Kevin Ratcliffe
The tough-tackling captain who led Everton through their most successful spell in the 1980s.
Kevin Ratcliffe (born 12 November 1960) is a Welsh former professional footballer who spent most of his career playing for Everton. He joined Everton as an apprentice in 1977 and made his debut on 12 March 1980 at Old Trafford, Manchester after replacing John Gidman through injury. Initially used as a left back with mixed results, his form improved dramatically when moved to centre back. In 1983 at the age of 23 he was made captain, just as the club began a highly successful spell. Ratcliffe made 461 appearances for Everton and scored two goals in that time (one a 30-yarder at Anfield).
Quick Facts
- Born
- 12 November 1960
- Birthplace
- Mancot, Wales
- Height
- 5 ft 11 in / 1.8 m
- Position
- Central defender, left back
- Total caps
- 406
- Total goals
- 3
Lore & Background
Ratcliffe was renowned for his robust approach to the game and for being a tough tackler. He was sent off early in his career for a head butt in 1981 on Tommy Hutchison against Manchester City. He was also involved in a notable incident with Vinnie Jones in 1989 against Wimbledon. In a bad tempered match, Jones had put in a late tackle against striker Graeme Sharp flooring him, and Ratcliffe steamed forward to challenge Jones aggressively. Jones brushed his head forward in what appeared to be a headbutt, with Ratcliffe going down. Jones later claimed in his autobiography that his head barely touched Ratcliffe's and Ratcliffe had feigned contact to get him sent off. This was later confirmed in Graeme Sharp's book, Sharpy, My Story when he admitted both him and Ratcliffe exaggerated Jones's contact on them both to get him sent off to their pleasure. Ratcliffe has said in an interview the hardest (most aggressive) opponents he faced were Graeme Souness, Jimmy Case, Mick Harford and Billy Whitehurst, with Whitehurst supposedly being the hardest of all.
Reader's Guide
Kevin Ratcliffe's era at Everton spanned from his debut in 1980 to his departure in 1992. Primarily playing as a centre back after moving from left back, he was known for his robust approach and tough tackling. His greatest achievements came as captain: winning the 1984 FA Cup Final, the Football League Championship in 1984–85 and 1986–87, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1984–85. He also appeared in three other FA Cup finals (1985, 1986, 1989) and a League Cup Final in 1984. Ratcliffe made 461 appearances for Everton and scored two goals, including a 30-yarder at Anfield. After his playing career, he managed Chester City and Shrewsbury Town, and now works for BBC Wales Sport.
Did You Know?
- Kevin Ratcliffe was born in Mancot, near Queensferry in Flintshire, Wales.
- He was a roommate of Liverpool rival Ian Rush during Wales matches.
- After leaving Everton in 1992, he played for Dundee, Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Chester City.
More in Legendary Players
Elsewhere in Everton
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced