The Mail Bag
How did you become a blue?
Comments (28)
This question is for the out-of-town supporters really. I was speaking with my other half last night coming back from the match and she mentioned how many blues there were on the motorway, heading down south, coming back from the game (I'm originally from Liverpool, but now live in Wokingham). She reckons that if you are not from Liverpool, to support Everton you must have some connection with the city (she reckons it can't be because of our success, because we haven't had any for years ? she's a big Man U fan by the way).
It just got me thinking how you became a blue (the out-of-town supporters I mean). I know with Man U and Liverpool, it is just fans jumping on the band wagon. But with choosing to support the blues, it has got to be something deeper?
Brian Waring, Posted 01/10/2007 at 13:47:55
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Allan Hobbs
2 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:18:04
2 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:18:04
PS I live in SW London.
Dave McK
3 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:09:34
3 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:09:34
I?m from Dublin, Ireland and Everton was quite literally beaten in to me. I was ?shown? the way around 1990 when I was 11/12. Everyone I knew was a RS. One of the bigger lads in my group of friends was an Everton fan. Every Saturday afternoon I was quizzed on the Everton team/ who played/ who scored etc.. for each name I got wrong I would receive a ?deadener?.. I quickly learned the players names? Those blue bruises quickly turned to blue blood..
They are the only ?beatings? in my life that im glad to have received?!!!
They are the only ?beatings? in my life that im glad to have received?!!!
Daniel Lim
4 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:11:55
4 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:11:55
One fine day in the month of May in 1986, I was still young, started to take interest in football. FA Cup final coming (I love the programme Road To Wembley, and the music), thought I wanted to choose a team to support when I watched the live telecast. Blue was the colour I chose. And there’s no turning back.
Interesting enough, I just met a new colleague, a lovely girl, who supports the other side of the city, she started to support them on the same day. But her reason was not the colour, it’s because her father (MU fan) slated the other lot over and over during the first half, which we took a one goal lead.
Funny funny world.
Interesting enough, I just met a new colleague, a lovely girl, who supports the other side of the city, she started to support them on the same day. But her reason was not the colour, it’s because her father (MU fan) slated the other lot over and over during the first half, which we took a one goal lead.
Funny funny world.
Nick Entwistle
5 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:21:21
5 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:21:21
Daniel, same with me as with you, though I think I was going for the underdog team... or guided by a higher force.
Andy Ellams
6 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:25:50
6 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:25:50
I was born in the city but moved away when I was 2 years old. But coming from a family of blues I was sold when my Grandad took me to my first match on Grand National day 1978, a 2-1 win over Derby County. I live in Bedfordshire now, don’t get to the match as much as I once did but the passion never dies.
Dom Eaton
7 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:21:16
7 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:21:16
Been a blue for a long as I can remember, im 35 now, I live in Sussex(loads of u down here) and the proudest card in my wallet is my season ticket. My dad was born in West Derby and the family is typically split but I chose the better bluehalf of Merseyside.
Normally travel by train, but agree Brain that when I go by car (last time for the UEFA match) I’m amazed by how many cars fly our colours from south of the ground.
Off to the game on Thursday, bloody one game has cost me more than the price of my season ticket!!!
COYB
Normally travel by train, but agree Brain that when I go by car (last time for the UEFA match) I’m amazed by how many cars fly our colours from south of the ground.
Off to the game on Thursday, bloody one game has cost me more than the price of my season ticket!!!
COYB
Graham Nolan
8 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:26:45
8 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:26:45
I was a blue in the womb. My dad is a big Everton fan so I followed suit. I was quite fortunate to grow up watching Everton during the 1980’s so success was added to my already strong loyalty.
My dad started supporting Everton when he was a kid because his uncle played in goal for Everton reserves (I think he might have made 1 first team appearance). Don’t ask me to remember his name cos I can barely remember my own half the time.
I have many friends who support Liverpool or United and what these people don’t understand is that Everton is in my blood. While we have not won any trophies in recent history, and our quality of football under Moyes can be poor at times and the fact that Everton have an unrivalled capacity to break your heart, I would not swap my team for all the tea in China.......COYB!!!
My dad started supporting Everton when he was a kid because his uncle played in goal for Everton reserves (I think he might have made 1 first team appearance). Don’t ask me to remember his name cos I can barely remember my own half the time.
I have many friends who support Liverpool or United and what these people don’t understand is that Everton is in my blood. While we have not won any trophies in recent history, and our quality of football under Moyes can be poor at times and the fact that Everton have an unrivalled capacity to break your heart, I would not swap my team for all the tea in China.......COYB!!!
Iain Atkinson
9 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:36:30
9 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:36:30
I live in the South East and have supported Everton ever since I started getting into football as a kid (from the age of about 8). My reasons for choosing (or should that read ?being chosen by?) Everton were that a couple of other kids in my class supported them, my dad used to have a connection to NEC in the days when they sponsored Everton and my great, great, great uncle used to play for them many moons ago.
I?ve not lived through any of the glory days as I?m 27 now and the only success we?ve had in all that time was winning the FA Cup Final in 1995. Although I?m a long suffering Blue I wouldn?t want to support anyone else and live in eternal hope that we will eventually start challenging for the top again.
I?ve never been to Goodison Park but have watched Everton during some of their away games at Upton Park, Highbury (a few seasons ago) and White Hart Lane.
I?ve not lived through any of the glory days as I?m 27 now and the only success we?ve had in all that time was winning the FA Cup Final in 1995. Although I?m a long suffering Blue I wouldn?t want to support anyone else and live in eternal hope that we will eventually start challenging for the top again.
I?ve never been to Goodison Park but have watched Everton during some of their away games at Upton Park, Highbury (a few seasons ago) and White Hart Lane.
Phil Hamer
10 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:33:54
10 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:33:54
On April 4th 1986 I was nine years old and moved house from Pontllanfraith to Blackwood in South Wales. My new school mates (unlike the previous ones) were all mad football fans, and all supported Liverpool. When I moved I wasn’t a footbal fan but by the FA cup final the following month I was an Everton fan, so IT happened in that 6/7 week spell. I think it was a combination of supporting the underdog and that marvellous rich blue colour that I still love to this day.
Tom Emanuel
11 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:37:02
11 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:37:02
When I first started to become interested in football(about the age of six) the two Merseyside clubs were the best in the business. As a youngster I always had a rather large disliking to the colour red so (as strange as it sounds) that was what made my mind up! Thankfully, I never grew out of it!!
Jon Dunnett
12 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:03:24
12 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:03:24
I am from Wolverhampton, 28, and have supported Everton since I was about 6. My dad sat me down (he is a Millwall fan!) and made me watch the Cup Final.We beat Watford 2-0 and that was the start of the romance. Even though I have no connections with the city, if you cut me I would bleed blue and I go to as many home and away games as I can, though the expense is starting to affect the amount of games I can go to(petrol, tickets etc.) And If You Know Your History.....I do and I love being a Blue.
Edward Draper
13 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:03:00
13 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:03:00
The old south liverpool played at holly park (garston), if my memory is still right. both clubs, US / r/s put up money to install a new idea called FLOODLIGHTING, as a young man i went to the first floodlit game, it was ex EVERTON v ex r/s, A certain william ralph dean came on for a few mins, scored and i was hooked, true blue forever, teddy d.
Mark Welsh
14 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:25:24
14 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:25:24
I was living in South London at the start of the 1985/86 season when I got into footy.
It was all about Liverpool and everyone supported them. I fancied giving the underdogs a go, and what a team it was! Gary Lineker became my hero that year, and what a summer he had in the World Cup the following year.
I was gutted that we lost out in the league, then later again in the Cup, but what season followed in 1986/87 !
As a lad I had all the Everton bedspreads, lampshade, stickers, pennants, posters, etc. I still follow their every move, every day. I couldn’t breathe as AJ stepped up to the penalty against Metalist.
And I’ve been to the city of Liverpool 3 times in my life.
COYB.....
It was all about Liverpool and everyone supported them. I fancied giving the underdogs a go, and what a team it was! Gary Lineker became my hero that year, and what a summer he had in the World Cup the following year.
I was gutted that we lost out in the league, then later again in the Cup, but what season followed in 1986/87 !
As a lad I had all the Everton bedspreads, lampshade, stickers, pennants, posters, etc. I still follow their every move, every day. I couldn’t breathe as AJ stepped up to the penalty against Metalist.
And I’ve been to the city of Liverpool 3 times in my life.
COYB.....
Philip Drew-White
15 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:41:11
15 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:41:11
As a yorkshireman, my earliest memories (late 60’s) were supporting Orient first, then Crystal Palace. Started supporting the toffees in 1970, but cannot honestly say whether it was to do with the title win or not. As a youngster thought & still think Bob Latchford is god!!!
Mark Flehmer
16 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:46:17
16 Posted 01/10/2007 at 17:46:17
I am a 19 year old from the United States and followed international football(national teams) for most of my life but never really committed myself to following a premier league club. I am a huge Tim Cahill fan and when he came to Everton from Millwall I decided I would invest some time into getting to know the club. I fell in love with the history, players and fans. All my friends support clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea but I have been proud standing up for the blues the past 4 years and I will be doing it for many years to come. Hoping to pass it down from generation to generation in my family as I get older. I will be making my first trip to Liverpool on December 29th to see us take on Arsenal. Hoping for another stunner at the end from AJ!
Andy Staddon
17 Posted 01/10/2007 at 18:11:02
17 Posted 01/10/2007 at 18:11:02
I was about six living in Devon in 1969. An older boy for some reason supported Everton and I latched on. Alan Ball instant hero, and 1970 World Cup sticker book cemented my passion - Alan Ball, Brain Labone, Tommy Wright, Keith Newton and Colin Harvey all featured - Colin didn’t go, neither did Gordon West who ruled himself out - but who could fail to be impressed at that age.
Followed ever since and now live close enough to be a regular.
Followed ever since and now live close enough to be a regular.
Ed Casey
18 Posted 01/10/2007 at 18:09:17
18 Posted 01/10/2007 at 18:09:17
Newport, South Wales, 1984, aged 6 - Everton win the FA cup and that was the beginnning. Although a bit young and not really ’getting it’ at the time I continued to watch the blue team and by the time we lined up to play Liverpool in the ’86 final I was a blue through and through. My first hero was Bobby Mimms (lol - I was a nipper) but was soon replaced by Big Nev as soon as he was back (I wanted to be a keeper when I was little).
Thanks for this really great question - its annoying that people (some on this site) don’t think you have blue blood just because you don’t come from the city. I could say that the reason I support Everton is because my grandfather was born a stone’s throw from Goodison but that didn’t come into it, he was dead a long time before I was born. The fact of the matter is I started supporting Everton at a time when they were reasonably successful and, at such a tender age, had no idea how much suffering they would put me through in the 20 odd years I’ve supported them - but even if I did I’d like to think that my choice would have been the same and I wouldn’t have gone over to the dark side like so many of my childhood mates.
I’ve been up to Goodison and been to see the boys away plenty of times in my life. (Best game 2-2 v Saints at the Dell, Sharpy was ace - Worst game 0-0 v Spurs about 7 years ago - Campbell had a shocker and I only have to think about then to see how much better we have it now).
I haven’t been up for a few seasons though as I went back to Uni in my mid twenties (a £100 round trip makes it an extravagence) and have been very skint since. Finished now though and starting to earn so I’ll be up soon (plan to go and see them at least 5-6 times before any move becomes a reality).
Anyway, thats my bit about being an Everton fan. Like I’ve posted before - they keep me up at night and I follow them with as much passion as I can - I know nothing else.
I’m off to Spain tomorrow - but I’ll find a way of watching on Thursday night.Come on Everton!!!!!!
Thanks for this really great question - its annoying that people (some on this site) don’t think you have blue blood just because you don’t come from the city. I could say that the reason I support Everton is because my grandfather was born a stone’s throw from Goodison but that didn’t come into it, he was dead a long time before I was born. The fact of the matter is I started supporting Everton at a time when they were reasonably successful and, at such a tender age, had no idea how much suffering they would put me through in the 20 odd years I’ve supported them - but even if I did I’d like to think that my choice would have been the same and I wouldn’t have gone over to the dark side like so many of my childhood mates.
I’ve been up to Goodison and been to see the boys away plenty of times in my life. (Best game 2-2 v Saints at the Dell, Sharpy was ace - Worst game 0-0 v Spurs about 7 years ago - Campbell had a shocker and I only have to think about then to see how much better we have it now).
I haven’t been up for a few seasons though as I went back to Uni in my mid twenties (a £100 round trip makes it an extravagence) and have been very skint since. Finished now though and starting to earn so I’ll be up soon (plan to go and see them at least 5-6 times before any move becomes a reality).
Anyway, thats my bit about being an Everton fan. Like I’ve posted before - they keep me up at night and I follow them with as much passion as I can - I know nothing else.
I’m off to Spain tomorrow - but I’ll find a way of watching on Thursday night.Come on Everton!!!!!!
David OBrien
19 Posted 01/10/2007 at 18:50:13
19 Posted 01/10/2007 at 18:50:13
I was 8 years old, it was the winter of ’80. MOTD was playing on a Saturday night and I wanted to support Spurs (as my older brother did) but he would not let me. There was a team on the television playing in blue and they were winning so I said I would support them and that is how it started. I was the only one in my Primary (and senior)school who used to wear the Everton Kit for football practice. Of course my mates took the piss and even now I get called a plastic Scouser down in Essex and a cockney bastard when I go to Liverpool - can’t seem to win and laughed at all over the country - ironic really!!
Tom Evans
20 Posted 01/10/2007 at 19:13:50
20 Posted 01/10/2007 at 19:13:50
I suppose originating from the Wirral counts as being an out of towner, but lets agree that when I started Wirral was part of Cheshire and Liverpool was Lancashire.
The way I saw it in those days it was a rite of passage in that youngsters of six and seven years of age went to Prenton Park and cut their teeth there.
As they got older to say ten or eleven, you could be taken to Goodison or Analfield by older members of family or friends.
In 1963 I was "chosen" and saw the then Champions beaten by Blackburn 4-2. My first trip to Goodison was almost my last!
The way I saw it in those days it was a rite of passage in that youngsters of six and seven years of age went to Prenton Park and cut their teeth there.
As they got older to say ten or eleven, you could be taken to Goodison or Analfield by older members of family or friends.
In 1963 I was "chosen" and saw the then Champions beaten by Blackburn 4-2. My first trip to Goodison was almost my last!
tony graham
21 Posted 01/10/2007 at 19:56:02
21 Posted 01/10/2007 at 19:56:02
ive been an everton supporter since the early fifties, my old fella got some tickets to see a match at goodison, can.t remember who against, don,t know how he got em!!we were piss poor, anyway being about seven or so it was an amazing experience , everton had this brilliant c/forward, a certain dave hickson he was just so quick and brave, he was my idol and so were everton, something inside told me this was my team, always will be , you don,t have to be a scouser to get that call!!
Brian Waring
22 Posted 01/10/2007 at 20:12:15
22 Posted 01/10/2007 at 20:12:15
Cheers,some intresting reading there lads.There is one thing that sticks out for me.It’s that no matter what part of the country your from,the old adage ’ONCE A BLUE,ALWAYS A BLUE’comes to mind.
Stefan Tosev
23 Posted 01/10/2007 at 20:15:19
23 Posted 01/10/2007 at 20:15:19
I am 28 and I am Bulgarian, the person who is responsible for me being an Evertonian is my grandad. He was keen betting player and it was 84-85 when I started to learn reading. Every week we received sportnewspaper called "Sport Toto" and since there were pictures of some teams I wanted to know what was the name of this teams, who are the players and so on. The first word I read without help was Everton and so it started. I have to mention that my Grandfather is also Evertonian not as passionate as me but still Evertonian
Richard Porter
24 Posted 01/10/2007 at 22:41:40
24 Posted 01/10/2007 at 22:41:40
I was born in Worcester and have lived in Warrington since I was three (except for three eyars in Sunderland at uni).
I support Everton because my Dad (born in Liverpool) does. My Dad supports Everton because in about 1960 he wanted to piss off my Grandpa (a Liverpool fan), so he and my aunt and uncle all started supporting Everton in order to irritate him.
I support Everton because my Dad (born in Liverpool) does. My Dad supports Everton because in about 1960 he wanted to piss off my Grandpa (a Liverpool fan), so he and my aunt and uncle all started supporting Everton in order to irritate him.
Lee Smith
25 Posted 02/10/2007 at 01:56:08
25 Posted 02/10/2007 at 01:56:08
I have lived in Great Yarmouth all of my life (28 years) but have supported Everton as long as I can remember. The reason is that when my dad (who has also lived in Great Yarmouth all his life, he is 53), was 6 years old, he was looking at some football results and saw the word "Everton". All of his friends were Liverpool, Ipswich, Leeds etc, who at the time had very good teams, and decided that he wanted to be different, and based on nothing more than that, would decide to follow them as his team. He even had to ask someone where Everton was!!!
Cue 15 odd years later, I’m born and raised in a Royal Blue shirt (I didn’t choose, I was chosen!!!). I have just had a little lad myself, middle name Dixie and has his first full Everton kit himself at just 9 weeks old..... the Blue generation continues!!!!!
Cue 15 odd years later, I’m born and raised in a Royal Blue shirt (I didn’t choose, I was chosen!!!). I have just had a little lad myself, middle name Dixie and has his first full Everton kit himself at just 9 weeks old..... the Blue generation continues!!!!!
Jon Taylor
26 Posted 02/10/2007 at 07:10:53
26 Posted 02/10/2007 at 07:10:53
Im originaly from Lpool - but moved south 20 years ago - hence one of the people yuou see heading south on the M6/M1 is me!
Brett Shaw
27 Posted 02/10/2007 at 20:51:06
27 Posted 02/10/2007 at 20:51:06
First team I can remember on Match of the Day. That was in 1970 (we still had a Black & White TV) but thought they looked great. Goodison looked superb,choc a bloc and they won!First trip to Goodison was about 1975ish, played Leeds and lost 0-5. What a great day (seriously), standing on the Gwladys, the accent I couldnt understand (coming from Chesterfield it took a few trips to get accustomed)I could go on forever but the bottom line is(saddo that I am) I do believe that Evertonians are chosen!!!
Ian Taylor
28 Posted 03/10/2007 at 02:16:27
28 Posted 03/10/2007 at 02:16:27
Subbuteo.
I was 6, my dad as a Manure fan chose the Reds, I was left the Blues.
Cried my eyes out when they beat us in the FA Cup final 1-0. Blue stuck.
we got our revenge in 95 though!
COYB
see you in Kharkov!!
I was 6, my dad as a Manure fan chose the Reds, I was left the Blues.
Cried my eyes out when they beat us in the FA Cup final 1-0. Blue stuck.
we got our revenge in 95 though!
COYB
see you in Kharkov!!
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1 Posted 01/10/2007 at 16:04:57
It may also be worth noting that I have quite a few old mates who are kopites and I always the kid didn’t wanna conform so that might have some bearing on it.