Excellent article Michael.
Enjoyed reading it.
I would, however, rather have incurred the wrath of my wife and daughters than have to wear anything with the logo of the great unwashed and un toilet trained rabble from across the park.

Enjoyable read
How are the Van Courtland Rangers doing these days ?

Great read Michael - this did make me laugh:

‘ When Allan was dismissed and the Blues had to play with 10 men, I lambasted referee Craig Pawson through the screen, prompting my wife to text me from two floors above “Are you ok?” I replied: “Everton.”’

A shame that you didn't get to Goodison Michael, but be sure to make the trip to Bramley Moore Dock. She's going to be special.

I like New York City. Second only to London in terms of the worlds two alpha cities, but it's a close call for different reasons.

I also like upstate New York and spent time hiking in the Catskills. I'd have to say in terms of the east coast, New Hampshire and the White Mountains are up there and I love Annapolis, where I spent quite a bit of time with work.

I used to work for a Texas company who's HQ was in San Antonio. I can't confess to understand American football any more than I understand Rugby, but I did enjoy watching the Longhorns when I was out there.

Loved everything about that article Michael. Having the attention span of a small child, I don't usually take the time to read the really long articles, but I absorbed every word of that - you're quite the wordsmith!

It's amazing what Everton can do to you. I grew up hundreds of miles from Merseyside with no obvious connection to the club, but there I was, 15 year old me, launching my radio across my bedroom and putting a hole in the wall when we went 2-0 down against Wimbledon in 1994 (before regaining my composure enough to put said radio back together in time to shed tears of joy at the final whistle).

Wonderful article, thank you

Really enjoyed this! Wonderfully written and I was laughing throughout…proof that Everton can touch you even internationally!

Thank you all for reading!

Ged, I hear you. I felt dirty wearing it.

Jon, had to look up the Warriors reference. Another in a long line of great movies I've still yet to see.

Peter, no answer was going to stop eye roll, so I kept it short and sweet!

Danny, my grandmother had a house up in the Catskills that I spent time at as a kid. Leeds was the nearest town. My wife has family in Austin with one UT grad.

Jamie, that Barry Horne strike is still one of the greatest goals I've ever seen!

Brilliant read!

Thanks for taking the time to write it and share it with us.

Hi Michael, I loved this article, made me smile throughout. Look forward to more articles - well done and thanks.

Ged, we'll be surrounded by them in their cesspit, our first home, on Wednesday night. I don't like going there, but it's a necessary evil. I'll carry my Rosary Beads and holy water.

I find it great that Everton reaches wide and far internationally. It's easy for me. I think it was in me from my first breath and it will be until my last. From cradle to grave as they say, I've never known, thought, or wanted anything else.

But for those who found Everton, you are just as big an Evertonian as any of us and part of the Royal Blue family. It never leaves you.

Michael, if you make it over, there will be no shortage of people giving up their tickets for you. Just stay on these pages.

Michael I’ll be making a pilgrimage to Coney Island one day of the back of The Warriors, I’m sure you’ll get over here one day.

Danny,

They have been exceedingly quiet in the run up to this one.
Nerves? I hope so.
I am feeling quietly confident for this one.
Normally its a sense of trepidation or impending doom.
How I would love it if we beat them tomorrow night.
Show no fear and get into em!

K.A.G every single one of them.
UTFT

A homage indeed; virtually a paean and a superb piece of writing from the heart.
I find it life affirming when pieces from the most unlikely sources can appear and move me as this one has.
Keep the faith indeed!

Beautiful writing, Michael, I enjoyed every word and its set me up nicely for the roller coaster ride later at Castle Greyskull.
From the bottom of my heart I truly hope you get to visit our beloved Blues, in our amazing new stadium, very soon.
Just one question.
What does "top of the seventh" mean?
UTFT

Given our impending move to BMD, I’ve seen a number of articles on the theme of ‘what Everton/Goodison means to me’. Most have been great, but I didn’t expect one of the very best to come from a Yank who has yet to set foot in the old ground!

Thank you and congratulations, Michael. Hope you make it across the pond soon.