Mike Royden
[This was part of a day anniversary event entitled Do Look Back! Bob Dylan, the Adelphi, Football glory, Liver Birds and Liverpool on TV in 1966, hosted by Liverpool History Society, (not EFCHS) at the Sefton Suite, Adelphi Hotel, relating to the 1966 visit to Liverpool by Bob Dylan and the FA Cup win by Everton.]
In an event mostly attended by members of the Liverpool History Society for their 25th Anniversary, plus a number of Dylan fans, it seemed a tall order to talk to the gathered throng for an hour on Everton FC in 1966. Nor were we there to include anything about the other lot from across the park. The actual focus of the event was the day Dylan played at the Odeon in London Road – significant to Dylan aficionados as this was his electrified tour, causing great controversy among his fans, especially at the Newport Folk Festival the year before.
But the significance of 14 May 1966, or even attendance, was not on the agenda for most Toffees. Mainly as we were otherwise engaged. On the day that Dylan was having his photograph taken down in Dublin Street, and the gig itself, later that evening, thousands of Everton fans were in London. It was the day of the 1966 FA Cup Final.
So here we were in the Adelphi Hotel in June 2026, as part of the event to celebrate the Dylan anniversary, and with other speakers and guests to give a cultural and sporting context to the period.
However, we had a surprise for the audience. We thought we’d invite along a special guest, who is also a great friend of the Everton FC Heritage Society, and the current holder of the Dixie Dean Memorial Award. So to the introductions – onstage I would be aided in the presentation by Paul McParlan, author, veteran of the Blueroom radio show and a great raconteur, always full of great stories about the Blues. Announcing our special guest; ‘He wasn’t at the Dylan event or even in the city, in fact he was in London, and not only was he in London, he was at Wembley, and not only was he at the famous stadium, he was actually on the pitch, and not just on the pitch, he scored the winning goal! I’m very proud to introduce to you Mr Derek Temple.’ And up came Derek, very dapper as always, to a loud, audible gasp from the audience, followed by enthusiastic applause.
Derek is always a fantastic guest. Now an octogenarian, his memory is as sharp as ever, and he recounted every little detail, not only of that famous day, but also the previous rounds, as well as biographical history from his earlier days at the club. Even if you were not a football fan, or an Evertonian, he was fascinating to listen to, and the audience also had the added benefit of an illustrated display, including numerous film clips of many of the events under discussion – not forgetting his famous goal of course. The proceedings also featured a discussion about Goodison Park hosting the World Cup games, including stars such as Pele, Eusébio, Yashin, and Beckenbauer. And although Paul and I were schoolboys at the time, we benefited from our own memories of having attended the games – in my case two, and Paul five. Integral to the history was Pele’s appalling treatment by the opposition and the very poor refereeing, the emergence of the new star Eusébio, and the sensational game between North Korea and Portugal, which saw an astonishing 25 minute lead of 3-0 in favour of the Koreans taken apart, mainly by four-goal-Eusébio, with the the Portuguese finishing 5-3 up, and rewarded with a semi-final against England at Wembley.
Afterwards, it was lovely to see so many of the audience coming up to speak to Derek, all with their own memories to share and to have a photograph taken.
Our day wasn’t over, as we took Derek for lunch at the Pen Factory in Hope Street, which lasted from 1.30pm to 5.15pm! It was such a joy to hear more stories about Everton in the 1960s – and some he couldn’t tell on stage! One of the best days I’ve had for a long time.
Many thanks to Phil Oates who planned the Dylan event and Chris Jones, who organised the event at the Adelphi on behalf of Liverpool History Society.
Thanks to EFCHS members on the day – Paul McParlan, Lewis Royden (filming and photography), and Jamie Yates
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A Video / Audio recording of the presentation is undergoing editing and will be upload here asap.
Links
Phil Oates – He has written a great deal about Liverpool History, and much more besides, on his blog site, but for Everton fans he has written about Johnny Todd (Z Cars) and 1966 here; https://liverpoolmiscellany.blogspot.com/2023/05/johnny-todd-part-two-14-may-1966.html
Phil Oates – Dylan Adelphi Event – Introductory Talk
Derek Temple Interview – full details here (An EFCHS Film)
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Gallery
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