2. Seeing someone wearing an Everton shirt on holiday
3. Ian Snodin saying no to them and yes to us
4. Away at Watford to the two teams coming out to Z-Cars
5. Kissing a stranger when we score a injury-time winner
6. Looking at how many away fans we always have no matter what
7. Being bitter and proud of it
8. Duncan Furgerson’s blue nose at Wembley
9. Andy Gary’s brace against Sunderland
10. Duncan Mackenzie taking the piss out of Stoke
11. Toffeeweb and Blue Kipper
12. Wishing the St End had a roof
13. Ian Astbury (The Cult Lead Singer) announcing to 70,000 people he was an Evertonian
14. Being born and not manufactured
15. Diamond Geezers like Andy King & Graham Stuart
16. Barry Horne’s hit and hope from 30 yards
17. Not being at the match for any reason and hating every minute of it
18. Telling the redshite we are The People’s Club
19. Jellyfish and everything he promises to deliver
20. The Wilmslow
21. Singing, “I guess that’s why they call us the blues” on Karaoke
22. Having a soft spot for Mike Parry
23. Having Eddie Cavanagh’s press cuttings on your bedroom wall
24. Knowing we are different in every way
25. Bob Latchford’s penalty against Chelsea
26. Holding your nose on the 82 bus when it goes passed Anfield
27. Laughing when Arshavin puts 4 fingers up to the Arsenal fans
28. Mike Lyons
29. The sound Goodison makes when it’s rocking
30. Going to School and not giving a shit that you are the only blue in your class
31. European away trips, with lads you would die for
32. Supporting two teams. Everton and any fucker who plays Liverpool
33. Seeing you girl wearing your Everton shirt to make you happy
34. Hating Clive Thomas and never forgiving him
35. Watching your son or daughter become as bitter as you
36. 2,000 to Switzerland for a pre-season friendly
37. 75 to West Ham and BR having to cancel the LFC Special
38. Howard Kendall’s smile as Kev the Rat lifts the FA Cup
39. Seeing EFC registration plates everywhere
40. Wondering if we will ever get investment???
41. Kicking off if anybody talks out of turn about Everton
42. Claire Sweeney & Amanda Holden
43. Reading Andy Nicoll’s book and telling yourself you were there that day
44. Watching our fans go mental when we score
45. Praying for a good start to the season
46. Never wanting to leave the Old Lady
47. Watching obscure clips on You Tube of Everton Fans
48. Supporting contestants on game shows who reveal they support Everton
49. Hoping someone finds Madeleine McCann
50. David France
Reader Comments (99)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 14/07/2012 at 19:00:45
3 Posted 14/07/2012 at 19:12:12
Winding up a redshite when they say we are bitter about them and you point out their obsession with Man U
Beeping at the cars with the "you're in my heart you're in my soul" rear window stickers
4 Posted 14/07/2012 at 19:06:49
I went to watch my daughter in her assembly at school last week. After it had finished, the Head teacher pulled 5 kids names out of a hat for the chance to go and watch the ladies football in the Olympics. All the school had entered so the 5 that got picked were looking very pleased with themselves on stage at the front. The teacher then went on to explain that they would be picked up outside school on the day of the game and took to Old Trafford, at which point my daughter stood up and told the teacher to pick another name out of the hat and sat back on the floor. The teacher looked at me to do something but I just shrugged my shoulders and said 'what can I do'? I was so proud.
5 Posted 14/07/2012 at 19:32:27
6 Posted 14/07/2012 at 19:42:33
Neville Southall electing to drive straight home to Llandudno after the 95' FA Cup win.
TV pundits always referring to Goodison Park as "a difficult place to go to."
The famous Alan Ball quote.
Big Dunc throttling Stefan Freund.
..and tossing 'The Guvnor,' to the floor like a rag doll.
The big piley-on after the Carsley derby goal.
Sharp: 84'.
Steve Sherwood's face after Gray bundled in the second at Wembley.
Tricky's goal against Bayern.
Three-nil down to Boro' in 02' FA Cup, and still hearing 3000 Evertonians singing: "We love you Everton, we do."
Seeing the Toffee Lady.
Showing photo's to completely un-interested people of my 3 week-old son wearing an Everton vest suit. (!)
Our badge.
Seeing it at overseas International sporting events.
..and at the last away Ashes series.
Seeing the relief on non-Scouse faces when I tell them I'm an Evertonian.
Joe Royle. Period.
The Holy Trinity.
Dean.
Being the first club to innovate so many things.
Feeling blessed (and relieved) that my Dad was a Blue, and hence made me one.
Loving the fact that my Grandad's ashes were sprinkled onto the Goodison pitch.
...and my Dad's funeral procession did a lap around our ground.
Honestly, I could go on for hours.. (and I'm sober!)
Karl - love your article.
7 Posted 14/07/2012 at 20:31:47
No wonder I get arsey when people say there's "no plan b"
8 Posted 14/07/2012 at 21:15:43
I've got one of those stickers, but never has anyone beeped - could be they have never heard of Everton in Houston
9 Posted 14/07/2012 at 21:11:37
Wearing EFC in Croydon and being getting nods of respect from Palace & Chelsea fans
10 Posted 14/07/2012 at 22:55:25
11 Posted 14/07/2012 at 22:30:40
Night games under lights at the old girl against the big teams.
That header by Andy Gray.
That free kick by Sheedy.
James Vaughan nearly getting sent off for a tackle 2 seconds after coming on.
How full the pub is still at 2:55, and some still getting another one in.
Endless singing at the Blackburn away boozer on the hill.
Unsy's penalties.
Tales of the unexpected playing after the derby.
Lawrenson and Hansen summing up after the Johnson 3-0.
Collina being the best referee until Everton played.
The endless "white sock, blue sock" debate.
Liking players called Everton.
Z-Cars.
Ferguson roughing up defenders.
Ferguson roughing up burglars.
12 Posted 14/07/2012 at 23:13:16
13 Posted 14/07/2012 at 22:40:10
52. My front room - the Blue Room - complete with photos and assorted memorabilia.
53. Dixie my Staffie Cross mutt.
54. Amanda Holden - PHWOARRRRR
55, RS holding 5 fingers up and us knowing that's all they can count up to. Gobshites.
56. Sharpy's goal at Anfield.
57. Dave Hickson: "One Evertonian is worth a thousand reds."
58. Rocky at Goodison: "Rocky is an Evertonian!"
59. My company logo - royal blue, white and amber.
60. Kevin Sheedy's two fingers to the kop.
61. Duncan swatting Ince to the ground.
62. Toffeeweb sticking it to the anfield rap (twats)
63. The memory of my Dad taking me to my first match .v. West Ham 1976.
64. The relief of knowing we'd come back from the brink twice in the 90's.
65. Despite all the mega money these days, Dixie's still the tops.
66. Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same again...was it Alan Ball, or Howard Kendall who said that or...?
67. Knowing Evertonians didn't kill 39 Juventus fans, disgrace themselves in Athens, stone Alan Smith's ambulance outside Anfield, employ diving, racist bastards or attract a whining gobshite fanbase.
68. Big Nev - best goalkeeper in the world.
69. Those 4 goals against Sunderland in a 4-1 win in the 80s.
70. Kevin Campbell - saving us in the 90s.
71. Andy King scoring against the RS.
72. Knowing that every time a RS watches a Sylvester Stallone Rocky, Rambo or whatever film he is in movie, they will know he is an Evertonian and not a twat like them.
73. The walk to the match via my Mum's house in Bootle. Chippy on the way home.
74. Evertonians are born, not manufactured. Those who don't understand don't matter.
75. Royal blue shirts, white shorts, WHITE socks.
76. Amber and blue away kits.
77. Naming the Liverpool One shop EVERTON TWO.
78. Not dressing like a RS - shellsuit, moustache, skidmarks.
79. Being a blue on that night Arsenal stuffed the RS at Anfield late 80s to win the league.
80. Having to turn the radio off every time John Barnes comes on the radio. Arsehole. Can't stand the prick.
81. Having my 10 year passport renewed and realising I still wear the Everton sweatshirt on my last passport photo!
82. Following 81, making a note I need a new sweatshirt.
83. Training for marathons, half marathons and 10ks in my EFC shorts (ran 2:58 in Blackpool marathon 2008 in royal blue vest and EFC branded shorts - best achievement ever).
84. Never wearing anything red.
85. Rhys Jones and family.
86. Toffeeweb.
14 Posted 14/07/2012 at 23:32:04
50 shades is a trilogy though Karl.. I eagerly await your 50 shades of shite.. and 50 shades of the future !!
15 Posted 14/07/2012 at 23:39:07
16 Posted 14/07/2012 at 23:47:28
17 Posted 14/07/2012 at 23:50:45
18 Posted 15/07/2012 at 00:43:47
I guess Ajax must have won. Clive Thomas wasn't reffing.
19 Posted 15/07/2012 at 00:37:46
When Everton fans run on to the pitch.
Letting the 17 go by to wait for the19.
Converting all girlfriends.
Big Dunc spinning his jersey over his head.
Dunc's tattoo.
My tattoo.
David Moyes.
Reminding utd fans where they got Rooney.
Hinchcliffs corners
Girls who are genuine blues. Automatic marriage material.
Seeing another blue in Dublin and just nodding. We Know.
feeling like part of a family where all other blues are somehow related to me.
The old lady.
Being one of the 3000 supporters away to Boro in 02. Beat 3 nil but walking past the Boro fans after and thinking. Who the fuck are you!
Not having Utd or Athletic after our name. Just EVERTON.
Being on the pitch after Coventry.
Meeting Joe Royal with the FA Cup and charity shield aged 10 for about an hour.
(still the most magical day of my life)
Radzinski vs Southampton
Toffeeweb
Literally having a fit when we score. I did some weird shit when Arteta equalized against Utd for 3-3. Some kind of chicken dance.
Being horse after the match because I care.
Hugging strangers.
Arguing with the man a row in front of me but loving him at the same time.
Every time I say I'm an Evertonian and how that makes me feel. No one can say Fuck all to that.
Fantastic OP. Really reminds me what this club means to me and so many.
20 Posted 15/07/2012 at 01:40:29
Original and genuine - that's us.
21 Posted 15/07/2012 at 02:17:19
22 Posted 15/07/2012 at 02:40:17
Programme and a cup of tea in the church before the game.
No matter where you hear it, Z-Cars making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Such a brilliant, feelgood article!
23 Posted 15/07/2012 at 03:29:01
Can anyone help me with contacting Reg by emal to order another, "You're in my heart ...' car sticker, as I live in Australia?
Just sold our car which had the previous sticker on it, with strict instructions not to remove it under any circumstances.
24 Posted 15/07/2012 at 05:11:33
Top read Karl.
25 Posted 15/07/2012 at 05:50:20
Calling Man U fans bandwagon jumpers.
Educating Liverpool "supporters" on Heysel, Clive Thomas, '05 Champions league, Clattenburg, Poll, Atkinson, etc.
Wearing Everton shirts in hopes that I might see another Evertonian. (I'm pretty isolated.)
Z Cars as my ringtone just so I can explain what it is every time I get a text.
Being called crazy for waking up at 7am to see a match on my 12 inch computer screen.
Being called crazy for going to England for a weekend to see a match.
26 Posted 15/07/2012 at 06:46:53
1. Standing in Gladys Street in my wedding dress with a blue scarf
2. My first game and the buzz of excitment that never left.
3. Being carried out in the crush after a match with my feet up
4. Duncan McKenzie
5. Alex Young having his shirt ripped off ( white) at goodison in the European Cup
6. Standing on a landing in Portland gardens and listening to the Goodison roar on match night
7. The stamping of the feet at Goodison in full flight
8. Walking down the valley, picking up the Pink Echo on Scotland road and ham and chips for tea
9. Watching girls and women as passionate about the blues as any guy
10. I would do it all again
27 Posted 15/07/2012 at 07:56:02
It was mentioned on the "Clive Thomas " thread on this site about him raking his studs down Jimmy Cases leg. Should have raked them across his throat!! Top Blue who should get more recognition than he does. Legend
28 Posted 15/07/2012 at 07:44:21
1.Realising in 1985,when I was 5 years old, that I had been chosen to be the part of an amazing group of people
2. Getting Premier League games broadcast live in India for the first time(would be years till we got regular appearances,though!)
3. Meeting my wife,telling her about Everton and watching her love for the Toffees grow to what it is today.
4.Having great friends from Liverpool who came all the way to India for our wedding and made us an amazing wedding cake with the Everton club crest on it.(Thanks Donno and Barbara!)
5. Staying up till 1 am and watching Duncan Ferguson rise majestically to meet an Arteta free kick and beat Man Utd 1-0 in 2005.
6.Wayne Rooney scoring the goal against Arsenal - I ran out of my friends house, at night,onto the street and screamed my head off.
7. The 3-0 win against Liverpool when AJ scored twice and did the 3-0 sign.
8. The win against Liverpool in the cup 4th round when Gosling scored from the AvDM cross(Both the mercerbaries have since left us!).My wife and I were screaming and hugging each other at 2 am in the night.Next day the neighbours were all talking about some nutters who were yelling at night.
9. The appointment of David Moyes as our manager.
10.Listening to St.Domingo's song,Tell me Ma,etc everytime we get past the 3rd round of any cup!
11.Hearing my 1/1/2 year old daughter say Everton when she wears her Jersey,and also point at the flags and pennants and say"Some more Everton"
12.Im sure I will think of more later on...will add it on....Cheers.
29 Posted 15/07/2012 at 08:18:23
Goodnight
30 Posted 15/07/2012 at 08:12:37
If you look closely at the photo of Dixie running out at Highbury his feet not touching the ground, maybe he could walk on water too.....?
My 4 year old lad wearing his Everton kit under his school uniform - and the fact that even at 4 he just 'gets it'.
Walking out of the Gwladys Street end after we beat LFC 3-0, staring up at the sapphire blue sky, hearing my cousin say 'this is definitely, DEFINITELY, the best day of my life', and undoubtedly meaning it.
Voting against Destination Kirkby.
My wife for introducing me to EFC.
Having a Church - a proper one - in our ground.
Winning the league before LFC even existed.
Wearing Royal Blue.
The white of the posts, under lights, at Goodison Park.
The price of Guiness in the Harlech.
Watching Rooney when he was one of ours.
Knowing better times are ahead, and not that far ahead either.
COYB.
31 Posted 15/07/2012 at 08:41:23
Being an Blue was not a choice I made... It was like someone finding religion
In 1961 aged eight I was taken to a night game at Goodison v Blackpool:
The atmosphere...
The blue and tangerine colours under the floodlights...
The smell of cigars wafting across from the main stand to my crushed position in the Boys Pen...
The crush of ecstasy when each of the five goals hit the back of the net...
My first sight of Alex Young's body swerve that left defenders on thier backsides...
My first sight of Roy Vernon's brilliant penalties that always sent the goalie diving the wrong way...
The songs:
Show me the way to go home;
We hate Nottingham Forest (what did they ever do to deserve being hated, apart from their name fitting the song really well)...
We hate Liverpool too,
We hate Manchester United...
but Everton we love you!!
On the banks of the Royal BlueMersey.....I liked the bit that went:
And we will fight, fight, fight
With all our might,
For the lads in the Royal Blue Jerseys!!
Over the years, there having been some incredible highs watching the Blues, and equally there have been some appalling lows, but it is still there inside me. As the car window sticker says:
You're in my heart, you're in my soul — and you will be until the day I die!!!!!!
32 Posted 15/07/2012 at 09:02:18
1. having tears streaming down my face reading these posts
2. singing "when its spring again, we'll bring again' ajax from amsterdam" (what are the other words?)
3. any story about kids supporting everton making weepy ... again
4. the walk to goodison, chips, a few pints in any of the pubs, entering the turnstile, walking up the stairs into the sunlight and seeing her, the beautiful beautiful old lady ... and crying again (for fucks sake!)
tremendous Karl, genius. Thank you
33 Posted 15/07/2012 at 09:28:28
Watching away games on Teletext before the Internet was alive.
Liking anyone scores against Liverpool.
Wishing Arshavin and Viduka played for Everton when they banged them in.
Knowing more about LFC than most LFC fans.
The Street End clapping the rival keeper.
Treating the wife to putting the heating on if Everton win.
My 5-year-old telling me that Everton are the best and Liverpool are rubbish.
My 5-year-old signing up his mates as new Everton fans.
Unstoppable headers from Duncan Ferguson.
The sense of pride in our Wayne going to the Euros, and seeing him blitz Croatia with ease.
The sense of dread that with each goal he was no longer ours, as the nation put in their claim, and knowing the inevitable would happen.
Every striker on a poor run breaking their run against us.
Kev Seed playing Z-Cars for Rhys on City FM.
The 2004-05 season of 1-0s, and thinking each week that they would come to an end only to win another.
Great Everton rumours – ie, the Park End has a second tier in a lock-up at Park Foods.
Signing players for buttons that prove great signings – Martyn, Weir, Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar, Jelavic – when across the park they sign Diouf, Henderson, Downing and Carroll.
And finally... Everton on MotD.
34 Posted 15/07/2012 at 09:59:22
1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2-3-4, 5-nil! vs Atkinson's United
The Square in Valencia before the Villarreal game
The feeling of utter joy before Collina disallowed Dunc's header
The feeling when Rats lifted the FA Cup in 84
Rotterdam
Inchie's goal vs Southampton 84 at Highbury
Remember Ajax thrashing the Shite and my dad giving me some tulips to take into my teacher who was a red.
My dad arguing with a kopite and telling him he was not biased.... he didn't give a toss who beat them
And yes, it does bring a lump to the throat only Evertonians can understand.
35 Posted 15/07/2012 at 11:56:29
Buying Dulux over Crown Paints.
Getting married to Pacobelle (posh All Together Now) as I wasn't allowed Z-Cars.
Not having a clue what Hafina was until uni.
Criss-cross design at Loftus Road and Ibrox.
Letting Everton drivers pull out of junctions.
36 Posted 15/07/2012 at 12:23:53
2, My first sight of the pitch looking like a billiard table.
3. Seeing Eusabio with tears in his eyes talking about playing at 'Gooding-son' .
4, Getting a clout from my mum when I was six for singing a song I learned in the school yard 'Roger Hunt is a ...'
37 Posted 15/07/2012 at 12:50:41
1.Bobby Collins directing everything.
2. Dave Hickson's shock of blonde hair as he attacked a corner.
3. Young and Vernon.
4. Derek Temple's winner at Wembley.
5. Watching Ray Wilson shut out Geoerge Best every single time they met.
38 Posted 15/07/2012 at 13:04:47
Some hilarious, some nostalgic, some a proper dig at the dark side and some a personal memory we all can appreciate.
I'm an Evertonian and fucking proud of it. No one can take that away from me. I might make a sign for the back window of my car saying it.
Keep them coming...
39 Posted 15/07/2012 at 13:24:04
40 Posted 15/07/2012 at 13:24:59
41 Posted 15/07/2012 at 13:51:48
42 Posted 15/07/2012 at 13:46:31
Out numbering Spurs fans 10-1 at Elland Road 1995
Rotterdam 1985
Sausage rolls on top of the Tea Urn in the Bullens Rd
Kanchelskis double at Anfield
Bill Kenwrights Quiff
Beating Man Utd 5-0
Anders Limpars vision
Not allowing the colour red in the house
Yankee Bar after away games
Mick Pejics teeth
Alan Baileys Mullet
Andy King getting chased off the pitch by the police.
Dogs Of War mentality
Going to Wembley every year in the 80s
The County Rd boozers pre 90s
Andy Grays stooping header Notts County FA cup
Just being a Blue is enough though..
43 Posted 15/07/2012 at 14:09:33
As a kid my RS friend who thought it was 'Lan' Callaghan because he couldn't read very well and had never been the match........
44 Posted 15/07/2012 at 12:43:05
Limpar and Kanchelskis.
Asking for any colour but red when buying a lighter.
Never buying ANYTHING red no matter how smart it is.
Only ever being Everton when I play FIFA.
The feeling of dread before a derby.
The feeling of being the only Blue in the class/pub/workplace/etc.
Dreaming about finally winning something again.
Feeling very superior to almost every other fan I meet 'cos I know I'm not a glory hunter.
Getting up at 3am when I lived in Thailand to watch us get hammered 3 nil by Coventry on Monday Night Football then having to go into college half asleep and depressed.
The amazing place that is Goodison Park.
Dogburgers at the match with my Dad.
Joe Royle being an absolute gentleman when my Mum gave him some medals for good luck just before his ridiculous dismissal. We won that game 2 nil so they must have worked! At least for that game.
I could be here all day.
Great article and responses.
45 Posted 15/07/2012 at 14:56:28
Doing the above every single time I drink
The moment you reach the top of the steps in the Street end and see the Goodison Park pitch
Night games at Goodison
Thinking about what you'll say when your old man passes, and knowing that you'll be one of a select few who understand why you'll be talking about football on that occasion
46 Posted 15/07/2012 at 13:51:23
Radio Goodison having only 2 rercords in the mid eighties: Dionne Warwick's Heartbreaker & Walk of Life by Dire Straits.
Reidy's swift retribution on Marwood, Dec 84.
Joe Royle winking at Ferguson at half-time in the 95 FA Cup Final. Class!
Ian Snodin's 'Medical'...
Andy Gray versus Bayern Munich, their centre half somehow had his nose broken.
Actually being there to see that Bayern game in the Top Balcony, the atmosphere, in my opinion, has never been surpassed.
Hating Billy Whitehurst.
The Everton bench rising as one to tell the Bayern Coach, Udo Latteck, to Fuck Off when he complained about the physical aspect of our game that night.
Going to school the day after the Bayern game & seeing the look on the Red Shite supporters' faces.
Norwich away 87. Stopping at some rural country pub on the way home & having to wait while the landlord phoned round to get extra staff in to cope with the celebrating Blues.
Pat van den Hauwe doin' David Speedie live on ITV, Feb 1986, then walking away to laugh about it with big Nev. The Ref was the only guy in the ground who didn't see it.
Big Nev's warm-ups before the game, Terry Darracott trying to put centres in for him... & most of 'em ending up in the Street End.
My sons, 6 & 8, telling Man City & Chelski fans at their school that we have more League titles than the pair of them combined.
Telling the Shite fans that the 5 stars on their shirts represent the number of seasons we were banned from Europe because of what they did at Heysel.
Being extremely bitter about that ban... still after 27 years.
Taking pride in the fact that the Chief of Police in Rotterdam sent a letter to EFC congratulating Everton fans on their conduct whilst they were in the city for the ECWC final, just 2 weeks before Heysel...... Ok I'll let it go now... or maybe not!
The little bloke who used to travel away on the Sunspan coaches from Birkenhead in the 80s who was the spit of Ronnie Corbett, anyone else remember him?
One fantastic week in Oct 84 when we beat the Shite at Anfield with Sharpy's goal, Man Utd at The Old Lady 5-0, then beat them 2-1 at Old Trafford in the League Cup on the Tuesday. I was 13, life was good.
Howard Kendall responding to Gary Lineker on Football Focus in the early nineties when Lineker asked why he left City to return to EFC. "You played here, you know what this club is about"... or words to that effect....seem to remember Lineker being suitably shame-faced.
Howard Kendall telling Paul Power that anyone given the opportunity to score for Everton should celebrate it. Man City away 86??
Howard Kendall talking about our dubious exit to Panaithanaikos in the '71 European Cup. We could have played Ajax in the final at Wembley 6 years before the Shite won their first one. Says Howard, "They had Johan Cruyff... but we had Alan Ball" What a line!
Being crushed in the away end at an FA Cup game Barnsley in March '89, seeing blues fans taken out of the terraces onto the side of the pitch. Anyone else remember this?? It was a matter of weeks before Hillsborough.
Being given the chance as a season ticket holder to have my photo taken with the League Championship trophy in '87 & declining the offer as it would cost a tenner & besides we were bound to win it again in 1988 weren't we? Days later, HK went to Bilbao; Barnes, Beardsley, Aldridge & Houghton turned up across the park & the rest as they say.......
Watching the Oxford replay in Jan 84 on the Street End in a snow blizzard, seeing us go 4-1 up & praying the Ref wouldn't abandon the game. He didn't.
Leaving the March 84 derby early & missing Zico Harper's equaliser.
Watching a Centre Forward masterclass from Graeme Sharp from the Holte End in the 86 semi-final against Sheff Weds. Linker was injured as I remember but Sharpy took on Mel Sterland et al & he was immense. Tainted these days with his connection to the current regime but what a player in his prime.
Arsenal away in March 87. Standing behind the goal & waiting what seemed an eternity for Wayne Clarke's chip to land in the back of John Lukic's goal. Finding out that the Shite had lost to Wimbledon the same day, great journey home on the coach.
Back to Highbury for the the League Cup semi-final second leg in March 88. Think it was 1-3, remember Pat Van den Hauwe going off early & 50,000 cockneys on the pitch celebrating, think we lost to the Shite in the FA Cup that week as well. Shades of 1971 where we exited the FA Cup & European Cup in a week.
Summer of 1991 & the wild transfer rumours. Gheorge Hagi, Dean Saunders, Paul McStay were nailed on certainties to be at Goodison for the 91-92 season. What we got was Alan Harper, Mark Ward & Matt Jackson. To be fair we also got Peter Beardsley, but for me it marked the realisation that Everton were no longer going to be challenging for honours, & attracting the top players.
Simod Cup game versus Millwall in Dec 88. One of only 3,600 people in the ground. Think we won 2-1. I think this is the lowest crowd at Goodison for a first team game?
Cottee turning down The Arse to sign for us.
The reception for Andy Gray when he came back to Goodison with Villa on New Year's Day '87.
WSAG fanzine before the internet & their particular dislike of Mike Lyons & Terry Darracott as coaches under Colin Harvey.
Laughing at the story where Mike Walker had a special car park space with MW marked on it, so Mark Ward parked in it on purpose to wind him up!!
The feeling of pride when my two sons ask me to show them Graeme Sharp's volley against the Shite on YouTube almost on a daily basis.
47 Posted 15/07/2012 at 15:27:19
2. Dunc kissing his guns after scoring against Manyoo
3. McManaman and Grobelahahaha squaring up - priceless
4. Danny Cad's goal in the same game - the boy had the world at his feet. What a shame.
5. Finding out that good bloke at work is actually a red shite and instantly disliking him
6. Kevin Brock's back pass.
7. My son's first EFC kit
8. Joe Royle's first game in charge
9. Writing down a starting XI for next season based on idiotic transfer rumours
10. Enjoying a night out with the missus after a win
48 Posted 15/07/2012 at 17:21:08
I could add loads more but would be here all night.
But my fave is watching the Shite get beat by AC Milan and ruining next door neighbours party while me and my mates were singing in our back garden.
Bitter? — you'd better believe it!!!
49 Posted 15/07/2012 at 18:20:55
50 Posted 15/07/2012 at 18:50:12
51 Posted 15/07/2012 at 19:04:12
Editorial Team
52 Posted 15/07/2012 at 19:08:43
I think that's us paying homage to a certain sensitivity about some words in the English language. It's a tough call It hink, as to decide what word is offensive to whom and why seems a very individual thing.
My preference would be to not censor such words specifically, as words are fundamental to our communication. But the site appears to have a very odd piece of software which converts some naughty words to supposedly less-naughty words. Kinda spoils things when it is arbitrarily changing specific historically accurate quotes... but it is apparently more important that we avoid offending anyone these days...
53 Posted 15/07/2012 at 19:03:13
We haven't — we're just waiting.
54 Posted 15/07/2012 at 19:38:30
http://www.blurb.co.uk/my/book/detail/2156567
55 Posted 15/07/2012 at 19:22:52
My dad, God bless him, just putting my coat on and taking me to the match when I was five, in 1954. I thought I was going to a 'park'. 90 minutes later I was hooked!
My mum was made up as it stopped him coming home pissed after every game!
56 Posted 15/07/2012 at 19:54:25
Going to play on the fruity in the local to win my match entrance money, which always seem to pay out after Friday nights. (12 years of age, 'till the landlord chased me out!)
Taking my boy to his first game, and watching misty eyed as Z-Cars blared out.
Any time we beat the Shite – always makes me feel on top of the world.
57 Posted 15/07/2012 at 20:11:39
Our red cousins had suffered a heavy defeat in the mid-70s (forget who did it) and their next away game was West Ham ... the footy special from Lime Street was cancelled because only FOURTEEN booked on it (not 75).
Great nostalgia — especially Ronny Corbet and his long-length leather!
58 Posted 15/07/2012 at 20:49:45
59 Posted 15/07/2012 at 23:22:52
Sitting in my car listening to the Derby on the radio, 7 October 1972. Right through my wedding reception. Bad idea. We lost.
Walking all the way to the Pier Head with me Dad after the match and getting there just as the Football Pink arrived at the newspaper stand.
Holding my shirt cuffs like Alex Young did...
But not having the talent...
Watching us beat Spurs away while sat in a bar in Bermuda in 2008 with some Spurs-supporting locals, and passing a Bluenose in the street afterwards and giving the "Get In" clenched fist to each other.
Copping a sly feel off a couple of birds as we celebrated a goal in a packed St End in the 60s.
Getting all mist eyed reading this...
60 Posted 16/07/2012 at 04:53:19
Also, jumping around the pub like a lunatic with another blue on my shoulders c. May 89, just after the red gobshites had been celebrating the title win, and we were declaring undying love for Michael Thomas. Went off him when he joined them twats though.
And being in the Shed when Latch scored the winner on the opening day of the 78-79 season... and actually getting home alive.
61 Posted 16/07/2012 at 05:30:04
62 Posted 16/07/2012 at 07:55:53
I love the pictures, some classics.
I haven't been to Goodison since the Newcastle game in 2004 (I live in Sydney now), but I did get to the Wembley semi-final in 2009.
Thanks for the memories.
63 Posted 16/07/2012 at 08:36:43
64 Posted 16/07/2012 at 08:51:36
"Thank God you're here" he says.
She looks worried "Why, is there a problem?"
"Yeah, Match of the Day's just started, she's upstairs — keep the noise down if you can...."
65 Posted 16/07/2012 at 09:10:40
66 Posted 16/07/2012 at 09:28:15
67 Posted 16/07/2012 at 09:47:42
"With hearts as blue,
we'll bring to you
Ajax from Amsterdam."
What was the song about the Liverpool players to the Ugly Duckling?
68 Posted 16/07/2012 at 09:54:22
69 Posted 16/07/2012 at 11:48:26
70 Posted 16/07/2012 at 11:06:55
First day of junior school aged 8, getting gripped by big kids, my mate was asked... Q) who do you support?...A) Everton he answered, then my turn...(whatcha gonna do??) Everton...ok, you'll do
Biggest regret, I never, unlike a certain BK (???) saw DaveHickson Play.
Biggest escape, not being named Albert after Albert Stubbins coz of my red hair. ( I like to think Ma put her footdown )
The other side of the family were Owens - Blues, for some reason the male side of the joint families often went on high days and holidays to the match, which at the time turned out to be Everton ( well done the gods of fixtures and chance )
Bobby Collins, all 5ft nowt of him squaring up to some monster WBA player. ( Bonfire night ?? )
Paying 3d when it was 4d on the 500 from Speke to go to the match.
Always losing the contest of being first to spot the floodlights ( towering )
On first seeing the Church ( wtf )
On first seeing Goodison close up... Massive
Queing up for the Ground and nearly always but not quite getting trampled by Police horse.
Paying 4d for a progam.
Still having that Program and many more besides.
The first time I ran up the steps to see the biggest enclosed but vast open space...Impressions...Green, Blue, White...Abso-fukin-lutly magnificent.
Being first in the queue ( well at our turnstile ) for the 62-63 Spurs game.
Being front and centre behind the Gwladys St goal.
Seeing Alex nod ' that goal ' in
The formality of the Fulham game.
Another 50 yrs of stuff like this too numerous to mention
Having 2 items that Dr David does not have in his collection ( don't worry it's in the will to the collection )
Fukin love it
71 Posted 16/07/2012 at 12:27:32
72 Posted 16/07/2012 at 12:14:30
Some of mine are
Cahill's drop of the shoulder to make it 2-0 in 2005
The noise of the crowd in the Villareal game, decades of frustration being released.
Ferguson diving header against Man Ure.
Pip going right through Ronaldo
Ossies wonder strike against Larrisa and individual goal against Sunderland
Manny's goal against Man Ure
Manny taking the piss out of Arsenal's midfield
Watson's hattrick
Kissing strangers at Wembley
God, this could be a long thread
73 Posted 16/07/2012 at 12:46:15
Many more drinks after the game, and he eventually staggers in with a prawn dinner from a local chinese as a "peace offering". He slurred that he was naming me Howard, and ended up wearing the dinner.
74 Posted 16/07/2012 at 13:35:32
It all started when reading Shoot in 1978 when Phil Thompson' s article said Everton would never beat Liverpool and a young 7 year old Edinburgh lad thinking I'm going to look at the score on Saturday.
Andy King scored and that was that.
75 Posted 16/07/2012 at 14:14:57
Mrs (Watford fan) drags me to Vicarage Road now and again, I'm blatantly the only one in the ground whose hair on the back of the neck is standing when Z-Cars comes on.
Having Goodison Park as your head table at your wedding.
Going to school in south Africa, making friends with a bloke because he is a blue, same fella is yer best man sat at above mentioned table 20 years later!
The Green Man pub on semi-final day.
Standing arm in arm with your mate during that penalty shoot out in the Manc end of Wembley and then going mad whilst the hordes troop off.
76 Posted 16/07/2012 at 15:04:11
Graham Stuart's goal Vs Wimbledon
Amokachi's double in the Semis in '95
Beachballs
My little boy shouting 'Gooooooaaaaaal' and dancing around when Jelly scored against the shite (I didn't know he even knew the word – he's not even 2)
That special combination of unending optimism and impending doom.
77 Posted 16/07/2012 at 16:33:50
78 Posted 16/07/2012 at 19:27:04
80 Posted 16/07/2012 at 21:33:28
81 Posted 16/07/2012 at 21:40:58
82 Posted 17/07/2012 at 01:17:09
83 Posted 17/07/2012 at 01:26:55
The following five minutes will stay with me forever as Alan Ball entered the room.
Close to four hundred grown men many in there sixties and seventies standing on tables and chairs, cheering at the tops of the voices, clapping and singing 'The Greatest of them All', many (me and dad included) with tears streaming down there faces.
Unbelievable.
The brother-in-laws face, like a stunned mullet......he had no comprehension of the emotion and noise in that room, but we did.
Little ginger bastard had me whingeing again a year later when he left us for good, just like he did when HC flogged him to Arsenal. I loved that man... so did my old fella.
84 Posted 17/07/2012 at 08:23:36
1) A Postcard from 1930 done in the then traditional black boardered style...
In
loving memory
of
EVERTON
who kicked the bucket
May 3rd, 1930
Gone from our League, but leaving memories
time will never take away.
Loved, remembered, longed for always,
while in Division II they play.
R ise I f P ossible
A. Alexander, Printer. 134 Islington
2) A copy of the souvenier commemorative brochure published in July 1963. This has articles / features on everybody in the Club with a photo of each and a printed signature on the picture. By everybody, from Sir John Moores down. Well many were printed I'm sure, but mine has the added bonus of having ALL the pictures oversigned in ink by the actual people... From Sir John down.
How this came about, Our Family used to have a shop, Thomas's Pork Butchers, 108 County Rd. Frequented by many players, but the Scots were the mainstay and each new Scot was shown the delights of the Pork Butcher, biggest sellers were sausages and pork pies.
Alex Parker was asked to take the book in and 2 weeks later it came back signed by Everybody. I can Just imagine Sir John being hit up for the signature ( which he obliged with ).
Sandy Brown took it in in 65 to get it topped and again in 69.
I used to be Granville complete with bike on Saturday Mornings to fund the season ticket. and on the odd occasion got some funny looks having red tinted hands from a morning peeling boiled beetroot.
85 Posted 17/07/2012 at 10:58:20
87 Posted 17/07/2012 at 11:41:27
For me the best thing about being a Blue is living in the knowledge that no matter what your profession, there's no more stressful yet satisfying job than being an Evertonian.
Oh yeah, another one is our away support. The best in the world by far and the video on YouTube in the Nurenberg end, singin "We shall not be moved" is outstanding.
88 Posted 17/07/2012 at 11:39:42
ps The bastards beat us
Brilliant post Karl!!!
89 Posted 17/07/2012 at 19:40:57
90 Posted 18/07/2012 at 02:06:33
91 Posted 18/07/2012 at 08:12:55
Sheedy sticking the V-sign to the Reds
Dave Watson's face in 95 FA Cup final when the whistle went
Telling people you support Everton and knowing you're a part of a "proper football club"
My tattoo on my leg that I show people even if they couldn't give a damn
Duncan Ferguson pinning Jason McAteer down in a derby (the Cadamateri derby)
Neil Ruddock's face trying to deal with the big man
Jimmy Bullard's reaction to Ferguson's punch on Scharner... classic
Our fans... they are the best (especially at semi-final versus Man Utd)
Seeing our banners at away games and Europe
Kissing my badge when we score, even if I am watching the boys on TV
Stunning Sheffield Wed in the 66 FA Cup final
Owning every Everton home shirt since 1920... obsessed!
92 Posted 18/07/2012 at 08:12:40
When she was 102 in 1991, I was leaving for the USA and she gave me 50 pounds and said, "I'll never see you again."
I said, "You'll live forever, Nan."
She said,"No I won't lad. The only thing worth living for now is to see Everton win the league again, but I don't want to live that long!"
Wise old lady and a great Blue.
93 Posted 18/07/2012 at 08:28:33
Taking my mate to Goodison when we beat Bolton 3-2, Thomas Gravesen running over to us, me shown on Sky Sports spilling over the boards to get at him, that evening he finally got what it meant to support Everton, priceless.
94 Posted 18/07/2012 at 09:39:25
95 Posted 18/07/2012 at 10:38:02
Tons of memories but never forgot the day we beat Wimbledon to stay up, the pitch invasion, and taking a bit of the turf home with me on the train. This patch still grows now in my mum's back garden, a shrine every time I visit.
Best post I've read for a while.
96 Posted 18/07/2012 at 12:25:05
Having my broken finger splinted the other day. "The physio said we can mould you a blue, red or urrr pink cast".
I replied "Blue. If you're out of blue I'll take a pink one."
97 Posted 18/07/2012 at 14:28:30
98 Posted 19/07/2012 at 21:03:38
Life changed.
Bastard, have you any idea what you started?
Thanks for the ride Henry, wherever you are!
99 Posted 20/07/2012 at 19:20:07
Andrei Kanchelskis scores 2 against the shite.
Marouanes Marseilles turn against Shitty
Andy Johnsons winner against the Arse and the hail stones bouncing off his bald head
Rooneys goal against Arsenal
Big Neville the worlds greatest keeper full stop.
Don Hutchisons goal that was chalked off as the ref blew for full time.
Gary Speed R.I.P
100 Posted 19/08/2012 at 11:00:01
In those days the first teams competed for The Liverpool Senior Cup (along with Tranmere and Southport) at the end of each season. Everton are playing "them" in the final. I'm a 13-year-old, and am standing behind the most vehemently anti-RS Evertonian I've ever come across, his range of insults was wonderful to hear. We're winning 2-0, he's been quiet for a few minutes, having, apparently, run out of ideas.
Suddenly inspiration strikes...
"Youse fuckin Second Division teams is all the same!" he shouts triumphantly.
101 Posted 22/08/2012 at 16:19:49
Seeing a dickhead in town/anywhere in Merseyside and thinking "He must be a red".
Your other half coming in from work and telling you he met someone and you know he thinks he's sound because he adds "...and he's a blue" on the end.
Trying desperately to get your 4-month-old daughter's several strands of hair into a blue ribbon, just so she can wear her Everton kit without people thinking she's a boy.
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1 Posted 14/07/2012 at 19:02:21