A gathering of Everton supporters recently celebrated the life and career of former club captain Mike Lyons, coinciding with the release of a new biography, "The Man Who Bled Blue." The event, held at the Denbigh Castle pub in Liverpool, also served as a poignant reminder of the club's prolonged absence from winning trophies.
Lyons, 74, who is currently living with dementia in Perth, Australia, was unable to attend the celebration. His daughter, Francesca, shared that he was aware of the book and the event. Friends and family contributed to the biography by journalist Simon Hart, piecing together the story of the former player.
Lyons made 473 appearances for Everton over 12 years, scoring 59 goals. His manager, Gordon Lee, famously stated he wanted "Eleven Mike Lyonses" on the field, highlighting the player's dedication. Despite his commitment, Lyons did not win a single honor during his time at the club. He left Everton for Sheffield Wednesday in 1982, narrowly missing the start of the team's successful era that included FA Cup and league title victories.
The biography touches upon Lyons' significant role in Everton's 1977 League Cup final marathon against Aston Villa, a match ultimately lost in a second replay. This remains the closest Lyons came to winning a trophy with Everton. He scored an equalizer in the second replay, a moment his brother Joe recalled as one of his most animated celebrations. The book recounts how Lyons was moved to a forward position in search of a winner, inadvertently creating a defensive gap that Aston Villa exploited for the deciding goal.
This period, though marked by a lack of silverware, is seen by some as evidence that even in barren times, heroes can emerge. The League Cup, in particular, is highlighted as a competition capable of creating lasting memories for fans.
Everton's last trophy win was the FA Cup in 1995. The League Cup stands as the only major domestic trophy the club has never secured. The current manager, David Moyes, who has a deep connection to Everton, and his assistant Billy McKinlay visited Lyons during a pre-season tour in Australia. The book suggests that Lyons would appreciate seeing the club finally lift the League Cup, especially as the next final would occur 50 years after the memorable 1977 final.
The narrative of Lyons' career also touches on the long-term health issues faced by former players due to heading the ball, a concern echoed by his daughter Francesca, who has advocated for greater support for ex-professionals. The book's subtitle, "The Triumphs and Tragedy of Mike Lyons," reflects both the highs and the difficult realities of a footballer's life.
