Neville Southall
Everton's record appearance-maker and one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation.
Neville Southall (born 16 September 1958) is a Welsh football manager and former international footballer. He has been described as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. He won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1985 and was nominated for the Ballon d'Or in 1985 and 1987. He is one of the few players to have made over 1,000 career appearances.
- Role
- Goalkeeper
- Club Affiliation
- Everton F.C.
- Debut Year
- 1981
- National Team
- Wales
- Key Record
- Most Competitive Appearances
- Status
- Retired Legend
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Southall joined Bury from Winsford United for a £6,000 fee in 1980. He moved to Everton for £150,000 in 1981 and established himself as first-choice goalkeeper by the 1983–84 season. He made a club record 578 appearances in the English Football League and Premier League (750 in all competitions). His honours with Everton include a European Cup Winners' Cup medal in 1985, First Division championship medals in 1984–85 and 1986–87, FA Cup winners medals in 1984 and 1995, and FA Charity Shield winners medals in 1984, 1985, and 1995. He also played in the 1985 and 1989 FA Cup finals, the League Cup final in 1984 (which Everton lost), and helped Everton to second place in the league in 1985–86. After leaving Everton in 1998, he became Torquay United's regular goalkeeper for two years. He played internationally for Wales, winning 92 caps between 1982 and 1998. He was named on the PFA Team of the Year four consecutive times and listed among the world's top ten goalkeepers by the IFFHS on four occasions. He is a member of the Gwladys Street's Hall of Fame and was named one of the 100 'Greatest Players of the 20th Century' by World Soccer magazine. In the 1996 Birthday Honours, he was appointed an MBE.
In Their Own Story
The rain lashed down on Goodison Park, blurring the floodlights into soft halos above the Kop. Southall stood in his goal, mud splattered across his blue jersey, eyes fixed on the penalty spot. The crowd roared, a sea of white scarves and nervous energy. He took a deep breath, adjusting his gloves, knowing this moment defined more than just ninety minutes. With a sudden lunge to his right, he parried the shot away from danger, sparking an eruption of joy that echoed through the damp North West night.
Reader's Guide
Southall is known for his political activism, including being an international officer for his UNISON branch, endorsing Jeremy Corbyn for the 2017 UK general election, endorsing LGBT rights, and speaking at events advocating for Welsh independence. He has also worked extensively with disadvantaged children and established his own educational consultancy.
Did You Know?
- Southall worked as a binman, waiter and hod carrier during his teenage years.
- He made his professional debut for Bury against Wigan Athletic on 20 September 1980.
- He kept a clean sheet in the 1984 FA Cup final as Everton beat Watford 2–0.
- He conceded just one goal in eight matches during Everton's 1984–85 European Cup Winners' Cup campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Neville Southall?
He was a legendary Welsh goalkeeper who spent the majority of his career at Everton, becoming synonymous with the club's success in the 1980s and 1990s. His leadership between the posts made him an icon for generations of Toffees supporters.
When did he join Everton?
Southall arrived at Goodison Park in 1981 following a transfer fee of £150,000 from Manchester City. He quickly established himself as the first-choice keeper by the 1983–84 season and remained there for over two decades.
What is his appearance record?
He holds the club record for competitive appearances in league history, having played 578 times across the English Football League and Premier League. Including all competitions, he made a staggering total of 750 outings for the Blues.
Why is he considered important to Everton?
Southall provided unwavering stability during a golden period that saw silverware return to Merseyside. His consistent performances helped define an era where ambition and resilience merged at Goodison Park.
Did he play for the national team?
Yes, alongside his club duties, Southall represented Wales internationally throughout his career. He is remembered as a steadfast guardian who earned immense respect both domestically and abroad.
More in Club History
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