Everton fans have always had a hero, whether it’s Alex Young or Alan Ball, Neville Southall, Graeme Sharp or Andy Gray, or big Duncan Ferguson, they look for that connection with players that have that something special about them.
In recent seasons these players have been as scarce as the trophies the aforementioned legends won in their time at the club. Everton fans are desperate for players they can make that same connection with, a reciprocal love, and one that can last a lifetime.
They say ‘never fall in love with a loan player’, but I’m afraid it’s too late for that. The Everton fans have already fallen hook, line and sinker, for Jack Grealish.
On loan for the season, after just three games Grealish has already endeared himself massively to Evertonians.
It’s not just the player of the month nomination, the four assists or talent that Grealish possesses though. It’s the fact that the fans expect something special from Jack and he looks for it back, it’s his lifeblood, he needs that acknowledgment, that acceptance to thrive, anything is possible from Grealish if he feels loved by a fan base. And he’s certainly felt that since arriving on Merseyside.
It’s not that the Manchester City fans didn’t, or don’t, appreciate him, the problem is they have so many players of his calibre to love, they can’t give the same level of connection purely on a numbers basis.
Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye can become Everton heroes
Bringing Grealish to the club was a master stroke by David Moyes and, once again, an indication of how much he understands the psyche of the club and its fans.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
However, the more exciting prospect, yes, even than Jack Grealish alone, is the partnership he looks to be forming with another summer arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. As evidenced in the second goal in the win over Wolves, the two complement each other, they have a similar quickness of thought on a football field and it can become a real threat for Moyes’ side this season.
Dewsbury-Hall is the perfect straight man for Grealish, a really intelligent player who reads the game so well. His ability to move up and down the pitch quickly will be a major asset to not only the winger, but the whole team.
Add that to an existing favourite in Iliman Ndiaye and it has the makings of a potent offensive lineup for Everton, with pace, skill and a bit of swagger mixed in.
I predict a long and devoted love affair between the fans and the altruistic and steadfast character that Jack Grealish clearly is. It’s not possible for him to hide his feelings and the same can be said for the Everton fans, TFG will already be preparing what they might have to do in May, meanwhile let’s hope Grealish continues to endear himself as an Everton hero to the fans with his performances.
Everton’s return to Goodison Park with the women’s team
Everton corner flag.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Grealish’s incredible start to life on Merseyside isn’t the only positive story at the moment at Everton. It’s also a big week for everyone involved with Everton Women as they move to their permanent new home for the WSL season.
I say new, but of course it’s a venue that we’re all familiar with, Goodison Park. Home to the men’s team for 133 years, the stadium will host Everton Women games beginning this Sunday with the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in the WSL.
Goodison will have a new look as it’s adapted to fit the women’s game. However, its iconic look will undoubtedly entice fans to take in the games which can only be a good thing to increase support for Brian Sørensen’s side.
Hannah Forshaw, Everton Women’s CEO is excited about the new era, “Our move to Goodison Park underlines the ambition of the Club and our ownership. Goodison Park is more than bricks and mortar, it is a stadium with a soul which means so much to so many people.”
The season got off to a great start for Everton Women with an unforgettable victory at Anfield in the Merseyside Derby, a Goodison welcome beckons.