via the play-offs last season, was sacked in December after his expansive style failed to work. Martin’s replacement, Juric, was unable to inspire an improvement after his appointment.
Just a reminder that Andy Hunter will be free to answer your questions about Everton or Goodison Park from 11am this morning. Feel free to send a message to our matchday live email address in the next hour or so.
Good news for Everton fans – Goodison Park has been saved! Rather than being demolished as initially expected, the iconic stadium will now be home to Everton Women. Goodison Park will become the UK’s first major stadium dedicated solely to a women’s team.
Will Still leading contender for Southampton job
Jacob Steinberg
I’m told that Will Still is a leading contender for the Southampton job. Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl has also been in the running. Still, 32, announced his departure from Ligue 1 club Lens for “personal reasons” this weekend. He’d be a very interesting appointment. Southampton, who have Simon Rusk in caretaker charge, are at Everton today and need to rebuild after their relegation.
With Goodison Park set to host its final men’s match this afternoon, some Everton fans have recalled their fondest memories of the stadium.
Fans are starting to arrive at Goodison Park for Everton’s final Premier League match at the stadium. It promises to be a special day in Merseyside!
Some words from Ben Fisher on Jamie Vardy…
Peter Lansley
Who would deny Jamie Vardy a fairytale ending to his fairytale career today? Ipswich Town, their opponents this afternoon, might have something to say about that. But as the veteran striker has decided to call it a day with Leicester City in their final home match of the season today, with the numbers so neatly aligned, another question looms.
Vardy has contributed so much to Leicester – scoring in a record 11 successive Premier League games on their way to the title and the FA Cup triumph obviously stand out – that he deserves to script his own final scene.
It is 13 years to the day since he signed from Fleetwood Town. This will be (if selected!) his 500th appearance for the club. And he needs to score once to make it 200 goals for the club. The neutral’s favourite former non-league striker evidently has a sense of a narrative neatly tied with its own numerical bow.
So what happens if he scores in the opening moments of the match between today’s two relegated sides? Does he ask to be substituted? Wouldn’t that affect Leicester’s momentum, in this fight for 18th place? If he gets the ball in front of goal, does he pass? Or does he risk muddying the rounded-off stats and, to hell with it, go on beyond 200?
I hope it’s the latter personally. I’ve captained him in my Fantasy League team.
Jamie Vardy will be having a goodbye party when he bids farewell to Leicester this afternoon. The 39-year-old wanted to end his Foxes career on 500 appearances and at the King Power Stadium, meaning he will not feature on the final day of the Premier League season next weekend. Today also happens to be the 13th anniversary of Vardy’s move to Leicester, marking what is set to be a full-circle occasion.
Be sure to also message me with any thoughts, feelings or score predictions for any of today’s games. I want to know what you’re up to, where you’re off to and what you’ll be watching this afternoon. Also, let me know if you have any stand-out memories of Goodison or any favourite Jamie Vardy moments. I want to hear from you!
Tom Garry also travelled over to Guernsey to speak to Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier and those who know her best.
Ahead of today’s Women’s FA Cup final, our very own Tom Garry sat down with Manchester United manager Marc Skinner to discuss the club’s season and today’s match at Wembley.
Today’s Women’s FA Cup final is SOLD OUT meaning we could see a competition record crowd at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea and Manchester United last met in the final two years ago, when the Blues clinched a 1-0 win thanks to Sam Kerr, who will not be available this time around. However, Marc Skinner and his team have more experience behind them now and will feel they can go toe-to-toe with the WSL invincibles.
As I mentioned before, Andy Hunter will be free to answer your questions about Everton or Goodison Park from 11am this morning. Feel free to send a message to our matchday live email address ready for Andy’s takeover.
Our photographer Tom Jenkins was at Wembley yesterday and managed to capture some incredible moments. Be sure to take a look at his picture gallery…
Yesterday was one for the history books. Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 to win their first-ever major trophy. Club hero Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal to fire Palace to FA Cup victory at Wembley. Here’s a recap of what happened…
Today’s key games. All times BST.
Women’s FA Cup final:
Premier League:
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Everton v Southampton (12pm)
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West Ham v Nottingham Forest (2:15pm)
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Brentford v Fulham (3pm)
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Leicester v Ipswich (3pm)
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Arsenal v Newcastle (4:30pm)
La Liga (all 6pm):
Preamble
Hello and welcome to matchday live! I’ll be doing my best to get you warmed up and excited for today’s football action – although I don’t think it’ll take much considering what’s in store. First thing’s first we’ve got the Women’s FA Cup final which sees Manchester United face Chelsea, with the Blues aiming to complete a domestic treble.
It’s also set to be a historic day in the Premier League, with one iconic stadium closing its doors to its men’s first team – more on that later – and one player bowing out after 500 appearances for his club.
Today marks the final Premier League matchday at Goodison Park before Everton move to the newly-named Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Our very own Andy Hunter will be at Goodison for the occasion and he’ll be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the stadium or Everton.
Jamie Vardy will also bid farewell to Leicester City this afternoon on his 500th appearance. The striker wanted to end his time with the club at the King Power Stadium as opposed to the Vitality Stadium on the final day of the Premier League season, so he is set to receive a fitting send-off later on.
Elsewhere, West Ham host Nottingham Forest, Brentford take on Fulham and Newcastle travel south to face Arsenal.
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