Thomas Gardner was the oldest surviving player to have ever appeared for the first team. He passed away today, aged 93.
Gardner only played one game for the Blues, a 1-1 draw with Wolverton Wanderers in October 1947. His career was blighted by injuries, hampering his chances of consistently playing first team football.
We are deeply saddened to learn that Tom Gardner, who was our oldest living former player, has passed away at the age of 93. RIP Tom. pic.twitter.com/c3WhjiDkaz
— Everton (@Everton) November 7, 2016
Ted Sagar, Peter Farrell, Tommy Eglington, Wally Fielding and Alex Stevenson all played for Everton at the time.
A word from the man himself
Gardner, in a 2013 interview with Blue Kipper, said this of his fellow players.
“Wally Fielding or Nobby as we used to call him – who was brilliant.
Alex Stevenson. Alex was so small but was a wonderful inside forward. Nobby Fielding was a star, he really was brilliant.”
Gardner found out that he’d be making his first-team appearance on the Wednesday before Saturday’s match. Cooke pulled him aside to tell him the exciting news.
“I was absolutely elated, I was going out to play for the first team. I was absolutely over the moon,” Gardner said in an extended interview with Blue Kipper.
He said his biggest regret in football was having to “pack up early” due to incessant and unrelenting injuries.
Tom, you had nothing to be regretful about. You’ll forever be remembered on Merseyside.
Tom is survived by his wife Eileen. Your husband was a great man, Eileen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. But we’ll forever celebrate Thomas’ extraordinary life.
Click here to read Blue Kipper’s extended 2013 interview with Thomas Gardner.