We all remember being raised on stories by our Dads and Grandads about Peter Farrell's most famous goal - that historic strike in 1949 when an Irishman wearing the green shirt scored at Goodison Park to give England their first-ever home defeat to a foreign nation.
But here's what always captivated us most: he did it on his home turf, where he played his club football as an Everton player. The emotion, the pride, the sheer magnitude of that moment convinced us this story needed to be told.
That's why we're thrilled to bring you The Emerald Evertonian, Rob Sawyer's meticulously researched biography of Peter Farrell - a captain who deserves to be remembered alongside Séamus Coleman as one of the greatest on pitch leaders in Irish and Everton football history.
This isn't just another football biography. Through previously unseen sources and exhaustive research, Rob traces Farrell's remarkable journey from junior football in Dalkey to silverware with Shamrock Rovers, and on to post-war England where he became a legend in Everton blue. You'll discover the story of his friendship with Tommy Eglington, his leadership through testing times, and his later years in management across Merseyside, North Wales and Ireland.
Perhaps most movingly, Rob shares Farrell's dignified 25-year struggle with dementia, sustained by the unwavering devotion of his family and community - a poignant reminder of football's human cost and the bonds that transcend the game.
The Emerald Evertonian offers a vivid window into a transformative era of football, and a portrait of a true gentleman of the game.
Toffeeopolis is a publishing collective of four Evertonians - Simon Hart, Gavin Buckland, James Corbett and, of course, Rob Sawyer - who bring you the best stories from the club we love. Last year we published The End, Gavin’s account of Everton’s late-1980s and early-1990s decline. We have also recently published Gavin’s book, Money Can’t Buy Us Love, as a paperback. And there is plenty more to come!
We hope that you enjoy Rob’s latest book.
