Alan Stubbs was released by Everton as a teenager but always hoped that one day he would return to Goodison to play for his boyhood club.

And he did that by enjoying two spells with the Blues.

After ending his first spell at Goodison in the summer of 2005, Stubbs then made nine appearances for the Sunderland before rejoining Everton on a free transfer to bolster the defensive ranks.

Before joining the Toffees the first time, Stubbs had enjoyed an eventful spell in Scotland with Celtic. During his time at Parkhead he won an array of honours, including a Championship winner's medal and a Scottish Cup winner's medal in his last season north of the border.

He also won a personal battle during his time in Scotland by beating testicular cancer on two separate occasions and marked his comeback the second time around with a goal against Hibernian at Easter Road.

Prior to his move to Scotland in May 1996 he was an integral part of Bolton Wanderers' squad, leading them to the League Cup final with Liverpool and Premiership promotion in the same season.

The quality of his performances following his return to Goodison in January 2006 led to him being offered fresh terms by the club at the end of the season - and Stubbs confirmed that he would remain at Everton by signing a one-year deal in May 2006.

Alan was a lynchpin of the side during the 2006/07 campaign, with outstanding performances against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, forcing David Moyes to switch Joleon Lescott to left back to accomodate both defenders.

Stubbs' experience was invaluable in securing a Uefa Cup spot and he was rewarded with a fresh 12-month contract at the end of the season.

The Kirkby-born player joined Derby County on a free transfer in January 2008 but played just a handful of games for the Pride Park outfit before returning to Everton a fourth time as a coach.

Alan is now Everton's reserve-team manager.