Hi Becky, thank you for another excellent article, the life of a footballer's wife in those days is far removed from that of todays 'wags'.

Michael and Lyndon, thank you for publishing this following Jimmy’s death a couple of days ago.

Sincere condolences to his family and friends, Jimmy was a true Everton hero.

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Another terrific piece, always really enjoy reading Becky's pieces.

Hi Pat,

What an interesting story. My sincere condolences on the passing of a great player, an Evertonian but most of all a husband. I have a small connection, but something that was amazing for me at that time.

I was always a great admirer of Jimmy. He was everything that the team needs today. Tough, skillful and a real team player. In 1962 I was playing for Holy Rosary in the CYMS league. We had a really good team and eventually won the league. While that was an achievement for our team it was surpassed when we were told my our manager that the winning medals were to be presented at the Holy Rosary church hall. To top it all Alex Young and Jimmy Gabriel would be giving out the medals. I was over the moon.

They presented the medals and stayed for the 'Rowdy''celebrations. What a night. Your young husband and Alex were able to give me and our team a night to remember for ever.

I don't know if today's footballers do such things but they should. It gives the ordinary day to day footballer the chance to mix with their heroes. Something I have always remembered.

As a 23 year old I emigrated to Canada, married a Scottish lass and I am still a fanatical Evertonian. I have three Blue Kids, and six Evertonian Grandchildren even if the don't know they are. I also left Liverpool but Liverpool never lefy me.

Great read that.

Willowdale road - what a blast from the past a road I walked a million times going to the "rec" to play footy. "Banana" kicks perfected there after the 1970 Brazilians, playing in games using only my left foot to become 2 footed, practising over head kicks and diving headers. The devotion to the game was total.

I remember the thunderous explosions of noise bouncing off the skies on a Saturday as we played "3 and in" the echoes of crowds at Goodison and Anfield roaring as the goals went in. We used to imagine it was for us.

Thanks Becky, you're a talented writer. My condolences too to the Gabriel family.

A most timely classic from your collection, Becky.

The down-to-earth, matter-of-fact tone by all the First Ladies you interviewed makes for such a refreshing, uplifting read.

I'm sure Pat's extended family has been made well aware in recent days just how much his Blue family appreciated Jimmy as a footballer. Today, you would have to add a few zeroes to the fee Everton paid Dundee to buy him as a 19-year-old.

Thanks again, Becky.

Amazing to think this was written 17 years ago. What a lovely long life they had together. Terrific memoir.

I didn't know Jimmy played in the NASL. I must have seen him a couple of times.

What a great player Jimmy was to have in the side. He always gave 100% and was a decent player, too. Mike Lyons, a decade later, was similar. They just don't make them like that anymore.

I can't remember exactly when it was but Jimmy was the temporary manager for a while. I think his first game in charge was away v Man City and although I was at the game I don't recall anything other than I think we lost 1-0. It was one of those dire times we've had too many of.

Thanks for the story, Becky, and RIP Jim

Apologies for referring to you as "Pat" (John Boon (4) I had just looked at the title. I also did not realise that the story was written 17 years ago (Mike 9). However everything about my memories and what happened are exactly the same. I am sure he had a very positive affect on all those who supported Everton while Jimmy was playing for them.Such a great player!!

Becky,

Thank you for another masterpiece about the warrior legend Jimmy Gabriel. His sweat and blood for our club will never be forgotten.

Sincere condolences to the Gabriel family.

No words. Just thank you for a great article and insight to one Everton's greats.

Wonderful article, Becky.

Living in Netherton in the early 60s, by Bootle Municipal Golf Course I used to often see lots of players having a round of golf and a few drinks in the posh clubhouse, a large green and white terraced tudor pre-fab, I think!

I remember asking Jimmy for his autograph and he took my autograph book inside the clubhouse and came back with half-a-dozen players' autographs! I never understood a word he said... but goodness what a player!

A beautiful insight into life as the wife of footballer, they never seemed real but every one of them had a life we never knew, fabulously normal. Thank you, Becky, I hope the family get to read all the wonderful comments here too. We were proud of Jimmy, and now we know what a great Dad and Husband he was too... Thank you.

I've got the marvelous books by Becky, but still really enjoy re-reading these pieces as & when they pop up on TW. Obviously, there's an added poignancy on this occasion.

Dennis Stevens 😉 🙌🏻 Thanks and me too! (not #MeToo that’s something entirely different).

The book is 17 years old so outdated in itself really but whenever I send a chapter to Lyndon, I read it through and am astounded, proud, nostalgic and honoured in equal measure.

In a few weeks, I will send the link to Pat Gabriel and am sure she will be overwhelmed at the beautiful comments.

Thanks everybody, I absolutely love your feedback, and I love even more that the precious stories of these wonderful, trailblazing, fearless women get to be heard again.

Up Rafa’s Toffees 💙

Another lovely look into the lives of footballers and their wives of over fifty and sixty years ago, still glamorous to the lives of most of us and our lives then, but worlds away from the style of today’s stars and their wives lifestyle, Harry Kane and his wife live in a £17M mansion I’m reading today, slightly better than the two bedroomed house Pat and Jimmy moved into!!

I was intrigued by the wedding day photo of Pat and Jimmy, all the players present are named except one, was it George Thomson who came down from Hearts with Alex Young?

Dave #17

Yes it was George Thomson who played at left back.

They both signed on the night of a League Cup game against, maybe Accrington??, and were introduced to the crowd from the old main stand.

Bill (18),

Yes, I think the game was against Accrington Stanley and we won 3-1 but it might have been 3-0, another season were we failed miserably in the League Cup losing 2-1 to Shrewsbury Town.

I absolutely love every one of these articles, Becky, they bring back memories held dear, along with others your stories re-awaken.

I loved Jimmy Gabriel; I watched him from the day he arrived down from Dundee. Hadn't realised it was Bobby Collins (my all time hero) who recommended him.

Thanks, Becky – another read with a lump in my throat!!

I got Jimmy Gabriel's autograph on the day he reported to Goodison Park for the first time.

During the early 1960s, as I mentioned on another link, nothing inspired me more at the match than watching Jimmy, in his royal blue jersey, running with the ball up the middle of the pitch with his blond hair flowing like a galleon in full sail. He never gave up, scored many an important goal, and lost a few teeth along the way on behalf of the cause. He was an inspiration to us young lads.

I don't know if Becky's books are still in print, I'm sure Becky will let us know. But, if so, I encourage everybody to acquire one or more and read details that we did not know at the time about our favourite players from a bygone, and better (?), era.

Read the first paragraph and knew it was a cup of coffee and a few Chocolate digestives sort of article.

A very enjoyable read Becky

Becky,

As ever, a fantastic read. I hope Jimmy's family enjoy the many fully deserved tributes about a very accomplished footballer who, with his peers, put Everton back on the footballing map again after a barren spell – how we could do with his type of player and character currently.

A great read. I am fortunate to have a copy of both of Becky’s books about the First Ladies of Everton. They are essential reading for those of us who lived and breathed Everton in the sixties and seventies. They paint a vivid picture of the real lives which sat behind the very public but often superficial world of professional football. As such they are a piece of social history.

Back in the sixties the star players lived in comparatively well-to-do districts like Aintree, Maghull and Lydiate, usually in newish semi-detached houses. They remained close to and accessible to the fans, able to mix with them in ordinary pubs, shops and so on. Their kids went to the local schools.There did not seem to be any security or safety issues. People left them room to breathe and live their lives.

Five decades later most of their modern day counterparts are hidden away in gated mansions, rarely to be seen other than in their cars or on the pitch. The reasons for that can be well understood but it is hard to escape the feeling the relationship between fans and players at the top level has been seriously undermined.

Most certainly Jimmy Gabriel was one of our stars in a great team laden with stars. I was sorry to see him leave, albeit the player signed to replace him was none other than Howard Kendall. When Jimmy returned to Goodison with Southampton he always received the warmest welcome from our fans.

A fascinating article that re-lived a golden era in Everton's history. So very sorry about Jimmy's passing. I saw him make his debut for Everton at Goodison Park in 1960 and was stood very close to his cousin who lived in the area. Also met Jimmy when I was fourth official at a Huddersfield Town v Everton reserve team match when he coached our reserve team. Sincere condolences to his family and thanks for sharing your memories.

Possibly my favourite Everton player of all time. I loved the way he played.

'When we won the league in 1963...'

That made me smile.

I had a few drinks with Jimmy Gabriel's dad in the local in Southampton – a day or two after our 8-0 win against them. Great guy, and so proud of his son... Jimmy was one of my teenage year heroes... didn't he score against us at Goodison in a 5-2 Everton win – and got the biggest cheer of the day?

Thanks very much to TW for posting this great read & thanks so very much to Becky, for another superb chapter, from a great book!

I have so many wonderful memories of Gabby, his goal in the 3-1 derby match at Goodison in 1964 (?) The 1966 FA cup final vs Sheff Wed, when he took the ball to the corner flag to run down the clock to protect our 3-2 lead!

Anyone recall Paddy Crerand fouling Jimmy Gabriel at Old Trafford in the early to mid 60's, Gabby got up just nutted him? I don't remember either player being carded, but it was over 55 years ago & it was a different game back then!

One our favourite chants back in the sixties, was of course "Jimmy Gabriel is an Angel" & very sadly, it is now true! R.I.P Jimmy <3

What a great insight into the lives of the players, so interesting. What an era that was. I first watched Everton at Goodison Park in 1965 and was in awe of the whole package: ground, players and supporters.

Born in 1950, I had two older brothers who both married in 1962 and what a simple affair it was compared to today. It was also very common to see footballers out around town and often they would have a chat as long as you weren't annoying and badgering them.