David Moyes has expressed a profound sense of destiny regarding his role as the manager of Everton, particularly in the context of leading the team in their final ever match at the iconic Goodison Park. This match, which will take place on Sunday, marks an emotional farewell to the club’s historic home, where they have played since 1892. As they prepare to bid adieu to what many refer to as ‘The Grand Old Lady’, Everton will host Southampton, a team recently relegated from the Premier League. This poignant fixture will be broadcasted live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
The atmosphere on this notable day in Merseyside is poised to be deeply emotional, not merely for the players and staff but also for the fervent supporters. The departure from Goodison Park symbolizes not just the end of an era for the club but the beginning of a new chapter, as Everton is set to transition to their new stadium, which boasts a capacity of 52,888 at the Bramley-Moore Dock. This new ground, positioned along the banks of the River Mersey, will be the club’s home from the start of the next season.
Reflecting on his long and storied history with the club, Moyes recounted his first tenure as Everton’s manager from 2002 until 2013. He reminisced about the discussions regarding a potential new stadium that spanned years. “We were exploring new sites and had numerous occasions where it felt like we were almost there, but nothing materialized,” he said during an interview with TNT Sports. He acknowledged the anticipation shared by Everton’s loyal fan base, expressing that many supporters have been looking forward to the new stadium for some time. While the transition will undoubtedly evoke sadness about leaving Goodison Park behind, Moyes views it as a chance for a fresh start for Everton.
Moyes, who led the club for more than a decade before departing to manage Manchester United, returned to Everton this season almost 12 years later. His managerial journey has included stints at Real Sociedad and Sunderland, along with two successful terms at West Ham, where he guided the club to triumph in the 2023 UEFA Conference League final. This current role, leading the team into a new stadium while also providing a fitting farewell to Goodison, had not been anticipated when Moyes first returned.
Goodison Park is widely regarded as a unique venue, characterized by its fierce and rich atmosphere. It is distinctive in the realm of top-flight football, as there remain sections with wooden seats, an homage to the history and traditions of the sport. Despite turbulent performances in recent years, the unwavering support from the Goodison faithful has remained a constant. Moyes described this devotion, stating, “The biggest thing about here is its incredible community.” He referred to Everton as “The People’s Club,” a title he adopted not out of cleverness, but because of the genuine connection he felt with the club and its supporters upon his initial arrival.
The upcoming change represents a significant transition not merely for the men’s team but for the entire Everton family. Moyes acknowledges the emotional weight of moving from Goodison, where many generations have forged lasting memories, to a modern stadium equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Yet, he also expressed optimism about the exciting potential that lies ahead with the team’s future at the new venue.
In parallel, the club’s essence and heritage will continue to resonate within the community. An official statement from the club emphasized that Goodison Park will remain a central part of Liverpool’s sporting and cultural identity, reinforcing the commitment to keep football at the heart of Everton’s community. Megan Finnigan, the captain of Everton Women, echoed similar sentiments, expressing her excitement about playing at the new stadium and their ambition of what they could achieve there.
As the clock ticks down to the final match at Goodison Park, excitement, nostalgia, and the promise of new beginnings intertwine as Everton prepares to take on Southampton. The game is set for Sunday, May 18, with kick-off at 12:00 PM UK time, and coverage available on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+, starting an hour prior to the match. This fixture signifies more than just a game, encapsulating the essence of a football club deeply interwoven with its community and rich history.
