Scenes of unbridled joy, a berserk release of mass ecstasy, a collective freeing of frustration and dread, an uncontrollable urge to grab anyone within reach, hug them, squeeze them, kiss them and finally rag them everywhere - whilst simultaneously roaring like a wild banshee on electric kool-aid - and all thanks to Leighton Baines magnificent 119th minute 25 yard left foot free kick .
In homage to LB's sublime last-minute-of-extra-time strike, there was a post yesterday on the excellent The Peoples Forum asking for Evertonian memories of late, late equalizers, which got my own recollection juices flowing. So, while the memorable triumph against Chelsea has momentarily allowed us to take our worried minds off the current malaise enveloping the club, here are four of my own personal memories [in the sense that I was actually in the ground at the time] of last gasp equalizers and as yesterday, the unique euphoric celebrations they brought with them:
And in Chronological order:
Everton's victory over Chelsea not only went some way in putting the 2009 FA Cup Final to bed, it also, by a Lampard proxy, may well have laid another ghost to rest:
5: [@3.32]As a 10 year old I witnessed Bob Latchford's flying header in the 1979-80 FA Cup semi-final replay at Elland Road:
4: [@1.12] Kevin Sheedy's late free-kick in the 1984-5 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park:
3: Gary Lineker's equalizer versus Luton on the plastic pitch in the 1985/86 FA Cup at Kenilworth Road. Well almost, I can't find the bastard so here is his goal in the replay at Goodison:
2: Tim Cahill's 86th minute leveler at Anfield in the 2008/09 campaign [thanks to Rob]:
And in honour of the 6000 who were there, straight in at number 1:
1: Leighton Baines unstoppable last-minute free-kick in the 2010/11 FA Cup 4th round replay at Stamford Bridge
Great goal, great day and hat's off to the 6000!!
Sunday 20 February 2011
Friday 18 February 2011
Revolution Blues
In 2002 Gene Sharp, a somewhat shy and very modest American academic, published “From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Conceptual Framework for Liberation,” a D.I.Y guide to overthrowing a dictatorship using non-violent means. His essay was translated into 24 different languages including Arabic, prior to being made available to download at no cost.
Now, almost a decade later, it seems Sharp's contrary 'non-violent means' theory has perhaps been established as the road to take to democracy.
We are not just talking Egyptians and Tunisians who have, with the help of Sharp's handbook, upended a violent and powerful regime here, amongst other oppressed peoples who have found inspiration and decisive strategic guidance through the humble political scientists work are the Burmese, Bosnians, Estonians, Zimbabweans and as we speak the protesters in Libya and Bahrain.
Reading through the press it is clear that Sharp is quick to dismiss any credit aimed in his direction "the people of Egypt did that — not me," likewise he is just as swift in his praise for the people, recently proclaiming the Egyptian revolution as "maybe the most powerful example of 'people power' in world history."
Closer to home and on an infinitely smaller and less important scale, a small number of different 'groups' consisting of concerned Evertonians, have recently been set up. Their aims, if not their planned methods, are seemingly the same; a better future for Everton Football Club. One of these, brought together under the banner 'Evertonians for Change' and despite warnings from many of the Everton online community, have recently received a disdainful brush off to their proposal of 'dialogue with the board' from CEO Robert Elstone.
'If these Evertonians wish to accomplish something, it is wise to plan how to do it. The more important the goal, the more important planning becomes. Strategic planning increases the likelihood of achieving your goal and only once all like-minded supporters and available resources are pooled together and mobilized will their aims be employed most effectively. This is especially true for all the separate and recently formed Everton supporters movements.'
OK, he didn't quite say that but you catch the drift........ in short, if you believe the time is right, then get it fucking together Blues!!
Talking of Everton supporters groups, the secretary of KEIOC, Colin Fitzpatrick has submitted a follow-up article to his interview in yesterdays Liverpool Echo on ToffeeWeb. Essential reading for all Evertonians.
Now, almost a decade later, it seems Sharp's contrary 'non-violent means' theory has perhaps been established as the road to take to democracy.
We are not just talking Egyptians and Tunisians who have, with the help of Sharp's handbook, upended a violent and powerful regime here, amongst other oppressed peoples who have found inspiration and decisive strategic guidance through the humble political scientists work are the Burmese, Bosnians, Estonians, Zimbabweans and as we speak the protesters in Libya and Bahrain.
Reading through the press it is clear that Sharp is quick to dismiss any credit aimed in his direction "the people of Egypt did that — not me," likewise he is just as swift in his praise for the people, recently proclaiming the Egyptian revolution as "maybe the most powerful example of 'people power' in world history."
Closer to home and on an infinitely smaller and less important scale, a small number of different 'groups' consisting of concerned Evertonians, have recently been set up. Their aims, if not their planned methods, are seemingly the same; a better future for Everton Football Club. One of these, brought together under the banner 'Evertonians for Change' and despite warnings from many of the Everton online community, have recently received a disdainful brush off to their proposal of 'dialogue with the board' from CEO Robert Elstone.
- Watch This Space
Simultaneously, there have been calls for a 'protest' outside Goodison Park against the redundant Bill Kenwright and his feckless board. The rationale being that if our bolder and brasher (and maybe therein lies the problem) red cousins can get a properly organised and concerted protest together, why can't we? Could it be that our old friend Gene Sharp has the key?
'If these Evertonians wish to accomplish something, it is wise to plan how to do it. The more important the goal, the more important planning becomes. Strategic planning increases the likelihood of achieving your goal and only once all like-minded supporters and available resources are pooled together and mobilized will their aims be employed most effectively. This is especially true for all the separate and recently formed Everton supporters movements.'
OK, he didn't quite say that but you catch the drift........ in short, if you believe the time is right, then get it fucking together Blues!!
Talking of Everton supporters groups, the secretary of KEIOC, Colin Fitzpatrick has submitted a follow-up article to his interview in yesterdays Liverpool Echo on ToffeeWeb. Essential reading for all Evertonians.
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