EVERTON PUT MORTON ON TRANFER
April 1 1939 the Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton have offered terms to all but three of their players for next season. The men for transfer are Morton, the former Aston Villa goalkeeper, McMurray the young inside forward from Glasgow, and Davies a local outside left. Morton made a name in Army football before assisted Villa as an amateur in 1930, and the following year he turned professional.

FOOTBALLER MOTORISTS
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 01 April 1939
Many football clubs will not allow their players to drive motor-cars for fear of accident, but the majority give their players a free hand outside the club.  If Everton placed a ban on motoring there would have to be an auction sale of cars at Goodison Park.  The majority of the players own their own cars.  The latest motorist is Tommy Jones, the international centre half.  He will now be able to drive to Goodison and back from Connachs Quay each day. 
Alex Stevenson, the Irish international inside-left, is also a recent recuit to motoring.  He passed his driving test a few days ago. 

EVERTON DROP A POINT
April 1, 1939. The Liverpool Football Echo
Stoke ‘Keeper Foils Leaders.
Sale-Lawton Goals
By Stork.
A surprising match. Everton pressed almost throughout, but they could only beat goalkeeper Westland once. It was a bit of a blow to loss a home point. Everton have only lost there here. This makes the title fight more difficult. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (TG.), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Stoke City: - Westland, goal; Brigtness and Tennant, backs; Soo (captain), Bamber, and Kirton, half-backs; Matthews, Antonio, Sale, Ormston, and Baker, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Nixons (Manchester). One could not have wished for a better day for this attractive game. The visitors were not able to play their full side. Steele for one was an absentee; three goals Sale led the City’s attack. Ormston being brought in at inside left while Westland came into goal in place of Wilkinson.
Lawton Strikes The Bar.
Everton’s forward play was vastly superior to that of their opponents. At times it was a little too intriguing, but there was nothing more intriguing than Lawton’s angular shot, which struck the face of the crossbar and bounded out of play. However, Lawton got the ball where he did was a miracle, for his angle was an atrocious one. Stevenson with a quick left footed shot, saw Westland make a startling save. The Stoke left wing put the ball into the middle, and it was fortunate for Everton that there was no inside man there to accept what would have been a gift edged shooting chance. Gillick was annoyed about two offside decisions given against him, and Bentham was on the point of striding forward to a goal when the game was held up for a foul. This was a penalty against the innocent party. Soo, the Liverpool lad who now captains Stoke, gave away a free kick through fouling Lawton, but Jone’s free kick was charged down.
Matthews Dazzles.
Then we saw Matthews at his best. He dazzled Greenhalgh twice by brilliant footwork, and body swerve to finally end with a centre that simply cried out to be taken up. Matthews was not so good a little later when he put a centre behind. Stevenson from away out on the right, tried a long oblique shot which travelled well over the bar. Barker gave Ormston a chance, but Mercer, despite a fall, beat him almost at the corner flag. Matthews once veered into the centre forward position and his forward pass to Ormston was the cause of some trouble to the Everton defence. Sagar rushed out and just beat Ormston for possession, but could not retain, the ball, and he had to step over his penalty line in an effort to block Ormston’s centre with his body. It was a tense moment. From a quick recovery Gillick put the ball to Lawton, who have his shot, but Tennant got in the way at the crucial moment. Everton had a let off, Jones called to Sagar to come out and take a ball which was running through the middle.
Narrow Escape.
Sagar did as required but failed to grasp the ball as he went to pick it up, Jones, however, ran behind the goalkeeper and cleared. It was, nevertheless a rather anxious moment for Everton. When Bentham centred under the Stoke crossbar Westland made a nice catch, but was almost caught by Lawton who charged him while in possession. Westland went back on his heels, and although Everton claimed the ball had gone over the line the referee was so well placed that he made no hesitation in saying “No” to all appeals. Everton could do everything but get the ball in the net. Boyes had a shot cannoned out, and so did Lawton. Matthews every now and again sneaked into the middle to lay the foundation for a Stoke attack, and Sagar had to be very sure when he leapt up to punch away from the head of Sale. The visitors’ goal bad many let-offs, yet there were times, when Everton, should have scored, no matter the strength of the Stoke defenders. Just on the interval Stevenson missed from a gorgeous opening.
Half-Time –Everton 0, Stoke 0.
Westland bars The Way.
It was all Everton at the start of the second half. They could do everything but get the ball into the net, I have never seen so much pressure put on any side without it showing some signs of collapse, but the Stoke defence never gave any indication that they would falter, particularly Westland, who made catch after catch in the manner of a slip fielder. For long spells Everton were gathered round the Stoke goal, but for one reason or another sometimes the goalkeeper, sometimes a defender, and sometimes a shot block away, but whatever it was it prevented Everton from taking a substantial lead. The League leaders tried everything they knew, but it was of no avail. The ball would not run kindly for them today, yet I have seen them take chances much more difficult than they were offered this afternoon. Gillick, who one shot hit the goalkeeper, and the ball was travelling on forwards the net. It may not have got that far, for it was only moving slowly and when Stevenson came along to help it on its way Bamber stood in the line of flight. One of Westland’s best saves was made from Boyes who made a surprise shot. As so often happens, the side which had been on the collar for as long made a sudden breakaway which produced a goal. This happened at the 62nd minute, and I thought there was a trace of offside about Sale’s goal, but there was no appeals so we will take it for granted that all was in order. The shot was a slow motion, affair, but it was placed away from Sagar who scrambled across in a frantic effort to save but was just too late. To show you just how unlucky Everton were, Gillick went through and grazed the upright, with the goalkeeper beaten.
Lawton’s Reply
At 76 minutes, however, it was the Lawton-Gillick combine which did the trick, the Scot centred right to Lawton’s foot, and the ball was in the net as quickly as you could say knife. This goal received a great ovation. Greenhalgh was playing Matthews extremely well. The secret of his success was his determination to be first to the ball. Gillick from the outside left position, scooped the ball up into the goalmouth, and Lawton and Bentham each went up for it, but Everton had no luck today at witness Gillick shot which flew high over the bar. Everton were fighting desperately for the winning goal, but it just would not come. At the end all the Stoke players went to the goalkeeper to congratulate him on his display and he deserved it. Final; Everton 1, Stoke City 1.

EVERTON MUST WIN SIX OUT OF EIGHT TO BE CHAMPIONS.
April 1, 1939. The Liverpool Football Echo
Wolves’ League Challenge Remains Unless They Lose Once;
Nat Cunliffe Might Have Been A County Cricketer
By Stork.
Should Everton win the League championship, and they are leading that way thanks to their latest victory and Stoke City, they will have won it on merit. Everton are not replying on the doings of others; but it was certainly good to hear of the Wolves fall at Stoke. The “double” the elusive double I call it, which so many of the critics said was going to be Wolverhampton’s award this season, is slipping away from the Wanderers, if there was ever any possibility of it materializing. A well known Manchester scribe said after Everton had beaten the United; “You will walk the League.” Perhaps Everton will, but they are not taking anything for granted. They know they have a hard row to hoe, and are determined to make every post a winning post. Everton have to win six of their eight matches to be assured of the league, no matter what Wolverhampton do. That is asking them something, but it can be done, for four of the eight are at Goodison Park. Wolverhampton can get sixty points by winning their remaining eight games. Everton can get one more by winning six games –the odds are on Everton, surely. Don’t tell me anything can happen during the next few weeks. Don’t I know it, don’t Everton know it? Don’t Wolverhampton know it, too. Nothing has pleased me more than the way Everton have been playing away from home. For years Everton’s away record was atrocious; one or two, or perhaps three was the usual reckoning at the end of the season. With four away games to be played, they have beaten all records since their championship year having won more points away than they have lost. Add that they have lost, only one League match this year, and you must admit that it is championship form. However, it has been a great tussle, and will remain so until May 6, the last day of the season. Would you have laid 100 to 1 on Everton winning the title before the open of the season? I don’t think you would.
Who has been on reserve for England most times? No prize is given for a correct answer, for I fancy you could name him in one guess. The player himself, Nat Cunliffe, the Everton forward does, not know how, many times he has represented England from the stands. He has lost count, I could look up the record for you, but won’t brother. Cunliffe has been with Everton since 1930. He came with Adlington F.C., now defunct, a club only a matter of a bus ride from his native Blackrod, Lancashire. Jimmy still lives there, and glad to do so. There was no school team in Blackrod, so he used to play with the lads of Blackrod when he was sixteen, later joining Horwich, where he was an apprentice plater. “There was nothing in the plathing job,” says Cunliffe “so I took a chance on football. It might have been cricket; it might have been bowis. I went into Everton’s “A team for a start, and then into the Central League side, but it was not until my third season that I got my chance in the first eleven, when I had two games against Villa and Middlesbrough.” His big chance came when Dixie Dean was hurt, and Cunliffe was played at centre forward. That was in his fourth season with the club. He stayed there until Dean was fit, and then was moved to inside right. He is a grand ball player with two feet –many have only one, and if my memory serves me right, he has occupied every position in the forward line, with perhaps the exception of outside right. One season he scored 26 goals, and to think of it, 29 was top scorer last year. Twice he has scored four goals; against Stoke City, who were at Goodison today, and West Bromwich Albion, and the Stoke game stands out as one of his bets, although he thinks that the greatest game he played in was against Sunderland at Goodison Park one Christmas Day. Everton won 7-4, and Cunliffe played no small part in the sensational game. I can recall it very vividly, and so for the matter can you probably. It was almost, on a par with the famous Cup-tie between the same clubs. Cunliffe has no championship medals not even a Central league medal nor a Cup medal, but he is very proud of his three inter-league medals, and his “cap” gained when playing for England against Belgium. James Nathan Cuncliffe tells me that his friends of Blackrod are of the opinion that he would have made a better cricketer than a footballer. He was something of a bowler, and one season had an average of seven. There is money in Lancashire cricket, but James did not like the idea of playing late on in the evening. Perhaps Lancashire missed a good cricketer when Cunliffe decided to make for all his career.

CHAMPIONSHIP MARCH CHECKED
Everton 1 Stoke City 1 (Game 1681 over-all)-(Div 1 1639)
April 3 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton’s march to the Championship received a check when they dropped a point at Stoke City at home. Stoke must have been well satisfied with the sharing of two goals and if they are honest, with themselves they will acknowledge that they were a wee bit fortunate to take a half, for on the balance of play Everton should have won comfortably. Practically throughout the second half Everton were sounding the Stoke defence. Their approach-work took them well inside the Stoke defence, but once there their mastery of the ball ended. I have not for a number of years seen a side so overplayed, yet come out unscathed, for that is what Stoke City did. They were hammered, incessantly for long periods, when it seemed that their goal must fall, but Westland, the reserve goalkeeper, came to their aid with a magnificent display of goalkeeping. It was small wonder that he received-the handshakes of his comrades, for it was due largely to his ability that the Potteries side were not severely trounced. Yet for all his great work the game was there to be won by Everton had the run of the ball been a little kindlier to them. When one says’’ the ball did not run for us’’ many look askance as to what is meant by that. You could not have had a finer example than what we saw at Goodison Park. Perhaps it was the altered conditions for play. For weeks grounds have been waterlogged or definitely on the soft side when it was easier to control the ball. On Saturday it was firm and more difficult to get the ball to do one’s bidding. Nevertheless, Everton’s field play was distinctly good, yet there seemed a lack of snap about it. There was a go-as-you-please look about their play such as we saw at Manchester four days previously. But Stoke were not Manchester United. They were an infinitely better side although I have seen them play better. Their defence which was rattled and riddled at times stood its ground against Everton’s bombardment and although showing signs of breaking up late on Everton were able to land one goal in their net. Westland will be given a lot of credit for his part in the proceedings, but of all the balls he had to handle and he handled plenty there was not one occasion when he had to dive of move a step either this way or that. His catching of the ball was masterly, yet I got it at the back of by head that he had only to reach up to the ball and it was his. I am not trying to belittle his work, for it was good, but only result to explain why Everton missed their was. Shots were flung over the bar outside the post-everywhere but where it was most headed. Sagar had an easy day yet he was the first to be taken just after the hour. Cook failed to beat Baker, who slipped the ball through to Sale, who shot for the far side of the goal. It was a slow-motion shot, but was not only too fast for Sagar, but right away from him, and the ball trickled over the line just out of his reach. It was a poor sort of goal yet a good one from Stoke’s point of view. That was a blow, for Stoke had scored with fewer than half a dozen chances, whereas Everton had dozens and dozens, which just shows you how a game can turn in a flash. This meant a fight, for Everton cannot, afford to drop any home points no matter what they may do away. They did fight and the Stoke defenders had to put in some work to hold them down for so long as they did, 14 minutes from the end. They enjoyed miraculous escape, and when Westland grabbed Boyes’s snap shot one began to wonder if their goal would ever fall. Gillick probably lost a goal when the ball twisted and turned between his feet so that when he finally shot he missed the right line. Success came his way later, for although Lawton was the scorer, it was a picture pass which the Scott had turned over to him. There were 14 minutes left could Everton pull the game out of the fire ? How they tried; how they beat themselves against the Stoke defenders, and how those Stoke defenders stood up to their gruel, but it was no good, it was not their day. The duels between Matthews, England’s brilliant forwards, and Greenhalgh were the high-lights of the game and let me say that the Everton man had a brilliant day. He meant to be first to the ball, and invariably was. His quick tackling sent Matthews on to Watson, who had a great day. Matthews, however gave us glimpses of his jugglery, and his body swerve, which has so many running the wrong way. His control was marvelous. Lawton had to do too much running after the ball for he did not get many takable passes. Gillick was a worker, and an unlucky one at times. Prior to the game Mr. Ernest Green, the Everton chairman, presented benefits cheques to Sager, the goalkeeper-his second benefit and Bentham. Sagar got the full benefit of £650 and Bentham £500. Result Everton 1 Stoke City 1. Everton: - Sagar goal, Cook (captain), and Greenhalgh, back, Mercer, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes, forwards. Stoke City: - Westland goal, Brigham and Tennant, backs, Soo, Barmber, and Kirton, half-backs, Matthews, Antonio, Sale, Ormiston, and Barker. Referee Mr. B.Nixon (Manchester). Attendance 38,601

CENTRE LEAGUE
Manchester United Reserve 2 Everton Reserves 1
April 3 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 38)
Despite a determined late rally during which the framework of the Manchester United goal was struck on several occasions Everton fail to prevent Manchester United securing the points at Old Trafford, in which all three goals were obtained prior to the interval. If not having at least shared the points the Everton must be conceded unfortunate Catterick a capable centre received splendid support from Sharp and Sweeney, his inside partner but less elaboration when near goal, would have met with more success. Pearson and Hullet gave the United an early lead, but before the interval Catterick reduced the arrears. Everton Reserves: - Burnett, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Lindley, Edwards and Milligan, half-backs; barber, Sweeney, Catterick, Sharp and Caskie, forwards. Placed 5th, played 38 won 19 lost 14 draw 5 for 65, against 68, points 43.

WHERE EVERTON FAILED
April 3, 1939. Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton slipped up in their match with Stoke City and they will not know until a later date the real value of that point dropped in the Midlanders. Stoke did not win a point, it was Everton who lost it, for on balance of play they were vastly superior to their rivals. I have often seen such games where one side hammers away without getting anything from their endeavour through one cause or another, and the other by a single burst through win a goal all against the run of the play. You have no doubt often heard “The ball did not run for us.” “Well it did not run for Everton. They cut and carved their way through the Stoke defence by good class football only to fall down when they reached the penalty zone. Let us agree that Westland did fine work in the Stoke goal; let us agree that Bamber, Tennant, and Brigham put a up a bold front to the Everton forwards, but also let us agree that Everton had sufficient chance to have beaten even this formidable quartet. I may be wrong but I thought Everton treated the game in a similar way to the one they had won at Manchester a few days earlier. But Stoke were a different proposition. Westland was the bugbear and it was no wonder he got a hand shake from his colleagues as they left the field. He has an ovation from the crowd at the interval and again at the end. But for all his fine work I am not unmindful of the fact that most of the shots, which he caught like a county cricketer came right to hand. He was in the right place at the right moment, whether he design or otherwise. His best save was from Boyes when he had a bank of players in front of him, and defeat seemed to share him in the face, but two hands shot up and the ball was caught in his safe grasp. He also held a Stevenson shot which would have beaten most keepers. Yes, he held up Everton all other were beaten. He was well beaten by Lawton’s angular hook shot, but the bar came to his aid. Stoke whizzled all around him; others his defenders, what time Sagar was holding a watching brief.
“Played” Correctly.
The goal which Sale scored was the flukiest thing I have seen for some times. The ball handly had “legs” to take it over the goal line, but what it had counted more than power. It was only half hit, but it passed wide of the Everton goalkeeper, who rushed across goal, but could not reach the slowly moving ball. Everton’s goal was of much better quality. It was a gift from Gillick and Lawton, and even a Westland could not keep that one out. From the point Everton put more into the game, but they could not get the winning goal, and how they tried for it. They should have done, but what they should have done is of no moment now they just didn’t, and so lost a valuable point. One of the features was the duels between Greenhalgh and Matthews England’s brilliant winger, with the dazzling feet and the body swerve which has them all guesting. Greenhalgh soon learned that it was of no earthly use to stand in front of Matthews. For he had been beaten all ends up in his first clash with the outside right. He made up his mind that he had to be first and first he was afterwards, so that to clear himself Matthews was forced on to Watson who did the rest. Mathews is a grand player. He soon settled that for us in the few things he did. Prior to the game Mr. Ernest Green, the Everton chairman presented benefit cheques to Sagar, and Bentham. This was Sagar’s second award. Bentham has earned his £500 for this season’s work alone. The team is at Harrogate.
• Warney Cresswell, the former Everton player, who has been managing Northampton Town since he left Port Vale, has been appointed secretary-manager. The former secretary has retired, and Warney has the added responsibility is well as a little extra added salary. Warney has a good team, with plenty of youngsters making names for themselves.

EVERTON PREPARE FOR EASTER TESTS
April 3, 1939. Evening Express.
Blues Tuning Up At Harrogate
By Watcher.
Everton are at Harrogate tuning up for their stiff Easter programme. The eleven held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City at Goodison, on Saturday, travelled to the Yorkshire resort yesterday in company with Mr. Theo Kelly, secretary, and Jock Thomson. All the players are fit and I do not expect any changes when the directors meet tomorrow night to select the team for the match at Sunderland on Friday. The Blues visit Chelsea on Saturday and meet Sunderland in the return match at Goodison Park on Easter Monday. The Harrogate programme comprises light training on the Harrogate Town club’s ground, golf and visits to cinemas. The Blues dropped a point which may prove valuable later on, in the match against Stoke. They now lead the Wolves by four points, and if they are to remain secure at the head of affairs they will have to produce better finishing. Granted that Westland played brilliantly in the City goal, but I still think the Blues should have scored more than one goal against him. Indeed, the Goodison side did not play with real “fire” until Sale had given Stoke the lead. The Blues had the greater part of the play but too many passes went astray and at times I through them rather slow on the ball. Lawton had few chances, but he made no mistake in converting Gillick’s pass for the equaliser. Bamber kept a tight hold on the England leader. Boyes and Stevenson worked hard, but might have been more accurate near goal. Gillick was more than once unlucky with shots. Stoke, defence was magnificent under pressure and Soo, the Liverpool-born half-back, was outstanding.

EVERTON F.C. SHAREHOLDERS ASSOCIATION DECISION.
April 4, 1939. The Evening Express.
Board Candidates At Club’s Annual Meeting.
Support For Two Retiring Directors And New Nominee.
By Pilot.
Everton Football Club Shareholders’ Association have decided to support the candidatures of Messrs. W. C. Cuff and A. Coffey (who retire by rotation) and A. Denaro at the next annual meeting of the club company. The decision was reached at a meeting of the shareholders Committee lastnight, and the recommendation will be submitted to a full meeting on April 12. It means that the Association will oppose re-election of one of the retiring directors, Alderman, A. Gates, who was co=opted during last football season, with Mr. R. Turnbull. Alderman Gates, when told of the decision today, would not make any comment. “I want time to think the matter over,” was all he said. At the inception of the Association it was agreed that all directors who had been co-opted would be opposed, although this was withheld in the case of Mr. George Evans, the sitting director, who pleaged his support to the Association. Two other members of the present Board are co-opted –Dr. Cecil Baxter and Mr. Tom Percy. They are not due to retire from the Board until 1940. The change of attitude in relation to Mr. W. C. Cuff, the former chairman and now President-Elect of the Football Association, was the outcome of a deputation from the association which interviewed Mr. Cuff last week.
Deputation To Mr. Cuff.
The members of the deputation informed Mr. Cuff that they would support him, although a year ago Mr. Cuff was the leader of the opposition to the Association. This “getting together” attitude is, in my opinion, a welcome move, especially in view of the splendid showing of the team this season. I understand the feeling is that there will be no need for an election this year, but that remains to be seen. Mr. Denaro, the new nominee of the Association, is the present chairman of the Shareholders Association and has been a shareholder and supporter of the club for many years. He is a prominent social and charitable worker, being on several committees. He is the general secretary of the Liverpool Carters’ and Motormen’s Union. As a boy he played for Seacombe Victoria, and later served as president of Oakmere Football Club for many years. Mr. Cuff is the senior member of the Everton board and was secretary of the club before he became a director, and later chairman. He is one of the leading football legislators in the country, and besides being President-Elect of the Football Association is President of the Central league and a member of the F.A. Council. Mr. Andrew Coffey has given great services to Everton for many years in the capacity of director and chairman, and he has been a leading light in the Shareholders’ association since it was reformed.

EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS NOMINATE MESSERS, CUFF, COFFEY, AND DENARO FOR ANNUAL MEETING
April 4, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Rangers.
Subject to the conformation of the general body of it s members, the Executive Committee of the Everton Shareholders Association has decided to nominate Messrs, W. C. Cuff, Andrew Coffey and Albert Denaro for the three vacancies on the board of the Everton Club, which are to be filled t the annual meeting in May. Messrs, Cuff, and Coffey retire by rotation, this year together with Alderman Alfred Gates. Mr. Gates was co-opted to the board eighteen months ago, along with Mr. R. R. Turnbull to take the places of the late Mr. Jack Sharp and Mr. H. Banks. In view of the protests which were made by the Shareholders’ Association regarding co-option, however, Mr. Turnbull declined to stand for re-election at last year’s annual meeting, and Mr. W. R. Williams the shareholders nominee, was elected in his stead. Mr. Cuff was recently waited on by a deputation of the shareholders’ association and informed that the committee had unanimously resolved to support his re-election. He is “father” of the board, and has a unique record of service to the club having filled the office of secretary, director and chairman. His connection with the club goes back to 1895. Mr. Coffey’s service dates from 1912, including a period as chairman. Mr. Albert Denaro is chairman of the E.S.A and the conducted the affairs of the association during its short life with commendable tact and discreation. He has been a support of the club since beening a shareholder for many years, and frequently follows the side in away matches. His knowledge of the game is encyclopedic and his judgment sound. Apart from football he is well known far beyond the confines of Liverpool in other spheres and devotes a great deal of his time to chartable and social work in connection with a dozen or more organizations. Among other things he has done a lot of good work for the Hospital Council, as well as the Juvenile Employment Committee and the Council of social Service. In business he is secretary of the Liverpool Cater and Motormen’s Union, and as a young man played football for Seacombe Victoria and was president of Oakmere F.C.
Mr. Cuff’s Position.
An interesting position will arise regarding Mr. Cuff’s directorship of Everton when he is elected to the presidency of the Football League a week after the club’s annual meeting. When I discussed the matter with him a few days ago, Mr. Cuff said he would have to wait to see first of all whether he was elected to the presidency Assuming his election, however, -and though he would not assume it himself that is a virtual certainty –Mr. Cuff told me he would be gilded as to his Everton directorship by the views of the clubs at the League’s annual meeting. “If the opinion is expressed that it would be advisable for me to dissociate myself from any particular club I shall, of course bow to that desire.” He said. Until I know the views of the League I cannot say what my course will be. Mr. Cuff at the moment is in London, where he has gone on league business. He is also paying a visit to Mr. Archie Leitch, the architect who has designed so many football grandstands, including those at Everton. Mr. Leich is seriously ill at his London home following an accident during a cruise when he fractured his shoulder collar bone, and several ribs. The decision of the shareholders Committee to nominate Messrs, Cuff, Coffey, and Denero will be submitted for ratification to the full meeting of the association on April 12, at St. George Restaurant.
The Everton players at Harrogate report a clean bill of health this morning. At the moment of writing the team to meet Sunderland on Good Friday has not been chosen but it is pretty certain to be the same as that which has done duty in the last six matches. Stoke City have followed Everton’s example of last week, and have cancelled their proposed tour of Germany in May.

NO CHANGES
April 5 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
A great struggle is proceeding at the top of the football League, but it is probable that after the Easter rush of matches, the position will become cleaner. The two leading clubs Everton and the Wolves have each 7 games to play but Everton have the very valuable lead of four points. They began their holiday programme by visiting Roker Park on Friday to meet Sunderland. The latter have due much better away from home than when playing on their own ground this season. Everton are at Harrogate, and their team will be the same as has done duty in their last six matches.

TWO MORE EVERTON PLAYERS TO TOUR S. AFRICA
April 5, 1939. The Evening Express.
Gordon Watson and George Jackson
Blues’ Record Honours Year
By Pilot.
Gordon Watson and George Jackson, of Everton today received notification that they had been selected to tour South Africa with the England team, which leaves in May. This makes four Everton players for the tour, Britton and Jack Jones having been chosen two weeks ago. This means that Everton will create a record this season for players honored. The honours bestowed on the club players exceed thirty including all matches. Jackson is a Liverpool boy, who was born within a stone’s throw of Goodison Park, and he graduated through the “A” team before being loaned to Marine, whom he helped to reach the F.A.Amaetuer Cup Final. Since then he has rendered splendid service to Everton in the Central League team. Watson joined Everton from Blyth Spartans as a centre-half five years ago, and after being twelfth man for the major portion of this season, he went into the side at left half for the Cup-tie against Wolves, and has held the position. This is the full list of Everton honours this season: - Lawton and Mercer (reserve) League v Irish League; Cook and Stevenson, Ireland v Scotland; Gillick, Scotland v Ireland. Lawton, Boyes, England v. Wales. Tom Jones, Wales v. England; Lawton, Boyes; England v Europe; Lawton, Boyes, Greenhalgh, league v. Scottish League; Lawton, England v Norway; Tom Jones, Wales v Scotland; Gillick, Scotland v Wales; Lawton, Mercer, England v Ireland; Stevenson, Cook, Ireland v England; Tom Jones, Wales v Ireland; Cook, Stevenson; Ireland v Wales; Lawton, Mercer, England Continental tour; Britton, Jack Jones, Watson, Jackson, South Africa tour.
Everton Unchanged For Seventh Time.
Everton make no team changes for their visit to Sunderland on Friday. This is the seventh game in succession that they have had the same side on duty. If there are no injuries the same eleven will oppose Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton oppose Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Central league match at Goodison Park on Friday. Everton Reserves; Burnett; Saunders, Lambert; Lindley, Edwards, Milligan; Merritt, Sweeney, Catterick, Sharp, Caskie.

GOOD FRIDAY GAME
April 5, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
But for the call of international matches Everton would probably have set up something of a record for the club this season in the number of players to appear in every match. As it is, only Greenhalgh and Mercer can now claim the “ever present” distinction and the latter will lose it when he plays against Scotland on Saturday week. Everton started the season without changing their side in the first eight matches. If they can go through the three Eastertide matches without injury the present formation –in which Watson for Thomson is the only change compared with the opening eleven –will have played nine games without alteration. For the game against Sunderland, on Good Friday, the side will be as usual namely. Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Boyes.

TWO MORE EVERTON PLAYERS TO TOUR S. AFRICA
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 05 April 1939
GORDON WATSON AND GEORGE JACKSON
BLUES’ RECORD HONOURS YEAR
By PILOT
GORDON Watson and George Jackson, of Everton, today received notification that they had been selected to tour South Africa with the England team, which leaves in May. This makes four Everton players for the tour, Britton and Jack Jones having been chosen two eeks ago. This means that Everton will create record this season for players honoured. The honours bestowed on the club players exceed thirty including all matches. Jackson is a Liverpool boy who was born within a stone’s throw of Goodison Park, and he graduated through the "A” team before being loaned to Marine, whom he helped to reach the F.A. Amateur Cup final. Since then he has rendered splendid service to Everton in the Central League team. Watson joined Everton from Blyth Spartans a centre-half five years ago, and after being twelfth man for the major portion of this season, he went into the side left-half for the cup-tie against Wolves, and has held the position. This is the full list of Everton honours this season:— Lawton and Mercer (reserve). League r. Irish League; Cook, Stevenson, Ireland v. Scotland; Gillick, Scotland v. Ireland; Lawton, Boyes, England v. Walea; Tom Jones, Wales v. England; Lawton, Boyes, England v. Europe: Lawton, Boyes, Greenhalgh. League v Scottish League; Lawton, England v. Norway; Tom Jones, Wales v. Scotland; Gillick, Scotland v. Wales; Lawton, Mercer England v. Ireland; Stevenson, Cook, Ireland v. England; Tom Jones, Wales v. Ireland: Cook, Stevenson, Ireland v. Wales: Lawton, Mercer, England v. Scotland; Lawton, England Continental tour; Britton, Jack Jones, Watson, Jackson, South African tour.
EVERTON UNCHANGED FOR SEVENTH TIME
Everton make no team changes for their visit to Sunderland on Friday. This is the seventh game in succession that they have had the same side on duty. If there are no injuries, the same eleven will oppose Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, EVERTON: Sugar; Cook, Grecnhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton oppose Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Central League match »t Goodison Park on Friday EVERTON RESERVES: Burnett: Saunders, Lambert; Lindley, Edwards, Milligan; Merritt, .Sweeney. Catterick, Sharp, Caskie.

PILOTSPORTS LOG
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 06 April 1939
Jimmy Caskie, Everton’s latest capture from St. Johnstone, has been pleasing the critics with his displays in the Central League side. I have not had a chance of seeing him in action, but I am assured that he is proving a real capture —and has already become a firm favourite with the crowd. The fact of his appearance at Goodison Park tomorrow should ensure a good attendance for the Central Leagfle game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Everton will hardly retain Central League championship, but the many young placers they keep introducing are taking their chances well, and serving up football well in keeping with club tradition. On Saturday, Birmingham Reserves will be at Goodison. EVERTON RESERVES: Burnett: Saunders, Lambert; Lindley, Edwards, Milligan; Merritt, S-weeney, Catterick, Sharp, Caskie.

TEAM FOR SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR THREE EVERTON PLAYERS CHOSEN
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 06 April 1939
The following players have been selected to make the South African tour from May 11 July 21;— Goalkeepers, S Barfcram (Charlton Ath.), J Mapson (Sunderland)- backs. Jackson (Everton), J E Jones C . Gadsby (Leeds United): hall-backs, Lewis (Walthamstow Avenue). C S Britton (Everton), J Oakes (Charlton), E Fenton (West Ham Utd.), and H Betmead (Grimsby Town); forwards, J Mahon (Huddersfield Town). AIC A H Gibbons (R.A.F.), Ftnton (Middlesbro’), G E (Leeds Utd.l, E Brook (Manchester City), C Finch (Barnet), P Beasley (Huddersfield Town), and A Brown (Chariton Ath.). The party will leave Southampton on May 11 in the Winchester Castle.

F.A. TEAM TO TOUR CONTINENT LAWTON AT CENTRE FORWARD
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 06 April 1939
Lawton, the Everton centre-forward, has been cnosen to play for the F.A. XI against Italy, Jugoslavia and Rumania, on the Continent, on May 10, 18 and 24 respectively. F.A. Xl.—Woodley (Chelsea); Morris (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Hapgood (Arsenal); Willingham (Huddersfield Town), Cullis (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Copping (Leeds United); Matthews (Stoke City). Hall. W (Tottenham H.). Lawton (Fverton), Stephenson iLeeds Utd.), Maguire (Wolverhampton Wanderers). Reserves to travel are; Male (Arsenal), Galley (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Broome (Aston Villa). The party leaves Victoria, London, on Tuesdav, May 9.

EVERTON PLAYERS HONOURED
April 6 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Two more Everton players, Watson left half and Jackson right back have been invited to tour South Africa this summer with the English team. Britton and Jack Jones of Everton have already accepted the invitation.

EVERTON TO STRENGTHEN LEAGUE LEAD?
April 6, 1939. Evening Express.
By Pilot.
Everton continue their title fight with a programme which, although difficult looking on paper, may yield four of five points. The only team the Blues have as championship rivals are Wolves, and glancing at the two programmes over the holidays I consider that of the Wanderers to be more difficult. They have to play Aston Villa twice, and go to Preston on Saturday. Everton, following a Harrogate tonic go to Sunderland tomorrow with the team which has played in the last seven matches. The Blues have had a wonderful run since the New Year and have suffered only one defeat. That was at Wolverhampton. In 1939, they have captured 20 out of a possible 24 points. This is the best record in the First Division. Everton usually do fairly well at Sunderland. They should be encouraged by the fact that the Wearsiders do not seem to be able to anything right at home. No fewer than 12 out of the 18 clubs have come away from Roker Park with one or two points. If 12 can do that, then I feel certain Everton in their present mood, can escape defeat. Their harder task seems to be at Chelsea on Saturday, for Stamford Bridge is not one of the leaders happy hunting –grounds. True, they did win the Cup-tie there last season, but they have gained only one League point there out of the last eight. In addition, they have scored only two goals in those games. Chelsea are in danger of losing their First Division status, and they cannot afford to drop any home points. So, in the circumstances I think the Blues will have acquitted themselves well if they avert defeat. Monday should give the leaders two more points. Everton are a brilliant home side, and white allowing that Sunderland have won six times on the ground of opponents this season, they may not be able to hold Lawton and company. Everton have a four point lead in the table with the same number of games played as the Wolves. The same Everton eleven will do duty for all three matches, unless there are injuries. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
Little Jimmy Caskie, Everton’s latest capture from St. Johnstone, has been pleasing the critics with his displays in the Central League side. I have not had a chance of seeing him in action, but I am assured that he is proving a real capture –and has already become a firm favourite with the crowd. The fact of his appearance at Goodison Park tomorrow should ensure a good attendance for the Central league game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Everton will hardly retain the central League championside, but the many young players they keep introducing are taking their chances well, and serving upon football well in keeping with club tradition. On Saturday Birmingham Reserves will be at Goodison. Everton Reserves; Burnett; Saunders, Lambert; Lindley, Edwards, Milligan; Merritt, Sweeney, Catterick, Sharp, Caskie.
• L.M.S. Football Excurisons. Chelsea v. Everton, April 8th, London 16/9. Good Friday, Liverpool Lime Street, dep 11.55 p.m. Edge Hill 12. Night. Return London (Euston) dep 12.30 following night.

EVERTON ON TOUR
April 6, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton are on tour for the next few days, during which they will cover close on 1,000 miles. Tomorrow they will be at Sunderland, leaving right after the match for Chelsea, but they will break their journey at Doncaster and travel up to London on Saturday morning. On Sunday they return to Manchester and will stay there until Monday morning leaving in good time to reach Goodison Park for their return game with Sunderland. If they can take four points from their three games it will be highly satisfactory, the four points to come in this manner; a draw at Roker Park, and a half Stamford Bridge and a clean cut win at Goodison on Monday.
Do Well At Roker.
I fancy it will be easier to take a half at Roker Park than a share of the points at Stamford Bridge, for Sunderland having nothing to gain and nothing to lose, for they cannot win the championship nor re they likely to be relegated. Now onto London. Chelsea are happy in the know to get that they have some games in hand over Leicester and Birmingham, but how they must wish those games had been played and won. On their day Chelsea can be quite an attractive and efficient side but they have their “off” days when they are very moderate. They opened the season in a way which staggered their followers and curbed the comedians, but here they are back in their usual place –at the bottom of the table. Goalkeeper Woodly may be the means by which Chelsea will avoid defeat against Everton, just as he prevented Wolverhampton from running riot last Saturday.
Not Even Woodley.
But even Woodley cannot save them if the Everton forwards will realize the need for good and quick shooting. What a crowd there will be at Goodison Park on Easter Monday. No matter what has happened up North or down South. I anticipate one of the biggest crowds seen on the ground this season. The Everton team, for the first game of the series will be the same as that which has done duty so often and should there be no injuries, as it quite likely that the side will remain untouched for the three games. Sagar’; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawson, Stevenson, Boyes.

STEP TOWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunderland 1 Everton 2 (Game 1682 over-all)-(Div 1 1640)
April 8 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton started their holiday tour with a smart win by 2-1 at Sunderland before a crowd of 40,000. It was a hard won victory, but one that should have a big say at the end of the season. They have two heavy games ahead of them between now and Monday, but their Roker success has put them in high feature. Although Sunderland tried their utmost to wipe out the deficit, the Everton defence stood solid. But they will never have to play any harder for any other 2 points which they may gain between now and the end of the season. They had the advantage of a goal scored by Lawton in 2 minutes. That, of course gave them a good start, and they never looked back during the first half, when they were definitely the better side. Sunderland was completely taken by surprise by this early goal, and for some time they could not get together. The blow was weighting heavily upon them whereas Everton played with a smoothness that looked good and was good, but at 15 minutes, Sunderland equalized. Carter scoring after Jones had headed the ball away. It was not one of those goals which people rave about. Neither for that matter, was Lawton’s opening shot, but both were of immense value to the respecting sides. But within 2 minutes of Carter’s goal Gillick had put Everton ahead with another rather streaky sort of shot. Gillick had missed with his first effort and was effort and was distinctly, lucky-to-get a second chance, but he showed his quickness by the way he took it. That ended the scoring, but there were times when both Sunderland and Everton should have added to their goal crop, Carter missed a rather simple one, for instance, and so, for that matter, did one or two of the Everton, boys, but in a game of this it was not surprising to find players making errors. It had been a great battle, in the first half and Sunderland came out with the determination to at least pull the game out of the fire, and they should have done so with the chances at their disposal. They were the better side in this half than Everton, but it rather struck me that Everton had gone into defence, which has became a habit of theirs in recent days. They had got on top by attacking methods, so why change them when they have the lead. This change of tactics naturally brought Sunderland into the game a lot more than they had been and Sagar and his backs had some hot work to do, but it was mainly from rushing tactics. There was not the subtelyin the play of Sunderland at that of Everton. Nevertheless, their endeavors almost brought then a equaliser. There was some roughness in the second half and two claims for a penalty. While in the first half Sunderland protested that Burbank’s shot had gone over the Everton goal-line, but the referee after consultation with his linemans ignored the appeal. Just on the finish Lawton ran down the left wing and gave Gillick a gift offering, but the Scot shot straight at the goalkeeper. It had been hectic football and Everton I think, deservedly won because they were the better tacticians. Some of the referee’s decisions did not appear to the crowd and they showed their resentments during the game and as he left the field. There were one or two minor injuries but no one was hurt, to the same Everton team is likely to play Chelsea to-day. Cook was not as good as usual and Jones was a little uncertain in the first half, but was as staunch as a rock in the second when Sunderland was calling the time. But it was Everton’s backing up and covering up which prevented Sunderland from taking a half. The Sunderland attack was quite capable at framing attacks, but there was no man on the line excepting Carter and Dune who could add the finishing touch. Gillick was Everton’s best forward, but Lawton Bentham and Stevenson in the first half gave the Sunderland defence many anxious moments. Result Sunderland 1 Everton 2. Sunderland:- Heywood, goal, Gorman, and Hall backs, Houston, Lockie, and Hasting half-backs, Dune, Carter, Robinson, Smeaton and Burbanks, forwards. Everton: - Sagar goal, Cook (captain), and Greenhalgh, backs, Mercer, Jones, and Watson, half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes, forwards. Referee J.R.Mellor (Bradford) attendance 40, 521.

CASKIE MAY PLAY TO DAY
April 8 1939. The Daily Liverpool Post
By Stork
Boyes suffered an injury yesterday, and Everton have sent for Caskie as a precautionary measure. If Caskie plays this will be his debut for Everton in the Fottball League.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Rerserves 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves 3
April 8 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 39)
At Goodison Park. The Wolvers deserved their Victory although two of their goals were obtained in fortunate fashion. The first in the opening minutes, was the result of Lindsay slipping and leaving McMahon a clear course for goal. Wright scored a second when a splendid effort, while the third was a result of a defensive error, the home defenders standing tall while Myers calmly headed in a centre from the ex-wallasey boy stein. Burnett Saunders, Lindsay, and Caskie (who was neglected for long periods) were the best for Everton. Sidlow was an excellent Goalkeeper for the visitors, and Parker rarely put a foot wrong at full back. Myers McMahon and Wright were the best of a grand attack. Everton team, Burnett goal, Saunders, and Lambert, backs, Lindsay, Edwards and Milligan half-backs Merritt, Sweeney, Catterick, Sharp, and Caskie forwards.

EVERTON SCORE TWICE IN A MINUTE
April 8, 1939. The Evening Express.
Stevenson, Gillick Goals At Chelsea.
Caskie’s Fine Debut For Blues.
By Pilot.
Everton frittered away several good chances in the first half against Chelsea at Stamford, but they found their feet in the second half, scoring twice in the space of a minute. Stevenson gave Everton the lead with a picture goal after 70 minutes and Gillick scored the second a minute later. Bentham played his best-ever game for the club, and Caskie made fine debut at outside left in place of Boyes. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal, Barber, and Smith, backs, Mayers, Salmond, and Weaver half-backs, and Buchanan, Argue, Payne Burgess, and Hanson forwards Everton; Sagar, goal; Cook (captain)and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Caskie, forwards. Referee J.H.Parker (Derby). Everton had a chance at the start when a through pass from Lawton touched a defender and placed Stevenson onside. The inside-left had to chase the ball to the right with Lawton following in hot pursuit and the angle beat him when he drove in. Everton conceded a close-up free kick and Jones headed away before Watson took command. Away went the leaders, with Lawton drawing the defence after taking over from Caskie and then slipping it outside to Gillick. The return from Bentham saw Gillick go to the line, dribble easily and come right up to the goal line. He outwitted Woodley, but then saw the ball run away from him when a goal seemed certain.
Payne-Jones Duel.
A feature was the duel, between Payne and Jones. The Chelsea forwards showed plenty of enterprise. Argue came to take over Payne’s back pass and sent in a scorcher which Sagar beat away and then cleared. Sagar was menaced by Payne and Argue, but fisted away competently. Sagar dealt similarly with Weaver’s long throw-in, and then Everton came into the picture again thanks to the diligence of Bentham. Lawton’s quick shot on the turn was held by Woodley. Chelsea had two corners in quick succession, and then Caskie swung across one of his deceptive centres with the right foot, and Salmond just in time turned the ball away from the in-running Stevenson.
Persistent Chelsea.
Chelsea persistently lobbed the ball into the Everton goalmouth, and Sagar was the most active man on the field. He had to punch away from Smith’s long lob, and when Burgress returned quickly, Jones headed off the line. Gillick was through again, but lost control and Bentham’s great, foraging got the Blues away again, Gillick crossing low from Caskie to come in on the run and drive by the far post. Chelsea one-way system of approach, the long ball up the centre –was not so effective as Everton’s preconceived constructive development. Chelsea defended magnificently in a long siege after Burgess’s fine shot had rebounded off Mercer, but Woodley held out ell and ran out to hold off Stevenson, who had been placed through by Bentham. Lawton went to the line for attention to a leg during a spell of rather scrappy play, when far too many simple mistakes were made in ball control. Caskie and Stevenson got through, but Woodley spotted the danger and was out ready to intervene Caskie had pleased with his display. He was improving himself the essence of alertness and a good finisher. In addition he was particularly strong on the ball. Gillick was having another good game, too and he showed a clean pair of heels to Smith before crossing accurately. Bentham was there with a chance, but he seemed to “pull” his header as a boxer pulls a punch and Woodley’s task was easy. Sagar had to pull down a shot from Payne from under the bar with Buchanan rushing in, and so the first half produced no goals, although the Blues had their chances.
Half-Time Chelsea 0, Everton 0.
Everton should have taken the lead immediately on resuming, but the first half habit of missing chances remained. Gillick took the ball practically to the post before slipping it to the unmarked Stevenson. The ball bounced up, however, and Stevenson could not get it under control in time. Lawton tried to take over but was angled. Weaver went off for a spell. Jones headed away a surprise centre from Barber, who came right through at outside right. Jones came to the rescue when Payne and Burgess found themselves bang in front of goal with a linesman waving frantically for offside. Lawton was racing away from Salmond when he was armed off, and from the free kick, Mercer centred for Bentham to leap higher than Woodley, but the header went over the top. Stevenson ran clean through only to fall a victim to Weaver’s brilliant last minute intervention as he was about to shoot. Lawton headed from Stevenson’s cross and then the England leader went through on his own by forceful ball control. It looked all over a goal but he did not meet the ball correctly and it flew outside with only Woolley to beat. Came a brilliant run by Caskie, who cut in and crashed a shot against the side netting. Everton went ahead in 70 minutes with a picture goal from Stevenson. Caskie began it when he took over from Stevenson, and ran to the line to cross a lobbing centre. Gillick headed it back from the far post to Lawton to “kill” it and cut aside to Stevenson, who drove it low into the net. Within a minute, Everton were two up. The ball was pushed forward quickly and Lawton deceived Salmond by propelling it forward again. Gillick, who had come into the centre, was on it, and in a flash went on to beat Woodley with a perfectly placed shot. Final Chelsea 0, Everton 2.

EVERTON R. V. BIRMINGHAM R.
April 8, 1939, The Evening Express.
There was little enthuse over during the early play the only item of note being a shot by Cunliffe which went wide. The Birmingham right winger, Brown made a praiseworthy effort at scoring but the balance of ply was in Everton’s favour. Clack in quick succession, saved from Cunliffe and Sharp but in each case the ball came directly to hand and the visiting goal did not seem likely to fall. Five minutes from the interval, however, Barber passed the ball directly across the face of the goal and Keenan had little difficulty in opening Everton’s account. Half-Time; Everton Res 1, Birmingham Res 0.

CHAMPIONS ALMOST!
April 8, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Two-Goals-A Minute Everton
Caskie Shines
By Stork.
Two late-on snap goals by Everton inside a minute put them eight points ahead of Wolves, who were beaten today, and the championship is virtually “in the bag.” Everton; Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones, and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Caskie, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; Barber and Smith, backs; Mayes, Salmond, and Weaver, half-backs; Buchanan, Argus, Payne, Burgess, and Hanson, forwards. Referee Mr. J.R. Parker (Derby). As I forecast, Boyes was not able to play at Stamford Bridge today. He received an injury to the knee, nerve trouble, and although it was not until the last moment it was decided not to risk him, so that Caskie, the Scottish winger from St. Johnstone, who was signed on March 16, thus got his baptism of First Division football. Bentham had a stitch put into his injured hand yesterday. Chelsea also had two changes, Hanson reappeared after an absence of three weeks, while the former Swindon wing half Mayes, made his second appearance for Chelsea. There was a tremendous crowd and 15 minutes before the start there would be 50,000. It was a great day, brilliant sunshine greeting the players as they entered the field. Everton played in white jerseys. Cook was beaten in the first minute, but Payne could not reach the ball. Everton than worked through by neat passing and Stevenson was through and Barber kept him outside. Stevenson, however, shot straight at Woodley. Caskie came early into the picture, with a nice pass to Lawton. England’s centre forward drew the defence and slipped the ball cross to Gillick. The scot squared the ball and then ran into the goalmouth and sure enough the ball came to him. He passed right in front of Woodley in the belief that a colleague had run up with him, but it was not so –o a great went a begging.
Sagar Stops Big Drive.
Chelsea had some chances, but none so good as those which had gone Everton’s way, but they had the distinction of making the best shot of the game. Argue driving in a great shot from over twenty yards range. Sagar saved. Sagar had to punch away a nasty-looking centre with three Chelsea man on his doorstep. Then another rally by Everton brought them in touch with the Chelsea defence and Lawton made a surprise shot with a knee-high ball which Woolley caught under the bar. I don’t know whether Lawton would not have been wiser to leave the ball to Stevenson. Caskie’s right-footed centres were trouble laden and Stevenson was almost through from one of them. Watson tried a fierce drive which, however, was well off the line. Payne headed over from a free kick and Sagar dealt ably with a handsome centre. A free kick taken by Smith created trouble for Everton until Jones headed out and Bentham over-ran the ball when heading straight for goal, so that Barber was allowed to nip in and clear. Woodley saved from Lawton and then Caskie, from a Gillick pass, crashed the ball to the far side of the goal well away from Woodley –and also away from the goal. Caskie was having a good match. He beat Barber many times and put the ball nicely into a goalmouth. One or two of his centres should have been utilized to better account. Gillick once shot well. Nevertheless, Everton looked and were slightly the better side. Woodley made a lucky save from Lawton, and when Burgess made a fierce drive it was kept out by Mercer’s body. Everton were more dangerous near goal and twice they had shots beaten out by the intervention of a Chelsea man’s body. Buchanan wasted a good chance by centring behind, but not so Hanson, who slammed in one of these express shot we know so well. It finished wide, Stevenson could not get in touch with the ball, which was running too fast, for him. Had he contacted, I don’t think Woodley would have had an opportunity to save. Caskie put two of his centres too close to Woodley for them to be of any use to his colleagues. Buchanan would persist in holding the ball too long which just suited Greenhalgh.
Lawton Hurt.
Lawton was hurt in a tackle with Barber, and had to walk to the line for attention. He soon returned but was limping badly. Gillick’s pace off the mark was amazing. Time and time again he left Smith standing. Once he planted the ball right on Bentham’s head but it simply bounced off into the hands of Woodley. Hanson put a hanging centre into the Everton goal, but Sagar was equal to the occasion.
Half-Time –Chelsea nil, Everton nil.
Miss Again.
In the first minute of the second half Gillick played ducks and drakes with Smith and offered a centre which bounced rather awkwardly for Stevenson so that he could not get in his shot. The ball, however, went on to Lawton, and he missed. Weaver was hurt, and went to outside left. Burgess going to left half for a few minutes. Barber came down the right wing and offered his inside forward a glorious chance. Jones made the save of the day when he kicked away from Burgess in the nick of time. Bentham headed over when Woodley was out of goal. Lawton was fouled by Salmond as he was going by and later Woodley saved an angular shot from Lawton. Stevenson seemed well set for a goal when Weaver came up and kicked the ball of his toes. Stevenson’s passes were going all wrong, and this upset the Everton attack, which was disjointed at this stage. Whenever Chelsea moved forward there was a roar of encouragement for them, and a special one for Burgess when he shot. Then Lawton made a strong run and beat three men enroute, which left him in an unsalable position, but he failed to clinch the issue, his shot travelling a foot wide of the post. Caskie ran round barber, and Mayers seemed a certain scorer, but his shot struck the side netting.
Two Quick Goals.
Everton kept on striving, and at 70 minutes they got their reward. Caskie put across a long centre which Gillick headed over to Lawton who, in turn slipped the ball over to Stevenson, who put in a great low shot well wide, of Woodley. Within a minute, Everton had increased their lead through a Gillick goal. Lawton headed a long clearance forward and Gillick slipped through and left Woodley no chance. Two goals in a minute. Final; Chelsea 0, Everton 2.

EVERTON’S CONFIDENCE MAY BE THEIR UNDOING.
April 8, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Stoke Took A Point A Team Playing Well
A Yorkshire Wing Half, Maurice Lindley
By Stork.
It seems that Everton have not to drop a single point at home for there to be general satisfaction. Nothing but a victory will do. After the Charlton defeat there were distinct rumblings. Now comes another groan over the dropping of that point to Stoke City. No club can expect to go on its way without a single setback. It would not be human and when all is said and done players are human beings, and like us all suffer days on which nothing will go right, for them. Have you not yourself gone down to the office and although you put in your best, you found things running contraywise to your intentions? Well, that was just what happened at Goodison a week ago. Everton played good football, which no one could cavil at. Their outfield and approach work was good enough for anything. It bewildered Stoke at times, but the deputy goalkeeper, Westland did grand work in the City goal. Everton had seen that long shots, centres from the wing were treated in nonchalant style by this rejected Scot (who came from Aberdeen on a free transfer –what a bargain), but persisted in curling the ball into his safe hands. They should have won hands down instead of which they had to fight back to retrieve a goal deficit. Well, Sale’s goal gave us the opportunity of seeing Everton’s fighting spirit, and we were not disappointed with it, even though many thought the heavens had fallen when the final arrived and Everton had lost a point. Of course, that point may become a tremendous thing later on, but there was no need to weep copious tears about it, for Everton still have four points in hand, and judging by the way Major Buckley keeps changing his team it would seem that he has given up the chase for the “double” and is pinning himself down to football’s chief prize the Cup. A Scottish writer of high repute who was represent at the game said. “The game was a tonic. On this form we have not a team so good as Everton back home. But it is comforting to note that some ex-Scottish League players have something to do with that. He refers of course, to Gillick, Stevenson, and Cook. Everton have such a belief in themselves at the moment that they are inclined to take things easy; at least that has been my opinion in their last two games. I trust they do not make a habit of this sort of thing, for it may prove costly. I don’t think they will, for they are bent on lifting the championship this season and have a chance second to none. It would be a bitter pill were they to fail now they are so near their goal.
They say in football that a good big un is better than a good little ‘un.” If that is true than Maurice Lindley, the subject of my talk this week, is going places, for he must be close on six foot and has a nice body to go along with it. Maurice (Chevalier) Lindley is a Yorkshire lad, who always wanted to be in big football, even when he was at school. “I have always hankered to be a first class professional footballer. When I was playing for the Keighley school boy team (we once had a good run in the School Cup I think we got to the fourth round) my mind as made up that football was to be my career,” Maurice told me. “I started work in a mill like most of the boys in the village of any birth, and actually rose to the position of an overlooker, but my mind was set on football. “At school I was a centre forward, but I did not mind where they played me, so long as I was in the team. After that, I played football every spare minute, I had and finally at 17 years of age, Bradford City signed me as an amateur. They made me into an outside right, and I spent almost twelve months with the Valley Paraders. “ Lindley went from Bradford to Barnoldswick Town, who at the time were members of the Yorkshire League, but things became hard, and the finances of the club low, and eventually they were forced to close the doors. But before doing so, Lindley had found a new home at Goodison Park. He came to Goodison Park on February 28, 1936, so has had three years with us. He came as a wing half, but has played in most position, and as he says himself, “It makes no difference to me on which flank I am to operate. “No, I have not been in the first team. That of course is my great ambition, the ambition of all footballers, but I suppose I will have to be patient. My time will come, no doubt, and when it does I will see to it that I am not found wanting. I know the Everton style, having played alongside many of their internationals who have played in the Central league team at one time or another. Among the hobbies are cricket, tennis and Golf. He side-tracked me when I asked him his handicap on the links, but he was not so modest about his cricket prowess. “I play in the Bradford League during the close season, and it is not a bad League, you know.” Tennis is another of his summer games, but here again he is no expert with the racket. “I like the game very much, but I’m no Tilden or Perry. As a help to fitness, however, tennis is one of the best games there is.”

LATE GOALS IN VITAL GAME
Chelsea 0 Everton 2 (Game 1683 over-all)-(Div 1 1641)
April 10 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Chelsea run off their feet
The championship of the first Division is almost won. Only something staggering can rob Everton of the title. With eight points in hand over Wolverhamptonn Wanderers, there seems little fear of the Mildlands overhauling the leaders, who need five points from their three home and two away games to be assured of the championship, no matter what the Wolves may do in their six remaining matches. The foundations of a championship victory are away wins. Everton have won 10 away matches this season so they are entitled to their high estate. Not for years, if ever has Everton done so well on foreign soil and that has kept them at or near the top throughout the season. I think we can safely acclaim them, as champions and worthy champions at that for they have never been lower down the table than second and that only for a short spell. Looking back it may be recalled that at one time Derby County held a five point lead, and seemed well set for the League honours, but Everton struck gallantly to their work, refusing to be rattled in any way and by consistently good play not only got in touch with the leaders, but eventually knocked them off their pedestal. Then came a strong challenge by the Wolves. Such challenges are expected but Everton kept steadily on their way, and now the Cup finists’ efforts have been minimized. The Wolves have made it hot at times for the leaders. However, Everton refused to rely on the doings of others, and set out to help themselves, and how well they have done it you will gather from the League table.
The Easter holiday fixtures were the big test.
A lot will depend on what happened at Roker Park and Stamford Bridge on Friday and Saturday. You know what happened, and each victory was the result of hard work and keen endeavour. The Roker game was the harder of the two for Sunderland fought out the issue with grim determination, and the Everton players, were glad when they heard the final whistle. Then came the long trail to the South. Not the best of tonic for a game on the morrow, but Everton entered upon their game with Chelsea, just as they have entered each game this season. They were a long time in getting their head in front, not through any fault of the Chelsea defence, but their own errors in front of goal. Without endeavoring to flatter Everton they should have been at least three goals up on Chelsea at the interval, for that many chances, aye and more were allowed to pass by. Chelsea defence was riddled with ease, and there were so many misses that one began to wonder whether Everton would ever take a goal.
Was it to be repetition of the Stoke game ?
Chelsea had been let off lightly in the first ‘’45.’’ What was in store in the second stage ? The pressure was maintained and eventually Chelsea cracked under it. They had been run off their feet by a fast moving and elusive forward line, and a long pass out to Caskie, making his debut for Everton saw the smallest player in England football scoop the ball right across to Gillick his fellow Scot. Back it went into the goalmouth, and Woodley anticipating a shot from Lawton framed up to take it but Lawton hoodwinked him by heading to the oncoming Stevenson who banged the ball into the goal at tremendous speed. That was a great blow to Chelsea, and they had not got over it before Woodley was beaten a second time this time by Gillick, who ran throughh to take Lawton’s forward pass and send the ball whizzing into the net. The two gaols came in one minute 71 and 72. Everton had got their deserts and should have got several other goals, but all is well that ends well, but when Jones injured his ankle shortly after Chelsea gave them some trouble, but even with ten men Everton were able to hold down the Chelsea attack. Mercer now at centre half, showed what a versatile player he is by keeping the middle closed to the opposition. In actual fact it was an easily won victory, even though the goals were a long time in coming, but one always felt that such pressure must bring its reward. London was taken by storm by wee Caskie, who came in for Boyes, injured at Sunderland. He had a six foot full back against him but let it be said, in fairness to Barber, that he never once treated Caskie harshly, as is so often the case where little men are concerned. Caskie did some really clever things and showed great speed for a little man, but Gillick was the stormy petral of the Everton attack, with Lawton ever ready to have a tilt at his international colleague Woodley. He did not get many opportunities yet made some for others. Bentham played one of his best games, and the half-backs line-Everton’s main strength-and Cook Greenhalgh, and Sagar would not be beaten. Sagar gave two perfect examples of high class goalkeeping at Sunderland and London. Boyes, who is suffering from a knee injury, will be unable to play against Sunderland to-day. So that Caskie will make his home debut. Jones ankle is badly swollen and it is more than likely that Thomson will play centre-half to-day. He went up to Stamford Bridge on Saturday morning to do some training in readiness. Thomson is no stranger to the position. Result Chelsea 0 Everton 2. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal, Barber, and Smith, backs, Mayers, Salmond, and Weaver half-backs, and Buchanan, Argue, Payne Burgess, and Hanson forwards
Everton: - Sagar, goal, Cook (captain), and Greenhalgh, backs, Mercer, Jones, and Watson, half-backs, Gillick, Bentham. Lawton, Stevenson, and Caskie (debut) forward. Referee J.H.Parker (Derby) Attendance 51,481

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Reserves 1 Birmingham Reserves 0
April 10 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 40)
Everton won far more easily than the score would indicate. It was due to the strong Birmingham defence, in which Clack Mountford, and Bellamy figured largely that the visitors got away so lightly. Their forwards were for the most part a very poor line, and the home halves had an easy time in holding them. In contrast, the Everton attack showed some method in combination, and the Birmingham half-backs had an unenviable task in trying to check them. Jackson Jones Lindsay and Sharp were outstanding for the home team. Keenan scored the only goal. Position 5th, played 40, won 20, lost 15 draw 5, for 66 against 71, points 45

EVERTON’S MARCH TO LEAGUE TRIUMPH
April 10, 1939. The Evening Express
By Pilot.
Everton are heading for one of the greatest triumphs in the history of the club. They require only five points to make sure of winning the championship of the Football League for the fifth time in history, no matter what their rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers, do. If they succeed –and I do not think there is anything to stop them –it will be their third championship success in 11 seasons, during which period they have also won the F.A. Cup and the Second Division title. It is a record of which the club can be proud. Everton have experienced the most consistent season in their career. At no period have they been out of the first two positions! The remarkable thing is that few people expected them to have a good season, for the simple reason that they began the campaign with the same players who, last season, reached only position 14 in the chart. I am not surprised I knew the Blues would have a good season. On August 20 last I wrote; I think we shall find Everton having a grand season –better than many people expect. Shall we see major honours being brought to Goodison? It is not too much to expect.” Everton have justified that confidence. They went to the head of the table immediately and stayed there until October 29, when Derby County stepped in front. Everton remained second, and at the dawn of 1939 were five points behind the County.
Great Run.
This marked the start of Everton’s great run. By February 4 they had not only wiped out that Derby lead, but had regained the first position. They have stayed there ever since! In 1939, they have lost only one match –to Wolves –and drawn two. They have taken 24 points out of 28 played for; registered no fewer than ten away wins this season, and completed the “double” over eight clubs. Further, no club has succeeded in taking four points from Everton. The best return for any side is three points –gained by Derby County during the Christmas holidays. Everton delighted the London spectators with the delicacy of their football. “Real champions” was the description applied to them by all. The Blues had been given a real grueling during the second half of the game at Sunderland, which they won 2-1, and then they had a wearying journey to town. Yet their play never suffered and they finished as fit as fiddles. Blues might have beaten Chelsea by a bigger margin than the two goals, which came in the space of a minute in the second half, and were scored by Stevenson and Gillick. In the first half, several gilt-edged chances were missed –chances which were the direct outcome of effortless and precise approach moulded along the lines of real football. There was much of the copybook order about Everton’s play, and the secret of their triumph was the cuteness in spotting the vital open spaces and going to them. By quick positional sense they cut a path through a fine Chelsea defence and could be faulted only in regard to finishing. They remedied that in time, however. Bentham I rated the finest player on field. He was a wonder worker and a grand footballer. Stan has never played better for his side. Jimmy Caskie had a grand debut. He captured the hearts of the Southerners by his accurate work, his strength and speed on the ball, and his trickiness. Here is a lad who can make goal openings in a surprising way by his trick of swinging around and crossing fine centres when seemingly crowded out. Gillick was grand in every respect and Lawton has recaptured that “nip” in his play and it is making all the difference. Stevenson worked zealously and unobtrusively throughout. The best half-back afield was Tom Jones, who, however, had to go off 10 minutes from time with an ankle injury he never made the slightest mistake and on the flanks he received fine backing from Mercer and Watson. No fault could be found with the defence. Sagar, Cook, and Greenhalgh were never mastered and here let me say a word for Sagar, who in these two fine wins, touched the heights. On this form England has no better and at Chelsea he overshadowed Vic Woodley. There was plenty to delight the eye in this game in which Chelsea often belied their position but the pensioners need greater collaboration, and less of the “long ball” down the middle” style. A word to all the players. It was one of the cleanest games I have seen this season. Everton are in the “straight” now. They must keep going.
Pilot Sportslog.
The will to win and genuine enthusiasm have had a lot to do with Everton’s great season. Take Jock Thomson, the skipper, for instance. No sooner did Jock get word that he would have to play against Sunderland, today, Tommy Jones being on the injured list, that he decided he would need some loosening up. Jock has not had a serious game since February owing to a back injury, but yesterday morning he was up before anyone else in London and off he went to Stamford Bridge. There he donned shorts and a sweater and did a spot of training to enquire himself for today’s match. This action is typical of the Everton player.
Joy Trip.
The Easter tour was a real joy trip. Naturally the two victories were sufficient to place everyone in the party in high spirits, but right from the outset everyone has concentrated on jollity. There were five directors in the party Messrs. Ernest Green (chairman), Andrew Coffey, Will Gibbins, George Evans and Dickie Williams; Mr. Theo \Kelly, secretary, Mr. Harry Cooke, trainer; Mr. Harry Cooke, masseur, and a dozen players supplemented by the later arrival of Jimmy Caskie. This party included many practical-jokers. We found that out when staying at Harrogate on Thursday night. Few of us escaped.
Mice.
Norman Greenhalgh purchased three mice in Harrogate and carried them everywhere. His demeanour after that win at Sunderland was typical of the unruffled manner in which Everton are marching to their triumph. Norman left the mice in the dressing room, and as he came back after the victory his first words were” I must go and see if the mice are all right. “ Norman has now given the mice to Tommy Jones, who believes they are good mascots. “We haven’t lost since we got them,” said Tom. “No” interposed Tommy Lawton,” and we won a few matches before we got them.”
Reunion
After the match at Roker Park a visitor came to the Everton dressing room and asked if he could speak to Joe Mercer. He asked Joe “Are you any relation to the Mercer who used to play for Nottingham Forest?” “Yes” said Joe, “that was my father.” “Well, said the stranger “we were together in the Army, and I am delighted to meet you. Do you know who that stranger was? Well, it was none other than Tim Coleman, the former Everton inside-forward, who had such a long and distinguished partnership with the late Jack Sharp.
Nearly Lost.
After leaving Sunderland, we travelled to Doncaster to spend the night. At York we had an hour’s wait and Mr. Green and myself went to the hotel for a wash and chat. When we came back we found our salmon had been attached to the front of the train and was about 50 yards off the platform. We could not get through the corridor so, with only a couple of minutes left before, departure time, we had to dash along the permanent way, and clamber up through the doorway with Harry Cooke’s helping hand. At Doncastle we were greeted by Charlie Leyfield, the former Everton winger, and Albert Malam, the Orrell inside-forward who are now with Doncaster Rovers. Doncaster is Ted sagar’s home town, of course, and “The” Boss,” as he is called, had his leg pulled about the town. The “irrepressible” were soon at it again. Some of them learned my room number and dashed away to make sure that I should have to do some furniture removing before getting any sleep.

EVERTON’S FINE AWAY PREFORMANCES MAKE CHAMPIONSHIP VIRTUALLY SECURE
April 10, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
The Everton board, followers of the club, the players, and those behind the scenes who do their share but are seldom in the limelight, have each and all every right to look upon this season’s performance will pride. To all intents and purposes we can safely hail Everton to-day as champions and congratulate them on a really wonderful record. The ultra cautious, who do not want to run even the slight remaining risk of counting their chickens too soon, may prefer to wait a little longer. The chances of Wolves catching them up, however, are so negligible as to be hardly worth considering. Writing before today’s game at Goodison against Sunderland the position is that if Everton get five points from their remaining five games –three of them at home –Wolves would still be a point to the bad even if they won outright every one of their six games. To assume that Everton will get five points from five matches is reasonable. To presume that Wolves will win all their six matches is not so reasonable. A month ago it might have been regarded as a possibility. In view of the manner in which the Molineux side has fallen from its former higher estate of recent weeks it is now hardly likely. I wonder how many people gave even a passing thought to Everton as possible champions last August or September? Certainly I wasn’t among them –if there were any at all. While I felt that the coming season held out more promise than the previous one –a belief based upon the good work of the team in the closing staged of the last campaign which was really the start of the revival –I was hardly prepared for anything better than a respectable mid-way position in the League. Certain of the board who had accompanied the side to Scotland for the Exhibition games, however, were full of optimism engendered by the side’s excellent showing in those matches and impressed me in spite of myself, with their faith. I doubt though whether even they in their most hopeful moments visualized that the diamond jubilee of the club would be celebrated by a Championship victory.
Triumph For Pure Football.
Everton’s success is a triumph of pure football ability, without any adventitious aids and without recourse to steps which have been taken by others. Whenever they have appeared they have won praise by their craft and artistry. After their visit to Highbury early in the season the Arsenal programme the following week went into eulogies about them. The same thing has happened elsewhere several times. Even when they have lost they have left good impressions behind them, and spectators have always had good value for their money. How far the almost unchanged composition of the side has contributed to the season’s happy result it is impossible to say. The club has been fortunate in escaping any injury of real seriousness, with the result that the team has been almost undisturbed and able to prefect its style, and understanding to a high degree. On top of that, the reserves who have occasionally been called in have been so capable that there has been no loss of strength. Roughly speaking Everton have gone through the season with twelve men, and of these one in Watson, has only come in regularly of late. Not only does this make for complete understanding, but leads also to a happier atmosphere among the players themselves and between them and the board. There have been no panic changes following a defeat, and the players have responded notably, to the confidence which has been reposed in them. Maybe it is a little premature at the moment, but I will take whatever slight risk there may be and extend now my sincere congratulations to the players, directors, and officials on the happy culmation of the season’s play. And what about next season? Here I am being premature, but only in order to point out that last time Everton won the First Division championship they followed up the next season by winning the Cup. Football abounds with examples of history repeating itself, and more unlikely things have happened before.

HAIL THE CHAMPIONS.
April 10, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Only the greatest sensation in football’s history can deprive Everton of their well-won championship honour. No championship can be won without a fair sprinkling of away victories and of course, they are the hardest games of all to win. A team is expected to win its home games but to win away is something of a gamble. Everton’s record away from home has been atrocious for years, and that was not encouraging for a side making a championship bid, but Everton have surprised not only themselves, but their most ardent supporters by their successes on foreign soil. They must have broken the record for away victories. I am speaking without the book but I cannot recall any club winning ten away games in one season. Even though it may not be a record it is a magnificent performance, and this week-end’s tour with its two away games and nearly a thousand miles of travel on top of them, has marked them down as the best team of the year for consistency. They have never been out of the first two, and were only second for a short spell, and if that is not good enough to win any championship I don’t what is.
Looking Back.
Let us look back a bit. Round about Christmas Everton were five points behind Derby County, but the County found the pace too hot and dropped back, but no sooner had they done so than Wolverhampton Wanderers loomed up as challengers, and strong challengers at that, with a string of victories enough to unsettle the pace makers. One simple slip became a thing of great magnitude far and away above the station, but Everton struck to their guns, took the slips they made with equanimity, and allowed nothing to perturb them; not even the Wolves close proximity. It promised a grand battle, but I think it has been won. The Sunderland game was one of the hardest they have had. Sunderland played hard to avert defeat, and so for that matter did Chelsea, but the Stamford Bridge game was easy as compared with the Roker game, for Chelsea, who should have played with sheer desperation were no match for Everton. That they kept their goal intact for over an hour was not a tribute to their defence, but to the shortcomings of the Everton forwards near goal. They often split the defence wide open and then failed to fine the goal, but there was never any doubt who were leaders and who were at the other end of the table.
Tolds Its Tale.
Had Everton been three goals ahead at the interval they would not have been flattered, for they were that much and more superior to their opponents. But having missed so many chances, we began to wonder when and if they would score. Fate had a habit of making teams pay dearly for their sins of omission –remember Stoke –but at long last their incessant pressure told its tale, and with two goals in the space of a minute the game was won, for Chelsea had no reply to them. Once again Everton’s team spirit had pulled them through. It is their greatest asset, but there was something more than team spirit. The Londoners said they were “real champions” and so they were, for they had too many moves for the Pensioners. The football was not so good as we saw at Highbury which is still talked about, but it was much too good for Chelsea who were let off lightly. It was a wingers’ days, for Caskie, making his debut, and Gillick were the driving force of the Everton attack. Caskie, the Tom Thumb of football, made a great impression by his clever play, but it was Gillick whom Chelsea feared most for his speed over ten yards or so and his control of the ball was too much for Mitchell and Smith.
Little But Good.
Although only 5ft 3in in his football books, Caskie gave Barber a hot time yet this gentlemanly back of 6ft never once used his advantage unfairly against the little Scot. Caskie is going to be a favouite. He looks a footballer in a footballer and has the legs of Alec Troup, and showed no fear of the biggest that was put against him. Lawton who was limping did not score –he should have done, but don’t forget he made the two goals. Chelsea are in for a fight. It is in their favour that they have matches in hand with these below them otherwise I tremble for them, for they are a poor side. Perhaps they are feeling their position. Their attack beat itself to death against the dominating Everton half back line but there was little subtedly about it. Payne was given no chance, Hanson placed one shot outside and Argue lashed in a fierce drive, but Sagar has had a wonderful Easter. He was like quick silver in his movements. Bentham who had a stitch put in his head after the Sunderland game, was a prodigious worker, but Stevenson could not get his passes away in his accustomed style. Jones damaged his ankle late on and naturally Chelsea tried their utmost to take advantage of his absence but even with ten men, Everton were capable of holding up their forwards.

CASKIE GETS A GOAL
April 10, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Shooting Stars
Easter Treble
Bentham Three In Tale Of Six
By Stork.
Everton made their position impregnable in the championship race, today, when the forwards with Caskie outstanding in his home debut, shot their way through the Sunderland defence. Bentham started the bombardment with a first half double. Thus Everton completed a great holiday treble. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Thomson (captain) and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson and Caskie, forwards. Sunderland: - Heywood, goal; Feenan and Hall, backs; Housam, Lockie, and Hasting, half-backs; Duns, Cater, Robinson, Smeaton and Burbanks, forwards. Referee Mr. J.E. Mellor, Bradford. Everton, after their triumphant tour of the North and South, during which they practically made certain of the championship, had to make a further change and bring in Thomson, the captain, at centre half. This was not his first appearance in this position for, if my memory services he played there against Leicester City some seasons ago. Sunderland also had two changes from Saturday, Feenan coming in for Gorman and Hastings returning at left half. The first home appearance of Caskie, the diminutive Scot from St. Johnstone was a big attraction. He had done well at Chelsea.
Bentham Heads Through.
At twelve minutes a faulty clearance by hall, which went over for a corner, proved fatal to Sunderland, for Caskie’s corner kick was of immaculate length and Bentham running in headed the ball well clear of Heywood much to the joy of the 50,000 people present. Lawton almost added a second when he took a ball without waiting for it to bounce and crashed it a foot over the crossbar. Sagar, seeing two or three Sunderland men pounding down on him, rushed out to kick clear in the old-fashioned manner. Everton had one spell during which they could not get a pass away rightly, and from one of the miss-passes Sunderland launched an attack which looked extremely dangerous.
Duns Cuts In.
Duns, cut right into goal and flashed the ball right across the goalmouth. It only needed a touch to turn the ball into the net, but neither Smeaton nor Robinson could apply that touch. Sagar had to make another sterling save from Duns, and it must be said that the Everton defence was not quite so dominating as it has been. Hasting was hurt, and later, when Sunderland took a free kick a Sunderland man lined up alongside the Everton men, but the more sis not prove successful.
Caskie’s Lead.
Caskie made a gorgeous pass, but it was not utilized. Almost immediately afterwards he sent across another, and it played a big part in the scoring of Everton’s second goal. The ball was lobbed into the goalmouth. Heywood and Lawton went up for it together, the Everton man nodding the ball back to Bentham, who crashed it into the net at lightning speed. Time 36 minutes. Bentham almost took a third in the next minute, Heywood turning his effort round the post. Near the interval Robinson was going through, and seemed as if he was held by Greenhalgh, and there was an unsuccessiveful claim for a penalty. Almost on the last second of the half, Housam scored for Sunderland. He headed Duns flag kick into the far side of the net, well wide of Sagar.
Half-Time Everton 2, Sunderland 1.
A Picture Goal.
Everton exploited their left wing in the second half. At 50 minutes Stevenson scored a picture goal. Gillick was the starting point, and his centre was helped on by Lawton, which left Stevenson with a marvelous chance, which he took finely to score it 50 minutes. Bentham had to go off with a cut head –his second in three days. At 59 minutes Caskie sent the crowd wild with delight when he scored Everton’s fourth goal with a header. Heywood had punched the ball off Lawton’s head; Caskie dashed in and headed over the goalkeeper into the net. Two minutes later a defensive error by Sunderland let in Lawton for a gift goal. The Everton centre forward rammed the ball home with terrific drive. Stevenson was brought down in the penalty area, this balancing the penalty which Sunderland unsuccessfully claimed in the first half. At eighty minutes Bentham scored a sixth goal for Everton. It was a “gift” from Lawton. Duns scored for Sunderland in the last minute. Final; Everton 6, Sunderland 2. Attendance 46,081.

THREE FOR BENTHAM IN 6-2 VICTORY
Everton 6 Sunderland 2 (Game 1684 over-all)-(Div 1 1642)
April 11 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton concluded their Easter fixtures with the highest win of the serious and now stand firmer than ever at the head of the table. Three more points from the remaining four games and the championship is there. One would not have though they had two strenuous games, on top of their hours in trains by the way they set about Sunderland in the return encounter at Goodison Park, for after the Northerners, had tested Everton’s defence for a few minutes Everton got back to a more settled state and went on to take 6 goals to the 2 obtained by Sunderland. The first half had been entertaining and Sunderland had their moments, but there was not the fire about their play, and only Duns promised the Everton defence any serious trouble. He was the danger spot in Sunderland’s attack, and had his inside forward been up to his standard the Everton defence would have been sorely troubled. It was anxious at times, for there was not that solidarity about it, for Thomson was inclined to stray too far forward and often the Sunderland inside forwards brushed down on Sagar, only to find that Mercer and Greenhalgh and Cook had come into the middle to bar their way. Thomson has been so long on the wing that the centre half position seemed to bother him. He is not by nature a third back, but when he had realized that he had to stay back he was very much better. He was not slow to see that he must keep back if he was to hold his own for at times the Sunderland forwards came through by good football, but they finished badly, by comparison Everton always seemed good for goal, even though they took some time to get together. Passes would not go right the ball cannoned against something or other, but a corner kick changed the face of the game. Feenan misjudged his kick and the ball went hurling over the line. Now I have told you of Caskie’s centres. He put over a good length ball and Bentham rushed in and headed into net at 12 minutes. This was something new for the Evertonians for Bentham is not considered in the light of a scorer, so imagine our surprise when he took another goal at 36 minutes. It was Lawton’s back header which gave him his chance, and he took it quite as well, as any of the acknowledged marksmen, and so Everton were in a comfortable position. For Sunderland had only flattered to deceive. Hereabouts Housam sandwiched in a goal from a corner kick, but he had hardly done so than Everton rose in their might early in the second half and clapped on three further goals Gillick, who had a great season, made the play for the third, Lawton them sent a sweet pass for Stevenson to put the ball into the net at great speed. A goal which brought the greatest joy was Caskie in the 59 minute. Heywood had punched the ball off Lawton’s cross but the wee Scot got to the ball and lifting it over Heywood head and saw it flutter into the goal. How the crowd cheered. They had hardly stopped cheering when Lawton taking full advantage of some slipshod defensive play, whipped the ball into the net like lighting. Naturally a lot of the interest went out of the game for Sunderland appeared to give up the ghost. They could hardly hope to pull back four goals, particularly so the way Everton were playing. The leaders were not unduly worried when Bentham-the unluckiest man in football where injuries are concerned-went off with another cut of the head, and they actually scored two goals while he was away. But nothing can keep Bentham in the dressing room, and he was back to help add to the scoring. He took an inward pass by Lawton, who had done the foraging and fetching, and Heywood’s charge fell for the sixth time. Sunderland had gone all to pieces. They played with little or no heart. They found the uphill fight too much for them, and Everton started to become fanciful had they proceeded by more orthodox methods. I feel they would have scored more than the six they obtained. At time Everton toyed with Sunderland and it was not until the last half minute that the Northern team scored through Duns. It was due to a bit of loose defensive play on the part of Everton. I though there should have been three penalties. One when Greenhalgh brought a rival down in the area and again when Gillick and Stevenson were grassed inside the box, but the referee would not listen to any of the three appeals. As a matter of fact, the referee made some peculiar decisions, some of which completely fogged the press box. I think I promised you that you would like Caskie. Judging from what I heard after the game he is going to be a firm favourite out Goodison way. He had his best innings in the second half for the Everton plan seemed to be to exploit Gillick and how the Scot responded. It is rather surprising to find that he has not found a place in the Scots team but that may be helpful to England for Gillick is in my opinion the best outside right playing in any League. Caskie may be small, but he has big football ideas and I cannot recall him once wasting a single ball. I had a word with T Jones prior to the game and he told me his injury had made a great recovery. He is certain to play against Preston North End on Saturday. It has been a grand and glorious week-end and I think It can be taken for granted that the championship is now as good as won. Again Everton defence showed its great power in the land, for when Sunderland were making their strongest bid. Watson, Mercer, Greenhalgh, and Cook stood adamant but I cannot close my story without paying a tribute to Sagar. He stopped one great drive by Duns, but it was quickness in sighting what was going to happen that has brought him back to his very best. By the victory Everton equalled their best First Division aggregate of points-56-in their 1931-32 championship year. In their Second Division years they aggregated 61 points. The scores were Bentham, 12, 36, and 80, minutes, Housam Housam 44, Stevenson 50, Caskie 59, Lawton 61, Duns 89. Result Everton 6 Sunderland 2.
Everton:- Sagar, goal, Cook, and Greenhalgh, back, Mercer, Thomson (captain), and Watson half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Caskie, forward. Sunderland:- Heywood, goal, Feenan, and Hall, backs, Housan, Lockie and Hasting, half-backs Duns, Carter, Robinson, Smeaton and Burbanks, forwards. Referee Mr. J.E.Mellor (Bradford) attendance, 46, 016

LIVERPOOL COUNTY LEAGUE
Haydock Athletic 1 Everton ‘’A’’ 3
April 11 1939. The Daily Liverpool Post
Catterick (3), Edward, Barber, and Kennan, were the Everton scorers Pennington scored for Haydock
Position 2nd play 24, won 20, lost 3 draw 1 for 88, against 30 points 41

ONLY THREE POINTS NOW!
April 11, 1939. The Evening Express.
Everton Have Four Games To Play.
Brilliant Holiday Triumphs.
By Pilot.
The championship of the Football league is within Everton’s grasp following their brilliant Easter successes of three victories in four days. Wolverhampton Wanderers stand out as their only rivals –and they are eight points behind with five matches to go –including their remaining holiday fixture. Apart from today’s match between Wolves and Aston Villa, here are the outstanding matches of both clubs.
Everton; Preston (h), Charlton (a), Villa (h), Grimsby (a)
Wolves; Charlton (h), Bolton (a), Sunderland (h), Leicester (a)
It is possible that on Saturday night we shall be able to hail the Blues as champions, for they will be meeting Preston North End at Goodison Park –and North End will be lacking some of their star players who have been selected to play for Scotland. Everton of course, will be without Tommy Lawton and Joe Mercer, but I think the players are faring so well and playing with such confidence that they will “get there.” Everton gave another grand display at Goodison Park yesterday when they completed the “double” over Sunderland, winning easily by six goals to two. The hero of the game was Stanley Bentham, who scored three goals. Stan has had a great Easter, despite buffetings and bumming which would have put any other player off his game. Bentham scored two goals in the first half and then received a cut over his left eye which necessitated stitching. No sooner had this been done than he raced back to the field –and scored another goal. At Roker Park on Friday, Bentham had to go off with a split head which had to be stitched, but in that game he returned to the field as soon as he had been patched up. The wearsiders offered stout resistance in the first half, when their half-backs kept a tight grip on the Blues’ attack. Sunderland enjoyed as much of the attacking, but one could always see the Blues racing ahead to their triumph because they had greater precision near goal. Jimmy Caskie was a star of this game and he has already made himself a great favourite with the crowd. He received an ovation when he scored his first ever English goal and when he left the field. Everton’s second half exhibition was perfect. From Sagar to Lawton there was no weakness, and Sunderland were just not in the Blues class once Everton had found a way to overcome the clever Roker half-backs. Lawton and Stevenson scored Everton’s other goals.

EVERTON GALLOPING HOME BY SEVERAL LNGTHS
April 11, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Caskie Pleases Goodison Crowd
Surprise Omission of Gillick By Scotland.
Blues Chance To Set Up Second Highest Point total.
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton are galloping away with the Championship Stakes. At one period it promised to be a two horse race, with Wolves coming up on the rails and threatening even to get their nose in front t the last minute. Now it is a one-horse race, with Everton assured winners by several lengths. Officially the directors are not regarding the side as champions yet, and the question of a formal celebration will not come on the tapis until the fact is proved by figures that cannot be denied. Unofficially and informally, however, the feat was duty celebrated in the boardroom after yesterday’s match, when a full gathering of directors and others toasted the players who have done so well. Among those present to offer congratulations were Mr. Fletcher Hibbert, chairman of Doncaster, whom Everton knocked out of the Cup, and Mr. Louis Rocca, Manchester United’s chief scout, who in a chat I had with him paid high tribute to the Blues excellent football. “One of the finest teams I have seen in the whole of my experience.” Was his summing up, and considering his football education started over 40 years ago, that a saying a lot. Joy at Everton’s success was tempered a little by disappointment at the non-selection of Gillick by Scotland, which caused grasps of astonishment when the fact became known. Everton intimated to the Scottish F.A. that they were prepared to release him, and also Caskie if needs be. Gillick figures in the Scottish “shadow” eleven, but how they could ignore his claims for a cap beats me. Though the Championship almost is assured Everton have still something to fight for they can set up a points total which will be second only to Arsenal’s record high-water mark of 66 in 1931. Next highest to that, so far, in the First Division is 60, registered by West Bromwich, Liverpool, and Sheffield Wednesday, a figure which Everton look like beating. Hitherto, their highest points total in any First Division season has been 56, which they got in the Championship year. In the second Division they touched 61. Everton have picked a winner in wee Caskie. I heard plenty of criticism of the club in various quarters when they signed him. “Much too small” said some. “He can’t be all he is cracked up to be, or he would have left St. Johnstone long ago” said others. Well, I’m willing to wager Caskie will be the idol of Goodison Park one of these days, and one of the biggest single box office draws the club has had for a long time. The crowd’s heart warms to a good little run, and Caskie is all that, and more. At “£2,500, which is what they paid, I reckon Everton have made a rare bargain.
Shareholders Meeting.
Everton shareholders Association hold a general meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at st. George’s Restaurant, Redcross Street, starting at eight o’clock to which all members are cordially invited. The main business of the evening will be to consider the recommendation of the Executive Committee, which, as already announced has decided to nominate Messrs W.C. Cuff, A. Coffey, and A.N. Denaro for election to the board at the next annual meeting. The first two named are retiring directors who come up for re-election in the usual way, along with Alderman. A. Gates. In fairness to Alderman Gates it should be made clear that the Shareholders’ Association opposition to him has no personal significance. He is just as much a victim of circumstances as Mr. R.R. Turnbull, who was opposed a year ago. Both these gentleman joined the board through the process of co-option, and it is the question of this principle and not any personal feeling in the matter, which has led to his opposition. In place of Alderman Gates the Association Executive will recommend its members to support the candidature of Mr. Albert N. Denaro, who has been a life-long supporter of the club and a shareholder for many years, and whose claims to a seat on the board I gave in detail a few days ago.

BENTHAM’S THREE-TRICKER
April 11, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By stork.
Three points will do it, no matter what the Wolves do, and that should be well within the reach of Everton, the way they are playing I cannot see the Wolves getting in touch with Everton but to make certain those three points are necessary. The most the Wolves can do is 58 points, two more than Everton hold at the moment, and they have got to be won. No, I think we can safely say the championship is Everton’s. I have never been enamored of Sunderland’s defence. Well, we saw how easily it could be beaten yesterday when Everton piled up six goals against the northerners, who crumpled to dust before the strong tactics of the leaders. They had stood up well to whatever Everton had to give in the first half, but they were rocked and routed by three quick goals early in the second half, and then it became a procession, Everton setting the pace and Sunderland trailing after them. It was a peculiar game in that Sunderland promised to do so much, whereas actually did so little. Their inside forwards had chances early on what time Jock Thomson was becoming acclimatized to the centre half position, but they were not accepted.
Patchwork Quilt.
Duns did enough to help inside men, but it was all to no purpose, and when Bentham came along with two goals and scored three in all. There never was a harder worker in football than Stan; there he was a player who took so many knocks; if he gets much more plaster on his pate it well resemble a patchwork quilt. But all the bumps and knocks cannot keep him in the dressing room for long. His second goal was a gem, a rest good shot from a back pass by Lawton. Lawton is quite as good as Dean used to be with those back passes of his, and he helped Stevenson to a goal just as he had done two days previously. He is a most unselfish centre forward. His own goal –he scored the faith –was a gift from the Sunderland defence, but how quickly he accepted it. Did you like Caskie? I though you would! Isn’t he a good footballer? Small maybe, but big in his craft. He had a hand in at least two of the goals and did many other good things, but to my mind Gillick was the star forward. Jones is certain to be ready for the Preston game and so will Boyes. They will be needed, for Lawton and Mercer are on “National” service. Fortunately the Scots have taken two North End men in Shankley and Dougall. That balances matters a bit doesn’t it?

PRESENTATION TO TRAINER
April 12 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Much of the success of Everton in recent years has been due to the zeal with which harry Cooke has carried out his duties as Trainer. He is a long service man, having been with the club from his early playing days, and before he attained his present post was able assistant to Jack Elliott. Cook has been association with Everton’s triumph in recent years and he can take his share of the credit for the present high standard of the team which is about to complete the club’s fifth championship. The directors of the club, at their meeting last night recognized his valuable services by presenting him with a cheque.

CUNLIFFE, LAWTON’S DEPUTY AGAINST PRESTON
April 12, 1939. The Evening Express.
Jones Returns To Everton Team
Britton At Right Half.
By Pilot.
Three internationals come into Everton’s team to oppose Preston North End, at Goodison Park, on Saturday, in the match which might bring the Blues the championship of the First division. They are Tom Jones, Cliff Britton, and Jimmy Cunliffe. Jones returns following the ankle injury received at Chelsea to take over the centre half berth if Skipper Jock Thomson, and Britton and Cunliffe are called on to fill the places of Mercer and Lawton who will be assisting England against Scotland at Hampden Park. Britton goes to the familiar role of right-half, and Cunliffe takes over the leadership of the attack. This is a task which Cunliffe has often filled with distinction and I think this is a wise choice. Cunliffe is a fine progressive forward with good control and a deceptive swerve. He is exceptionally quick off the mark and with any luck he might get among the goals which will settle the title question once and for all. This game is as important as any Cup Final to Everton. It has the Lancashire “Derby” touch; Everton will be fighting for their tenth “double” of the season; and with such a vital championship issue at stake I shall be surprised if the crowd is under the 60,000 mark. Walter Boyes knee injury is still troubling him and so Jimmy Caskie continues at outside left. Preston North end, like Everton, will be without two of their regular players – Dougal and Shankley. They will be assisting Scotland. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Caskie. Everton Reserves go to the Hawthorns to oppose West Bromwich Albion in a Central League match. Everton reserves; Lovett; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Lindley, Gee, Milligan; Barber, Sweeney, Bell, Sharp, Keenan.

EVERTON THREE CHANGES FOR HOME GAME AGAINST PRESTON
April 12, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Goodison Players Remarkable Attendance Figures
Possibility or Record Profit.
Ranger’s Notes.
Owing to the absence of Lawton and Mercer on International duty against Scotland. Everton have been forced to make changes in the side which Preston North End at Goodison Park on Saturday. Cunliffe comes in at centre forward, vice Lawton and Britton makes his first senior appearance of the season, at right half. In addition, as Jones has recovered from his injury, he resumes at centre half in place of Thomson who filled the breach so well on Monday. Caskie retains his place at left outside, so that the teams read: - Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Cunliffe, Stevenson, and Caskie. The Reserves side to visit West Bromwich Albion will be: - Lovett; Jackson, Jones; Lindley, Gee, Milligan; Barber, Sweeney, Bell, Sharp, and Keenan. Mercer’s call to the England international team at Hampton Park means that the Ellesmere Port man loses his ever-present certificate, leaving Greenhalgh the only player to have figured in all games this season.
Amazing Figures.
I mentioned on Monday that Everton had practically gone all this season with the services of only twelve players. Since that was written I have done a little delving into the facts and figures of the players appearances, and the result is so striking that it is worth elaboration. In all Everton have played 38 League and Five Cup-ties this season, which makes a total of 473 appearances. Out of this, eleven players combined have out in 441 games, leaving only 32 to be divided among the reserves members of which Watson alone has made 13. I doubt whether any side has ever before put up such starting figures. Certainly I can recall no comparable instance of recent years. The full list of players’ appearances and goals scored, lumping League and Cup games together, with a maximum of 43 possible outings, is as follows:- Sagar 42 Games, Cook 41 Games 5 goals; Greenhalgh 43 games 1 goal; Mercer 43 games, Jones (TG) 40 games; Thomson 30 games; Watson 13 games; Gillick 41 games 14 goals; Bentham 42 games 8 goals; Stevenson 37 games, 13 goals; Lawton 40 games, 38 goals; Boyes 40 games, 8 goals. Others who have figured in the side this season are Cunliffe with 6 games (3 goals), Bell 2 (3 goals, Caskie 2 (1 goal), Barber, Gee, and Jackson twice each, and Morton, Milligan, and Trentham once each. The side which started the season, in which Thomson appeared at left half, has played in 21 of the 43 games. The same combination, but with Watson vice Thomson, has figured in 7 games. These figures speak for themselves. They are alike a tribute to the consistency and ability of the players themselves to the confidence the board has had in them, and last, but not least, to the excellent work done behind the scenes by Secretary Theo Kelly, who this season has been team manger in all but name, and Trainer Harry Cooke and his assistants, on whom has devolved the job of keeping the players in the oink of condition and getting them fit quickly after minor injuries.
Presentation To Trainer.
A week or so ago I announced that the club had shown its tangible appreciation of the excellent services of its secretary by increasing Mr. Kelly’s salary to a point which brings the Everton club into line with other leading sides. Now comes the news that the board have also expressed in substantial fashion their recognition of the good work of Mr. Harry Cooke. This was suitably acknowledged at last night’s meeting by the presentation of a cheque. Add to that the nine benefits which Everton have distributed to players –a total of over £5,000 –and you will see the club has done its part in acknowledgment of those who have helped to bring about so successful a season.
Record Profits?
Despite the outlay, I should not be surprised to see a record profit returned when the balance sheet is available. Speaking from memory, the highest profit in the club’s history is something like £13,000 recorded seven years or so ago. Already this season Everton’s home gates have been attended by 130,000 more spectators than the whole of last winter. With two home games till to come that increase should reach 200,000 at least which, at a shilling a time, means a gross increase in income of £10,000. Add to that approximately £5,000 net profit from the Cup-ties, then the fee for Geldard, less the £2,500 paid for Caskie, and it is obvious that the club’s balance sheet is going to be a particularly healthy one.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB DIRECTORS
April 13 1939. Liverpool Daily Post
Shareholders vote for Mr. A.Denaro
At a general meeting of the Everton shareholders Association in the St. George’s Restaurant, Liverpool, last night, it was decided to support the nomination of Mr. W.C.Cuff , Mr. A. Coffey, and Mr. A.N.Denaro for the three vacancies on the Everton F.C. board which will be filled at the annual meeting of the club in June. The three retiring directors are messes Cuff and Coffey, and Alderman A gates, but at a recent meeting of the executive committee of the shareholders’ Association it was decided to oppose Aldermen Gates and nominate Mr. Denaro in his stead. Last night’s meeting was called for the purpose of considering this recommendation. About eight shareholders attended. Mr. Denaro chairman of the association paid a high tribute o the Everton players, who he said had worthily upheld the traditions of the club for real, good-class football.’’ He gave a brief outline of the position in connection with the three retiring directors and said that in view of the decision which had been reached by the executive committee of the association he felt that he ought to vacate the chair and allow the meeting to be conducted by Mr. R Searle, the vice chairman. Accordingly, Mr. Searle presided for the remainder of the meeting. He said that 23 meetings of the executive committee were held during the year and paid special tribute to the invaluable work which had been done by Mr. W.C.Cuff during his 44 years association with the Everton club. He was proud to propose Mr. Cuff and Mr. Coffey as two of the shareholders’ nominees on the board of directors for the third vacancy, he went on, the committee had unanimously decided to nominate Mr. Denaro, who had been a supporters of Everton for many years. He therefore put forward the three names-messes, Cuff, Coffey and Denaro. Mr. Beattie seconded. Mr. E Green chairman of the Everton club then moved an amendment that the three nominees should be messes Cuff Coffey, and Alderman Gates. He appeared to the shareholders to ‘’leave well alone,’’ adding that he though the meeting would agree with him that the season was going to prove one of the most magnificent in the long history of the club- not the most magnificent. Moreover the club was going to produce a balance sheet showing profits approaching a record. While above everything else a happiness, and a harmony had pervaded the club during the season which he had not seen during his 25 years service on the board. That harmonious atmosphere had a great deal to do with the success on the field and the satisfactory nature of the balance-sheet. Can you wonder,’’ he went on’’ that I have come here top ask you to leave well alone? If you do so, looking into the future I can see crystal clear that this club is due for a succession of highly successful seasons. I beg you to leave well alone. Support the three retiring directors and have no-election.’’ Mr. Yullie second Mr. Green’s amendment which received only three votes the recommendation of the executive committee being carried by an overwhelming majority. Thanking the shareholders Mr. Denaro said that if he was elected to the board the best interests of the club and of the shareholders Association would be his first consideration.

EVERTON WILL SHOW A RECORD PROFIT.
April 13, 1939. The Evening Express.
By Pilot.
Everton Football Club will show a record profit in their balance sheet this year. This was foreshadowed by the chairman Mr. Ernest Green, of a meeting of the Shareholders’ Association last night. The outcome of the gathering was that the shareholders decided to stand by their resolve that co-opted directors shall be opposed and so at the annual meeting they are to support retiring directors Messrs W.C. cuff and A. Coffey, and their own nomine, Mr. A. Denaro. They will not support Alderman A. Gates who is due to retire. So the fight is on again not because the shareholders have any personal feeling against Mr. Gates, but on a matter of principle.
Chairman’s Appeal.
Five Everton directors were present at the meeting, for in addition to Mr. Green there were Messrs A. Coffey, W. C. Gibbons, G. Evans, and W.R. Williams. Mr. Green moved an amendment to committee’s proposal that Messrs Cuff, Coffey, and Denaro should be supported. He urged that there should be no election this year. He said there had been more harmony on the directorate during this season than in his experience of 26 years. “If you will leave well alone,” he said, “I can see crystal clear that there is to be a succession of highly successful years.” The amendant was defeated, only three voting for it.
Shares.
Mr. R. Scale, vice-chairman of the Association, said that as the Association last year opposed the election of Mr. R. R. Turnbull, who had been co-opted, they had to oppose Alderman Gates as a matter of principle. He said they could never allow any one man to be dictator. To outwit any “dictator,” Mr. Searle said they could form a limited company with a nominal capital and the articles of association could be altered. I do not anticipate that there will be any other nominations for the Board.

EVERTON NOMINATIONS.
April 13, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The general meeting of Everton Shareholders Association last night decided to support the candidature if Messrs W. C. cuff, A. Coffey, and A.N. Denaro for the three seats on the Everton board, which are to be filled at the annual meeting of the club in June. The two first named, along with Alderman Gates, are retiring directors. Mr. Denaro chairman of the Shareholders Association presided at the outset, over a well-attempted meeting of something like 70 members, but vacated the chair in favour of Mr. R. Searle before the main business was reached, in view of the recommendation of the committee. He paid a warm tribute to the Everton players, who had worthily upheld the traditions of the club for good-class football, and congratulated them on the very successful season. Mr. Searle gave chapter and verse for the Executive Committee’s decision to oppose Alderman Gates and said he was proud to propose Mr. W. C. Cuff, who had given forty-four years of valuable service to Everton, as one of the Association’s nominees, along with Messrs Coffey and Denaro. Mr. Coffey’s services also were well known, while Mr. Denaro had been a follower of the club for many years, and would be an acquisition to the board. Mr. Ernest Green chairman of Everton F.C. proposed an amendment that the three retiring directors should be supported and that there should be no election. The present season he said was one of the most magnificent the club had ever had, and the balance-sheet would be one of the best ever produced. Above all, there had been a harmony and happiness the like of which he had never known in 26 years on the board, which had a great deal to do with the success on the field. I have come here tonight to ask you to leave well alone,” he added. “Looking in the future, by leaving well alone, I can see crystal clear that this club us due for a succession of highly successful years. Mr. Searle relied that after opposing Mr. Turnbull last year, on a question of Principe it would not be playing the game to adopt Alderman Gates, Mr. Davies, pointed out that the association was formed primarily to protest against the co-option of directors without consultation, with the shareholders, and it would be wrong for them to support Alderman Gates, no matter how much they might esteem him personally. Mr. Green’s amendant was seconded by Mr. Yullie, with the object, he explained of testing the feeling of the meeting, but when put to the vote received only three supporters. On the original proposition being put it was carried by an overwhelming majority. In returning thanks Mr. Denaro said that if elected the best interests of Everton F.C. and the shareholders Association would be his first consideration. Should he be returned he could assure Mr. Green there was no reason why the board should not carry on just as harmoniously as during the past year. Remarking upon the traffic in the club’s shares which was carried on Mr. Searle; but lined a tentative scheme which he may bring forward in due course for consideration by the shareholders. He idea was to form the association into a private limited company with nominal capital change the articles of association of the club so that shares for sale must be offered to the board, and form an agreement with the latter whereby they may later be acquitted by the Shareholders Association. In his opinion, this would put a stop to clique and attempt to “corner” shares and was worthy of serious consideration.

IT WILL BE “HAIL CHAMPIONS”IF EVERTON WIN TOMORROW
April 14, 1939. The Evening Express.
60,000 Will Cheer Blues Bid Against Preston.
By Pilot.
Everton may be hailed as First Division champions of the Football League tomorrow! They need only two points from the remaining four games to make certain, so that victory over Preston North End, at Goodison Park, tomorrow, will do the trick. Wolverhampton Wanderers are Everton’s only rivals. Their only chance is if Everton falter and they themselves win. If Wolves lose. Everton will become champions, no matter what happens at Goodison. Everton’s match tomorrow is of vital importance, and I expect a crowd of 60,000 to be present ready to cheer the champions. The Blues task is not easy and the side will be lacking the services of Lawton and Mercer, but fortunately the Blues have first-class reserves –internationals, as a matter of fact. North End also will have two reserves on view owing to international calls, and curiously enough in the same positions –centre- forward and right half. Maxwell and Cox are the man who come in. Everton will have Cliff Britton, the regular right half of last season, back on duty, and the leadership of the attack will be taken by Jimmy Cunliffe, who has occupied all inside forward positions with the club. Everton have had a remarkable run of success, having picked up 24 of the 28 points played for since the start of 1939. Their only defeat was at Wolverhampton, and they dropped single points to Middlesbrough and Stoke City. This season they have recorded nine “double” and so have a chance of reaching double figures in the number of clubs from whom they have secured maximum points. When the clubs met at Preston, the Blues won by Lawton’s headed goal. Preston come as one the finest defensive side sin the country, but their attack lacks penetrative power. Everton at Goodison Park alone, have secured more goals than North End have in all their matches. North end however, are a team of the Everton caliber. They concentrate on serving up constructive football in attack, favouring close passing rather than the open game. Consequently, this match, with its important issue and the Lancashire “Derby” touch, should be one of the finest seen at the Park this season. It will take a big effort on the part of the Blues to reach their championship goal, but I think they can do it. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Caskie. Preston North End; Holdcroft; Gallimore, Beattie (A.); Cox, Batey, Milne, White, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R.), McIntosh.
Pilotsports Log.
Stanley Bentham, Everton’s inside-right, is to play cricket for Newton-le-Willios in the Manchester association League this season. Stan is a useful bowler and one of the best fielders in the Association at point or cover. He used to play for Earlestown in the same competition.
Combination Title.
Everton, besides fighting for the League championship, are hoping to win the Liverpool County Combination championship. It rests between them and Skelmersdale United. The United are a point ahead with an inferior goal-average, but they have only three games to play and Everton have four. Everton visit Formby tomorrow and give a trial to a 17-year-old, 6ft 2in goalkeeper from Londonderry, named Peter Owens. Everton “A”; P. Owens; Prescott, Saunders; Lambert, Edwards, M. Hill; A. Johnson, K. Dean, Catterick, F. Griffiths, Davies (J.). On Monday Everton “B” oppose Manchester United “Mujacs” at Old Trafford. Everton have won all their 23 matches and scored more than 300 goals. The average age of the players is 15 ½ The Mujacs’ average age is under 17, and they have lost three of 33 games. Everton “B”; J. Canavan; R. Ireland, G. Dugdale; G.Sherratt, M.R. Beardwood, B. Atkins, W. Sumner, F. McDonald, S. Simmons, J. Lyons, G. Bailey.

“WE WANT TWO.”
April 14, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
“we want two.” That is a call we often heard at Goodison Park, and it came from the boys pen. But that will be the call all round the ground tomorrow, for two points will settle the championship and round off one of the best seasons Everton have ever had. National calls have cut into both Everton and Preston North End, so things have been balanced, but even with the changes I am looking to a keen and stirring contest. Everton will naturally go all out for a convincing victory not only to win them the title but bring them another “double” and create for them new championship figures. Preston have had a topsy turvy sort of season, but at times have given glimpse of that entrancing football which made them the team of the year a twelve months ago. No side in the country has developed the “switch” so perfectly as the North End, but it has brought them little this term. The men who have come in to deputise for Dougal and Shankley are not new to First Division football, so the team will be well balanced just as Everton will for Cunliffe and Britton are top class performers.
Will have His Chances
Cunliffe has height, weights and ball control to help him down the middle and if his shooting is good I can promise Holdcroft some hot work. Cunliffe had not been lucky in his marksmanship but I can recall the day he scored four goals against stoke and West Bromwich Albion. I hope he is in that mood tomorrow. He is conversant with the style of his colleagues, and with these long lobs from Britton and the good length centres from Caskie, Cunliffe will have his chances. I am glad Scotland omitted Gillick and Everton’s gain, I rate Gillick as the best outside right in the First Division and that goes for Matthews, who has not the match winning propenalities of Gillick. Whichever way I look at this match I can see nothing else but a great battle. Should Everton win those two points and I feel they will, there will be great enthusiasm at the conclusion of the match. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Cunliffe, Stevenson, Caskie. Preston North End; Holdcroft; Gallimore, Beattie (A.); Cox, Batey, Milne, White, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R.), McIntosh.

EVERTON STILL NEED POINT
April 15, 1939. The Liverpool Football echo
Preston Hold The Leaders.
Goalless Game.
By Stork.
Everton could not get the goal which would have made them champions. The lively ball was to some extent the cause. At time the chances were there to have taken a win, but it was not Everton’s day. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Britton, Jones, and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Cunliffe, Stevenson, and Caskie, forwards. Preston North End: - Holdcroft, goal; Gallimore, and Beattie (A.), backs; Cox, Batey, and Milne, half-backs; White, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (R.), and McIntosh, forwards. Referee Mr. G. Hewitt (st. Helens). With such a vital issue attending this game it was only natural that there would be a good crowd at Goodison Park to see Everton bidding for the two points which would settle the championship question. Everton should have opened the day’s score when Cunliffe was placed for a goal. Holdcroft came out, and Cunliffe tried to lob the ball over his head, and it seemed as though he had accomplished the feat, but the ball swung outside the upright –a good chance had gone amiss. Maxwell slapped in a shot which Sagar put over the bar in brilliant fashion. There was a hot tussle in the Preston goal when Stevenson grounded his pass, and although there were two Everton men almost on top of him, Holdcroft took the grave risk of driving at their feet to get rid of the trouble. The light ball undoubtedly prevented Stevenson from taking a goal, but he was not the only one who was finding control a stiff proposition. Caskie thus far had not put a ball wrong, and once again Stevenson failed to gather a ball slap bang in front of goal. I should say that Everton had the most chances, and when Jones put a free kick into the penalty area, Stevenson made a quick firing drive, which Holdcroft did well to keep out of his net. Britton sent in a fast one that flashed outside. Preston had a great chance when McIntosh avoided a Cook tackle and had a great opening. An inward pass to Maxwell was all that was needed, but McIntosh centred to Sagar’s hands, Caskie and Gillick combined well, Gillick hit the side netting. The bounce of the ball completely beat Jones, but Sagar punched the ball away from Beattie. Sagar than had to fling himself t the ball to prevent further danger.
Caskie’s Effort.
Cunliffe once beat three men and offered the ball to Caskie. The little Scot accepted a challenge and he, too beat three men on his way to the centre of the field, but weight of numbers eventually defeated him. Sagar saved when he rushed from his goal to block by White. Jones completed the clearance. Holdcroft once with the Everton club, made the save of the game when Stevenson shot with great deliberation. Everton claimed for a penalty without success, and then Holdcroft kept Britton’s lob from going in by touching the ball over the crossbar. Try as they would Everton could not score.
Half-Time; Everton 0, Preston North End 0.
In the second half Holdcroft saved a header from Stevenson, but all through the game things seemed to run wrong for the league leaders. Little things which, under normal circumstances would have made all the difference, now completely upset Everton’s plans. Bentham for instance, was left with a gilt-edged security sort of chance and was determined to make sure by taking deliberate aim, but he missed despite his cautiousness. Mutch shot wide and Gillick with a beautiful body serve, got through a portion of the Preston defence, but then tried to go on beating his man when a pass back to Britton would have been of much more value. Caskie made his first passing error, but immediately afterwards wiped it out of the memory when he forced Holdcroft to make a good catch underneath his crossbar.
Bentham Goes Close.
Bentham almost did the trick for his shot was only parried by Holdcroft but the goalkeeper followed up, and although challenged by Stevenson finally cleared the danger. Beattie (A.) nearly through his own goal. There was no punch in the Everton attack today, and Beattie (R.) ran through to test Sagar. There appeared to me what looked uncommonly like a penalty when Cunliffe was charged in the back, but play went on. Final; Everton 0, Preston North end 0.

LITTLE EVERTON FORWARDS HAVE DANCED A CHAMPIONSHIP QUINTETTE
April 15, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Two More Points And The Title’s Won
Away record Near
Billy Edwards’s Rugger Days
By Stork.
Why do people consider that the winning of the F.A. Cup is the hallmark of greatness? The Cup winners are hailed far and wide as the team of the year whereas the champions of the League receive very little glory. That has always been a mystery to me, for I consider the winning of the championship deserves greater praise than the winning of the Cup. I know it is the ambition of all clubs to lift “the old tin pot” There is something about winning the Wembley trophy which throws it out in bold relief, apart from the momentary side of the business. When Everton were last there the city of Liverpool went wild with delight, and eventually the team arrived home was one never to be forgotten. Well, Everton have almost won the championship, but there will be no wild scenes in Liverpool about it; yet in my estimation it takes more to win a championship than to win the Cup. Why is there so much glamour about the Cup with its half dozen matches? Take the case of the finalists. Both Portsmouth and Wolverhampton were on called upon to play a single game away from home until the semi-final. That was a slice of luck if you like. There is no such luck where the League is concerned. It is consistency throughout a long period –a period of eight months –which wins the title, so is there not more merit in winning the League? The best team wins the League the lucky ones the Cup. Is that it? I have seen practically every game Everton have played, and all along I have tried to impress upon my readers that they have been the cleverest team of the season. Their best or most scientific game was at Highbury, when they “brought down the house.” Some named them there and then as the next champions, and that was in the first weeks of the season. The Wolves play a different style of football; pace, aggression and team work. Everton’s greatness has been their unbounded skill, artistry, charm, or whatever you dare to call it. Never once have they altered that style. Hustle and bustle, which I am sorry to say is the style of some teams in these hectic days, has been left to others. Football was allowed to have its fling, and it has carried the day. Everton have got only their deserts. They have thrown off challenger after challenger, and in Derby County and Wolverhampton they have had two strong rivals. Derby took a five point lead at one time, and the Wolves almost reached their doorstep, yet the Everton boys never lost their confidence, their belief in themselves. They suffered a knockout blow at Wolverhampton, but even that 7-nil defeat, did not worry them as it might have done. They made up their minds to forget it, and actually sang on their way back to Liverpool. That took a lot of doing, don’t you think? They have been the happiest team I have ever travelled with, and a happy team is a winning team. But one of the main secret of their success has been their immunity from injuries. They have played the same team for weeks on end, so that it was allowed to weld itself into a complete whole Constant chopping and changing rarely ever does any good. Many shook their heads about the size of Everton forward line. “Too small,” it was acclaimed but these little men –they are below average –have put their skill against “brawn” and skill has won through. Again let me say that the championship has gone to the champion side, and I offer my congratulations to Everton on their great season, and for giving one hours of enjoying both on and off the field. Not one player has been dropped during the season. Changes have been brought about by injury of the demand of the four countries. Everton have supplied all four countries with international players, and only one purchase has been made during the season, Jimmy Caskie the “Tom Thumb” of wingers. What a lucky stroke that was for who was to know that Boyes would be injured a few weeks later. Everton should they win this season’s title –it is not definite, you know until two more points have been gained will have won their fifth championship, or one less than Aston Villa and Sunderland, who hold the record. Five times have they been runners up and three times third. In 1914-15 they won eleven away games, so they have still one to win to equal that record. But here is a tabulated list of their championship register.
1890-91
Home; Won 9 Lost 2; Draw 0; for 39 against 12 Points 18
Away ; won 5, Lost 3; draw 1; For 24; against 17; points 11
1914-14
Home; Won 8, Lost 6; Draw 5; for 42, against 29; Points 21
Away; Won 11, Lost 7, Draw 3; For 32, against 18, Points 25
1927-28
Home; Won 11; Lost 2, Draw 8; For 60, against 28; Points 30
Away; Won 9, Lost 7, Draw 5; For 42, against 38, Points 23
1931-32
Home; won 18, Lost 3, Draw 0; For 84, Against 30; Points 36
Away; won 8, Lost 9, Draw 4, For 32, against 34; Points 20
1938-39 (to-date)
Home; Won 16, Lost 1, Draw 2; For 57; against 18; Points 34
Away; won 10; Lost 7, Against 2; For 27, against 29; Points 22
Sunderland, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Everton between them have nearly “farmed” the championship for out of the 47 championships they have won on twenty-two occasions. There was a whole lot of talk about Wolverhampton’s winning sequence not so long ago, but does it now read better than Everton’s 1939 record? Everton had lost only four points since the opening day of the season. Two points to the Wolves at the Molineux, one at Middlesbrough, and one at Goodison Park where, on the score of ability, they should have run out handsome winners. The worst game Everton have played this season was at Brentford on new Year’s Eve. There was no accounting for it, although some put it down to their stay at Dorking, which did not agree with the boys. Their next worst was perhaps the reply Cup-tie with Birmingham, when some considered they were fortunate to win. But what are two bad games among so many good ones? From what I hear, the Everton balance-sheet is likely to be the best one ever. I know they have wonderful attendances, which only goes to prove that a winning team will always attract the crowd. Soccer football does not pull many young men into a fold if the said young man has been brought up by Ruggar, but Everton have a pro, in their ranks who was brought up a Rugby strong hold but found Association football making a greater appeal. His name? Yes, Billy Edwards, centre half back of the Central League team. William Edwards played nothing but Rugby when he was at school, for Soccer was unknown at New Spring. He was there when he first kicked the round spiral ball for Partick’s junior team in the neighborhood. “I fancied Association football most and when I got a chance to play for Top Lock my village team (I was born there, you know), I jumped at it. They were in the Wigan and District League which we won on two occasions. It was then an inside forward –left or right –and was honoured by the League to play against the Bootle J.O.C. League on Linacre Gasworks’ ground. While with Top Lock Edwards scored fifty goals from inside forward. They won three trophies that season. From Top lock he went to Bottling wood, where he found that centre half back was his right position. He had played five matches for his new club when Everton saw his possibilities. Others also had their eyes on him, and it was a toss up whether he went to West Bromwich Albion or Everton; but as the latter were agreeable to allowing him to live at home, he decided on Goodison. He has been with Everton three seasons, spending his time between the Central league and “A” teams. He is a dour player, a great stopper, and has a frame as hard as nails. He has no football medals as yet, but is living in hope, and considers that the Everton club is the best in the land. He is a keen bowler –could not be anything else being a native of the Wigan district, where Bowlers are born –and plays from a handicap of 5; but he thinks golf is the best game of all, even though he does not consider himself much of a hand at it. “I hope to improve as time goes on, for one does not become a good golfer in a year or so. I have reduced my handicap a few strokes since I came to Everton, but am still a bad player, or between moderate and bad. “At Bowls he was a member of a team which finished runners-up in the district league.

FORWARDS FAIL TO FINISH
Everton 0 Preston North End 0 (Game 1681 over-all)-(Div 1 1639)
April 17 1939. Liverpool Daily Posy
By Stork
Everton’s championship is still in the balance.
The belief that they would settle it when they met Preston North End at Goodison Park did not materialize; in fact the North End almost sneaked a goal in the last few minutes so that the battle between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers still goes on, although all advantages lie with Everton. Not a goal was score at Goodison Park, as unusual happening at the Walton ground. While some of the football was clever in its execution it needed the tonic of a goal to bring it to life, but Everton could not get one and while they have broken one of their own records-they have obtained the biggest numbers of points they have ever won in the First Division-the people were not concerned about that. They wanted to hail Everton as champions and a single goal would have done the trick. There was not that smoothness about the Everton team with which we are associated. The swing was not there, and it was individual effort rather than combined play which carried them though tom Preston’s goal area. The game should have been marked down as in their safe keeping at the interval for they had some grand chances to beat their old goalkeeper, Holdcroft.
Holdcroft undoubtedly helped his side to a half-share of the spoils, but the real Everton forwards would have riddled and tattled him with shots with the opportunities placed before them, I admit that the light ball had something to do with their ineptitude in front of goal, for it bounced awkwardly many times so that the players could not get it down to foot quickly enough. Holdcroft made one or two good saves, one in particular from Stevenson but in the main he was let of lightly. Things would not go right for Everton-the merest fraction of an inch lost them the ball and although the North End half-backs were a sound trio I was not impressed with Gallimore or A.Beattie who were given to mislicking when any pressure was put upon them. Holdcroft however, was always safe and reliable. Preston were not whit better than Everton when it came to shooting. They like their opponents served up some pretty football, but their greatest failing was that they shot from long range and that was not the way to beat Sagar. It was a quiet type of game. One expected Everton to strive might and main to win the two points, but for once in a way the forwards were not alive to the requirements of the day. With a dry ground the ball had to be trapped. I cannot recall any one player ‘’killing the ball dead.’’ It nearly always ran away from the boot and of course an opponent nipped in to take it. Late on the spectators commenced to call upon their team for more attacking play, but it was of no avail so that Everton have to wait for their honour. It seemed to me that Everton were over-anxious. The occasion upset their balance, and they looked anything but a championship side. Everton naturally missed Lawton, for Cunliffe had a poor game. He wheeled this way and then that way, but invariably lost the ball in the end. But one cannot place all the blame on his shoulders. It was the forwards line as a whole which misfired. Caskie, in my opinion was best. Little wrong could be found with the defence. Britton started off with some gorgeous passes; in fact the early part of the game was quite interesting, for there was plenty of time to go, but as the minutes ticked off there was no sign of a goal. Preston are not the side they were twelve months ago, and finished poorly. I understand that Boyes will not play again this season. His knee trouble is still sore. He visited a specialist last week, who recommenced that a complete rest was required. He has had many knocks during the season. Result Everton 0 Preston North End 0.
Everton:- Sagar goal, Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs, Britton, Jones, and Watson half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Cunliffe, Stevenson and Caskie, forwards. Preston North End: - Holdcroft goal, Gallimore and Beattie (a) backs, Cox, Batey, and Milne half-backs, White, Mutch, Maxwell, Beattie (k) and McIntosh forwards. Referee Mr. G.Hewitt (St Helens), attendance 31,987

CAP FOR LAWTON AND MERCER
April 17 1939 Liverpool Daily Post
Lawton score for England against Scotland in a 2-1 win for England to help England broke the spell at Hampton Park where they won for the first time for 12 years. It was a dramatic finish watched by 150,000 spectators, Lawton the youngest player on the field, scoring the winning goal two minutes from the end, Mercer also playing for England

CENTRAL LEAGUE
West Bromwich Albion Reserves 1 Everton Reserves 1
April 17 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 41)
Though they were fortunate to be ahead at the interval, Everton fully deserved to take away a point from Albion, for they did most of the attacking after the interval with only 10 men. Everton’s defence played well. Jackson and Gee being outstanding. Lovett did well in goal. Sharp gave Everton the lead after 25 minutes, but Hoyland equalised for the Albion in the second half. Everton Reserves; Lovett, goal; Jackson and Jones, backs; Lindley, Gee, and Milligan, half-backs; Barber, Sweeney, Bell, Sharp and Keenan, forwards.
Position 5th played 41 won 20 lost 15, draw 6, for 67, against 72, points 46.

LIVERPOOL COUNTY LEAGUE
Formby 2 Everton ‘’A’’ 5
April 17 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
At Browe lane, Formby. The prospective League champions for the fourth successive season fully earned the points. The opening half was all in the visiting favours and goals were scored by Catterick (2), Johnson, Edwards (penalty), and Davies. Formby fogth gamely against the deficit and near the interval scored twice, within as many minutes, through Marle and Bond. The second period was more evenly balanced and although both sides did their share of attacking there was no further score. Saunders, Lambert Edwards and Johnson were prominent for Everton, with Lovelady, Griffiths, Marles and Wharton good for Formby.

EVERTON MISS LAWTON
April 17, 1939. Evening Express.
Still a Point From Title.
By Pilot.
One point needed and three matches to play. This is the position of Everton in their quest for the First Division championship. If Wolverhampton Wanderers, their only challengers, fail to take full points from their three remaining matches, of course, Everton will succeed. Personally, I do not think there is anything to stop the Blues who, however, brought just a little disappointment on Saturday when they failed to beat Preston North end at Goodison Park. The match was goalless draw –the first at the ground this season. Everton go to Charlton Athletic on Saturday, then receive Aston Villa for the final home game, and travel to Grimsby Town on closing day. Preston can thank their defence for their point, which no one can say they did not deserve. The man who defied Everton was Harry Holdcroft, the goalkeeper Everton transferred to Preston. Everton had much more of the game, but Lawton leadership was missed. Cunliffe took too long to get command of the ball and too often was working backwards instead of forwards. Bentham and Stevenson were the most potent attackers. Britton returned with his classic touches, and Watson was sound in all respects. Tom Jones was outstanding, and he received excellent backing from Cook. Greenhalgh had a testing half an hour against White and Mutch, but settled to his game afterwards. Sagar had not a lot to do, for defence were so much on top of attacks in this game. So Everton have now dropped five home points this season, and no club has succeeded in taking four points from Preston.

WATCHING AND WAITING
April 17, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
How those thirty-odd thousand people at Goodison Park wanted to cheer on Saturday. All that was required was a single goal to have sent them wild with delight, for would it not have made Everton undoubted champions. They knew Everton had broken a personal record –they had won a point more than ever before –but that was not their concern, a victory was wanted and wanted badly, but it would not come. The championship would have been Everton’s in the first half hour for had they taken their chances I doubt whether Preston North End could have over hauled them. The irony of it was that they were simple chances which would have been accepted with thanks in any other games but this. Everton were not championship class on Saturday. Were they nervous about the importance of the game. It struck me that way, for they never seemed at ease, particularly in attack which was fitful and fretful. The linking up process was not there, there being more individual effort than combined play.
Forward Failings.
It was not the true Everton, but one can only blame the attack, for the defence was not penetrated, although it had one or two nasty jolts when Preston came through when nicely conceived plans. The North End were no better than Everton in front of goal; in fact not nearly so good, for they rarely promised to beat Sagar, whereas Holdcroft, a former Everton keeper, had to make several superlative saves. But the truth was he should have been beaten well though he played. Naturally Lawton was missed, for Cunliffe did not seem happy as a leader. He did too much “cudding” of the ball, when more straightforward methods would have paid better. It was inside forward play. At times both Everton and Preston produced nice movements, but there never seemed to be any real bite about the game. Perhaps we had expected something different for the occasion. Goals were wanted. Everton goals of course, but as they did not come, and the championship is still in the air, whereas we wanted it definitely settled. I don’t think there is any course for alarm, for Everton can surely get a point from their three remaining games, even through two of them are away.
Much On their Plate.
Before you get perturbed take a look at what the Wolves have to do to rub Everton of the title –win all three games; a point lost by them and it is all over and don’t forget there is a Cup final to be sandwiched in. With so much on their plate it does not seem possible even in these days of surprises. No, I think we can bank all our hopes on Everton, who have all the advantage on their side. Walter Boyes tells me that he will not play again this season. The knee injury sustained at Sunderland has not made the progress expected, and on the advice of the specialist it is considered it would be unwise to take any undue risks. Walter says he has had a lot of bumps on that particular knee, from which he had a cartilage extracted some seasons ago. A knock causes the knee to fill up.

CASKIE FOR THE STATES
April 18 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Caskie the Everton outside left has been chosen among the players to tour Canada and the United states during the close season. The party leave on May 6 and play the first of twelve matches on May 16 or 17. They leave for home on June 20.

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
Liverpool Reserves 3 Everton Reserves 2
April 18 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By L.E.E.
Liverpool last night qualified to meet Tranmere Rovers in the final of the Liverpool senior cup by beating Everton by 3 goals to 2 at Anfield. The merit of the victory lay in the fact that early on Everton took a 2 goal lead, and this Liverpool were set a against the odds. On paper Everton had the better side. They were easily the better team in action until Eastham took an early goal just before the interval, to gave his side the encouragement they required. In the second half, goals came from two free kicks, and both direct. Paterson (g) drifted in the first which somehow evaded everyone, but in the case of the second Ramadan’s fierce drive was never in much danger of not finding the bride of the net. Afterwards Liverpool seemed the more likely to make progress. Everton lost their way once Easedale got a grip on their three inside forwards. The young Scot played brilliantly and the Everton front line was made to look very innocuous. Eastdale was good in every department and on this display his club may feel the time to give him valuable first team experience. Shafto was working hard all the time and Ramsden was a standard too much for Barber and others but to be candid there was very little worth, while play on either side. The ground was hard and it was a go-as-you-please occasion until Liverpool generated a little interest with their recovery. Everton’s best were Jones and Jackson and Lindsay. Lindsay is a promising at half-back proposition as Eastdale moreover he has a better physique. Keenan had moments of inspiration before he was injured. Eastham (h) was also injured late on and Bell put in a few clever touches, But Everton were not impressive. Even so, they should have held the lead by goals from Cunliffe and Barber. Liverpool:- Mansley goal, Peters, and , Ramsden backs Eastham,(s), Eastdale, and Browning, half-backs Jones (r), Done, Shatto, Patterson (g) and Eastham (h) forwards. Everton: - Burnett goal, Jackson and Jones (je), backs, Lindley, Gee, and Milligan, half-backs, Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, Sharp, and Keenan, forwards. Referee T.Campbell.

LIVERPOOL ADVANCE
April 18, 1939. The Evening Express.
By Pilot.
Sir Thomas Brocklebank and Messrs Harry Mansley and Shaw represented the Chester club at Anfield, last evening when Liverpool advanced to the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup by beating Everton 3-2. Liverpool fought back spiritedly after being two goals down in 22 minutes. My Chester friends were having a peep ay Jonny Browning, who is an Liverpool’s transfer list, but I am afraid the fee asked is beyond them. I fancy the Reds can do business here if they revise their views on this financial point. I was impressed by the tremendous advancement made by jack Easedale, Liverpool’s 19-year-old centre half. Eric Mansley, the former Chester lad, made his home debut for the Reds, and did well, especially with direct shots, and I was pleased to see Cyril Done coming right back to his game. Everton’s scorers were Cunliffe and barber, who netted early on. Harry Eastham reduced and in the second half, when Liverpool were bang on top. Paterson and Ramsden scored from free kicks. Everton’s defence fell away after the interval, but there was one player who never erred. This was Maurice Lindley the right half-back. Lucky the clubs to posses two such youngsters as Easdale and Lindley. Liverpool face Tranmere Rovers in the final of the competition.

CASKIE’S HONOUR
April 18, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Congratulations to Caskie on his selection for the Scottish side to tour Canada –and America. Everton advised the Scottish F.A. they were willing to allow Gillick to make the trip also if required but apparently the Scottish folk wished to keep the Anglo-Scots down to a minimum. Everton tell me that the question of instruct against injury, which I see has been advanced as a reason for Gillick’s omission, was not discussed.
Everton Shareholders Nomination
“Anglesey writes on the Everton Shareholders Association meeting, last week: - I read with amazement and some disgusts that after the magnificent performance of the Everton Club during the current season and also the wonderful financial results which have apparently been obtained, the body styling themselves. The Everton Shareholders Association consisting of a minority of shareholders have seen fit to oppose one of the retiring directors. I confess that I am at a loss to understand how this section can possibly be for the welfare and good of the club. There is no question that from the result obtained, and in view of the Everton chairman’s speech to the Shareholders Association the present Board has worked in strict harmony both with regard to internal matters and also in conjunction with the players and the spirit reflected on the field has without doubt proved this to the hilt. In the absence of any definite statement from the shareholders Association it would seem obvious that the present election being inspired in order to Endeavour to obtain a place on the board surely from the point of view of office seeking, and I hope that the large majority of shareholders who have no connection with this organization will forthwith shake off their apathy and show in no uncertain manner their feelings by excepting by the chairman’s request and supporting the retiring directors.

EVERTON “B” FIRST DEFEAT
April 18, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Stoke
The Everton boys of the “B” team need not be upset over their defeat by Majacs, their first this season, at Old Trafford last night for they played some good football against a side older in years and bigger in frame . Everton should have a least taken two goals but the marksmanship was anything but accurate. The inside forward Dean, Lyon and Simmons, of whom the Everton team banked for any success in the goal-scoring business that might come their way, failed badly Dean seemed to be “superior” and Simmons was to easily brushed aside and Lyons while pulling out some neat football, was not so good as he can be. Bailey was the smartest worker of the forwards with Sumner of the Mercer like legs showing some cleverness and a good centre, but the boys who took my eye was Dugdale, a fourteen-year-old “kid” who knew the need for immunes at left back. He cut in time and again to check Lockwood, a Joe Spencer like winger, who never once attempted to take the ball back. Onward was his watchful and the was a thorn in the side the Everton defence.

EVERTON FULL STRENGTH
April 19, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will be at full strength for their game with Charlton Athletic on Saturday, when a point to the Blues will clinch their championship beyond all possible contingencies. The team is; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Caskie. The Everton central league sides to play Newcastle United at Goodison Park. Everton; Lovett; Jackson, Jones; Lindley, Gee, Milligan; Barber, Dean, Bell, Barber, Keenan. Barber (inside left) is on trial from Blyth Spartan.

LIVERPOOLL COUNTY LEAGUE
Runcorn 2 Everton ‘’A’’ 1
April 20 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
At Runcorn upset Everton a championship prospect at Runcorn last night Marshall, the Runcorn goalkeeper gave one of his best displays and had a by say in Everton’s downfall. All goals were scored in the first half. Fearnby and Evans scored for Runcorn and Davies reduced the lead for Everton. Burnett Edward, Davies and Johnson were prominent for Everton.

EVERTON’S OPPONENTS
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 20 April 1939
With Wilkinson on the injury list, Charlton Athletic, against Everton Charlton on Saturday, will have Robinson at outside right. Brown will occupy the inside position. Charlton: Bartram; Shreeve, Oakes (Jas.), Turner, Oakes (John), Wright; Robinson. Brown, Blott, Welsh, Hobbis.

PUT US AT EASE, EVERTON
April 21, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
What will the answer be tomorrow. Will Everton be champions or will we have to wait yet another week? It is no easy task which is set before Everton at Charlton, for the Athletic are pretty successful on their own ground, but Everton’s away record this season has been so convincing that it is within their power to win at the Valley. Charlton have an excellent defence. That is the strong part of their make-up and Manger Jimmy Seed is keen that his player should qualify for talent money this term. They are heading that way for they are well up the table, and will gave nothing away before their own supporters. Everton’s great need tomorrow will be good shooting for only good shots will beat Bartram, the goalkeeper, who is, in my opinion the equal of the custodian in the country. Of course with Lawton back –he was a sadly missed man a week ago- Bartram and his backs will have their full quotes of work, but they are the type who don’t mind plenty to do. The more they get the more they seen to thrive on it. Charlton’s rearguard is almost as compact as that of the Arsenal. There are few loopholes, but Everton are playing so well that they do not need loopholes make their own openings. I do hope they get that point. Some foolish people have said that Everton did not want to win last week; they wanted to keep the interest there right to the end. What nonsense some people talk. Everton were as anxious to clinch matters as any of you, and were most disappointed that they did not make the issue safe against Preston. There is a tension about their position, and the sooner it can be relieved the better. Trust the Everton team to rid themselves of their burden at the first possible moment. Everton; Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Caskie. Charlton; Bartram; Shreeve, Oakes (James); Turner, Oakes (John), Wright; Robinson, Brown, Blott, Walsh, Hobbis.

SETTLING THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
April 21, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Fortune Turns On Charlton and Bolton
Ranger’s Notes
Two things can happen tomorrow to make Everton’s position secure as champions. They can get a point or points themselves t Charlton, or Wolves can drop one at Bolton either could settle the argument. The probability is that both may happen, for while Everton will be all out to clinch the matter at the Valley, I cannot see Wolves taking any undue chance at Burnden Park in view of the Cup Final a week hence. I should imagine Wolves have given up all but a very faint hope of the double, for even three outright wins by them would be useless unless Everton sustained three successive defeats, and while nothing is ever certain the odds against such a collapse are heavy. Personally, I think the championship will be Everton’s tomorrow. Bolton will take some beating on their own ground, and Wolves will do as much as I expect if they divide the points. A. Bolton official with whom I spoke at Hampton last week, expressed the view that but for the weakness on the left wing Bolton as well as Wolves would have been challenging Everton.

BID FOR TITLE AND TO KEEP RECORD.
April 21, 1939. The Evening Express.
Everton’s Vital Duel At Charlton.
By Pilot.
Everton need only one point to make sure of the championship of the Football League, and they take the fight to London tomorrow, where they meet Charlton Athletic at The Valley. Even a draw at Charlton would mean the Blues preserving a remarkable record. Throughout this season no club has succeeded in taking four points from them. Charlton Athletic are the only club that can do so now, for on December 17, Charlton won 4-1 at Goodison Park. Everton may lose and still become champions, for to check them Wolverhampton Wanderers must win at Bolton. If the Wolves drop a point then it will be all over. The Blues failed to beat Preston North End because they could not finish with their customary incisiveness. Now they will have Tommy Lawton back to lead the forwards and so I expect improvement in this department. Joe Mercer also comes back after his Hampden Park triumph and with the additional strength of these players, I do not think Everton will be beaten at a ground which has yet not yielded them a point since Charlton reached the First Division. Yet Everton won there 7-0 in Second Division days. Charlton are fighting to keep a place in the top four –and so take part in the talent money share out. It should be dingdong football all through. Charlton will be without the ex-Everton player, Monty Wilkinson, so Robinson will be at outside-right with Brown as his partner. Everton; Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Caskie. Charlton; Bartram; Shreeve, Oakes (James); Turner, Oakes (John), Wright; Robinson, Brown, Blott, Walsh, Hobbis.

EVERTON TO PLAY NORTHAMPTON
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 21 April 1939
Everton F.C. have agreed to send a team to play Northampton at the County Ground on May 1 in aid of the fund for Russell, the Town back, who had a leg amputated following a broken leg. The team will go down after the home game against Aston Villa. The appearance of the Blues in Northampton will be an event and many old acquaintances will be renewed. Warney Cresswell, former Everton back, is manager of Northampton and Hurel and Cuff, ex-Everton players are on the staff.
County Combination
Everton still a have chance to win the championship the Liverpool  County Combination. To do so they must not drop another point. At the moment Skelmersdale United lead the Blues by a point and each club has two games to play -Everton at two home. Tomorrow  Everton entertain Hoylake at Bellefield, West Derby, and the their other game against Earlestown Bohemians at home.  Skelmersdale are at home to Prescot Cables tomorrow, and then have to go to Prescot B.I.  If Everton win both games and the United drop one point.  Everton succeed by reason of goal average.  Everton "A" Burnett; Prescott, Saunders; M. Mill, Edwards, Davies (J.W); A. Johnson, Sharp, Catterick, S. Griffiths, Davies (J). 

EVERTON MAKE A CLUB AFFAIR OF THEIR B TEAM
April 22, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Coming Players in The Making
Healing The Breach At 16, Trentham
By Stork.
During the week I had an evening out with the lads of the Everton “B” team, and must say they gave me quite an enjoyable time, even though they lost for the first time this season. I was not in the least bit surprise at that, for the Manchester boys –the Majacs –were about a year order and bigger in body. The Mujacs are not run by the Manchester United club, but are a private enterprise organized by the school teachers of Manchester thought he United have taken them under their wing, and any coming “stars” in the team will I feel sure eventually find their way into the United dressing room. The Everton B team is an Everton club affair. They take all reasonability for them, and the directors are hoping that one day a star will shine out so brightly that it will eventually force its way into the first team. That is the idea. They do not expect every boy whom they take in the B team to be a Lawton or a Mercer, but should one qualify for the first team they will be satisfied. Most clubs –the big ones at least –are paying particular attention to boys football these days. At one time a school boy player of merit simply left school and was never again heard of, but should there be one of outstanding merit nowsday he is taken into the fold and allowed to developed his game under the guidance of a professional coach. Naturally these boys are might proud of their connection with such a club as Everton, and if there is anything in them at all they are given every encouragement and help.
In The Making.
I saw several promising Everton players in embryo last Monday night at Manchester, and although they were beaten I trust that the setback will not curb their enthusiasm. They did not seem to allow it to worry them on our journey home. Perhaps it was well that they were defeated for a reverse very often had a good effect rather than otherwise. Such knowledgably men as Billy Meredith (who does not look one bit different from the days when he was tripping the touchline for Manchester United, with his famous toothpick protending from his lips), and Herbert Bamblett the former manager and referee, soon saw in Everton’s play traces of the Everton tradition. Bill said “They hold the ball and work it like experienced players. These are some smart lads in your team.” Mr. Bamblett shock his wise old head and said, “You are bringing them up as you went them to go and as that is the Everton way, it is the right one.” The Manchester team was much more progressive. They rarely held the ball, but thumped it about first time and galloped forward. Finesse was not for them. They never looked back, the ball being propelled forward all the time. They are a good side, but Everton’s play was more classical.
Sixteen Upwards.
I understand that there is to be another Everton team next season. It is felt that when these boys have reached the age which prevents them from staying on in the “B” team there should be a team from 16 and upwards. This would play in an Open Age League. So much for the boys. Now to the 1st team. They just missed the championship last week, but I am not alarmed, but how much better it would have been to have made certain. I heard one man say “They didn’t want to win; they wanted to keep the interest until the Villa game, and so he assured of a big gate.” What nonsense the players were most disappointed they had not settled the matter once and for all. It would have eased the tension, and they, like any other human being, would rather be free of any further sorry. That one point may be difficult to get, for the getting of it may make them over-anxious and an over anxious tam slips into error. I think it was over-anxiety which prevented them from beating Preston North End a week ago. By the same token their challengers, the Wolves must be even more anxious, for they have six points to win from three games. They cannot afford to make one single slip if they have any hopes of winning the championship. They cannot take the slightest risk with that Cup final looming up on the horizon. It would be one of football’s greatest moments were the Wolves to sneak up and beat Everton on the post. It is hardly likely, but it is quite possible. Let me offer my congratulations to Joe Mercer on his brilliant play in the international and Tommy Lawton for his winning goal. What a strange coindence that Lawton should follow in the footsteps of Dean by leading England to victory in Scotland. The last occasion England won an international match in Glasgow was twelve years ago, when Dean’s two goals did the trick.
Breed Of The Trentham.
Douglas Trentham comes of a football family, for his elder brother, Bert played full back for West Bromwich, so was it surprising that the youngster should take to the game like a duck takes to water? Dug was born in Montgonseyshire, but moved within the twelve-month to Knighton, In Radnorshire where he played with the lads, there being no school football or, at least, no organized team. At fifteen the Trentham family moved to Chester. It was than he started playing in real earnest for he linked up with Saltney, in the Chester and District League, when he was sweet 17, and it was while he was tripping the wing that Everton got a notion that here was a lad of promise, so they invited him for a trial. He must have satisfied, for although he was allowed to return to Saltney and passed on to Mickle Trafford, he eventually came to Everton on the permanent staff. He has been there ever since so is just concluding his third season. He served his time as an electrical fitter and I think he completed his indentures, so is prepared for the day which he has to hang up his boots for all time. That day, I hope is far distant for Douglas is a young man. Like many of the Everton team he graduated with the “A” team, working his way through the Central League side until he ultimately received recognition as a first team man. Last season he actually made sixteen appearances in the League tam, and scored six goals. The one which stands out most prominently in my find (and mine for that matter) was the electric goal against Liverpool at Anfield. It was not until November of last year that he became a full time player, for he used to work during the day and do his training in the evening. He has been a luckless young man, for to have three cartilage operations at his time of life is bad luck. The first “take out” kept him out of football for a matter of ten weeks, the second laid him aside for six, and he has already been out four weeks with his last operation, so in all has had twenty-three idle weeks, which is nearly half a season. Douglas Trentham thinks his best game was this season, against Leeds United, when Gordon Hodgson was injured in the first few minutes. He scored in that game. He is a fast winner who cuts in and had a shot, and he hits a powerful ball. I sincerely hope he will have no further injury, and that he will have a long football life.

EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS’ CRITCISM
April 22, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Mr. dick Searle, vice chairman of the Everton shareholders, association, writes me, on behalf of his committee, as follows:- “In reply to the letter from Anglesey, which appeared in your Notes a few days ago, I wish to make it clear that membership of the Everton Shareholders Association is open to any shareholders of the club irrespective of his views. “Anglesey says, and rightly, that the association consists only of a minority of shareholders. We are anxious however, to make it as fully representative of all shareholders as possible. We do not mind what their opinions may be. In fact we welcome fair criticism, and would be glad to welcome as members not only Anglesey’ but any other shareholders, in order that they may all freely express themselves in what they consider to be the best interests of the club. Out next general meeting will be at the St. George’s Restaurant on Thursday April 27, at 8’oclock, when we hope that all shareholders who can will attend. “Anglesey’ lays stress on the harmony which he says has actuated the board during the past twelve months. There is not the slightest cause or foundation for assuming that this harmony would be endangered by the election of our nominee to the board.
Apart from the affairs of Everton the shareholders Association is doing a lot of good work on behalf of the poor children of the neighborhood. I am told that at a recent meeting of the executive committee it was decided to send 100 children away for a week’s holiday this summer under good care and supervision. The assistance of folk who have had experience of this class of work would be welcomed while any shareholders who knows genuine cases suitable for inclusion in the list of holiday children is requested to give full particulars to the honorary secretary Mr. Alex Lomax at the meeting of the Association on Thursday next.

CHARLTON SHOCK EVERTON
Charlton Athletic 2 Everton 1 (Game 1686 over-all)-(Div 1 1644)
April 24 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
The League championship is settled, for Everton have attained a number of points which challenge, wolverhampton Wanderers, cannot reach but they had to rely upon their rivals more than themselves, for had not the Wolves dropped that point at Bolton they would still have been in the chase. Everton desired 1 point to give them the verdict. They tried hard for it a week ago against Preston North End, but it would not come, so they had to bid for it at Charlton and the valley has not been a good ground for Everton in years gone by. They were hopeful of a draw, if not a clean cut win, but could not force a draw with the Athletic, although they were unfortunate not to do so. I have never seen them fight harder than they did in the last half-hour of the game when Charlton were leading by 2 clear goals, but things would not just run their way. They had a very moderate first half. When nothing seemed to go right for them. They could not get into unison, and were nothing like the Everton we know them to be. They lacked harmony, and when the Athletic had collected 2 goals, without reply there did not seem much hope of Everton pulling the game out of the fire not unless there was a big change in their play. It was pretty apparent that Everton were feeling their position. There was not the usual swing about their game; they got bunched up together and thereby hindered their own progress. Time and again they got to gripe with the Charlton defence, which did not look convincing, but they could not get close, enough to defeat the Athletic goalkeeper. I think it was all a matter of nerves. It seemed only a little thing to get 1 point, but that 1 point was harder to get than many of the 2’s they have taken from away grounds. Their prospects were not made any easier by the fact that the Athletic took a goal in 30 seconds. That was to say the least a body blow, and that had its effect for it took Everton quite a time to settle down. The blow was dealt before Everton had realised what had happened. Charlton, had caught them unaware by the speed with which they took this opening goal. Straight from the kick off the Athletics’ swept down on the right wing, and Watson for once in a way made a weak tackle and the ball went on to Brown who dashed towards the goal-line and swept the ball right across the goalmouth. Hobbs who was at one time greatly fancied, and almost became an Everton player cut in and headed into the net. You can well imagine the feeling of the many Liverpool people present. They were dumbfounded and for a time Charlton went on their way rejoicing. They had the joy of a goal and Everton just could not get together. Passes went wrong players failed to connect up with the ball, by the merest fractions, and we began to think that Charlton were booked for an easy victory. It was one of Everton’s worst first half displays of the season. They had not the pace of Charlton, who were like a lot of greyhounds racing about and swinging the ball about in the high winds. Five minutes before the interval Everton went further in arrears through a fluky sort of goal scored by Robinson whose shot was deflected on to the upright before it went into the net. Just prior to this the same player had given Sagar a warm handful to deal with, so he got his revenge when the Everton goalkeeper failed to take Hobbie’s centre, which eventually found its way to Robinson’s foot. The outside right should have been dispossessed but the Everton defence at this moment was in a bit of a tangle. So the interval arrived with Charlton in a commanding position. During the break the topic was ‘’could Everton pull the game out of the fire’’ A big change in tactics would have to be made it they were to do so. They resumed with considerably more ‘’pep’’ yet there were not the effective Everton which has kept them at the top for so long. Their football in the field like that of Charlton was distinctly good, and territorially they were the equal of the Athletic, but the latter’s forward were more direct and punchful near goal. The hour had just turned when Mercer made of those brilliant runs of his and popped the ball into the middle for Gillick to sweep it into the net.
That was the tonic Everton needed.
From then on they took complete command and Gillick almost scored a second a few minutes later, the ball just swinging wide. Charlton were now feeling the effects of their first half, cracking pace and Everton produced a fighting rally which nearly took them to victory. Had they won I don’t think one solitary Charlton man would have complained, for they were full of admiration for Everton’s fighting quality. Lawton had missed a sitter, but he was responsible for a great shot taken on the half turn and Bartram brought off a sparkling save. Everton beat themselves up against the Charlton defence which was now working at full pressure and with the slightest bit of luck Everton would have ‘’squared’’ the game. But it was not to be and so Charlton won, and as the players left the field, the Everton men looked rather despondent, for they did not know, as we did that Wolverhampton had only drawn at Bolton. The lively ball was to some extent responsible for Everton’s failure, for they were all too long in mastering its capers. In the second half the wind dropped a little and instead of passes going wrong they went right, and it is some time since I saw a team so vastly overplayed for so long a period without having to yield. That last half-hour’s rally was worth going a long way to see. Pressmen sitting alongside me had asked, ‘’is this the worst game Everton have played?’’ well until the late stage of which I have told you. It was one of their worst but that grand finish saved their faces. All were agreed that Everton should have had at least a draw, if not a win but they got neither, but, nevertheless, pleased the 40,000 spectators by their sportsmanship like play; in fact it was a spotlessly clean contest, and many were the congratulation in the Charlton board-room after the game. Mr. Green the Everton chairman, was the recipient of several telegrams of congratulations the first being from Mr. W.Harrop the Liverpool chairman.
Charlton Athletic: - Bartram, goal, Shreeves and Oakes (James), backs, Turner, Rist and Wright half-backs, Robinson, Brown, Blott, Welsh and Hobbie, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal, Cook (captain), and Greenhalgh backs, Mercer, Jones (tg), and Watson, half-backs, Gillick, Bentham, Lawton Stevenson and Caskie, forwards. Referee Mr. H.T.Wright (Macclesfield). Attendance 26,338

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Reserves 2 Newcastle United Reserves 2
April 24 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 42)
The high wind put an end to many proming movements in a game in which the visitors were somewhat fortunate to secure a point. Lovett played grandly in the Everton goal, at least 2 of his saves being outstanding-while Jackson and Jones (je), rarely put a foot wrong. Lindsay was the best of the halves, and Barber Bell and Keenan hard working forwards. Swinburne was safe in the visitors goal, and was well covered by Hughes and Fairhurst. Gordon played finely at right half while Birkett, Park and Isaac were dangerous raiders, Barber and Bell scored for Everton and Isaac and Birkett for Newcastle. Everton Team:- Lovett, goal, Jackson and Jones (je), backs, Lindsay Gee, and Milligan, half-backs, Barber , Dean, Bell, Barber (trial from Blyth Spartans), Keenan forwards Placed 5, Played 42, Won 20, Lost 15 Draw 7, For 78 Against 71, Points 46

LIVERPOOL COUNTY LEAGUE
Everton ‘’A’’ 1 Hoylake 1
April 24, 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
At Sandforth Road West Derby. Everton ‘’A’’ chances of retaining the League championship received a setback when they unexpectedly dropped a point to Hoylake. In the first half the home side created many good openings but failed to beat Watson, who made clever saves. Hoylake forwards displayed good combination but found the Everton defence in good form. In the later stages, following a spell of midfield play the visitors took the lead through a free kick by Allen. Everton equalised through Catterick after good work by Joe Davis.

EVERTON CHAMPIONSHIP A TRUIMPH OF TEAM WORK
April 24, 1939. The Evening Express
Chairman’s Tribute To “Club First” Spirit.
By Pilot.
Eight months ago, I was contended that Everton’s team was not good enough and that the club would be a struggling force. Yet today they are champions of the Football League –for the fifth time in their history. I was alone in expressing the view that Everton had a team capable of winning the honour which stamps the Blues as the greatest team of the year. Although they lost –undeservedly –at Charlton athletic on Saturday by two goals to one they still gained the title because Wolverhampton Wanderers failed to win at Bolton. At Charlton, Everton proved themselves a real championship side and never have I know a crowd –there were 40,000 present –cheer a visiting side so loudly. One would have imagined Everton were the home team! It was a tribute they deserved because of their fighting rally, so typical of their endeavours throughout the season. What has been the secret of Everton’s success? The outstanding factor has been the wonderful spirit of the players. It has been a case of the club first all the time. Without that spirit, how could they have recovered from that 7-0 defeat at Wolverhampton and gone on winning match after match right up to Saturday. Everton have lost only two league games in 1939.
Success Without Stunts.
Everton have succeeded without stunting. They have insisted on playing high-class football all through. Not a single player has been dropped from the team. The only changes made have been because of injury or the release of players for representative games. The policy of the management in refusing to change the constitution of the team stands out in my mind as another important factor in the team’s success. The conditions of the players is tribute to the skill and diligence of Harry Cooke, the trainer. His six-a-side matches in practice have, I am convinced, done much to improve the football ability of the lads, especially in moving to position quickly and making passes without hesitation. Mr. Theo Kelly, the secretary, has been a real friend, as well as adviser to the players and his sound judgment and genial manner has helped tremendously. And how much do Everton own to the captaincy of Jock Thomson? The directors hose the ideal leader, who had the complete trust of the other players, and who has done great work both on and off the field. When Jock went out owing to injury, Willie Cook carried on as skipper with the same enthusiastic touch and earnestness.
Team Triumph.
Every player has pulled his full weight. This is no triumph for individuals, but one for a team of real fighters and great footballers. “The smooth working of the whole organization of the club has had much to do with our triumph,” said Mr. Ernest green, the chairman, to me after the Charlton game. “If one had to particularize about the men who, at the head, have had a great influence in bringing about the team spirit you would have to mention Mr., Kelly, Harry Cooke, and Jock Thomson. Yes, and how proud Willie Cook has been to take over when Thomson went out. “Apart from the players mentioned, it would be invidious to mention others, for the whole team from goal to centre forward have been imbued with that wonderful team spirit. “Every man has played his part faithfully for Everton, and the direction and myself are really proud of the lads who have brought further glory to the name of Everton. This success may not be the end of Everton’s triumphs, for they have a young side, and, that being so, a side which must go on improving. The players were sorry that they could not gain a point at Charlton just to make sure of the championship, but with ordinary luck, they would have got it –and I think both. Charlton were one up in the first minute, with a goal scored by Hobbis and a deflected shot from Robinson gave them a 2-0 lead at half-time. Everton were in their brightest mood practically throughout the second half, and after Gillick had reduced the lead, the Athletic were kept on defence. If Everton had weaknesses, they were that Lawton was off his game, and that the defence was a little wobbly at the outset. Otherwise this was a fine team in a great game played in wonderful spirit. To all I say, “Well done.”

HAIL EVERTON WORTHY CHAMPIONS
April 24, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Classic Football
Triumph For Skill As Opposed To Biff And Bang
Thomson Back Stage Influence
Ranger’s Notes.
Congratulations to Everton upon their championship. They have put up a performance which has passed the acid test of consistency, and nobody can dispute their strength and attractiveness of their right to be regarded as the outstanding team of the season. There is not a great deal to add or what wrote about them three weeks ago, I admit without equivocation that the last thing I expected eight months ago was to see the championship finding a resting place in Goodison Park. I write in this column what I honestly believe without regard to whether it pleases or displeases, and I don’t paint a rosy outlook if unless I consider there is a simple foundation for it. Now and again I am wrong. This is one of the occasions for at the beginning of the season I wouldn’t have given up pence for Everton’s championship prospects. That however, doesn’t detract from my pleasure and sincerity is saying “Well done.” They have succeeded by sound, skilful football and polished artistry without glands or doctored grounds on sheer merit; based upon a true scientific exposition of the game, as opposed to the modern craze of speed hard-hitting, and first time tactics. Their success is a heartening reply to the rather melancholy indictments we occasionally hear from the old-timers of the standard of present-day football. It prove that the best type of game will pay in the end, and I question whether even Everton’s long and honorable reputation for producing football of the finest quality has ever been higher or more unanimously acknowledged than it is today. While it would be invidious to single out individual players for special mention, for all have done their part nobly and pulled together as a team in the highest sense of the word, I feel some tribute at least should be paid to Jock Thomson. The turning point in Everton’s affair can be traced to his introduction last March. His influence- particularly off the field and in training –has been incalculable, and I know the directors are unanimous in their appreciation of all he has done. Previously I have drawn attention to the work of Secretary Theo Kelly, who has been guide, philosopher and friend to all; to Harry Cooke trainer, who has kept; the players in the pink of condition; and others who have contributed their share of triumph. Players, directors, and officials alike have every season to take pride in the season’s happy result.

TENSION IS OVER.
April 24, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
That one championship point which Everton have been striving to get for the last two weeks has been the most elusive one of the whole season. It has been harder to get than any others during the eight months and anyone who knows what it means to be so near the winning post with someone right on your shoulder is aware what that last effort demands. However, it has been obtained, even though they could not take it at the Valley where they were beaten, but instead of them losing any prestige they made a grand impression so much so that the crowd cheered every effort of their’s when they were making the Athletic sit up and look a poor side. Everton may not have looked a championship team in the first half hour. As a matter of fact they did not. But in the last half-hour they were magnificent and those who had said. “How have Everton kept on the top with such football, later said, “They are the best team we have seen here this season. Two goals down and with almost half an hour to play, it did not promise to be a game worthy to the recalled, but a goal to Gillick at the hour, made the game –a game which will be talked of for many week. Now at one time of day Everton would not had the spirit to battle against such odds, but his season everything has been different. They have fought back in many games which appeared to be outside their grip –remember Middlesbrough –but by that wonderful team spirit which has made them champions they have pulled the game out of the fire. This game was labeled “Charlton F.C” at the interval, but Everton who had been quite as good in the matter of progression as their opponents were not deflenite enough near goal.
Wonderful Recovery.
But just think of it, Charlton scored a goal in the first half minute. Only one Everton man played the ball on its course to the back of the net. Watson was robbed by brown, who sent Blott away, and the latter’s centre was headed into the net like lightning. That was a blow below the belt, and it took Everton some considerable time to get over it. That goal mean’t a dour battle if the leaders were to have any say in the destiny of the spoils. So just imagine the feelings of the many Liverpool people present when Robinson chalked up a second goal. Was it possible to turn such a deficit into a victory? Not unless something better came from the Everton team, which had not played with the unanimity of purpose which produced six points at Eastertide. They lacked their usual swing, got bunched up in the centre far too much and passes would persist in going wrong. With the arrival of Gillick’s goal at 62 minutes a different Everton was seen; a championside Everton, and they fought a won-football and took a two goal lead. They looked Charlton in their own half by high-class football which brought nothing but praise from the big crowd who had previously been cheering on their own team. Everton has got together at long last, and when Everton are playing with that sense of determination they want some stopping. How the Charlton defence came through their ordeal without suffering another blow will never be known, but I blame Jimmy Oakes for a deal of their success when they were being offered up as a burnt sacrifice. One single trip and the brilliant Gillick would have taken full toll of it. The Scot tried everything he knew to get a second goal and nearly did so. Gillick and Mercer were the master minds in the Everton team with Stevenson nearly their equal, and Caskie and Bentham played their part, Lawton being the only moderate member of the front line. Jones had a good game, and after that slip Watson did some fine things. Cook and Greenhalgh, after their shanky openings, did well.

EVERTON AT ALDERSHOT
April 24, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Greenhalgh As Centre Forward V. Army.
By stork.
The Army:- L/cop M Lowry goal, Pte Hunter Bandsman H Phillips, backs, Driver, W Mitchell, and Pte C Wright half-backs, F Banner Pte A Davies Rifleman Ferrier, L/Segt Tams Pte J Murray and L/Cpl CV Bootland. Everton: - Sagar goal Cook, and Thomson (captain), backs Mercer Jones (TG) and Watson half-backs Gillick, Bentham, Greenhalgh, Stevenson, and Caskie forwards. Referee Staff Sgt S.S.Taylor. Norman Greenhalgh led the Everton attack against the Army at Aldershot today, Lawton having injured one of his toes on Saturday. Thomson came in at left back. The Army were anxious to record their first win against Everton. The Cameronians band greeted Everton with their signature tune. One round of Everton passing pleased the crowd, who were thankful when Stevenson lobbed the ball over the bar from close in. Then came a goal for the Army. Tams scoring. Davies had a shot stopped by Sagar, when, however, could not prevent Tams from whipping the return into the net. At the half-hour Jones and Mercer set in motion an attack which produced a goal, Gillick working his way to goal and standing in front of goal before he finally put the ball into the net. The Army goalkeeper, who understand, is being watched by several First Division clubs, had done well but was left spellbound when Gillick cracked home a second goal three minutes later. Just on half-time Davies scored a grand goal from a difficult angle. Half-Time The Army 2, Everton 2.

EVERTON AT ALDERSHOT
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 24 April 1939
By PILOT Norman Greenhalgh led the Everton forwards against the British Army at Aldershot today, owing to Lawton having a toe injury. Thomson appeared at left back. Everton:—Sagar; Cook, Thomson; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Greenhalgh, Stevenson, Caskie. The Army: Lance Corporal Lowery (Royal Tank Corp); Pte. Hunter (R. Tank Corp), Bandsman Phipps (Middlesex Regt.); Driver Mitchel (R.A.F.C.), Pte. Wright (S. Lancs. Regt.), Pte. Vanner (Middlesex Regt), Pte. Davies (R.A.F.C.), Rifleman Ferries (2nd Cameronians), Lance Sergeant Tams (Royal Scots Fusiliers), Pte. Murray (D.L.1.), Lance Corporal Bootland (Seathforth Highlanders). The Army showed the way at the start. Vanner’s cute pass and the accurate centre of Bootland provided Davies with an easy chance. Davies shot too quickly and -Sagar’s task was easy. Sagar had to save a header from Davies after more good work by Bootland, and Lowery, the Army goalkeeper, was merely an onlooker. Greenhalgh’s quick overhead pass put Stevenson through and the inside left lobbed inches over as Lowery advanced. G-illick tilso went near, grazing the near upright. In 17 minutes Everton -were goal down through TAMS, and so The Army were ahead of the Blues for the first time in this series. Davies cut through and although Sagar saved his shot at full length, he could only push the ball out and Tams screwed it into the net. The Army continued quicker on the ball and Sagar had to save high up from Bfootland. GILLICK scored for Everton after 30 minutes, end three minutes later added a second goal. Immediately after Everton’s first goal Sagar saved at point blank range. Davies equalised for the Army in 44 minutes. Half-time: Army 2, Everton 2.

"OVER THE JUMPS" WITH THE TANK CORPS
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 25 April 1939
EVERTON'S DAY AT ALDERSHOT
ThE Army of today is all right. We discovered this at Aldershot yesterday when Everton paid their annual visit. Everton gained their usual victory, but only after the hardest game the Army have given them in the six visits and I have seen all the games. Here is an Army side with speed, good ideas and understanding. They made experiments in certain positions and twice led Everton before the Blues won 5-3. The same side was chosen to oppose the Royal Navy Villa Park, on Saturday and I think they will win. G. O. Smith Everton had their only “ever present” of the season at centre forward. This was Norman Greenhalgh. Norman will never be allowed to forget it. He has been christened G. 0. Smith,” already! Norman, as a matter of fact, was out of his element, but when Jock Thomson thought Norman and Torry Gillick should change places and he was asked why, he replied, Well, Torry isn’t doing so well at outside right.” Norman stood all the leg pulling well and laughed at the thought that owing to the fact that no board was sent around notifying changes, the spectators —mostly Army lads—thought he was Tommy Lawton! We Join the Army The Aldershot Command authorities, as usual, treated us right royally. They gave us a day we shall all remember. W© were entertained by the 40th Battn. Royal Tank Corps, and taken to their miniature range, where everything is absolutely to scale. Each member of the party was allowed to fire five rounds. If anyone beat me, then I have yet to see the card—three bulls and two inners. After the firing, we were taken over the jumps—that is the right Tank Regiment expression—in tanks of various sizes. I almost fell off when the big tank on which I rode hit the bumps, but by desperate cling stayed put. My thoughts travelled to Becher’s Brook. Torry Gillick got on the small whipper tank and sat right in front. It had not covered 100 yards before he yelled to the driver to stop, jumped off and was with me in the big un in a flash, leaving Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly in joyous soV ude on the top of the whipper enjoying every minute. The Tank boys gave us a grand exhibition, thanks to Major J. S. Fernie and his merry men. Thanks \Ve were entertained by the heads of the Aldershot Command, including Lieut.-General Sir John Dill, Commander-in-Chief; Major-General Charles Board, who is in charge of administration; Major-General the Hon. (H. R. L. G. Alexander, Commander, First Division; Major - General and Mrs. Howell, Brigadier A. E. Percival, Colonel W. P. Buckley, Major G. A. N. Swiney and son, Micky; Major F. C. Noakes, Major F. V. Sibbald, Lieut.- Colonel John Morall, Captain J. A. Grant-Peterkin, Captain R. W. M. de Winton, and Lieut. Gilliat. Of course, our old friends. Colonel Jack Sharp and Major A. Webb, were hand looking to our needs and making sure that hospitality was Al. This is what they said in Command orders, "... The action of Everton in coming entirely at their own expense not only benefits Army football, but also gives others in the command an opportunity that they might not otherwise have, of seeing the team which now stands first in the First Division of the League.” The football was a treat to the eye, with Gillick (3), Stevenson (2) scoring for the Blues and Tams, Davies and Ferrier netting for the Army. The Army man who took my eye was Murray. Sagar damaged his left thumb, but should be right for Saturday's game against Aston Villa. Mujacs Here My news today is all about Everton —through force of circumstances—but I can assure you that there will be a fine game at Goodison Perk tomorrow evening, when the “B” team —the stars of the future—oppose the Mujacs—or the Manchester United juniors. These teams met at Old Trafford a week ago, and the Mujacs won 3-0. This was the first time the Blues had been defeated this season. Everton’s Young Stars Canavan, the Everton goalkeeper, is a fine player, and Ireland and Dugdale, just in their 'teens, are a splendid pair of backs. They were schoolboy players of note, and so were Simmons and Lyon—the last-named an England player. Beardwood is a boy to watch, and for work commend me to Atkins and Sherratt, the wing half backs. Johnson, from Northwich, is the big boy the party, and Owens, the centreforward, comes from Little Sutton, and Bailey, outside left, is a young edition of Caskie. Go along and give the youngster the encouragement Everton give them.

EVERTON SHOW THE ARMY
The Army 3 Everton 5
April 25 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Bright football at Aldershot.
Although the Army were beaten rather comfortably by Everton in the annual match at Aldershot yesterday the Services team gave one of its best exhibitions against the Merseysideers. In fact, I am given to understand that they served up the best football they have displayed this season. Naturally Everton did not play at full speed. They were out to give a display of clever football and they did duly obliged, much to the pleasure of many hundreds of Soldiers surrounding the fine little ground. Gillick scored 3 of Everton’s 5 goals, Stevenson obtaining the other 2. Private Davies Lance sergeant Tams and Rifteman Ferrier replied for the Army. There was a rather uncommon change in the Everton team, for Greenhalgh was brought in at centre forward owing to an injured toe sustained by Lawton in the Charlton game on Saturday. The centre forward berth is not strange to the Everton full back even though it is a considerable time since he played in that position. It was while he was with New Brighton and I think he had half a dozen games there and scored several goals but it was plain to be seen that he was uncommonly out of touch with the position yesterday. So much so that he eventually went on to the wing and Gillick went centre forward. Thomson came in at full back.
There was some really classical football movements and it did not all come from the Everton side though, of course, the League champions were by far the better side, but there Army need have no qualms about their present side. They have a big match on hand on Saturday when they meet the rival service the Navy, and if they play anything like they did against Everton I am sure they will win through. Everton gave a demonstration of scenic football, the like of which has not been seen in the Aldershot district for some time. It was. Naturally go-as-you-please sort of stuff as far as Everton were concerned, and this enabled them to indulge in finery which would not be possible in a more strenuous League encounter. I was particularly struck by the play of private Murray of the Durham light infantry, for he has everything required off an inside forward, while Davie, an outside right from the R.A.M.C was another who showed up prominently. In fact, he scored one of the best goals of the day when he hooked in the second Army goal just before the interval. Sagar had to make make a fine saves, one in particular when he edged the ball over the bar and in so doing dislocated the thumb of his right hand. Gillick, as a centre forward was quite a success, but the Scot is such a grand little footballer that he can play anywhere and so for that matter could Caskie who was here, there and everywhere, but did his best work, when he joined up with Watson in interpassing movements which was simply bewildering. The Army full backs did not know quite how to cope with him. The two teams were entertained to dinner after the game. The Army:- L/cop M Lowry goal, Pte Hunter Bandsman H Phillps, backs, Driver, W Mitchell, and Pte C Wright half-backs, F Banner Pte A Davies Riftelman Ferier, L/SEGT Tams Pte J Murray and L/Cpl CV Bootland. Everton: - Sagar goal Cook, and Thomson (captain), backs Mercer Jones (TG) and Watson half-backs Gillick, Bentham, Greenhalgh, Stevenson, and Caskie forwards. Referee Staff Sgt S.S.Taylor.

EVERTON TO REST FEELING OF LEAGUE CLUBS ON QUESTIONS OF GRAND TREATMENT AND EXCESSIVE WATTERING OF GROUNDS.
April 25, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton F.C. have taken the first step towards settling two of the most controversial points which have cropped up in football for several seasons –namely, glad treatment and excessive watering of grounds –by tabling proposals to test the feeling of clubs on both questions at the annual conference in London on Friday week. This gathering, which is a sort of clearing house for the annual meeting a month later will have before it one of the longest agendas of recent years, as well as one of the most contentious. Actually the decisions taken on Friday have no binding effect for they have to go before the annual meeting in due course, for approval of otherwise; but the conference gives clubs an idea of possible support and whether it is worth carrying on with their proposals. Several times in recent months I have asked for a full authoritative inquiry into the pros and cons of gland treatment. This new fashion is a rock on which boards might easily split if it progresses must further, for feeling is strong in many quarters, and for that reason along, as well as others I have outlined previously I am glad Everton have taken the bull by the horns. As for watering of grounds, up to a point I am in agreement with it. Anfield on Saturday would have provided a much better game had the pitch been judiciously softened. The bone-hard surface completely ruined the match. But there is a vast different between using the hose to improve the game and keeping it on so long that the surface becomes nothing but a quagmire. Note that Everton’s wording is “excessive watering.” That is where the League can step in and place a time limit, say two days before a match, after which the hose shall not be brought into action.
Hospital “Derby” Game.
Sometime ago it was decided to reconstitute the Liverpool Hospital competition, and while retaining one section for junior clubs to play an annual match between Liverpool and Everton by which means the financial benefit to the cause would the name surably greater. It has now been decided that the game should take place next season, probably in the first fortnight in September. The feeling is that as Everton and Liverpool Reserves have already met five times a further encounter would hardly draw the crowd that would be attracted t the outset of next season when enthusiasm is running high.
Everton’s Science Tells.
By Stork
For the sixth time in succession Everton neat the Army at Aldershot, but their victory was not so convincing as in previous years. This was, however, to some extent to the fact that the League champions were not at top speed. Had they pulled out everything they knew I think the Army would have been demolished. Yet this Army team which was beaten 5-3 was one of the bets I have seen of the series, and if they produce anything like the game they gave yesterday they should beat the Navy on Saturday. Gillick scored three goals and Stevenson two, but it was not the goals which counted so much with the soldier spectators. It was the silence of the game. They were there to see classical football, and they saw it at its best, for Everton set out to give them what they wanted.

EVERTON’S NEW FORWARD
April 26 1939. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton gave a trial to Edward Barber inside left of Blythe Spartans last week-end, and so well did he shape that the League champions decided to sign him as a professional. Barber who played for the central league side against Newcastle United is aged 18, and stands 5ft 8 and half inches , his weight is 10st 10 and half pounds.

EVERTON CHAIRMAN RESIGNS FROM SHAREHOLDERS ASSOCIATION
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 26 April 1939
By Pilot
The latest development in the affairs of Everton Eootball Club and elections to the directorate, is the resignation from the Shareholders’ Association of Mr. Ernest Green, chairmen of the club. Mr Green, who was a vice-president of the Association, has contended for a long time that in view of the club’s splendid season, there should be election for seats on the board this year. The Association, however, have decided to oppose Alderman A. Gates, one of the retiring directors, and to support Messrs. W. C. Cuff and A. Coffey (retiring directors) and Mr. Denaro, their own chairman. Mr. Green has written the following letter to the Association: In view of the action of the Shareholders’ Association in endeavouring to secure an alteration in the personnel the Board of Directors following an outstandingly successful season, it is my considered opinion that this action is not in the best interests of the Club, and I, therefore, tender my resignation from your Association.” The Shareholders’ Association are holding another meeting tomorrow night

EVERTON CHAIRMAN AND PROXY VOTES
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 26 April 1939
Mr. Ernest Green, chairman of Everton Football Club, who has resigned from the Shareholders Association, today told “Pilot,” I understand that forms for proxy voting are being circulated by the Shareholders' Association. No nominations for candidature have yet been received at the offices of the Club, and therefore a full list of candidates cannot yet be published in order to allow the shareholders to form a judgment,” he said. “A message from the Club to the Shareholders will be issued in the near future, and I appeal to all shareholders not to commit themselves by signing proxy forms pending that message from a majority of the directors.”

EVERTON’S FOUR MATCHES IN EIGHT DAYS
April 16, 1939. The Evening Express.
No team Change For Last Home Game.
By Pilot.
Everton will have a bust time during the eight days beginning Saturday, when they ring their home programme to a close with a Football League game against Aston Villa. Following the Villa game, they will go to Northampton to play a friendly game for the benefit of the fund instituted for Russell, the Northampton back, who recently had a leg amputated. They return to Liverpool and cross to Ireland to oppose Linfield in an exhibition game on Wednesday. On the Friday they set out for Grimsby, where they bring their fixtures to a close on the Saturday. Ted Sagar, who damaged his left thumb in the game against The Army, at Aldershot, On Monday, will be fit for Saturday, and so the team to oppose Aston Villa shows no change from that defeated at Charlton. Tom Lawton had a sore toe, but this also has yielded to treatment and he can play. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Caskie. Everton Reserves are without a Central league match on Saturday, but they go to face the Halifax Town league team at the Shay in a match for the benefit of Craig, the Town player. They are taking a strong team. Everton Reserves; Morton; Lambert, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee, Lindley; Barber (AW.), Cunliffe, Bell, Barber (E.), Kennan.

EVERTON AS USUAL
April 26, 1939. The Liverpool Echo.
By stork.
Everton’s game with Aston Villa on Saturday may not draw the biggest crowd of the season, for there is nothing at stake of any consequence, but whatever its size the crowd will give the players a reception they will long remember for this will be their first home appearance since the championship was definitely made secure. Lawton has now fully recovered from the slight injury he received at Charlton, so that the team will be unchanged, namely Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Caskie. Everton are sending the following reserve team to Halifax to play a benefit match for Craig, the Halifax centre half: - Morton; Lambert, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Lindley; Barber, Cunliffe, Bell, Barber (E), and Kennan. The club has also fixed up a trip to Belfast next week and will play Linfield on Wednesday, May 3.
Shareholders’ Meeting.
Everton Shareholders’ Association are holding an important meeting tomorrow (Thursday) at the St. George’s Restaurant, Redcross Street, starting at eight o’clock. The presence of all members is desired, while an invitation is also extended to all Everton shareholders, whether members of the Association or not to attend. Mr. Ernest Green, chairman of the Everton Club, has tendered his resignation from the Shareholders Association. In a letter to the secretary, Mr. Green expressed the opinion that the Association’s endeavour to secure an alteration in the personal of directors, following an outstanding successful season, is not the best interest of the club.

“B” TEAM BOYS ARE A1
APRIL 27, 1939. The Evening Express.
Everton Stars Of The Future.
By Pilot.
The only way to stop this continued rise in transfer fees is to find the young players and develop them. This is fully realized by a least two clubs of the Football League –Everton and Manchester United. The value of this policy was exemplified at Goodison Park last night, when Everton “B” team defeated the United “B” team –the Majacs –by five goals to three in a thrill-packed game. There were 7,678 people present and they paid £95 to see these youngsters of 15 and 16 give a brilliant football exhibition. With such players as these coming along then neither club need have any fear for the future. Much has been written about the young stars of Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have nothing on some of these “B” team lads who delighted us last night.
How To Do It.
We saw 22 brilliant young players expertly handled by Mr. Tom Campbell, local referee. The United boys were bigger and older, taking the average ago, but Everton who lost 3-0 at Old Trafford last week, were the clever team because they had a better positional sense. The boy who took my eye more than any other was “Imp” Bailey, the outside left, aged 15. The essence of coolness and accuracy, Bailey never made a mistake. He scored from a penalty and never have I seen one taken better. As soon as he received the referee’s signal, he stepped forward just one pace and cracked the ball low into the far corner of the net. It was perfect –a lesson to some professionals. Another highlight of the game was a brilliant save by Higgins, the United goalkeeper. He had advanced too far when own tried an overhead shot, Higgins flung himself back and turned the ball over the bar before falling back into the net. The United have plenty of goalkeepers, but it will not be long before Higgins will advance to a higher grade.
“Warney”
I was delighted with the two Everton backs, Ireland and Dugdale. Dugdale is already known as “Warney Cresswell 11” because of his accurate kicking and coolness. Last night I preferred Ireland for his splendid anticipation. Beardwood, a boy Tranmere Rovers once signed was a great centre-half, and there was fine combination between Simmons and Johnson on the right. In addition Everton can congratulate themselves on a centre-forward discovery –Owen is the name. All the other lads pulled their full weight and they are full of promise. The same may be said of the United I was impressed by Lockwood, the outside-right, who is of the Adcock mould; by the leggy Mears, inside-left with the rocket shot; by the diligence of Howcroft, the entire half, and the cute constructive ideas of Cookson. Yes, altogether two fine teams in a game to remember –and one which should be made an annual affair.
Tour Off.
Everton have dropped all ideals of touring the Irish Free State for the time being. Negotiations have been proceeding for some time, but secretary Mr. Theo Kelly, said to me today that satisfactory arrangements could not be made. The Blues go to Belfast on Wednesday to play Linfield, and that will I expect, be the sum of their touring this year.

EVERTON TAKE REVENGE.
April 27, 1939. The Liverpool Echo.
By Stork.
The game between the juniors of Everton and Manchester United F.C. provided one of the most interesting tussles seen at Goodison Park this season. That there is a public for junior football was made plain by the act that over 7,000 paid nearly £100 to see the return game. No match this season has interested me more and judged by the cheers both during and after the game, the crowds were as delighted as was with the fare served up. Leaving the 8 goals 5 to Everton and 3 to the Mujacs –out of it, there were sufficient good football displayed to suggest that there are many coming stars in the ranks of the two teams. I thought the first game was a good one, but last night’s match left that well in the rear. The conditions were so much better, for there was no high wind to spoil the combination, and these youngsters gave a sparkling exhibition of clean, honest and good class football. This was no kick and rush affair, but football of the best quality, and the old-fashioned shoulder charge which seems to have gone out of existence, was there in plenty. I should say the best man on the field, was Simmons, the Everton inside right, who was in dazzling form. He could do almost anything with the ball being particularly strong in his tackling and sure in his dribble. If there was a fault to be found with the Everton team it was that they became a little too elaborate once they had gained their confidence, and thereby missed some goals, but as they got five to Manchester’s three they turned the tables on their rivals.

CHAMPIONS’ FINAL HOME GAME OF SEASON.
April 28, 1939. The Evening Express.
Bid To Reach 60 Points Total.
Everton-Villa Duel At Goodison
By Pilot.
Everton, champions of the Football league, hope to go nearer a record for the club tomorrow, when Aston Villa visit Goodison Park for the final home First Division game of the season. The Blues are anxious to reach a total of 60 points for the first time since they went into the First Division in 1888. Their previous best was 56 points. They have 57 points to date. This means they will have to take three of the last four points to achieve their ambition. Tomorrow they will also be anxious to record their ninth “double” of the season. Already the Blues have taken four points from Blackpool, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Leeds United, Manchester United, Chelsea and Sunderland. When they visited Villa early in the season Everton gave a brilliant display to win by three clear goals. If they beat the Villa tomorrow and follow with a win at Grimsby the following week, it will mean the reaching of double figures in “doubles.” I fancy Everton, with Lawton and Sagar fit, will win. The Villa however, have lost only nine out of 20 away games which shows them to be useful away from their own ground. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Caskie. Aston Villa; Rutherford; Callaghan, Cummings; Masie, Allen, Iverson; Broome, Edwards, O’Donnell, Haydock, Starling.

BARBER SIGNED.
April 28, 1939. The Evening Express.
Everton have signed Edward Barber, 18-year-old inside-left from Blyth Spartans, as a professional. Barber played four games for the Spartans and he was given a trial by the Blues in their Central League match against Newcastle United, at Goodison Park, last Saturday. He made a most impressive debut. Barber is 5ft, 6 ½ ins and 10st 10 ½ lbs and is a clever and forceful attacker.

GRAND FINALE.
April 28, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
By stork.
Tomorrow you have your last chance of seeing the League champions, for it is their last home game. Don’t think for one moment that Everton will “sit on the splice” because the title is won, for they are keep to add to their points tally, and so make their championship more convincing than it is. Naturally, they are pleased that they have settled the question, so that there will be no tension in their next few games which will be entered upon with an easy mind, which should mean they can play a more normal game. In their last two matches there has been some anxiety, but now they are freed from it, I think that we will see them in a better light than ever. Their opponents Aston Villa have had a good season, and it is no certainty that they will be beaten, for in their forward line is one Broome, who is one of the smartest forwards in the game. I don’t suppose there is another man in the country who can travel at such speed over a short cut as Broome, who can play either on the wing or at centre forward. He is a match winner, and thus is a certain to be the special mission of one Everton defender.
Another Double Bid.
In the first meeting of the two teams, Everton gave the Villa a lesson in the art of crafty football, and won rather well, so the Midlanders will naturally, be all out to reverse that result, and so prevent their rivals from bringing off another double. I don’t think Everton will be beaten for with nothing on their minds, they can go into the game and do things which they have not been able to do for some weeks owing to the importance of their games. It will be interesting to see Rutherford, the former Southport goalkeeper, in action. He has made a big name for himself since he went to Villa Park, and is now acknowledged as one of the best keepers in the county. Should Everton reproduce the form which almost won them victory in the last half hour at Charlton, Rutherford will be a busy man. Everton fought like tigers for the point at the Valley and although they were beaten, they received such an ovation at the conclusion of the game, that one would have through they had won.
A Big hand.
The Villa have often put up some stirring games on Merseyside, and as they have nothing to lose or win they like Everton can get on with the game in the full knowledge that nothing desperate can happened to them whatever the result. I anticipate a most enjoyable game from two such team with a long tradition behind team, and I look forward to an Everton victory. Perhaps there is no need to ask you to give the boys a “big hand” for you know as well as I do what they have done this season. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.

OPPOSITION TO EVERTON DIRECTOR’S RE-ELECTION
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 28 April 1939
Everton F.C. Shareholders’ Association have decided to support Messrs Gulf and Coffey, but will oppose Aid. Gates who was coopted to the Board, in connection with the selection of candidates to fill the three vacancies on Everton F.C. Board. There will be five candidates in the field for the three vacancies on the Board, which will occur at the club’s annua} meeting (writes Watcher). They are the three retiring directors, Messrs. W. C. Cuff, A. Coffey and Alderman A. R. Gates, and Mr. A, N. Denaro and Mr. V. G. Winfield. Messrs. Denaro and Winfield are nominees of the Everton Shareholders’ Association, Mr. Winfield being nominated at a meeting of the Association held at the St. George’s Restaurant, Liverpcol last night. Mr. Denaro, Shareholders’ Association chairman, was nominated a fortnight ago. Mr. R. Searle, Shareholders’ Association vice-chairman, stated last night that “in certain circumstances” 'Mr. W. C. Cuff, a former chairman of the Everton Club, might resign from the Board. That was the reason why a fourth Shareholders’ Association candidate had been nominated. Otherwise it might happen there would be only four candidates for four seats, and then the Association’s objective in opposing a co-opted director, would be defeated. Mr, Denaro referred to letter received from Mr. E. Green, the Everton club chairman, in which he tendered his resignation from the Association in view of the Association's re-affirmed decision to oppose Alderman Gates. The Association committee has decided that Mr. Green’s resignation cannot alter the committee's decision.” said Mr. Denaro. He stressed the fact that the association had nothing against Alderman Gates from a personal point of view, but the association was formed with view to opposing co-opted members of the board, and they had be true that principle. A letter has been sent to the Press talking about us putting forward proxies,” added Mr. Denaro. one can say we have done anything wrong in getting out proxies in support of our candidates. 1 have been informed that even those who are condemning us have themselves, if not by proxy, have by other means been seeking support.

Everton Interest In Hibs’ Right Back
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 29 April 1939
By LOMOND
EVERTON are understood to have a good opinion of Logan, right back of Hibernians.
Greenhalgh Everton’s One Ever-Present This Season have lucky mascot in Stan Bentham. Certainly he must be a harbinger of good luck. Stan, in his first full season as a First Division player, has earned for himself not only tremendous praise, but championship medal and kept up a record which must almost unique. He has been an Everton player for five seasons, and in no season has he failed to win medal of some kind to this year, his honours were gained with the Central League and “A” teams, but promotion to the seniors could not break his tine record.

CHAMPIONS FINALE
April 29, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Gillick Knocked Out After Goal.
Cook Penalty King
By Stork.
An easy win for the champions it was entertaining football without being pulsating. Everton’s first half three goal lead clinched the issue. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Caskie, forwards. Aston Villa: - Rutherford, goals; Callaghan and Cummings, backs; Massie, Allen and Iverson, half-backs; Broome, Edwards, O’Donnell, Haydock, and Sterling, forwards. Referee Mr. E.V. Couch (Stoke-on-Trent). The crowd was so not big as I thought it would be for this Everton’s last home game, but the people who were here gave the champions a great ovation as they came on to the field. Some of the spectators near the entrance threw confetti over them as came up through the tunnel. I should say there was a crowd of 30,000 present to see Cook pass back to Sagar in the first half minute. So far there had been very few thrills and the football was not quite so good as we had anticipated, but allowance had to be made for the liveliness of the ball and the trickiness of the wind. Nevertheless Everton had the more chances, and Allen showed his fear of Lawton when he kicked into touch hurriedly rather than take any undue risks, but as things turned out it was from this safetly valve move that Everton took the first goal of the day.
Bentham’s Fine Goal.
It was a bonny goal, too, scored by a man who does not often figure in the goal scoring list. His name is Bentham, and he has not scored a better goal this season, for his shot travelled at such speed that Rutherford, although he dashed across his goalmouth, could not get into touch with the ball. Time 11 minutes. So far the Villa attack had not been impressive but this in some degree due to Everton’s stubbornness in defence. Sagar had to go down on bended knees to save from Haydock, who shot through a ruck of players and in almost the next second and Everton attack was nipped in the bud on the penalty spot. Lawton was being well guarded by Allen who once again got in the way of a shot after solid work by Gillick and Bentham. A duel between Stevenson and Callaghan caused some amusement; particularly do when the Villa fell back was brought to earth.
Gillick Scores -carried Off.
A free kick ended the incident, and from this Everton took their second goal at 23 minutes. Gillick nodding home Caskie’s free kick that at the same moment, that Rutherford rushed out in an effort to punch away. It appeared that the Everton man must have taken the goalkeeper’s punch on the chin, for he was completely knocked out and had to be carried over the touch line, and it was some time before he was able to resume. When he did come back he was holding a handkerchief to his nose. Caskie and Stevenson were playing ducks and drakes with Callaghan, and another centre by the wee outside left brought further disaster to the Villa, for when Bentham headed in Iverson, who was standing on the line, harded the ball to keep it out. Rutherford came up to held a hand and the ball was eventually cleared, but the referee had seen the handling case, and although the Villa contested it the official remained adamant and awarded a spot kick.
The Penalty King.
Cook, Everton’s penalty king scored in his usual confident manner at 29 minutes. Gillick, at this point was only walking about, and the Villa made a more vigorous attack than heretofore, Sagar having to save a sharp shot from O’Donnell. He could not hold the ball, but was able to recover before Edwards could take up the challenge. Broome was just caught in time in an offside decision, while later he made a fine centre which Jones headed away so that looked an apparent danger was no danger whatever. Lawton was a luckless Lawton today. He had made three cannon ball drives which had the misfortune to slap up against a Villa man. Rutherford showed good judgment when he moved across to a rasping shot by Stevenson which was going away from him and turned it out of goal. It had been entertaining fare even though the Villa had not quite struck their right line of form. Just on the interval Haydock missed a presentation goal when he screwed the ball behind from a few yards out.
Half-Time; Everton 3, Aston Villa 0.
Go as You Please.
The second half was rather a go-as-you-please affair. Everton, with their 3 goal lead, did not stress or stain themselves while Villa playing some first class combined football failed when it came to shooting. They had several chances, but did not ultise them, although O’Donnell had bad luck with a fine shot that going a foot outside the upright. Edwards missed a sitter when clean through the opposition, shooting ridiculously wide, and later he was almost in a similar position when he shinned the ball outside. There was an even more glaring miss when Haydock was put right through following a high-class movement, for although Sagar came out to cut down the shooter’s angle there was still a grand opportunity for Haydock to have reduced the lead. He tried to lob the ball over Sagar’s head, but the Everton goalkeeper got his hands to the ball and turned it over. Lawton seemed to have damaged his foot again, for it took him all his time to “raise a gallop,” and Gillick had apparently not quite got over his first half bump, for he was a bit shy when it came to missing it. This half. Lawton scored what was considered by all with the exception of the referee a perfect goal Stevenson had run the ball close in and seemed to be on the point of shooting, instead of which he slipped the ball over Lawton, who shot into the net but the official said “offside.” Final; Everton 3, Aston Villa 0.

HE CULTURES VITAMINS A AND B FOR EVERTON CHAMPIONS
April 29, 1939. The Liverpool Echo
Harold Pickering Once Signed Eight Players To Secure One
How Middlesbrough Point Brought Championship To Goodison
By Stork.
Well the championship found a home at Goodison Park, as it promised round about Easter time. That was the turning point, although I have in mind a now famous match with Middlesbrough played at Aryesome Park. That to me, was the championship, winning game, for the point was worth more than any other, in view of Birmingham’s victory over the Wolves. So once again a “double bid” failed to materalise and I still stand him to my belief that it is well-nigh impossible for one club to win the two principal trophies in one and the same season. It was done years ago, but there were not so many teams, not so many matches to be played, and the game has developed into the high speed football where once it was a slower, more methodical affair. Wolverhampton made a valiant effort to accomplish the feat, but the only award they can take is the Cup, and whether they have done that or not, another page will test you. Everton are deserving winners of the championship. They have been the essence of consistency since the opening day of the season, and never got flurried even when Derby County had taken a five point lead, nor when the Wolves were treading dangerously on their heels and promised to make a keener fight of it than they did. This season has proved beyond all doubt, that good class football will pay for itself and that a happy team is a winning team. I have been asked, this week, what is the good of Everton playing the Army each year. Ask the Army authorizes at Aldershot. Football has a big part in the sporting side of the service. You remember its value during that last war. The Aldershot authorizes look upon Everton’s visit as an occasion not only for the benefit of the soldiers, but for the benefit of Army football. They don’t hope to beat Everton, they make no perfence in that direction, but they hope to learn a great deal from Everton’s visit. I spoke with several of the Army team –the best I have seen during the six played in this series –and they said “We have picked up some points from our games today with the champions. Of course, we do not often play together otherwise we may work up a team spirit such as permeates the Everton team. That is one of the secrets of Everton’s success. Nevertheless our game should have improved by this experience, for Everton showed us many tricks we did not know.” The Army team did so well in this game that the team was chosen en bloc for the tussle with the senior service, the Navy, at Aston Villa’s ground today. But there is another side to the visit. Everton enjoy it. The Army see to that. They set themselves out to entertain us and right royally they do it. This year we were the guesto of the 40th Battalion Royal Tank Corps, and didn’t they put us through it. It was a good move on the part of Major Fernie to take the team for a ride in the tanks prior to the game for they got some buffeting. It was thoroughly enjoyed, and was a great experience. The big tanks were comfortable, though one had to hold fast to stay on, but when we transferred to the whippet, then we got the real thrill. They can travel at over 30 miles an hour, and when Torry Gillick, Joe Mercer, Theo Kelly and myself were safety tucked in then the fun started. This crawly thing rocked and rolled, and did everything but turn over somebody was clinging on like grim death and howling at the top of his voice the driver to stop. When it did the rushed across “no man’s land” to where the big fellow was just on the point of starting. It was great fun. We were taken along to the miniature ranger which is all worked out to scale, and each member was allowed five shots from a stationary position and five on the rotating platform. Some of the lads showed a keen eye, and marked up a number of bulls. The Tanks boys were kindness itself. They explained everything plainly and straight forwardly, leaving out the technicalities which would have fogged us. It was a grand day, and made one feel like joining up there and then. The army has improved. Conditions are entirely different from what they were in my army days. I would like to thank major Webb, the assistant hon secretary of the Army F.A. and Colonel Jack Sharp –good name, that –for their part in making this visit one which will remain in the memory for some time to come.
Signed Eight To Gain One.
Who is the football official who signed eight players to get one? You don’t know? Well, it was Harold Pickering of the Everton Club. This is how it came about. Kenwood Juniors, a Shrewsbury amateur team, had a promising goalkeeper named Lovett, whom Harold Pickering badly wanted. He went to the secretary and told him his requirements but was informed that he had been pestered by other League clubs about his players and that unless he could get them protected in some way or another he would not be able to retain any of them. If Mr. Pickering could help him he was prepared to let him have Lovett. Now, Harold is the sort of the clap who never misses a chance. He said; I will willingly help you,” and straightway signed eight players on league forms which protected them from any further bother. So Mr. Pickering got his man, and a good man too, for Lovett has forced his way into Everton’s second team, and on the few occasions I have watched him he has struck me as a smart keeper. Harold Pickering did not play a lot of football he was more formad ministration, and when Stanley Congregations of the Bootle J.O.C league packed up he started a team on his own. Bedford Amateur –who played in the J.O.C League. He was general secretary manager, trainer, and everything else. He got together three teams and did so well that with the exception of one season, the three teams finished in the top three out of ten. The club won all manner of honours –Cup League and F.A. honours. But Pickering wanted to be in bigger football, and Mr. Theo Kelly got to know about it and he brought him to Everton in 1936, and made him “A” team manager in succession to Hunter Hart, and he has been responsible for most of the amateurs which have come to the club. His heart and soul is in the “A” and “B” team, and he is a recess worker on the behalf. The “A” team have won the Liverpool County Combination three years in succession and seemed set fair for a fourth, but a defeat at Runcorn, which nearly broke Pickering’s heart, gave Skelmersdale the lead. They can win it yet, should “Skem” lose today and the “A” win their last game. The “B” team is Pickering idea. He was refused permission last year but never gave up the idea, and this season he has got together a team of youngster who bid fair to go far. I saw them play this week, and if there are not several future stars in the making then I don’t know my football. They gave a brilliant exhibition against the Mujacs Manchester United’s “B” in one of the finest games I have seen this season, and I have seen a few good ones during my travel. Here are a few of the youngsters Harold Pickering has had through his hands at one time or another. Duggie Trentham, who has reached the Everton first team, Malam who went to Huddersfield, Silk joined Plymouth, Buckett who became a Blackpool professional and Cothliff, who joined the Manchester City staff. He tells me there are many others he cannot remember. Mr. Pickering has been eight years on the committee of the J.O.C League and is also a member of the Liverpool County F.A. Football in his life’s blood and he would work the clock round for football’s sake. He also hopes his boss Mr. Theo Kelly, in the production of the programme –the best in the country.

EVERTON EASY WINNERS
April 29, 1939. The Evening Express.
Champions’ Method Beats Villa
Another Penalty Goal By Cook.
By Watcher.
Everton, appearing as First Division champions in their last home match of the season, gained an easy 3-0 win over Aston Villa, at Goodison Park. Everton were more forceful and more methodical in everything they did, Bentham, Gillick and Cook (penalty) were the scorers, at the goal being scored in the first half. Rutherford the former Southport goalkeeper, was in goal for the Villa. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook (captain) and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Caskie, forwards. Aston Villa: - Rutherford, goals; Callaghan and Cummings, backs; Massie, Allen and Iverson, half-backs; Broome, Edwards, O’Donnell, Haydock, and Sterling, forwards. Referee Mr. E.V. Couch (Stoke-on-Trent). There would be about 25,000 spectators present when the teams came out to a burst of cheering. The Everton players were covered with a shower of confetti, thrown at them as they came on to the field. It was soon apparent that the hard ground and the high-pouncing ball were likely to spoil movements. Everton pressed in the early stages and Bentham, nicely placed, was about to go through on his own when a Villa player took the ball off his to inside the penalty area. After Rutherford had smartly saved an incurring corner from Caskie the goalkeeper had to come out to deal with a corner kick from Gillick, Stevenson than fed Caskie with a cross pass and the winger placed to Lawton, who made a pass towards the near corner flag. The Everton centre-forward was harassed by Callaghan, who cleared towards the centre, where Bentham fastened on to the ball and beat Rutherford with a smashing drive for the first goal of the match. Time 11 minutes. The next thrill came when after O’Donnell’s effort had been easily cleared by Sagar, Cook banged the ball down the middle to Lawton, who was only just wide with a first time volley. The Villa lacked punch, although their halves put in some good work in midfield.
Everton Two Up.
Caskie put in some deft touches near the touchline, before passing to Stevenson, and then there was an interesting duel between Stevenson and Callagham, this ending when a free kick was awarded against the Villa player. Caskie took the kick and coolly lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, where Gillick, with a neat flick of his head, gave Everton a second goal. Time 23 minutes. Rutherford, coming out in an attempt to save, collided with the Everton outside right, who had to receive attention just off the players pitch. Gillick resumed within a minute or two, and in the meantime Villa had staged a fighting rally, in which Starling had played a grand part. Starling kept Mercer and Cook busy, before passing to Haydock, who sent in a shot which Sagar did well to clear. Eventually Everton’s defence secured the mastery, and Caskie by brilliant footwork, made ground on the left before the ball was forced out of play. Everton’s third goal was peculiar Caskie lobbed in another of his dangerous centres, and this time Bentham, standing in almost the same position as Gillick had been when he scored the second ball nodded the ball goalwards, Rutherford gathered and as he rounded Cummings, the back appeared to handle the ball. The Referee blow for a penalty. Cook took the spot kick and Rutherford never had the slightest chance, the ball smashing into the back of the net. Time 29 minutes. The Villa fought back, but were inclined to middle their movements inside the Everton penalty area. Once Haydock had a grand chance, but with only Sagar to beat, he put the ball over the bar. Caskie put in two beautiful corner kicks, and from the second Rutherford had to run out and punch the ball to the edge of the penalty are. Lawton came up at full speed, and Rutherford did well to clear just as the centre forward was about to shoot.
Half-Time; Everton 3, Aston Villa 0.
The first thrill of the second half came when Stevenson, after neatly tricking two Villa defenders side-passed to Caskie who when challenged by Callaghan, lobbed the ball across the goalmouth. Rutherford was just in time to clear with Lawton beating down on him. Stevenson was just too late to beat Rutherford to the ball when seeking to connect with a return pass from Lawton. After a period of end to end play, in which long kicking by the respective full back was a feature Gillick slipped over a nice centre, but Cummings headed out before Lawton could get near enough for a shot. Villa’s best effort came when Broome centred for Haydock to head a yard wide. Then O’Donnell drove hard and the ball just hit the outside of the far upright. Everton crowded on steam in the closing stages and the Villa goal looked to be in danger when Watson secured and had a nice chance of feeding Lawton. Instead, however, the Everton left half passed inaccurately and the Villa were able to scramble the ball away. Villa went away, and Haydock had a chance, but once again shot wide. The Blues raced away, and Stevenson brought the crowd to their toes with a brilliant dribbling effort before passing to Lawton, who banged the ball to the back of the net. The referee, however, refused to allow the point. From the Press box it was difficult to understand the referee’s decision as Stevenson had passed the ball back to Lawton before the whistle blew. Final; Everton 3, Aston Villa 0.