little curly alan ball
Player Valuation: £70m
May the Good Lord be with you all .
Welcome to everyone , particularly our new members , to our little corner of the Sabbath .
I feel it particularly apt , given the current situation , that in today’s subject , I am able to illustrate a genuine case of , “ Saul on the road to Damascus “ , type revelation , and reiterate that “ ..God does indeed work in mysterious ways , His miracles to perform “ , even for those whom apparently find themselves in the most difficult of positions . On that basis , I should therefore like to introduce , Mr. David Watson .
Born in Liverpool , on November 20 , 1961 , young David did not receive the most auspicious of beginnings . For a kick-off , the house was RS . Furthermore , as a gifted Schoolboy player , he attracted the attention of Merseyside’s Second Club and was signed to Professional terms in August 1979 - to be joined a year or so later , by his brother , Alex , also a defender .
However , it never really happened for him there ; in fairness they were at their peak at that time , and he wasn’t the only decent player to fall by the wayside at Lucifer’s Liverpool . Therefore , when Norwich City came calling the following November , he did not take long in deciding that the South East Coast would be for him . He left the RS without playing a first team game , and made his debut for the Canaries , against Ipswich Town , in an East Anglian Derby , on Boxing Day , 1980 .
It was the right move , as within a short time , he had established himself as a permanent fixture in the first team , whilst also forming a formidable defensive partnership with another centre half whom would gain a League Championship medal after re-locating to the North West , Steve Bruce .
Dave was Norwich Player of the Year , in 1982-83 , and his excellent form began to attract the attention of Bobby Robson , the England Manager . He was eventually chosen for a South American tour , and made his debut in the infamous ,
“ Barnes Goal “ , 2-0 win over Brazil in the Maracana , in 1984 .
He returned to Norwich and resumed his ever more fruitful partnership with Bruce , as Norwich were Promoted and also won a Trophy , the Milk Cup in 1985 . The first and only time in their history that they have done so . Unfortunately , like another , utterly innocent party , whose name escapes me for a second , they were cruelly denied a chance to defend their Crown on the European Stage , due to the fact that 39 Juventus fans lost their lives .
However , the young Scouser had caught the eye of Howard Kendall . Indeed , it was with no small degree of shock - also tangibly collectively under-whelmed , when HK , in the wake of Lineker’s departure to Catalonia , chose , instead of a replacement 30/40 goal a year man , ( which we’d all quite gotten used to ) , to purchase Norwich City’s Centre Half . A Kopite , at that . Thus , in the July of 1987 , Dave Watson signed for Everton , for £900,000 - a significant fee for a defender at the time .
Indeed , the legacy of his crimson past , allied to his apparent replacement of crowd favourite , Derek Mountfield , in addition to his own indifferent form - struggling , in truth , with Kendall’s Zonal Marking system , different to his , man-for-man , version at Norwich . He made his debut beginning the season in a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest , but by the Autumn had been dropped . He returned however , in time to re-establish himself in a side that would go on to lift the Championship .
By that stage , he had been able to show all the bravery , positional awareness and superb heading ability that would become his trademark , as well as the embryonic partnership of himself and , at that time , certainly , the peerless Kevin Ratcliffe .
1987-88 saw the departure of Kendall , like Lineker a year earlier , to Espana . Harvey took over and bought everything but a centre half , thus endorsing the Ratcliffe / Watson Axis . The side were unable to challenge in the League , and a League Cup Semi defeat against Arsenal , our best in the cups .
For Watson though , the continued faith of his Managers allowed him to blossom . Indeed , so great was the turn around in attitude on Waggy , as he had now been named , that he was voted Player of the Year in his second season . Perhaps the greatest ever case of a fans , “ Turn Around “ , on any player wearing
blue .
He was chosen again for England for the 1988 European Championship squad , indeed making half of his 12 appearances each with Norwich and Everton .
The following season , we were again decent , no more , in the League , but in fairness cruised to an F.A. Cup Semi Final against , ironically , Norwich City . Well , once more , unfortunately for us , whilst we played at Villa Park , 96 people were losing their lives at Hillsborough . Thus , the achievement of victory , 1-0 ; Nevin , was never imbibed . The City , and the Football World were in shock . Indeed , there were long , loud and highly influential voices at the time stating that the game should never be played . In fact , it was only that the tie was between the Merseyside Clubs - with the inherent ,
“ Friendliness “ , at least at that time , that swayed the day .
Thus , it was no great surprise that we would eventually go on to lose to the RS , 3-2 at Wembley in the Final . Waggy picking up his first losers medal with the Blues - after his League , and Charity Shield , vs. Coventry , winners versions .
1990-91 would see the break up of the excellent Ratcliffe / Watson partnership at the heart of our defence . However , it was not to be Waggy whom was under pressure . Ratters had been struggling with ever more persistent injuries for a year or so . His phenomenal pace was beginning to fade , and he was getting “ done “ , by players not fit to lace his boots . Waggy , however , stepped into the breach . Alas , and in another poignant link to our current predicament , he was unable to prevent the side slipping to 18th of 20 First Division teams , and registering our worst ever start to a season . Harvey fell on his sword , opening the door for HK Mk 2 .
Kendall returned and promptly signed Martin Keown as a partner for Waggy , whom was now team Captain . The pairing , which should it have been given 7 years , instead of the actual just about 2 , could have been truly legendary for us . As it turned out , despite some good performances , beating Liverpool , Arsenal , Man’ Utd away , and of course the 4-4 , and the subsequent victory , were to be the highlights .
As Kendall left , for the second time , following a seven game run of losses , citing lack of funds , the Club made a radical choice in going for - yes , you guessed it , Norwich City’s then Manager , Mike Walker , as our new number 1 , in December 1993 .
The term , “ Absolute Friggin’ Nightmare “ has been oft applied for season ’93-94 . We were never out of the relegation fight , did nothing in the cups , and were to escape only on the last day after overcoming a 2-0 deficit to Wimbledon , with a miraculous 3-2 victory . There is a famous quote from Luvvie #1 ,
concerning Waggy that same evening . Kenwright spotted him in the Car Park . Asks Big Dave , “ Can’t you find your car ??? “ , “ It’s O.K. “ , replies our #5 ,...
“ I could do cartwheels all the way home . “
Despite our escape , Walker was not long for this parish , and blues everywhere cheered the arrival , as Autumn turned to Winter , of another former hero , Joe Royle .
As for Waggy , his metamorphosis as an Evertonian was almost complete .
All he needed now , was to lift some Silverware ,….
Big Joe took us back to basics . Founded upon a bedrock of the golden oldies , Neville Southall and Dave Watson , we became the Dogs of War , and Waggy was playing some of the best football of his career . We played to our strengths , stabilised in the League - having brought in Ferguson and Durrant on loan ; the latter went back , the former stuck around for a while ; beating both the RS and Man United in the process , but it was in the Cup that our true rise from the ashes began .
Despite Ferguson having to serve time in Barlinnie Prison , the side , with a telling contribution from our Captain , scoring the winner against Newcastle in the fifth round ; somehow found ourselves in an F.A. Cup Semi Final against Media Darlings , Tottenham .
Utterly against all logical predictions , we trounced them 4-1 , in our finest performance in a decade and were Wembley bound to face Fergie’s Wonder-Kids and Cantona .
Somehow , we triumphed , Rideout - finally , scoring the winner in a 1-0 win . Thus , Dave Watson , erstwhile Kopite , crowned his Everton career , by lifting the greatest domestic knock-out trophy in World Football . Neither the smile left his face , nor the Cup his grasp for the remainder of the weekend , and it really was , “ Altogether Now “ .
Despite Royle’s side finishing the following season in a respectable 6th position , he too , like Kendall before him over Dion Dublin , walked out over being denied funds for a centre forward ; this time Tore Andre Flo . As a result , and given we were potless , Johnson was forced to look inside the club for a stop-gap . Neville Southall’s Shop-Steward’s Mouth , put paid to his prospects , therefore Waggy stepped up and became Everton Care-Taker Manager , in March 1997 . He held the position proudly for the remainder of the season - citing it to date , as his ultimate achievement in Football ; avoiding relegation - and , though largely forgotten , but it was Waggy whom initially made Duncan Ferguson Captain , for his first game at West Ham United .
Dave Watson reverted to his playing duties upon the return , yet again , of Howard Kendall in June 1997 . It was therefore apt , that the Manager whom had originally signed him would be his Manager for the Testimonial which he had been granted , against Glasgow Rangers in July the same year .
Fair play to the Dome , he had recognised Waggy’s Managerial pretensions , and gave him the Captaincy and also reserve team duties alongside , the late , Viv Busby , HK’s #2 at that time . In a veritable nightmare of a season , and with perhaps the weakest player roster in our entire 120 year history , Waggy was his usual self , but was unable to prevent us going into ANOTHER final day requiring a result to avoid relegation . This time against Coventry . Fortunately , we managed to , a ; score a belter goal , and b; not concede more than one from the 4/5 golden opportunities they had , especially in the last ten minutes .
We were saved , but Kendall had seen enough . He went , for the third and last time , and we were promised , a , “ World Class Manager “ , by our Uber - Bullshitting Chairman , Peter “ The Hamper “ Johnson . Well , whomever he meant must have been busy , as Walter Smith docked from Scotland , and Evertonians everywhere were under-whelmed .
While one may have thought that Waggy , now in his 38th year would be among the first positions to be filled by the new boss , no matter how many centre halves he bought , with the exception of Richard Gough , and he bought a few , they all ended up either playing with Waggy , or were accommodated elsewhere . In particular , he schooled Materazzi through his only season in the Premier . Unsworth came back , but played predominantly full-back . However , injuries were now catching up with Waggy , and the following year he made only 6 appearances for the first team . He knew the end was near . It came , the season after , during which he wore the Royal Blue shirt for one last time
Thus , with the departure of John Aldridge as Tranmere Rovers Manager , in 2001 , Waggy was approached and accepted the job as his replacement .
He had served , his now beloved , Everton with distinction , for the best part of 15 years . He made 419 League appearances , scoring 23 goals . He played a further 90 games , with 15 goals in all other competitions .
He is currently employed as Head of Youth Development , at Wigan Athletic .
Dave Watson , was an Everton Icon , in an era when we’ve never needed Icons more . When we were low - often ; he stood strong . When we needed to pinch ourselves to perceive we were playing United for the F.A. Cup , he was calmness personified . He also scored more goals against the RS than any defender in the modern-era . Moreover , I cannot ever recall walking away from a game , saying , “ That Watson wants to start putting it in , btw ,…” He commitment to the cause was never in question . Never .
Ironic really , that a lad whom was not deemed , “ One of Ours “ , initially by the Goodison faithful , could so convince us otherwise . His goal record , whilst no match for Mountfield in the short-term , was nevertheless consistent and often significant . Indeed , his idiosyncratic celebration , arm raised , big mad grin , knee-pumping run , will stay with me always .
He has broken bones , strained muscles , been concussed and spilt blood , all in the course of Everton victory , and thus , will do for me .
One last thing , Waggy holds a rather unique accolade - as quizzer’s will no doubt be aware ; he stands alone in the modern era , in having played both for and against England , having represented a Hong Kong XI , in the infamous “ Dentist’s Chair “ tour of the colony , pre-Euro ‘96 .
Last week , I described the divine elegance and sublime grace of the wonderful Trevor Steven , and while I would be foolish to attempt to do the same with Mr. Watson , his attributes were no less important .
Dave Watson was the very personification of the , “ Over my dead body “ , ethos . If he shirked a challenge for Everton , he certainly never shirked two . He laid his body on the line as a matter of course and demanded that his colleagues did likewise . For a time there , in the dark days , he often dragged us through on sheer will . As a player , his heading ability was his forte , but as he matured , his positional game was of such a standard that he was able to play Shearer , Fowler , Cantona , Ferdinand , Cole , et al , until he was nearly 39 years of age . No higher praise need be given .
As I stated at the beginning of this Sermon , it is particularly apt , given our current predicament , that our subject today is Dave “ Waggy “ Watson . A man , ostensibly lost to the Light-Side after being raised a RS . However , in a perfect example of the Good Lord’s Grace , he was not only saved , but redeemed and elevated to a place among the Goodison Park Greats . Therefore , this Domingo , thank the Almighty for rescuing , in the name of all that is good , Dave Watson . Platinum Card Evertonian .
Amen .
Keep the Faith .
May the Good Lord be with you all .
Look after your peoples .
Peace out .
The ( Catholic ) Reverend L.C.A.B.
Welcome to everyone , particularly our new members , to our little corner of the Sabbath .
I feel it particularly apt , given the current situation , that in today’s subject , I am able to illustrate a genuine case of , “ Saul on the road to Damascus “ , type revelation , and reiterate that “ ..God does indeed work in mysterious ways , His miracles to perform “ , even for those whom apparently find themselves in the most difficult of positions . On that basis , I should therefore like to introduce , Mr. David Watson .
Born in Liverpool , on November 20 , 1961 , young David did not receive the most auspicious of beginnings . For a kick-off , the house was RS . Furthermore , as a gifted Schoolboy player , he attracted the attention of Merseyside’s Second Club and was signed to Professional terms in August 1979 - to be joined a year or so later , by his brother , Alex , also a defender .
However , it never really happened for him there ; in fairness they were at their peak at that time , and he wasn’t the only decent player to fall by the wayside at Lucifer’s Liverpool . Therefore , when Norwich City came calling the following November , he did not take long in deciding that the South East Coast would be for him . He left the RS without playing a first team game , and made his debut for the Canaries , against Ipswich Town , in an East Anglian Derby , on Boxing Day , 1980 .
It was the right move , as within a short time , he had established himself as a permanent fixture in the first team , whilst also forming a formidable defensive partnership with another centre half whom would gain a League Championship medal after re-locating to the North West , Steve Bruce .
Dave was Norwich Player of the Year , in 1982-83 , and his excellent form began to attract the attention of Bobby Robson , the England Manager . He was eventually chosen for a South American tour , and made his debut in the infamous ,
“ Barnes Goal “ , 2-0 win over Brazil in the Maracana , in 1984 .
He returned to Norwich and resumed his ever more fruitful partnership with Bruce , as Norwich were Promoted and also won a Trophy , the Milk Cup in 1985 . The first and only time in their history that they have done so . Unfortunately , like another , utterly innocent party , whose name escapes me for a second , they were cruelly denied a chance to defend their Crown on the European Stage , due to the fact that 39 Juventus fans lost their lives .
However , the young Scouser had caught the eye of Howard Kendall . Indeed , it was with no small degree of shock - also tangibly collectively under-whelmed , when HK , in the wake of Lineker’s departure to Catalonia , chose , instead of a replacement 30/40 goal a year man , ( which we’d all quite gotten used to ) , to purchase Norwich City’s Centre Half . A Kopite , at that . Thus , in the July of 1987 , Dave Watson signed for Everton , for £900,000 - a significant fee for a defender at the time .
Indeed , the legacy of his crimson past , allied to his apparent replacement of crowd favourite , Derek Mountfield , in addition to his own indifferent form - struggling , in truth , with Kendall’s Zonal Marking system , different to his , man-for-man , version at Norwich . He made his debut beginning the season in a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest , but by the Autumn had been dropped . He returned however , in time to re-establish himself in a side that would go on to lift the Championship .
By that stage , he had been able to show all the bravery , positional awareness and superb heading ability that would become his trademark , as well as the embryonic partnership of himself and , at that time , certainly , the peerless Kevin Ratcliffe .
1987-88 saw the departure of Kendall , like Lineker a year earlier , to Espana . Harvey took over and bought everything but a centre half , thus endorsing the Ratcliffe / Watson Axis . The side were unable to challenge in the League , and a League Cup Semi defeat against Arsenal , our best in the cups .
For Watson though , the continued faith of his Managers allowed him to blossom . Indeed , so great was the turn around in attitude on Waggy , as he had now been named , that he was voted Player of the Year in his second season . Perhaps the greatest ever case of a fans , “ Turn Around “ , on any player wearing
blue .
He was chosen again for England for the 1988 European Championship squad , indeed making half of his 12 appearances each with Norwich and Everton .
The following season , we were again decent , no more , in the League , but in fairness cruised to an F.A. Cup Semi Final against , ironically , Norwich City . Well , once more , unfortunately for us , whilst we played at Villa Park , 96 people were losing their lives at Hillsborough . Thus , the achievement of victory , 1-0 ; Nevin , was never imbibed . The City , and the Football World were in shock . Indeed , there were long , loud and highly influential voices at the time stating that the game should never be played . In fact , it was only that the tie was between the Merseyside Clubs - with the inherent ,
“ Friendliness “ , at least at that time , that swayed the day .
Thus , it was no great surprise that we would eventually go on to lose to the RS , 3-2 at Wembley in the Final . Waggy picking up his first losers medal with the Blues - after his League , and Charity Shield , vs. Coventry , winners versions .
1990-91 would see the break up of the excellent Ratcliffe / Watson partnership at the heart of our defence . However , it was not to be Waggy whom was under pressure . Ratters had been struggling with ever more persistent injuries for a year or so . His phenomenal pace was beginning to fade , and he was getting “ done “ , by players not fit to lace his boots . Waggy , however , stepped into the breach . Alas , and in another poignant link to our current predicament , he was unable to prevent the side slipping to 18th of 20 First Division teams , and registering our worst ever start to a season . Harvey fell on his sword , opening the door for HK Mk 2 .
Kendall returned and promptly signed Martin Keown as a partner for Waggy , whom was now team Captain . The pairing , which should it have been given 7 years , instead of the actual just about 2 , could have been truly legendary for us . As it turned out , despite some good performances , beating Liverpool , Arsenal , Man’ Utd away , and of course the 4-4 , and the subsequent victory , were to be the highlights .
As Kendall left , for the second time , following a seven game run of losses , citing lack of funds , the Club made a radical choice in going for - yes , you guessed it , Norwich City’s then Manager , Mike Walker , as our new number 1 , in December 1993 .
The term , “ Absolute Friggin’ Nightmare “ has been oft applied for season ’93-94 . We were never out of the relegation fight , did nothing in the cups , and were to escape only on the last day after overcoming a 2-0 deficit to Wimbledon , with a miraculous 3-2 victory . There is a famous quote from Luvvie #1 ,
concerning Waggy that same evening . Kenwright spotted him in the Car Park . Asks Big Dave , “ Can’t you find your car ??? “ , “ It’s O.K. “ , replies our #5 ,...
“ I could do cartwheels all the way home . “
Despite our escape , Walker was not long for this parish , and blues everywhere cheered the arrival , as Autumn turned to Winter , of another former hero , Joe Royle .
As for Waggy , his metamorphosis as an Evertonian was almost complete .
All he needed now , was to lift some Silverware ,….
Big Joe took us back to basics . Founded upon a bedrock of the golden oldies , Neville Southall and Dave Watson , we became the Dogs of War , and Waggy was playing some of the best football of his career . We played to our strengths , stabilised in the League - having brought in Ferguson and Durrant on loan ; the latter went back , the former stuck around for a while ; beating both the RS and Man United in the process , but it was in the Cup that our true rise from the ashes began .
Despite Ferguson having to serve time in Barlinnie Prison , the side , with a telling contribution from our Captain , scoring the winner against Newcastle in the fifth round ; somehow found ourselves in an F.A. Cup Semi Final against Media Darlings , Tottenham .
Utterly against all logical predictions , we trounced them 4-1 , in our finest performance in a decade and were Wembley bound to face Fergie’s Wonder-Kids and Cantona .
Somehow , we triumphed , Rideout - finally , scoring the winner in a 1-0 win . Thus , Dave Watson , erstwhile Kopite , crowned his Everton career , by lifting the greatest domestic knock-out trophy in World Football . Neither the smile left his face , nor the Cup his grasp for the remainder of the weekend , and it really was , “ Altogether Now “ .
Despite Royle’s side finishing the following season in a respectable 6th position , he too , like Kendall before him over Dion Dublin , walked out over being denied funds for a centre forward ; this time Tore Andre Flo . As a result , and given we were potless , Johnson was forced to look inside the club for a stop-gap . Neville Southall’s Shop-Steward’s Mouth , put paid to his prospects , therefore Waggy stepped up and became Everton Care-Taker Manager , in March 1997 . He held the position proudly for the remainder of the season - citing it to date , as his ultimate achievement in Football ; avoiding relegation - and , though largely forgotten , but it was Waggy whom initially made Duncan Ferguson Captain , for his first game at West Ham United .
Dave Watson reverted to his playing duties upon the return , yet again , of Howard Kendall in June 1997 . It was therefore apt , that the Manager whom had originally signed him would be his Manager for the Testimonial which he had been granted , against Glasgow Rangers in July the same year .
Fair play to the Dome , he had recognised Waggy’s Managerial pretensions , and gave him the Captaincy and also reserve team duties alongside , the late , Viv Busby , HK’s #2 at that time . In a veritable nightmare of a season , and with perhaps the weakest player roster in our entire 120 year history , Waggy was his usual self , but was unable to prevent us going into ANOTHER final day requiring a result to avoid relegation . This time against Coventry . Fortunately , we managed to , a ; score a belter goal , and b; not concede more than one from the 4/5 golden opportunities they had , especially in the last ten minutes .
We were saved , but Kendall had seen enough . He went , for the third and last time , and we were promised , a , “ World Class Manager “ , by our Uber - Bullshitting Chairman , Peter “ The Hamper “ Johnson . Well , whomever he meant must have been busy , as Walter Smith docked from Scotland , and Evertonians everywhere were under-whelmed .
While one may have thought that Waggy , now in his 38th year would be among the first positions to be filled by the new boss , no matter how many centre halves he bought , with the exception of Richard Gough , and he bought a few , they all ended up either playing with Waggy , or were accommodated elsewhere . In particular , he schooled Materazzi through his only season in the Premier . Unsworth came back , but played predominantly full-back . However , injuries were now catching up with Waggy , and the following year he made only 6 appearances for the first team . He knew the end was near . It came , the season after , during which he wore the Royal Blue shirt for one last time
Thus , with the departure of John Aldridge as Tranmere Rovers Manager , in 2001 , Waggy was approached and accepted the job as his replacement .
He had served , his now beloved , Everton with distinction , for the best part of 15 years . He made 419 League appearances , scoring 23 goals . He played a further 90 games , with 15 goals in all other competitions .
He is currently employed as Head of Youth Development , at Wigan Athletic .
Dave Watson , was an Everton Icon , in an era when we’ve never needed Icons more . When we were low - often ; he stood strong . When we needed to pinch ourselves to perceive we were playing United for the F.A. Cup , he was calmness personified . He also scored more goals against the RS than any defender in the modern-era . Moreover , I cannot ever recall walking away from a game , saying , “ That Watson wants to start putting it in , btw ,…” He commitment to the cause was never in question . Never .
Ironic really , that a lad whom was not deemed , “ One of Ours “ , initially by the Goodison faithful , could so convince us otherwise . His goal record , whilst no match for Mountfield in the short-term , was nevertheless consistent and often significant . Indeed , his idiosyncratic celebration , arm raised , big mad grin , knee-pumping run , will stay with me always .
He has broken bones , strained muscles , been concussed and spilt blood , all in the course of Everton victory , and thus , will do for me .
One last thing , Waggy holds a rather unique accolade - as quizzer’s will no doubt be aware ; he stands alone in the modern era , in having played both for and against England , having represented a Hong Kong XI , in the infamous “ Dentist’s Chair “ tour of the colony , pre-Euro ‘96 .
Last week , I described the divine elegance and sublime grace of the wonderful Trevor Steven , and while I would be foolish to attempt to do the same with Mr. Watson , his attributes were no less important .
Dave Watson was the very personification of the , “ Over my dead body “ , ethos . If he shirked a challenge for Everton , he certainly never shirked two . He laid his body on the line as a matter of course and demanded that his colleagues did likewise . For a time there , in the dark days , he often dragged us through on sheer will . As a player , his heading ability was his forte , but as he matured , his positional game was of such a standard that he was able to play Shearer , Fowler , Cantona , Ferdinand , Cole , et al , until he was nearly 39 years of age . No higher praise need be given .
As I stated at the beginning of this Sermon , it is particularly apt , given our current predicament , that our subject today is Dave “ Waggy “ Watson . A man , ostensibly lost to the Light-Side after being raised a RS . However , in a perfect example of the Good Lord’s Grace , he was not only saved , but redeemed and elevated to a place among the Goodison Park Greats . Therefore , this Domingo , thank the Almighty for rescuing , in the name of all that is good , Dave Watson . Platinum Card Evertonian .
Amen .
Keep the Faith .
May the Good Lord be with you all .
Look after your peoples .
Peace out .
The ( Catholic ) Reverend L.C.A.B.
