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BBC News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'It was as if everyone had come together as one club'
The blue smoke could be seen rising around Goodison Park almost four hours before kick-off. This grand old arena was not built for serene farewells, so a day of history and high emotion was never going to pass off quietly.A football match broke out briefly, separating the celebrations marking the end of 133 years of men's senior football here, Everton delivering a fitting farewell as Southampton surrendered to the mood and Iliman Ndiaye's two first-half familiar sights and sounds of Goodison Park still assaulted the senses as Evertonians made their way to this richly atmospheric place three miles outside the city centre to simply say they were there, whether they had match tickets or walk from the car park? Make that nearly an thronged the streets from 8am, Goodison Road close to impassable, forcing Everton's team to take a different route into the stadium, the coach arriving on Bullens Road hidden behind more blue plumes of smoke rising into the Merseyside fans were drawn to the famous landmarks.'The Holy Trinity' statue, commemorating the 1970 title-winning midfield of Alan Ball, Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall and opposite St Luke the Evangelist church on the corner of Gwladys Street, was swamped, as was that of former striker Dixie Dean, who still holds the record of 60 league goals in will stay in place while Everton move to the spectacular 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, now known as the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The old Everton strongholds such as The Blue House and The Winslow Hotel - with its Howard Kendall Bar - were packed, before those lucky enough to have the golden farewell ticket made their way into Goodison Park. Business was booming like never before at the Blue Dragon fish bar and The Goodison Cafe, traditional gathering places over the old place will live on as home to Everton's women's team, but some rituals were taking place here for the final time as the hordes made their way through the terraced houses that landlock Goodison in Winslow Street, Eton Street, Neston Street and Andrew they gathered inside, the stadium packed well before kick-off, the air raid siren blared out, tears shed as the familiar drumbeat introduced Everton's famous 'Z Cars' Park was literally rocking, with the giant Main Stand, regarded as state of the art when opened in 1970, and the criss-cross designs along the Bullens Road Stand that are the trademark of famous Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, packed in a sea of royal was a period of almost eerie silence in the second half, with the game won, as Everton supporters geared up for the final celebration. When the board went up for the final four minutes, a wall of sound swept around until referee Michael Oliver's whistle brought the curtain was the start of more celebrations, with video messages from football figures, such as England head coach Thomas Tuchel, recalling his memories of Goodison Park's unique atmosphere. Old Evertonians, now elsewhere, also paid their tributes, with particularly warm ovations for former captain and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti, who managed the club for 18 months before returning to Real were more tears as a violinist played a poignant rendition of the 'Z Cars' theme as more than 70 former players gathered before being paraded in front of the came from around the globe to share the emotions of the Cahill and Gary Stevens – a two-time title winner who also won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup – flew in from Australia, while Paul Rideout, matchwinner in the 1995 FA Cup final against Manchester United, came from the United States. Bob Latchford, who won £10,000 from a newspaper for scoring 30 goals in the 1977-78 season, was there from Sharp, back in the fold after a period in exile when his spell on the board ended in acrimony, attended Rooney was greeted like the prodigal son, remembered as the 16-year-old who electrified Goodison Park with that famous goal against Arsenal rather than the local boy who left his beloved club to seek success and ending up as Manchester United's all-time record goalscorer. He, of course, then came back to were moments that carried the feeling of the club's worldwide family, re-united once more. Everton manager David Moyes, who will lead the club into the new stadium in his second spell in charge, captured the mood."This was an extraordinary atmosphere," he confessed. "The crowd were amazing inside Goodison Park, as it was outside before the game. Just unbelievable. The job was to win the game and see ourselves out at Goodison in a good light."I thought it was as if everyone had come together as one club. Everyone standing together."The support at Everton is immense. It's needed some form of success. This is a day they've been waiting on for so long, a new stadium coming."The 62-year old Scot added: "I never thought I'd be the one to take Everton into the new stadium."I'm honoured to be given that opportunity. We all see it as another chance. We need to start rebuilding Everton again."We've done the job [of staying up]. We have to try to build on that next year. If we can get an atmosphere like this in the new stadium it'll give us every chance of winning games."The man who christened Everton "The People's Club" on the night he arrived from Preston North End in March 2002, then revisited the old theme."Goodison Park will be remembered for one thing. The people." Moyes also wants the passion, colour and emotion of this day to provide a template for Everton's new American owners, The Friedkin Group."I hope the owners recognise what they're seeing here," he added. "This should be bottled up, wrapped up and taken to the Mersey. This club needs to get back to where it once was."There's 100 great players here from great teams. We have to make that happen again."Everton must now try to recreate the heart and soul of Goodison Park on the banks of the River Mersey at Bramley Moore will be a tough the old Leitch architecture gave the Goodison Park structure something unique, it also possesses something bricks and mortar simply cannot Everton striker Andy Gray, who won the top-flight title, FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup, said: "We will leave Goodison Park. Goodison Park will never leave us."A lone trumpeter played a final, mournful version of 'Z Cars' to close the day, thousands of fans remaining in their seats and unable to tear themselves away from the places they have come to call their of joy, despair and relief have all been shed here at Goodison Park. This time it was a mixture of as Everton labelled this day, it was "the end of an era".
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Everton fans on the end of a Goodison era: ‘I'll be thinking about my dad, my brothers, my son'
An era lasting 133 years comes to an end this Sunday as Everton's men's team play their final game at Goodison Park. In 1892 the team left their former home at Anfield – which Liverpool FC adopted soon after – upping sticks due to an argument over rent, to set up a new home, a short walk across Stanley Park. Goodison Park became the first major football venue built in England and since then no other English football ground has staged more top-level men's matches. But it seems the impending bulldozers have performed a welcome U-turn – a deal to have the women's team playing there has just been announced. Despite the US owners confirming the ground will become the country's first major stadium to be dedicated to a women's team, everyone knows it won't be quite the same place. It seems like there will have to be structural changes including the taking out of seats in the top decks to reduce the capacity. Perhaps Everton will also turn Goodison into some sort of museum, where in 20 or 30 years people will still be wandering in, scratching their heads at the way football used to be watched. Advertisement But it's not just the stands and the pitch that make a football stadium the way it is. The impending move to the glitzy new ground at Bramley-Moore dock has focused Evertonian minds on what Goodison means to them, what memories they have: what made them come week in, week out to support their team, in the ground they call home. An aerial view of Goodison Park, circa 1965, and flags commemorating the stadium on sale outside the ground in 2025. Confetti falls from the top deck of the main stand as the players come out onto the pitch before the Premier League match against Ipswich. The Main Stand In 1971 the stand on Goodison Road, which was built in 1909 and housed the offices and players' facilities, was demolished and replaced by a three-tiered Main Stand, the first three-tiered stand in England, which cost £1m. Looking up into the Main Stand on Goodison Road, wooden seats in the Main Stand, the narrow players' tunnel leading onto the pitch at Goodison Park. Queueing up to go through the narrow turnstiles just before kick-off and a road sign for Goodison Road. The home changing room and a quote from Everton legend Alan Ball on the wall of the players' showers. Fans taking photos with Neville Southall, the former Everton goalkeeper, outside the Main Stand on Goodison Road and welcoming the Everton team bus ahead of the Merseyside derby in February. *** Joshua Jones from Abergavenny decided to surprise his girlfriend, Millie Richardson (from Cwmbran), before the recent Ipswich game at Goodison. 'Millie's father has been a big Everton supporter since 1966 and so this was passed on to his daughters,' says Joshua. 'With us being from South Wales, Liverpool can be a long way to travel, but we knew we had to go to one of the last games at Goodison Park. I thought this would be a great opportunity to propose. Millie had absolutely no idea. She and her family had originally organised the trip for her dad's birthday. We told her that a friend of his had arranged for us to have a look around the grounds and that's when I got down on one knee. I knew she wouldn't suspect a thing, as I am a big West Ham supporter myself. She was surprised I would even put an Everton shirt on my back!' Advertisement Joshua Jones pops the question to girlfriend Millie Richardson. The Bullens Completed in 1926, the two-tier steel frame and wooden floor stand was designed by Archibald Leitch, the go-to stadium architect for the age. The upper tier was seated, with terracing below, a part of the ground called the Paddock. Few changes were made until 1963 when the rear of the Paddock was seated and an overhanging roof was added. The stand is known for Leitch's highly distinctive 'criss-cross' balcony trusses which also act as handrails for the front row of seats in the upper section. Goodison Park is the only stadium with two complete trusses designed by Leitch. Of the 17 he created, only the ones at Ibrox, home of Rangers, at Fratton Park, home of Portsmouth, and at Goodison Park remain. Supporters in the upper Bullens Road Stand; an Everton fan chats to a steward outside a turnstile and fans buy a programme on Bullens Road. Some scouse humour on display on Bullens Road, a bent sign attempts to send away fans on a wild goose chase trying to find their entrance. A sticker of former Everton player Roger Kenyon on a girder, the seats in the lower Bullens Road Stand are screwed into wooden planks balanced on the old concrete terracing. *** Andrey Seleznev is an Everton fan and member of the Russian Toffees fan club. He lives in Krasnodar in southern Russia. He decided he needed to take his son Roman to the recent Ipswich game. 'It's hard to get flights from Russia right now so I took my car and drive 12 hours to Georgia and then a flight to London and then move to Liverpool so it's a long trip but worth it! I needed to see Goodison before it got destroyed so I could say goodbye to the stadium. I came here for the first time 20 years ago, we played against Man Utd and we won 1-0, Duncan Ferguson scored and it was unbelievable! I love it here so much, so I did my best to get the visa and collect the money for this trip. I want to show Goodison Park to my son. He's not a big fan of football, he's good at mathematics but I needed to show this stadium to him!' Advertisement Andrey Seleznev (right) and his son Roman, who live in Krasnodar, pose with Russian Toffees stickers on Goodison Road. The church St Luke's is a church in a very unique position, nestled in the corner between the Gwladys Street Stand and the Main Stand. In the past you could climb onto its roof and have a great free view of the action on the pitch. One year a very drunk fan somehow got up there and, while clinging on for dear life, accidentally knocked a crucifix off the parapet, and had to be taken down by firemen on a turntable ladder. Nowadays that view has been blocked off and St Luke's is more famous for its church hall where on matchdays the Everton FC Heritage Society puts on a huge display of memorabilia. Upstairs there are numerous stalls selling a treasure-trove of everything Everton-related. The blue painted sign for St Luke's Church and the 'Holy Trinity' statue outside St Luke's Church commemorating the famous Everton players Colin Harvey (facing), Howard Kendall and Alan Ball who helped the club to the 1969-70 league title. The Everton memorabilia sale upstairs in St Luke's Church (above) and Derek Temple, the former Everton and England forward, prepares to have photos with fans and a replica FA Cup. The decorated stairwell inside St Luke's Church and a display of images of Everton great Dixie Dean in St Luke's Church. *** If you cut married couple Jayne and Steve Jones, they would bleed blue; if you want to know anything about Everton and Goodison and what it means to the fans, they are the people to ask. Having both been born in Liverpool, they eventually moved slightly north where they founded and now run the Croston Blues fan club in a Lancashire village. You can guess the name they gave their house there – it begins with a 'G' and ends in a 'N'. They are also active volunteers for the 1878s (named after the year the club was formed), the group which has organised the flags and banner displays seen at the ground this season. Jayne remembers her first visit to Goodison: 'I was here when Bob Latchford scored his 30th goal and the reason I was here was because they used to open the gates at the end and I couldn't afford to go at the time, I was so young. I came in right at the end and watched his 30th goal being scored. I snuck in without paying and that was my first time.' Advertisement Concerned by the apparent lack of successful goal scorers, a national newspaper offered a £10,000 prize to the first man to score 30 league goals in a single season. On 29 April 1978, the last day of the season, a double against Chelsea at Goodison Park helped Latchford reach that total, secure the money and write himself into Everton folklore. Steve's first game was in 1963, the final match of the season, when Everton beat Fulham to win the First Division title. 'The captain Roy Vernon scored three and my dad's idol Alex Young scored one. All that I can remember, I was in the paddock standing on a little wooden box that my dad made, Alex Young got the ball in front of me and this feller near me shouted: 'Show 'em your arse Alex!' and as a young kid I didn't know what it meant, I just thought it was weird. It was only years later that I really understood.' Steve and Jayne Jones, founder members of the Croston Blues fan club, sit in their seats. Steve has watched a game from every stand in the ground accompanied at different times by his father, brothers and sons. Now he sits next to Jayne, who has had the same seat in the middle deck of the Main Stand for 35 years. 'I've sat with almost the same people for all that time,' says Jayne. 'A few have changed as their season tickets change but they are all my friends. When we came back after Covid I got Everton cakes made to give out to everyone. Same at Christmas, I get cakes for everyone. The really sad thing is I'm not going to see them again. There's people like Stan who just sits there and shouts 'Referee!' and he gets louder and louder as the game goes on – I swear to God he's got a bottle of brandy going in his hot drink. It's just characters like that. All those people who are around me, they're my friends but I haven't got their contact details and I'm not going to sit next to them again. It's going to be totally alien sitting with different people.' Steve adds: 'My memories of the ground? Well, it's the biggest part of my life, Everton and Goodison Park. When my dad died, we tried to get his ashes on the pitch but were told all the plots were taken up. We still wanted to do it and it was the end of the season and my two brothers and one of my lads stayed on after the match until everyone had gone. We were looking at the stewards walking up and down and were right down at the front. In the end I said to a steward: 'Excuse me mate, I've got my dad's ashes here and I just want to sprinkle them, can you just give us five minutes,' and he said: 'Yes, no problem,' and just turned and walked the other way. The four of us jumped up, sprinkled the ashes, had a few minutes and jumped off. It's a sacred place in that, at least for me. 'Family is a big thing for me because I was told I'm an Evertonian. I had no choice, my dad's dad was an Evertonian, that was it, there was never any choice, we just went along with it. Remember Penguin biscuits, all different colours, red, blue, yellow, green? My dad – pure theatre – we'd be at the dinner table, he'd say: 'We've got Penguins for afters,' he'd open the packet, he'd get the red ones and throw them over his shoulder and say: 'Don't you ever eat them, you'll kill yourself.' He'd go: 'What colour do you want?' so me and my brother, we'd always have the blue ones. Nothing's changed, we bought a bag of pegs last week – I threw all the red ones in the bin, it's mental.' Advertisement Different generations of fans inside and outside Goodison Park. In 1994 Everton had a great escape on the final day against Wimbledon. They were 2-0 down after 20 minutes, then scored three goals to narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League. Steve was in the Park End with his father. 'Never run on the pitch unless you play on it,' Steve's father had always told him. 'Everyone was running on after Wimbledon, so I asked my dad: 'Do you want to go on the pitch with them?' 'Come on,' he said, and we walked on. I asked him that night: 'You know those red Penguins, whatever happened to them?' And he said: 'When you went to bed, me and your mum ate them!'' Jayne has a plan in place for the final game on Sunday. 'I'm bringing my dad, I've continued to buy him a season ticket, even though he lives 300 miles away and he's 86. I'm going to bring a hip flask and I'm going to hide it. At the end of the game, I'm going to sit here with my dad and Steve and gaze around, sipping from my flask. I'm dead lucky because I can bring my dad to the last game, there's so many people, Steve included, who have that affinity with the actual ground because of people they've lost who've been part of their life and part of the memories.' Steve says quietly: 'At the end of the game, I'll just sit there and take it all in. I'll be thinking about my dad, my brothers, my son, all those people that I have been with here.' Plaques dedicated to deceased fans at the Park End of Goodison Park. Dashing into the match against Liverpool in February, an Everton fan carries a cardboard cutout of a man wearing a blue scarf and hat. 'It's my dad, he passed away three years ago. I promised I'd take him to the final derby at Goodison.' Rumours abound among the Goodison fanbase regarding whether supporters will try to take their seats home with them after the Southampton game. Everton have announced that current season ticket holders can buy their seat backs, 'elegantly packaged' with a certificate of authenticity in a presentation box for £100. Apparently ingenious fans have been bringing plasticine into recent games to make precise moulds of the screws holding the seats in place, so they know exactly the right size tool to bring with them. As Jayne says: 'Some might think they deserve that seat they have spent 30 years in.' But Steve cautions: 'You might get the odd one or two but Everton have said that it will be a criminal offence. Some might try but you can't come in with an angle-grinder can you?' Tiles in the toilets have already started to disappear. Alternative souvenirs to removing parts of the ground are available, for example, a construction brick replica of the stadium, and for children, a replica of the 'Echoes of an Era' top the players wore ahead of February's Merseyside derby. The Gwladys Street end Situated behind the goal at the north end is another Archibald Leitch designed double decker stand, originally opened in 1938. The lower tier is home to the club's most vociferous support. Known as the Street End or Popular End, the home side traditionally like to attack towards it in the second half of games. Advertisement Home fans in the Gwladys Street end just before kick-off during the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, an internal stairway in the stand. The view from the odd seat in the lower Gwladys Street end could be better. Fans in the lower Gwladys Street end make the most of the May sunshine. A picture on a concourse at the Gwladys Street end, fans celebrate after Everton's first goal against Liverpool. *** Paul Cookson is the Poet in Residence for the National Football Museum, and just happens to be an Everton fan. He grew up in Preston but, having relocated from Lancashire to the East Midlands, he is unable to go to every game at Goodison. However, he is still a passionate fan and his feelings towards the ground are undiminished. 'I can't exactly remember the first match I saw at Goodison, my dad took me to lots of grounds in the north but we came to Everton more than any others. 'After that, I remember coming to games on my own on the bus. As a 10-year-old in the early 70s, we weren't allowed to stay up late to watch Match of the Day. Just to be at a stadium where real football was taking place and to see the people that you got on football cards or on your Esso coins or in your Shoot magazine. To come along, be part of a crowd and to actually see players I'd only occasionally seen on the telly, that was so exciting. It's the scale of it, you're a small person with big people and you're a part of something bigger than yourself and you're all here for the same reason. Paul Cookson, the poet in residence for the National Football Museum, writes in his notepad at the top of the players' tunnel. Having written countless football poems, including many about former Everton players, Paul knew he had to produce something to mark the end of an era at Goodison. 'Poetry has many purposes but one is to reflect and capture a mood. In this way, the poet is a mirror that reflects on behalf of the many but perhaps from a different angle so that your words add something new as well. Advertisement 'With this poem I wanted to try and sum up the feelings of fans regarding the special place that is Goodison, its community presence, absolute warmth and friendliness. A place we are all welcomed. Yes, it's about Goodison Park - but it's also about how every fan feels about their ground and their team. That place of continuity, that solid reassuring constant in ever trying times.' Our place – Goodison Park This is the place where dreams all start The place where we all play our part The place that always leaves its mark The place forever in our heart Our place – Goodison Park Our place – Goodison Park This place where gods trod hallowed turf Walked on water, down to earth Strode among us, proved their worth This place we pray, this place we curse Hope for the best, fear the worst Where we all fell in love at first This place forever in our heart Our place – Goodison Park Our place – Goodison Park Advertisement Celebration, tense relief That tests our faith, our belief A place of joy, a place of grief The agony, the ecstasy The magic and the misery But still the only place to be This place forever in our heart Our place – Goodison Park Our place – Goodison Park School of science, dogs of war We've seen it all and much, much more Win, lose or draw, we know the score Memories we hold so dear The goals live on so crystal clear We all know just why we're here This place forever in our heart Our place – Goodison Park Our place – Goodison Park The romance of the history and everything these stands have seen Rooney, Kendall, Harvey, Ball, The Golden Vision, Dixie Dean Every hero, legends all, in royal blue on emerald green This place forever in our heart This place forever in our heart Our place – Goodison Park Our place – Goodison Park We call home – Goodison Park Since the Covid lockdowns Paul has written and published a new poem every day. You can find these @paulcooksonpoet on X or Poet Paul Cookson on Facebook. The first 1,000 are available in two hardback collections: The Man Who Launched A Thousand Poems Volumes 1 & 2, published by
The Guardian
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Colin Harvey: ‘How do you go from being a kid watching Everton to having a statue?'
Standing outside a pawnbrokers on Goodison Road, waiting for his dad to emerge through the crowd after the match, a young Colin Harvey could not have imagined what lay in front of him. Standing in the same place today, the great Evertonian would face a statue of himself immortalised alongside fellow members of 'The Holy Trinity', Howard Kendall and Alan Ball. Time has not diminished the 80-year-old's wonder at his life and legacy at Goodison Park. 'How do you go from being a kid watching Everton from the Boys' Pen to having a statue on Goodison Road?' he says, with genuine astonishment. 'If someone had presented me back then with a history of my life in football I'd have said: 'Don't be silly, nothing like that is ever going to happen to me.' But it did. When I was told the statue was going to be made it was one of my proudest moments. I've had a fantastic football life and it amazes me when I look back on it.' The emotion in Harvey's voice is clear. There are rich football memories to reflect on as Everton's men's team prepares to say goodbye to Goodison after 133 years but it is also a deeply personal place. Family and friends are as much a part of Harvey's history with the old stadium as starring in Everton's revered midfield trio, coaching the club in its most successful period, succeeding Kendall as manager and developing a procession of talent as youth coach, Wayne Rooney among them. No one has given more to Everton than a man whose elegance and technique meant he was referred to as the 'White Pelé' in the 1960s, yet who remains one of the most humble individuals you could meet. 'From my grandad through to me and now on to my grandchildren, it is our family club,' says Harvey. 'Goodison was an iconic place for football. Bellefield [Everton's former training ground] and Goodison were Everton to me. But time moves on doesn't it?' Harvey spent two childhood years living in the shadow of Goodison on Leta Street, one road behind Gwladys Street. Sundays were spent at his grandparents in Fazakerley listening to tales of Dixie Dean's legendary exploits. 'My grandad would say: 'Modern centre-forwards aren't any good, Dixie could score with a header from the halfway line,' and I'd sit there believing it all,' Harvey says with a laugh. 'But look at his record [377 goals in 431 Everton appearances], it's unbelievable in any era. My grandad was probably there when Dixie Dean scored his 60th goal [on the final day of the 1927-28 season]. He worked on the docks so would walk up to Goodison. That's why Goodison was built where it was, so people could walk to the game. No one had cars when it was first built.' Harvey's introduction to Everton was in the early 1950s, the last time the club were outside the top flight, and to what seems another world. His dad, Jim, would go on the Gwladys Street terrace. Harvey and his younger brother, Brian, would go in the Boys' Pen. Situated in the rear corner of the lower Gwladys Street terrace, it was a floor-to-ceiling cage from which there was no escape. The boys would rendezvous with their dad outside the pawnbrokers afterwards. 'It was Lord of the Flies in there,' he recalls. 'The dominant ones stood in the front. I always had to have an eye on my younger brother to make sure he was all right. You were caged in by steel bars. I think the idea was to stop us climbing out and getting in with the adults behind the goal. I remember looking around from the Boys' Pen and thinking: 'Blinking heck, Goodison is enormous.' It held around 70,000 then. But it was cheap. I don't think it cost even a shilling [the equivalent of 5p today] to get in the Boys' Pen.' Harvey emerged from the steel cage into an apprenticeship with Everton in 1961. The training pitch for the A and B teams was behind the Park End Stand at Goodison, next to a small row of terraced houses where players and club employees were sometimes housed. He says: 'I started work as an NHS clerk on the Monday and that night Harry Cooke, the old Everton scout, came to our house and offered me apprenticeship forms. My mum said I couldn't sign because I'd just started a job. I went round to my grandad's to ask him and he said: 'You have to give it a go.' So on the Tuesday I handed my notice in! The head of department said they'd give me two weeks' notice if they were letting me go, so I expect you to work two weeks. I stayed for the two weeks and went training at night.' Four months after watching Harry Catterick's team win the 1963 league title, having run into Goodison to catch the celebrations when the gates opened with 20 minutes remaining, an 18-year-old Harvey made his Everton debut against Inter at San Siro. Everton were knocked out of the European Cup by Helenio Herrera's eventual champions but the young midfielder received a nice memento from the occasion. 'Harry called me up to his office just after my debut. I thought I was going to get a bollocking. Inter had presented Everton with a gramophone as a gift and Harry said: 'You like your records, don't you? This is no use to me so you may as well have it.' So I took the gramophone home. I wish I'd kept it. I probably left it at my mum's when I got married.' Harvey has no hesitation in naming the finest player he played with at Goodison. 'Oh the best player by a mile is Alan Ball,' he says unequivocally. 'Alan Ball is the greatest modern-day footballer at Everton. There have been two greats. I never saw Dixie Dean obviously but his goalscoring record made him a great. In my opinion Bally was the other. After that other players are at varying degrees of greatness but those are the two greatest players to have played for Everton.' Favourite Goodison memories also come instantaneously to Harvey, though one of his proudest career moments was scoring the winner in the 1966 FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Burnden Park. 'Seeing Everton win the league in 63. Scoring the goal in 1970 that clinched the league. Coaching with Howard through the 80s was a great period; beating Bayern Munich was an amazing night, winning the championship twice. But my memories of Goodison are mainly about playing there. I loved it. I miss playing there. I wish I'd have appreciated it more at the time. It went so quickly.' Harvey beat two West Brom players before finding the top corner from outside the box to seal Everton's 1970 league championship triumph. An abiding memory, however, and one that still moves him, is the scene that unfolded after the final whistle. 'We went upstairs to get presented with our medals in the old directors' box. My dad had made his way through the crowd to the edge of the directors' box and as I came out to get my medal I saw him. I was a bit emotional anyway with winning the league but to see my dad there, blinking heck, there were real tears then. He was leaning over the edge as we walked through. He gave me a thumbs up.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Kendall's decision to promote Harvey from reserve-team to first-team coach in November 1983 is viewed as the kickstart for the most successful period in Everton's history. The FA Cup, two league championships and the European Cup Winners' Cup followed over the next four years. The Cup Winners' Cup semi-final comeback against Bayern in 1985, when Kendall told his players at half-time that the Gwladys Street would 'suck the ball in the net', is widely regarded as Goodison's greatest night. 'My daughter Mel and my eldest daughter Joanna, who died a few years ago, were in the stands that night and told me afterwards that the ground was shaking,' Harvey says. 'The team was like a band of brothers. Even when Bayern took the lead you knew we were going to win. You could just feel it. 'Afterwards John Greig, who had been manager of Rangers, and Alex Ferguson, who was in charge of Aberdeen then, came into the Boot Room for a drink. Jock Stein was already in there with us. The room was quite quiet. When Jock left the other two said: 'Thank goodness he's gone.' They couldn't speak when he was there because they were so much in awe of him. We were all in awe of him. This is a manager of Rangers and Aberdeen sat with the man who'd won the championship nine years on the trot with Celtic but they hardly said a word while Jock was there. They were made up when he walked out only because it meant they could let their hair down. I've never met anyone with an aura like Jock Stein.' If Bayern was Goodison's finest night then 3 May 1989 must rank among the most poignant. Liverpool visited to face Harvey's Everton in their first competitive game since the Hillsborough disaster 18 days earlier. 'I was amazed the game was played so quickly,' Harvey says. 'I thought football would be suspended until the following season because it was such a profound moment. Playing Liverpool that night was difficult and playing them again in the FA Cup final was too.' Dean died at a Merseyside derby at Goodison in 1980. Catterick died in similar circumstances almost exactly five years later. 'I was at Goodison when Dixie Dean and Harry died,' says Harvey. 'The club doctor is a friend of mine, Ian Irving, and he attended to both of them and pronounced them dead. He told me his hands were shaking when he was making the judgment call, that he'd never been so nervous in his life. He couldn't get over what was happening.' Harvey will not be involved in Everton's farewell to Goodison. The hip problems that ended his playing career in 1975 and resulted in two replacements have prevented him from attending a game for 18 months. Walking through an adoring crowd would only aggravate the pain. He paid a private visit to see the banners that had been made in tribute for his 80th birthday in November. Fittingly, they adorned the Gwladys Street end where he once stood. 'When I look back I did my very best at everything I did,' he insists. 'I wasn't very good at managing but I did my best and achieved some wonderful memories.' Everton intend to leave 'The Holy Trinity' and Dixie Dean statues where they stand rather than relocate them to Bramley-Moore dock. The bronze Harvey will remain opposite the spot where the young Harvey would wait to meet his dad. 'There is a statue of me, Howard Kendall and Alan Ball outside Goodison Park,' says the man responsible for many of the stadium's most cherished moments. 'That's good enough for me.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iconic matches that cemented Manchester City's legacy in football history
Iconic matches that cemented Manchester City's legacy in football history Manchester City's dominance in European football continually attracts sports betting enthusiasts and keeps millions of fans engaged with the club's stellar performances. The club has evolved through several management tactics to become one of Europe's elite clubs. Read on as we explore Manchester City's football legacy and the top five matches that have cemented their place in world football. We also discuss how the team's performances influence online sports betting trends. Advertisement Manchester City's Rise to Football Dominance Manchester City experienced modest success in the early years of the club's history. They won their First Division title in 1937 but were relegated the following season. The club faced a mix of performances, particularly in 1963 when they were relegated to the Second Division. However, a dramatic turn of events occurred in 1996 with the appointment of three different managers: Alan Ball, Frank Clark, and Steve Coppell. Each implemented various football tactics that revolutionised City's performances over the next three years. By 2000, Manchester City began breaking records, claiming the title for the highest number of goals in the Premier League and earning top positions in the league table. The years leading up to 2011 solidified their reputation in English football. Advertisement The Sky Blues ended the 2011/12 season triumphantly by lifting the FA Cup and securing their first qualification for the Champions League. The following season, they won the Premier League title for the first time in their history. Since then, the club has established itself as a powerhouse in both English and European football. Here is a summary of some significant events in City's history: Period Event and Accomplishment Impact 2012 Won first Premier League title Established City as a top English club 2016 Pep Guardiola was appointed as manager Start of City's dominance in English football 2017-Present Won every Premier League title except 2019-20 Became the most consistent team in England 2022-23 Season Won the continental treble: Premier League, FA Cup, UCL Solidified City's place among the greatest teams in football history Current Status Regarded as a favorite in sports betting markets Influences global football predictions and betting trends Top five iconic matches that defined Manchester City's legacy Throughout the history of the game, the biggest teams have been known to pull off some of the most iconic football matches ever. The Citizens have had several of those legendary football matches. Below, we discuss the top five Manchester City matches ever. Advertisement Manchester City vs QPR (2012) – The title-winning goal The 38th and final league game played by Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers in the 2011/12 Premier League season was iconic. City had an uphill task of claiming the winning point against Manchester United, who were two points up to win the league title. The game had reached its dead-end when Sergio Agüero drove in a dramatic last-minute goal at the 94th minute to secure Manchester City its first Premier League title. Winning the Premier League title pushed City up the ranks in world football. The club's success made it possible to attract world-class players in the following seasons, such as Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Raheem Sterling. Advertisement Winning the Premier League title in 2012 was a strong statement that Manchester City was ready to compete for Europe's most prestigious trophy, the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City vs Manchester United (2011) – 6-1 victory at Old Trafford Manchester City won their biggest derby victory against Old Trafford's Red Devils. The game was the second encounter between both teams, who were playing their ninth game of the 2011/12 season. Manchester United had been on a winning streak in the Premier League that season, and beating City would add to their streak. The first key moment in the match highlights was Balotelli's first goal, as he revealed his 'Why Always Me' shirt. Advertisement City dazzled the Red Devils with five stellar goals in the second half, claiming victory despite Darren Fletcher's consolation goal. This match sent shock waves around Old Trafford, imposing City's dominance in the EPL. Manchester City vs Bayern Munich (2014) – UEFA Champions League comeback One of Manchester City's iconic football games was against Bayern Munich in the 2014 UEFA Champions League group stage. The Sky Blues overturned a 2-1 deficit to pull off a stunning 3-2 defeat. The German side, led by Pep Guardiola, had already secured knockout qualification and were the favourites coming into the game. Despite goals from Xabi Alonso and Lewandowski in the first half, Manchester City's Kun Aguero scored two goals late in the second half to complete a hat-trick in the Champions League. The win cemented Man City's dominance in European football. Advertisement Manchester City vs Liverpool (2019) – Premier League decider The pivotal title-deciding match between Manchester City and Liverpool, played in January 2019, is likely to be remembered by fans of both clubs for years to come. This high-scoring game saw Liverpool enter with a seven-point lead over City. The top goal-scorers of the day were Roberto Firmino for Liverpool and Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane for City. Ultimately, Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 victory, allowing them to retain their Premier League title. Manchester City vs Real Madrid (2023) – Champions League semi-final One of Manchester City's most iconic moments in the Champions League occurred in front of over 52,000 fans at the Etihad Stadium. In the first leg, which took place at the Santiago Bernabéu, both teams shared a goal, with Real Madrid failing to impress their home supporters. Advertisement In the second leg, Guardiola's men took complete control from the very start. City produced a masterclass in possession, holding nearly 80% of the ball. Bernardo Silva scored two goals in the 23rd and 37th minutes, which helped to establish Manchester City's dominance in the second half. Despite a solitary strike from Toni Kroos, City controlled the game entirely, ultimately winning 4-0 and securing a 5-1 aggregate victory. How Manchester City's Success Has Influenced Sports Betting Trends The online football betting landscape in the Premier League has been impacted by Manchester City's recent performances in England and Europe. The number of punters who bet on sports has significantly increased. There's a steady growth in the following online betting markets: Advertisement Goal scorer predictions First-half vs second-half performance Total number of goals Tips for betting responsibly on Manchester City matches To guide you on your football betting adventure, we have provided the following tips: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses. Focus on research and statistics rather than gut feelings. Understand the odds and terms before placing a bet. Take breaks and know when to stop. Why Betiton is a trusted platform for sports betting? Betiton is a trusted platform for responsible betting, offering competitive football betting odds and a wide range of other sports, including basketball, tennis, and boxing. The expert team at Betiton is made up of skilled writers, experienced bettors, and sports analysts who combine their passion and knowledge to provide the best betting tips for UK punters. Conclusion Manchester City have grown throughout the years from humble beginnings to a dominant force to reckon with. The club's most sensational matches attest to its resilience both in the English Premier League and in European football. Today, millions of fans from across the globe watch Man City games, and the number of bettors loyal to the club keeps increasing. The Sky Blues have left a lasting impact on the game and continue to build on what can be termed a golden football legacy.
