Last Update:
October 2, 2024
Looking from the outside, Goodison Park, with its tall stands, seems huge. The crowds filling the narrow streets around the ground on matchday make you feel that you are going back in time to when the outside of every football ground appeared like this.
However, that’s Goodison’s problem. Apart from the modern Park Stand (which opened in 1994 and has an electric scoreboard on its roof), the rest of the ground looks tired. This is perhaps why the club is leaving the famous old ground at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Nevertheless, unlike some new grounds, Goodison oozes character, and the three-tiered Main Stand, which opened in 1971, is still an impressive sight. There are two large video screens at opposite corners of the ground. If you are a home/neutral fan who is not scared of heights then try and get a ticket for the top balcony of the Main Stand. Not only do you get a ‘bird’s eye’ view of the game, but also views across Stanley Park, with Anfield in the distance.
The club have renamed both ends of the ground. The Gwladys Street End is now called the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End, after former player and the Club’s most successful manager Howard Kendall. Whilst the Park Stand is now known as the Sir Philip Carter Park End, named after a former chairman.
Everton are set to leave Goodison Park at the end of the 2024/25 season and move to a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium on Bromley Moore Docks.
This will be the first time Everton has moved grounds since 1892, when they ditched Anfield (yes, that’s right, the current home of Liverpool) following a bitter and long-fought dispute with their chairman, John Houlding.
Everton’s new stadium will be just over two miles from Goodison Park, on the banks of the River Mersey at Bramley Moore Dock.
The location is a former commercial dock and the whole area is set to be transformed thanks to Everton’s move, with new shops and housing being built.
What are the plans for the Everton new stadium?
The Everton stadium will have a steel and glass bowl design. The plans have been much lauded for their design qualities, which intend to complement the architecture of the old dock buildings surrounding the site.
The standout feature is the single-tiered end behind one of the goals. Throughout construction updates, the stand seems to get steeper and steeper, illustrating how the stadium is being built with fan experience in mind.
The stadium is nearing completion and is on track to be ready at some point during the 2024/25 season. However, Everton won’t officially move in until the first match of the 2025/26 season.
Everton new stadium capacity
As for capacity, the new stadium will be able to seat 52,888 fans. The single-tiered end will hold approximately 13,000 spectators.
The stadium has been built with future expansion in mind. If Everton can prove they can fill the new stadium regularly then it will be possible for the club to build on the existing plot.
Away fans are located in one corner of the two-tiered Bullens Road Stand, which is at the side of the pitch. Just over 3,000 away fans can be accommodated. If a small following is expected, only the lower tier, which holds 1,700, is allocated. For larger followings, the upper tier is also made available.
If you can, try to avoid getting tickets for the rear sections of both the upper and lower tiers, as the view can be quite poor. For example, in the rear of the lower tier, there are a number of supporting pillars that can hinder your view, the seating is of the old wooden type and the gap between rows is tight.
The Gwladys St End, Everton’s noisiest and most famous stand, is located to the left of the away end which only enhances the atmosphere further. Both sets of supporters typically enjoy a back and forth.
The facilities within the stand are basic, but away fans can typically generate a lot of noise due to the low-hanging roof, which creates a great atmosphere. The catering from the small concourse area includes hot dogs, pies, and burgers, and alcohol is also available.
Behind the Park Stand is a small outdoor fan zone which serves alcohol, as well as food. Currently visiting supporters are allowed free entry into the fanzine.
Local pubs for away fans near Goodison Park include:
- The Thomas Frost – 177-187 Walton Rd, Liverpool L4 4AJ
- The Arkles – 77 Anfield Rd, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0TJ
- The Spellow – 79 Goodison Rd, Liverpool L4 4EN
Follow the M62 until you reach the end of the motorway (beware of a 50mph speed camera about a 1/4 of a mile from the end of the motorway). Then keep right and take the A5058 Ring Road North, signposted Football Stadia. After three miles, turn left at the traffic lights and go into Utting Avenue (there is a McDonald’s on the corner of this junction). Proceed for one mile and then turn right at the corner of Stanley Park into Priory Road. Goodison is at the end of this road.
Where is the best place to park for Goodison Park?
There is a car park in nearby Stanley Park that costs £10. The entrance is on Priory Road. There are plenty of ‘unofficial’ car parks dotted around Goodison Park. If you drive around the area, you will see plenty of signs and people waving you in.
Post Code for SAT NAV: L4 4EL
Kirkdale Railway Station is the closest to the ground (just under a mile away). However, it may be more advisable to go to Sandhills Railway Station as this has the benefit of a bus service to the ground, which runs for a couple of hours before the game and around 50 minutes after the final whistle. The bus drops you off within easy walking distance of Goodison Park.
To get on a service to Kirkdale or Sandhills, fan will typically have to get to Liverpool Lime Street first. This is the main station in the middle of Liverpool City Centre and is served by trains from other large cities in the UK including London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.
Everton ticket prices for the 2023/24 season:
- Adults: £55
- Concessions: £37
- Juniors: £15-25
A full breakdown of the current pricing can be found on the official Everton website.
Away fans are usually located in the Bullens Road stand, which runs the length of the pitch at Goodison Park, as seen in the image below.
The main reception is at the Dixie Dean entrance.
While Goodison Park is by no means one of the biggest grounds in England, its capacity is still a respectable 39,752. The stadium’s modest size allows the Toffees to create an intimidating atmosphere that often influences a match’s result.
The Goodison Park seating plan spans four stands and two tiers.
As outlined above, Everton will be moving into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, which will leave Goodison Park surplus to requirements.
After Everton’s final home game of the season, Goodison Park will be demolished with affordable housing set to replace the old stadium.
Before the demolition, a ‘Farewell to Goodison’ Festival will take place across three nights between 30 May and 1 June. The festival will feature live music along with other events featuring members fo the current squad and legends from the past.
Official Programme: £3.50
Everton vs Liverpool rivalry: There is no disputing that the red vs blue battle on Merseyside is the biggest derby game Everton partake in. The Merseyside derby is one of the most recognised rivalries in world football. It all dates back to a quibble over the Anfield stadium; it was once Everton’s home, but they eventually moved on to Goodison Park.
Nowadays, the two stadiums – Goodison Park and Anfield – are visible from one another, such as their close proximity. Given that, it’s little surprise the games are still a source of immense tension. Don’t be fooled by the ‘friendly derby’ tag either; the Everton vs Liverpool rivalry is anything but friendly.
For details of disabled facilities and club contact at the ground please visit the relevant page on the Level Playing Field website.
As you might expect from a club the size of Everton, Goodison Park stadium tours are on offer on a regular basis and they’re now more in-demand than ever as the club prepare to leave the stadium.
Goodison Park stadium tours follow a similar pattern to most in that they give guests the opportunity to access both dressing rooms, go into the Directors’ Box and walk out of the tunnel on to the hallowed turf.
The prices for a Goodison Park stadium tour this season are:
- Adults: £23.50
- Seniors: £20
- Under 16s: £15
- Under 5s: Free
Full details of the current Everton stadium tours can be found on the official Everton site.
Goodison Park is well known for an intense atmosphere and a wide range of fan songs.
Below is an example of that passion, with a video of the Spirit of the Blues chant.
Is Goodison Park the oldest stadium?
When Everton were first formed, they played their home matches at Stanley Park; that only lasted as their own ground for a few years before they became a tenant of the now Liverpool stadium, Anfield. The Toffees remained there for eight years before rent became a sticking point. Everton wouldn’t be held to ransom and opted for Goodison Park; it was the first true football ground to have been built in England. Despite the original build taking place in 1892, additions like underground heating were very much innovations at the time they were made.
The original capacity of the Everton stadium was 12,000, and it was made up of both covered and uncovered stands. Within three years of moving in, Everton bought Goodison Park, and very quickly, further enhancements were made. Roofing was added to the uncovered stands almost immediately and within a decade a two-tiered conversion was in the works fo boost the capacity; that was on the Goodison Avenue stand. Fast forward another 20 years, and the Goodison Road stand was getting the same treatment with a combination of an additional tier and terracing being added.
Goodison Park in the 1966 World Cup
Changes over the next 40 years were minimal, with covered dugouts—an English first—the main change coming in 1931. Other, more decorative tweaks were made in the sixties ahead of the World Cup, where Goodison would host several games, including the West Germany vs Soviet Union semi-final. Rebuilds have taken place since then, with the Goodison Road stand and Park End both getting the treatment at different times. Since the early nineties, though, changes have been largely cosmetic.
Record Attendance
78,299 v Liverpool
Division One, 18th September 1948.
Modern All-Seated Attendance Record
40,552 vs Liverpool
Premier League, 11 December 2004.
Average Attendance
- 2022-2023: 39,241 (Premier League)
- 2021-2022: 38,882 (Premier League)
- 2020-2021: N/A (Covid-19)
- 2019-2020: 39,150 (Premier League)
- 2018-2019: 39,043 (Premier League)
- 2017-2018: 38,797 (Premier League)
Official Web Site: www.evertonfc.com
If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.
Ground Layout
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out
Everton v Leicester City
EFL Cup Quarter Final
Wednesday 18th December 2019, 7.45pm
John Hague (Leicester City)
Everton v Watford
League Cup 4th Round
Tuesday 29th October 2019, 7.45pm
Ben Castle (Neutral)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Goodison Park?
I was on half term and it’s the League Cup so tickets were cheap and a game I can go to.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I am a Tranmere Rovers fans and live in nearby Birkenhead. I first took the X1 bus to Liverpool then took a fans' bus to Goodison Park.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I went into the fan park which looked impressive with all the lighting and the number of people there. I also went into Everton’s history room where you can look at all their past programs and player stats.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
Goodison Park looks impressive under the lights, you can tell that the stadium is getting old and that’s why Everton are planning to get a new ground.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
In every seat, they had blue flags that everybody used when the players were coming out which creates a unique and brilliant atmosphere. Despite Everton’s recent form, the stadium was still packed with very few seats empty. The first half was poor with the game looking fairly even. The second half Everton for the upper hand with Mason Holgate scoring a header around the 70th min and Richarlison scoring the last kick off the game ending 2-0 Everton.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
I got the supporters bus back to the City Centre then got on the train from Liverpool Lime street back home.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I enjoyed my day out to Goodison Park and if Everton are drawn a home tie in the quarter finals I’ll probably be going.
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
Sunday 23rd December 2018, 4pm
Keith Clark (Tottenham Hotspur)
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
Sunday 23rd December 2018, 4pm
Dan Turner (Tottenham Hotspur)
Everton v Southampton
Premier League
Saturday 18th August 2018, 3pm
Ollie Revill (Southampton)
Everton v Southampton
Premier League
Saturday 5th May 2018, 5.30pm
Eric Spreng (Southampton fan)
Everton v Newcastle United
Premier League
Monday 23rd April 2018, 8pm
Reece (Newcastle United fan)
Everton v Crystal Palace
Premier League
Saturday 10th February 2018, 3pm
Ted Maguire (Crystal Palace fan)
Everton v Burnley
Premier League
Sunday 1st October 2017, 2.15pm
Ben (Burnley fan)
Everton v AFC Bournemouth
Premier League
Saturday 4th February 2017, 3pm
Paul Sheppard (AFC Bournemouth fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Goodison Park?
One of my best friends is an Everton fan so I was looking forward to catching up with him and having a cheap drink in the club he drinks in near Goodison Park. I wasn't really looking forward to the game given the respective form of both clubs.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I met my friend at the Showcase Cinema and he parks near the ground so it was very easy!
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I had a drink in the Walton Street Social club before the game and then had chips and curry sauce from a Chinese chippy en route to the ground. The fans were friendly but then I was with some Everton fans I knew already.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
I had been a few times before but it's always nice going to Goodison Park as it's one of a decreasingly small number of traditional grounds at this level. Last time we were in the upper tier but we had a smaller allocation this season so ended up in the paddock below. Unfortunately the paddock generally affords a poorer view of the game as it's too close to the pitch for my liking and I couldn't even tell at the time who had scored our second goal at the far end.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
As usual it was a good atmosphere. The game itself would have been great for the neutral, but as an away fan my worst fears were realised when Lukaku scored in the first minute and we were 3-0 down within half an hour. Although we rallied in the second half we ended up losing 6-3 in a highly entertaining (although slightly worrying from our defensive point of view) encounter with Josh King getting two for us but Lukaku doubling that tally for the hosts. Facilities are standard fayre. My friend struggles to stand for long periods so he was annoyed the stewards didn't ask people to sit but again it seems standard for away fans to stand in the Premier League now.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We managed to meet up very quickly after the final whistle and although the traffic was heavy we were back at the Showcase Cinema pretty quickly.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
As usual it was a good day out and a good atmosphere at Goodison Park. The reasonably priced chippys close to the ground are always a highlight but it was a shame I was still eating my chips when we conceded our first goal! We couldn't complain in terms of the entertainment factor in a crazy game but letting six goals in at this stage of the season was worrying. A day that will live long in the memory, not all for good reasons.
Everton v Stoke City
Football Premier league
Saturday 27th August 2016, 3pm
Luke (Stoke City fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Goodison Park?
Although Stoke got a beating the week before at home to Manchester City, I still fancied us to get something at Everton. Also I wanted to visit the historic Goodison Park just out of interest.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We got the train from Stoke to Stockport then onto Liverpool Lime Street, so it wasn't too difficult or expensive We arrived in Liverpool about 11am and headed to a City Centre Wetherspoons for some breakfast.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We had a couple of beers in the City Centre before taking a taxi up to the ground. The home fans we encountered were absolutely fine with us sharing a pub with them.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
Goodison Park reminded me of the old fashioned grounds of the 1980's. The section was spacious and although old we still seemed to enjoy it.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The atmosphere throughout was mixed, plenty of us were having banter with the Everton fans but the stewards seemed to take it the wrong way and a few got thrown out for it, it was probably because the game was pretty bland throughout until the last few minutes. The facilities were rather small for 2,800 Stoke fans and the queue was not even a proper queue due to the small size of the concourse, due to this it took me a while to get my food.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It was fairly easy after the game, we just followed the crowd and after walking for a bit managed to get a taxi back to Lime Street Station.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Good day out just unfortunately they had an undeserved penalty which they scored from winning them the game 1-0. Still I would visit Goodison Park again anytime.
Everton v Southampton
Premier League
Saturday 16th April 2016, 3pm
Alex Squires (Southampton fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Goodison Park?
This was to be my second visit to 'grand old' Goodison in recent years, the last involving a 3-1 defeat when we were new to the Premier League. Since I have moved 'up north' away matches in the area have become very tempting.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
It was an easy drive from our home North of Leeds along the M65 through Blackburn, joining the M6 near Preston before a final stretch of the journey along the M58 and M57. We then headed along the A580 through Liverpool's eastern suburbs, parking at Walton Hall at a cost of a fiver.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Following a simple ten minute walk to the ground involving no troubles with home fans, we decided to visit the Everton fan zone. This was a great idea with both sets of fans mixing nicely in the April sunshine. There was also live music and two food stalls, a bar and a coffee stand. I bought a cheeseburger at a cost of £4. At 2:15pm we headed into the ground itself.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
My first impressions were that Goodison Park is an older ground which oozes character. The concourse was relatively compact and queuing for food and drink resembled a rugby scrum. The toilets were in poor condition so in this day and age, the club could consider spending money on improving the concourse. The stewards and police were very friendly and had a good scouse sense of humour.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The first half somehow ended goalless with the post being hit on numerous occasions. In the second half the post was hit again, a mazy run by Serb Dusan Tadic before his shot agonisingly thundered off the crossbar. Everton took the lead through virtually nothing, Funes Mori's shot finding its way in after a half-volley from the edge of the box. Soon after, we found a deserved way back into the game, Mané finishing off a clever move from Tadic. The pair had looked dangerous all game. Despite our best efforts, the game remained one goal a piece. It was an all round good performance from us and we were extremely unlucky not to take the win.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Thanks to Walton Hall's close proximity to the motorway, we were heading back northbound in no time with virtually no traffic.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall a great day out and a good performance by the Saints. Goodison is a great old ground although one which could do with a bit of modernising. I'll definitely be happy to return there again next season.
Everton v Chelsea
FA Cup Quarter Final
Saturday 12th March 2016, 5.30pm
Caitlin Paul (Chelsea fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Goodison Park?
It was our worst season in 20 years and having seen us lose regularly home and away in the league nearly all season I was hopeful of enjoying some cup success.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I went on one of the supporters coaches, so it was easy enough. The coaches actually dropped us nearer to Anfield than Goodison, but it was a short and pleasant walk across Stanley Park.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I went into the Arkles pub near Anfield and it was full of Chelsea fans. There were police cars parked outside but nothing different to most grounds and they didn't intervene. Outside Goodison I met the famous 'Speedo Mick' who was doing one of his charity fundraising events (he attends matches just wearing a pair of Speedo swimming trunks!) and he was great. The home fans I passed seemed nice enough.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
Goodison itself seemed to be surrounded by high metal fencing which was very off putting. Apart from that it was a nice enough ground. inside. However it was clear that the stand we were in and its concourse were very old. The female toilets were absolutely disgusting (I can't speak for the males) and the stands were half falling apart with very little leg room. In the lower tier there were several pillars blocking people's view but thankfully not mine. this did make it feel very historic though.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Atmosphere wasn't that great from the Everton fans to be honest. away fans singing non stop was great. there was a lot of one way banter from the Chelsea fans but when the Everton fans did get going (only after they scored) they created quite a noise. Was a good match until we conceded two goals which knocked us out of the cup.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
It was no problem as the stewards were helpful and fairly friendly. the coaches were parked on a road nearer Goodison than before so we got on them easily.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Good day but shame about the result as it left is with nothing to play for this season.
Everton v Dagenham & Redbridge
FA Cup 3rd Round
Saturday 9th January 2016, 3pm
Mark Wilson (Doing The 92)
Why were you looking forward to visiting Goodison Park?
This would be ground number 88 for me and as the chances of my team (Peterborough United) playing a league game here are remote, I thought I would make my first journey to Goodison Park.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Very smooth journey. Caught the train from London Euston with only three stops before reaching Liverpool Lime Street. It was then a very short five minute walk to Liverpool Central railway station to catch the Merseyrail service to Sandhills. As you exit Sandhills the football special buses are waiting to ferry you to Goodison Park. The bus journey was free as the cost is included in your Merseyrail ticket. The bus only took five minutes to reach the ground, where it dropped us off right outside.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I wandered around the fanzone directly outside the ground in a very friendly atmosphere. Plenty of Daggers fans there too with never a hint of trouble.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
I could see Goodison Park from Sandhills railway station so you could easily walk it in 15/20 minutes, but I chose the bus option. The ground itself looked like your average Premiership ground. Obviously different stands had been rebuilt/refurbed at different times and inside pillars made for obstructive views in a number of places. My seat in the front row of the Lower Bullens Stand meant that my view was unspoilt, but the old wooden seat that I had was obviously a throwback to bygone days. Despite being relatively small, the toilets were immaculate. I would hate to try my luck after the game for a "comfort break" as the queue must be horrendous, but cleanliness is obviously a priority at Goodison and they were spotless!
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Not the best game that I have ever seen I'm afraid. Everton fielding an understrength team were content to play keepball and never really looked in danger of conceding. As soon as Kone put them ahead after half an hour, Everton maintained control of the game and were never in danger of suffering a Cup shock. As the game itself was so one-sided, the home fans had little to get excited about so the atmosphere was a little subdued. Unfortunately I left early so missed the home side's second goal in the 85th minute. The stewards were very friendly and efficient and had little to do.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
I decided to leave early (something I have only ever done in one previous game in nearly 50 years!) as I had to catch the 17.45 out of Lime Street and did not want to get caught up in traffic. Whilst the soccer bus would have taken me back to Sandhills after the final whistle, I decided to take a taxi from one of the many taxis lined up outside the ground on the road behind the Park Stand. For under a fiver and encountering another friendly taxi driver, I was back at Sandhills station in less than five minutes. Very frequent services into Liverpool City Centre ensured that I was back to Lime Street within another ten minutes. So with hindsight I could easily have seen the game out, not missed Everton's second goal from the spot, seen a stray cat hold up the game and still made it in plenty of time for the train back to Euston.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Superb train service from London, cheap public transport to Goodison and the option of plenty of taxis should you require one. Great set of fans and a very "family friendly" club. Great day out!
Everton v Stoke City
Premier League
Monday 28th December 2015, 3pm
James Walker (Neutral fan)
Why were you looking forward to visiting Goodison Park?
I was looking forward to this day out as it was between two teams bang in form, with the potential of being a great game of football. Having being to Goodison Park before 3 times and having sat in the away end each time, I decided to go for a seat in the top balcony of the Main Stand to get a different view of the stadium.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I decided to carshare with friends for the game with some good friends of mine (two of them being Everton and the other one being a Stokie made for an entertaining journey there). We left about 09.15am and parked up in Mersyside around 12.30pm. There was plenty of street parking around the stadium.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
We went round to the players entrance to try and get my book signed, and were able to catch Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka on their way in. The next step was to go to the Blue Dragon chippie for pie and chips. After we ate and watched the Stoke team arrive, we went in to the club shop for badges (£3.00) and programmes (£3.50 each). The locals were all pleasant.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
I was stunned at how different Goodison Park looks from the other side and up high. The stand opposite is a two tiered stand with the away fans being held in the corner. The stands behind each goals were a similar two-tiered stand. When climbing up to the Top Balcony, I strongly recommend using the escalator as climbing up the 100 steps is tiring!
View From The Top Balcony
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
I went to use the toilets before and can't believe how small they are! That's the sort of size I'd expect to find at a League Two ground on my away days with Stevenage, but not at a Premier League ground! Good luck fighting through to get in there at half time is all I can say. The next thing was to get a Steak Pie (£3.30) and get to my seat, which was directly above the exit to the concourse. Well what a game it was! Stoke went ahead through Xherdan Shaqiri, which was quickly cancelled out by Romelu Lukaku. A Shaqiri second put Stoke in front at the break, but a Lukaku second and a Deulofeu goal put Everton in front mid-way through the second half, before an 80th minute equaliser from Joselu and a 90th minute penalty from Marko Arnautovic won a thriller for Stoke.
Stoke Fans At Goodison Park
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away was simple. We all met up by The Winslow pub opposite the stadium and then went back to the car from there. We arrived back home at around 8.40pm without any stops.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Well what a game of football that was! Seven goals, end to end action and a great day out that completely justified the £23 that the ticket cost. The perfect game for the neutral (like me) and a fun journey home with Everton and Stoke fans.
Half Time Score: Everton 1-2 Stoke City
Full Time Score: Everton 3-4 Stoke City
Attendance: 39, 340 (1, 860 away fans)
Everton v Watford
Premier League
Saturday 8th August 2015, 3pm
Stephen Barrow (Watford fan)
Why were you looking forward to visiting Goodison Park?
Watford were back in the Premiership and with a realistic chance of survival this time round, under the shrewd stewardship of the Pozzo family. Everton away was the opening fixture, meaning a chance to collect another ground.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Travelled by train as it is a long haul up the M6. Drove to Milton Keynes and parked up. Grab a coffee, paper and settle down fo the trip. Booking tickets in advance, we remembered to upgrade to first class (only ten quid at weekends) to guarantee a seat.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
Arrived in Liverpool in plenty of time to wander down to the restored dockyards in lovely summer sunshine. Loads to see and do to make a day of it. Lunch in the city before grabbing a cab to within walking distance of Goodison.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?
Goodison Park is an old fashioned ground in a working class suburb. You get the feel of tradition and big match atmosphere the closer you get to the ground. It helped that it was a wonderful sunny day and home and away fans were in great spirits. The view from the front few rows of the Bullens Lane Stand were great, but it is very very cramped and there were plenty of complaints about the view from further back.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Watford fielded a number of new signings under the management of a new manager with no English football experience…so it is safe to say the away fans were apprehensive as to how things would pan out. We need not have worried. Under the stewardship of Quiqe Sachez Flore, the hornets put a real shift in, so that the arguably more technically gifted Everton players had to first win the war in order to control the match. As it happens Watford took the lead with a rare strike from Layun before a sublime equaliser from Barkley (by far the stand out player on the pitch). The atmosphere in the away end was fantastic, these old grounds provide for a real contrast to some of the empty modern bowls in the championship. An end to end second half culminated in a great goal from Ighalo which briefly sent the away section into raptures with the prospect of an unexpected away win on our return to the top tier, only for Everton the grab an equaliser a few minutes later. Probably a high scoring draw was the fair result.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Exiting the ground was very straightforward and we mingled with the home fans on the stroll past Stanley Park back towards the city centre. The Everton fans were very complimentary, particularly about the atmosphere and noise created by the away support. We were advised not to bother with the soccer bus (queues were already quite long straight after kick off) so we headed a few hundred yards further past Stanley Park where plenty of cabs were making a u-turn at the traffic lights and were happy for us to share the fare back to Lime Steet with two Everton fans (£8). Half a hour wait for the quick train to Milton Keynes and an hour drive home.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Great day out. Liverpool is a great city to visit with plenty to do, loads of places to eat and drink and a great ground. It's a shame the facilities and capacity mean many will feel Everton need to move or renovate to progress.
Everton v Liverpool
Premier League
Saturday 11th April 2015, 1.30pm
Rob Lawler (Liverpool fan)
Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Goodison Park?
As I a local I have been to Goodison many times before. Although I'm a Liverpool fan my Dad used to take me to both Liverpool and Everton games when I was younger. I was glad that I got a ticket for the Derby game but in the Liverpool end. The last time I went to a derby at Goodison was in 2001 when Gary McCallister scored a 40 yard injury time winner and I was in the Everton end but could not celebrate for fear of reprisals!
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
As I live locally I just got one bus and walked up to Goodison Park.
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
I had already eaten before the game and although a few of my friends were going but I had no plans to meet up and have a drink.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Goodison Park?
Goodison Park is an old ground in need of some updating. The Bullens Road Stand which is the stand the TV cameras viewpoint is in still has wooden seats. The Park End to the left was built in the late 1990's and looks fairly modern, although this is the only side of the ground I have never sat in. The away section is situated in the far corner of the Bullens Road Stand. The Main Stand is very tall and the top balcony used to feel so high up when I sat in it as a kid. Apart from the Park End the rest of the ground is tightly enclosed by houses and pubs with little scope for expansion or redevelopment. Everton have looked at various sites down the years to move stadium but none have come to fruition as yet. That aside Goodison still has lots of character and can be intimidating for the opposition if the crowd are really up for it. You do know that you are in a proper old school football ground, you wonder whether Everton will lose something if they move to a new purpose built stadium.
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The derby has seemed to get more unfriendly as the years have passed however this game there was no real animosity. The last one I went to in 2001 was on an Easter Monday and was a 5:30pm kick off which wasn't the best idea to have a late kick off with most people drinking all day on a bank holiday. This game was a lot more subdued in comparison, mainly because both teams have been inconsistent and neither have been threatening to challenge for the league or top 4. It was a game low on quality, plus apart from the two goals that came late in the first half nothing much of note happened. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and will be more remembered as Brendan Rodgers' last game in charge before being sacked. I guess Goodison is a bit of a graveyard for our managers as Kenny Dalglish quit following a 4-4 draw there at the beginning of the 1990's.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Routine bus/walk home, took just under an hour to get home.
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A good day out in the October sunshine, bit of a letdown quality wise and the game just seemed to fizzle out in the second half. As I already stated, it was more famous for events directly after the game than during it.
Everton v Norwich City
Premier League
Saturday November 24th 2012, 3pm
By Steven Downes (Norwich City fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
This was to be my first trip to Liverpool and so I was really looking forward to it.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Stayed two stations away from the ground. Old Roan station to Kirkdale Station was a very quick run.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Started the day with a full English brekkie at the Liverpool North Premier Inn. Went to the Wilnslow Hotel for a drink but was not made welcome. Stopped from going into the Royal Oak pub. Police said it is unsafe for away fans in there? Eventually went in the Thomas Frost Pub, Weatherspoon outlet, on the Walton road. Good mixture of home and away supporters and a friendly atmosphere. Only five minutes from the stadium.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground looked massive when walking down towards it. First impression in the away end was not good. Very old, wooden seats; it badly needs modernising. There are also supporting pillars that obstruct the view of a lot of fans. I think it is time to knock down this stadium and build a new one!
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game was one of two halfs with Everton dominating the first half and Norwich the second. It was evenly matched ending in a 1-1 draw, which was a fair result. Stewards were very friendly and helpful. Didn't eat in the ground but had a beer which was reasonable. Only a couple of staff behind the food and drink counters which made the queues long and a lot of people walked away because they were fed-up waiting (Lesson to be learned Everton). The Norwich fans stood for the whole game which was great!
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Walked to the railway station. I was disappointed that twice the Police told us to go the other way (it was as though they did not want us to mingle with the home fans). Found the station in the end and got the train straight to the City Centre where we spent the evening before returning to our hotel.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Liverpool is a great place and a fun city! but Everton's ground is in a less desirable area and is very run down. If you visit Liverpool you need to visit the Cavern Quarter (Matthew Street) buzzing atmosphere, also take a short walk down to the Royal Albert Docks, they have made a great job of developing this area. The Mersey Ferry is also worth a trip!
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League
Saturday March 10th 2012, 3pm
By Callum Sturt (Tottenham Hotspur fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Me and my mates try to go to as many away games as possible and we really wanted to go to Goodison Park as the reviews we heard were top class. However our form had recently dropped so we weren't too sure how the result would turn out, but we would be but we try to remain positive or football isn't fun!
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We got the train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime street. The tickets cost us an arm and a leg but it was straightforward to get there. We passed the long journey, trying to predict the Spurs line up and whether Redknapp would stick Bale on the right or centre of midfield. We had a couple of drinks to save a bit for money up there. Also we were quite worried as the only train back to London was half an hour after the game so it would be a rush to make it and we didn't fancy staying in Liverpool over night! We got a taxi from the railway station to the ground and the taxi driver was full of banter but upset as he was a red and they had lost to Sunderland, he warned us to cover our colours.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We were driven straight to the ground. With a while before kick off but we decided to go in buy and programme check out our seats and then go for a few beers on the concourse, home fans seemed friendly enough despite what the taxi driver said although we didn't mix with them much.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
We were in the upper tier and our view was amazing. I'd recommend anyone to go for upper tier seats as I hear the lower tier isn't as good. One thing I really liked was that we were not behind a goal so we could easily see both sides of the pitch.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game was okay. Spurs dominated most of the game but ended up on the wrong side of a 1-0 scoreline. Towards the end Spurs scored what I though was an equalising goal but it was flagged offside. We left before the end of the game in order to catch that train! Stewards were friendly and not once told us to sit down, didn't taste the pies So I can't comment on them.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was easy as the game was still going on, we heard a cheer which was loud so we knew we had lost, but what made the day was that we bumped into the same taxi driver! Which was funny. He took us to the station and we manage to easily catch our train in time.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Despite the result one of my favourite away days, i'd go again and anyone thinking of going to Goodison then DO IT! It's a great ground, one fault with it though, Everton fans could do with singing a bit more!
Everton v Blackpool
FA Cup 5th Round
Saturday February 18th 2012, 3pm
By Michelle-Louise Burrows (Blackpool fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Despite hailing from Blackpool, I used to live in Liverpool and used to attend Goodison with my Dad when he was alive. Naturally, with my beloved Seasiders getting to the fifth round of the cup for the first time in over twenty years and with it being not far to travel, I was well up for this as were 7,000 other Blackpool fans.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
I had been to Goodison before as a youngster so the journey was very easy. Train from Poulton le Fylde to Lime Street and even had time to visit my sister who lives a couple of miles away from Goodison! Taxi to ground. A word of advice. Parking is not all that easy as Liverpool City Council issue residents permits around the stadium (and at Anfield) and you may have to park some way away. Best to come by train, as there are many buses that go near Goodison from the city centre, or by coach.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Went and had a drink in the Winslow which, although a Blue pub, is very welcoming of opposing supporters. Excellent banter between Blues and Seasiders and had a bite to eat at a burger van outside the Park End. There are plenty of pubs around Goodison and you can even show your colours in some. The only ones possibly to avoid are The Red Brick and The Royal Oak which are solidly Blue.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
I'd been to Goodison before and it is one of my favourite grounds and with 7,000 Seasiders in attendance, we were given most of the Bullens Road. A bit disappointed as my seat was behind a pillar but you have to remember Goodison is an old ground.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
Less said about the game the better! I really fancied our chances as we were yet to lose in 2012 and Everton had been inconsistent. However, with the West Ham game to follow, Ian Holloway rang the changes and we found ourselves 2-0 down after six minutes. We had a late penalty which Kevin Phillips missed but I thought the Everton fans were quiet considering it was a Cup Tie against fairly localish opposition. Most of the atmosphere was created by us in tangerine. Stewarding was very good, one guy even asked me out on a date! Bit of a crush on for beer and pies at half time but managed to get a Scouse Pie which is absolutely delicious!
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Very easy. Walked down to County Road and got a bus to Lime Street. Was back home by 7pm. However, if you are driving, please allow time to get away as the roads can become congested.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
I loved it despite the result. Illness had prevented me from going to Goodison when we were in the Premier League so I was not going to miss this. Goodison really is a fantastic stadium but the Everton fans could do with singing a bit more because if they did, Goodison would be a fearsome place to go for opposition teams.
Everton v Tamworth
FA Cup 3rd Round
Saturday January 7th 2012, 3pm
By Scot Rowland (Tamworth fan)
1. Why were you looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
Obviously a trip to a Premiership side in the FA Cup is massive for a non league side and this was no exception for Tamworth plus having viewed the pictures on this guide Goodison Park looks an impressive stadium.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking:
My journey from Ipswich wasn’t that difficult all things considered. I caught the 05:43 from Ipswich but typically my train was delayed meaning I just about caught my train from Euston after catching the tube from Liverpool Street after a quick change at Crewe arrived at Liverpool Lime Street at 10:10. Then a bit later made our way to Liverpool Central and got the train to Kirkdale. The ground is easy enough to find using the directions on the guide from the station.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy? Home fans friendly?
Before the game I went to the Globe Inn just opposite Lime Street station, which is well worth a beer or two with very relaxed staff making for a good atmosphere. We then headed to The Lime Kiln on Concert Square which is a typical Lloyd’s bar which was packed with Tamworth Fans. We then of the two options specified on the guide took the Kirkdale option and headed to the Thomas Frost Wetherspoons on Walton Road. The pub had a good mix of Toffee’s and Lambs fans and had a very good friendly atmosphere. All the Everton fans I came across were fantastic a real credit to their club. I would go as far to say they are the best and friendliest set of fans I have come across following Tamworth.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of the away end and other sides of the ground:
The stadium when you first approach it, looks huge in between all the houses, and is a lovely stadium in my opinion. It’s a surprisingly old stadium from what I had imagined but oozes character. The Bullens Road Stand where the away fans are located is very cramp inside and in the concourses, and then there is the view although I had read about the view from the guide It is shockingly poor with supporting pillars and even the supports of the roof of the stand obscuring your view and with my tickets being in block UV2 in the upper tier of the stand.
The rest of the ground is made up of the Main Stand opposite which is quite impressive being three tiers high, behind the far goal is the Gwladys Road which is in the similar vein as the Bullens Road an old two tier stand, the other stand is the Park Stand is a new stand to the right of the away support and unlike the rest of the stadium has no supporting pillars to obscure the view.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
The game was very good from a Tamworth point of view, The Lambs fought well and carved out a few chances against a side 96 places higher and certainly didn’t disgrace themselves. Jonny Heitinga scored a header after 5 minutes and Leighton Baines scored a second half penalty to give Everton a 2-0 win. Everton had chances but I think any more than 2-0 would have been a harsh score line on Tamworth.
The atmosphere was pretty much what you would expect from the Everton fans who were expecting their team to put Tamworth to the sword, but the atmosphere from the 5,000 Tamworth fans was fantastic from start to finish didn’t stop singing and made for an absolutely brilliant atmosphere. The stewards were very good and pretty much left us to get on with it very laid back and friendly. I didn’t have the opportunity to sample any food at the ground as the concourse was full of fans and would have taken an age to get anything.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
After the game getting away was as you would expect the narrow streets around Goodison can get very busy but there is no major problems with many fans using public transport.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A fantastic day out from the stadium to the fans, everything about Everton is brilliant. I’d very much recommend a visit to Goodison Park it is old and the view is not great but the character of the stadium is fantastic. And Toffee’s fans are the best I’ve come across who are extremely friendly and welcoming before and after the match.
Everton v Bolton Wanderers
Premier League
Wednesday January 4th 2012, 3pm
By Dean Williamson (Neutral fan – Doing the 92)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
This was my first trip to Goodison Park and a rare neutral game for me as a Blackpool season ticket holder this match was a Christmas present from my partner. This was also my last Merseryside ground and no.45 in the '92 list.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Goodison Park is well served by local transport. The nearest train station is Kirkdale which you can reach via Liverpool Lime Street (the main city centre train station). There is also a bus service which can be accessed across the road from Lime Street. You can also walk to the ground but it's at least a 30minute walk and you do pass through a large residential area which could be quite hostile for an away fan. Alternatively, as we did, you can catch a taxi which will cost around £5.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Before the game we stopped in the Wetherspoons which is accessed by leaving the Lime Street Station main entrance and walk over to the shopping arcade. Take the first left and the Wetherspoons is nestled under the arcade to the left.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
Goodison Park is one of the oldest grounds in the Premier League and looks it. It is very antiquated but this adds to it's all round allure. The stadium is in the middle of a residential area and quite imposing as you walk past someone's front door and find a huge stadium on the other side. There is also no direct way around the stadium as on one side you even get directed around a Church! We were sat in the Gladys Street End so our view was perfect but there are many parts of the stadium which do have a restricted view due to the infrastructure holding the stadium up. There is something about this ground that few others have and if they could bottle it's recipe then all future stadiums should be modelled in this way.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
The game was very dull and devoid of skill for large parts of the game. The main flashpoints were the three goals. We witnessed Everton keeper Tim Howard score from his own box as the gusty winds took hold of a long punt forward which took one bounce and flew over the Bolton's keepers head into the goal. An undeserved lead for Everton but one the fans took delight in that rarest of goal keeper goals. A note here on the atmosphere which was very subdued for the majority of the game and not like the reputation that proceeds 'the blue army'.
There was two more twists to this game with Bolton providing the rare bits of fast passing football leading to an equaliser and finally a winner with a few minutes to go. Queue pandemonium in the Bolton end who brought what seemed only a couple of hundred fans. Aside from the game I would recommend making your way down to the concourse before half time if you want to get served for beer or food during the interval. The tea maker broke during the break leaving large queues of people forming around the concourse despite many not requiring a hot drink. Rather than serve those customers who were not waiting for a tea and thus reduce the queue the staff chose to stare blankly at the tea machine as it took 5minutes to make each beverage! In the end we ordered a bottle of water, a pie and a chocolate bar which came to £6. As for the toilets in the stadium they are tightly packed in and have clearly been painted over many times which indicated the same facilities have been in place since the stadium opened. Finally, the stewards were very non-interventional. We had no trouble whatsoever and this seems to reduce the potential intimidating atmosphere you get at grounds when stewards decide to wield their very little amount of power. All credit to Everton for training their stewards properly to deal with football fans.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was fairly standard for a Premier League ground. As usual there are large swathes of people all trying to reach different directions and so you need to be on your toes and certain where you’re going as to not get stood on., Once your within 5 minutes of the crowd the roads become open and it easy to get away.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A great evening out and a ground I will be returning to. I would like to see Goodison on a sunny day and a match where the homes fans are in full swing!
Everton v Queens Park Rangers
Premier League
Saturday 20th August 2011, 3pm
By Ben Buckingham (QPR fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
This was QPR’s first away day back in the Premier League since 1996. An entire generation of QPR fans including myself have not attended a Premier League away game for a very long time so it was a great feeling to be there on merit and not via a cup draw. I have travelled to over 55 league clubs following QPR and this was also a new one for me after enduring the same Championship grounds year after year. This was an old-fashioned proper football ground and we were all excited to be doing Everton for the first time.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We set off from West Ruislip area (Middlesex) at 8.30am after collecting my cousin Mark and his (Evertonian friend Dan) and big Chris from the station, stocked up on supplies from a Tesco (this included 8 fosters for Chris which he drank all by himself!). We arrived in Liverpool at 12.15pm which we laughed at being there so early. The M6 toll proved to work its wonders again! We parked up in a lovely place called the Isla Gladstone Foundation which looked like a very plush building at one end of Stanley Park. This cost £8 and we were the first to park up and had no worries about the car whatsoever. The ground was literally a short walk through the park and you could see it so probably 250 yards from where we had parked.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
We decided to walk down to the stadium to buy a few programmes so we could flick through them when we found a pub. We took the advice of the guide and walked up to the Walton Road and had the choice of the Wetherspoons or Bradleys Wine Bar. We opted for Bradleys (which is not a wine bar) but a very friendly old-fashioned pub. As it was very early, there was about 5 locals in there but we decided to stay. 4 beers were under £10 and they were lovely freezing cold San Miguel and Fosters. We sat down and chilled out for an hour until the Arsenal v Liverpool game started. We got chatting to lots of friendly Everton fans who made us feel very welcome and even got given some cake (designed as a football pitch) by one of the local ladies. They cooked burgers, pies and chips all for £1 each – and they incredibly were really nice. After a great time in the pub we left just before the end of the tv game, Liverpool got their second and sealed the points (to the delight of 2 very odd and angry looking Liverpool fans) in amongst the Evertonians and we made our way to the ground at half two. One thing we did think was very odd was we didn’t see 1 other QPR fan anywhere until we got to outside away end (no idea where our fans were drinking!!). We went one way and our Evertonian friend went the other.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The Main Stand towers above the rest of the ground and was easily visible in the surrounding area. We went straight into the away section and it wasn’t overly impressive. It looked very cramped and dated as you enter the turnstiles with very little room to move around. I didn’t actually queue for any food or drink in the stadium but the other guys didn’t seem to be waiting too long although we didn’t try the Scouse Pie!. The away seating is on wooden blue seats that are all connected in a row and in good condition for wooden seats. Ideally if you’re in the lower tier you need to be in front of the columns which we weren’t. This did slightly restrict our view at the Gwladys end. The Main Stand opposite did look impressive either, although it makes the stadium seem bigger than it probably is. The Park End looked tidy and we had a good view of the scoreboards. I liked the sign at the Gwladys End – ‘Evertonians are born not manufactured’.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
To the surprise of many, QPR won 1-0 and it was a fantastic result. Everton had the better of the chances in the first half. Tim Cahill should have scored from close range but headed wide from 4 yards out. Leighton Baines hit the bar with a great free-kick which Paddy Kenny didn’t even move for. QPR took the look in the 32nd minute with a lovely turn and strike from Tommy Smith sending the Rs faithful into delirium and there was plenty of jumping around. This goal made the Everton fans go very quiet and the QPR fans louder. As the game went on the home fans got increasingly frustrated and booed their side off at the full-time whistle. It was a strange day really with QPR announcing a new takeover 2 days before and Everton owner announcing no money would be spent on new players. The stewarding was fine no hassle between rival fans too. I didn’t venture into the toilets or concourse area so I have no comment on those! I think the official attendance was 35,000 with 1500 being the QPR support.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
We left Liverpool at half 5 and were back on the motorway very easily. Only a small delay getting onto the main roads for ten minutes tops. We did look at all the other scores in the country via the internet and listening out for England V India 4th test updates to hear how England were getting closer to a 4-0 series win. Big Chris had backed 5 home wins earlier in the day and all but 1 team (Sheffield United) let him down. So we were winding him up as we went through the scores which was good fun. Took 3 ½ hours to get Mark to Ickenham and Chris to Shepherds Bush – and 4 hours for me back to West Drayton after dropping everyone off first.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
One of the best away days I have done in a long time. Everton fans were friendly and let us mix with them in the pub. The beers were freezing and very cheap. QPR won 1-0 their first game in premier league since 1996 and the journeys both way only took 3 ½ hours with stops. It was a new club to visit and a decent sized stadium that had a proper feel about the place. The fans (although a bit quiet and fed up) were genuine and not a ‘prawn sandwich’ brigade which also was good to see. Will definitely want to come back to Goodison Park and would recommend it to any visiting fan if you haven’t been!
Everton v Manchester United
Premier League
Saturday 20th February 2010, 12.45pm
By Alistair Paine (Manchester United fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
As a Mancunian, any trip over to Merseyside is always going to be an interesting one. I had never been to Goodison Park, but had heard a lot about it from friends and wanted to experience it. Whenever United visit Everton it is always an eventful game and three points were vital at this stage of the season.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
Very easy to get to, we got the train into Lime Street and then got on Mersey Rail to Kirkdale. When you arrive at Kirkdale the ground is a 10 minute walk away. As you exit the station just follow the crowd to the stadium.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Most of our group drank in Manchester and on the train before the game as there are not alot friendly pubs near the ground, and especially as mancunians we were keen just to keep our heads down and get into the stadium. The fans we spoke to were friendly enough but such is the rivalry of the two cities that this is not always the case.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
The ground itself is old and needs to be revamped. The concourse is very small as were the toilets. The away end is to the side of the Park End stand. There are several tall pilars in the way and our view of the end furthest away from us was obstructed. The seats are wooden and the space between rows limited.
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
The games itself was a disaster, as we lost 3-1. Atmosphere in the ground was great prior to kick off, when United took the lead the whole ground apart from 3,000 mancs went very quiet. Although as Everton got back into the game the vocal support from the home fans was impressive. The fans to our left were a little hostile towards us but that is to be expected as were not the most liked team in the country, the stewards were good though, one instance a lad infront of me had smuggled in a bottle of Stella, the usual practice would be just to throw him out but the stewards just took the bottle off him and let him be which I thought was a good way to deal with things.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away from the ground was easy, although the stadium tannoy system informed us all game that we would be held back after the game, but when full time came we were just let out straight away which was a bit confusing, I think the result maybe had something to do with that decision. We were back to Kirkdale station in 10 minutes and on the way home
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
A good day out, very hostile at times but as I have been away with United a lot of times now you get used to the hostile reception when we go away. Would recommend it, but not to wear colours to and from the ground. Will be there next year for sure.
Everton v Carlisle United
FA Cup 3rd Round
Saturday 2nd January 2010, 3pm
By Glenn Aylett (Carlisle United fan)
Went down to watch Carlisle play Everton in the third round of the FA Cup and must admit for all the stewards were helpful and the fans were friendly enough, I must admit the facilities for away fans are like something out of the eighties.
I would advise any away fan who is entering Goodison Park that for all the ground looks reasonably modern from the outside, if they are paying their £ 34- luckily we only had to pay the Carlisle ticket price of £ 20- that they will be very disappointed.
Firstly, the catering is abysmal. After standing in a very long queue and faced with the meager choice of three pies and overhearing someone saying their meat pie was awful, I decided to play safe with a cheese and onion pie which for £ 2.50 was barely warm and the pastry was awful. Also the beer isn't served on draught and comes out of cans, which means the beer is warm (the bitter is awful) and works out at £ 3.60 a pint as cans are a bit less than a pint. If you don't like Banks bitter or Chang lager forget it, and the choice of food is limited to three pies, all awful , and a large hot dog for £ 3.70. No burgers, chips or pasties here and even a club the size of Carlisle puts Goodison to shame as the beer and food is a lot better.
Secondly, health and safety is like a throwback 30 years and this is where the away end is showing its age and Everton need to get a new ground. The toilets were overflowing and filthy- thank goodness I didn't get a dodgy pie- the women's toilets were totally inadequate and had huge queues, but more importantly the away end is like a narrow passageway with inadequate safety exits which could prove disastrous in an emergency as there were 6,000 fans in the Bullen End who couldn't be evacuated quickly. Also there were a heap of broken chairs lying around on a gantry which could prove a fire hazard and wooden seats and flooring in the stand I thought had been banned years ago.
On the other hand parking was good enough in Stanley Park, you don't mind paying your £8 if your car is going to be safe and access from the M58 was quite easy, just follow the signs for the city centre and also you get to see Aintree if you come in from the north. We also had a bit of time to kill so had a look at Anfield, only half a mile away, and a walk round Stanley Park.
As for stewards and the fans, very friendly and seemed welcoming. We didn't experience any trouble or aggressive behaviour and the reputation for Everton being a friendly club was well deserved. Also it was nice they applauded us at the end of the match.
With regard to the match itself, the game was quite good and the Blue Army made itself heard, especially when we equalised with Everton and it looked as if we could hold on for a draw. Also we came very close to a second goal, but this Murphy's law hit the post and then Everton scored a second and a penalty in injury time sealed Carlisle's fate. However, it was an excellent day out and we all enjoyed it and Carlisle certainly weren't disgraced and played bravely against a team that's 48 places higher than us and in Europe. Yet we still now have the consolation of facing Leeds, this season's giant killers, in the regional final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Everton v Blackburn Rovers
Premier League
Saturday January 21st 2012, 3pm
By Tom Croft (Blackburn Rovers fan)
1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
I'd heard mixed views about Goodison Park so was interested to see what it was actually like. Friends who had sat in both the home and away sections had given me rather different reports, but most of them commented on the excellent atmosphere generated by the away supporters. That and the fact that Rovers were playing well at the time and that tickets were cheap encouraged me to attend.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
We travelled to this game by official club coach which parked just down the road (about 100 yards) so finding the ground was no problem although when we drove past it I thought that Anfield was actually Goodison (sorry to the Everton and Liverpool fans there!) and wondered why we were parking such a way from the ground at first! When we got nearer to the ground I couldn't see any obvious places for car parking.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy…. home fans friendly?
Before the game we went for a few drinks in a pub which i think was called the "King Harry" (not sure) which was about a 10 minute walk from the ground. The pub was very secluded and you could actually see Anfield down an alley from outside this pub. I noticed that there were plenty of burger vans about so getting something to eat would be no problem. The pub was fairly empty but the people in there were Everton supporters and were very friendly and the banter with them was good! Walking back to the ground we did get odd looks off a few Evertonians but all in all the home fans were helpful and friendly.
4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?
One of the only bad things I can say about Goodison in the away section, is that it is old with supporting pillars giving a restricted view to those sat in the back of the lower tier. We were sat right at the end of the stand so were as close to the home fans as possible which resulted in plenty of banter between both sets of supporters, some of which got taken a bit too far and resulted in a Rovers fan being ejected from the stadium by Police (Quite rightly as well.) The view was okay but was quite difficult to see the action at the far end (to our right).
5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
The game itself was a lively affair with chances at both end in the first half. Rovers started the brighter side and were unlucky not to take the lead when David Dunn hit the post. Everton took the lead when Fellaini handled the ball into the path of Tim Cahill who drilled past Paul Robinson to make it 1-0 to the home side.
The second half started the same as the first with both sides going at it; Rovers arguably the better side creating more chances and finally getting the deserved equalizer after Howard let a Pederson free kick straight through his hands for Cahill to bungle a clearance to Goodwillie who didn't know much about it as the ball hit his leg and went in to make it 1-1. Everton pressed for a winner late on hitting the bar and forcing Robinson into a few outstanding saves but the score remained 1-1. A relatively fair result with us Rovers fans feeling we perhaps deserved all three points but still a point away is a point away!
The atmosphere was generated mainly by the Rovers fans which considering there wasn't many of us was very impressive. There weren't too many Everton fans singing but those who did were the ones near us away fans which made it better for us. The stewards were excellent; very helpful and chatty at half time which you don't always get. The facilities were poor though in my opinion and the gents was very clean at all.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
Getting away was a nightmare. We got back to the coach with a few Everton fan's bidding us a safe journey home but it was a good half hour before we were moving at speed again as the traffic in the area was very congested so I would recommend leaving plenty of time to get away from the ground.
7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
Overall I found Everton Away to be a good day out with the locals/home Fans being mainly very friendly and helpful. The stadium is disappointing but a good atmosphere can be generated from the away section. An easy to find stadium with plenty of burger vans around for food and pubs for drinking. (Please note that we were informed that a lot of the pubs immediately around the ground were for home fans only). If you're a first time visitor I would definately recommend a visit to Goodison Park.