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Everton’s record-breaking heroes of yesteryear

A closer look at some more of the most remarkable records set during Everton’s illustrious history

Founded more than 140 years ago, it comes as no surprise to find that Everton Football Club boasts a rich history.

The club has spent just four years outside the top flight in England, winning nine league titles, five FA Cups and one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

One of the 12 founding members of the Football League, the Toffees played their home games at three different grounds before settling at Goodison Park in 1892.

The club’s biggest ever victory was a 9-1 success against Manchester City back in 1906, while their heaviest defeat came against Tottenham Hotspur 52 years later.

Read on as we take a closer look at some more of the most remarkable records set during Everton’s illustrious history.

Saha quick off the mark

Louis Saha etched his name into the record books in 2009, scoring the fastest goal in football history of the FA Cup Final for Everton against Chelsea.

The French striker fired the Toffees in front after just 25 seconds, beating the previous record set in 1895 by Aston Villa's Bob Chatt by five seconds.

Although Saha’s goal was the perfect start for Everton, the day ultimately ended in disappointment for the club’s fans.

Goals by Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard secured the victory for Chelsea in what ultimately turned out to be a fairly one-sided final.

Saha eventually left Everton for Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 after scoring 35 goals in 115 appearances for the club.

Southall the king of keepers

The word ‘legend’ gets used far too much in football, but it is certainly a fitting description for goalkeeper Neville Southall.

The former hod-carrier made a shaky start to his career at Goodison Park, with manager Howard Kendall once sending him out on loan to Port Vale.

However, he returned to make the number one jersey his own and cement his status as the club’s best-ever goalkeeper.

Big Nev finished up with a total of 750 appearances for Everton – a record that is unlikely to be beaten in an era where players rarely stay with just one club.

Southall now works hard to raise awareness of the challenges faced by minority groups, using his considerable social media presence as a force for good.

Dean an undisputed all-time great

Some players are forever linked with one particular club and that is certainly the case for William Ralph Dean – AKA Dixie.

Dean was a tremendous footballer, possessing the skill to score goals with either foot and heading ability that was the envy of clubs across the land.

He set numerous records including scoring 60 league goals in 39 appearances during the 1927/28 campaign - a record that is unlikely ever to be broken.

Dean ended his career with 473 goals in 502 appearances for club and country – a tally that helped Everton win two league titles and one FA Cup.

He was once described by ex-Liverpool manager Bill Shankly as the greatest centre forward in the history of football, while former Manchester United boss called him ‘unstoppable’.

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