While Everton may be fast turning themselves into a household name with signings like James Rodriguez, and Carlo Ancelotti on the touchline, it’s not always been the case.
One of England’s most successful clubs, the Blues have struggled to earn themselves the reputation worldwide that their trophies should get them.
That was certainly the case during David Moyes’ time in charge, with the Scot not only reestablishing Everton but also rebuilding their reputation around Europe.
Not, enough though, it seems, if this anecdote from Belgian football journalist Filip Joos is anything to go by.
“I remember meeting Marouane Fellaini in 2008 at Zaventem airport,” he told MIDMID Podcast, relayed by Voetbalkrant.
“He had just signed his contract with Everton FC. The English had paid twenty million euros for him to Standard.
“I added that it (luck) would be necessary. Everton was only in 16th place in the Premier League at the time.
“Fellaini looked at me with wide eyes and asked me if I was serious.
“He had just signed a contract with a new club but hadn’t looked at the standings. The numbers may have spoken for themselves.”
Fortunately for Fellaini and Everton, they wouldn’t stay near the bottom of the table for too long, with the Toffees finishing fifth that year and qualifying for Europe.
The midfielder was a key part of that success, bagging nine goals and five assists in all competitions that year, so all’s well that ends well.
