Joe Royle

Everton Giant - Year Inducted: 2004

Joe Royle occupies a huge place in Everton’s history for his achievements as both a player and manager.

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 - a tag that was reinforced by a momentous FA Cup victory in 1995.

Royle’s record-breaking 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 up 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.

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 thanks to a sensational Wembley defeat of Manchester United the following May.

Royle’s Dogs of War earned plenty of admirers but he left his post on March 27, 1997.

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

He was named an Everton Giant in 2004, highlighting his ongoing affinity with Everton. Ten years later he was appointed the Club’s professional development co-ordinator in 2014, working closely with David Unsworth and carefully plotting the development of the Blues’ young players.

A magnificent player. An inspirational manager. A great man. Joe Royle will forever be regarded as a true Everton legend.