‘That’s what I felt’: Gary Neville shares why he was quite sad towards end of Everton’s Merseyside derby win

Gary Neville has shared his sentimental thoughts on the iconic Goodison Park, the home of Everton Football Club, as the team edges closer to moving to their new stadium, Bramley Moore Dock. The former Manchester United player and current pundit expressed his sadness during the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, which the Toffees won 2-0.

Neville, who was commentating on the game, praised the electric atmosphere at Goodison Park, stating that it was one of the best he had witnessed in a long time. However, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and sadness as he realized that the stadium, which has been the home of Everton since 1892, will soon be hosting its final matches.

“This gantry is the only one left in the league that shakes when this crowd behind us jump and go crazy, and the fact that we’re not going to be in this ground, witnessing these types of atmospheres, is quite sad,” Neville said on The Gary Neville Podcast. “That’s what I felt towards the last part of the game, this idea that this great old ground that obviously needs modernizing, they need to go to their new ground, we know how it works, but this is one of the last great grounds in the Premier League.”

Neville, who has played at Goodison Park numerous times during his career, highlighted the stadium’s unique character and the special atmosphere it provides. He noted that the stadium’s old-fashioned design and intimate setting make it a challenging place for opposing teams to play, and that it has been a key factor in Everton’s success over the years.

As the stadium move edges closer, Neville acknowledged that it is a necessary step for the club’s progress, but he also expressed his sadness at the thought of leaving behind a piece of history. He praised the Everton fans for their dedication and passion, stating that they will continue to be a driving force for the team, even in their new stadium.

The move to Bramley Moore Dock is expected to provide Everton with a state-of-the-art facility that will allow them to compete with the top teams in the Premier League. However, Neville’s comments highlight the sentimental value attached to Goodison Park, which has been the home of Everton for over 125 years.

Goodison Park has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in Everton’s history, including the team’s dominance of the 1980s, when they won two league titles and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. The stadium has also hosted numerous high-profile matches, including the Merseyside derby, which is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in the Premier League.

As the stadium move approaches, Everton fans will be saying goodbye to a piece of their history and tradition. While the new stadium will provide a modern and comfortable experience for fans, it will lack the character and charm of Goodison Park, which has been a beloved home for the Toffees for generations.

Neville’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving the history and tradition of football clubs, even as they progress and modernize. The move to Bramley Moore Dock is a necessary step for Everton’s future, but it is also a reminder of the sentimental value attached to Goodison Park, which will always be remembered as a iconic stadium in the world of football.