1970's

A year later in the 1969-70 season, Everton won the Championship again thanks in part to the scoring sensation of Joe Royle, who would later manage the club to FA Cup success in 1995.

The success of the team could be seen from the number of points won (one short of the record) and nine clear of Leeds United.


The team won the league in style, playing what was virtually a form of Total Football orchestrated by the "Holy Trinity" midfield of Howard Kendall, Alan Ball and Colin Harvey. With Labone at centre-half and club captain and Royle up front, this is regarded by many fans as the club's finest side ever.

Harry Catterick's team of 1969-70 seemed destined for greatness but declined quickly. In 1970-71 Everton did not recapture their league form but did progress on two cup fronts. For only the second time, Everton played in the European Cup reaching the Quarter-finals but were knocked out by Greek side Panathinaikos on the away goals rule.

The previous weekend Everton took on neighbours Liverpool in the FA Cup semi final and lost 2-1.

Everton finished 14th in 1971, and 15th, 17th and 7th in the following seasons. The stress of an under-performing team was said to be a factor in Harry Catterick's poor health and eventual resignation in 1974.

The Billy Bingham and Gordon Lee Era

Everton were on course to win the Championship in the 1974-75 season under Billy Bingham (some bookmakers had even stopped taking bets at Easter) but some surprising losses to lowly opposition ended the challenge and they finished 4th.

After two relatively poor seasons (11th and 9th), Bingham left in 1977.

During the interregnum, Everton reached their first League Cup final, with Aston Villa, and the FA Cup Semi final, against Liverpool. In the League Cup Everton and Aston Villa drew the final at Wembley and drew the replay at Hillsborough, before Everton lost late in extra time of the second replay at Old Trafford.

The FA Cup Semi final was drawn 2-2 but the match will forever be remembered for the goal by Bryan Hamilton that was disallowed. Everton lost the replay 3-0.

Under Gordon Lee Everton finished third in 1977-78 (Bob Latchford topped the first division scoring chart with 30 goals), and 4th in 1978-79, after yet again looking serious title challengers for much of these seasons.

However, the expectations were high given the success of Liverpool across the park, and finishes of 19th in 1979-80 and 15th in 1980-81, too close to the relegation zone for comfort, led to Lee's departure.