Sport nationGraeme Sharp’s Ostracism from Everton: A Crying Shame
Graeme Sharp, Everton’s top post-war goalscorer and pivotal member of the club’s greatest ever team, has found himself ostracized by some from Goodison Park. This development has sparked concerns among fans and former teammates, who believe Sharp’s absence would be a crying shame during the grand farewell to the stadium.
Sharp’s troubles began in January 2022 when he accepted a request to join Everton’s board as an unpaid advisor. However, his association with the club’s mismanagement led to denigration by some fans, and he was ultimately told to stay away from Goodison Park for his own safety.
The former striker’s last appearance at the stadium was in January last year, and he resigned six months later. Sharp’s emotional response to his severance from the club was evident during a recent event at Liverpool’s Bridewell pub. When urged to return to Goodison, Sharp replied, “I’ll never go back. I can never go back,” before abruptly leaving.
Former teammates Adrian Heath, Peter Reid, Kevin Sheedy, Andy Gray, and Kevin Ratcliffe fear Sharp’s continued absence will mar the 40th-anniversary celebrations of their extraordinary success. Everton is planning a grand farewell to Goodison Park, with various events and tributes.
Sharp’s contributions to Everton’s history cannot be overstated. His 159 goals in 446 appearances, including crucial strikes against Liverpool and Tottenham, cemented his status as one of the club’s greatest players.
The circumstances surrounding Sharp’s ostracism have raised questions about fan culture and the treatment of club legends. While fans were justified in their frustration with the board, targeting Sharp was unfair. He brought valuable perspective to the club and advocated for restraint in contract negotiations.
A reconciliation between Sharp and Everton seems unlikely without significant gestures from the club or prospective new owners, the Friedkin Group. Sharp’s fears of confrontation and lingering resentment must be addressed.
The image of Sharp on the stadium’s exterior wall serves as a poignant reminder of his importance to Everton’s history. His absence from the farewell celebrations would be a loss for the club and its fans.
In other news, Benjamin Mendy’s decision to sue Manchester City for £11 million in unpaid wages has sparked outrage. Mendy’s actions demonstrate a staggering lack of self-awareness, considering his acquittal on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
Additionally, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to axe Sir Alex Ferguson’s role as Manchester United ambassador has raised eyebrows. The move appears to be part of a cost-cutting measure, despite Ferguson’s iconic status and continued contributions to the club.
As Everton prepares to bid farewell to Goodison Park, the focus should be on celebrating the club’s rich history and honoring its legends. Graeme Sharp’s inclusion is essential to this narrative, and efforts should be made to reconcile and welcome him back to the Everton family.
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