Duncan Ferguson reflects on Goodison Park: “I’ve shed my share of tears on that field, trust me – and I’ve also left a bit of blood there over the years.”

Sami Hyypia of Liverpool clashed with Duncan Ferguson of Everton during the Barclays Premiership match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 11, 2004, in Liverpool, England.

Few players have left a mark on Everton quite like Duncan Ferguson, making the impending final game at Goodison Park a poignant moment for many. This is the ground where the Scottish striker spent the majority of his career, forging an unbreakable bond with the fans that most players can only dream of.

On Sunday, Everton will host Southampton in what will be the last match at one of football’s most iconic venues, marking the end of a 133-year era. The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

For one final time, the stands will be filled with passionate Evertonians, creating an atmosphere that is unrivalled in the sport.

“When Goodison is rocking at night, it’s as good as anywhere in the country, absolutely,” Ferguson told TNT Sports. “Night games, particularly, have an incredible atmosphere.”

This electric environment is something that resonates with anyone who has experienced a Toffees match at Goodison, and it is a challenge that visiting teams know they must overcome to secure a result.

Ferguson describes the atmosphere as akin to having a 12th man, a sentiment that perhaps doesn’t fully capture its essence.

“The fans are so close to you,” he continued. “They’re right next to the dugout, and the pitch is so close, creating a unique relationship between players and supporters. It’s intimate, isn’t it? If you’re warming up, the fans are right there, and you’re talking to them.”

As the end of Goodison Park approaches, Ferguson’s thoughts are firmly with the fans. The 53-year-old made 273 appearances in the blue of Everton, scoring crucial goals and becoming a club legend, all thanks to the supporters who have invested their heart and soul into the club.

When asked about his favourite memories at Goodison, he reflected: “Winning the big games, scoring the big goals. My first goal against Liverpool was massive for me. We won 2-0 in big Joe Royle’s first game in 1994, and then my last big goal against Man Utd in 2005, which secured our place in the Champions League, was incredible.”

Ferguson also recalled a special moment when he was made captain by the legendary Howard Kendall during a relegation battle in 1998, scoring a hat-trick in his first match as captain.

“The fans are incredibly passionate about their No. 9s, and they’ve always supported me throughout my career,” he said. “Goodison is about the people within it, the families. I’ve got to know most of the families, and that’s what makes it special.”

Ferguson’s influence extended beyond his playing days. After Marco Silva was sacked in 2019, he took charge of the team during a critical period.

He described the pressure of management: “You’re worried about everybody, the subs, the kit, the food, the transport. As a player, you just focus on your performance, but as a manager, you’re responsible for everything.”

He vividly remembers the atmosphere during his first game in charge, a 3-1 victory against Chelsea, which further solidified his legacy at the club.

“There was an incredible atmosphere that day when we were fighting relegation,” he recalled. “It was a different experience for me.”

As the final chapter at Goodison Park nears its conclusion, the ground will be adorned in blue, with supporters making their way to witness the last match.

It promises to be an emotional day, with hopes for a win, but the occasion transcends mere results.

“I’m an emotional guy, so I’ll probably be crying my eyes out at the final whistle,” Ferguson admitted. “There’ll be sadness. I’ve spread ashes on that pitch during ceremonies. There are countless memories tied to that grass, and I’m sure there’ll be tears.”

He concluded, “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+. TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels and additional digital channels.