Season Review 04/05

Everton's 2004/5 season will go down in English footballing history as one of the most remarkable success stories ever witnessed in the beautiful game.

After a summer of turmoil in the Goodison boardroom, culminating in the departures of two Chief Executives in two weeks, many tipped David Moyes' men to struggle in the ensuing campaign.

International stars such as Tomasz Radzinski, Tobias Linderoth and David Unsworth all departed Goodison, with only Marcus Bent and Tim Cahill coming in.

Pundits all over the British Isles were tipping Everton to be relegated from the top flight for the first time since the 1950-51 season and when Wayne Rooney broke Evertonians' hearts by signing for Manchester United in August, no-one outside the Club gave the Blues a chance.

But how they were proved wrong.

The team-spirit that the Toffees showed was second to none. With hard-work, grit and determination, they reached fourth spot on the 19th September and refused to let it go. Champions League? It was Everton who had the last laugh.

Here is the story of the season including the highs, the lows, the performances, the personalities, the transfers, the troubles - but, ultimately, the elation.