Neville Southall was one of the greatest goalkeepers of his time. He was a mainstay of the Everton and Wales team for over a decade, before moving into management.
He was born and grew up in Llandudno and originally played centre back for his school team and Llandudno Swifts, alongside Joey Jones.
He had unsuccessful trials for both Crewe Alexander and Bolton as a teenager, and so started his working life as a builder, playing for Conwy United, Bangor City and Winsford before being bought for £6,000 by Bury. He was then spotted by Howard Kendall, one of Everton's most successful managers, and was transferred to Goodison Park for £150,000 in 1981. Big Nev had made the transformation from Llandudno hod-carrier to first division footballer in only two years.
After a faltering start, when he was placed on loan to Port Vale for a few months, Neville made the No.1 Everton shirt his own. He helped the Blues win the League Championship in 1985 and 1987, the FA Cup in 1984 and 1995 and the European Cup Winners Cup in 1985. In that year, Southall was also voted player of the year by the Football Writers Association, praised for his tremendous reflex skills and fearless presence in the Everton goal.
By the time he played his last game for Everton in November 1997, he had broken the club's record for appearances, having played in 750 matches. Neville Southall also broke records as one of the most capped Welsh players, making 93 appearances for his country during the 1980s and 1990s.
He has since played for Southend, Stoke, Torquay United, Bradford and Shrewsbury, providing coaching and goalkeeping cover if needed. He can still be seen playing in Masters and charity games.
'Big Nev' is the fifth player from the left in the back row of the school team photo (obviously before a growth spurt!)
Everton and Wales goalkeeper.
