Everton Football Club, a mainstay of English football, is known by many nicknames, but perhaps the most endearing is “The Toffees.” But why do they call Everton The Toffees? The answer lies not on the pitch, but in the sweet shops surrounding their original home, Goodison Park.
A Sticky Situation The Origins of “The Toffees”
The nickname “The Toffees” originates from a confluence of factors centered around Everton’s early days and the local confectionery businesses in the vicinity of their grounds. Its enduring appeal stems from its unique connection to the club’s local history and the sweet treats that became synonymous with matchday experiences. Two specific toffee shops play a significant role in the legend:
- Ye Anciente Everton Toffee House: This establishment, located near Everton’s original ground on Everton Brow, was already a local landmark before the club’s formation. It sold sweets, including Everton Toffee, and its name naturally associated itself with the newly formed football team.
- Mother Noblett’s Toffee Shop: When Everton moved to Goodison Park, Mother Noblett’s became the go-to toffee vendor. She created a special “Everton Toffee,” further cementing the link between the club and the sweet treat.
The tradition of a “Toffee Lady” further solidified the nickname. Before matches, a young woman would walk around the pitch tossing free Everton Toffees into the crowd. The Toffee Lady is still a part of Everton’s matchday ritual, although now she fires toffees into the stands with a toffee cannon, adding a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the game. This tradition wasn’t always smooth, changes happened during the years as follow:
- Early days: The Toffee Lady would hand out toffees.
- Mid-20th century: The distribution method was changed to throwing toffees.
- Present day: A Toffee Cannon launches the sweet treats into the stands.
The table below presents the reason Everton is called “The Toffees”:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Toffee Shops | Local shops like Ye Anciente Everton Toffee House and Mother Noblett’s sold Everton Toffee. |
| The Toffee Lady | A tradition of handing out (and now firing) toffees before matches. |
| Local Association | The sweet treat became synonymous with the club and its matchday experience. |
To delve deeper into the history of Everton Football Club and the origins of “The Toffees” nickname, consider exploring the official Everton website. You’ll find a wealth of information, including historical articles and detailed accounts of the club’s heritage.