A Swedish Toffee: From Scandinavia to Goodison

Words: Karl Orrling as told to Laura Gates

Images: Laura Gates

“I can’t even begin to describe how good that day against Leicester was. After we parted, I just savoured every moment and went through the full range of emotions. When the first goal went in, I think I had a seizure so much agony was relieved from my body".

“I remember celebrating, then everything went black for 20 seconds. I woke up sitting on my chair, and the clock showed 34 seconds. After the game, I celebrated, but before leaving, the emotions overwhelmed me again. I cried like a baby, knowing I would never return to Goodison Park”.

Karl Orrling describes how he felt during his final trip to Goodison Park.

“On the train back, I chatted with some season ticket holders, and they were so kind. But all of them dreaded the upcoming Southampton game. If I went through this whirlwind of emotions after just ten visits, I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like for locals who have been coming to this amazing place for decades”.

A Swedish Toffee, born in the late seventies. Growing up, Sweden had only two TV channels, with no cable or satellite stations. They only got one televised English game a week, and that show was a lighthouse for every football-loving child.

©Laura Gates/ Terrace Edition. Karl Orrling at Goodison Park.

As a young boy, Karl was a glory hunter, and adopted Everton because they were the best team in the world.

Watching Gary Lineker shine in the 1986 World Cup only strengthened his bond, especially since Sweden didn’t qualify. When the Premier League was founded, he stuck with Everton, delighted when Anders Limpar signed—though less thrilled when he handballed against Wimbledon.

“I even remember Everton’s pre-season tour to Sweden in the nineties, where I met the players, got autographs, and shook the enormous hands of Big Nev.”

His first visit to Goodison was in 1997, against Leeds. A goalless draw. He went with his dad and brother while visiting friends in the UK.

“Sitting in the Main Stand, I was captivated by the atmosphere. Determined to return, I started refereeing football and saved my earnings for more trips. Back then, getting away- end tickets was possible, so beyond Goodison, I saw Everton at Selhurst Park, Villa Park, and Stamford Bridge.

My first win at Goodison was a 2-0 victory over Leeds, made even more memorable when Lucas Radebe was sent off while being stretchered off!”

As life moved on—university, early career, raising a family—chances to visit Goodison became fewer. But Karl managed occasional games during business trips to England.

One highlight was a 1-1 draw against Man United, where he found myself in the Paddock, “close enough to hurl insults at CR7 on the wing!”

After a few years living in the US, Karl returned to Sweden, and by then, his kids were old enough to come to Goodison.

“I had instilled my Evertonian passion in them, and luckily, my wife was convinced too. We are a true Blue family. Their first Goodison game was a disappointing 0-2 loss to Leicester, but we pressed on, making annual pilgrimages.

We watch every other game on TV, and the Great Escape was the moment that cemented my lifelong commitment.

©Laura Gates/ Terrace Edition. Goodison Park.

Seeing Everton lift the FA Cup in ’95 was euphoric—my love for this club was signed and sealed.”

Christmas 2024 brought a special experience: a stadium tour with Kevin Sheedy, one of Karl’s heroes from his early Everton days.

Learning about Goodison’s history and quirks firsthand was an unforgettable experience.

“Why is Goodison special to me? I have now been ten times. I have seen how Liverpool has grown as a city, and I understand how profoundly rooted Everton is in the community. I have only met wonderful people in and around the ground. The area around Goodison has a sacred feel, a connection that is hard to put into words.”

This last visit was an unexpected bonus for Karl, who had travelled to see his Swedish team, IF Elfsborg, in the Europa League against Tottenham and extended his trip to watch Everton vs. Leicester.

“That day, I felt every emotion—from sorrow to pure joy—but above all, gratitude. Everton touched my childhood, and from that moment, my life was never the same.”