Everton Independent Research Data

 

DIXIE DEAN REFUSES £25 A WEEK. 
Coatbridge Express - Wednesday 01 August 1928
That Dean, the famous Everton centre-forward and English international had received a stupendous offer to play in America was disclosed on board the White Star liner “Celtic" prior to the vessel's departure front Liverpool for New York on Saturday. Mr.  George Moorhouse. Manager of the New York Giants "soccer" team, who was on board, wasaccompanied by three English League players who have signed agreements to play for his club nest season. Association football in America is rapidly gaining in popularity, Mr. Moorhouse said, and the school has started to play the game. The American Soccer League consists of 14 professional teams, which are composed mostly of imported players, and the gate attendance averages from 5,000 to 10.000 a match. The price of admission is the equivalent of 4s 8d, all spectators paying the one price. In order to give the game a boost we offered Dean, the English centre-forward. £25 a week to play in America, but our overtures were unsuccessful.  Dean said he preferred to play in England.

“DIXIE” COMING AGAIN
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 04 August 1928
There is a good prospect of again having a visit from “Dixie” Dean, the England and Everton centre-forward, for a cricket match between the Mersey Ironworks and the Everton F.C is being arranged.  Mr. Tom Corley, manager of the Mersey Institute, informs us that the game is expected to take place next Wednesday at the Cromwell-road ground.  Mr. Corley was largely instrumental in securing the visit of the Everton F.C last Wednesday and he is hoping that a full team of players of the Everton F.C will be able to take part.  The players reported for training on Tuesday, and next week’s affair will be regarded as part of the day’s training.  So Evertonians in Ellesmere Port will have another chance of seeing “Dixie” and his colleagues again.  We hope to publish a full list of players taking part in the game ion our next week’s issue. 

A LIFE TIME IN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL
Athletic News - Monday 06 August 1928
Cup Final Blunder
Forward Change which Upset a Whole Team
Mr. Jack Sharp Everton
In the course of his career as Everton’s outside right for more than a decade, Mr. Jack Sharp, now a director of the Goodison club, gained every kind of distinction the game contains for players.  The comments and comparisons he makes in continuing his story of a lifetime in Association football, are therefore, of uncommon interest, especially in their bearing on present-day football and training.
Interview by Tee.
I think the best team Everton had during my eleven seasons as a player at Goodison Park was in 1905, the season in which Aston Villa beat us in the Cup semi-final at Nottingham, after a draw at Stoke.  We were all over the Villa on that occasion.  The team at that time was;- L.R. Roose; Balmer, Crelley; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and H.P Hardman. 
In the same season Newcastle United beat us by one point for the League championship.  Everton were unfortunate to be so beaten, as the championship would have been theirs but for he abandonment through fog of a match at Woolwich in which they were leading 3-1 when the game was stopped seven minutes from time.  Woolwich won 1-0 in the replay.   That was the year in which I was capped against Scotland.  Our forwards and half-backs were a fine blend and altogether that team was a better one than that which won the Cup for Everton in 1906, though it was practically the same side in personnel.  Everton have always maintained a good standard of football.  You may be curious to know how that has come about.  Well, my explanation of it is that they look at a man’s character before they take him on.  Everton play good, clean football, and the club’s traditions in that respect are like those of Aston Villa and Newcastle United –as being amongst the most scientific and cleaned sides in the game.
“An Awful Blunder.”
We lost in the Cup Final with Sheffield Wednesday through an error of tactics in team selection.  Wilson was left out of the side because he would not re-sign for the following season, and the players were very sore about it.  We were training at Chingford for the Final, and the leaving out of Wilson was much discussed.  He had played in all the other Cup-ties as partner to Hardman, while Jimmy Settle had been my partner on the other wing.  It was an awful blunder to leave Wilson out, as it not only weakened the team but affected its morale.  I feel sure we would have beaten the Wednesday if we had had our bst team out.  Many people will remember that sensational opening 1905-06 on the hottest day ever known in football.  On that September day several of the Manchester City players collapsed, overcome by the heat, in the match with Woolwich Arsenal at Hyde-road.  We were playing at Middlesbrough that day, and on the morning of the match our trainer bought silk handkerchiefs for us to wrap round our necks to prevent our getting sunstroke while playing.  Ten of the team got one, but “Bill” Scott, the goalkeeper, brother of Elisha Scott, did not.  He, of course, could wear a cap, but he wanted a handkerchief when he saw the others, and made the laconic remark by way of complaint, “Doesn’t the sun shine on me as well?”  In that same week-end, on the Monday night, we played Manchester City.  I don’t know how many men who figured in their “Sunstroke” match on the Saturday played against us, but I remember we won 9-1.   The late “Billy” Foulke, the goalkeeper of gigantic girth, was an old football pal of mine.  One of my memories of him is that after the ball had passed outside the goal he picked me up after I had run into goal and then dropped me on the floor as if I were a mere child.  No, “Bill” did not get many buffetings.  He knew how to take care of himself against forwards who tried to take him by storm.
Game Not Better
I think the type of men who play football has improved somewhat of late years, but I do not think the quality of football has altered for the better.  The men who were not so well educated were better players than the moderns; they had football minds.  If their brains were in their feet, as the saying goes, they knew how to use them; they thought about nothing else but the game.  Everton did well in the Cup-ties for a long time, and thus we got acclimatized to big matches.  Consequently we were never nervous, at any rate, I never saw any signs of nervousness, so I cannot tell any stories of players being unable to lace their boots through excitement!   In my last match, in which Barnsley beat us 3-0 at Old Trafford in the semi-final of the Cup in 1910 after a goalless draw at Leeds, two penalty kicks were awarded  and wasted before anything was scored.  The first was awarded to Barnsley and Tom Boyle took it and missed.  Then we were awarded one, and I was deputed to take it.  I fared no better than Boyle, but if I had scored I think we would have won.  The side that gets the first goal is the one that you may expect to win any big-Cup-tie.
Increase of Barracking
In addition to football and cricket I have played a lot of golf, and, of course, still play it.  During Everton’s special training we had some very good times at South Shore, Blackpool, and we had a lot of putting practice on the sands.  One day while we were playing I said; “This is our last today.  I’ll go first,” I holed my putt from forty yards, whereupon Tom Booth, Kitchen, and Settle threw their money down on the sand –we were playing for a small stake –and departed in disgust.   Tom Booth was our best billiards player, one of the best cueists ever known in football in fact, and, as most people know, he reached the semi-final of the English amateur Championship not long ago.  But he didn’t always win our billiards handicaps; I won a few.   In the old days we never got the personal barracking players seems to get nowadays.  Yet I do not think spectators are nearly so enthusiastic about football generally as they used to be.  In the old Crystal Palace days, crowds were full of enthusiasm, and the same remark applied to crowds at local “Derbies.”  They used to work themselves up into a state of feverish anticipation two or three weeks ahead of the match and derived great enjoyment from this intimate interest in the teams and the fixtures; now it seems altogether different although the crowds are bigger. 
Ideal “Final” Ground
In the last year or two the game has improved a lot compared with what it was for a year or two before that.  Then it was very poor stuff through players playing too fast without ball control.  The present Everton team plays more like the old one than any it has had in the meantime.   Cup finals ought to be much more attractive from a football standpoint than they were at the Crystal Palace where, nine times out of ten, the ground was like cast-iron.  It is impossible to play good football on that kind of pitch, but at Wembley the Final is played on absolutely perfect turf.   That is a tremendous advantage to the players, and that is why we saw a better final this year.  Players cannot be expected to finesse in a Cup Final when the ball won’t come down to their feet.  It is a curious coincidence that the first match I ever saw in which first-class teams figured was between Aston Villa and Everton.  That was in the Cup Final in the year before I joined the Villa.  These were the clubs between which I was destined to spend the whole of my career in first class football.  I played cricket with Lancashire continuously from 1899 to 1925, and was captain in my last three years, and for the last few years I have been a director of Everton.
More Ball Practice
The finest centre-forward I saw during my playing career was G.O. Smith.  He is the only centre-forward comparable with “Dixie” Dean.  He was tall, but he had not the physique of Dean, whom I consider to be the “finest of all time,” especially with his head.  Bert Freeman required less help from anybody else than any centre, I have seen, and used to “place” his scoring shots instead of shooting hard.  He was a wonderful match winner.  The new off-side rule is a good idea.  It has made the action of the game more continuous.  Wingmen have a much better opportunity than those in the old days, and some of them ought to get a lot more goals than they do.  They do not cut in for goal as much as they should, but them they do not seem to be as speedy runners as wingmen used to be.  I think ball practice is going to be employed more.  Some clubs seem to employed more.  Some clubs seem to think it makes for staleness, but I think a fair amount of it makes the players keener, and it certainly gives them better ball control.  In my time we had plenty of it.

EVERTON CRICKET WIN.
August 9 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
VISIT TO ELLESERE PORT.
Everton footballers played Ellesmere Port last evening, when they played the Mersey Iron works at Cricket. Prior to the game the players were entertained by the management of the Queen's cinema, and afterwards took tea at the Mersey Ironworks in stitute. Outstanding in the batting list for Everton were T. White (39) and H. hardy (27), while WR. Dean knocked up 14. He captured four wickets for 34 runs. G. Davies, who was 26 not out, and took 4 wickets for 16, was the star man of the Ironwork side. After the match an imprudence was held at the institute, while the directors and officials played bows. The Cricket scores, Everton, A. Davies, c and b G Davies, E. Jones c and b Raybould 3, T. White b Davies 39, A. Virr b Raybould 0, T. Lewis b Raybould 0, H. hardy ran out 27, WR. Dean c Grifiths b bell 14, J. O'Donnell b Davies 4, D. Bain b Davies 0, W. Cresswell not out 2, W. Rooney b Bell 7, Extras 5. Total 101. Mersey Ironworks, E. Griffiths c Cresswell b Virr 2, F. Worrall b Dean 0, J. Birkett b Dean 0, FG. Mills b Dean 1, HG Bell c Lewis b Dean 3, G. Davies not out 26, R. Smith ran out 5, V. Percial b Virr 0, H. Williams Ibw b Virr 5, C. Raybould c Dean b Jones 18, A. cruise c Bain b Jones 0, Extras 2. Total 62. Bowls-Mersey Ironworks A. Virr 3 for 26, WR Dean 4 for 34, A. Jones 2 for 0. Everton, G Davies 4 for 16, C Raybould 3 for 27.

EVERTON TRIAL TEAMS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 August 1928
Everton’s practice teams on Monday, at 6.45 p.m., will be as follow;- Blues; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Whites; Davies; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Forshaw, White, Martin, and Stein.  Referee H. Stephenson. 

EVERTON PLAYERS AT CRICKET
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
The Everton football players had a pleasant break from the routine of training, yesterday, when they visited Ellesmere Port and opposed the Mersey Ironworks team at cricket.  Prior to the match they were entertained by the management of the Queen’s Cinema, and afterwards took ten at the Mersey Ironworks Institute.  Everton won the game, T. White being the chief scorer with 39 runs, while Dean was the most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 34 runs; scores;-
Invitation of Mr. D.J. Clarke, the players of the Everton, Liverpool, and Tranmere Rovers football teams will attend the first home performance of “Dream Birds” at the Birkenhead Hippodrome tomorrow.  The attraction is Harold Walden, brother of the famous “Fanny, “and himself formerly a footballer, who is playing the comedian’s part in this revue. 

TONIGHT AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 13 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton tonight start their trial games at 6.45, and a great crowd is expected to turn out to see the new and the old men.  Season tickets are on sale at the office, hours 9.30 to 5.30. teams; Blues; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Whites; Davies; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Forshaw, White, Martin, and Stein.  Referee H. Stephenson. 
EVERTON’S JONES
A friend who used to sport bats and bowls with me on the famous sward known as “The Cabbage Patch,” tells me of a rather interesting little occurrence in a match played by Everton Reserves.  He was seated in his favorite quarter among the severe critics and cronies, and all eyes turned on Dunn, the then new man.  But my friends took another view- by mistakes –as he had fastened his eyes upon what he thought was Dunn, but actually it was young Jones, o Bournemouth brother o the Ivor Jones of international and West Bromwich fame.  This purchase from Bournemouth did marvellous things; and he has mentioned the matter to me because he thinks the Everton people will find in Jones another “Jimmy Settle,” -which is a happy, alluring possibility. 
Talking of West Bromwich and Everton reminds me that I chanced to meet the Rev, W.C. Jordan yesterday.  Old-timers will remember he served at a Stoneycroft church and helped Everton.  But his main games were with West Bromwich.  My “Butler” suggested that he played for Albion in 1899, and he was sure of his dates by the remembrance of the Boer War.  Which only shows how memory can trick us.  I said if he played for Albion or Everton in those far-off days I must be sixty-five years of age.  The Rev. Jordan settled the matter for us and confirmed my date -1909.  Nowadays this sporting parson is concentrating on sermon and salmon.  He is a father of men and a fisher of salmon in the waters of the Ribble. 

17,000 THRILLED AT GOODISON PARK TRIAL MATCH.
August 14 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
DEAN SCORERS TWO FOR THE BLUES
CRITCHLEY'S COUPLE COMPLETES WHITES DISCOMFORTURE
DUNN IMPRESSED.
BLUES 4 WHITES 0
The 17,000 people who congregated at Goodison park last evening to witness the first public practice match of the Everton club were well rewarded for their trouble, if thrills were the chief object of their visit. Incidentally, the playing pitch looked as good a condition as the 22 men who participated, in the enjoyable accounts in which the Blues –comprising last year's champions, with the substitution of the famous Jimmy Dunn at inside-right for Martin –defeated the Whites or Reserves, comparatively easily. Thrills there was in plenty, and despite the score, they occurred at both ends of the field, but whereas the Blues were able to take advantage of their opportunities, the Whites appeared to be in a maze whenever they were within in shooting range, which was pretty often, especially in the second half when the Blues eased up with an advantage of three goals obtained before the chance over. FOOTBALL'S HALL MARK.
Naturally, chief interest centred on the appearance of Dunn, one of the man, who helped Scotland to nip the English rose “in the bud” at Wembley last season, and they went home convinced that in this diminutive auburn –haired Scot the champions had found a man with football written all over him. This was only a trial game, it is true, but football in a main, just the same as truth in all walk of life will out. Possessed of a most deceptive body swerve, he manipulates the ball with rare skill, and passes with extreme delicacy. Quick to size up a situation, he passed last evening to the right man nine times out of ten, and with this link in the chain (that was missing for a greater part of last campaign) fully forgot, it was no wonder that Dean and company had a merry time, much to the discomfiture of the White's defence. Dunn will fit in splendidly with the Goodison scheme of things. The remainder of the team played, without exerting themselves, as well as one would expect from the men who carried off the championship. Critchley appears to have improved, particularly in regard to his centring, and he scored two lovely goals with quick shots out on the right which completely deceived Davies.
THE DEAN TOUCH.
As one would expect, Dean obtained the two other points, and also treated there spectators to some of those typical touches of his which really brought the League Cup to Liverpool. Weldon played at his best, except when it came to shooting, and here he could not find his mark. One of the features of the encounter was the half-back work generally. Both lines operated as smoothly as velvet and, though it seems invidious to particularise, one would perhaps select Hunter Hart, Rooney and Bain as the picks. Hardy, faced with the somewhat impetuous White forwards, had a merry time, but he reveled in his work and brought off one or two really magnificent saves. The finishing of the Reserve attackers left a lot to be desired, but they occasionally were well on the target and two saves from White early in the second half were particularly good.
WHITES' DEFENCE GOOD .
The Whites' defence was good and of the forwards the wingers, Meston and Martin were the pick. Stein did not have many opportunities, but he has a tricky hanging centre, which will upset many a defence. Forshaw's work was stamped with euteness, and only fault was when in the penalty area. Honestly he missed what the prophet would describe as “sitters.” A word of praise for the Blues backs, Cresswell and O'Donnell, is also due. They played “into each others hands” perfectly, and took a deal of out-witting. Teams: - Blues: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. Whites: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Rooney, Griffiths, and Bain, half-backs Meston, Forshaw, White, Martin, and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON F.C. ATTRACTIVE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 14 August 1928
A REAL PARK
Everton left off in May with a thunderous applause and speechmaking.  They recommended last night on a turf that did not seem possible; it was a rich turf, sure and not “holy”; it was the finest stretch I ever remember at Goodison Park, which has the reputation of having nasty cobs and holes that make a ball play peculiar tricks.  The evening was pleasant, the goals were four-fold; the senior side took them all because Harry Hardy saw to it that the best of the reserves side’s shots did not pass him by- a superb exhibition of goalkeeping, without flukes, with much daring and some masterly stoppages against White.  Forshaw, and Martin.  Once, it is true, O’Donnell stemmed his tide for him by heading away from the goal line, and another time he was saved through the ball hitting the back of O’Donnell’s boot, but for all that credit must be given to the reserves for their deadly and stirring shooting, for it suggests that Everton have much to call upon if accidents claim the first team men.  Needless to say, everyone wanted to see the stubby little fellow Dunn, who is not a young player and bears the marks of ripe experience.  He did sufficiently well to prove that he will weld the line to a great degree.  One could see working agreements being made between him and his partners on either side.  He is not a slave to the outside right, but when he does pass the ball that way he sees to it that the winger shall use the speed he has been blessed with.  In short, it is the progressive pass he makes, and we have need of all this type of passes, for there are far too many square passes against defenders that look ahead and sprint forward.  Here Critchley went forward and scored two bonny goals, one very masterly; and those cynics who had been in the habit of decrying the winger came to praise him and look on him with favour.  He did not waste one centre. 
MIT THE EHAD
Dean got the other goals (two) and throughout the game I noticed he did most of the passing with the head.  Not once did his flick go astray and I came away more than ever convinced that he does more “with the head” than many forwards ever accomplish with the foot.  Naturally he was not “all out” for a trial game, nor were many others, but there was no sort of walk-over and Kelly after having had a glorious first-half found Mr. Sure-Centre Stein and Martin working together to good purpose.  Stein has an enormous reach and a finely-judged centre; Martin known what Stein needs and offers it to him.  Similarly Sandy Troup showed the way to hug a ball towards centre, and his flash shot was a thing of intense power, as Davies would readily admit.  Weldon was not on the target, yet he and Troup work in harness in combined form; and with the Everton half-backs joining in the fine passages of combination, the outlook for the season is thus early very rosy.  Everton played in their trial game just as they played in October last season.  After that they lost touch with their known style of bringing the half-back into the combination; now they have started in their own sweet way, and one can be assured that if this is followed up as a plan of campaign they will male pleasant football to watch and many victories.  The defenders through the piece were excellent and Kennedy strikes me as a fine, rousing yet not reckless defender who forces the pace by taking the ball up the field.  Hart, Virr, and Kelly will not readily be displaced, and altogether the game of last night was well worth the amount paid to charity -350 pounds, from 14,000 spectators.  The goalkeeping of Hardy and Davies was alone worth the money.  Forshaw’s return following his months of absence last back-end was keenly watched, and one found how soon be accommodated himself to strange comrades.  He had a watching brief for the big bustling White and he kept Meston going steadily.  This trim-built outside-right made one startling sinuous dribble and solo effort that extended a good distance and finished unluckily.  The outlooked at Goodison Park suggests goal and good conduct marks. 
THESE FEAST AND FAST DAYS
Everton are celebrating their jubilee this season, and it would seem that they are also celebrating a feast and fast period, one might indeed style it their “Jubil-ate” session.  They celebrate the championship on August 20 at the Adelphi.  They celebrate their jubilee at a later date.  The have just had the League Management Committee as their guests “in a family gathering” at Llandudno.  It kept fine for them, too. 
EVERTON PLAYERS AT CRICKET
Several of the Everton Football Club players are fairly useful at cricket, and their two-evening match with Clubmoor Cricket Club, which begins today, at Maiden-lane, Clubmoor, is likely to prove a most interesting one.  A start will be made at 6.30.  dean is to captain the Everton eleven, which is as follow;- W. Dean (Captain), D. Bain, W. Cresswell, H. Hardy, T. White, E. Jones, J. O’Donnell, W. Rooney, A. Virr, A. Davies, E. critchly. 
Re the local football programmes (Liverpool and Everton official), I am sorry these are published at 2d.  I have visited numerous grounds around the country, and in most cases have had to pay a penny for a programme which compared favourable with our local programme.  The latter should be published at a penny. 

DEAN'S FOUR WICKETS
August 15 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
A large crowd witnessed the opening of the two evening match between Everton footballers and Clubmoor C.C. The latter, batting first, were accounted for a total of 72. Dean and Virr each took four wickets for 23 and 20 runs respectively, while their colleagues A. Jones and Davies also secured one a piece for seven and twenty respectively. J. Harling for Clubmoor made the best stand, 29 runs, which included five four's. Everton went in for about twenty minutes, and compiled twelve runs for the loss of two wickets. The innings will be resumed tonight at 6-30.

EVERTON TO BAT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 15 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
The appearance of the Everton footballers in the role as cricketers drew a large crowd to Maiden-lane, last evening, when the two-evening match was commenced (a collection at which is taken for a benefit for the Clubmoor groundsman).  “Dixie” who is skipper of the footballers’ side, lost the toss, and the Clubmoor side took first knock.  Hedge and Simpson were the opening pair, to the bowling of Virr and Dean.  Virr third ball brought disaster to the Clubmoor side, Hedge being well caught without any run having been scored.  With the total of 17 Dean made a splendid catch, and in the next over again repeated the feat, and the next victim also fell to Dean, thus dismissing the three batsmen in as many overs, for 18 runs.  Dixie, by the way, who is a medium-paced bowler, has done very little in this line before, and has only had an occasional game of Cricket, but on this showing suggests that he can be a success at any game he tackles.  With half the side out for 38, things were not looking too rosy for Clubmoor, but, thanks to a splendid 29 contributed by J.B. Duff, also double figures for G. Tomkinson and J. Roscoe, a respectable score of 72 saw the innings closed.  Virr got four wickets for 20, and Dean’s four cost 23.  Virr, who until recently was a regular player of the Clubmoor side, is a fast bowler, and at the same time, mixes his deliveries.  The fielding of the footballers was appreciated by the large crowd, and the wicket keeping of Rooney was a feature, only two runs being recorded against him.  Clubmoor were all out in 75 minutes, and their opponents had about twenty minutes at the crease, scoring 12 for the loss of two wickets when play ceased, until 6.30 this evening. 

EVERTON DEFEATED
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 16 August 1928
Bee’s Notes


The team of Everton footballers were beaten in their cricket match with Clubmoor by 12 runs, thus reversing last year’s result, when Everton won by four wickets “Dixie” once again proved to be the shinning light, and, with 19, was top scorer.  He hit four 4’sm two of which were terrific hits, narrowly missing breaking the pavilion windows.  T. White and J. O’Donnell were the only other players to reach double figures.  The remaining batsmen totaled 13.  G. Tomkinson was the bowler who did the damage, taking seven wickets at a cost of 5 apiece; whilst J. Harling claimed three for 25.  At the conclusion of the match a supper and musical programme was held, and during the interval Vice-chairman G. Patterson, on behalf of the Clubmoor Cricket Club, thanked the Everton Club for again providing the opposition for the groundsman’s benefit, and at the same time congratulated the Everton team for the honour that they had gained last year, and wished them every success for the coming campaign.  Sub-captain Jack Harling seconded the vote of thanks, and remarked that when the Everton team won the Cup in 1905-6 the then captain, Jack Taylor, who was a member of the same cricket club as he, and that was Oakfield, that played in the Liverpool and District Amateur League, a similar function occurred, and Jack Taylor brought along the cup, and they had a sip out of it, and he (Mr. Harling) hoped that the Everton Club would be able to repeat the same on the next occasion twelve months hence.  Bert Smith, assistant trainer, replied on behalf of the footballers, and thanked their hosts for the pleasant time that they had had. 

FOOTBALLERS TAKE TO THE SMALL BALL.
August 16 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton footballers against Clubmoor C.C, at Maiden-lane Clubmoor, Everton resumed their innings last evening, Clubmoor having been dispensed with for 72 the previous night. Everton made 60, to which “Dixie” Dean contributed 19 (Top score) and T. White 16.

EVERTON’S TRIAL GAME TEAMS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 17 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton tomorrow have their final practice game, and as the team-sheet has been altered there is sure to be a goodly sized crowd to see how many goals will be scored.  It is intriguing to find Forshaw, known for his Everton period as a forward, going back to the half-back division –as he did in his Anfield days.  What is behind that?  Well, candidly, I cannot say, and I think it is a question of time.  Forshaw has always been, in some minds, better as a centre-half-back than any other position; some look upon him as best as a wing half-back.  Everton have thus early set the gossipers taking by this selection.  The name of Jones as inside right of the reserve side is another point of special interest.  This is the Welsh boy, brother of Ivor Jones, of Albion, who has been talked about freely.  He is a bonny dribbler, and he has a personality that is said to overcome his lack of inches.  These are the sides;- Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Whites; Davies; Common, Kennedy; Forshaw, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Jones, White, Martin, Stein.  
LIVERPOOL COMBINATION
The above league commence operations on August 25 with eleven clubs-Marine, Whiston, Skelmersdale, Everton “A”, Liverpool “A”, Bootle Celtic, Wavertree, Ellesmere Port, Bootle St. James, High Park, Southport.  All handbooks have been issued a fortnight ago to all clubs. 

EVERTON CAPTURE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 17 August 1928
INTERNATIONAL OUTSIDE RIGHT
FAMOUS WING AGAIN
RITCHIE, OF HIBERNAINS, TO PLAY TOMORROW
When Dunn was signed at the end of last season by Everton, Hibernian folk and Scottish footballers in general wondered what would happen to Harry Ritchie, who throughout his junior playing career has known no other inside partner than the little sunburn-locked inside right.  That problem will never have to be answered, for Ritchie has followed him to Everton, and thus transferred to Liverpool holus bolus one of the most brilliant and most feared wings in Scotland. 
AT FULL GALLOP
He is a native of Kirkcudbridged, and went direct from the local team to Easter Road.  He is 5ft 9in, in height, and tips the scale at 12st 4lb, which is a goodly weight for an outside men.  Ritchie, however, knows how to move, and when on the ball is a terror to stop.  Possessed of excellent ball control, he can centre or shoot at full gallop and is always well among the league marksmen when the season is over.  Last year Ritchie and Dunn played better together than they have ever done before, and for that reason were selected on Scotland’s right wing against Ireland at Firhill.  In this match Scotland were defeated by the only goal scored, but critics were almost unanimous in their praise of the Hibernian duo.  Some said that Dunn’s mystic moves in the middle were the brightest features of a lively game, and others say that Ritchie, for all the poor support he received, was Scotland’s number one forward. 
EXCELLENT RECORD
If it had not been Ritchie’s misfortune to be contemporary to the one and only Alec Jackson of Huddersfield and Renton, there is no doubt that Ritchie would have been included in the team that met England and beat them to decisively at Wembley last April.  In Scottish Cup-ties, Ritchie has a capital record, and last season scored a “hat trick” in Hibernian’ tie with Third Lanark.  It was in this game that he laid the foundation to his Irish cap. 
A PERFECT PAIR
Ritchie shines on big occasions, and when Rangers and Celtic are in opposition he has for years been the main thorn in the side of the Glasgow cracks.  He has never played for any other senior club although Celtic and others have made tempting offers.  His association with Dunn has meant a lot for that player, who knows just his capabilities and plays up to them.  With Dunn and Ritchie forming Everton’s right wing we can expect a repetition of their brilliant Edinburgh partnership.  Both players have plenty of good football in them, and undoubtedly Everton have done the correct thing in taking the two.  Separated, they would not be nearly so effective.  Ritchie will play in the trial match, tomorrow at Goodison Park. 

RITCHIE GOES TO EVERTON PARTNERSHIP WITH DUNN RENEWED
Dundee Courier - Saturday 18 August 1928
Arbroath Half Fixed by Forfar
Negotiations with Everton for the transfer of Harry Ritchie, the Hibernian international out- side right, were completed yesterday, and Ritchie will play in the Everton trial match to-day. Ritchie was signed as outside-left from the junior Perth Violet, but in his early days with Hibernians he did not fulfil expectations. Subsequently he was given a trial in the outside right position, and became success immediately. Through time he was joined by Dunn, and there was evolved from the association of the pair one of the best right wings Hibernians ever had. Ritchie has been honored both the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish League, and one of his best displays in representative match was given against Ireland at Firhill last season, when he was partnered by his club mate, Dunn, whom he joins again at Everton.

HARRY RITCHIE
August 18 th 192. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton made a notable capture yesterday on Harry Ritchie, the Hibernian outside right who has join his old clubmate Jimmy Dunn at Goodison Park. For some years the pair were in partnership on the Hiberian right-wing and were regarded as one of the finest wings in the Scottish league. When Everton secured Dunn, near the close of last season they were prepared to take Ritchie as well. The Hibernians officials wanted to retain Ritchie, who transfer was sought by several clubs, but he desired a change, Ritchie who gained international honours against Wales in 1923, and Ireland last season, would have gained more caps but for the excellent of Jackson off Huddersfield Town. He will add weight to the Everton attack, for he stands 5 feet 8 and half inches, and weights 12 stone 5 lbs. Last season he played in twenty-five league matches for the Hibernains and scored three goals. Dunn figured in twenty-seven games for the Scottish club and scored eight goals. Everton will thus have four Scottish forwards and England's centrel forward in dean as their leader. We shall have an opportunity of seeing Ritchie to-day, as I understand he will take part in Everton's second trail, which starts at 3-15pm. Another interesting appearance will be that Forshaw as half-back.

EVERTON’S LAST TRIAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 August 1928
CROWD OF 20,000 SEE THE NEWCOMERS
By Bee.
Ritchie and Dunn paired off on the right wing of the Everton Football Club today at the final practice game.  Teams;-
Blues;- Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Whites;- Davies; Common, Kennedy; Forshaw, Griffiths, Rooney; Critchley, Jones, White, Martin, Stein.
Kennedy captained the Whites’ side, Ritchie in practice showed that he had a massive shot.  He is big built and resembles O’Donnell in a great degree Ritchie’s first effort led him to a missed centre.  Scoring begin quickly.  The Whites scored through White, Critchley beating O’Donnell by heading, and although Hardy got his hands to the ball after Cresswell had failed to kick clear, the reserve centre-forward opened the scoring.  In two minutes Dunn equalized, what time a White defender was lying on the goalline, and Davies was unable to reach the ball, which had touched a defender.  Welshman Jones and Critchley got on well together, and, altogether, the crowd of 20,000 had much to amuse them and much to enthuse about. 
EXCELLENT FOOTBALL
For a trail game the football was excellent.  Hardy made a good save from ball against the crossbar.  Martin, Stein, and White had a happy idea of combination Stein’s centres being of beautiful length.  From one of them White headed over, after which Ritchie sent the ball so that Dean could take it with ease even though it was a centre that came to him a yard high.  This was the lead for the first team and Dean should have scored again in one minute, Ritchie offering him a well-judged and unselfish pass.  Dean drove the ball at Davies and banked on strength instead of direction.  The goalkeeping was good, the stout challenge put up by the reserve forward line was appreciated and the way Kennedy and Rooney kept Dunn and Ritchie working for their living was a special feature of the match.  White drew level after Stein had driven in against the foot of the post and Hardy’s foot, and on the other wing Critchley centred for White to head in- a surprise goal.  Stein, who had been the big nose of the day, got a special round of applause for a magnificent solo effort which ended with him coming inside, and driving in a stunning ball that first struck the upright then cannoned no more than six inches over the line.  Blues set out to amend this state of affairs, and Dean having hit the crossbar found Dunn run up to convert the rebound.  Half-time; Blues 3, Whites 3. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 August 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON'S FAMOUS SCOTISH WING IN ACTION
August 20 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
RITCHIE FUTURE MENACE OF LEFT-BACK
DEBUT AT GOODISON PARK AFTER NIGHT JOURNAY
BLUES 7 WHITES 4
Goals! Goals! And goals galore! This was the state of affairs at the final practice match of the Everton club at Goodison Park on Saturday, when 20,000 people congregated to witness the debut of Harry Ritchie, the latest recuirt from the Hibernian Club. Ritchie, who played under the disadvantage of being undergone the trying experience of a long journey from Scotland, partnered his clubmate Jimmy Dunn, on the right-wing of the Blues –or probable first team, who, by dint and somewhat elaborate football, enthusiastic, and willing, rivals, the Whites –by seven to four. It was a game worth going a long way to watch for, whereas one side relied on the scientific side of the art of football –and there certainly is a distinct art about the game –the other played and they meant it and at times were putting it all in.
CHAMPIONS AGAIN?
There was one conclusion to which all came at the termination of the “friendly” affair. This was that the champions should with that element of good fortune which always follows a successful team, be in the same position as that in which they left off last season. Then of course, there is always a visit to Wembley as a more to remote contingency. Ritchie without setting the Mersey afire, gave me the impression that he will prove a decided much to a large percentage of the left backs in the premier division. He is a player likely to improve vastly on they acquaintance with his colleagues, for the sure football brain was always in evidence, and while he might not have been the dominant figure in the trial, his powers were always asserting themselves. His usefulness lies in the fact that he can use both feet with equal effect, consequently there is no need for him to drag the ball back from his position before delivering his centres, and take up correct positions, he is ever ready if the right pass –he received many from the foot of Dunn and Dean –and is away like a strike of lighting.
WELL OILED MACHINE.
The Blues worked as smoothly as a well oil-machine, and they will certainly be shaking up at Bolton on Saturday. Still, the Whites were not to be sneezed at, for there were those in the side whose undoubtlability claimed a lot of attention. Particularly does this apply to the versatile on the extreme left, Stein will go a long way in the game, especially if he has such a good partner as Martin with him.
The goalkeeper's did well, also the respective halves while the classic touches of Weldon and Troup on the Blues left conveyed to one vision, a happy future. Alec Troup secured three goals for the Blues, the others being scored by Dean (2) and Dunn. For the Whites White and Stein equally shared the goals for the losers, who performed better them the score suggest. Teams: - Blues: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly Hart and Virr half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Whites:- Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Forhsaw, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Jones, White, Martin and Stein, forwards.

EVERTON’S FINANCILA AND FOOTBALL AFFLUENCE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 20 August 1928
Bee’ Notes
Everton have brought home to roost some star members and have probably made a rod for their own lucks in the matter of selection.  Already the abundance of talent has led their supporters to call for certain changes that will not be made!  It would be folly to think of the side that went to victory last season being deposed in any one particularly, early on, ion the strength of the trial games.  False values come to us, if we are not careful; trial games are top of the class in this direction.  On Saturday two men did not strain their every nerve, and consequently two players came out of the game with a superabundance of credit in a game that led to eleven goals and plenty of comment.  I am not going to name the two men, so don’t try to read into the comment something that is not there, for there were others who “held off” rather than take injuries. 
LEFT
But this much can be said, Stein not only played well last season, but in partnership with clever George Martin has thus early shown us the way to the spot where they knock for promotion.  You can hear the loud tappings.  Stein by his huge stride, business like cutting in, and shooting with left or right foot, shows that he will be a menace to the first team board.  Martin made him play do not forget that; and Martin shot with that certainty of direction that makes him so good a player in any position.  Similarly you of the 25,000 spectators who made 600 pounds for charity’s cause may have noticed that the new right winger, Ritchie, of Hibernians, use both feet and that he has a cracker-jack shot.  One would hesitate to say he was a success if one did not know the facts.  He was rushed to Goodison Park at midnight and did not know his surroundings of his future home; so that, naturally, he needs time to settle down.  This much can be said; He can and will shoot; he is strongly built and he has a fine faculty for finding the centre forward or the player who has been alongside him at school and elsewhere –Dunn, to be explicit.  Dunn is a crafty player and will make the welkin ring, for he is no showman; he loves a goal, and like White (hefty and go-ahead), Stein and Dean he got two goals. 
ROSY OUTLOOK.
It was curious scoring –eleven goals, nearly everyone a gem of its own particular kind; good goalkeeping, in spite of the grand total; and no player had a single goal to his name; and Troup spoiled the sequence of two’s by scoring late on, to make his figure three.  It was a hectic day of delight, and promised a lot for the near future, if Everton can produce further evidence such as this, and can withstand the fear of a “nervous” break –at times in serious combat they look to be crumbling.  It is at such a time that an old head like Troup or Dunn will, by nature or their serenity and dodging, bring the side back to confidence.  There should be more all-round scoring this season; yet I would not hesitate to stake my belief in Dean having another amazing season all on his own.  It is a rosy outlook for the season, and the public will look to the first team sheets with unusual interest and concern.  There is the position of goalkeeper, for instance.  Here, hardy has given two superb exhibitions; and Davies has been little removed from the same plane.  An abundance of riches is Everton’s worst point at the moment.  As the season develops human nature may show that the directors have been forewarned and forearmed. We shall see.  The little fellow Jones, from Bournemouth is a nippy type who could do with a cubit added to his stature- this to put right an error which friends have named to me in recent days wherein I was made to say that somebody or other ought to have cubic addition to their physical frame.  Joke over; laughs cease! Let us get to business, beginning with Everton’s championship dinner to the shareholders at the Adephi Hotel tonight, and Bee’s Naps bowls side against the “Echo” Bowling Club tomorrow night at the Sefton Arms.  We are going some this week!

HOW EVERTON SURVIVED
August 21 st 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
MR. CUFF AND THE HORRORS OF THE PAST.
“In an arduous and strenuous conflict, in which our players won the championship, there were three contributory factors or fundamental principles, namely all-round ability in the part of the players, team spirit, and consistency.” So said Mr. W.C.Cuff, chairman of the Everton Club, in proposing the health of the players of the club, who were responsible for there winning of the football League championship at a celebration dinner, given by the directors to the players and shareholders of the club at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool last night. Mr. Cuff, who was supported by his fellow directors Mr. John McKenna, Mr. W. Cartwright, and Mr. Harry (Liverpool A.F.C) and Mr. F. Jones, and Mr. Ledsham (Tranmere Rovers), presided over a company bordering 200.
THE CHOSEN LEADER.
“Little more than a year ago” said Mr. Cuff, “ the club wound up a season of the greatest possible anxiety –through misfortune we were in the danger zone. That anxiety took a great deal of removing. Yet, through the year, the directors were confident that their players had that necessary ability to take them away from that horror, and so we discussed the personnel of the team and decided to appoint one of the players as leader of the team. “We picked on Warnesford Cresswell, and the team had a good captain and the captain had a good team. That confidence in the players has been fully and amply vindicated. The players responded nobly and well and they broke away from the bogy, which was following them. They proceeded to give a remarkable display of clever and attractive football. “I think the appearance of things, without egotism, gives reasonable hope for further victories and success in the near future. I believe that there are further honours within the grasp of the club.
PRESENTATION OF MEDALS.
Mr. John McKenna after presenting football league medals to Taylor, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart Virr, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, and special medals to Mr. Cooke (Training) and Mr. Tom McIntosh (Secretary), and Martin and Davies said; “I wish the team god0speed in the next season. No one will be more pleased than, I to present the cup to Everton next year if they are the best team. It requires the team spirit and unanimity of the players to make that possible. In presenting Dean with his medal Mr. McKenna said; “You have made your mark in football, and I do not know whether all your hats fir you but, believe me, I would try and keep your head the size of your hat. I wish you all the success in the future that you have had in the past. Mr. W. Cresswell, replying on behalf of the players, Said; “It is a pleasure to be the captain of the Everton team. Last season was the best season I have had in football, both socially and from a playing point of view. I hope I have the self same honour next year, if not for the League medal and Cup, the other Cup will do. I hope that for the sake of the Everton Club.

EVERTON F.C. CELEBRATION
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 21 August 1928
SIGNIFFICANT REMARKS
Bee’s Notes
It was like this, you see; They arranged for “a family gathering,” and Father (that is to say, William C. Cuff) told them all to be in their places at the Adelphi Hotel to bear him company, he being the skipper, see, and we eventually being packed, almost like sardines, for the family of the Everton Football Club consists of about 600 shareholders.  They all said they would be there, but some revoked.  I imagined someone would be rudely humorous and address the gathering something like this;-
Everton shareholders –dummy and otherwise- be seated! 
But of course no such thing did happen, for few knew which were dummy voters and which were genuine, damme! All of which means that Everton’s share list shows, at times a family of about thirty Joneses or Smiths –and they all live in the same house!  Whatever one conjured up about the vexed voting list was forgotten when one Yeoman of the Guard asked, “Why think of it now?”  It was a joyous celebration, this shareholders’ “private” meeting.  I have attended some of their previous functions, when the great slogan was “Sack the lot.”  Last night the sackers sang something strikingly like “They are jolly good fellows.”   Everybody, you see, was in good odour and good order.  At the head of the table sat the chairman, Mr. W. C. Cuff; by his side his trusty lieutenant, the directors, and many local sports, including Messrs, Walter Cartwright and Harrop, the Liverpool F.C directors; R. Ledsham , of Tranmere; together with Mr. Fred Jones, R. James, of the County F.A., and a host of others, including the ladies.  There was only one invited guest outside the range of club life, and he was Mr. John McKenna, the English Football League president, who presented the medals to the players.  No one could have chosen a better man for the task.  He had a word for everyone. 
And it suited them all.  He capped his speech when he reminded the diners that the shareholders could tell the directors a few things –they had done so and would do so again, no doubt.  In between times Ben Wood tapped the piano in his own special fashion.  There was a lusty baritone; Tom Smith, “Cracker” to me twenty years back, when he wrote to “Bee’s  column, now took up his stance and his imaginary niblick and chanted these three verses, which tickled players, officials, and the ladies;-
Our players they are Hardy but the game they play it Virr
And to foul play they never stoop
They always play Harty and they jingle I declare.
As on the field they gaily Troup
And if the Blues begin to cut up rough
Where are they sent to Mr. Cuff
   Chorus- Constantinople.
When it rains at Goodison the crowd comes just the same
For the shelter is simply grand
If they pay a shilling or pound to see the game,
Each spectator gets in a stand
The Secretary walks round in the slosh
So where are we going to buy his Macintosh?
          Chorus –Constantinople
Mr. Ernest Edwards who is known as Mr. Bee
In the “Echo” –he gets the news
When Dixie Dean was asked to sign on for a Yankee team
Mr. Bee knew that he’d refuse
But I’ve got information that is right
The team for which our Dixie Dewan signs to-night
    Now, altogether friends –Constati-nople?
One of the most important of the speeches came near the close, when Mr. Cuff called for a fight-
A fight against such things as coupons.  Players cannot answer back- remember that when you are inclined to barrack players.  Language on a football ground was at times terrible-probably through the spectator thinking his coupon was being “dished” by the result of the game.  One tells like anything it serves them right, continued Mr. Cuff, and one could hardly blamed the players if he took personal action.  “And then get suspended,” said the president, sotto voce, Mr. Cuff repeating the comment for the benefit of those present.  Undoubtedly the language and barracking is one of football’s greatest concerns.  No one was “Oliver Twist,” and everyone enjoyed Yeoman Walker’s distinctive and “artistic” comedies. 
A WORD TO THE RESERVES
The Chairman of the Everton Club referred in eulogistic terms to the players who had accomplished the very difficult feat in a season which had been without parallel in the history of the League for its strenuous and keen competition.  Twelve months previously the Everton team had narrowly escaped relegation, and the players who had lifted them from that lowly position to the highest pinnacle of success thoroughly deserved the praise they were giving them that evening.  Mr. Cuff went on to appeal to the players who had not a definite place in the first team not to think it beneath their dignity to play in the reserve side.  “Consistency is one of the salient features of success,” he added, “and this necessitates as few changes as possible, a policy which we shall carry out in the future.  To maintain Everton’s high standard we must have a large staff of players ready and willing to go into the first team and in the meantime to work for their place.  To those players I make earnest appeal.  They have a fine competition in which to display their energy, ability, and talent, the Central League, I think it is the finest competition, outside the league proper, in the British Isles, and nothing would please me more than to see the Central League Cup next to the Championship Cup at our next meeting.  I make a personal appeal to the players to make every Central League match a stepping stone to the championship.” In presenting Dean with his medal, Mr. McKenna said; “You have made your mark in football, and I do not know whether all your hats fit you, but, believe me, I would try and keep you head the size of your hat.  I wish you all the success in the future that you have had in the past.”  Each player in the championship team received his medal from Mr. McKenna amid demonstrations of enthusiasm from those present, which reached pandemonium when Dean went forward to receive his ward.  In addition to the eleven players who formed the championship team H. Cooke (trainer), and Mr. T. McIntosh (the secretary) received medals, while special medals were presented by the club to Davies and Martin, two members of the team who were not qualified to receive the League championship medals.  W. Cresswell, the captain, expressed the thanks of the team, and the proceedings concluded with a toast to the directors, proposed by Mr. Richard Williams, and responded to by Mr. Ernest Green, the deputy chairman. 

EVERTON CHANGE THE CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 22 August 1928
EVERTON’S “SURPRISES”
By Bees
Everton will create a real thorny discussion by the announcement of their first team.  Everyone recognized the difficulty of the selectors in having a wealth of talent from which to choose eleven.  The directors, in their wisdom, have changed the side that won the championship medals.  I leave the matter at that point.  Had they not changed the side there would have been complaints by some of their critics, and as it is there will be complaints.  They cannot choose twenty two players, and are not to be envied the early work of the boardroom. However, Ritchie and Dunn form the right wing, with Forshaw as twelfth man.  These are the teams;
Everton at Bolton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Reserve; Forshaw.
Everton Reserves, home to Sheffield.- Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Rooney, Griffiths, Bain; Critchley, Jones, White, Martin, Stein.  Reserve; Easton. 
Everton shareholders and members are asked to note that season tickets can be obtained from the officials of the club on Thursday and Friday up to 8 p.m.
Bolton Wanderers’ team to entertain Everton at Burnden Park has been selected as was expected.  With Seddon under suspension.  Round will play centre half, the selected eleven being;- Pym; Howarth, Finney; Cope, Round, Nuttall; Butler, Jack (D.), McClelland, Gibson, and Murphy. 

EVERTON'S NEW WING
August 23 rd 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
RITCHIE AND DUNN TO PLAY AT BOLTON.
Everton are playing their new Scottish right against Bolton Wanderers at Bolton on Saturday when Goodison Park eleven will be: - Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup. Reserve Forshaw. Bolton Wanderers will be represented by Pym; Howarth, Finney; Cope Round, Nuttall; Butler, D. Jack, McClelland, Gibson, and Murphy. The Everton Reserves team to meet the Wednesday Reserves at Goodison park will be: - Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Critchley, Jones, White, Martin, and Stein.

FOOTBALLERS’ BUSES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 23 August 1928
Now that the football season is with us, I would like to suggest that the Corporation run a service of buses from Bankhall station to the Liverpool and Everton grounds.  Hundreds of spectators disembark at this station, and I feel sure it would be a paying proposition, in addition to being a boon to the football fans. –H. Welch.

EVERTON DIRECTORS GRANTED MEMENTOES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 23 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
It seems that thousands of people have signified their intention to be present at Bolton, and many are going from Liverpool to offer the cry of “Up, Up” Up,” which cry was brought by the Everton footballers from Switzerland –a very appealing call it is, and it is more than that- it is inspiring.  At Bolton there is a magnificent chance to make a Stadium of Stadiums by using up the ground in front of the stand.  I would advised the Everton people going there to use the new Burnden stand of 2s 6d, terrace 1s 6d; seating accommodation for 2,600 and 11,000 standing.  I had a word with the club today, and find that though they are sore that they have not Seddon playing for them, they are content with the Round peg in the Bolton hole, for Round has been described as coming on a great lot in recent periods, and is almost too good to be left out of the senior side. 
Everton F.C. directors have been granted permission to give their directors a memento.  This is to celebrate the jubilee occasion, not the League victory. 
EARLY CONGRATS
“Clubmoor,” writes –Congratulations to Everton Football Club on their team building policy.  It must be many years since any club were able to produce twenty-two footballers, and if other clubs would only take a leaf out of the Goodison park book, and get together two teams instead of the usual one team and a host of nondescripts for reserve, then the Central League would become the subject of admiration instead of satire.  There was a lot of truth in what Wadsworth, of Huddersfield said, or was said to say regarding the Central League, and the pity is that no responsible journs’ at backed him up!  To all Everton supporters, who did not attend Saturday’s practice match, I would say, “If you want to see a reserve side that plays infinitely better football than fifty per cent of last year’s first leaguers; if you want to a second team that is nearly the equal of the recognized “cracks,’ then go to Goodison every Saturday when the first team is away.  There is more encouragement for a man to play his best, and it would be tragic to think of players like Davies, Rooney, Griffiths, Martin, and Stein, and others deteriorating just for lack of applause. 

EVERTON SOURVENIRS.
Everton have been given permission by the F.A. to present Souvenir to the directors, upon the attainment of the jubilee of the club.
DAVIE RAITT'S TRANSFER.
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Friday 24 August 1928
Deal Between Everton and Blackburn Rovers.
Davie Raitt, the ex-Dundee-Everton back, will probably play for Blackburn Rovers next season. Negotiations for the transfer have been going on for some time, and the deal between the clubs is practically completed.  Raitt left Dundee this morning to interview the Rovers management, and he will likely be fixed up tomorrow.  Everton transfer fee was in the region of 500. 

EVERTON GO ‘UP, UP, UPUPUP” AT BOLTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
Last season Everton should have won the game at Bolton with ease.  They drew.  There should be something better to-morrow, and there will be a host of people there to help them to the goal of their high calling.  As a matter of fact the rail line was be strewn with Evertonians, for I hear the bookings are enormous.  And most of them are embarking on a new war cry, brought straight from the mountains of Switzerland.  It is a simple cry, and is most effective.  In unison, the crowd shout “Up, up, upupup,” and it is a better cry than the Portsmouth original.  But no amount of shouting will ensure victory; it will only encourage the players to remember that they have serious business on hand in tackling Bolton Wanderers, even though the latter regard that James Seddon is away through a suspension bandage.  Round, who takes his place, has a method of being awkward and difficult, and David Jack, Gibson, and others, of the front line are hot members in turning the game into a strange and effective grove.  And the punch and power of McClelland, and remember a former meeting with this member with said results, and you have at once the essence of a bonny fight.  Everton will find the Bolton ground in perfect and true order and they will find that Bolton have a better blend than a year ago.  There is a fine understanding between the forwards.  Everyone will be anxious to know how the famous wing pair Ritchie and Dunn have fared; and there is another department of the team that will lead to inquiries, unless I am greatly mistaken.  However, there is nothing to do but possess ourselves in impatience until the big kick-off tomorrow.  These are the teams for Bolton;-
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Howarth, Finney; Cope, Round, Nuttall; Butler, D. Jack, McClelland, Gibson, Murphy. 

THE CHAMPION FEELING.
August 25 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
Then we will have Everton taking the field as champions in championship frame of mind at Burnden Park, Bolton. Each man determined to make the club's jubilee year a shinning one. The Bolton club, by the way, are opening a new stand, but of this more anon. Everyone will be anxious to see how Ritchie and Dunn, the new Scottish right wing secured by Everton at great cost, will make their debut, that is, as on Everton wing pair. Whether Everton's expenditure on the twain is likely to be justified will be indicated today.

ALEC LATTA DEAD
August 25 th 1928. The Liverpool Echo
Alec Latta the famous old Everton footballer, died this morning, after an illness of some months. Alec Latta was famous with the Goodison Park when they were housed at Anfield. He was one of a famous line of forwards whose games were chanted of by devotees of the game with a regularity that showed the popularity and skill of the line, when one spoke of Everton of the old days, one said,” his was the greatest forward line, remember –Latta, Brady, Geary, Chadwick and Milward. Alec Latta was visited yesterday by Bert Cooke the Tranmere Rovers Secretary. Latta and Nick Ross for years had a feud, and old-stages will well remember the days when each used to change the other. Latta's twelve stones and good complexion, plus his height, made him stand out as a very bold figure on a football field, and his renewed nature led to him not being found out when he perpetrated a tricke upon the critic who went with Everton in the old days. Latta was a builder, and used to work at Hoylake on his own account, but in later days he worked for A. Rutherford and Co shipbuilders.

/

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 August 1928
CHAMPIONS HAVE A STIFF OPENING TASK
THOUSANDS FOLLOW-ON
WANDERERS WITHOUT SEDDON FOR HOME GAME
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup. 
Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Howarth, Finney; Cope, Round, Nuttall; Butler, D. Jack, McClelland, Gibson, Murphy.  Referee; Mr. F. Cauldrey, Leeds. 
A big crowd followed the Everton team, and there was Bolton’s grand new stand and a perfect turf; in fact, I have never see the Bolton ground looking so green.  The weather was delightful from the onlookers’ point of view, but how the players would like the sultry conditions was another question.  However, a prompt start was made, and the Troup-Dean combination got into working order with the result that Troup got in a beautiful dragging centre which was prevented in finding Dean through a last second intervention by the tall Round, who deputizing for Seddon.  This was rather a promising opening form an Everton point of view, and after Dean had been blown up by the referee for a foul on Howarth which, in my estimation was perfectly fair because the letter was facing his own goal the Bolton left-wing made play, and Murphy, with a long sweeping pass, offered Butler an opening which was not accepted as it should have been.
McCLELLAND TOO EAGER
Still, it was a tense moment, but there were even more hectic minutes to follow.  A ball flashed across the Everton goalmouth and McClelland dashed in his eager effort to draw first blood, but unfortunately for Bolton, kicked round the ball when he was not more than four yards out.  Murphy was without doubt proving himself a danger man to the Everton defence, and centring a second time, McClelland was only a shade out with his head.  If McClelland had touched that ball it would almost certainly have been a goal.  Then jack came to life and, dashing over to the inside-left position, he only half hit a shot which Davies had little or no difficulty in saving.  Dean was responsible for a header which went just outside the Bolton goal, but so far little had been seen of the Everton attack, and most of the thrusts came from the Bolton front line, where Gibson was amazingly quick and distributing the ball to the greatest effect, while Jack, of course was to be found anywhere and everywhere where danger is. 
EVERTON’S DEFENCE PRESSED
There can be no doubt that the first ten minutes had favoured the Wanderers, and that the Everton defence had quite a warm period, but even so Davies could not be said to have had a lot of work to do.  Of course he had to be watchful.  It could not be said that the game was ultra-scientific, but still there was plenty of eagerness and a tremendous lot of enthusiasm.  Bolton still held the whip hand, and the Everton goal had one or two narrow escapes, but prior to this Dunn had shown cleverness by the way he glided a ball through a bunch of players to Dean, who, however, could not get over the outstretched legs of Round, whose one mission in life seemed to stay near Dean.  The Everton goal had its narrowest shave when jack had a shot, Davies failing to get a grip of the ball due to its greasiness as a result of a shower just previously. McClelland came crashing in to try and complete what his captain had failed to do, but before he could do so Davies had pushed the ball away, and Cresswell had carried on the good work of clearing out the danger.  Finney was hurt in a tackle with Ritchie, and then O’Donnell by a superb tackle cut short a promising movement by the Bolton right wing, for Butler was looming up as a danger by the way he was coming through.
FOUR ON TO ONE
Dean, who was well watched by four men, offered Weldon a chance to draw first blood.  Pym, however, smothered the inside man’s shot, but he was very careful to watch a rare overhead kick by Dean when the latter accepted a centre from Ritchie.  Jack forced Davies to punch away, and for some minutes there was a hot melee in front of the Everton goal, and it seemed almost of a surety that the ball would find its way into the net, for it was bobbing about in that direction all too long.  However, the scene of the attack was changed, and for the first time Ritchie and Dunn came together in a movement which promised something but which did not happen, for the Bolton defence was right on its toes in the event of danger to Pym’s charge.  The Bolton goal had two shocks following.  The first was by Weldon, which Pym captured, and the second was a very deliberate shot by Troup, and only the long arm of Pym was able to turn the effort over the crossbar. 
DIXIE’S FIRST GOAL
At this point Everton were having quite as much of the game as their rivals, and at long last the popular Dean got the goal that all the Liverpool crowd were pinning for.  It was, to a certain extent, a goal of his own making, for it was he who slipped the ball to Weldon for that player to return the compliment which enabled Dean to shoot into the net at the thirteenth minute.  The cheers which greeted this goal could be heard in the centre of Bolton.  Hart, Ritchie, and Dean particularly in a little action which came near to bringing a second goal.  So far Ritchie had done little of note.  Perhaps it was that the English defenders’ tactics were a little too severe for him; but, at any rate, he had done little, although when he collaborated with hart, he made a centre such as is the joy of centre-forwards.  It bung just sufficiently long enough to it bung just sufficiently long enough to enable Dean to take up a position for receiving it, but unfortunately Dean’s header on this occasion was just astray, the ball travelling wide of the upright.  Davies had to save a long side from Jack, but quite a lot of sting had gone out of the Wanderers’ front line, which had undoubtedly given Everton much food for thought in the first thirty minutes, and it was only the sturdiness of the Everton defence which kept them at bay.   When Dean’s goal arrived it seemed to be the finishing touch, for from that point Everton were more like their true selves, and Howarth and Finney had many anxious moments, but there was no further score at the interval.  Half-time; Bolton 0, Everton 1. 
DEAN ONLY
GOAL THAT CHANGED COURSE OF PLAY
AN EARLY HAT TRICK
GIBSON REPLIES FOR BOLTON
Wanderers pressed strongly from the start, but soon after the half-hour Dean scored for Everton.  Cheers rent the air.  This was the only goal up to the interval. Just at the hour Dean notched his second goal.  Gibson scored for Bolton in seventy-five minutes.  Dean completed his hat-trick.  Gibson scored his second goal close on the finish. 
Everton resumed in a manner which suggested that they were happy about their position, and whereas Bolton had dominated the first half, Everton were the masters for the first period of the second.  Two corner kicks taken by Ritchie were great efforts, his placing being perfect.  Dean was out of direction with the first one, but he was distinctly unfortunate with the second, for his header struck the underneath portion of the crossbar and rebounded into play, whereas nice times out of ten it would have flipped into goal.  Pym, too, was well out of position at the time.  Weldon had a shot, but was a shade too high, and little was now seen of Bolton’s formerly sprightly attack, although Butler, on one occasion, got away from O’Donnell, but he was forced to run the ball into touch.  Gibson was sadly at fault when he tried a longshot when a pass to his partners Jack or McClelland would have been to better advantage. 
DEAN’S NUMBER TWO
Then came Everton goal number two.  Troup was the master mind in this point, for he had the beating of both Cope and Haworth, and with Round jumping and missing his centre it gave Dean the chance of a lifetime, which the champion scorer was hardly likely to miss.  The score will tell you that he did not do so.  This was after sixty minutes.  The feature for some time was the battle royal between the Bolton backs and Dean, and it had to be admitted that Haworth came out of the fray with flying colours
CHANGING HIS DECISION
There was a curious incident and a goal at the 75th minute.  Davies had patted out a drive by Baker, the ball going along to Gibson, who promptly netted.  The referee, however, disallowed the goal on the score of off-side.  The Boltonians immediately appealed, and the referee consulted the linesmen, and even then decided against the Wanderers.  On a second consultation, however, with the linesmen, he allowed the goal.
DEAN’S HAT-TRICK.
It was a debatable point and caused quite a sensation.  This goal livened up the game somewhat, and Bolton for some minutes were a real menace, but at the 79th minute Hart passed a ball nicely through the middle, and, although tackled by a defender, Dean was able to pilot the ball away from the waiting Pym and into the net.
GIBSON REDUCES THE LEAD
With four minutes to play Gibson scored a second for the Wanderers amidst great excitement, but it was just too late on enable them to draw level.  In fact, but for a smart save by Pym Everton may have gone further ahead through a shot by Ritchie just before the finish. Final; Bolton 2, Bolton 3

EVERTON RES V SHEFFIELD WED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 August 1928
A great crowd, a too summerlike day, and consequently neither side was doing itself justice.  Everton had the better ideas with Stein the principal in the attacking phase, and it was fitting that the first goal should go to his credit.  The woodwork prevented him making a second after critchly had made a brilliant run and centre.  Everton were now beginning to dominate a side that for the first half-hour had given as much as they had received.  Harper and Rimmer made great efforts for Wednesday’s equalizer but they failed.  Half-time.- Everton Res 1, Wednesday Res 0.
Directly on resuming White scored a second for Everton.

SKELMERSDALE U V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 August 1928
At Skelmersdale before a good gate, and in fine weather.  Everton opened strongly and in the first eight minutes Templeman headed a fine goal, after a run by Webster, Twenty minutes later Hilton equalized, but five minutes afterwards Templeman gave his side the lead.  Skelmersdale played hard toward the interval, and again equalized through Jefferson.  Half-time; Skelmersdale U 2, Everton “A” 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 August 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

A LINCOLN RETURN
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 25 August 1928
Jack Kendall the goalkeeper whom Lincoln City transferred to Everton at a fee of 1,250 pounds, and who later had a spell with Preston North End, has now returned to his old club. 

CENTRE-FORWARDS OF A NEW STYLE
Liverpool Echo, Saturday, August 26 1928
THE FASHION “DIXI” DEAN HAS SET, AS GEORGE CAMSELL SEES IT
When I scored 59 goals in League matches two seasons ago, it looked as though I had made an English record that would stand for some time.  But records are made to be broken.  Some stand longers, that is all, “Dixie” Dean came along and scored 60 goals last season.  Frankly, I take it as a compliment to have a record of mine broken by one goal by England centre-forward.  Scoring goals in football is just like stopping the other side from scoring them.  During the last few seasons more and more teams have hit on the tactics of using the centre-forward as a rapier with which the team makes thrusts.  Not long ago most of the thrust in football came down the wings.  Then we got the short-passing plan, which resulted in the ball being kept more in the middle of the field, using three of four players keeping the ball going between them and advancing on the enemy like a steam roller.  The best teams adopted a combination of these plans.  If short-passing in the middle failed to produce results, they swung the ball out to wing.  Defenders never knew what to expect, and were often caught off their balance.  The introduction of a new off-side law saw a new tactic added to the repertory of teams that studied the game. 
ALERT FORWARDS
In this tactics the centre-forward lay always ahead of his inside forwards.  As soon as they got the ball out to him, he was away with it, making a straight line for the goal.  That is how the demand sprang up for Centre-forwards who could run like track athletes and shoot like cannons.  There are not many of these, and those teams that have got one are holding on to him.  In both English and Scottish football there is amarked shortage of centre-forwards.  Even so, however, the day of the tactician is not over.  “Dixie” Dean gives as pretty a pass as anybody, while Hugh Gallacher is the wiliest of tacticians.  Centre-forwards like these take a lot of holding, because they will not be pegged down.  If the opposing defenders say, “That is the man to watch,” these players are able to give the ball neatly to somebody else if they cannot do anything with it themselves.  You do not gain much in football by paying exaggerated attention to the “star” man of the enemy side.  If the team as a whole is good –and a team that has only one player does not stand a chance in modern football-they will quickly find a way to use their “star” as a decoy, and score their goals some other way.  A centre-forward with a reputation for finding the net is worth watching, but inside men who know their game have more ways than one of drawing a defender.  And if the defence refuses to be drawn, there are always two wings to be used.  And a centre forward who is in front of the goal when the ball is being centred is usually pretty good at getting his head or a foot to it somehow.  You can follow him like a shadow in midfield, but he will usually manage to give you the slip when the ball is about in front of the net.  That, in my opinion, sums up the art of centre-forward play- he always ready to receive a pass, and learn how to give one, too.  Nearing the goal, of course, the less passing the centre-forward does the better.  If the centre-forward can make for a scoring position by putting in a final extra effort, he ought to have the confidence to do it.  After all, the centre forward ought to be the shot of the side.  He is setting a bad example of he shows any lack of eagerness to do his own job- shoot.  Young footballers are taught to pass, and though I believe in passing, I do say that there is a lot to be said for teaching them when to hold on to the ball. 

BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 3
August 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON AND THE DOUBLE.
CHAMPIONSHIP AGAIN AND THE F.A. CUP ?
Two things were proved beyond the shadow of a doubt by the brilliant initial victory of Everton over Bolton Wanderers, at Burden Park, Bolton by the odd goal in five. The first was that Dean is once more going to be a menace to all opposing defence, and the second was that the Blues are bound to make a bold bid for the championship again and –who knows? –the F.A. Cup also. Let it be stated, first of all, that the champions, playing like a team worthy of the name, thoroughly deserved to bring away both points. Their magnificent performance was the direct outcome of highly scientific football applied with the maximum of speed and the minimum of effort. Then of course, it was a personal triumph for Dean, who players at the top of his form. To go away from him on the first day of a season and register a “hat-trick” is a feat rarely equalled. He obtained his three goals in excellent style, seizing his opportunities in a trice and applying the necessary touches –two shots were slightly more than touches –before anyone realised he was doing so pulling together. Every man in the Everton side pulled his weight for the welfare of the side and not personal glory. The game was productive of an exceedingly high standard of football, especially in the first half when each side was striving might and main to delivery the first effective blow which often wins a match. Incidentally this was exactly the case in this instance, for when Dean took over that beautiful ground pass from Weldon and beat Pym, the Wanderers, who had been enjoying perhaps a shade more of the play them the Blues, became desperate, and with that desperation came the consequent deterioration in play. Both attacks were good, although that of the Blues collaborated with greater precision, but at half-back the champions had a pull. Kelly, Hart, and Virr operated magnificently, and while being grim and tenacious in their destructive play, they gave the forwards that measure of support which is an essential to success. Round, the Bolton centre-half appeared to have one mission –that of watching Dean. He discharged this, work all right for the first 20 minutes, but than began to find the task difficult and his subsequent endeavours were a shade too elementary to prove of much use against such droughty rivals. The second of the winner's goals was the direct result of a flagrant error on his part.
DUNN AND RITCHIE.
It was not the fault of Dunn and Ritchie, the Blues' new right-wing pair that they were not more in the picture than was the case for play for the most part, ran out on the left, so that opportunities to shine were few and far between. Dunn however, showed that he is a player who believes in making the ball do the work, and many of the most deadly of the champions thrusts could be traced back to his astute initiation. Ritchie, when he was able, delivered his centres with absolute exactitude, and his corner-kicking could not have been better. Cresswell stood out as the finest defender on the field. O'Donnell, too, invariably proved too good for his tricky Bolton right-wing, and Davies infused confidence by his clever work in goal. Dean's best supporter, if there was one out standing, was Alec Troup. Weldon was another who had the happy knack of doing the right thing at the right moment. Dean obtained one goal in the first half and two in the second, and Gibson who with David Jack scored the distinction of being the best Bolton forwards, scored both the home points. Each of the 33,385 people on the ground must have agreed that the champions gained their first rewards. Teams: - Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Howarth and Finney, backs, Cope, Round and Nuttall, half-backs, Butler, David Jack, McClelland, Gibson, and Murphy, forwards. Everton: - Davies goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell backs, Kelly Hart and Virr half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 0
August 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 1)
Everton gave an impression display against the Wednesday at Goodison Park. The defence was strong and a polished front line was backed up by half-backs who were skilful in every phase of the game. Jones secured from Bournemouth towards the end of last season was the outstanding forward on view. Martin made a fine partner for Stein who scored the opening goal with a fierce oblique shot. The other goals were obtained by White during the second half . Everton: - Hardy goal, Common and Kennedy (captain) backs, Bain, Griffiths and Rooney half-backs, Critchley, Jones, White, Martin and Stein, forwards.

DAVID RAITT TO BLACKBURN ROVERS
August 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Blackburn Rovers have signed David Raitt who has been with Everton for the past six seasons as fullback the amount of the transfer fee is not stated. Raitt rendered good service to Everton, who obtained his transfer from Dundee.

ALEC LATTA'S FUNERAL.
August 27 th 1928. The Liverpool Echo
Alec Latta, the famous old-timer, who died on Saturday aged sixty-years, would have celebrated another birthday next month. He was an able man in football and business left, and for a spell it twenty years he was highly respected in the ship-repairing world, being a manager of Rutherford's during that period. The funeral is tomorrow at 3 0'clock at Bebington cemetery.

CLEVER GOALS AGAINST STEADY WEDNESDAY RES DEFENCE
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Monday 27 August 1928
At Goodison Park Everton Reserves beat Sheffield Wednesday Reserves 3-0.  The players found the summer-like conditions trying.  Nevertheless both teams played good football.  On the general trend of events the home team deserved their success, because their goals were cleverly worked through a defence that was remarkably steady.  Mellors, in the Wednesday goal, had a busy afternoon and came through with credit, whilst Hodgkiss and Felton were often spoilers with good defensive ideas.  Stein, who was Everton’s most brilliant attacker, opened the score, and the post prevented him scoring a second.  Harper made many great efforts to penetrate Everton’s defence, and he gave Hardy one very difficult shot.  Everton’s second goal came from White directly after the resumption and the same player added a third.  To the end Everton were generally the better team, although Wilkinson, Harper, and Wilson strove desperately hard to reduce Everton’s lead.  Hardy made a brilliant save from Wilkinson. 

ON MY LEFT-
Athletic News - Monday 27 August 1928
WHICH IS THE BEST BLEND
EVERTON’S 6 SCOTS
BOLTON WANDERERS 2 EVERTON 3
By Ivan Sharpe
On the collection of the various parts that got to make the perfect Association football machine, club officials now spend many months of the year in continual cogitation, thousands of pounds in railway fares and hotel fees, and tens of thousands in the purchase (too largely) and production of talent.  They are always looking for spare parts- always searching for the pieces that make the wheels go round.  As all the world knows, much of this money nowadays is paid out in Scotland.  English clubs rush there for Scottish gadgets that are peculiar to the bonnie Scottish style of production.  What is the perfect combination?  I wondered as I watched Everton, the League champions, displaying their ware on Saturday at Bolton.  Everton have for long played, or tried to play, on the Scottish pattern.  And in seeking to improve their Championship-winning team of a season back, and perfect their machine, they have added to their attack an all-Scottish right wing. 
SCOTSMEN AND DEAN
Now, therefore, their forward line consists of an English centre-forward –Dean, the world’s best- between two Scottish wing-pairs.  This a collection of stars, and if football followed the rule of the ring we should hear of Everton, at the preliminaries.  “On my right, Ritchie and Dunn –Scottish internationals, etc., etc., from Hibernian.  On my left, Weldon and Troup, Scottish star and international, etc, etc., from Airdrieonians and Dundee.”  Note the system;  An English centre-forward of weight, thrust, youth, and, fortunately, abundance of skill between two pairs of purveyors.  While it would not be true today the Scotsmen made the openings for Dean to get the goals (since Dean would get goals, anyway, in any company, in any game, nevertheless the Scotsmen do scheme to create chances for Dean to head and shoot and scramble goals.  Incidentally, he can do all that.  I have seen enough of Dean to say that he can get goals in any way that goals can be got.
A TOT
Opinion will vary as to what is the best blend in mixing the English and Scottish styles. As the average Scottish outside man has not the dash and progressive method necessary to the outside forward in English football, and English officials cannot expect to cross the Border very often with men like Alan Morton and Alex Jackson, my own view is that perfection might be secured by Englishmen at outside forward and centre-forward in attack, in the full-back positions and in goal, with Scotsmen at inside right and left, and filling all the half-back line.  So you ensure constructive defence, together with co-operation with half-backs and skill and thrust in attack.  Everton have also two Scottish half-backs (Kelly and Hart), making six men from over the Border in all, and we know why; Everton look for style as well as success on the field.  When they were at the foot of the League a few years ago, they were playing gorgeous football- as pretty every bit as that of to-day, and probably prettier.  They can be thanked for adherence to a policy that is decidedly for the good of the game.  Consequently, it is pleasant –very- to see them Champions in a day of too much hurry.  They can be complimented, too, in adhering to the policy by now introducing to their attack a player whom most clubs would deem to small.  Dunn is a midget.  “You’ll get him killed,” some would say, as they said to Northampton of wee Walden.  But Everton build on skill, and if their display at Bolton is any guide, they are in for example reward.  Weldon and Troup are small; Dunn is smaller.  On the whole, the Everton attack is small- too much so to withstand the buffering of nearly fifty-keenly-fought matches-despite the balance supplied by the forcefulness of Dean and Ritchie, who is also well built.  But Everton’s policy of keeping the ball on the ground is so staunchly supported by their half-backs that this handicap may be overcome.  It was overcome at Burnden Park, where Dean opened the season with a hat-trick, all three being capital goals, and where Everton won without a great deal of trouble.
THREE FOR DEAN
Form may be flattering or false on the first day of the season, but few of the 40,000 odd people who swarmed to the spick-and-span Bolton ground, with its fine new stand and firm green –green at Bolton?  -yes, firm, green, Wembley-like turf will dispute Everton’s right to be termed a team of the highest class playing football worthy in every way- in tone and tactics –of champions. All Dean’s goals were good.  The first showed Everton the value of Dunn, who slipped through a perfect pass.  The second was another case of Scottish provision, Troup’s centre being hooked through very adroitly, and the third was just a final reminder to friend and foe that Dean is always there when the ball is sent towards goal.  Except that Davies, in goal, did not clear the ball in the case of Bolton’s second goal, Everton impressed in all sections, while Cresswell, dean and Troup excelled.  As to the new men, Dunn schemes well in small space, and Ritchie “gets on with it.”
BOLTON’S EARLY ILL-LUCK
Now Bolton were not quite of this calibre of style.  At first they over-ran the Everton stylists by means of clever, open football, and with any tuck at all would have taken the lead.  Finally, however, a 3-2 defeat –both Bolton goals were scored by Gibson- was a just decision.  There were flaws, of course, but the first day of the season is not an occasion for keen criticism.  Still, I could not help feeling that there was too little of real skill in attack, where over-much constructive work fell on Jack, who had a magnificent first half.  As there is speed and skill on both flanks, it is up to McClelland to show a greater ability to ply these men and also to co-operative with the inside pair. Bolton’s half-back play suffered from the absence of Seddon (under suspension) and Round, his understudy at centre-half, will second my early vote of confidence in England’s centre-forward.  Otherwise, there was not much amiss-Haworth excelling.  But Bolton, as they say up North, were “up against something.”  Bolton Wanderers;- Pym; Haworth, Finney; Cope, Round, Nuttall; Butler, Jack, McClelland, Gibson and Murphy.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; F. Couldrey (Leeds). 

THE FIRST AWAY VICTORS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 August 1928
HOW EVERTON WON AT BOLTON
DEAN’S HAT-TRICK
By Stork
To be the first team to record an away victory was only one of Everton’s pleasures on Saturday, for there was also the added spice of a Dean “hat-trick” and the knowledge that the side had got right down into the hearts of the Liverpool football public.  I have never before seen such a big enthusiastic crowd trekking away from home as that which went to Bolton.  I believe there were seven specials, the carriages of each being packed to the doors.  In some instances as many as twenty people crowding into a single carriage.  Such is fame!  The victory was well won, but Everton had to strive desperately hard to being it about, and it was to the defence of Cresswell and O’Donnell, and the goal-scoring Dean, in particular, that the champions owed their success.  The backs for more than half an hour had to bear the full brunt of the Wanderers’ “drive,” and how they stood up to it without conceding a goal would entail much more space than I am allotted to tell.  Of course, there were times when they were assisted by flagrant misses on the part of McClelland and his co-forwards, but there were others when only their wonderful tackling and quick decisions kept the swarming horde from penetrating their fort. 
AMAZING TRANSFORMATION
During this period the much talked-of Everton attack had rarely troubled Finney, Pym, and Howarth, but all in a flash Dean got the ball at his toe, and although Pym rushed out to thwart him, Dean had scored.  The value of that goal was immense.  It shook Bolton’s confidence and from then until the interval there was a lack of fire and devil in their game.  It was an amazing transformation.  The Wanderers I am afraid are not good fighters when set to face the music and when Dean obtained a second goal it seemed all over, but a goal came to Bolton, and just as Dean’s goal had acted as a tonic to Everton, so did Gibson’s point hearten the Wanderers, but inside a minute Dean had slapped on a third, and although Bolton made a fight of it, and Gibson, who, by the way, is not recognized as a goal scorer, popped up with a second, there was only five minutes wanted for time, and it was all short for the Wanderers.  There was a demonstration over Gibson’s first goal, which the referee disallowed in the first instance, and only after persistent demands by the Bolton players did he deem it necessary to consult his linesman, and reverse his decision.  Let me say right now that the referee had a much better view of any infringement than either of his two assistants. 
RITCHIE’S CENTRES
The inside man is a dainty worker of a ball.  Watch how he slips his passes through on the ground, and the way he changes the point of attack.  Ritchie did not get a lot of scope, but I like his contres, which hang in the air, and should provide goal scoring opportunities.  Dean headed one on to the underneath side of the crossbar, Ritchie is not so fast as Critchley, but he has ability and once he settles down he and his partners should prove troublesome to opposing defences.  Troup, Weldon, and Dean have been so long acquainted with each other that it was small wonder that they did well together and even four men could not stop Dean scoring, while only Pym’s anticipation prevented Troup and Weldon adding to the goal crop.  Virr was best in a defensive sense, and it was not until the second half that Kelly came to his game, abut Hart was the Hart of old, and he had a ticklish task looking after the fiery McClelland, Jack, and Gibson.  O’Donnell and Cresswell were just grand and although Davies fumbled one ball it was, I think due to the slippery nature of the ball, following a shower of rain. 
“BEE-OGRAPHY.”
Twenty-four years and 364 days ago to-day I paid sixpence to see Everton play Blackburn, standing beneath the Goodison Park offices-one room, one couch, and a live sec., Mr. W.C. Cuff, nowadays chairman.  Since when I have learned better sense and have gone in either on my face or on a pass!  Sometimes suggestions have been made that I should go out on the back of my neck.  Just a day short of a quarter of a century, I can look back and smile Join me! 

ALEC LATTA
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 28 August 1928
The famous Everton player and fine fellow was buried today at Belington, many old-time footballers being present.  He was highly respected in his business and football life.
I say some time ago (says Mike Higgins) the Everton F.C was having their “jubilee” and I wondered how many of the “old original” members of the Everton United Church Club and the St. Domingo F.C could be traced.  The members who met and formed the Everton Club (they were mostly players), and played in Stanley Park, and afterwards at priory-road.  I won’t weary you with the perpetual picnic we used to have each week-end, and the feeds after the match, “hot pots” at Clark’s Village-street (Everton village).  Please excuse me writing you, but am pleased to read any remarks about past or present players of either Everton or Liverpool (the old original E.F.C) and if you should use any of this in your notes, please leave me address out at present. 

EVERTON’S RIVALRY TONIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 29 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
A little affair that is sure to happen to-night when Everton play Wednesday of Sheffield.  Sheffield field an outside left who used to parade in the ranks with Dean.  Rimmer and Dean are to-day inseparable and fast friends.  And a broadcast of the after-chat and tennis-talk of these two companions after to-night’s game would be worth listening to.  Rimmer has been Wednesday’s mascot, and it will surprise most people to-night when they look on the rivals, to hear that Rimmer is taller than Dean!  It should be high-ding-dong football tonight because the teams have already tasted success, and the game looks likely to be a dependable sort of “form at a glance,” upon which to bank.  A correspondent wants to know how the cry from Switzerland, which has caught on with local folk, goes;  It is very simple, thus, “Up, up upupup,” &c and, lib.  These are the sides for to-night; Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsopp; Strange, Leach, Marsden; Hooper, Seed, Trotter, Allen, Rimmer. 
Aigburth Solver Prize Band (Conductor Mr. Harry Wearing) play to-night, at Goodison park;-
March “The Celebration” waltz  “The Blue Danube,”  selection, “Community Land,”  foxtrot,  “Ice-Cream”  waltz song “Tired Hands,”  fantasia “A Hunting Scene,” foxtrot, “Persian Rosebud,” 
Programme for Everton on Saturday.-
March.  “The Best Shot” (Hine)  waltz “Shades of Evening,”  foxtrot  “I’m Happy,”  song waltz, “Together,” selection, Leslie Stuart’s songs, selection  “The Pirates of Penzance,”  foxtrot “She Don’t Wanna.” 

EVERTON 0 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0
August 30 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
NO GOALS AT GOODISON PARK.
WEDNESDAY SHOW HOW THEY ESCAPED RELEGATION
POLICEMAN KEAN.
Naturally, it was just a trifle disappointing to the Everton supporters that the champions did not apply the hung, drawn and quartered touch to the Wednesday at Goodison Park last evening, especially in view of the Blues' excellent display at Burnden Park a few days ago, but there was not one of the 40,000 people present who would, in the true, sense of sportsmanship, deny the Sheffielders their points. It was a case of credit and where credit is due, and the visitors played well enough to merit that one point, and so preserve their unbeaten record –they have gave a dozen matches now without tasting the bitterness of defeat. Alec Jackson the former Huddersfield and Scotland outside right was among the watches. One thing was revealed to the watchers, and that was how the Wednesday escaped relegation last season when their task appeared hopeless. They are an enthusiastic, purposeful and talented combination let that sink in, and one will come to realise how it was that the Blues failed to bring about their downfall last night. It must not be inferred that Everton played badly –one must gave that they did not reproduce their Bolton form, but the fact was that the Wednesday set out at the start to prove that they were as good as his master, and that they succeeded in their mission was due to themselves and hardly to the Blues.
GREAT GOALKEEPING.
The first half was Everton's. There is no gain –saying this, for the Sheffield goal underwent half-a-dozen escapes, so narrow that the breadth of a hair would have made all the difference in the world. Credit goes to Brown –one of the finest goalkeeper's in the country –for preserving a clean sheet for the visitors, even though his backs and halves contributed to the outwitting of the astute and willing Everton forwards. Everton, as stated, enjoyed the better of the first half but the palm subsequently went to the visitors. This was due to the fact that the home intermediates were so busy watching the sprightly, ever-ready visiting forwards that they forgot to provide their own attackers with those delicious, bottle-feeding passes which were one of the reasons why Bolton failed in their first home match. Another contributory factor was that dean, fresh from his initial “hat-trick” was watched much the same as a terrier watches a rat. Kean walked on his heels from start to the final whistle, and even when Kean lost track of the elusive Everton leader, Blenkinsopp and Walker were there to apply the closure to any individual burst, which “Dixie” contemplated. There were many thrills, for almost every minute some intricate and dangerous more was being put into action in one or other of the goalmouth's. Dean played as well as he could do in the circumstances –the circumstances being his shadows –but he find in one shot that would have beaten any goalkeeper in the country in the opening half. Veering to the right, he shot from an acute angle, and Brown, with surprising anticipation, flung himself out and pushed it away from a corner.
DUNN HITS A POST.
Dunn, who, incidentally was the outstanding forward on the field also had hard luck with a glorious drive from 30 yards' range, which struck the far post with Brown all at sea. Everyone expected Dunn to give to Troup, but a deceptive body swerve and lighting shot dumb founded everyone. The game was always interesting, but the machinations of the tunes were not as smooth as one hoped. The truth is that the rear divisions were so concerned with foiling the visitors that they forget they had men in front who could have relieved them by attacks. Dunn played magnificently and next in order of merit came Davies, who made no mistakes in the home goal. Some off his saves were worthy of a Sutcliffe. Troup did all that was required of him, but Ritchie was hardly at his best. He was not given the ball often in the right manner, it is true, but he would do well with an extra ounce of speed. His centring was excellent and the same may be said of his corner kicking. The halves performed well in defence, but it was a pity that they forgot that attack is the best defence later on. O'Donnell and Cresswell were again in form and, if anything, the former was the most effective. The fact that the champions became a little frenzied when the opening goal was not placed in their score sheet aided the visitors. Somewhat, but the Sheffeilders, fore and aft, did excellently and they must have congratulated themselves after the match. The former Tranmere Rovers player, Rimmer only married a good display by missing two “sitters” in the first half . Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O;Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart,, and Virr half-backs, Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Brown, goal, Walker and Blenkinsop, backs, Strange, Kean, and Marsden, half-backs, Hooper, Seed, Troffer, Allen, and Rimmer, forwards.

DUMBARTON ATHLETE
August 30, 1928. Evening Telegraph
Twice Capped In International Football
Alexander Latta, the ex-Dumbarton football internationalist, has died at Birkenhead. Deceased was one of the best outside-rights Dumbarton produced. He played for Dumbarton Athletic and also played for Scotland against Wales in 1888, and England in the following year. In the early nineties he crossed the border and played for Everton, being one of their crack forwards of these days.

DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
August 30 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 2)
Everton were beaten at Derby by a goal scored by Mann five minutes after the interval, it was a treacherous pitch, but generally play was fast and interesting. Hampton made many fine saves. Critchley and Jones did well in the Everton's attack, but Martin and Stein found Carr too good for them. Griffith and Robinson the young centre-half vied with each other in constructive play. Everton: - Hardy goal, Common and Kennedy (captain), backs, Bain, Griffiths and Rooney, half-backs, Critchley, Jones, White, Martin and Stein, forwards.

A SURPISE FOR EVERTON
Sheffield Independent - Thursday 30 August 1928
WEDNESDAY ENTITLED TO SHARE THE POINTS
EVERTON 0, WEDNESDAY O
By Our Own Representative
Sheffield Wednesday surprised Everton at Goodison Park last night, and were fully entitled to a share of the honours as the result of a goalless draw against the champions.  Indeed, they claimed they ought to have had the points.  In the first half Seed netted, but the referee ruled the player was offside.  It looked as if O’Donnell, the Everton back, had put the Wednesday forwards on side, and though the referee had no doubts about it, and did not consult a linesman, the Wednesday players on their part were just as convincing that the goal was a good one.  It was, in any event, a very near thing. It was a bit of luck for the champions, who on their part were unlucky when Dunn hit the post in the first half with a fine shot that had Brown beaten.  Taking the game through, a draw was a fair result. 
GREAT GOALKEEPING
Everton played the better football in the first half, and Wednesday were the superior in the second.  It was not the fault of the forwards that goals were not scored.  It was due really to fine defensive work, and here especial praise must be awarded to the Wednesday goalkeeper, brown, who throughout kept goal in his finest form.  In the first half he made half a dozen splendid saves.  He was not troubled so often afterwards, but he played his part splendidly, despite the fact that he was three times injured.  Davies, in the Everton goal, also played wonderfully well, and he also suffered through injury.  These two men played really well, and they had a lot of work to do.  Next to brown, one would place Blenkinsop in the honours list in the visiting team.  He tackled well and kicked with fine judgement, and had no superior in his position. 
KEAN SHADOWS DEAN
He was well supported by Walker, and in front of this pair were three excellent half-backs.  Kean returned to the side in place of Leach, and played an effective game, for he not only shadowed Dean cleverly, but found time to support his own forwards. Strange also played effectively, and Marsden came out of his duel with the Scottish international wingers, Dunn and Ritchie, with much distinction.  Of the forwards none did better than Hooper and Seed, who were always dangerous. While Trotter led the line well, he had no luck in his shooting.  Rimmer did good work on the left, and Allen was a good forager.  Indeed there was not a weak spot in the Wednesday side, though there was at times a lack of steadiness when near goal, due to over-anxiety.  On the Everton side, O’Donnell played a fine game at back, with Virr being the pick of the half-backs, and Dean, Dunn and Troup good forwards.  But the Wednesday did not suffer by comparison with any of the champions’ side.  Teams;-
Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsop; Strange, Kean, Marsden; Hooper, Seed, Trotter, Allen, Rimmer.  Referee Mr. W. P. Harper. 

A SPLENID FEAT
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Thursday 30 August 1928
WEDNESDAY GET POINT FROM LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
HOOPER’S HARD LUCK
KEAN GIVES GREAT DISPLAY IN GAME OF MANY THRILLS
In a great game, packed with incidents and thrills, Sheffield Wednesday accomplished a splendid performance at Liverpool last night, when they drew 0-0 with Everton, and so took a well-earned point away from the champions.  Indeed, many of the 38,000 spectators, Everton as well as Wednesday supporters, left the ground convinced that the Sheffield team had scored a legitimate goal and were entitled to both points.  The incident occurred after 25 minutes in the first half when Hooper raced past Virr, the Everton left half-back and shot the ball into the net on the run as the whistle went for offside.  The Wednesday players protested strongly but the referee refused to reverse his decision.  From the Press box it certainly looked as though Hooper started for the ball from an on-side position, and had only reached what was in the eyes of the referee an off-side position when he gained possession of the ball.  Referees of long standing have bene known to make this error before, and it is very probable that Wednesday were the unfortunate victims of a mistaken decision.  Certainly, no one would have begrudged them both points, particularly in the light of after events, for they did far more attacking than Everton in the second half and were always likely to score right up to the final whistle.  At any rate, in addition to picking up a very valuable and creditable away point, and playing their thirteenth successive First Division match without defeat-eleven lasts season and two this term- they had the satisfaction of playing an equal part with the champions in what was voted despite its lack of goals, a thrilling and skillful game.
REFUSED TO BE BEATEN
E band of loyal Sheffield Wednesday supports who went with the team to Liverpool, and who made known their allegiance in no uncertain manner, all said on the way home that they had full value for their money and were more than satisfied.  There were many happy features about Wednesday’s glorious fight against a team, which, on paper, is probably worth 50,000 pounds, but if one were asked to sum up the essential reason of their success in a phrase it would be “their do-ir-die spirit.”  They played football which was often the equal in skill and style of the champions, but it was the way they stuck to their guns and refused to be beaten or over-awed that carried most appeal.  It was the same spirit which brought about the miraculous escape from relegation last season.  When one individualizes about the Wednesday player Kean has to take pride of place as the man who did most towards earning the point.  Drafted into the team at the last moment because Leach had not quite recovered from a bruised hip sustained in the opening match on Saturday, Kean did not at once achieve his superb stranglehold on Dean, because he played a non-specialist game taking each phrase as it came along.  While he did that Dean was a continual source of danger, but as soon as Kean deserted his usual methods and concentrated upon matching his speed and skill with those of the greatest centre-forward of the day, he became the most influential man in the game. 
DEAN ALMOST BLOTTED OUT.
In the second half Kean almost blotted Dean out, and because the other Everton forwards, even with all their Scottish footcraft and resource, were not capable of scoring goals, Everton’s attack was reduced to impotence.  It was a superb duel between two great exponents of the game, and those who have seen Dean know what a tribute it is to Kean to say that he mastered the Everton centre-forward as he has probably never been mastered before.  In the first half, when Kean not yet thrown down the personal gage, Dean was his own wonderful self.  He made amazingly accurate passes and scoring attempts with his head, and was always on the spot when the ball came into the goalmouth.  Dean’s genius lies in that uncanny sixth sense which continually carries him into attacking and shooting positions.  That he has to rely a great deal on his colleagues to provide the birth of these movements does not lessen his greatness as a goal scorer.  Last night he made a number of rousing attempts to score in the first half, but was held up by Walker, Blenkinsop, and Brown.  Afterwards, though his colleagues often created opportunities, he never got past Kean.  Even when they went off the field at the end of the game Kean was still by his side.  Other Wednesday players earned high praise for their individual efforts.  Strange, for instance, showed that in him Wednesday have a half-back who can “get there,” as the Americans say, by gentle, thoughtful methods and his stylish play created a big impression.  Blenkinsop was an outstanding figure because of the way he used his speed to beat Everton’s latest Scottish signing, Ritchie.  The latter showed that he can play the typical Scottish football, but he wanted too much time, and Blenkinsop was yards too fast for him.  Everton will probably bring Critchley back and give Ritchie a run with the reserves until he has gained the speed which is necessary for English football.  The other three Scottish forwards- Troup, Dunn, and Weldon- were a crafty, resourceful trio, who made shots on the floor, created attacks with heel taps, and tested Brown with astonishingly powerful drives.  Brown made some grand saves in the first half.  After the interval he did not have nearly so much to do as Davies, who once saved a certain goal by rushing out to meet Rimmer, and on other occasions saved his side when Allen, who played a strong, bustling game, Trotter, Hooper, and Seed made scoring efforts which deserved to succeed. 
A STRONG WEDNESDAY ATTACK
Without playing very pretty football the Wednesday attack was strong and untiring- a persistent quintet who were effectively supported by the half-backs and never gave up trying.  Right up to the last minute the big crowd was on tenterhooks.  Weldon made two last despairing attempts to save the other point for Everton, but Brown parried his shots, while just before the end Allen almost beat Davies. 
Result; Everton 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0.
Teams.- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Sheffield Wednesday; Brown; Walker, Blenkinsop; Strange, Kean, Marsden; Hooper, Seed, Trotter, Allen, Rimmer.  Referee Mr. W. P. Harper.  

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN DUMBARTON ATHLETE. 
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Thursday 30 August 1928
Twice Capped in International Football.  Alexander Latta, the ex-Dumbarton football internationalist, has died at Birkenhead.  Deceased was one of the best outside-rights Dumbarton produced. He played for Dumbarton Athletic and also played for Scotland against Wales in 1888, and England in the following year.  In the early nineties he crossed the Border and played for Everton, being one of their crack forwards of these days.

EVERTON NOT CONVICTED AND NOT CONVINCING
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 30 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton must not be convicted for one solitary game, even by general consent they were not convincing.  The question is what of the near future?  And most of the crowd will leap to a change of front; they have not found Ritchie confident, and have been inclined to take too early a view of this big man’s work.  Undoubtedly, he can play football of the highest character, and possibly it needs a little more fining down of his frame and a deal more damp to the turf to ensure his best being produced.  Ritchie was a failure last night; no one will attempt to deny that; and mayhap the selectors altered their winning side without sufficient justification for the first game.  But Everton had other faults; they lacked finish against Wednesday and the Sheffield side in the long run was just about the better side; it was Davies’ greatest display for his side that kept the home lot from a shock defeat.  I thought Davies’s first save a body blow to Wednesday.  Allen should have scored, spite of Davies; but Davies followed with the best save of the match, a magnificent one-hand clearance.  The young man in Everton’s goal has developed to a fine art the method of leaving his goal to narrow the angle for the shooter.  He has done this all through the season, in trial and reality matches, and in doing so he has copied Hufton, of West Ham, who is today one of the greatest tactician’s of the day.
DEBATES
The game was splendidly clean; there were two main arguments, much flurry, much fine shooting by Wednesday, and much sound positioning by Kean and his backs, who formed three full backs against Dean.  The debate was first over an offside decision.  Those who were behind the goal said “Offside,” with trimming words to show their authority!  Others said, “A fine goal!”  I saw Hooper and others of the Wednesday Club last night at dinner, and all declared that when the ball was last played- which is all that matters in judging the incident –Hooper was onside, and he ran in some yards to take the ball.  Others said Trotter touched the ball, that it was he who was offside.  Well, the goal, if it was a goal, did not count.  The next item for debate was the half-time incident.  Dean surrounded Brown, the goalkeeper, and wheeled a circular saw around this often-falling goalkeeper, who was hurt in a process that looked as if it could be attributed to one of his own side, rather than Dean.  Brown told me that he has twisted the muscles at the back of the knee.  Now, here’s the rub.  He was pulled by Referee Harper for taking too many steps.  And how did Everton take the free kick?  I was told that Harper pushed the ball up for Dunn to back-heel it to Dean.  That was not my reading of it, and I got confirmation from the keen thinker and player.  Kirk, of New Brighton, who agreed with me that Dunn took the free kick, gave the “dummy” that he was going to make a drive forward, tapped the ball backwards, and Dean took up the running, as it were.  I have not yet met anyone who could tell me whether Dunn’s trick was lawful; or should a free kick of this character be pushed forward.  Dunn’s football was a scientific study. 
NOT FOR “RELE-,”
Wednesday are not for relegation this season, on the showing of last night.  They had a fine pair of backs, Blenkinsop, save one occasion, was brilliant, and Strange is the type of half-back I like; bodily strong, but unable to forget that he who makes a pass when he can save himself a lot of hard labour.  Fred Kean’s appearance was quite a mystery, even to the Sheffield player, who had not expected to see him turn out in view of the stories circulated about “not playing again for Wednesday,” Kean played well and with the better finish than when he played for England in trial games and the like.  Forward Ellis Rimmer was over-strong and over-ripe with his centres, but one could easily see how he had fitted the Wednesday scheme in which that fear-nought Hooper came to a great brightness near the finish.  Hooper is a wonderful winger, and it was well therefore that Virr played one of his champions games.  I reckoned him the best half on the field, with O’Donnell possibly the best back on the field, though Wednesday were stout challengers in this direction. Cresswell was not without mistake, but when he made a mistake he recovered, and gained the glad hand.  He is still the best placer of a ball from free-kick or a running ball that I have ever seen.  Yes, it was football to feast the eyes upon, even if the first half pace failed to last the later stages.  But the main remembrance to me was the part failure of Kelly, and the lack of balance in the Everton attack.  Weldon did magnificent work in trapping and trekking, yet could not squeeze the ball to goal, and everyone seemed to “wense” the disappointment of the outside right, with correspondingly depressing effect on their own game.  I was seated next to Alec Jackson, the Huddersfield crack, whom had made the journey to see the game; a bright lad, Alec, one of the joys of any football match, and to me a pal and a player de luxe. 
PORTSMOUTH TEAM V EVERTON
Portsmouth are sending to Goodison Park on Saturday the side which defeated Huddersfield.  Until McIIwaine’s suspension is lifted next moth Portsmouth will be without a regular pivot, but strength has been added to the intermediate line by Thackeray, the former Motherwell left half, who is the only new-comer in the defence since Pompey drew with Everton at Goodison last March.  Thackerlay, who has played alongside McIIwaine for the Scottish League, is a clever and constructive half, and will give trouble to the Everton right wing.  Weddle, the young Durham miner, will continue to lead the attack, in which Irvine will play against his old club for the first time.  Team; McPhail; Clifford, McColgan; Moffat, Nichol, Thackeray; Forward, Smith, Weddle, Irvine, and Cook. 
L. WELLER’S MISFORTUNE
“Lou” Weller, the former Everton defender had a misfortune today.  His boy, aged six years, was run over at Stoke.  Weller, by the way, is hopeful of entering football management as trainer of coach. 

THE OLD FOLKS AT HOME.
Liverpool Echo - Friday 31 August 1928
“I was surprise to read in notes a letter from our old half-back Mike Higgins,” says Mr. W. Eyton.  “I think that a photograph of the old team was taken by a photographer at the bottom of Spellow-Lane, 1882-83, and in the right hand side poor broken-back Jimmie Higgins; also in the centre half-back, curly-headed Mike Higgins.  His curls were the admiration of the team.  There is a later photograph by Hinchliffe, Scotland-road, which can be seen at Mr. Martin’s hairdresser, Blessington-road, Anfield; Mike in his county cap, black velvet and silver tassel.  I should like you to know Mike, and he would be able to tell you many stories of the formation of the Everton Football Club; also of the enjoyable evening spent after the matches at the expense of the team.  He would also tell you about teaching the late Edwin Berry how to play half-back; also Teddy Corey and his funny jokes, and the trouble with the Parks Committee; also the kindness of the late John Hounding (King John of Everton), who fought for the boys of Everton to keep the ground in Stanley Park in 1884-85.” 
Mr. Harry Williams writes;- “I had an enlargement of the photograph made, which the Everton directors have kindly accepted as a jubilee gift.  I knew Mike Higgins intimately.  He was a most versatile player, and one of the best.  I should like to be remembered to him.  He mentions ‘Clark’s in Village-street, the first headquarters of the club.  Young Clark was secretary, and the hotel, Queen’s Head, I think, was kept by his father.  The house has long since ceased to operate as a pub.  There used to be weekly wrestling bouts held in a building at the rear.”

CHIMES OF PORTSMOUTH AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 31 August 1928
Bee’s Notes
The Everton directors were not going to be rushed into a quick-change display by Wednesday’s game with Wednesday F.C., and there is something to be said for their policy, except that they were rather rushed into the Ritchie inclusion, in view of that player’s moderate game in the trial game and Critchley’s very wonderful show in the first trial game.  However, there are months before us, and time will give Ritchie a chance to show recent form all wrong, which, of course, is too patent for words; indeed, one can see that it is only the change of football front that has caught him napping so far.  He has fine ideas, and is a splendid shot, which so far have not been brought to light.  The crowd must be patient, and must offer encouragement.  It is a particularly good prospect tomorrow because we have Bobby Irvine playing against us- that will mean the players will all sing, in unison.  “Ain’t we got fun?  The football should be big and attractive; Portsmouth, to-day, are one of the best sides in the division, and the last time they were here and joined in a poor show many good players were absent for each side.  Tomorrow’s tussle looks likely to produce some battling business and plenty of good football.  Everton will be out to redeem themselves at home, and Portsmouth, having beaten Huddersfield, can say, “We are not what we were.”  These are the teams;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Ritchie, Dunn, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McClogn; Moffatt, Nichol, Thackerlay; Forward, Smith, Weddle, Irvine, Cook. 
EVERTON “A” AT CADBY HALL
Everton “A” with the newcomers, play Cadby Hall at penny-lane, 3.30 tomorrow.  Mr. Kirkwood tells me that onlookers will be assured of a football treat.  Team (from) Whalley; Jones, Black, Curr, Jones, Bebington, Roscoe, Webster, French, Templeman, Lewis, and Vaughan. 
“Hobbs” writes;- Draw the attention of the Everton directors to the very narrow space the spectators have of leaving the ground at the Stanley Park Goodison-road end.  I suggest that the coffee stall be removed to a more suitable place, because I have seen people jammed up against it. 

DERBY COUNTY RES V EVERTON RES
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal - Friday 31 August 1928
Although they gained maximum points by a 1-0 win over Everton Res on Wednesday night, Derby County Res, did not distinguish themselves greatly.  The forwards were trying to play a fast game, with the result that ball control and shooting was very bad.  Many goal scoring opportunities were missed in the first half, but after the resumption the game became more interesting.  The players showed more spirit, yet the shooting was far from accurate.  The best man in the Derby side was Hampton, who made some remarkable good saves from Stein, Jones and Critchley.  Scott was the pick of the home half-backs.  Bowers the County tall young centre-forward from Denaby, was not in the picture very often, he was up against a good man in Griffiths, who gave him chance to distinction himself.  Just after the interval Robson snapped up a pass to score the only goal of the match from a few yards-ranges. 

 

 

 

 

 

August 1928