WALLY FIELDINGFootballer Wally Fielding, who died on 18 January, 2008, was a former Everton stalwart who played more than 400 games for the club in the 1940s and ’50s.The forward was affectionately known as ‘Nobby’ on Merseyside and also earned the title of "Everton’s favourite cockney".Born in London on 26 November, 1919, Alfred Walter Fielding was originally due to sign for Charlton Athletic before the outbreak of the Second World War, but signed professionally for Everton after his service with the army, leading to a furious row between the two clubs.In a 14-year career with the club he scored 54 goals and set up many more in 410 appearances. Unfortunately, it was not the happiest of times at Goodison Park with the club spending three seasons in the Second Division from 1951-54 and the trophy cabinet being unusually barren.Nevertheless, Wally was a terrace hero, not only for his skills on the ball and deft passing ability, but also because of the way he would grasp his shirt sleeves as he ran, a habit mimicked by many Liverpool youngsters.He was unlucky not to be picked for England, although he did represent the country in a fundraising match against Scotland in the wake of the 1946 disaster at Bolton Wanderers in which 33 people were killed by crowd congestion.When the city of Liverpool celebrated its 800th birthday in 2007, Mr Fielding was named by the Liverpool Echo as one of 800 people who "put the city on the map".At 39, he left Everton for Fourth Division club Southport. He played a single season for the club before hanging up his boots in 1960.After leaving football he moved back to the South, eventually retiring to Bude in Cornwall but made frequent return trips to Merseyside."I always get a great reception at Everton and I feel like the prodigal son coming back," he said in a recent interview. "It’s true what they say you know, once you’re a blue, you’re a blue for life. You take it with you to the grave."In his post-playing days he was renowned for his personable character and was always willing to chat with Everton fans he would meet around the world.Harry Ross, of the Everton Former Players Foundation, which looked after Mr Fielding over the last few years, said: "Wally was a wonderful man and it was our privilege to help him through the last few years of his life. The Foundation paid for all his meals and health care and I know that he was always extremely grateful for everything we did for him."Everyone who has ever attended one of our events or contributed in any way should be proud that they helped such a great man and a great Evertonian. I will miss Wally… we all will."Wally Fielding died peacefully at his home at the age of 88.
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