Foul! Why Everton’s latest opponent is a little farm shop near Doncaster

But a family who have been farming in the village near Bawtry for centuries have found themselves embroiled in a very modern problem with one of the country’s largest football clubs, Everton FC.

Daniela Troop attempted to trademark their farm shop using the village’s name and found herself in a sticky situation with The Toffees.

Mrs Troop said she was “stupefied” to learn the Premier League side objected to her trademark, especially as the Troop family has farmed Everton land since 1440 – whereas Everton FC was only founded in 1878.

The mother-of-three said: “When I was told about the objection, I cried. It was so upsetting, and actually quite scary, to be up against such a wealthy club.”

The club’s objection to the trademark was the prominence of the word “Everton” in the logo.

Mrs Troop, 46, said: “The Troop family has farmed Everton land for generations – we are very proud of our village and its name.”

She added the club has offered her a settlement whereby she can continue to use Everton Farm Shop, so long as all the words are in the same size and font.

But Mrs Troop has yet to accept the offer.

Not one for foul-play, however, she has extended an invitation to the club’s executives, players – and lawyers – to come round for a Yule Boar roast on December 20.

Mrs Troop said: “The name Everton, in terms of our village, is derived from Anglo Saxon and translates as Wild Boar Farm.

“We have begun farming organic pigs and I think it would be great for Everton FC to taste some real Everton.”

Mrs Troop and her husband, Richard, also 46, launched the farm shop in July 2014.

While initially calling it R Troop and Sons, they decided to go for the Everton re-brand this spring. Helped by their children, Joseph, 20, Romy, 18, and Angus, 16, the couple farm cows, sheep, pigs and crops.

Despite only setting up the shop last year, they have already picked up two awards for their produce.

Their corner piece beef top side and shoulder of lamb both won accolades at the Great Taste 2015 awards.

Mrs Troop said: “Our land is of conservation grade, so really good for the animals. When they are top quality grazing land, it makes such a difference to the taste.”

The Parish of Everton is based in what were known as the “drowned lands” owing to their watery state. In the 17th century, the decision by Charles I to enact drainage at the peoples’ expense caused uproar.

The outrage was not just contained to the Cambridgeshire Fenland home of Oliver Cromwell either – but on Everton Carr in the Idle Valley too.

Some Idle Valley dwellers sided with the Parliamentarians, smashing drainage works and rejoicing at the beheading of Charles I. Following the monarchy’s restoration, a section of the Troop family fled to America.

Ultimately, the drainage created thousands of acres of high-quality agricultural land.

Mrs Troop said: “There is so much history in the Idle Valley. I think Everton FC should come and take a look for themselves, I think they would like it.”

Everton Football Club confirmed it was aware of the situation, but declined to comment further.