Joe Royle could have been a Shankly star or a Busby babe; instead, he signed for Everton and, in doing so, launched himself on a 30-year career which, while not always linked with Everton, would see him eventually reunited, this time as manager with his club. Making his debut as a player at the age of 16, Royle went on to win international honours with the club and became a firm favourite with the Everton faithful. Although he also plied his trade with Manchester City, Bristol City, Norwich City and Oldham Athletic, when he embarked on a managerial career, it was inevitable that her would return to Goodison Park. In November 1994 Royle took over as manager at Everton and not only secured Premiership status for the club, but also won the FA Cup and automatic qualification for Europe. This book is not just the story of one man's love affair with a football club. It also traces three decades of fluctuating fortunes, revealing along the way the inside stories about the Catterick era and the partnership with John Moores, as well as the triumphs and tragedies enjoyed and endured by Howard Kendall.