What I've Been Clicking On

Finally - here are the websites I've been wiling away my time on recently:

1. Various Everton fora
The usual summer drill - day after day of painstakingly scouring Everton message boards hoping to see if signed someone, or to glean some inside knowledge on a deal in process. And day after day of disappointment!
I've been a regular visitor especially to BlueKipper and Grand Old Team in particular. The latter is home to one guy who seems to be genuinely 'in the know'. However, his bits of news and info are generally hard to prove, as they largely involved nothing happening whatsoever because the club is skint!
As yet, no news is bad news...


2. Music goodness
A lot of my music finds come via Pitchfork nowadays, although it has to be said that their reviews often reach a level of pretension that is almost unbearable.
The big discovery for me though has been a replacement for Spotify! With Spotify needing the download of a piece of software to operate, it can be a pain to access it away from home. This led to frustration and unwanted musical silences. I tried using the reformed MySpace music site but found it clunky and cumbersome. Listening to the radio was ok at times, but I wanted greater control over what I was listening to. Then, Pete Elliott, a good friend of mine, introduced me to Grooveshark and I've not looked back! It has a lot of the good features of Spotify - ease of use, and a wealth of songs to listen to, absolutely free. However, unlike Spotify, your listening is unlimited, and more importantly, browser based! There's nothing to download at all, so you can listen to it wherever you have an internet connection! I definitely recommend it!

3. Twitter
Obvious I know, but I it's just so much fun. I reckon I find out most of what's happening in the world via Twitter nowadays, and I like how easy it is to find stuff out quickly. Whether it's on my phone, on my iPod or on my computer, I can keep in touch with people really easily, and it's a great source of news, information and acerbic humour!
Facebook is a distant 2nd for me now, when it comes to social networking.

What I've Been Reading

I've had plenty of books on the go recently. As ever, there's no fiction, as I don't enjoy wasting my time with that nonsense anymore....


1. Bobby Robson - "Farewell But Not Goodbye"
This was one of two books I was kindly lent by my next door neighbour. Few who have followed football in the last 30 years and more will have a bad word to say about Sir Bobby - now sadly departed. This autobiography had plenty of interesting tit-bits in - although could have given some more details about his European exploits, managing PSV, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Barca, in my humble opinion. Nevertheless, I learnt some interesting things...:

• Robson very nearly became Everton manager in the mid 70s, but backed out on a handshake agreement after Everton leaked the news to the press against his expressed wishes that they keep it quiet until he had spoken to his employers, Ipswich Town. Sad!
• He considered Jermaine Jenas to be capable of being England's key midfielder for 'many years to come'. Oh dear....
• Liverpool bid £3m for Alan Shearer when he was 33.
• He actually had 2 serious battles with cancer before it finally claimed his life a year or two ago

A big chunk of the book towards the end is understandably devoted to Bobby's time at Newcastle, and to be fair, the board there come across as complete pillocks. But that's no great surprise.

2. Barry Fry - "Big Fry - The Autobiography"

The other book I borrowed from my neighbour. Decent- but not as enjoyable for me. Fry is certainly a colourful character, and lived a very different football life to Robson. Some of the characters he's dealt with down the years have been, frankly, mental (Stan Flashman, Keith Cheeseman etc), but I couldn't help but disagree with a lot of stuff he said, and I got the impression he wasn't telling the whole truth a lot of the time!

Still - a decent read.

3. Kenneth E. Bailey - "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes"

A good, meaty, theological book, with some excellent insights on what Jesus' words would have meant to his actual contemporary audience. There are some really interesting things to think about - but I'm not even half way through the book yet and I think it's taking a little while to get going!

One thing that has challenged me a lot has been Bailey's analysis of the Lord's prayer, in which he highlights the importance of forgiving even when the people we are to forgive have shown no repentance. Jesus is the ultimate model of this - even on the cross, as he shouted out, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do". It's not easy to forgive people who have wronged us even when they've apologised - but it's a whole new level to show grace to those who have not even asked for it. Challenging!

4. The Bible

Ok - who's going to make the joke about me not enjoying fiction? I'm close to the end now of my 'Bible In One Year' programme, which I've followed since September 1st 2010. It's been tough going at times, but I've kept up to date with it, currently racing through the very challenging books of Ezekiel and James. I've learnt a lot through the year, and have a much improved idea of how it all fits together. Definitely a worthwhile year!

What I've Been Listening To

So...what's been pumping into my ears over the last few months? Some pretty good stuff, as it happens! Some old, some new. Here's a little taste:

1. The Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I

This is actually an old album (1999) which I discovered purely because Pitchfork re-reviewed it on account of its re-release on vinyl only. Frustratingly, it's unavailable on CD in the UK. It's a superb album - pretty rocky and choppy, with some cool lyrics. What I love about it is that it perfectly treads the fine line between dis-jointed and really well formed indie-rock, with dis-chord aplenty, but also some superb melody and great beats. The track "Memory Machine" (see video) is a perfect example, alternating excitingly between chaos and rocky perfection. The lyrics are good too:

"Some day I'm telling you they'll make a memory machine, to wax our hearts to a blinding sheen.......
If they can make machines to save us labor Someday they'll do our hearts the very same favour
The wails of ruined lives brought to a halt
By the serene hum of computers in air-conditioned vaults"

Anyway - it won't be to everyone's taste, but if you bands like Pavement and The Pixies, I reckon you'll enjoy the D-Plan.


2. Bon Iver - "Bon Iver"

After the brilliant debut album, "For Emma, Forever Ago" (easier to type than say!), I was massively looking forward to Justin Vernon and co's follow up album. I have not been disappointed! The sophomore release is a thing of absolute beauty - but is also very different. Where the first album was very much about a girl, this one seems much more to be about a sense of place, rather than person. The music is different too - less instantly accessible, but more varied and exciting. "Perth", the first song on the album takes the listener's breath away, with marching drums dramatically replaced by the crashing of 3 kits/percussion sets in the climax.
But for me it's the hauntingly beautiful "Wash" (see video), with its echoing piano and swooning strings which takes the album to a whole new level. Just brilliant.


3. Bethel Church - "Be Lifted High"

Very rare that I recommend a worship album - largely because I don't often enjoy whole ones, given what I perceive to be a musical inferiority to secular stuff (sorry!). But this album combines excellent musicianship with brilliant lyrics and I've found myself really drawn into worship by it. The stand out track for me is Brian Johnson's song, "What Would I Have Done" (see video) which builds slowly to a rousing and emotional chorus which asks on behalf of all believers that intriguing question - where would we be without the love and forgiveness of God? Great music, with a powerful message.


4. Metronomy - "The English Riviera"

Cool little album this - and today it was nominated for a Mercury Music Prize. I got into this one thanks to Radio 6, and have really enjoyed it. There are hints of Phoenix, Daft Punk, Zero 7 and Postal Service in there if you listen hard enough. The stand out track is the latest single, "The Bay" (see video), which has a fun rhythm section and some superb harmonies. Love it!


5. Fleet Foxes - "Helplessness Blues"

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys in concert in June and they didn't disappoint. Their second album is every bit as brilliant as their first, with sensational harmonisation over folksy music. The title track for me is the stand out song....(see video).

Time to catch up...

Despite my best intentions, I've not got around to blogging for quite a while now. And there are so many things I could talk about! In my own little world, there's the been quite a lot going on...

• George's continuing development - 5 and a half months old now, and sitting up!
• Some pretty dramatic weight loss - 24 pounds and counting!
• My first ever preach at Gateway Church 
• Cricketing exploits aplenty
• Beavering away at work
• Having quality time with Mrs Butland
• Planning the new FC Gateway season

It's all happening. But tonight I have a bit of time on my hands - so I'm going to update you on the REALLY important stuff. Namely, what I've been listening to, what I've been clicking on, and what I've been reading! I'll release a little blog for each section!

I know you're excited...

Back

It's been quite some time since I last blogged - and a lot has happened since then! Most notably, George has happened! My son is now almost 3 months old - and he's a little cracker. Fatherhood is still taking a bit of getting used to - but by and large I'm loving it!
Anyway - seeing as I've been away from the blogosphere for a few months, here's a quick run down of things that have been on my mind in that time.....


1. Sunshine brings out the best in people
I could be wrong, but with the lovely weather we've had recently, I've sensed a real upturn in people's general mood/demeanour. People are outside more! I've had loads of great conversations with next door neighbours etc recently, simply because we're all out and about more. It was a long hard winter - as bad weather and austerity measures hit people hard. But a bit of sunshine appears to have been quite a tonic! Long may it continue....


2. The Royal Wedding
I'm a cynical so-and-so by nature, and I'm no great fan of the monarchy either. That said - I'm certainly not anti-monarchy either. As someone pointed out to me today - would we really like a 'President Cameron'?!
Whatever, I found myself strangely enjoying the festivities and pageantry of the Royal Wedding today. It was great to see two young people committing to each other in marriage - in an age when marriage seems less and less valued by society. Much as two rich, posh people tying the knot really has little effect on my life, I really hope their commitment serves as an example to others, and we see the our country grasp hold of the joy and pleasure of marriage once more. As a new father, I believe more than ever that a loving, stable marriage is so key for bringing children up in the best way possible. It's right that we celebrate at weddings, because they symbolise the start of something so special.


3. Emotional rollercoaster
Since little George came along, I think I've become far more emotional! Amazingly, I've still not cried, but I've found myself welling up emotive tv moments - even ones I've seen before! I've never been one for shedding tears - in fact my wife describes me as an "emotional brick"! But I'm heartened that I perhaps have discovered some feelings deep down somewhere! 


Right - I'll hopefully be back to some semblance or blogging routine again soon - and will resume my usual mix of sporting reminiscing and musical recommendations. 

Women and football - the Keys to this Gray area....

Moments after FC Gateway's thrilling 1-1 draw with arch rivals Mosaic FC on Saturday ( ), I walked in to The Regent pub in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. I ordered a drink from the bar - well, actually, I got my mate Suggy to get me one as I realised I was cashless - and I went and sat down with some of the FC Gateway lads. We were gathered in front of the tv, awaiting the start of Wolves v Liverpool. It was a normal, happy, Saturday.

"You'll never believe this Butters", exclaimed Dave Britton, FC Gateway's keeper.

"What Dave?", I replied.

"Look who's running the line".

I turned and looked up at the screen.....

And. There. SHE. Was.

A woman. A WOMAN! Dressed in an official FA referee's kit.
In mock indignation, I slammed my glass on the table. "The whole world's gone MAD', I joked.
A few moments of normal, laddish banter ensued, and the issue was pretty much forgotten.

A similar conversation was, I guarantee, happening in pubs and living rooms up and down the country. Men were making jokey, sexist comments, implying that Sian Massey would simply not be able to function adequately as an assistant referee, purely because she is a woman.

Just 48 hours later, most of those same lads have been condemning Richard Keys and Andy Gray for making comments about Sian, apparently genuinely questioning her ability to officiate. How uncomfortable many of us may have felt, lambasting Sky's anchors whilst knowing that we were making similar comments on Saturday.

Except...there is a difference, I believe. The comments I made to my FC Gateway colleagues on Saturday were entirely in jest. Jokey, sexist remarks, made purely to score a few 'banter points' and get a laugh. In truth, I have no problem whatsoever with a female officiating an football match at any level, provided they are qualified to do so. But seemingly, there was a sense of genuine anger and indignation in the voices of Keys and Gray. They seemed to genuinely believe that Sian Massey was incapable of fulfilling her duty, purely because of what she didn't have down her shorts.

So why the indignation of these two long-serving football celebrities? Why do they and some others genuinely believe that Sian Massey - or any other woman for that matter - have no place in professional men's football?
I have a semi-theory. Although women have increasingly been welcomed into football - as both spectators and players - many men still see Association Football as their domain. It's their escape. It's their place of refuge - the place where they can talk knowledgeably and at length with their mates, without fear of being proved wrong or undermined by their relevant lady-folk. They can bury themselves in their love and enjoyment of the game, safe in the knowledge that football is one of the few things they will always be better at - both playing and understanding.
That's how many men think! For them, football really is a MAN'S game - it's not for girls. For a female to be present, to interfere in this manly world, is a serious challenge to their authority. Their small minds simply can't comprehend that a woman might know as much - if not more - than them. And perish the thought that woman might make a successful living from the game which most men only lose money on watching, playing and gambling.
How dare a woman break in and interfere where she's not welcome! How dare she try and be good at something that men are superior at!

In terms of actually playing the game, perhaps they have a point. Watch a game of international women's football - and you'll see that it just doesn't compare to the men's game. That's not controversial. Men and women are largely built differently. We're wired differently. Men are faster, stronger and often more agile (I'm generalising - just before someone asks me to take on Jessica Ennis at a heptathlon). It's only natural that we would be better at football - because it's a fast, physical and agile game.

However...in the case of Sian Massey, we are NOT talking about playing football. We are essentially talking about a profession. For that's what refereeing a football match is. It's a job. You don't have to be fast, physical or agile to be a referee (just look at Phil 'Moobs' Dowd!). You simply need to know the rules of the game, and be confident enough to apply them in the face of 22 men, half of whom you are likely to annoy with every single decision you make.
In my mind, there is absolutely no reason why a woman can not do that job just as well as a man can. Very often, male referees - I sense - are the kids who got picked last at school for football. They turn to refereeing as a form of revenge. A chance to participate in the game they were left out of, by killing the fun of those who ruined their play-times in school. It doesn't take any particular skill at football to be a referee. Just an understanding of the laws of the game - which anyone can learn. Sian Massey has done this, and has risen to the top of her profession. Hats off to her!

When most men make sexist comments about women in football, it's largely banter. But that's all it is. In the same way that women might comment on men trying to multitask! The key to sexist jokes is that both genders make them, and most people don't really mean them. They're effectively caricaturing some of the differences that make men men, and women women. Those differences ARE there, and shouldn't be ignored. But it's vital not to turn those difference into barriers that divide unnecessarily.
The difference between men and women might prevent a female from playing Premiership football, but absolutely certainly not from being a referee. Or a pundit, commentator, fan or director! If a woman is qualified to do those jobs, then she should do them. And simply being a woman does not disqualify them. Keys and Gray crossed a line that shouldn't have been crossed. They made themselves look petty, small-minded and stupid. They tried to keep women out of a part of 'their' world which, actually, women have every right to be in. And I think they'll be feeling pretty foolish right now.

Sports Podcast Episode 4

In this week's episode we look back on a surprising set of NFL playoff results, reflect on the Merseyside derby and talk about the magic of the FA cup. Our main focus though is on the Transfer Window as we discuss the impact of Darren Bent's move to Aston Villa and talk about the pros and cons of the system.

Impending doom.....or not

Apologies for anyone expecting to read a list of 5 great Everton moments, or something similarly churlish and...well....fun. This blog post is going to be a slightly more serious and meaningful one. Many of you will know that any day now, my wife Debbie will be giving birth to our first child. She's 38 weeks and 3 days now - and she's doing absolutely great! It's dawned on me though that life is about to change in just about the biggest way imaginable for us. We've been married for over 6 years now - together for over 11 - and we've had a wonderfully blessed and happy time. We love each other's company, and while we have certain responsibilities which keep us very busy, we generally have gone through life together with a good measure of control and certainty about what's happening. We've trusted God for everything - money, shelter, food, warmth etc - and he has provided for us abundantly. When we've had a passion to do something or go somewhere, we've largely been able to do it - without fear of how it impacts on the lives of people around us. In short, it's been a blast, and we'd pretty much not change anything that we've experienced together.

So what on earth are we doing having a baby!? At some point during the next 25 days or so, my wife is going to emit a tiny little person, which will hopefully in some way resemble one/both of us, and who will change our lives forever. That freedom we've had which has enabled us to come and go as we please, to chase our goals and dreams, to live with relative ease - much of that is about to disappear. Lost somewhere, in a pile of dirty nappies, sick-stained muslins and a never ending assortment of tiny clothes and soft toys. Sleep is going to become very, very disrupted, our social lives are going to become much more difficult, and our energy levels are going to plummet. The house will at times be filled with screaming and crying, it will smell of poo, and Debbie is going to be getting through a massive stack of nipple-cream (ouch).
And that's not to mention the huge financial impact a baby has on a couple! I heard recently that the average cost of raising a baby from 0-21 in the UK is £193,000! That's over £9k a year we need to find - with my wife earning less than before!

In our church we have seen something like 20 new born babies enter the scene in the last couple of years - and our friends have let us know in no uncertain terms just how much life is going to change for us, as it has for them. Some have had babies who have been relatively predictable, routine-loving and easy to look after. Others have had much harder times. Every baby is different - we have learnt - and we have been so inspired by all of the couples we know who have had them recently, as we have watched them adapt and grow into parenthood. But it's impossible not to see the massive effect each baby has had on the lives of each couple - it's simply massive.
With all this expectation of upheaval, sleep-deprivation and financial ruin, it's little wonder that we have jokingly taken to referring to our forthcoming child as 'Impending Doom'.

'Impending Doom' - at 20wks...

So...why are we doing this? Why would anyone choose to give up a life of fun, freedom and comfort for a life of stress, tiredness and financial strain? Why have we chosen to give up that freedom we have had which has has enabled us to pursue our dreams and ambitions without much of a care in the world?

The answer is simple: this IS our dream and our ambition. We have longed for this moment - this chance to start a family, to raise a child together, to be parents. This IS what we've always dreamed of! We didn't want to do it straight away - these years gone by have been so important to us. I can't deny there's a twinge of sadness as we wave goodbye to a phase of life we have known and loved together. But we're just so excited to take this next step on our journey together. God has blessed us now with the amazing privilege of becoming parents - a privilege which not everyone gets to enjoy - and we don't take this lightly. We've put a lot of prayer and passion into getting even this far, and we've done a lot of homework! And now we're just so full of anticipation of what is to come. I simply cannot wait to see my baby's face for the first time - to hold it in my arms and to know that I am a father - and to know that I am a father married to an beautiful, wonderful mother. Inside I feel a crazy tangle of excited, nervous, impatient, worried and joyful! I just hope and pray that we have a safe birth, a healthy baby and many, many years of happiness together as a family.

The days gone by have been special - the days to come are going to be even more so. We thank God for blessing us with this baby, and far from being 'impending doom', deep down, we know that whatever befalls, this is actually forthcoming joy.

Love sport? Check out the Unnamed Sports Podcast, Episode 3

Episode 3 of the Unnamed Sports Podcast is here! Mark Dorey and I reflect on a very busy and exciting festive sporting period, taking in The Ashes, a Premier League update, The NFL Playoffs, and as ever, a look back at the 3 most impressive sporting 'plays' of the week! You can access the podcast directly below - or why not subscribe to us on iTunes? Just search for 'Chris Butland' or 'Mark Dorey' in the iTunes Podcast Store!

And here are the videos of the 3 best sporting plays this week:

1. Marshawn Lynch's breathtaking 67 yard touchdown run for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Wildcard Playoffs.

2. James Simpson-Daniel's try against the Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership.

http://www.itv.com/sport/rugby/?intcmp=NAV_SPORT6_RUGBY5

(Click on the 'Gloucester v Exeter link on the right hand side)

3. Sergio Torres' giant-killing goal for Crawley Town in the FA Cup 3rd round.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nTHg2rSKDw (4mins12 in)

5 Everton FA Cup Upsets (in my lifetime)

The FA Cup 3rd round gets underway today, and Everton travel to Championship side Scunthorpe United, hoping to avoid an upset. This time every year, I can't help but think back to some of those horrible, dark moments when Everton played the role of giants being defeated by relative minnows. Sadly, it's happened all too often in my lifetime - both in the FA Cup and the League Cup. I've narrowed it down to just 5  here - all in the FA Cup. I'm hoping that I won't have to add Scunthorpe to the list later today! So, in chronological order....


1. Port Vale, 1996
Things were generally looking pretty good at Everton in the 1995/96 campaign. They were the FA Cup holders, having beaten Manchester United in May 1995, and were going well in the league too, eventually finishing 6th. Andrei Kanchelskis was playing some scintillating football down the right flank, and the likes of Joe Parkinson, Andy Hinchcliffe and Graham Stuart, amongst others, were having good seasons.  So it was something of a surprise when Joe Royle's men had their defence of the trophy unceremoniously ended by Port Vale, of the 2nd tier (then the 1st Division). Vale came to Goodison in the 4th round, for what would surely be a routine win for the blues. But despite taking the lead twice (Amokachi and Ferguson), Everton were pegged back and held to a 2-2 draw, meaning a difficult looking midweek replay in the Potteries on Valentines day evening. Vale's 2nd goal in that first tie came from midfielder Ian Bogie. And wouldn't you know it, he would prove to be Everton's 'Bogie-man' (sorry) in the replay,  slamming the Valiants into the lead with a cracking strike on 17 minutes. 
The Blues were able to recover with a Stuart equaliser, but it was Jon McCarthy who had the final say, sending the home fans into ecstasy and dumping the blues out of the cup in the second half. McCarthy and his opposite winger, Steve Guppy, had caused Everton problems in both matches, and it was fitting that it was Guppy's cross which set up the winner. Guppy of course went on to have a good Premier League career at Leicester City.



2. Bradford City, 1997
Evertonians didn't have long to wait before the next FA Cup upset. The very next season, Everton were drawn at home in the 4th round again, this time against Bradford City, who were struggling in the 1st Division. However, Everton were in no great shape either. The wheels were coming off for Joe Royle's team. Andrei Kanchelskis was fading badly, and it was becoming apparent that he'd be moving on soon. The team was struggling for form, and this game came towards the end of a 6 game losing streak in the league.
Bradford, although not having a good season, arrived at Goodison with star veteran Chris Waddle enjoying the twilight years of his career. And it was his goal for which this game will be largely remembered.
John Dreyer put the Bantams ahead early in the 2nd half with a sweetly struck volley. And then came the moment which most Evertonians will remember as being the end of Andrei Kanchelskis. The Russian, trying to make something happen, inexplicably started running towards his own goal, trying to find a pass. He could have just laid the ball back to Neville Southall, but in a moment of blind panic, he attempted a silly pass, and succeeded only in playing the ball loosely to Chris Waddle, 40 yards out. The ex-England winger didn't hesitate and unleashed a wonderful, looping left footed shot, which sailed over Southall (another Everton man on his way towards the end of his Everton career) and into the back of the net. Kanchelskis was sold to Fiorentina days after this game - his last in a blue shirt.
This wasn't the end of the action though, as the Blues set about launching a fightback. They quickly made it 1-2 with a Bradford City own goal - Andy O'Brien the culprit. But as they pushed for an equaliser, Everton left themselves open to the counter attack, and Waddle superbly played in Rob Steiner for the goal which effectively sealed the victory. Everton grabbed a late consolation when a Gary Speed cross flew into the far corner. But Bradford held on, and Everton went on to finish the season under the caretaker-management of Dave Watson, barely holding on to Premier League survival.


3. Tranmere Rovers, 2001
Things were generally crap for Everton under Walter Smith, but there were very few worse days than this. Everton and Liverpool fans generally have a bit of a soft spot for Tranmere Rovers of the Wirral (just the other side of the Mersey), and I certainly had always followed their yo-yo exploits with interest. At various times they've been either on the verge of reaching the top flight, or alternatively almost going out of existence at the other end of the Football League. They became famous for exciting cup runs under John Aldridge - and again, many Evertonians wished them well with their adventures up until this point. 
When Rovers arrived at Goodison for this 4th round tie, though, you could sense something bad was going to happen. Smith's teams were fragile and low on confidence almost all of the time, and plucky underdogs like Tranmere were exactly the sort of opponents one dreaded to see the hapless men in blue face. Aldridge's 1st division side would finish rock bottom that season, and drop into the 3rd tier of English football. But they still had some decent individuals - including future Wales international and Premier League player Jason Koumas. They also had the pace of Andy Parkinson - and a host of decent old pro's like defender Steve Yates and former cup-winning Evertonian, Paul Rideout.
It was Yates and Koumas who would make the headlines that day - with the defender exposing Everton's dismal marking to score two headers, either side of a wonderful Koumas lob. Walter Smith was never a hugely popular man at Goodison - and even though he lasted another year or so, many saw this dismal 0-3 defeat as the final nail in the coffin for the dour Scotsman's reign.


4. Shrewsbury Town, 2003
With Smith now gone, Everton were resurgent under young manager David Moyes. In the 2002/3 season - the Scotsman's first full season in charge - the Blues would finish 7th in the Premier League, and had unearthed the most exciting young player of his generation....a certain Wayne Rooney.
So it was with some confidence that the team travelled down for a 3rd round tie at lowly Shrewsbury Town - who themselves were on their way to finishing 92nd out of 92 Football League clubs that season. Under the management of and Everton legend, Kevin Ratcliffe, few gave the Shrews hope getting anything out of the game at Gay Meadow (no sniggering at the back, please). 
Everton fielded a strong team that day too. Young Peter Clarke made a rare appearance at the back, but aside from that, the team featured the likes of Rooney, Radzinski, Gravesen, Carsley etc. Moyes was taking this very seriously.
So he would have had that sinking feeling just after the half hour mark, when veteran Nigel Jemson curled in a superb free kick which beat Richard Wright (eeuuugh) all ends up to put the home side - at that point a full 80 places below Everton in the football league - into a shock lead. Everton managed to regroup, and in the second half, Niclas Alexandersson restored parity, and looked to have spared the blushes of his manager. The game was petering out towards a replay, when Jemson nodded in an Ian Woan free-kick two minutes from time, to stun Everton and seal a famous victory. Moyes would of course recover from this set-back and become a hugely popular manager for Everton. But this was a dark day and one which would take some beating.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/2607229.stm

5. Oldham, 2008
So finally, the most recent of Everton's cup upsets. Oldham Athletic arrived at Goodison in 2008 as a team of League 1 (3rd tier) play-off contenders. Everton meanwhile were thriving under David Moyes, on their way to an excellent 5th place finish. Yakubu was banging the goals in for the Blues in his first season. But Moyes shuffled his pack a little for this game, handing a start to German goalkeeper Steffan Wessels, and leaving The Yak on the bench, with Andy Johnson and James Vaughan starting up front. Everton were also without the influential Mikel Arteta. However, there was still more than enough talent on the pitch, one would have thought, to see off lowly Oldham.
Think again. Oldham were superb on the day, and were full value for their 0-1 victory. Gary McDonald scored the only goal, beating Wessels from long range with a looping left-footed effort. The defeat represented what many Evertonians viewed as an opportunity missed for the Blues. With the side doing so well in the league, cup runs still represented their best chance of gaining silverware and pushing on to that ever elusive 'next level'. Moyes' continuing failure to put such a run together was beginning to frustrate. That season though, they did at least manage to reach the semi finals of the Carling Cup. And the following season saw Everton go all the way to Wembley, reaching the FA Cup final.
This Oldham game though will serve as the most recent reminder that ANYTHING can happen in the FA Cup, and the Toffees will have to be on their guard this afternoon at Scunthorpe if they are to avoid a repeat of these 5 dismal days.