From Allies to Adversaries: The Dramatic Birth of Liverpool FC and the Rivalry with Everton

Discover the dramatic story behind Liverpool FC's creation and the fierce rivalry that shaped Merseyside football history.

Understanding the Origins

To fully grasp how Liverpool FC came into existence, one must first delve into the history of its now-rival, Everton FC. Founded in 1878 as St. Domingo FC by members of the St. Domingo Methodist New Connexion Chapel, the club was initially formed to provide a winter sport for its cricket-playing members. In 1879, seeking to attract a broader following from the local area, the club changed its name to Everton FC.

Everton quickly rose to prominence, becoming a leading football club in Liverpool. The club was one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888, giving it a significant advantage in terms of recognition and influence both within the city and beyond. Everton’s early success and organizational structure helped it stand out among other teams.

Everton's Move and John Houlding's Influence

In 1884, Everton moved to Anfield, a ground arranged for lease by John Houlding from John Orrell, a fellow brewer and friend. This move provided Everton with a more permanent home, which was a significant step in the professionalization of the club. Houlding's involvement with Everton grew as he provided financial support and resources, eventually purchasing the Anfield land from Orrell and becoming the sole owner.

Houlding’s contributions and leadership led to his appointment as the President of Everton FC. Under his guidance, significant investments were made to improve Anfield, making it one of the best-equipped grounds in the country at the time. This included building new stands and enhancing facilities to accommodate more spectators. During his tenure, Everton FC grew in prominence, becoming one of the founding members of the Football League and winning its first league title in 1891.

The Dispute and Birth of Liverpool FC

By the early 1890s, tensions arose between Houlding and the Everton board over the rent for Anfield. Houlding wanted to increase the rent to fund further improvements, but the board found the increase excessive. Disagreements also emerged regarding the direction and control of the club. Houlding’s vision for greater investment and commercial interests clashed with the more conservative approach of other board members.

Multiple attempts were made to negotiate a compromise, but the fundamentally different views made agreement difficult. The board prioritized financial stability over Houlding’s ambitious plans, fearing that higher costs could destabilize the club. The dispute reached a breaking point in 1892, and Everton decided to leave Anfield and move to Goodison Park.

In response to being left with an empty stadium, Houlding founded Liverpool FC to utilize Anfield. Originally intended to be named Everton Athletic, the new club was ultimately named Liverpool FC. The formation of Liverpool FC directly set the stage for a rivalry with Everton, as both clubs now represented different factions within the same city.

Division of Supporters

The split between Everton and Liverpool supporters in the early days was influenced by several factors:

• Location and Community: Many original Everton supporters remained loyal to the club and followed them to Goodison Park. However, some supporters, especially those aligned with Houlding’s influence and business interests, stayed with the new club at Anfield.

• Religious and Social Factors: Over time, social and religious affiliations played a role in how the supporter base divided. Everton was traditionally seen as having more Catholic supporters, while Liverpool was perceived to have a Protestant following. This division, however, became more pronounced later.

• Economic and Business Interests: Houlding’s connections and business relationships likely swayed some supporters to back Liverpool FC. His influence in local politics and business also contributed to garnering support for the new club.

Competitive and Cultural Dynamics

Both clubs enjoyed early success, fueling competitive tensions. Everton had established itself as a major club by winning the league title in 1891, while Liverpool quickly rose to prominence, winning their first league title in 1901. The two clubs often competed in domestic cup competitions, adding another layer of rivalry.

The Merseyside Derby, known for its mixed fanbase, reflects the unique nature of the rivalry. Families and friends can often be divided in their support, contributing to the friendly yet fiercely competitive nature of the matches. Both clubs have deep roots in the local community and have been supported across different social and economic groups, further enhancing the rivalry's intensity.

Conclusion

John Houlding’s role in the split between Everton and the formation of Liverpool FC was pivotal. His vision for greater investment and control over Everton clashed with the board’s more conservative approach, leading to an irreconcilable dispute. This split not only led to the creation of Liverpool FC but also set the foundation for one of the most enduring and captivating rivalries in football history. The shared history and close proximity of Everton and Liverpool continue to fuel this fierce yet uniquely local competition.