Season 2013-14 » Opinion » Columns
A Grand Old Evening
I've never supported another team but I, like almost all Blues I have come across, firmly believe that Everton Football Club is an almost uniquely special institution followed by some of the best people on God's green earth, a conviction that grows stronger the longer time goes on and the more of my fellow chosen ones I encounter. It is one which was only reinforced by my experiences this week on the first leg of the USA tour.
The title refers to a special night spent in the company of the inestimable Dr David France and his wife Elizabeth, Everton's Chief Executive Robert Elstone, Carena Duffy of Everton in the Community, and a dozen or so fine Evertonians of varying origin, but, in truth, three tremendous evenings were had this week in San Francisco.
This isn't, of course, the first time Everton have come to the States on a pre-season tour but never before have they benefited from as much exposure. Our participation in the International Champions Cup alongside European giants like Juventus, Real Madrid, AC Milan and our nouveaux riches rivals in the Premier League, Chelsea, was a real coup and the club have really risen to the occasion by organising supporter events in each city.
When you think back to the discontent that accompanied the team's last visit to Los Angeles where fans, many of them who had made the trip over from England, were apparently turned away from a closed training session as their wish to attend hadn't been anticipated, Everton (together with the likes of Southern California-based David Kurtz who helped coordinate and host many of the events) deserve enormous credit for the planning and organisation that has gone into catering to the fans during the course of this summer's tour.
The first event in San Francisco was a case in point. In association with Chang who provided a complimentary beer to the 180-odd fans in attendance, the club put on a supporter's evening and forum hosted by Darren Griffiths, Graeme Sharp and Robert Elstone at Buca di Beppo restaurant (the chain ultimately owned by Everton director Robert Earl's Planet Hollywood).
A "state of the nation" introduction opened the evening in which Elstone and Sharp focused on the club's commitment to these types of supporter events, not only across the UK but abroad as well, as the club seeks to retain the close ties with its fans. Both touched on the optimism that has been generated by the arrival of Roberto Martinez and how much what continues to be a close-nit group of players is enjoying the team's pre-season preparations thus far.
Referring to the current climate of where Premier League players have been getting a bad rap for the huge salaries they command and their increasing detachment from the ordinary fan, the CEO, rightly, placed emphasis on the lack of egos in the current Everton team. "They all have their feet on the ground," Elstone said, while taking particular pride in the fact that "no player likes leaving Everton," a testament to everything from the culture at the club to the quality of the training facilities at Finch Farm.
Having attended the team's training session earlier in the day, Sharp spoke of the players' progress through pre-season and how useful he thinks it will be for players to play the quality of the opposition that the Blues could end up facing on the tour of the USA. He was under no illusions that Juventus would pose significant opposition on Wednesday but, presciently, gave Everton every chance.
Photo opp with USA's number 1
A meet-and-greet opportunity with Tim Howard and Steven Pienaar followed, with one player assigned to one side of the room and one the other, but seeing as USA's number 1 was, predictably, the bigger draw, I was able to steal across to shake Stevie's hand as well and let him know that there was another South African in the room.
Allowed just an hour off by Martinez, both players were whisked off back to the team hotel before the panel resumed with a refreshingly open Q&A session from the floor. The key takeaways from that exchange were the desire to keep hold of Leighton Baines and the reaffirmation of the commitment to revise the badge for the 2014-15 season.
Some lucky bugger then made off with a shirt signed by the entire team in the raffle while another snagged a signed ball and we all drifted off into the night.
I might well have attended the second supporter event put on by the club the following night at McTeague's Saloon with Phil Jagielka and Tony Hibbert in attendance but one simply does not turn down a dinner invitation from "Dr Everton" himself, so the inaugural ToffeeWeb "Grand Old Evening" took obvious precedence on Tuesday evening.
Dr France's initial invitation had been to Robert Elstone, Roberto Martinez and Graeme Jones to join the first 18 or so Blues who responded to our invitation posted on the "Everton in San Francisco" page at the Grand Cafe near Union Square. In the end only the CEO was able to accept and varying circumstances trimmed the ToffeeWeb contingent to about a dozen by the time the evening arrived but an excellent time was had by all.
Pleasingly – and not unexpectedly – Robert was genial, open, professional and, like every club employee I met, encountered and interacted with this week (from the cameraman and photographer to the press officers and players), was a credit to our football club. Though he and his team in the Communications and Marketing team are on the receiving end of a lot supporter frustration at a difficult time in the club's history (and would, no doubt, be the first to admit that they have made some mis-steps along the way), every one of them to a person was friendly, warm and approachable. They also seem to get on very well with each other as well which is also bodes well.
Flanked by Dr David France and Robert Elstone: Grand food, grand venue, grand company
For me, it really was a grand old evening, not just for the honour of meeting the good Dr France and a highly amicable chat with Mr Elstone but also for the pleasure of spending it in the company of some fantastic Blues: Gerry Quinn and his wife, Cathie; John and Pat Raftery; John Budworth (one of Ken "From My Seat" Buckley's drinking buddy, it turns out!); Steve Sturm from just over the state line in Nevada; Brendan Connolly, his wife Carolyn and son Mikey (who is on the trip of a lifetime touring the States and  following his Blues at the same time); and Bob Evans and Shaun Robinson who arrived midway through the evening with EitC's Carena.
Tales and reminiscences of decades, players and memorable matches gone by made the evening pass in the blink of an eye, the revelry brought to an unwelcome end by the increasingly obvious restlessness of the waiters wanting to push the last lingering customers out the door! Time for one last photo with our two esteemed guests, Dr France and Mr Elstone, the crossing of fingers for a victory over Juventus that would set a up likely date with Real Madrid, and then… eventually... sleep.
Pedro's Cantina was wall-to-wall Blue with a few Juve fans and two brave Kopites
Match day… and a rendezvous once more with Dr France, Gerry Q, John B, Steve S and the Connollys at Pedro's Cantina and the chance to meet yet more staggeringly fine Evertonians, including Mike Gaynes and my brother-from-another-South-African-mother, Matthew Douglas.
Sharpy popped by to sign shirts, pose for pictures and generally be accosted by Blues in varying states of inebriation, while the infectiously exuberant Mr Kurtz helped Carena rouse the generosity of the patrons to buy raffle tickets for yet more signed merchandise in aid of Everton in the Community (not to mention a raucous rendition of "Grand Old Team..."). Mr Douglas scored a signed Tim Howard jersey; I missed out on Ossie's signed boots by a single digit, but was just pleased to see how well the charity seemed to be supported by those present.
ToffeeWeb Live! With Matthew Douglas and Mike Gaynes
All too quickly, match time arrived to call time on the festivities and it was off across the street to the San Francisco Giants' breezy, Bay-side stadium for a quick chat with the club's official cameraman and photog in Willie Mays plaza before the icing on the cake: a victory over Juventus that should have arrived on the back of an impressively composed display – and surely would done had Pienaar not shot wide with 2-0 on a plate – but eventually did after a dramatic penalty shootout. John "Pirlo" Stones indeed...
Forza... Everton!
By way of bringing these ramblings to a close, two observations: First, even in this embryonic phase, the Martinez era has ushered in an unmistakable air of cautious optimism among the fan-base and that was reinforced by my conversations with almost every Blue I met. As I've mentioned before, he has been a breath of fresh air so far but it feels to me as though the club has take a number of positive steps forward in recent months – from the appointment of a devout Blue to the Communications Director role in the form of Alan Myers and the mea culpa over the badge to the increased interaction with supporters online and the organization of the USA tour itself. That is not to ignore the bigger, all-encompassing issues surrounding the stadium, investment and ownership, etc but there is a sense of moving in the right direction.
Second, I was struck and humbled by just how much people value ToffeeWeb as a means of either staying in touch with the club or staying abreast of Everton-related news. With that… power isn't the right word – perhaps "reach" – comes great responsibility (I might weave some more thoughts on that into a weighty Column I'm drafting) but suffice to say that hearing how much people get out of this colossus we have created is the reward for the countless hours spent keeping it going for the benefit of Blues everywhere.
COYB
Reader Comments
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423 Posted 03/08/2013 at 01:37:43
Can I also add a Grand Night Out and praise your Grand reporting on the evening at the Grand Café – thoroughly enjoyable company, every single one there. From the embarrassment of my first meeting with Robert Elstone and asking him if we had met before in Denver as he looked familiar (doohhhh – extract foot, Gerry) right through to my getting Dr David to autograph his Everton Collection book (with his wife Liz asking him when the hell did he write that – hilarious).
Thanks to ALL Evertonians we came across: as usual, great fun, great company, and of course, following a great team – and a special thanks to TW for organizing it.
431 Posted 03/08/2013 at 03:02:19
432 Posted 03/08/2013 at 02:29:25
Mike Gaynes looks exactly like a good buddy of mine's dad. (And my buddy is 55 years old).
433 Posted 03/08/2013 at 02:56:30
TW provides much needed news, commentary and discussion about our Club for overseas fans like myself.
Keep up the great site.
436 Posted 03/08/2013 at 03:19:20
Great pics too.....are you Howard in disguise? :-)
438 Posted 03/08/2013 at 03:47:52
445 Posted 03/08/2013 at 04:18:58
Also, ironically, it has been a long-term wish of mine to be lifted off the ground by MK.
Tomorrow, proper kick-off time 3PM, heading off to Santa Monica 11ish, trendy linen flares – sort of greeney grey – Rotterdam '85 t-shirt, grey/blue hat with blue feather in the hat-band, drunk, trying once more to get the 14 to West Ham" song going, and very proud to be a blue in the company that we keep.
446 Posted 03/08/2013 at 04:28:14
448 Posted 03/08/2013 at 04:30:12
449 Posted 03/08/2013 at 04:31:34
Enjoy it fellas.
Say hi to Mr Douglas for for me, we met a few times here in Austin and I may well be in Fado tomorrow watching the game ... meanwhile I have a software deployment and data conversion to manage tonight and I just hope we will be all signed off tomorrow night so I can have a few beers and watch us show Ronaldo an overstep or two.
Lyndon - thanks for all you do, this site is my lifeline to Everton and provides a vital information resource and many a good laugh as well.
I will be looking out for Paul staggering on the field if it comes to pens ..
COYB
450 Posted 03/08/2013 at 04:36:14
453 Posted 03/08/2013 at 04:46:11
459 Posted 03/08/2013 at 05:55:15
460 Posted 03/08/2013 at 05:56:55
461 Posted 03/08/2013 at 05:35:59
I had a fantastic time meeting you, Dr France, Mike Gaynes, and all the other fine Blues... truly some special people.
Jags and Hibbo were pure class at the meet and greet (even when I went up twice) and conducted themselves the way you would hope. Sharpy was in a different league... I met a hero and he completely surpassed any notion I could have hoped for. Absolute gentleman who went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated.
Thanks to the Club, and specifically Christine Prior going out of her way, I was fortunate enough to be let into the open training session (despite the fact the stadium had cut our allocation just hours ahead of it).
While enjoying the practice, I turned around to see Sharpy standing directly behind me. He had made his way into the stands in order to welcome, thank, and chat with every Blue in attendance... truly a Legend. Everyone really did make the Club stand out and its times like these where I’m truly proud to be a Blue.
Also, meeting Bob Evans and Carena and hearing about what Everton in the Community is doing on a daily basis was truly special. If anyone has not heard the type of work they are doing, I would definitely encourage you to look into it. Absolutely incredible work and generosity for those in need.
Last but certainly not least, a massive thank you to David Kurtz. You organized an incredible get together and hope you all have as good a time in Miami. Thanks so much for getting us all together. Wish I could tell each of the people I met how much I enjoyed their company and can’t wait for Miami!!! Would love to hear where everyone is going to be!
462 Posted 03/08/2013 at 05:38:29
VERY encouraging to hear how much effort the club are putting into our fans interests, especially those so far from "God's Acre"
Most encouraging to hear just how good an impression Rob Elstone made, that can only be good news
Whilst it would be quite unrealistic to say that Roberto is responsible for these shifts in approach, maybe his arrival can signal a return to "The School of Science" in all departments, I sincerely hope so
463 Posted 03/08/2013 at 06:04:32
477 Posted 03/08/2013 at 09:13:09
Maybe I'm confusing you with some other ToffeeWeb legend
481 Posted 03/08/2013 at 09:21:11
Paul Ferry sounds like he will be well prepared for the match, he'll be walking like a knock-kneed chicken and a bow-legged hen, he won't have been as happy since I don't know when.
Terry, all the more reason now to come and join us in the Bug and Bite after the West Brom match.
Great stuff guys, enjoy the match tonight.
482 Posted 03/08/2013 at 09:44:10
487 Posted 03/08/2013 at 10:07:52
Great to see Everton Football Club coming out of it's shell!
490 Posted 03/08/2013 at 09:35:10
494 Posted 03/08/2013 at 10:06:13
I used to be of the view that because I have been going to Goodison for 50-odd years, and have been lucky enough to witness all the great occasions, my opinion was somehow more valid than an Evertonian from, say, Cornwall. How stupid that idea was. Now, I read a post from someone who has got up at 3.00am in Thailand to watch the match, or travelled from Denver for their first game at The Old Lady, and I think I'm a complete lightweight.
Keep up the good work Lyndon and Michael, thanks.
501 Posted 03/08/2013 at 10:38:24
502 Posted 03/08/2013 at 10:46:23
What about arranging an event so all ToffeeWebers can get together and have a few drinks???
503 Posted 03/08/2013 at 10:47:22
506 Posted 03/08/2013 at 10:53:01
509 Posted 03/08/2013 at 11:18:46
511 Posted 03/08/2013 at 11:15:41
514 Posted 03/08/2013 at 11:35:59
516 Posted 03/08/2013 at 11:34:21
I've got to say I think Lyndon looks like a cross between Jason Statham and Billy Zane.
524 Posted 03/08/2013 at 12:24:03
PS I am right in thinking you are the one with that badge on your zip-up in every picture ?
564 Posted 03/08/2013 at 14:15:40
Obviously we don't know whether the game is Tuesday or Wednesday so I opted for the 4-game ticket... a pretty good deal.
Based on the competitive nature of the Juve game, I am expecting a better game than all of the stateside preseason stuff we have been inflicted with over the past years. Our defeat against the mighty Philadelphia still pisses me of!!!!!
581 Posted 03/08/2013 at 15:18:21
Good, good feeling...
597 Posted 03/08/2013 at 16:16:36
I was a tad ....
embarrassing ....
it's 8-17AM now, just checked
618 Posted 03/08/2013 at 16:53:58
624 Posted 03/08/2013 at 17:07:30
I would have thought he wasn't a fan of the website, unlike Pravda-Kipper!
638 Posted 03/08/2013 at 17:21:27
One thing the Goodison hierarchy can do is schmooze free booze and glad handing is always a winner, doubtless the above will go down a bomb at GP.
If we draw a line in the sand with Utd retaining Baines and Fellaini from their clutches we have a start.
No money is a given with these people - no dignity is entirely different.
If they don't cave to Utd I may concede you have something - "proof of the pudding" etc.
640 Posted 03/08/2013 at 17:54:43
Wish one of the games was in DC, so I could go. Looks like everyone's having a great time.
641 Posted 03/08/2013 at 17:34:44
Excellent match sitting with a large group of Evertonians in section 130, topped off with a nailbiter finish ending with chants of USA USA! for Tim Howard on the final penalty save.
Only regret is not to have met a few more toffeeWebbers - Mike Gaynes and Paul Ferry we must have only been yards apart a few times in SF from reading your posts.
I'm back in the high desert but all the best of you travelling to LA to watch the match at the home of my other favorite blues. I'll be watching on TV and of course the live forum on ToffeeWeb.
COYB!
644 Posted 03/08/2013 at 18:04:51
who, like you, lives in the States, but, unlike you, did not
go to the match.
Mr. Flynn has a habit of levelling insults at Evertonians who
have been supporters for a much longer time than the said
Yankees fan.
For what it's worth Mike, female Ferry said that she would
do you.
646 Posted 03/08/2013 at 18:07:54
657 Posted 03/08/2013 at 18:38:17
Matt - I think I am going to make it to Fado, but not entirely sure. My weekend is a little, ahem, off schedule right now. I haven't been to Fado for a while tbh, but it's time to go back. Next year's TV changes over here will likely force my hand too.
Thought we looked good Wednesday despite Juventus' fairly physical approach at times (looked to me like they took it seriously, albeit w/o Pirlo for most of the game).
COYB
660 Posted 03/08/2013 at 18:32:57
Tues or Wed Aug. 6-7 - OFFICIAL EVERTONUSA TAILGATE PARTY -2hrs. before kickoff of the day Everton plays (TBD)
Lion & Eagle Pub of Boca Raton & EvertonUSA are putting together the Official Tailgate Party at Sun Life Stadium Parking lot.
With Guinness, Chang and Bacardi providing the spirits, come join Evertonians coming from around the world. Festivities begin 2hrs before kickoff including raffle for Everton in the Community, Everton Legend Graeme Sharp leading the chants and all proceeds going to EitC. Suggested donation of $20 and all ages are welcome!
673 Posted 03/08/2013 at 18:54:25
No money is a given with these people - no dignity is entirely different.
"Barry, if Baines or Fellaini are sold it will be down to the wider financial realities at Everton FC and not either a reflection of the incremental, positive steps forward I was referring to above or any lack of dignity on the part of Elstone and his team, and that was my point.
What you would want from the club's communications department on a tour like this is to maximise the commercial opportunities, connect with the supporters (both traveling and local) and act as ambassadors for Everton. From what I have seen thus far, they have done that so, given how easy it is to moan from behind a keyboard, I feel it's important to give credit where it is due.
686 Posted 03/08/2013 at 19:56:33
721 Posted 03/08/2013 at 20:46:37
The financial realities you mention are down to these people and doubtless player sales are necessary as a result.
Given Utd's recent behaviour and that of our previous manager I'd happily say "yes they are for sale, but not to you .... would you like a bag of Everton mints instead".
That is real change a bit of long lost "we are everton.... now piss off" - but as I say I'll reserve judgement.
I've been to and set up a million of these meet and greets and at the risk of being presumptuous I would just say being editor of TW and like it or not a semi official voice of supporters be careful of "Greeks bearing gifts".
Mussolini was given credit for the trains being on time while destroying the country.
746 Posted 03/08/2013 at 21:18:40
Glad to see Elstone getting some good press.. I often think he is shot for just being the messenger...
Haha Ajay I had the same visual image of Lyndon and Michael. Was very surprised to see a guy who looks my age... Who more often than not shows great wisdom and balance when a view is shared.
749 Posted 03/08/2013 at 21:31:57
Appreciate the info
765 Posted 03/08/2013 at 22:08:22
Regarding the meet-and-greets, I think it's a bit churlish to think that the club came "bearing gifts" to pander to the fan-base. They could quite easily have held a bash with free booze, not had any of the panel and open Q&A format and thereby avoided any potential examination / questioning, like the few niggly prods posed by one supporter present on Monday evening.
As a final point, the club has an award-winning online presence, has been recognised for its efforts in the mobile and marketing spheres, and seems to have a hard-working MarComms team looking at inventive ways of engaging the fans and maximising the commercial streams from that supporter base in challenging economic times.
If the buck for things like the badge fiasco ultimately rest with Elstone (the person responsible for steering it has left the club, though) then so should the credit for these various improvements. Granted, they won't resolve the big financial questions dogging the club (that's for another discussion altogether) but every step in the right direction helps right now. That's all I'm saying.
793 Posted 03/08/2013 at 23:30:04
I have a mountain of work that her indoors insists be done today, on top of that is the even more important LA game.
The dozen or so different kick off times posted on TW (only a slight exaggeration) make it an incredibly frustrating and damn annoying task in trying to co-ordinate it.
Before I go completely nuts can someone please provide the correct KO.
By the way Michael and Lyndon I am not blaming either of you for the confusion, in fact you have my utmost praise.
803 Posted 04/08/2013 at 00:55:21
805 Posted 04/08/2013 at 00:57:24
011 Posted 04/08/2013 at 18:07:16
COYtoffeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!
014 Posted 04/08/2013 at 18:32:40
Many thanks for organising the Grand Old Evening. It was a truly memorable event and great to meet fellow supporters from across the USA as well as those who had travelled from the UK. Meeting Dr Everton and Robert Elstone was the icing on the cake.
This whole tour has been a wonderful experience. Iconic cities, iconic stadia, iconic teams and iconic people, it has been a week of pure footballing heaven.
018 Posted 04/08/2013 at 18:52:02
Always a day late and a dollar short...
I have to say its very cool to be able to put faces with the names we see and speak with at this fantastic site. The pics were fantastic.
Mike Gaynes - I had no idea a human being could wear that much Royal Blue. :0)
Outstanding! Love it Mike!
TY Lyndon.
I hope to see / meet a few TWers at the tailgate in Miami. This bastardized 7 year American "Evertonian" can't wait!
041 Posted 04/08/2013 at 20:45:19
We were in Pedro's the other night and did see you, had we known would have come over and said hello. We travelled down from Edmonton myself and my two boys plus a friend of mine and his wife, all mad Evertionians.
You mention about the lucky bugger winning the signed shirt that was my mate he had ticked no 59 & I had no 60, his name is Colin Horsefield and he is originally from Speke.
Your comments about the EFC representatives was spot on. They made a real effort to accommodate every one they came into contact with. Sharpy is a real character and a gent, had time for everyone. It was just like coming home for us and it makes me proud to say I am an Everton supporter.
COYB
323 Posted 06/08/2013 at 06:56:01
"Are you Howard in disguise? :-)" ha ha ha.
It's been a really refreshing pre season, and while obviously while not all of it is down to Martinez's arrival, it's nice to see some positivity around our team and in turn here.
Still hate the new badge though!
527 Posted 06/08/2013 at 19:15:02
286 Posted 08/08/2013 at 14:40:17
There's a lot of good people who work for Everton, like Christine, who have no control over finances etc.
024 Posted 10/08/2013 at 23:14:13
On our first full day, I went to the dinner organised by Lyndon and David France. My wife Carolyn and son Mikey went to the 'Meet and Greet', which coincided with the dinner. We had intended to attend the 'Meet and Greet' the previous evening, but our flight was delayed and we missed out.
Unfortunately Mikey was refused entry to the second Meet and Greet as he's 13 and the crazy local licensing laws stipulated that only over-21's could be admitted. So Carolyn brought Mikey along to the Grand Cafe, where they were met with the usual fantastic welcome from both David and Liz, and joined us for dinner. As soon as Robert Elstone heard of their misfortune, he invited us to the team hotel the following day.
When we arrived at the hotel, Robert was in the lounge and immediately came over to welcome us. Darren Griffiths and Graeme Sharp also chatted to us and arranged for some of the players to be brought in to meet us. Mikey had his photo taken with Leon, Hibbo, Bainesy, Sylvain, Tolis and Nikica.
Carena Duffy and Christine Prior did fantastic jobs, throughout the tour, as did the 'back room' lads whose names I don't know (but thanks !). The US supporters made us really welcome, especially David Kurtz, who arranged the pre-match parties so well. The common theme from every Evertonian you spoke to was how impressed everybody was with how accessible and approachable the players and management were.
There can be no doubt that the trip was a massive PR success, but even better was that it didn't in any way feel 'stage managed'. Everybody (well nearly everybody!) appeared to be totally natural and comfortable in the situations they found themselves, particularly Roberto Martinez.
So thanks to all who we met, but special mention to Lyndon Lloyd, David and Liz France, David Kurtz, Carena Duffy and Robert Elstone.
387 Posted 11/08/2013 at 22:24:23
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415 Posted 03/08/2013 at 01:07:00
Never fear that TW serves a vital purpose and would leave a genuine hole in people's lives were it not here. From the many largely silent readers like myself who still read it at least once a day every day, to the regulars who express themselves openly often, we would all be lost without the wonderful work that you, Michael and the rest of the TW team do. On behalf of all of the 'silent majority' - a heartfealt thank you.
PS: nice to put a face to a name too!