The ultimate Goodison Park book

The Leaving of Goodison Park: The Real Fans’ Tales is a heartfelt tribute to one of football’s most storied stadiums, immortalising the memories, emotions, and untold accounts of those who made Goodison more than just a football ground. Compiled by Anthony Roche, ‘The People’s Author’, who sought contributions from Evertonians worldwide, this heartfelt collection brings together personal stories from devoted fans, club legends, and well-known names:

• Pete Best (The Beatles' original drummer)
• Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester)
• Elton Welsby (broadcaster)
• John Parrott MBE (snooker legend)
• Simon O’Brien (stage and screen actor, TV presenter)
• Andrew Lancel (stage and screen actor)
• Graham Gouldman (musician/songwriter from 10cc)
• Shea Neary (world champion boxer)
• JJ Metcalf (world champion boxer)
• The families of Kendall, Harvey & Ball
• Jimmy Martin (long-standing kit manager)
• ...and many more passionate Blues!

133 years of Goodison Park, captured in 133 chapters…

"This isn’t just a book about football; it’s a book about people, place, and passion," says Roche. A must-read for Evertonians and football lovers alike, The Leaving of Goodison Park is a timeless tribute to a club, its home, and the unbreakable bond between team and supporters.

The Real Fans’ Tales brings back so many memories that can now be cherished and passed on to generations of future Evertonians. The book isn’t just for die-hard football fans or devoted Evertonians. At its core, it’s a book about life, people, passion, and the passage of time. The stories within speak of family bonds, the way things used to be, and how the world has changed. They capture the essence of loyalty, tradition, and history—those slice-of-life moments that define who we are and where we come from. Even readers who have never set foot in Goodison Park, or know nothing about Everton, will find something to connect with. Why? Because Goodison Park is a kind of metaphor—everyone has their own ‘Goodison Park.’ That one place, that constant in life, that you never want to let go of.

This book is filled with stories that will warm your heart, make you laugh out loud, and, at times, move you to tears. It’s the kind of book anyone can pick up, open up at any page, and get something meaningful out of.

 

Order Your Copy – Don’t Miss Out!

Evertonians, this is your chance to secure a piece of history! Our upcoming book on Goodison Park is packed with incredible stories and iconic moments.

The Leaving of Goodison Park: The Real Fans’ Tales is a heartfelt tribute to one of football’s most legendary stadiums, a blue heartbeat echoing through generations of fans.

"Fantastic memories of a wonderful stadium — proper old school," said Matt Le Tissier, praising the book. "Goodison was the first time I captained Southampton — the team that would go on to be the final visitors to the Grand Old Lady. I also have a fantastic link to my favourite manager of all time, Mr Alan Ball, an Everton legend himself who managed Southampton between 1994 and 1995."

Pat Van Den Hauwe, a hero of Everton’s glory years, features prominently throughout the book in various fan recollections. His wife, Lynsey Kelly (Van Den Hauwe), contributes her own heartfelt chapter, offering a unique insight into life alongside an Everton icon.

Jimmy Ball, son of the legendary Alan Ball, also praised the project: "Our family, along with the Kendall and Harvey families, have contributed to this book with lovely memories of our great ground and our great club's history. From the Ball family — the place, the fans, the people — it all means so much to us. It's great to share so many special memories of our father, and there are plenty of them in this wonderful book!"

Former Blues striker James Beattie added: "I have fond memories of my time at Goodison. I’m a real traditionalist and love the old stadiums — Goodison Park is one of my favourites. I was lucky enough to play there. If you're looking for fantastic memories that Everton and Evertonians have created at this stadium, then get this book."

Mick Quinn echoed the sentiment: "Great book by Anthony Roche — a must-read for any football fan. The Grand Old Lady will soon be hanging up her corner flags, bringing an end to a legendary ground. I played there numerous times. It was a tough, aggressive place with an incredible atmosphere when it was rocking. Everton have had some amazing moments there. You don’t have to be an Evertonian to enjoy this — it’s a brilliant football book."

Among the most powerful and deeply personal chapters is one written by lifelong Blue, Andy Burnham. Spotted enjoying a pint of Guinness outside The Winslow after the Ipswich game — the penultimate match at Goodison — his chapter is a love letter to the Grand Old Lady.

Burnham captures the heart and soul of what it meant to grow up an Evertonian in the 1970s and ’80s. From tales of being transfixed by the infamous Boys' Pen as a young lad, to memories of standing in the Street End through the club’s golden era under Howard Kendall, his story is as rich in emotion as it is in detail. He brings readers back to the family rituals, terrace superstitions, the heartbreaks, the glories, and even pitch invasions.

The warmth, honesty, and wit found in these contributions are something to behold. Together, the stories lay bare how Goodison shaped our identity — and why saying goodbye is so hard.

This is your voice, your ground, your memories — stitched together by a lifelong Blue who knew where to look: the terraces, the pubs, the soul of the place. The Real Fans' Tales pulls no punches. This is Everton, as lived and felt.

Tell your friends! Refer them to this easy-to-remember address: evertontimes.com/goodison. This is an important historical document for future generations who will never know what Goodison Park was like unless we record the memories and pass them on through the generations.

To get the book, visit the above web address, or visit Adapt Outdoors shop in the city centre.

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