Everton F.C.

Everton F.C.
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Clubname	Everton F.C.
Fullname	Everton Football Club
Nickname	The Toffees
Founded	1878
Ground	Goodison Park
Capacity	39,572
Chairman	Bill Kenwright
Manager	Sean Dyche
League	Premier League
Season	2023–24
Position	15th

Everton F.C. is a professional football club based in Liverpool competing in the Premier League. Founded in 1878, the club has a long tradition in English football with notable successes in the Football League era, participation in UEFA Cup competitions, and deep-rooted ties to the local community in Merseyside. Everton's identity is intertwined with historic stadiums, prominent players, intense regional rivalries, and a global fanbase.

History

Everton was established in 1878 and became a founding member of the Football League in 1888, winning its first league title in 1890–91; the club later claimed championships in 1914–15, 1927–28, 1931–32, and the 1962–63 season when managed by Harry Catterick. Everton lifted the FA Cup in 1906 and 1933, and again in 1966 under captain Brian Labone and manager Harry Catterick. The 1984–85 squad, managed by Howard Kendall, won the English First Division and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1985. The club navigated the post-1985 era affected by the Heysel Stadium disaster and the formation of the Premier League in 1992, with managers including Howard Kendall (second spell), Walter Smith, David Moyes, and later Roberto Martínez, Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, and Marco Silva. Everton has had notable players such as Dixie Dean, Alan Ball, Neville Southall, Phil Jagielka, Wayne Rooney, Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines, and Kevin Campbell who contributed to domestic and European campaigns. Key administrative events have involved chairmen like John Moores, Peter Johnson, Bill Kenwright, and board members engaged with stadium relocation projects linked to King's Dock and Parklife proposals.

Stadium and Facilities

Everton's historic home, Goodison Park, opened in 1892 in Anfield area before Liverpool's relocation; Goodison hosted FA Cup Final ties, England national football team matches, and early UEFA Cup fixtures. The club has previously used training sites such as Thurstaston and developed modern facilities at Finch Farm, which support youth development and sports science. Everton explored relocation to a new waterfront stadium at the King's Dock site and later pursued the Royal Liverpool University Hospital-adjacent Destination Kirkby proposals before advancing plans for a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, a project involving local authorities like Liverpool City Council and stakeholders such as Premier League governance. Goodison Park remains a listed venue associated with historic matches like the 1938 World Cup qualifiers and interwar derbies.

Supporters and Culture

Everton supporters are drawn from across Merseyside, with fan organizations including Everton Supporters' Trust and international supporters' clubs aligned with networks in Asia, Africa, and North America. Supporters maintain traditions such as singing "Z-Cars", displays at Goodison Park and participating in charity through the Everton in the Community foundation. Rival fan culture interacts with neighboring clubs like Liverpool F.C. and regional teams such as Tranmere Rovers, while global celebrities and politicians — including supporters like Wayne Rooney (player-fan), Bill Kenwright (chairman-producer), and public figures in British politics — have been associated with the club. Everton's badge and colors have evolved, featuring symbols from Earl of Derby heraldry and local landmarks, and the club has commissioned artistic homages by local creators and national broadcasters.

Players and Staff

The playing squad has included internationals from nations such as England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands, France, Spain, Portugal, Nigeria, Ghana, and Iceland. Notable managers across eras include Harry Catterick, Howard Kendall, David Moyes, Roberto Martínez, and contemporary managers like Sean Dyche. Goalkeeping legends include Neville Southall and coaching staff have featured figures from coaching networks linked to UEFA Pro Licence holders and scouting connections to clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea F.C., Arsenal F.C., and Manchester City F.C.. The academy has produced talents such as Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu (loans), Jack Rodwell and earlier graduates like Joe Royle and Alan Ball, supported by recruitment structures interfacing with agents, analytics teams, and medical departments.

Records and Statistics

Everton's record goalscorer remains Dixie Dean, whose 60 goals in the 1927–28 season set an English top-flight record still cited alongside achievements by Alan Shearer and Jimmy Greaves. Everton's appearance leader is Ted Sagar historically and Neville Southall in the modern era; other statistical benchmarks involve transfer fees paid and received in dealings with clubs such as Manchester United, Leeds United, Napoli, and Valencia CF. European campaigns have included ties against AC Milan, Juventus, Benfica, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid in assorted competitions like the UEFA Cup, European Cup Winners' Cup, and UEFA Europa League. Club records reference seasons, attendances at Goodison Park and Old Trafford fixtures, and managerial tenures compared to peers at Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Everton's rivals.

Rivalries

Everton's principal rivalry is the Merseyside derby with Liverpool F.C., a contest dating to local origins with notable fixtures featuring players such as Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness; other regional rivalries involve Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers, and historic competitive encounters with Manchester United and Aston Villa. Derbies have produced memorable matches during FA Cup ties, Premier League clashes, and cup semifinals, often involving contentious refereeing decisions from officials associated with bodies like the Football Association and Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

Ownership and Finances

Ownership and governance have featured figures such as John Moores, Peter Johnson, Bill Kenwright, and consortium investors including parties from Great Britain, China, and United States-based groups. Financial operations involve broadcast revenue from the Premier League central contracts, commercial partnerships with brands active in England and abroad, transfer market activity with counterparties like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and FC Barcelona, and regulatory oversight through Financial Fair Play-related rules and audits by The Football Association. Investment in infrastructure, stadium redevelopment at Bramley-Moore Dock, and community programs are tied to sponsorship deals, matchday income, and stakeholder negotiations with local authorities and global partners.

Category:Football clubs in England