Everton have announced plans to unveil a special ‘talking bench' as a tribute to former player Gary Speed.
The Toffees are back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend following a successful trip to the Theatre of Dreams on Monday night.
It appeared as if David Moyes's men were heading towards a difficult time at Old Trafford when Idrissa Gana Gueye received his marching orders in the opening 15 minutes.
However, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall netted a stunning long-range strike and Everton held on for the remainder of the contest to win by a single goal.
Moving up to 11th in the Premier League standings, the Toffees are above Liverpool at the 12-game mark for the first time since 2015.
Everton to honour ex-player Speed with memorial bench
After an enjoyable night at Old Trafford, Everton return to the Hill Dickinson to host Champions League-competing Newcastle United.
The Toffees have confirmed that a special memorial bench will be unveiled on Saturday evening in honour of former player Gary Speed.
The ex-Wales international commited suicide in November 2011, shocking the footballing world at the time.
The ‘talking bench' is located in the Budweiser Fan Plaza near Everton's new ground, with the club looking to provide a place for supporters to discuss themes of mental hardships, loneliness and depression.
The bench includes discreet signposting to professional mental health support services as well as guidance towards the club's mental health and wellbeing hub, The People's Place.
There's only one Gary Speed
Gary Speed commenced his professional football career at Leeds after graduating through the academy of the Elland Road club in 1988.
The Wales international made 535 Premier League appearances, holding the division's record before being surpassed by English goalkeeper David James.
Featuring in over 800 domestic matches, Speed was a hero for many clubs including Everton, who enjoyed the services of the player between 1996 and 1998 at Goodison Park.
FGG says: Important cause to highlight
Over a decade on from the passing of Wales legend Speed, the former Everton man continues to spark much-needed conversation around mental health.
There has often been a stigma around talking about life issues and struggles in football spaces, but taking time to discuss problems outside of the sport is extremely important.
Set to be unveiled before the Premier League clash between Everton and Newcastle this weekend, the memorial bench will provide a place for Liverpudlians and Evertonians alike to open up to friends, family and fellow supporters.