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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 19 Interview with Mr. Steve Pye on Arsenal’s League Title win, 1988/89 Season)

 

For this interview, I look back at Arsenal’s Title win in the 1988/89 League Season.

The Interviewee is:

Mr. Steve Pye

 

 

 

 

Mr. Pye is a blogger (‘That 1980s Sports Blog’) and contributor to Guardian Sport Network/The Gooner.

 

Mr. Pye’s contact info:

twitter: @1980sSportsBlog

Blog: http://that1980ssportsblog.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: Let’s discuss the state of the affairs in the summer of 1988. Arsenal had not won the title since winning the double in 1971. George Graham had been appointed as Manager in 1986.

Liverpool had just been champions for the 7th time in 10 seasons. what was the mood and expectations with the fans going into the season.?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I can only speak personally, but I had a feeling of cautious optimism. The early to mid 80s were fairly depressing times for Arsenal fans, but when George Graham was appointed in 1986 all of a sudden there was hope. Winning the Littlewoods Cup during his first season was an unexpected bonus, and in both 1986/87 and 1987/88 the team topped the table at various points. George knew though, and he constantly said that the team wasn't ready in those first two seasons to win the title. I think deep down that I didn't expect us to win the league in 1988/89, but I thought we could push Liverpool hard and build on the progress made in the previous two seasons.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: Let’s look at the transfer activity. Steve Bould had arrived from Stoke to bolster the defense. Graham Rix left to join Caen and Steve Williams went to Luton, and Kenny Sansom would leave for Newcastle in November. How do you view the transfer activity?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: On the face of it, bringing in just one centre back didn't sound that exciting. But the Steve Bould purchase was the final part of the jigsaw George had been building over the last few years. Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Kevin Richardson, Brian Marwood and Alan Smith had been introduced to the team during George's reign, and these combined with a fantastic crop of youth players - Tony Adams, David Rocastle, Michael Thomas, Paul Merson - plus the likes of John Lukic, David O'Leary, Paul Davis, Martin Hayes and Perry Groves, meant the squad looked capable of a tilt at the title.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2236, February 14, 1989 



Soccernostalgia Question: At this point, generally speaking were the fans behind George Graham?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: The fans were most definitely behind George at the start of the 1988/89 season. I think there had been frustration at various points of the previous two seasons that we didn't strengthen the squad when we looked like we could win the title, but George would never be rushed into panic buys, and he knew what he was doing.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: As far as rivals, Manchester United would have a poor season, while Liverpool would have a poor start. In contrast Arsenal started well and led the table for much of the season. What was Arsenal’s improvement and consistency down to?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I would say that we finally had the players in place that suited the system George wanted. It is no coincidence that Alan Smith won the Golden Boot in both 1988/89 and 1990/91 when he had brilliant wingers in place to fire in crosses from the flanks - Marwood in 88/89 and Anders Limpar in 90/91 - and now Smith also had a fine strike partner in Merson. The midfield trio of Davis, Thomas and Rocastle were full of energy, skill and power, and were superb both defensively and going forwards.

 

The famous back four was now fully established, and George had been training them relentlessly, working on building that unit, and of course the famous offside trap. This was the first full season Nigel Winterburn played at left back, and Bould had obviously just joined in the summer, and once the back four started to gel then the team knew that generally they wouldn't concede too many goals.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: At what point during the season, did you feel Arsenal had a realistic chance of winning the title?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I think I started to believe around the beginning of 1989. There was a 3-1 win at Everton that made me wonder if the team could go the distance. Everton had declined from their title winning teams, yet Goodison Park was never an easy place to go to. Obviously as soon as I started to believe then the team went through a rocky patch in February/March, but Arsenal never like to do things the easy way.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: What was the most memorable match from that season that you remember (whether you attended or not)?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: It looks like I'm going to talk about the obvious choice for most memorable match later, but if I had to pick an alternative then I would opt for the 4-1 win at Nottingham Forest in November, live on ITV. That Cloughie team was under rated, so to go to the City Ground and win 4-1 (and Arsenal missed a penalty) was a result that made you stand up and take notice. Stevie Bould scored a header from a near post flick-on corner routine that would become so familiar, and the day was capped off in fine fashion when Marwood got the better of Des Walker (not many did that) to finish the scoring.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2236, February 14, 1989

(Paul Davis)


Soccernostalgia Question: The biggest beneficiary of the season were the likes of David Rocastle, Alan Smith and Brian Marwood who gained caps due to Arsenal’s form. Though none of them were called up consistently by England (in case of Marwood only once), was this due to Arsenal’s playing style?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I've always wondered why some Arsenal players did not earn more England caps. Our back four was so good that surely it must have been tempting for England managers to pick most of them together, although Stuart Pearce and Des Walker were fine defenders. Smith had a lot of competition up front, and perhaps the style Bobby Robson was looking to play did not suit him. Marwood had a very short England career that coincided with his fabulous start to the season, but one man who I felt should have been capped more was David Rocastle. Such a talented player, so passionate, and for him to only gain 14 England caps feels an inadequate return for such a fine midfielder.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: In Contrast, Tony Adams had lost his place in the England set-up post Euros 1988, how was his club form judged that season?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I think TA suffered a lot of abuse from the terraces from opposition fans after his Euro 88 disaster. But he was always a firm favourite amongst the Arsenal faithful, someone who always gave his all for the club. Being dropped by England at least allowed him to throw himself into his role as captain at Arsenal. It should not be forgotten that TA was only 21 when he went to Euro 88, and to go through that and to have the donkey chants hurled at him every week must have been a nightmare. Obviously we know now that he used alcohol as a way to get through this, but it says a lot about him that he was so important to Arsenal throughout the 88/89 campaign and lifting the First Division trophy was a way to silence the critics.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: What other players that season do you feel were overlooked internationally?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: Immediately Paul Davis springs to mind. A graceful midfielder, he could also look after himself, and he must be one of the best uncapped England players of all time. He started the 88/89 season so well, and it was rumoured that Bobby Robson was going to select him for England. But then came the Glenn Cockerill incident at Highbury, when television cameras caught Davis punching the Southampton midfielder, breaking his jaw. Receiving a nine-match ban, Davis would then miss the end of the season due to injury, and perhaps his chance of playing for England disappeared with that one punch.

 

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2252, June 6, 1989

(May 26, 1989, Liverpool 0-Arsenal 2)


Soccernostalgia Question: As a fan what was it like to go Highbury to watch Arsenal in that season?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: Sadly, I didn't make it to Highbury that season. As a 13-year-old I was reliant on my dad taking me to matches, and unfortunately his work commitments and a lack of desire on his part meant we didn't attend any matches that season. Don't worry, I've forgiven him.

 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: We can’t discuss this season, without mentioning Hillsbrough. How did that affect the atmosphere at the remaining matches at Highbury?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I'm not sure I really took in the full horror of Hillsborough at the time. As a teenager I remember being shocked at the tragic events of that day, but it's only as you grow older and develop emotionally that you watch documentaries/read articles about Hillsborough and want to cry at what those Liverpool fans had to experience that day. And of course, their nightmare was only just beginning due to the despicable cover-up operation of those involved.

I'm not sure about how it affected the atmosphere at Highbury, but looking back, how the Liverpool players managed to get through the rest of the season is beyond me. I know it was their job, yet they had been attending funerals on a daily basis and then had to try and flick a switch and resume football. Maybe it helped them, I don't know, yet in hindsight it is little wonder that Kenny Dalglish resigned in 1991. That disaster understandably changed him forever.

One final thing on this - the determination of people to get justice for those who died and suffered that day was exceptional. To face so many setbacks, to be knocked down on numerous occasions, but to keep coming back fighting says a lot about the character of them. They never gave up, and to wait 32 years to finally get the verdict they wanted is astonishing. They deserve so much respect.

 

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2252, June 6, 1989

(May 26, 1989, Liverpool 0-Arsenal 2)


 

Soccernostalgia Question: Describe the vibe ahead of the final day match at Anfield vs Liverpool. Did you as an Arsenal fan believe it was realistic to win?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: As a young fan I was optimistic of our chances. I remember saying to a friend that we would win 3-1, but that is the beauty of being young, you believe a lot more and you haven't been through enough crushing disappointments to let realism enter your thoughts. I know my dad was not optimistic that we would win by two clear goals at Anfield, and to be fair to him, you can understand why. But George had his plan that night and it worked a treat - keep it tight, 0-0 at half-time, grab a goal, and then Liverpool won't know whether to stick or twist.

 

Photo From: Match, June 3, 1989

(May 26, 1989, Liverpool 0-Arsenal 2)


 

Soccernostalgia Question: Describe in your own words and experiences the pandemonium afterwards?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: It will always be the greatest night of my life (excluding family stuff, of course). The events of that evening are still so clear: the delayed kick off; Arsenal players handing flowers to Liverpool supporters after Hillsborough; Steve Bould almost opening the scoring; Smith's header to give us the lead, although we were sure that it would be disallowed because it was at Anfield; Michael Thomas missing a glorious chance; David Pleat annoying me; Steve McMahon and his "one minute" signal.

And then the glorious conclusion. Waiting and waiting for Mickey Thomas to flick the ball past Bruce Grobbelaar, fearing that he would be tackled before he got the shot away. When the ball hit the net, I flew from my chair and our cat was so alarmed that she ran out of the room! I was then flooded with fear that Liverpool would score, but when the final whistle went I was bouncing.

Watching the celebrations at Anfield and around Highbury was special. It would have been great to have been there, but we had our own party at home. My dad went to the pub immediately, and I think he had a great night. He had been lucky enough to live through the 1970/71 double winning season, but also unlucky in the regard that he had to wait 18 years for our next Division One title, so he deserved a few drinks to celebrate.

 

 

Photo From: Match, June 3, 1989

(May 26, 1989, Liverpool 0-Arsenal 2)


Soccernostalgia Question: The film ‘Fever Pitch’ tells the story of that season, how is this film looked upon by Arsenal fans?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I can't answer for all Arsenal fans, but I love that film. It captures a lot of what it means to be a devoted football supporter, the endless worrying about things that are beyond your control and in truth the selfishness it takes to be so dedicated to a club. I've been to over 400 Arsenal matches, and I know my girlfriend (now my wife) probably found it very testing when trying to organise things around my football calendar. There was a lot of the character Paul in Fever Pitch that rung a few alarm bells in my head.

I love the fact that the film focusses on that 88/89 season though. The soundtrack brings back so many memories, and naturally the conclusion to the film is epic. But the real-life story was epic, so the film had a lot of material to work with as a starting point.

 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: Those yellow/Black away kits have become classics. Do you think it’s because it’s synonymous of the Drama of the final day at Anfield?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: That yellow and navy blue kit remains my favourite Arsenal kit. I loved it when it was introduced at the start of the season, and for it to be associated with that evening at Anfield is fitting. There was something about the way that kit looked under the floodlights that made it even more special in my eyes, but I'm probably getting a bit over sentimental now.

 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: How did you view this title compared to subsequent titles especially compared to those of the Premier League era?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: There is no doubt in my mind that Anfield 89 is the greatest conclusion to a title race. For the top two to go head-to-head on the final day of the season, and for the away team requiring a win by two clear goals, is something that may possibly not be repeated again.

It makes me laugh when Sky try to say the Aguero goal against QPR was the greatest ending ever. Don't get me wrong, it was a stunning sporting moment, and it is rightfully celebrated by City fans. But there is simply no comparison. City scored a late winner against a relegation threatened QPR, who were down to ten men. And don't get me started on the commentary. Brian Moore's "It's up for grabs now" line is a stunning demonstration of just how good a commentator he was. Screaming "Agueroooooo" just doesn't compare.

I was present the night Arsenal won the league at Old Trafford in 2002, which I would have to say is my most enjoyable match that I attended. But there wasn't the jeopardy that night; if we lost then we still had a chance to clinch the title against Everton. Winning the league in Manchester was fantastic, but nothing can compare to Anfield 89.

 

Photo From: Match, June 3, 1989

(May 26, 1989, Liverpool 0-Arsenal 2)


 

Soccernostalgia Question: For a new Generation of fans, born in the Premier League era, is this title forgotten or is it referenced by the Arsenal faithful?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I can only speak personally, but as soon as my son was old enough to understand then I started telling him about the 88/89 season, and the dramatic ending. It's definitely something that will be passed down the generations. Quite simply, it's the greatest night in our history. I'd argue that even if we do go on to win the Champions League one day that Anfield 89 will never be surpassed. But maybe that's because I grew up in that era.

There are reminders of that night when you go the current stadium. The banners around the ground, Michael Thomas' goal shown on the big screen in montages before the kick off. I'd say the 90/91 title is almost forgotten in relation to 88/89. That was a remarkable season in which we only lost one league match and had to cope with a two point deduction and our captain going to jail. It probably lived in the shadow slightly of 88/89 though, as it didn't have that memorable conclusion.

 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: In closing, after the title win, as a knowledgeable fan, did you feel it was a one-off thing, or did you think it could be the start of a new era?

 

Mr. Steve Pye response: I'm not sure I was all that knowledgeable due to my age. But I could see no reason why we wouldn't go on to compete for more silverware. The team was young and hungry, but George probably failed to strengthen the squad after 88/89, and the hangover of Anfield meant we couldn't defend our title. But he learned his lesson. In 1990, he brought in David Seaman, Andy Linighan and Anders Limpar, and there was no stopping us.

That was when I thought we were on the brink of a new era. That 1990/91 team was immense, but maybe in hindsight George had got as much as he could out of most of the squad. Before too long, Thomas and Rocastle had left, Limpar was in and out of the team, and Ian Wright was purchased, which changed the style of the team. A big turning point for me was the European Cup defeat to Benfica in 1991. Losing 3-1 at home hurt George, and he definitely shifted his tactics after that. We became a dangerous cup team, difficult to break down, but really not consistent enough for a title bid.

I would like to conclude by getting this off my chest, though - a lot of people say it was Alex Ferguson who knocked Liverpool off their perch. For me, it was George Graham and Arsenal that really deserve the credit. Sadly, Hillsborough was a huge factor too in that Dalglish eventually resigned due to the strain of that horrendous day, but on the pitch it was Arsenal that competed consistently with the powerful Merseysiders, and won championships either side of Liverpool's 1989/90 title. A lot of football that took place before 1992 is often forgotten, but us Arsenal fans of a certain vintage know the score.

 

 

Friday, March 25, 2022

The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 18 Interview with Mr. Gavin Buckland on Everton in the Cup Winners Cup, 1984/85 Season)

 

For this interview, I start a new project as I look back at past performances of English clubs in the European Cups.

This will be a semi-regular and continuous series. For this Interview I look at Everton's 1984/85 Cup Winners Cup adventure.


The Interviewee is:

Mr. Gavin Buckland

Mr. Buckland is Everton's official statistician, Question of Sport script consultant, Radio Merseyside regular, Liverpool Echo Royal Blue podcaster.

 

Mr. Buckland’s contact info:

twitter: @GavinBuckland1


Soccernostalgia Question: When Everton started the 1984/85, they had not been in Europe for a number of years and even then they had not advanced beyond the first two rounds. What were the expectations for the 1984/85 Cup Winners Cup?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Remember European football was still an unknown quantity then and although we had won the FA Cup, we were still a work in progress. There was no expectation we were going to win it, but at the same time feeling was we could go far. 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: Everton had won the FA Cup but at this point they were still not a power and certainly no one could have envisaged the season they would at home and in Europe. Howard Kendall’s remodeling had been a slow build. Was being in Europe, the extra impetus the side needed?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Not in the early stages of the season but when the QF started definitely added to the momentum of the campaign, would say league and Europe were mutually beneficial. 

 

Soccernostalgia Question: The major transfers in the off-season had been the arrival of Pat Van Den Hauwe in defense (in September) and Paul Bracewell in midfield. In hindsight how was their arrival critical in the European matches that season?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Think Bracewell was important because he worked hard off the ball, could slow the game down and pass the ball well - all vital aspects of playing in Europe. 

Van Den Hauwe less influential as he was a left-back, but he added height and defensive stability, a hugely underrated player.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: On paper, the first-round opponents University College Dublin should have been the easiest, yet Everton had difficulty, what was the reason you think?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Basically, they parked the bus over the two legs and showed up our lack of European experience, after the game at Goodison which we won 1-0 to go through after a goalless draw over there, we were booed off

 

Soccernostalgia Question: In the second round, Everton eliminated Czechoslovakian side Inter Bratislava. What are your memories of those ties?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Never heard of Inter Bratislava, thought they were Slovan Bratislava! First leg over there, listening to it on crackly radio. Second leg at Goodison we had just gone top of the league and were on a run of 10 successive victories, eased to a 3-0 win with a very efficient display.  

 

Photo From: Onze, Issue 113, May 1985

(Graeme Sharp)


Soccernostalgia Question: When the springtime arrived, Everton were in a completely different zone They were League leaders and destroying all in their path. They were one of the best teams in Europe at that point. Were the ties vs. Dutch side Fortuna Sittard seen as a formality?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Like previous games, knew nothing about them – there was no reference point so not seen as a formality. We struggled in the first half at Goodison, but Gray had a habit of bending games to his will, and he did that with a second-half hat-trick. Second leg was a formality mind, won 2-0.  

Soccernostalgia Question: At this point, Pat Van Den Hauwe starting in defense ahead of John Bailey and Adrian Heath’s injury almost went un-noticed as the Scottish duo of Andy Gray (having a second act) and Graeme Sharp were effective upfront. The team was more or less consistently the same players, did everything just click perfectly?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: I think Adrian Heath getting injured in the December did get noticed, we struggled for 4/5 games afterwards. There was a noticeable change in style, with Gray and Sharp, more direct but not long ball.

Gray had experience and a natural winner’s attitude which rubbed off on the others. We were undoubtedly a better footballing side with Heath in the team.     

 

Photo From: Onze, Issue 113, May 1985

(Andy Gray and Peter Reid)



Soccernostalgia Question: The real test for Everton came in the semifinals vs. West German powerhouse Bayern Munich. Everton came away with a key scoreless tie in Munich and then defeated Bayern (3-1) at home after falling behind. Was this Everton at its height that season?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: I would say if you were to ask for a single highlight of the campaign, it would be Bayern at home. That said, the football wasn’t great – bombard the German penalty area, press the opposition and regain possession as soon as possible. One of the great strengths of Kendall’s teams was taking the temperature of a game and react accordingly.

 

Soccernostalgia Question: I remember watching the Final vs. Rapid Vienna and just knew that Everton was going to win. Was this the feeling for the Everton faithful?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: In a word, yes. Think having beaten Bayern so thrillingly you knew Rapid were not going to be a problem if we performed to our ability.


Photo From: France Football, Issue 2041, May 21, 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Photo From: France Football, Issue 2041, May 21, 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Soccernostalgia Question: In the end, Everton were relatively comfortable in Europe that season. Was it a combination of luck of the draw and being confident as well?

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Not so much luck of the draw – we got Bayern in the semi. Think if Celtic had beaten Rapid that would have been a tough tie. Confidence did not come from challenging in Europe alone, it was progressing in league, the FA Cup and Europe.  

Soccernostalgia Question: Which players stood out in the European matches?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Think Gray because he scored crucial goals in the last three rounds. Peter Reid as well, it was their experience that made the difference, but that was the same domestically too.

Soccernostalgia Question: Do you have memories of attending European matches that season? What was the atmosphere at Goodison Park for these European nights?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Like the season, atmosphere improved as we progressed. This was a time of falling attendances so we had 15k versus UCD than 25k ish in next two rounds.

Gray’s hat-trick certainly ignited Goodison in the QF and Bayern is rightly regarded as Goodison’s greatest game – the atmosphere and intensity was incredible.

Soccernostalgia Question: This victory occurred just two weeks before Heysel. In the aftermath, the Champions Cup participation was denied. It’s one of the big-ifs for this Everton Generation as to how they would have fared. What is your opinion?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: I think we would have been in 2/3 favourites and potential winners – the confidence gained from winning CWC was important. Would have been feared by anybody. Remember we won the CWC which had Roma, Barcelona and Bayern in the field. However, two-legged ties can be notoriously unpredictable. Think signing Lineker would have given us another weapon in the armoury, his pace in away games would have been a huge asset.  


Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 63, June 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Soccernostalgia Question: How is this Cup Winners Cup victory regarded Historically by the Everton faithful? Is the League title revered more?

 

Mr. Gavin Buckland Response: Right up there, as part of our most successful season. Strangely the Bayern game tends to overshadow the final. It’s still our only European trophy.  

 

Photo From: World Soccer, October 1991

(Everton squad, May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Thursday, March 24, 2022

Compendium to The Soccernostalgia Interview-Part 18-Matches of Everton in the Cup Winners Cup, 1984/85 season

 Everton Matches during the Cup Winners Cup, 1984/85 Season:

 

 

September 19, 1984, Dublin, University College Dublin 0- Everton 0 (-)

October 2, 1984, Liverpool, Everton 0-University College Dublin 1 (Graeme Sharp 10)

October 24, 1984, Bratislava, Internacional Bratislava 0- Everton 1 (Paul Bracewell 6)

November 7, 1984, Liverpool, Everton 3-Internacional Bratislava 0 (Graeme Sharp 12, Kevin Sheedy 43, Adrian Heath 63)

March 6, 1985, Liverpool, Everton 3- Fortuna Sittard 0 (Andy Gray 47, 74, 77)

March 20, 1985, Sittard, Fortuna Sittard 0-Everton 2 (Graeme Sharp 15, Peter Reid 75)

April 10, 1985, Munich, Bayern München 0-Everton 0 (-)

April 24, 1985, Liverpool, Everton 3- Bayern München 1 (Graeme Sharp 48, Andy Gray 73, Trevor Steven 86 / Dieter Hoeness 38)

May 15, 1985, Rotterdam, Holland, Everton 3- Rapid Wien 1 (Andy Gray 57, Trevor Steven 72, Kevin Sheedy 86 / Johann Krankl 83)

 

 

 

Date: September 19, 1984

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-First Round, First Leg

Result: University College Dublin Association Football Club (Republic of Ireland) 0- Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 0

Venue: Dublin- Tolka Park

Attendance: 9,750

Referee: -

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(University College Dublin): None

(Everton):  None

Lineups:

University College Dublin:

Allan O’Neill, Robert Lawlor, Ken O’Doherty, Paddy Dunning, Martin Moran, Robbie Gaffney, Keith Dignam, Paul Roche, Donal Murphy, John Cullen, Joe Hanrahan

 

Coach: Theo Dunne

 

Team Captain: 

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: -

Shirt Sponsor: -

Uniform Colors: White Shirts, Black Shorts, Light Blue Socks

 

 

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, John Bailey, Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven (Terry Curran 71), Adrian Heath, Andy Gray (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Kevin Sheedy (Republic of Ireland)

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

Booked: Paul Bracewell

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks







Date: October 2, 1984

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-First Round, Second Leg

Result: Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 1-University College Dublin Association Football Club (Republic of Ireland) 0

Venue: Liverpool-Goodison Park

Attendance: 16,277

Referee: Frederick McKnight (Northern Ireland)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Everton):  Graeme Sharp 10

(University College Dublin): None

Lineups:

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, John Bailey, Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven, Adrian Heath (Rob Wakenshaw 77), Graeme Sharp (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Terry Curran

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

Booked: Paul Bracewell

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Yellow Shirts, Blue Shorts, Yellow Socks

 

 

University College Dublin:

Allan O’Neill, Robert Lawlor, Martin Moran, Ken O’Doherty, Paddy Dunning, Robbie Gaffney, Keith Dignam, Paul Roche (Paul Caffrey 77), Joe Hanrahan, John Cullen (Dudley Solan 88), Donal Murphy

 

Coach: Theo Dunne

Booked: Robert Lawlor, Paul Roche

 

Team Captain: 

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: -

Shirt Sponsor: -

Uniform Colors: Light Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Light Blue Socks




Date: October 24, 1984

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Second Round, First Leg

Result: TJ  Internacional Slovnaft Bratislava (Czechoslovakia) 0- Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 1

Venue: Bratislava- Stadion Pasienky

Attendance: 15,000

Referee: Jakob Baumann (Switzerland)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Inter Bratislava): None

(Everton):  Paul Bracewell 6

Lineups:

Inter Bratislava:

Dusan Maluniak, Radomir Hrotek, Milan Krupcik, Pavel Sebo, Peter Fieber, Libor Konik (Jan Lehnert 77), Peter Michalec (Marian Tomcak 46), Rudolf Ducky, Stanislav Moravec, Karol Brezik, Peter Mraz

 

Coach: Stefan Simoncic (Yugoslavia)

 

Team Captain: 

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: -

Shirt Sponsor: None

Uniform Colors: Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks

 

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, John Bailey, Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven, Adrian Heath, Graeme Sharp (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Alan Harper

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks




Date: November 7, 1984

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Second Round, Second Leg

Result: Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 3-TJ  Internacional Slovnaft Bratislava (Czechoslovakia) 0

Venue: Liverpool-Goodison Park

Attendance: 25,007

Referee: Egbert Mulder (Holland)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Everton):  Graeme Sharp 12, Kevin Sheedy 43, Adrian Heath 63

(Inter Bratislava): None

Lineups:

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, John Bailey, Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid (Alan Harper 69), Trevor Steven, Adrian Heath, Graeme Sharp (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Kevin Sheedy (Republic of Ireland) (John Morrissey 78)

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

Booked: Graeme Sharp

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks

 

Inter Bratislava:

Dusan Maluniak, Milan Krupcik, Jozef Barmos, Peter Fieber, Rudolf Ducky, Pavel Sebo, Peter Mraz, Karol Brezik (Peter Michalec 64), Stanislav Moravec, Marian Tomcak, Libor Konik (Jan Lehnert 46)

 

Coach: Stefan Simoncic (Yugoslavia)

 

Team Captain: 

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: -

Shirt Sponsor: None

Uniform Colors: Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks




Date: March 6, 1985

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Quarterfinals, First Leg

Result: Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 3-Fortuna Sittard (Holland) 0

Venue: Liverpool-Goodison Park

Attendance: 25,782

Referee: Edvard Sostaric (Yugoslavia)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Everton):  Andy Gray 47, 74, 77

(Fortuna Sittard): None

Lineups:

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, Pat Van Den Hauwe (Wales), Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid (Kevin Richardson 76), Trevor Steven, Terry Curran, Andy Gray (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Kevin Sheedy (Republic of Ireland)

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks

 

Fortuna Sittard:

Andre Van Gerven, Rene Maessen, Wim Koevermans, Gerrit Schrijnemakers, Chris Dekker, Wilbert Suvrijn, Frans Thijssen, Arthur Hooyer, Theo Van Wel, Wout Holverda, Anne Evers

 

Coach: Bert Jacobs

Booked: Wout Holverda

 

Team Captain: 

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: LU

Shirt Sponsor: Adidas

Uniform Colors: Yellow (Green sleeves) Shirts, Green Shorts, Yellow Socks


Photo From: World Soccer, April 1985

(March 6, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Fortuna Sittard 0)






Date: March 20, 1985

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Quarterfinals, Second Leg

Result: Fortuna Sittard (Holland) 0-Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 2

Venue: Sittard- De Baandert Stadion

Attendance: 16,425

Referee: Franz Wöhrer (Austria)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Fortuna Sittard): None

(Everton):  Graeme Sharp 15, Peter Reid 75

Lineups:

Fortuna Sittard:

Chris Korver, Rene Maessen, Wil Boessen, Gerrit Schrijnemakers, Chris Dekker (Anne Evers 46), Wilbert Suvrijn, Frans Thijssen, Wim Koevermans, Arthur Hooyer, Theo Van Wel, Rob Philippen (Roger Reijners 74)

 

Coach: Bert Jacobs

Booked: Rene Maessen 29

 

Team Captain: Chris Dekker

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: LU

Shirt Sponsor: Adidas

Uniform Colors: Yellow (Green sleeves) Shirts, Green Shorts, Yellow Socks

 

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, Pat Van Den Hauwe (Wales), Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales) (Ian Atkins 62), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven, Terry Curran, Graeme Sharp (Scotland) (Rob Wakesnshaw 76), Alan Harper, Kevin Richardson

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks




Date: April 10, 1985

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Semifinals, First Leg

Result: Fußball-Club Bayern München e.V. (West Germany) 0-Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 0

Venue: Munich- Olympiastadion

Attendance: 67,000

Referee: Paolo Bergamo (Italy)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Bayern Munich): None

(Everton):  None

Lineups:

Bayern Munich:

Jean-Marie Pfaff (Belgium), Wolfgang Dremmler, Holger Willmer, Norbert Eder, Klaus Augenthaler, Søren Lerby (Denamrk), Johannes Christian 'Hansi' Pflügler, Lothar Matthäus, Dieter Hoeness, Michael Rummenigge, Ludwig Kögl

 

Coach: Udo Lattek.

 

Team Captain: Klaus Augenthaler

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: Commodore

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks

 

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, Pat Van Den Hauwe (Wales), Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven, Alan Harper, Graeme Sharp (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Kevin Richardson

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks


Photo From: World Soccer, May 1985

(April 10, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Bayern Munich 0-Everton 0)






Date: April 24, 1985

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Semifinals, Second Leg

Result: Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 3-Fußball-Club Bayern München e.V. (West Germany) 1

Venue: Liverpool-Goodison Park

Attendance: 49,476

Referee: Erik Fredriksson (Sweden)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Everton):  Graeme Sharp 48, Andy Gray 73, Trevor Steven 86

(Bayern Munich): Dieter Hoeness 38

Lineups:

Everton:

Neville Southall (Wales), Gary Michael Stevens, Pat Van Den Hauwe (Wales), Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), Derek Mountfield, Peter Reid, Trevor Steven, Graeme Sharp (Scotland), Andy Gray (Scotland), Paul Bracewell, Kevin Sheedy (Republic of Ireland)

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

Booked: Andy Gray

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, White Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks

 

 

Bayern Munich:

Jean-Marie Pfaff (Belgium), Wolfgang Dremmler, Holger Willmer (Bertram Beierlorzer 66), Norbert Eder (Michael Rummenigge 73), Klaus Augenthaler, Søren Lerby (Denamrk), Johannes Christian 'Hansi' Pflügler, Lothar Matthäus, Dieter Hoeness, Norbert Nachtweih, Ludwig Kögl

 

Coach: Udo Lattek

Booked: Johannes Christian 'Hansi' Pflügler

 

Team Captain: Klaus Augenthaler

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas

Shirt Sponsor: Commodore

Uniform Colors: Red Shirts, Red Shorts, Red Socks


Photo From: France Football, Issue 2038, April 30, 1985

(April 24, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Bayern Munich 1)



Photo From: World Soccer, May 1985

(April 24, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Bayern Munich 1)






Date: May 15, 1985

Competition: Cup Winners Cup-Final

Result: Everton Football Club-Liverpool (England) 3- Sportklub Rapid Wien (Austria) 1

Venue: Rotterdam-De Kuip-Feyenoord Stadion, Holland

Attendance: 38,500

Referee: Paolo Casarin (Italy)

Kick-off time: -

Goalscorers:

(Everton):  Andy Gray 57, Trevor Steven 72, Kevin Sheedy 86

(Rapid): Johann Krankl 83

Lineups:

Everton:

1-Neville Southall (Wales), 2-Gary Michael Stevens, 3-Pat Van Den Hauwe (Wales), 4-Kevin Ratcliffe (Wales), 5-Derek Mountfield, 6-Peter Reid, 7-Trevor Steven, 8-Graeme Sharp (Scotland), 9-Andy Gray (Scotland), 10-Paul Bracewell, 11-Kevin Sheedy (Republic of Ireland)

 

Coach: Howard Kendall

Booked: Gary Michael Stevens 42

Other Substitutes:

12-Alan Harper, 13-John Bailey, 14-Kevin Richardson, 15- Ian Atkins, 16-Jim Arnold

 

Team Captain: Kevin Ratcliffe

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: Le Coq Sportif

Shirt Sponsor: HAFNIA

Uniform Colors: Blue Shirts, Blue Shorts, Blue/White Horizontally striped Socks Socks

 

Rapid:

1-Michael Konsel, 2-Leo Lainer, 3-Kurt Garger, 4-Karl Brauneder, 5-Heribert Weber, 
6-Reinhard Kienast, 7-Zlatko Kranjcar (Yugoslavia), 8-Peter Hrstic, 9-Johann Krankl, 
10-Rudi Weinhofer (13-Antonin Panenka (Czechoslovakia) 67), 
11-Peter Pacult (15-Johann Gröss 60)

 

Coach: Otto Baric (Yugoslavia)

Booked: Heribert Weber 38

 

Team Captain: Johann Krankl

Official Kit Supplier/Designer: None

Shirt Sponsor: Adidas

Uniform Colors: Green/White Vertically striped Shirts, White Shorts, Green/White Horizontally striped Socks


Photo From: Onze, Issue 114, June 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Photo From: Onze, Issue 114, June 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 63, June 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)



Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 63, June 1985

(May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)


Photo From: Mondial, new series, issue 63, June 1985

(Everton squad, May 15, 1985, Cup Winners Cup, Everton 3-Rapid Vienna 1)