As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park with a match against Southampton this Sunday, memories of past triumphs and trials flood back for fans and former players alike. Among them is Gareth Farrelly, a former midfielder whose crucial goal in 1998 saved the club from relegation, securing his place in Everton folklore.
Farrelly, now a lawyer, recalls the tension-filled final game of the 1997-98 season against Coventry City. His seventh-minute volley, struck with his weaker right foot, earned Everton a 1-1 draw, enough to keep them in the Premier League by virtue of goal difference over Bolton Wanderers, who lost 2-0 to Chelsea.
The significance of that goal is etched in the annals of Everton’s history, as it preserved their 44-year streak in the top flight. BBC commentator John Motson captured the moment perfectly:
‘Pouring rain and all over Goodison Park waves of relief come showering down. One of the most celebrated clubs in the history of the game have got away with it and by a fingernail.’
The Pressure of Relegation
The pressure of that season was immense, particularly for Howard Kendall, Everton’s most successful manager. As players celebrated their survival, Kendall was found in tears, overwhelmed by the weight of what had been avoided. Adrian Heath, then assistant coach, noted,
‘To him, all the glory that had gone before, would have counted for nothing.’
For Farrelly, the moment was a personal redemption. He had arrived from Aston Villa with high expectations, having turned down offers from Sampdoria and Newcastle United. Yet, his first season at Everton was challenging, marked by a disconnect with the club’s traditional methods and a testing relationship with the fans.
A Season of Struggles
Three weeks before the pivotal Coventry match, Farrelly faced the wrath of the Goodison crowd after missing a chance against Leicester City. Despite being sidelined by Kendall, Farrelly’s determination to prove himself never wavered. His opportunity came as Everton faced relegation, and he seized it with both hands.
Recalling the lead-up to the game, Farrelly shared how a decision to stay in Wirral the night before, rather than at home, helped focus the team. He roomed with Slaven Bilic, who had been the public face of the squad leading up to the match. However, on game day, Farrelly was named in the starting lineup, a decision that filled him with confidence.
The Game-Changing Goal
As the match began, Farrelly felt an unshakeable belief that something good was about to happen. His instincts proved correct when he scored the critical goal, sending Goodison Park into a frenzy.
‘I just ran towards the main stand and the lads jumped on me. The emotion? It’s just unfiltered.’
Despite a late equalizer from Coventry’s Dion Dublin and a missed penalty by Nick Barmby, news of Chelsea’s victory over Bolton secured Everton’s safety. Farrelly’s goal had become the defining moment of the season.
Aftermath and Legacy
In the days following, Farrelly experienced a newfound hero status. Yet, as he met with Kendall for a candid discussion, both acknowledged that the club needed to evolve to avoid similar struggles in the future. Kendall’s words proved prophetic; a month later, he was replaced by Walter Smith, and Farrelly was informed he could leave the club.
Reflecting on his journey, Farrelly understands the transient nature of football success.
‘You climb a mountain but you can easily be knocked off. I was confident things would have changed under Howard. But these things don’t always play out like a scripted Netflix drama.’
As Everton prepares to leave Goodison Park, Farrelly’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the club’s enduring spirit and the moments that define its legacy. The farewell to the ‘Grand Old Lady’ marks the end of an era, but the memories forged within its walls will continue to inspire generations of Evertonians.
