“IT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER TO GET THE WINNER In THE FA CUP FINAL. I HAD FIVE GREAT YEARS AT EVERTON”

After falling victim to an odd substitution in the 1995 semi with Spurs, the striker headed home the Wembley clincher

How did your transfer to Everton in 1992 come about?

I was playing for Rangers when the approach came in. I think Graeme Sharp had moved on and Everton were looking for an experienced forward who could take his place. Sharp was a hard act to follow, because I respected him highly after his successful career at the club.

What was Howard Kendall like as a boss?

I think one of the best things about Howard was that he was a players’ manager. He could be tough when he needed to be, but he also had a great way about him that made people like him. I personally liked him very much. It was a real shame his second spell at the club didn’t work out, and he left in 1993.

You took some time to establish yourself as a regular at Everton. Was that frustrating?

Yes, definitely, but it was also understandable. You’ve got to remember that there were a lot of changes taking place in the side, so it took time to work out the best system and which players were right for it.

Mike Walker replaced Kendall as manager. What did you make of him?

I had zero respect for him, because he didn’t communicate with his players and there was no sense to his training. There was no detail in his coaching, no direction or set formation. By contrast, when Willie Donachie walked in with Joe Royle, he gave us clear instructions about how they wanted us to play as a group. You knew your job, and you knew your job for the team whenever you didn’t have the ball.

You played in the famous match when the Toffees fought back to beat Wimbledon 3- 2 on the final day of 1993- 94, preventing the club’s first relegation since 1951. Is it true goalkeeper Neville Southall gave a rousing half- time team talk that day?

All the players got themselves up for it – Nev was unquestionably a leader in the dressing room, but the players knew the significance of that match. It was scary, though, with the realisation and importance of what it meant to the fans and club. A tough game to play in.

Joe Royle came in during the early months of the following season. How did he change the mood at Goodison Park?

Like I mentioned earlier, compared to Walker he gave us a direction. He had a plan – it was a simple plan, a way to organise the players, but it was effective. He was also a very good people person – again, in contrast to Walker. All in all, Joe gave us exactly what we needed to fight for survival.

You scored in Royle’s first game in charge, against Liverpool. What do you remember about that day?

To come off the bench and score in that sort of game was incredible, especially as it put us 2- 0 up and effectively sealed the three points. You could tell from the roar of the crowd just how much it meant to the fans. I was happy for the club because of how important it was – not only because it was a derby, but the win really helped considering we were bottom of the table at the time. It was the perfect start to Joe’s period in charge.

What was Duncan Ferguson like on and off the pitch at Everton?

On the pitch, he was a good partner to have. He was hard working and knew how to play the game properly. Off the pitch, he was such a funny guy.

What did it mean when you got your own song from the fans?

Of course, I liked it. It felt like it took a while for the Everton fans to warm to me, but when they get behind you it’s a wonderful feeling – they’re tremendously loyal. I remember going back to Goodison Park with my family to see Everton play Southampton a few years ago, and when I went onto the pitch at half- time, the reception I got was amazing.

During the 1995 FA Cup semi- final against Spurs, Daniel Amokachi effectively subbed himself on for you – while you were down injured, he lied to one of the coaching staff by saying Royle had decided to put him on. Did you mind about that?!

Initially… but he scored twice, so who cares! Although we ran out 4- 1 winners, we hadn’t been fancied at all before kick- off. The press really seemed to be pushing for a Manchester United- Spurs final. I think that spurred us on.

Tell us about your goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester United...

The ball bounced out after Graham Stuart hit the crossbar, and I just focused on hitting the target. Scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final was the best feeling ever, but it wasn’t until the end of the match that you realised how significant the goal was. United could have won the Double that season, so it made you appreciate the size of the victory, given the team we were facing and our position in the table. We finished 15th that year and had been more focused on avoiding the drop, not winning trophies like United. Neville Southall was unbelievable in goal that day. He kept us in the game, for sure.

Everton haven’t won a major trophy since then – how did it feel to be part of a team that had delivered success?

After the season we’d had, which was a long battle to avoid relegation, to finish it off with something as big as winning the FA Cup was sensational. Although the day was great, you really got a sense of just how massive it was for the fans when we went back to Liverpool. The reception we received the following day as we went around town in the open- top bus was fantastic. I have brilliant memories of it – I loved my time at Everton.

After leaving Everton in 1997, you played in China and the USA before finishing your career with Tranmere. What drew you back to Merseyside?

I’d had five great years at Everton, but I left when it became time for younger players to emerge. It’s always hard to leave a club you love, but you accept it – it’s part of the game. When the opportunity later arose to go back to Merseyside, a place where I’d had many happy memories, and play under a boss like John Aldridge, who I’d admired as a player, it was too good to turn down.

Since retiring, you’ve coached in the US...

Ever since the first time I visited the States as a 13- year- old, I knew it was somewhere I’d like to be. I signed for MLS team Kansas City Wizards near the end of my playing career, and the natural progression was to do some youth coaching. I enjoy working with the 13 to 18- year- olds, because they’re so willing to learn. To see them develop as players and go on to play at a higher level is very rewarding.

Do you still look out for Everton’s results?

Always. I do for all my old teams, but Everton in particular – they’re my club, and my wife and sons are Blues. I’ve even been turning my youth players into Everton fans when I can!