Sport nationThe Toughest of the Toffees: Ranking Everton’s Hardest Players
Everton Football Club has a rich and storied history, with a legacy of producing talented and tenacious players who have captivated the hearts of the Goodison Park faithful. From the iconic Neville Southall to the fearless Brian Labone, the Toffees have had their fair share of hard men who have left an indelible mark on the club.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 hardest Everton players of all time, exploring their careers, accomplishments, and the qualities that made them stand out as the toughest of the Toffees.
- Neville Southall (1981-1998)
Neville Southall is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in British football history. During his 17-year tenure at Everton, Southall established himself as a formidable presence between the posts, known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability and unwavering confidence.
While Southall may not have been one for physical confrontations, he possessed a unique aura that commanded respect from his opponents. His unorthodox style and eccentric personality only added to his enigmatic presence, making him a beloved figure among Everton fans.
- Peter Reid (1982-1989)
Peter Reid was the heartbeat of Everton’s successful team in the 1980s, marshaling the midfield with his tireless work rate and uncompromising tackling. A true leader on the pitch, Reid’s tenacity and determination inspired his teammates and intimidated his opponents.
Reid’s rugged demeanor was matched by his sharp wit and humor, as evidenced by his hilarious anecdote about confronting his own uncle in the crowd during a Merseyside derby. “You bluenosed ****! You big-eared *!’. I looked in the crowd and went: ‘Uncle Arthur, sit down’. On my life. My own uncle. And I’d got him players’ lounge tickets.”
- Brian Labone (1958-1971)
Brian Labone was a stalwart defender who epitomized the spirit of Everton during the 1960s. A one-club man, Labone spent 13 years at Goodison Park, earning a reputation as a fearless and uncompromising competitor.
Labone’s toughness was not limited to his on-field exploits; he also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Despite suffering a series of injuries throughout his career, Labone continued to play through pain, earning the admiration of his teammates and opponents alike.
As we continue our countdown of the hardest Everton players of all time, we will explore more stories of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to the Toffees’ cause. From the iconic captains to the unsung heroes, each player on this list has left an indelible mark on Everton’s history and contributed to the club’s enduring legacy.
- Dave Watson (1986-1999)
Dave Watson was a dominant and intimidating presence at the heart of Everton’s defense during the late 1980s and 1990s. A commanding center-back with exceptional leadership qualities, Watson was a true warrior on the pitch, always willing to put his body on the line for the cause.
- Kevin Ratcliffe (1980-1992)
Kevin Ratcliffe was a fearless and uncompromising defender who captained Everton to two league titles, an FA Cup, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. A true leader on the pitch, Ratcliffe’s toughness and determination inspired his teammates and intimidated his opponents.
- Mick Lyons (1971-1982)
Mick Lyons was a rugged and uncompromising defender who played for Everton during the 1970s and early 1980s. A true hard man of English football, Lyons was known for his fearless tackling and unwavering commitment to the cause.
- Bob Latchford (1974-1981)
Bob Latchford was a prolific goal-scorer and a true Everton legend. A physical and uncompromising striker, Latchford was known for his bravery and willingness to put his body on the line for the cause.
- Andy Gray (1983-1985)
Andy Gray was a dominant and intimidating presence at the heart of Everton’s attack during the mid-1980s. A physical and uncompromising striker, Gray was known for his bravery and willingness to take on the toughest opponents.
- Graeme Sharp (1980-1991)
Graeme Sharp was a prolific goal-scorer and a true Everton legend. A physical and uncompromising striker, Sharp was known for his bravery and willingness to put his body on the line for the cause.
- Duncan Ferguson (1994-1998, 2000-2006)
Duncan Ferguson was a dominant and intimidating presence at the heart of Everton’s attack during the 1990s and early 2000s. A physical and uncompromising striker, Ferguson was known for his bravery and willingness to take on the toughest opponents. A true Everton legend, Ferguson’s toughness and determination inspired his teammates and intimidated his opponents, earning him the top spot in our rankings of the hardest Everton players of all time.
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