Everton Football Club is a name that resonates with soccer fans all over the world. The Toffees, as the club is famously known as, is one of the oldest clubs in the UK and has a rich footballing tradition. But why do they call them the Toffees, you ask? Well, the answer lies in the history of the club, and it’s a fascinating story that I am about to tell you.
Back in the early 1800s, Everton was just a small district in the city of Liverpool, and the club we know today did not exist. However, there was a sweet shop in the area called Mother Noblett’s, which sold a popular kind of candy known as Everton Toffees. The candy was so famous that when a group of young men in the area wanted to set up a football club, they decided to name it after the iconic sweet shop. And hence, Everton Football Club was born, and the moniker ‘The Toffees’ has stayed with them ever since.
The Toffees have had their fair share of success over the years, winning numerous trophies and producing some of the finest players in the game. But the name Everton Toffees has stuck with the club, and it’s a symbol of their humble beginnings and the strong ties they share with the local community. So, the next time you see Everton play, remember that they are The Toffees, and it’s a name that signifies their history and tradition.
Origins of the Toffees nickname
The nickname “Toffees” has been associated with Everton FC for over a century, but where did this quirky moniker come from? There are a couple of theories that attempt to explain the origins of this beloved nickname.
One popular theory suggests that the Toffees nickname was derived from a local sweets manufacturer called Mother Noblett’s Toffee Shop, which was located close to Everton’s original home ground, Anfield, in the 1880s. It is believed that the team’s players were so fond of the shop’s toffees that they would often stop by for a treat before or after their matches. Legend has it that on one occasion, when the team was struggling financially, the Toffee Shop owner, Mrs. Noblett, offered to give them free toffees to sell at the matches to raise funds. The toffees proved to be a huge success, and the nickname “Toffees” was born.
Another theory suggests that the nickname was coined by the Liverpool Echo journalist Tom Watson in 1889. According to this theory, Watson, who was covering an Everton match, saw the team play with such skill and tenacity that he described them as “a toffee lot.” The term quickly caught on and henceforth, the team was referred to as “the Toffees.”
Regardless of the true origin of the nickname, it has become an integral part of Everton FC’s identity and is celebrated by fans all over the world.
Early history of Everton Football Club
Everton Football Club was founded in 1878 by a group of young men from St Domingo’s Methodist Church, who met for Bible study on Sunday afternoons. The club originally played in green jerseys before switching to their now famous blue shirts in 1901. Everton’s early years were spent playing at various fields around Liverpool, including Stanley Park, Priory Road and Anfield (which later became home to their rivals, Liverpool FC).
- On 15 March 1879, Everton played their first official match, against their neighbours St Peter’s, at Stanley Park. The game ended in a 1-0 victory for Everton.
- In 1888, Everton became one of the founding members of the Football League, along with 11 other clubs. The Toffees finished 8th in their debut season.
- Everton won their first league title in 1890-91, finishing the season unbeaten and eight points clear of second-placed Preston North End.
During the early years, Everton became known as the Toffees, and it is unclear exactly why. One theory is that they were named after a local sweet shop called Mother Noblett’s Toffee Shop, which was situated near the ground where Everton played their early matches. Another theory suggests that the name is derived from the name of a popular music hall song of the time, called ‘The Toff’, which was about a well-dressed gentleman.
Whatever the origin of the name Toffees, it has become synonymous with Everton Football Club, and is still used to this day by fans of the club.
Early stadium history of Everton Football Club
As mentioned earlier, Everton played their early matches at various fields around Liverpool before settling at Anfield in 1884. In 1892, a dispute between the club’s president and landlord led to Everton moving out of Anfield and across the park to Goodison Park, which has been their home ever since.
Goodison Park is one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in English football. The ground has undergone numerous renovations over the years, and currently has a capacity of just over 39,000. The stadium has also hosted a number of high-profile matches, including FA Cup semi-finals and international matches.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1966 | Goodison Park hosted three group stage matches and a quarter-final during the 1966 World Cup. |
| 1984 | The stadium was used as a filming location for the football scenes in the movie “Rita, Sue and Bob Too”. |
| 1991 | Goodison Park hosted the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup, with Manchester United beating Barcelona 2-1. |
Although Everton have plans to move to a new stadium in the future, Goodison Park remains beloved by Everton fans and is a key part of the club’s history and identity.
Club legends who contributed to the Toffees nickname
Since their founding in 1878, Everton Football Club has had many legendary players who have contributed to their success and earned them their nickname “The Toffees.” Here are three club legends who played a significant role in the creation of Everton’s unique moniker.
- William Ralph “Dicky” Williams – The first player to be referred to as a “Toffee” by the fans, Williams joined Everton in 1883 and became known for his impressive goal-scoring ability. It is said that the nickname came about because Williams worked as a salesman for a local toffee manufacturer and would often hand out samples to his teammates and fans.
- William C. Cuff – A player, secretary, and director of Everton, William Cuff was responsible for bringing Dixie Dean to the club in 1925. Cuff’s family owned a successful sweet shop in Everton, and it is thought that this connection to the confectionery industry played a role in the adoption of the Toffees nickname.
- Alan Ball – One of the greats of English football, Ball played for numerous clubs throughout his career, including Everton. Known for his tireless work rate and boundless energy, Ball helped Everton win the 1970 European Cup Winners’ Cup. It was during this campaign that a journalist, impressed by Ball’s work ethic, referred to him as a “Toffee” in one of his articles. The nickname quickly caught on, and Everton fans began to use it to refer to their beloved team.
These three club legends played a crucial role in the evolution of Everton’s nickname. They helped to cement the association of the club with the confectionery industry that has become so closely associated with Everton today.
Other theories suggest that the nickname may have come from a local pub (the Toffee House), where Evertonians would gather to discuss the team’s performances. Another theory is that it comes from the chocolate toffee that was sold in the area.
| Club Legend | Position | Years at Everton |
|---|---|---|
| Dicky Williams | Forward | 1883-1891 |
| William Cuff | Secretary/Director | 1888-1935 |
| Alan Ball | Midfielder | 1966-1971 |
No matter the origin, the Toffees nickname has become an integral part of Everton’s identity, and it is one that is embraced by players, fans, and the wider community alike.
Unique traditions associated with Everton FC
Everton Football Club, also known as the Toffees, has a rich history dating back to 1878. The club has established itself as a pillar of the Merseyside community and has developed a number of distinctive traditions over the years. Here are a few of the unique traditions associated with Everton FC:
- The Toffee Lady: One of the most enduring traditions associated with Everton is the Toffee Lady. Originating in the 1900s, the Toffee Lady was a woman who sold sweets outside the stadium on match days. Over time, the Toffee Lady became a beloved fixture at Goodison Park, and in 2019, the club unveiled a statue in honor of the tradition.
- The Dixie Dean Statue: Everton’s greatest ever goal-scorer, Dixie Dean, is immortalized in a bronze statue outside of Goodison Park. The statue is a popular spot for fans to take photos before and after games, and serves as a reminder of the club’s rich history.
- The Z-Cars Theme: One of the most iconic entrance themes in all of sport is the Z-Cars theme played as Everton players take the field. The theme, which originated from a popular 1960s British TV show, has been played at Goodison Park since the 1962-63 season and has become a rallying cry for the club’s passionate fanbase.
In addition to these traditions, Everton has also established itself as a leader in social responsibility. As part of the club’s Blue Family campaign, Everton has worked with local organizations to deliver food, clothing, and medical supplies to those in need. Everton may be known for its rich history and unique traditions, but the club’s commitment to its community and those in need is truly inspiring.
The Toffee Lady Statue
In 2019, Everton unveiled a statue honoring the Toffee Lady, a tradition that has been a fixture of match days at Goodison Park for over a century. The statue was designed by Tom Murphy and depicts a woman holding a tray of sweets in front of a door, which represents the player’s entrance to the field. The Toffee Lady statue is a permanent reminder of the club’s rich history and the enduring traditions that make Everton FC so special.
Goodison Park: A Home Away from Home
Goodison Park has been the home of Everton Football Club since 1892 and is one of the oldest stadiums in England. Over the years, Goodison has become a second home for Everton fans, who have created a vibrant and passionate atmosphere inside the stadium. The stadium’s unique design, with the pitch surrounded by four stands, creates an intimate setting that gives fans a true connection to the action on the field.
| Year Opened | Capacity | Record Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 1892 | 39,414 | 78,299 (Everton vs. Liverpool, 1948) |
Despite its age, Goodison Park remains one of the most iconic stadiums in the world of football. The unique traditions and passionate atmosphere that can be found at Goodison are a testament to the enduring appeal of Everton FC.
Criticism and controversy surrounding the Toffees nickname
Everton Football Club’s nickname, the Toffees, has been a source of controversy and criticism over the years. In this article, we investigate the reasons behind the controversy and the impact it has had on the club.
Reasons for Criticism
- Sexist origins: One of the main criticisms of the Toffees nickname is its alleged sexist origins. The term ‘toff’ was used in the past to refer to a well-dressed man who was seen as a ladies’ man. Some argue that the term ‘toffee’ was then used as a derogatory term to refer to the women who would fall for the charms of the toffs. This offensive interpretation has led to calls for the club to change its nickname.
- Lack of local connection: Another criticism leveled at the Toffees nickname is that it doesn’t have any real connection to the city of Liverpool. The nickname was allegedly chosen in the late 19th century by a Liverpool-based confectioner who made toffee sweets. However, some argue that there is little evidence to suggest that this is actually true.
- Over-commercialisation: Some fans and commentators have also criticised the Toffees nickname for being too commercial. The club has a range of merchandise that features the Toffees branding, and some feel that this takes away from the heritage and tradition of the club.
Impact on the Club
The controversy surrounding the Toffees nickname has had a number of impacts on the club over the years. In some cases, the criticism has led to positive outcomes, while in others it has had a negative impact.
The club has sought to address the concerns around the sexist origins of the Toffees nickname, and has worked to ensure that its use is not offensive or derogatory in any way. The club has also emphasised its commitment to more inclusive and diverse values, and has taken steps to promote equality and respect amongst its fans and supporters.
However, the criticism around the Toffees nickname has also had a negative impact on the club’s brand and reputation. The lack of a clear local connection to Liverpool has been cited as a reason why some fans have chosen to support other clubs, while the perception that the nickname is overtly commercial has led to accusations of selling out.
The Future of the Toffees Nickname
Despite the criticisms and controversy surrounding the Toffees nickname, it remains a significant part of Everton Football Club’s identity. The club has acknowledged the concerns of its fans and supporters, and has sought to address them where possible. However, the final decision on whether to change the nickname or not will ultimately rest with the club’s management and board of directors.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The nickname has a long history and is part of the club’s identity. | Some find the origins of the nickname to be offensive and have called for it to be changed. |
| The nickname is recognisable and has a distinct identity. | There is little local connection to Liverpool or the club’s history. |
| The Toffees branding is an important part of the club’s merchandise and commercial operations. | Some argue that the commercialisation of the nickname takes away from the heritage and tradition of the club. |
Ultimately, the decision on whether to change the Toffees nickname or not will be a difficult one for the club. While there are certainly valid concerns and criticisms surrounding the nickname, it is also a significant part of Everton Football Club’s history and identity. Whatever decision is made, it will undoubtedly have an impact on the club’s fans and supporters, and will be closely watched by the wider football community.
The Toffees merchandise and branding
The Toffees are known for having a strong brand that resonates with Everton fans across the world. Everton merchandise is available in a wide range of products, including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, scarfs, and other accessories. Toffees fans can purchase official merchandise from the club shop, online stores, and other licensed vendors.
One of the unique features of the Everton brand is their association with the color blue. Everton’s home kit is a blue jersey (known as the Toffees Blue) with white shorts and blue socks. This color combination is the same for the away kit, with black sometimes added as a secondary color. The Toffees’ crest is also a significant aspect of the club’s branding, featuring an image of an Everton mint with the club’s nickname and founding date.
The Toffees merchandise options
- Jerseys and kits: The Toffees’ home and away jerseys are popular merchandise options for fans. The kits feature the Toffees’ logo, sponsor, and the player’s name and number.
- T-shirts and polo shirts: Fans can choose from a wide range of Toffees-themed t-shirts, including graphic tees featuring the club’s crest and iconic players.
- Hats and scarves: Fans can show their support for the Toffees, even during cold weather, with hats and scarfs featuring the club’s colors and crest.
The Toffees’ impact on branding
Everton’s brand has had a significant impact on the club’s success and popularity. Their branding strategy has focused on building awareness and loyalty among fans through high-quality merchandise, strong visual identity, and community involvement. These efforts have helped Everton become one of the most recognizable football clubs globally.
The Everton brand is also associated with significant economic benefits. In 2020, the club announced a new partnership with the sportswear brand hummel, worth over £9 million annually. This deal highlighted the Toffees’ commercial appeal among sponsors and stakeholders.
The Toffees’ branding in numbers
| £9 million | The annual value of Everton’s partnership with sportswear brand hummel |
|---|---|
| 2007 | The year Everton signed a 10-year partnership with Kitbag, a sports merchandise retailer |
| 91% | The increase in Everton’s merchandise sales in 2019/20 compared to the previous season |
These figures demonstrate the Toffees’ success in building a strong brand that resonates with fans worldwide, resulting in sustained commercial success and opportunity for growth.
Comparing Everton FC with other football clubs’ nicknames
Everton FC is known as the Toffees among the football fans. The nickname comes from a local toffee shop, owned by a certain Mother Noblett, that was close to Goodison Park in the late 19th century. It is an endearing nickname that represents the club’s strong connection with its roots and the local community. Let’s compare Everton FC’s nickname with other popular football clubs.
- Liverpool FC – The Reds
- Chelsea FC – The Blues
- Manchester United FC – The Red Devils
As you can see, these nicknames are mostly related to the club’s colors or the team’s culture. In comparison, Everton’s nickname has a unique story behind it that gives it a distinctive character.
Another interesting aspect of the Toffees is their mascot, which is a fictional character named ‘Toffee Lady’. She is a friendly and warm character that represents the hospitality of the city and the club. The mascot is a significant part of Everton’s branding and merchandising, and represents the club at various events.
In terms of other football clubs in their history, Tottenham Hotspur FC was once known as the ‘Cockneys’ due to their fans’ dialect, while Norwich City FC used to be called ‘the Citizens’ due to their association with the town’s civic leadership. However, these nicknames have fallen by the wayside, while the Toffees continue to thrive.
Why is the number 7 iconic for Everton fans?
Everton fans refer to the number 7 jersey as the ‘Holy Grail’ because of its association with some of the greatest footballers in the club’s history. Here’s a table listing some of the club’s top players who have worn the number 7 jersey in the past.
| Player Name | Years Active |
|---|---|
| Alan Ball | 1966-1971 |
| Kevin Sheedy | 1983-1992 |
| Andrei Kanchelskis | 1995-1997 |
| Duncan Ferguson | 1998-2006 |
| James McFadden | 2003-2008 |
| Steven Pienaar | 2008-2016 |
| Gylfi Sigurdsson | 2017-present |
Each of these players has made a significant contribution to the club’s success, and their association with the number 7 jersey makes it a symbol of greatness and achievement. It is no wonder that Everton fans hold the number 7 in such high regard.
The number 7 is also an important number in football history. Many of the greatest footballers of all time, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and George Best, have worn the number 7 jersey for their respective clubs or national teams. It represents skill, flair, and creativity, qualities that are synonymous with Everton’s footballing philosophy.
In conclusion, Everton’s nickname and association with the number 7 define the club’s character and its identity. Its unique story and tradition make it a beloved club among the football fans, and the Toffees continue to inspire generations of footballers and enthusiasts through its inclusive and innovative approach to the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Do They Call Everton The Toffees
Q: How did Everton get its nickname?
A: The club got its nickname “The Toffees” from a local sweet shop called Mother Noblett’s that sold toffee and sweets in Everton Village in the 1880s.
Q: Is Everton the only team with the nickname “The Toffees”?
A: Yes, Everton is the only team with the nickname “The Toffees” in the Premier League, but it is not uncommon for teams to have unique nicknames that represent their local culture and heritage.
Q: Why did Mother Noblett’s choose toffee as their specialty?
A: Toffee was popular in the 19th century and was a common treat sold in sweet shops. It is believed that Mother Noblett’s established their reputation as one of the best toffee makers in the area, which helped them gain the nickname “The Toffees.”
Q: When did Everton adopt “The Toffees” as their official nickname?
A: It is unclear when Everton officially adopted “The Toffees” as their nickname but it is believed to have been in use as early as the 1880s.
Q: Is the nickname “The Toffees” still relevant today?
A: Yes, the nickname “The Toffees” is still used today and is an important part of Everton’s identity.
Q: Are there any other nicknames associated with Everton Football Club?
A: Yes, Everton is also known as “The Blues” due to their traditional blue kit and “The School of Science” due to their historical ties with scientific and educational institutions.
Q: Is there a significance behind the toffee candy and Everton Football Club?
A: There is no direct association between toffee candy and Everton Football Club, but the club has embraced the nickname “The Toffees” as a symbol of their community’s history and culture.
Thanks for Reading
Now that you know why Everton is called “The Toffees,” we hope that you have a better understanding of the club’s identity and heritage. Don’t forget to check back later for more interesting facts and stories related to sports and culture!