As Everton prepares for its final match at Goodison Park against Southampton this Sunday, memories flood back for fans and former players alike. Among those reminiscing is Gareth Farrelly, the unlikely hero of Everton’s dramatic escape from relegation in the 1997-98 Premier League season.
In a season finale that had Evertonians on the edge of their seats, Farrelly’s seventh-minute volley against Coventry City secured a 1-1 draw, ensuring Everton’s survival by the narrowest of margins—goal difference. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Farrelly describes a mix of relief and satisfaction, emotions that were shared by the entire club and its supporters.
The Dramatic 1997-98 Season
The 1997-98 season was fraught with tension for Everton. The club, one of the most storied in English football, faced the grim prospect of relegation after 44 consecutive years in the top flight. The pressure was palpable, not least for Howard Kendall, the club’s most successful manager, who was found in tears after the match.
Farrelly, who had joined Everton from Aston Villa the previous summer, was not initially expected to play a decisive role. He had faced criticism from fans and was even booed during a match against Leicester City just weeks before the crucial game against Coventry.
A Turning Point
Despite the challenges, Farrelly’s commitment to the club never wavered. He had turned down offers from Sampdoria and Newcastle United to join Everton, the team he supported as a boy. His dedication paid off in the final match, where his goal became the symbol of Everton’s resilience.
“Pouring rain and all over Goodison Park waves of relief come showering down,” said BBC commentator John Motson. “One of the most celebrated clubs in the history of the game have got away with it and by a fingernail.”
Farrelly recalls the emotional rollercoaster of that day, from the tension before kickoff to the exhilaration following his goal. “I just ran towards the main stand and the lads jumped on me. The emotion? It’s just unfiltered,” he said. “I was like ‘I f***ng told you!’ I was looking at the people in the back of the stands, looking at Howard. I was just buzzing.”
From Football Hero to Legal Professional
Today, Farrelly has transitioned from the pitch to the courtroom, working as a lawyer. Yet, the memories of that fateful day remain vivid. “It was a weird paradox,” he reflects, noting the irony of Thomas Myhre, who had been exceptional all season, conceding a late equalizer.
Despite the dramatic twists, the outcome was a relief for Everton. With Bolton losing to Chelsea, Everton’s draw was enough to keep them in the Premier League. Farrelly humorously notes that Nicky Barmby’s missed penalty preserved his legacy as the hero of the day.
Legacy and Reflection
The aftermath of the match saw Farrelly become a celebrated figure among Everton fans. “I was recognized everywhere. It was a shift for me. All of a sudden, I was the hero,” he recalls. However, the euphoria was short-lived. A month later, Howard Kendall’s third stint as manager ended, and Farrelly was informed by new manager Walter Smith that he could leave the club.
“It’s football’s dynamic. You climb a mountain but you can easily be knocked off,” Farrelly reflects on the abrupt changes in his career. “I was confident things would have changed under Howard. But these things don’t always play out like a scripted Netflix drama.”
Goodison Park’s Farewell
As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, Farrelly’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the club’s rich history and the emotional ties that bind players and fans. The stadium, affectionately known as the “Grand Old Lady,” has been the backdrop to countless memories, triumphs, and challenges.
For Farrelly and many others, the final game at Goodison Park is not just a farewell to a stadium but a celebration of the enduring spirit of Everton Football Club. As the club looks to the future, the legacy of players like Farrelly will continue to inspire new generations of Evertonians.
