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.'
IT was 40 years ago that Jeff Astle went down in Everton club history - as the man who stole the FA Cup.
Just three minutes after the 1968 FA Cup Final had staggered into extra time at 0-0, up popped centre forward Astle to bag the winner and break Evertonian's hearts.
He didn't know it, as he gnarled his Farley's rusk, but 13-month-old Adrian Chiles was enjoying one of the best days of his life. The day belonged to Baggies. Young and old.
It wasn't a classic game but Everton (wearing their orange away strip!) had arguably done enough to win. Of course, just two years earlier Everton's Derek Temple had inflicted similar heartbreak on Sheffield Wednesday fans, such appears to be the cyclical nature of cup football.
Astle went on to be the villain for England two years later missing a golden chance against Brazil at the World Cup finals, and of course in the 1990s he became a familiar face on David Baddiel and Frank Skinner's Fantasy Football TV show.
Skinner bizarrely named a tram after Astle in 2003, while West Brom fittingly unveiled the Astle Gates at Hawthorns in his memory.
Astle died in 2002 and in a Guardian obituary, Brian Glanville revealed a glimpse of Astle's wry sense of humour.
His speciality was imaginary postcards, which he would suddenly declaim. Arriving in Rio airport with the English party in 1969, he "sent" one to the England trainer Harold Shepherdson.
"Dear mother: No injuries yet, so I've not been seen on television. PS: Have still not carried a bag. Love Harold."
Astle later worked as window cleaner with a sign saying "misses no corners."
How do I know so much about May 18, 1968? While Jeff Astle glugged bubbly from the famous trophy, 200 miles away in a ward at Oxford Street Maternity Hospital, Liverpool, a woman cradled her newborn baby, oblivious to the emptiness being suffered by Blues in nearby pubs and homes. In such circumstances, is it any wonder Touchline Dad grew up a Red?
Here's a look back courtesy of YouTube...
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