Alious
Kevin Sheedy’s legendary status at Everton, where he scored 97 goals and won mult
iple titles including the 1985 European Cup-Winners’ Cup, almost never happened. The midfielder, renowned for having the finest left foot in Blues history, has revealed the intriguing circumstances that first brought him to Merseyside – as a reluctant Liverpool signing.
The story begins in 1978 when a young Sheedy attended the European Cup final between Liverpool and Brugge as a neutral fan. There, he witnessed what he considered Europe’s finest midfield quartet: Kennedy, Souness, McDermott, and Case. Little did he know that this observation would soon become relevant to his career.
Two weeks after the final, Sheedy received unexpected news: Liverpool had bid £100,000 for him, and Hereford United’s chairman wanted him to travel to Anfield to sign. The young player, without an agent and accompanied only by his parents, made the journey north despite serious reservations. His concerns stemmed from seeing that formidable Liverpool midfield – not from lack of confidence, but from realistic assessment of his playing opportunities.
The transfer took a dramatic turn when Hereford’s chairman essentially forced his hand, suggesting the club might fold without the transfer fee. Under this pressure, Sheedy reluctantly signed a four-year contract. Despite limited opportunities at Liverpool (just five appearances), he acknowledges the experience improved him as a player, training alongside stars like Dalglish and Hansen.
The story takes another fascinating twist when Sheedy was effectively “tapped up” by Everton. A Daily Mail reporter called him, followed quickly by Howard Kendall, leading to his historic cross-park transfer. This move required particular courage, as direct transfers between the Merseyside clubs were rare – Sheedy was only the second player to make the direct switch after Johnny Morrissey.
Aware of potential skepticism from Everton fans about signing a Liverpool reject, Sheedy knew he needed to prove himself immediately. He did exactly that, scoring against Tottenham’s Ray Clemence early in his Everton career, beginning a journey that would see him become one of the club’s most celebrated players.
The tale culminates in Sheedy’s memorable gesture to the Kop – a two-fingered salute after scoring a free kick at Anfield in 1987, perhaps a fitting response to the circumstances that first brought him to Liverpool.
Alious
