Merseytravel said ‘get your steps in’ so I did
“So get your coat on and get moving, cos we don’t know the meaning of losing…” has been a terrace favourite at Goodison Park and away grounds across the country over the last few years as Evertonians ended the song about the Grand Old Lady with “WOOOOOOO.”
After more than a century though, the journey to match days is changing.
County Road is being replaced – for the men’s team at least – with Regent Road as the Blues begin life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday with their first official fixture and final test event against AS Roma.
It is the first time the 52,769-seater stadium built on the banks of the Mersey will be operating at near full capacity as part of preparations for the new Premier League season.
The Toffees will welcome Brighton and Hove Albion for a 2pm kick off on Sunday, 24 August to kick off their domestic campaign at home. Ahead of the final pre-season friendly this weekend however, Merseytravel laid down something of a misguided piece of advice – albeit well intentioned.
Taking to social media, they posted, “Heading to the Everton v AS Roma double-header this weekend? Everton Stadium is just 30 mins walk from Moorfields station – a great opportunity to get your steps in for the day and soak up the atmosphere for the big game!”
This naturally prompted a backlash from Blues fans who mocked the post, even asking if the Metro Mayor and Liverpool fan Steve Rotheram would be taking part in the walk. A challenge had been laid down though and it was one I was more than happy to take up and get my steps in.
Now I should caveat this with some facts. I’m 33 and in relatively good health all things considered.
I have no mobility issues other than the occasional sore back and I’m involved in football, so an hour round trip isn’t considered to be too taxing for me. At just after 2.45pm, I set off on the journey of just under a mile and a half from the Old Hall Street entrance of the city centre station.
