Identity: noun
1. the fact of being who or what a thing is
2. a close similarity or affinity

t was Fans Supporting Foodbanks founder, and Evertonian, Dave Kelly who said: "Everton don't go down." Evertonian hero Dave was behaving bullishly ahead of the Bournemouth game a couple of season ago, but, despite him tempting fate, we knew what he meant: being at the top of the tree is in our DNA. It's who we are. It's where we've always been.

It's... our identity. 

We've always been first and identified with being at the top. Forming, building grounds, winning leagues, erecting stands, pioneering progress... Everton Football Club did it all first. It's why, following a lean couple of decades, we still expect to do things.  And one of the things Evertonians expect to do, is win home games. Especially this one.

The tifo that was leaked this week, that will take its place as proud as punch rising from the south stand, says a lot about us. Fair enough, with the Beatles image etc., it's reaching a touch. That's a mistake. But, never forget, the truth is good enough. And there's nothing as true as that blue Liver Bird. 

We built this city? I don't know about that. But we are this city. And, come 3.45pm on Sunday, let's hope it's all ours. Because, when the late, great Brian Labone said: "One Evertonian is worth twenty Liverpudlians"... identity is exactly what he was standing upon.

Words | Alan O’ Hare
Image | Thomas Regan