Everton legends at a charity evening in Liverpool.

Subtitles: PL, EN, ES

Author/Editor Maria Anna Furman

During a charity evening dedicated to the Everton Club in Liverpool, fans, guests, and former club players Barry Horne and Joe Parkinson came together. The event was organised in support of charitable organisations backed by Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Murray. The programme combined conversations about Everton’s history, memories from the players’ careers, audience reactions and musical performances.

From the very first minutes, it was clear that the evening had not only a sporting character, but also a local and community one. The audience welcomed Barry Horne and Joe Parkinson with applause and club chants. Among others, “Who needs Cantona when we’ve got Barry Horne?” was heard in the room, as well as a chant dedicated to Joe Parkinson. Horne, asked by the host about the fans’ reaction, admitted that he really liked the song and called it one of the best football chants.

Lord Mayor Cllr Barbara Murray recalled that football is one of Liverpool’s most important symbols. She emphasised that the city has two great teams, Liverpool and Everton, but that evening the attention was focused on The Toffees. In her speech, she also spoke about the importance of sporting legends as role models for younger generations and about the value of memories that connect fans over the years.

One of the main topics of the meeting was the 1995 FA Cup final, in which Everton achieved one of the most important victories in its recent history. Barry Horne emphasised that what he remembers most from that day is the win itself. He also spoke about the qualities that make a good team: team spirit, unity, resilience and trust. He particularly emphasised that trust between players cannot be measured, but without it, success is difficult to achieve.

Joe Parkinson, meanwhile, recalled the emotions connected with playing at Wembley. As he said, one of the greatest moments of his career was seeing his parents in the stands. He emphasised that the awareness of their presence and of how much they had done for his football journey was more important to him than the trophy itself.

Parkinson also spoke about his difficult beginnings at Everton. He admitted that after joining the club, he was not immediately able to find his place in the team. He recalled strong pressure and a lack of self-confidence. According to him, the situation began to change after Joe Royle arrived. The former midfielder also emphasised that Everton fans particularly value players who give everything, understand the club and play with full commitment for the team, the city and the fans.

Barry Horne also returned to his debut at Everton. He said that he had previously played for Wrexham, Portsmouth and Southampton, and that his next transfer could have led to moves to other, bigger clubs. For him, however, Everton was the goal. A particularly personal part was when he mentioned his uncles. They were the ones who took him to Everton matches, and thanks to them, he became a fan of the club. Horne said that when he walked out onto the pitch for the first time as an Everton player, he was thinking precisely of them.

During the conversation, it was also recalled that Barry Horne made history at Goodison Park as the scorer of the first Premier League goal at that stadium and Everton’s first goal in the competition. The information was met with applause from the audience.

An important moment of the evening was Barbara Murray’s statement about the Hillsborough tragedy. The Lord Mayor recalled the death of 97 fans and emphasised that, despite the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, in matters like this, the city can be united. She spoke about fan safety, the victims' memories, and solidarity with the families.

The event also had a musical setting. The programme included, among others, Steve, Ted and Vicky Jones. The performances were interwoven with conversations and audience reactions. Vicky Jones’s final performance was received enthusiastically, and host Ted thanked the artist and the Liverpool Liver Birds.

However, the most important part of the event remained the conversations with Barry Horne and Joe Parkinson, two players whose names still bring applause, smiles and club chants from Everton fans.

Author/Editor Maria Anna Furman

• Who: Barry Horne, Joe Parkinson, Lord Mayor Barbara Murray
• What: Charity evening with Everton legends
• Where: Liverpool, Devonshire House Hotel
• When: 2026
• Why it matters: Combines football heritage, community spirit, and charity support

The evening with Everton legends showed that football is more than just results. It is about emotions, memories, and long-lasting relationships. The meeting with Barry Horne and Joe Parkinson proved that club history lives within people, and values like unity, trust, and commitment remain timeless.