For many Evertonians, matchdays at Goodison Park have been defined by familiar sights, sounds, and routines—the walk up to the ground, the smell of pies in the air, the first glimpse of the pitch. And for me, those routines have been part of my working life too.

As a programme seller, I’ve been lucky enough to experience matchdays in a way few others do. With the move to Bramley-Moore Dock on the horizon, I’ve been soaking up every last moment at Goodison, knowing that I’ll be making the transition to our new home alongside the fans. But Goodison will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I got this job I was made to feel welcome straight away. My first match selling programmes was the 3-0 win over Newcastle in the 2023/24 season. The atmosphere was amazing—one of my favourite games. When I first arrive at Goodison on matchdays, I always take a moment to walk along the pitch, looking at the stands and imagining them packed with Blues. Once I’m outside selling, the fans are always great—respectful, full of energy, and up for a laugh.

Selling programmes isn’t just about handing over a matchday souvenir—it’s about the people. I’ve met so many friendly Evertonians who’ve shared their memories with me. A lot of them tell me about their first-ever match and how Goodison used to look back in the day.

I’ve got a lot of regulars who come over every game. They’re always kind and funny, and it’s great chatting with them. Moments like that make the job special.

Of course, not every moment is easy. The best part of the job is watching the crowd leave after a big win—the chants, the laughter, the celebrations. There’s nothing like it. The toughest part? When we sell out before kick-off. I hate having to tell fans we’ve run out, because I’d be gutted if I was in their position.

Some matches stand out more than others. My most memorable game was when we beat Liverpool 2-0 last season. From the first whistle to the last, the atmosphere was electric. Even after full-time, as fans left the stadium, the whole crowd was still singing Spirit of the Blues. I haven’t seen too many unusual moments while selling, but I’ve spotted a few ex-players over the years. Joey Barton and Marc Albrighton were around when he was a pundit for the Villa game. And the passion of Evertonians? It’s only grown stronger. From when I was a kid going to matches to now, the atmosphere has just got better and better. The fans won’t lose without a fight.

The final Merseyside Derby at Goodison was emotional. I was gutted, to be honest. I love the derby—it always has an incredible atmosphere—but the last one was something else. As soon as we got outside to sell, we were flooded with fans wanting programmes for their families. Even the stewards were after one. Photographers and pundits were everywhere, capturing the moment. It really felt like the end of an era.

Like many Evertonians, I was shocked when the move was finally confirmed. I’d heard rumours for years about different stadium plans, but now that it’s actually happening, I’m amazed. My dad was at the first-ever match at Goodison, and he loved everything about it. I’ll miss Goodison—it’s been my second home—but we’ve needed this move for a while. Matchdays at Bramley-Moore will be different. More Evertonians will be able to attend, and there’ll be a lot more tourists from around the world. Not being at Goodison will take some getting used to, but it’s for the best.

Being part of the transition is something I’m really proud of. I can’t wait to see what Bramley-Moore brings. This is a big step up for Everton, and I believe it will challenge Anfield for the best stadium in Merseyside.

Everton need to keep encouraging fans to back the team until the final whistle. That atmosphere is what drives the team forward. To the Evertonians who feel unsure about the move, I’d say this: trust the process and believe. In a few years, this will be the best ground in England. The extra revenue from concerts and hosting the Euros will help the club massively.

 

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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