The Mail Bag
Why do Scousers become Blues?
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In response to a comment made on a previous topic I thought it would be interesting to consider how scousers became Evertonians as opposed to the ?other? side.
There are a number of folks who are saying that if Everton move out of the city of Liverpool then the local support base will be eroded and over time anyone born within Liverpool will be a red.
My question is to scousers born in the immediate North Liverpool area, how did you become a blue? Was it because your dad or your brother (in my case) or your uncle or your mum, or another close person in your life made it pretty clear that this was how it was going to be when you were very young? Perhaps they took you to your first match when you were kid? Perhaps someone bought you a kit? Perhaps you watched a game on the tv and got hooked by the boys in blue (from previous eras) playing beautiful joined up football? Perhaps your favorite player happened to play for Everton? I would guess that most of us would say it was an existing supporter that got us involved with Everton.
Would that change if we moved out of Liverpool?
As long as Everton continue to improve and challenge the top end of the league, surely existing supporters will continue to be as ?blue? as they always have, which means that they will continue to influence their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews (etc.) just like they always have?
Regardless of whether we end up in Kirkby or not, we?d better keep improving as it?s our current level of performance that will maintain our level of support with future fans.
Greg Dawson, Posted 28/06/2007 at 19:10:30
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That’s a very interesting question, Greg. Individual stories vary but mostly the torch is passed from father to son, brother to brother and so on. The thing is, I and many thousands of other Evertonians were easily persuaded by whoever got us interested, be it a friend or a relative, because Everton was a local team, part of the fabric of the city. When I started watching, Everton was THE top local team and Liverpool was newly promoted. I barely knew any Liverpool fans until someone in the family married one - a scandal. It was a rite of passage to go to Goodison. But how easily directed toward Everton would we have been as kids if Liverpool was the only Premier League club in Liverpool while Everton was the local club in a neighboring town? That might have been a tougher sell. In 10-15 years, a kid in Walton, or Woolton, Everton or Kirkdale, or any of a hundred neighborhoods may regard Liverpool as the team to naturally identify with. Perhaps that will be countered by kids in Knowsley neighborhoods naturally identifying with Everton. I don’t know. I would hope that Everton would do some research on fan base erosion before stepping off the cliff, especially when you think they are moving to a community whose population is shrinking almost daily. I doubt they will though. I’ve been ridiculed for worrying about "an imaginary line" Perhaps I am. A lot will depend on how well the Borough of Knowsley establishes its own identity, separate from Liverpool, in the years ahead. I fear we will end up as The Knowsley People’s Club.
Back in 1967 I remember coming home from school, I asked my dad. ’what team do we support dad.’
His reply. ’Everton of course son.’
I then had the childish stupidity to ask why not Liverpool, as my mate said they where the best.
Cue one cuff round the back of the head and my dad telling me to never utter the word best and Liverpool in the same breath.
I was only 6. But i honestly remember this, it was the best lesson i ever learnt in my life.
His reply. ’Everton of course son.’
I then had the childish stupidity to ask why not Liverpool, as my mate said they where the best.
Cue one cuff round the back of the head and my dad telling me to never utter the word best and Liverpool in the same breath.
I was only 6. But i honestly remember this, it was the best lesson i ever learnt in my life.
I think its a testament to this club of ours that you see so many young kids wearing the blue of Everton, despite the fact (and I hate admitting it) that the RS have been immeasureably more successful than us in recent history. It goes to show that there’s more to supporting a team than just latching on to success...
With regard to "would things change if we moved out of Liverpool"?....Why the hell should we move out of Liverpool? I’m not one to hang on to history without being willing to look forward but IMHO for us to move away would be to cede the city to the RS..THERE ARE SITES WITHIN THE CITY. For reasons we can only guess at, these dont seem to be receiving the attention they should. Ahhh don’t get me onto that !!!!!
With regard to "would things change if we moved out of Liverpool"?....Why the hell should we move out of Liverpool? I’m not one to hang on to history without being willing to look forward but IMHO for us to move away would be to cede the city to the RS..THERE ARE SITES WITHIN THE CITY. For reasons we can only guess at, these dont seem to be receiving the attention they should. Ahhh don’t get me onto that !!!!!
I support Everton because my Dad did, and his Dad before him.
My son or daughter (due in September) will support Everton because I do. Not because they play in Liverpool or because they may play in Kirkby.
Isn’t this how it works ?
My son or daughter (due in September) will support Everton because I do. Not because they play in Liverpool or because they may play in Kirkby.
Isn’t this how it works ?
It was 1954, I was 14 and despite being a born and bred Dingle lad I had no real concept of the city as being MY city. My older brother (RIP) and his mates were all Liverpool supporters. Perhaps it was sibling rivalry or as Everton were in the 2nd division was it the first signs of supporting the underdog. A trait that to this day has brought me a whole heap of grief. Whatever it was I am a Blue and its too late to change that.
My Dads Dad and so on,but that was early fifties I remember going in58 but I have been told my dad took me to goodison for my 6th birthday treat in56.But things are different now Kids have other interests in my day your main playtime topic was playing football I was always Dave Hickson my 6 year old grandson has Tennis lessons,karate,chess and football so its not as intense with him as there is more to choose from so the leaving of the city weakens the link even more of course I have plans for his season ticket in 2010 as his mum and nan think hes to young yet ,
Great post Greg. I supported Everton because my Dad did (although he’s now a Tranmere season ticket holder of some years). I was taken to the games as a young kid as my birthday present - never saw them lose, probably ’cos we went 10 minutes before the end to avoid th e stampede and to get a seat on the Soccer Bus home!!! My 3 year old lad has a kit and has a list words which "we don’t say" - the L-word being one of them.
My little girl is my good luck charm, sat on her Daddy’s knee in front of the TV she’s never seen us lose - admittedly she’s only 7 months old !
Wherever we end up we’re still Evertonians, and long may that continue through our offspring and beyond...
My little girl is my good luck charm, sat on her Daddy’s knee in front of the TV she’s never seen us lose - admittedly she’s only 7 months old !
Wherever we end up we’re still Evertonians, and long may that continue through our offspring and beyond...
Another one not in Walton Anymore.Brought up in a family of reds. I could see the Ground from my bedroom window, just felt right and much better to be a blue. We went to Goodison one week and Anfield the next as kids, perhaps it was the lure of first division football that did the trick or perhaps it was the special feeling at Goodison. All my kids bar one are blues (the red sheep was swayed by his grandad, he even works for them, but then again he’s handy for Derby Tickets.)
My earliest football memory (if correct) is my Dad coming home from Wembley after having watched an F.A. Cup Final and giving me the programme.
He was a Red and it was between Liverpool and Tottenham, about 1963 or 64.
So I don’t really know what made me an Everton supporter.
He was a Red and it was between Liverpool and Tottenham, about 1963 or 64.
So I don’t really know what made me an Everton supporter.
Born Kirby, brought up in Bootle. Being brought up in a family of seven, three blues, three RS, and me. My oldest brother took me to Goodison (Upper Bullens) for my eigth birthday present. Never saw the game as I was too busy watching the crowd surges in the Gladys Street Terrace. Brilliant day. No other team from that moment.
Now I live in Perth, Western Australia. My three children are all Evertonians. Took them to their first game last August when back on holiday (a holiday to Bootle!!!). Sat in the Lower Bullens and watched my eight year old son stare in awe at all the crowd cheering us on against Watford. Then took him to the Balckburn game at Ewood Park and he was amazed that "the Everton supporters didn’t stop singing. It was like the Blackburn supporters weren’t there mum".
Is there anything better between a father and his child than these moments watching Everton in the flesh?
Now I live in Perth, Western Australia. My three children are all Evertonians. Took them to their first game last August when back on holiday (a holiday to Bootle!!!). Sat in the Lower Bullens and watched my eight year old son stare in awe at all the crowd cheering us on against Watford. Then took him to the Balckburn game at Ewood Park and he was amazed that "the Everton supporters didn’t stop singing. It was like the Blackburn supporters weren’t there mum".
Is there anything better between a father and his child than these moments watching Everton in the flesh?
I remember it was my grandad who made me a blue when I was about 5 years old. He worked on the docks most of his life and he’d always have loads of stories to tell. I have lived abroad since I was 2 and everytime I’d come home to Walton he’d tell me about when he used to played goalie for Everton A and we’d have a kickabout in the garden. "Mind those roses lad" he’d say as he’d tip a few shots of mine round the post...or the hoover I should say. Apparently me nan says its true that he was a goalie for the blues, but thinking about it he was only 5 foot 7...but must have had the leap of a cat! Anyway just has his mission to make me a blue was working he presented me with an Everton mug as I was about to leave UK to go back abroad with my folks. It was in a plastic bag and as I went to hug him bye, the bag which was in my hand swung round and smashed teh mug against the wall! Ha ha happy memories! From then on I was a blue for life and that was 32 years ago!
I’m from Cheshire, my Dad was born and bred in Cheshire. I’m a Blue as he was, my eldest Brother is a kopite - it’s just the way it goes.
I have no scouse in my family whatsoever yet am proud to be a Blue, I was born one.
I have no scouse in my family whatsoever yet am proud to be a Blue, I was born one.
Dad was a RS born and raised right next to Analfield, Mum and her entire family bluenoses from near Vauxhall Road. Dad was usual RS; armchair supporter but Mum’s side all wanted to take me to the match os growing up went to Goodison, although never champions we were always up amost them (early 70s onwards). Have family member’s ashes (one of founders of WSAG) pitchside.
My son is a bluenose and as soon as he is old enough I hope to take him to the old lady if she’s still there, so many memories even if she is tired she still gets the hairs standing on the back of my neck hearing Z Cars fire up and watching the team run out and when the crows are in full flow there’s nowhere else on the planet I would rather be.
My son is a bluenose and as soon as he is old enough I hope to take him to the old lady if she’s still there, so many memories even if she is tired she still gets the hairs standing on the back of my neck hearing Z Cars fire up and watching the team run out and when the crows are in full flow there’s nowhere else on the planet I would rather be.
I am not scouser I am even not born in England, I am Bulgarian. My granddad was keen punter and he was always reading newspapers and I wanted to participate in what he was doing, so I had to learn reading. He started teaching me to read and within 3 months I was able to read, it was 1984-85. The first word I read was Everton,now I reside in Vienna and at least one time per season I am able to watch Everton live.
I didn’t have a choice. i was born into a familly of blues.
That i am thankful!
That i am thankful!
Hailing from Essex as I do, it wasn’t till I was seven and living in West Sussex that I discovered Everton.
My new best friend was an Evertonian, I had to show him round school and he introduced me to football and more importantly Everton. Ever since then I have been a blue and when I have kids, they will be blue. I get to Goodison at least once a season (as I play on a Saturday still) and get to some of the London away days
One thing I do know is that I love being a blue and wouldn’t change it for the world ? I wouldn?t want to support Chelsea (unsustainable success), Man U or the Dark Side. They have been infiltrated by bandwagoners (not sure if that?s a word but I think you understand my point!). I know I can go to Goodison and sit with people who aren?t sat there watching the team that is winning things at the moment and will fade away when the going gets tough.
There are more successful teams out there in terms of silverware but no one with our history and our real success is being a friendly club that everybody loves ? no one I speak to (apart from RS) hate Everton. Everywhere I have been in the world, I have seen/met another Evertonian. When I go to Liverpool, I find it so welcoming ? there?s just something about you people that makes you feel at home, I love it!!
Hopefully, we are witnessing the upturn in fortunes and our reward will be CL and silverware ? if any club out there deserves it, it?s us!! COYB NSNO!!!
My new best friend was an Evertonian, I had to show him round school and he introduced me to football and more importantly Everton. Ever since then I have been a blue and when I have kids, they will be blue. I get to Goodison at least once a season (as I play on a Saturday still) and get to some of the London away days
One thing I do know is that I love being a blue and wouldn’t change it for the world ? I wouldn?t want to support Chelsea (unsustainable success), Man U or the Dark Side. They have been infiltrated by bandwagoners (not sure if that?s a word but I think you understand my point!). I know I can go to Goodison and sit with people who aren?t sat there watching the team that is winning things at the moment and will fade away when the going gets tough.
There are more successful teams out there in terms of silverware but no one with our history and our real success is being a friendly club that everybody loves ? no one I speak to (apart from RS) hate Everton. Everywhere I have been in the world, I have seen/met another Evertonian. When I go to Liverpool, I find it so welcoming ? there?s just something about you people that makes you feel at home, I love it!!
Hopefully, we are witnessing the upturn in fortunes and our reward will be CL and silverware ? if any club out there deserves it, it?s us!! COYB NSNO!!!
Born in 1961 into a red family. Aged 5 watched Alan Ball in World Cup. As soon as he signed for the Blues I became one. My family was gutted. Always tried to turn me back to the Darkside. Dad even took me to watch the RS win League at Wolves in 70’s. Still no chance of turning me. Once a Blue....My kids now Blues as will theirs when they have them!
I was born on the day we day we won the cup in 84. My Dad missed the birth because he was watching his beloved blues(totally understandable).Growing up in belfast among celtic, man utd and liverpool fans when we were fighting relegation didn’t bother me. Once Everton is in your heart it never leaves.Up the Toffees!
I’m from St Helens (does that count?) and when I was "nobbut a lad" my dad was first and foremost a Rugby League fan, but was also slowly indoctrinating me to be a Man U fan. I went on holiday to Cornwall with my Granma and came back to find my room had been redecorated with pictures of Georgie Best, Brian Kidd, Bobby Charlton etc. To be honest I wasnt really bothered. I went to a couple of games, saw Denis Law score a blinder against Burnley and Best turn a whole team inside out but couldnt say I was a United fan. Then one evening, Mr Cliffe, the coach of the youth club team under elevens I played for at the time, took the team to Goodison for a night match, against derby County I think, a 0-0 draw, and from the moment I reached the top of the steps in the Bullens and saw the luminous green pitch I was smitten. I cant imagine ever supporting any other team and I am still mystified how anyone else does. I wen to almost all the home games in the seventies and early eighties and a lot of away games too before moving abroad for a spell and missing the glory years. I now live in deepest West Sussex and only get to the odd game but I am still as obsessed with all things Evertonian. I will be playing for Eifc at Worldnet next month and its the nearest I’ll ever come, now I’m in my late forties, to playing for my beloved Everton. And I’ll tell you this for nothing. All the money in the world would not have pushed me out of Goodison Park to play for anyone else.
Mr Cliffe will always have my undying gratitude.
Murf
P.s Big NO to moving from Goodison!
Its our home and its not THAT bad!
Mr Cliffe will always have my undying gratitude.
Murf
P.s Big NO to moving from Goodison!
Its our home and its not THAT bad!
My first few visits to Goodison were as a 7/8 yr old in early 50?s-with my Dad (in for free) to see Everton and England ..... An ex-Garston lad, my Dear Dad was the Director of Music with the City Police Band(played at half time).
Evertonian ever since...in HK/China since 1966.
Evertonian ever since...in HK/China since 1966.
I am 67 and have been an Everton supporter since I was 6 - how about that for loyalty. My Father was a true blue and wouldn’t have red in the house nor were we allowed to wear it as if we did he would go "off his head". I am as passionate about our team as he was and so is my son, so I do think our "blue blood" does get passed down from generation to generation.
I hail from Surrey and was just drawn to this fantastic team in the early 80’s. Not having a big local team on our doorsteps me and my mates all began choosing teams to support. It wasn’t a glory thing as they hadn’t won anything but there was something special about this team in blue.
I may not be able to get to Goodison more than a handful of times a season but my three year old boy is going to be a blue, just like his Dad.
Goodison or not, we’ll always be a well supported team. As for the others over the park taking over the city, you guys up there will just have to keep up the family traditions.
I may not be able to get to Goodison more than a handful of times a season but my three year old boy is going to be a blue, just like his Dad.
Goodison or not, we’ll always be a well supported team. As for the others over the park taking over the city, you guys up there will just have to keep up the family traditions.
I’m from E yorks, started life as a man u supporter,(don’t know why, no family influence), then I saw everton on match of the day, can’t remember the game, result, anything, been a toffee ever since, my boys a blue, so will the girl be, the support will be the same wherever we end up.
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1 Posted 28/06/2007 at 22:01:02
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When I have children, they’ll be blue...