Gordon West, born Darfield, England, April 24, 1943. Gordon West made his breakthrough at Blackpool and carved out a career which saw him stand as one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.
Gordon West began his professional career at Blackpool in 1960. Making his debut at the tender age of 17, it was evident that the Tangerines had found a special talent. His early performances were defined by his agility, quick reflexes, and an innate sense of positioning, allowing him to pull off seemingly impossible saves. Moreover, his ability to read the game set him apart, allowing Blackpool to field a confident and assured young goalkeeper who could marshal his defence effectively. After 33 League appearances, West had proven his worth in the First Division, leading to a monumental shift in his career trajectory. In March 1962, Everton recognized West’s potential and signed him for £27,000, a British record fee for a goalkeeper at the time. As a result, West arrived at Goodison Park under the pressure of being the most expensive goalkeeper in the country, but he handled the weight of expectation with maturity beyond his years. His first full season with Everton culminated in instant success as The Toffees clinched the 1962-63 First Division title with West as their rock between the posts. He quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, replacing the experienced Albert Dunlop. At Goodison Park, West formed a formidable partnership with Everton’s central defender and captain Brian Labone and this defensive duo provided a solid foundation for The Evertonians during the 1960s, an era in which they consistently challenged for major honours. The 1966 FA Cup triumph stood out as a career highlight for West as Everton managed to mount an astonishing comeback to defeat Sheffield Wednesday by a 3-2 score in the final. His performance, marked by key saves at crucial moments, etched his name into Everton folklore, but the disappointment of losing the FA Cup final two years later in 1968 to West Bromwich Albion tempered that success. Despite the setback, West remained one of the most reliable goalkeepers in England, consistently delivering performances that underlined his status as one of the best in the League.
In contrast, the 1969-70 season saw West back at his best as Everton surged to another First Division title. His 21 clean sheets that season were instrumental in the club’s success, showcasing his exceptional command of the penalty area and unmatched consistency. An age-defying performer, West would go on to make an impressive 402 appearances in all competitions for Everton before announcing his retirement at the end of the 1972-73 campaign. His decision to hang up his gloves marked the end of a golden era for the club, with fans cherishing the memories of a goalkeeper who had given over a decade of exemplary service. Nevertheless, football has a way of drawing its legends back and in 1976, three years after retirement, West made a surprise return to the pitch with neighbouring Tranmere Rovers, albeit briefly. The seasoned campaigner played 17 first-team matches for the Wirral club, offering his experience and wisdom to the lower League side, before finally closing the chapter on his playing days. In his later years, West remained a beloved figure within the Everton community, his name synonymous with an era of success and strength at the back. Undoubtedly, his legacy as one of Everton’s greatest goalkeepers is cemented by his contributions on and off the pitch, and his career between the posts, spanning over a decade at the top, is a reminder of what it means to be a loyal and consistent servant to a club. Gordon West Playing Career: Blackpool, Everton, Tranmere Rovers.