Everton Independent Research Data

 

PLAYERS OF US
Athletic News-Monday, August 2, 1926
American football agents have been busy in Irish circles, and as a result quite a number of players will change quarters.  W. Rainey, who kept goal for Newry Town and was previously a season with Everton. 

DIXIE DEAN TO UMPIRE A CRICKET MATCH AT CLUBMOOR
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, August 10, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Dixie Dean as umpire! The sight should be a joy to all Evertonians.  He is due to rule the roost at the Clubmoor Cricket ground to-morrow night, and the night after, when the annual meeting between the popular Clubmoor club and Everton footballers is decided.  Everton fancy their chance and have taken the liberty of choosing two of Clubmoor’s regular players, Houghton and Virr.  Everton’s team reads; - Virr, Houghton, Peacock, Kennedy (a good left hand bowler), Hamilton, Murray, Weaver, Rooney, Kendall, David Bain, Kerr, and O’Donnell.  Start at 6.15. I hope it keeps fine for this sporting event. 
A Frodsham correspondent sends this “chestnut” which is worth further publicity;-
Dixie Dean’s first remark on recovering consciousness in hospital was;
“Did ---get sent off?” 

EVERTON’S “GRAND” STAND
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, August 11, 1926
MOFFATT SUFFERS SLIGHT INJURY
Bee’s Notes
It strikes me I left a good impression behind me at Goodison Park yesterday –as well as my umbrella.  I made the dust fly, too! You see, someone above us had been saving wood, and the flakes of dust had topped my blocker.  There were times you know, when felt I must move warily at Everton’s ground, but yesterday I could have unfettered walks and talks; the ground was mine own, as it were.  And I appreciated “This Freedom,” because many of the places were quite new to me; there were new doors, new passages, new faces- I saw Dominy, Moffatt and Woodhouse taking stock, and learned that Little Moffatt had three years’ service with Luton without missing a match- a sturdy little fellow, like the anvil-man!  Yet in his first days at Everton he has struck or been struck by a boot-spike, and the muscles of the leg are troubled.  Fortunately, it is only a minor trouble.  Of course one of my earliest inquires was about D.D-otherwise William Dean.  Mr. T. McIntosh, looking remarkably fresh and well, said, “Dixie was with us at the picnic on Saturday, jovial and really splendid.  He does not look as if he had suffered an accident, except, of course, that he is naturally of a pale-face colouring.  All the boys are fit and well, and they have been delighted with our new ground at Strawberry-lane, where they do their kicking-in practice.  The ground is near Walton Hall-avenue, and is eminently helpful to the club these days, when the old trial ground is smothered with rail-roads, bricks, mortar, and a hundred and one other grand-stand implements. 
AHEAD
They are going full steam ahead at Goodison just now, and I must confess that the stand is truly a “grand” stand.  Mr. Director Harry Banks, who took charge of me, after I had been initiated into the office routine by Mr. John Fare, showed me around the houses and detailed all the processes and promises of the future.  These seats will be tip-up, and knee-y sort of folk, who have in the past been troubled to squeeze their limbs out of the fellow-in-front’s back, will now be able to shake a leg –there is ample room in the new stand and the view therefrom is ideal.  Known in the past as “Bullens-road stand” I beg leave to place a motion with the public to christen the new side as “Twickenham Stand”-for this reason.  It is a replica of the London Rugby home great stand in its “feeding” arrangement –distributing passages and the like- and it deserves a brand new name.  Any to the contrary? No (in anticipation).  Carried unanimously.  Well, gentlemen, having got through that massive portion comer with me around the stand and see for yourself how quickly it is growing; how readily they swing a twelve-ton iron-piece as though they were lifting a razor to one’s face. A huge crane looks as though it could never be shifted from the ground in time for the football season. 
FOUR PORTIONS
The new stand is divided into four portions; the two ends at 2s 4d and the members and shareholders’ positions in the centre of the stand- as of yore, save that now they are in posh positions and posh seats.  The entrance fee for the old paddock –under the new stand there have been greatly improved conditions covering, and comfort-is 1s 6d –a cheap rate of pay for the position.  Mercifully, the Everton fixtures are so arranged that there are four away matches in the first five games.  Thus, although the new stand will not be quite finished for the first home game there will be plenty of chance for the future home games, and I doubt not that the stately Twickenham stand- got it? –will be one of the most popular in the country.  It has not been sacrificed on the altar of finance or figures-it has been built for convenience and comfort.  Of course the ground will hold more spectators, but not appreciatively –I should say that at most there will be no more than 10,000 spectators to add to the record of 57,000.  There can only be one practice game –on the 21st at 3.30. 
THE NEW ASSISTANT TRAINER
The new assistant trainer is the tall, smiling Bert Smith, of Nelson, who had splendid credentials and has Army experience in masseur-business, &c.  For seven years he served Nelson faithfully, and he has quickly settled in his stride at his new quarters.  After viewing the promised stand, I went to the office to ponder over the fine collection of pictures in the secretary’s office, one of which shows Everton Reserves for 1886-7, Mr. Albert Berry (now a director of Liverpool) in the Everton colours, Fred Geary footing an Everton team, one McGill, W.R. Richards in a group- W.R gave the club some of its earliest cards and trophies.  I love to live in the old-years; hence my delayed return home and the forgetfulness of an umbrella, I have not said good-bye to it! 

CLOSE UP VIEW OF DIXIE DEAN
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, August 12, 1926
By Stork
It was no an evening for cricket, for there was a watery sky and a cold snap in the air.  But Clubmoor enjoyed the biggest gate of the season, and I heard one of the officials remark that he wished they could
Get a similar “gate” each Saturday.  What was the occasion? It was the annual cricket match between the Everton Football Club and Clubmoor Cricket Club at Maiden-lane. Such is the drawing power of big names in football, while the presence of Dixie Dean, as umpire, brought more people than would, under ordinary circumstances, have graced the proceedings.  Dean is as popular amongst Liverpool football people as the Prince of Wales is with the world.  He was followed about and “viewed” as closely as an Epstein, and the general phrase was; “He looks as fit as a fiddle.”  He does, but only to the untrained eye.  Bodily, he is in excellent health, but I will leave it at that.  The doctor must decide.  However, all were keen to see him in the flesh.  Photographs (and these have been the only method of seeing Dean for some time) were not sufficient, and they were delighted with the spectacle, even if Dean appeared somewhat paler than usual.  He is remarkably cheery.  The first thing he said to me was;-
   “How would I do as an ice cream vendor?” 
 “Not to-night, Dixie,” I replied, “it’s too cold.” 
He played well as umpire-and that’s that.  Now to the game.  Clubmoor took first knock on a wicket which suggested a collapse.  The turf, particularly in the outfield was like “tripe.”  It was difficult to keep one’s footing, as Virr and Kennedy found when they opened the bowling and runs came steadily, too steadily for Everton, and I had just made a suggestion that they should play Clubmoor at football and so have their revenge, when a rot set in, and Virr and Kennedy captured some wickets.  Clubmoor, after promising a huge total, went out for 135.  This sudden change was hailed with delight by the onlookers.  With the score at 110 three wickets fell without addition, and soon after the final wicket fell.  It was the irony of fate that Virr, a member of Clubmoor, should share the bowling honours with Kennedy, each taking four wickets, for 40 odd runs.  Kennedy was some time before he got any success, but his left-hand slows were troublesome.  Virr mixes ‘em –fast and slow.  Catching was a feature Hamilton and Kennedy making two brilliant efforts.  It was all very interesting and will be even more so to-night, when Everton will occupy the crease.  A collection is being made for Mr. Arnold the groundsman. 

BRIGHTON CRICKET-A SOLUTION
Liverpool Echo-Friday, August 13, 1926
By Stork
There has been an outcry for brighter cricket, and many suggestions have been put forward.  I have the solution-Jasper Kerr.  He would brighten anything, except a right winger’s prospect of scoring.  His innings against Clubmoor was a gem in a wilderness.  He succeeded where others failed, but it was not so much his cricket which appealed as his mannerisms.  He created more laughs than many a top-liner at the halls, and was not in anyway perturbed by the fact that he was the entertainer-in-chief.  Jock McDonald, who “got on my chest” for not mentioning his excellent wicket-keeping, lent him every assistance, and between the pair the bitters of defeat were forgotten.  I thought some uncomplimentary things about Simpson for catching a skier from Kerr, and thus robbing us of further entertainment, for that catch meant the finish of Everton’s innings- they were 34 runs short of Clubmoor’s total.  Kerr took the crease with a good stance, a poor eye, and a lunge at the ball! He finished his wing some yards down the pitch, with the wicketkeeper, ball in hand, calling him back to his crease! Kerr seemed surprised, but did the same thing several times amidst laughter.  Then he got the hang of things, and after “testing” himself with a single he hit five 4’s in succession, to record the highest score of his side.  It was just what we required in such a match, and I can see this fixture-and mixture-going on for a good number of years.  Kerr added further laughs when called upon to speak after supper.  “Mr.  Secretary, ladies and gentlemen and footballers,” he said. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, August 14, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

BESS NOTES
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, August 17, 1926
Warrier, Nicholas, and Wilson are local amateurs.  The second named played for Marine last year, and if I remembered rightly has had a few games with Everton’s “A” side.  He is a dandy type of player, whose popularity is sure to become as infectious on the Cheshire side of the water as in the Liverpool district. 
(New Brighton).

EVERTON’S BAD PRACTICE MATCH LUCK
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, August 18, 1926
Bee’s Notes
To have an injured list at any time in the season is bad enough, but to have to start off the season with this handicap is a calamity.  Everton are in this boat, for Kendall the reserve goalkeeper, has had a treak down, while Moffatt the outside right obtained from Luton, has been injured in training.  Not forgetting the enforced absence of Dean, who is getting on famously.  Mr. Tom McIntosh the secretary, wants to point out to shareholders that there has been a big demand for “A” stand tickets, consequently there are only a few left, and shareholders desiring these should make applications at once, as the supply is limited.  There are plenty of “B” stand tickets available.  The one and only trial game which takes place at Goodison Park on Saturday, kick-off at 3.15 will see he following teams facing each other. 
Blues; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Irvine, Dominy, O’Donnell, Kenendy, and Troup.  Whites;- A.N Other; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Parker, (Stalybridge Celtic), Woodhouse, Murray, Batten and Weaver. 

EVERTON’S PRACTCE
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, August 19, 1926
Bee’s Notes
The Everton players have taken to the road.  Yesterday they walked from Liverpool to Thornton and back, and engaged in a game of bowls at the Nag’s Head Inn, now under the direction of Sid Hadley, one of the Everton shareholders.  I have been asked to state that the Bullens-road side of the ground will not be open to the public for Saturday’s practice game.

EVERTON CHOSEN HUNTER HART CAPTAIN AGAIN
August 20, 1926, The Liverpool Echo
Everton have chosen Hunter Hart captain for the coming season, and Reid sub captain. At the only trial, Goodison spectators will have an opportunity of seeing the new Bullens road stand, which is built on the Twickenham principle. The ground is in beautiful conditions, and should be fine the attendance is sure to be large. Parker in the Whites side was signed from Staylbridge Celtic. Everton's only trail takes place tomorrow at Goodison Park 3.15.

RAND TO WATFORD
August 21, 1926, The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Watford have signed Rand, centre-forward, who last year was with Everton…meanwhile Hunter Hart has been elected captain of the first team and D Reid sub captain.

EVERTON ON VIEW; TROUP AND HARDY HURT
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, August 21, 1926
By Bees
“Bee” phones from Walton to say that it was Test match weather to-day when Hunter Hart and company made their first and only appearance in the Testing Stakes.  One match was as much as Everton could afford in view of the ground alterations.  Everybody expressed pleasure and surprise at the forward condition of the new stand, and much speculation was rife as to why A.N. Other was in the team sheet as goalkeeper.  The fact is, I believe, that Kendall has a doubtful knee, and may have to go through the cartilage channel.  Blues; Hardy; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Irvine, Dominy, O’Donnell, Kennedy, Troup. Whites; Davies; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, Bain, Virr; Parker, Woodhouse, Murray, Batten, Weaver.  Davies was soon called into action by Brown, and he showed how useful were his hands and his heights.  Apart from this there was little doing until Peacock joined the zig-zag class, and appetized the 14,000 spectators who basked in the sunshine.  The ground was in perfect condition, except on the Twickenham side, which, of course, bore the scars of the Bricklayers’ Union.  Irvine, at outside right, was a pushful young man, who was inclined to come inward to his former place, which was only natural.  The young reserve team backs were on their mettle, and Dominy, Woodhouse, and Parker, the new players, were closely scrutinized. 
NEW MEN OPEN SCORE
Hardy joined his right leg when he collided with Batten and a moment later was well beaten by Parker, who, from outside right, cut in and scored the opening goal.  The next moment Hardy made a good save from Roland Woodhouse, and jumped to a long shot from Peacock that passed over the bar.  Hardy was limping perceptibly, and Everton, doubtless, feared a repetition of last season’s trouble in the goal camp.  At the twenty-fifth minute Dominy equalized from Troup’s centre.  Irvine scored for the Blues to make the score 2-1 and then Troup left the field owing to a dislocation of the shoulder.  He suffers that way owing to a swivel shoulder blade.  He got his injury in a triangular test between Hart and Peacock.  Murray scored a brilliant equalizer.  Half-time; Blues 2, Whites 2.
Hardy was limping badly when the teams retired.  In the second half Kendall took the place of Hardy, and Houghton became outside left for the Blues. 

CUFF-ED
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, August 21, 1926
Mr. W.C. Cuff, chairman of the Everton Football Club, and member of the Management Committee of the Football League, speaking at a smoking concert to the shareholders of the club, at which the players attended, pleaded for fair play to the player from the public, especially those in the paddock. He said.  “The Press can safely be left to criticize.  “The players would a thousand times sooner be pilloried in the Press than strangled in the stand.”  There have been many complaints against the paddock people by the players and Mr., Cuff appealed to shareholders to help to stop the unfair tactics of these spectators. 

EVERTON 11 TH HOUR TROUBLE.
August 23 rd 1926. The Daily Courier.
INJURED LIST STILL HEAVY; THE FINAL TRIAL.
Although 10 goals –six of them by the Whites, the reserve side –were scored in Everton's trail game on Saturday, the attack was not too convincing. It should improve when the forwards settle down. Everton are running up against trouble on the eye of the campaign. Troup's old injury, a dislocation of the shoulder, reasserted itself in a duel with Peacock, but medical examination showed that trouble is not serious. The Scottish International had been nippy and tricky. Hardy was also in the wards, twisting his foot. Kendall, the reserve goalkeeper, who has knee trouble and is to undergo an operation, stepped into the beach, only to receive an accidental; knock-out blow in the jaw, and for a while McDonald had to don the jersey.
NEW PLAYER SIGNED.
The centre-forward berth will present some difficulty until Dean is fit, and that may not be for some time. Dominy, the new inside right from Southampton, was fast, and made a smart partner for Irvine. Parker, the Stalybridge Celtic, and Woodhouse, ex-Preston North End, two other newhands, made a quite business like right wing for the Whites. The scores were Parker Murray (3), Waver, and Batten, for the Whites Dominy, Irvine O'Donnell (2) for the Blues. Teams: - Blues: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and McDonald backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Irvine, Dominy, O'Donnell, Kennedy, and Troup, forwards. Whites: - Davies, goal, Kerr and Hamilton, backs, Peacock, Bain and Virr half-backs Parker, Woodhouse, Murray, Batten, and Weaver forwards.
DAVIES SIGNS AFTER THE MATCH.
Davies who was given a trial in goal, was signed on after the match. He has played for Flint in the North Wales League. He is 20 and 6ft 1in in height. The attendance was 12,000 and the receipts for charity, £350.

EVERTON’S ENTERPRISE
Athletic News-Monday, August 23, 1926
FINE NEW STAND AT GOODISON PARK
ABSENT FACES
Although Everton are compelled to open the season with such stalwarts as Dean and Chedgzoy, there is a feeling of confidence that the club will enjoy a successful season.  Murray, Batten, and Irvine have had experience in leading the attack, and for the time being the selection for the position will probably be made from those players.  Moffatt (making good recovery from a spike wound in the foot), who did good work for Luton Town, will probably fill the position of outside right, and with Troup on the other extreme there will be diminutive wing players on ether flank.  In addition to Moffatt are newcomers of experience in Dominy (Southampton), Woodhouse (Preston North End), and Davies (Flint).  C.G.C. Menham will again be available for goal when required, and much is expected from three other amateurs –T. Parker from Stalybridge Celtic; S. Edwards, who assisted local teams in Wrexham as a half-back; and C.R. Butterfield, from Darlington church League.  The most important departure is Neil McBain, who has gone to St. Johnstone.  Livingston left at the back-end of last season for Plymouth, while Parry, who understudied Chedgzoy, has gone to Grimsby, and Jones, the young goalkeeper, to Southport.  Harland has not yet secured an engagement.  A magnificent double-decker stand 483ft in length is in course of construction, and when completed will give an increased accommodation of 11,000, bring the holding capacity of the ground to close upon 70,000.  A new ground has been provided for the third team at Stopgate Park, a mile away, where the players have been training.  Kendall, whose leg troubled him last season, is not yet sound and on Thursday a specialist was consulted. 
EVERTON’S NEW KEEPER
After the practice game at Goodison Park on Saturday, Mr. Tom McIntosh signed Arthur Leonard Davies, who, two seasons ago, was with New Brighton, and last season kept goal for Flint.  Davies was on trial owing to Kendall’s injury, and gave a good display especially in the early stages.  He stands 6ft 1in, weighing 12st. 

EVERTON’S CALAMITIES BEGNNING
Liverpool Echo-Monday, August 23, 1926
DANGER OF TRIAL GAMES
TWO GOALKEEPERS DAMAGED AND TROUP SHOULDERED-UP
Bee’s Notes
Trial games are often a deception and sometimes worse.  Everton shareholders at their meeting on Friday night, when they were regaled by good songs about “His Girl’s Mother” by that inimitable W.H. Jones by tricks of the card trade by another local sport, St Clair; together with Secretary McIntosh leading the community singing-  I say Everton shareholders on Friday night were told how near was the club to having no trial games this season, but, said the chairman (Mr. W.C. Cuff), the directors thought the spectators would like to see the new players and also the new stand.  It was a wise though an unfortunate decision.  Wise because it showed the seeds of the Everton finance-something like 28,000 spectators attended and showed enthusiasm; and unfortunate because it was attended with a wholesale cracking up of players that may lead Everton in their first games to defeat.
THE HOSPITAL LIST
First Troup went off in simple manner through his swivel shoulder. I saw him after the game and he said the shoulder dislocated was sore, but he hoped and believed it would be all right very shortly.  For three years he has been troubled with this altogether too wobbly bone, I have told him to put a gum-plug on I to keep it in place.  More serious was the inquiry to Hardy, of Stockport, who by twisting an ankle is not likely to play on Saturday at ‘Spurs ground, if looks go for anything.  He ran into Batten and the pair blocked the ball at the same time.  Hardy’s loss is a severe one, especially as Kendall the only other “known” goalkeeper now on the books, is troubled with a “knee,” and suffered a collision with Weaver, which led him to the touch line where he handed over his wearing attire to Jock McDonald.  Everton goalkeepers must look upon the position as an unlucky one; first there was Harland, then Kendall, next Hardy and now Kendall again.  It made one begin to wish that the promising boy Jones now of Southport, had been kept. 
ONE TO FOLLOW
Fortunately, the silver lining was produced by a smart goalkeeper in Davies, who was with New Brighton and Flint.  He was signed on after the match.  He is tall, quick, has a keen eye and safe hands, and comes through with a sweeping movement that commands attention.  Of course he needs experience, but when he nipped one from Dominy away from the goal-mouth I reckoned he stamped himself at once as a good goalkeeper, with great possibilities.  Dominy had little chance to do more than this, and his shot reminded me of the shot I saw Elisha Scott repel in the last minute of play at Southampton.  Woodhouse also had little chance to shine, but Parker, at outside-right, showed nice ideas and cutting-in methods that should be encouraged.  Irvine at outside right was a test piece; and he was perhaps the surest forward on the field, for he got the ball across without delay, after making the defence move towards him-which s football.  Everton by adopting the American rule of football, allowing substitutes- Houghton for Troup and Kendall for Hardy –did not bring any additional life into the proceedings, for the game had by then gone to pieces as a trial. 
PERCEIVED
What one could perceive was that Young Hamilton is growing in right lines, he actually “bumped” one ball –a thing I have never before seen on a football field- deliberately, at any rate, and his method of pushing the ball to the outside left is distinctly wise.  His partner Kerr is something of a humorist, but is ever the pushful, plugging sort of back, Everton may have need of these young men are long; you never know.  At half-back Virr showed he has fully recovered, and maybe he wants speeding up a bit now; and Murray, who is sometimes declared slow, scored three goals during the day, and one of his shots was his South Africa best; the best drive of the day.  He is much better than most people seem to think.,  of the senior members there was little to remark, save that Peacock’s close dribbling with that of Hunter Hart led to much enjoyment, even if practically is not there every time it is attempted.  Everton will be attractive as ever, but one begins to ponder over certain positions and wonder if the small playing list is sufficient to carry them through.  Time will tell. 

BEES NOTES
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, August 24, 1926
Everton people took a deep interest in Dixie Dean’s appearance at Goodison Park on Saturday and they will be further interested to know that Bill-as he is known in the dressing room-was playing golf at the week-end with Hunter Hart.  Messrs Jobson and Scafe, and he showed confidence and skill, in fact, one of the Bidston club members sad; “If he goes on with the game he’ll be down to a three-man in next to no time.  Hunter Hart is a member of the Bidston club and a very sure player; Dean is likely to join the same club. 

EVERTON SIGNING
Liverpool Echo-Wednesday, August 25, 1926
FAMOUS AMATEUR TO GIVE HIS HELP
B. HOWARD BAKER LINKS UP
CLUB SEVERAL HIT; TRYOUT FOR SOUTHERN BOY
Echo Special
Everton today announce that they are playing B. Howard baker in goal for their opening game in London v. Tottenham Hotspur.  B. Howard Baker’s first senior club was Liverpool; then came a spell with Everton and finally a long run with Chelsea.  But his name is biggest where the Corinthian club is concerned.  He has always made the Corinthian call stand first.  Everton having had Hardy and Kendall damaged on Saturday, were happy to receive an offer from the famous amateur to help them out.  Thus Everton got in touch with Chelsea and duly signed him. 
THE TEAM
B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart (Capt); Irvine, Dominy, O’Donnell, Kennedy, and Weaver. It was at White Hart Lane, by the way, that Howard Baker made his name with the Londoners in a famous cup-tie game there.  The Everton club announce the following injured list thus early- Dean, Kendall, Hardy, Moffat, Troup , with Peacock and Houghton doubtful. 
Against Manchester City Reserves at home; Davies; Hamilton, Kerr; Peacock, Bain, Virr; T. Parker, Woodhouse, Murray, Batten, and Houghton.  For the Central league match at Goodison Park shareholders and members will be accommodated on the D.E. and F stands, Goodison road, entrance to which is north of the office entrance.
ANOTHER SIGNING
Everton have signed for trial a new right full back, named W.H. Wilcox.  He comes from Taunton United, and thoughtfully nineteen years of age he stands 6ft 1in, and weighs 13st.  He is of the Somerset County Cricket Club. 

START OF SEASON
August 26, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
At the beginning of the football season clubs require all their strength, and when injuries in practice games are met with, it is a big handicap. Everton have been hard hit in this respect, because in addition to the loss of Dean, the centre-forward, Hardy, Troup, Kendall and Peaccok were injured in the only trail game while Moffatt the new outside right sustained a leg injury training. The chief concern however, was to find a goalkeeper for the opening match on Saturday against Tottenham Hotspur, and fortunately for Everton, B. Howard Baker, the amateur goalkeeper who has player for Liverpool, Everton, and Corinthians offered his services to the club, with the result that Everton communicated Chelsea and the noted amateur will guard the goal at white Hart Lane on Saturday. The Goodison club is, there fore, fortunate to get out of the quandary. A Dominy late of Southampton is to partner, Irvine who is to fill the extreme berth on the right, while Weaver is to play outside left. Everton are giving a trail to WH. Wilcox a right full-back from Taunton United, and though only nineteen years of age, he stands 6ft 1ins and weights 13 stone. He is on the staff of the Somerset County Cricket Club.

HOWARD BAKER FOR EVERTON.
August 26 1926. The Daily Courier.
INTERNATIONAL GOALKEEPER TO HELP OLD CLUB.
B. Howard Baker, the famous international goalkeeper of Liverpool, has joined the Everton club, and will keep goal against Tottenham Hotspurs in London on Saturday. Seven Everton players are not fit at present, and Baker to help his old club offered his services. His transfer from Chelsea has been secured. The injured players are Dean, Hardy, Kendall, Troup, Moffatt, Peacock, and Houghton. The team for Saturday is: - B. Howard Baker; Raitt and McDonald; Brown, Reid, and Hart; Irvine, Dominy, O'Donnell, Kennedy, and Weaver. The reserve team to oppose Manchester City, in the Central League game at Goodison Park is: - Davies, Hamilton and Kerr; Peacock, Bain, and Virr; Parker Woodhouse, Murray, Batten, and Houghton, forwards.

LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP
Liverpool Echo- Thursday, August 26, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Representatives of the four senior clubs- Everton, Liverpool, Tranmere Rovers, and New Brighton-met last night and made the draw for the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup as follows;- New Brighton v Tranmere Rovers at New Brighton, on Monday, September 27.  Liverpool v Everton, at Anfield, on Wednesday afternoon, November 17. 

PERRY
Sheffield Independent –Friday, August 27, 1926
Wombwell filled a place in their forward line yesterday by signing on a player named Perry, who has had some experience with Everton and has also bene attached to the Wednesday Club.  Last season Parry was with Everton , for whom he is reported to have scored no fewer than 33 goals.  He is 24 years of age, stands 5ft 9in, and weighs 11st 7lbs, and plays either inside right or inside-left.  He will probably be included in the team to meet Mexborough at Hampden road tomorrow. 

EVERTON SPURRED ON
Liverpool Echo-Friday, August 27, 1926
LONDON CLUB OFFERS SHARP OPPOSITION
Bee’s Notes
It would be idle to pretend that Everton have not struck a rock this early on.  They have not got their outside-right, Moffatt; they have not their centre-forward who carried them so ably last season; they are lacking in a goalkeeper who has been with them for a season or more, and, in general, the “feel” of to-morrow’s game at White Hart Lane is rather “clammy.”  It could not be otherwise; yet are they de3spondent.  No, not one bit.  They say and believe that they have mended the side to the best of their ability, and it is a big, strong side with Howard Baker in goal, the long-striding and competent Weaver on the left for Troup, and Irvine on the wing with Arthur Dominy.  So that they went to London this evening with a big side sound in practically every link, and I found them very chirpy about their chance of surprising the ‘Spurs, and not at all lying back and “greeting” over the most unfortunate accident list.
TRAINING
Howard Baker has done much training at the Everton ground in his time, and therefore it was no surprise when he was found this week guarding an Everton goal in trial spins.  Howard has had trouble with a foot, but is now fighting fit and keen to “have a go” at a ground where he made his name famous in football domains.  It will be as intriguing sort of game, because ‘Spurs, with their fast-moving, darting forward (who cannot finish), will offer up attractive fare, and as Everton always do likewise, the football standard should be high.  Candidly, I have doubts about Everton’s ability to win, and think it would be folly to hide them.  However, if they’ll surprise me with a draw I shall be happy to make the amended honorable.  Nothing would give me greater pleasure.  These are the teams;-
Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart; Irvine, Dominy, O’Donnell, Kennedy, Weaver.  My Tottenham correspondent wires an item of news which has a local interest.  It is that Jack Elkes, who is again to be tried in the centre-half position, is to captain the Tottenham Hotspur team.  This is another surprise move.  Grimsdell is, of course, the official captain, but when he was absent last season, Clay, Seed, and Bert Smith all had a turn as skipper. 
Manchester City’s reserve eleven for the inaugural Central League match with Everton at Goodison Park is a particularly strong one, and, in addition to Sharp, Browell, and Johnson, will include four of the new players who have been engaged during the close season, these being Finnigan, the goalkeeper from Connah’s Quay; Bennett, the right full back from Wrexham; Cannon the left half-back from Bellshill Athletic; and Gibson, the centre forward from Bridgeton Waverley. 

JAMES BROAD TO WATFORD
Nottingham Evening Post - Saturday 28 August 1926
Watford have signed on James Broad, who for the past few seasons has played centre-forward for Everton and was formerly centre-forward for Millwall and Stoke City.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, August 28, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON VISIT ‘SPURS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, August 28, 1926
“BEE” TELLS HOW EVERTON’S FORCED EXPERIMENTS WORKED AT WHITE HART LANE
Everton; B. Howard Baker; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); Irvine, Dominy, O’Donnell, Kennedy, Weaver.  Tottenham Hotspur; J. Smith; Forster, Poynton; B. Smith, Elkes (Captain), Lindsay; Thompson, Blair, Osborne, Seed, Dimmock.  White Hart Lane, Saturday.
We basked in the sunshine; 35,000 of us.  It was a day for dancing on the village green.  Instead, we were here to baptize the football season 1926-27. Well! It kept fine for us.  The question Everton kept asking themselves was! “Will it be fine and bright?”  They felt their own troubles would never end.  I will say this for the directors (Mr. Chairman Cuff, and Directors E. Green, A. Coffey, H. Bank), that they were optimistic almost to a fault. 
HOWARD BAKER IN GOAL
Much interest, of course, centred in Howard Baker’s reappearance in an Everton jersey.  He came in to stop the goal rot (Hardy and Kendall are both out of action).  Weaver for Troup, O’Donnell for Dean, and Irvine as an outside right, with Dominy making his debut in First Division football, together with Elkes as a half back and captain, all helped to draw the crowd.  The ground was in better condition this summer than any other London ground.  The Spurs, they tell me, bank on Blair to be one of the surprise packets of the season.  Referee Stott believed in punctuality and gave instructions to the captains in an unusual manner about a throw-in.
WINNING FIRST TOSS
Hart began the season in the proper manner by winning the toss.  Off we went on the great nine months’ chase of the big ball.  At once we could see the ‘Spurs had conceived the plan of feeding Dimmock, but Reid and Brown held him in check, and McDonald was severely practical on three occasions, when the least falter would have been fatal.  Hart slipped, and Raitt cut across Osborne, and a linesman vigorously claimed a foul; but the referee said “Play on!” and Raitt redeemed the situation.  The Everton forwards were pretty and practical, O’Donnell heading the ball back, and in Dean’s style, and getting a round of applause.
AN OFFSIDE “GOAL”
The Spurs now had an innings, and when Seed netted the ball he was plainly offside but one felt a little tremor at the sight of the ball in the Everton net, and when Seed passed the ball over the bar, and Osborne headed quite close the Everton air became chilled to the bone.  Everton, however, came back in fighting mood, and after O’Donnell had hesitated Kennedy, full of temper, banged in a shot just as he made in his early days at Everton, to the great surprise of Smith, the goalkeeper, who only half saved; and when Irvine closed in on the home goalkeeper the latter tumbled and half fell, but managed to push the ball from whence it had come.  This was from Weaver.  It looked 100 to 1 on a goal, and Weaver was only baulked through space when two yards out.  In eight minutes Everton had scored. 
O’DONNELL’S LEADING GOAL
It was quite an effective and simple effort.  Hart pushed the ball up towards Kennedy, who said “Thank you,” and transferred the ball to O’Donnell, who rather easily planted the ball into the corner of the net.  Thus Everton had broken the ice of misfortune.  You in Liverpool would have enjoyed to see the next 10 minutes.  Everton played a thoroughly confident and competent game, and David Reid took it upon himself to use his strong thighs and drive in a magnificent high ball, which shook the goalkeeper, who turned the ball up to the bar.  Moreover, Weaver had a bonny effort blocked not by good management.  At this point the Spurs looked to have come back, and got well in, thanks to the new boy, Blair, but Thompson had quite the wrong idea of making the ball put inwards. 
OFFSIDE TACTICS
Thus a good chance had the go-by.  Blair was again the stormy petrel, and when Hart slipped the Scotch boy ran the ball against the side net.  The ‘Spurs did not hesitate in the offside tactics, and Seed, as ever, was inclined to overwork the ball.  Howard Baker’s goalkicks passed three-parts the length of the field, whereas the other goalkeeper did not reach the half way line.  David Reid up to now had played a charming game, and the game itself was full of punch, points, and pleasure.  The Spurs were very nearly hoist with their won offside schemes, as Irvine took the ball instead of O’Donnell, and when the ball cannoned from a defender, Weaver was again crowded out before he could get in his shot. 
SPURS WIN CLOSE GAME BY 2 TO 1
O’Donnell, instead of gently tapping the ball into the net, dug the ball, which passed over the bar. 
ALLEWRING A DECISION
O’Donnell held his head in shame, which is more than the referee did when he changed his verdict about an offside decision.  Howard Baker watched the zig-zag dribble of Dimmock and the canny pass back to Seed, and when the latter jabbed the ball towards the goalkeeper the Everton man made a magnificent save at point-blank range.  Dimmock made one of the best shots of the match and inspired efforts that passed the left.  Dimmock was a danger, whereas Blair was well and truly trapped by Hart.  Dominy was canny in his drag passes to his wing man, and if a shade slow in part he was always keeping Lindsay and Paynton buzzing round him.  O’Donnell in spite of a troublesome boot, made a chance shot from thirty yards out, and except that it soared like a balloon it was a faultless ball.  The game went over half an hour before there was a free kick for a trip.  Brown at this point left the field with a jarred foot. 
MORE CASUALTIES
Everton will soon want their own cottage hospital on the Walton estate.  Moreover, O’Donnell was cracked on the knee in a collision with Elkes and suffered considerable pain.  He had to be attended by Minter, the Spurs’ trainer.  Brown returned just in time to make a clearance and complete the three minutes remaining.  Half-time; Spurs 0, Everton 1.
It had been a very enjoyable game, hot and instructive, and so far Everton’s form had been surprisingly good.  They had much to thank their backs and half-backs for, and the ‘Spurs experimental half-back line had not been a success.  One admires Everton’s pluck and persistent and their football methods.  One expected the pace of the first half to show itself in the second half.  The first point was a long shot of no power from Seed, who was bring well watched by Raitt, McDonald and Raitt closed on the extreme wingers with the sharpness of a knife. 
A TOUCH OF COMEDY
Blair, breaking through handled so patently that a blind man could have seen him.  Irvine produced a comedy touch and the ‘Spurs again lived by the excess of the offside tactics.  Not a single complaining voice was heard from the crowd all out this negative type of football.  what the Spurs badly wanted was position attack, and it was taking them a long time to get into an easy moving stride.  In fact, they were a grievous disappointment to the locals.  Irvine, who hardly knows how to give a foul, was now called to order Lindsay intervening, and from the free kick Thompson crossed the ball without finding a Spurs forward able or willing to convert it.  The Sours were plainly rattled and Everton continued to grow in goodness and in confidence.  Poynton was cleverly beaten by O’Donnell, who proceeded to present the ball back to the Spurs man.  Even the Spurs goalkeeper came under the ban of the critics, his goalkicks offering a chance.
THE ‘SPURS TAKE THE ELAD
Elkes was a big disappointment.  At the 14th minute Hart complained bitterly of Blair without getting a free kick, and the referee, having claimed the waters, a throw-in was taken, and off went Osborne slightly to the right, and with a low shots he found the net with a clear goal.  All square at the hour, and naturally the ‘Spurs were now all out for a lead, and would have got it if Raitt had not fallen back to stop Osborne walking through.  It was immediately after Raitt’s magnificent save that the Spurs worked through on the right again, and Blair, after hesitating shot through a crush of players.  The ball, after looking to be passing outside, hit the foot of the upright and kicked back over the line.  Spurs thus led after two breakaway runs, and at this juncture they were certainly not worth their lead. 
PRESSING HOWARD BAKER
Hart, in dribbling in front of his own goal, let in Osborne who forced Baker to make a jolly good catch.  He made another sound catch from Elkes.  The Spurs goalkeeper made a tragic blunder and dropping the ball seven yards out, the opened an avenue for O’Donnell, who was promptly surrounded by the defenders.  Final; Tottenham Hotspur 2, Everton 1. 

EVERTON RES V MAN CITY RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, August 28, 1926
HAT-TRICK BY BATTEN-JUNIORS RUN RIOT
At Goodison Park.  Everton made one change, Millington for Houghton, and the City, who included Browell and Johnson, were early off the mark.  But the opening attack was easily cleared, and Everton’s Parker cleverly wended his way to the goalline, Murray making Finnegan effect a smart save from the winger’s centre.  Manchester lost a chance when Browell in a better position than Turnbull, allowed a low ball to travel to the out-side man, whose shot was wide of the target.  The City were playing a nice steady game, but Everton were the more robust and dangerous side, and when Peacock drew the visitors’ defence and dropped the ball in the centre Murray and Woodhouse bothered the City defenders.  Woodhouse opened the score for Everton.  The visitors were certainly unfortunate when, during a brilliant attack with Davies out of place in goal, Hamilton handled out a ball from Gibson which would certainly have found the net, but referee Roscoe to the surprise of all, ruled that there had been an infringement.  Battens scored a second for Everton.  The City got a well-deserved goal when Gibson scored.  Everton were well served by Virr and Peacock, and were worthy of the goal lead that Browell nearly rubbed off when he made Davies effect a glorious save.  Batten headed Everton’s third goal. 
Half-time.- Everton 3, Manchester City Res 1.
Gibson scored a second for the City immediately on resuming, and although Murray missed a penalty Everton were always the superior side.  Their attacks were always forceful and well framed whereas the visitors’ attacks were good, but their defence uncertain.  Batten completed the hat-trick from a corner kick by Parker, and later scored a fifth and Millington a sixth.  Three-quarter time; Everton Res 6, Manchester City Res 2. 

SKLEMERSDALE U V EVERTON A
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, August 28, 1926
At Skelmersdale.  The home team pressed, and Gregson missed an open goal, but later the same player crossed the ball for Southern to score for Skelmersdale.  Everton forced a corner and Scott saved brilliantly from Gaskell.  W. Gregson drove the ball under the Everton bar, but Farrington saved splendidly.  Half-time; Skelmersdale 1, Everton nil. 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 EVERTON 1
August 30, 1926. The Daily Courier.
SPUR'S OFFSIDE TACTICS ROB EVERTON OF VICTORY
EVERTON SURPRISE
Everton played delightful football at White Hart-Lane, and the defeat was the result of sheer hard luck, plau the 'Spurs offside tactics. Time and again the Everton forwards were thrown out of alignment through the careful manoecuving of Poynton and Forster, although there were occasions when the referee's decision on this point seemed questionable. As a team, Everton surprised. They played wholeheartedly, scientifically, and up to the last minute. There was no slackening off, and how the Spurs' goal escaped in the last quarter of an hour no one can expalin. O'Donnell missed a sitter in the first half after scoring the only goal, but his play on the whole was satisfying.
HOWARD BAKER RELIABLE.
Howard Baker, in goal gave a reliable display, as did Raitt and McDonald. Dimmock found Raitt always his equal, and Brown kept Seed well in hand after the first minutes. Elkes as a centre half was not the equal of Reid, who played a sound game, steady rather than brilliant. Hart found Blair, who has joined the 'Spurs from Third Lanark a tough handful. Weaver and Kendall played well together, as did Irvine and Dominy. Everton might quite easily have been two goals ahead at the interval. The 'Spurs were a beaten team when Osborne scored a spectacular goal after taking a pass from Seed and flashing pass the backs, to beat Baker with a swift drive from close range. The equaliser found the 'Spurs on top form. Blair added what proved to be the winning goal after a pretty bout of passing the ball striking the upright and passing in goal. Teams : -Tottenham Hotspurs: - J. Smith, Forster, and Poynton, backs, Lindsay, Elkes (captain), and Smith, half-backs, Thompson Blair, Osborne, Seed, Dimmock forwards. Everton: - B.H. Baker goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Irvine, Dominy, O'Donnell, Kennedy and Weaver, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 7 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 2
August 30, 1926. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 1)
BATTEN SCORES FIVE
Everton Reserves opened the season with a brilliant performance at Goodison Park. The home forwards ran riot, scoring seven goals against two by the City. Batten, who scored five goals, was a live wire on the Everton side, as was Woodhouse, who scored twice. Davies, the new goalkeeper gave a confident display, making one particularly fine save from Browell. The Manchester forwards, well led by Gibson, who scored both points were a clever line. Murray also missed a penalty for Everton (Daily Post). Everton: - Davies, goal, Hamilton, and Kerr, backs, Peacock, Bain, and Virr half-backs, Parker, Woodhouse, Murray, Batten, and Houghton, forwards.

SPURS EXPERIEMENTS
Athletic News-Monday, August 30, 1926
SMITH SAVES SIDE FROM LAST KICK OF MATCH
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2, EVERTON 1
By The Vagrant
THE players of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton will have right to be proud of the part they have played in this new football season if they never fall below the standard set in the opening encounter at White Hart-lane.  Occasionally there was evidence of misunderstanding which inevitably follows experimental changes, but for the greater part it was good football and fine as well as fair sport.  First blood was to the visitors. After eight minutes Kennedy pushed the ball through to enable O’Donnell to dart clear of the backs and beat Smith with a low cross-shot. At half-time Everton led by this goal, as they deserved to do.  During a wonderful spell of five minutes in the second half, however, the ’Spurs reversed the position. Running through to take a forward pass, Osborne scored with a facsimile of O’Donnell’s effort, and three minutes later Blair sent low cross-drive against the far post and thence into the net to record the goal which carried the points.  A draw would perhaps have better represented the merits of two well-matched teams. Everton were never quite such a disjointed force as were Tottenham in the few minutes after they had conceded a goal, but on the other hand, the visitors were never quite so good the ’Spurs during their best spell.  Supporters the 'Spurs may be very hopeful about the future. The form of the men who were occupying their old positions was satisfactory, while the experiments give every promise of being justified by results.  Seed, changing over from right to left, made Dimmock a good partner, and unless Blair is the sort of player who flatters only to deceive, Tottenham have in him winner." Making due allowance for the nervousness associated with debut, the tall and well-built young man from Third Lanark must voted a real success.  He is certainly quite good enough for Thompson to play up to him rather more than he did in this game.
RISKY METHODS. 
The outcome of two other experiments —Eikes centre half-back and Poynton as left back —must await further evidence before verdict is passed. I thought that Poynton was apt to follow his clearances too far, a proceeding which is apt to be risky, but which he will probably overcome when he has forgotten the things he used to do as a half-back.  Force of circumstances compelled the 'Spurs to play James Smith in goal, but he it was who saved the side in the last few momenta when Everton had full sail unfurled.  The finest thing in the match was the save he made from Weaver’s last kick of the game, and a minute or two earlier he had made an almost equally brilliant but very different kind of save from Dominy. Even Howard Baker, more closely glued to his place than usual, did nothing to equal these saves, though the one-handed stop of great drive from Seed in the first half was masterpiece.  There were few weak places in the Everton side, but the forwards must not be held entirely blameless for their failure to make full use of Tottenham’s time of trouble. O’Donnell was a dashing leader, to whom the extreme men might have pushed the ball through with less hesitancy, but he made one bad miss.  Dominy and Kennedy played their parts well, and on the whole the Everton half-backs, with Hart outstanding, were better than the Tottenham trio. Raitt vied with Forster for the honour of being the best full-back on the field.  Tottenham Hotspur.—Smith (J.); Forster, Poynton; Smith (B.), Elkes, Lindsay; Thompson, Blair, Osborne, Seed, and Dimmock.  Everton; D Baker; Raitt, McDonald, Brown, Reid, Hart; Irvine, Dominy, O’Donnell, Kennedy, and Weaver.  Referee: H. V. Stott (Tamworth). 

EVERTON WORTH SOMETHING BETTER
Liverpool Echo-Monday, August 30, 1926
A PITY
By Bee
It is a pity this is the case where Spurs are concerned, for we know them to be a fine fighting scheming side, whose talents should not need this subterfuge.  I have never disliked the scheme, but I can quite see how it can become a disease and a barrier to the best in football.  it is like everything else; abuse it and you lose the spectators’ charm, without which you cannot live.  Spurs, as a matter of fact, admitted after the match that they had a great surprise from Everton.  They had heard so much about Everton’s hospital cases-Houghton is to be added to the cussed list-that they thought they would have an easy thing on.  Now, on Friday, I gave it out that I had no belief in Everton.  That was an honest conviction.  I was nearly convinced at White Hart-lane, because for an hour Everton were worth a lead and hold one, and apart from a splash five minutes the home side were never in the same category as Everton, and a dramatic finish could easily have created a draw.  The Spurs’ Scottish goalkeeper was not a safe member, but with the last two points of play he saved the pounds; first Dominy cracked one at him and the ball bobbed up against the post; with the absolute last kick Weaver waved his way through and with a low ball, angled as he was, he got the goalkeeper guessing.  The Spurs’ man saved at the second time of asking, and smothered the ball at the foot of the post.  Lucky? Yes, and Everton trooped off when their good fortune was about to start.
PERSONALS
Enough of the point of play.  You want to know how the men shaped in view of the changes and the trails.  First then, let us give credit to the new goalkeeper, Howard Baker, who could not be blamed and who made some very telling punches to hard shots.  Raitt was a grand defender who quite closeted the clever Dimmock after the first ten minutes, aided by Brown, of course.  McDonald was another fine back, but both were too far from each other when Osborne came into the middle to open the goal.  At half-back David Reid played a calculating game, typical of the man, and it is best evidence of his game that he not only kept a tight rein on Osborne but also had duels with the big Elkes at centre half and came out of them best.  Reid stands for ceremonious football; he never wastes a ball.  Hart took a little time to settle down, and took a crack on the leg and on the head with due calm, but was naturally vexed that a linesmen did not see the impetuous Blair blocking his way through.  Without in any way excusing the defeat, I am going to say that a foul on Hart was passed by at the moment Blair went off for his goal.  Which was distinctly hard fortune. 
THE ATATCK
It was in attack that most Everton people showed some fear.  Dean was missing, Troup was missing, &c.  Well, I am going to say that the line did not do at all badly and gave the rival goalkeeper much more work to do than Baker had from the ‘Spurs.  Dominy is a great shot, with a tendency to slowness in marching upward, but he has a lovely dragging pass and he and Irvine can easily develop into a joyful wing.  Weaver was the surest man all the way through; he lobbed the ball across so gently and opened out goals; one such he offered to O’Donnell would have clinched the game.  O’Donnell had got a goal a minute before and this was a gilt-edged chance.  To miss was fatal.  But it has been done by hundreds before and will be again.  O’Donnell is a rousing, daring raider, and I like him where some others do not; he will take a firing rod and he has force in his shot as well as brains in his combination beliefs.  Much of the work of the Everton front line bore a high mark of intelligence and wisdom, and if Kennedy did not get much effect he was always hard at it and one surprise knock of his was one of the best things in a clean, good game against a half-back line that may have made the Everton forward line look better than it really is- remember that.  I do not fancy Elkes, Lindsay, and Bert Smith.  The last-named has gone back a lot in pace, Elkes has not settled to his new place, and Lindsay is frail.  I view that Everton had their chances to win; they lost a golden gift-goal; were baulked at the final shot, and were truly unfortunate not to take at least a half.  However, that is football; it will turn their way some day. 

EVERTON SIGN TWO BROTHERS
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, August 31, 1926
The brothers Walter and Bob Curr, who played for Orrel have signed amateur forms for Everton.  Walter is an inside forward and Bob a full-back. 

 

August 1926