Key Points

David Moyes addresses the emotional impact of Everton's final game at Goodison Park, noting the club's historic move to a new stadium. He acknowledges the deep history and connection fans have with Goodison, but emphasizes the promising future ahead. Moyes reassures fans of Seamus Coleman's continued leadership at the club. As Everton prepares to host Southampton, the focus remains on delivering a strong performance amidst the sentimental backdrop.

Key Points: David Moyes on Everton's Move from Goodison Park for Brighter Future

  • Everton leaving Goodison after 133 years amid emotions
  • New stadium promises bigger future
  • Moyes confident in players' mindset for farewell
  • Seamus Coleman's leadership remains crucial
3 min read

Leaving Goodison Park will be sad, but Everton are moving for a bigger and better future, says Moyes

Moyes reflects on Everton's emotional farewell to Goodison as they prepare for a waterfront stadium.

"I'm just the one who's going to shut the door on the way out! - David Moyes"

Liverpool, May 16

Everton head coach David Moyes acknowledged that a chapter in the club's history will end when they play their final game at Goodison Park on Sunday. The Toffees host already-relegated Southampton on Sunday in what promises to be an emotional day for supporters, with the Men's Senior Team set to move to the Club's new world-class waterfront stadium for the start of the 2025/26 season.

Everton's first stadium was Anfield, which is now used by city rivals Liverpool. A rent dispute saw them leave and move to Goodison in 1892, which has now been their home ground for 133 years.

Moyes said that there have been many greats who have been at the club, but it will be he who shuts the door on his way out. "There are a lot of people who are a bit wiser and knowledgeable about Everton and Goodison Park than I am. There is some great history, great stories, great managers, and great players who have all been here - I'm just the one who's going to shut the door on the way out!

"It will be sad, but we are moving into something that is going to give us a bigger and better future.

"I think all the Evertonians have been waiting for this moment for quite some time now. The new stadium is something everybody has been looking forward to. It will be a sad and emotional day, but I've got to keep the players focused on the game," said Moyes in the pre-game press conference.

David Moyes also confirmed Seamus Coleman will remain at Everton "one way or the other" next season, while also revealing Jake O'Brien is fit and available again for the Blues' last-ever Premier League game at Goodison Park.

Defender O'Brien, who missed the 3-1 away win at Fulham last time out with a knock, is back in contention for a place in the matchday squad, but James Tarkowski (hamstring), Jesper Lindstrom (hernia) and Orel Mangala (knee) remain unavailable for the final home game of the current campaign.

Discussing the prospect of Coleman potentially leading out the Everton side as captain for Goodison's final Premier League game in Friday's pre-match press conference, Moyes said, "It does come into my thinking. What I will say is Sunday is a game where we're going to do everything we can to prepare the best and play the best we can.

"Seamus will stay next season, without doubt. Seamus will be part of the group. I need him here. His leadership, the message he has here amongst the dressing room and between the players, is so strong, it'd be wrong of me to let him go. One way or the other, Seamus will be here next season," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments on Everton's move from Goodison Park:
R
Rahul P.
As an Indian football fan who's followed Everton since the Tim Cahill days, this is bittersweet. Goodison Park had such character! But progress is necessary - hope the new stadium brings more success. The waterfront location sounds amazing! 🌊
P
Priya K.
The emotional connection to stadiums is something we Indians understand well - think Eden Gardens or Wankhede! But clubs must modernize. Smart move by Everton to secure their future while respecting history. Moyes handling this transition with class.
A
Arjun S.
Hope they preserve some elements of Goodison in the new stadium. The atmosphere there was electric! As an ISL fan, I wish our clubs could build such legacy stadiums instead of constantly shifting venues.
S
Sunita M.
Good to see Coleman staying! That's the kind of loyalty we respect in Indian sports culture too. Players like him bridge the old and new eras. Hope the move brings Everton better fortunes - they've been through tough times recently.
V
Vikram D.
While modernization is good, hope they don't lose the soul of the club. Some new stadiums feel too corporate. The charm of places like Goodison is what makes English football special. Fingers crossed they get it right!
N
Neha R.
As someone who visited Goodison during a UK trip, the nostalgia hits hard! But 133 years is a great run. Time for new memories. Maybe this will be the fresh start Everton needs to challenge the top clubs again. All the best to the Toffees! 💙

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