celebrity fan Liz McClarnon Girl band Atomic Kitten hit our screens for the first time in nine years last month for ITV2’s “The Big Reunion”. A lot has changed in the lives of the trio, who sold approximately 6.2 million singles worldwide, had three UK number one singles and two UK number one albums in the early noughties, since their split back in 2004. Liz McClarnon is one, ever- present member of the group who is now also experiencing a transition at her beloved football club, Everton. Roberto Martinez is in the early stages of trying to emulate and surpass the standards David Moyes set in his eight- year reign at Goodison before moving to Man United at the end of last season. Shoot’s James Westerby caught up with the lifelong Toffees fan to find out why she’s so stuck on The Toffees.

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What made you chose When you go to Goodison Which Everton songs do Everton over Liverpool? Park, where do you sit? like singing the most? “I was born a blue. Both sides of “Well my family have season tickets “Well Big Dunc was always my my family have been blue for many in the upper Bullens so I try to go favourite player so I love the Songs generations. I’m proud to be an in there when I can but if it’s a one for him. There is a new European Evertonian.” off the Gwladys Street is always the style song for Roberto Martinez best place to sit for atmosphere!” which has caught on very quickly and is getting sung everywhere Do you get stick from this season.” Liverpool supports Have Everton made the for being a Everton fan? right choice appointing Roberto Martinez? Have you performed at “Only at Derbies but it’s all about Goodison Park? good banter in Liverpool. A lot of my “I think Martinez understands the friends are red and it doesn’t even history of the club and the “school “Well I’ve been on the pitch but come up in everyday life.” of science” approach to football Unfortunately I haven’t sang on it. which can only be a good thing But I have performed at the other for us. He is definitely the right ground across Stanley park.” The first Everton game you appointment.” went to? Favourite Everton player? “It was at home, I was about 10, we were in the Gwladys street stand. “In the past it’s always been Duncan Sheffield Wednesday beat us.” Ferguson but right now I’d have to say Leighton Baines.” How often do you see Everton play? “Whenever I’m in Liverpool I go to the game but with me living in London these days it tends to be only the London away games I get Do you see him being there to go to.” long term? “Absolutely, We have a history of giving managers as long as they need to put their own stamp on the club and that will be no different with Roberto.”

Where do you see Everton finishing this season? “Whilst it will take time for everything to settle down under the new manager we still have the a great squad of players so I can see us finishing about sixth once again.”

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Everton football Your views on goal-line Are the rest of the Kittens memorabilia you can’t live technology? football fans? without? “With most other sports embracing “Not so much. They are reds. But “Well I have a Shirt that has been technology in one form or another I have to tell them when there’s a signed by all of the Everton legends it was only a matter of time before it derby on or a big game. They laugh over the last 50 years. It was came into football. I think anything at me when we’re filming or working given to my by the Everton former that helps the referee make the and I’ve got the game on in my ears Players foundation! I’m one of their correct decision is a good thing.” or on the iPad. What can I say, it’s ambassadors.” a passion! ”

Most memorable and worst game you have been to? “The 2009 FA Cup final was great for the atmosphere beforehand and inside the ground everybody was just buzzing with excitement. Then we scored the fastest FA cup final goal ever and our stand erupted. I even broke my sunglasses jumping around so much. Then slowly but surely Chelsea worked their way back into the game and seeing them lift the cup at the end was heart- breaking. Our end was still full when they lifted the cup and we applauded them as they deserved it!”

Apart from Goodison Park, what other grounds do you like going to? “I love going to Chelsea and The If you could change one For more information abut Liz visit Emirates is a great place to watch thing about the Premier LizMcClarnon.com Or follow her on Twitter @LizMcClarnon football, but my favourite ground is League, what would it be? probably Wembley!” “Everton have one of the lowest Atomic Kitten are perfroming their Back ticket prices in the country but Together show at Butlins, Minehead before some other clubs are now charging heading to Nottingham, Birmingham, Sheffield, Who do you see winning The 02 Arena and Manchester for The Big ridiculous prices to go to games. the Premier League this Reunion Xmas Party Tour. When I was young my dad would season? Visit www.atomickitten.com for a full list of take my brother and I regularly. It’s dates and ticket information. “I think Man City have spent a lot of almost impossible for families to money this season and should get do that these days. So definitely the Premier League trophy back.” cheaper ticket prices.”

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