David Moyes shares Everton squad message ahead of Goodison Park goodbye - 'I've told the players'

David Moyes shares Everton squad message ahead of Goodison Park goodbye - 'I've told the players'

David Moyes boss wants Everton to win what he has called 'the biggest game of the season' as the club gets set to say goodbye to its home of 133 years

David Moyes looks on prior to the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton at Craven Cottage (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images )

David Moyes has told Everton’s players the final match at Goodison Park is the biggest of their season and insisted he wants to win it. The Blues host Southampton on Sunday on what is set to be an emotional finale to 133 years of heritage at the Grand Old Lady.

The occasion will start early and end late, with the players set to be welcomed by crowds before the midday kick-off. A celebration on the pitch, featuring special guests and live music, will end the spectacle.

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But Moyes has already set his sights on the football match between the poignant set pieces.

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Speaking after his Everton side pulled off a comeback victory at Fulham and place themselves in a solid position to finish at the top of a cluster of teams vying for 13th, the manager said his attention was firmly set on the match with already relegated Southampton.

Asked whether he would want to leave Goodison with anything other than a win, Moyes said: “No, I won't, because I've told the players it's maybe the biggest game of the season for us next weekend.

“And we're going to be watched by great players, great managers possibly. People who are far better than any of us, who have graced it. So we've got to put a show on and we've got to try and show that we can play well.

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“Sentiment, will it come into it, I don't know. But obviously getting the three points is important. [Fulham] was a big result for us because it gives us a chance to think about what we can do next week.

“But we'll go into next week trying to make sure that we win. We want to try and finish the top of the bottom pile if we can.”

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Moyes made no effort to hide that leaving Goodison Park, where his first stint lasted 11 and a half years and his second started in January, would be emotional.

The move from such a powerful home to the stunning new ground on the Liverpool waterfront also presented challenges, he added.

Moyes said: “It will be emotional. I think it will be more because there's so much in the community there, they're part of the community as well. It's a brilliant old lady of a stadium. And because of that, it will be missed.

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“But I've been at clubs where you've moved to a new stadium and you have to try and make it your home.

And you have to find a way that our new stadium will become the new Goodison in many ways.”

“The 62-year-old, asked whether he may need a moment to himself on the big day , conceded: “Possibly, I will do.

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“I think more importantly, to see so many great players come to Goodison, who were greats over those eras where there were Everton players who were fantastic players, winning trophies and winning leagues.

Goodbye Goodison Park - Souvenir edition Everton are soon set to say goodbye to Goodison Park as the Toffees play out their final few matches in their iconic home before moving to their incredible new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. And to celebrate this historic and poignant event, the ECHO has produced this stunning special souvenir edition that no fan can afford to be without as they bid farewell to their iconic and beloved home. We have delved into the ECHO archives to unearth fascinating stories from the famous ground's past, including how it came to be built in 1892 and where its world-famous name came from. Buy now and have it delivered directly to your door. Alternatively you can purchase in most supermarkets, high street retailers and independent newsagents on Merseyside from April 2, 2025. And that's not all, also available is ParkLife, a a high quality, 312 page publication showcasing 133-years of Goodison history in pictures. Available here. Then there's Farewell to Goodison, celebrating 100 of the best moments at the Grand Old Lady, available to purchase now.

“There have been periods where it's not been so good.

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“So it will be good to see everybody come and hopefully we can have a good day and everybody behaves themselves and we can try and get the team to get a result as well.”

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