Whenever anyone reaches a milestone age it provokes a time for reflection on what they've achieved and contemplation on the possibilities that may lie ahead.
As David Moyes blew out the 50 candles on his latest birthday cake this week, Everton supporters would love to know what he wished for.
His latest Goodison Park contract expires this summer and speculation is rife that the third longest-serving manager in the country may well be pondering a new challenge.
With just a point from their last two games, Champions League qualification looks to be beyond Everton and after yet another season where silverware has eluded them too, few would be surprised if Moyes's 12th year at the club proves to be his last.
Despite limited spending power, Moyes is heading for his ninth finish of eighth or better in 11 full seasons at the helm but, with seven of his current squad aged 31 or over, this summer's transfer dealings seem more significant than ever.
The club's most senior and reliable lieutenant, club captain Phil Neville has already declared his intention to move on.
In reality, Evertonians have feared their manager's departure several times before, only to be pleasantly surprised; perhaps the final few games of the current campaign can still be influential?
After Fulham this weekend, they can cement a higher finishing position than Liverpool by winning the derby next Sunday, before they conclude with games against West Ham and Chelsea as they seek the points necessary to secure at the very least Europa League football.
On 40 points, visitors Fulham already appear to have achieved their pre-season aim. On the back of a winless four-game run, the likelihood of them spoiling Moyes's birthday bash by registering their first ever league win at Goodison seems remote.
Head-to-head
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Everton have never lost at home to Fulham in a league fixture (W20, D4). They have won the last 19 meetings at Goodison Park, the longest ever top-flight winning run against a particular club at the same stadium.
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Fulham's last point at Everton came in a goalless draw in September 1959. They have twice beaten Everton at Goodison Park, both times in the FA Cup fifth round - in 1948 and 1975.
Everton
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Everton suffered their first defeat in seven matches at Sunderland last weekend. They are now five points adrift of a Champions League place.
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Only the two Manchester clubs have suffered fewer defeats than Everton's six this season. However, The Toffees have drawn 14 games, a joint-high with Norwich.
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David Moyes's side are vying for a fifth straight home win in the league. They have only lost one of their last 21 Premier League fixtures at Goodison Park - against Chelsea in December.
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They have gained 22 points from losing positions (five wins and seven draws), a record bettered only by Manchester United.
Fulham
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Fulham have only earned one point from their last four matches. Their only goal in that time was an own goal by Aston Villa's Fabian Delph in a 1-1 draw.
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They are six points and two places worse off than at the same stage last season.
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They have not won from behind in 2012-13, recovering just five points from losing positions - the worst record in the division.
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Ten of Dimitar Berbatov's 13 goals for the club have come before half time.