My earliest memory is of my (Red Manc) older brother taking me to see the 1969/70 team play Rovers at Milltown, as champions, in summer 1970 - I had just turned 5.
I was obsessed with Alan Ball, and clearly remember being shocked as a Rovers player was treated for a very bloody head injury, right beside where I was sitting (on the low white wall in the Reserved terrace) beside the dugout.
I clearly remember turning to my brother and saying 'Sure Alan Ball didn't do that?'
My parents bought me probably the greatest present ever - a full Everton kit (round-collar|), with an iron-on number 8 - for my birthday. It came in a white cardboard box, with soft tissue covering the shirt, shorts and white socks. I was so proud. That must have been May 1971.
I also have memories of telling my Junior and Senior Infants teacher (1969-71) with whom I was in love, that I was gong to marry her, and that I was inviting Harry Catterick to come to the wedding!!
Needless to say I was heartbroken when the Catt sold Bally in December 1971. Again I have a clear memory of coming home from school and the news had broken on the Lunchtime BBC bulletin. My poor mother had to break the news and I cried my eyes out.
I actually 'followed' Bally to Arsenal for the rest of that season, but the most commitment I made was asking for a small Arsenal kit bag - I never got a scarf, jersey or anything else of Arsenal hue.. I also don't think I ever put pictures on my bedroom wall of Bally in Arsenal colours, but kept the Goal! and Shoot! pictures of the 69/70 Everton squad and various others all the time.
I returned to the fold for 72/3 and ever since.
