Nickname(s): The Toffees, The People’s Club, The Blues
2008/2009 Position: 7th
2007/2008 Finish: 5th
Coach: David Moyes (Scotland)
Stadium: Goodison Park (40,569 capacity)
Key Players: Phil Neville, Tim Howard, Mikel Arteta
History:
Everton was founded as St. Domingo F.C. in 1878 and was a founding member of the Football League. They are technically the fourth most successful English club ever, in terms of major honors, but they have not won any significant trophy since the 1995 FA Cup. Their most successful era occurred in the 1980s, and included league titles in 1984/1985 and 1986/1987.
Everton, like many other teams, is very close to winning titles even though it doesn’t pony up the enormous sums the top four squads do for players. Wayne Rooney was once their player, but they could not compete with the 23 million pound fee Man U could proffer him. Though they have lost some players, they have found some gems as well and are now one of the best non-“Big Four” teams in the EPL.
Everton has one of the largest groups of fans in the world. One of those fans is Sylvester Stallone, of Victory fame. Other famous fans include three Beatles (McCartney, Best and Lennon) and Dame Judi Dench. Such well-known fans must please Bill Kenwright, team chairman, very much as he was a former actor himself who now makes his living as a very successful theatrical producer.
Legends: Dixie Dean, Alan Ball, Graeme Sharp
American Sports Doppelganger: The Philadelphia Phillies
2008/2009 Prediction: 6th
