Everton

Everton is one of English football’s most historic clubs. Founded in 1878, the club played a major role in shaping the modern game. Unlike many teams that emerged later, Everton was part of the foundation of English football, becoming one of the original 12 members of the Football League in 1888.

From the very beginning, Everton stood out. The club was one of the first to attract large crowds, showing early signs of its status as a footballing powerhouse. By 1891, Everton had already won its first league title, proving that it wasn’t just a participant in English football—it was a contender.

The club’s early years were marked by a major decision that would change football forever. Everton originally played at Anfield, but a dispute over rent led the club to move in 1892. The result? Everton left Anfield, and a new club was born in its place—Liverpool FC. This historic split would spark one of the most intense rivalries in world football.

Goodison Park: the grand old lady of English football

Everton’s move to Goodison Park in 1892 was a defining moment. At a time when most teams played on rented grounds, Everton became the first English club to build a purpose-designed football stadium. Goodison Park set new standards, introducing innovations like double-decker stands and even hosting a World Cup match in 1966.

For over a century, Goodison became a symbol of Everton’s identity. The stadium, with its iconic Gwladys Street End, created one of the most electric atmospheres in English football. The roar of the fans, the history embedded in its walls, and the unforgettable nights of football made it a special place.

Even as the club prepares to move to the new waterfront Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, Goodison Park remains one of football’s most historic homes, forever linked to Everton’s legacy.

The glory years: when Everton ruled English football

Everton’s most dominant era came between the 1960s and 1980s. The club was a force in English football, winning nine league titles, five FA Cups, and even securing European success.

Some of the greatest managers in football history led the club during this time. Harry Catterick built a dominant team in the 1960s, winning league titles in 1963 and 1970, playing a brand of football that was both skillful and relentless. His team included legends like Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, and Joe Royle, names that remain iconic to this day.

The 1980s saw another golden period under Howard Kendall, who built arguably the finest Everton side ever. The team won the First Division in 1985 and 1987, along with an FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1985. Players like Graeme Sharp, Kevin Sheedy, Neville Southall, and Peter Reid became club legends, dominating English football and establishing Everton as a major force.

Everton was primed for more European success, but disaster struck. The Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985 led to English clubs being banned from European competitions, denying Everton a chance to compete for the European Cup. Many believe this ban halted Everton’s progress, preventing them from cementing their dominance on the European stage.

The Merseyside derby: blue vs red, tradition vs modern dominance

Few rivalries in football are as fierce as the Merseyside Derby, which sees Everton battle Liverpool in one of England’s most heated matchups. Unlike other city rivalries that often divide families, the Merseyside Derby has a unique culture—many families in Liverpool have both red and blue supporters, leading to intense but largely respectful clashes.

For much of the early rivalry, Everton held the upper hand. The club was Liverpool’s senior team, winning league titles and FA Cups before their neighbors had even begun making an impact. However, from the late 1970s onward, Liverpool became dominant, turning the rivalry into a battle of Everton fighting to reclaim the city’s supremacy.

Despite Liverpool’s recent dominance, the Merseyside Derby is still unpredictable, with Everton capable of producing shocking upsets and unforgettable moments. Victories at Anfield in 1999 and 2021 stand out as modern highlights, proving that Everton remains a fierce competitor.

The struggles of the modern era

Since the success of the 1980s, Everton has found it difficult to return to the top. The club has remained a Premier League mainstay, but has often struggled to consistently challenge for trophies and European spots.

One of the biggest challenges has been financial instability and ownership changes. While clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea received massive financial backing, Everton has struggled to keep up, making it difficult to compete at the highest level. Several managers have come and gone, each with different styles and visions, leading to a lack of stability and long-term planning.

Despite these struggles, the club has had moments of resurgence. David Moyes, who managed Everton from 2002 to 2013, built a competitive squad on a tight budget, frequently securing top-six finishes. Under Moyes, Everton re-established itself as a tough, well-organized team, reaching the FA Cup final in 2009.

However, since Moyes’ departure, the club has lacked consistency, frequently changing managers and struggling to find a stable long-term vision.

The greatest players in Everton’s history

Everton has produced and nurtured some of the finest footballers in history, players who have left an unforgettable impact on the club and the game itself. Some of the most legendary figures include:

• Dixie Dean – One of the greatest goalscorers in football history, scoring 60 goals in a single league season, a record that still stands.
• Alan Ball – A midfield magician and key player in the 1966 World Cup-winning England squad.
• Howard Kendall – Both as a player and later as a manager, he shaped Everton’s golden years.
• Neville Southall – Arguably the best goalkeeper of his generation, a club icon known for his incredible shot-stopping ability.
• Graeme Sharp – A lethal striker and one of the key players in Everton’s 1980s dominance.
• Wayne Rooney – One of the best English talents of all time, who started his career at Everton before becoming a global superstar.
• Leighton Baines – A modern legend known for his leadership, consistency, and incredible free kicks.

These players defined different eras of Everton, showcasing the club’s ability to produce world-class talent.

The road ahead: a new stadium, a new era

Despite recent struggles, Everton’s future looks promising. The club is set to move into the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that could help revitalize its fortunes. The new stadium represents not just a change in location but a symbol of ambition, progress, and a new chapter for the club.

With improved infrastructure, a passionate fanbase, and a squad featuring talented players, Everton is working towards rebuilding its identity as a competitive force in English football. The key will be finding stability, strong leadership, and a long-term strategy that aligns with the club’s rich history.

Everton’s legacy: more than just a football club

Everton’s legacy is not just about trophies—it’s about tradition, resilience, and unwavering loyalty. The club has weathered financial difficulties, changing football landscapes, and fierce competition but has never lost its soul.

From Dixie Dean’s goal-scoring records to Howard Kendall’s dominance and the unforgettable moments in the Merseyside Derby, Everton has built a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

The road ahead will not be easy, but Everton remains a club with a rich history and a bright future. The fans, the passion, and the spirit of the Toffees will ensure that no matter what challenges come, Everton will always be a cornerstone of English football.