Heir to the throne, William, who has followed the West Midlands outfit since childhood, visited a Wetherspoon pub at Birmingham New Street Station, to sip on a pint of Bulmers cider after asking the club to arrange a gathering for him with some of their die-hard fans.

David Moyes was granted a Goodison Park guard of honour when he left Everton to become Manchester United manager. He deserves to be carried into the new stadium in a Sedan Chair if he can keep this team in the Premier League.

Moyes beat Fulham in his first game as Everton manager in 2002, but never looked like repeating the trick here. Villa, relative equals during his previous spell at Goodison, are now light years ahead.