Home Sports Football Everton’s Goalkeeper – Gordon West

Everton’s Goalkeeper – Gordon West

April 1970

South Yorkshire Times, April 11th, 1970

Everton’s winning of the League Championship is a proud event for Darfield couple Mr. and Mrs. Herbert West, of 17, Illsley Road, whose son, Gordon, is goalkeeper for that club.  During his eight years with Everton, Gordon has won four medals – two League championships and two F.A. Cup finals.

Gordon was among those named for ultimate selection for the World Cup matches, but turned down the offer because of his devotion to his family. “I want to stay at home with my wife and children” he said, when he first told the England team boss that he was intending to reject the offer.

Gordon got his first England cap nearly eighteen months ago when he was chosen to play against Bulgaria at Wembley.  He is one of the most modest and best-liked personalities in the game in England today.

Gordon’s football career started at Darfield County Secondary School, where they are extremely proud of his record.  He was captain and centre-half for the school and for Don and Dearne Senior Boys, and whilst still at school played for Mitchell and Darfield.

He went into goal almost by “accident”, substituted in that position when the regular ‘keeper failed to turn up, He gave a sparkling performance and subsequently attracted the attention of a number of scouts.

He joined Blackpool on leaving school, and moved to Everton eight years ago for what was then a record transfer fee of £27,500.  He has retained his first team place all that time.

Himself a local footballer in his young days, Gordon’s father, Mr. Herbert West, who is employed at Cortonwood Colliery, is very proud of his son. When Gordon first earned a place in the England side he said “I am the proudest father in the country.  I always knew that Gordon had that bit extra which is required to reach the top. He seemed to have “star” quality even when he was at school.”