Liverpool fans have made Anfield one of the most formidable and awe-inspiring grounds in world football since taking residence in the stadium all the way back in 1892.
Anfield has become synonymous with silverware, title charges and famous European nights, but it could have all been so different.
Prior to the club's formation in the late 1800s, Anfield was home to none other than Everton. Yes, the Toffees - the team that hate Liverpool Football Club with every fibre of their being - once resided inside the Reds' famous stadium.
So, what happened? Why did Everton leave Anfield? And why do Liverpool have their departure to thank for over a century of history?
When did Everton play at Anfield?
The story begins with John Houlding - a man who remains the most influential protagonist in Liverpool's history.
Back in 1884, Everton were forced to leave their former ground Priory Road as it was no longer able to facilitate the large crowds the Toffees were bringing in for their matches. Initially, it appeared Everton would be unable to find a new ground to call home, with the costs involved in building a brand new stadium far too high at the time.
Despite having often been depicted as the enemy on the blue half of Merseyside, Houlding - a wealthy businessman and landowner - agreed to become Everton's club president. Having rented some land at Anfield Road off fellow brewery owner John Orrell, Houlding began renting Anfield out to the Toffees.
Everton paid £100 a year, which roughly translates to £10,000 a year in modern times, and began their journey at their new stadium. The Toffees even became one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888.
The Toffees would win their first-ever league title at Anfield in 1890/91 having finished runners-up the year prior. They were developing into one of the strongest teams in the country, but their future became uncertain shortly after their first taste of silverware.
Why did Everton leave Anfield?
Unhappy with his now £250-a-year return from renting Anfield to Everton, Houlding proposed making the club an official company in 1891 to attract more investment and increase the club's money-making potential.
Everton supporters and club members were sceptical about Houlding's proposal, suggesting they would rather find a new stadium again than go along with his plans.
Simply put, Houlding was no longer satisfied with the rental income he was receiving and, when both parties couldn't come to an agreement after a significant period of toing and froing, he eventually told Everton to leave Anfield.
Houlding had been informed that the land's official owner Orrell intended to build on Anfield Road, work that would encroach on Anfield by 18 feet and force the closure of a stand. As a result, Houlding could no longer rent to Everton unless he could raise more funds.
Despite continued conversations and negotiations, no agreement could be reached, with Everton forced out of Anfield. The Toffees purchased Goodison Park across Stanley Park for a fraction of the rental price of Anfield, a ground that has hosted their games since 1892.
Why did John Houlding form Liverpool?
After Everton left Anfield and arrived at Goodison Park, Houlding was left with a dilemma. The avid sports fan wanted a football club playing at Anfield and he decided to set up a new team to take residence at the ground.
Having been removed as president of Everton, it was time for Houlding to put his plan into action. The businessman initially decided to call his new side Everton Athletic, but the name was dismissed by the Football League.
Instead, it was suggested to simply name the club 'Liverpool'. That's what Houlding decided to do, with the Reds formed in the summer of 1892. It was official, Liverpool Football Club had been born.
Naturally, there was significant ill-will between Everton and the newly formed Liverpool, although initial bitterness subsided somewhat in the early 1900s.
However, the first Merseyside derby was played in 1894 at Goodison Park, with Everton coming out as 3-0 victors. Liverpool would first taste victory in 1897 with a 3-1 win at Anfield - a stadium that was now forever theirs.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Why Everton played home games at Anfield before Liverpool took Merseyside stadium.
