Duncan Dares to sign off in style
Posted by Ian Marshall's Double in Everton | 9 May 2006
Few men of action have been able to make a graceful exit at the appropriate time. Malcolm Muggeridge
So Duncan’s fond finale, which looked like being one of those horrible end of season efforts where the players traipse around in what is perceive to be an undeserving manner, actually ended in style.
It started in a slightly farcical way though. The club’s attempts to give Brian Labone a ‘unique tribute’ went awry as many people misunderstood what appeared to be pretty clear instructions and started clapping straight away. Never mind, by the end it was a fitting accolade. Applause for a minute seems like a loads better idea, especially as minute silences rarely achieve the benchmark for such an event, which is ‘immaculately observed’. Issues include alcohol, disinterest (the Queen Mother’s at Goodison didn’t seem to register), people arriving late, blatant self-publicists and mobile phones. With most having mp3s now as well, the last thing you need is ‘Mardy Bum’ blaring out when trying to keep a respectful silence.
As for the match, in fairness to Everton, they played OK at times with Kilbane alone having 4 decent first half chances and their keeper having a blinder.
Potential Everton target Zoltan Gera had a decent game and West Brom looked pretty decent, miles ahead of Preston or Leeds from last night’s play off game.
With a few minutes to go and the West Brom fans singing ‘2-0 to the Championship’, Moyesy decided to go for it. This meant Simon Davies being replaced to a chorus of boos. This is inane although it must be said that he continues to frustrate and it is tough to see what the manager saw/sees in him. He appears to lack the pace to play wide but isn’t physically equipped to play against the Papa Bouba Diops or even the Ronnie Wallworks (apologies for the inappropriate use of plurals) of this world. Maybe next year eh?
Anyway, on came van der Meyde, fresh from pranging his Porsche and big Victor. Having seen him look a proper handful for the Reserves it was interesting to study whether ‘Big Vic’ could transfer this strength to the first team. After a couple of dodgy touches, he did just that, using his power to turn quickly and fire through the keepers legs. Superb.
After that it was just a question of whether we could eke out an equaliser but there was no real reason to suspect it would be Dunc’s day, especially as the impressive Curtis Davies had played him well all match. Suddenly there was a bit of a scramble and Alan Wiley found us a penalty.
At first it looked like the Big Man wouldn’t take it, which would have been just weird. His pen was awful, much like the ones we always expected him to take when he was slotting em for fun. He took a swing at the rebound and somehow it ended up in the net. Dunc had scored his first goal of the season (discounting Villarreal) in the last minute of the season. Great.
After this we were treated to a lap of honour totally focused around the Big Fella. None of us would like to have any emotional attachment to a Pet Shop Boys song, but this one really gets you going.
Big Dunc is not an Everton legend, but the reasons why he is an Everton hero are his bond with the fans and his ability to raise his game when it has mattered. Obviously it’s up to him but it’d be a shame to see him play elsewhere now, and what better way to sign off. Cheers Big Man, thanks for the memories.
Having looked at his positive contributions for Everton, next up we’ll have a gander at his sendings off, which although having let the side down on many occasions, have a certain comedy value. Oh and if time permits, after Joe-Max and Brian, we’ll look at our latest septic, Tim.
