How Goodison Park is more than a football ground

Goodison Park has been at the centre of its community since it opened in 1892.

Over the years, it has given Everton fans some memorable moments but it is more than just a football ground to so many.

The Blues will move to their new 53,000-seater arena at Bramley-Moore Dock this summer with Goodison Park set to become the home of Everton’s women’s team.

Ahead of the final men’s first-team match at Goodison Park on Sunday, fans have shared their treasured memories at the stadium.

For Del and Aly Thornton, Goodison Park will always be a place close to their hearts.

On 19 June 1999, the couple were the first to marry at the football stadium.

It was a dream come true for Del who fell in love with the idea after seeing an advert in the Evertonian magazine.

“It went from my request to just keep it quiet as I don’t like being the centre of attention to a bit of a thing,” said Aly, who left the wedding planning to her future husband.

The ceremony was held in the trophy room before the wedding party headed to the main stand for photographs – with a slight detour through the tunnel.

“As everyone walked out, everyone just fell silent,” said Del, whose middle name is Howard after former Everton manager Howard Kendall.

Del attended his first game at the age of eight – a love of Everton had been passed down through his family.

“I can’t imagine life without Everton – for better or for worse,” he said.

But for Aly, her house was spilt with some Blues and some Reds fans all under one roof.

“I was almost doing it for Del’s family and my brothers to see their joy,” said Aly, who admits she has since been converted to a Blue.

Del added: “Getting married to Aly was brilliant but doing it there did make it a little more special.”

Match days are always abuzz with friends and families coming together in a ritual which has spanned the generations.

Among them is lifelong Blues’ fan Barry Morris, 71, whose father’s ashes are buried at the stadium.

Barry’s love for Everton was instilled in him from an early age by his dad George Morris, who was a season ticket holder for 45 years.

He went to watch his first game at Goodison Park at the age of seven and, even when his career in the armed forces took him further afield, he would travel back home to watch his beloved team play.

“My fondest memories were going home at the weekend and going to the match with dad,” Barry said.

“In 1968, Dad bought an Everton scarf for two shillings outside the ground. I still wear it to the games.

“I’ve never been to Goodison without it.”

The club meant so much to them both and, when his father started to struggle with his health, they provided that extra bit of support.

“He used to take me as his son and then I would take him as my father,” he said.

“When dad started to fail, the club were wonderful.

“They even got him an escort if I was away to take him to his seat.”

George died in February 2002 at the age of 81.

His ashes are buried behind the goal marked by a plaque, which notes “Forever Blue”.

About 800 supporters have been laid to rest in plots on the pitch side.

Barry said he was relieved that the stadium would not now be demolished so he could continue to visit his father’s final resting place for many years to come.

He said: “It was his wish to have his ashes buried at Goodison Park.

“I achieved this in April 2002, when the club granted him a spot almost in front of his seat row at the Park End, right behind the goal.

“Every time I go to Goodison, wearing his scarf, he is there with me – this is precious.”