The scorer of one of the most revered goals in Everton’s rich and illustrious 135-year history was inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame at the 2013 annual End of Season Awards.
Derek Temple – the man who broke Sheffield Wednesday hearts in the 1966 FA Cup final – is the latest legend to receive Everton Giant status.
Temple became the 24th Club great to be honoured in such a way, his name now standing alongside Alex Young, Brian Labone, Colin Harvey, Dave Hickson, Gordon West and Alan Ball – all team-mates of his from the indelible golden era during the 1960s.
“The only thing is, I wish I was getting the award for young player of the year,” joked the Blues legend upon collecting his accolade from fellow 'Giant' Duncan Ferguson at the May 2013 dinner.
“It’s fantastic to join this squad of players. Everton have had some fantastic players over the years and to be on the list with these fellas is absolutely tremendous.”
Born and bred in Merseyside, Temple is held in the highest esteem by all at Goodison Park after emerging from the youth ranks to offer a decade of service to the first team between 1957 and 1967.
At his fearsome peak, Temple was a skilful attacker capable of occupying a number of positions, equally adept either at centre or inside forward.
From his 275 appearances for the Toffees – a total which could have been considerably higher if not for a spell of National Service - Temple netted 83 goals.
But one strike above all others will resonate forever in Everton folklore.
Temple’s breakaway goal a quarter of an hour from time at the old Wembley Stadium in 1966 is widely regarded as the defining moment in his Blues career.
Trailing 2-0 to the Owls, Harry Catterick's Everton responded through Mike Trebilcock’s second-half brace before Temple put the finishing touch on a dazzling comeback.
Temple’s contribution was even more rewarding considering he had missed out on a championship winners’ medal in 1963 after a cartilage injury had consigned him to the sidelines for almost the entire season.
The 74-year-old, who can also label himself an England international following an appearance for Alf Ramsey’s Three Lions in 1965, later represented Preston North End and Wigan Athletic.
But it will be at Goodison Park, wearing the famed Blue shirt, where he will always be remembered most fondly.
The concept of the Everton Giants began as a way to celebrate the Millennium and has grown into the Club’s Hall of Fame.
