Where do you get the Time?

Personally I'm just at a stage of life and in a position where I can give more time to things I couldn't previously.

If my wife read your article, she would be waving it in my face!!!

I hope I'm not one you see as over-contributing! I'll reflect on that.

Having engaged/challenged opinion proffered as representative of "most" Evertonians on a variety of Everton forums I'm firmly of the opinion only 100-150 are regular posters across the entire genre.

I'd guesstimate 20 - 30 here and the same at GrandOldTeam with a goodly amount foreign posters popping between both forums with verbatim posts. I'm talking daily posters btw.

Always fascinates me how they cannot grasp why frothing angst on the web is not replicated at the ground. A miniscule echo chamber will never represent the huge number of Evertonians.

In answer to your question, I have the time because I'm a home-based consultant and a lazy slacker, so I post when I should be working.

As far as motivation, I have a deep emotional connection to many of the folks here because of my life-affirming experiences when I traveled to Merseyside.

And also because in person I'm a charmless lout with no friends, so this is the only place I can find people who will put up with me.

Thanks again.

Thank God we don't replicate the frothing angst to the ground, at least not always!

As to foreign posters, I don't see any issue (not suggesting you do either), but surely it's their way of engaging with other supporters. It's a global game and many aren't physically able to get to matches.

It's an echo chamber of support but I find the divergent views do represent what we discuss in the pub before and after the game.

It is like being at the game is in some way part of the effort to win and criticism of the team kind of reflects on those who were there. It is certainly a fundamentally different experience.

I used to post millions on here. Some mad stuff, too. I know you took a break, Barry, but came back. I have a certain nostalgia for those days when, hard it must be to imagine, I was villified in the days of the Moyes Out Brigade and the Moyes Boys.

I don't post so much now, probably because maturity has made me realize that it doesn't quite matter as much as I used to think and I can accept that I am very often wrong.

What I can say, without doubt, is that some of the very finest writing on Everton Football Club has appeared on this site. From the editors and contributors. Some of the funniest, most moving, insightful and clever stuff I have read.

It has been a positive in my life since I first logged on more than 20 years ago. I have met great friends and have had some wonderful experiences. Yet, there is always the temptation to come on, have a rant and talk spur of the moment shite.

One of my closet friends died before completing a book on fan sites. It was funny and insightful. He was a red. ToffeeWeb was, in his view, the best by a mile. It is.

Just label him him as you wish, and leave him sitting there, pretending to work, and wondering whether this is English humour at work or some evil plot.

*runs off to GrandOldTeam to copy and paste.

But I'm so mad at my club and team

And I'm mad at the state of the world

This is a safe space to rant. And to vent. And boy am I angry….

Love ToffeeWeb. But when I meet my maker it'll be difficult to justify spending so much time on Everton and this (wonderful) site.

ToffeeWeb is like a free therapist at times and at other a source of great information and wit.

George McKane with his cosmic grooves, others with their knowledge of literature and music let alone the depth of knowledge of football in fact the whole of life has been discussed, debated and opiniated which all makes for fascinating reading.

ToffeeWeb your one stop shop.

I can see a Christmas themed ToffeeWeb movie.... "It's a Wonderful Site".

Andy Crooks as George Bailey (James Stewart) and we definitely need Eugene Ruane back to play the Angel.

If you fancy a beer in The Crown sometime, send your e-mail to Michael.

Brian, admit it, you enjoyed those photos I sent.

Don, I have learned (learnt?) many new words on this site. Few of which I can actually use.

Andy, I've never met the Magical Mr. McKane, but I do know that having you and DK in the same vehicle probably left that cabbie with PTSD.

Most of us probably write our own particular drivel because it is the "ONLY" place where readers may even understand that the only relevance is "Everton". WE are able to respond to the observations we read and tell other posters just how RIGHT they are to declare such sentiments as, "Alex Young is the best player to wear the holy Blue uniform". We revel in our own astute observations when othe intelligent Evertonians agree with us.

Then there is the OTHER side and I don't mean "RED" We discover that there are those, even more deluded than ourselves, who have the nerve to disagree with our brilliant conclusions.AND, even more disconcerting, there are those who not only disagree but use every foul mouthed epithet to let you know just what a depraved ignoramus you are to dare to disagree with their own astute observations and postings.We all start to realize who those posters are, and accept them as they are.

The initial question was, "How do you have the time?".I just plain DON'T. There is one particular voice in the house that sends messages basically saying "Are you on that Toffee thing again ?" She has no emotional attachment to Everton or the Toffee thing so I should not be too surprised. I need my middle aged "Everton for Ever" sons to be around to support me.Unfortunately they are only here on game day. On that particular day the lady in question makes sure to go shopping.

I admire those who are far more regular on TW than I am. Danny is not nearly as acerbic as his fellow full timers and should be awarded the medal of honour for his ability to even respond to those who are overly critical of his observations.

So Glad Toffee Web is around. I will post when I have time or inclination. The voice in the background is calling!!!!

Prior to ToffeeWeb my information was derived from newspapers, attending matches( mostly away), information from supporters I come across, and informed symapathiers( of which there are many), the sadly defunct Evertonian( not the glossey one), similar fooball fantics who are opposition supporters, Radio Merseyside ( not as informative as it use to be), available stats, Everton Accounts and evertonfc. com( very frustrating. )

Frankly I don't have time, since I am busy in my own life. So some of my posts may seem half baked and need more editing. Have to thank the editorial team. . I would like to do more research, finding the Club very limited in the information it provides which is mostly PA and PR, rather than Chief Exec. I do like the feedback good and bad that ToffeeWeb provides in clarifying points and ideas. Better to push the limits than be accepting.

I do genuinely believe that Posters do have a impact in contributing to the Everton narrative, which the currents powers would like kept in it's box.

Will have to get to grips with twitter a do something to push on the still necessary progress of 27 for 27.

Thank you all those that provide articles and posts.

Once upon a time my outlet was going to the match. A few hours where I swapped being a responsible adult with being a biased, opinionated, occasionally unreasonable Evertonian.

Nowadays, as a migrant, I connect via ToffeeWeb. I don't use any other forums... to me it's like having your regular pub before the match, or the regular group that you sit/stand with. You don't necessarily need to connect with those people in other parts of your life but they're a significant group in your Everton supporting life.

I love differing opinions and I haven't offered one that I wouldn't also say in person. If we can keep things civil (as we mostly would in person) then this stays a great place to meet and chat.

Thanks to all who contribute.

To interact with insightful dedicated fans like Si Cooper, Barry Hesketh, Danny O'Neill, Jay Wood, Rob Halligan, Derek Moore, Christine Foster, Annika Herbert, Lyndon Lloyd, Michael Kenrick, Mike Gaynes, Andrew Keightley, Bill Gall, Bill Watson, Sanjay Gopal.

To learn from old-timers like Dave Abrahams, John Boon and John McFarlane.

To get tidbits from a fellow I'm in awe of: Tony Abrahams, based on his playing record.

To get a chuckle from malcontents like Barry Rathbone, Don Alexander, Tony Marsh, Jim Bennings, Martin Mason.

To interact with decent fellows like Dale Self, Ernie Baywood, Jay Harris Jerome Shields, Dave Brierley.

To see the brightest flame burns quickest Fairweather's like Jamie Crowley come and go.

To see wise guys like Colin Glassar and Andy Crooks talking sense. And to counter the ranting of the odd extremist like Darren Hind, Jay Woods (Lat), Mark Guttleim (?), Gary Smith.

And also because I've fond memories of the likes of Harold Matthews and Dick Fearon.

Kieran, you missed two of the funniest comedy specialists here, Ray Roche and Brian Williams. Primo comics both. (As are you.)

For me, however, this place feels most special when one of the old friends drops in unexpectedly. I literally yelp in delight when I spot a rare contribution from Ian Burns, Gerry Quinn, Patrick Murphy, Keith Harrison and Tim Greeley (who plays on the Forum only).

And I'd like to call out some of the folks who were here years ago and made it special... even though they no longer visit -- Paul Thompson, Jamie Lenard (Chicago, baby!), Chris Williams, my Oregon buddy Paul Columb, Dermot Byrne, Alexander Murphy, Garry Corgan, Barry Lenton from Marine AFC, Ken Buckley, the hilarious Pat Finegan, Jim Lloyd, Jim Hardin, David Nicholls, and that most generous and thoughtful of men, Kev Johnson. (As well as a gent named Lee Whitehead, who once left me sobbing with one sentence.)

I can honestly say this site has had a tremendous positive impact on my life. You can't say that for many addictions.

I think TW has morphed into something far beyond the mere football website. It's become a virtual community center. Topics stretching far and wide are discussed by many... Some are even discussed by people who know what they are talking about. The recent thread about covid being a perfect example.

I love to hear People like Dave Abrahams and Rick Tarleton discuss a particular unrecorded incident in a match played 50 years ago. I always look out for comments from the Scottie girl - she's forgotten more than most know. I wont put up a long list. I tend to show my respect for what I consider The informed view by engaging the poster personally.

My favorite posters are Jay Wood...Err (lat). Mark Gutteim ? Gary Smith and of course Casho - Although I think we do provoke a certain amount of jealousy because we can all go the same match and only pay for one ticket.

I suspect Dave was sorely tempted to entitle this piece "WHY do you find the time, but I feel that is self evident. From my own personal point of view this site has gotten me through some seemly endless night shifts.

Grumpy arl bastards like me will have to accept that if they want to continue to post on here, that the site is much bigger than a mere footy site. People want to talk about everything. They want friendship. Even if it is with people they have never or are unlikely to ever meet.

I wonder if either MK or LL even dreamed TW would play such massive part of peoples lives when they started out all those years back

I've had the privilege of meeting up in person with many regulars from this site this season and others they have put me in touch with. The Saddle Inn, the Crown, the Bramley Moore. Pubs in London and Wolverhampton. I won't remind myself about 3 Army / ex Army blokes getting stuck on the wrong platform at Brighton station complaining where the train was stood amongst the Brighton fans. Poor drills. It's been great putting faces to the names and meeting their friends too. The Everton community.

I even, by fault of my own familiarity on the train to Lime Street, brought a cohort of West Ham fans to County Road and they loved mixing with the Evertonians. They now consider that their go to pub on their trips to Merseyside. My fault everyone!

Like many, I can't explain it. But you always find the time for Everton. I always have done. Even when I've been thousands of miles away in really shitty places, they have never been far from my thoughts!

I visit this site every day because I don't have any Evertonian friends. I'm from Burnley but my Dad is a Scouser, that's why I've been suffering for so long. I was 13 when we last won a trophy, and I just turned 40 a few months ago.

This place gives me the chance to feel more like part of the club and the fanbase. I haven't had a season ticket for a very long time due to work commitments but I get on the odd game and watch every game possible on TV or online.

Last year I got my first ever Mon-Fri job and I'm hoping to get a season ticket for next year. Until then, I'll keep coming here to read some fascinating articles, in-depth match reports and laugh at some of the Pissing Contests, although they seem to have died down a bit since the days of the MOB v The Apologists!

Brilliant site. Keep up the good work.

Win us the cup Benitez, watch the celebrations, and then smile to yourself, when you realize how much Everton means to so many people, then turn to Mr Kenwright, and tell him, that the only thing small about Everton, was having a chairman that was absolutely delighted with being plucky little Everton.

Winning the cup, is my Christmas wish anyway, so have a good one everyone, singing “WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED!”

As I say, finding the time is not difficult. I retired from work at an early (ish) age. I was 57 years old when I retired, so now have plenty of free time on my hands, apart from that is, going away three or four times a year, following the blues home and away (All covid permitting of course), and Danny's favourite pastime, dog walking!!

As I said, finding the right words to say regarding a match is more difficult. I can walk out of a stadium and already forgotten much of what's happened. I much prefer to give an insight into the events of the day, particularly the European away trips, or away league games.

Through the site I've met loads of TW'ers. Pride of place for me though, must be the first TW'er / Scouser to have met Mike Gaynes, the first time he came over to Liverpool. Trying to have a conversation with him was almost impossible. The look on his face trying to understand the Scouse accent was a picture. Like wise me with his American accent. Good job I was with him when he checked into his hotel because the girl on reception had him completely bamboozled with her accent!

The TW get togethers have been great. Too many names to mention, but a pleasure meeting each and everyone of you. Here's to many more get togethers, particularly at the bramley Moore pub when we move into our new stadium at BMD.

Merry Christmas and a happy healthy New Year to all of you.

But I'll never forget the final at Wembley in 2009. I could only get one ticket so gave it to my son, believing this was his moment. I watched in a pub just down from Wembley Stadium station. Stood alongside hundreds of the many thousands of ticket-less Evertonians who had travelled to be part of the occasion and create the atmosphere not just in, but around the stadium.

I think it's still out there on YouTube, but look at the response as the Everton team coach approached Wembley. And that was before a ball was kicked. Imagine if we'd won. I had Chelsea supporters I know who were genuinely blown over with our support that day. One of my favourite family photos is of me, my 2 brothers and my son stood on the steps of Wembley near to that dive, the Silver Spoon (?) just before they all entered the stadium.

Marching down the Wembley Way and then onto a European tour as an honorary member of Rob's gang. I'll bring the Ridgebacks Rob!!

"ALL", and I stress "ALL" responses were different, honest and clearly demonstrated that Toffee Web is really the true spot for all Evertonians to express, agree and disagree with their fellow fanatics. Opinions are meant to be read, and as ridiculous as they may seem at the time, they are from the soul. Of course they are usually revealing of the personality and character of the writer and that is why we take that chance to bare our souls. Mind you they are "All" Everton souls.

I am an ex scouser who has lived, worked and reared a family of Canadian Evertonians. Since arriving in 1963 Everton has continued to play a major role in my life and I never miss a game. When I lived in Liverpool I followed my team home and away. In many ways I envy those who still do.However It is great to know that there are other "BLUE" idiots from all around this World who need Everton and Toffee Web as much as I do. I will always find the time to give my point of view, as ridiculous as it may seem to others.

I started penning this at around 6.30 am. My Scottish wife still thinks I am nuts to spend so much time thinking about Everton instead of getting ready for Christmas. I had to remind her that Christmas only comes around once a year while "EVERTON LASTS FOR EVER".

Very best wishes all round and, as ever, to Lyndon and Michael.

Where do I get the time? Some posters may have surmised I don't and won't suffer fools on here gladly. I extend that philosophy to it's logical end, and as such I've been self employed for four years or so.
In theory that gives me unlimited posting opportunities. In reality it means some weeks I post a lot and other weeks I don't get to post at all. Smoke em if you got em.

There's dozens of great posters here that keep me coming back. Most of the names I look for have already been mentioned, but add Paul Ferry, Sam Hoare, Robert Tressell, the INCREDIBLE John Daly, and the hilarious Tony Marsh and Benn Chambers to that list as well and doubtless others who escape my mind right now.

I've had more than my share of run ins on here, and the season of goodwill is a better time than most to apologise for that. For my part its the depth of feeling that leads me most often into going too far. Everton matters too much to leave it alone. She always has and I suspect always will.
So to fellow posters who have felt my opprobrium may I just extend the olive branch of apology. It's never intended personally, even though it may come across that way. I don't have the gift of language of a Lyndon Lloyd or a John Daly otherwise I shouldn't offend so many people.

That said, this site challenges my intelligence like few others have or will. Responses to intelligent responses here challenge me almost like University assignments from decades ago. I always want to give the best account of my thoughts and views here on ToffeeWeb. Although I'm no Lyndon Lloyd I try to bring my A game with every substantive post. Even though I seldom succeed...!

Once again a merry Christmas to all the ToffeeWebers no matter where you are. Peace on earth and a trophy in 2022, we'll all doubtless take that.

PS - Harold Matthews was before my time on here, but Dick Fearon is a name I miss every time I visit. We've a tradition in my family of lighting candles on Christmas Eve for those who won't be here with us physically to enjoy it. There was an extra candle this year.
My wife asked who it was for?
My answer. Distant friends.

For that is what I consider this community. Distant friends.

I still watch the footage of the 84 Cup final and can see my Dad trying to get over the fence onto the pitch wearing his Everton flat cap that was popular attire at the time. I always point it out to my son and brothers. It makes me emotional. It makes me smile. It kind of makes me proud.

At the time and being behind the view I now see on camera, despite the ecstasy and sheer joy I was experiencing, as a 13 year old in London for only his second time, I did wonder what I was going to do had he managed to scale that fence!!

As it happened, he was beaten back by the stewards. Him asleep on the Jubilee line and some very emotional old boy Everton fan I'd never met before crying as he kept telling me 14 years as he hugged me. 14 years since he'd seen us win a trophy. God bless the younger generation for their patience.

One of the happiest days in my life. When it happens again, I'll try to invade the Wembley pitch, fall asleep on the train and definitely cry. My son can take me home to be scorned upon by Mrs Danny for behaving like Danny aged 13 and I'll have to sleep with the dogs. They will be understanding as they always are. And Everton are worth it.

When Rats goes up . you know the rest.

I'm in my 70's now and live on my own so have the time to spare and enjoy the banter and the wit of those who come and go and those who have always been here. I don't agree with all and have reservations about how some go about it, that is, they get obnoxious if people disagree with their ideas.

But Michael and Lyndon deserve a great deal of credit for the way they allow topics such as the abandoned game to generate into an illuminating discussion on this virus.

Thank you, Gentlemen and Ladies.

On Dave's question, I am not, actually, a serial poster on TW. I don't post on all and every thread every day as some are given to. There are more threads I skip and scan read through than stop and comment on.

I go days at a time, sometimes an entire week between games, without posting. That extends to weeks in the close season without footy because transfer rumours and gossip don't enthrall me.

I don't do social media for the same reasons the Live Forum holds zero appeal for me. So TW's main forum represents the only forum I do post on.

As such, it is a highly entertaining and rich font of information, humour, wackiness and diverse opinion.

Because I don't visit similar fans' forums of other clubs I have no idea how TW compares. But if there are any that come close to having as many standout characters posting to the high standard and quality on such an eclectic range of opinions and topics as TW can boast, then they must be very, very good.

You - and your membership - Lyndon and Michael have created something very, very special.

Good health and a Merry Christmas to all.

In fact maybe it was fate with the wife and her family, but I always enjoyed the trips to Villa Park. I remember the away game in 1987 as we closed in on the title and no exaggeration, must have taken 10,000 that day. And Villa were relegated that season too if I recall.

That semi final at Highbury was my favorite game of all time. When Inchy twisted in the dying moments to head home that bouncing ball, the North bank absolutely exploded.

I didnt want the journey home to end. The train was bouncing. Unbridled joy. We knew we finally had the team we had waited for so long for. I never came down. Even weeks later when we were going back to London to win it.

My Mrs kept following me around the house singing "Your sex is on fire"

Made that last bit up. The song hadn't even been written yet, but I'm sure she thought it

Andy #53, I had completely forgotten about that long-distance round of drinks. My wife thought I was out of my mind.

Danny, Pete, Tony, love those emotions. But I would posit a theory that you might find a bit loony... that our shared melancholy is one of the things that makes TW special and uniquely successful. My old mates from my weekly kickarounds in California were mostly supporters of more decorated London or Manchester clubs, and none of those clubs had intensely interactive fan sites like this one. I think our frequent disappointment is one of the things that brings us together here. We all suffer from the same kind of PTSD. Pessimistic Toffee Sadness Disorder.

And I should also point out one of TW's deepest ironies -- that despite all the people brought together by this site down through the decades, the two dedicated founders (whom I am guilty of taking for granted) are not among them. As of a couple of years ago, Lyndon and Michael had never actually met. Fellas, is that still the case?

The melancholy is there, without doubt. But disappointment without the memory or promise of unbridled joy is simply misery. That is what we have suffered for many years.

Most of us suffer Melancholia Evertonium because we remember the moments of sheer delirium such as we enjoyed at, say, Elland Road 1995, or Highbury 1984, and we desperately want others, our offspring, people like yourself, to be able to experience it. It was there against Arsenal, it looked like it was there at Chelsea.

So, every now and again, it needs to be there. Big time. It's been too long. A League Cup or FA Cup win would do it, keep the coals burning for a few more years.

There are many that can write a brilliant article, too many to mention, but I do try and add a little something to their contributions, so for those that do post, I can honestly say I enjoy reading the various comments, some are very knowledgeable, some are damn right funny, but all a good read.

ToffeeWeb has brought people together, a place where we can all go, where others are feeling the same as you are.

One minute we are singing and dancing, next steam coming out of our ears, but that is what Everton does to us all.

Without ToffeeWeb, I would not have met, Bill G, Jim, Derek K, Steve V, Neil C, Danny O,Neill, or Dave Pearl, there are others who have met different people, at ToffeeWeb meet ups, I promise I will get to the next meet up and meet some others.

How Mike and Lyndon manage to get match reports up so soon are great, strange how we see things different at a game, certain player performances etc.

Keep on posting fellow Blues, your contributions are a godsend to me, when a new article appears, it is up there with an Everton win, or Jim getting the right order at the bar.

If I have ever offended anyone on here I apologise and promise to do 30 minutes Community service, in the live forum for my sins.

Let's hope we all have a great new year both on the pitch and off it, god knows we bloody deserve it.