Recently by Phil Kirkbride

RONNIE Goodlass lived the boyhood dream when he progressed all the way through the ranks at Goodison Park.

Part of the club from 1971, the left winger, who would go on to gain cult hero status, had to wait five seasons for his debut.

Ronnie bided his time, worked hard on the training ground and perhaps most importantly, looked after the footwear of a legend.

It was a right of passage Goodlass says is vital but missing for today's young stars - though he admits it does not seem to be doing Everton's production line any harm.

IT is very easy to criticise what has been an indifferent first season in the Premier League for Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

But when you cast your eye to the man who was at the opposite end of the pitch on Saturday, it tended to put things into perspective.

Gomes has been the butt of cheap jibes and gags all season long but as he panicked, fluffed and amused in equal measure over the weekend, the gulf in class between the Brazilian and Everton umber one Tim Howard never seemed so great.

As Gomes struggles for credibility at this level, 30-year-old Howard has not only established himself as one of the best stoppers in the division but has now etched his name into Goodison Park folklore with a club record.

EVERTON Under-18 Academy manager Neil Dewsnip has hailed a band of new additions that have aided a five game unbeaten run.

The Blues' Youth side are third in the FA Academy League Group C with 38 points from 25 matches and ahead of Liverpool on goal difference

With three games of the season remaining, the Finch Farm outfit can still overtake Manchester United in second, though Dewsnip is more concerned with the development of his players rather than league standings.

Nottingham Forest Youth are the visitors to Merseyside on Saturday and Dewsnip is keen to extend his squad's current streak.