12/08/2026
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(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Following the incredibly sad news that ToffeeWeb contributor Danny O'Neill has passed, I wanted to share this message that Danny sent to me earlier this year about his life as an Evertonian, and unwavering belief in the Blues. I'd been curious to learn more about the TW regulars, and appreciated Danny sharing his story with me. Rest in peace, Danny.
"By means of introduction, my first career of 28 years in the British Army saw me working closely wth the UK intelligence agencies and some of the more niche specialist areas of the Army.
"My Everton journey began in Speke, the southern lying council estate in Liverpool that is home.
"Come the day, circa 1976, to say I was excited was a huge understatement. The smells of Goodison will always live with me.
"Most of the regulars on these pages that bring us together as an Everton community know me well, as much for my travel exploits up & down the country with the travelling Blue Army. There is something special about away matches; totally recommended.
"I consider myself extremely fortunate. Growing up back then as a teenager, I witnessed the highs of the highs. Watching Everton romp towards two league titles, once on a then record points tally. Two FA Cup triumphs. Seeing us win our first European trophy in Rotterdam. "That night" with victory over Bayern Munich, knowing that Rotterdam would be a formality.
"Success breeds success and the taste never leaves you. I've been blessed to see us at the very heights of English football, and nothing will ever take that away from me.
"I've sadly watched us fall from grace.
"But we are a resilient bunch and keep on fighting amidst the adversity. Never ever stop believing, Blues. I can't & refuse to. I will never stop believing in Everton.
"Spirit. Forever. Keep marching, Blues."
Reader Comments (40)
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Jack Convery
2 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:12:02
2 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:12:02
Nice one Harry. Danny and his family will appreciate it.
Tony Abrahams
3 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:42:07
3 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:42:07
If David Moyes, could get himself and his players, to believe in Everton, as much as Danny O’Neill, did, then winning a trophy this season would be nothing more than a formality for Everton Football Club.
Paul Washington
4 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:52:13
4 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:52:13
I sincerely hope Danny's family and friends can find a bit of comfort from the posts on the site.
Ian Burns
5 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:59:00
5 Posted 12/08/2026 at 16:59:00
Poignant post Harry - thank you.
Somehow today’s game seems so insignificant.
Somehow today’s game seems so insignificant.
Brian Foley
6 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:11:39
6 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:11:39
OMG!!! While the solar eclipse is happening, I read of Danny's passing.
I am saddened. Tony and Ian so right above. We are a big man down. Thoughts with Danny's family and friends 🧡
I am saddened. Tony and Ian so right above. We are a big man down. Thoughts with Danny's family and friends 🧡
Derek Knox
7 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:13:23
7 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:13:23
Great post, Tony A. Like Danny, John McF Snr, and your Dad (great fella and a good, good friend) amongst many other loyal TWers. I think, or know we all go back to the good years and times at Everton.
TW has changed, almost beyond recognition, but hopefully Danny's passing may have acted as a catalyst to bring us all back together again. Please of the knobheads who have appeared in our absence, and some who have remained, please, let this site go back to something like it was. Piss-takes were common, but no nastiness, or vitriol attached to them.
As my old and dear friend John McFarlane Snr, always said, "We can all go to the same match, but yet we see or interpret things differently." No need to fall out over a difference of opinion, which we are all entitled to, by the way!
Come on... let's be united for Danny!
TW has changed, almost beyond recognition, but hopefully Danny's passing may have acted as a catalyst to bring us all back together again. Please of the knobheads who have appeared in our absence, and some who have remained, please, let this site go back to something like it was. Piss-takes were common, but no nastiness, or vitriol attached to them.
As my old and dear friend John McFarlane Snr, always said, "We can all go to the same match, but yet we see or interpret things differently." No need to fall out over a difference of opinion, which we are all entitled to, by the way!
Come on... let's be united for Danny!
Anthony Dove
8 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:34:25
8 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:34:25
That's terribly sad news,
For me, Danny was TW at its best. He had his own views but was never aggressive to those with different opinions.
For me, Danny was TW at its best. He had his own views but was never aggressive to those with different opinions.
Brian Foley
9 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:48:00
9 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:48:00
Anthony @8. spot on. TW is diminished.
I feel like I've lost a better Everton version of me, that I will never aspire to, but will always admire.
I feel like I've lost a better Everton version of me, that I will never aspire to, but will always admire.
Sean Kelly
10 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:49:28
10 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:49:28
So sad to hear of Danny's passing and I always looked out for his spirited contributions on the old ToffeeWeb. A passionate Evertonian and not a bad word said about anyone.
Condolences to his family and friends. I never met Danny but wish I had, along with Harold Matthews. God rest both of them. ToffeeWeb is a poorer place without them.
RIP Danny.
Condolences to his family and friends. I never met Danny but wish I had, along with Harold Matthews. God rest both of them. ToffeeWeb is a poorer place without them.
RIP Danny.
Ian Bennett
11 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:51:53
11 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:51:53
Proud, passionate & optimistic.
Sad to hear, condolences to his family & friends.
Sad to hear, condolences to his family & friends.
TJ Oakes
13 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:53:58
13 Posted 12/08/2026 at 19:53:58
I first met Danny when he was a fresh-faced 16-year-old at military college. As a Red, we often exchanged our passionate views on all things football, but forever agreed on how special our football teams were to us both.
I'm gutted to learn of Danny's passing, but I know that mine, and many others' lives, were blessed by having had the fortune to call him a friend. My condolences go to Connor and Danny's family.
See you on the other side, brother!
I'm gutted to learn of Danny's passing, but I know that mine, and many others' lives, were blessed by having had the fortune to call him a friend. My condolences go to Connor and Danny's family.
See you on the other side, brother!
Brendan McLaughlin
14 Posted 12/08/2026 at 20:02:10
14 Posted 12/08/2026 at 20:02:10
Just seeing this terrible news.
I can remember Danny bursting onto ToffeeWeb all those years ago. He was such a breath of fresh air. Opinionated, optimistic, enthusiastic and yet rarely a harsh word even when other posters sometimes aggressively challenged him.
I met him when I attended my last match at Goodison courtesy of Tony Abrahams who offered to let me use his season tickets. When Tony made the offer via ToffeeWeb Danny immediately reached out and suggested a meet-up.
The real life Danny O'Neill was as engaging as the ToffeeWeb version.
Danny made me want to be a better poster. I'm still trying but I've some distance to travel.
RIP Danny boy
I can remember Danny bursting onto ToffeeWeb all those years ago. He was such a breath of fresh air. Opinionated, optimistic, enthusiastic and yet rarely a harsh word even when other posters sometimes aggressively challenged him.
I met him when I attended my last match at Goodison courtesy of Tony Abrahams who offered to let me use his season tickets. When Tony made the offer via ToffeeWeb Danny immediately reached out and suggested a meet-up.
The real life Danny O'Neill was as engaging as the ToffeeWeb version.
Danny made me want to be a better poster. I'm still trying but I've some distance to travel.
RIP Danny boy
Paul Griffiths
15 Posted 12/08/2026 at 21:29:03
15 Posted 12/08/2026 at 21:29:03
"Spirit. Forever. Keep marching, Blues."
What an epitaph.
RIP
💙💙💙
What an epitaph.
RIP
💙💙💙
Jerome Shields
16 Posted 12/08/2026 at 22:19:43
16 Posted 12/08/2026 at 22:19:43
So sorry to hear of Danny's passing. A real Evertonian and genuine person.
Condolences to his family, so soon after his partner's passing. Danny, RIP.
Condolences to his family, so soon after his partner's passing. Danny, RIP.
Mike Hanlon
17 Posted 12/08/2026 at 22:58:02
17 Posted 12/08/2026 at 22:58:02
So sorry to hear of Danny's passing. Never met him but really enjoyed reading about his travels and stories following the Blues. Plus his hopes and positivity for better days ahead. He came across as an ‘old school' Evertonian, brought up in the traditions, like many including myself.
Thoughts and prayers with him, his family and all that knew him. May he rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers with him, his family and all that knew him. May he rest in peace.
Sean Herbert
18 Posted 12/08/2026 at 00:27:07
18 Posted 12/08/2026 at 00:27:07
A very poignant post Harry and very much appreciated.
Never was there a more truer blue 💙
Never was there a more truer blue 💙
Paul Griffiths
19 Posted 13/08/2026 at 01:08:59
19 Posted 13/08/2026 at 01:08:59
Derek mate (7), I've often thought about John Mc Senior, more so recently.
I'm hoping that you will tell me he is still very much with us.
I'm hoping that you will tell me he is still very much with us.
Andy Meighan
20 Posted 13/08/2026 at 04:07:28
20 Posted 13/08/2026 at 04:07:28
God almighty, I didn't realise Danny had passed, terrible news.
Great, great blue and sadly taken so young. I was only wondering the other day why I hadn't seen his name on these pages. Also his missus sadly passed not that long back so terrible news.
As Tony said, if Moyes had Danny's enthusiasm and belief, we'd win the lot this season.
RIP, Danny and let's hope we can break the hoodoo this season just for you.
Great, great blue and sadly taken so young. I was only wondering the other day why I hadn't seen his name on these pages. Also his missus sadly passed not that long back so terrible news.
As Tony said, if Moyes had Danny's enthusiasm and belief, we'd win the lot this season.
RIP, Danny and let's hope we can break the hoodoo this season just for you.
Andy Finigan
21 Posted 13/08/2026 at 08:24:18
21 Posted 13/08/2026 at 08:24:18
I wished I had the pleasure of Danny's company because, to me, there was no better Evertonian on the planet and our club will be poorer without him.
God bless and may the Blues give you a smile in heaven.
God bless and may the Blues give you a smile in heaven.
Joe McMahon
22 Posted 13/08/2026 at 08:40:34
22 Posted 13/08/2026 at 08:40:34
My God, this is a shock. His commitment to Everton was 101% and unwavering.
Fly well, Danny, and now you can be with your wife again. 💙
Fly well, Danny, and now you can be with your wife again. 💙
Gaute Lie
23 Posted 13/08/2026 at 15:42:57
23 Posted 13/08/2026 at 15:42:57
RIP blue soul.
Did not know you, but you were a good contributor to ToffeeWeb.
Have a good journey to the next chapter🌹
Did not know you, but you were a good contributor to ToffeeWeb.
Have a good journey to the next chapter🌹
Andy Crooks
24 Posted 13/08/2026 at 16:39:07
24 Posted 13/08/2026 at 16:39:07
What has happened to the tribute thread to Danny O'Neil?
Brendan McLaughlin
25 Posted 13/08/2026 at 17:01:43
25 Posted 13/08/2026 at 17:01:43
Hi Andy
Hope you're keeping well.
I logged on earlier and it seemed like all of the posts after Gaute's #23 were in my comment box. Some sort of technical glitch? Looks like those posts were then lost whilst fixing whatever the issue was.
Or perhaps it's Danny messing with us?
Hope you're keeping well.
I logged on earlier and it seemed like all of the posts after Gaute's #23 were in my comment box. Some sort of technical glitch? Looks like those posts were then lost whilst fixing whatever the issue was.
Or perhaps it's Danny messing with us?
Mick O\\\'Malley
26 Posted 13/08/2026 at 17:11:23
26 Posted 13/08/2026 at 17:11:23
Andy, I've just checked, I posted about 83 in the section but for some reason no posts after 72 have appeared. It was there this morning...
Anyway, I'd like to pass my condolences on to Danny's family and friends. I know how much he loved his family, Everton and his dogs by the passion in his posts.
He would travel the length and breadth of the country to watch Everton. I didn't know him but having been on ToffeeWeb for about 10 years, I feel like I know all about him.
I didn't know he was ill as he hadn't posted much lately, but I was shocked to read that he'd passed.
So again, RIP Danny, and let's see if we can win the League Cup for him as I know that was a bugbear of his that we haven't won this trophy. 🙏🙏🙏💙
Anyway, I'd like to pass my condolences on to Danny's family and friends. I know how much he loved his family, Everton and his dogs by the passion in his posts.
He would travel the length and breadth of the country to watch Everton. I didn't know him but having been on ToffeeWeb for about 10 years, I feel like I know all about him.
I didn't know he was ill as he hadn't posted much lately, but I was shocked to read that he'd passed.
So again, RIP Danny, and let's see if we can win the League Cup for him as I know that was a bugbear of his that we haven't won this trophy. 🙏🙏🙏💙
Brendan McLaughlin
27 Posted 13/08/2026 at 20:19:37
27 Posted 13/08/2026 at 20:19:37
The other Danny O thread now seems to have the same issues.
Dave Abrahams
28 Posted 13/08/2026 at 20:36:05
28 Posted 13/08/2026 at 20:36:05
My iPad has been on the blink the last couple of days, it came back on an hour ago. I tried to put a verse in for Danny O'Neill but it's blocked.
Well, Danny, what a shock I received this morning when Tony phoned me to tell me about your passing. We met a few times and the first time we met, you hit me with that big smile followed by a hug and we just began chatting like two long time mates who hadn't seen each other for a while.
I liked you immediately, it would be impossible not to like you. My wife said to me while Tony was telling me the terrible news “What's to do, Dave, what's wrong?” I couldn't take it in... so unexpected.
Well, Danny mate, you earned enough respect during the times I met you and swapped posts on here with you to give you “Love's last gift — Remembrance.” I won't forget you, Danny, RIP, mate.
Condolences to all Danny's family.
Thanks, Brent, for letting us all know the sad news and sincere sympathy for your own loss.
Well, Danny, what a shock I received this morning when Tony phoned me to tell me about your passing. We met a few times and the first time we met, you hit me with that big smile followed by a hug and we just began chatting like two long time mates who hadn't seen each other for a while.
I liked you immediately, it would be impossible not to like you. My wife said to me while Tony was telling me the terrible news “What's to do, Dave, what's wrong?” I couldn't take it in... so unexpected.
Well, Danny mate, you earned enough respect during the times I met you and swapped posts on here with you to give you “Love's last gift — Remembrance.” I won't forget you, Danny, RIP, mate.
Condolences to all Danny's family.
Thanks, Brent, for letting us all know the sad news and sincere sympathy for your own loss.
Paul Griffiths
29 Posted 13/08/2026 at 20:37:27
29 Posted 13/08/2026 at 20:37:27
Me, too, I just went there hoping to see a picture of our Danny that one of the eds was hoping to put up. Like you, it runs out in the low 70s for me.
'Loves last gift — Rememberance'. That's really love Dave. Hope you're well.
'Loves last gift — Rememberance'. That's really love Dave. Hope you're well.
Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
30 Posted 13/08/2026 at 21:53:09
Editorial Team
30 Posted 13/08/2026 at 21:53:09
Sorry, just fixed the problem on that thread.
Brent sent me a photo he had of Melanie and Danny that I have put at the top of this story.
Brent sent me a photo he had of Melanie and Danny that I have put at the top of this story.
Christine Foster
31 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:19:27
31 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:19:27
So nice to see Danny and Mel, from afar it's hard to picture but you can see their love for each other. I have to stop now, wipe the tears.
Brendan McLaughlin
32 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:27:06
32 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:27:06
Nice photo, Brent
Melanny...
I remember Melanie posting on ToffeeWeb but it may have been only a one-off.
Think she wasn't well at the time and was posting something for Danny to look back on fondly.
He never really got over her passing.
Melanny...
I remember Melanie posting on ToffeeWeb but it may have been only a one-off.
Think she wasn't well at the time and was posting something for Danny to look back on fondly.
He never really got over her passing.
Michael Kenrick
33 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:33:24
33 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:33:24
"Melanny..." -- sweet.
I vaguely remember that, Brendan.
Think she used Danny's account, which threw us.
Ooops, looks like I was wrong... Here ya go:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Everton, 23 February 2024 Post #109 (Just ignore #118 please)
I vaguely remember that, Brendan.
Think she used Danny's account, which threw us.
Ooops, looks like I was wrong... Here ya go:
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Everton, 23 February 2024 Post #109 (Just ignore #118 please)
Brendan McLaughlin
34 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:44:11
34 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:44:11
Michael #33
Think she did.
I remember Danny trying to come across as displeased but he was as proud as punch at her subterfuge.
Think she did.
I remember Danny trying to come across as displeased but he was as proud as punch at her subterfuge.
Brendan McLaughlin
35 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:56:59
35 Posted 13/08/2026 at 22:56:59
Michael #33
Poignant pull from the vaults.
It was only a short time later that Melanie passed.
Poignant pull from the vaults.
It was only a short time later that Melanie passed.
Paul Griffiths
36 Posted 13/08/2026 at 23:18:59
36 Posted 13/08/2026 at 23:18:59
That's beautiful Jamie (31). I imagine that Danny's funeral will include Evertonians, his dearly loved army mates (I wonder if leaving the army was a big wrench for him), and his army mates who support Everton!
All the very best to you and please say something on my/our behalf to Danny at the match. It's also great that you will be with his son. We all give him our best on here.
All the very best to you and please say something on my/our behalf to Danny at the match. It's also great that you will be with his son. We all give him our best on here.
Brendan McLaughlin
37 Posted 13/08/2026 at 23:39:37
37 Posted 13/08/2026 at 23:39:37
Erm when I read that thread again...it's Brent's post near the end #157 that resonates.
Ron Marr
38 Posted 13/08/2026 at 23:48:24
38 Posted 13/08/2026 at 23:48:24
RIP Danny. Tragic news. Danny and his wife look so young in the photos.
I live 6,000 miles away and enjoyed reading Danny's stories about travelling to the game and the people he met on the way.
Also, taking the dogs out for an early morning walk and talking to them about Everton. I'm glad he got to see Everton win the League and the FA Cup.
I live 6,000 miles away and enjoyed reading Danny's stories about travelling to the game and the people he met on the way.
Also, taking the dogs out for an early morning walk and talking to them about Everton. I'm glad he got to see Everton win the League and the FA Cup.
Andy Crooks
39 Posted 14/08/2026 at 09:45:35
39 Posted 14/08/2026 at 09:45:35
Well done, Brendan and Michael, for bringing that thread back.
Vintage ToffeeWeb and a perfect tribute to Danny.
Vintage ToffeeWeb and a perfect tribute to Danny.
Liam Mogan
40 Posted 14/08/2026 at 11:35:52
40 Posted 14/08/2026 at 11:35:52
Gutted to hear this. A massive Blue.
He was a voice of sanity and positivity on ToffeeWeb. Never met him but he came across as a lovely guy. He'll be missed.
RIP, Danny. UTFT
He was a voice of sanity and positivity on ToffeeWeb. Never met him but he came across as a lovely guy. He'll be missed.
RIP, Danny. UTFT
Mike Corcoran
41 Posted 14/08/2026 at 12:02:17
41 Posted 14/08/2026 at 12:02:17
Such sad news, a great and positive presence on TW.
I never knew Danny personally but know we shared the Gwladys Street terrace behind the goal as teenagers in the years 1982 to 1986.
Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
I never knew Danny personally but know we shared the Gwladys Street terrace behind the goal as teenagers in the years 1982 to 1986.
Condolences to his family and all who knew him.
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1 Posted 12/08/2026 at 15:57:02