Everton’s stalwart club doctor Ian Irving is set to retire at the end of this season.
Dr Irving ranks among one of the Blues’ longest-serving members of staff having joined the club in 1978 just 12 months after Gordon Lee took the reins.
The boyhood Evertonian, who took over the role from his long-standing predecessor and father Meir Irving, has worked with eight managers since.
He said: “As a kid, I stood behind the goal in the Boys’ Pen. I never dreamt that I would get the job of club doctor.
“I remember the day I started, I thought to myself that I would be lucky to last a year – and here I am, 39 years later.
“I’m very proud to do nearly 40 years at Everton – it’s the people I’ve met throughout that time which has been the greatest privilege.”
Everton players past and present have led the tributes to Dr Irving including vice captain Leighton Baines, who has spent over a decade working alongside him.
“The lads who have been in this week have been speaking about the Doc and how much we’ll miss him,” said Baines.
“I’ll miss him, not just as the doctor but as a mate as well.
“I’ve had so many conversations with him when we have been travelling or are away at hotels.
“He’s someone who I would tend to gravitate towards because of his experiences and stories.
“We have had so many conversations about so many different things.”