Ahead of tomorrow’s game against Newcastle United, we reflect on some players who’ve featured for both teams.
5 – Steve Watson
Watson made 126 Premier League appearances for the Toffees over a five-year period. Consistent and extremely versatile, Watson became something of a utility player for the Toffees.
While his time at Goodison was unfortunately plagued by injury, he did manage a memorable hat-trick against Leeds United in September 2003.
4 – Paul Gascoigne
Gazza’s best years were well behind him by the time he joined the Toffees. However, he still had his moments in a blue shirt.
In a 4-1 FA Cup win over Leyton Orient, his iconic dribbling skills dazzled Goodison Park. Indeed, the former England international was clearly in the mood to turn on the style.
He also scored his last ever goal in English football for Everton, in a 2-2 draw at Bolton in 2001.
3 – Sylvain Distin
The Frenchman spent six years at Everton and became a mainstay of David Moyes’ defence.
The centre-back provided what must be Everton’s most unique assist, a back pass to Tim Howard who scored a famous goal against Bolton Wanderers.
2 – Duncan Ferguson
What can you say about the Big Man that hasn’t already been said? The Scot had a brief spell at St James’ sandwiched between his time at Everton.
A talismanic player for the Blues and one of the most iconic forwards to have played for the club.
Equally remembered for his assaults on Sami Hyypia, Fredi Bobic and Stefan Freund, among others, as he is for his goals.
Many a fan’s favourite player and certainly one of my first footballing heroes. I vividly remember my dad jumping up and down in the living room the day we re-signed him.
1 – Gary Speed
A boyhood Everton fan, Speed spent two years at the club, wearing the captain’s armband for one of them.
The Welshman scored the only hat-trick of his career during his time at the Blues, in a 7-1 win against Southampton.
Yesterday was the anniversary of Speed’s tragic suicide, and so it is fitting two of his former sides face each other tomorrow.
Touchingly, Everton will unveil a talking memorial bench at Hill Dickinson as a lasting tribute to the former captain.
