Kendall's Glory Years: In Their Own Words

Steve Zocek's latest offering is a masterful deep dive into what many consider the golden age of Everton Football Club. Through intimate interviews and previously untold stories, Zocek meticulously reconstructs the remarkable tenure of Howard Kendall, the manager who transformed Everton from struggling underachievers into one of Europe's most formidable forces during the 1980s.
The book's greatest strength lies in its raw, first-hand accounts from players and staff who lived through this extraordinary period. Zocek skilfully weaves together these personal narratives to create a compelling portrait of Kendall's leadership journey. What emerges is not just a celebration of triumph but an honest examination of the near-disaster that preceded it, with attendance dwindling and fans calling for Kendall's dismissal before the dramatic turnaround that would define the club's modern history.
Particularly fascinating is the book's exploration of the team's resurrection. Through candid interviews, we learn the behind-the-scenes details of how Kendall rebuilt not just a team but a winning culture. The previously unpublished stories from dressing rooms and team-bonding sessions offer readers an intimate glimpse into the camaraderie that fuelled Everton's remarkable run of success, including two league championships (1985, 1987), an FA Cup (1984), and the European Cup Winners' Cup (1985).
When addressing the impact of the Heysel disaster on the team's trajectory, the narrative takes a poignant turn. Kendall's eventual departure to Athletic Bilbao came in the wake of English clubs being banned from European competition, and the book provides moving testimony about how this affected both the manager and his ambitious squad at the height of their powers.
Zocek's previous work, "Goodison Memories: A Lifetime of Football at Everton," established him as a trusted chronicler of the club's history. This new volume builds on that foundation while focusing specifically on what many consider the most successful period in the club's history. The author's deep connection to Everton, having attended matches since 1968, lends authenticity to his storytelling, while his journalistic background ensures the narrative remains engaging and well-researched. 
This book will evoke powerful memories for Evertonians of a certain age, of a time when their club was on par with Europe's elite. For younger supporters, it serves as a vital historical document, helping them understand the heights their club once reached and could achieve again. Most importantly, it stands as a fitting tribute to Kendall's legacy, preserving firsthand accounts of his remarkable achievements for future generations.
"Kendall's Glory Years" is more than just a sports book; it's a study in leadership, resilience, and the power of belief. Through the voices of those who were there, it captures the essence of a magical period when Everton truly were the kings of English football. 
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Published: May 26, 2025
Price: £18.99
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801432
ISBN-13: 978-1836801436
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)