Open! By Royle appointment

by Stephen Carrison and Laika Matthews

The Blues boss is lending his support to the ongoing regeneration of Netherton and told the gathered community and Netherton Partnership representatives: “You will succeed because you know you have a problem and you are willing to help yourselves. I wish you all the best.”

The Netherton Network offers residents advice on money matters, housing, health, social care, business and employment and is part of a Ł60 million package that aims to improve the quality of life for local people and promote pride in the area. The funding comes from central Government, the European Community and private and public sector resources.

Joe Royle also talked about Everton’s own interest in Netherton; the club is developing a million-pound Centre of Excellence at the old Littlewoods sports ground in Park Lane. He said: “Obviously when you move into an area you have to get on with the residents and Everton Football Club wants to show a continuing commitment to the people of Netherton.”

Joe was kept busy during his visit, signing lots of autographs and posing for endless photographs, but he did take time to answer some questions about the team, most notably about Duncan Ferguson. He hasn't been playing in the last few games because of a bad groin strain, Joe said, but hopefully he’ll be back for the beginning of next season.”

There was one question we asked, though, that he couldn’t answer… Why is Goodison Park known as the School of Science? “I’m not really that sure,” Joe replied, “I’ve been trying to find the answer to that for ages!”

After handing over a football-shaped cheque, which fortunately won’t bounce, he raised a toast to the success of the Partnership and then joined everyone in sampling the excellent buffet which had been provided. All in all, Joe Royle’s visit proved to be a fitting kick-off for Netherton’s own, real-life, cup final.

Seeing stars...

Everton manager Joe Royle with Alan Creevy, Stephen and Laika

The pair, who went to cover the opening of the Netherton Network for this newspaper, had never before met Big Joe. But they quickly found their feet and conducted a challenging interview in front of several dozen local dignitaries.

“I was a bit nervous to start with,” said Laika after the meeting. “But then you realise he is just an average person; even if he does manage the greatest football team in the world. This was the nearest I’d ever been to anyone famous.”

Stephen, for once left short of words, said the encounter was “fantastic”, though he said the embarrassment at meeting his hero caused his face to go an unfortunate colour - red!

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