Everton’s Dogs of War: Why Joe Royle’s famous nickname was never an insult

Former Everton midfielder Barry Horne stated that Joe Royle's famous "Dogs of War" nickname was never perceived as an insult by the squad. Speaking to ToffeeWeb, Horne explained that the moniker originated from one of Royle's witty one-liners in the mid-1990s, which the media quickly adopted. Horne embraced the label because it reflected an intense, resilient playing style that opposing teams actively dreaded facing at Goodison Park.

Royle took charge in November 1994, guiding Everton away from relegation danger before winning the FA Cup in May 1995. The squad subsequently secured a sixth-place Premier League finish in the 1995-96 campaign with the addition of winger Andrei Kanchelskis. Horne emphasized that he only valued the opinions of his manager and teammates, taking pride in the enduring legacy of the era.