Everton and technical partner hummel are proud to collaborate to present My Everton, a weekly series of first-hand accounts describing the most-treasured memories of fans, players, and staff both past and present.
Got an entry? We'd love to hear it – and there are exclusive prizes for the best fan submissions, including VIP tickets to First Team matches, invitations to watch training at Finch Farm, signed merchandise and discount on hummel.net. Submit via email to content@evertonfc.com.
My passion for football runs deep, so whenever I tell people who I support I get the same response, 'Everton?! What's a Cockney doing supporting Everton?'
For starters, I'm not a Cockney. I was brought up three miles away from Stamford Bridge, even closer to Plough Lane. A Londoner, yes, but no Bow Bells.
My Dad was a Wimbledon follower. Not passionate - except in 1988 when we all loved Sanchez and Beasant - but a follower. My other family were a mix of Wimbledon and Chelsea. However, one of my dad's close friends, a guy called Chris, had moved to London from Liverpool and he was a passionate Evertonian. As he had no family down here, when Everton came to the capital he used to take me with him - always in the away end, always with the Blues!
Kevin Sheedy and the unbeatable Neville Southall were my favourites back then.
As I got older, I was urged to 'support my local team' and at least part of me sympathised with that argument - but I couldn't, I loved Everton far too much. It remains the case today.
Before having children I would catch the train from Euston to Lime Street every other Saturday, I'd meet up with friends and have a few beers and not get home until midnight. Crazy, but wonderful times.
When time allows, I make the same trip now and I love it just as much.
It's so true. Once Everton has entered your life it's there forever. My son has grown up in Milton Keynes but I know he feels exactly the same as I do.
One of my most treasured memories was when I won a competition in work and won VIP tickets for Everton v Fulham on what happened to be David Moyes' first game in charge of the Club.
I met Graeme Sharp, Barry Horne and the irrepressible Dave Hickson before the match. It was magnificent.
The Cannonball Kid - Hickson - was telling anyone he could that David Unsworth would score the first goal of the Moyes era.
A few minutes into the game and who rifled the first? Unsworth, of course!
Great memories. COYB.
By Dave Squires, Evertonian
