Rob Sawyer
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Rivalling Bruce Springsteen for endurance on stage, Pat Nevin delivered two-and-a-half hours of scintillating insights and reminiscences at second of the Everton FC Heritage Society’s run of social/talk evenings, held at the Denbigh Castle.
The popular city centre pub’s function room was packed to the rafters with supporters keen to see the former Everton footballer, Motherwell FC CEO, broadcaster, and culture connoisseur. He did not disappoint. Requiring only minimal prompting from host Rob Sawyer, the Glaswegian delivered a seamless series of brilliant anecdotes – often hilarious, sometimes poignant – from his childhood (and the Nevin family’s footballing dog, Shandy) through to his playing career at Clyde, Chelsea, Everton, Tranmere Rovers – and beyond.
The twenty-eight-times-capped Scottish international forward particularly appreciated the archive images and footage shown on the big screen (sourced and uploaded by Mike and Lewis Royden, who were instrumental in delivering the event, and were ably assisted on the night by Jamie Yates) – including a selection of Pat’s classic ‘scooped’ finishes over bemused goalkeepers. Pat would admit to becoming a scoop addict by the time he’d reached his Tranmere Rovers days, having perfected the art.
There were too many takeaways from the evening to list here, but what came across in spades, was Pat’s enduring affection for the Goodison Park (which he was there to say farewell to on the final day of last season), the Toffees and many people associated with the Club, notably Colin Harvey and his family. What also shone through was appreciation for all his family had done for him, notably his father, who followed Pat to matches home and away and was always made to feel so welcome by Evertonians. The evening – which could have easily continued into the wee small hours – such was the vast array of stories in Pat’s locker, ended with a brilliant Q&A session.
We appreciate so many people supporting the sell-out event, and are extremely grateful to Pat for travelling down from Scotland (ahead of a busy day in London on Friday) and going above and beyond with the time he gave to everyone. A class act, indeed. We hope to get Pat back for a follow-up event next year.
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Gallery
Report – Rob Sawyer
Photographs – Rob Sawyer, Mike Royden, Paul McParlan, Lewis Royden
Web layout and edit – Mike Royden
