Articles

Michael Knighton an Interview
20
Jun
By Steve Zocek
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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Steve Zocek, , , ,

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…
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The Scot from the Vale of Leven – John Walker
18
Jun
By Tony Onslow
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1890-1899, Articles, History, Members Work, Players, Tony Onslow, , , ,

The Scot from the Vale of Leven – John Walker

Trying to compile an inventory of Scotsmen who have played football for Everton is like compressing springs in an old iron bedstead. Just when you think your task is complete, another one jumps up. The latest addition to this list is John Walker. John Walker He was born on 4 November 1869, in Bonhill, Dunbartonshire and was the second child of John, a carter (driver of horse-drawn vehicles), and his wife, Jane. He was training to be an engine fitter when he began his career with the Alexandria-based Vale of Leven club and represented them in several Scottish FA Cup…
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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 Zocek, , , ,

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…
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The Life of Smart Arridge – The Welshman from Sunderland
09
Jun
By Rob Sawyer
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1890-1899, Articles, History, Members Work, Rob Sawyer

The Life of Smart Arridge – The Welshman from Sunderland

The wonderfully named Smart Atkinson Arridge was one of Everton’s first Welsh international players – in spite of not qualifying to represent his adopted nation. He was born on 21 June 1872 in Southwick, a village on the north bank of the River Wear which has since been absorbed into Sunderland (it lies a short distance from the Stadium of Light). Smart was the third of four children born to John, a shoemaker originally from Lincolnshire, and Isabella. With Smart still an infant the family uprooted themselves to North Wales via West Yorkshire, residing “above the shop” on the High…
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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…
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02
Jun
By Steve Zocek
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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Steve Zocek

Son of My Father (Part I): John Armfield

Jimmy Armfield playing for Blackpool during the 1967-68 season. Photograph: Colorsport/Rex/Shutterstock Anything Everton related always fascinates me. My next two article is about a famous footballers whose sonat spells/trials at Everton. This first one is of John Armfield the son of Blackpool legend Jimmy; Jimmy Armfield with sons Duncan and John at Bloomfield Road John tells his story how he teamed up with Everton. I got involved with Everton season 1987/88 because of John King who at the time was manager of Runcorn FC, a mad Evertonian and friendly with some of the coaching staff at Everton, in particular Mick…
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James Morris, a Shropshire Lad
02
Jun
By Tony Onslow
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1878-1889, History, Members Work, Players, Tony Onslow

James Morris, a Shropshire Lad

The Welsh Marches village of Trefonen in Shropshire was the birthplace of James Morris in April 1863, the third child of Anne and her Welsh husband, Robert. James made a most unusual appearance for Everton during their first season as members of the Football League.   According to the 1881 census, the family were living in Oswestry, and James was working along with his father as a brickmaker. He began his football career with an Oswestry club who were founder members of the Shropshire FA in 1879. They shared a ground with the local cricket club at Victoria Road and lifted the Welsh & Border Counties FA Cup in…
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Tommy Eglington – The Flying Winger of the Fifties
19
May
By Rob Sawyer
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1940-1949, Articles, Members Work, Rob Sawyer

Tommy Eglington – The Flying Winger of the Fifties

Tommy Eglington, the Irish international left-winger, gave unstinting service to the Blues’ cause during some of the club’s darkest days. He is forever associated with his teammate and great friend, Peter Farrell, who crossed the Irish Sea with him in 1946.  Tommy was born in Donnycarney, a Northside suburb of Dublin on 15th January 1923. He was one of seven siblings born to Christopher (a butcher by trade) and Margaret. As was the norm, Gaelic Football was played in school, so Tommy would only get to indulge his passion for the ‘British game’ in the fields near his home after…
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Fred Barber: A Cut Above
15
May
By Steve Zocek
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1980-1989, Articles, History, Interview, Steve Zocek

Fred Barber: A Cut Above

Fred Barber was signed by Everton as back up cover for Neville Southall in April 1986 for £50,000 from Darlington. During a brief stay, he was never required to play a first team game and was sold to Walsall, with Howard Kendall doubling his money.  Fred tells me how the move to Everton happened and quite a story it is. It was a Wednesday night, 26 March 1986, and I was watching the highlights on TV, of Republic of Ireland vs Wales from Lansdowne Road, Dublin. Neville Southall the Everton and Wales ‘keeper had torn his ankle ligaments,which would keep him side-lined for a period of time.  Everton of course had Bobby Mimms as their number two, but needed another…
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James T Gibb – the first Irishman to score for Everton?
13
May
By Tony Onslow
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1878-1889, Articles, Latest, Players, Tony Onslow

James T Gibb – the first Irishman to score for Everton?

Official Football League records, started September 1888, appear to indicate that Wexford born Jack Kirwen was the first Irishman to score a goal for Everton. However, on closer examination, this feat had in fact been achieved some twenty years earlier when they had first crossed the sea to play a game on the Emerald Isle. The player to do so was an Irish International from Belfast. James Turnbull Gibb was born on 15 August 1861 to Alexander and Mary nee Turnbull. He was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institute where he distinguished himself on the Rugby field. On completing…
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