Mark Pembridge
Everton Programmes|Everton v Leicester City

Former Blues midfielder Mark Pembridge enjoyed a winning return to Goodison in his role as Fulham U18s coach recently, and we grabbed a word with the 46-year-old on subjects including the Wales national side, trying to catch up with former teammates and inspiring the next generation of players

Darren Griffiths
Mark Pembridge

It’s a decent post-match quiz question.

‘From which club did Everton sign Mark Pembridge?’

Some go for Derby County, some for Sheffield Wednesday… but not many plump for Benfica.

But it was from the Portuguese giants that Walter Smith recruited the Wales international in 1999.

Pembridge went on to make 101 appearances for Everton and he was actually on the winning side at Goodison a couple of weeks ago when the Fulham Under-18s team that he coaches defeated the Young Blues 3-0.

“I’m enjoying the job, especially when we win!” he said after the game. “They say it’s all about development but we want to win as well. You know what you’re going to get when you play any Everton team. They were two competitive teams but we took our chances and we got a breakaway goal when they were chasing the game.”

The icing on the cake for Pembridge was obviously the fact that his boys put on a good show at Goodison

“It’s great for the kids to have the opportunity to play at a Premier League stadium and I always like coming back here,” he said. “I haven’t been back that often because it’s a bit difficult with the job I’m doing now but I do still keep an eye on Everton’s results. You’re looking good at the moment and hopefully you can get enough good results to get back into Europe next season. Obviously Lukaku’s goals are a massive bonus and there are a lot of good youngsters coming through as well.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EVERTON PROGRAMMESView all
Three Everton Fixtures Moved For Live TV Coverage
Everton Programmes

Three Everton Fixtures Moved For Live TV Coverage

Three Everton Fixtures Moved For Live TV Coverage

time-read
1 min  |
Everton v Burnley
EVERTON REVEALS FINAL STADIUM DESIGNS AS PLANNING APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED
Everton Programmes

EVERTON REVEALS FINAL STADIUM DESIGNS AS PLANNING APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED

EVERTON REVEALS FINAL STADIUM DESIGNS AS PLANNING APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED

time-read
4 mins  |
Everton v Burnley
CARLO ANCELOTTI
Everton Programmes

CARLO ANCELOTTI

CARLO ANCELOTTI

time-read
3 mins  |
Everton v Burnley
ANCELOTTI'S AMBITION
Everton Programmes

ANCELOTTI'S AMBITION

As Carlo Ancelotti gets ready to lead Everton for the first time this afternoon, the Blues’ new manager outlines why he’s excited by the Club’s blend of tradition, passion and ambition.

time-read
8 mins  |
Everton v Burnley
'Top talent' Evans reaping rewards of hard graft
Everton Programmes

'Top talent' Evans reaping rewards of hard graft

'Top talent’ Evans reaping rewards of hard graft

time-read
2 mins  |
Everton v Burnley
Unsworth Looks To The Evans For Praise
Everton Programmes

Unsworth Looks To The Evans For Praise

Unsworth Looks To The Evans For Praise

time-read
2 mins  |
Everton v Chelsea
Richarlison Commits To Everton And Vows To 'Honour' Blue Shirt
Everton Programmes

Richarlison Commits To Everton And Vows To 'Honour' Blue Shirt

Richarlison has put pen to paper on a new long-term Goodison Park deal.

time-read
2 mins  |
Everton v Chelsea
Meet The Manager Frank Lampard
Everton Programmes

Meet The Manager Frank Lampard

Meet The Manager Frank Lampard

time-read
2 mins  |
Everton v Chelsea
Hungry To Deliver
Everton Programmes

Hungry To Deliver

Yorkshire duo Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin discuss facing off as youngsters, remaining level-headed through highs and lows and Everton’s determination for a positive run of form…

time-read
4 mins  |
Everton v Chelsea
Heritage Society Honours Harry Catterick
Everton Programmes

Heritage Society Honours Harry Catterick

The Everton FC Heritage Society hosted a wonderful tribute night to great Everton manager Harry Catterick.

time-read
2 mins  |
Everton v Chelsea