An Everton player once subbed himself on during an FA Cup semi-final match, and his manager could not believe what he was seeing.
The Toffees faced Tottenham in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final at Leeds’ Elland Road. With the score at 2-1 in Everton’s favour, the Blues were a mere 19 minutes away from their first FA Cup final since 1989 – when they were beaten 3-2 by city rivals Liverpool.
Forward Paul Rideout was struggling with injury when, in a bizarre turn of events, their backup striker subbed himself on despite manager Joe Royle being unaware.
Having endured an inconsistent season after making a £3m move from Belgian side Club Brugge, the forward took full advantage of his opportunity.
Daniel Amokachi may have been expecting an ear full of abuse from his manager after taking matters into his own hands, but the Nigerian proved his worth.
“Amokachi’s unmarked, is this four? IT IS FOUR!! Everton are on their way to Wembley!” were the words ringing in viewers’ ears as the Nigerian wheeled away in celebration after scoring his second of the afternoon to the delight of the Everton fans who filled three sides of the ground.
The footballing gods were looking down on Everton and Amokachi on that occasion, but the player explained how things may have turned out very differently if he had not performed.
“It was meant to be because if I didn’t score, then it would probably have been my last game for Everton,” the 51-year-old told BBC Sport Africa in April 2022.
“[Paul] Rideout got a knock and went down, and if you play the same position, you jump off your feet and start warming up and getting ready.
“He got up but went down again. Everybody knew I was in very good shape and ready to go. I just went to Willie [Everton assistant manager Willie Donachie], and I told him, ‘The gaffer says you need me on’.
Daniel Amokachi helped Everton win the 1995 FA Cup (Credit:Getty)
“When you look back at the clip, you can see how furious Joe Royle was. He ran to the touchline, [saying] ‘What are you guys doing?’ I looked back at him – we had done it already. If you pull me back, we’ll play with one less anyway.
“Ten minutes later – bang. And then another goal – bang – and Everton were in the final.
“Legendary moments like that keep your name in the limelight.”
Royle later described it as “the greatest substitution I never made”.
The Nigerian’s contributions did not stop there, Everton headed into Wembley’s final as a huge underdog against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
But Rideout, the man who Amokachi replaced in the semi-final, scored the only goal of the game to secure Everton’s fifth FA Cup crown. The Nigerian was front and centre of the post-match celebrations, having featured as a second-half substitute.
Despite leaving Everton for Besiktas in 1996, whenever Amokachi’s name is mentioned, it casts fans thoughts back to that glorious day in West Yorkshire.