Unnoticed by the national media, one of the all time sporting greats of the millenium passed away recently. I'm referring to Eddie Cavanagh, the first hooligan.

After a brief and undistinguished career as an apprentice player at Everton football club, Eddie continued to support the blues from the terraces. His moment of fame came in the 1966 F.A. cup final. Everton were playing Sheffield Wednesday and despite being favourites, found themselves 2-0 down shortly after half time. However, in quick succession two half chances were converted by unknown West Country forward Mike Trebilcock, playing in place of Everton legend Fred Pickering. When the second goal went in Eddie, overcome by the emotion of the moment leapt out of his seat and ran towards the pitch. He hurdled the perimeter fence and sprinted across the hallowed turf towards the bemused Trebilcock. After pulling him to the ground Eddie then set off in pursuit of Everton Goalkeeper Gordon West in order to advise him not to let any more goals in ! What followed is now part of Evertonian folklore. A busy (policeman to the uninitiated) attempted to intercept Eddie and managed to grab his jacket. However Eddie, without breaking his stride simply took the jacket off leaving the copper trailing in his wake. In a wonderful comedy moment the copper then tripped over the divested garment and went completely arse over tit. Eddie, now resplendent in white shirt and braces, continued legging it full-pelt across Wembley, arms outstretched, chased by a posse of London's finest. Eventually as Eddie began to tire, one of the coppers managed to bring him to the ground with a rugby tackle. The rest of them piled on top as if he was one of the great train robbers. 'Right, you're going out !', a burly out of breath plod informed Eddie. 'Please your fuckin' self. It's 2-2 now', Eddie replied. He was duly evicted from the stadium but managed to get straight back in. Twenty minutes later as Everton celebrated a 3-2 victory, Eddie was back on the pitch !

Eddie died at his home in Cantril Farm, Liverpool on December 9th 1999.

Eddie Cavanagh - a true blue

04/01/2000