Everton: I Love You, I Live You
I didn't get to every match, but I was fortunate enough to attend quite a few and, like everyone, I went through an entire range of emotions this season. Never again, please, Everton.
It started with a summer of discontent. Endless rumours and opinions as to who would replace Carlo Ancelotti with him having kissed Crosby goodbye and ran away to Real Madrid.
Cue countless conversations with the dogs, who became increasingly concerned as the weeks went by. Especially when those rumours became reality and a manager I never called by his first name was appointed.
Now, if I recall the poll at the time, some were okay, many unhappy, others disappointed and quite a few foaming at the mouth in frenzied despair. I was in the 'Disappointed' category, but it happened, so let's give it a go, I reluctantly thought.
After all, depending on your stance, this was still the core of a squad that only missed out on Europe on the last day of the previous season. Some would point to a 10th place finish and the league table doesn't lie, but we could have still made Europe.
Southampton at home. I don't recall anything spectacular about the match. Losing 1—0 and resigned to defeat before we somehow rallied and pulled 3 goals out of the bag. I didn't see that coming.
We seemed to do a carbon copy against Burnley. Being a night match, I stopped over for the Burnley one and had to navigate through the drunks and remnants of stag and hen parties to get a very early train back to Euston.
A day out on the south coast at Brighton. Early season optimism and the travelling fans in great voice. Demarai Gray Olé. My son, my brother and I managed to wait for 20 minutes for a train to Brighton before realising we were on the wrong platform.
Given all of our backgrounds, I like to think of it as precision military planning as the train was empty by the time we got on it. A deliberate operation, as I would call it. Eventually we made it back to Brighton and we had a good time before heading back to London.
Next up for me was QPR away. Everton go out early in the League Cup to lower league opposition. The story of my life. The story of the Blues. When will we win that trophy? It's getting personal now. Even the 1985-86 reigning champions got dumped out by Grimsby if I recall.
Norwich home and a comfortable if somewhat dour win. I've sat next to the odd "You're shite Everton" bloke in my time, but there was a particularly special one behind me. Relentless from start to finish. I think this guy could have found fault in Graham Sharp's 1984 derby-winning goal at Anfield.
The highlight of this was the trip in Tony's taxi to The Bramley Moore and the get-together with the gang who were able to attend in the shadow of what is to be our magnificent new home. I left it short and only made the last train to Euston with 2 or 3 minutes to spare. That would have taken some explaining. Let's make sure we do another one next season.
Surrounded by West Ham fans on the train to Lime Street, I ended up befriending some of them. I suggested they jump a taxi with me and took them to The Saddle where they happily mixed and mingled with the natives.
One of them kept in touch and actually offered me a ticket for the return fixture but I already had one in the away end. More mixing with the West Ham fans in The Crown on the way home, man hugs and all. Me and away fans was to become a bit of a theme. Wrong result. No panic yet.
Onto Wolves away, having paid a subscription and bought a ticket in one of the home stands. I've well documented this. I spent the 90+ minutes happily chatting to the locals near me without any issue or hiding who I was supporting and not being able to contain myself when we pulled one back.
All good and handshakes at the end. 5 days later I get a letter of complaint from Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, warning me of my future conduct having been reported for my behaviour. Does this mean I am technically a football hooligan?
I travelled up for the Tottenham game. Strange bunch, the Tottenham fans. They spent most of the time on the train arguing with themselves so I didn't really interact with them as much as West Ham.
0-0 but Goodison awakened and I thought it was a decent contest. Best atmosphere to date, aside from that second half period against Burnley, as Goodison had been pretty passive on the occasions I had visited until now.
Brentford. The closest Premier League ground to my house and pretty impressive that they managed to fit a modern stadium onto that plot of land, albeit it is an odd shape. For those familiar, if you enjoy the day out at Fulham, Brentford next to the Thames is similar and the local pubs don't discriminate against away supporters.
The tide of any remaining goodwill was turning. The fans let the team have both barrels at the end and rightfully so. To their credit, they stood and faced the music. Anthony Gordon genuinely looked shell-shocked.
I've said a few times, one of my most enjoyable matches of the season was at Stamford Bridge. Great following, great atmosphere, and a perfectly timed run from Branthwaite to meet Gordon's delicious cross and send the shed end corner into raptures. Marching down the Fulham Road.
Brighton home. Enough said.
Norwich away. The final nail in the Benitez experiment. The fans have turned. Really turned. And there is no going back from this. I always forget how far away Norwich is, even from London. Especially after such a miserable result.
Tottenham away. I have no words or explanation. I just stand there with a very good friend and fellow Evertonian, speechless and as shell-shocked as Anthony Gordon at Brentford. Compounded by what seemed like an endless marshalled trek to a faraway tube station.
Wolves home. Another low ebb. This is getting bad.
A long trip up the Newcastle to stand in the heavens and struggle to see, let alone be heard. I couldn't even tell who scored when we briefly equalised before throwing away more points. And I'm sure there was a delayed reaction. There was from me as I didn't even know it had gone in. A long trip back into the early hours of the following morning.
My first trip to the London Stadium. If there was ever a goal celebration that epitomises our amazing away support, and the bond that was starting to build between fans and players, that equaliser was it. We lost due to our unrivalled ability to defensively self-destruct, but the fans could see the effort and the improvement, so the players got a decent reception at the end.
I didn't attend but good wins at home to Newcastle Utd and Man Utd. Now my brother is telling me to stay away from Goodison as I'm unlucky! I'm close to being banned by him and my son.
Chelsea home. Wow. Blue smoked chips, peas and onion gravy outside the Goodison Supper Bar. Once again, Danny the away fan magnet manages to attract attention on the train and share a taxi with 4 Chelsea fans, dropping them off at the Abbey.
I missed Leicester (bugger), but managed the short trip to Watford. Not great but once again the momentum of the support is building and continues to amaze. It's not done yet. We can still do this.
On to Crystal Palace at home. It's all been said and words cannot describe.
Yet again, my away fan thing kicks in. Due to difficulties with my application-based ticket, I get a paper one issued from the Bullens Road ticket office. By the time I sort this out, the turnstiles are closing but the stewards let me in through one of the gates and point me up the stairs. Straight into the Lower Bullens.
I thought about doing a U-turn as my ticket was for the Upper Bullens, but the game had started and there were plenty of seats, so I just took one. Yes, I spend the match sat with the Palace fans, again, not being able to contain myself. They were fine. Very complimentary and, dare I say, eventually in awe of the atmosphere.
Many shook my hand and hugged me at the end. I was an emotional wreck, so they could have done what they wanted. Overnight stop again, but this time the streets still have singing Evertonians at 5 am. A few man hugs with strangers at Lime Street and onto the train home. I'm tired and drained.
And finally Arsenal. Our customary end-of-season pasting, but no-one seems to care and the fans are in fine voice and good spirit. Forgetting the result, it was a day out, in the sun. And in the sun it was. That away section in May is a sun trap to extremes; it felt as though I was watching it inside a greenhouse.
So, an eventful and emotional time from pre-season to start through to finish. With the managerial appointment, it was always going to go toxic early. And it did. We somehow clawed ourselves back from the abyss and the supporters played a huge part in that. It can't be underestimated.
It's been a privilege sitting with you, standing with you, drinking with you and meeting you. Friends and Evertonians. We took ownership and dragged this team and club of ours away from danger. Credit to each and every one of you be that at the match or from afar. We love you. We live you.
Genuine and sincere thanks to the crowd on here who helped me, or just met up with me on this season's journey. I can't thank you all enough and it was great meeting you and putting faces to names. There are too many to mention and I don't want to miss anyone out, but you know who you are and see you again next season.
I said I wouldn't call anyone out, but a special mention to Martin Nicholls. I hope you are well and continuing your recovery. Big season ahead and can't wait for August. Hopefully the manager and Director of Football get to shape the squad in the way they want, however that is facilitated. A push for a trophy and European football. And that stern lady in the Upper Bullens finally agrees to serve me.
A final word. If there is one thing that has been very noticeable, it has been the number of young fans, home and away. A generation starved of success, yet in the most difficult of circumstances, the number of young supporters in the crowd belting out the tunes made me swell with pride and optimism for the future.
Spirit of the Blues. Forever Everton.
Forever.
Reader Comments (66)
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2 Posted 01/06/2022 at 12:30:10
As ever, great words, summed up that rotten season perfectly.
Please keep your 'Brysonesque'! jottings going next time round.
Ta, Lad.
3 Posted 01/06/2022 at 12:35:51
4 Posted 01/06/2022 at 12:38:57
Great post, Danny. I don't know if your positive outlook comes from your army background, facing adversity and no doubt very tense situations, or you're just naturally upbeat. Imagine if we come alive, your waxing lyrical would give George McKane a run for his money. God bless yer. See you next season.
5 Posted 01/06/2022 at 13:01:07
One day, Everton will win the League Cup!
6 Posted 01/06/2022 at 13:16:55
7 Posted 01/06/2022 at 13:26:44
8 Posted 01/06/2022 at 13:38:03
9 Posted 01/06/2022 at 13:50:29
1984 and the Hansen handball. I was sat on the shelf right up in the top corner of the mostly Everton end. One day, we win that trophy.
10 Posted 01/06/2022 at 14:47:51
11 Posted 01/06/2022 at 15:01:07
12 Posted 01/06/2022 at 15:03:11
13 Posted 01/06/2022 at 15:18:12
14 Posted 01/06/2022 at 15:20:27
15 Posted 01/06/2022 at 15:52:17
16 Posted 01/06/2022 at 16:04:49
I know this has been a shocking season from a football perspective but the atmosphere in those relegation battles was amazing as a fan in the ground.
I hope we keep that unified spirit and atmosphere into next season regardless of results because it does help the team and, as a fan, it makes matchdays a much better experience.
17 Posted 01/06/2022 at 16:11:23
Here's to you having more adventures next season with a much-improved team and results.
18 Posted 01/06/2022 at 16:41:49
"Does this mean I am technically a football hooligan?" — Don't go crediting yerself with that much intelligence!
Hope to see you again next season. Home and away.
Regards to Mrs Danny.
19 Posted 01/06/2022 at 16:43:29
"This is Everton, mate. Not only do they let you down, they find new and inventive ways to break your heart."
An hour or so later…
20 Posted 01/06/2022 at 16:46:23
Having followed them from London for the best part of 3 decades, I totally get the pain of the long train journey south surrounded by the away boys. Thankfully been back in Woolton for a couple of years now and enjoyed the freedom to leave The Crown when I want and not at the dictate of a railway timetable.
Brentford (away) was definitely the nadir of this awful season for me – rarely, if ever, have I felt so out of love with my beloved Blues. Palace at home obviously the highlight, but even that was, for me, tinged with disappointment.
That we felt such a sense of relief, that it led to the scenes of almost unbridled celebrations at the end, is an indication of how poor we have become as a team and a club. Very very big close season.
Hope to see you again for the next season.
21 Posted 01/06/2022 at 16:51:06
Leaving the Lower Bullens following the Brentford debacle, a young lad asked his mum: "Why do we support Everton, mum?"
"'It prepares you for life, love," was her fabulous reply.
22 Posted 01/06/2022 at 17:00:43
23 Posted 01/06/2022 at 17:08:09
Thank you for writing this. And thank you for doing your share in getting this club over the line. You and thousands of other devoted, agonized, exhausted matchday fans are the reason we are still in the Premier League.
That exasperated redhead in the middle of the cover photo is you, isn't it? You're a much younger-looking fella than I would have imagined.
24 Posted 01/06/2022 at 17:11:16
That energy you used on your travels was impressive, as was your ability to take everything in your stride and making loads of friends on your journeys up and down the country.
Well done, Danny. If there was a supporter of the season, you wouldn't be far away from receiving that award. Long may you continue your trips to every away game which includes you coming to Goodison Park.
25 Posted 01/06/2022 at 17:13:51
ps: Are you anywhere on that picture at the top?
26 Posted 01/06/2022 at 17:58:37
Apart from the owner and Directors, of course!
27 Posted 01/06/2022 at 18:10:37
28 Posted 01/06/2022 at 18:15:08
From a personal point of view last season was the best for over 10 years! Easy to say now that we are safe.
I know that's a bit of a warped take on things.
The pantomime villains in Moshiri, Kenwright, Brands, Benitez, the VAR and the refs. Worn me out, from frustration to anger to apathy.
Lampard uniting the fans. A fan base at the point of erupting in anger became united. The passion, desire and unity carrying the team over the line.
Games like Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea, Leicester, Man Utd and most of all Palace made it an unbelievable season. Having been lucky enough to see us win trophies, games like Wimbledon and Palace are the equal to or greater than winning a trophy.
The hairs still stand up on my neck and emotion rushes through the veins just thinking about the Palace game.
Thanks for being a positive poster.
29 Posted 01/06/2022 at 18:35:43
Can I just say how much I enjoy you posting on this site. Always fair and always taking the time to articulate and reason out any disagreements. Here's to a great season and a cup win next year!
30 Posted 01/06/2022 at 18:39:33
Seriously, thank you for your kind words all. I just brain dumped my thoughts.
I'm a humble person. It's how I was brought up. My mother installed the humility. My father infected me with Everontonitis as John Senior would describe it. There is no cure.
I am no bigger an Evertonian than anyone on here or than those I meet at the match. I seem to have adopted a knack for attracting attention from away fans, but I guess I just have one of those faces!
Unbelievable support from every single Evertonian in this most difficult of seasons. Every single one of us.
31 Posted 01/06/2022 at 19:06:31
I rarely get to a game these days but had my own spells of going to as many as I could as a teenager on Merseyside and in 10 years in London.
Out here in West Wales, I prayed for Swansea and Cardiff to get back to the Premier League.
You have written some sound stuff this season, your train journeys and refreshments and post-match reflections paint pictures in my mind.
You must have one hell of a missus!
32 Posted 01/06/2022 at 19:10:51
33 Posted 01/06/2022 at 19:26:21
34 Posted 01/06/2022 at 19:33:07
As I look back, I think the thing which really sealed our fate last season was the bumper £1.7M transfer fund. We just felt like we were stuck in mud from the off.
Frank is riding high at the moment but, cockney that he is, I reckon when the penny drops properly that there's no money, he ain't gonna be happy.
I reckon he's a spender, and if he's gonna be having his hands tied behind his back like Benitez, there could be trouble ahead.
35 Posted 01/06/2022 at 20:52:27
Your positivity is always welcome and out of everyone on ToffeeWeb, I'd love to watch the match with you the most.
And Rob Dolby, I was thinking the same myself only this morning. This season has actually been brilliant, in a really fuckin weird way. I know the Palace game was the Big One, but I loved Alex Iwobi's last gasp winner against Newcastle!
I screamed until I was out of breath then paced up and down the living room genuinely hoping that a burglar would break in...just so I could beat the fuck out of someone!!! We were robbed that night and I honestly felt a sense of injustice, and I'm not one to usually whinge about refs either.
36 Posted 01/06/2022 at 20:57:51
I won't forget Tony's taxi either. Through a labyrinth of streets and The Bramley Moor magically appears!
It was a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully next season again.
37 Posted 01/06/2022 at 21:00:36
38 Posted 01/06/2022 at 21:02:08
We're all fans but the diehard match-going fans really are the absolute backbone of the club and did as much (and probably more, in all honesty) as any player or manager to keep us in the top flight this season.
40 Posted 01/06/2022 at 21:55:22
Being an Evertonian is a way of life and, despite decades of mediocrity, it seemingly galvanises the Evertonians to join forces to become even stronger in the face of general adversity and ridicule by the press and media pundits.
So as you've said hopefully never again – this season was far worse than 93-94 and 97-98.
Hope is on the horizon and the tides of fortune will hopefully be with Everton this pre-season and into the new season.
UTFT!
41 Posted 01/06/2022 at 21:58:38
42 Posted 01/06/2022 at 22:32:30
43 Posted 01/06/2022 at 23:14:06
Like Dave Abrahams say,s if there was an award for supporters, you would be nominated.
Just as important (sort of) is the nomination for best TW contributions... and I would have you up there, Danny – talk about never giving in, never rising to the trash talk... always positive, funny, honest.
Proper Evertonian.
44 Posted 01/06/2022 at 23:42:23
45 Posted 01/06/2022 at 00:02:09
46 Posted 02/06/2022 at 06:21:19
Like you, I just want the younger fans to sample success, I have been lucky to see live 2 FA Cups, 2 League Titles and the European Cup-Winners Cup in Rotterdam.
I was 20 in 1984 – the first time I saw us win anything. My son turned 19 in May so maybe next May 2023 we win the FA Cup when he will be 20. We can dream!
47 Posted 02/06/2022 at 11:17:56
The same thing will happen next season unless we clear out the people dragging the club into oblivion... yet already people seem to have forgotten what caused all this.
Why is no-one calling for a total reorganisation at board level? It is the only thing that will move the club on; without it, we are doomed.
48 Posted 02/06/2022 at 17:15:28
Please keep it up for next season. And tell your wife I will say a few rosaries for herself. 😉
49 Posted 02/06/2022 at 17:29:02
I don't intend to miss anyone out, but in response to the comments.
Christine and Bernie, like me before and many of us, we are always there in spirit even when we can't be there in presence and are far away. I know you kick every ball and win every header.
Stephen, have one in the White Horse for me. That was always the true Woolton local for me.
Rob. Europe next year is a confirmed date. We're going.
Brian Murray; where did you get that toffeegirl t-shirt? Fantastic. It will go well alongside my I'd rather walk alone one.
Mike and the US gang; Baltimore?
Brent, Mike, Peter - just thank you for everything.
Tony - thank you; picking me up from South Parkway having flown in to watch the match. Thank you. And Dave, I hope to get to meet you next season or pre-season.
John Senior. Likewise. The Guinness is on me.
50 Posted 02/06/2022 at 17:45:18
And my little Danny just barked a quick hello.
51 Posted 02/06/2022 at 18:08:52
I have never attended South coast fixtures, but managed to attend games from Carlisle and Lancashire, to Bristol on the West coast, [taking in Cardiff], and from Newcastle to Norwich/ Ipswich. on the East coast. I have done all the top flight Yorkshire and Midlands grounds, but the only London venues I visited were Arsenal, Spurs. Fulham, and QPR. Regarding the Guinness, it will have to be a Diet Coke, [Doctors Orders]
52 Posted 02/06/2022 at 18:51:17
If I knew how to upload a photo, I've got a great shot of the 3 O'Neill brothers and my son at the 2009 FA Cup Final but can't figure it out.
Any clues?
53 Posted 02/06/2022 at 20:15:37
54 Posted 02/06/2022 at 00:37:39
For many reasons, not least the relegation worries, the season will live longer in the memory than most. Here's hoping our team can improve and make next season perhaps slightly less memorable!
55 Posted 03/06/2022 at 05:49:56
I tried to avoid the score to watch On Demand – like the old episode of 'The Likely Lads'. I made it to the front door and the wife says: "You won, then."
Didn't know wether to laugh or cry! The obsession seems to be getting worse with age (61).
56 Posted 03/06/2022 at 09:20:09
Thank you for my mention, I'm sure Tony would have put a good post to you. I know he enjoyed your company but he is away on holiday at the moment and that is the reason I'm sure he hasn't responded to your brilliant post about Everton's traumatic but ultimately fantastic finish to the season.
It will be a pleasure to meet you when it happens.
57 Posted 03/06/2022 at 14:12:34
You are correct about The White Horse, although I would be frowned on for going there these days, as the family owns the wine bar opposite The Elephant.
I always quite liked The Grapes as well and that hasn't changed an awful lot in 40 years.
58 Posted 03/06/2022 at 19:40:04
59 Posted 03/06/2022 at 21:34:50
60 Posted 03/06/2022 at 21:50:25
61 Posted 04/06/2022 at 02:40:20
It has been a horrible season in many respects, and one I hope is never repeated. Hopefully too, under Frank we can have a much-needed clear-out, and replace with astute buys, loans or promotions.
I hope Richarlison decides to stay another year at least… and apart from Pickford and Gordon, I'm not too bothered about the rest of them.
Of course, as per usual in the close season, we get linked with all manner of players, though not too many to get the pulse racing as of yet. Maybe we can unearth a couple of relatively unknowns who can become legends of the future.
The Future's Bright, The Future's Blue!
62 Posted 04/06/2022 at 06:26:35
Depending on your preference, you can walk along the canal to reach Camden, which is probably my favourite part of London and there are bars galore there. A favourite is offset from the centre of Camden; the Edinboro Castle, close to Regent's Park.
Again, a personal view, but based on where you're staying, I'd also recommend the area around Great Portland Street Station. two hops on the Metropolitan Line. The Green Man, the Albany and a hidden gem around the corner, The Mason's Arms. The latter tends to be one for the locals who live in the probably very expensive apartments nearby.
Enjoy.
63 Posted 04/06/2022 at 09:07:11
"Thanks Stephen, yes the Horseshoe is the one I recall."
So horseshoes are lucky after all? :-)
64 Posted 04/06/2022 at 09:20:22
I have never had time to explore the canal basins etc. since the area was gentrified although I got a quick look at St Pancras on our last Wembley visit. Flying solo this trip and staying directly opposite Kings Cross Station in Birkenhead Street.
65 Posted 05/06/2022 at 04:26:40
I have been an Evertonian for 76 years, seen them relegated and I cried at the Chelsea and Palace games a few weeks ago because we (with the help of Goodison) avoided the drop again.
And now, this weekend, I watched The Trooping of the Colour on television and – being an old Irish Guardsman – I cried again with pride. I'm so happy that I support the Toffees and The Micks!
66 Posted 05/06/2022 at 06:39:34
When I went to join, the Infantry options at the Liverpool careers office were the Kings, the Irish Guards and the Irish Rangers. I leaned towards the latter because of my Grandad's Regiment, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were amalgamated into what is now the Royal Irish.
Killaloe
I got pointed elsewhere, but I still have my Grandad's cap badge and medals that I will put mine alongside.
I played football against the Micks a few times. Once in Cyprus and once in Northern Ireland. Half scousers, half Dubliners!!
Random fact; the first non-Irish Regimental Sergeant Major of the Irish Guards was from Liverpool!
67 Posted 05/06/2022 at 07:27:52
Found out later that he was an Irish Guard and had the gift of the gab! He was also a staunch Evertonian! So I was a sucker.
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1 Posted 01/06/2022 at 12:24:26
We are cursed and blessed, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I raise a glass to you, sir!