From the Blues to the Blues
WHILE Joe Royle's last job may have been in Suffolk, his career both on the pitch and as a manager will forever be linked with the blue half of Merseyside.
WHILE Joe Royle's last job may have been in Suffolk, his career both on the pitch and as a manager will forever be linked with the blue half of Merseyside.
As a player, Royle became the youngest ever to figure in the Everton first team following his appearance at the tender age of 16.
His powerful forward play made him a challenge to defend against and the goals flowed until his departure in 1974 to Manchester City.
Then, in November 1994, Royle was appointed manager at Goodison, taking over a team with only a single league victory all season, languishing at the bottom of the Premier League.
A win over rivals Liverpool sparked an incredible turn around, which culminated in not only survival, but also the FA Cup after victory at Wembley against Manchester United.
In fact, Royle remains the last English manager to win the famous trophy.
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However, after a promising second season, performances dipped and, in March 1997, when Royle's attempts to re-sign Barry Horne were blocked by his board, he resigned.
A spell in charge of Manchester City followed before he took over the Portman Road hotseat in 2002.
