I feel like I can't grow old because of one Everton legend - he is the ultimate original

Arguably nobody alive – or indeed ever – recalls watching Dixie Dean with as much passion, enthusiasm and detail as Paul Trevillion and the artist, who celebrates his 90^th birthday today, credits the Everton legend with giving him his positive outlook.

Trevillion modestly cites another city of Liverpool icon, Dingle-born comedian Arthur Askey, one of the many stellar names he has worked with, as giving the best eye witness accounts of Dean but he was a grown man when the prolific marksman was in his pomp. As we concluded our special edition of the Royal Blue podcast last month, he told me: “I’m 90 years of age, I can’t grow old. I’d like to grow old, I’d like the people to say to me: ‘You’re doing well old boy,’ but nobody says that to me, thanks to Dixie!

“I asked him was there ever a point when he was taking a penalty that he changed his mind when he was running up. He said: ‘No, as soon as the penalty was given and I was given the responsibility of taking it, immediately it was going in on the left or the right side but I would make that decision the moment it was awarded.’

Sean Dyche reveals Gareth Southgate talks over Everton star amid England rumours

Sean Dyche could get stung by vicious Everton claim - but huge issue is 32 years in the making

“I tried to find out from Joe Mercer was there ever a time that Dixie sort of looked at you and said: ‘It’s going to be tough.’ He said: ‘No, never once did he say it’s going to be tough or we’ve got a battle on today.

“He always had that positive outlook, he was 100% positive, nobody could have scored nine goals in the last three matches (to break George Camsell’s record) except Dixie Dean.”

I’m deadly serious when I say for all the matches I’ve reported on and interviews