Everton Football Club: History, Players & News

Everton Football Club was founded in 1878, under the name St Domingo's FC. The team was initially created by members of the New Connexion Methodist Church's Sunday school in the Everton district of Liverpool, as a means for people to play sports all year round - not just cricket during summer (source). In November 1879, they renamed themselves to Everton.

In its early years, Everton participated in local competitions before becoming one of twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888. During this period, their home ground was Anfield – a fact that might surprise many given it is now synonymous with arch-rivals Liverpool FC.

Their first significant success came swiftly after joining the League; they clinched their first Championship title during the 1890-91 season (source).

Everton experienced two truly golden eras - firstly during the mid-1920s under manager Thomas McIntosh and then again between mid-to-late eighties managed by Howard Kendall.

Under McIntosh’s stewardship from 1919–1935 (a spell interrupted by World War I), Everton won two league titles (1927–28 & 1931-32) and an FA Cup (1932-33). The team boasted legendary players like Dixie Dean who scored a record-breaking 60 league goals during the '27-'28 season – a feat yet unmatched (source).

Howard Kendall took charge at Goodison Park in May '81 and led them to their most successful era. Everton won two Football League First Division titles (1984–85 & 1986-87), an FA Cup (1983-84) and the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1984-85). Key players during this period included Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe, and Graeme Sharp (source).

The Merseyside derby – matches between Everton and Liverpool – is one of the biggest rivalries in English football. The animosity dates back to a dispute over rent at Anfield leading to Everton's departure in 1892, after which Liverpool FC was formed. Remarkably intense, these fixtures are known for high red card counts but also a unique friendly rivalry amongst fans compared with other derbies (source).

Everton initially played at Priory Road before moving to Anfield in 1884 and finally settling into Goodison Park in 1892 following a dispute over rent - making it one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds. With several renovations over time, its current capacity stands at around 39,572 (source).

The stadium is renowned for creating an intimidating atmosphere that often plays into 'home advantage'. Legendary moments include Everton’s record-breaking win against Manchester United by a margin of five goals during the opening match of the '84-'85 season.

Everton has an extensive fan base spread across Merseyside as well as domestically & internationally due to its rich history. Notable fan groups include "The Blue Union" who organize various activities like fan protests and Everton themed events.

Traditions include the playing of "Z-Cars" theme tune as players walk onto the pitch and the ritual 'mascot' role of a young girl named Molly Bushell from the 60s to late 70s (source).

1. Winning their first English League Championship during the season of 1890-91.
2. Dixie Dean’s record-breaking 60 league goals during the season of '27-'28.
3. The FA Cup win in '32-'33 under Thomas McIntosh.
4. Moving into Goodison Park, one of world's first purpose-built football grounds, in 1892.
5. Winning another First Division title under Harry Catterick in '62-'63
6. The incredible victory over Manchester United by five goals at Goodison Park commencing Howard Kendall era ('84-'85).
7. Clinching their first European trophy - UEFA Cup Winners' Cup against Rapid Vienna in Rotterdam (1985).
8. Winning second Championship within three years under Kendall (1986–87).
9. A remarkable comeback win against Wimbledon on last day securing Premier League status in May ‘94 (dubbed “The Great Escape”).
10. Wayne Rooney’s spectacular goal against Arsenal announcing his arrival on big stage just days before his seventeenth birthday (2002).