Everton bring back familiar face for historic season after shock departure confirmed

Simon Ross will be returning as Everton’s matchday stadium announcer ahead of the club’s historic final season at Goodison Park.

Armagh-born Ross, 57, is the host of the Greatest Hits Breakfast Show, one of the most listened-to radio programmes in the UK with Everton describing him as a high-profile event host with one of the most recognisable voices in the North West region. Best known across Merseyside and beyond as ‘Rossie’, the former host of Merseyside’s Radio City Breakfast Show has more than 30 years professional broadcasting experience behind him at several radio stations across the country, including many years broadcasting from the famous Radio City Tower.

Having previously been the voice of the Blues on a matchday between 2005 and 2015, his impressive CV also includes being a registered boxing MC. As well as taking on the role of stadium announcer, Ross will also be hosting other matchday entertainment for the final season of Goodison Park.

Graeme White, who has held the stadium announcer microphone at Goodison for the last nine seasons and announced his departure from the role through social media on Sunday, will remain part of the pool of hosts and presenters available to the club for future events and activations. As well as Ross’ return, Everton are planning a series of additions to matchday and half-time entertainment to mark the final year at Goodison before making the move to their new 52,888 capacity waterfront home at Bramley-Moore Dock.

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Ross told evertonfc.com: “It is so exciting to have the opportunity to return to Goodison Park as the matchday stadium announcer and I can’t wait to get started. This is going to be a very special season in the club’s history – and I’m thrilled to be able to play a small part in bidding farewell to the Grand Old Lady over the next 10 months.”

Full details of what can be expected during 2024/25 both in the stadium and in the Fan Zone, which will once again be hosted by BBC Sport’s Giulia Bould, will be shared in the coming weeks. The final Premier League season at Goodison kicks off on August 17, with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion.