Everton FC Heritage Society’s talks and social nights September 2026-May 2027
Report by Rob Sawyer
The autumn-winter 2026/27 programme of Everton FC Heritage Society’s talk and social nights got underway in fine style with an evening dedicated Everton goalkeepers through the ages – from George Bargery to Jordan Pickford and Courtney Brosnan.
The Denbigh Castle pub once again proved a fabulous host venue for the evening, offering the Society the use of its downstairs function room. Society vice-chair and instigator of the talk nights, Mike Royden gave a brief update on Society activities, before the microphone was passed to fellow-member Paul Owens. Paul, a budding goalkeeper in his youth, who has become the Society’s de facto authority on Goodison’s glovesmen (and author on the subject), had put together a superb event. He was joined on stage by Alan Kelly – coach and mentor to Jordan Pickford for many years, plus Ian McCaldon, current coach of the Everton Women first team squad. Alan Fettis, Everton academy goalkeeping coach, who had helped Paul as an aspiring goalie, sent his apologies due to work commitments.
Paul took the attendees on a whistle-stop tour of Everton’s goalkeepers, from the aforementioned Bargery to Charles Joliffe, the so-called ‘smiling goalkeeper’, Billy Scott, the inimitable Leigh Richmond Roose, Tom Fern and the great Ted Sagar (one of four goalkeeping greats analysed in depth, alongside Gordon West, Neville Southall and the current Blues’ number one). There were honourable mentions along the way for he likes of Jimmy O’Neill, Harry Leyland, Albert Dunlop, Andy Rankin, Dave Lawson, Dai Davies, George Wood, Jim Arnold, Nigel Martyn and Tim Howard. Even Hans Segers received a namecheck!
Alan Kelly, whose father, Alan Kelly Senior (above), had coached Neville Southall and Bobby Mimms for a year on a part-time basis in the mid-1980s, explained what makes Jordan Pickford so special, and talked about their close working relationship which went back to 2015 at Preston North End. He even edited his own montage with music of the former Sunderland man’s best saves in an Everton shirt.
After an interval, Jamie Yates led a conversation with Keith Williams, Kirkby-born understudy to Gordon West and Andy Rankin in the early 1970s. Williams, who went on to have a successful playing career in north Wales, reflected on his one time on the bench for the Toffees’ first team (Keflavik, 1970) and, years later, having a young Neville Southall deputise for him at Rhyl for a couple of games – whatever became of him?
The Wales and Everton great was the focus of the next section of the evening, before Liverpool-born Ian McCaldon* spoke about his work with the Everton Women’s team, drawing comparisons between Brosnan and Pickford in their relentless pursuit of perfection in their game.
[*In a surprising twist that took everyone by surprise, despite Ian’s broad Scottish accent, he revealed his true Blue credentials, having been brought up just off Goodison Road and attending Gwladys Street School as a youngster. Wistfully he commented, ‘I wish my 92-year-old dad could be here tonight, he would have loved this.’ ]
As is the tradition, the formal part of the evening ended with a lively and revealing Q&A section before the night owls stayed back for a drink and further Toffee chat.
Thanks to Paul for all of his preparation and presentation skills, plus Jamie and guests, Alan, Ian and Keith for giving a fascinating insight into Everton goalkeepers. Mike Royden, ably assisted by son Lewis, put in many hours to making the night run smoothly. Lastly, our thanks to the team at the Denbigh Castle for being fantastic hosts.
Gallery
Many thanks to Rob Sawyer for his excellent photos!
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