Everton 1989–1991 Seasons

A name synonymous with Manchester United rather than the Blues - including an FA Cup final winning goal against the Blues in 1985 - Norman ended his playing days as an Everton man.

He had played a total of 274 games in all competitions for United, scoring 67 goals, and collected two winner's medals in the FA Cup, despite only being 24 years old when he left to move to Goodison in 1989.

Whiteside signed a four-year contract with Everton. His move was certainly not a step backwards, as Everton had been more successful than United throughout the 1980s. Manager Colin Harvey was planning to boost the Toffees' chances of more silverware, and also in 1989 signed Mike Newell, Martin Keown, Stefan Rehn and Raymond Atteveld.

Whiteside became Everton's playmaker in 1989/90, and formed an effective partnership with Stuart McCall to score 13 goals in his 35 appearances as the Blues finished the season in sixth place.

However on 20 September 1990 he took a knock to his troublesome right knee in a practice match, which required him to have yet another operation. He played a few reserve team games, but this only delayed the inevitable, and he was forced to retire from the game at the age of 26.

Division One, 31st March 1990, Arsenal 1 v Everton 0