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We've had enough of the Good Times bobble hat telling us what to talk about. The Wembley derby will have to wait.In the summer of 1996, Everton may not have been Cup holders anymore (the loveables having let the city down and sent the trophy back to Manchester), but were now being touted as outsiders for an even bigger pot - their first league title in 9 (NINE) years.Gary Speed looked like just the missing piece of Joe Royle's jigsaw, a marauding all-round midfielder (which was the style at the time), and a lifelong Evertonian to boot. Someone that would undoubtedly spend his many remaining years at the club he loved.After a dream first day of the season, August optimism gives way for a bumpy autumn then, naturally. But at least we don't go out of the League Cup to York.This episode is supported by The Excelsior. Thanks to Sean Ponzini and Gary Lunt for their contributions.
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"Good Times - Number 39: 1996/97 (Part 1)" is an episode of The Blue Room - Everton FC Podcast. Runtime 2 hr 6 min. Published June 26, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.