He was a goalkeeper who seemed impossible to beat. Neville Southall is a name that will forever be etched in football history and in the hearts of Everton supporters. Many consider him the third of the club’s “holy trinity” of legends, right after Dixie Dean and Alan Ball. Numerous books and articles have been written about this iconic keeper, and he is the subject of countless fan legends. Here on iliverpool.info, we’ll focus on the key moments of his remarkable career, with a special emphasis on his unforgettable time at Everton.
Early Life and the Road to Professional Football
Neville Southall was born on 16th September 1958 in Llandudno, North Wales. His parents were working-class people—his father a builder and his mother a cleaner. This background played a significant role in shaping his character, instilling in him a strong sense of modesty and determination.
As a boy, Southall enjoyed a variety of sports, but football was always his true passion. He played only at an amateur level while working as a binman and a labourer to support himself. He never received professional coaching as a child, but a pivotal moment came when scouts from the lower leagues noticed his raw talent.
Southall signed his first professional contract with Bury. He quickly impressed with his performances, but his real breakthrough came with his move to Everton. It was there that this rough diamond truly began to shine.
The Everton Years: A Golden Era
Southall made his debut for Everton in 1981. The first few seasons were a struggle as he fought to secure a place in the starting line-up. But his hard work in training paid off. It was this dedication, as much as his natural talent, that helped him develop his exceptional skills and become the team’s first-choice keeper. In 1984, Everton lifted the FA Cup, with Southall a key contributor to their success.
The mid-1980s were the golden years for Southall and the club. In the 1984/85 season, Everton won the English First Division, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and reached the FA Cup final once again. Southall became a genuine leader, with his incredible reflexes saving the team in the most difficult moments.
For example, in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final against Rapid Vienna, Southall’s stunning saves were a crucial factor in Everton’s 3-1 victory. Another memorable performance came in the 1986 Merseyside derby against Liverpool, where he delivered one of the best goalkeeping displays in the fixture’s history. His play drove opponents to distraction, as it seemed almost impossible to get a shot past him.
Even in the 1990s, as Everton’s fortunes declined, Southall remained a symbol of stability. In 1995, just before his career drew to a close, he won his final major trophy—the FA Cup—helping his team defeat Manchester United in the final.
In total, Southall made 751 appearances for Everton, a club record that still stands today. For two decades, he was the team’s captain and a beacon of reliability.
Southall’s Qualities: A Keeper with Lightning Reflexes and a Reserved Character
Southall had several unique qualities:
- Exceptional reflexes. He was always ready for the most challenging shots, making saves that often became the stuff of legend.
- Excellent positioning. Neville had a remarkable intuition for anticipating where an opponent would strike. He used this foresight to narrow the angle and make it as difficult as possible for the attacking player.
- Mental resilience. Southall could remain calm and focused even in the most high-pressure situations.
- Physical stamina. He was a true athlete, which allowed him to play at the highest level well into his senior years.
Neville Southall was also known for being an incredibly modest person with a strong character. He was a private man who shunned the limelight and rarely gave interviews, as he simply had no desire for fame. But his teammates always knew they had a rock-solid last line of defence. The Everton keeper strived for perfection and always took full responsibility for the team’s performance.
Honours and Legacy of a Legend
We’ve already mentioned his record of 751 appearances for Everton, but his titles are even more valuable. Over his career, Southall won:
- 2 English league titles (1984/85, 1986/87);
- 2 FA Cups (1984, 1995);
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1985).
In 1995, Southall became the oldest player to win the FA Cup, proving that a keeper’s true skill only improves with age, at least until he reaches 40. His contribution to Everton’s history is so significant that fans still regard him as the greatest goalkeeper the club has ever had. This gifted player was also inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, ensuring his legacy will continue to inspire new generations.
Neville also made his mark off the pitch. He penned an autobiography, sharing his unique story of success. But there’s another, more unexpected fact about this “recluse.” Southall has been actively involved in charity work and has been a strong advocate for a number of social issues.