FAB make the case for Sunday kick-off against Southampton
The Everton Fan Advisory Board have written to the Premier League pleading with them to consider the Club's fans when it comes to the scheduling of the last ever fixture to be played at Goodison Park.
In a missive addressed to the league's Chief Executive, Richard Masters, and CC'd to Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the FAB raised the concern among supporters that the date and kick-off time of the match against Southampton be considerate of fans of all ages.
The game is currently set for 3pm on Sunday 18 May, with Premier League games moved that weekend to accommodate the FA Cup Final, but given the unique occasion of Everton's last game at the Grand Old Lady, the expectation is that the clash with the Saints will be moved to a standalone time.
Amid rumours that the Club are planning for an evening kick-off, Friday night, Sunday night and Monday night are the most likely times, although many fans would prefer an early- or late-afternoon start to allow them to fully celebrate Goodison on her swansong.
"We are writing in response to the growing concern expressed by our fellow supporters regarding uncertainty around the date and time of our club’s final home Premier League fixture of the 2024/25 season—and the last ever league match to be played at Goodison Park—against Southampton," the FAB wrote.
"Matchweek 37 presents a unique opportunity to recognise and prioritise the match-going fans, those who generate the atmosphere and vibrancy that sets English football apart on the global stage.
"[A]t a time when there is considerable unrest in the fan community across the country, we believe this moment provides a chance to help honour a stadium that holds a unique place in the hearts and souls of spectators who have had the privilege of attending matches at 'The Grand Old Lady'.
"On behalf of Evertonians, football fans, players and staff both past and present we respectfully ask you to consider scheduling the broadcast of this historic match at a sensible time on Sunday May 18th — a time that enables match-going fans to travel to and from the game at reasonable times, whilst ensuring the fullest possible participation, so that a passionate community can unite, and a global audience can join in the celebration of an iconic day in the heritage of the game."
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers11/04/2025 12:34:02
Whilst I wouldn’t rule out a Friday evening kick off, by far the best option is Sunday afternoon, 2.00 pm.
Southampton, like it or not, are part of this event and will have fans travelling. Monday would be a disaster and would leave little or no time after the game to reflect and reminisce with friendships developed over many years. I live just north of Manchester and I’m already looking at booking a hotel to enjoy the evening. NOT MONDAY PLEASE.
Which gives the Premier League one last chance to shaft us and choose the Monday Night Football slot.
16/04/2025 20:51:41
Sunday - 7pm kick off apparently.
Oh dear.
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10/04/2025 16:32:36
Seems a perfectly sensible request to me.
2.00 pm Sunday feels good to me. Plenty of time for “local” supporters (I come in from N.Wales) to get there and a couple of reasonable trains up from London. The match would be finished by 4, even allowing for a good chunk of additional time, then the “celebration party” can begin. That will be finished by 5.30/6.00, early enough to allow people to get home, or give the local hostelries one last pay day.
So Sky are bound to ask for something like 7.30 Sunday evening!