In your closing you allude that your next, meeting with the Frances, will hopefully be accompanied by celebration of some Silverware. I too hope that, starting with tomorrow night in the Carabao Cup, which I hope is taken seriously.

By that I mean, go out and try to win every game, not just throw any makeshift team out, with the attitude that win or lose, it doesn't make a great deal of difference. Yes, I expect some changes, but not wholesale ones, please!

A similar indication of our respective levels of ambition in life is demonstrated by his casual comment about the time “I tried to acquire Alan Ball's World Cup winners medal, unbeknownst to my better half” - I'm pretty pleased if I can sneak a new pair of hiking boots past Mrs Mills.

Over the past few years of reading this site I have come to realise that these ‘Merican people occasionally know a thing or two about our game, so I shall look forward to reading this book.

Very best wishes to Dr and Lady Everton.

Like Peter Mills I look forward to reading your book about Everton's visits to America on and off the field.

Wishing you and Elizabeth good health in the coming years, very best wishes.

Oh, David have a rest for a couple of weeks before you start your next book!!

Ah, not much. Wrote a 500 page book.

Seriously?

I think every North American Blue should buy this book. Dr. France is a wealth of knowledge, and focusing on our corner of the globe and it's relationship to Everton is something special.

Reading between the the lines always ‘politely scathing' when he feels the club fall from the standards he holds them too. Amazingly despite his own travails never worn down by the mediocrity we've been subjected to for too long.

The book is something I'll indulge in, a chance to strengthen a bond between two countries, which like the Doctor, I'm entwined with.

Stay well Dr France.

Please ensure TW gives us the heads up when this book is published.

Keep up the good work Lyndon it is truly appreciated.

Brilliant article.

Thanks Lyndon.

I would also humbly request the posting online of the video of Elizabeth's Hopi rain dance. My wife would like to learn it. Up here in Oregon we could use all the help we can get, mystical or otherwise.

Warmest good wishes to the Royal Couple of Everton, and thanks Lyndon for a lovely article.

I see the good doctor is still in fine form despite his sufferings and like Mike G the good Lady Elizabeths rain dance video is something to look forward to and would surely be a best seller.LOL

Lets hope you are all around to witness our return to the top table and hopefully a trophy or two before taking our place on the "Banks of the Royal Blue Mersey".

I can't wait to get the book.

Will there be a statue of Dr Everton at the new ground?
There certainly should be!

Next up Salford and The Baggies.

Let's do it.

I have said 'us all' because George loves Everton and all those who support! He has not been well recently, and I feel a message of support and recognition for all his magnificent contributions over the years, may not only give him a lift but also, send a message of appreciation.

I have had the privilege of meeting George at TW Get Togethers, and also in the Dark House, we are united in supporting our mighty Blues although we are diametrically opposed in backgrounds!

I'm sure he had a great lift by Sunday's performance and, hopefully, it won't be too long before we, once again, have the pleasure of his unique contributions to TW.

Best wishes from all of us on TW, George.

Wish you all the best George and, on behalf of us all on TW, we look forward to a full recovery and plenty more posts from you.

Very best wishes George, hope you are well enough soon to tell us how you are getting on.

Just stop it will you...'thankyou for everything you love, we love and for every other Evertonian that hasn't even been born yet'.

Lovely prose, have to rush, I'm starting to get that grit again in my eyes, even in my early 60's, this damn club has a habit of getting right under your skin.

I witnessed this. I work at The Printroom in Bootle and we have assisted the good Doctor with some of his projects over the last 15 years or so. When he is on this side of the pond and working on one of his books he turns up at the factory with the early shift. We give him access to an Apple Mac and away he goes. He doesn't stop! It really is a case of "switch off the lights on the way out please David" as the rest of us mere mortals go home for our tea.
He doesn't stop. Total dedication to the EFC cause.

If youre looking in on ToffeeWeb George I'm sure everyone is sending cosmic grooves in your direction and we wish you a full and speedy recovery hopefully boosted by us winning something this year.

The article is full of enlightened wisdom and a different aspect of Everton's history and reach, so apologies for dwelling on an aspect closer to home.

"Is there still time for Everton to win the League Cup"?

A man after my own heart. I made my feelings clear on the pre-Salford debate.

I'm 49 today so cannot claim Dr David's vast knowledge, but one of my earliest memories was the 1977 final defeat against Villa. I was at Wembley in 1984 and remember the hope and anticipation followed by the crushing blow of losing the replay at Maine Road. I remember going out early doors against Grimsby in 1985 (and we were reigning Champions), which seems to have become the prelude to subsequent notoriety in repeating our early exits at the hands of lower league opposition in this competition.

It has almost become personal and I want to see us win it regardless of the contempt some have for it!!