 Welcome to Toffy TV. I am joined by Tony Sampton all the way from Chicago. He's originally from here, but he's had enough of the UK and he's got out of Chicago. Tony, welcome to Toffy TV. Thanks a lot mate, thanks for having me on. Superb. Tell us a little bit about how a lad from here ends up fronting Chicago Toffies. Well, like you said, I'm a scouser, so I grew up in Gaston and Egbeth, so that's where I spent some of my younger years. I became a blue through my dad, like lots of blues do, so he started taking me, I think I was about five or six when I first started going, and Gordon Lee was our manager then. I was still a little bit young to realise, and again, like loads of blues, you get hooked, don't you? You want it. It's a very, very difficult thing to separate you from, and I've got my dad to thank for being a blue, so that's where it was. I actually moved away from Liverpool, you know, sort of was studying with work, so I haven't actually lived in the city for 25 years. I've been sort of all over the place, Yorkshire, London, and just outside London. And then, like you said, about a year ago, I got the opportunity to come out to Chicago with the family, so my wife and I got two boys who were obviously mad blues trying to convert everybody out here. Everybody's a Nevitonian fan in the class now, so they're working well. Like you said, got involved in, there's a well-established club, Supporters Club here, the Chicago Toffees, that's run out of a boozer called AJ Hudson's, that's run by a book called Jamie. And when we were coming out, just to have a little bit of a recce around where we're going to live and all that sort of stuff, one of the things we wanted to know was where we're going to watch the match. So we found Hudson's, and as soon as I walked in, there was a massive Chicago Toffees flag, and I got to know the rest of the crew. They're Mike, who sort of chairs the group, and that's it. So that's all my routine now. We were probably about 30 minutes away from the pub. So we drive down there on a Saturday morning or whatever day the game is, and they're with the rest of the loyal following. How many of you are there? There's a regular crew of about 15, I would say, that are there sort of, you know, whatever, you know, get quite cold out here, whatever the weather is. And even for the early start, you know, it's like the 12.30 kickoff on Saturday was, you know, that's a 6.30, 6.30 start for us here. But I know that certainly the start of the season, and if, you know, if things pick up on the pitch, you know, you get sort of 50 odd out for the games. And it's got a big following on sort of Facebook and Twitter. I think there's like 600 members of the Facebook group. We've got, I think, two and a half thousand Twitter followers as well. So, yes, there's like everything, there's a loyal core that are there all the time, and then, you know, others come along. Superb, and obviously the aim will be to grow that one if you want to continue to do what you're allowed to do and then spread the good name of Everton Football Club and get some more toffees, you know, certainly on state side. It's a big market, isn't it? Three hundred and fifty million people. You know, there's a lot of Evertonians who don't know they're Evertonians yet. That's your aim. Completely. Well, yeah, thanks for the task. But I think you're right though. I think, you know, apart from sort of the population, I mean, there's, I think there's over, you know, over 40, 45 supporters clubs right across the US. So, like the Chicago Toffees, you know, set up in similar ways and depending on the location, some have got, you know, I've got more there and, you know, the fans involved in that. Again, you know, they go, you know, there's kids like mine that get involved, you know, all the way through to, you know, to the adults as well. But, you know, I think, you know, I haven't been out here now for a while. I've really been struck by the sort of strength of passion and feeling that the US blues have got out here now, whether that sort of scousers like me that have moved out here or those that have chosen, you know, to take Everton as their team. And they've been very deliberate about that. You know, they don't look into it really carefully. No one's just sort of done it on a whim, you know, they research it. So, they know how good and how bad we've been, but, you know, we still choose to do it. And I think there's like what I've noticed and again talking to people across the US is there's like a real like sense of they want to belong to whatever it means and they want to understand the legacy. So, you know, I think, you know, to your point, I think there's a lot more that can be done to sort of really try and capitalise on that, if you like, and sort of able the fan base, but be, you know, support some of these groups. And that's what, you know, that's what I mean. And again, you know, I think, you know, it's not just in the US, it's in other countries as well, you know, going through some of the speaking to people about the fans forum, for example. You know, I've had, you know, people from different countries and they're saying the same thing, you know, there's an opportunity. And I think, you know, with the US, you know, obviously we appointed Tim Howard as an ambassador. We've got, you know, many other players that, you know, are connected with the US, Brian McBride has been made, you know, the manager of the US team, the general manager there. So there's clearly an intent from the club, I think, to do something, but I don't think we really know exactly what that is yet. And I know that from talking to some of the other clubs, there's a real hunger to, you know, to A, understand that more and then B, you know, for some of the groups, get involved and try and, as you say, try and, you know, drive that engagement and involvement. Definitely, I mean, Evan have got the, obviously, Evan in the USA Twitter account now and things like that. So the club is, we've seen the NBC day, I think it was, not long ago with Howard there and Leon Osmond's been over there. And, you know, we've had people like Tim Kale, who played in MLS and, you know, Mo Johnston and Preckie and all of that, Joe Maxmore. All of these people throughout the years who've had the link, Wayne Rooney, of course, who, you know, just finished the DC United. So we've had a very strong, evident connection, I think, with the United States. So it'd be fantastic to be able to build on that. But just from someone who is attached to the Chicago Evertonians, what do you think, or do you think there's anything more the club could do in terms of engagement or in terms of, I don't know, are you feeling as though the club isn't doing something or, in your opinion, are the club doing as much as they could be doing? Well, I think to be honest with you, I don't think we really know what the club are doing to a certain extent. As I say, you know, they've appointed, you know, they've appointed Tim Howard to be the ambassador. They've been part of those events, I think, with NBC that you've mentioned. But again, I think there's almost a little bit of a void in understanding, you know, where they want to go with this. And I think, you know, that's one of the things that I think is important to understand. Because I think, you know, if there's a bit of clarity around what they want to do with the fans and to build the US base, then I think that's when you can then realise, OK, well, how can we support that? You know, whatever it might be. And again, you know, as well as the players, you know, we've, you know, again, what I've noticed is, you know, footy is, you know, it's on the rise here. You know, the popularity of the women's game is massive. And particularly after their well-cut win, there's the men's well-cut. There's going to be over 60 games in the US in 2026. So, you know, there's, if you look ahead, you know, there's a lot that the club can be looking to sort of, you know, work with if you like to try and, you know, get on the coattails of how soccer is going to advance and do that. So look, I think the first thing is to understand what, you know, what the club's doing. And secondly is how can it actively, you know, get involved with the groups and get their views on maybe how they want to get involved? And that's going to be different. I think, you know, some people just want to go to match. They just want to, you know, they want to go to pub and they want to watch the match and that's fine. But I think there's a lot that want to do more to, you know, to sort of, as I say, drive engagement, whether that's, you know, doing events to support the community. So the event in the community sort of, you know, brand and what it does resonates really, really strongly out here. We did something in November, actually, you know, where we sort of went to the club and the ITC and said, you know, the Chicago Toffees have wanted to do something around the community for a while. You know, this could be a really good hook. So, you know, and it's not just us that do that, you know, lots of the other clubs do it as well. But, you know, what we managed to do through that was, you know, first of all, we did an online auction. You know, we got some, you know, some merchandise and signed shirts and books and photos and all that that we were able to put online. We had a night out and it managed to sort of drive new members to the group because, you know, they were being part of something that they wanted to do. And also in that particular case, you know, it was doing a bit of good as well. So, you know, we managed to raise three grand that night. And actually, you know, the good thing about it as well is because it was an online auction, it meant that other blues could also get involved across the US. And, you know, a lot of them did. So, you know, that's one way, I think, in which, you know, and having the club maybe helping some of the supporters groups sort of, you know, organise and put on those events, whether it's by sending stuff over or even just, you know, a quick guide just to how, you know, how to run it, you know, what they need to think of. I think they're things that, you know, that will engage, we're not just engage people, but also it will get others involved, hopefully. So I think that, you know, I think that's, you know, that's one idea. I think the other thing as well is that, you know, my two lads both play out here and there's a very well established, you know, soccer network at youth level. You know, it's really, I've been so impressed with like the levels of organisation and part of the city, you know, the well-drilled, you know, proper coaches from under six all the way through to under 19 boys and girls. So, you know, it's sort of embedded within, you know, within local communities right across the US. So, you know, finding ways there to, you know, get involved in that way again could be, you know, could be another idea. So loads of ideas, you know, and I know that loads and loads of ideas have got loads of ideas. I suppose it's, you know, how do you make it working? I think people just want to be listened to as well. You know, there's been some great groups here in the US, Evan in the USA, Evan in the USA. I'm sure you know some of the people that have been involved in that. They've done a tremendous job in, you know, sort of help and organise and get involved. But, you know, I've spoken to a few people since, you know, since the fans forum stuff started happening and they're like, we don't know who to go to. We don't know who's making our case. And we certainly, you know, it's sort of a bit mixed in terms of the feedback we get. So, you know, I think that's, I think they're all on the list. Well, you've brought me nicely on to the fans forum there because one thing that's really interesting about your story is that you're actually one of the nine who are going to go to vote for four places on the fans forum and you've made it. So, aye, it'd be fantastic for yourself to get on there because you would be able to certainly make the club, you know, aware of all of these things that Americans, you know, Americans want particularly Chicago trophies, but a lot of the other clubs as well around the United States, like you said. And I think that's key is having someone who's got that link to the club to be able to make them aware. But my question is how difficult is it going to be for you if you do get on the fans forum or, you know, to make your opinions known, I suppose? How are you going to do it from so far away? I think it's probably what my question is. Well, it's a good question and it was something that came up when I applied and also in the interview process as well. So, you know, I think it's a really reasonable thing. And again, I think, you know, your point around sort of having moved out here and now sort of being part of the US experience. I think what I've again, I've noticed is, you know, it's like different needs to if we were in the city, for example. You know, in terms of what this fan base is looking for and the types of things I think are different. And obviously, you know, I've had a bit of insight into that now. So I think, you know, I'll be able to sort of represent that hopefully, you know, as well as possible. But on there, I mean, on the logistics, I mean, you know, you and I are talking via Skype now and it's, you know, it's working OK. And, you know, hopefully you can understand and hear me. But I actually did my I did my interview via video as well. And it worked great. You know, so there was the panel there. You know, there was no it seemed to work perfectly well. So, you know, I think I think in today's world with all that, you know, all the technology that we've got, I don't think that should be a barrier. And actually, for me as well, it's not just, you know, the meetings are the meetings, you know. You know, and obviously they're important because they'll be, you know, they'll be talking through some of the issues or progress on that. But I think actually what's just as important is what happens between the meetings because, you know, that's when the stuff that we've decided we're going to be doing. If, you know, if I'm successful is when it needs to happen. You know, and I'm used to, you know, I'm used to sort of working at whatever hour I need to do to make that happen. And, you know, one of the things that is really important is being available. And, you know, that's certainly what I'll try and dig. So, look, I think I think I think it can work. And, you know, I'm committed to it. So, you know, I'll say, you know, from a personal perspective, I'll make sure it works. Yeah, I mean, listen, like you've just said, we're talking here. You know, you're in Chicago, I'm in Liverpool, it's perfect. You can see it here. So, there's many ways around it that's not really an issue. I think in terms of getting a feel for it, I think what would be really interesting for you to be on the fans for and would be that you represent. Okay, I'm not going to say you represent every American Evertonian and all that, but you do, you would bring a very different viewpoint than, like you say, the people who are potentially within the city or certainly within the local area who go to these meetings and have those views. I think it's vitally important that the club recognise our growing status in a place like the United States. You mentioned it before in terms of your lads playing football in the, you know, the soccer pyramid in the States and how it's growing. I mean, I love MLS. I watched MLS. I used to do a programme, MLS programme for a few years and might bring it back a like it that much, but there's certainly a growing, the growing thing there, like you say, the 2026 Whale Cups there as well. So, it is a big, it's a thriving market. There's obviously a team not too far away from here who goes over to the United States every year and makes the most of that. And it's something that me and Perth have banged on about here that Everton need to do. Certainly is get over there where A, where there's a fan base still to be caught, B, where there's, you know, sponsorship and partnership opportunities, definitely. So, you know, the club needs to be aware of that. And I think someone like yourself can represent that and certainly give messages from what the fans are feeling on the other side of the pond, as they say. Yeah, yeah. Well, yeah, Loch, and that's obviously what I'd hoped to do. And again, it wouldn't just be the US. I think there's other groups across the international, across the globe as well that I think, you know, their needs again might be slightly different, but again, I think that would be important. And, you know, I'm mostly from Liverpool as well, and I've got mates and family that are still there, Golden Match and all the rest of it. So, you know, whilst I offer a perspective, I think on the US and international as well, I'd still want to contribute on, you know, the other issues that the forum would be doing as well. But yeah, I think you're right. I think with the existing network that is here, I think with the sense of wanting to be long and do stuff. And it's very real. It's not like people just posting stuff on Twitter. People have been contacting me saying, how can we do this, how can we do that? But also knowing that there's a person now that they can go to and share this stuff with. And also if there's issues, you know, they'll challenge the club on that. I think that's been part of the problem, not a problem, but, you know, one of the, one of the bits of feedback I've had, you know, particularly about the fans forum is that, you know, I think people, some of them, some don't even know it exists. Secondly, you know, people are maybe a little bit unclear as to what some of its sort of priorities are. And then thirdly, you know, they don't know who to go to anyway. So I think, you know, having, you know, having a focal point from the US or an international perspective, I think, you know, I think could be helpful. Yeah, I definitely, definitely agree. And I think it'd be brilliant. And hopefully you'll be successful and people will get behind it. Because I think it'd be a nice, a nice kind of bow to the fans forum, you know, for them to have like an extra, an extra angle on it. I think I always think that helps to try and hit as many targets. And you rightly say, it's not just about the United States, but the fact that you are living there now and you're representing that, it also would give them an insight into maybe what other international fans are thinking as well and maybe reach out to them. So I think it'd be a fantastic thing if you got on the fans forum, of course, and the vote I think starts on Friday. Is it open on Friday? Is that correct? Yeah, so open last Friday, the 7th, until the 21st. Oh, OK, so two weeks, yeah. It's on the main website there and you can look at the candidates and what they've got to say and then vote. Excellent, so everyone is watching this. Make sure you vote for Tony. And finally, so, is there an Italian community in Chicago that's waiting to be picked up as ever, Tony and Carlo, fantasticos here? Absolutely, the same here. There's a big Italian community out here. So, yeah, there's a very famous pizza restaurant called Loomol Natties. So they're really sort of thick, big deep pan. They're called pies, you know, they don't call them pies. It's like a pie, so it's everything. So, yeah, no, yeah, we need to, and look, I think that's the other thing is, with the new team, the new management team, the stadium move, obviously on the pitch, like we're having a little bit of a, we're doing all right at the moment. So again, I think these are all things as well that can help get people involved. Oh, definitely. Listen to it. It's coming into the summer transfer window as well with Dante Lottie in charge and new players will be coming in and we've got obviously the charlison and Calvert Loom doing great. I think it's a brilliant time to try and reach out and get more Evertonians and capture the imagination of the younger Evertonians as your lad. So brilliantly doing in their schools, flying a flag for Everton. So I think it's a fantastic opportunity. It's going to be great. Well, I'd love to have the chance. I would genuinely be, you know, sitting in my bio on there. I'd genuinely be honoured if I got the chance to do it. So, you know, fingers crossed. Fingers crossed for you mate. Make sure you give Tony a vote there. It only takes a second. Get on the Everton website and vote for Tony. Listen Tony, thanks very, very much for joining me taking time out your day there in Chicago. What's the weather like there at the moment? It's minus three. It's minus three and my boiler's just packed up. So I've got to get on to that after I've spoken to you. Right, okay. It's not going to make you feel anyway because it's about two degrees here and it's windy. We've got a storm which Americans are probably just laughing because it's not a real storm. It's just a little bit windy. It's a bit windy. Well, there you go. It's one of them. Anyway, listen, thanks very much for joining us Tony. Are you on Twitter? Yes, so I'm on at Everton in Chicago. So that's the Twitter handle for the group. Give that a follow. So that's the main one that I'm sort of doing stuff not just on the fans forum but obviously for the group. We've got a lively Facebook community as well. So yeah, we're all over the place. Excellent. Make sure you give that a follow and be active on Facebook with the Chicago Toffees. Like I say, big thanks for Tony for joining us today and good luck to in this election for the fans forum. Thanks very much mate. Take it easy. Speak soon. Cheers.