Everton are the only club to have played 100 seasons in the English football league's top division. They were one of 12 founder members of the league in 1888, and have spent only four seasons outside the highest division since then.
The 1990s were a difficult time for the Toffeemen, with financial difficulties and several end of season near-escapes from relegation. However, since the appointment in March 2002 of a new manager, David Moyes, they have improved greatly and finished the 2002-2003 season in seventh place, narrowly missing qualification for the UEFA Cup.
Another key factor in Everton's recent revival is the emergence of a rising young star called Wayne Rooney. In one of his first games for the club, in October 2002, he entered football folklore by scoring a sensational last-minute winner against the then League champions Arsenal, consigning them to their first league defeat for almost a year. He has also figured prominently in recent England international matches, after having become the youngest ever player to play for England, in a friendly against Australia, in February 2003.
Honours
External links