Everton have confirmed the death of their former defender, Frank D’Arcy, at the age of 77. D’Arcy won the league with the Toffees in 1969-70, appearing five times. Everton announced his passing on Sunday morning, while paying respect to D’Arcy. A club statement read: ‘Everyone at Everton Football Club is very saddened by the demise of our title-winning defender Frank D’Arcy, who died on Saturday, aged 77.’ D’Arcy, born in Liverpool in December 1946, joined Everton’s youth and helped the club win its first FA Youth Cup in 1964-65.
Following his death, Everton posted a funny narrative on their official website about the aftermath of the triumph, in which the players were told they would be going on vacation the following week as a reward. D’Arcy had anticipated for a trip to sunny Spain, but instead the players were transported to Glasgow to witness Scotland play Spain, which he described as a ‘awful match’. After winning the Youth Cup, he was quickly promoted to the senior team, where he appeared 18 times over the course of five years. D’Arcy never lost a game in five appearances during Everton’s seventh title-winning season.
He did not initially qualify for a medal due to his lack of appearances, but a recent change in Football League rules resulted in him receiving one last year. Ian Snodin, the 1986-87 title winner and club ambassador, presented D’Arcy with his medal at his home. D’Arcy joined Tranmere Rovers in 1972 and finished his career with non-league side Kirkby Town.
