EVERTON NEW GROUND
Athletic News - Monday 01 August 1892
The Everton Club are quietly setting their house in order, and on Monday night invited several members of the local press to the new Goodison-road Ground, with the object of allowing them to select the position for the new press box. Already one Liverpool paper has arranged for a telephone and any reporter who prefers solitude can have a private box all to himself. In fact, Goodison-road people intend to do the thing well, and are not only having fine dressing tents for the teams but the referee will have one for his especial benefit, wherein he can seek seclusion from the compliments and other more substantial things which are thrown about promise nous like when that all important official has failed to give satisfaction to the home spectators. The idea of providing a separate dressing-room for the referee has its advantages; for it is not pleasant to hear certain remarks from the players when you are diverting yourself of your official attire, and douning the everyday garb of civil life. With nothing on but your shirt, for instance, you feel a loss of dignity which prevents you arguing knotty points in a manner which becomes a Saturday afternoon Emperor, and on various grounds the idea of reserving private apartments for a referee is to be commended, and might be followed by other clubs.
EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Monday 01 August 1892
By The Loiterer
There are outward and visible signs that the football season is approaching, and the various secretaries are busily engaged in getting their houses in order, and a general collection of players is apparent all round. This is a matter of much importance, for some of the Everton players may be in foreign parts. I came across Kelso this week, and he is looking very well and fit. Bob has had a busy close season, having spent six weeks in a voyage to the Mediterranean, three weeks here, and the last three weeks in Scotland. With several Press friends I had the privilege of taking a private view of the new Everton ground, and, at the request of the committee, assisted in the selection of the site for the Press box. If all parties concerned have not had the same privilege, they will find that the committee have given their respective conveniences every consideration, and I shall be very much surprised if all are not satisfied, so complete seem to be the arrangements. For instance, that occasionally obnoxious individual, the referee, will I am sure, appreciate the effort that has been made for his comfort. Before and after finishing his arduous duties he will find that he has only to mount some dozen steps and pass down the reserved portion of the stand before he is in comfortable room, which is heated with a strove and fitted with everything to promote his comfort. The visiting team are next door, fitted with the most modern means of producing hot water, is attached. Then comes the home teams’s rooms with similar convenience. The grand stand is a big one, and will be a fine sight when full. Other stands, uncovered, are placed behind each goal, and the Goodison-road side (opposite the grand stand) has been banked up with I don’t know how many thousands loads of cinders, and will afford sight-seeing for a vast number of spectators. If there is anything the B.P. dislikes it is to be continually putting his hand into his pocket, even if the amount does not exceed what would have been the first charge. I understand there will be only three prices, viz., the popular sixpenny, extra charge for reserved portion in front of stand, and for the stand itself, and one payment will cover the lot. Of course, there will be the usual transfer conveniences. Should the turf wear well, with such an enclosure Liverpool should have the International match with Scotland next season. It is too early to sound the Association on this point, but with such a strong Scotch element as we have in Liverpool I venture to say that the “gate” would be a record.
I am pleased to hear that the dispute with Holt and Chadwick is all but settled; in fact, it may be ere this, and the committee quite anticipate seeing these two popular players in their places on the 1st September. So far as they are aware, the committee has nothing to cause uneasiness with their staff, and they confidently hope to secure quite as good results this next season as was accomplished in 1890-91.
EVERTON NEWS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 06 August 1892
By Richard Samuel
Previous to starting the serious business, however, the directors of the Everton Club are taking the players for a little outing on the river Dee today (Saturday). The practice will take place twice a week on either the Stanley or Kirkdale ground. It will be good news for the supporters of the club to hear that the differences with Holt and Chadwick have been amicably settled, and the two players will again be seen in the Everton ranks. The rumours about the secession of Latta are unfounded, for like the straightforward fellow he is, he has written to say that he will receive a sympathetic reception.
EVERTON NEWS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 13 August 1892
By Richard Samuel
Everton have started practicing on the Stanley ground. With the exception of the men Bell and Boyle, all the men are in harness and quite large crowds have turned out to see them.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 13 August 1892
EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Monday 15 August 1892
By The Loiterer
Everton have arranged with the Stanley Club for the use of Walton Stiles, so as to give the turf at Goodison-road every chance of knitting and being in good order for the first. The weather has been very favourable for it, and the playing portion looks splendid condition. There will be fireworks and music at the “official opening” on the 25th, the ceremony being entrusted to Lord Kinnaird the president of the Football Association. The practical part is undertaken by the Bolton wanderers on the 1st of September. I anticipate a large crowd to see the first game, and the evening matches generally should be better patronized for the ground is east to access from the docks and also from town. East Lancashire visitors will also find the ground more convenient than the old one, Kirkdale station being within eight minutes’ walk, with no mountains to climb.
The Liverpool Football club I am pleased to inform my readers and visiting clubs that the executive have taken in hand the question of providing dressing room accommodation for the players, and the rooms will be found very handy and quite close to the ground. They are situated in one of the houses behind the grand stand, and are as easy of access to and from the ground as the Everton rooms, the players simply walking out of the back door and through the reserved entrance onto the ground. This much-needed boon will place the Liverpool ground amongst the most compact enclosures in England.
EVERTON NEW GROUND
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 16 August 1892
The following clipping' deals with Everton's new ground : It IS without doubt one of the best appointed and most commodious football enclosures in the country. When finally completed it will BE capable holding quite 40,000 people. . . . The covered stand IS quite unique in its way. I believe that few other football clubs in the kingdom can boast of a covered stand able to accommodate at least 4,000 people, and it is so constructed that each individual spectator can get a perfect view of the game. . . . Extensive stands have also been erected on the northern and southern extremities of the enclosure, whilst the western side being banked up in such a way as to afford standing room for quite 20,000 people. . . . Their dressing-rooms and baths are perfect little models in their way, and the committee have arranged that the players, as well as the referee, shall have access to and from the ground without coming into contact with the spectators. Mr. Love, the trainer, has his own quarters, and the secretary, will likewise have an office on the ground."
EVERTON NEWS
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Wednesday 17 August 1892
It is whispered that Lockhead late Third Lanark and Everton may be seen in the ranks of a Paisley club ere long.
Much regret has been expressed in Dumbarton at the unexpected announcement that Richard Boyle, the prominent centre half back of the Dumbarton Club, has decided to come to England. The fortunate club is Everton.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 20 August 1892
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
August 20, 1892. The Liverpool Mercury
The followers of Everton will be interested to learn that the players will take part in a practice match on the Stanley ground on Tuesday next. The kick-off is at 6.30 p.m.. No charge will be made, and an opportunity is this affords, which will be thoroughly appreciated, of taking a look at the form of the men who have been secured to do battle for Everton during the season about to commence.
DANNY KIRKWOOD
Falkirk Herald - Saturday 20 August 1892
Danny Kirkwood who at one time played for East Stirlingshire, was in town this week negotiating for the occupancy of a public-house. He is still in the Everton reserve team.
RICHARD BOYLE
Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 22 August 1892
Boyle was understood to - have had a good appointment as draughtsman, and has, caused general surprise by going over the professional ranks. If, as is stated, has joined Everton, they should be strong in centre half-back.
EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Monday 22 August 1892
By The Loiterer
Practice is actively engaged in with all our football teams. Everton turned out on Monday evening, but the men did not seem inclined to rub the rust off at the first attempt, and the play was only a mild form of exercise. Since then the team has had two stiffest evenings, and the form shown has given satisfaction. Some people seem to think that last year’s weak spot still remains, though I cannot agree with it, for Dewar has shown good form, and is apparently a better man than Mclean. It is too much to hope that the defence will be as sound as when Hannah and Doyle had it in hand; but, from what I can see, I do not think that there is any cause for alarm. I think the defence will be safer than it was last year, and I anticipate a great improvement in the forwards. We shall have a good idea of the team’s abilities after the match with Bolton wanderers, on September 1.
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
August 25, 1892. The Liverpool Mercury
Opening of the New Ground
The new ground of the Everton Football Club Company Limited, at Goodison Park, Walton lane, was opened last evening by Lord Kinnaird, president of the Football Association of England. Previous to the ceremony his lordship was entertained to dinner at the Adelphi Hotel. Among those present in addition to Lord Kinnard were Mr. G. Mahon (president of the club), in the chair; Dr. Baxter (vice president), in the vice chair; Dr. Morley (vice chairman of the Football Association of England and president of the Blackburn Rovers), Messrs, J.J. Bentley (chairman of the Football League and secretary of the Bolton Wanderers), H. Lockett (secretary of the League), R.PO. Gregson (secretary of the Lancashire Association), R.E. Lythgoe (secretary of the Liverpool Association), Mr. Earlam (secretary of the Combination), Inspector Churchill (secretary of the Liverpool Police Athletic Association); Messrs, W and J. Kelly (contractors for the new ground), and Mr. James Prescott (architect for the ground). –Dinner over, and the health of the Queen having been proposed by the Chairman, and duly honoured, that gentleman gave the toast of “Association Football,” coupling with the name of Lord Kinnaird. Association football, he said, occupied a higher position in England at the present time than ever before, and a great measure of this result was due to the exertions of their guest. It was his desire that the Everton Football Club should follow in the footsteps of Lord Kinnaird in his endeavours to hold for Association football a position of respect among sportsmen as a national game. (Applause)-Before Lord Kinnaird's reply, Dr. Morley replied to the toast on behalf of the council of the Football Association. He assured his hearers that during his 13 years' connection with the Association he had seen stirring times. Tact and good temper, however had carried them through, and would continue to do so. (Hear, hear) –Mr. Bentley having replied on behalf of the League, and Mr. Earlam on behalf of the Combination, Lord Kinniard, whist replying to the toast of “Association Football,” at the same time proposed “Success to Everton.” He believed Association football to be as good a game as any other, and his object, and the object of the other, and his object, and the object of the Everton Club, was to maintain the game as a national sport, and mot allow it to play second fiddle even to cricket. (Applause) In common with the Everton Club it was his endeavour to save the game from the taint of rowdyism and betting, and he looked to the club to support him and his colleagues on the council of the association in the decisions they might come to when such points were raised. (Hear, hear). Any committee putting its foot down at any piece of rowdyism would, he was sure, receive the support both of players and spectators. It was because Everton had always upheld these principles that it gave him great pleasure to propose that toast. He thought the time was coming when football lovers ought to try and secure grounds for the next generation. He was anxious that they should seek not only the lease of their grounds but the freehold; otherwise 20 or 320 years hence, the landowners would step in with the builders in their train, and they would lose the ground. (Hear, hear). He thought they ought to bring pressure to bear upon municipal corporations to supply the grounds. The matter was a public one, and the grounds ought to be provided at the public expense. (Hear. hear). As soon as the public made up their minds nowadays that they wanted a thing, they would get it. (Applause). He congratulated them upon their new ground. The Everton clubmen were good sportsmen, and he was convinced that they had a great future before them. (Lord Applause). – The Chairman, in responding to the toast, said that their club would certainly endeavour to acquire the freehold of their ground as soon as their financial position permitted. Any help that the Liverpool public gave them to this end would be amply compensated by the help the club intended to give to their public institutions. (Applause). After dinner the party drove in carriages to the splendid new ground at Goodison Park. This was crowded with thousands of spectators, who cheered lustily as Lord Kinnaird briefly declared the ground open. A short programme of athletic sports was next gone through, the prizes being distributed to the successful competitors by Mr. Mahon. The band of the 3 rd V.B. K.L.R performed a selection of music during the evening. The festivities concluded with a display o fire-works.
THE EVERTON CLUB
August 25, 1892. Lancashire Evening Post
The Everton Football Club, which, it will be remembered, underwent a decisive change last winter, celebrated the opening of its newly-acquired ground at Goodison Park, Anfield, last evening. The club is lucky in having secured one of the finest grounds in England. There is accommodation on the ground and Stands for fifty thousand people. The committee of the club entertained to dinner at the Adelphi Hotel, yesterday, the principal officials of the various football associations, amongst whom were Lord Kinnaird, president of the Football Association; Dr. Morley (Blackburn Rovers), vice president; Mr. J.L. Bentley, Chairman of the Football League; Mr. H. Lockett, secretary of the Football League, and Mr. R. P. Gregson, secretary of the Lancashire Association. – Dr. Morley, in responding to the toast of ‘Association Football,” said that football had gone through a great number of changes during the last few years. He was glad to see that the old spirit of rowdyism was fast dying out, and that a true feeling of sportsmanship now actuated both players and spectators alike –Lord Kinnaird, in proposing the toast of “Success to Everton,” said he was a staunch advocate of clubs having a ground of their own –a freehold that would be not only an acquisition to themselves, but to generations to come. (Cheers.)
THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB.
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 25 August 1892
OPENING CEREMONY BY LORD KINNAIRD.
The Everton Football Club, which, it will be remembered, underwent a decisive change last winter, celebrated the opening of its newly- acquired ground at Goodison Park, Anfield, last evening. The club is lucky in having secured what is perhaps the finest ground in England, and the enterprise displayed in its acquirement will doubtless be fully repaid before the close of the of coming season. The ground and stands have already been fully described in these columns, and when we reiterate that there is accommodation for 50,000 people, it will be readily understood what pains the executive have taken to secure adequate quarters for their patrons. The committee of the club entertained to dinner at the Adelphi Hotel yesterday the principal officials of the various football associations, amongst whom were Lord Kinnaird, president of the Football Association ; Dr. Morley (Blackburn Rovers), vice-president ; Mr. J. J. Bentley, chairman of the Football League ; Mr. H. Hockett, secretary of the Football of the League Mr. K. P. Gregson, secretary of the Lancashire Association; Mr. R.E. Lythgoe, secretary of the Liverpool Association Mr. Earlam, secretary of the Combination Messrs. W. and J. Kelly, contractors for the stands, &c. : Mr. James Prescott, architect : and Mr. M. Churchill, secretary of the Liverpool Police Athletic Society &c. On the conclusion of dinner, Mr. Mahon, president of the Everton Football Club, who occupied the chair, proposed the health of the Queen, which being duly honoured, the chairman propounded on behalf the of the “Association Football,'' coupled with the name of Lord Kinnaird. Dr. Morley responded behalf of the Association, and said that football had gone through a great number of changes during the last few years. He was glad to see that the old spirit of rowdyism was fast dying out, and that a true feeling of sportsmanship now actuated both players and spectators alike.
Mr. Bentley and Mr. Earlam having briefly replied on behalf of the League and Combination respectively. Lord Kinnaird proposed the toast of “Success to Everton”. He did not want to make any invidious distinction, but he believed football to be good as a game as any, cricket not excepted. He was glad to hear Dr. Morley say that they had determined to maintain a sportsmanlike feeling in the game, and that anything like rowdyism was to be severely condemned. He trusted that the game would always be second to none, and an honour to the country. With regard to betting, many people severely criticized the game on this head; but he was confident that where the committee of club were firmly resolved to discountenance this odious practice it might be effectually put down. He was a staunch advocate of clubs having a ground of their own —a freehold that would not only acquisition to themselves, but to generations to come (cheers). The Chairman, in replying on behalf of the directors, said that they had secured a seven years lease of the Goodison Park ground : but hoped, as soon as funds permitted, to purchase it outright (hear, hear). The company then drove to the ground at Goodison Park, which was crowded with quite10,000 spectators. Lord Kinnaird having duly declared the ground opened, the hand of the 3rd Y.V. K.L. R. struck up a lively air, and a short 1 programme of athletic sports, confined to the professional members of football clubs, was gone ; through. As darkness set in, the ground was illuminated with a grand display of firework?, and the ceremony of opening the Everton Football Ground was most successfully concluded.
EVERTON FOOTBALL MATCHES.-A SUGGESTION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 27 August 1892
To the Editor of the Liverpool Echo
Sir-A great number of the followers of the Everton Football Club reside about Belmont-road and Oakfield-road, and to secure a continuance of their visits to the “old club,” it would be decadently a step in the right direction if arrangements could be made with one of the omnibus companies to run a line of waggonettes or omnibuses say for one hour before the time fixed for the commencement of each match, between Sheil-road and the ground, via Belmont-road, Oakfield- road, Walton Breck-road, &c. I am pretty confident that the Omnibus Company would find such a line of ‘buses pay, but at any rate the experiment is well worth trying for a few weeks. Perhaps the Everton Committee will approach the companies on subject.- Yours, &c, August 25th, 1892. Evertonian.
NUGGESTS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 27 August 1892
EVERTON NEWS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 27 August 1892
The Everton Football Club sports attracted a big attendance last Saturday, and a good afternoon’s entertainment was provided. The cycle events were of the extended order, the distances being two and five miles. No one expected Teddy Edwards to win the latter, and the good old road plugger is to be congratulated on his success. The two miles fell to Leatherbarrow, a rider who seems to improve apace. The heats were well fought out, and were very interesting.
EVERTON NEWS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 27 August 1892
By Richard Samuel
The event of the week in Liverpool, however, was the ceremony of opening the new and handsome ground at Goodison Park of the Everton Club, on Wednesday evening by Lord Kinnaird, president of the English Football Association. Everton were always distinguished for thoroughness, and since the “Spilt” they have been more through then ever. The marvelous manner in which they have converted within three months a “howling wilderness” into a veritable “garden of Eden.” As regards the requirements of football, is proof of their business aptitude; and, again, the opening festivities were conceived in the same liberal and hearty spirit. These commenced with a dinner at the Adelphi Hotel, the most capacious and best arranged hostelry, perhaps, in the town, and there were present in particular such men of light and leading in the football world is support of Lord Kinnaird, as Messrs., Morley, J.J.Bentley, H.Lockett, R.P. Gregson, R.E. Lythgoe, M. Earlam, Inspector Churchill, &c., under the presidency of Mr. G. Mahon. The post-prandial remarks were sensible and to the point, and then the party drove in carriages to the scene of what, it is to be hoped, will be some day historic incidents in connection with international matches or cup-ties. There, amidst the plaudits of a big crowd, Lord Kinnaird declared the Goodison Park opened, and after sports had been indulged in, illuminations and fireworks feasted the eye. So began Everton’s new era!
GOODISON-PARK –THE NEW HOME OF THE EVERTON F.C.
August 27, 1892. The Liverpool Courier
The interesting function in connection with the formal opening of Goodison-park as the home of the Everton F.C., of which Lord Kinnaird the central figure, was a complete success, for the weather was bright and inviting, and as there were not less than 12,000 persons present, a most cheering forecast was given as to the future of the good old club. Goodison-park will rank as one of the finest football arenas in the country, either in point of size or equipment; and when it is remembered that the work of construction was not commenced until April was well advanced; the progress made by the contractors is truly marvelous. The actual area enclosed is about 5 ½ acres, and this ample space Mr. Prescott, the architect, and Messrs Kelly, the contractors, have utilized to the fullest advantage. Already the turf is in splendid condition –as perfect almost as a bowling-green and ready for the practical opening against Bolton Wanderers on Thursday next. The covered grand stand on the eastern side is a magnificent structure of its kind, close upon 420 feet in length, with an elevation furnishing thirteen tiers of seats. The uncovered stands at the rear of the goal posts stretch the full width of the playing ground, that at the north end considerably beyond, and each of these thus an elevation of eighteen tiers, the standing space being double towards the sunset. But apart from the accommodation thus furnished, there is a nine-foot space in front of the covered stand, and close upon 24 feet coutigitious to the stands in the rear of goal. Beneath the grand stand there is a complete suite of rooms, including dressing apartments for the players, fitted with batons and every convenience to the comfort of both the resident and visiting teams. On the western side the ground has been banked up for a distance of 40 yards so that provision has been made for fully 30,000 spectators; but although this may exceed the present requirements of the club, there can be no doubt that Goodison park is destined to become an extremely popular winter resort, conveniently situated as it is to rail and tram, and within east distance of the city. At present there is no telegraph office attached to the grounds, consequently press massagers will have to be sent to the Central-office, a distance of three miles, thereby entailing a serious loss of time and oftenest vexations disappointment. It is therefore greatly to be hoped that this defect will be remedied, and that from a press point of view Goodison-park will be as thoroughly equipped as are the leading county cricket enclosures, Old Trafford, to wit, where the pressman can dispatch his messages without the slightest difficulty or delay.
Everton's New Ground
August 27, 1892. Cricket and Football Field
opening ceremony by Lord Kinnard
" All roads lead to Paris" is a well known apothegim, but, if we changed the name of the Parisian city into Liverpool's football capital, the axiom would be apparently verified to the but casual of server last Wednesday evening. From six p.m the public entrances kept revolving registering the throngs ; and even the keepers of the private doors had put little time for refreshments. The evening was fine, put cooled by the refreshing zephyr, which swayed the variegated and imcomceivably-shaped lauterus which hung in semi-ciruclar forms from the roof of the grand stand. the latter, by the way, did not dent its name. Many experessions of admiration and approval were heard on all sides, and the red baize immediately below the press seats rendered the view more pleasing and the comfort more homely. No wonder the ground looked as level as a billiard-table. What with the quality of the turf (which I heard is from the rich rare soil of Aintree racecourse) and the unceasing care displayed, its superior will be difficult to find.
The Emormous Concourse
Of 12,000 included many of the "Gentle Sex", who appeared (like most of the competitors) in the pink of the season and condition. At 6:45 an artifical report announced that having banqutied well lord Kinnard had made the usual declaration. He immediately crossed the ground, accompanied by DR.Morley, of the Rovers ; messrs, J.J Bentley, Chairman of the football league ; H. Lockett, secretary of the football league ; R.P Gregson, sec, Lanchashire Association ; R S Lethgoe, sec, Liverpool Association ; M.Earlam, of the combination, an our local DR. Baxter. The group were instantly subjected to painless photography. The 120yds handicap opened the various items, all of which were confined to football professionals. In the first heat, Evertons flier, Geary, Kane sailing through aided by a flying start. Kelso was second. Robertson accounted for the second heat, R.Jones running him up. The last heat saw Jardime beating Elliott easily. The final was worth witnessing, Davis giving Hope a yard and beating him by four. The scratched man got off wretchedly, but sprinted smartly in for the 3rd prize. The three legged race was the cause of muvh merritment. The lenghtly Pinnell and the goalkeeper appeared to be in a knot from which they could not extricate themselves. The laughter was frequent and full, as this contest was run in two heats of three couples (irrespective of the final), and in each there was something of comedy. Eventually Milward and Jones divided the first prize of £4, whilst the two "macs," were each repaid for their funny efforts by a "sovereign "Balsam. Walking races are, as a rule in athletic sports.
Dull, Stale, And Uninteresting,
but here was a notable and surprisingle agreeable exception. the prominent thrusting forward figure of Pinnell, the serious ait of McLaren, the fun-of-the-thing style of Jardine, the tenacious sticking of Gordon, and the plucky pedalling of Rogers, diversified now and then (where the officials were not) by a little mixing and crowding, put the usual monotony out of the contest. Rogers deserved better than third, but none can gainsay that the scratch man, Pinnell, did not deserve the premier. Gordon was second. In high jumping, Jardine's ability is generally acknowledged. he cleared 5ft., tieing with Robertson, to whom he conceded four inches. Pinnell captured another prize here. The half-mile was run in semi-darkness, nought to be seen but flitting shadows, who arrived corporeally home in the persons of Ross Muir, Robertson, and Geo.Smith. The contests on the whole reflect great credit on the handicappers_Messrs. Clayton and Molyneux. By the time Spectacie was more iluminated, as the pale blue and redish lights bordered the grass edges in a cool yet amminating manor. Then the "Ascent of the Monstre balloon, "The display of the large coloured rockets ( were whose efforts to reach the enpyreau resulted with a burst of colours of the rainbow), the grand illuminations with coloured fires and prismatic lights, the lights, the cascade in ascent and desent, etc, etc, delighted the onlookers with there varied and extensive pro-portions. And the "Grand Finale" half-circle devise and motto,
Success To Everton
Drew ringing cheers from the four quaters. we must not omit to mention the dulcet atrains by the band of the 3rd vol. B.K.L.R, who played to please.
THE NEW HOME OF THE EVERTON CLUB
Athletic News - Monday 29 August 1892
By The Free Critic
Everton have been visited by a real live lord, and that Lord the president of the Football Association. Yes, Lord Kinnaird has been to Everton, and has congratulated the Executive on the management, and also on their new ground. Of course, this was chiefly done in an after-dinner speech, but Lord Kinnaird is not the man to trot out flattery as the result of a good dinner, and to my mind, Mr. Mahon, and his committee deserve every credit for the manner in which they set to work to provide a new home for the Everton Football Club. It would serve no useful purpose to go through the reasons why a new ground was necessary, but it was, and on Good Friday Everton commenced the gigantic task of converting a mud heap into a passable football ground. I am assured that the piece of land at Goodison-road, which has been secured at a rental of 50 pounds a year on a seven years’ lease was a veritable wilderness six months ago, and the levelling up process has taken an average depth of 4 and half feet of cinders in order to make it level. This being done, the next question was the turf, and that had to be good, for it would have but a few short weeks to get knit together, as it were, before being required for active service, for the first match on the ground is fixed for Thursday next, I understand the sod was brought from Aintree, but that matters little; it is now in exceptionally good order, and with the excellent drainage which the cinders give, it ought to wear well. There were, however, other matters to attend to in addition to the playing portion, and first of all the wilderness was enclosed with hoarding something like 12 or 15 feet in height, and then the stands were erected. Quoting from the official description, the actual size of the field of play is 384 feet by 255 feet, and the makes something like 2 and 1 third acres; but the total area of the ground taken is five and a half acres, and this is enough land for any respectable club to have at an annual rental of 50 pounds. The executive naturally expect a few spectators, so they have provided accommodation for 40,000 to be going on with. It is easy enough to write 40,000 and I must confess that I was under the impression that in their zeal my Everton friends has been exaggerating somewhat, but a visit on Wednesday convinced me that they had not, and in my opinion, with sufficient banking –and the Everton people speak of a thousand load of cinders as if it were a truck load-it is quite possible to put 50,000 inside the immense hoardings. Now as to the stands. The covered one opposite Goodison-road is according to the official description a “well-built and imposing one of its kind.” At any rate, it is a very comfortable one, although a person of aldermanic proportions might find some difficulty in walking between the seats. The entrances are at the back and you therefore go down to your seat. Nice, warm cushions there are for the reserved people, and this portion is in the centre of the ground, for the stand runs the whole length of the touchline. Behind each goal are open stands 270ft each in length and these will hold 10,000, provided the spectators do not get too excited and will be content to stand still during the process of the game-which they won’t. I forgot to say that the covered stand has 13 tiers, and the only objection is that on the top seat the unfortunate occupants will have some difficulty in flowing the play on a dark, dismal day; and it is this spot which the Press have selected to enable them to give a true and faithful account to please the poor scribes, and are willing to provide each with an office, and two or three papers have already taken advantage of the offer and have erected telephones. Going down the staircase, we find a cinder track, on which the players may do a sprint, and then we are introduced to the dressing rooms-two and a bathroom for each team-fitted up with lockers. The baths are not the ordinary iron painted affairs, but are built of substantial timber, and about half a dozen can use them at the same time. The next room is nicely fitted up for the referee, and this is not only an original idea, but a real good one, for the much-abused official can now retire from field and dress in solitude, without being compelled to overhear uncomplimentary remarks about some of his decisions. The door is fitted with a substantial lock, and, if necessary, the directors are prepared to have it coated with sheet iron. At any rate, they have done all they could to make the referee comfortable. They have not put down a running track, being of opinion that the nearer you can get your spectators to the play the more your spectators will appreciate it; but, all the same, a good track on a popular ground would have done well. I might mention that the publicans in the neighborhood are fully alive to the necessities of trade, and are making most extensive alterations for the sale of liquor, and are spending a small fortune in paint of various hues. I must confess to an ignorance of the geographical position of the ground, but from what I was told there are stations to the right of it, stations to the left of it, and, in fact, all round it. Then the tram takes you to within a hundred yards of the entrance, and I should imagine it is nearer the city than the one in Anfield-road. Mr. Prescott is the discoverer and architect and he has been assisted in his work by Messrs Kelly Brothers, of Walton, while the gentlemen who claims to have made the turf of bowling-green excellence is Mr. Barton. But, without an energetic committee like Mr. Marlow, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Griffiths, Dr. Baxter, Mr. Molyneux, and others, no number of architects, builders, and turf manipulators could have made Goodison-road into one of the best football grounds in the country in the short space of five months.
GOODISON PARK
August 29, 1892. The Liverpool Mercusry
There is one huge covered stand, and it is contemplated covering those at either end, a shield from the rain or cold winds that will be much appreciated by those who patronise the more ‘'popular'' places, whilst thiose whp prefer to view the play from the sloping banks will find the survey of the field of action free and uninterrupted. The offices and dressing rooms provided on the ground will be gratifying to the players and officials and if the turf, which at present appears on the whole well knit wears well, there will be less liability of injury to players when reaching ‘'mother earth,'' as they inevitably do in the course of spirited play. The programme of Everton is, of course a good one, consisting of 30 league fixtures in addition to cup-ties and wxtre matches chief among the latter being that of Queens Park at Goodison Park on Thursday October 6, the personnel of the teams will be an improvement apparently on thaty of last year, the new hands comprising Dewar (of Sunderland Albion), and Coyle backs: Jamieson (Cambuslang), and boyle (Dumbarton), half-backs, and Smith (Canmbiuslng) and McLaren (Dumbarton),. Forwards. All the old players except mclean, Clochhead, Kirkwood and Wyllies are, we believe, secured and two very strong teams can thus be manned. The second team will be chiefy occupied in maintaining the high position they secured last year in the Combination. The season opens on Thurdsay at Goodison Park When Everton League will Meet the Bolton Wanderers in a friendly contest, the first League match being that with Notts Forest on Saturday next.
Another one from Field Sports. For the opening of Goodison Park.
Opening of Everton's new ground
A day of supreme happiness to the managers of the Everton Football Club was last Wednesday, and their faces beamed with smiles of twelve-inch gauge. In the words of the poet: -
“Such a night you never saw,
Before they'd time to say the prayers,
Scraps and bones were all that were left
Of the banquet at the Adelphi.”
Nobility shed its gracious light upon the company round the festive board, and each said to the other, or seemed to say; “Eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we dine off common steaks, with a pint pot accompaniment.” And Kurly said: “Let there be peace,” and there was peace, likewise several of them. By the time that everyone was beginning to feel comfortable and ready to settle down for a little hilarity or other wine, there was a move for business, and the Rev. Gee Gee, geeunior, came in, with a solemn look at a steady step, for he abhors all levity and carnal amusements such as dinners, and giveth them not countenance.
For the chaplain is a man who drinks not, neither, therefore, does he spin. Me. George Mahon, who sat at the top of the table, in order to see that nobody stepped beyond the bounds of prudence or tried to ruin the proprietors of the hotel, said some nice things about the president of the English Association and Dr. Morley and the Everton Club, and they all congratulated themselves that they did their best to prevent footballers from allowing their angry passions to rise or to scratch each other's eyes.
Mr lord said: - “I Kinnairdly believe it, and then remarked that he was glad that Everton had obtained a ground of their own, and that they would do all they could to take it outright, and hand it over to the youngsters and youngsters' youngsters. Whereat they cried with a loud voice,“ Hear, hear; we shall, providing we get four per cent.” Then chariots were taken and the Everton prophet, which Coates is his arms, corks his motto, and Nick Ross his abomination, looked unutterably happy, and could have thrown halfpennies to the small boys who cheered. It was a glorious sight when the cavalcade marched across the turf, as springy and thick as if it had been laid for a hundred years, and cheers were sent up for my lord, which said cheers were of the course braxenly acknowledged by “Kurly” and the “chaplain,” who think at times they are footballers or somebody, and not of the common clay. The band played, the players ran, fireworks blazed, ten thousand people seemed to be vastly diverted, and officials brimmed over with affability as they reckoned upon shekels and prosperity. Thus a new era in Liverpool football was suspiciously ushered in, and there is small blame to those who had laboured so hard for months past to get things in order for feeling more than usually proud on a day which was one of the greatest in the history of the Everton Club.
(Field Sports, 29-08-1892)
**ARTICLE FOUNDED BY KJELL, THANKS FOR THE RESOURCES**
EVERTON REVIEW
August 29, 1982 The Liverpool Mercury
The curb of the closed season rules will be freed on Thursday, and the boisterous and exhilarating winter game will be in full cry – that is, with Associationists. And what a buzzing, hammering time is promised for Liverpoolians during the ensuing eight months! Not two, but four first rates clubs – in ambition if not actually – will cater for the public taste until probably the good fare becomes nauseous even to the most inveterate glutton or epicure. There will be keen rivalry, and nothing awakens the enthusiasm of the average Briton more easily than stern, determined, healthy competition for supremacy. The situation has changed. Two good clubs have spring up out of Everton, and the parent organization, which had had to migrate to other and better quarters, are, in a certain sense, upon their defence, and in the tragedy of the survival of the fittest will focus the interest of the Liverpool supporters of the dribbling code. Everton are well prepared for the attack. They have by aid of energy and enterprise which must excite admiration provided themselves with a football enclosure that can scarcely be surpassed for accommodation and completeness, and which is in a wonderful state of perfection considering the short time which the contractors have had at their disposal. Every comfort alike of players, spectators officials, and pressmen has been studied and seen to, and Goodison Park, it is safe to predict, will become an even more popular resort than Anfield-road has proved to be. The ground will compare favourably with Ewood Park, the splendid headquarters of the Blackburn Rovers, and in some respects is an improvement upon the latter eligible enclosure, as the spectators will be nearer on all sides to the touchline, an advantage of much importance in the dull, cloudy days that are met with during the winter months, when light is trying to the vision. There is one huge covered stand, and it is contemplated covering those at either end, a shield from the rain or cold winds that will be much appreciated by those who patronise the more ‘'popular'' places, whilst those who prefer to view the play from the sloping banks will find the survey of the field of action free and uninterrupted. The offices and dressing rooms provided on the ground will be gratifying to the players and officials and if the turf, which at present appears on the whole well knit wears well, there will be less liability of injury to players when reaching ‘'mother earth,'' as they inevitably do in the course of spirited play. The programme of Everton is, of course a good one, consisting of 30 league fixtures in addition to cup-ties and extra matches chief among the latter being that of Queens Park at Goodson Park on Thursday October 6, the personnel of the teams will be an improvement apparently on that of last year, the new hands comprising Dewar (of Sunderland Albion), and Coyle backs: Jamieson (Cambuslang), and Boyle (Dumbarton), half-backs, and Smith (Cambiuslng) and McLaren (Dumbarton),. Forwards. All the old players except McLean, Lochhead, Kirkwood and Wyllies are, we believe, secured and two very strong teams can thus be manned. The second team will be chiefly occupied in maintaining the high position they secured last year in the Combination. The season opens on Thursday at Goodison Park When Everton League will Meet the Bolton Wanderers in a friendly contest, the first League match being that with Notts Forest on Saturday next.
• McLean, Wyllie, of Everton are playing for Liverpool, D. Kirkwood signed for Liverpool Caldonians
THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB COMPANY
August 30, 1892. The Liverpool Courier.
A meeting of the shareholders of the Everton Football Club company Limited.. was held last evening in the schoolroom of ther presbyerrian Church Royal-street. Mr. G.Mahon occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance. Mr. R Molyeux (secretary) read the notice convening the meeting, with nexplained that it was called for the purpose of electing directors and to elect a momence to act on behalf of shareholders entitled to a free share. The Chairman gave an account of the progress of the company. He said they had now arrived at that stage in the history of the club when they were determined that no secret should be held from the general body of the shareholders. There were now 431 shareholders, and this was considered very satisfactory when they remembered that the total membership of the club was 490. These shareholders held 1,730 shares, and he would like to explain that it was though advisable not to give out the shares in blocks, by which means theu would have had the whole of the capital subscribed, but rather to have a number of applications, so that there would be more supporters of the club. The number of old members belonging to the company was 304, and there was 40 old members who had taken season tickets. Of the 431 shareholders there were 338 holding season tickets, and as applications were coming in daily he expected there would be another hundred. Showing the confidence that the public had in the club, he might point out that there was 40 more season tickets holders up to the present time in excess of the total number applied for on the old ground. (Applause.) they had a profit on the first athletic festival of £150, and he expected there would be a profit of about £100 on the second. The total expenditure amounted to £2,700, being £700 in excess of the estimate, but he thought that as they had obtained double the accommodation which was provided on the old fround there was no cause to grumble. (Hear Hear.)
It was moved and seconded that the following be re-elected to act as directors:- Mr G.Mahon (charman), Dr. Baxter, Messrs. J Atkinson J.Griffiths A.T.Coates, W.E.Leyland, J.Davies, W.R.Clayton,, F Currier, and W Jackson. Mr. Swan moved an amendment:- that the board of directors shall consist of six directors, two of whom shall retire by rotation at the close of each financial year, and that all vacancies on the directorate shall be filled by shareholders at the annual meeting, at which retiring directors shall be eligible for re-election.'' He thought that already one or two had tried to be too inasterful and he was of oponion that six directors would be quite sufficient. On the amandment being seconded and put only three votes were recorded for it, and the original propsition was then enthusiastically carried. Mr. R.Molyneux was elected nominee on behalf of the free shareholders. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the directors for their work during the summer.