Another Blue Catalyst

 

 

When Harry Catterick broke the English transfer record in 1966 with his acquisition from Blackpool for the sum of £112,000, at the time a record transfer fee paid to an English club, he not only signed a very good player, but one that would transform the club. Never short of confidence, when the 16-year-old at Blackpool found himself playing in practice games alongside Sir Stanley Matthews, during one session he played a pass inside the full-back, inviting the great man to run on to it. Stan demanded that the ball be passed to his feet, only to be told: "It's your job to bloody run and get it." His ability to enhance good teams and restore those who were ailing was infectious. These were to be exciting times at Everton. They themselves had just won the 1966 FA Cup, and with Ball, would go on to be one of the most successful teams in Everton's history.
Ball played in midfield alongside Colin Harvey and Howard Kendall, effectionately known as 'The Holy Trinity', who still to this day are regarded as one of Englands, and certainly Everton's finest midfields. Alan proudly recalled one particular standout memory: "I remember being completely overwhelmed with emotion on one particular Saturday when I got two goals against Liverpool. I was running back to the centre circle after I scored the second and pure elation welled up inside me. I remember thinking: 'I just love this place -- I want this place forever.'" 

 

Enter Jack Grealish, who had started just seven Premier League matches last season for Manchester City but now looks like a player reborn wearing the blue of Everton after appearing from the start in two of his new team's first three. It is early days yet but the impact he has made already is tangible. There is no need to get carried away, but this form proves that the player could have a revolutionary season on Merseyside. David Moyes has said, "He is even better than I thought, He probably needs a bit of love and attention. He is making a big difference. Whether it is his assists, his presence, lots of things, so all credit to him. He is playing the minutes he may not have had in recent years. You know, he's so good. What Jack gives us is something just on the edge, which, hopefully it's on the edge of creativeness and maybe scoring goals." This, potentially, is a magical signing for Everton and in my opinion could be as significant for the club as the signing of Alan Ball in the 1960s.