Christopher Beesley discusses "Spirit of the Blues" with ex-Everton player Michael Ball

25 Nov 2025

Waterstones

As the Blues make their once-in-a-lifetime journey to a new home by the banks of the Mersey at Bramley-Moore Dock, Liverpool reporter Christopher 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 – “Spirit of the Blues” is a must-read for Everton fans of all ages. Christopher will be joined by former Everton player.