In the twilight of Goodison Park's 133-year reign as Everton's home, this meticulously crafted commemorative volume arrives at the perfect moment. "Farewell to Goodison: 100 Memories of the Grand Old Lady" serves as both a celebration and a farewell letter to one of football's most storied venues, set to close its gates for the final time in May 2025 before the club moves to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The book's greatest strength lies in its comprehensive exploration of Goodison's pioneering spirit. As the text eloquently details, the place wasn't just another football ground—it was an innovator's playground. The stadium achieved numerous firsts: it was the first to host an FA Cup final, the first English venue to feature two-tier stands on all four sides, and the first to incorporate now-commonplace amenities such as dugouts and undersoil heating. These achievements are carefully woven into a narrative that highlights Goodison's role in shaping modern football.
What sets this official club publication apart is its understanding that a stadium is more than just steel and concrete. The book meticulously selects 100 memories to capture the essence of the stadium that has been Everton's home since 1892. From World Cup semifinals to boxing matches, from Rocky film appearances to royal visits, the book paints a vivid picture of a venue that has transcended sport to become a cultural landmark.
In numerous personal stories, the book's emotional core recognises Goodison as a real, breathing character. These intimate moments—wedding proposals, landmark birthdays, and even final resting places for devoted fans— are treated with the same reverence as the historic sporting occasions. It's this balance between the monumental and the personal that gives the book its depth.
As Everton prepares for their historic move to a state-of-the-art waterfront stadium, this book serves as both a time capsule and a reminder that while grounds may be rebuilt, memories are eternal. The authors have succeeded in creating not just a record of events but a testimony to the emotional bonds formed between a community and its spiritual home.
For Evertonians, this book will be a treasured keepsake—a way to hold onto the essence of their beloved "Grand Old Lady". For football historians and enthusiasts, it provides valuable insights into one of English football's most significant venues. And for anyone interested in how sport intertwines with community and culture, it offers a compelling study of place, belonging, and identity.
"Farewell to Goodison" is more than just a commemorative book—it's a fitting tribute to a stadium that has been, for many, much more than just a place to watch football. As Goodison Park prepares to bid its final farewell, this volume ensures that its legacy will endure long after the final whistle.
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Published: April 17, 2025
Price: £20.00
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1916811299
ISBN-13: 978-1916811294
Dimensions: 234 x 153 (mm)
British Pound Sterling
Danish
