Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Declan Clark
Guest(s)
Release Date
25 May 2023
Duration
64 min
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by lifelong Everton fan Declan Clarke to revisit one of the most complete English sides of the 1980s — Everton 1984–1985.
Under Howard Kendall, Everton rose from mid-table mediocrity to become a footballing powerhouse. Blending tactical discipline, youthful energy, and a fearless attacking spirit, they swept through the domestic season, winning the First Division title and the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and came within a whisker of completing a historic treble.
The discussion traces how Kendall rebuilt Everton after early struggles, his key signings, and the chemistry that developed between players like Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe, Trevor Steven, Peter Reid, Graeme Sharp, and Andy Gray. The Toffees’ relentless style — pressing, countering, and attacking in waves — made Goodison Park a fortress and established Everton as the best side in Europe.
Yet their crowning moment never came. Following the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985, English clubs were banned from European competition, denying Everton the chance to compete for the European Cup the following season. The episode explores that heartbreak and asks: could Kendall’s men have conquered Europe too?
It’s a story of triumph and tragedy — of a team that reached football’s summit but was stopped just short of immortality.
Takeaways
Howard Kendall’s Everton were arguably the best team in Europe in 1985.
Their balanced system combined hard work with attacking intelligence.
The 1985 European ban robbed them of their chance at greatness.
Everton’s 1984–85 side remains a high-water mark in the club’s history.
Their success was built on teamwork, resilience, and total belief.
Everton 1984–85: The Best Team Never to Play in Europe
In 1984–85, Howard Kendall’s Everton produced one of the finest seasons in English football history. They won the First Division in dominant fashion, claimed the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and reached the FA Cup Final, coming within touching distance of a treble — an achievement that would have cemented them among Europe’s all-time greats.
Built around teamwork, discipline, and controlled aggression, Everton’s side was as complete as any of its era. Neville Southall provided world-class goalkeeping behind a defence marshalled by Kevin Ratcliffe and Derek Mountfield. In midfield, Peter Reid and Paul Bracewell dictated tempo, while Trevor Steven and Kevin Sheedy offered width, vision, and end product. Up front, Graeme Sharp and Andy Gray formed a fearsome partnership — direct, intelligent, and clinical.
Their football was simple yet effective: high pressing, compact organisation, and quick transitions. Goodison Park became a fortress, where Everton overwhelmed opponents with intensity and belief. Their European triumph in Rotterdam — a 3–1 victory over Rapid Vienna — confirmed their status as the best team in Europe that year.
Yet tragedy struck. Following the Heysel disaster, English clubs were banned from Europe, denying Everton the chance to compete for the European Cup. For Kendall and his players, it was a cruel twist of fate — a road to immortality suddenly closed.
Four decades later, that Everton team remains iconic: powerful, united, and timeless. They weren’t just champions of England — they were champions in everything but name.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
Howard Kendall’s managerial rebuild and tactical evolution
Everton’s dominance in the 1984–85 First Division
European Cup Winners’ Cup glory over Rapid Vienna
The Heysel ban and its devastating impact on Everton’s legacy
Key players, partnerships, and leadership at Goodison Park
The balance of grit, flair, and relentless work ethic
Winning the First Division title by 13 points
Lifting the European Cup Winners’ Cup in Rotterdam (3–1 vs Rapid Vienna)
Reaching the FA Cup Final (defeated by Manchester United)
The electric Goodison Park atmosphere on European nights
The heartbreak of the European ban preventing further glory
Notable Manager
Howard Kendall
Notable Players
Neville Southall, Kevin Ratcliffe, Derek Mountfield, Trevor Steven, Peter Reid, Graeme Sharp, Andy Gray, Kevin Sheedy, Paul Bracewell, Gary Stevens, Pat Van Den Hauwe
Style of Play
4-4-2 formation, high pressing, counter-attacking, balanced midfield, wing play, defensive resilience, strike partnership
Everton 1984–85 were the perfect blend of British grit and European sophistication — a team that embodied Howard Kendall’s philosophy of hard work, tactical intelligence, and relentless energy. Operating primarily in a 4-4-2 formation, Everton balanced structure and spontaneity to devastating effect.
Their system relied on defensive solidity from Ratcliffe and Mountfield, protection and tempo from Reid and Bracewell, and wide creativity from Steven and Sheedy, who provided both width and goal threat. Up front, Sharp and Gray formed a classic strike partnership — physical yet intelligent, with Sharp’s movement and Gray’s aerial dominance perfectly complementing one another.
Kendall’s side were masters of transitions. They pressed high, countered at speed, and maintained an intensity few teams could live with. Goodison Park’s tight pitch and fierce atmosphere amplified their aggressive, front-foot approach.
Despite their English roots, Everton’s play carried a European flavour — patient when needed, ruthless in the final third, and tactically disciplined. Their 1985 European triumph showcased a side capable of adapting to different challenges while remaining true to their identity: brave, united, and tireless.
Had they been allowed to compete for the European Cup, Everton’s golden generation might well have completed football’s ultimate treble.
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