Fans baffled by Everton 'cult heroes' banner that features loan player who played 17 games for the club

Okeke George Chijioke

Apr 7, 2023

Fans baffled by Everton 'cult heroes' banner that features loan player who played 17 games for the club

A fan-made banner celebrating Everton's cult heroes has become a huge talking on point on social media.

Everton fans displayed the banner featuring Richarlison, Seamus Coleman, Bob Latchford and Landon Donovan during Monday's Premier League clash against Tottenham.

After the full-time whistle at Goodison Park, ex-Toffees forward Richarlison commented on the tribute that was created by fan-led group Gwladys Street 1938.

He said: "Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine receiving this kind of tribute. Even playing in a rival and giving all my blood for the Spurs shirt, it's impossible not to feel happy and grateful.

"It's the recognition I strive for everywhere I go. And I'm going to do it here too. Thank you, Toffees!"

In terms of the result, Michael Keane cancelled out Harry Kane's opener for Spurs with a last-gasp screamer from range.

But instead of Monday's action on the pitch, many fans took to social media to talk about the 'cult heroes' banner that features former loan signing Landon Donovan, who made just 17 appearances for the club.

The American forward, who retired in 2018, joined the Toffees on two separate occasions in 2010 and 2012. In fairness, he did pick up a very respectable nine assists during those spells.

But a large majority think Donovan's appearance on the banner was a tad strange considering the likes of Tim Howard, a goalkeeper who made over 300 appearances for Everton, missed out.

This banner to club legends involves Landon Donovan who played 17 times for Everton.

Less games that Amido Balde played for Celtic. https://t.co/99vjdRfYBv
— David Morrison (@DMorrison07) April 7, 2023

Here's how fans reacted to the banner on Twitter.

One said: "Yeah, none of us know why Donovan is there. My guess would be the Americans getting involved but even then why not pick Tim Howard," while another wrote: "It’s been mentioned by other people but I do wonder why Landon Donovan is on this banner/flag."

A third wrote: "Not sure how Landon Donovan and Richarlison make it on there to be fair, I liked them both and they did a job but not legend status like the others."

That being said, some defended Donovan for the impact he made at Goodison Park during his short stint on Merseyside.

Cult heroes banner for Boxing Day 💙🤩

🎨 @GwladysSt1938 👏
— Everton (@Everton) December 21, 2022

A total of 20 former and current fan-favourites feature on the banner, including current captain Seamus Coleman, who was delighted with the creation.

"It's amazing. The amount of hours that has gone into it - 150 hours, I believe - is incredible," he told EvertonTV.

"It's a great honour to be on there, to be amongst so many great players and it'll be great to see it on the Gwladys.

"It's always a nice touch when you look over and you see something like this at the Gwladys Street - it gives the players confidence going into a game."