Everton Football Club: A Comprehensive History
Introduction
Everton Football Club, affectionately known as “The Toffees,” stands as one of the pillars of English football. Founded in 1878, the club boasts a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and resilience. From its humble beginnings in Liverpool to its status as a founding member of the Football League, Everton’s journey encapsulates the evolution of football in England. This essay delves into the origins, historical milestones, iconic kits, stadiums, managerial tenures, decade-by-decade performances, and the trophies that have adorned the club’s illustrious cabinet.
Origins and Early Years
Formation and Early Identity
Everton’s genesis can be traced back to 1878 when members of the St. Domingo Methodist Church in Liverpool established a football team to keep their cricket players fit during the winter months. This is a similar situation to Tottenham who were mentioned in our previous article. Initially named St. Domingo FC, the club was renamed Everton FC in 1879 to reflect the broader community it served. Everton is an area of north Liverpool. It has been one of the longest standing members of the top flight of English football and was both a founder of the Football league 1888 and also the Premiership itself. Until the recent rise of Manchester City they were the forth most successful club in England with a total of 9 league titles. Tottenham, who outside England, would be seen as a ‘bigger club’ by man young people have a total of two league titles with the last being in 1961. So for those who know more about English football than many, particularly outside England, Everton are a very big and historically important football club.
Early Grounds and Colours
The club’s early matches were played in Stanley Park before moving to Priory Road in 1882. In 1884, Everton became tenants at Anfield, a ground they would occupy until 1892. During these formative years, the team’s kits underwent several changes, with early colours including blue and white stripes, and later, black jerseys with red sashes, earning them the nickname “The Black Watch.”
Stadiums: From Anfield to the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Anfield (1884–1892)
Everton’s tenure at Anfield was marked by growing tensions with landlord John Houlding over rent and other issues. These disputes culminated in Everton’s decision to vacate Anfield in 1892, leading Houlding to form Liverpool FC to occupy the ground. The two stadiums of Goodison, which Everton moved to later, and Anfield were always close together and unlike other towns or cities where football rivalries were fierce and even divisive, fans of the two big Merseyside clubs seemed to generally get on well with each other with members of the same family often supporting both of the different Merseyside clubs.
Goodison Park (1892–2025)
In 1892, Everton moved to Goodison Park, becoming the first major football club in England to have a purpose-built stadium. Goodison Park, affectionately known as “The Grand Old Lady,” served as Everton’s home for over 130 years, witnessing numerous historic moments, including hosting matches during the 1966 World Cup.
Hill Dickinson Stadium (2025–Present)
In 2025, Everton transitioned to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, located at Bramley-Moore Dock. This modern facility boasts a capacity of 52,888 and features state-of-the-art amenities, including a single-tier stand inspired by Borussia Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall.” The move represents a new chapter in Everton’s history, aiming to propel the club into a new era of success. This is in line with other big English football clubs changing stadiums completely such as Arsenal who moved from Highbury to the Emirates. The reason for this move seems primarily to increase capacity and of course the resultant revenue that would be generated from extra ticket sales. Everton were able to gain permission to build on the site due to claims that it would regenerate the area and generate jobs and boost the local economy.
Club Colours and Kits
Everton’s traditional home colours are royal blue shirts with white shorts and socks. Over the years, the club has experimented with various designs and shades, but the royal blue has remained a constant, symbolising the club’s identity. Away kits have varied, featuring colours such as white, yellow, and black, often reflecting contemporary fashion trends and marketing strategies.
Major Managers and Their Impact
Harry Catterick (1961–1973)
Catterick’s tenure brought significant success, including league titles in 1962–63 and 1969–70. His emphasis on discipline and tactical awareness laid the foundation for a formidable team during the 1960s.
Howard Kendall: Everton’s Greatest Manager
Howard Kendall is widely revered as the most successful and influential manager in Everton Football Club’s history. His impact on the club, particularly during the 1980s, is etched into the fabric of Goodison Park. A former Everton player himself, Kendall’s managerial career with the Toffees is best remembered for the silverware he delivered and the stylish, effective football his teams played.
Kendall began his managerial journey at Everton in 1981, taking over a club that had lost its way after intermittent success in the 1970s. His initial seasons were challenging. Everton hovered around mid-table and Kendall’s job came under threat during a poor run of form in 1983. However, a crucial FA Cup win over Oxford United in the third round that season proved to be a turning point. The team’s form improved, culminating in an FA Cup triumph in 1984 — their first major trophy since 1970.
That success laid the groundwork for an extraordinary period in Everton’s history. In the 1984–85 season, Kendall’s side won the First Division title, finishing 13 points clear at the top. The team also lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup, defeating Rapid Vienna 3–1 in the final in Rotterdam. This made Everton only the second English club at the time to win both a domestic league and a European competition in the same season. The Toffees also reached the FA Cup final that year, narrowly missing out on an unprecedented treble after losing to Manchester United.
Kendall’s Everton side of the mid-80s is often considered one of the best in English football history. It was built on a solid defensive foundation, creative midfielders, and a potent strike force. Players such as Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven, Graeme Sharp and Andy Gray flourished under Kendall’s guidance. His ability to blend youth with experience, and flair with discipline, was a hallmark of his management.
Everton would go on to win the league title again in 1986–87, despite selling key players like Gary Lineker after the 1986 World Cup. The depth and resilience of the squad were testaments to Kendall’s shrewd recruitment and tactical awareness.
However, the post-Heysel ban on English clubs competing in Europe prevented Everton from building on their continental success. Frustrated by the ban and its impact on his ambitions, Kendall left the club in 1987 to manage Athletic Bilbao in Spain.
He returned to Everton for two further spells — from 1990 to 1993, and briefly in 1997–98 — but was unable to replicate his earlier success. These later tenures were marked by financial limitations and inconsistent performances.
Nevertheless, Howard Kendall’s legacy at Everton remains untouchable. He guided the club to its greatest heights in modern football, built a team that played with style and steel, and instilled a winning mentality. To Evertonians, Kendall is not just a former manager — he is a symbol of the club’s proudest era, affectionately remembered as a legend both on and off the pitch.
David Moyes (2002–2013, 2025–Present)
Moyes’ first spell saw Everton consistently finish in the top half of the Premier League, including a fourth-place finish in 2004–05. Known for his meticulous approach and ability to maximise limited resources, Moyes returned to the club in 2025, aiming to stabilise and rejuvenate the team.
Recent Managers
In the years leading up to Moyes’ return, Everton experienced managerial instability. Rafael Benítez’s tenure in 2021–22 was short-lived due to poor results and fan unrest. Frank Lampard succeeded him but was dismissed in early 2023 after a series of disappointing performances. Sean Dyche took over, managing to keep the club in the Premier League despite a points deduction, before being replaced by Moyes in 2025.
Decade-by-Decade Performance
1880s: Formation and Early Competitions
Everton Football Club was founded in 1878 as St. Domingo FC, initially formed to keep members of the St. Domingo Methodist Church active during winter. The club was renamed Everton in 1879 to represent the broader community. In 1888, Everton became one of the 12 founding members of the Football League, marking the beginning of organised league football in England. Their inaugural season saw them finish 8th out of 12 teams.
1890s: Early Success and Establishing a Home
The 1890–91 season was a landmark for Everton as they clinched their first Football League title. However, internal disputes led to a significant change in 1892 when the club moved from Anfield to Goodison Park, becoming the first major football club to have a purpose-built stadium. Throughout the decade, Everton remained competitive, finishing as runners-up in the league in 1894–95 and reaching the FA Cup final in 1893 and 1897, though they were defeated on both occasions.
1900s: Consistent Performers
The early 20th century saw Everton as consistent performers in the top flight. They secured their first FA Cup victory in 1906, defeating Newcastle United 1–0 in the final. The club also finished as league runners-up in 1901–02 and 1904–05. Notably, Everton reached the FA Cup final again in 1907, though they were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday.
1910s: Wartime Interruptions
The 1914–15 season brought Everton their second league title. However, the outbreak of World War I led to the suspension of competitive football from 1915 to 1919. Post-war, the club faced challenges in regaining their pre-war form, with fluctuating league positions and limited success in cup competitions.
1920s: The Dixie Dean Era Begins
The 1920s were marked by the emergence of legendary striker Dixie Dean, who joined the club in 1925. In the 1927–28 season, Dean set a record by scoring 60 league goals, a feat still unmatched, leading Everton to their third league title. However, the decade ended on a low note with relegation in the 1929–30 season.Wikipedia
1930s: Triumphs and Turmoil
Everton bounced back immediately by winning the Second Division in 1930–31. They then secured the First Division title in 1931–32 and won the FA Cup in 1933. The club added another league title in 1938–39. Despite these successes, the decade was also marked by internal challenges and the looming threat of World War II.
1940s: Post-War Struggles
The Second World War halted competitive football, and post-war, Everton struggled to regain their pre-war prowess. Key players left, and the team faced relegation in the 1950–51 season. They spent three seasons in the Second Division before earning promotion in 1953–54.Wikipedia
1950s: Rebuilding Phase
The 1950s were a period of rebuilding for Everton. After their promotion in 1954, the club maintained mid-table finishes in the First Division. While they reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1950 and 1953, they couldn’t secure any major trophies during this decade.
1960s: A Resurgence
Under manager Harry Catterick, Everton experienced a resurgence. They won the league title in 1962–63 and the FA Cup in 1965–66. The team reached the FA Cup final again in 1968 but were defeated. The decade ended on a high with another league title in 1969–70.
1970s: A Decade of Decline
Despite the league title in 1970, the 1970s were largely disappointing for Everton. The club failed to secure any major trophies and often finished mid-table. They reached the League Cup final in 1977 but lost to Aston Villa.
1980s: The Golden Era
The 1980s are considered Everton’s golden era, particularly under manager Howard Kendall. The club won the FA Cup in 1983–84, the league title and European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1984–85, and another league title in 1986–87. However, the Heysel Stadium disaster led to a ban on English clubs in European competitions, limiting further continental success.
1990s: Mixed Fortunes
The 1990s were a period of mixed fortunes. Everton won the FA Cup in 1994–95 but also faced relegation battles. The club underwent several managerial changes and struggled to maintain consistent performances in the league.
2000s: Stabilisation Under Moyes
David Moyes took over as manager in 2002, leading to a period of stabilisation. Everton achieved a fourth-place finish in 2004–05, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. They reached the FA Cup final in 2009 but were defeated by Chelsea.
2010s: Ambitions and Challenges
The 2010s saw Everton aiming for higher ambitions, with significant investments in players. However, managerial changes and inconsistent performances hindered sustained success. The club finished in the top half of the table multiple times but failed to secure major trophies.
2020s: Transition and Turmoil
The early 2020s have been challenging for Everton. The club faced managerial instability, financial issues, and points deductions due to breaches of profit and sustainability rules. In the 2023–24 season, they finished 15th in the Premier League after a points deduction. The 2024–25 season marked their final year at Goodison Park, with a move to the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock planned for the 2025–26 season.
Trophies and Honours
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First Division/Premier League Titles (9): 1890–91, 1914–15, 1927–28, 1931–32, 1938–39, 1962–63, 1969–70, 1984–85, 1986–87
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FA Cup Wins (5): 1905–06, 1932–33, 1965–66, 1983–84, 1994–95
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European Cup Winners’ Cup (1): 1984–85
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FA Charity Shield Wins (9): 1928, 1932, 1963, 1970, 1984, 1985, 1986 (shared), 1987, 1995
Conclusion
Everton Football Club’s rich history is a testament to its resilience, tradition, and enduring appeal. From its origins as a church team to its status as a Premier League mainstay, the club has experienced triumphs and tribulations that have shaped its identity. As Everton embarks on a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium under the stewardship of David Moyes, fans remain hopeful for a future that honours the club’s storied past while striving for renewed success. Whilst the world in general and the football world in particular looks more towards their rivals and Merseyside giants, Liverpool, Evertonians are a tough and fierce breed, immensely proud of their club and its history.
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