Post Past by Philip J Redmond Everton supporter, Daily Post
IT IS ten years ago this week since Joe Royle made his emotional return to Goodison and a certain rangy Scottish striker became the new king of Goodison Park after an incredible derby win on a misty winters night.
To set the scene, Everton were rock bottom going into November with Mike Walker's team looking clueless. After a dire goalless draw at Norwich, Peter Johnson used the ensuing international break to sack Walker and replace him with Royle.
On a shoestring budget Royle had worked miracles with Oldham leading them into the top flight and now he had the opportunity to work some magic on the Blues.
Royle's first test was the derby at Goodison. With Roy Evans' team riding high, Everton were given no chance.
However this was the night that Joe Royle's 'Dogs of War' were born.
Royle had two weeks to work with his demoralised squad and he developed a system that employed three hard-running, hard-tackling midfielders in Barry Horne, Joe Parkinson and John Ebbrell to chase the opposition.
He also had a highly-rated, but boredlooking target-man on loan from Rangers and a full-back with a deadly left foot called Andy Hinchcliffe.
On the night, the plan worked like a dream. The first half was suitably scrappy but it was soon apparent the Reds were struggling against the Blues powerhouse midfield.
The game swung Evertons way when Hinchcliffe's booming corner was met by a bullet Duncan Ferguson header. It was the striker's first goal for Everton and a new hero was born.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Liverpool and just before the end Rideout scored the goal that took Everton off the bottom of the table.
Goodison exploded and Joe Royle gave Evertonians their pride back. But no one could have predicted the eventual glory that season would bring.
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