Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

 

Class of 85 - The Greatest team you never saw?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Only saw them in the cup final,(live) and the 0 0 away at Bayern, (on TV). Didnt realise the coverage was that poor, and goes a long way to explain why that side never ever get mentioned when a random "Best club side ever" debate starts on radio to fill 15 minutes.
 
I went to just about every home game during that period. I'd never witnessed football like it. They could play any style, patient passing, long ball, counter-attack, direct. They pressed the hell out of teams before geggen-pressing was an actual thing. They played fast, precise football which appeared at times to be telepathic. They were sublime at set-pieces as well.

That team was ahead of it's time for sure. They would absolutely destroy this current Everton side.
 
In 1985 I was a 10 year old Yankling, whose only experience with football was going for a 50/50 during PE and getting kicked in the balls because I got to the ball first.

So no, it wasn't the greatest team I ever saw...unfortunately.
 
CrustySack said:
I went to just about every home game during that period. I'd never witnessed football like it. They could play any style, patient passing, long ball, counter-attack, direct. They pressed the hell out of teams before geggen-pressing was an actual thing. They played fast, precise football which appeared at times to be telepathic. They were sublime at set-pieces as well.

That team was ahead of it's time for sure. They would absolutely destroy this current Everton side.
Click to expand...
You make a good point about the pressing game there - a Utd supporting mate of mine used to say it was like we had two extra players on the pitch and we tackled like Italians !
 

Eggs said:
...Harvey was centrally involved in the 1970 and 1985 teams and had no hesitation in saying the 1970 side were far superior. I have no reason to disagree, one side had Alan Ball in it.

I was lucky to see both, along with the 1963 team.
Click to expand...
So was I eggs and I feel very privileged to have done so. Good as the 80’s side were, they were just not quite as good as that team from 68 to 70 were. The Early 60’s side were good as well, but, the Ball Harvey, Kendall team were the best English club side I ever saw.
 
Any side with Alan ball was just majestic.....

He made that midfield run like a well oiled machine, he was the cog that made them tick....

If he was missing it did not run so smooth, he was the difference between winning or not he was our talisman.....

Don't know why he left us....... So sad....
 
It is difficult to point to any one year as being the most successful. Does one look at trophies, games won because what ever the year it does depend on what the opposition was in those years. Now I date back from the early sixties, yes mid 80s was brill but there were other seasons as well.
 

Some of our older supporters might be able to confirm whether this was true, but I’ve heard we actually played better football the season before we won the league in 70 despite finishing third. Was this true?
Similar to us finishing running up in 86 and winning the league the following season. I happen to believe we played better football in 86, but just faltered in the run in.
 
rochdaleblue said:
Some of our older supporters might be able to confirm whether this was true, but I’ve heard we actually played better football the season before we won the league in 70 despite finishing third. Was this true?
Similar to us finishing running up in 86 and winning the league the following season. I happen to believe we played better football in 86, but just faltered in the run in.
Click to expand...
Thats correct the league was harder different era mud baths of pitches too - the year we won the league we had a small glitch - Bally suspended - Harvey out with eye trouble - our lead was cut by a great Leeds dirty side - the year before was incredible 2nd half of the season - I went home and most away games you knew they were champions in the making the holy trinity just clicked Bally was the heartbeat of a great all round classy team - who played football from the back - the pace the passing - Bally had that much time he could sit with his backside on the ball what a box to box playmaker he was - world class - Kendall the silent destroyer in the tackle, and what a passer and volleyer of the ball - Harvey the defensive playmaker whose speed was again non stop - one forward in Big Joe - with Husband and the underrated Moggsy on the flanks - the team were lightning fast - John Hurst at the back alongside Captain Labby were immense, in a nutshell the football was so telepathic you held your breath at times as you could not see such a classier team - you went expecting a win - Tommy Wright from the youth team into England's team at right back in Mexico -
hard to compare with the 1980's team who won more in a different era , but the holy trinity - I am glad I had the pleasure of seeing them - on today's value priceless!
 
I watched a team march into every ground,heads high,chests out and fearing no team,they could play anyway needed,a team that even Wimbledon knew they couldnt intimidate them,the joy of following a team you felt were invincible was amazing,if the FA cup final had been a week later we would have won the lot,memories that last a lifetime
 
Joey66 said:
Thats correct the league was harder different era mud baths of pitches too - the year we won the league we had a small glitch - Bally suspended - Harvey out with eye trouble - our lead was cut by a great Leeds dirty side - the year before was incredible 2nd half of the season - I went home and most away games you knew they were champions in the making the holy trinity just clicked Bally was the heartbeat of a great all round classy team - who played football from the back - the pace the passing - Bally had that much time he could sit with his backside on the ball what a box to box playmaker he was - world class - Kendall the silent destroyer in the tackle, and what a passer and volleyer of the ball - Harvey the defensive playmaker whose speed was again non stop - one forward in Big Joe - with Husband and the underrated Moggsy on the flanks - the team were lightning fast - John Hurst at the back alongside Captain Labby were immense, in a nutshell the football was so telepathic you held your breath at times as you could not see such a classier team - you went expecting a win - Tommy Wright from the youth team into England's team at right back in Mexico -
hard to compare with the 1980's team who won more in a different era , but the holy trinity - I am glad I had the pleasure of seeing them - on today's value priceless!
Click to expand...

Fantastic post Joey, I stand to applaud ;)
The mid 80s teams were fantastic to watch and win, but the 69-70 side was absolutely sensational.
 

Status
Not open for further replies.

Welcome to GrandOldTeam

Get involved. Registration is simple and free.

Register
Back
Top