Season 2011-12 Fan Articles

Sucker for Punishment

By Dave   Arrow  ::  13/08/2011   21 Comments (»Last) I?ve enjoyed the summer down time rounded off by a boozy trip to Bremen and periodically catching up with the increasingly polarised views of my fellow Evertonians. I?m not quite sure what has prompted me to put some thoughts down, it certainly isn?t out of anger or apology, I think it was a free Saturday afternoon and the old Bob Latchford quote in a mailbag thread that got me reminiscing.

I have been through various stages in my evolution as an Evertonian and it?s been an interesting journey so far.

My Dad and Uncle started taking me to the match in the 60s and I literally stood on a fruit box in the West Brom end for the 1968 FA Cup Final at Wembley and unashamedly cried my eyes out when Astle scored. I blamed the amber shirts. A Baggie consoled me after the game and said, ?Never mind son you?ll be back next year?. Next year was 9 years later and, on reflection, a turgid 0-0 draw that at the time I thought was great. I also lost my first proper girlfriend following an ultimatum that if I went to the final she?d dump me.

So, sheer heartache, utter dejection and considerable personal sacrifice... it was the start of things to come. Following Everton there have been more of those years than of unbridled joy, ecstasy and contentment. That?s probably why I?m fairly sanguine about the current shenanigans.

Alan Ball was my all-time hero. I remember my Dad subsequently telling me the story of the lengths he went to to get me the white boots for Christmas. After Bally was sacked at City I had the good fortune to play 18 holes with him at a celebrity Golf Day at Northop Hall. That is a story in itself.

He was closely followed by Bobby Latchford, who truly did walk on water. By this time, I was going to the match with a few mates and had discovered the joys of a pre- and post-match pint. Everton in the 77-78 season were magic. Davey Thomas, socks round his ankles, jinking down the wing, one look up and a pin-point cross onto Big Bob?s forehead. Sheer poetry in motion ? who said Gordon Lee?s sides were dour?

When Big Bob scooped the £30 grand prize from The Express, I couldn?t have celebrated more if we?d won the European Cup. Growing up an Evertonian in Liverpool in the 70s, watching our neighbours win everything in sight was certainly character forming.

Seeing Everton turn from a ragbag collection of journeymen in `83 to become the best club side in Europe was unbelievable. It came from nowhere and was all the better for it. In the Sky age, this is a feat that will never be repeated because the impossible, incredible and implausible is just that ? unless you?ve got a big fat cheque book and some Sovereign wealth behind you.

I think that is why Evertonians of my vintage are polarised in their views. We saw the Golden Vision, marvelled at the Holy Trinity, enjoyed the 70s and witnessed the best club side in Europe for 3 years. Some are thankful to have seen it; others use it as the stick to beat the current team and set up.

I didn?t particularly enjoy most of the 90s, with the notable exception of ?95 and the sheer relief of ?94 and ?98. The Elland Road FA Cup semi-final is one of the greatest performances on and off the pitch I?ve seen from Everton.

Besides ?95 the only other noteworthy highlight was introducing my daughters to Everton. I?m not sure they would agree as they now carry that cross with them. On the way out of ?Boro after the FA Cup quarterfinal defeat in March 2002, my youngest daughter coined the phrase ?Walter Smith is ruining my life?. They know what it means to be an Evertonian only without the success to keep them warm.

Now, children off my hands and living in Surrey, I?m back to the 12-hour matchday routine and loving it, everything comes round again if you wait long enough. I only missed a handful of games last season and will do so again this time. The mood has undoubtedly deteriorated and you can?t ignore the mutinous undertones. Spurs would have been an interesting litmus test of opinion, because the away support is the barometer and throughout last season remained loyal. If they turn, then change invariably follows...

I still enjoy watching Everton play, which is fortunate considering it consumes most of my free time and disposable income. I cling to the hope that we have a cup in us before the core of this team and the manager disperses; Everton has always had an innate ability to let you down but also surprise you when you least expect it. I get frustrated with the tactics and the formation at times like anyone else but I don?t boo the players or get on the manager's back; I recognise others fans right to, but find it counter-productive. Here?s a few other contradictions that I have:

• I despise the Sky invented football era but subscribe to Sky Sports HD
• I?m only interested in Everton but watch as much football as I can
• I want us to be successful (or at least be competitive) but I don?t want us selling our soul for it
• I want us to play the Everton way but will settle for a scruffy 1-0 win
• I think Bill Kenwright has run his course but I don?t want him to sell to any old shyster with money
• I still like David Moyes as manager but not as much as a few years ago

Also, I?m a sucker for punishment.....

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