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European Cup Winners Cup 1985 20th Anniversary

WARNING: Don't expect a report from the game its not here.

Don't time fly ffs 20 years ago.

Before I commence just a brief outline of some of the major participants in this tale of joy.



Young Mark was only 8 now hes in the Marines up to all sorts of Army games.
Phil single, power lifter from too young an age now has to live off a dialysis machine worked at Scotts bread delivery origin Kirkby
Dave single, at the time power lifter big lad bigger hitter pipeline welder. Origin Huyton
Barry married, joiner, sometimes goalie. Origin Kirkby
Beno just divorced, great little right winger, funny as fuck. Origin Bootle
Dicko another just divorced, toolmaker. Origin Ashton
Macca left back, worked in Hygena. Origin Kirkby
Brendan Maccas mate center half. Sparrow Hall
Robbo married, Plater, two left feet. Origin Clubmoore
Tony married, instrument tech Otis. Origin Dingle
Keith young Marks dad. Right back. Origin Dingle
Me left midfield, married. Origin Knowsley Village on the council estate



After two weeks of painstakingly meticulous planning the big day arrives its Tuesday 14th May 1985. The previous fortnight had been taking up mainly by people dropping out to take alternative trips or by others joining on virtually the last minute. This meant cadging tickets for those who didn't have them and also to increase the number of ferry tickets for an increase in passengers and one extra car.

Arrangements were made to gather at our house at 12-30 for a 1 PM dart. The intention is a 6-hour drive so as to get the 10-30 ferry. Plus as you do, factor in a couple of hours for the unforeseen traffic jams possible breakdowns, toilet requests etc etc. We should be quayside no later than 9-30 pm.

The drivers are all on company cars and have been told to fill up before the meet. Eventually all arrive before the departure time. We are all wearing our Everton shirts complete without Hafnia across the front. Keith had picked these up from Le-Coq in Holmes Chapel for a couple of pound each. Factory shops are the place to shop.

Some of the wives with young kids also come along to wave us off. Phil’s mam and dad are also here.
"Colin look after my baby wont yeh lad don't let him get into any bother" requests Phil’s mam. Hmmmmm if only I had known!

I make sure and check everyone has their passports and other documents. We once had to leave one lad at Dover for 24 hours due to not checking things.

So we are all loaded up last kisses for loved ones and off we go. To the tune of "here we go here we go" we all start singing at the top of our voices. The whole street is now out waving us goodbye. Flags flying from all the Blue homes it's a great site to see.

It's a no stop rally down to Harwich, petrol consumption permitting. Within 3 minutes we are on the M6 at Haydock and then before you know it were in the fast lane clocking the ton. Big Country tape goes on, (pre CDs and those i-Pod things, this kids), and were givin it loads. We are really flying down gets to the other side of Brum within the hour. Surprisingly all three cars are still together.

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