The last grand ground

Words: Tom Reed.

Images: Michael McAnaulty.

The last person to click-clack through the last turnstile.

The last supporter to flip down a wooden seat.

The last fan to walk the close concourses.

The last Evertonian to leave England’s last grand ground

At Goodison Park, will be kings and queens of the city, for one evaporating moment.

Grandness, not in materials or material wealth but in wonder.

They come from miles around to look, they’ll queue for miles to linger.

Long exposure spirits.

It’s nearly last orders.

The craic’s too good.

It’s standing room only at the bar.

Pride and sadness in no short measures.

They’re singing.

Don’t wanna go home.

It’s foggy outside.

Put the candle out.

A light flickers at the docks.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

©Michael McAnaulty/ Terrace Edition. Everton FC.

Tom is Terrace Edition Editor and can be found on X: @tomreedwriting

Michael is on X: @MMcanaulty.

Michael’s website is www.michaelmcanaulty.co.uk