10 Boyhood Everton Fans The Club Should Have Signed

“When I was younger I was desperate to sign for Everton but they weren’t as forthcoming as Liverpool. For a young player, 15 years old, your chances were so much better at Liverpool. (Wayne) Rooney is obviously a great player. It’s difficult as he’s had a great Euro 2004 and, as we know, Everton are going through problems of their own. Being an Everton fan I would like him to stay and learn his trade a bit better.” - Steve McManaman, October 2004.

It’s telling that even though Steve McManaman had enjoyed an 11-year career at Liverpool and had only left the club five years previously, he still referred to himself as an Everton fan. You can never deny your inner child.

The Kirkdale-born winger lit up Anfield and dazzled Kopites for many a season until he was flogged to Real Madrid before the turn of the millenium. It must be strange to be able to perform to such a high standard and receive such adulation for the enemies of the club of your heart.

As McManaman can attest to, Everton weren’t as welcoming to youngsters as their Merseyside rivals, so the England international was just one who managed to slip through the net. A shame, really.