Rob Sawyer
Forty-one years ago, on 24 April 1985, Goodison Park was rocked to its foundations on one of the greatest nights the beloved stadium has played host to. Cheered on by 49,476 vociferous fans, who, according to Howard Kendall, had the ability to suck the ball into the Gwladys Street net, Everton came from a goal down to defeat Bayern Munich, 3-1, and proceed to the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup. On 25 March of this year, Everton players, backroom staff, supporters and people from the media gathered at Hill Dickinson Stadium for a nostalgic evening to celebrate that unforgettable night. A number of members of Everton FC Heritage Society, who were at that match in 1985, were honoured to be invited to the special event in the Club’s impressive new waterside home.
(Front Seated:) Dr Ian Irving, Kevin Richardson, Paul Bracewell, Peter Reid, Nick Heaton, (son of Mick Heaton).
Mike France, a dyed-in-the-wool Toffee, was on there on the epochal night, and founder/CEO of Everton’s timekeeping partner Christopher Ward, was the instigator of the relaxed and celebratory evening. With the exception of Andy Gray and Gary Stevens, who are abroad, the entire first team from April 1985 was in attendance at Hill Dickinson, including Alan Harper and Kevin Richardson, who played in the first leg in the Olympic Stadium in Munich, plus Adrian Heath, who sat the matches out due to injury. Club doctor of the time, Ian Irving was present, as was Lily Kendall (on behalf of the late team manager) and the Heaton family, representing the late first team coach, Mick Heaton. All were presented with commemorative The Goodison 3.1 watches from Christopher Ward (the Harvey and Clinkard families will also receive them).
Compere Darren Griffiths was on sparkling form, interviewing the likes of Trevor Steven, Peter Reid, Mike France, and match TV commentator Martin Tyler. They relived the amazing atmosphere inside a packed Goodison, and winning mentality that ensured that conceding a goal just before half-time would not spell curtains for the Toffees’ ambitions in Europe. The players mixed freely, happy to chat and have photos taken with star-struck supporters. Everton in the Community benefited from the sale of tickets for a prize draw.
Everton FC Hertitage Society wishes to place on record its praise for an excellent evening,
with especially thanks Everton FC, Christopher Ward and Aramark, for the fantastic food.
Gallery
(photos above and below by Rob Sawyer and Mike Royden)
