Kevin Ratcliffe facts for kids
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Ratcliffe with Everton in 1984
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Kevin Ratcliffe | ||
| Date of birth | 12 November 1960 | ||
| Place of birth | Mancot, Wales | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Central defender, left back | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Everton | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1980–1992 | Everton | 359 | (2) |
| 1992 | Dundee | 4 | (0) |
| 1992–1993 | Cardiff City | 25 | (1) |
| 1993 | Nottingham Forest | 0 | (0) |
| 1994 | Derby County | 6 | (0) |
| 1994–1995 | Chester City | 23 | (0) |
| Total | 406 | (3) | |
| International career | |||
| 1981–1993 | Wales | 59 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 1995–1999 | Chester City | ||
| 1999–2003 | Shrewsbury Town | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Kevin Ratcliffe, born on November 12, 1960, is a former Welsh professional footballer. He played most of his career for Everton Football Club. He was known for being a strong and determined defender.
Contents
Playing for Clubs
Kevin Ratcliffe was born in Mancot, a town in Wales. He joined Everton as a young player in 1977. He played his first game on March 12, 1980. But he became a regular player in the main team in 1982.
Becoming Everton's Captain
At first, he played as a left back. His performance got much better when he moved to play as a centre back. In 1983, when he was 23, he became the team's captain. This was just as Everton started a very successful period.
Winning Trophies with Everton
As captain, Ratcliffe helped Everton win many important trophies. They won the FA Cup in 1984. They also won the Football League Championship twice, in 1985 and 1987. Another big win was the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1985.
Everton also reached three other FA Cup finals (1985, 1986, 1989). They played in a League Cup Final in 1984 too. Kevin Ratcliffe played 461 games for Everton. He scored two goals during his time there.
His Playing Style
Ratcliffe was known for his tough and strong way of playing. He was a very determined tackler. He once had a notable moment with player Vinnie Jones in a match against Wimbledon in 1989. Ratcliffe was always ready to stand up for his teammates.
After Everton
After leaving Everton in 1992, Kevin Ratcliffe played for a few other clubs. These included Dundee, Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, and Chester City.
Playing for Wales
Kevin Ratcliffe played for the Wales national team 59 times. He often captained his country's team. He also played for Wales at younger age levels. Even with famous players like Ian Rush and Ryan Giggs, Wales did not qualify for a major tournament during his time.
Becoming a Manager
In 1994, Ratcliffe joined Chester City as a player and assistant manager. He became the main manager in April 1995. He stayed there until August 1999. A highlight was guiding the club to the play-offs in 1997. He even used his own money to help the club pay a water bill when they had financial problems.
In November 1999, Ratcliffe became the manager of Shrewsbury Town. He helped them avoid being relegated from the Football League in 2000. A big moment was when his team beat his old club Everton in the FA Cup in 2003. At that time, Everton was doing very well in the top league. However, Shrewsbury Town was later relegated, and Ratcliffe left the club.
Working in Media
Today, Kevin Ratcliffe works for BBC Wales Sport. He shares his football knowledge and opinions.
Personal Life
Kevin Ratcliffe is married and has three children. He supported Everton as a child. He said that his father and Everton coach, Colin Harvey, were very important in his career. His most memorable moment was winning the FA Cup with Everton in 1984.
Honours and Achievements
Kevin Ratcliffe achieved many great things during his football career.
With Everton
- Football League First Division:
- 1984–85
- 1986–87
- FA Cup:
- 1983–84
- FA Charity Shield:
- 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987
- European Cup Winners' Cup:
- 1984–85
Individual Awards
- PFA Team of the Year:
- 1984–85 (First Division)
