You really wouldn’t wish that on your worst enemy, those 10 additional minutes at the end of a match and week that has put Evertonians through the emotional wringer once again.
You’d think we’d be used to it by now - certainly supporters who lived through Wimbledon, Coventry and Crystal Palace. But, no, nothing can quite prepare you for the sheer agony of a last-day - or in the case of Palace last season, last-home-game - relegation decider.
For about 40 minutes Everton were going down. But, strangely, it was only after Abdoulaye Doucoure wrote his name alongside Barry Horne and Gareth Farrelly with a bolt-from-the-blue goal that the absolute torture truly began.
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For a brief moment it was bliss as you hugged your mum, your dad, your son, your daughter, your friends and the people whose faces you’ve known for years but who you still don’t know their name.
But soon the terror crept in. Yes, the Blues’ fate was back in their own hands, but with Leicester winning, their lead and 69-year stay in the top flight of English football was a precarious one. One goal from Bournemouth and that was that.
Remarkably, despite the shredded nerves, it never truly transmitted onto the pitch, even during those additional 10 minutes in which this proud club’s survival flashed before our very eyes when Jordan Pickford saved from Matias Vina.
And, for that, the supporters deserve immense credit. When Everton needed them most, they were there for them again.
Yes, this was different to Palace 12 months ago. That was sheer euphoria with a tinge of relief. This was pure relief. That was clear by the mixed reaction to some supporters going on to the pitch after the final whistle.
But what was most clear, from the fans on the field and those who remained in the stands, is that things have to change. It spoke volumes that the first song aired after the final whistle was ‘sack the board’.
Unlike 12 months ago, change cannot be put off. Yes, for a brief moment let the supporters enjoy - if that’s the word - another great escape.
But please, Everton, do not put us through this again.
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