- Richard Dunne played for Everton from 1997 to 2000.
- He appeared for the Toffees under two managers, Joe Royle and Walter Smith.
- Before breaking into the first team, the defender won the FA Youth Cup in 1998.
Richard Dunne had a vast Premier League career spanning across four clubs.
He was a key player in the 1999-00 season after featuring 31 times in the league for the Blues and helped them reach the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
Outside of club football, the centre back had a distinguished career with the Republic of Ireland and played 80 times for his nation, and appeared at two major tournaments.
Dunne, speaking exclusively with ReadEverton via BetGoodwin, reflected on his early playing days with the Toffees.
‘Special to play for Everton’
Moving from Home Farm in Dublin as a schoolboy, the defender made his Everton debut under Joe Royle in 1997.
Dunne spoked fondly about his time on Merseyside and maintains a connection with the club today.
He said: “I had a very good experience when I played for Everton.
“Such a massive club with big history, especially in the 80s with such top players entertaining the crowds.
“I enjoyed playing at Goodison, the crowd were always up for it and was pleasure to play for the club. The atmosphere at games made it special to play for Everton and under two top managers as well with great players too.”
Slotting in at right back
Although his primary position was centre back, Dunne was played out of position – at right back – under Smith, but denied this was the reason why left Everton for Manchester City in 2000.
“Joe Royle, who was the manager at Everton moved to Man City and I had a very good relationship with him , and it was a move I made based on Joe wanting me to join him at City.
“I had a good relationship with Walter Smith, who was also a top manager as well, but when Joe wanted to sign me, it was an easy decision to make.”
On the verge of joining the crazy gang
The Toffees reportedly accepted a bid for the Irishman from Wimbledon before he made the switch to Manchester. However, the move fell through, and Dunne stayed at Everton for another season.
Commenting on the potential move to the South London outfit, he said: “I went down to meet the Wimbledon owners, and everything was looking set for a move.
“When everything was progressing further, they said they didn’t have the money for the transfer and then it wasn’t going to happen.
“But up until then, it did look as it I was going to London to be part of the crazy gang and Wimbledon.”
‘Royle knew how to get the best out of his players’
Dunne was coached by Royle at both Everton and Manchester City, and detailed the impact he had on his career.
“Joe Royle was such a top manager to play under,” said the ex-Irish international.
“He really knew how to get the best out of his players, was easy to play under and we got some good results playing for him.
“Also at City, it was a good time to play under Joe Royle, who gave us all a lot of confidence to be at our best and deliver on the pitch.
“He knew the game itself out and I believe players enjoyed working for him.”
A small chunk of his appearances came at Everton, but the Irishman has always maintained a connection with the Blues and their supporters.
The Toffees have been blessed with some of Ireland’s finest footballers, and Dunne firmly sits in this category after an extensive career in the Premier League, and for his nation.
