Why are everton called the toffees

Step right up, football enthusiasts! Have you ever wondered why Everton Football Club is affectionately known as ‘The Toffees’? Well, prepare to delve into a fascinating journey through the rich history and intriguing origins behind this quirky nickname. From humble beginnings to iconic traditions, join us as we uncover the delectably sweet story behind why Everton has become synonymous with the delicious allure of ‘The Toffees’!

Introduction to Everton Football Club

Everton Football Club, also known as The Toffees, is a professional football club based in Liverpool, England. Founded in 1878, it is one of the oldest clubs in English football and has a rich history filled with triumphs and tribulations.

The club was originally founded as St. Domingo’s FC by a group of young men from the local St. Domingo Methodist Church. They initially played at Stanley Park before moving to Goodison Park in 1892, which has been their home ground ever since.

In its early years, Everton enjoyed success in various regional leagues before joining the newly formed Football League in 1888. Since then, they have competed in the top division of English football for a record-breaking 118 seasons and have won nine league titles, making them one of the most successful clubs in England.

The Origin of the Toffees

The origin of the Toffees, as Everton fans are known, can be traced back to the early days of the club. The term “Toffees” is a nickname that has been associated with Everton for over 140 years and is deeply ingrained in the club’s history and culture.

The nickname “Toffees” for Everton Football Club may have come from a nearby candy shop near their old stadium. This shop was owned by Mother Noblett, who sold homemade confectionery treats called “Everton Toffees.” These sweets were immensely popular among the locals and were even sold at the football matches. Fans became known as “Toffee Men” for munching on toffees while supporting their team.

The Toffees nickname for Everton may have originated from a game in 1889 involving player Tom Keates. A fan threw a bag of toffees at a soccer player as he was taking a corner kick, but the player calmly ate one before continuing. This display of composure and humor impressed both teammates and fans alike, leading them to affectionately call him “Toffee,” which later extended to all Everton players.

Despite its uncertain beginnings, the Toffees nickname remains a beloved symbol of the club’s history and tradition, and it will continue to be proudly worn by Everton fans for generations to come.

1. Possible theories and explanations

Possible theories and explanations for why Everton is called the Toffees can be traced back to the early days of the club’s formation. One theory suggests that the name originated from a local confectioner who used to sell toffee in the area where Everton played their home games.

According to this theory, during matches, fans would often buy and consume large amounts of the delicious treat, leading them to be referred to as “Toffeemen” or “Toffees.” As time went on, this nickname became associated with the team itself, eventually evolving into Everton’s current moniker – The Toffees.

Another theory links Everton’s nickname with their traditional blue and white striped kit. It is said that these colors were chosen because they represent two popular types of sweets – blue for mint humbugs, and white for Everton mints. This connection between candy and football could have contributed to the adoption of “Toffees” as a fitting nickname for the team.

Some also believe that there may be a more direct link between Everton FC and confectionery. In 1889, when John Houlding was looking for a new ground for his newly formed Liverpool Football Club, he approached Everton about sharing their Anfield stadium. However, after negotiations broke down over rental fees, Houlding decided to form his own club and named it after his family business – Houlding’s Toffee Works.

While this may not directly explain why Everton is called the Toffees today, it could have sparked a rivalry between the two clubs and contributed to Everton’s association with sweets and the Toffee nickname.

2. Historical references and evidence

Historical references and evidence play a crucial role in understanding the origin of Everton’s nickname, “The Toffees.” While there are various theories surrounding the origin of this moniker, historical evidence provides us with a clearer understanding of how it came to be associated with the football club.

In the 1880s, Everton was based in Anfield and shared their home ground with another team called Liverpool. Fans attending the games would buy sweets known as “toffees” from vendors outside the stadium. This led to Everton players being referred to as “The Toffees.”

Another piece of evidence supporting this theory is an article published in The Bulletin magazine in 1895. The article mentions that Everton supporters cheered on their team by shouting “Come on you Toffees!” This further solidifies the belief that the nickname originated from the sale of sweets outside of Everton’s home ground.

Furthermore, in 1889, a local newspaper published an advertisement for a game between Nottingham Forest and Everton at Goodison Park. The advert read: “Goodison Park next Saturday – Evertons vs Notts Forrest; kick-off 4pm; admission one penny (boys free); bring your own cocoa, toffees 1d per quarter pound.”

This advertisement not only highlights the affordability of attending an Everton game but also reaffirms the association of the club with toffees.

Additionally, there have been several instances where Everton players and officials themselves have referred to the team as “The Toffees.” In a matchday programme from 1897, the then-Everton manager, William C. Cuff, wrote: “Once again we do battle for victory… and let us hope Everton’s play will be as sweet as their name suggests.”

Iconic Toffee-related Moments in Everton’s History

Everton Football Club is known for its rich history and passionate fan base. As one of the oldest clubs in English football, Everton has had many memorable moments over the years. However, there are certain iconic toffee-related moments that stand out in the club’s history. These moments not only showcase the nickname “The Toffees” but also highlight the strong connection between Everton and its hometown of Liverpool.

1. The Origin of “The Toffees” Nickname

One of the most significant moments in Everton’s history was when they adopted the nickname “The Toffees”. This happened during a game against Bolton Wanderers in 1889 when a local confectioner named Mother Noblett gave out free toffees to spectators at Goodison Park. The players loved these treats so much that they decided to adopt it as their team’s nickname, giving rise to “The Toffees”.

2. Dixie Dean’s Record-Breaking Season

In 1927-28 season, Everton witnessed an iconic moment when their star striker, Dixie Dean, broke the record for most goals scored in a single season (60 goals). To commemorate this achievement, fans started throwing toffees onto the pitch every time Dean scored a goal. This tradition continued throughout his career and cemented the association between Everton and “The Toffees”.

3. The Toffee Lady

One of Everton’s most beloved figures is Elsie Cresswell, also known as “The Toffee Lady”. For over 50 years, she sold toffees outside Goodison Park on match days and became a fixture at the club. Her contribution to Everton’s history and her iconic image holding a tray of toffees is a testament to the strong bond between the club and its nickname.

4. The Toffee League Cup Win

In 1984, Everton won the League Cup by defeating Watford 2-0 in a thrilling final. This was their first major trophy in 14 years and it came with a unique celebration. After the game, players paraded around Wembley stadium with bags of toffees, throwing them into the crowd while singing “We are all going on a Toffee tour!” This iconic moment highlighted the pride that Everton fans took in their nickname.

Conclusion

The nickname “The Toffees” has a rich history and deep roots in Everton Football Club. The name “Everton” has a deep history and meaning for fans, linking back to the team’s home ground and a popular treat in the area. It’s a cherished tradition that will be passed on by generations of devoted fans. Whether you are an avid follower or new to Everton, understanding the origin of “The Toffees” adds another layer of appreciation for this historic club.

FAQs

1. Which club is known as the Toffees?

The team that is known as the Toffees is Everton Football Club. This nickname dates back to the late 19th century when the team was based in a district of Liverpool known for its toffee factories. The nickname stuck and has been used by fans and media alike ever since.

2. Why is Everton called Goodison?

Goodison Park is the home stadium of Everton Football Club. The name comes from the location of the stadium in the Goodison area of Liverpool, England. It was originally known as Mere Green Field and was used for football matches, but when Everton moved there in 1892, it became known as Goodison Park. Since then, it has been a beloved and iconic location for Everton fans to gather and support their team.

3. Do Everton still have a toffee lady?

Yes, Everton Football Club still has a toffee lady who serves delicious toffees to the fans during games. She is a beloved tradition at Goodison Park and has become an iconic part of the matchday experience for fans.