Everton Hill Dickinson
Dr. David France, a dedicated Everton supporter and former oil and gas executive, has made significant contributions to preserving the club’s history and supporting its former players. He sold his extensive collection of Everton memorabilia to the club at a reduced price to ensure its preservation and founded the Everton Former Players’ Foundation to support ex-professionals. Despite his contributions, Dr. France expressed mixed emotions about Everton’s current standing in North America and the challenges faced by fans in the region.
Dr. France said: “It’s great that Everton are visiting my adopted country but sad that I’m unable to watch them in New Jersey, Illinois and Georgia. I’ve travelled over 2 million miles to from North America to Goodison, but illness prevents me travelling the mere 1,400 miles from my home to Chicago and 1,600 miles to Atlanta. I’ve missed only a couple of the 20 or so games that Everton have played in North America since 1985.”
Dr. France continued: “Sadly, our standing in North America has declined during the past decade but Everton fans pop up everywhere. I spotted a COYB plate on my way to the hospital in Phoenix last Wednesday. Significant enhancement in fan engagement during the past couple of decades. While North American fans may not have enjoyed our best performances on the pitch, they have never been disappointed by the eloquent professionalism of Darren Griffiths and the amiable and approachable support of Graham Stuart and Leon Osman. All three are a credit to the club and make me and other North American fans proud to be blue.”
Dr. France added: “Many gatherings of Evertonians are fan-driven and would not happen without the diligent work of Tony Sampson (head of the North American Toffees and vice chair of the club’s FAB) and other members of the 45 transatlantic blue cults. Unfortunately, pre-season tours are little more than training camps and US fans rarely see their heroes at their best. Many team performances are lacklustre, with the exception of beating Juventus in 2013.”
Dr. France concluded: “I have observed that, in the absence of Premier League success and recent USA-born players, North American Evertonians are as united, defiant and loud as their Merseyside brothers. The club must continue to invest in US-based fans and their events. Perhaps, Everton will visit Canada next time? After all, Prime Minister Mark Carney is a life-long Blue.”
Dr. France’s reflections highlight the enduring passion of Everton’s North American fanbase, despite the club’s recent struggles in the region. His praise for individuals like Darren Griffiths, Graham Stuart, and Leon Osman underscores their role in maintaining strong fan engagement. Moreover, the efforts of Tony Sampson and the North American Toffees are vital in fostering a sense of community among Evertonians across the Atlantic. Dr. France’s hope for future visits to Canada reflects a desire for broader engagement with fans in North America, ensuring the club’s legacy continues to thrive internationally.
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