Spirit of the Blues

The definitive story of Everton’s 133 years at Goodison Park, told with help from those who were there to witness the action and drama.

Foreword by Everton’s most successful captain, Kevin Ratcliffe.

Written by the Liverpool Echo’s Everton reporter Christopher Beesley.

As the Blues make their once-in-a-lifetime journey to a new home by the banks of the Mersey at Bramley-Moore Dock, Beesley takes us on an absorbing ride through Goodison Park’s rich history, including:

• Everton’s glory days... The 3-1 win over Bayern Munich; the 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United in the same 1984/85 season; the 4-0 win over West Ham when the Blues closed in on their last title; plus the Charity Shield fixture when the World Cup, league championship and FA Cup trophies were all on display
• Landmark occasions... Wayne Rooney’s first Premier League goal against Arsenal; the first-ever penalty shoot-out in European competition; the Gwladys Street’s last stand; the first use of floodlights; the visit of the ‘other’ Everton; David Moyes’ explosive first game in charge and Johnny Carey’s last after he was sacked while taking a taxi ride
• Merseyside derbies... Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ending a 14-year hoodoo; Andrew Johnson keeping score; dramatic winners from Lee Carsley and Dan Gosling; The Dogs of War by Royle appointment; and when more than 100,000 watched in two grounds
• Dixie Dean... A special section on Everton’s and English football’s greatest goalscorer, including of course the day of his hat-trick against Arsenal to reach 60
• Quirky stories… Sylvester Stallone adding a touch of Hollywood stardust as ‘Rocky’ came to Goodison; when Everton were the ‘away’ side on home turf; a match abandoned due to hooliganism; Sam Chedgzoy forcing a change in the corner-kick rule

Covering the full gamut of this historic ground’s fascinating history – from Goodison’s first fixture in 1892 to its final one in 2025 – this book is a must-read for Everton fans of all ages.

Christopher Beesley has 25 years’ experience in sports journalism. As Everton reporter for Merseyside’s most-read news outlet, the Liverpool Echo, he covers the Toffees’ matches, plus every other element of the club, both on and off the pitch. He lives in the seaside resort of New Brighton, which affords him enviable views across the Mersey of Liverpool’s world-famous skyline that (for now) takes in three past or present Everton grounds.

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