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Revealed: How Neville Southall calling club press officer a 'fat c***' led to him missing out on the Everton caretaker's job to team-mate Dave Watson in 1997

Related Topics: Neville Southall, Everton F.C.

A former Everton press officer has revealed how Neville Southall unknowingly talked himself out of the club's caretaker job by calling him a 'fat c***'.

Alan Myers was working in the club's communications department when Joe Royle decided to quit as manager with the threat of relegation looming large towards the end of the 1996-97 season.

Owner Peter Johnson decided to appoint a player to take charge until the end of the campaign, with legendary goalkeeper Southall and defender Dave Watson both in contention for the role.

Neville Southall makes a save for Everton during the 1996-97 Premier League season
Neville Southall makes a save for Everton during the 1996-97 Premier League season
Joe Royle quit as Everton boss in March 1997 and was replaced by defender Dave Watson
Joe Royle quit as Everton boss in March 1997 and was replaced by defender Dave Watson

However, after a light-hearted exchange with Myers at the club's training ground, the veteran Welshman quickly found himself out of the running.