Interviews with Fans, by Jan Grace

Jan has been volunteering with the Collection for over a year now. She admits she is not an avid fan, but says Everton has touched her more than she thought it could.

She should have realised this as her Dad and brothers were true blue Evertonians and from a young age she was told that her Uncle played for the youth and reserve teams before losing his life over Holland in WW2.

Jan's re-acquaintance with Everton came as she married an ardent blue. She says it's hard not to share the joys and sorrows, especially as her three children are blues as well.

Jan has a love of archiving and local history and she thinks the Everton Collection is a wonderful record of a club interacting with a community. Her highlight has been the interviews, especially the one with Matt Dean, Dixie's grandson. To hear how he visited Liverpool and came to realise how his grandfather was still so revered by fans that had never seen him play.

Jan's Interviews...

Interview with Matthew Dean (Dixie Dean's Grandson), 30th March 2010 at Liverpool Central Library
Topics discussed: origins of 'Dixie's' name; how Dixie Dean got to matches; father's memories of Dixie Dean; did he enjoy the fame?; running the Dublin Packet pub in Chester; Italian prisoner of war who knew Dixie Dean.
Listen to full interview by clicking on mp3 file in top right corner. A timings sheet is also available.



Interview with Stephen Todd, 19th May 2010 at Liverpool Central Library
Topics discussed: Beating Wimbledon 8-0 in August 1978; watching the Bayern Munich Semi-Final in the Gwladys Street; meeting friends behind Park End; nerves before each Merseyside derby; Stanley Park is where Everton should player; football has become too commercial.
Listen to full interview by clicking on mp3 file in top right corner. A timings sheet is also available.


Interview with Gary Hart, 26th May 2010 at Liverpool Central Library
Topics discussed: Watched first Everton match aged 18 months old; won Liverpool Echo competition to have photo with team in 1970s; holding the European Cup Winners' Cup at Liverpool Airport; Everton should stay at Goodison; watch matches with dad, eating Everton toffee and wine gums; meeting Gary Lineker at Bellefield; a night game at Goodison is heaven on earth.
Listen to full interview by clicking on mp3 file in top right corner. A timings sheet is also available.

Interview with John Summerfield, 11th June 2010 at Liverpool Central Library
Topics discussed: watching Liverpool in 1952, week later watching Everton, preferred the blues; Roy Vernon in 4-1 defeat over Fulham; meeting Derek Temple and Dixie Dean outside his pub; foggy match against Charlton; going to match on same train as players; ticket prices should be related to wages; players used to live in semi-detached houses; going to Leicester match on New Year's Eve.
Listen to full interview by clicking on mp3 file in top right corner. A timings sheet is also available.