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Memories Of Labby - Everton Fans Tributes
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* Brian was the captain when I was first taken to Goodison Park in the 1966/67, and although I was only six i vividly remember him standing out, he appeared to be head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch, and he instantly became my first and most enduring football idol

I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but I know we have shared every goal, every victory, every defeat and every moment of despair that being a 'true' Evertonian is all about. His love of the club and all associated with it shone through whenever he spoke about Everton, and I make no apologies for paraphrasing his most famous quote when I say "One Brian Labone is worth 200 Liverpool Captain's" (Neil)

* Yet another one of my childhood heroes has gone..... But he will never be forgotten. I'm a local lad now in my mid forties and I remember him playing as small kid;- Brian was a true gent and a loyal servant to the blues. Later in life he was a loyal to our community.... How many players can we say that of these days? He really cared about blues both as a club and for the fans, both young and old.

He was of the bygone era when fans actually meant something to the clubs that we all faithfully (and sometimes blindly) support, he cared for us as we did for him. He'll be very sorely missed, I'm gutted he's gone. Please, please, please can we have a minutes silence or even a minutes applause to celebrate his life before the kickoff of the charity '86 rematch on Monday. It will be a chance for everyone, blues and reds to give thanks and show our appreciation for the life of this dedicated and gentle fellow scouser. Do you think we can do this for him? (Blue Kev)

* RIP to the greatest Evertonian of all time, you will never be forgotten Brian. (Jeffrey penk)

* Well Labby Wa Can I Say Fella. One TRUE!!! Everton Legend, Stayed A Blue All Ye Life Stayed. At 1 Club!!!, Won Major Cups With Us!! Well Any Way Labby. See you Soon Fella. (FRANNY WYNN)

* Sad day for Everton Football Club and all Evertonians. i would like to send my condolences to Brian's Family. God Bless Mr Everton you will sadly be missed. (Joe)

* Brain was a legend a sad tome for blues around the globe sadly missed by all see ya round big fella. (Jack Sanderson)

* I watched Everton from the early 50's and enjoyed the great pleasure you gave to all of us. God bless you Brian. (Mike)

* A man who I never had the pleasure of meeting but from the early 60's onward Brian Labone was Everton. We had the Young's Harvey's and later on Kendall Ball and Royle but to most fans at the time "Labby" was the man, Why because he was one of us. Deepest sympathy to his family. This was one Evertonian that was worth 200 Kopites. (Andy Hayes)

* There’s not much to be said that hasn’t already been said on the site but I just want to thank Brian for all the effort he gave to Everton throughout his playing career and afterwards as well, he was a true example of what Nil Satis Nisi Optimum actually means, I just hope that the players pay tribute to him by delivering the performance of a lifetime at Boro because right now nothing but the best is good enough. (Andrew Boyer)

* My first visit to goodison was memorable for 2 reasons. obviously i finally got to the place where my world revolved around, and before the game i met BRIAN LABONE. although i was only 8 at the time i remember everything about meeting this great man. he was so friendly, took a genuine interest in some little kid making his first trip to goodison (from the isle of man). what really struck me, even at that age, was that we met him in a pub around the corner from the stadium, full of evertonians. he was having a pint before the match, just like everyone else. here was this huge legend of a man, a TRUE hero to us all, and he was just so down to earth. 534 games for ONE CLUB, you wont see that again, ever. cheers brian, i never got to see you play, but you made a little kid very happy & proud to be an Evertonian. (Kev Clarke)

* Only met him the once at the 66 reunion dinner, lovely fella, thanks for the picture Mr Labone. R.I.P. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum. (Billy Gildea)

* Shocked at the news of Labby's death, I was lost for words, as Everton has lost an idol, a legend, and a true, honest gentleman. But because he's no longer with us, he's still watching over Everton Football Club, and every person associated with the club. You're forever our favourite Labby. We'll never forget you. (Eddie Janion)

* A true gent, a rock in defence and a real Evertonian. He will always remain in my memories as one of those outstanding players for the club alongside Young, Ball, Kendall and Harvey. RIP Big Man! (Keith Farley)

* I was a 16 year old kid with a part time job delivering milk on the Wirral. One of our customers was Brian Labone who lived, in what I believe was an Everton house, on the Arrowe Park Estate. We had reached the cup final against West Brom and I had no chance of ticket so left a letter with his 2 pints of pasteurised asking Brian to see if he could help. He couldn’t but he sent me a 2 page hand written response explaining that he had family commitments for tickets and unfortunately he couldn’t help and wished me all the best in, what was to prove a forlorn search for a ticket. I still have the letter somewhere, what a gentleman he was. A great player, a great man, a great Evertonian. (Ray Humphreys)

* The older generation of fans will remember Brian more than the younger supporters. But it has hit everybody hard at the ground and throughout Liverpool. It was very sudden and it was a really sad day for the club and the city. We have lost a true gent. We only saw him on the Saturday before it happened and he looked a picture of health. He was the same old Brian, bubbly and a pleasure to speak to. He always had a nice word to say about people and before every game he would wish us good luck and give us positive words. He is a really big loss, not just as an Evertonian but as a person." (Alan Stubbs)

* Rest in peace captain, the premier son of St. Domingo. (Dave Tommo)

* I have been watching Everton since 1954 and Labby was one of my all time favourites. I had the good fortune to meet him on three occasions and each time he was a compete gentleman and of course a BLUE THROUGH AND THROUGH !! He shall be missed by a lot of people, and my commiserations go to his family. ONE OF THE BEST Good Night And God Bless Brian. (George Connolly. Secretary Everton Supporters Club Jersey Branch)

* I was getting out of my car one rainy day at Fleetwood market. I reached in to get my coat. I was wearing my 125th anniversary shirt which has 'LABONE 5' on the back, when i heard a voice from the car parked next to me. "He must be drawing his pension by now". I replied that even if he was, Everton could still do with a player of his stature. I then turned to see my boyhood hero looking out of the car window. He just smiled, as I froze. With just the comment: "Nice shirt.". He waved and drove on. 30 odd years since hanging up his boots He remained a TRUE GENT. (STEVE WIDNES)

* Brian Labone, a true Everton Legend who opitomised everything and more, Evertonians expect in a player. I never had the honour to watch him play for our club, but my dad (who passed away three years ago) always told us stories of the great man and footballer he was. If our current crop of players ever needed to understand what it means to wear the blue shirt, they just need to look at a man like Labby. I often look up to the top of the Main Stand on match days, and imagine my dad sat with his feet hanging over the edge, watching the match, with William Ralph Dean on one side and now Brian Labone on his right..... Rest In Peace Brian. (Sy In Huyton)

* ONCE A BLUE ALWAYS A BLUE is the first sentence that comes to mind when you think about Brian Labone. I am only 18 years of age so i didn't get the chance to see him playing for the blues but for a player who played 534 games for us I for one must know that he was obviously a true EVERTON LEGEND and maybe a few players who are wearing that shirt today should take a leaf out of his book. Brian Labone is and always will be known as a GENTLEMAN,LEGEND and on top of all that an EVERTONIAN Rest In Piece Brian.From (John Hagedorn)

* I never knew Brian Labone, and was only just born when he finished playing. I did meet him on a train once a few years back, and he was happy to chat to me, a stranger, all the way to Maghull about the youth players and the club in general. His interest in, and affection towards the club and the fans was genuine and immediately obvious. I wish we had eleven of the same playing today. Rest in peace big fella. We all shine on. (Colin Smyth)

* The best QUALITY FOOTBALLER centre half I have ever seen BRIAN LABONE, I would just like to point out how unfortunate he was so underrated by England FC. He was far superior to Mr Jack Charlton no disrespect to him but Brian was a different class. Jack I feel got chosen for England because of his brothers connection Bobby & I feel he should have played for ENGLAND far more than 26 times!!!!!! Also the memorable partnership of John Hurst another very underrated Everton player. I am 51 & my Brother & Father took me to see the blues at the age of 5 & the first player they pointed out was the class of this Gentle Giant only booked twice & he only ever scored one goal for the blues vs. Blackburn Rovers I believe! Such a sad loss to Merseyside & Football & what would his value as a player of his quality be now in today's game!!!!! Millions & Millions.
Regards a very sad (John Delahunt)

* ONCE A BLUE ALWAYS A BLUE is the first sentence that comes to mind when you think about Brian Labone. I am only 18 years of age so i didn't get the chance to see him playing for the blues but for a player who played 534 games for us I for one must know that he was obviously a true EVERTON LEGEND and maybe a few players who are wearing that shirt today should take a leaf out of his book. Brian Labone is and always will be known as a GENTLEMAN,LEGEND and on top of all that an EVERTONIAN Rest In Peace Brian. (John Hagedorn)

* I can't add anything more to what most fans have already said except I have watched Everton since I was 8yrs old saw him play on numerous occasions I have been a regular fan all these years and I don't think, sorry I know I never saw a game when he played and you came away thinking he never gave his all, even when he had an off day he always gave 110%, There's not to many in football now you can say that about, Goodbye, Mr Everton and THANK YOU. (Leslie Mckay)

* You were a true example for Evertonians everywhere supporting the club with a happy outlook and good comments. Everyone is still numb at your loss Goodnight and God bless.(Chris Simpson)

* True blue great player i think with the stories i heard will sadly be missed . good night god bless and rest in peace. (Phil Jones - St. Helens Blues)

* I was shocked & upset to hear of Brian Labone's death. I first met Brian in 1970 when I was just 15 and a young footballer just recovering from a cartilage operation and I was invited to play for the team I had supported all my life, I would be training on my own trying to get fit and I can remember with great pleasure and amazement to be confronted by someone who was and always will be a football icon of his time when I walk into a changing room where the young players changed to find this man and Gordon West using the showers and to my amazement he shouted out to me "Hey kid" and formerly introduced himself and proceeded to ask me whether I knew that he owned a race horse. As you can imagine, the bit over his race horse went over my head a little as I stood in awe of this man. This memory has stayed with ever since that day and I will cherish it even more now that this great man and footballer has been taken away from us. R.I.P. Brian Labone. (Mick Hughes. Kirkby)

* To Every player who currently plays for Everton and to every player who ever comes to Everton:This is what you have to follow - unswerving dedication, respect,effort and love of this club through everything. Why? because Brian Labone encapsulated all that and Brian Labone encapsulated everything there is to being
Evertonian and playing for Everton. To the players playing the last 2 games of this season - we expect nothing less than your best because you owe it to people like Brian Labone. He was the best, because he gave his best 100% of the time. Every Evertonian will miss you Brian - R.I.P. (Bill Davies)

* EVERTON FC IS THE PEOPLES CLUB AND BRIAN LABONE WAS THE PEOPLES MAN. SUCH A POLITE GENTLEMAN WHO WOULD STOP AND TALK TO ALL EVERTONIANS. A GREAT PLAYER, GREAT MAN AND A TRUE EVERTON LEGEND. R.I.P. LABBY. (CHRIS W)

* My brother and I met Brian when he was hosting a match day shindig that we were lucky to win a competition for 2 seasons ago against the Barcodes. Although we were sitting in the front of the directors box, a few seats down from Blue Bill and Sven (checking on a certain wonder boy), chatted with Sharpy about THAT goal, did the full dressing room tour, got Rooney to sign a shirt for my little lad after the game etc, the highlight of the day for me was meeting Brian. I still remember being with my dad in the paddock the night we won the Championship in 1970 and the trophy being held aloft by the big man just yards above me. A great host that day, a wonderful player, a gentleman and a TRUE blue, unlike some. A very sad loss (Steve, exiled Blue Nottingham)

* Brian was known by every Evertonian young or old. He was "Mr Everton". And always will be,
"God only takes the BEST" and LABBY will never be forgotten."Nil Satis Nisi Optimum". Goodison will never be the same..R.I.P. (Karen Quinn)

* My first visit to Goodison was memorable for 2 reasons. Obviously I finally got to the place where my world revolved around, and before the game I met BRIAN LABONE. Although I was only 8 at the time I remember everything about meeting this great man. He was so friendly, took a genuine interest in some little kid making his first trip to Goodison (from the isle of man). What really struck me, even at that age, was that we met him in a pub around the corner from the stadium, full of evertonians. he was having a pint before the match, just like everyone else. here was this huge legend of a man, a TRUE hero to us all, and he was just so down to earth. 534 games for ONE CLUB, you wont see that again, ever. cheers brian, i never got to see you play, but you made a little kid very happy & proud to be an Evertonian. (Kev Clarke)

* Brian Labone is a true legend. Me and my family went to the Newcastle game at home on the last day of last season. And Brian Showed me and my family on a tour of Goodison Park and he was the nicest gentleman I have ever met. I'll always remember Brian shouting to some Sunderland fans at last year's FA cup game, "u got raped out there boys". A classic shout from a classic person. R.I.P. Brian Labone. True blue. (Phil Gray)

* The first and only time I saw Brian play, was in the 1970 Charity Shield win over Chelsea and although I was only young at the time, I can recall him running around the pitch at the start of the match, proudly holding the League Championship trophy aloft.

As an exiled Blue from the seventies onwards, I did not seen him play anymore, but at least I have the thought of him with the trophy and also seeing him looking so well at recent matches at Goodison. Sincere condolences to Brian's family and friends. (Dave Guerin)

* What a man, what a player, what a Blue, R.I.P. from all the blues in the Old Campfield. (Joe Murray)

* A true everton legend I met brian at rotterdam airport waiting to return to liverpool after the 1985 cup winners cup final .on that day I realised two ambitions,to see Everton lift a european trophy and to shake the hand of and talk to labby who had time for so many of us that day. Goodnight and god bless. (Tommy Roberts Ellesmere port)

* I just can't believe what has happened. Although I'm only 16 I was very fond of Brian as I have met on many occasions with the most memorable at he the league game against chelsea this season, this was a great moment for me because he gave me a badge supporting the 'kick racist out of football' campaign, since then he has always had been a hero of mine although it was 25 years before i was born when he last played a game for us. but i know he will always be remembered. R.I.P. Labby. (Matty in Widnes)

* Never got to see Him play only heard the story's that are now legendary. If Brian Labone is to be remembered for anything it's got to be His all time classic line of "1 Blue is worth 20 Reds" I know that He will be remembered for His career as one of the all time great's of Everton but that line is classic. Everton Legend Mr BRIAN LABONE. R.I.P. (Dixie Dean's Sixty)

* Labby grew up on the same street as my Mum (Saxonia Road, Walton) and later lived around the corner from us when I grew up. My first game at Goodison was his testimonial and the atmosphere was so special that night I became a Blue (Mum a Blue, Dad a Red). He would always let on to my Mum whenever he saw her near home or at the ground - a real gentleman.

On the morning his death was announced I was at a trade show and Gordon Banks was doing some promotional work for one of the suppliers there. I had a chat with him as I got his autograph and we talked about Labby and Gordon was deeply saddened by Brian's death.

He was respected by everyone who met him or new him for being a true Evertonian and a legend. Thanks Labby,for everything you did to make our club great. Condolences to his family and friends. (Dave Coventry)

* It's nice to see people putting their photos of Brian on the website. As a gesture, why not ask as many people as you can to put their photos on it. I think many people would be delighted look at the photos and it will show how Brian never said 'no' to having his photo took with the fans. It's still difficult to accept we won't see Brian around Old Hall St or around Goodison anymore. THE KING IS DEAD...LONG LIVE THE KING. (Dave)

* Never has anyone passed away who have had as many fabulous tributes from all walks of life. Thanks for the memories. (Marcus)

* I didn't have the pleasuer of seeing you play as I'm only 17. I signed the book at the marquee today and will be thinking of you, thanks for all the things you did for the club and the fans. Thank you for playing an important role in making Everton Football Club what it is. (Tom Davies.)

* A TRUE GENTLEMAN AND A TRUE BLUE. GOD BLESS. (STEVE. PARKEND)

* I watched Everton from the early 50's and enjoyed the great pleasure you gave to all of us. God bless you Brian. (Mike)

* Writing this with tears in my eyes. Seeing the pictures of Brian from a player to how many of us too young to see him play remember him at the Everton nights. It's only just sank in that we wont see him on the pitch at half-time anymore. We used to chat on Old Hall St about all things Everton and he didn't know me, other than I was a fellow blue, but he always let on and said hello whenever he saw me in the street or the Exchange, even if he was in company. My lasting memory of Brian will be, the relationship him and Westie had at the Everton nights and they wont be the same now he's gone. We've lost a real legend, this was a player who had every right to be conceited over what he's achieved, but I don't think you'll meet a nicer more down to earth person in the city. He'll be missed. (Richard Crosby)

* I had the Honour of watching the big man play for most of his career, and fortunate to talk to him several times. I also have a signed copy of his 1968 Book, " Defence at the top" signed by him. He was a great man, a brilliant defender, an outstanding captain and most of all he was one of us, an Evertonian through and through. RIP Labby (Kevin Smith)

* Brain was a legend a sad tome for blues around the globe sadly missed by all see ya round big fella. (Jack Sanderson)

* Sad day for Everton Football Club and all Evertonians. i would like to send my condolences to Brian's Family. God Bless Mr Everton you will sadly be missed. (Joe)

* I drove up from Stourbridge today just to sign the book of condolence. Labby epitisomises to me what wearing the Royal Blue shirt should mean to EVERY player lucky enough to put one on. Brian, I've had some great times watching you play, through the sixties and into the seventies, somehow Goodison will never feel the same again, such was your presence. God bless Brian, TRUE BLUE, TRUE LEGEND, TRUE GENTLEMAN. (Big Toe)

* I still remember fondly his testimonial at Goodison, when the chant went up: “Labone, Labone, Labone, Labone, Labone, Llabone”. It seemed to last forever, just like the memories of Mr EVERTON. This is one man who when he say’s: “Once A Blue Always A Blue" and meant it! Thanks Brian… (Mark, True Blue, Gloucester)

* Passing of a true blue, will be sadly sadly missed at Goodison Park thanks for all the wonderful memories I had watching you when I was a child. (PHIL. BOOTLE)

* RIP to the greatest Evertonian of all time, you will never be forgotten Brian (Jeff)

* One of footballs true legends,a great man, a great captain and a great Evertonian who will be so sadly missed. Our deepest condolences to all his family and friends. God bless Brian (John & Chris Bennett)

* Brian, You are one of the players who made me an Evertonian till I die. You gave me so many happy memories. You are a true legend. Thanks mate. (Alan Baillie)

* I remember going back about 8 years ago during close season,I was having a drink in a bar in Old hall st with a couple of lads when not knowing who was in the bar i began to give a rendition of Oh we hate Bill shankly,When i felt a presence behind me,I turned around and to my amazement i had one of my all time idol,s standing right in front of me,I instantly became Mr shoeshine because i started kissing Brian,s feet clean. Brian told me to "stand up son Evertonian,s don't go down for nobody".Me and`the couple of lads i was with had a fantastic afternoon in a TRUE EVERTON HERO,S company,The Last words Brian said to me when we were saying goodbye that day were "bring the kids to goodison for the 1st home game of the new season"we were to play Man utd and all the hectic corporate work that Brian had to do,Brian had to show different VIP,s around the stadium,I would have understood if Brian had got " someone else to show me and the 2 boys around the ground,Brian turned to me and said"come on son but don't hang back enjoy it. Myself and my young son and his friend had the most FANTASTIC day,That day will stay with me for the rest of mine and my sons lives,nothing was too much trouble for Brian he treated us like we were the VIPS. THANKS BRIAN LABONE FOR BEING A TRUE BLUE IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE. (Sheann)

* So many great game’s watching this giant play,so many great memories and now to say good bye. R.I.P. Skipper. Brian it was my privilege to watch you in both those team’s that won championship’s for this great club. Evertonian’s are brother’s and we have just lost one that will never be replaced. (Reg Gates)

* Just talking with my dad (92 just to play with Brian's dad) last night about our memories of Brian and how as a kid I knocked his pint over in the changing rooms of Bootle cricket club. I was terrified but he just laughed and told me not to worry. A sad day for all Blues. (Paul in Preston)

* Brian Labone..Legend..Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (May he rest in Peace) (Gerry G. Irish Toffees)

* R.I.P. A True Everton Legend. (Scott)

* BRAIN LABONE ONCE SAID 1 EVERTONAIN IS WORTH 20 LIVERPUDLIANS WITHOUT KNOWING THIS WAS WRONG, AS HE WAS WORTH A MILLION! SADDEST DAY FOR MANY BLUES THE LAST OF THE CORINTHIANS FALLS ASLEEP! GOODNIGHT GOD BLESS. BRIAN LABONE: BORN A BLUE, LIVED A BLUE, DIED A BLUE. R.I.P.(MARSTON)

* I was only a young lad when the great Everton side 0f the late 60's were mesmerising everyone with their skills. All the talk of that team was Ball, Kendall & Harvey, god they were good, but the heart of that team was the GREAT Brian Labone. A true gent and an Evertonian through and through. He will be so sadly missed. God must have needed someone to play alongside Bobby Moore. (Martin Fisher)

* I was lucky enough to meet him on several occasions Once a Blue always a Blue! Labone will always be remembered and loved! LEGEND! and top man R.I.P. Labby (Randles FC)

* Brian Labone, was what you call "blue until you die". Brian was loved by young and old, Everton FC have lost a true legend and will be sadly missed. Goodnight Skip. Nisi satis nisi optimum (Ray Pinnington, Kirkby)

* Very, very sad news about Labby’s passing, he was a great player, a great captain and an even greater ambassador for Everton Football Club. He really did have blue blood in his veins, he was Everton through and through and PROUD of it. I knew Brian from a pub we drank in on Old Hall Street, even there his ferocious loyalty to Everton shone through. He would never drink Smirnov Red it had to be the Blue label and would say “The only thing red about me is my nose”. He was witty, intelligent and great company to be with and I consider myself very lucky to have known him. I agree with an earlier tribute, that one of the Stands at Goodison Park be renamed in Brian’s honour. I would like to send my deepest condolences to Brian’s family and friends, a huge loss to them, all Everton fans and the City. God bless Brian and as you would say “Keep the Faith”. (Mike Carter Brisbane, AUS)

* So long Brian Labone, Captain of Everton, nothing more need be said. (Mick Upfield)