Photographer captures final season at Blues' iconic home

VERTON now have the date for the club's historic first fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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With the broadcasters having had their say, the Blues will host Brighton on Sunday, August 24 in a spectacle Sky Sports will beam around the world.

Sat among the 52,769 who will have the privilege of being able to say 'I was there' will be photographer and Blues season ticket holder Laura Gates.

Like most of those taking in the club's new home, there will be moments when she reflects on its old one.

Next week, it will be two months since Goodison Park hosted its final men's game.

Amid the emotions of that win over Southampton, Laura was in the thick of it at one point capturing images of the huge crowds from the top of the car park wall overlooking the junction of Goodison Road and Spellow Lane.

The images she caught through the clouds of blue smoke are among those featured in her coffee table book celebrating the final season at the Grand Old Lady: Commence Operation Goodison Farewell.

It was an emotional process for the 29-year-old but one she hopes supporters will agree captured what made the stadium so special to so many.

Reflecting on the project, she told the ECHO: "Goodison Park holds so many incredible memories for so many people and I hope that I have done it justice for fellow fans, I hope that I have captured some of their favourite places in and around Goodison in the best way possible."

The importance of the season was lost on few when it kicked off against Brighton in August. The demand for her services ensured it was not lost on Laura, whose reputation had grown to the extent she was being inundated with personal requests.