An Evening with Simon Hart and Guests

Words – Rob Sawyer / Photos – Lewis Royden and Rob Sawyer

The October Everton FC Heritage Society talk and social evening, ably compered by Gavin Buckland, had as its inspiration, two books written by EFCHS member Simon Hart, namely Here We Go: Everton in the 1980s and The Man Who Bled Blue. The first is a collection of interviews with figures at the club in that decade, the latter is his new biography of Mike Lyons, who made an immense contribution to the Blues as a player, captain and coach.

After an update on EFCHS activities from vice-chair Mike Royden, including exciting news about the next Dixie Dean Memorial Trophy evening, a packed function room at the Denbigh Castle listened to Gavin in discussion with Simon about his books and how they came to fruition.

Next, the attendees were treated to the reflections of 1986/87 league title winner Paul Power and the Blues former youth coach Graham Smith. Smith, who joined the club in 1975, was responsible for nurturing a number of players who broke into the team under Gordon Lee and Howard Kendall. Power, meanwhile, enjoyed a brilliant and unexpected swansong to his playing career, having been signed from Manchester City in the summer of 1986, ostensibly to cover for injuries to other players. The pair gave telling insights into what made the team click in the mid-1980s, the man-management skills of Kendall, and the tactical acumen of Colin Harvey.

**Gavin with Graham Smith (left) and Paul Power (right)**

**Graham sharing insights about the Everton Youth Team he coached to Youth Cup Winners of 1984**

After a break, Steve Seargeant was welcomed to the stage. The homegrown talent recalled the contrasting styles of Everton managers Harry Catterick, Billy Bingham and Gordon Lee. Steve, who often had the audience in stitches, also recounted tales from his time plying his trade in North American soccer, including coming to blows with California Surf teammate and World Cup winner Carlos Alberto.

**Steve proudly talking us through his 30 yard pile-driver against Leeds in 1974, his only goal for the club, courtesy of those silky skills of David Harvey in the opposition goal.**

The evening continued with reflections on Mike Lyons from Simon, Graham, Steve, Paul and Mike’s daughter, Francesca. Steve, who played alongside his fellow Merseysider in the 1970s, described Mike as a colossus and a leader on and off the pitch, who would have made a superb gladiator had he lived Roman times. Graham and Paul recalled working alongside Mike in the coaching set-up under Colin Harvey, after Howard Kendall’s surprise departure in 1987. Francesca was able to give personal insights into growing up as the daughter of an Everton Giant and was also able to share an update on his health.

**John Clinkard, Mike Lyons, Graham Smith, Peter Reid, Terry Darracott and Colin Harvey at Bellefield**

**Paul Power, Graham Smith, Steve Seargeant**

A Q&A session wrapped things up nicely – and was notable for perhaps the most meandering question in history, courtesy of Brian Kendrick! [Was there actually a question hidden in there? ed.].

All in all, the evening was a resounding success. This was thanks to the many hours of preparation of organisers Mike and Lewis Royden (including the preparation of audio-visual content) plus Gavin Buckland and Simon Hart, not forgetting the brilliant guest speakers and a highly receptive audience. Lastly, a word for the Denbigh Castle team – we could not wish for better hosts.