Season 2011-12
The Mail Bag
I wonder who this could be???
44 Comments: I just read an old article about one our former players and, although it won't be too difficult for the 'older' generation to know who this is, I was a little taken aback by his comment at the end of the article... made me get goosebumps... and no, my eyes are watering cos of allergies. :-)
Set up in 1998, the charity is a fan-run benevolent fund for former Everton players who have fallen on hard times. His involvement with the foundation seems to have deepened his love of the club. 'Evertonians are so enthusiastic about their players,' he says. 'It staggers me every time I come over.' I ask him, with his Midlands roots and home in Germany, where his heart lies. 'I might have started at Birmingham,' he says, 'but my soul is at Goodison.'
Tommy Davis, Posted 11/08/2011 at 21:22:17
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Bob Latchford?
Cheers for the input Jimmy Sorheim. What a benefit you are to posts on this site. If you don't like it, don't read it but why would you do that when your judgement of something that may interest someone other than you is so much more important than their involvement?
For those of us interested in your post Tommy, it is indeed the legend that is Bob Latchford.
For those of us interested in your post Tommy, it is indeed the legend that is Bob Latchford.
Now's your chance to pen a letter that'll have us on the edge of ours seats then Jimmy...we're waiting!
Big Bob Never seems to get that much credit and his name gets forgotten amongst are younger fans. I remember as a kid Latchford winning the cash prize from the express i think it was for his League goals, what a buzz that was and it seemed like we had won a trophy and coming at a time that the red twats were winning everything it just cemented why we have better fans than them and added another centre forward to the list of greats to have pulled on the jersey.
If only he was around now - what a player - and yes when we beat Chelsea, scoring 6 by the way, and he won that prize, it was like winning the cup.
Absolute hero.
"One goal at a time Bob Latchford, that's all we're asking of you."
All together now...
Absolute hero.
"One goal at a time Bob Latchford, that's all we're asking of you."
All together now...
"Boooooobbbbby Latchford walks on water, na na na na naaaa na na na na.
Oh what heady days. Dave Thomas flying down the wing, slinging in a pin point cross and big bad Bob burying it.
Coats for goal posts................
Oh what heady days. Dave Thomas flying down the wing, slinging in a pin point cross and big bad Bob burying it.
Coats for goal posts................
Just as an aside.
I have to get this off my chest.
I fucking loved being an Evertonian in the Latchford days.
I have to get this off my chest.
I fucking loved being an Evertonian in the Latchford days.
My budgie was named after the great man, he died twice but came back to life the next morning, the second time he even changed colour ! (the budgie not big Bob)
I remember him being on "Swap Shop" on a Saturday morning whilst nursing a broken toe.
I was that excited I got up at 6am to make sure I didn't miss it!
A legend in its truest sense... and I bet he can still walk on water
I was that excited I got up at 6am to make sure I didn't miss it!
A legend in its truest sense... and I bet he can still walk on water
30 grand for 30 league goals wasn't it?
Jim,
First and foremost you're a goose. I have absolutely no idea who this player is or what he's about (as I'm relatively new to becoming a die-hard Evertonian since 08/09) however, after reading the quote as well as the feedback from other Evertonian's he seems to be a bloody top bloke!! Pretty sure some people enjoy these quote, unquote 'poor and boring' posts.
First and foremost you're a goose. I have absolutely no idea who this player is or what he's about (as I'm relatively new to becoming a die-hard Evertonian since 08/09) however, after reading the quote as well as the feedback from other Evertonian's he seems to be a bloody top bloke!! Pretty sure some people enjoy these quote, unquote 'poor and boring' posts.
30 League goals in a season...I remember it well. Actually I don't, I remember the excitement listening to the radio as a young lad, but the details remain unclear. Didn't he need to score 2 in the last game, wasn't one a penalty also?
And Karl is right, it was such a buzz at what was a low point for us.
And Karl is right, it was such a buzz at what was a low point for us.
I fuckin love Bob Latchford.....fat, lazy, limited talent, hated anyone else scoring, .....knew exactly where the goal was and did his job!!! One lethal mother!!
I touched his boot when he jumped on the railings at Elland Road after scoring the 1980 cup semi equaliser against West Ham....have wanked left handed ever since.
Bobby Latchford does indeed walk on water...... na na na na na na na na na na.
I touched his boot when he jumped on the railings at Elland Road after scoring the 1980 cup semi equaliser against West Ham....have wanked left handed ever since.
Bobby Latchford does indeed walk on water...... na na na na na na na na na na.
Was it Bob Latchford, (or Andy King?), who had a song for them to When a Child was Born?
Phill (12) - And he shared out the money with everyone at the club.
In fact, when I heard him talk at an Irish Toffees do a few years ago, he said scoring the 30 goals actually COST him money.
He generously shared the money with team-mates, training staff etc, then was hit for tax on the full amount.
I actually got to chat to him after and asked him (quietly) something I'd wanted to ask for years.
What on earth was going through his head when he committed what is possibly the worst foul I've ever seen?
It was in a cup game at Goodison against either Wrexham or Wigan (fairly sure it was one of them).
Basically Brian Kidd had been sent off and (as usual) was making a fucking shouty, pushy meal of it.
While everyone was distracted, pushing and shoving, Latch fucking HOOFED their (by now) prone keeper, right in the teeth.
Blood and snot akimbo!
I was right at the front of the St End in those days and immediately thought 'Shit, he's banned for life' (even for back then, it looked awful).
However the cameras missed it, as did most of their players.
Their captain DID see it but on The Big Match next day just said..
"The playerrr what did what he did...er..and 'ee knurrs 'oo 'ee is and 'ee knurrs what he done...done it in a cowarrrdly way..." (or some woolyback gibberish equivalent).
So...he got away with it, completely.
When I reminded him, he was genuinely mortified and said "Awww shit..I STILL feel bad about it, I have no excuse and NO idea what came over me, it was a TERRIBLE thing to do".
(It was a mystery as he NEVER got involved in anything like that).
I told him to relax and that, maximum, there was probably only a couple of hundred at the front of the St End (the BB lar!) who saw it.
Also I told him he could have wellied Mother Theresa in the grid and I'd still worship him.
(by the way, anyone else remember this incident?)
Anyway, he seemed like a real nice feller and will always be a hero to me.
Sings: "One goal at a tiiiiiiiime Bob Latchford, that's aaaall we're askin' of you. When you 'it the bar, we all say 'aahhh'. one goal at a time".
In fact, when I heard him talk at an Irish Toffees do a few years ago, he said scoring the 30 goals actually COST him money.
He generously shared the money with team-mates, training staff etc, then was hit for tax on the full amount.
I actually got to chat to him after and asked him (quietly) something I'd wanted to ask for years.
What on earth was going through his head when he committed what is possibly the worst foul I've ever seen?
It was in a cup game at Goodison against either Wrexham or Wigan (fairly sure it was one of them).
Basically Brian Kidd had been sent off and (as usual) was making a fucking shouty, pushy meal of it.
While everyone was distracted, pushing and shoving, Latch fucking HOOFED their (by now) prone keeper, right in the teeth.
Blood and snot akimbo!
I was right at the front of the St End in those days and immediately thought 'Shit, he's banned for life' (even for back then, it looked awful).
However the cameras missed it, as did most of their players.
Their captain DID see it but on The Big Match next day just said..
"The playerrr what did what he did...er..and 'ee knurrs 'oo 'ee is and 'ee knurrs what he done...done it in a cowarrrdly way..." (or some woolyback gibberish equivalent).
So...he got away with it, completely.
When I reminded him, he was genuinely mortified and said "Awww shit..I STILL feel bad about it, I have no excuse and NO idea what came over me, it was a TERRIBLE thing to do".
(It was a mystery as he NEVER got involved in anything like that).
I told him to relax and that, maximum, there was probably only a couple of hundred at the front of the St End (the BB lar!) who saw it.
Also I told him he could have wellied Mother Theresa in the grid and I'd still worship him.
(by the way, anyone else remember this incident?)
Anyway, he seemed like a real nice feller and will always be a hero to me.
Sings: "One goal at a tiiiiiiiime Bob Latchford, that's aaaall we're askin' of you. When you 'it the bar, we all say 'aahhh'. one goal at a time".
I enjoyed reading your post Eugene.
I have never heard that story before. My Dad has told me many,many tales about the "good,old days" but never that one.
It sounds more like a Big Dunc story.
I have never heard that story before. My Dad has told me many,many tales about the "good,old days" but never that one.
It sounds more like a Big Dunc story.
Do remember it Eugene.
It was against Wigan in the early rounds of the cup.
Think the end score was 3-0 to us.
Their keeper had a mad grey barnet of a hair do. The Latch did welly him right in the mush during the fracar that go Kiddo sent off.
It was against Wigan in the early rounds of the cup.
Think the end score was 3-0 to us.
Their keeper had a mad grey barnet of a hair do. The Latch did welly him right in the mush during the fracar that go Kiddo sent off.
Jimmy - "if yer know yer istory"
Big Bob what a hero. What i would give to have him in today's team.
I do always think of Latchford when i think of one of the most heartbreaking moments i have had supporting everton though. I remember feeling about ten foot tall when he scored in the semi final only to still be celebrating when frank lampard was heading to the corner flag. Along with Gary Mc's free kick i am not sure i have ever felt as gutted.
I do always think of Latchford when i think of one of the most heartbreaking moments i have had supporting everton though. I remember feeling about ten foot tall when he scored in the semi final only to still be celebrating when frank lampard was heading to the corner flag. Along with Gary Mc's free kick i am not sure i have ever felt as gutted.
Agree Dave (20). I still blame Kidd for us not twatting them on the Saturday at Villa Park. We were doing fine and then they had a man sent off (some Scots feller...Stewart something or something Stewart?). Anyway, it was ours. Then that soft bastard loses his rag and it's back to ten against ten. After Elland Rd in the week was about as gutted as I've ever felt watching Everton. Me and a mate hitched there and got a lift first car. Coming home, didn't get a lift until about 1am (got in 4am!). Actually in the clip when he jumps up on the fence, I was standing more or less RIGHT there. Or..was that Villa in 77? My memory is just fucking mush (although I DO remember singing 'Working my way back to Wembley')
David Thomas, if ever there was a name associated with Big Bob!
I remember Frank Lampard too, boy did that hurt. I also recall Bob charging towards the dugout fists pumping after your names sake had legged it up the wing to set up a perfect volley for 6 nil against Coventry.
People do seem to forget how close we came to winning the league in 1978. Five games games to go then it went belly.
I remember Frank Lampard too, boy did that hurt. I also recall Bob charging towards the dugout fists pumping after your names sake had legged it up the wing to set up a perfect volley for 6 nil against Coventry.
People do seem to forget how close we came to winning the league in 1978. Five games games to go then it went belly.
Great earlier post Eugene. Id not heard that.
I fucking loved being an Evertonian in the Latchford days
-----
With Liverpool, winning everything, and me being a nipper putting up with a lot of crap at school, he was the only think that kept me sane.
I well remember me dad kidding on that Latchford had been sold; I screamed me head off. Noooo!
Don't even kid about it!
-----
With Liverpool, winning everything, and me being a nipper putting up with a lot of crap at school, he was the only think that kept me sane.
I well remember me dad kidding on that Latchford had been sold; I screamed me head off. Noooo!
Don't even kid about it!
Eugene, since we're obviously much the same age you must remember the 'week of hell' in 1971:
Wednesday go out of European Cup Q-F;
Saturday lose FA Cup S-F;
Tuesday lose at home in League.
THAT is what being an Evertonian is all about............!
Wednesday go out of European Cup Q-F;
Saturday lose FA Cup S-F;
Tuesday lose at home in League.
THAT is what being an Evertonian is all about............!
Bloody 'ell those West Ham semis, especially Elland Rd absolute killers - I was right in line with Lampard as he scored then ran off to the other corner flag.
Being at the West ham end (they hadn't sold their allocation) the awesome support we had was electrifying, maybe 70% of the ground.
When "Big Bob" stooped to thunder in the equaliser the view from the West Ham end as the leeds kop erupted, and the noise......truly an awesome spectacle.
My favourite was his first game against his old club, Birmingham, very early in his Everton career at Goodison. Being a British Record fee the pressure was still on him then - and how he delivered - I'm sure he got 2 and thundered another against the bar. The passion when he scored just immense - in an era when the RS won everything and us nothing - he gave us hope. Just brilliant.
Being at the West ham end (they hadn't sold their allocation) the awesome support we had was electrifying, maybe 70% of the ground.
When "Big Bob" stooped to thunder in the equaliser the view from the West Ham end as the leeds kop erupted, and the noise......truly an awesome spectacle.
My favourite was his first game against his old club, Birmingham, very early in his Everton career at Goodison. Being a British Record fee the pressure was still on him then - and how he delivered - I'm sure he got 2 and thundered another against the bar. The passion when he scored just immense - in an era when the RS won everything and us nothing - he gave us hope. Just brilliant.
I do Brian (I was 11/12).
For some reason, the FA Cup hit me MUCH harder.
I suppose coz it was 'them' in the S-F.
Of course it wasn't nice being beaten by the Greeks but..well, we didn't have to listen to them crowing like fuck for weeks after (nb: there is STILL nothing more annoying on earth that one of them play-up-for-the-camera cunts with something to crow about).
For some reason, the FA Cup hit me MUCH harder.
I suppose coz it was 'them' in the S-F.
Of course it wasn't nice being beaten by the Greeks but..well, we didn't have to listen to them crowing like fuck for weeks after (nb: there is STILL nothing more annoying on earth that one of them play-up-for-the-camera cunts with something to crow about).
Nice, it was an attempt to get more people posting. Not an attack, so relax . In any case if someone was offended I really apologise! :-)
Eugene,
Yeah it was the semi final when he jumped up onto the fence. I went there in a car with a few mates all of us singing about how we were going to win the cup. Don't think there was a single word spoke on the way home.
John,
Yeah i remember that little jump in the air with his fists pumping when he reached the dug out.
He gave us all something to cheer about when the other lot was dominating in that era.
Yeah it was the semi final when he jumped up onto the fence. I went there in a car with a few mates all of us singing about how we were going to win the cup. Don't think there was a single word spoke on the way home.
John,
Yeah i remember that little jump in the air with his fists pumping when he reached the dug out.
He gave us all something to cheer about when the other lot was dominating in that era.
Funny how time alters your perception.
My enduring memory of Latchford was the semi final equaliser and not being able to afford to go the match the day of his 30 and helping my dad fix his car; over the road from where we lived. We listened to it on the car radio and then both ran around in circles cheering when he scored.
I also remember the lad who used to stand with me in the Paddock who thought he was a 'big lazy pudding' and used to shout all sorts of abuse at him during the game - Latchford gave him two fingers during a lul.
I remember him scoring with almost every part of his body - one lad said in the pub 'he'll score with his arse one day' - three weeks later he did just that! Can't remember who it was against though.
I think it was £1.10p in the Paddock when I first started paying for myself to get in - about 1975
My enduring memory of Latchford was the semi final equaliser and not being able to afford to go the match the day of his 30 and helping my dad fix his car; over the road from where we lived. We listened to it on the car radio and then both ran around in circles cheering when he scored.
I also remember the lad who used to stand with me in the Paddock who thought he was a 'big lazy pudding' and used to shout all sorts of abuse at him during the game - Latchford gave him two fingers during a lul.
I remember him scoring with almost every part of his body - one lad said in the pub 'he'll score with his arse one day' - three weeks later he did just that! Can't remember who it was against though.
I think it was £1.10p in the Paddock when I first started paying for myself to get in - about 1975
Big (ie: fat) players were quite a feature back then. If Franny Lee took to the field now, the way he looked back then, there'd be absolute howls of laughter. And what about Mick Bernard? - 'roll out the barrel'. Johnny Morrisey was built like a circus strongman - the least 'winger-shaped' winger I've ever seen. There semed to be all shapes and sizes then. Now there's just small, medium, large (apart from the occasional XXL.COUGH!!yak). Also back then (or 'back in the day' or 'old school' or whatever the fuck they say now) we had PROPER bald fellers. None of this shaved down to the wood 'they'll never notice' bollocks. Proper Larry David, 'baldy' heads. I'm tellin' yuz, the wiiiiirlds gone mad....MAD!!
Talking of porkers, Tommy Jackson anyone....?
Big Bob. What a goal scorer he was. But it's Dave Thomas who should get half the recognition with his brilliant wing play. Socks around his ankles, to the goal line and a great cross every time,none of this "can't beat the first man" crap we endure now. He must have taken some knocks on his shins playing without shin pads but I don't remember him being out injured much. And Bob was very deceptive...he was slower than he looked.
I think Morrisey is my favourite winger, though. Built like a brick shit house Tommy Smith said that he was the hardest player he'd ever played against. I remember the contoversy that surronded that yard dog Jackie Charlton when he admitted to keeping a Black Book with all the players who'd fouled him and who he was going get revenge on. Everton played Leeds and Morrisey twatted him so hard he went down like the Belgrano. Morrisey leaned down as if to apologise and said "Put that in yer fuckin, book" and trotted off. Charlton didn't want to get involved,,,
I think Morrisey is my favourite winger, though. Built like a brick shit house Tommy Smith said that he was the hardest player he'd ever played against. I remember the contoversy that surronded that yard dog Jackie Charlton when he admitted to keeping a Black Book with all the players who'd fouled him and who he was going get revenge on. Everton played Leeds and Morrisey twatted him so hard he went down like the Belgrano. Morrisey leaned down as if to apologise and said "Put that in yer fuckin, book" and trotted off. Charlton didn't want to get involved,,,
Brilliant stuff. Eugene. Bernard, Jackson, Morissey, Pejic.Let's introduce these guys to nutrtionist and sports Psychologists.
Bob Latchford - Legend For Toffees and also Swansea.....
The day Big Bob scored the 30th goal was the only time I ever ran on to the pitch at Goodison.
I really like this post as, being born in 78 (1978 not 1878) the Latch was just some bloke my old man used to bang on about when I started following in 1984. Years later I got to see him, Dave Thomas and the first Duncan EFC fans idolised on those old repeats of MOD 1970's. Great stuff and it made me realize this was probably the quintessential side between the 1970 team and the one of the mid 1980's. I had a new found respect for them.
So when I read the blog I was reluctant to scroll down before I guessed the answer.
Really fascinating reading your memories but one thing, why did he go? It seems like he was at the height of his career and he went to a smaller club like Swansea?
Can someone explain please?
So when I read the blog I was reluctant to scroll down before I guessed the answer.
Really fascinating reading your memories but one thing, why did he go? It seems like he was at the height of his career and he went to a smaller club like Swansea?
Can someone explain please?
Andrew 38,
I remember when he left he said there was not really any one reason why he left he just felt he needed a change and something new to continue his career.
I remember years later he admitted he had made a big mistake and that he wishes he had stayed for a few more years.
I remember when he left he said there was not really any one reason why he left he just felt he needed a change and something new to continue his career.
I remember years later he admitted he had made a big mistake and that he wishes he had stayed for a few more years.
Thanks David and while we're on the subject, why did that team split up? As mentioned above, your namesake was an awesome winger and Little Dunc was mercurial at times.
All these years later it seems like the 1970's were a period where we should have picked up a few trophies but failed. We seemed to be much better than the Dogs of War side but could not seal the deal! A little like the last 5 seasons perhaps!
In my opinion, the seasons where trophies went begging in the last 35 years were:
1975 - League
1985 - FA Cup
1986 - League and arguably the FA Cup
2008 - UEFA cup
2009 - FA Cup
I felt we were really playing well (the best I've seen us since 1987 between November 07 and March 08) before it all fell apart in Italy which I still blame Phil Neville for.
Meanwhile in 2009 we did so well to get to Wembley (beat 3 teams above us in the league, had massive injury woes) before looking so meek in the final against a team we usually do well against.
All these years later it seems like the 1970's were a period where we should have picked up a few trophies but failed. We seemed to be much better than the Dogs of War side but could not seal the deal! A little like the last 5 seasons perhaps!
In my opinion, the seasons where trophies went begging in the last 35 years were:
1975 - League
1985 - FA Cup
1986 - League and arguably the FA Cup
2008 - UEFA cup
2009 - FA Cup
I felt we were really playing well (the best I've seen us since 1987 between November 07 and March 08) before it all fell apart in Italy which I still blame Phil Neville for.
Meanwhile in 2009 we did so well to get to Wembley (beat 3 teams above us in the league, had massive injury woes) before looking so meek in the final against a team we usually do well against.
Andrew, #40. Yes, especially about 1975-78 were very frustrating years of great underachievement. We were a class act in those days, much better than in recent years, relatively speaking. Many fine players--not just Latch, Thomas and Mackenzie, but Andy King, and the supremo himself, Martin Dobson. Should have won more.
Ray Roche (33) - you're right about Thomas. I have never seen (before or since) a better crosser of a football. I used to laugh when I would hear praise for Beckham's crossing ability. Simply not in the same League as Dave Thomas. By the way, I DO realise that sounds like some old prick getting all sentimental. I swear to god that's not the case (nb: I saw plenty of bums play for Everton in the 70's). Andrew James (37) - Although Latch was by no means finished when we sold him, we had definitely seen (and had) the best of him. I think it was probably a good move for him at the time. New lease of life and a few quid possibly. One odd thing, when I saw him talk in Ireland, he actually looked slimmer (fitter?) than he did when he was playing. He looks really great for his age, looks a good ten years (at least) younger than what he is (I was sure the second he stopped playing he'd have become huge but not a bit of it)
Gerry Morrison (36) Same here, that day was the only time I've ever set foot ON Goodison.
Andrew James (#39) I would add European Cup to 1986, as we would have beaten both finalists that year at the same time!
1975 was a bad one - if not for Carlisle (the worst team that season, relegated) beating us home and away we'd have won the league that season. And we were 2-0 up at Goodison against them ! I can still picture myself on the Street End thinking what a good prospect David Smallman (WHO?) looked and wondering if we'd get five. Everton exist to break your heart !
1975 was a bad one - if not for Carlisle (the worst team that season, relegated) beating us home and away we'd have won the league that season. And we were 2-0 up at Goodison against them ! I can still picture myself on the Street End thinking what a good prospect David Smallman (WHO?) looked and wondering if we'd get five. Everton exist to break your heart !
Eugene @41
If you think that makes you sound like a sentimental old prick, Lord knows what it makes me! And you're right about Beckham and Thomas's crossing ability.The only thing preventing Thomas from getting the credit he deserves is the fact that he didn't play for Utd. Funny, I haven't heard anything about Thomas since he left, I mean in his returning to Everton for reunions etc. Maybe because he spent most of his career elswhere.Great winger,though.
If you think that makes you sound like a sentimental old prick, Lord knows what it makes me! And you're right about Beckham and Thomas's crossing ability.The only thing preventing Thomas from getting the credit he deserves is the fact that he didn't play for Utd. Funny, I haven't heard anything about Thomas since he left, I mean in his returning to Everton for reunions etc. Maybe because he spent most of his career elswhere.Great winger,though.
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1 Posted 12/08/2011 at 05:00:41
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