Reminiscences of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen's discontent, 1980s splendor and an astounding Liverpool disclosure... ALAN STUBBS discusses past experiences at Goodison Park with DANNY MURPHY.
Rewritten Article:
Stepping from a kid perched on a crated podium at the Gwladys Street End, Alan Stubbs lived out his dream of leading Everton as their captain.
However, his final Goodison Park ambition was realized just in time, as he prepares to bid farewell to the venerable stadium this weekend against Southampton.
I had the pleasure of witnessing this emotional moment firsthand last Friday, as Stubbsy, now 54, stuck by his retirement vows to play one last time on hallowed ground, this time with his son Sam in a company game.
Once a fierce rival on the Merseyside derby pitch, Stubbs showed remarkable endurance, lasting a commendable 80 minutes and even managing to catch his breath for a heartfelt pitch-side chat with me.
Taking a moment to reflect on his nostalgic Goodison years, Alan concedes, "Aye, it's just 'ome to me, lad. There's nowhere quite like it."
As a lifelong Evertonian, Alan Stubbs has a wealth of memories, though he concedes, "Even a blue like me can appreciate quality play from the red side." A case in point was the infamous 2003 derby, where his team-mate Danny Murphy scored a stunning winner against Everton and Alan couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Reminiscing about that memorable day, Alan conceded, "Michael Owen's opener was sublime. But ol' Murphy's strike was marvelous, too. It was a day to remember, for sure."
Unbeknownst to Michael Owen, Alan had previously called his derby record into question during a pre-match interview. In response, Michael made an impressionable comeback, speeding past Alan and scoring the equalizer just half an hour after kickoff.
"I could've strangled him," Alan chuckles, still a bit irked. "But I have to admit, it was a brilliant goal. Couldn't help but admire the skill."
Born and raised in Kirkby, Alan was just eight years old when he attended his first Goodison game. "Back then, the Gwladys Street End had a fence, and crates were placed on the wall for the youngsters like me to get a peek at the pitch," he recalled.
His first taste of Goodison came as a Bolton Wanderers player, scoring in a 3-2 FA Cup win over Everton. "Scored my first goal at Goodison in a blue kit. Irony isn't lost on me," he smiled wryly.
In 2001, Alan finally signed with his boyhood team in a move that was dream come true. His debut was eventful, with opponents Spurs taking an early two-man lead and a 1-1 draw that left Everton with mixed feelings but full of hope.
For the next seven years, Alan helped shepherd Everton out of relegation danger and into a more competitive Premiership landscape. Their 2005 fourth-place finish was a testament to their hard work and the team's undying spirit.
"Nobody gave us a chance, but it only made us work harder," Alan admitted. "To this day, that 4th place remains one of my proudest moments as an Everton player."
One of the defining moments of Alan's Everton career was the day he was tasked with looking after Wayne Rooney off the pitch. "The gaffer knew Rooney was destined for greatness, and he needed someone to keep him grounded," Alan explained.
The challenges of parenting the prodigious Rooney ultimately proved too much for Stubbs, but he admitted, "I'll never forget those times. Rooney made me laugh and work harder than I ever thought possible. Without a doubt, he made me a better player and a better man."
Known for its legendary fan hostility, Goodison Park had a powerful impact on 90s football. Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier often led his team talks with reminders of the importance of maintaining discipline, fearful of Everton erupting into chaos on derby day.
"It was a different time back then. The Friendly Derby, they called it. But things have changed, I suppose," Alan conceded. "Maybe it's just the passage of time, but Everton haven't had the same fervor since their heyday."
In the face of these changes, Everton hopes that a larger stadium will help bridge the gap with their lauded rivals and increase revenues. Alan has visited the new ground and is cautiously optimistic.
"It's a fine stadium, sure. But it's more than just the building that makes a club. Goodison carried character, and character can't be recreated so easily," he mused. "Time will tell if the new place can become as beloved as the old one."
As construction on the new stadium continues, Stubbs has a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. "It's the end of an era, for sure. But it's also the start of something new. Let's hope it's as unforgettable as the Goodison days."
After reliving hisglory days at Goodison Park, Alan Stubbs reflected on the quality of play not only from the blues but also from their red counterparts, specifically mentioning a remarkable sporting event - the 2003 derby, where a red team-mate, Danny Murphy, scored a thrilling winner. As a seasoned sports enthusiast, he couldn't help but appreciate and review the excellent football performances he witnessed, particularly in the heated Merseyside derby.
