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Dad, you're a legend

Thank's Dad for steering us away from the darkside. Growing up in Liverpool in the 70s was not a great time in our beloved club's history, but the best times I remember back then were of going to the match; once you step inside the Old Lady, your life is changed for the better.

I used to love looking at me Dad's scrapbooks & hearing the tales of when he was in the Boys' Pen watching the likes of Young, Labone, and Vernon ? and the tale of Chris Lawler who disrespected our family's name and played for Liverpool, spending a lifetime ostracized from the family (Blue Blood run's deep). And of the day I came home after playing football in the street and telling me Dad that my second favourite team was the Hotspurs (with the likes of Ardilles, Villa & Hoddle) ? only to be told that my second favourite team was Everton Reserves "...and don't you forget it!"

Even after emigrating to Rugby mad New Zealand, nothing could stop this love affair that seems to grow stronger by the year.

Which leaves me to comment on last night's match, to see them fellow blues singing their hearts out for this great club left a lump in my throat. We are a club with the most true and loyal supporters that you could ever wish to meet. And to hear Z-Cars blasting out of the PA system with 40,000 Blues singing along leaves the hair's on the back of your neck stand up on end.

Life as an Evertonian can be like being on a roller-coaster, but to ride these highs & lows only builds character. I for one bless the day that me Dad told me I was an Evertonian! Cheers, Dad ? you are a legend!!!
Gary Lawler, Australia Posted 19/04/2009 at 21:37:39

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John Colfar
1 Posted 20/04/2009 at 04:52:53

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Gary, aren't Dads great!!!

Peter Pridgeon
2 Posted 20/04/2009 at 05:15:06

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I used to say that my old man was responsible for the two banes of my life baldness and Everton, I have learnt to live with the Everton over the years. As for the baldness...

Chris Jenkinson
3 Posted 20/04/2009 at 05:27:40

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Gary, I too was up into the wee hours watching as I do every time we play. 4am into bed for a couple of hours shut-eye before work. Could?t get to sleep though, too buzzed even after all these years. I remember the 2 finals I went to in 66 and 68, I wish I could be at this one too! But I bet we?ll both be singing with the blues anyway.

ps: Pete, surely that should be the three banes of your life ? you forgot Leighton!

Peter Pridgeon
4 Posted 20/04/2009 at 06:36:14

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Chris.... no he’s alright, especially when he takes the second penalty and smashes it into the net... take that you manc bastards...this how the rest of them will arrive.

Its alright for you Aussies you can stay up and watch the game... the match hear in New Zealand started at 3am finished somewhere around 5.30, breakfast and then a slow start to work.

I cannot wait for the final.....6 weeks and counting.

Phil Roberts
5 Posted 20/04/2009 at 16:44:02

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Chris Lawler had his cartlidge removed in a private hospital in Liverpool. My mother was in at the same time and her room was on the floor above Chris’.

We met Chris and his wife in M&S Liverpool a few months later (no WAGs in them days) and my mum proudly told him that my dad would come into her room and spit on the floor and say "take that you swine".

Hated the guy because he played them - otherwise he was a nice guy. Gary, tell him, all Sinners can be forgiven so if he repents - I will say sorry for me dad’s actions