Everton Giant Joe Royle has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award at Monday’s Northwest Football Awards.
A genuine Everton legend, who made his debut aged 16 and won a league title with the Club, Royle returned as manager in November 1994 and promptly led his team to FA Cup glory.
Chairman Bill Kenwright paid tribute to his “brother” and explained how he overcame initial doubts over the teenage Royle replacing Everton icon Alex Young in Harry Catterick’s team to ultimately idolise the talismanic centre-forward.
Royle was one of four ever presents in Everton’s 1969/70 League champion side and scored 119 goals in 273 appearances before leaving for Manchester City in 1974.
“Brother Joe, they’re throwing a party for you and giving you an extraordinary and well-deserved lifetime achievement award,” said Kenwright.
“Joe, I am your biggest fan in the world. But I haven’t always been because I was there on that day, in Blackpool [in 1966], when Harry Catterick dropped Alex Young – our idol, the Golden Vision – to include a big 16-year-old in the team. Oh, we weren’t happy.
“But, like you always did, through your qualities of strength, goodness, courage, skill, everything anyone in football needs, we grew to love you. We really did.”
Royle, who won six England caps and also had time with Norwich City and Bristol City before he stopped playing, was appointed Goodison Park boss following a heady 12-year spell in charge of Oldham Athletic.
He established the unfashionable Boundary Park club in the top flight after winning promotion in 1991 – and in the previous season took Oldham to their only major cup final, the League Cup decider against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.
Royle was a shoo-in for the Everton post when the Blues were on the search for inspiration following a poor start to the 1994/95 season.
His personable style rejuvenated a talented group of players and revitalised the Club.
Royle’s Everton beat Liverpool 2-0 at a rocking Goodison Park in his first match and the Blues did not lose a Merseyside derby with him at the helm.
He oversaw one of the most complete Everton performances of a generation, the 4-1 dismantling of fancied Tottenham Hotspur in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final – before masterminding Wembley success over Manchester United in the final.
Royle subsequently managed Manchester City and Ipswich Town after exiting Everton in 1997.
“We have shared so many memories,” added Kenwright, whose message was relayed to Royle as the 70-year-old received his Outstanding Contribtution To Northwest Football honour at Lancashire Cricket Club's Old Trafford ground. “The last time we won the Cup, what a great day that was.
“Duncan [Ferguson] dancing on the table at the party in his kilt afterwards, singing C’mon you Blues!
“And, of course, your first game as manager – when we beat the Reds 2-0 and the big fella scored that wonderful goal. I have so many Joe Royle memories, so many personal memories… You know if you have Joe Royle by your side, you’re in for a good, good journey.
“Joe, you know I love you and I salute you, I wish you and the family the greatest night. Be proud, you deserve it – you deserve everything.
“You have never looked for fame, for gain, for personal plaudits – but you deserve them. I’m proud to know you, I’m proud to be your brother, I’m proud to be your friend. I salute you Joe Royle.”
