Drico
Player Valuation: £70m
Everton were the best-supported English club in Ireland right up to the Munich air disaster.Regardless of Fanatics doing ‘copies’ for other Clubs, yet again, Everton are The Originals. As another poster said, we had the Séamus shirt from Hummel a few years ago, and the limited edition range last year which was quality. We’re the only Club with the individually designed badge, reflecting our Irish heritage.
It’s in our DNA going back to the split from ‘the other lot’ in 1892. The likes of George Mahon and Dr Clement Baxter paving the way. I think we were also the first English team to have an Irish Supporters’ Club. Generations of first, second and third generation proud of our Irish roots. If Everton do this in a respectful way and make money from it, I see it as a ‘win win’. I’ve bought some of the latest range and think it’s brilliant.
As an Irishman, even we sometimes forget how deep the links are and how many of us remain. I was back in Ireland to begin my recent pilgrimage for the United game, and at Shannon Airport the guy in the duty free shop asked us if we were going over for a match. Turns out he is a season ticket holder at the new stadium...
Similarly, at the match itself in our Seat Unique seats, we were surrounded by Paddys.
Our utter decline as a club under Kenwright has made us seem invisible in Ireland, but any bit of success at all under these car salesmen will see Evertonians shouting loud in Ireland once again.