Delap could be a SIGN of the future

GOODISON ATMOSPHERE COULD HAVE IMPACT ON FINAL DECISION

- CHRIS BEESLEY

THERE was a special atmosphere at Goodison Park for the ground's penultimate fixture, but the party atmosphere created before kickoff and heightened by Everton's two-goal lead was flattened by Ipswich Town's late equaliser.

Here are some moments missed from a memorable afternoon.

Delap signs up

Everton manager David Moyes wants a new striker to spearhead his team's attack when they move to their new stadium and he'd like Liam Delap to be that player.

The 2024/25 campaign has been a breakthrough season for the 22-year-old, who has netted a dozen Premier League goals this term despite Ipswich Town already having been relegated before they arrived at Goodison Park.

With a reputed £30million release clause, Delap is a man in demand, and when asked about him in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Moyes said: "He would be one who we would certainly have an interest in... we would certainly be interested if he was interested in us. That's for sure."

As the national media reported on Saturday's game, on the pitch, the former Manchester City academy graduate went from being number one target to public enemy number one as moments after he and Jake O'Brien were both booked for a clash by the corner flag, he sent Jarrad Branthwaite flying with a wild challenge, prompting many in the home crowd to call for his dismissal.

However, Evertonians love a player with a bit of bite, and even Duncan Ferguson - who was back at Goodison watching this game, was once shown a yellow card here for Newcastle United in between his two Blues spells.

The ECHO's Joe Thomas noted in his verdict that before all that, Delap stood in the middle of the Goodison Park pitch and took in the magnificence of his surroundings, observing that standing in the centre circle, he "savoured all four stands as he broke from a cluster of teammates and walked down the tunnel alone."