They say one of the key ingredients to many great double acts is the combination of different stage personas; every Morecambe needs his Wise, every Costello needs his Abbott, every Ball needs his Cannon – OK, maybe not that last one. It didn’t seem so at the time, but 1964-65 was obviously a season of transition with the 1962-63 champions gradually being replaced as he built a new side. He certainly commanded the widespread respect of his fellow managers and Everton supporters. The Goodison hierarchy rewarded him with long contracts.

The first stop was California: “We went to Los Angeles Wolves but that collapsed after one year, it was a shame as we enjoyed it there and were doing well. READ MORE: Stay-away Everton fans make their point as they save themselves for points deduction protest He wasn't a demonstrative man. He did not court the press and perhaps they had their revenge because you don’t see the tributes to him you get for the likes of Busby, Shankly and Nicholson. But he was on a par with any of them.” Ross Barkley’s dive in the same game was a full-on deception, but Tomkins took gamesmanship to a new level and, though it scarcely matters given the wealth of these people, it would be nice to think that as well as a dressing-down from Sam Allardyce his club might have considered it worthy of some form of disciplinary measure.

'I played with great players... I just wish it had lasted longer'

The 18-year-old apprentice marine engineer who signed his first professional deal with Everton in 1937, had to wait until he was 27 to make his League debut in August 1946. Colin Harvey, alongside Alan Ball and Howard Kendall one-third of Everton’s Holy Trinity in those glory years, sums it up in the foreword to a new book about his old manager. “The press enjoyed being courted by Bill Shankly, but Harry was an introvert and snubbed them. As a result, Don Revie, Bill Shankly, Bill Nicholson and Sir Matt Busby all get mentioned as being the great managers of the era while Harry doesn’t. However, he was right up there among them and created three different trophy-winning sides. Over the years I’ve been disappointed he hasn’t received the respect and recognition he deserves.”

Certainly they were a beacon of attractive football in an era when defensive tactics became more sophisticated and oppressive. April 22nd has brought a variety of headlines for the Toffees in years past, so let’s take a look at how this date shaped Everton history as we know it! 1939: Everton earn a good enough result to clinch league title Top left: Gerry Murphy gives a rendition of The Ballad of Dixie Dean; Top right: John Hurst, recipient of the Dixie Dean Memorial Award There would be no interference from other coaches. He would develop them up to the stage when they’re ready for promotion.The legendary Tottenham manager might have won more trophies than any other manager that decade – but one of his contemporaries won more matches and collected more top flight points than any other. And he’s always overlooked.