Although i never got to see Labone play ive heard endless tales from both my mum and my dad along with other evertonians and ex everton players about just how good Brian was. A top centre half in his day that led the team with his presence, his ability to defend and his ability on the ball. He played in the 1966 FA cup winning team that beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 and also the immortal team that won the league title in 1970 which summed up 'The School of Science'. Labone played a huge part in that Title winning team and went to Mexico for the World Cup with England in the summer. Despite the tournament ending in dissappointment for England and Brian, Pele, who Labone marked when england played brazil, had nothing but huge praise for Labone and swapped shirts with him at the end of the match against England. You cant get much higher praise than that.
After Labone retired his days with Everton did not end there. He began to work for Everton showing fans around the ground for 3 decades. He was always telling tales from his days as a player and never failed to bring a smile to people's faces. His last appearance on the pitch at Goodison Park was just last Saturday. He was true ambassador for the club and his presence at Goodison will be greatly missed. The nickname he recieved was 'The Last Corinthian' and there is not a more fitting nickname for a true footballing Legend. Rest in Peace Brian and my deepest sympathies to his family and friends, a sad loss of a truly great player, person and Evertonian.
'1 Evertonian is worth 20 Liverpudlians'
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