'Gloriously traditional Goodison Park will be sadly missed'

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe had a simple answer when asked - as a boyhood Everton fan - if he would miss Goodison Park when it closes its doors at the end of this season.

"Probably not", said Howe, adding that this was not a sign of disrespect but because of his managerial record at this grand old stage of English football.

Howe quickly added: "This is an iconic venue. It's got a very special atmosphere. If you haven't been here, you have to come. It will be missed. Just my own personal experiences here haven't been good."

In nine games as a manager at Goodison for Bournemouth and Newcastle United, Howe has lost six, won two and drawn one.

And Goodison was at its fearsome best - or worst if you were former Everton forward Anthony Gordon following his acrimonious departure for Newcastle in January 2023 - in a feisty goalless draw on Saturday evening.

As ever when Everton have struggled, which is almost always in recent seasons, the home fans provided a fierce, thunderous atmosphere which threw passionate support behind their own team and made Gordon, who also said he was a lifelong Liverpool fan when he was linked with a summer move to Anfield in the summer, a target for a very rough reception.

It felt at times as if Gordon was playing the whole stadium, which he effectively was apart from a small corner of Newcastle fans, and the occasion, especially when his tame 35th minute penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford.

Everton supporters greeted the save ectstatically, not simply for the save but because it had been made from the villain of the piece. It was as if a goal had been scored by Sean Dyche's side.

If Everton are to stay safe this season, then it is at the unique environment of Goodison Park where it is likely to be assured.

Everton move into their magnificent new stadium on the edge of the Mersey at Bramley Moore Dock at the start of next season - and one of the biggest tasks will be to replicate the special atmosphere that delivers such hostility and will mean Goodison Park, old-fashioned but gloriously traditional, will be sadly missed.