The Mail Bag
Why are we Blues?
Comments (37)
I think there are two types of Evertonians, those born to it and those who choose.
Many of us who chose Everton live in Ireland or further afield. So why pick Everton? Well, as an 8-year-old watching the 1966 FA Cup Final, I'd some sort of allegiance to Nottingham Forest (I liked their name) but at 2-0 to Sheff Wed I decided Everton are my team. Best decision I ever made. The happiest days of my life have come from supporting this club.
Now, I realise that this is not a controversial or exciting post but I'd genuinely like to know how those not born to Everton, picked Everton?
Andy Crooks, Posted 31/10/2008 at 18:27:33
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I’m a Yankee so my first professional football match was the 95 Cup Final; that’s what led me to being an Evertonian.
My dad and brother were both Liverpool fans, and as a result so was I (I hate to admit). I really liked Everton and how they played and really liked Lineker (I was 8). 1986 FA Cup Final and my dad had the game on in his pub in Ireland. Everton scored first through that man above, I said that's my team to dad and went out to play confident we were winners that day. Came back an hour later and we were 3-1 down. Dad looked at me and said in one of those 'this is a test' tones. "So, are you still and Evertonian?" My answer was, of course, "Yes". That was the beginning for me and I have not nor never will regret it. COYB!
I am pure and bred Aussie but I started to support the toffees around 2000 when my mum's friend went for them. I have gone for the blues ever since and it?s a bonus that Cahill plays for us.
I am also a "yank" but have been watching Everton for 6-7 years. I really don’t have a moment that I remember starting to like them but my most memorable Everton moment was Carlsey’s goal against the shite.
I’m a 23 year old Aussie (however my father is from liverpool, moved here in ’72). My great grandfather played for Everton in 1886. I think he only played 3 games, but my family has supported Everton ever since.
Being in Australia you would think it would be tough to see most of the games, but the television coverage here is unbelievable. Every premier league weekend you have the choice of 5 games that are being played at once. You get to watch almost every game.
Being in Australia you would think it would be tough to see most of the games, but the television coverage here is unbelievable. Every premier league weekend you have the choice of 5 games that are being played at once. You get to watch almost every game.
I'm an Aussie and I initially became interested when my room mate, whilst living in London, was a mad Everton fan. I was really impressed with their efforts in reaching 4th the year I arrived, after having doing so poorly the season before. I liked the idea of not being another one of those big 4 wanker supporters you see in Australia and around the world who pretends to be into football, claiming allegiance to one of them in some attempt to big note themselves. I like the challenge, it makes it more exciting when things do go our way PLUS the Cahill factor.
I have to admit though there were times in the last five or so years that I have briefly questioned my allegiance, but then I ponder the thought of supporting some other club over Everton and it's like a slap in the face. If things went bottoms up for the club, Leeds style, and I was forced to support a new team, I don't think I could.
I have to admit though there were times in the last five or so years that I have briefly questioned my allegiance, but then I ponder the thought of supporting some other club over Everton and it's like a slap in the face. If things went bottoms up for the club, Leeds style, and I was forced to support a new team, I don't think I could.
I am not part of a football family or upbringing by any means, all rugby union, but something about this club aside from the game that it is involved with has drawn me too it to the point where I feel like I have been a life long fan. I now love this club and the game and I will so for the rest of my life.
I just hope to hell I get a chance to make it back over to go to Goodison before we move. Please god.
Yet another Aussie, I am 22. I?ve played club football before but never really followed a side. Started watching it more regularly back in 2003 and decided I needed a side. There was no way I was going to support Man Utd or Chelsea. Had a look at the Gunners and Liverpool (I know), but decided I didn?t want to follow a club that could just buy a trophy. I didn?t want to jump on a bandwagon like some international fans only to follow a club because it has a name like Beckham attached to it.
So I had a look at each side?s history, current form and location. My family has been in Australia for many generations but many first immigrated from the Liverpool area. The first club I ever played for had royal blue as their colours and Everton also had my favorite Australian player.
Started to watch them whenever possible, found this website, joining a senior club and am now hooked for life. Can only imagine what it's like in Liverpool, but soon found out when wearing the home jersey around there are enough red shites over here with a comment or two. Planning to make it to Goodison next year.
So I had a look at each side?s history, current form and location. My family has been in Australia for many generations but many first immigrated from the Liverpool area. The first club I ever played for had royal blue as their colours and Everton also had my favorite Australian player.
Started to watch them whenever possible, found this website, joining a senior club and am now hooked for life. Can only imagine what it's like in Liverpool, but soon found out when wearing the home jersey around there are enough red shites over here with a comment or two. Planning to make it to Goodison next year.
1) Plain bloody mindedness, coming from a family on my Dad's side of reds, check out the shop at 108 County Rd, big red signage. But family is still family, I scored a Saturday morning job working for free but got a season ticket for the Gwladys St for my Birthday and finished at 2:45 on match days.
2) We were down to go to my aunty?s (who married into a Blue family by the name of Owen!!) for a bommy night do. So to cut down on travelling, they lived in Speke, we all went to the match Vs WBA if I remember. The stand-out was little Bobby Collins squaring up to to some giant, anticipating Tom Petty by some years... No I won't backdown.
3) First day at at primary school, me, Mike Hazelwood and Arthur Noble (where are they now?) we were ?got a grip of? by a gang of 2nd years... are youse Red or Blue?? Blue says Mike... you?re ok then... on to me, Wot about you den? Me? I'm a blue
And do you know what? I wouldn?t have missed a day of it.
2) We were down to go to my aunty?s (who married into a Blue family by the name of Owen!!) for a bommy night do. So to cut down on travelling, they lived in Speke, we all went to the match Vs WBA if I remember. The stand-out was little Bobby Collins squaring up to to some giant, anticipating Tom Petty by some years... No I won't backdown.
3) First day at at primary school, me, Mike Hazelwood and Arthur Noble (where are they now?) we were ?got a grip of? by a gang of 2nd years... are youse Red or Blue?? Blue says Mike... you?re ok then... on to me, Wot about you den? Me? I'm a blue
And do you know what? I wouldn?t have missed a day of it.
I am a Malaysian and have never visited Goodison Park, although that would be my dream if I have the chance to. Was already an Evertonian when I was very young thanks to Gary Lineker and the old "NEC" logo on our shirt. Never missed a shout since and 20 over years now and still going stronger than ever. Love Everton and love everything about them. Been following the live coverage games in Malaysia. COYB!!!
I remember watching English soccer as it was known here back in the mid-80s as a nine- or ten-year-old kid. My dad would always watch out for this "Everton" team's results... pretty soon, so did I, family loyalties and all (though my older brother is a Chelsea man). And then finally by early '95 we got coverage, so I was able to watch Everton. They share a very similar history and tradition to my Aussie Rules club, so it seemed the right fit. Then, when Moyes took over, I was hooked... now, Everton are my religion.
From singapore... first ever soccer match watched on tv was back in ?94, Big Dunc?s debut against the shite which we all know what he did. Impressed by the dogged fight against relegation led by Royle and the oh so amazing 4-1 win against lilywhites in the fa semi and how bout that 1-0 clincher against the Mancs in the final.
I?ve never stopped loving Everton from then on...
I?ve never stopped loving Everton from then on...
My grandfather, who was from Liverpool, was an Everton supporter. He died before I was born, but when I first started getting interested in football, my mom told me that Everton was his team... so... I didn?t have a choice. I?d say I?m a Yank, too... but since I live in Texas and my dad isn?t from up north, but he is American, but not a Yank... My mom was born in London and I was born in East Anglia... but I?m pretty sure I was born a Blue...
Sorry, it?s somewhat late here in Texas and I rambled a bit...
Sorry, it?s somewhat late here in Texas and I rambled a bit...
At junior school in the early 80s in Oldham everyone supported United or the Shite. One of my mates was a Blue and it sort of rubbed off on me. 1st actual game was vs. Portsmouth in 87-88 I think. 2-1 with Trevor Steven scoring. Jesus that was 20 years ago...
I?m Malaysian and the day I turned Blue was the 1984 FA Cup final. I was a 9-year-old kid who was going through the starting line up and there was a certain player named Trevor Steven. It was incredibly exciting being a kid and having a player share the same name (albeit spelt differently).
Never looked back since! COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Never looked back since! COYB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I from India and I have been watching EPL since early 90?s and when ever I watched Everton the crowd stood up as if they are made together, as if this is a new breed, a new set of species with one will and motivation. The cry, the sound, the spirit bought me to Everton and I have never looked back never missed to follow one match of our club. Even when we where near the relegation in early 2000 the crowd roared. Not sure what happened to the same crowd after back to back top 6 finishes they have lost the spirit!!
The game against Man Utd made me sad as there was desperation. For me Everton is a spirit, a hormone that gives me energy. Even if we pay 3 leagues down I would stand up and say "I am a blue". It is the Fans and crowd which creates more fans if you are dull at home. People are going to walk down to our shade the ?Reds?.
?COYB?
I'm a 30-year-old Norwegian, and my father is a blue, so the FA Cup Final against Man Utd 85 is why I am a fanatic blue now! My daughter is 9 years old and she is the only Everton fan in the school she goes to.
I grew up in Llandudno (not too far away from L4) and Liverpool/Everton were the nearest clubs to where I lived. My gran's family all came from Merseyside and biggest of all ? Neville Southall is my cousin!
My gran casually dropped this in conversation when I was about 8 (he was the best keeper in the world at the time).
My mates never believed me until one day when I was about 13 my mum walked past school ? I called her over and asked her to tell all my mates who was my footballing cousin. Finally people believed my story!
Now both my children are blues as will their children be etc etc.
My gran casually dropped this in conversation when I was about 8 (he was the best keeper in the world at the time).
My mates never believed me until one day when I was about 13 my mum walked past school ? I called her over and asked her to tell all my mates who was my footballing cousin. Finally people believed my story!
Now both my children are blues as will their children be etc etc.
Here’s my story . . . . (http://www.toffeeweb.com/fans/beingblue/Nyahunzvi.asp)
Its great to read so many notices from Evertonians across the globe. From someone who resides in this great city, I just hope that the team go on to have a fantastic run, and give you something to be proud of and make your Monday mornings so bearable in school and at work.
First ever glimpse of the blues was 1984 when we played watford in the FA cup final. Not the prettiest of games, but was blown away by the passion and committment of the team in blue. Good thing we won 2-0 too! :)
Have been a fervent fan every since. Its been 24 fantastic years. Am planning to celebrate my 25th yr anniversary next year by FINALLY getting my arse down to Goodison.
Have been a fervent fan every since. Its been 24 fantastic years. Am planning to celebrate my 25th yr anniversary next year by FINALLY getting my arse down to Goodison.
I have to agree Norman, its a nice thread to read, and a decent change of pace to some of the usual TW threads.
I'm a proud brummie and toffee ? born Evertonian via parentage and proud to say that next year marks a century of Ludden?s ? from my grand father to my Pops and to me ? going to Goodison Park. Recounted my catholicism aged 21 ? could never give up my Everton.
I'm a proud brummie and toffee ? born Evertonian via parentage and proud to say that next year marks a century of Ludden?s ? from my grand father to my Pops and to me ? going to Goodison Park. Recounted my catholicism aged 21 ? could never give up my Everton.
My dad's mate looked like Alan Ball when they were kids!
I must have been about 4 maybe 5, not even young enough to understand football, and my dad sat me down and said "Right lad you?ve got 2 choices: Everton or find somewhere else to live." I liked living with my mum and dad so made the obvious choice. When I was actually old enough to understand it didn't matter and I knew I made the right decision ? even if I didn't like living at home!!!!!
My Mum used to fancy Kevin Ratcliffe so I started supporting Everton (or Blues, as I called them at 5 years old) from there.
All my family are RS. When I was 5, I asked my Da why nobody supported Everton. ?Because they?re bloody useless?, he replied, so just to upset him I?ve supported them ever since.
He was right, of course!
He was right, of course!
I am a 29-year-old Bulgarian, when I was 6 I started to learn reading. My grandfather was a keen better and at the time he always tipped Everton to win and so it began...
My uncle is a toffee and used to talk about them all the time when I was young. Being from Ireland it was great not to hear the usual shite about Manure and RS and took Everton to my heart. So much so I even moved to Liverpool over it! Best thing I've ever done!
I was born in Birkenhead, but my Dad is a lifelong Chelsea fan (as far removed from the current prawn sandwich brigade imaginable), so there was a bit of conflict in the early days. I obviously liked Chelsea coz of Dad, but all the kids at school supported either Everton or the RS, with the odd United fan thrown in.
However, it seemed all the kinda cool kids supported the Blues (this was mid to late 60s by the way!), so I felt a bit of leaning there.
The epiphany arrived on a cold midweek evening, sometime around 1968 or 69 (can?t remember exactly), when I just happened to be at my mate?s house, when hid Dad arrived home and announced that he was going ?the match? and would we like to go with him. Of course we did!! Fact is, I had no idea who we were going to see, but we toddled along anyway
My life changed forever in the instant we crested the steps in the old Upper Park End. The smells, noises, words I had never heard before..... everything was pretty overwhelming.
Can?t remember who we played... can?t remember the score.... it?s all a blur. What I DO remember is some fella stepping on my heel on the way out and my shoe was lost forever as I was swept away in a sea of humanity, and my Mum gave me a hiding when I got home.
I?ve told this story many times, and always make the same point at the end. I became a Blue purely and simply due to a friend?s Dad taking me to Goodison (not to say I wouldn?t have become a Blue anyway, but that was the catalyst). In this age of ridiculous ticket prices and the like, how many people can afford to take their OWN son to the game, let alone someone else?s.
I owe an eternal gratitude to Mr Williams!!!
However, it seemed all the kinda cool kids supported the Blues (this was mid to late 60s by the way!), so I felt a bit of leaning there.
The epiphany arrived on a cold midweek evening, sometime around 1968 or 69 (can?t remember exactly), when I just happened to be at my mate?s house, when hid Dad arrived home and announced that he was going ?the match? and would we like to go with him. Of course we did!! Fact is, I had no idea who we were going to see, but we toddled along anyway
My life changed forever in the instant we crested the steps in the old Upper Park End. The smells, noises, words I had never heard before..... everything was pretty overwhelming.
Can?t remember who we played... can?t remember the score.... it?s all a blur. What I DO remember is some fella stepping on my heel on the way out and my shoe was lost forever as I was swept away in a sea of humanity, and my Mum gave me a hiding when I got home.
I?ve told this story many times, and always make the same point at the end. I became a Blue purely and simply due to a friend?s Dad taking me to Goodison (not to say I wouldn?t have become a Blue anyway, but that was the catalyst). In this age of ridiculous ticket prices and the like, how many people can afford to take their OWN son to the game, let alone someone else?s.
I owe an eternal gratitude to Mr Williams!!!
Just listened to that knobhead Steve McMahon on ESPN describing us as an ?old fashioned? club and belittling us at every opportunity. I?m not for Kirkby by any means but he reckons were moving to an ?Industrial Estate? It was the same story before the the Derby match when he openly said that Everton fans are ?bitter and twisted?. Well, I?ve turned the broadcast off after he said we?d paid £18 mill for Fellaini ? the complete prick.
I think what defines being an Evertonian for me is that it hurts when tossers besmirch our name like this and just come out with complete fucking lies in the same way as it would hurt if somebody said something bad about a member of your family. Win good today Blues and shut this fucking knobhead up.
Early eighties.... Kids in Serbia have rare oportunities to watch international soccer save for occasional FA cup finals and late stages of the European Champion’s Cup.
Imagine what? RSs are on freaking TV all the time and all the kids cheered for them. Allright, 12 year old boy said back in 1984, screw them, what’s the other team there? Then I found out. Then I realized. Then I made one of the choices I won’t regret. Never. Ever.
COYB, Srdjan
Imagine what? RSs are on freaking TV all the time and all the kids cheered for them. Allright, 12 year old boy said back in 1984, screw them, what’s the other team there? Then I found out. Then I realized. Then I made one of the choices I won’t regret. Never. Ever.
COYB, Srdjan
It?s brilliant to hear from Blues all over the world (hope Everton?s marketing team read this). What?s the best blue moment ever?
Well,for me it happened a long way from Goodison Park. I was living in Glasgow and we were 2-0 down to Wimbledon. Every result was going against us and I switched off the radio depressed beyond belief. At five o clock I went to my local grocer to buy some drink to drown my sorrows. The Indian grocer said, the most wonderful words I?ve ever heard, "You're safe" I lept over the counter, hugged him and his wife. Ran round his shop screaming, "Yes, yes, yes!!!", ran back to my house and asked my girlfriend to marry me. She asked if I was insane but said yes.
Fuck me,was that ever a mistake...
Grew up in the middle of rural Somerset but my folks were both from Liverpool, so used to go up to the city to spend time with the family at Christmas time. My uncles were all mad Blues and took me to Goodison on 28 December 1982 ? my first ever proper footy match. We were playing Forest who I had watched the European Cup twice just a couple of years ago. Sat in the Upper Bullens and remember being amazed (as an 8-year-old would be) at how far John Bailey could kick the ball!
Anyway, we pasted them 3-1 (Sharpy got a couple and I think Steve McMahon got the other). Figured that if we could beat the former Euro champions and Clough himself, then you couldn?t do much better than that. And it was just amazing being at such a huge ground with all the fans and the cracking football on show. And haven?t looked at another side since.
My uncles have passed away now... God help them, but I hope in heaven Everton don?t play 4-5-1 at home!!! I?m now passing on the bug to my own nephew who lives in Monmouth. Took him to his first match last season as he was in danger of falling for Manure. The match? Everton 7 - Sunderland 1 ... and he hasn?t looked back since either!
I have to thank Wayne Rooney for me supporting Everton, I'm from Ireland but when I heard on BBC 909 that he scored a 20-yard screamer I never looked back; he's the reason why I support the Blues.
I was born in Southport. My road was called Vaughan Rd. All my school mates supported either the red durge or the other red durge at the end of the A580. For me at the bottom of our road it was a tee-junction and that road was of course my beautiful Everton Rd. And I have to say as that was against the grain that attitude stayed with me right up until now.
God I?m trouble with some female in Cornwall because of this altitude!! Oh well... another week, another game.
COYB
God I?m trouble with some female in Cornwall because of this altitude!! Oh well... another week, another game.
COYB
Hopped on the bandwagon in the 80s. Call me a glory-hunter if you will! ;-) We played tough but fair, at 140mph with skill (yes it?s hard to imagine Everton doing just that). Almost every player was a leader in their own right. Neville Southall and Gary Lineker (since I play striker myself) were my idols.
Just reading the sunday paper and noticed Arteta has got the third most assists in the league. Also, for him to perform, the whole team need to try and play football ? not just hoof the ball all game and miss out the midfield. Who would you put on freekicks around the box? There is no one else bar baines, and he can't get in our team.
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1 Posted 01/11/2008 at 01:17:22
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Now I try to catch at least one home game a season and all the matches in and around London.