A neighbourhood that’s served Evertonians loyally for over 130 years

Let’s not just say goodbye to Goodison — let’s carry its soul with us

Sunday 18 May 2025 will be one of the most emotional days in Everton Football Club’s long and storied history. At 12pm, the Blues will kick off against Southampton in what will be the final ever game at Goodison Park—a place that has stood tall for 133 unforgettable years.

For generations of Evertonians, Goodison has been more than just a football ground. It's been a second home, a place of communion, heartbreak, triumph, and tradition. Fathers took their sons, mothers took their daughters. Grandads passed on stories, songs were belted out, and lifelong friendships were forged in the stands.

That famous pitch has seen legends grace the turf—from Dixie Dean to Alan Ball, Bob Latchford to Duncan Ferguson. It has heard the roar of title wins, the defiance of relegation battles, and the unwavering love of a fanbase that stuck with its club through thick and thin.

When the final whistle blows on 18 May, it will echo with memories. Tears will fall—tears of pride, of love, and of loss. The Grand Old Lady has stood in the heart of L4 for over a century. And though we look ahead with hope to the new stadium on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey, part of our hearts will forever remain in the Gwladys Street End, the Paddock, the Bullens, and the Park End. On that Sunday in May, we won’t just be watching a game—we’ll be saying goodbye to a sacred place. And for every Evertonian past and present, it will be nothing short of monumental.

One beloved institution is helping fans bridge the gap between past and future — The Winslow Hotel, the iconic matchday pub just steps from Goodison Park, is to run a matchday shuttle service to the new stadium. For generations of Blues, the matchday ritual has been about the build-up — the anticipation, the smells of chips in the air, the familiar faces, the superstitions, and, for many, the first pint of the day in The Winslow. That ritual doesn’t have to end with the move.

Dave Bond, who has managed The Winslow since 2014, knows exactly what this place means to fans. “Matchday revenue makes up around 85% of our business,” he says. “But this place has never just been a pub — it’s been part of the Everton experience since the first game at Goodison in 1892. We've got sketches of that game where you can see The Winslow in the background. That’s how far back this goes.”

Legends like Dixie Dean were known to enjoy a drink here. Some say players even dashed in for a swift pint at half-time during the 1920s — when the tunnel entrance was just across the road. With such rich heritage, Dave and the team were determined not to let it fade. The Winslow is endeavouring to offer a return shuttle service to and from Bramley-Moore on matchdays — giving supporters a way to keep cherished pre-match traditions alive while embracing the club’s future. Fans can come early, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the usual pre- and post-match entertainment — including live music — and travel together to the new ground, without the hassle of parking or getting lost. “We’re looking at options for people to book per match, per month, or for the season,” Dave explains. “We just need supporters to let us know in advance so we can organise everything properly. The feedback so far has been brilliant.”

This is about more than just transport. It’s about honouring the Goodison community — a neighbourhood that’s served Evertonians loyally for over 130 years. As attention shifts to the docks, places like The Winslow risk being left behind. By continuing to gather here on matchdays, fans help preserve not just a pub, but a living piece of Everton history.

“This area, this building – it’s been central to people’s routines for generations,” Dave says. “We might be moving grounds, but that doesn’t mean we lose who we are.”

Supporters can enquire about seats with Dave on 07473 091278 or thewinslowhotel@gmail.com.

 

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.

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