Everton, just yesterday, learned what their Premier League fixtures would be for their final year in Goodison Park, the 2024/25 season.
With the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium rapidly progressing, and a late 2024 completion expected, anticipation really is building for the Toffees to move into their new home.
However, in the same vein, anxiety is also mounting, as it will mean the departure and subsequent demolition of one of England’s oldest and most historic grounds.
Supporters need not worry though, as they still have plenty more fixtures to enjoy before that fateful day, due to be against Southampton on the 18th of May, 2025.
Alan Myers praises Everton’s Premier League call
When the fixture list was released, there was a little bit of shock at the scheduling around the Goodison Park farewell.
Naturally, it was where most Evertonians flocked to, keen to see whether they would be dealt a tough clash to see out their tenure in The Old Lady.
However, instead of it being the final game of the season, as many expected, it is instead the penultimate one.
We have since learned that this was specifically requested by Everton, hoping to avoid the fanfare of the final-day drama and give Goodison Park its own special match week for celebration.
This is a decision that has been lauded by journalist Alan Myers, who would write on X: ‘I think @Everton have made the correct decision asking for the last home game to be the week before the last game personally, it will be a special day, seen by the world and those inside the ground without distractions!’
Goodison Park deserves its standalone celebration
Although at first, it seemed like the wrong move, as there will be one more clash to be played after the emotional farewell, this explanation does justify it.
After all, with relegation and the Premier League title race both having gone down to the last day in the most recent campaign, the focus was all over the place from both the media and fans.
So, to put it on the penultimate game of the campaign instead affords it complete focus, with the scheduling for TV also expected to be optimal too.
For those lucky enough to be inside the ground, a great atmosphere is promised to hopefully cheer on a victory against the newly-promoted Saints.
Meanwhile, those watching at home will play host to a clash where all the build-up the week prior will have been on it.
Goodison Park is one of England’s greatest and most historic football venues, and it will be so sad to see it go. Therefore, any way of heightening the fanfare its departure will receive must be taken.