The Merseyside derby is often billed as being English football’s friendly derby and, while it is often less than that on the pitch, relations between Everton and Liverpool are generally decent.
Merseyside Derby Memories: 5 Players to Play for Both Sides
Despite the long-standing rivalry, the transfer path between the Merseyside giants is a well-trodden one, dating right back to 1982 when Duncan Mclean and Tom Wyllie left the Blues to join newly-founded Reds. Here’s our look at five players that have donned both blue and red in Merseyside.
Merseyside Derby: Peter Beardsley
The mercurial Peter Beardsley was raised in the north-east and played 147 times for his beloved Newcastle before signing for Liverpool in 1987 for what was then a British transfer record. He won two league titles and an FA Cup during his time at Anfield under Kenny Dalglish before swapping allegiance to Everton in 1991.
In the first-ever Premier League derby between this pair, Beardsley drove home a low winner for Howard Kendall’s Toffees after Mo Johnston had cancelled out Mark Wright’s opener at a raucous Goodison Park in what was still a novel Monday Night Football offering under the lights on live television.
Merseyside Derby: Steve McMahon
Steve McMahon was a staple of Liverpool’s successful mid-to-late 1980s teams, a combative midfielder that wasn’t afraid of a tackle but could also play a bit. He won three league titles at Anfield and two FA Cups while making more than 200 appearances in red, but it was at Everton that he began his career.
A one-time ball-boy at Goodison Park, McMahon began his playing career with his boyhood club and notched a century of appearances for the Blues before a spell at Aston Villa split his time on Merseyside.
Merseyside Derby: David Johnson
Born and bred in the city, striker David Johnson began his playing career at Everton in the late 1960s before crossing Stanley Park in 1976. It was a worthwhile move, with four league titles, two League Cups, three European Cups and a UEFA Super Cup won during a hugely decorated time at Anfield as he played 213 times and scored 78 goals.
He had a second spell at Goodison and was the first player ever to score for both clubs in the Merseyside derby.
Merseyside Derby: Kevin Sheedy
Born in Wales but a Republic of Ireland international, Kevin Sheedy was signed by Liverpool in 1978 as a teenager from Hereford United, but made just a handful of appearances before moving across Stanley Park. He sparkled in blue, with a cultured left foot that brought him 97 goals in 356 games for the Toffees.
He won four major honours with Howard Kendall’s Blues – two league titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup and also scored a majestic Italia ’90 goal for Jack Charlton’s Ireland against Bobby Robson’s England in Cagliari.
Merseyside Derby: Gary Ablett
With both clubs enjoying lots of success in the 1980s, it is perhaps surprising the level of crossover. Born in the city, Gary Ablett broke into the Liverpool team under Dalglish and the versatile defender won two league titles and an FA Cup in 1988/89.
He crossed the divide in 1992 and in May 1995 was part of the Everton team that beat Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup final – making him the first player to hoist that famous trophy for both clubs in his home city.
Please note that the information provided in this Merseyside Derby Winners article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
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