This is a weird season for Everton, as every time they face a Premier League rival at home, it will likely be the final time that those clubs have the pleasure of visiting Goodison Park.
After all, this is its final campaign in operation, before the Toffees are due to make their move across town into the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
It is a highly-anticipated transfer, but also one that will be met with immense despair around Merseyside and beyond.
Even one rival Premier League manager has now expressed his sadness at the move.
Eddie Howe makes Goodison Park admission
Speaking to reporters after Everton’s 0-0 draw with the Magpies, their boss was full of praise for the club he supported as a youngster.
And, when asked about their incoming move to the Bramley-Moore Dock, the 46-year-old could not have been more complimentary about Goodison Park and the history behind this famous old arena.
Howe even admitted: ’The Everton supporters are brilliant here. Goodison Park is iconic. It’s a tradition. It will be missed in English football.’
He then went on to state, elsewhere: ‘I think it’s an iconic venue. It’s one of the stadiums that if you haven’t been to any football stadiums in England, you’ve got to come to.
‘This is a traditional, older-style stadium that has, certainly over the years, had magic moments for Everton that have contributed to their history. Certainly, not from my side, disrespecting that, I think it’s an iconic ground and will be missed in English football.’
Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will revolutionise Everton
Whilst this is a sentiment that few would argue against, few can also deny that it is a move that simply must be made to drag Everton back into contention.
After all, current financial restrictions are extremely prohibitive of progression unless such a huge source of natural income can be mustered, with a brand-new stadium sure to provide that.
They more than anyone have been on the wrong end of PSR, and will hope to no longer be bound by its foolish statutes.
Hopefully, with the innumerable commercial benefits that this astounding 52,000-seater will bring, without taking away from the atmosphere generated by the Everton faithful, the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium will revolutionise this club both on and off the field to turn them into a real threat for trophies once again.
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