Pat Van den Hauwe has spoken of the “humbling” experience at being named as the latest Everton Giant along with fellow Blues League title and European Cup Winners’ Cup winner Gary Stevens.
Earlier this week, Van den Hauwe and Stevens were chosen as the latest inductees into the Club’s Hall of Fame.
In his playing days as a left-back, Van den Hauwe was an iconic and hugely popular figure with supporters, and between 1984-1989 at Goodison, he won two league titles, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and a Charity Shield.
As well as his fine service on the field, the former Wales international has in recent years played a vital role in the wonderful work that Everton in the Community does to change, and in some cases save, lives.
But the man himself is a quiet, reserved character and he still finds it surreal that the 23-year old footballer who joined the Blues from Birmingham City in 1984 has now taken his place alongside revered Club legends as a genuine Everton Giant.
“It’s like a fantasy,” admitted Van den Hauwe. “It doesn’t seem real but I am just very honoured and it’s very humbling and quite emotional.
“I was very surprised and very excited when I heard, but it was difficult to take in. The honest truth is that when I looked at the names on the list already, I didn’t see myself in that bracket – Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, Sharpy, Joe Royle, they are proper icons of the Club.
“I would never have thought in my lifetime that I would be involved in such a massive club and end up winning two league titles and the other medals. It wouldn’t have happened for me if it wasn’t for Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey and the rest of the team. We all got on very well as a unit and as a team.
“I heard the Chairman’s comments about Gary and myself and it was very humbling and very rewarding. It means I must have done something right…for a change!”
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When the global coronavirus pandemic set in, Van den Hauwe was on the front line, helping out wherever and whenever he could with Everton in the Community.
“I was given a great opportunity when I came back from South Africa,” he said. “I had a good chat with Denise (Barrett-Baxendale) and she asked me if I would like to get involved with Everton Football Club again and I jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t?”
The role has reunited Van den Hauwe with the Evertonians who adored him during his playing days. It’s a relationship that he cherishes.
“It means everything. You can’t explain it. We went out and did what we had to do for Howard, Colin, ourselves and mostly for the supporters. It’s all part of the history now, though – but if I could do it all over again, I would!
“It was an honour and a privilege to play for the Club.”
