Welcome to this week’s Talking the Blues Podcast. The title says it all…… what it means to be a Blue. Andy and George Costigan in imperious form, a stunning listen
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Thanks all. I enjoyed that listen.
Challenge and compete, that’s all we ask.
Yes, I want us to win our 10th league title, 6th FA Cup, 2nd European trophy and an eventual league cup. That’s probably down to my OCD with even numbers as much as I want Everton to win. We all want to win, but I also go to watch Everton and football to be entertained. That includes when I go to watch lower league fixtures, which I enjoy and their supporters are great.
The relationship with our cousins has changed. That was made stark to me this season as we crossed Stanley Park from our usual meeting places on County Road to be met by a line of Police Horses and shepherded towards Anfield. Strangers in our own city.
On level playing ground, It is different and since the 70s and 80s with Liverpool, the to 90s and 2000s with Manchester United, Chelsea’s period and more recently Manchester City, there has been one or two dominant teams. It’s not much different in Europe.
But there is always a chance to compete, challenge and win trophies.
We briefly broke the mould with that magnificent 80s side. We only lost out on 3 league titles in a row by 2 points. That’s one win. I always say, that great, entertaining Everton side never got the recognition for how good we were. And could have been.
Born in 1971, my first match at Goodison in 1976 wasn’t that glamorous. A pre-season against Home Farm, but it didn’t matter.
What it means to be blue? I have no explanation. It just was. I consider it a birthright and never knew any different from my earliest memories.
I wouldn’t call us the senior club in the city. We are the originals.
On the most seasons debate, I always have that discussion with Arsenal supporters. We have the most top flight seasons, they have the most consecutive without being relegated.
In terms of pride and passion, I may be one blue eyed, but no other’s compare. Forget everyone else. You only have to be with those away supporters to experience it. The Southampton match was special, but there have been to many to recall at Goodison.
In terms of our supporters, I am fortunate to follow and attend Everton matches home and away. But I am no better than those of you who follow from wherever you are. I often think you are more dedicated than the likes of me.
Spirit. Forever. Cradle to grave.
Brilliant Danny. Thank you
Like Andy I attended my first game during the 1969-70 title season (but don’t remember much about that season). I started to become a regular the following season – when we lost the cup semi to Liverpool and the great team of the late 60s was breaking up.
On reflection, and like George, with the exception of those 3 x great years in the mid-80’s most of the last 50+ seasons have been largely forgettable – with the post-Moyes period 1 years being dire. But with the exception of the few clubs that have maintained long periods of competitiveness, I suspect that is the experience of the followers of most clubs.
I have friends/colleagues who follow Leeds, Sheff Wed, Ipswich, Stoke and Southend who would concur – they look at me with envy.