William Edward Barclay enjoyed a good spell in the Premier League as a manager for both Liverpool FC and Everton. The Irish was the last manager to coach Liverpool and Everton. And now it is the Spanish, Rafael Benítez to do so.
The Toffees will host the Reds at Goodison Park for the Premier League mid fixture. Everton are currently struggling with their form who are 14th at the table, whereas Liverpool are in red hot form who are just two points behind Chelsea.
Moreover, with Merseyside derby over the cards where a former manager meets his ex-team, let’s walk down the memory lane to talk about Edward Barclay, who managed both the Merseyside clubs.
Edward Barclay is responsible for making Liverpool, who came in charge for the Reds in 1892. Before then, the Irish managed Everton who was also their first manager from August 1888 to May 1889. Barclay was in charge for just 22 games, who then went to join their rivals in the Red.
Edward Barclay was appointed as a secretary manager alongside John McKenna. Both helped Liverpool win the Lancashire League in the first season. Barclay also won the second division in 1893/94. He also served as a chairman for the Reds and worked for the FA.
Barclay was in charge of the Reds for 91 games in which he won 52, lost 22 and played out 17 draws (stats via LFCHistory).
Everton manager Rafael Benítez wants to put things right against Liverpool
With Merseyside derby on his head, Rafael Benitez has the perfect opportunity to finally win over his aggrieved fandom.
Benitez will face Liverpool for the 9th time, who is looking for a win over the Reds since 2002.
Everton defeated Liverpool 2-0 in their most recent Premier League match, snapping a 20-game winless streak against the Reds. They haven’t won back-to-back Merseyside derbies in the league since beating them in both meetups in the 1984-85 season.
Since a 2-0 loss to Everton in October 2010, Liverpool has gone undefeated in their last ten Premier League away games against them. However, eight of their last nine such visits have resulted in a draw, including the last four in a row.
Benitez understands the grievances of his fans, but he is still optimistic about turning things around. Even with trips to Chelsea and Crystal Palace jammed between home games against Arsenal and Leicester.
It’s crystal clear that Liverpool would come on top in this fixture, but we won’t mind some popcorn action in this derby. Let’s see what the Spaniard has for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
