Kevin Ratcliffe captained Everton throughout the most successful period in Goodison history

For those of us who were there, it is a reminder of how privileged we really were. To those that are too young, it's a good read about a different game in a different era.

It is quite a lengthy piece for the Echo, and I'm pretty sure I've read quite a lot of it previously – from an Everton history book?

One of the quickest defenders, if not the quickest, I've ever watched.

I forget who the main man was at what we would now call an academy at Bellefield was when I got my chance but fluffed my lines. It was Ray but I don't think Minshull.

I was nervous as hell. I was a late developer physically so it felt like I was surrounded by men and giants even though they were the same age as me. Terry Darracott was fantastic. Took me aside, calmed me down and told me to go and enjoy it. And at the end to come back.

How much does this club owe Colin Harvey? The supporter, the player, the coach. As a coach, it wasn't just those years when he was Howard's Sergeant Major, he also served after that amongst the youth teams. Wayne Rooney spoke fondly of him saying he turned him around at a young age.

In it, Rooney basically is saying he was being over-coached rather than being allowed to be the street footballer he was. I've often said that Barkley wasn't coached enough. It's a balance between letting kids grow naturally and stepping in occasionally to give them tips and tweaks.

Colin Harvey. Biggest Evertonian ever in my view.

Ratcliffe; thank you for the memories. Wembley 1985 will live with me forever.

I was only a youngster so could someone let me know how good were John Gidman and Mark Higgins?

Cheers Blues.

Mark Higgins could easily have been part of our glorious '80s team but for injuries. He retired but then somehow came back and played for Man Utd in 86. Yes you guessed it he headed one off the line v us in one one the 3 away games we had to win to win the title. Common theme, eh.

We have waited a long time, but hopefully change is finally is coming. I can't see it being as drastic as Everton getting booed off the pitch at Goodison, two days before the New Year, and 18 months later being voted World Soccer team of the year, but soon I'm sure there's going to be change, and hopefully a positive future for Everton FC. 🤞

Higgins was a no-nonsense centre-back who could also play a bit too, his dad played for Bolton in the '50s. He still does a bit at Goodison on match days, he takes a group of people onto the pitch to get a photo with the ref just before kick-off.

I remember O'Keefe. I also remember Peter Eastoe from those days.

What I remember from that match, stood behind the caged bars at the front of the Gwladys Street, was that, despite his age, Howard Kendall brought himself on and took grip of the team, barking out the orders.

Random recollection.

He could be seen at Goodison Park many times when Mark played for the Blues, very noticeable with his big red farmers face outside the players entrance waiting for his match tickets.