Joe Royle

Everton Giant 2004

For almost 40 years Royle was the proud holder of the record as the youngest player to figure in the Everton first-team following his appearance at the tender age of 16 against Blackpool in 1966.

His record may have passed on to James Vaughan in 2005, but it has not tarnished Royle's reputation as a true Everton Giant.

That first appearance in a first division match for Harry Catterick was merely the pre-cursor to what became a superb playing career.

He enjoyed a rapid - and fully deserved - rise to stardom, utilising his imposing physique to good effect as he fired his way into the first division scoring charts.

In four seasons between 1967 and 1971 he rifled in a remarkable 95 goals from 190 appearances. His power and goals made him a crucial member of the 1970 Championship winning side and he also enjoyed a Charity Shield victory and was part of a side that lost out in the FA Cup final of 1968.

Stats and Honours

Appearances: 275

Goals: 119

Everton career 1966-74

League Championship 1970

FA Cup 1995 (as manager)

England Caps

He departed the club in 1974 to sign for Manchester City. But that is not where his association with his beloved Blues came to an end.

He became manager of Everton in November 1994, when he replaced Mike Walker, and enjoyed FA Cup glory during his time at the helm before leaving the post on March 27, 1997.

He guided the club to sixth in 1996 a year after the FA Cup victory over Manchester United at Wembley. But a succession of injuries and the resulting dip in results led to his departure in 1997.

Joe was appointed after enjoying a great deal of success as manager of Oldham Athletic.

Joe Royle in his playing days

In 13 years at Boundary Park Oldham won promotion to the old Division One in 1991 and remained in the top flight until 1994.

Joe's Oldham reached the Littlewoods Cup Final in 1989/90 and the FA Cup semi-finals in 1990 and 1994.

Joe's managerial spell at Goodison Park completed a circle begun in 1964 when Everton took him on as an apprentice before he turned professional in 1966.

He won international honours, representing England at Youth, Under 23 and Full level gaining 6 caps, scoring twice.