I was chosen by Everton – by Brian Cranch

It’s said that Evertonians are chosen.  Fans of other clubs may feel the same. My son-in-law is an avid and life long Motherwell supporter with a passion absolutely the equal of mine for Everton.

As a Scot myself, this is all the more commendable in my eyes because I’m sure most Evertonians will know that more “supporters” of Celtic and Rangers board coaches from Scotland’s provincial towns every match day to follow the Old Firm than collectively attend the other, local,  matches being played that day.

The legend – Alan Ball

I was chosen in 1970 when I joined the Liverpool and Bootle Constabulary as a 17 year old cadet. At the time, Liverpool was still a “happening” city. Also, contrary to many English fans opinion, there was, and still is, a huge regard for the English game. It is seen as superior in almost every aspect to the Scottish Leagues and most Scottish fans, perhaps in most cases privately, have an English team for whom they feel a certain attraction.  My parents went abroad and I was the no longer able to follow my beloved Dunfermline Athletic, but memories lingered of friendlies, and the odd European battle against Everton. Their fans had come in droves, they were witty, they drank loads, and they followed a side clearly superior to anything in Scotland.

One of Brian’s hero’s – Joe Royle

I am a Jock, but I was smitten. Alan Ball, Joe Royle, Johnny “Alehouse” Morrissey…Howard, Colin, and so on…….It was why I went to Liverpool when I left school. I could have gone anywhere and I never really wanted to be a policeman but there was nowhere else I could have gone in reality. And my first time at Goodison, a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in August 1970 totally vindicated the decision I had made. A decision that would consume the remainder of my life. In the decades that followed my initiation,  I met countless Plastic Mancs, Armchair Kopites, Born Again Gooners etc etc.  A lot of them are actually ok…. I suppose.  I can’t identify with them and never could. Somehow, when I’m into my second or third pint in the Spellow I actually find it hard to believe how lucky I was to be chosen.

Many Thanks

Brian Cranch – Member of the Plymouth Supporters Club