On his final day as the Liverpool ECHO's Everton FC correspondent, Joe Thomas reflects on his time covering the Blues, a period marked by relegation battles, points deductions, takeover attempts, and the emotional move from Goodison Park to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Thomas describes his four and a half years reporting on Everton as a privilege, despite the challenges, and highlights the many memorable moments, including watching the Blues from Stuttgart to St Pauli, interviewing Frank Lampard in Sydney, and seeing Seamus Coleman in Sligo.
Five Favourite Games
Thomas picks the 1-0 win over Chelsea on May 1, 2022, as the beginning of the push to safety under Lampard, highlighting Richarlison's goal and celebration with a flare and Jordan Pickford's save. He also recalls the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on May 19, 2022, a remarkable comeback after being 2-0 down at half-time, and the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on October 22, 2022, which he views as an age of lost innocence.
The 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town on May 3, 2025, is special as it felt like the day he emotionally said farewell to Goodison, and the 1-0 win at Manchester United on November 24, 2025, is described as a great night, symbolising a new, resurgent Everton.
Five Favourite Goals and Away Days
Among his favourite goals are Dominic Calvert-Lewin's strike against Crystal Palace in May 2022, Lewis Dobbin's goal against Chelsea in December 2023, Beto's goal against Newcastle United in December 2023, James Tarkowski's strike against Liverpool in February 2025, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's goal against Wolves in August 2025.
His favourite away days include the 2-1 win at Leicester City on May 8, 2022, the 1-0 win at Brighton on January 25, 2025, the 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on April 12, 2025, and the wins at Wolves and Manchester United.
Interviews and Press Conferences
Thomas highlights interviews with Lily Barnes, Abdoulaye Doucoure in Washington D.C., Frank Lampard in Sydney, Seamus Coleman in Ireland, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. He also recalls notable press conferences with Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche, and David Moyes, including the one at Bournemouth after the fan revolt over the proposed sale of Harrison Armstrong.
