Goodison Park saved from demolition as Everton reveal new plan for stadium | OneFootball

Iconic old ground is going nowhere and will have new tenants in time for next season

Goodison Park will not be demolished and is instead set to become the new home of Everton Women from next season, the club have confirmed.

Sunday’s midday kick-off against relegated Southampton in the Premier League will be the men’s side’s final match at Goodison as they say an emotional farewell after 133 years.

The stadium originally looked set to be demolished after the season and the land redeveloped as part of the Goodison Legacy project first announced back in 2020.

However, Everton have now announced following an in-depth review conducted by new owners The Friedkin Group that Goodison - which has a capacity of 39,572 - will remain and become the permanent home of their women’s team from the start of the 2025/26 season.

Everton Women compete in the Women’s Super League (WSL), finishing eighth this term, and have played their home matches at the 2,200-capacity Walton Hall Park since 2020 after previously travelling to Southport.

Everton said the move “addresses Everton Women’s rapid growth and need for a larger, more suitable venue” and will include “enhancements that will be made over time and will ensure adequate facilities are in place before the start of the season”.

“We know how treasured Goodison is, not only to every Evertonian, but to the game itself, and being able to keep such an iconic stadium at the heart of the legacy project is something that has been incredibly important to us,” said Angus Kinnear, appointed as Everton’s new CEO on Monday.

“From next season, we are proud to say our women will have an unrivalled permanent home in the WSL – another statement of intent as we look to build the foundations that will help us challenge for trophies.

“The women’s game has grown significantly in recent years, and we believe that growth will continue and accelerate.

“We’re under no illusions; there are obstacles we need to overcome to make this a success both practically and economically, but we’re confident that we will overcome those challenges.

“The value of investing in the women’s game has been demonstrated by our ownership group at AS Roma, with impressive results on the pitch.

“We believe Everton Women can emulate that success and go even further, with one of the most revered grounds in the history of the game as their permanent home.”

Megan Finnigan, captain of Everton Women, said: “This move is a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading.

“Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community.

“Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”