Everton Alumni Joe Royle

[Bluebonic]

….privileged to watch him play plenty, he had great ability to jump early and ‘hang’ which made him terrific in the air. Technically very good, he played against some really tough defenders but he was one of the best.

Fine player/manager on the pitch, gentleman off it. Proper old school Evertonian, he’s everything that’s good about our club.

Spot on Eggs, the only players since that could float like big Joe were Tim Cahill and Les Ferdinand.

 

[Bryan+]

Saved us from disaster and won what was at the time a major trophy. Was a bit young to understand it all but once he came in I just thought we would bully any team we played, was genuinely nonplussed at the thought we might lose the cup final. Folly of youth and all that.

he is probably the reason i became a 'proper blue'. i didn't have the connection to mike walker(did any of us?) too young to appreciate Kendall, a proper manager we needed, and you're spot on. He is my hero, not just a blue.

 

[PercyPlant]

My favourite Evertonian. He’s is the the textbook definition of the term “salt of the earth”

 

[nsno_traditionally]

Bumped in to him inside Goodison during a stadium tour, he was so gracious with his time and stopped for a photo and a chat. The man is a real legend and should get a statue on one of those plinths at the new ground I think.

 

[John from Bootle]

In some ways, him and Harvey are the two greatest Evertonian's. Certainly in my lifetime. No disrespect to Howard or Bally like.

 

[Joey66]

Joes Dad a Man United fan wanted him to join them - Bill Shankly was also very interested - Joe a CH & Wing half with an eye for goal chose us after Catterick told him he would be a great no 9 , & he certainly was ... went straight into the A team & then the reserves - great in the air & could shoot with either foot .... bally helped him along also - he stayed for extra training ....

 

[Joey66]

In some ways, him and harvey are the 2 greatest Evertonian's. Certainly in my lifetime. No disrespect to Howard or Bally like.

Both youth players that's why ....

 

[PKwalnuts]

Everton Personified in my eyes. Before my time as a player, but he optimises the best of Evertonians whenever he spoke.

 

[John from Bootle]

Both youth players that's why ....

Exactly Joey. And both scousers.

 

[Joey66]

Loved some of his after-game quotes. Once he was asked if the weather made the team struggle, he said "Well, we can't help the rain"
And after we beat Spurs in the semi "Sorry to ruin your dream final"

Plus a swearword in there too....

 

[Joey66]

….privileged to watch him play plenty, he had great ability to jump early and ‘hang’ which made him terrific in the air. Technically very good, he played against some really tough defenders but he was one of the best.

Fine player/manager on the pitch, gentleman off it. Proper old school Evertonian, he’s everything that’s good about our club.

He claimed Mike England was the best CH he came up against - footballing wise ....

 

[PSB1]

Destroyed defences in 69 / 70 especially.
An incredibly tough Leeds defence - as in the clip posted by @davids - looked terrified in that early season game.

 

[donny]

Went to that game he was fantastic they were our biggest rivals that season as we went on to win the league.

 

[RobYoung]

To me, Joe Royle represents everything that's good about being an Evertonian and a Scouser.
Didn't see him play but followed him as a manager from his Oldham Athletic days.

Maybe this is how an older generation looked at Brian Labone?
I just love to hear Joe Royle talk Everton.

 

[daza_1973]

His classic pumped up dog of war - Joe Parkinson tackling a crisp packet that blew onto the pitch is still one of my all time favourite football anecdotes.