Everton is one of the most storied and historic football clubs in England and indeed the world. Founded back in 1878, the Toffees have enjoyed massive success over the years and boast a proud standing as no team has played more top-flight games. Though the club is currently experiencing its longest barren run, as it is now 30 years without a trophy, a bold new era has been embarked upon at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the banks of the Mersey.
However, while the club is looking forward, Everton is built on its past at Goodison Park, where the team won nine league titles and produced countless iconic moments on the hallowed turf. With so much heritage associated with the Blues, this article will profile the most iconic eras in the Everton story.
Kendall Success
The glory years of the 1980s are among the most famous in Everton folklore as former player Howard Kendall returned to manage the club and transformed the side's fortunes to become the best team in the country. Having had to watch city rivals Liverpool dominate during the 1970s, the Reds were still top dogs when Kendall took charge, but the Blues proved to be a real match.
Starting with an FA Cup final win over Watford at Wembley in 1984, the Toffees became an unstoppable machine with Neville Southall in goal, captain Kevin Ratcliffe in defence, Peter Reid patrolling the midfield, and Graeme Sharp scoring the goals up front. Then there was Trevor Steven and Kevin Sheedy on the wings, and Everton were a real force. The Blues won the First Division title in 1985 and also lifted the Cup Winners' Cup after defeating Bayern Munich before getting the better of Rapid Vienna in Rotterdam.
Despite being pipped to the title by Liverpool in 1986, even Gary Lineker had scored 40 goals, Everton wrestled back top spot the following year and were crowned champions again in 1987. The fans who stood on the Gwladys Street will never forget the incredible football on show at Goodison during this era of dominance.
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Dixie's Sixty
It is a record that will never be beaten. Nearly 100 years ago, during the 1927/28 season, Everton centre forward scored 60 league goals, a tally that has not been bettered since. The campaign before George Camsell had netted 59 times for Middlesbrough, and a year later, Dean was on 57 with one game to go. Arsenal were the visitors to Goodison Park, and the striker recorded the hat-trick required to make history.
Dean secured legendary status and has a statue outside Everton's now-old ground, and remains the all-time top scorer for the club. Famed for his heading ability, the frontman was an icon and is still talked about regularly among Evertonians and the wider football community.
The Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity consisted of Kendall, England World Cup winner Alan Ball, and local lad Colin Harvey, and wowed Goodison crowds throughout the late 1960s. The Toffees trio are said to have enjoyed a telepathic relationship on the pitch. It was Ball who was the poster boy, going on the attack from the middle of the park in his iconic white boots and shooting high into the net. However, it would not have been possible without the work rate and ability of Kendall and Harvey operating behind him.
The three midfielders combined to help Everton win the First Division title in 1970 and have also been honoured with a statue outside St Luke's Church, which sits in the corner of the Gwladys Street and Main Stand.
Big Bob
It was in the 1977/78 campaign that 'Big Bob' made headlines. The Daily Express offered a £10,000 reward for any player who scored 30 goals that season, and Latchford duly obliged. It was in the final game of the season that the forward needed two more goals, and lowly Chelsea were the visitors. Everton ran out 6-0 winners, but Latchford didn't score until late in the second half. Then, the Blues were awarded a penalty, and the striker stepped up to seal the tally and mark a memorable day that has lived long in the memories of all who were there.
Finishing Fourth
It is fair to say that Everton have struggled during the Premier League era and failed to match the heights enjoyed throughout the 60s and 80s. However, in 2004/05, the Toffees achieved relative success with a fourth-place finish to claim a place in Champions League qualifying. Though Spanish outfit Villarreal denied them, the Blues had deserved their shot, and it remains their highest standing since the Premier League was formed in 1992.
Overall, Everton remains one of the biggest clubs in England and will be hoping the recent stadium move will kickstart a new era, which will see the team challenging for trophies again.
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