Everton are the latest club leaving their ancestral home for a new stadium and, while I appreciate the commercial reasoning, it saddens me as a football player, broadcaster and, most importantly, fan.
In time, the new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock will create its own memories but, judging by what has happened at other clubs, I’m not sure it will ever replicate the glory of Goodison Park.
Tottenham’s stadium is arguably the best in Europe for design, facilities and fan comfort, yet it’s still no White Hart Lane.
I loved playing at the Lane, as a home player or away. It was raucous and partisan. It possessed an electricity I just don’t feel in modern grounds.
In my new role working for television and radio, I travel to grounds all over the country. My favourite venues are old-school ones like the City Ground or Selhurst Park.
Personally, I feel it’s a shame we are seeing more traditional grounds disappearing, with Goodison Park going the same way as Highbury, Upton Park and Maine Road.
Mail Sport’s Danny Murphy is not sure Everton’s new stadium will ever replicate the glory of Goodison Park
They will move to their new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock at the end of the season
In doing so, they will say goodbye to Goodison Park and the history surrounding the stadium
The business argument is undeniable — Premier League clubs need ever-greater revenue — but I think the atmosphere is more enjoyable with 35,000 fans up close to the pitch who really care about the result compared to 60,000 who are satisfied with a good day out and a nice bite to eat.
Maybe I was spoilt playing for so many years at Anfield, with its history and tradition. Liverpool have been fortunate in being able to expand their ground without losing the soul but I know other clubs feel they have no choice but to move.
They believe they have to move to shiny new premises or risk being left behind. From that point of view, Everton probably feel vindicated and there will be excitement in their move.
I’m told it’s been designed with the seats as close to the pitch as they are at Goodison, rather than the gap which can make West Ham’s London Stadium feel relatively soulless.
Come August, Evertonians will feel a buzz at seeing their new home. But I still regret we’re losing the kind of stadiums I enjoyed playing in.
