“There are people who have come here and said: 'I wasn’t interested in football but you have changed me'.”
Those are the words of Lily Barnes, gatekeeper to the history of Goodison Park. The 78-year-old has worked at the famous stadium for decades and, in her current role, taken thousands through the storied corridors of the Grand Old Lady.
As Everton prepares for a new future on the waterfront, demand for ground tours has rocketed as supporters clamour for one last peak behind the scenes. Those who do are likely to fall under Lily’s spell - or that of her grandaughter and fellow lifelong Blue, Elle Barnes-Reen. The pair must be among Everton’s most impressive partnerships and together they have - and continue - to reveal the magic of one of football’s most legendary homes.
