Everton is one of the most successful Premier League clubs with 9 titles in their history. The club holds the record for most seasons in the top flight of English football.
Everton is associated with the nickname the ‘Toffees’. But have you ever wondered why Everton are nicknamed the Toffees? This intriguing question might have crossed the mind of football enthusiasts time and again. But not many know the sweet story that gave Everton this unique nickname.
Today, we’re about to uncover the delicious tale behind this nickname and explain how it became an integral part of the club’s identity. So, let’s dive into the rich history of the Toffees.
History of Everton Football Club
Before we unwrap the mystery behind the nickname, it’s essential to understand the history of Everton – a club steeped in tradition and heritage.
Based in Liverpool, Everton F.C. is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in England. Formed in 1878, the club has left an indelible mark on the English top flight football league.
The club was initially known as St Domingo FC, named after a local church, and only played matches amongst its parish. But as the club’s popularity grew, it expanded beyond its parish boundaries.
In 1879, the club was renamed Everton FC after the surrounding area, opening its doors to a larger community of football lovers.
Why are Everton called the Toffees?
Today, Everton Football Club is not just known for its impressive football legacy but also for its distinctive nickname – “The Toffees”.
But how did a football club come to be associated with sugary confectionery? Everton’s moniker, ‘The Toffees’, is not just a nickname but a story deeply rooted in the club’s locale and the community’s culture. The story behind it is as fascinating as it is sweet.
Next to the club’s original ground, near Anfield, were two Everton toffee shops – Molly Bushell shop Ye Ancient Everton Toffee House and Mother Noblett’s Toffee Shop. The two sweet shops were frequently visited by football fans on match days, creating an inextricable link between Everton and toffees. The nickname of the club originally came from the two toffee shops located in Everton Village.
Mother Noblett’s toffee shop was between Everton Brow and Brow Side, which was located near Anfield, where Everton started their journey. Molly Bushell’s shop Ye Ancient Everton Toffee House, was located in Village Street, right next to Goodison Park.
Mother Noblett ’s sweet shop located in Everton village was particularly popular for a special type of toffee known as the famous Everton Mint, a sweet treat beloved by locals and visitors alike. Everton Mints featured a toffee centre encased in a delightful sugar shell. The unmistakable black and white stripes of these mints paid homage to the iconic team jersey worn by Everton.
The nickname ‘Toffees’ emerged as a symbol of this connection between the club, the community, and the much-loved local toffee. Over time, it was embraced by the club and its fans, adding a distinct flavour to Everton’s identity.
The Toffees and Their Community
The nickname ‘Toffees’ does more than just represent the football club. It’s a testament to Everton’s rich community culture and the relationship between the football club and its locality.
The club’s history and the community’s story are entwined, making ‘The Toffees’ a shared identity that resonates with Evertonians worldwide.
The local toffee shops became bustling social hubs on match days, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. They offered not just sweets but also a space for fans to come together, bond over football, and indulge in a local treat.
This sense of unity and shared tradition is embedded in the nickname ‘Toffees’, making it more than just a term of endearment but a badge of pride for Everton fans.
The Toffee Lady Tradition
Another element that ties the ‘Toffees’ nickname to Everton’s identity is the Toffee Lady tradition. Initiated in the 1960s, this charming custom involves usually young girl nowadays, aptly named the ‘Toffee Lady’, distributing toffees to the crowd before home games.
This tradition has been kept alive for decades and is a much-anticipated event for Everton fans.
It underscores the deep bond between the club and its nickname, further solidifying the association of Everton with toffees. The act of sharing toffees is symbolic of the club’s community spirit, embodying the warmth and unity that define Everton’s ethos.
Everton’s Impact on the Premier League
The Everton F.C. has had a notable impact on the Premier League. The club has contributed not just in terms of sporting prowess but also in infusing a sense of community into the league, symbolised by their cherished nickname.
Over the years, Everton has emerged as a formidable force in the Premier League, known for their competitive spirit and sportsmanship. They have won numerous trophies, including five FA Cups, one European Cup Winners’ Cup and nine Charity Shields.
This combination of sporting excellence and community spirit makes Everton a unique entity in the Premier League, one that’s as loved for its on-field performances as it is for its off-field traditions.
The History of Goodison Park
Goodison Park, the renowned stadium of Everton, derives its name from the adjacent road, Goodison Road. Interestingly, this road owes its name to the accomplished civil engineer, George Goodison, who oversaw its construction.
Everton had to move to Goodison Park from their base in Anfield in 1892. The change was necessary after Liverpool was formed in 1892. And that created one of the most anticipated derbies of the Premier League – the Merseyside Derby.
The Beginning of the Merseyside Derby
The captivating rivalry between the two esteemed football clubs from Merseyside has flourished for well over a century, capturing the imaginations of fans and players alike.
This compelling tale commences with Everton, the original occupants of Anfield, being compelled to relocate and construct a new home in Goodison Park.
The reason behind their departure stemmed from a bitter dispute with the ground’s owner, John Houlding.
Remarkably, it was during this tumultuous period that Houlding founded Liverpool FC, marking the genesis of the legendary rivalry.
The inaugural Merseyside derby unfolded on October 13, 1894, with Everton emerging triumphant in a resounding 3-0 victory.
Conclusion
The nickname ‘Toffees’ isn’t just a name – it’s a symbol of community, tradition, and the rich history of Everton. It represents the club’s journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a Premier League giant, while retaining its strong ties with the local community.
From the bustling toffee shops that spurred the nickname to the sweet tradition of the Toffee Lady, the name ‘Toffees’ adds a unique flavour to Everton, making it a beloved entity in the world of football.
It’s a sweet reminder of the intrinsic bond between a football club and its locality, enhancing the Premier League’s diversity and charm.
