Goodison Park is probably one of the most iconic venues in English football, and many Evertonians were devastated when plans were for it to be demolished with the construction of the new stadium on the Bramley-Moore Docks.
However, the club have since scrapped the demolition plans, and will have the women move in and play for the 2025/26 season and beyond, a real statement from new owners in The Friedkin Group.
The 132-year-old stadium has been home to Everton’s men since the opening, and the women’s stay here will come 105 years after Dick, Kerr Ladies played one of the most notable games in the history of women’s football.
It’s Boxing Day of 1920, and 53,000 spectators had come down to watch Dick, Kerr Ladies take on St Helens Ladies at Goodison, with icons such as Lily Parr at the forefront of a momentous occasion for the female game. An attendance record which lasted for 98 years.
Walton Hall Park, where Everton have called home since 2020, only has a capacity of 2,200. The move to Goodison will see the growth of the game on Merseyside.
No Everton fan wanted to part with Goodison, so this news has had mostly positive responses.
Club captain Megan Finnigan saw the adorable video of 5-year-old fan Ava, being told that she will be able to go back to Goodison Park next season to watch the girls play, and sent a video message inviting her to a game to be mascot and walk out onto the pitch with the team.
Finnigan also spoke of the first game of the new season.
“Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”
Everton CEO Angus Kinnear acknowledged the importance of Goodison Park to fans:
Being able to keep such an iconic stadium at the heart of the legacy project is something that has been incredibly important to us. The women’s game has grown significantly in recent years, and we believe that growth will continue and accelerate.”
As the men say farewell, the women say hello, in what is an incredible moment for the rich history of this club and ground.
