Award-winning TV presenter Gethin Jones and former world champion boxer Tony Bellew will host a special post-match ceremony this Sunday as Everton’s Senior Men’s team bids farewell to Goodison Park.
The ‘End of an Era’ ceremony, taking place after our Premier League match against Southampton (kick-off 12pm BST), will unite current players and Blues legends to celebrate 133 years of Goodison Park history.
As well as these special appearances, there will be live musical performances and specially-curated big-screen content as we give the Grand Old Lady a fitting send off.Bellew, a lifelong Evertonian who famously won the WBC cruiserweight title at Goodison in 2016 with a stunning third-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu, told evertonfc.com about his excitement at hosting – and his emotions going into our Men’s team’s final home game before the move to the world-class Everton Stadium from next season.
Tony said:
“It’s weird because a part of me keeps thinking about Everton Stadium, but a big part is sad because it’s the end at Goodison for our Men’s team. I’ll have to wait until Sunday but I imagine it’ll be emotional.
“I’ve spent my life at Goodison Park and my lifelong dream [of winning a world championship] was lived out at Goodison Park.
“The Club has done everything possible to make it as enjoyable as possible on Sunday.
“As sad as it’ll be, I’m looking forward to hosting with Gethin. It’ll be a day to remember and I can’t wait to be part of it.”
Jones, who hosted BBC’s Blue Peter for three years and has gone on to present a wide range of programmes on national television, including BBC’s coverage of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, is also a passionate Blue.
He spoke of his honour to be part of a historic day this weekend.
“I was absolutely blown away to be asked to play a part,” Jones told evertonfc.com. “Honestly, I was straight on with my mates on WhatsApp!
“Anyone reading this will know the stats and the 133-year history of the Grand Old Lady, and its place as the cornerstone in the cultural fabric of the city.
“It’s going to be some send-off come Sunday – emotional, for sure, with some incredible memories to reflect on.”
Bellew has been there for many great Goodison nights, not least being the only boxer to win a world championship at the Grand Old Lady.
But ‘Bomber’ also remembers many a great footballing moment in the decades he has been watching matches in L4.
Tony continued:
“The greatest night of my whole career was at Goodison Park. I dreamed of being able to play for Everton but I wasn’t good enough, so the closest thing was sticking a ring in the middle of the pitch!
“The WBC world title was the one I always targeted. The great John Conteh held it and Bill Kenwright made it happen for me. I lived those dreams that night.
“I don’t remember who we played in my first game watching Everton, but I remember Peter Beardsley scored two goals. My brother took me when I was nine or 10 years old and I was hooked.
“The relief I felt against Wimbledon in ’94 was unbelievable. I had tears of joy. I went flying that day, I slipped on my way back and went through about 15 people. Everyone I ended up going through was laughing.
“I’ll never ever forget that Palace game a few years ago as long as I live, the same with Bournemouth with Doucs scoring that goal, and the 2-2 win over Liverpool with Tarky scoring in the last minute!”
Jones fell in love with the Blues during the successful 1980s and knows Sunday afternoon will be a difficult one for many Evertonians, but is excited to give Goodison Park a sensational send-off.
Gethin Jones continued:
“I was six or seven when I demanded my first shirt after we won the FA Cup in 1984, and, of course, winning the league and Cup Winners’ Cup the next season.
“As a proud Welshman, I’m sure a lot of it had to do with Kevin Ratcliffe captaining the side, and big Nev in goal!
“It’s a proud history, unique, the oldest purpose-built football stadium in the world. It’s tough to move on but I think every Everton fan wants the Club to be winning trophies, competing at the very top, and these days you need to move with the times.
“Sunday’s show is going to be spectacular. So if you are going to be there after the game, grab a drink and get back to your seats. The pitch will become a stage – and the stage will be set to give the Grand Old Lady the send-off she deserves.”
Photo Credit: Everton FC - evertonfc.com
READ MORE: Goodison Park to be the new home of Everton Women
