Steve Zocek – Page 3 – Everton FC Heritage Society

01

Jan

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1970-1979, Articles, History, Interview, Members Work, Steve ZocekCoventry City, Everton FC, Wigan Athletic

Son of my Father – Part 7

THE KINGDOM OF RIOCH by Steve Zocek Some of you may be wondering why I’ve given this article the title of ‘The Kingdom of Rioch’? Well, Rioch means kingdom which comes from Irish origin. So, that’s the formalities out of the way. Bruce Rioch joined Everton in December 1976, making his Everton debut at Coventry City’s Highfield Road in a 4-2 defeat. Bruce appeared 30 times in an Everton shirt hitting the net 3 times. He had a thunderous shot, and was always favourite to take the direct free kicks when a goal seemed possible. Bruce played for a total…

19

Dec

By Steve Zocek

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1970-1979, Articles, History, Interview, Members Work, Steve Zocek

‘Son of my Father’ Part IV: James Wood

George Wood was signed for Everton in August 1977 by manager Gordon Lee. George soon became a “darling” of the Evertonians, making 126 appearances for the Toffees before joining Arsenal in August 1980. George also represented Scotland, and once told me he was the one who launched Diego Maradona’s career as the Argentinian scored his first international goal against him. Maradona scored his first international goal in the fixture after beating George Wood courtesy of SNS Group This feature is a little different to the previous ones as it features George’s son, James, who followed in his father’s footsteps wearing…

Gerry Mullan – When Irish Eyes are Smiling

21

Nov

By Steve Zocek

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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Steve ZocekBallymena, Everton, Gerry Mullin, Glentoran, Northern Ireland

Gerry Mullan – When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Gerry Mullan signed for Everton from Ballymena United in October 1980. To date he was the most expensive Irish league player at £30,000. Gerry failed to make a first team appearance for the Toffees but gained 4 caps for his country-Norther Ireland. Gerry is quite a private man, but was very helpful in assisting me with an insight to his time at Everton. Gerry Middle row 2nd from the left SIGNING FOR EVERTON "After 4 reasonably good seasons at Ballymena, I trained really hard in my fifth season, trying to push myself to the limit. As well as Everton, a…

10

Oct

By Steve Zocek

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1970-1979, Articles, Latest, Managers, Steve Zocek

Gordon Lee – a Life in Football

Steve Zocek Everton F.C. manager Gordon Lee, c.1977 Gordon Lee's family roots were in the Midlands; a small place called Cannock in the county of Staffordshire. As a youngster, Gordon was a keen footballer and could also play cricket. When he was given the opportunity, Gordon chose to play football playing in a wing half/inside forward role. As a young man, he joined his local team, Hednesford Town, who were known as The Pitmen. They played in the Northern Division of the Birmingham and District League. His enthusiasm for the game earned him a nickname of Onka which means 'unstoppable.'…

Richard Duckenfield – ‘Get off the Pitch!’

08

Oct

By Steve Zocek

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1970-1979, Articles, History, Interview, Steve Zocek

Richard Duckenfield – ‘Get off the Pitch!’

October 28th 1978 is a date etched in many an Evertonians mind. John Motson commentating that day for the evening football show ‘Match of the Day’ cries out, “The ball falls to Andy King, oh yes he’s got it, Andy King has scored” When the final whistle sounded at 4.45 Richard Duckenfield a BBC reporter waits on the pitch side to grab a few words with the hero of the afternoon. Before the conversation could commence, a Police Superintendent rudely pushes Duckenfield and King away from the pitch with an order “Get off the pitch” 42 years on I caught up with Richard to find out about the moment which has…

19

Sep

By Steve Zocek

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1960-1969, Articles, History, Interview, Members Work, Steve Zocek

Barry Rees: A Blue from Rhyl

Barry Rees was a bright young lad who originated from Rhyl in North Wales. An excellent footballer from an early age, he caught the eye of an Everton scout. Having represented his county of Flintshire, he eventually made the grade as a professional footballer. Barry impressed his manager sufficiently to feature in four first team games, netting twice, before being sold to Brighton and Hove Albion. Barry died in tragic circumstances at the age of 21 and I am indebted to Barry’s brother Geraint for sharing Barry’s all too short career with me. Barry was a bit of a home boy and he was forever coming back to Rhyl and staying at home, which manager Harry Catterick didn’t like, preferring his players to stay local…

24

Aug

By Steve Zocek

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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Members Work, Steve ZocekArsenal, Northern Ireland, Pat Jennings, Spurs, Tottenham Hotspur

Pat Jennings: The Boys of ‘86

There is a question that arises in many football trivia quizzes which is; ‘Name Everton’s most capped player’? Answers are being thrown back to the question master with all sorts of names which are all announced incorrect. Okay, I give in. The correct answer infuriates the most knowledgeable of contestants when Pat Jennings becomes the answer. Okay, I suppose it’s a bit of a trick question but the fact is, Pat was actually registered with Everton for the FA Cup semi-final and final of 1986. I don’t think I have ever seen any evidence of anything related to Pat’s association…

20

Jun

By Steve Zocek

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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Steve ZocekCarlise United, Coventry City, Derby County, Everton FC, Manchester United

Michael Knighton an Interview

When the name Michael Knighton is spoken in football terms, he is always associated as the entrepreneur who almost bought Manchester United FC in August 1989 for £20m. Michael entered the field of play before a game at the Theatre of Dreams, displaying his ostentatious football skills in front of the devoted Stretford Enders. Hang on a minute. What has this got to do with any Everton-related article I hear you say? Simple. Michael was at Everton in his youth and this is what he told me of his younger days with the School of Science. The chief scout that…

Son of My father (Part Three) -Jeremy Charles

13

Jun

By Steve Zocek

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1970-1979, Articles, History, Interview, Members Work, Steve ZocekEverton, Oxford United, QPR, Swansea City, Wales

Son of My father (Part Three) -Jeremy Charles

This is part three of Son of my Father. John Charles and brother Mel in 1955 - the men who founded a football dynastyCopyright REX FEATURES Mel Charles was a famous Welsh international who played his club football mostly at Swansea Town, as the club was then called. Mel had a son called Jeremy, who, like his father, went on to play for the same club and country. As a youngster, Jeremy was invited to Bellefield where he spent a week on trial. This Is Jeremy’s version of events. I was playing for the local schoolboys in Swansea, and in…

Son of My Father (Part II): Allen Hudson

08

Jun

By Steve Zocek

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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Members Work, Steve Zocek

Son of My Father (Part II): Allen Hudson

Allen Hudson coaching for Glasgow Rangers affiliate London Rangers Alan Hudson At Chelsea Anything Everton related always fascinates me. This second article of the Son of my Father series article is another famous footballer whose son at spells/trials at Everton. The second addition of this article is Allen Hudson. and those I guess that some of you now are familiar with the name, it’s the son of Alan Hudson former Chelsea. This is Allen’s story; I was at Fulham as a youngster. In the 4th year at school and I played for West London in the English school’s trophy in…