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Gary Lineker endured a slow start at Everton but finished his only campaign with 40 goals in all competitions
Gary Lineker has admitted winning Everton fans over was a challenge when he arrived at Goodison Park.
In 1985, the Match of the Day presenter joined a Toffees side still flying after winning the league by a mammoth 13 points. Then manager Howard Kendall had just controversially sold Andy Gray to Aston Villa despite the Scotsman winning three trophies in two seasons.
Lineker was tasked as his replacement and bagged an impressive 40 goals in 57 games across all competitions. While his own contribution cannot be questioned, Lineker’s solitary year on Merseyside ended trophyless and was sandwiched between two title-winning campaigns.
A dream move to Barcelona beckoned after the 1986 World Cup – where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer. But it was not always an easy adjustment to life at Everton.
Gary Lineker believes the wrong player got sent off during Liverpool’s win over Everton
Gary Lineker believes the wrong player got sent off during Liverpool’s win over Everton
