I was lucky enough to attend an evening at the ground celebrating the 85 team last night. It was put on by the CEO and co founder of Christopher Ward, who is a massive blue and spoke really well about us.
Got to meet loads of the players who were just causally hanging around the bar, and more than happy to speak to you, asking you question.
It was a boss evening. Southall was there but didnt stay long.
Has anyone else got any boss stories of meeting the players?
Meeting players
Re: Meeting players
I’ve got loads from going to the training ground as a kid to going to a load of the Everton nights they put on in segura.
Most of the stories I have are from the Everton nights as you get them at their best.
Peter Reid is exactly how you imagine him to be. To give an example of how great the fella is, we were told that whenever he’s asked to do these nights he always asks if John Bailey can be a part of it as he’s a full time carer for his sister and Reid is always checking in on him and getting him out and about where he can. Even gives his half his fee.
Kevin campbell was a special person to be in the company of. He had to be dragged out in the end because he was getting amongst it with us all singing the songs and it was reaching lock in territory. I told him i loved him and that my first game was the Coventry game where he scored two and he spoke to me for ages about how much that period of time meant to him and how much he loves the blues.
Carsley was brilliant. He had just got the under 21s gig and was really insightful about the game when we spoke to him.
Graham stuart was hilarious. He just got bladdered with us all.
Anders limpar the coolest guy I’ve ever met. He was sat chatting to my mates dad for ages reminiscing about Everton in the 80s and the games he watched as a kid, massive blue.
When I went to the training ground as a kid I always found Arteta to be the soundest which probably comes as a surprise.
Most of the stories I have are from the Everton nights as you get them at their best.
Peter Reid is exactly how you imagine him to be. To give an example of how great the fella is, we were told that whenever he’s asked to do these nights he always asks if John Bailey can be a part of it as he’s a full time carer for his sister and Reid is always checking in on him and getting him out and about where he can. Even gives his half his fee.
Kevin campbell was a special person to be in the company of. He had to be dragged out in the end because he was getting amongst it with us all singing the songs and it was reaching lock in territory. I told him i loved him and that my first game was the Coventry game where he scored two and he spoke to me for ages about how much that period of time meant to him and how much he loves the blues.
Carsley was brilliant. He had just got the under 21s gig and was really insightful about the game when we spoke to him.
Graham stuart was hilarious. He just got bladdered with us all.
Anders limpar the coolest guy I’ve ever met. He was sat chatting to my mates dad for ages reminiscing about Everton in the 80s and the games he watched as a kid, massive blue.
When I went to the training ground as a kid I always found Arteta to be the soundest which probably comes as a surprise.
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Deano Blue Boy
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Re: Meeting players
Yeah Reidy was boss last night. We told him how my uncle couldn't make it over from Australia, and he told us to make a video for him.
We also went it in the family WhatsApp, and one of my uncles who was in the marines said Reidy came out to see them in Afghanistan in 2004. I wish I knew that before I spoke to him.
We also went it in the family WhatsApp, and one of my uncles who was in the marines said Reidy came out to see them in Afghanistan in 2004. I wish I knew that before I spoke to him.
Re: Meeting players
been extremely fortunate in meeting players
from nsno nights to random encounters in town to the dinners with David France at Goodison and in the town hall.
they were all boss
becoming friends with latchford
to interviewing Kendal and having one of my pics used for the press just fucking surreal
Sent from my Pixel 8 using NSNO Everton Forums mobile app
from nsno nights to random encounters in town to the dinners with David France at Goodison and in the town hall.
they were all boss
becoming friends with latchford
to interviewing Kendal and having one of my pics used for the press just fucking surreal
Sent from my Pixel 8 using NSNO Everton Forums mobile app
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Deano Blue Boy
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Re: Meeting players
don't think so mateDeano Blue Boy wrote:Is the CEO of Christopher Ward, Mike France, related to Dave France?
Sent from my Pixel 8 using NSNO Everton Forums mobile app
Re: Meeting players
Thanks to the site I've been very fortunate. Interviewed Martinez ,Howard Kendall and Sharpe. Outside of NSNO lucky enough to have met Pienaar, Kancheslskis and Harvey. Colin Harvey used to go to my gym at 70 years old and was an absolute machine.
Re: Meeting players
Met my hero Big Nev a few years ago. Was one of the best nights of my life. He’s sound is Big Nev
Re: Meeting players
My first memory of meeting a player was Tommy Wright used to get on the bus at aigburth when he was playing..used to get chatting with everyone just like one of the lads….i injured me ankle once playing and I was in the treatment room when my greatest hero Alan ball came in with Joe Royle I was laid on the bed in between them and apart from being gobsmacked they were chatting along as though they knew me….worked for a bit with big nev when he was doing a bit at Huddersfield…he used to coach a couple nights at Huddersfield then travel to Torquay to manage and play of a weekend….amazing bloke dead honest and down to earth…
TBF I’ve met few pros and ex pros and their all sound with the exception of one who I didn’t take to…..
TBF I’ve met few pros and ex pros and their all sound with the exception of one who I didn’t take to…..
WBFBTPL
Re: Meeting players
I served Howard Kendall in my Dad's pub around 1990, when I was about 14. Asked if I could serve him, I was a bit in awe.
Re: Meeting players
Met Brian Harris as well at a Cardiff City night held at my club. Let me hold his 66 FA Cup winners medal
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Toddacelli
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Re: Meeting players
I met Brian Labone in Southport when i was 13 or so.
My Granddad recognised him and we got chatting. Lovely man.
My Granddad recognised him and we got chatting. Lovely man.
Re: Meeting players
My one enduring memory as a kid was getting to go to Bellefield to meet the players and watch them train. Gary Lineker had just signed a couple of weeks earlier and I remember it was absolutely pissing down. Whilst quite a few of the players were ushering the kids inside to get photos, autographs etc, Lineler was quite happy getting absolutely poss wet through, signing autographs and chatting to all of the kids that were there.
I remember being in absolute awe of every single one of the players, but Lineker just standing outside, surrounded by kids, desperate to get his autograph and meet him in person really stood out for me.
The other standout moment of the day was watching the players training and seeing big Nev playing as a winger. I remember thinking he was actually quite useful playing outfield. He scored a belter, then turned to Howard Kendall and said "Right, I've scored. Can I go home now?"
Absolutely amazing day as an 11 year old kid. I think it was something that the club offered for kids who were members of Junior Blues or something along those lines, and I was one of a number of kids who were lucky enough to get selected to go. What an experience!
As an adult, I've bumped into a number of players and ex players over the years and can honestly say I have never had a negative experience with any that I have met. They are just normal blokes and are generally pretty soind. That said, I do weigh up the situation first before approaching any of them and there have been a few occasions where I have chosen not to approach them at all. For instance, I've seen a couple out at restaurants etc. I'd never encroach on them in a situation like that where they are simply trying to enjoy a meal with family or friends. That's a private moment and I would not like it if somebody disturbed me whilst I was just trying to enjoy some family time.
I remember being in absolute awe of every single one of the players, but Lineker just standing outside, surrounded by kids, desperate to get his autograph and meet him in person really stood out for me.
The other standout moment of the day was watching the players training and seeing big Nev playing as a winger. I remember thinking he was actually quite useful playing outfield. He scored a belter, then turned to Howard Kendall and said "Right, I've scored. Can I go home now?"
Absolutely amazing day as an 11 year old kid. I think it was something that the club offered for kids who were members of Junior Blues or something along those lines, and I was one of a number of kids who were lucky enough to get selected to go. What an experience!
As an adult, I've bumped into a number of players and ex players over the years and can honestly say I have never had a negative experience with any that I have met. They are just normal blokes and are generally pretty soind. That said, I do weigh up the situation first before approaching any of them and there have been a few occasions where I have chosen not to approach them at all. For instance, I've seen a couple out at restaurants etc. I'd never encroach on them in a situation like that where they are simply trying to enjoy a meal with family or friends. That's a private moment and I would not like it if somebody disturbed me whilst I was just trying to enjoy some family time.
Re: Meeting players
Abodoule Doucoure's daughter was in my sons class at school for a couple of years, got chatting to him on the Monday after we beat Liverpool at Anfield during covid. he was pretty sound and buzzing off the game.Deano Blue Boy wrote: ↑Thu Mar 26, 2026 6:39 am I was lucky enough to attend an evening at the ground celebrating the 85 team last night. It was put on by the CEO and co founder of Christopher Ward, who is a massive blue and spoke really well about us.
Got to meet loads of the players who were just causally hanging around the bar, and more than happy to speak to you, asking you question.
It was a boss evening. Southall was there but didnt stay long.
Has anyone else got any boss stories of meeting the players?
Also Phil Jagielka's son was a few years above and ended up chatting to him at a school Fathers Day breakfast, we was like, "Hi I'm Phil and I was "I know who you are" and we ended up having a chat about Nuremburg away.
Plus plenty of United / City and Liverpool players with kids in the same year including Bruno who is sound and always up for a chat about football.