The End: From Glory to a Whole New Ball Game: Everton 1985-1994

In this masterfully crafted conclusion to his Moores trilogy, Gavin Buckland, Everton's official statistician, delivers a poignant chronicle of one of English football's most dramatic declines. The book charts Everton's journey from the heights of European glory to the depths of near-relegation, a story that resonates particularly deeply in today's context.
Buckland's narrative begins at a pivotal moment in 1985, when Everton stood at the summit of English football under Howard Kendall's leadership. The author meticulously examines the fall of the mighty, intertwining boardroom politics, managerial upheaval, and the broader transformation of English football itself.
The strength of this work lies in its unflinching honesty. Buckland doesn't shy away from examining the institutional complacency and decision-making failures that led to Everton's decline. His access to archival materials and behind-the-scenes accounts provides readers with unprecedented insight into this turbulent period. The parallel he draws between this era and the club's recent struggles adds an extra layer of relevance that will resonate with contemporary supporters.
Particularly compelling is Buckland's analysis of the Heysel disaster's impact on Everton's trajectory. The club, riding high on domestic success, found itself caught in the crossfire between English football authorities and UEFA, derailing what might have been a period of European dominance. The author skillfully demonstrates how this external factor, combined with internal instability following Kendall's departure in 1987, created a perfect storm that the club struggled to weather.
The book's greatest achievement is its ability to place Everton's decline within the broader context of English football's evolution. As the sport stood on the cusp of the Premier League era, Everton's transformation from 'Mersey Millionaires' to 'Mersey Mediocrities' serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adaptation and forward thinking in football administration.
While some readers might disagree with certain perspectives Buckland presents, his arguments are consistently well-researched and thoughtfully constructed. The narrative benefits from his position as the club's official statistician, lending both authority and insight to his analysis.
For Everton supporters, this book might make for difficult reading, particularly given the club's current challenges. However, it's precisely this contemporary relevance that makes "The End" such a compelling read. It's not merely a historical account but a mirror reflecting patterns that continue to influence the club's trajectory.
Buckland's final installment of his trilogy is an essential addition to any football historian's library and a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the fallibility of established football institutions. While the subject matter may be sombre, the quality of research and storytelling makes this book a worthy conclusion to what has been an outstanding series on one of English football's most storied clubs. 
A masterful blend of rigorous research and engaging narrative, "The End" serves as both a historical document and a warning for the future, making it an invaluable contribution to football literature.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Publisher: De Coubertin Books
Published: November 26, 2024
Price: £25.00
Hardback: 400 pages
ISBN-10: 1917064020
ISBN-13 :  9781917064071
Dimensions: 156 x 234 (mm)