When Skies Are Grey was one of my favourite fanzines back in the day. Along with Speke From The Harbour, for those old enough to remember. Me and my mates used to club together to buy them on the streets around Goodison back in the days before smartphones. 

Would Everton realise how much I love them? I don't think they ever will or could; I don't even think I could explain it. It is just something that is inside me. It has been since my earliest memories and will be until I go to meet my maker in Blue Heaven to talk about Everton with him. An obsession I can't shake. If anything, I get worse with age. 

Apologies in advance, this one is from the heart and soul and I'll get to the season soon. 

I will get the morbid stuff out of the way. Over the past year, I lost my wife, our son lost his mother, and then my beloved boy Rhodesian Ridgeback passed away not long after. 

But like many, I am from resilient Liverpool-Irish stock and fought through. No matter what you go on to become or where you end up living, you never forget your roots, your upbringing. Or Everton, and the city that will always be home to me. 

My sisters told me to give Everton a rest… No chance. There were dogs to be walked and Everton matches to be watched. Everton and football have always been my escape from work and life. Some get confused by my often blind devotion, but something that has been with you for life never leaves you.

As I always told Melanie, it's just a different type of love. It's not a competition. Advice: never tell a woman that in the heat of a debate, by the way — it doesn't help the situation. 

On the season, they took us to the limit — as the Eagles song refers to. But we stood by them no matter what. We always have done. We always will. But that was a tough ride and, although I was in denial at the time, privately, I thought we were heading for the trapdoor.

The season was a test of the blue blood pressure.  But as always, a pleasure being amongst you and with you in the stadiums around the country or online. 

Tony, with his knowledge and kindness; Mark Murphy, the Count of St Helens, Protector of Horsham and more recently, Duke of Birmingham; Rob Halligan, the Oppressor of Tottenham and Newcastle, Destroyer of Satan's Children; John Raftery, the Educator (seriously, if you get the chance, sit next to him at a match – I think I know football); Neil Copeland, the Hooligan of Nottingham, Orchestrator of Anfield: John Mac Senior, the Wise; Dave Abrahams, the Sapient; Michael of Kenrick, the Enforcer. Robert Tressell, the Encyclopaedia. 

Not on these pages anymore, but Brian Murray, the Militant Evertonian. Special thanks. He keeps in touch with me daily. Often to shout at me for being a soft arse. Massive blue, heart of blue gold. 

Darren Atkins the Saviour. Thank You – I can't thank you enough for your kindness. Likewise, John Austin and your friend Graham. 

Too many to mention. The Brians, Harlech Bill, Derek Knox, Andy Crooks, Brendan, Peter Mills, Martin Mason, who is great company. Paul Ferry (the Firestarter, but a Teddy Bear deep down). And Paul Birmingham, who was good to me, by being there, as were you all.  

The West Country Blues. Dedication that beats mine, although I don't eat salmon sandwiches. I have to save myself for the Goodison Supper Bar and my staple diet of chips, peas and onion gravy until they changed hands and got their onions all wrong, so I was on rice with curry sauce after that. 

I don't usually get emotional. The wife used to say my heart only beat once a minute. Twice if Everton scored. Well, I love you all. 

Anyway, a season of two halves. 

It didn't start well, shipping 10 goals in the first 3 league games against Brighton, Tottenham and Bournemouth. The latter was the most shocking. 2 – 0 up on the 87th minute. We somehow manage to lose 3 – 2. 

September was a bit better, although draws against would-be relegated Leicester and Southampton are hardly to shout about. Another 2 – 0 lead thrown away against Aston Villa. I could hear her smirking at me, asking me if it was worth it!! Notable that month was Dwight McNeil's contribution. I appreciate that we all have opinions on players, but with the players we had, he was really missed when not available last season. 

On to October. Beto rescues a point deep in stoppage time against Fulham. We get a welcome away win against Ipswich and then a decent blank draw against Newcastle Utd. But it isn't feeling right. I rarely say this, but I'm not enjoying watching Everton. 

It was around this time that I, and others I attend the match with, were observing that Dyche was losing the players. You could see it. They were not responding. 

November. The less said, the better. No goals and we hand Southampton their first win, which would transpire to be one of two over the season, the other being against Ipswich. This has now gone from not feeling right, to being concerned. Now, Dyche is quickly losing the supporters. You can hear it in the stands. Not quite the toxicity dished out to Benitez, but the pitchforks are out. 

In the run-up to Christmas, there were many times that even my optimistic self often left Goodison Park feeling numb. I had no feeling. But December was slightly better. A bad start, being thumped by Manchester United, but a 4 – 0 win against Wolves and then some hard-earned points against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. 

It didn't matter, we remained in a precarious position and the storm clouds weren't just gathering, they were bellowing down from the stands. Change was needed… and quickly. 

The ownership gets sorted. Now I'm feeling better about Everton. Both for the future and for the season. We can turn this around. 

Into January. Beaten by Bournemouth… and then the decision. Now I'm not going to hide or contradict myself. I was disappointed and thought bringing Moyes back was a step backwards. But, it happened, so I gave it a go. I only really care about Everton and rarely look at the dugout. It could be anyone. It turned out to transform our season. 

But in his first game, we lost against Villa. I could hear her again.  

For me, the turning point was the Tottenham win 3 – 2. Very Everton. Cruising at 3 – 0, but I didn't feel comfortable. Lo and behold, after a great performance for over an hour, we did our best to try and throw it away.

My most memorable moment of that day, aside from Ndiaye's magnificent goal, was the bloke next to me in the Upper Gwladys. When our Senegalese magician jinked his way through the Tottenham defence and smashed it into the net, I had to grab him by his coat. His seat was positioned on the back row and had no seats in front, so he was aiming for a tumble down the stairs in front of him. He thanked and hugged me. 

Brighton away. Always a good day out on the south coast. I had to do one of my go-in-with-the-home-supporters thing and was surrounded by Japanese Brighton fans, which was entertaining. They were more interested in the nearby noisy Evertonians than the match. The stewards sussed me early doors, but were fine and I had a good chat with them.

A hard-fought 3 points, although that second half gave me flashbacks to "Keep It Tight And Nick One". Stoic defending though. And then the long wait to get on the platform for the train. They may have a station right outside the stadium, but the people traffic control system makes it a nightmare waiting to get down to the platform, let alone on the train. 

On to February and the feel-good factor is growing. You could sense it. A formality against Leicester. Nothing to brag about. A shame that, what ended up being my son's last game at Goodison, and the last FA Cup Match at Goodison Park, saw us beaten again by our seemingly recent nemesis, Bournemouth. It wasn't just the result, it was the performance. Even the usually reliable Tarkowski seemed to have someone else's boots on. 

But then the skipper redeems himself with "that" strike against Liverpool – as Tony Bellew put it in his interview – "when we beat them 2 – 2". I know it wasn't a victory, but I wouldn't argue with the Wavertree Bomber.

The travesty of not getting awarded a late penalty against Manchester United. But then two of the best away matches I attended. 

Crystal Palace, for the atmosphere. Both in the Prince George pre- and post-match, as much as inside Selhurst Park.

And Brentford. Once again, in with the home supporters, but within touching distance of the Evertonians. Mr Murphy could barely contain himself, but we weren't alone. There were plenty of blues around us. I can still visualise Jake O'Brien diving for that header and from the angle where we were sat, I knew it was in as soon as it left his head, as it was heading straight towards us. 

March was a bit of a nothing month. Two points from two matches. At least we weren't losing. I was confident now that we were safe and could look up. 

April had ups and downs, but by now, we were going into each match feeling optimistic. I won't dwell too much, as I've said it before, but that Anfield derby brought home to me how much the divide between the tribes has opened up and it was a toxic atmosphere. A narrow defeat, but a good performance. Then a well-earned point against a faltering Arsenal, but not a great spectacle of football. 

Beaten by Manchester City and then Chelsea in a close non-descript match. Yet again, I'm in with the home supporters courtesy of my Chelsea supporting Battersea cousin. He always introduces me and they are fine. He's already told me yesterday, that he'll sort out tickets for Stamford Bridge next season. I don't mind sitting with the opposition, they always seem to take to me. I've told him that I will try to get him to the Dock. And his dad, who is from Speke and supports Everton. 

Then into May. For the first time in a few seasons, we could relax. Not before we once again threw away a 2 – 0 lead to surrender two points, this time against Ipswich.

But then we made the trip to Fulham, congregating in the Eight Bells, before the walk through the park in the sunshine. This time we come back from a goal down. Yet again, in with the home supporters, although the end behind the goal at Fulham is neutral, so many Blues around. No segregation, so at half-time, I wandered up to be amongst the Everton supporters. Forget the points, they didn't matter. I'll remember it for the emergence of the new Jordan Pickford song. He was definitely singing along. 

Southampton home. I don't need to say anymore. The emotion and occasion was unbelievable. Well done to the club and the supporters, inside and outside the ground.

The only time it got to me was as we left the ground. As we were leaving, a dad said to his lad "This is the last time you're leaving these gates. Remember it". Well, I had to put my arm around his shoulder. Not for him or his kid but for me. 

Finally, Newcastle away. The result didn't matter. We had a great day out and that travelling blue army were in fine voice up in the heavens, making themselves heard, loud and proud.

It was a tough season. Once again we've been through the mill, but this time it felt worse, if that was at all possible. Outwardly, I refused to accept it, but inwardly, I genuinely feared for our top-flight survival, not that I would ever have admitted it — even to the mirror. 

The end of an era. But the beginning of a new one. So on to the new stadium. I'll see you there and we'll no doubt establish new meet-up points, although I think it will be a while before the old rituals disappear for many.

Spirit… Forever… There She Goes.  

Reader Comments (50)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()


Andy Crooks
1 Posted 15/06/2025 at 23:29:07
What can I say, Danny, a really fine piece. Inspirational, moving and pretty much nailing our season. You have had one tough year but here you are, still standing.

I enjoy your reports so much; for those who can't get to the game, it's pretty special to get the fan's day experience. What happens on the pitch is just a part of it.

I reckon you are one of the few on here, and by fuck I'm not one of them, who keeps calm, doesn't get into petty disputes and always, always, sees the positive.

Take a bow mate.

Brendan McLaughlin
2 Posted 15/06/2025 at 23:59:32
Danny mate, you are a wonderful life affirming poster.

When I read your stuff and see some of the bile that I and others have posted on ToffeeWeb... I can only hold my hand up and apologise.

Melanie would be pleased you're in a better place, Danny.

Long may it continue.

Mike Gaynes
3 Posted 16/06/2025 at 02:11:12
Elegant and eloquent, Danny.

I know these past 12 months have been a period of unimaginable upheaval for you, and I'm very glad that your loyal companions and the unpredictable Blues have been there for you when you needed them.

Stay steady and strong, and know that you are the best of us. It's our privilege.

I cannot wait to shake your hand in person.

Bob Parrington
4 Posted 16/06/2025 at 02:20:14
Jees, Danny, you've been through a massively rough year. So sorry for you and your losses.

Yet, you are always a breath of fresh, positive air here on ToffeeWeb. I agree with Brendan's comments entirely.

Thank you, Danny!

Paul Kernot
5 Posted 16/06/2025 at 02:41:42
Tough year indeed, Danny. I've lived in New Zealand for over 30 years now. Only got back to Goodison once in that time, 3 home games at Xmas when Allardyce was in charge! Just about as dour as Dyche sadly.

I'm on TW literally every day. You and other posters are my EFC lifeline. I took Christine to see the pre-season in Sydney. First time she's seen me at a live game not just shouting at the telly. I think she kinda got me & Everton on that trip.

Christine Foster
6 Posted 16/06/2025 at 04:56:50
Paul, really had to wonder if I was getting senile and my memory had gone, then I realised it wasn't me with you in Sydney and I stopped looking for the doctor's number!

But Danny, being so far away, you make it all so real for so many of us away from home (long term). What tremendous courage and strength you found from somewhere to keep going; I think I would have spiralled out of control.

But that's what Everton does to you, gives you hope and purpose on dark days, laughter and fun on the good ones. But most of all, it's the people, a shout out to all those you have met along the way for being there for you. We are family.

To the year ahead, let's hope it's a good one, without any tears!!

Paul Kernot
7 Posted 16/06/2025 at 05:50:09
Come on, Christine. I do the song references around here!

Check my post on the Barry thread!

James Hughes
8 Posted 16/06/2025 at 06:19:27
Danny, a lovely article and thank you. The names you mention I would love to meet one day.

I only got to the Arsenal game this year as, when I get home, it is all about my 90-year-old mum. Taking her to every shop in Walton and Aintree, so getting away for three hours is not on the agenda. Ah, well, I will enjoy her while she is still around.

The Bournemouth home game still pisses me off as it remains my one and only brush with the Super 6 jackpot. I had us down as 2-1 and on 87 minutes I was feeling very smug and rich.

Then the wheels came off and I ended up with 25 points but no cigar

Everton that, C'est la vie!

Tony Abrahams
9 Posted 16/06/2025 at 07:24:40
After reading what I found to be a sad, happy, humorous, emotional post coming straight from the heart, Danny, I think the best thing I can do is finish the headline;

So please don't take my Everton Away! 💙

Everton is life and anyone who reads this will immediately understand that you simply can't take Everton away from you Danny, mate. 👏👏

Mark Murphy
10 Posted 16/06/2025 at 07:38:22
“Please don't take, my Everton, away”. I really believe Everton got you through your dark times, Danny. Bad as we were, you had them to distract you from the grief.

I personally witnessed your swings in health and emotion and it was great to see you so much better at that last meet in the Harlech.

“The Count of St Helens” - I hope that “o” is correct in there - I'm pretty sure some others wouldn't spell it like that!

UTFT and here's to Iliman Ndiaye and Bramley-Moore Dock!

Derek Thomas
11 Posted 16/06/2025 at 07:51:40
Excellent Danny,

Almost (but not quite) McKane-esque.

Gerry Quinn
12 Posted 16/06/2025 at 08:11:25
What a special account of a difficult and tragic year for you in your life, but incredibly improving as your own Evertonian life moved on, Danny – thank you.

I will be making the journey from North-East Scotland next season to Bramley-Moore Dock with my wife – staying at the Titanic (hopefully, as the Adelphi last time was disgusting) – that, sadly, will be my last planned visit as my thirst for travelling long distances has drastically dried up at 74 years old...

Dave Abrahams
13 Posted 16/06/2025 at 08:56:58
Danny, it's an old saying:

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”

You proved your mettle, Danny, throughout a really tough time and lots of times you did it with a smile, although that was a thousand miles away from how you felt.

Keep it up, Danny you are a real tonic to many fans on ToffeeWeb and I believe that the grey clouds are slowly clearing to make way for plenty of Blue clouds… Royal Blue ones to make the future better for you and all of us.

Good luck and good health, Danny.

Peter Mills
14 Posted 16/06/2025 at 09:17:57
I frequently become disillusioned with Premier League football, sometimes fed up with Everton, and think that I just can't be bothered with either.

Then the thought comes into my head “What would Danny do?” … and I get my coat on and get moving.

Take care of yourself, Danny. A person can be measured by the friends they have, and you have many.

Trevor Powell
15 Posted 16/06/2025 at 09:22:36
I have never met you, I've read many of your posts on this site, but this heartfelt account is up there in the stratosphere!

From the age of 8, just like you, Everton are the touchstone of my life. Thanks, Dann,y and good luck in the future.

Ted Roberts
17 Posted 16/06/2025 at 09:31:45
I haven't ignored TW of late, I have carried on reading… I just got so fed up with the topics on offer that commenting became a chore. I just didn't feel any connection with the subject matter and my club, but your heartfelt account is what TW and Everton mean to me.

I felt for you at the loss of Melanie and also at the loss of your ever so loyal four-legged friend and you made me feel part of every matchday you attended. I can only stand back and admire your resolute inner strength that carries you through both life's heartfelt losses, and Everton's precarious and perilous journey of late.

We have never met, that may change in the future, who knows, but I continue to wish you well for the future and feel full of optimism now for Everton's future. You have been through a lot, Danny, but still find it within yourself to tell your story, week-in & week-out, and I sincerely thank you for that.

To Everton Stadium and Beyond!!!

Brian Harrison
18 Posted 16/06/2025 at 09:37:39
Danny

What an emotional and sad and then an uplifting piece, you do really encapsulate the views of so many of us Blues.

The other great thing is, even when you disagree with other posters, you always look to point out how you can understand why they have adopted their views.

I am sure your wife, like many of ours, understood that the love for a football club is not quite the same as the love of a woman.

I love reading your posts – especially when you mix with opposing fans and always seem to enjoy the banter.

I have never met you, Danny, and maybe I will have to put that right when we move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, but keep posting as you are a major part of ToffeeWeb.

Paul Hewitt
19 Posted 16/06/2025 at 09:45:37
A sad but uplifting piece, Danny.

Always a great read.💙

Steve Brown
20 Posted 16/06/2025 at 10:07:32
What a tough 12 months you have had Danny. You never get over a loss like that, not really, but you learn to live with it over time. I hope your son is okay.

Honestly, I don’t think the club has deserved the commitment and devotion that you and many other fans have shown. Not for a very long time. My one hope for the new era is that they at least begin to earn back what the fans have given them.

The only reason the club is still a going concern is because supporters like you kept it in the premier league by the skin of its teeth.

The way you deal with other posters is patient and respectful. I have often read you apologise when frankly you have not written anything that merits the apology.

I always think a curious mindset is far more impactful than a judgemental mindset, and you practice that often. It takes more energy and effort to be curious and interested, something that I will also make more effort to do.

Sam Hoare
21 Posted 16/06/2025 at 10:27:14
Danny, a lovely piece. Everton are lucky to have a fan like you and we are lucky to have a gentleman of your ilk on this site, always contributing and always graceful even when disagreeing.

Hope to buy you a pint one day.

Martin Mason
22 Posted 16/06/2025 at 10:28:31
Fantastic Danny, a great person and amazing Evertonian. I agree about the season and how we can be so positive now.

My position on Moyes is to trust in him for now, I believe that he has done amazingly well in changing attitudes. My new season's resolution is to double my efforts to get tickets. I had a bad year with other things taking my time though. We have an autistic daughter in care and we were through the courts all year when she was deprived of her tenancy but all good now.

I have 4 golden girl Grandkids who demand time and the youngest is also autistic (genuinely so) and we have to help.

January to April I have to take Flo to Malaysia but until then I will have a blitz on tickets. Getting to home games will be hard unless it's on bike because nights away are difficult.

Thanks for your good pieces, for being such a good Evertonian and for being such great company when we meet. Greetings to all of the other great Evertonians that you mention and to those many thousands who you miss.

Liam Mogan
23 Posted 16/06/2025 at 10:54:49
Wonderful, Danny.
Harry Diamond
Editorial Team
24 Posted 16/06/2025 at 10:59:22
A lovely piece from the heart, Danny. I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

TW is fortunate to have you posting and I hope that continues into what is hopefully a positive season to come.

Thank you!

Paul Washington
25 Posted 16/06/2025 at 12:43:15
Football pales into insignificance with what you have been through, Danny.

Thanks for the notes throughout the season, long may they continue. Let's hope your 2nd cuz can deliver us some glory next season, especially for everyone that travels all over the land.

Thanks again, lad.

Steve Brown
26 Posted 16/06/2025 at 12:49:41
Hi Martin, I have 2 Village membership season tickets for BMD next season which my sons will use.

They won't get to all home games so you are welcome to have them for free when they are not going.

Ping me your email address and I will let you know which games are available.

Rob Halligan
27 Posted 16/06/2025 at 13:01:40
Excellent read, Danny.

Things are going to improve for us next season, with a tinpot being on show at the Everton Stadium at the end of next season. Season just ended has seen a few clubs break their run without having won anything for years. Newcastle, Spurs, Crystal Palace, Aberdeen have all got their hands on a trophy, with West Ham breaking their run a couple of years back.

Even in other sports, notably Rugby Union, I believe Bath got their hands on a trophy for the first time in 29 years, and in cricket, South Africa won their first major trophy in 27 years.

So our time is coming next season, I can feel it my bones. The Carabao Cup or the FA Cup will do, I'm not fussed.

Martin Mason
28 Posted 16/06/2025 at 13:03:33
Steve, you are just too kind and I thank you. I would be glad to use them and pay for them.

Like I say, from early January to April, I go to Malaysia to see family. You can contact me on masonmart@aol.com.

I can't thank you enough for this offer.

Dave Williams
29 Posted 16/06/2025 at 14:16:02
Inspirational stuff Danny and an example to us all about love, resilience, loyalty and determination not to let life get you down when it gets tough.
Keep on posting mate!
Steve Brown
30 Posted 16/06/2025 at 14:33:25
Your email safely received, Martin, I will keep you posted.
Don Alexander
31 Posted 16/06/2025 at 15:03:02
Danny and I have had a natter or two and he is always as he writes, a gent (who doesn't boast about the experiences he had in the forces, yet is proud to have served us all) of the utmost probity and judgement.

If Friedkin is ever serious about putting one of us fans in the boardroom I'd vote for Danny 100%.

Neil Copeland
32 Posted 16/06/2025 at 16:18:21
Danny, what do you mean “Hooligan of Nottingham”?

Lovely post mate, you have been to hell and back but are still here to tell the story, Melanie would be very proud I am sure.

Like you, I can't wait for the new season to start and look forward to meeting up when we can.

Jeff Spiers
33 Posted 16/06/2025 at 19:11:12
Danny, Boss post. Away support above and beyond.

Just a thought. The best Everton away support you've witnessed??

Danny O'Neill
34 Posted 16/06/2025 at 20:18:04
Well, firstly, too many kind comments. I only write to share my Everton experiences.

I'll try to go through the comments and don't mean to miss anyone out. But thank you to every single one of you.

Jeff. That's a tough ask. But as you have asked, I had to go through the memory banks. It has to be Norwich away in 1987. I've no idea what ridiculous time we got up to get the Amberline from Speke in the morning or what ridiculous time we got got back in the early hours of the next morning.

Hand it over Liverpool, the estimated 5,000 chanted in East Anglia as we were crowned champions again.

What a journey back. I even got the day off school, much to my mother's disapproval.

Neil, you know me well. I know you. You made me laugh at Anfield as 25 year old Neil came out responding to those Kopites to our right, who were horrible. Thank you for this season Neil. A pleasure.

Don, I enjoy our chats. You talk as straight as an inbound exocet missile, which I always like.

Dave W, we will have to meet for breakfast. Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Can't beat it.

Rob, we are winning a trophy. I can't rest until we do.

Thank you Harry, you'll get used to me. I'm the Everton village idiot and emotional fool.

Steve and Sam, I always try to be considerate, even when I am not agreeing with someone. We all have different views. I don't need to be telling you, but you should hear us in the various pubs around the country. An outsider wouldn't think we were friends.

Brian Harrison, Ted Roberts, Gerry Quinn, Bob and James Hughes. When you are next in the homeland, make contact and you can meet up with the gang. I've put it up on here before, but: dannyefc26@gmail.com. 07966007546.

Mike G. We are going to shake hands soon. I hope you won't be disappointed.

Christine and Paul. You guys amaze me with your dedication from the other side of the world. That takes a lot of effort in comparison to our travels. Christine, there are going to be tears, but tears of joy.

All I want is Everton to lift a trophy. Not for me or my generation. For those young supporters I shake hands with almost every week and tell them to bring the points home.

It's for their dedication I care about.

We are all massive Evertonians. I never consider myself a bigger one than anyone else. I know too many who are more befitting than that throne.

Mark Murphy
35 Posted 16/06/2025 at 20:37:41
“The best Everton away support you've witnessed??”

Maybe for another thread, and I wasn't fortunate enough to be at that Norwich game, but for me it was Leicester away, September 1977, the yellow away kit shining golden in the sunshine as Everton, the Magic Everton, blew Leicester away.

The sight of the Blue Streak disgorging millions, seemingly endless hoardes, of Blues onto the streets of Leicester was awesome. I remember to this day the pride and the shivers down my spine! We were an irresistible, invading army and that city was ours!

John Raftery
36 Posted 16/06/2025 at 20:39:25
Danny, thanks for a wonderful, poignant article. Your season has been like no other; on a personal level heart breaking while living through the many troughs and peaks supporting our team.

Sometimes people tell me I'm a mad Evertonian. Then I tell them about you, your long journeys from west London, the early starts, the late nights, getting stranded having missed the last train home but more than anything your indomitable spirit in the face of seemingly endless disappointment on the pitch. If support was graded you would be firmly in the A* band.

Like Rob H, I think our day will come. You deserve to see it happen sooner rather than later, Danny. Roll on the 2025-26 season.

Brian Wilkinson
37 Posted 16/06/2025 at 20:50:53
Bloody marvellous read that, Danny, I had no idea you lost your partner mate and can only feel for you, the loss of your soulmate and pet dog as well.

Not much any of us can say for what you have been put through, time is a great healer so chin up and take one day at a time.

Everton have a way of giving us hope so, with the new season on the horizon, let's hope those looking down on us give us some faith and belief and a bit of Lady Luck for a change.

Get yourself off to the first rugby league test match at Wembley mate, England v Australia 25 October, fans from all over the north coming together, no rivalries but a damn good fix of banter and cracking day out, Everton fixture clash not permitting.

God loves a trier and one day I may just get you to watch one game… :-) I can assure you that you will not bump into anyone with a sheepskin coat, flat cap and whippet saying
Eyup" or "Ecky thump" — just do not expect a Yorkshire bloke to dip his hand in his pocket and buy you a pint, tight as a camel's arse in a sandstorm, those from the other side of the Pennines mate, but they will warm your heart with a warm welcome.

Anyway back to football, this could be our year, Danny, the stars are aligned, Spurs, Newcastle both ending their trophy drought, a cup win could be heading our way next to end our barren spell, if only to once and for all put that song to bed our neighbours like to sing each derby gaame.

I still think we are waiting until 1 July before we start dipping into the market and once the end of June finances are sorted, I can see us very active in the transfer window, just a case of a bit of patience needed until then.

Anyway thanks for a great read, we are all thinking of you and will no doubt have a long-awaited meet-up in the new season.

Up the Toffees.

Mark Murphy
38 Posted 16/06/2025 at 20:55:23
Will you be there, Brian?
Brent Stephens
39 Posted 16/06/2025 at 21:06:49
Nice piece, Danny. It's been a tough year all round.

Onto the next season, new stadium, some new players, and the usual early-season hope.

Brian Wilkinson
40 Posted 16/06/2025 at 21:17:19
I'm not going the Wembley Rugby League test.

I had no luck getting one for the other two tests but always a chance one of my mates might pull out of the Everton one, fingers crossed.

Jerome Shields
41 Posted 16/06/2025 at 23:11:01
Danny,

Your enthusiasm really came true, and I mean that in the best possible way. But you also have an awareness regarding Everton and know the reality of Everton which does come true in your knowledgeable posts and this article.

Melanie will be pleased how well you have coped. I am sure she would have expected nothing less.

Danny O'Neill
42 Posted 17/06/2025 at 06:28:38
Thank you, Jerome. I'm cautious about being labelled 'knowledgeable' — I say what I see, but thank you for the kind words.

Peter Mills, bring that coat and we will meet up in town or on The Plaza next season.

I did forget to nominate my players of the season. There shouldn't be any surprises.

Special mentions to Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski.

Also Iliman Ndiaye. He would have got it for me had he not spent time out injured.

Player of the Season is the trustworthy Gana Gueye. What an example he set's, going quietly about his business.

Young Player of the Season. It has to be Branthwaite, although Jake O'Brien deserves a mention after his emergence in the second part of the season.

Brian Wilkinson
43 Posted 17/06/2025 at 09:59:04
Agree with all those Danny, good choices.

I want to throw in a special award for commitment and effort and that award goes to Ashley Young, forever the whipping boy and with justification on occasions.

But I thought over the latter end and certainly half of the season, he has came in when needed and did a job for us. For a 39-year-old, he certainly gave everything he could for the team and leaves the club with his head held high for me.

Raymond Fox
44 Posted 17/06/2025 at 10:54:31
Very sorry to hear of your losses, mate, hopefully there's much better times ahead.

You're a stalwart, keep up the good work.

Peter Mills
45 Posted 17/06/2025 at 13:53:06
Danny #42,

I shall look forward to that.

Kevin O'Regan
47 Posted 18/06/2025 at 09:46:08
Danny, many thanks for your bravery in writing these words and sharing them with the toffee world of many strangers. I, like many others really enjoy your writings and comments and stories. It's hard these days to find someone with your unique mix of passion, balance and positivity - especially in a blue shirt. Your posts are always refreshing in a world gone mad.
You seem like a genuinely decent fella and I am truly sorry to hear of your losses. Very often we seek some kind of fulfillment in sports - in our case, Everton - but if that is our only source of joy then the journey can be very rocky indeed. But you have obviously multiple sources of joy in your life, and despite your losses, I am sure that you will indeed be blessed by many more fantastic moments with family and friends and hopefully more and more on the blue banks of the mersey. You are indeed a beacon of hope and inspiration. As us Irish say : Go neirí an bóthar leat a chara.
Danny O'Neill
48 Posted 18/06/2025 at 10:47:29
Thank you Kevin. May your road / journey be successful too.

Brian, I am going to the Rugby at Bramley Moore in November. Mark is bringing his white board to teach me the rules in Doctor Duncans.

It should be a good day out. I agree on Ashley Young. Very important to us this season, even if not able to give 90 minutes.

Jeff Spiers
49 Posted 18/06/2025 at 12:32:41
Kevin,

I second that. Nice

Jeff Spiers
50 Posted 18/06/2025 at 12:36:56
Mark @35.

And this City is Ours!!!

Jack Convery
51 Posted 18/06/2025 at 19:47:52
As usual, a lovely piece, Danny, poignant and heartfelt. Have a restful summer and gird your loins for the BMD story as it finally gets underway.

By the way, no club loves their fans. Try turning up 50p short on a matchday and you won't get in. (Obviously referring to the old days of cash at the turnstyles.) Still true though.

Danny O'Neill
52 Posted 18/06/2025 at 19:52:50
But you could always get lifted over the turnstile, Jack!!

The turnstile operator would either help, or just stand back and ignore.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


How to get rid of these ads and support TW

© ToffeeWeb