Neville Southall

Neville Southall, born on September 16, 1958, is a celebrated Welsh football manager and former international footballer, widely regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation. His illustrious career began when he joined Bury from Winsford United for a fee of six thousand pounds in 1980, transitioning from a semi-professional and amateur player to a professional in his early twenties. During his teenage years, he juggled various jobs, including working as a binman, waiter, and hod carrier.

In 1981, Southall made a significant move to Everton for a transfer fee of one hundred fifty thousand pounds, where he quickly established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper by the 1983–84 season. Over his time at Everton, he made a remarkable club record of five hundred seventy-eight appearances in the English Football League and Premier League, totaling seven hundred fifty in all competitions. His accolades with the club include a European Cup Winners' Cup medal in 1985, First Division championship medals in 1984–85 and 1986–87, and FA Cup winners medals in 1984 and 1995.

Internationally, Southall represented Wales, earning ninety-two caps between 1982 and 1998, although he did not participate in any major international tournaments. His individual achievements include being named on the PFA Team of the Year for four consecutive years and being recognized as one of the world's top ten goalkeepers by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics on four occasions. In 1996, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to football.

After retiring from playing, Southall took on managerial roles at Dover Athletic, Hastings United, and Margate, while also coaching at various clubs and Welsh national youth teams. Beyond football, he has dedicated time to working with disadvantaged children and established his own educational consultancy. A passionate political activist, Southall serves as an international officer for his UNISON trade union branch, has endorsed Jeremy Corbyn, advocates for LGBT rights, and has spoken at events promoting Welsh independence.