Seasons » 2015-16 » Everton News
Divided loyalties for a Blues legend at Tynecastle
19 Comments 
Alex Young was signed from the Jam Tarts in November 1960 having helped fire them to the Scottish title and would go on to become one of the Toffees' best and most revered players.
The two teams face off in the first of Everton's two pre-season friendlies north of the Border this week and Young admits that while he is really looking forward to the game, his allegiances are genuinely split and he hopes it ends in a draw!
“This is an ideal game for me, I’ll really enjoy it. I’ll be remembering how good the two teams were when I played for them.
"I had a great time playing for both teams. Everton are a very big club and I really loved it down there. I loved Hearts as well. They were two brilliant clubs to play for.
"When I was at Tynecastle, we had a really strong team and we did really well. I was there a long time. I like Everton and I still do but I’m not going to choose one over another. I hope it’s a draw. In fact, I’d like to wear two ties to the game.”
Young would win the 1963 League title and the 1966 FA Cup following that thrilling final at Wembley but it took him a while to find his feet at Goodison Park.
Once he hit his stride up front with Roy Vernon, however, there was no looking back for a player whose breathtaking ability on the ball earned him the nickname The Golden Vision.
“Everton was a big move for me," Alex admits. "It was hard when I was injured for a while at first but when I started to play, it was great. It was great to be playing down in England and the Club were great to me, as were Hearts when I was there.”
evertontv Pre-Season Pass holders can stream the action from Tynecastle while Evertonians can also purchase each friendly on an individual basis at just £3.99 per fixture at http://preseason.evertonfc.com/.
Reader Comments (19)
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2 Posted 25/07/2015 at 20:02:16
3 Posted 25/07/2015 at 19:50:12
4 Posted 25/07/2015 at 20:00:05
5 Posted 25/07/2015 at 20:24:31
A one-off in his time and oh, for those days again... just dreaming.
6 Posted 25/07/2015 at 21:26:37
I count myself lucky in the respect that a lot of posters on here have never seen the man play in real time.
What a player – silky finishes, an eye for the defence-splitting pass and man could he score headed goals from out of nothing.
7 Posted 25/07/2015 at 21:45:52
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcAmE5GxGd0
8 Posted 25/07/2015 at 21:54:12
9 Posted 25/07/2015 at 22:07:03
Yet there was one of a totally different class who holds a very special place in my memory. This particular player had the god-given ability to lift football to a level that was far above being a mere game. He was so perfectly balanced and with incredible ball skills that left the best defenders in tears of frustration and Evertonians in raptures.
That was so long ago... yet, even now, my spirits are lifted by still strong memories of the truly great Alex Young.
10 Posted 25/07/2015 at 23:37:30
11 Posted 26/07/2015 at 03:06:10
12 Posted 26/07/2015 at 09:03:55
He was the most skilful player I have ever seen for us.
13 Posted 26/07/2015 at 10:13:18
14 Posted 26/07/2015 at 10:26:42
I'll be there mainly today hoping to see him.
15 Posted 26/07/2015 at 10:25:20
16 Posted 26/07/2015 at 11:02:21
Today he would be sponsored by 'Fly Mo' because no one hovered over the grass like Alex Young.
He is not only a true legend but a lovely man, a true gentleman. I hope he meets many Evertonians at the game and gets told just how much he still means to us at Goodison Park.
17 Posted 26/07/2015 at 11:15:06
18 Posted 27/07/2015 at 06:16:14
19 Posted 28/07/2015 at 09:52:11
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1 Posted 25/07/2015 at 19:17:15
Also he always looked to be moving slowly but was deceptively quick. However speed was not his thing. He used to tempt defenders to commit to a tackle then just side step and move away with the ball all in one movement.
It would be interesting to see him today on smooth pitches, lightweight boots and ball. Great to hear he still has the interest and don't believe the divided loyalty. He's Blue through and through.