Alan Stubbs: It’s time to bring the glory days back

Jul 7 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

Alan Stubbs applauds the fans (158)

ALAN STUBBS is calling on the spirit of the 1980s to boost Everton’s fortunes at home and abroad in the new season.

The 35-year-old defender watched his Goodison heroes enjoy their finest hour in 1985 when they added the European Cup Winners Cup to the league title.

And Stubbs reckons that the return to the continent this year gives him and his team-mates the ideal opportunity to boost Everton’s profile as a major force once again.

“We need to go as far as we can in Europe because it’s going to be good for the club more than anything,” said Stubbs.

“It really boosts the profile being in Europe and shows everyone Everton are at the stage where we are competing with the big boys again.

“We did it in the 1980s and it’s time to rekindle that.”

Stubbs does acknowledge that achieving a UEFA Cup run will be a tough ask.

The draw for the first round will be made on August 31 and Stubbs knows that whoever Everton are paired with, they will provide the sort of test to the one the players aren’t used to in the Premierrship.

“The thing about Europe is it’s a different challenge for us,” Stubbs added.

“You’re testing yourself against clubs that, after the Champions League, are the next best in Europe.

“So there are going to be some really, really good teams in it and it’s going to be difficult just to get to the knock-out stages.”

Meanwhile, Tim Cahill is in line for his playing comeback tomorrow when Australia kick off their Asia Cup campaign in Singapore against Oman.

The Everton midfielder as been out of action since breaking a metatarsal at Sheffield United in March but his national side, with the help of club physio Mick Rathbone have been gradually priming him for action over the past month.

Aussie coach Graham Arnold resisted using Cahill in his side’s warm-up game last week but sees him as a vital part of their attempts to take the trophy at the first attempt.