My Goodison No.47: That One Was For You

My father was an Everton supporter for 60 years. He loved the Club – through everything. He had two girls so one of us had to share in his love for football and it was me. We would watch the games together and the YouTube training sessions. It became our thing.

It's something I’m so grateful for, now more than ever. 

Six weeks ago my father was diagnosed with cancer and five weeks ago we were told it was terminal.

My father loved life and always looked for the positives. He knew his time was going to be cut short but he also knew he was a fighter. When we first got the diagnosis his words to me were, ‘I have to fight, we have a new stadium to go to next season’.

We had visited Goodison in October – it was my first time there and his last. It was amazing, the atmosphere, the people but most importantly having him by my side.

After that we had planned to visit the new stadium together next season. 

Unfortunately, on Sunday, just a few hours before the last-ever game at Goodison my father passed away. I like to think that win was for him and that he was watching along with me. I will still visit the new stadium next season, I guess this time he will have to just be there in spirit. I’m also going to get his photograph on to the new fan wall, that way he did make it to the stadium. 

Yesterday was the end of an era in more ways than one but I will forever be grateful to this Club for making my amazing bond with my dad that little bit more special.

His commitment to Everton and to life was admirable and there are never going to be any words that could do him justice.

I’m proud to be his and I’m proud to be an Evertonian.

By Isobel Daniels, Evertonian

A series of first-hand accounts describing moments that made us fall in love with Goodison Park, My Goodison - supported by the Club's Main Partner, Stake - is an evertonfc.com series, bringing you the most-treasured memories of fans, players, and staff both past and present, for our final season at the Grand Old Lady.