This Saturday marks a momentous occasion: the 245th Merseyside Derby, and Everton’s last ever match at Goodison Park. For Evertonians, and indeed many Liverpudlians, the derby isn’t simply a game; it’s a visceral experience, a battle fought with every fiber of being. Victory is paramount, the enjoyment only truly arriving after the final whistle. As a lifelong Evertonian and sports reporter, I anticipate not just a nerve-wracking match, but a deeply emotional farewell to a legendary stadium.
The atmosphere at Goodison on Saturday promises to be as electrifying as ever. Memories of past derbies – the triumphs, the heartbreaks, the sheer drama – flood back. As a fan, the unforgettable 4-4 FA Cup draw and Andy King’s stunning volley remain etched in my mind. But then there’s the Glenn Keeley derby – a red card early on, followed by Ian Rush’s four-goal onslaught. The irony? I purchased a last-minute ticket from a Liverpool supporter and endured the entire match seated beside him! His apologies were plentiful, the poor fellow.
My perspective shifted significantly when I became Everton’s press officer in the late 90s. The intensity of these matches, even from the inside, was staggering. Goodison Park games were the only derbies I experienced live, having self-imposed a ban from Anfield since being traumatized by Ronnie Rosenthal’s 94th-minute winner in the 80s. The stress level as a club employee? A considerable understatement.
Under manager Joe Royle, Everton seemed to possess an almost magical ability to overcome Liverpool. His first game? A resounding 2-0 victory, courtesy of Duncan Ferguson and Paul Rideout. While Liverpool has dominated in recent years, Everton’s ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments remains a defining characteristic of this rivalry.
One particular game stands out, both positively and negatively: October 1997. Everton was struggling under Howard Kendall, and nobody expected a win, least of all me. Then, near halftime, a corner resulted in a Neil Ruddock own goal. Goodison erupted, and my enthusiasm got the better of me. As the stadium announcer, I excitedly declared, “Goal scorer for Everton – Neil Ruddock!” While the crowd roared its approval, my unprofessional announcement earned me a dressing-down from Chairman Sir Philip Carter post-match. A mistake I readily admitted, and one I suspect Liverpool fans would have found humorous.
My return to the club in 2013 saw then-manager Roberto Martinez urge me to attend an Anfield derby. I stuck to my self-imposed exile, thankfully avoiding the trauma of a 4-0 defeat. This Saturday, Everton once again enters the match as underdogs. Liverpool sits atop the league, but as the saying goes, form goes out the window in a derby.
This week, a friend pointed out that if Sean Dyche secures a victory, he would surpass the Merseyside Derby win tally of the previous seven Everton managers. The sheer significance of this potential achievement speaks volumes. A win would be celebrated by Evertonians like never before, making it a truly unforgettable finale at Goodison Park. Dyche himself has emphasized the importance of fan support, recognizing their unwavering loyalty throughout a challenging season, and urging them to create an atmosphere that will overwhelm Liverpool. Will the magic of Goodison Park and the passionate support of the fans deliver one last victory for Everton before they move to their new home? Only time will tell.
