The End of My First Season As a Proud Blue

Everton 2 – 0 Hull City

A fitting end to my first-ever season as a Blue. It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since I first decided to give English Football a try. After nearly 50 years of faithfully following Baseball, American Football, Hockey, Basketball, and seemingly every other sport under the sun, and with never having been a “soccer” fan, I decided to jump into following the BPL in order to see for myself just why English Football is widely considered the greatest sport on the planet.

Despite having sons that already supported Manchester City and Newcastle United, I did my homework, watched a bunch of matches, and ended up adopting Everton as the team I would support for the rest of my days.

The same sons, and some friends who already followed football, all ridiculed me. Everton? Why Everton? Of all the teams in the Premier League…… Everton? They all thought I was crazy.

It was hard to explain. After watching them a few times, and after reading all I could find, and after watching tons of online videos, and with not knowing any other Everton supporter personally… I just knew that Everton was my football “home”.

What an amazing ride this first year has been. Even though I am the lone Everton supporter in my small Texas town, I have experienced the joys of yelling and screaming in joy after many a Blues victory, and have suffered alone in silence with the sickening pit in my stomach after a tough loss or draw.

Even though this was only my first year of English Football, I relished the excitement of a Champions League berth being within grasp of Everton for much of the season… And felt the sad reality when I realized the Champions League would finish just out of our reach.

I was ecstatic when we beat our former manager, twice! And even though I knew virtually nothing of the man, I admit I was not unhappy when Moyes was finally sacked by Manchester United. In my eye, this is what he deserved for leaving a great team like Everton for the supposed “greener pastures” a bigger club.

I’ve come to fully appreciate just how great English Football truly is. I love the traditions of the clubs and their supporters, the chants and singing of the crowds, the pleasure of watching clubs fight to their last breath in an attempt to avoid relegation, have marveled at the goals and the goalkeeping, and yes, have yelled and thrown things at the TV while watching ANY interview with Jose Mourinho. (Someone shut that fool up!)

I’ve gone through a season of enduring endless reports of who we might gain in the off-season, and who we might lose. I’m already trying to paint a picture of what our squad will look like for next season. We finished 5th. We finished with the most points in our Premier League history. By what I read over here, the team will be making a record amount of revenue this year. We should have money to spend. We already have a great team. We have the ability to be a world-class team.

Why not Everton?

I’ve proudly worn my Everton home shirt out to MLS Soccer matches here at FC Dallas. Thus far, mine has been the only Everton shirt visible. I hope that changes in the near future. Most MLS fans here in the USA also have international teams that they support. I proudly wear my shirt because I support a great winning team in Everton. Hopefully with the continued growth of English Football here in the USA due to the new TV deals, others will discover the people’s team as well.

Today, my youngest son, the Man City fan, is celebrating his Championship. My oldest son, the Newcastle supporter, is looking ahead to next season. I am celebrating the end of a great first season as member of the Blues Family.

Me, I’m already itching for this summer to fly past so that we can once again get out on the pitch and start our next drive for the Premier League Championship. I’ve been watching Everton nearly every weekend since August of last year. It’s going to be a long hot summer until the matches resume for the upcoming season.

Liverpool came ever so close this season. In my book, we are just as good as Liverpool. In reality, we are the better T-E-A-M.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester Utd, Etc. might have flashier superstar players…but often the best TEAM will win in the end.

Why not Everton next season?

Great season, Blues! Can’t wait till next year!

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