They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
2007/08 SEASON PREVIEW:
IT'S been a long time since Everton enjoyed a cup run to make the floorboards of Goodison Park thunder. But 2008 could change all that.
In fact, it could be the year the spirit of 1995 is rekindled much to the fans' delight...
The Blues enjoyed a strong finish in 2007, despite striker Andy Johnson's promising season coming to a spluttering halt.
The team undoubtedly has some matchwinners in the shape of Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Fernandes (if he decides to stay). Cahill, in particular, can fire up his teammates and change a game in a flash.
However, the wider squad is unremarkable and the demands of UEFA Cup football could see things stretched pretty thinly by New Year.
As the title contest gets down to the final few months, Everton are likely to be bobbing along in Premiership no-man's land, struggling to score many goals but not conceding many.
A lack of European experience may thwart progress in the UEFA Cup beyond the early stages, but I think the Blues could string together a Wembley-bound run in either the League Cup or better still the FA Cup to blow away the midwinter woes.
Motivated, defensively tight teams with one or two matchwinners make good cup sides. Just look at what Joe Royle produced in 1995 with his 'dogs of war.'
However, the signing of a seasoned striker before transfer deadline day appears essential, although Anichebe and Vaughan, when fit, are fast improving.
Suggestions of the mediocre but costly Yakubu coming to Everton made me recall the abuse he got from a Blue sitting directly behind me during Portsmouth's visit a few seasons back.
I think it was one of Rooney's last games (as I remember, he scored late on after doing nowt all game) but the match sticks in my mind more for the unbridled racism of this idiot and the resulting phlegm in my hair.
At the back the Blues look strong, something which can give the rest of the team confidence to break or try something out of the ordinary to smash a cup tie deadlock.
Neither of the domestic cups have been in Everton's sights for many years, but I can see David Moyes in a dapper white suit, shades in hand, strolling across the sun-soaked Wembley turf on cup final morning. Can you?
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Originally posted by Touchline Dad on August 8, 2007
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paddock09 wrote...
I'd love any trophy and with a few more quality additions (hopefully Manny and Yakubu) i think we would be a good bet to win some silverware and were due a good cup run.
Posted by: paddock09 | August 9, 2007 9:22 PM