Everton’s players will be taking the road to success every time they enter Finch Farm – with the driveway from the gates of the club’s Finch Farm training complex to be renamed in honour of Joe Royle, a title winning player and FA Cup winning manager.
The Everton Giant was informed of the news today, on his 75th birthday, and said: “I am very surprised but absolutely delighted by this.
“Everybody knows how I feel about this football club and to be honoured in this way is truly humbling. I played with, and managed, some magnificent Everton players and I loved every minute of my time at the club in every capacity.
“The naming of the drive at Finch Farm is lovely for me and my family, and I thank the club for doing it.”
Everton Club Partner Socios.com are offering fans the chance to vote on what the road will be permanently renamed via the Socios App.
The poll will go live following the 2023/24 season, with fans able to select from the following three options:
- Joe Royle Way
- Joe Royle Lane
- Joe Royle Drive
Royle is an Everton legend who joined the Blues straight from school and famously made his first-team debut as a 16-year-old, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history – a status he proudly held for nearly 40 years until James Vaughan edged him by 12 days.
He played in the 1968 FA Cup final and then top-scored two seasons later when Everton won the First Division title for the seventh time.
In total, Royle made 276 appearances and his 119 goals put him fifth on our all-time list.
In 1994, he returned to Goodison Park as manager, famously winning his first game against Liverpool.
He engineered a miraculous relegation escape, then steered the side to FA Cup final glory against Manchester United at Wembley, adding the Charity Shield with victory over champions Blackburn Rovers at Wembley three months later.
He returned as caretaker manager alongside David Unsworth for the last match of the 2016/17 season – when Everton beat Norwich City 3-0.
He is still a regular visitor to Goodison Park.
Socios.com is a free-to-register Fan Engagement and Rewards app which can be downloaded from your regular App store.
