Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a prominent figure in British politics, has opened up about his lifelong support for Everton Football Club and his connection with Celtic. His passionate commentary reveals the complexities of football loyalties and the unique relationship he perceives between these clubs.
Burnham, who served as the Member of Parliament for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, has been an avid Everton supporter since the 1970s. In a recent interview, he reflected on his earliest football memories, highlighting a match against Bristol City at Goodison Park in 1976, which coincided with his brother’s birthday. “We beat them 2-0,” Burnham recalls, emphasizing the joy of those formative experiences.
Reflecting on his football heroes, he cites Bob Latchford, who scored an impressive 30 goals in the 1978 season. Burnham recalls the excitement surrounding Latchford’s penalty that clinched a £10,000 prize for the club. “He was a proper swashbuckling English centre-forward,” Burnham stated, reminiscing about the moment he met Latchford years later.
Among his cherished memories, Burnham points to Graeme Sharp’s memorable goals, particularly one against Tottenham Hotspur in 1982. He also remembers the significance of Trevor Steven’s goal against Bayern Munich in 1985, which propelled Everton to the Cup Winners’ Cup final. Despite attending all matches that season, he missed the final in Rotterdam due to school commitments.
The mid-1990s presented challenges for Everton, with Burnham describing a particularly distressing period under manager Mike Walker. “I don’t know how we survived relegation in that 3-2 win against Wimbledon,” he said, recalling the tension of that season.
Duncan Ferguson, who debuted in 1994, became a symbol of resilience for Everton fans. Burnham remarked that Ferguson embodied the club’s fighting spirit, likening him to past legends. When asked about his current favorite player, he expressed confidence in Beto, predicting he might become the new Ferguson for the club.
While discussing his favorite away grounds, Burnham recalled his fondness for Highbury, where he once encroached on the pitch during a match. His nostalgic memories include a treasured scarf from the 1970s, a gift that has accompanied him through the highs and lows of Everton’s history.
Burnham acknowledges the profound impact of former managers Howard Kendall and David Moyes on the club. He regards Kendall as the best manager in Everton’s history, praising his ability to build a successful team. Burnham also commended Moyes for understanding the ethos of Everton, referring to him as “The People’s Club.”
A notable figure in music, Burnham has met various musicians who share his football loyalties. He has fond memories of encountering Johnny Marr of The Smiths and discussing their mutual support for Everton. He also confirmed that Paul McCartney is an Evertonian, emphasizing the bond between music and football among fans.
Burnham’s unique perspective on football rivalries is particularly evident in his support for both Everton and Celtic. “I’m a lone campaigner for Everton and Celtic being the true and original partnership,” he stated, expressing his frustration with the growing connection between Celtic and Liverpool fans, especially around the shared anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Burnham’s commitment to both clubs is rooted in historical connections, such as players who have represented both teams.
As Everton prepares for its future with the new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, Burnham’s dedication to the club and its heritage remains steadfast. His insights into the world of football provide a captivating glimpse into the passion that drives fans and shapes their identities.
This interview originally appeared in FourFourTwo Magazine, issue 362, published in February 2024.
