The Athletic FC Podcast: "Goodbye Goodison" – Episode Summary

Release Date: May 17, 2025

Introduction: A Fond Farewell to Goodison Park

In the poignant episode titled "Goodbye Goodison," hosted by Laura Gates, The Athletic FC Podcast takes listeners on an emotional journey through the storied history of Goodison Park, Everton Football Club's iconic stadium. As Everton prepares to bid farewell to their beloved home after 133 years, the episode delves deep into personal memories, the unique charm of Goodison, and the bittersweet emotions surrounding the impending move to a new facility on Liverpool's waterfront.

Section 1: Personal Connections and Lifelong Memories

Hosted by Laura Gates

Laura Gates opens the episode by inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the sounds and atmosphere of Goodison Park through Binaural Audio, setting the stage for an intimate exploration of the stadium's legacy.

• Childhood Beginnings

  • Laura Gates shares her personal connection, stating, "I've been coming to Goodison ever since I was three. It's always felt like a second home, the key pillar in a ritual experience with friends and family." ([06:32])

• Generational Passions

  • Dave Kelly, chairman of the Everton Fan Advisory Board, reflects on his lifelong dedication: "My first game was in May 1966... this is me 50th consecutive season as a season ticket holder." ([07:56])
  • Stephen Boylant echoes this sentiment, saying, "I've been going to Goodison Park since I was six years old... It's just the most exciting feeling ever." ([07:56])

• Family Traditions

  • Laura Gates emphasizes the familial aspect: "Football has always been a family affair. It's the passing of the baton from generation to generation." ([13:21])
  • Dave Kelly adds, "My granddad had 10 sons and all of them were brought up as Evertonians... my dad was present when Dixie scored his 60th goal." ([13:33], [14:10])

Section 2: The Unique Charm and Architecture of Goodison Park

Hosted by Laura Gates and Contributors

The podcast highlights what sets Goodison Park apart from modern stadiums, focusing on its architectural uniqueness and the intimate atmosphere it fosters.

• Architectural Significance

  • Laura Gates notes, "It's England's first purpose-built stadium and has hosted the most top-flight matches of any ground." She also praises Archibald Leitch's design: "His signature Leitch work is a thing of beauty." ([10:34])

• Intimate and Immersive Experience

  • Paul McMonies describes Goodison's spatial intimacy: "It just looms, it just comes out of nowhere because obviously it's all tightly packed with houses all around." ([09:03])
  • Alex McMoneys adds, "Goodison Park is a stadium that's almost like no other really... with the archboard leech designs and all the, all the steelwork and all the cracks and little quirks." ([09:39])

• Character and Quirks

  • The podcast lovingly recounts unique features like the view-restricting poles: Laura Gates mentions, "You're going to hear a lot about those poles." ([11:32])
  • Stephen Boylant reminisces about obstructed views: "When I was younger... you could hardly see the pitch." ([11:58])

Section 3: Iconic Moments and Legendary Matches

Hosted by Laura Gates and Guests

The episode pays homage to unforgettable games and legendary players that have graced Goodison Park, cementing its place in football history.

• Historic Matches

  • Dave Kelly recalls the "famous Brucey Munch and Gladbach game": "The Panathinaikos game in '71... the Bayern Munich game was just something else." ([15:34], [16:11])

• Dixie Dean's Legacy

  • Laura Gates highlights Dixie Dean: "Dixie Dean, the club's top scorer and the record holder for the most goals scored in a single season with 60." ([14:10])
  • Dave Kelly shares family lore: "Your granddad told me that the first game that he brought me to was when I was 18 months old... that set the pattern for the way that we evolved as Blues." ([14:21])

• Memorable Goals and Heroes

  • Paul McMonies recounts Duncan Ferguson's impactful goals: "My first derby goal that I saw was Duncan Ferguson on the turn bottom corner." ([18:22])
  • Alex McMoneys nostalgically describes watching James McFadden: "James McFadden goal against Charlton... It's just a lot of fun." ([18:01])

• Emotional Triumphs

  • The episode reflects on Everton's dramatic victories, such as the memorable 2-0 win against Liverpool: "What an atmosphere there was... I think we won 2:0 like first time I've ever seen us beat Liverpool in the flesh." ([18:38], [19:56])

Section 4: The Sensory Experience of Goodison Park

Hosted by Laura Gates and Contributors

Beyond the visual spectacle, Goodison Park offers a rich sensory experience that fans hold dear.

• Sounds and Chants

  • Laura Gates describes the roar of the crowd: "On its best nights, wooden seats clatter in anticipation. The stadium shakes to its very foundations." ([11:23])
  • Paul McMonies adds, "The crackware... You're gonna have to get yourself a whole new set of mates." ([20:58])

• Aromas and Atmosphere

  • The distinct smells contribute to the unique ambiance: "The aromas from local chip shops spilling out... the smell of fried onions from the nearby cafes." ([11:58])

• Emotional Resonance

  • Laura Gates captures the emotional highs: "Nothing beats that feeling when we score. In these moments, we're in dreamland." ([26:50])
  • Conversely, the lows are equally palpable: "In the Bullens Road, a faint chair. The opposition have scored and now the mood's changed." ([28:05])

Section 5: Community and Camaraderie

Hosted by Laura Gates and Contributors

Goodison Park isn't just a stadium; it's a community hub where lifelong friendships are forged, and the spirit of togetherness thrives.

• Tight-Knit Community

  • Paul McMonies shares his deep ties: "We've got the tight-knit atmosphere, the people all around you... you've known them for like 20, 30, 40 years." ([20:59])

• Shared Experiences

  • Stephen Boylant reminisces about games with his father: "Me and my dad always used to play this game... thinking about how great of goals we would have had." ([17:29])

• Traditions and Rituals

  • Pre-match rituals and traditions enhance the sense of belonging: Dave Kelly recalls dockers heading to Goodison after collecting their wages, contributing to the vibrant matchday atmosphere. "He'd end up working on the docks... by the time they got to Goodison, they were in good spirits." ([32:30])

Section 6: The Emotional Toll of the Departure

Hosted by Laura Gates and Contributors

As Everton prepares to leave Goodison Park, the emotional impact on fans and the community is profound and multifaceted.

• Sense of Loss

  • Laura Gates expresses disbelief: "I actually cannot get my head round not being able to come to this place." ([35:26])
  • Stephen Boylant anticipates the heartbreak: "I don't think I'm mentally prepared for it... I want to make sure I soak up as much as possible on that day." ([35:30])

• Memories Overwhelming

  • Alex McMoneys shares the depth of his connection: "I will be sobbing my heart out because Goodison and Everton have given me so much more than just football." ([35:49])

• Preserving the Legacy

  • There's a collective desire to honor and remember: "Reflect on what Goodison means to us and preserve those memories and the history." ([35:49])

Section 7: The Future and Moving Forward

Hosted by Laura Gates and Contributors

While Goodison Park's closure marks the end of an era, the episode also looks forward to the future of Everton Football Club and its new home.

• New Stadium Prospects

  • Dave Kelly discusses the transition: "When I went to the test events, I felt like I'd betrayed the old Goodison... it's like going to an away game." ([33:40])
  • Paul McMonies remains optimistic: "The fans are still the basis of it. You'll still have the same sirens and the same atmosphere." ([34:00])

• Maintaining Identity

  • Alex McMoneys emphasizes the importance of the fanbase: "They're the heartbeat of the club... Everton as the people's club." ([34:13])

• Hope for the Future

  • Stephen Boylant and other fans express hope for continued success: "They've smashed it in terms of making sure it's really contained... hoping for better football to celebrate." ([34:46])

Conclusion: A Heartfelt Goodbye

The episode culminates in a heartfelt farewell to Goodison Park, capturing the essence of what made the stadium special and the enduring spirit of Everton fans. As shareholders, players, and supporters look toward the future, "Goodbye Goodison" serves as a tribute to a legacy that has shaped countless lives and memories.

Notable Quotes

1. Laura Gates on personal connection:

   "I've been coming to Goodison ever since I was three. It's always felt like a second home." ([06:32])

2. Dave Kelly on lifelong dedication:

   "My first game was in May 1966... this is me 50th consecutive season as a season ticket holder." ([07:56])

3. Paul McMonies on Goodison's intimate atmosphere:

   "It just looms, it just comes out of nowhere because obviously it's all tightly packed with houses all around." ([09:03])

4. Laura Gates on architectural beauty:

   "Archibald Leitch's design is a thing of beauty." ([10:34])

5. Stephen Boylant on the joy of being at Goodison:

   "It's just the most exciting feeling ever." ([07:56])

6. Alex McMoneys on preserving history:

   "Documenting Goodison as I see it... keeping that legacy alive." ([09:39])

7. Laura Gates on emotional highs:

   "Nothing beats that feeling when we score. In these moments, we're in dreamland." ([26:50])

8. Alex McMoneys on personal milestones:

   "Goodison and Everton have given me so much more than just football." ([35:49])

Final Thoughts

"Goodbye Goodison" is more than just a farewell to a football stadium; it's a celebration of community, history, and the unbreakable bonds forged through shared passion. For anyone who cherishes the rich tapestry of football culture, this episode offers a moving and comprehensive reflection on what Goodison Park has meant to Everton and its fans over more than a century.