Memories of Saturday, 7 May 1994

I’m just glad mobiles weren’t invented. I can imagine all my mates messaging taking the Mick (they're all Man Utd or scum fans) but I’ll never forget it. When we scored the third goal I jumped so high I punched a hole in the ceiling. Who knew a year later I would be celebrating like that again when we lifted the FA Cup.

Good days.

A very strange, even surreal, day of contrasting emotions. Certainly one I never want to live through again.

I’ve often wondered how we’d have coped as a club if the unthinkable would have happened (or in 1998). Glad to say, we never had to find out.

Thanks for that Andy, a most unenjoyable, enjoyable read. If that makes sense.

Yes it is does make sense unenjoyable vs enjoyable.

I totally understand you giving your season ticket away. I wanted to be there for some reason, I am not sure why... maybe because I did have the thoughts that, should the ’unthinkable’ happen, I could say I was there to witness it. Reason being is we were that bad and at the lowest point (well, that I had ever seen us), I really didn’t think we would return.

Very contrasting emotions and unbelievable that we had to experience it again 4 years later, only to stay up thanks to another team not ourselves. I haven’t plucked up the courage to write about that day yet but will do soon.

Hopefully we will seriously never have to experience anything like that again.

Thanks again.

I hope never to see an Everton team anywhere near that situation ever again as those of my vintage, prior to 1994, the words Everton and relegation were never uttered in the same sentence with any seriousness and that's the way I hope it is for the remainder of my life.

I much prefer Everton and title contenders or Everton chasing Wembley honours as things that Everton FC should be associated. I'll never forget either 1994 or 1998 but I won't dwell on them as much as I would 1985, 1987 or 1995 and hopefully 2016.

However when their 2nd went in, I sort of accepted we were down.

I continued watching but my mind was now on what it would be like supporting a team in a lower division - something that Everton had never been in my lifetime.

Then there was the stick we were going to get from 'them'.

From that horrible, gloating, grinning bunch of fucking Norweg.. FUCKINGPENALTY!!!!!!

GET IN!!!!

(phewwww!)

I left Goodison that day feeling the most light-headed I have ever felt after a game - my brain practically blew a fuse (I even shook hands with BK on the train back to London and he complimented me on my Alex Young t-shirt).

We all vowed it must never happen...er..for at least four years.

I was at Norwich when we won our last title, I’d have sent for the men in white coats for someone who told me this would be happening just seven years later!

I think Skinner and Badiel were the pundits on MotD that night with Des Lynam! 21 years ago – shocking! And to think, 7 years before that, we were Champions!

2-0 down turned everything off, depressed to fuck, then turned back on with 5 to go.....phew!

The Coventry one was bizarre, as I had just touched down for my 3rd stint working in Magalluf so me and my mate watched the game in our bar, Alex’s, and told the boss, no matter what the outcome was, we wouldn’t be behind the bar that night, we would be in front of it getting pissed.

Either drowning our sorrows or celebrating, needless to say I went out with my yellow and blue Danka away kit and had one of the best nights of my life.

I remember my mum had died at Christmas of that season. I had become frustrated at the limited coverage that I blew most of the dosh my mum had left me to buy a monster C-Band satellite dish that became an ugly feature in the back garden for the next 15 years. Everton, of course were rarely the featured game for live TV coverage but it got me back into the habit of the Saturday fix – albeit at 7 am on the left coast.

ToffeeWeb was in its infancy back then, but we did collect the thoughts and fears of a number of fans who were there for THAT Game!.

And Lyndon also prepared one of his earliest Match Reports for what would become one of our Pages from History: The Great Escape.

Thanks for the memory-jogger, Andy!

Of course I could have checked the score in real time on some other medium but where's the craic in that?

I actually don't remember feeling that nervous about it. I think I always thought everything would work out somehow.

Great to read all the comments and memories on this one and Mike (10) it was reviewing those 'Pages From History' that prompted this reflection from me.

Patrick (4) I suppose there is never a 'good time' to release a reflective article about the day we nearly went down, there is certainly no 'underlying' reason as to the reflection at this point. I too never want to go back to that and much too remember sitting in the Lower Bullens in '85 when we beat QPR to win the league and then in the Upper Park End (as it was then) in 1987 when we beat Luton, not to mention that unbelievable spine tingling night against Bayern Munich.

I do hope 2016 will bring something for us in one of the Cups.

Eugene (5) lighted headed, you hit the nail on the head with that one, spaced out, dreaming, was it real was it fake, thankfully the result was real, however I wished the situation we were in at that time was an illusion, sadly not.

Mike (6) - The Coventry game I could write a full article on that one too, from the joy of Farrelly, to the despair of Myhre pushing the ball into the net minutes after Barmby had missed a penalty. I did think the 'world' was conspiring against us that day, but we stayed up thankfully due to another team I will not mention on here.

Stephen (7 & 8) Congratulations on your GCSE, god only knows what that journey was like on the way here, I was bad enough having to walk along Priory Road (about 2 miles away). The pitch invasion was amazing, not saying I went on myself ! :-)

Tony (9) how did we ever cope with Ceefax, I know now when a match is on and I am not there I am forever refreshing twitter, livescore or flash score ha ha to get instant updates. The good old Danka top, always reminds me of Michael Madar and that wonder goal he scored at the Park End against Leicester (I think), Danny Cadamateri and his goal in the Derby and John Oster as well for some bizarre reason.

Michael (10) sorry to read about your mum passing that year. Interesting that this game was one of the first shown across on PBS and I think it re-affirms how big this was, one of the biggest clubs, rich in history terms was potentially on the brink of dropping out of the league. The Pages from history is brilliant and really covers highs and lows of that day from so many aspects, even it was in ToffeeWeb's infancy then.

Shane (11) ha ha, I am not sure I could of coped knowing that I could know the real time score but putting myself through even more pain watching it 30 minutes delayed.

It is great to read so many memories of that day and I always believe that to appreciate the good times (which we have had many) you sometimes have to experience some bad times, this day whilst was a positive of survival was certainly a day I hope never have to relive again.

Thanks

Andy

It was funny being in the ground with the park end knocked down, and seeing fan’s hanging off trees and on top off the bus-stop opposite. As for the match at 2-0 down my greatest fear was happening WE WERE GETTING RELEGATED. I remember watching a grown man get up crying after Wimbledon’s second goal saying "I can't watch this any more".

Thankfully we got a goal back just before half-time. The second half was so nerve-racking I could hardly watch, Barry Horne’s wonder strike and a Graham Stuart second will live in my memory till I die. The final whistle brought so much relief and joy it’s hard to explain. Thankfully them days seem well and truly over.

Great mate, thanks for sharing that!

Andy

From that brink, began a 21-year love affair for this kid and my beloved Blues.

Thank you, Graham Stuart and Barry Horne. But more importantly, thank you Anders Limpar for winning that penalty by diving over Peter Fear's outstretched leg and triggering the comeback when we were staring down both barrels of relegation.

Being so young, I was confident for the 2nd half but at half-time my older cousin was seriously miserable. My granddad used to take us the game and we always seemed to score when he went to the toilet or to get a pie or something. Him being a grumpy old fella, when we went 2 down, that seemed the opportune moment to nip to the loo and, lo and behold, we scored!!

One of the favourite days of my life and a good memory of my good old granddad who’s toilet break kept us up.

Who needs Cantona when we’ve got Barry Horne!

Woke up gone 5pm and the first thing I saw was the score on TV.

Biggest non-event of my life.

Limpar certainly helped that day but definitely hindered during the first 4 minutes. I wouldn't like to imagine his life had that been the defining moment.

Michael (17) I admire you confidence mate, I was not so confident myself. The guy and I would love to know who he was who said when we went 2-0 down, don't worry we will turn this around. I always remember that and yes despite it being a very traumatic day it is one of the pivotal days in my life too.

Paul (18) you are right we really do all love the club and from the elation of the mid 80's to the depths of despair on the 90's just shows what it is like to be an Evertonian. None more so that from 93-98. Nearly down, some great results against Liverpool and United, Won the Cup 95, Win at Anfield in 96 and then to nearly go down again in '98, yes mate we really must love this club.

Hopefully 2016 will bring us that elusive piece of silverware.

Thanks again
Andy

Gerry - fancy being half way around the world and still being close to a Liverpool Fan, interestingly we beat (Joe Royle's first game) and drew with them the following season so that 6 points didn't come off did it!

I just linked to THAT GAME and the comments compiled in 1996 by Michael K.

How far has TW, or communication for humankind for that matter, come in near twenty years? Amazing.

Seeing all those names of contributors who went through the hell / elation of that day I realized - I only noticed a single name I recognized and that was Matt Traynor.

So to Matt I say, I'm glad your still around and contributing on TW. I enjoy your posts.

All the other names of people I didn't recognize, now probably resting in Goodison Eternal, Godspeed.

People come and go. The Club lives on.

What a great, great read.

More of these types of articles please. Gold.

Thank you very much for your comments much appreciated.

Yes how far has communication, updates and football for that matter come in 21 years. Wasn’t in 1994 when the Mike Walker brought the Brazilian through the door and he wouldn’t sign because he wanted £10,000 a week after tax, not before! Wonder how many players are now on £10,000 a week!

I for one love these articles as they really stir the memory juices.

Thanks again

As the Park End stand had been knocked down, I could see almost everything in the ground apart from the Park End goal, so when Graham Stuart took the penalty we couldn’t see if it went in, there was only a seconds delay as the crowd reacted as it went in, but it seemed like minutes to us in the trees!

Four years later, he was appointed as manager of Everton again, when the rumours of his heavy drinking were well known. He should never have been made boss of Everton but he was and made a very, very poor job of it, to say the least, but thanks to Clelsea we stayed up. I never thought the same of Kendall after that season.

I was watching the game and at 2-nil down, went away to the bath crying (seriously) and actually fell asleep in the bath before coming down at about 5 o’clock, afraid to check teletext but knowing I had to know the inevitable. It was then with unbelieving eyes I saw the main headline: ’Houdini Everton escape the drop’!

The Coventry game I remember more clearly, as the 'other' game (I forget now who it was) was on Radio 5 and I live close enough to Coventry to have had our game on local radio, with biased Coventry commentators. I spent the whole afternoon with two different radios on either side of my head, trying to follow both games at once. That was very odd.

I was resigned to relegation and was convincing myself that there was a silver lining somewhere.

I watched the Coventry game and was, I am convinced, more drained than anyone on the pitch. Drunk with relief at our escape, dry-mouthed, tight-chested and shaking hands with people I didn’t like.

I recall being in the queue and just as I got to the turnstile, I saw my mate, who sits by me in the Gwladys St, trying and failing to join a queue near the turnstile but, despite shouting to him, he failed to hear me and didn’t get in.

It is certainly one of the most emotional days of my life, ranging from absolute despair at 0-2 to unrestrained joy at the final whistle.

I remember that clown of a manger Mike Walker sitting on the bench, hunched forward wringing his hands, completely clueless as to what to do. If ever a job was too big for a man, managing Everton was too big for him.

I bumped into my best mate and his son, my Godson, as we exited the ground and I admit to having tears in my eyes as we hugged each other.

I was going out with a girl from Manchester at the time and I drove back down the M62 (still the best thing to come from Manchester) in a complete daze, emotionally spent and listened to the one of the Grantchesters state that we would never be allowed to face such a situation again. Well, not for four years anyway.

I never, ever want to spend a day like that again.

The day ended well but what endless minutes of pure torture we endured until the final minute, and then we still had to wait for the scores from other matches.

Where Chelsea involved again, didn’t they beat or draw with Sheffield United (?) to keep us up?

"The actual final day of the 1993-94 season, in the days before all the last round of matches were all on the same afternoon, featured champions Manchester United play out a 0-0 draw at home to Coventry. However, the day before things were rather more dramatic, with a clutch of clubs entering the day under threat of relegation -- specifically Oldham, Everton, Ipswich, Southampton and Sheffield United.

"The latter were 2-1 ahead of Chelsea with 15 minutes remaining, and with only a point required to ensure safety, things were looking relatively rosy for Dave Bassett’s side, who at half-time sat four places above the relegation zone. However, Mark Stein equalised for Chelsea, and in the very last minute the same player grabbed a second, putting the Blades into the bottom three for the first time that day, and down into Division One.

"Even more drama was occurring at Goodison Park, where Everton, who started the day third-bottom, quickly went 2-0 down to Wimbledon, but they managed to claw their way back and find a late winner through Graeme Stuart, ensuring they survived and Oldham, whose 1-1 draw at Norwich wasn’t enough, joined Sheffield United in demotion."

Then my mind goes blank and all I remember is a terrible feeling of excitement that just cursed through my body. Then Anders Limpar did something that was beyond comprehension. And I remember clearly thinking that Anders Limpar had no right, no comprehension, no understanding of the potential heartbreak his "I can’t still find the words to describe it" handball could potentially cause. I remember thinking "He won’t give a fuck, he probably didn’t, he wasn’t born a blue."

I don’t remember their second and in truth I don’t remember our first. Who can forget the equaliser or the winner or the crowds running on the pitch? I clearly remember five grown men crying like babies when the full-time whistle blew.

I swerved the Coventry game and listened to it on the radio. I cried again on my own. And to this day I know my wife looks at me and cannot grasp how a game of football can drive such emotions... but, then again, she is a red and will never know – no matter how much I try to explain.

There was some gallows humour around but I just remember how quiet things were (outside the ground). Even queuing up – we ended up in the Upper Bullens (perfect spot to fully appreciate the Horne exocet) – many people seemed to be locked in their own thoughts.

I was absolutely petrified and couldn’t help thinking that, just seven years earlier, I was on the pitch at Carrow Road jumping for joy: TWO TITLES IN THREE YEARS!

Something happened to the Wimbledon coach, didn’t it, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was?

I’m sure I wasn’t religious but I told God that I would eat sand off Crosby beach if we stayed up and I was/am sufficiently Catholic guilt/conscience stricken (superstitious/sad?) to have headed down to the beach to munch sand the next day.

Highbury ’84 – 117th minute will always be my favourite Everton moment but that day and that match and that suffering is not far behind. I couldn’t get onto the pitch from the Upper Bullens even though I thought I could fly after that result... I got on it after Coventry when the song of choice was "We want Johnson out!" (We need a more ’commercially’ driven chairman like Johnson tomorrow!)

It all went wrong for me when the Premier League kicked off. We never adjusted to the new culture or way of running things and arguably we still haven’t. Wimbledon, 7 May 1994, is both a symbol and symptom of that for me. Our off-the-park operations and cultures are still miles behind and we still have an awful lot of catching up to do.

But town that night! A great Everton night! Just like the Punch and Judy in Covent Garden the night before one of those '80s Wembley days!

We drew at Burnley 0-0, for the replay a few days later there was a huge amount of people outside Goodison. I think the attendance was around 60,000, but moving along outside the ground on Gwladys St, turning right into Bullens Road, it felt like many more. It was really quite scary, I reckon at times I travelled 20-30 yards without my feet touching the ground, feeling my chest getting heavily crushed. That was the first time I recognised that a crowd of people has a force of its own, far greater than the sum of the individual human beings comprising it.

The same thing happened for the next round when we replayed after drawing at Wolves.

We then had the biggest match ever in Liverpool, when 65,000 attended Goodison and 45,000 watched the game on screens at Anfield. The traffic was pandemonium, it was very late when we got home that evening.

On to Nottm Forest for the quarter final, we scored twice and each time I tried to reach for my scarf to lift it above my head, but I honestly could not free my arms from my sides due to the weight of people around me on the terraces.

The atmosphere at all these games was tremendous, loud, frenetic, wonderful to be amongst. But they were dangerous occasions and, rightly I believe, would no longer be allowed to take place.

Then one of the stewards said that we could get tickets in with the Wimbledon fans as there were hardly any of them. We got the tickets and agreed to keep our mouths shut, but that didn’t last long as we fell into more and more despair. The Wimbledon fans fans kept looking over at us but they weren’t in the mood for gloating or any trouble.

The pen went in and we cheered a bit, then at half time some of them them came over and said how they liked Everton and didn’t want us to go down. Then the bolt from the blue: "Who the fuck was that?" we all went and knowing that Barry Horne hadn’t scored a goal like that in his whole career, we were stunned.

The rest was mayhem. No inhibitions as we screamed to get up the field and the away fans leaving us to it. I’m sure we were as knackered as the players when the third went in, and at the end a few of the WFC fans came over and shook our hands. They’d seen a classic and were happy for us.

We were just numb and stood there watching the chaos below, not giving a damn that we couldn’t get out. After the game, we took a few of them to the Abbey – what a laugh!!!!

Fast forward 4 years, and I’d passed my driving test, so spent much of the season dragging myself out of bed at 6am to drive an hour to Bristol and jump on the Supporters Club coach. My first game at Goodison was the Cadamateri derby win!

I’ve never experienced anything close to that Coventry game (and hope I don’t ever have to), but it was one hell of an experience. My voice took a couple of days to reappear from all the shouting, and my little patch of Goodison Turf is still growing in my parents' garden!

Another was against Blackburn Rovers, who were in the Second Division, close to 76,000, we lost 2-1. On both occasions, there were much too many people in the ground as there were in most grounds all over the country, and it is amazing there weren’t many more disasters.

On a happier note, the first time I saw the FA Cup was at a league match at Goodison Park. In 1949, Wolves had won the cup 3-1 versus Leicester City. The following Wednesday night, we played them at home and, at half-time, the cup was paraded around the ground... magic for a young 8-year-old, we won 1-0 with a headed goal from Tommy Eglington.

The team had failed to win since March 5th - 10 games previous. The calendar year had seen us beat only Swindon and Oldham who were below us in the league, and a random 4-2 win over Chelsea. A terrible season, and a terrible manager.

Some would go on to win the cup just 12 months later.

Started:- Southall, Snodin, Watson, Ablett, Unsworth, Ebbrell, Horne, Stuart, Limpar, Cottee, Rideout. Subs: Barlow, Angell, Kearton.

Not in matchday squad - Jackson, Hinchcliffe, Holmes, Preki, Parkinson, Warzycha, Rowett, Neil Moore.

A lad I was talking to while waiting at a phone box had given one of them a mouthful as he passed, shouting abuse at everyone. A few minutes later, he came back with a gang while I was using the phone, and they decided to take it out on me. Ended up in hospital for 6 days.

When discharged, I was told not to go near any hustle and bustle as my jaw was now wired and with plates securing breaks both there and on my cheek bone. I had two black eyes and a head the shape of a football... haha... and that’s what I looked like as I approached Goodison Park on that fateful day.

I got there about 1 hour before kick-off and the queues were already massive everywhere. I didn’t have a season ticket that year as I was going away to sea, and knew I had a 6-month trip at the start of that season. It’s one of only 4 seasons I haven’t had a season ticket in the last 40 years... and boy did I nearly live to regret that decision.

It seemed like thousands were milling around asking for spares etc, and panic began to set in. I had only ever bunked in twice before. Both were derbies, once at our place, and once at Anfield, and both owed more to good fortune than good judgement, so I wasn’t a bit confident this time. I even saw a few kopites in the queues, offering their support, which, given my injuries was quite surreal for me.

I met a few mates in a similar predicament; most were resigned to not getting in, and were considering other options. I must admit, the trees in Stanley Park hadn’t occurred to me, so fairplay to that innovative band of Merrymen.

Desperate, I started walking along the queues offering 4 or 5 times face value for a ticket. I eventually got a bite. A young lad either tempted by a relative windfall, not too keen to endure 90 nail-biting minutes, or taking pity on my battered demeanour, took up my offer, looking almost relieved to be tearing out the voucher from his Upper Gwladys St season ticket.

In my delight and haste I took his place in the queue without even asking him his row and seat number. I didn’t care... I was in! I spent the next 20 mins hopping from seat to seat like goldilocks, being displaced as each of their ticket holders turned up. Eventually I found an empty seat just as the game kicked off... A great seat pretty much right behind the goal and only a few rows from the front.

I won’t go through the trials and tribulations of the next 90 mins as everyone else has covered it so well... except to say that, by the end of it, I had to go straight back to the hospital to have my jaw rewired, having sung myself hoarse..... and even during that painful dental procedure, I didn’t feel a thing, such was my euphoric state.

My abiding memory was that of an old fella in front of me. At the end, he turned with tears in his eyes and gave everyone around him a hearty hug, straightened his ancient looking scarf, declaring victoriously "I’ll see you all next season." I couldn’t even have a drink because I was on antibiotics... but I didn’t need one.

You are correct to say that Everton had failed to win a home game at Goodison between March 5th and that fateful Saturday, but Tony Cottee scored the only goal at Upton Park on April 9th to earn Everton 3 most valuable points, arguably his most important goal for the Toffees.

Coincidently, exactly 12 months later, Everton (minus Tony Cottee) hammered Spurs at Elland Road to reach Wembley.

The only time I’ve ever done that (without the aid of alcohol) was the Gosling derby.... I was absolutely sparked by flu and night nurse, but the first thing I saw on the telly was a shot of the old Park End scoreboard and that totally cleared my sinuses!

Even felt good enough to drag my arse into uni the next day and give it loads to the 25 kopites on the same course as me.

A derby win cures all!

I can remember like you being carried along Gwladys Street by the crush. I think I started crying in fear (wimp!) and some kind bloke picked me up and carried me on his shoulder till the crowd had dispersed a bit.

I remember the Wimbledon goals and the look on the crowd’s faces (at the Gwladys Street which got 4 of that day’s 5 goals) after the second Wimbledon goal.

Being in Belfast, it was Radio 5 in my room that sunny Saturday afternoon. Feeling petrified, right before Barry Horne’s goal, Radio 5 went to another game for a goal update. Halfway through the goal update, there was a sudden huge roar on the radio and then the agonising wait to hear what happened, "Back to Goodison" and that Redshite Gobshite Alan Green uttered the immortal words "Barry Horne has just taken the roof off here at Goodison", you could barely hear him such was the noise.

The Graham Stuart goal you can never tire of seeing, watching the instant pandemonium is spine-tingling, again it came out of nowhere so it was quiet on the radio, then this huge roar just erupted from nowhere.

There’s something special about seeing an Everton goal at the Gwladys Street End, watching the celebrations is just awe-inspiring, anyone remember Duncan Ferguson’s header against Liverpool in Big Joe’s first game just months later?

I remember the Coventry game well too: Gareth Farrelly, limited footballer, scored a screamer and being put through the wringer in the last 10 minutes (Barmby’s missed penalty and Coventry’s equaliser). On the Premiership Years, they play Robbie Williams’ "Angels" when showing that game. Hate that song because it reminds me of how close the nadir was that day and it also reminds me of having my heart broken in uni a year later by my first love. "Never again," said Howard after that; as soon as "Angels" starts I turn it off, I’m more of a "No Regrets" man myself!

But yes, Walker left months later and Joe Royle gave me two perfect birthday presents in 1994 and 1995: a home win over Liverpool (Big Joe’s first game) and then the Kanchelskis Double at the Kop a year later. I enjoyed Big Joe’s time with us: limited players with hearts of lions. The Dogs of War will always have a special place in my blue heart!

Thank you for the feedback on the article, for me it has been amazing to read so many diverse stories of that day from so many fans all with different aspects.

Dave (29) I find it very hard to say negative things about Howard Kendall, him having brought me, through his teams so many wonderful memories. The sadness for me is that there were not many more.

Duncan, great to read your journey and that you still have the goodison turf growing in your garden. Bizarre at the end of the Coventry game as there were what seemed like 30,000 people on the pitch and the steward took a dislike to me and would not let me on, even though streams of other fans were still running on past him!

Paul (36) Yes I shed a tear after the Coventry game.

Tom your story both shocked me about your week in hospital but also goes to show what fans will do to get to the match.

Declan, yes there is nothing quite like the Gwladys Street when it is full swing. Thanks for the Kanchelskis reminder of his 2 goals in the Kop End. I was 19 then and was in the Anfield Road end on my own (the HOME bit) and went crazy when he scored the first and nearly exploded when he scored the second. Hung on at the end with a late Fowler goal but one of my best ever days at Anfield that, having also been there when Sheedy Vee-signed the Kop end as a 9-year-old sitting in the green Kemlyn Road seats.

I was actually there the last time we won in 1999, in the corner of the Centenary Stand again on my own and went crazy when we scored early on. I always say when I go to Anfield that I won’t jump if we score, but it is impossible and I mean impossible to not jump and celebrate when we score against them.

Thanks for the reminder and keep the memories coming as they are great to read.

I remember my dad driving away from the ground and everyone tooting their horns!

No Sky, no replays, no pundits. You were there and saw, it and remembered it forever, or you heard about from mates. Shit, I know we mostly live in better times and looking back is a dodgy business but I’d take a time capsule back for that one.

I saw both games and the following cup game versus Aston Villa, but no joy there: we lost 4-1, with Gerry Hitchins getting a hat-trick, he was a Welsh International who later played in Italy.

The atmosphere on the walk up to the match on the Saturday, was like nothing I have ever witnessed before, it was absolutely surreal, almost funeral like.

I started queing around 1pm, just as the 'new' Wimbledon team coach arrived on Goodison Road with a police escort.

Honestly, the crowd turned on them spitting venom, this at the time, was the height of the famous 'crazy gang' days, Vinny Jones was sitting in a window seat and looked as if he was shitting himself. The crowd in the line waiting to get in were getting agitated as turnstiles started to close all around the ground.

Just as I entered the old brick turnstile into Gwladys Street an alarm bell started ringing informing the turnstile operator the ground was full. I was the last person admitted!! Thank you God.

After that, the match was just a blur really. If you take away the circumstances surrounding the game, and the implications involved if we had of gone down, it was (Bayern Munich apart), the most memorable match I have ever attended.

The atmosphere was fantastic though – as good as the Bayern Munich Cup-Winners Cup semi-final. We beat Wolves 4-0, I seem to remember.

As regards the relegation cliff-hangers, I remember best the Coventry game. Living in Germany then, I managed to persuade a barman I knew to open the local Irish bar so I could watch the game. Sat there alone in a severe nervous state watching a milestone in Everton's history unfold – managed a few pints of Guinness though.

Link

Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Gareth Marenghi's Darkplace getting a mention on ToffeeWeb. That has made my day!

Easily the best hospital based horror/drama of all-time.

"You and he were...buddies."

Peter (62) - imagine the scenes at the final whistle had we only drawn, you thinking that was enough and jumping for joy whilst the remainder of the crowd, distraught and silent. Thankfully that little scenario didn’t have to play out! :-)

Thanks again for all the memories.

Thankfully we and he survived and a year later we were dancing around Wembley with the Cup!

So Stanley Park it was then, it was like a scene from Zulu, hundreds of Evertonians, vying for the best trees.

I managed to get part way up one, had a half decent view, until the guy above kept moving, and in doing so, his branch dipped right in my line of view, I climbed down and relied on commentary from the guys up in the trees.

I swear to god a couple of fans lost their footing and came tumbling out of the trees, when over excited with Barry Horne's screamer, lost their bearings.

There was no you alright mate, just a mad scramble, to any fan quick enough to pinch their vantage points.

Full time was unbelievable, all dancing and hugging in Stanley Park, before heading across to Goodison to meet the lucky buggers who got in, and a right knees up mother Brown outside Goodison.

I gave my ticket to my late Uncle Alec who was over from Canada and I thought nothing of doing this as you could always pay-in then... but, when we arrived, the turnstiles were closed and we couldn’t get in, well so we thought! The away end was still open and the police were questioning who you supported so with the best cockney accent I could do we walked in and got through and sat in the Upper Bullens.

Losing by 2 goals and sitting in the away end with relegation coming, it wasn’t easy, and I remember my brother, being the very calm Royal Marine he was at the time, saying to us all "If they get a third, I’m going to chin all the Wimbledon fans." Thankfully we never got to that stage!

The final whistle was amazing and today on the TV highlights my other brother can be seen running on the pitch just in front of that young lad kissing the turf. County Road was amazing and even a young Dave Unsworth strolled down there for a pint or two!

In to town we went; Plummer’s on Hardman Street was rocking, every Blue you bumped in to gave each other a hug, it was great. And most Liverpool fans stayed in that night probably drowning their sorrows as I believe they were celebrating at Villa away I’m told of EFC’s relegation.

Anyway, on to Mathew Street and again Blues everywhere. I recall leaving one of the bars and it was like a match day on the Street. All your heard was "Everton, Everton, Everton" and all Mathew Street was singing... Really weird when you think it was all because we just stayed up, when 7 years before we were Champions and a year later we won the FA Cup!.

I think I spent most of Sunday in bed but not sure as I normally played footy Sunday Mornings, but I can’t recall that bit!! Anyway, what a day was had but I'm happy for it not to be repeated.

I was on Holiday for the Coventry game and didn’t find out the final score until we landed at Manchester so not as intense as the '94 game. I always remember this game when that song from M People comes on "Moving on Up".

I still say to this day Vinnie Jones's comments the day before went a long way to hyping up the Everton crowd, after having their team coach set on fire the night before, that was nothing to how the Goodison crowd were the following day.

I do not think Sagers took a bung, I certainly believe though, stood in front of the Gwladys Street, he bottled it big time.

I've never seen a team run off the pitch as quick as Wimbledon, when the final whistle went.

So thank you, Mr Jones.

I have been close to tears myself reading these stories over 20 years after the match. Everton, you make me weep and close to despair at times, and then every so often the sheer joy you bring to us is always worth waiting for. Will it be this season, there is a glimmer of hope, surely.

Doom and gloom and then we were not.

This is a bit two-faced of me, but I believe if you go on the pitch you should be banned. I did.

At the end, said a quick Bye to my nearby bods and ran down the stairs, leapt past the guys on the exit doors and into the Ground and then onto the pitch. There were hundreds on it, looked up to where I sit, saw some faces and waived, God, how big is the Top Balcony?

Anyway, wandered around and then went to the Gwladys Street penalty area, and there, honest to God, people were taking pretend penalties,even arguing whose turn was next. I scored, obviously. There was no ball or Goalie, just a load of bods on the pitch.

I digress, I have seen Everton at various places, and win at most: Old Trafford, Anfield (singing "You fat bastard" in the Kop at Molby , wearing full Everton kit) , seen Tiny Tim score at the Council house, Southall's greatest game at Old Trafford (2-2), pre-season at Bury, love Blackburn, and seen us win at Wembley. I was at the Bayern game, and went to Rotterdam.

Trust me, please, and I hope, plead, it never happens again, staying up is the most emotional game I have been to.

Alan (70) you are correct winning the league is one thing, but staying up on the final day and to be 2-0 down to come back is something else, good job Wimbledon didn't score a third eh!

Brian (71) I agree Vinnie Jones was a bag of nerves and at the final whistle you can see John Fashanu quickly trying to get the Wimbledon players off the pitch to safety. I don't think anything would have happened as everyone was too euphoric, however that would not have been the case had they won.

Dave (72) you hit the nail on the head, Everton do have the knack of taking you to ends of despair and weeping at times, but do you know when they get it right and click they take you to the top of the world with joy. The joy of the 80's, winning the cup in '95. Once Everton has touched you nothing is the same.....COYB

Ian (74) great memories, thanks for sharing. I am not sure I could have watched that game from up there, dare I say it I have only been in there a couple of times, once is a derby and it was not a pleasant experience after they scored within the first 2 minutes. Great that you got down and ventured onto the famous surface!

Thanks again for all the memories,

Andy

Outside after mass a very frail old lady came up to me and said "I don’t know anything about football, I do know you’re not really supposed to say selfish prayers, but I do know you’re Charlie’s son so I’ve said a prayer for your team today".

God bless you Ma’am.

Always remember the teletext headline later that day as well: Houdini Everton Escape The Drop.

As for me, I was with a Gooner pal in a bar in Madrid, where we were teaching the locals English and getting paid nowt. We used to go there every Saturday to catch the footie on TV. I remember the bar being practically empty.

It was probably the only time I have cried in public and the Gooner probably thought I was a big Jessie! The relief can not be explained, simple as that.

For me it was a million times worse than the Gareth Farrelly game only because we were 2-0 down and things were looking seriously bad. I never ever want to experience anything like that day again, ever.

Still buzzing this morning!

’Upper Bullens Visitors - Unreserved Seating - Price £12.00’. A different era indeed!

The thing I remember was that the tickets were on sale at the old Portakabin at the end of Bullens Road. There was a policeman by the doorway, checking everyone as they went in. "Where are you from?" he asked me. Raising my voice an octave and in my poshest tones, "Surrey", I replied. It did the trick, and I got a ticket.

By the time we were 2-0 down, I thought I was the only Blue in the section. When Diamond scuffed the winner, it was clear most of the ’away’ section were in fact Everton fans.

What a day!

Everyone knew it was going to be an historic occasion. Doom or Deliverance; and we had to win to survive. Nervewracking and nightmarish situation. And also knowing that the reds had a Blue coffin made that they were going to float it down the Mersey aqfter a procession, then party the night away

Meeting at mys sisters house about 12 oclock for a few jars and then getting up to the ground early. "Early?" That's what we thought. Got there about half one and the queue for the Lower Gwladys stretched way, way down past the old supporters club and there seemed to be half of Liverpool milling around every side of the ground.

I remember bumping into elderly chap with an ancient scarf (and a blue and white Rattle) who knew he couldn't get in but he said to me he just wanted to be there to show his support! Lump in the throat time that was.

I think we made it to the Motor Car showrooms on the corner, when it came out that the place was full. Even then there were thousands and thousands waiting to get in; or just wanting to be there.

We were downhearted and thought the only thing we could do was go back to My sisters and listen to it on the Radio. Lads were going into every pub along County Road and Walton Road, so we tried the "Iron Lung" and it wasn't too packed so in we went.

For a totally different reason, it reminded me of the 66 cup final when we were two down.

Nightmare, nightmare nightmare!

When we got the 3rd, everyone in the pub just went wild, some burst into tears, hugging each other and generally so elated I thought we were floating.

I just legged outside and the whole of the two roads was just a sea of Blues coming out of the pubs; dancing, singing, cheering, hugging, weeping, laughing and sort of semi disbelieving what we had just witnessed, even if it was second hand.

I felt great for the elderley chap who'd come down to lend his support too.

Everton FC Eh! What a club.

I remember that it was absolutely jammed outside the ground. My Dad had dropped me and my Mum off whilst he went to park the car.

We just stood there wondering how to get through all these people. Some of the Scouse gentlemen must have noticed my Mum looking a bit worried because suddenly we were ’passed’ through all these thousands of people and were in the ground. My Dad eventually joined us in the Upper Bullens.

I remember not realising how much it meant to be until we went one down. I started crying. At two-nil, I was heartbroken, tears streaming down my face.

When Horne equalised, the roof came off. A truly amazing goal from a player who was very unpopular at that time with the fans. A cult hero ever since, obviously.

I couldn’t see who scored our third cos I was sat directly in line with one of our famous pillars. My Dad told me it was Cottee , my then favourite player. It seemed fitting.

By the final whistle, I still had tears running down my face and I will NEVER forget what happened next.

An old guy (I was 12; everyone seems old then) tapped us on the shoulder and said it was a privilege to watch the match with us. He gave me his scarf to wipe my tears away. Then said, " I’m a Liverpool fan. I’m here today’cos I couldn’t stand the thought of you being relegated. I’d miss Derby day too much. Well done."

And yes, Baddiel 'n' Skinner were the pundits on MotD that night. A very strange day all round.

Thank god it wasn’t some team with a serious away support. I didn’t have to blag it though – the stewards just told us to go and get the tickets – you’re right – they were from a Portakabin at the end of the Bullens Road.

I’ve always got in, even when it’s been sold out. People have given me tickets or face value – never paid over the odds.

"Everyone knew it was going to be an historic occasion. Doom or Deliverance; and we had to win to survive. Nerve-wracking and nightmarish situation. And also knowing that the reds had a Blue coffin made that they were going to float it down the Mersey after a procession, then party the night away"

Captures it perfectly and yes you are right! Everton FC... Eh, what a club!

Lee (#83), yes Barry Horne was, at that time, not a fans' favourite and this was from what I recall his backward and sideways passing that he used to do, which makes it even more unbelievable that, despite the ball bouncing perfectly for a half-volley from 30 yards, that he took it on. What a goal in those circumstance eh! A cult hero since mind you!

I have spoken to a lot of Liverpool fans since that day and I think a very small minority wanted us to stay up, the majority not though... so it was interesting to read that one had made it into the ground to watch and see us survive.

Suffice to say, me and the family had a wonderful fortnight after that, but I pray I never have to go through it again.

Had the chance to meet Graham Stuart after the Young Boys game last season and with minimal context other than "Bobby this is a bit silly but..." fulfilled a long held vow to kiss his feet as a small token of my appreciation for his part in that great day. He took it reasonably well.

Must have missed the one at West Brom, if there was one then that's 4 games we have banged 3 in.

Here's hoping we have a flypast Sunday, before the derby.

By stark contrast, I still don’t quite know how the 97-98 team stayed up. That was a much worse team and apart from one or two (eg, Ferguson), it was a second tier outfit.

Andrew (#88), brilliant I am sure Graham Stuart has had to put up all sorts of requests since that day, albeit nearly going from hero to villain when he hit the bar in the Cup Final the following year! Thankfully Rideout headed the rebound in and the rest is history as they say!

Tim (#90) I agree and to justify that we started the next season the same way, only winning our first game in November, thankfully Walker was relieved of his duties and Joe Royle came in and made an instant impact. Yes, some of the names from that 97-98 year... Mickael Madar was the one for me.

I remember asking a fella with an Everton top the score around 4:40 and he told us we were winning. Was buzzing but scared to get in and turn on Final Score to hear if it was true. Bloody relieved at the time but I remember thinking that if we went down it wouldn’t have been the end of the World.

Great scenes on MotD that night but I remember the Reds scoffing over the next few days coz it looked like we won the league. I hope we twat ’em this weekend!