I wanted to sign striker for Everton but ended up resigning - it took a long time to get over

Joe Royle left Everton 'feeling completely empty' on this day in 1997 but had already cemented his place in history.

Royle is still the last Everton manager to win silverware, he led the Toffees to their 1995 FA Cup win over Manchester United. However, the former striker will be remembered for much more than this.

His managerial stint began when he succeeded Mike Walker in November 1994, who failed to win a single league game to that point in the 1994-95 Premier League season. A dark cloud was hanging over Goodison with Everton inevitably facing the drop having escaped on the final day of the previous season. Royle's Everton began picking up points, eventually finishing 15th.

Farhad Moshiri gave me the scoop on two huge Everton deals - I'm not sure he was prepared to own such a big club

Stunning design feature at entrance of new Everton Stadium unveiled

Royle regards the next season's side as the best he's managed. The Blues acquired Andrei Kancheslskis from Manchester United that summer. The Russian was an instant hit on Merseyside bagging a brace to help Everton to a 1-2 win at Anfield. Everton finished sixth, a great success for a previously relegation-threatened team.

One of Royle's key acts was signing Duncan Ferguson on a permanent transfer, he had previously been on loan at the Blues. However, not all strikers who played under Royle had the same effect.

"I'd started with Brett Angell up front. I took him off and, unfortunately, had to say, 'Listen, son, our fans aren't going to have you we will do what we can to help you on your way.'" he told the Liverpool ECHO.

Royle's love story with Everton spanned many years before his managerial exploits. The striker netted over 100 times for the Toffees helping them to