The China Mail - Everton to preserve Goodison Park for women's team

David Moyes' side are preparing to bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park in the final men's match at the 132-year old Liverpool stadium against Southampton on Sunday.

Instead of knocking down the iconic ground the Toffees have opted to preserve Goodison as the host venue for their Women's Super League side.

Everton's women currently play at nearby Walton Hall Park.

With a capacity of 39,572, Goodison will become the largest dedicated women's football stadium in England.

Everton's women played in front of an average crowd of 2,062 during league matches this season, a figure just below the capacity of Walton Hall Park.

During construction of Everton's new 53,000-capacity stadium on the dockside, the club's previous owners announced plans for a renovation project at Goodison that would have included housing, a care home, retail units and a park.

But after being taken over by The Friedkin Group in December, Everton switched their plans to retain the stadium.

Everton women's captain Megan Finnigan 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."

Goodison will also stage some of the club's youth academy matches.

"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," Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear said.

"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."

M.Chau--ThChM