Everton FC 1997/99 Home Shirt

Home shirt worn by Everton F.C. during the 1997 to 1999 period.

The shirt features a traditional royal blue base, defined by a bold horizontal chest panel combining yellow and white stripes across the centre of the design. This striking band gives the kit a distinctive late-1990s identity while still grounding it in Everton’s classic colour palette. A white collar detailed with black and yellow striping adds contrast and structure, while yellow cuffs finished with a black stripe complete the design, making it one of the most recognisable Everton shirts of the era.

The late 1990s were a turbulent period for Everton, defined by relegation battles, financial strain, and constant squad rebuilding. Under managers Howard Kendall and later Walter Smith, the club spent much of this era fighting to stabilise its Premier League status after a decline from its earlier top-flight heights.

The 1997–98 season, often remembered as “The Great Escape,” saw Everton narrowly avoid relegation on the final day of the campaign. A 1–1 draw against Coventry City F.C. at Goodison Park, featuring an early goal from Gareth Farrelly, was enough to secure survival on goal difference over Bolton Wanderers. The season was also marked by major off-pitch tension, including growing fan unrest and the departure of long-serving goalkeeper Neville Southall after 17 years at the club. Howard Kendall resigned shortly after safety was secured.

The 1998–99 season brought a degree of stability under Walter Smith, who was tasked with rebuilding the squad amid financial constraints. New arrivals included Olivier Dacourt, Marco Materazzi, and John Collins, as Everton attempted to strengthen key areas.

A major turning point came with the departure of striker Duncan Ferguson to Newcastle United F.C., a move that proved unpopular with supporters. However, the arrival of Kevin Campbell on loan from Trabzonspor transformed the season. Campbell scored 9 goals in 8 games during a remarkable late-season run, earning Premier League Player of the Month for April 1999 and virtually securing Everton’s safety.

Everton finished 14th in the Premier League, reflecting a season of recovery but also continued transition. The squad’s disciplinary issues and inconsistency highlighted the challenges of rebuilding during a financially constrained period, but Campbell’s impact ensured top-flight survival and provided one of the most dramatic turning points of the era.