David Moyes had this saying. He would bring it up before the Merseyside derby – it was about the blood, the thunder and the emotion of facing Liverpool. “If that’s what they expect,” he said. “Then make sure you don’t disappoint them.”
I already get goosebumps just thinking about it. Because he was right. It’s a day to strike first and never shy away from the challenge.
I can still remember the first of my 21 derbies in 2006 – my family and friends came over and we won 3-0 at home. It was incredible and everything I thought it could be.
Tomorrow is the last ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. It will be sad and emotional, for Everton, but also for the red half of Merseyside. There aren’t many cities as intertwined as Liverpool. Never has this been more evident than derby day.
There are generations of Scousers who grew up with their parents or grandparents taking them to the games at Goodison – even when they were red.
Yes, there is hate. But to have such a fierce rivalry, there must be respect and love. It all comes down to 90 minutes of electricity.
Tim Howard played in 21 Merseyside derbies during a 10-year stay as Everton goalkeeper
Andy Johnson scores in a 3-0 win in 2006 – Howard’s first match between Liverpool and Everton
DailyMail.com columnist Tim Howard
There aren’t many grounds like Goodison anymore – an older, truly English ground where sight lines are blocked and pillars remain in the middle of the stands. They are majestic.
What I remember about Goodison is the tunnel. It is so small and so narrow that players have to climb a small flight of stairs to reach the field. Normally on Merseyside you would be greeted by rain and gloom.
But the derby usually starts early so you walk out to the blue sky and the sound of Z-Cars. I always remember that feeling. At Goodison it was unlike anywhere else.
The changing rooms consisted of just four walls, a bench and some pegs. No USB plugs, no LED lights, nothing but your shirt, your name and your number. That was always very special to me.
But Goodison can also be comical. If you were named man of the match you had to walk from the dressing room through a corridor, through reception and almost through the turnstiles to the supporters suite.
Just to pick up your bottle of champagne. You were almost in the stadium. I still miss that.
What makes Goodison unique, however, is the soul of the place. And the soul comes from the people. I spent 10 years at Everton and there were certain characters who were sewn into the fabric of that club.
The blue half of Merseyside will soon move to a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock
In May 2016, the goalkeeper said goodbye to Goodison Park after ten years at Everton
I always remember the legendary equipment man, Jimmy Martin. He was driving the carriage at one point and he was as loving and grumpy as you could imagine. He retired last year after decades at the club.
Then there was a woman named Val who ran our community program. She was just always there at the front desk – did you ever need anything? You could ask Val and she would do it with a loving smile.
That’s what makes Everton so magical: the people who would do anything for the club without asking for anything in return. Together they will give Goodison a good derby send-off.
No club in England has more history than Everton, so tomorrow marks the end of a magical era. But if you are a football fan and want the best for your club, you have to say goodbye.
You have to turn a new house into a home.