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Dave Watson appreciation thread

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Groucho

Groucho

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With half of this stupendously boring international break out of the way, and with no Everton action just yet, I thought we could have a Saturday morning look at a former Everton great.

This week I've gone with Dave Watson, who I think is somewhat overlooked, or at least underrated, as an Everton icon/legend/great by some at least (you can select your own term there, delete as applicable).

Like fellow blue Kevin Sheedy, he began his career at Liverpool, and we don't hold that against him in the slightest - although unlike Sheedy, he never kicked a pro-ball in anger for them. After winning the league cup with Norwich, he came to Everton and initially faced some hostility as he was effectively replacing fan's fave Derek Mountfield. Once the Goodison faithful saw he was a capable defender however, this anti feeling quickly vanished.

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A member of our last league title winning side, and also the last club captain to lift a trophy, I'm sure Dave would happily surrender both of those accolades to see us win again. Dave even managed us through a difficult period as caretaker manager/player after the unfortunate departure of Joe Royle, coping well considering he had no managerial experience. This is a man who has served Everton on quite a few levels.


Let's look at the facts:


  • Everton player 1986 - 2001
  • 419 apps
  • 23 goals
  • Everton captain
  • 12 England caps
  • Everton manager 1997
  • Everton League Championship 1986/87
  • Everton FA Cup winner 1995
  • Everton Charity Shield winner 1995
Whichever way you look at it, for me the above suggests Dave Watson should not be working with Newcastle Utd's youth set up, he should be at our glorious club in some capacity. It's frequently been said of some captains that they lack leadership - you could never say that about Dave Watson.
 
I admit I was one of those who had serious doubts, I thought what on earth is the Manager doing replacing Mountfield.

Needless to say, I was soon won over and felt a hint of guilt at ever doubting him.
What a defender, no messing about, defend and get rid, a proper old school type, and brilliant at his job.

We had some side back then
 
A terrific player and very understated. In many ways he was Mr. Everton for many years as the senior pro at the club. Just did his job and did it brilliantly.

We might well have gone down after Big Joe left and it took a lot of character and guts for Dave to step up as caretaker manager. Rideout came back from China to play for him.

Saw very good and bad times for the club and was the same reliable and steady leader throughout. Certainly was able to raise his voice as captain but he mostly lead by example and had the respect of everybody.
 

Good player , great Captain. Perversely though I've never quite forgiven him for replacing Mountfield. However that's my problem and doesn't detract from quality CB and Captain.
 

As a young(ish) sth through the mid-90's my abiding memory of a large number of forgettable games was the way Dave would sprint on to the pitch for about 40 yards when leading the team out whilst the rest and opposition jogged out in his wake. Always set the tone for me - obviously in the days before the set piece FairPlay stuff that prevents this now.
 
@Groucho I'm not sure how theyre doing now but when i saw Watson was managing a youth team I took a slight interest in their results (because, like you i wondered why he wasnt with us) and they were losing games quite heavily at the time...
 
Groucho said:
Defensive coach?
Click to expand...

I think he was youth team manager for newcastle at the time...if youre suggesting he could be a defensive coach for us then we could have done with one the past 2 seasons.

I think whilst martinez brought back evertonians, koeman will bring in dutchmen.
 

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