The ultimate Goodison Park book.
The Leaving of Goodison Park: The Real Fans’ Tales is a heartfelt tribute to one of football’s most storied stadiums, immortalising the memories, emotions, and untold accounts of those who made Goodison more than just a football ground.
Compiled by Anthony Roche, ‘The People’s Author’, who sought contributions from Evertonians worldwide, this heartfelt collection brings together personal stories from devoted fans, club legends, and well-known names:
Pete Best (The Beatles' original drummer)
Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester)
Elton Welsby (broadcaster)
Lee Mavers (musician/songwriter from The La's)
John Parrott MBE (snooker legend)
Simon O’Brien (stage and screen actor, TV presenter)
Andrew Lancel (stage and screen actor)
Graham Gouldman (musician/songwriter from 10cc)
Shea Neary (world champion boxer)
JJ Metcalf (world champion boxer)
The families of Kendall, Harvey & Ball
Jimmy Martin (long-standing kit manager)
...and many more passionate Blues!
133 years of Goodison Park, captured in 133 chapters…
"This isn’t just a book about football; it’s a book about people, place, and passion," says Roche. A must-read for Evertonians and football lovers alike, The Leaving of Goodison Park is a timeless tribute to a club, its home, and the unbreakable bond between team and supporters.
The Real Fans’ Tales brings back so many memories that can now be cherished and passed on to generations of future Evertonians. The book isn’t just for die-hard football fans or devoted Evertonians. At its core, it’s a book about life, people, passion, and the passage of time. The stories within speak of family bonds, the way things used to be, and how the world has changed. They capture the essence of loyalty, tradition, and history—those slice-of-life moments that define who we are and where we come from.
Even readers who have never set foot in Goodison Park, or know nothing about Everton, will find something to connect with. Why? Because Goodison Park is a kind of metaphor—everyone has their own ‘Goodison Park.’ That one place, that constant in life, that you never want to let go of.
This book is filled with stories that will warm your heart, make you laugh out loud, and, at times, move you to tears. It’s the kind of book anyone can pick up, open up at any page, and get something meaningful out of.