Duncan Ferguson remembers Goodison Park: 'I’ve spilt a few tears on that pitch believe me – and a wee bit of blood along the way'
Published 17/05/2025 at 12:52 GMT+1
In an exclusive TNT Sports interview, Everton legend Duncan Ferguson recalls his favourite memories of Goodison Park ahead of the men’s team’s final home game against Southampton on Sunday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+. It is one of football’s most iconic grounds and has been Everton’s home for 133 years, but a new chapter awaits, with the men's team set to move into a new stadium.
Sami Hyypia of Liverpool clashes with Duncan Ferguson of Everton during the Barclays Premiership match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park, on December 11, 2004 in Liverpool, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Few people have had the same impact at Everton as Duncan Ferguson, so it is only natural that the impending final game at Goodison Park hits hard.
It is where the Scot spent the majority of his career, after all, and where he formed the kind of connection with the fans that players can only dream of.
But Sunday will signal the end of a 133-year era at one of football’s most iconic grounds when Everton host Southampton, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
For one last time, the four corners will be packed with passionate Evertonians, creating an atmosphere that rivals just about anything in football.
"When Goodison is rocking at night, it’s as good as anywhere in the country, absolutely," Ferguson tells TNT Sports. "Night games, particularly, for some reason, the atmosphere is incredible.
"And I've had some massive nights there against the big clubs like Liverpool and Man United."
It is the first thing that comes to mind for most who have ever taken in a Toffees game at Goodison, and is one of the obstacles visiting teams know they need to overcome to score a result.
Describing it as being as good as having a 12th man, perhaps, does not even do it justice.
"The fans are so close to you," Ferguson continues. "They’re so close to the dugout, the dugouts are actually in the fans and the pitch, as well, is so close, so it gives you that relationship between you and the fans.
"It's very close. It's intimate, isn't it? It’s personable. So if you're warming up, if you’re a sub, the fans are right there, and you’re talking to them."
And it is the fans who are at the forefront of Ferguson’s mind as the end approaches. The 53-year-old made 273 appearances in the blue of Everton, scored huge goals in huge moments, became a club legend, but he knows that was only made possible by the supporters who poured their own blood, sweat and tears into the club.
Asked what his favourite memories of Goodison are, he said: "Winning the big games, scoring the big goals. My first goal against Liverpool was massive for me.
"I got the fans on board with me in Liverpool, we won 2-0 in big Joe Royle’s first game. That was in 1994 and then my last big goal for us against Man Utd, which put us in the Champions League in 2005, was massive for me. Incredible atmosphere that night.
"Obviously, when the great man Howard Kendall made me captain, we were fighting relegation in 1998, I scored a hat-trick. The first time I'd ever been made captain of Everton, I scored a hat-trick of headers.
"The fans are incredibly passionate for their No. 9s, and they’ve always supported me my whole career.
"Goodison is about the people within it, the families within it. I've got to know most of the families. That's why it's been special for me, because they love their club, they love the players, and they just want the club to do well - that's what they want.
"I’ve been loved, and I’ve loved them, it’s been a great relationship."
Player turned manager
It was not just as a player that Ferguson made his mark. After Marco Silva was sacked in 2019, Ferguson assumed command with Everton scrapping for survival.
He recalls the different type of pressure he felt in the dugout compared to being on the pitch.
"You’re worried about everybody, worried about subs, if the kit’s ready, if the food’s right, the transport, you’re worried about everything.
"As a player, you’re just worried about playing well, but as a manager, you're worried about everybody there."
He also remembers the noise before his first game in charge as caretaker boss when his starting line-up was named. Even as an Everton icon, he was not immune from the fan scrutiny that comes with a relegation battle.
But Ferguson masterminded a 3-1 win at home to a Chelsea side that were renowned for their prowess on the road. That only enhanced his legacy.
"There was an incredible atmosphere that day when we were fighting relegation," he says. "That was amazing.
"It was different. I’d never experienced that before because I’d never managed before, so that was a different experience for me."
The emotional goodbye
But the Goodison chapter for the men’s team is almost over. Goodison Road will be decked in blue, supporters will make the walk, head through the turnstiles and watch David Moyes and his players emerge onto the hallowed turf one last time.
It is certain to be an emotional day. A win will be hoped for and expected, but the occasion is far greater than that.
Ferguson is well-prepared to be swept along for the ride.
"I’m an emotional guy, so I’ll probably be crying my eyes out at the final whistle and then when we leave because I’ll not be back," he concludes.
"There’ll be sadness. I’ve put a lot of ashes on that pitch. I’ve spread ashes during ceremonies on that pitch. There are a lot of memories on that grass and on that pitch of all these families, that's what I think about.
"I’m sure there’ll be loads of tears. I’ve spilt a few tears on that pitch, believe me – and a wee bit of blood along the way.
"It’s hard to take, really tough. All the memories are at Goodison."
How to watch Everton v Southampton on TNT Sports
Everton v Southampton will be live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+.
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