Dan Friedkin pays tribute to Goodison Park and sends new Everton stadium message

Dan Friedkin pays tribute to Goodison Park and sends new Everton stadium message

Everton owner Dan Friedkin wrote to supporters ahead of the men's first team's final match at Goodison Park

Dan Friedkin and the new Everton stadium

Dan Friedkin sent a message to Everton supporters before the final men's first-team game at Goodison Park. Amid emotional scenes, the Blues said goodbye with a 2-0 win over Southampton on Sunday.

Iliman Ndiaye scored twice as Everton signed off after 133 years at their much-loved home with one last victory. But more than the result itself, it was the scenes before, during and after the match that will live forever in the memory.

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Friedkin, whose group completed its takeover of the Blues in December, wasn't there to witness history play out. But he did write to fans before the game.

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"Dear Evertonians, today we celebrate a sacred moment in our club's story: the final men's match at Goodison Park," he said in the special A4 commemorative matchday programme.

"For 133 years, this ground has been more than a stadium. It's been the beating heart of English football, where legends are born, generations unite, and hope echoes far beyond the terraces.

"Let us breathe in that history as we salute the Grand Old Lady - for all she's given, and all she will continue to give as the home of our women's team and the triumphs she will witness.

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"It was your passion and spirit that drew us to Everton. And it's that spirit that leads us forward - into a bold new chapter at our new stadium, a world-class home where ambition meets tradition, built on the proud foundation Goodison has laid.

"Than you for all you've given, and all you'll bring to what's next as we march forward together.

"Nil Satis, Nisi Optimum."

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The Blues will move to their new ground, which will be called the Hill Dickinson Stadium after the club announced a naming rights deal with the international law firm, for the start of the 2025-26 season.

It will be one of two stadiums in the city owned and ran by Everton after it was confirmed that the club's women's team would make Goodison Park their new home.

Marc Watts, who was named the club's executive chairman after The Friedkin Group's takeover, also wrote to supporters in Sunday's programme.

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Watts, who was at Goodison, said: "Dear Evertonians, today marks a powerful and poignant moment in our club's 146-year history. The final men's match at Goodison Park is an opportunity to pay tribute to a ground that is far more than bricks and steel. The Grand Old Lady has been the heartbeat of this club for 133 forgettable years as one of England's oldest and most storied sporting theatres.

"In the air hangs echoes of glorious triumphs, heart wrenching upsets, and above all, a tenacious, unbreakable spirit that defines Everton.

"Since 1892, Goodison has been a place where legends are born, where crowds become community, and where matchday ritual has grown into a heritage that has shaped the soul of a city.

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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. You can also purchase Goodison's Greatest, our celebration of an era when Everton ruled English football. If you love Everton, you’ll just love this - order your copy today, simply click here! 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.

"You, the incredible fans, have been the most steadfast and significant constant in the club's rich history. It's your spirit that drew us to become part of this great institution.

"As we turn the page, we do so with immense respect for all that came before, and great ambition for all that lies ahead in a bold new chapter. The new stadium will be a world-class home worthy of this club's stature and its future. It will not only elevate the experience for players and fans, but it will carry forward the spirit of Goodison in fresh and inspiring ways.

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"And let's not forget, Goodison Park will continue to roar as the new home of our women's team. Their presence here reflects the high aspirations we hold for them and their vital role in shaping the club's legacy.

"To every fan, every steward, every player, and employee past and present; thank you. You've filled this place with passion, purpose, and pride. Let's cherish this day. And let's keep marching forward, bringing your renowned noise, that vital fuel to our team, to our new home along the Mersey.

"Nil Satis, Nisi Optimum."

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Everton play their final match of the season on Sunday when they travel to Newcastle United (4pm kick-off), who are chasing one of the three Champions League positions. The Blues will finish 13th after the victory over Southampton and Wolves' midweek defeat at FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

You can purchase the Everton vs Southampton programme HERE.

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