Ex players on the pitch Sunday:

[JelavicBrate2]

I somewhat agree with Dave about Ferguson. Perhaps it's that I'm too young to have seen him in 90s era. For some Blues, who were too young to have witnessed 80s success Ferguson was a shimmer of light at a dark time. However a lot of older fans I've spoke to don't see him as legend, some don't like him. If you have seen Everton win trophies and witnessed Everton players score goals to win trophies your going to perceive Dunc differently. For fans of a certain age, Dunc was their hero, for older fans they had Sheedy, PVDH, Bracewell, Sharp, Reid, Heath, for older fans they had Ball, Kendall, Royle, Labone, Young and so on and so forth. If Dunc is a legend, are players like Jags, Baines, Arteta, Pienaar and Cahill also legends? I don't know. Not to take either side of argument, it's just older fans who have seen us win things probably have higher standards. I saw Duncs winner vs United, but missed his vital goals in big games in 90s, so my era was more Cahill, Arteta, Jags, Pienaar and co.

 

[The binman chronicles]

I somewhat agree with Dave about Ferguson. Perhaps it's that I'm too young to have seen him in 90s era. For some Blues, who were too young to have witnessed 80s success Ferguson was a shimmer of light at a dark time. However a lot of older fans I've spoke to don't see him as legend, some don't like him. If you have seen Everton win trophies and witnessed Everton players score goals to win trophies your going to perceive Dunc differently. For fans of a certain age, Dunc was their hero, for older fans they had Sheedy, PVDH, Bracewell, Sharp, Reid, Heath, for older fans they had Ball, Kendall, Royle, Labone, Young and so on and so forth. If Dunc is a legend, are players like Jags, Baines, Arteta, Pienaar and Cahill also legends? I don't know. Not to take either side of argument, it's just older fans who have seen us win things probably have higher standards. I saw Duncs winner vs United, but missed his vital goals in big games in 90s, so my era was more Cahill, Arteta, Jags, Pienaar and co.

Agreed that on the whole your age does count, there are exceptions though as I do know a few older blues who do love Dunc. Like you say I know some who don't like him at all and see him as a fraud, due to his injury record and the fact he missed so many games through suspension.

Like him or not, if you take away the personal feelings, he was our talisman on the pitch for a period of time. The one player that if you saw his name in the starting 11 that could make a difference - if he was up for it. We had a blip in the 90's where we had others like Kanchelskis, perhaps Speed who had similar qualities but these were short lived. As we got to the Moyes era then that dependency lessened as we started to get players around him that were at a decent level and thus if you were coming of (football) age around his latter years, Ferguson probably wouldn't be held as a legend to you.

I sort of straddle that period that are more likely to hold him in high regard. I do remember the mid eighties side but really my love for football (where it consumes everything) took off just after our last league win. That fallow period where we started to nose dive thereafter was difficult until we got Dunc. That's probably why to people around the age of Rooney who missed the great 80's side completely, Ferguson is a legend.

 

[bebo86]

Where was Pienaar?

 

[Gwladys St. Glory]

I somewhat agree with Dave about Ferguson. Perhaps it's that I'm too young to have seen him in 90s era. For some Blues, who were too young to have witnessed 80s success Ferguson was a shimmer of light at a dark time. However a lot of older fans I've spoke to don't see him as legend, some don't like him. If you have seen Everton win trophies and witnessed Everton players score goals to win trophies your going to perceive Dunc differently. For fans of a certain age, Dunc was their hero, for older fans they had Sheedy, PVDH, Bracewell, Sharp, Reid, Heath, for older fans they had Ball, Kendall, Royle, Labone, Young and so on and so forth. If Dunc is a legend, are players like Jags, Baines, Arteta, Pienaar and Cahill also legends? I don't know. Not to take either side of argument, it's just older fans who have seen us win things probably have higher standards. I saw Duncs winner vs United, but missed his vital goals in big games in 90s, so my era was more Cahill, Arteta, Jags, Pienaar and co.

I started following in '93...IMO, the problem with Dunc was it started to feel that he was more interested in the perpetuation of the hardman slant more than helping the club get results and, as one of the few you (at many points) felt was capable of doing that, it created a tinge of resentment; at least for me. I can understand why some aren't head over heels about him and why some think he's the dogs'...especially if they were male and between 13 and 24 at the time as they were likely as immature as him if they're honest. Is he a horrible person? No. Is his martyrdom a bit much? Yes, if you take a wholistic approach with it IMHO. Some won't have it, though.

 

[If You Know Your History]

Now there is someone missing the other day - Nigel Martyn.

The best goalkeeper I've seen in blue, Big Nev and Jordan aside.

 

[If You Know Your History]

One notable absentee who I don’t think even got in the video messages: Lampard. Think he’s still well liked for the connection he had and gave us one of the more recent iconic Goodison moments, didn’t expect him to be there but would’ve got a warm reception on the screen. Hope he was at least asked.

He isn't the greatest of Everton managers, but he did his best by us and always speaks highly of us.

 

[If You Know Your History]

And this illustrates more than anything the fact that the club was far too cautious in making Hill Dickinson a mere 53,000 capacity.

60,000, at a bare minimum, should have been the capacity.

I have no doubt the new owners, or subsequent future owners, will address this issue in the future.

But right now I feel EFC has short changed itself.

Agreed.

Our new home is magnificent, but its capacity is paltry compared to the likes of West Ham and spurs etc

 

[Benicetoourboys]

Thats your opinion and you are entitled to it, but I will guarantee you the vast majority disagree with you

Can't be done with negative people finding fault in things

It was a day for celebration, the good, bad and ugly of Everton FC, for every Peter Reid there is a oumar niasse, for every Southall there is a Richard wright

But we support this club through thick and thin

Great post that.

 

[Eggs]

When that lady loses her around Tim and he gives her a photo opp, that's what it's about.

…ffs, I thought I was through it, even the Toffee Lady was in bits.

Lovely piece is that.

 

[irishtony1878]

The best goalkeeper I've seen in blue, Big Nev and Jordan aside.

Was Tim Howard over?
Don't remember seeing him

 

[Eggs]

Was Tim Howard over?
Don't remember seeing him

….don’t think so, he sent a recorded message.

 

[Socistep2]

Few ones missing I can think of

- Unsworth
- Pienaar
- Nigel Martyn

I'd love to know the selection criteria

 

[FinnT]

Kevin Mirallas

 

[Eggs]

Few ones missing I can think of

- Unsworth
- Pienaar
- Nigel Martyn

I'd love to know the selection criteria

…if they weren’t there it doesn’t mean they were not invited. Unsworth has a Goodison Great stone Be surprised if he didn’t get an invite. If Niasse was there then Pienaar was surely asked.

 

[JelavicBrate2]

…if they weren’t there it doesn’t mean they were not invited. Unsworth has a Goodison Great stone Be surprised if he didn’t get an invite. If Niasse was there then Pienaar was surely asked.

TBH I just think with exceptions of obvious legends, some were just sent invites by somebody who obviously wasn't an Everton fan. If Barmby was invited, it obviously wasn't an Everton fan sending invites.