Duncan Ferguson’s Emotional Farewell to Everton Fans at Goodison Park
On May 18, 2025, Goodison Park, Everton’s home for 133 years, hosted its final men’s first-team match, a 2-0 victory over Southampton. Among the sea of blue, one figure stood out: Duncan Ferguson, the club’s beloved legend, whose heartfelt farewell message to the fans encapsulated the raw emotion of the day. Known as “Big Dunc,” Ferguson’s connection with Evertonians runs deep, and his words during the farewell ceremony resonated with the thousands who gathered to bid goodbye to the Grand Old Lady.
Ferguson, who scored 73 goals in 273 appearances across two spells with Everton (1994-1998 and 2000-2006), has always been more than a player. He’s a symbol of the club’s grit, passion, and unyielding spirit. As he stood on the hallowed Goodison pitch during TNT Sports’ coverage, his voice cracked with emotion. “The new stadium will never be like Goodison. It will never be like this place. This is our heart, and we’re going to lose it unfortunately,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many fans reluctant to leave their historic home. His words were not just a farewell but a love letter to a stadium that holds countless memories for players and supporters alike.
The farewell was a carnival of nostalgia, with over 70 former players, including Wayne Rooney, Peter Reid, and Graeme Sharp, joining Ferguson in a pitch-side parade. Fans chanted his name, as they did earlier when he was mobbed outside the ground, blue smoke swirling in the air. Ferguson’s presence was electric, his passion undimmed. “UP THE TOFFEES!” he roared, a rallying cry that brought the Gwladys Street end to its feet. His impromptu commentary stint, cheering “Go on son, right foot!” during the broadcast, even drew a chuckle from co-commentator Ally McCoist, who quipped, “First time I’ve ever been out co-commentated!”
Ferguson’s history with Goodison is storied. From his iconic header against Manchester United in 1995 to his Merseyside derby winner in 1994—scored just 24 hours after a personal low point—his goals are etched into Everton lore. He spoke of the fans’ memories, of families walking to matches across generations, of moments shared with loved ones, some no longer here. “People walking to the game with their mums, their dads… it’s sad, very sad indeed,” he told BBC Radio Merseyside, predicting “plenty of tears” on the final day.
Yet, amid the sorrow, Ferguson’s message carried hope. He believes Everton’s move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock will propel the club into the top half of the Premier League “forever.” But for now, his focus was on Goodison, a place he wished could remain. His suggestion to transform the site into a memorial park with Rupert’s Tower at its center struck a chord with fans who dread losing their spiritual home.
As Evertonians lingered, reluctant to leave, Ferguson’s farewell encapsulated the day’s bittersweet essence. Goodison may fade, but “Big Dunc” ensured its heart will beat on in every Toffee’s soul.
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