Tosh Farrell Soccer Magazine June 2020 | Page 7

his right foot, before scoring. What a goal! That year's birthday present to me were a pair of red George Best 'Stylo' boots which you tied on the side, really trendy for the time. Unfortunately for me that was as close as I got to looking like him, but that did not stop me thinking how he managed to be so aware of what was around him, how he maintained balance when running or how he would fool defenders, making them think he was going one way before going the other. What a player, what an inspiration. My love for footy deepened further when I watched in awe at what was arguably the finest midfield trio that ever represented Everton football club, Ball, Kendall and Harvey, affectionately referred too as the holy trinity. Three players so in tune with each other linking telepathically at times, tireless energy, outstanding passers of the ball, strong in the tackle and demanding of their teammates. All three natural born leaders. The fact that Alan Ball was redheaded like myself and not the tallest player you had ever seen, again motivated me to want to be like him. 1968 Mum and dad get me my first Everton tracksuit and dreams of being a professional footballer begin. Left to right, Alan Ball, Colin Harvey, Howard Kendall Affectionately known to Everton fans as 'The Holy Trinity' The mental images of watching those great players have always stuck with me as I moved into coaching. How could I help develop players to maintain their enthusiasm for the game and become highly technical, well balanced, make more right decisions than wrong, brave and fearless on the ball? I would like to think this is a question coaches continually ask themselves around the world.