Season 2011-12 Fan Articles

Gary Speed's Goals

As the tributes continue to pour in regarding Gary's tragic death, I thought it was a fitting time to remember some of his best moments in an Everton shirt. These are my five best Gary Speed Everton goals. 

1) Newcastle 1996. Gary's debut on the opening day of the season. Gary featured on the front cover of the programme. This was supposed to be Alan Shearer's day as he was making his debut for the Toon following a British record move. David Unsworth had given us a lead from the spot before Gary popped up to connect onto Duncan Ferguson's flick-on to make it 2-0. The grin on Gary's face said it all. 

2) Liverpool 1996. A re-arranged midweek derby at Anfield. The original game was called off just before kick-off due to a waterlogged pitch. Robbie Fowler had given Liverpool an early lead with a powerful header at The Kop End. With the game entering its dying stages it was looking like a first derby defeat in three years until Gary got his head to a free kick and guided the ball past David James. In off the post for 1-1 and unparalled joy for Gary. It got us a point when, in fairness,  Liverpool were the better side. 

3) Southampton 1996. Gary famously scored a hat-trick in this 7-1 rout of the Saints. But it was his third that sticks with me. A corner at The Street End floated to the back post and Gary came flying in from nowhere to power home a close range header, leaping almost as high as the goal. He ended up in the net himself. He didn't care! 

4) Tottenham 1997. Following a second half of the season collapse, we were in a relegation battle come April. This hard fought 1-0 win went a long way towards safety. Graeme Stuart crossed from the right before Gary powered in a close range header. Relief and delight all round. A crucial winner. 

5) Leicester 1997. Filbert Street. Come December the following season, we were really struggling and without an away win. With seconds left at 0-0 we were awarded a penalty when Danny Cadamarteri was fouled. Up stepped Gary to score from the spot and give us the points. A big win which sparked a mini-revival around December and January which helped towards safety. 

Big goals from a big player. 

Thanks Gary. RIP. 

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