01/05/2024 6comments  |  Jump to last

Although "Goodison Park: My Home" is a Royal Blue Podcast series mostly dedicated to Everton players, they make a change of gear for part 4 as Chris Beesley speaks to Blues super fan Dr David France.

Growing up in humble surroundings in Widnes and coming from a family of Evertonians stretching back five generations, the 75-year-old affectionately known as 'Dr Everton' is a retired oil and gas industry executive who sold his 10,000-item collection of Everton memorabilia to the club at a heavily discounted price so it could be kept for posterity while also founding the Everton Former Players’ Foundation to raise money for the physical and pastoral care of ex-professionals who have represented the club.

He was also the founder and driving force behind the Gwladys Street Hall of Fame, the EFC Heritage Society, Everton War Memorials and has authored 19 books about Everton with proceeds donated to Merseyside charities.

Making transatlantic trips to watch his beloved Blues play having moved to the USA several decades ago, David has watched many of Everton's greatest players over the years while also befriending lots of them through his projects..

 

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Roger Helm
1 Posted 01/05/2024 at 21:58:29
The biggest and most important football memorabilia collection, almost donated to the city of Liverpool, the first Former Players Foundation, since copied by other clubs including Real Madrid, commuting from Houston to watch matches, he is the best ever non-playing Evertonian.
Danny O’Neill
2 Posted 02/05/2024 at 14:01:29
Fantastic. I hope one day I can reflect as you can, David.

Like you, I come from a humble background. I too have travelled around the globe, living in Germany, Cyprus and Italy. Working in the States, mostly Texas but also North Carolina and Maryland. Serving in places like Bosnia and Afghanistan. Now living in London. But Everton always on the mind and home will always be home.

It will break my heart when we leave Goodison, even though I know we have to do it. The new stadium looks stunning when you drive up to it. She has big shoes to fill, but will be the fifth grace on the Mersey.

A statue for the 80s side at Bramley-Moore Dock. I keep saying, what do we do with Dixie and the Holy Trinity? I'm totally torn as to whether we leave them near the Goodison home they graced or take them with us?

I was at that Arsenal 6-1 match in the Lower Gwladys Street. Memories. Being tied by a scarf to the ledge and then, in later years, doing the same to my brother and checking on him at half time.

On to Luton tomorrow with the travelling blues. I know you'll be there with us. If not in person, in soul.

Paul Ferry
3 Posted 03/05/2024 at 19:10:07
Doesn't the good doctor live in Sedona now? Beautiful place and a very cool arts and crafts town.
Mike Gaynes
4 Posted 04/05/2024 at 19:25:55
I met him in San Francisco years ago, having no idea who he was or what he represented in the pantheon of Evertonian legends. What a warmly welcoming gentleman he was.

Two of his books now decorate my shelves -- both gracious gifts from him and the Lady Elizabeth -- and they have sourced most of what I have learned about the great history of this club.

Paul Ferry
5 Posted 05/05/2024 at 04:23:47
Which two, Mike?
Mike Gaynes
6 Posted 05/05/2024 at 21:37:26
PF, I have Everton Crazy and Magnificent Obsession.

David and Elizabeth also sent me Toffee Soccer, which I loaned out and can't seem to get back.

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