Everton legend Mike Lyons was given an emotional surprise at a tribute night in his honour in his home city of Perth, Western Australia. 

Lyons, who played 473 times for his beloved Blues scoring 59 goals, has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia. 

Another Everton Giant Gary Stevens was amongst the guests at Mandurah City Football Club in Perth as the evening celebrated Lyons’ career and raised funds in his honour. 

During the event, held on the evening of Friday, March 17, a combination of Chairman Bill Kenwright, Seamus Coleman and Ian Snodin made a video contribution to surprise Mike, with Seamus sharing the news that Mr Kenwright had personally paid for him and his daughter Francesca to make an emotional return to Merseyside – and Goodison Park. 

Francesca said: “Myself and the family are so grateful to Bill for this gesture. I can’t wait to bring my dad to Goodison Park again. Everyone knows how much he loves the Club, and the love the Club has shown for him at this time has been wonderful.” 

In his video message to Mike, the Everton Chairman said: “As I look through the annals of Everton history, at the top of the tree are those lads who were ‘blue through and through’ and at the top of that particular tree there has always been Mike Lyons – the true epitome of what it was to be an Everton player.” 

Also present at the fundraising dinner was former European Cup winner Peter Withe, whose goal secured Aston Villa’s 1982 final success against Bayern Munich, and former Manchester United player Francis Burns.  

Stevens made a speech on the night, speaking about Mike as a player, a coach and a friend, and afterwards he said: “Being here tonight and seeing the love for Lyonsy has been brilliant. He’s a genuine Everton legend and the way the Chairman and the Club are looking after him doesn’t surprise me one bit. Lyonsy gave everything he had for the Blues as a player, and as a coach. He deserves this tribute evening and he deserves to be looked after the way he is. It is great to see him looking so well…but then he always did!” 

Everyone at Everton wishes Mike Lyons well and we look forward immensely to welcoming him back to his beloved Goodison Park soon.