My first time in L4, I was 7 years old. I didn’t quite understand substitutions and why people shouted so loudly, but I quickly learnt. Fast forward 13 years and I am now the one shouting loudly, and it is often about substitutions! It’s funny how David Moyes has bookended all I’ve known about Everton. In the Family Enclosure in 2012, I thought he looked a bit like my grandad… now I think he looks like a man who is good at his job and doesn’t half rock a ¾ zip cardigan.
Throughout the years I’ve witnessed some good, some bad, and often ugly performances but the one thing that has never wavered is my enthusiasm to put the shirt on and travel to Goodison. In my opinion there is no place like it. From the young kids with Ndiaye plastered on their backs, to the children of Evertonian’s from the Dixie Dean era. It’s going to be one of the hardest, most magical, last dances.
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For now, football takes a back seat and legacy takes the wheel. Once you’re through the turnstiles at Goodison, you begin to breathe in the history. When you start to think about all the millions of people who’ve entered the turnstiles before you, wearing a similar grin and sporting the same badge on their chest, it’s hard not to get choked up. Millions of firsts and lasts, millions of moments that’ve shaped the club and its supporters, millions of stories under one roof.
As for the season thus far, it has been better, but it has definitely been worse. Sitting comfortably above the relegation places, we are mathematically safe for another year. Bramley Moore is set to make its premier league debut come August, as we remain in topflight football for the 72nd year on the bounce. It’ll be hard to let Goodison go but knowing that we can give The Grand Old Lady one last send off, with the football able to take that back seat, is something to be eternally grateful for. We’ve had our fair share of stressful ends to the season, its someone else’s turn now, the pressure is off once and for all, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
Stand out players of the last month:
Idrissa Gana-Gueye – As stated in my last round-up, the man is a machine. He does not stop and despite his age, Everton fans across the globe are crying out for him to be offered a new contract. It is pretty unanimous between fans how much of a credit he remains in this team.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – Keeping Salah quiet in both Merseyside derbies is no mean feat, and just the sheer thought of him potentially missing games due to a thigh injury had fans in a panic. The man is a key cog in the Everton machine.
Dwight McNeil – Yes, he’s only played as a substitute in the last 3 games. Yes, we’re thin on the ground for stand out players but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. McNeil’s instant impact against Nottingham Forrest is to be admired. He’s been missing from the first team for a few months, and is able to slot back in under Moyes, seamlessly. With Ndiaye, Chermiti, and Mangala all nursing injuries we’ve lacked that spark of creativity and that’s what he’s all about. Glad to have you back Dwight!
Looking ahead to the remainder of the season; Ipswich (H), Fulham (A), Southampton (H), Newcastle (A). Ignoring the fact our home/away run literally laughs at us (HAHA), it’s likely to be a calmer than usual end to the season. Saying this it’ll be interesting to see how turbulent the backline finds missing Tarkowski for the remained of the year… I look forward to seeing what The Grand Old Lady has to offer us one last time, enjoy the rest of the season Blues!
Signing off,
Lauren Briscoe
