David Moyes agrees it was ‘meant to be’ that he will manage Everton in final-ever game at Goodison Park ahead of ‘new beginning’

David Moyes agreed it was “meant to be” that he would be the manager to lead Everton in their last-ever game at Goodison Park.

In what is set to be an emotional afternoon on Merseyside, the club will bid farewell to the iconic ground which they have called home since 1892.

They will move into their new 52,888-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock stadium on the banks of the River Mersey from the start of next season.

“We were talking about it years ago when I first came here,” Moyes told TNT Sports, reflecting on his first spell in charge of Everton between 2002 and 2013.

“We were looking at new sites and had so many moments where we thought we’re getting something else, but it never came through.

“I know for all Evertonians, they’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time for the new stadium… all looking forward to the move now. It’ll be sad to leave, but I think there’s a new beginning for Everton.

“It’s had so many good games here over the years. We’re just fortunate enough to be the last ones to shut the back door on the way out.”

During that time away from Merseyside, he also managed Real Sociedad, Sunderland and had two stints at West Ham, guiding The Hammers to European glory in the 2023 UEFA Conference League final.

“When I was here, I wanted them to redevelop Goodison,” he added.

“I was saying it’s so good, what the crowd’s like here. I was always hoping they’d do one stand at a time and move on, but the people with more common sense than me knew that it had to move somewhere else.

“It is strange though, being the one who’s back to see it off and take the team into a new stadium.

“It wasn’t something I really expected. I was actually looking forward to coming to a couple of games at Goodison this season and then I was thinking about getting myself a season ticket at the new stadium.”

Anyone who has been to Goodison Park knows it is a special place – a fierce atmosphere, steeped in history and one of the only grounds in top-flight football which still has wooden seats in some sections.

Results and performances at Everton may have been turbulent in recent years, but support from the Goodison faithful has never wavered.

“The biggest thing about here is it’s got an incredible community,” Moyes said.

“I named it ‘The People’s Club’, not because I was clever enough to think that up – it was just the way I felt about it when I came in.

“A lot of the people are really tight. If you think of the people who’ve come to the games over the years and now for a new generation, they’re going to move to a new stadium.

“There are so many people before who’ve been coming for years and years, and it’s going to be a huge change.

“The old stadium features are great. I think when you’ve been brought up with football in my generation, you really appreciate the things which happened, the turnstiles, how you got a pie and a Bovril… all those things.

“But we’ve now got some amazing football stadiums and I think the one we’re going to is going to be up there as well.”

Despite the men’s team moving to their new home, the spirit of Goodison will live on.

A club statement said it “will remain a central part of Liverpool’s sporting and cultural identity.

“After an in-depth review, The Friedkin Group decided that football must be kept at the heart of Everton’s community.”

Megan Finnigan, captain of Everton Women, added: “Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community.

“Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”

Everton face Southampton on Sunday, May 18.