With the curtain now drawn on Everton’s final season at Goodison Park in 2024–25, lifelong Blue James Malone shares a deeply personal photo collection capturing the soul of the Grand Old Lady from 1984 to 2022.
Titled Goodison Park Memories, this feature spans nearly four decades of passion, pain, and pride. James’ photos chart the club’s golden moments—most notably the glory years of 1984 and 1986 when Everton were crowned champions of England twice in three years. The drama of countless Merseyside Derbies is also on full display, including the unforgettable scenes in 1989 when both sides of the city stood united in grief and solidarity after the Hillsborough tragedy.
As the years rolled on, James’ lens followed the club through more turbulent times: tense relegation battles of the 1990s and 2000s, emotional highs, and the unwavering loyalty of fans who never gave up. Through it all, Goodison remained a fortress of identity and emotion.
For James, being an Evertonian was never in question. “Why Everton? My dad was a blue and I was never going to be a red like my brother and mum,” he says, reflecting on a lifetime of loyalty to the Blues.
His first steps into Goodison Park came in 1971, a formative moment etched in memory. “The first match I ever went to at Goodison Park was Everton versus Derby County in the FA Cup way back in 1971. We won 1-0, David Johnson with the goal.”
It wasn’t just the matches that stuck with him—it was the atmosphere, the people, and the connection to his community. “The earliest memories I have of being at Goodison are standing behind the Park End goal with other lads from my street,” he recalls.
James’s boyhood idol, like many Everton fans of that era, was the prolific Bob Latchford. “My all-time Everton hero is Bob Latchford. The centre forward made over 200 appearances for the club between 1974–1981, scoring over 100 goals.”
Of all the highs in a long fan journey, one night still shines brightest. “A favourite memory has to be Everton beating Bayern Munich 3-1 in the European Cup Winners Cup semi-final in 1985,” James says.
As Everton prepares for a future away from the famous old ground, James finds it hard to let go. “What will I miss most about Goodison? Where do you start..? Going the pub before the game with mates and family, the people you sit next to, but most of all the Goodison noise. UTFT.”
Now, as Everton move on from their historic home, these images offer more than nostalgia—they are a lasting tribute to a ground that shaped a club, a city, and a way of life.
Everton fans celebrate winning the First Division at Goodison Park | In 1984–85, Everton clinched the First Division title with five games to spare, finishing 13 points clear of Liverpool — their first league triumph in 15 years. Capping off a historic season, the Toffees also lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup, sealing a remarkable double.
Goodison Park 18.05.25 | Gisela & Craig Szlatoszlavek
Photo series documents Everton supporters outside Goodison Park and in the surrounding streets during the club’s final match at the historic ground.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 31 colour and black and white photographs across 40 pages.
Evertonians celebrate another league title down the pub | Everton were crowned First Division champions in 1986–87, overcoming key injuries to outpace Liverpool and Tottenham in Howard Kendall’s final season in charge. The triumph remains the club’s last league title to date.
Merseyside Derby 1989 | In the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans, the city of Liverpool united in grief. Everton and Liverpool stood side by side in solidarity, their shared mourning transcending rivalry and highlighting the strength and compassion of the Merseyside community.
FA Cup Classic | On 27 February 1991, Everton edged Liverpool 1–0 in an FA Cup Fifth Round replay at Goodison Park watched by 40,000 fans, A fierce Merseyside derby was settled by Dave Watson’s decisive goal, sending the Blues through in a hard-fought cup classic.
Going to the Match | Richard Davis
A series of photographs that depict football fans in the North West of England on matchdays in 1991. The series takes in Goodison Park, Anfield, Maine Road, Old Trafford and Boundary Park.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 42 black and white archival photographs across 44 pages, first published in 2024.
Great Escape | On the last day of the 1993-94 season, Everton went 2–0 down to Wimbledon and looked all set for relegation. However, a controversial Graham Stuart penalty followed by a Barry Horne volley and a second goal for Stuart saw the Toffees achieve a 3–2 victory. During the 1994 season, with new stadium regulations regarding all seater stadiums Everton opted to demolish the Park End stand and replace it with a single-tier cantilever stand.
Lower Block x From 12 Yards Goodison Park Bundle
Lower Block x From 12 Yards presents the Goodison Bundle, a limited-edition release celebrating Everton’s final match at Goodison Park. The bundle includes Goodison Park 18.05.25, an A5 photo zine by Gisela and Craig Szlatoszlavek, and an A3 graphic design poster print of the iconic stadium by From 12 Yards. Full spec below.
Who are ya? | A streaker is lead away by police during Everton’s 2-0 victory over Liverpool, 21 November 1994. Duncan Ferguson and Paul Rideout got the goals against a Liverpool team that included Rush, Fowler, Barnes and McManaman.
Great Escape II | Everton v Coventry City, 10 May 1998. Gareth Farrelly scored the only goal of the game to yet again save Everton from the drop.
Remember the name! | On 19 October 2002, a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney announced himself to the world with a stunning last-minute winner against Arsenal, ending their 30-game unbeaten run. His curling strike sealed a 2–1 victory for Everton and made him the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at the time — a star was born at Goodison Park.
FA Cup dreams at Goodison | On 30 May 2009 Everton would loose 2-1 to Guus Hiddink’s Chelsea at Wembley.
Great Escape III | Everton 2-3 Brentford, 15 May 2022. Everton’s 2021–22 Premier League survival was a dramatic rollercoaster. After a turbulent spell under former Liverpool boss Rafa Benítez, Frank Lampard took charge in January with the club in crisis. Despite a 2–3 home defeat to Brentford in the penultimate Goodison game, the Toffees pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Crystal Palace 3–2 in their final home match, securing top-flight safety in emotional fashion.
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