So... Why Everton?

11/07/2022 11comments  |  Jump to last

A new American fan of the Toffees explains what drew him to the club particularly when he and a friend were picking whom to support from the Premier League.

[B]ecoming an Evertonian was about much more than just football — I needed a club whose values aligned with my own.

To start, Everton is known for its blue-collar culture and family atmosphere, an obvious draw for a Northeast Ohioan. Next, as the former chaplain of a Methodist university, I loved reading the story of St Domingo FC and the club's origin as a church outreach program.

But above all else, I was reeled in by the commitment and success of Everton in the Community.

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Reader Comments (11)

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Pat Kelly
1 Posted 11/07/2022 at
So who is it?
Joe Ross
2 Posted 12/07/2022 at
Interesting. I'm in Northeast Ohio. I first supported them after a visit with distant relatives in Ballymena who recommended the Toffees. I like Blue. And Toffee. I'll need to see if I can locate this chap.
Brendan McLaughlin
3 Posted 12/07/2022 at
Pat #1

"But above all else, I was reeled in by the commitment and success of Everton in the Community."

I'm guessing Denise Barrett-Baxendale!

Stephen Dages
4 Posted 13/07/2022 at
Not quite Denise Barrett-Baxendale, but close guess... just a regular chap named "Steve" from Akron, Ohio who loves Everton and loves writing.

@Joe Ross, where at in NE Ohio are you located?

Barry Rathbone
5 Posted 13/07/2022 at
I admit the whole "select a club" thing leaves me cold and probably explains why I struggle to watch any footie these days. Global fans may have brought money but little else.

The essence of the game was your local team was your representative in the sports arena and, if you lived in a 2-team city, you likely followed your dad, it was that simple.

I was watching highlights of Cantona last week and it was noticeable how vociferous, passionate and engaged the Man Utd following was back then. Not now.

I would say that applies to all clubs these days: football fandom seems to be an interest rather than a passion (honourable exemption to the faithful saving us last season) but you can't go back, I suppose…

Tony Abrahams
6 Posted 13/07/2022 at
That's probably why Everton are facing two charges from the FA, Barry, but 2,800 forgeries for a game is deemed nothing!
Shane Corcoran
7 Posted 13/07/2022 at
Similar feelings, Barry. Why does this fan feel the need to follow a club thousands of miles away?

I feel like a bit of a fraud being Irish supporting an English club full of millionaires from all over the world. It makes no sense.

I find it easy to stand back from it all and realise it's not really important.

Unlike my local team who drive me to the edge regularly.

Joe Ross
8 Posted 14/07/2022 at
Cleveland. There are probably 4 Everton supporters I know of. I run into them infrequently and don't know them personally.

Strong Tottenham, Liverpool, and Man City support in this town. I was willing to also support Aston Villa when Randy Lerner (also Cleveland) was running them into the ground. He was also owner of the Browns at the time so his soccer team toy was invisible here.

Sean Roe
9 Posted 14/07/2022 at
I've always wondered if our American signings like Howard and Donovan help to recruit new fans and if these fans are mainly from the areas where the players are from or all over the country?
Peter Neilson
10 Posted 14/07/2022 at
That probably sums it up, Tony (16), and it means Moshiri's inept ownership isn't over yet. Divine intervention needed.
James Flynn
11 Posted 14/07/2022 at
All over Sean (9) North, South, East, West, and in the Middle.

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