Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON SIGN THREE AMATEURS.
August 1, 1934. Evening Express.
And Transfer Johnny McGourty.
By the Pilot.
Everton are at last in the transfer news –with three signings and one departure. The signing are three amateurs. They are.
•  Dickinson, centre forward, from Guilden Sutton.
Jack Mayfield, outside right, from Skelmersdale United.
J. Balmer, centre forward, from Collegiate Old Boys.
The transfer is Everton's inside forward - Johnny McGourty, who today joined Hamilton Academicals. McGourty came to Everton from Patrick Thistle two seasons ago, and made several appreances with the senior eleven. He did not, however, fulfil his early promise. The new recruits are promising material. Dickinson is 5ft 9ins, and 11 ½ st. He played in Everton's last Central league game last season. Mayfield is 18 years old and has done well with Skelmersdale. Balmer is the son of a former Everton full-back. He played for Everton in Reserves and "A" team matches last season.

HAMILTON CAPTURE
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 01 August 1934
Hamilton Academicals yesterday afternoon signed on John McGourty, inside-right Everton, who formerly played with Partick Thistle.  McGourty only twenty-two years of and showed such extreme promise with 'Thistle that the English club snapped him up. He did not fulfil expectations down south, but Hamilton are hopeful that a change of club will bring to the surface the skill he showed when playing Firhill.

GOODISON ENCOURAGES LOCAL PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 01 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Everton announce some goings and comings. They are not awfully particular or important, but so far as the signings are concerned the news from Mr. McIntosh will please local folk because there is proof of the club's desire to help local talent.  The most important signings is J.Balmer, a famous Everton name associated with the club from 1900 to 1910. Young John Balmer is an amateur of class, and he showed up well last season until he was injured. He has a nice style, and it is good to know he has been re-signed.  Another centre forward named A.  Dickinson shows 5ft. 9in. in height and 11 ½ stone in weight. He has been playing for Guilden Sutton, a Chester team, and still another amateur.  Jack Mayfield, of Skelmersdale, an outside right, youthful and strong. On the other side of the ledger. McGourty has left Everton for Hamilton Accies McGourty was unfortunate in his press.  Too much was expected of a man described as having the qualities of described as having the qualities of described as having the qualities of three of the greatest players the game has known in the last thirty years.  He came to Everton at the moment a season was finishing, and his beginnings with Everton were on tour with Everton in Germany. In the best mood he was more than useful, and I shall not forget his part in the greatest display ever gave, namely at Newcastle in the F.A. Charity Shield.  McGourty was one of the stars of the day. But he did not fulfil this promise because unhappy, and liked the faded flower at the dance was often seen “sitting this one out.” The grandstand took the place of the arena for him.

EVERTON STRIKE A NEW NOTE IN FOOTBALL TRAINING.
August 2, 1934. Evening Express.
Brightness to Bring Rightness at Goodison.
By the Pilot.
New days, new ways! Let me introduce you to the cheeriest training camp for footballers in the whole country –Goodison Park – where Everton players are fitting themselves for the season that begins on August 25. Gone is the old tedious curriculum of sprinting, physical exercises, and ball practice. Enjoyment is the keynote of the new method. Getting fit at Goodison is not a labour but a pleasure. The underlying-theory of Trainer, Harry Cooke's methods is "The brighter football training can be made, the better the results." Let me explain that running, sprinting, ball practice, and the other usual methods are adopted. They are essentials, but there is so much variety in the Everton training that the players take these orthodox things in their stride. When I walked on the ground I saw the players at ball practice, but ball practice with a difference. Instead of using footballs they were playing around with small runner balls no bigger than tennis balls. These smaller balls are used mainly to perfect ball-control and the ability to trap a ball. Some of the tricks the players played with the small balls were astonishing. The smaller object certainly develops a keen eye and keen judgement. On the training ground there are two courts marked out where the players play deck tennis. In this game the players throw rubber rings over a net and the game is exceptionally fast.
It makes Them Quick.
Harry Cooke assured me that the game ensures a quick-thinking brain, a quick eye, physical and mental coordination, and speed. My you have to move when playing deck tennis! Some of the players have become really expert, and I am told that Cliff Britton is the "star" performer. As I watched them I did not wonder that some of the passengers on the liner which conveyed the team to the Canary Islands were given some shocks. Brighter training does not end there. Also on the practice ground is a full sized cricket pitch. This has been rolled and marked out by the players and they do enjoy themselves. One thing is barred in cricket. That is fat bowling so we shall hear no complaints of "body-line" or "leg theory" from Walton way. The attack is limited to slow spin bowling, and the form shown proves that Everton may spring surprise on their friends from Liverpool when they meet at Upton on Monday, even though the Reds may start favourites. Swimming has become part and parcel of Everton's training and on several days of the week the entire team goes to Bootle baths for a swim. Tommy White is one not satisfied with these outings. I found him swimming around the plunge bath. He is like a seal in the water.
And Brighter Recreation.
So much for the brighter training. What of the brighter recreation? Yes there is plenty to amuse the players at Goodison Park. There is one of the best-equipped recreation rooms in the country where the players can spend their time at play between training spells. There are two full-sized and delightful billiards tables, dominoes "house," and other games, a piano, wireless, and a canteen. The favourite beverage is graph fruit, and on the first day of training no fewer then eight dozen bottles were sold, and Secretary Tom Mcintosh had to send a hasty message to the retailers for further supplies. Any profits from the sale of soft drinks and chocolates are devoted to providing books and magazines. Is it any wonder that the players are always anxious to get to Goodison Park and loathe to leave? I was delighted to find everyone looking so fit and well and all are looking forward to another title winning season. There is a clean bill of health and Harry Cooke is now busy going through the names for the famous foam-baths. Ben Williams was in a bath of "froth" when I arrived and Dixie Dean had just come out.
New Colour Scheme.
Mr. Tom McIntosh as usual his cheery self and looking in the pink –or brown –of condition following a holiday at Hoylake, seems happy to be back in harness, and the Everton "office" is so advanced that I noticed the score board is ready for August 25. I was deeply indebted to Mr. Ernest Green, the vice-chairman, who kindly conducted me around the ground, pointing out the various improvements. Mr. Green is now acting chairman of the Grounds Committee in the absence of Mr. Harry Banks, who is still indisposed. I can assure Mr. Banks that the work on the ground is being carried on just as he would like it to be. The first thing which struck me was the new colour-scheme. Instead of the dark and light greens, which adorned the massive stands, there is now a shade of grass green and a light yellowish green. It looks most effective. The stands have been painted throughout, and all the corridors white-wasted or cleaned with water-paint. The playing area looks different –and is different. The cinder-track on the edge, which used to slope down to the concrete walls has been filled in and it is now all level. This alteration has effected only one section –the police. The policemen used to sit inside the walls on small forms, but now Everton are going to build recesses for them similar to those at Anfield. The grass itself is rather burned-up in places, but considering the severity of the drought, I was surprised that so much grass had grown in the goal areas and in the centre of the field.
Luxury.
Mr. Green then proudly revealed to me the secrets of Everton's new heating plant –all done by electricity. Gone are the old coke-heated boilers and the old fashioned washing devices. Now there are separate boilers for the home and visiting dressing-rooms, and water can be heated to any temperature by the turning of a knob, which shuts off the heat when the required temperature has been reached. The heating in future will be done by electric fans, which bow a current of warm air through the rooms. I tell you, nothing is too good for Everton. The club has installed a complete and modern laundry with a machine, which washes mangles, dries, and irons the clothes, and there is also an automatic airing cabinet. No, Everton have no plans for "taking in washing" but these devices are going to save a great deal of time and money. I came away from the ground deeply impressed by the happy feeling in the camp and the fine condition of the players.

McGOURTY LEAVES GOOD ISON 
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 02 August 1934
Everton also figured in the transfer market yesterday. They secured the signatures of three amateur players in A. Dickinson, centre-forward, of Guilden Sutton; J. Mayfield, 18-year-old outside right of Skelmersdale United; and J. Palmer, centre-forward, of Collegiate to Old Boys, and they transferred Johnny McGourty, their Scottish inside forward, to Hamilton, Academicals.

UPTON GYMKHANA
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Upton Cricket and Tennis Club are promoting their annual horticultural show and gymkana on Monday, when the special attraction will be a cricket match between Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. Both teams are expected to be strongly represented, and an interesting game is anticipated.

HAMILTON’S RECRUIT
West Lothian Courier - Friday 03 August 1934
M'GOURTY TRANSFERRED FROM EVERTON. 
Hamilton Academicals added another inside forward to their list on Tuesday by signing John McGourly, the former Particle Thistle player, who was transferred to Everton at a 2,000 pounds fee two season ago. Hamilton have thus stolen a march on more than one Scottish club, including Kilmarnock. McGourtydid not strike his Firhill form at Goodison Park, and some time ago he was placed on the open-to-transfer list. The fee placed on the player was voluntarily reduced by Everton. McGourty is a Fauldhouse lad and 22 years of age. He will play at inside right in his new team.

HARRY BANKS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 03 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Congratulations to Mr. Harry Banks, the Everton director, upon his birthday to-morrow. He has been held down by illness just eight months, but we de net readily forgot his work on behalf of the Everton Club, not only in the board-room, but also where bricks and mortar were concerned. One of the great jokes of Everton F.C.'s staff is the story of Mr. Banks getting on to the roof of the grand stand to attend to some troublesome slates while the staff and players looked and marvelled at his athletic frame and his steady nerves. I wish my old friend a speedy recovery. 
I knew when I answered a correspondent about Good Friday meetings between Everton and Liverpool I would seen be put to the right about turn, so I played for safety referring to the possibilities of such games nearly 40 years ago.  Right away came a voice from the fount of football knowledge, otherwise  the Barnes emporium, saying:  "Yes, 30 years ago the rule was to play the opening match between the  rivals at Goodison or Anfield and then the return game on Good Friday morning." How times have changed—for the better, don't you think? 

MR. CUFF.
August 4, 1934. Evening Express.
By the Pilot.
Congratulations to Mr. W. C. Cuff, the popular chairman of Everton football club! Mr. Cuff has been elected a member of the Football Association international selection committee. This is one of the biggest honours in football legislation. It may not signify much, but I can assure you that it is a most important role. Mr. Cuff's sound judgement will be invaluable to that committee. He will stand out for the choice of the best men for each position, and I have hopes that his influence will enable England to win back the international championship from Wales.
Footballers at Cricket.
If you want to have a good afternoon's sport on Monday why not visit Upton cricket ground and see some of the leading Merseyside footballers playing the bat and ball game? The annual fixture between the Liverpool and Everton teams is to be played there, and there is likely to be some fun, as well as good cricket. Liverpool, because they possess the ex-Lancashire county player Gordon Hodgson, are installed as "favourites" but the men from Goodison Park are quietly confident." The best batsman in the two sides may prove to be, Tom Bradshaw who has been knocking up centuries while on holiday in Scotland. Everton have a really fine cricketer in Archie Clark who can bowl and bat, and, in fact, Everton consider themselves the better all-round side. Well, time will show. Here are the teams: -
Everton; Dean, Clark, Gee, White (wicketkeeper), Geldard, Mercer, Watson, (T.G), Grififths, Higham, Bentham, Leyfields. Liverpool: Hodgson; Bradshaw, McPherson, Alden, Glassey, Blenkinsopp, Done, Nieuwenhuys, Carr, Riley, Savage.

BUXTON F.C.
Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 04 August 1934
Buxton F.C are already making preparations for the football season.  The first team will again compete in the Cheshire League and among the new players signed are Cansfield inside forward, of Everton and Bacup.

CHESTER LEAGUE PLAYER FOR EVERTON. 
Cheshire Observer - Saturday 04 August 1934
It is of interest to note that A. Dickinson who last season played centre forward for Guilden Sutton, and who scored fifty goals for that club during the season, has signed amateur forms for Everton. F.C., following a trial he had with their Central League side at the close of last season. This news will not be surprising to those who were present at the Inter League match with the Tarporley League last back-end  for in that match Dickinson greatly impressed the representative of the Everton club, who informed the writer that he would have no hesitation in recommending the player.  He was greatly impressed with his style, and he lost no time at the conclusion of the match it approaching the player for his promise to sign.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 August 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTPN LOSE IN CRICKET MATCH
August 7, 1934. Liverpool Daily Post
Played at Upton cricket ground, in connection with upton horticultural show, the cricket match between Everton and Liverpool, was characterized by the same keen rivalry that the players display in the football field and resulted in a victory for Liverpool. By the narrow margin of 87 runs to 82 runs, for Everton Clark took four for 30, and Gee five for 43, and Liverpool, Hodgson five for 19, and Savage three for 9, Hodgson hit four 4's and Savage seven 4's. Liverpool, Bradshaw, b Clark 1, Riley b gee 3, Nieuwenbury b Clark 0, Akten b Gee 0, Hodgson Ibw b Clark 24, McPherson b Clark 12, Dabbs c Watson b Gee 6, T Savage st, White b Gee 34, Carr b Gee 7, Dune b Higham 0, Glassey not out 0, extres 0, total 87. Everton, Geldard c Dabbs b Savage 21, Watson b Hodgson 6, Gee c McPherson b Hodgson 0 Cunliffe b Riley o Clark b Hodgson 0 White b Hodgson 8, Britton c Done b Savage 12, Bentham not out 11, Higham c Dabbs b Savage 0, Dean c and b Hodgson 10, Griffiths run out 6, extras 8 total 82

LIVERTON V BOOTLE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 August 1934
A combined Everton and Liverpool team will play Bootle C.C., at Bootle, on August 16 and 17, teams;- Everton and Liverpool F.C’s- Hodgson, Bradshaw, A. McPherson, Riley, Dabbs, and Savage, from Liverpool, and Dean, Gee, Clark, Geldard, Jones and Bentham, from Everton.

LIVERPOOL BEAT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 August 1934
Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C. met in cricket rivalry yesterday at the Upton Park cricket ground, where keen excitement was displayed, Liverpool running out winners after an exciting finish by the narrow margin of 5 runs.  Liverpool, who batted first on a wet wicket, cut a sorrowful picture early on, for, with only 4 runs telegraphed, had lost four wickets. Gordon Hodgson retries by matters by knocking up 24, which included four boundary strokes.  Savage, however, proved the Anflelders' top-scorer with a well-played 34, which included seven 4's, the partnership between he and McPherson producing 26 runs, the side being eventually out for 87,Clark and Gee bowled in splendid manner, taking four and five wickets respectively at a cost, of 30 and 43 runs.  Everton showed better form, Geldard, their opening batsman, scoring a valuable 21 before he was cleverly caught by Dobbs. Hodgson and Savage then created havoc, the Evertonians being unable to stand up to their quick deliveries, with the result that the rest of the side were dismissed, only Britton, Bentham, and Dean returning double figure, giving the Anfielders a narrow but just victory. Hodgson returned the fine analysis of five wickets for 19 runs out of fourteen overs. Savage, also bowling excellently, took three wickets for 9 runs.

EVERTON CHAIRMAN TELL YOU WHAT HE THINKS.
August 9, 1934. Evening Express.
The Basic of Confidence
By Mr. Cuff, in an Interview.
The team selected to uphold the prestige of Everton will prove to be a combination of youthful enthusiasm and ripe experience. That team will go out on to the field knowing full well that Everton, as a club, demands and expects classic football. Throughout its history Everton football Club has had the reputation of always playing good scientific football. We, at Goodison Park, are jealous of that reputation. Anything on the field of play which may tend to rob tradition of some of its lustre is frowned on by the powers that be, who firmly believe that in ensuring good football they are following the express wishes of Everton supporters. The prospects for season 1934-35 appear to be highly promising. Remember there is marked ability as a firm basic for our confidence. Take our defence. We believe it to be one of the soundest in the League, yes, in the country. It gives one a feeling of safety; there is solidity about it. A good defence is half the battle for it enables the men in front to play with that confidence so essential to success. In other words, they go about their work in the knowledge that in the rear everything is safe and sound.
Not Only "Stoppers."
Then we have halfbacks who can provide their forwards with inviting passes and who resolutely refuse to act the role of "stoppers" only. The constructive ability of any side depends simply and solely on the ability of the intermediates to provide the working material for the attackers. At Goodison Park we have such players. Each man plays with his head and makes sure that not only are the passes made to the best-positioned colleagues, but that they are served up in such a manner as to enable the forward to take the ball easily and speedily. More father forward and you will find we have a young and clever line of speedy, sharpshooting forwards –men capable of placing Everton once again among the premier honours. Not the least encouraging feature is the fully restored of our centre forward –William Dean. Dean appears to have recovered his former zest for the game and his multitude of admirers may, I think, anticipate an early resumption of that brilliant exposition of centre-forward play for which, when in form, he is unsurpassed. I make no apology for stating that when William Dean is in form there is no centre forward playing today to compare with him. With Dean absolutely fit and moreover, absolutely confident, I do not think Everton will be beset by forward worries. The players I am certain, have the club at heart and will be anxious to once again be fighting for the championship and trying hard to make another appearance at Wembley. We, in the boardroom, view the coming campaign with a confidence, which I know will not be misplaced. Visitors to Goodison Park will find that everything possible has been done for their comfort. The stands and corridors have been renovated and painted with any in the land. I feel certain that if we can snatch up a winning vein early on, then the 1934-25 skies will be blue for the Blues.

DEAN LEADS EVERTON AGAIN
August 10, 1934. Evening Express.
Dixie's 4 th Season as Captain.
Teams For First Trial.
By the Pilot.
W. R. (Dixie) Dean, Everton's English international centre-forward, has been re-elected captain of Everton for the coming season. The vice-captain will once again be Jock Thomson, the tall Scottish international left half-back. This will be the fourth successive season that Dean and Thomson have been leaders of the Blues. During that time the club, has won the championship of the Football League and the Football Association Cup. Dean has always proved himself the idea leader, and when he was off injured for long periods last term Thomson revealed capable power of captaincy. Everton are making interesting experiments for their opening trial match which takes place at Goodison Park on Monday evening. In the Blues eleven –the probable first team –Tommy White the versatile Southport player who has figured in practically every forward and half-back position, will be played at inside left as partner to Stein. White has hitherto proved himself a brilliant inside-forward, and in Everton's last championship year –1931-32 –he participated in the Everton scoring revels from October to the end of November. White should lend that additional power and weight to the attack, which was needed last term. Cunliffe is to fill the other inside forward berth and Gee will be the centre-half. In the White side, Higham will be at centre forward supported by Dunn and Stevenson. King the young goalkeeper from the North-East, will be in goal. Blues; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Whites; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. Practise Match at Goodison Park Monday next. Blues v. Whites; kick-off 6.45 Admission 6d, Boys 3d, Stands extra; all pay Full proceeds to Local Charties.

EVERTON'S TRIAL TEAMS 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 10 August 1934
While Liverpool Club hold their first trial match to-morrow, Everton take the field on Monday at Goodison Park at 6.45.  There are no new faces among the twenty-two players chosen. White, who has filled so many positions, will appear as partner to Stein. Teams  Blues; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Whites; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter. 
Dean has been reappointed captain of Everton F.C., with Jock Thomson vice-captain. 

DEAN SELECTED TO CAPTAIN EVERTON AGAIN
August 11, 1934. Liverpool Daily Post
Dean , the Everton centre-forward, has again been selected captain of the team for the coming season, with Thomson the left-back as vice captain. This is the fourth successive season that Dean and Thomson have been chosen as captain and vice captain respectively when dean was off injured for long periods last season, Thomson led the side.

HAROLD BARTON
Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express - Saturday 11 August 1934
Sheffield United player Harold Barton a utility forward, who has played for Liverpool and Everton.

THE SEARCH FOR CENTRE-FORWARDS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 August 1934
EVERTON F.C. SEEKING; MIDDLESBRO SIGNING
Everton's trial games are on Monday (6.45), and the following Saturday (18th). There is no development at the moment concerning the signing of a centre forward, but the club have made extensive inquiries concerning the best men on offer. Harthill of Wolves, was sought for a long time, but the player did not desire to make a move. Now the endeavour has spread southwards towards a London club, which took a couple of centres and failed to fit them to their job.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 August 1934
By Louis T. Kelly

GENTLEMAN, THE LADIES!
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 August 1934
UNUSUAL MATCH AT NEW BRIGHTON
By Bee
Some years ago the Dick Kerr’s lady football team was world renowned.  They played at Everton, and drew a crowd of 50,000-an Easter morning match.  Then the football authorities banned the use of their grounds to the ladies, who kept up their football barrage in aid of hospitals.  Now we have a further visit from them.  There is an international ladies’ football match at Tower Athletic Grounds, New Brighton, on Monday (7.30) under the patronage of his Worship the Major of Wallasey, Mayoress and the Belgian Consul, J. Mason Gutteridge.  The proceeds are in aid of Victoria Central Hospital, Wallasey.  The Mayor, councilor H.J. Hall, receiving the Belgian Council, his wife, and the teams at the Town Hall, Wallasey, at 3 p.m. after the match tea will be taken in the Rock Point Café, Tower Grounds, and New Brighton. With the party are also Mademoiselle Carmen Pomies, Andree Guackier, and M.L. Deronet, representing the French.  England; A.C Marsh; Edna Clayton, E.A. Ashcroft, Lily Buxton, Lily Parr (Captain), P. Scott; M. Harrison, M. Thornborough, A. Thornley, H. Parkinson, A. Lynch.  Belgium; Helne de Smet; Suzanne Huytebroeck, Henriette de Meyer; Jenny Toitgans, Germain Verschrirey, Josephine Marien; Francoise de Smet, Mimi Simon, Rachel Donvil, Louise Bourgepis, Denise Gilse, Reserves, Sidonie Verschueren and Rosa Wyverkens. 

EVERTON'S FIRST PRACTICE.
August 13, 1934. Evening Express.
Experiments in the Forward Line.
Many interesting experiments have been made by Everton for their first practice match at Goodison Park this evening. White, who at different times has figured in most of the forward and half-back positions, will partner Stein at inside-left in the Blues eleven, and Cunliffe will be at inside-right to the youthful Geldard. Dunn and Stevenson will be on either side of Higham, who is to lead the Whites team. The teams well be: - Blues; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Whites; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.

EVERTON TEST TONIGHT
Liverpool Echo-Monday, August 13, 1934
Bee’s Notes
Tonight we go to Goodison Park (6.45) weather or not, and look upon the following attractive sides;- Blues; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein.  Whites; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.

EVERTON TRIAL GAME.
August 14, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Dean Shows Goal Making Process.
Eight Goals Shared
Blues 4, Whites 4
By "Bee."
Everton's first trial match brought about 8,000 to Goodison Park and they found charm in the form of Dean, who last season had suffered injuries and operations and who now played in his old confident fashion, suggestive that he is nearer his best form for some time. His passing was judicious, his heading was customary –and every one knows what a standard he sets in this direction –and his judgement when near goal was worthy, notably when he scored the opening goal after five minutes play. Thomson lobbed the far forward and Dean, having drawn the goalkeeper, merely ballooned the ball over the keeper's head into the net. This was not the only gliding goal for Higham repeated the dose on two occasions. Meantime Cook, trying to keep his line clear after Higham had struck the woodwork, headed beyond his own keeper Sagar, who also had to save a fierce passing back by Britton.
King Improves.
But all through Sagar safe and clean, and the very young boy King improved with acquaintance, and was particularly good with high shots when the reserves team, had taken the lead of 3-2 thanks to the excellent goals by Higham. Cunliffe had made the score 2-1, after which came the reserve team centre forward's goal and a further lead through the agency of Coulter, who accepted Leyfield's far flung pass on the outside right position. However, Dean brought the score to 4-3 though the use of his head, and the three goals scored in four minutes set a rather tame game into the high lights of interest. Cook had a shot from the half-way line and there was much fantastic play by the first team side, and the duels between Stein and Cresswell were a feature, the former being baulked of a goal by a smart pat away by King. Thomson had no luck with his good shots, and on chances the reserve team had earned the lead long before they obtained it.
A rousing Wind Up
From the hour to the end of the game play was rousing and engrossing, and only a superlative recovery by Sagar stopped the reserve team from taking a 2 goal lead again. White netted the ball securely, but his goal was negatived through Cunliffe running too far forward and causing an offside decision. Coulter and Stevenson. If not over prominent were dainty in their work, and Clark the reserve team captain, would not loose the ball and make good use of it.
Blues New Stocking.
Everton sported ringed stockings, so that a player of their side had no need to look up to see if his neighbour was one of his own side. The stocking are an easy method of identification. Near the end White scored with a first time shot which surprised the spectators as much as it surprised the goalkeeper; thus honours were even 4-4. As on Saturday at Anfield, the last kick of the match produced a goal. Result Blues 4 Whites 4. Blues: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), White and Stein forwards. Whites: - King, goal; Cresswell and Jones, backs; Mercer, Clark (captain), and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson and Coulter, forwards.

EVERTON TRY A BRISTOL ROSE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 14 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
The Everton footballers with their usual good will, are giving a helping hand to the benevolent fund of the Liverpool Meat Traders’ Association by sending a strong cricket team to play against the Meat Traders’ C.C in a charity match.  The game takes place at Cadby Hall, Penny-lane, tomorrow and as Meat Traders have had a successful season the match should be well worth seeing.  The hours of play are 3 p.m to 5.15 p.m, and 5.45 p.m to 8 p.m. Everton.- W. Dean, T. White, A. Geldard, C. Gee, Jones, Bentham, T. Watson, Clarke, Britton, Higham, Griffiths.  Twelfth man, Mercer; scorer, Watson (J).  Meat Traderes (from)-H. Search, A. Broad, J. Broad, J. Marriott, W. Jones, C. Hyde, S. Rawlinson, E. Wade, G. Ridler, N. Burstein, W. White, A. Culshaw, G. Lockwood. 
LADIES FOLLOW FOOTBALL
The number of ladies present at Goodison Park last night led me to believe Everton is growing in favour in that direction, and there is nothing better for the club, because the more “our betters” favour football is more cleanly will be the talk on stand or step. The Everton trial in the estimation of a very fine judge was the best they have had for three years.  Well, even allowing for the snares attendant to a trail game, I must say the game had plenty of vim and “bite” about it, especially late on, when four goals were scored in double quick time, and the crowd of 8,000 (receipts 186 pounds) became enthusiastic about the rise of the Leaguers against a reserve side that had stolen the first team’s thunder-and a lead.  Higham, a sprightly young man who will develop if he can include second-half helpings into his work, took three goals, and Coulter took one with ease.  These are days of gliders and a number of the goals were glided beyond the goalkeepers, notably in Higham’s case, and when White crashed one in with the last kick of the day, the ball touched Cresswell’s head as it passed through the posts, and, as at Anfield on Saturday, the last kick brought a goal, and time did not allow the central act to be performed.
GIVING THEM SOCKS
Everton have taken, at long last, the Manchester City-Arsenal notion regarding stockings. These make identification so easy when a player is on the run the flash of the ringed blue and white stocking- make it unnecessary for an Everton player to look up to find his comrade; the socks have told him all. I remember the old-time boxer, Gus Platt, being half knocked out and leaning upon his opponent. He said:  “I did not know where I was, but I remembered he wore flaming red sockees and I glued my eyes upon the red flag, and was able to keep going; but for his sockees I should have been out through being blinded." Some say the socks adorning the Evertonians are Sint Sing Socks,and the term Chain Gang arises when the players parade out, but there is no doubt in my mind about the efficacy of such definite markings.  Everton F.C. officials move slowly, maybe, but when they make their move they do it in the best possible way. I was taken round the ground last night by Mr. Chairman Cuff—looking fitter than ever—for confirmation ask to see the photograph of the team at Teneriffe —and his deputy, Mr. Ernest Green. For long year, the Goodison club kept the pot boiling by antedeluvian methods.  Now they have bathing, drying, washing, and airing processes any housewife would like to steal. The ground has been decked in green, and the whole place looks fresher and brighter than for many years. Even the referee's room has been improved, and now looks unlike its former state, when it was rather a dungeon type.
BRISTOL PLAYERS ON TRIAL
I do not propose to mention the players seriatim in their first trial, but this must be said; Dean gave a display suggestive of fine form; he shot; he headed as he always does, but he did more; there was a liveliness about him that was absent for the past season.  So much depends upon him and his mood and it was good to see him lobbing goals and gliding them.  Thomson had a spell of shooting and was deadly; Sagar was leaping hither and thither, but could not save the header wee Cook offered him! Sagar also saved a great shot from another of his own side- Britton, who was found later at night looking after. 
Another Bristol boy who has come up for a trail.  He name is Rose, and he is built after the Cunliffe fashion.  He is an inside forward, too, and is well spoken- by those who have watched him in junior football and by those who have spoken with him.  Everton’s result last night was 4-4 and the appetite of the fans has been whetted for Saturday’s final trail game.  The first game on the Goodison list is at Tottenham, where we have Cup and League defeats to wipe out-last season ‘Spurs beat Everton twice by a solid margin.  It is good to get the worst over first; ‘Spurs will tell us exactly what strength, Everton have or have not.
EX-EVERTON PLAYER IN IDENTITY COMEDY
When Turner who has left Everton to assist Bradford City this season, caught the train for his new “home” he climbed into ma carriage at Luton which was occupied by one solitary young man.  Neither spoke until the train was running into Bradford Station, when Turner inquired the whereabouts of a certain road.  The other didn’t know, but as he wanted to go to the same place he suggested that they go and find it together.  They did- and then discovered that they also wanted the same house! Only then was it revealed that his companion was also a new recruit to the City’s playing strength, Pateman, the ex-Portsmouth and Oldham Athletic centre forward, and that they were actually to share the same lodgings!
WHEN LADIES MEET
This ladies' international match at the Tower Athletic Grounds, New Brighton, proved easy for England, who beat Belgium by 8 goals to 3. Though interesting enough, play lacked much in the matter of science and team play, but honest effort and hard striving were ever pre sent. The game was played in a sporting spirit, though once a flare-up of temper caused two players to slap each other's face, an interlude which vastly amused the crowd, and was soon forgotten. England, who, through shorthanded, had Mile. M. L. Deroult, the French girl, in goal, were the better balanced side. They had the two most skilful forwards in their wingers—A. Lynch and K. Harrison; in fact, the latter was the best forward on view, making many creditable runs and putting the ball goalward, to good purpose. S. Chorley, a bustling centre forward, by scoring four goals, played a big part in her side's success.  S. Smet played brightly for Belgium, whose goalkeeper made several smart saves: hit the Continental full backs were poor under pressure. The proceeds were in aid of the Victoria Central Hospital, Wallasey. 

EVERTON BEAT MEAT TRADERS AT CRICKET
August 16 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
The Everton footballers beat the Meat Traders at Cadby Hall ground yesterday, dismissing the meat Traders for 97 the footballer's passed their total for the loss of three wickets but carried on battling and raised the score to 158 for six. This was the Meat Traders first defeat in the meat traders innings, Hyde hit four 4s in his 22, gee took five wickets for 24, Clark three for 21, for Everton's Bentham scored 61 not out, which included eight 4s Gee 28 included 6 and four 4s, Rawlinson took three wickets for 48, and Broad two for 12.
Meat Traders, G Ridler c Griffiths b Clark 3, A. Broad c Jones b Gee 13, G. Hyde c Mercer b Jones 23, A. Culshaw c Bentham b Jones 21, H. Search c Watson b Gee 0, J. Marriott not out 13, W. Jones c Watson b Gee 5, W. White Ibw b Clark 2, J. Broad b Clark 0, R. Wade b Higham 2, extras 16, total 97.
Everton, A. Geldard c Culshaw b Jones 15, S. Bentham not out 61, TC. White c Marriott b Rawlinson 20 Jones c W. White b Broad 14, C.W. Gee c Marriott b Rawlinson 11, a Clark b Rawlinson 28 TG. Watson c Jones b Broad 4, extras 5, total (6 wickets) 158
For Everton W.R. Dean, C. Britton, H. Griffiths, J. Mercer, and N. Higham did not bat.

MEAT TRADERS V EVERTON F.C
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 16 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
The Everton footballers, who were accompanied by Mr. E. Green and Secretary T. McIntosh, showed at Cadby Hall’s ground last evening that they possess a cricket team that would do justice to any League.  The Meat Traders, who were undefeated this season, met their Waterloo in convincing manner, Everton F.C passing the Meat Traders’ total of 97 with only three wicket down.  The feature of the game was the brilliant batting display of Bentham, who was undefeated with a superb 61 which included eight boundary strokes.  Clark, in his innings of 28 scored no less than 22 in his boundaries. On the Meat Traders side Hyde proved their top scorer with 23. Charlie Gee showed himself to be an expert bowler, for he took five of the Meatmen’s wickets for 24 runs.  As the result of this match the Meat Traders benevolent fund will benefit to the extent of 10 pounds.

EVERTON’S ROUND-UP TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Friday 17 August 1934
FINAL TRIAL
Bee’s Notes
The final football trials take place to-morrow. Everton stage theirs, and, in view of their attractive form of mid-week and the leader's strides towards former glory, there will be many present to watch the course of events prior to Everton's opening  game at Tottenham Hotspurs' ground. The teams show no alteration from Wednesday; thus:  Blues; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein.  White; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.
Southport player
Porter has had two trials with Everton in the last fortnight.

ALBERT MALAM
Nottingham Journal - Friday 17 August 1934
Aston Villa, among other League clubs, have set their eyes on Albert Malam, Chesterfield’s star wing forward, and it is being wondered how much longer the Derbyshire club will be able to retain him.  A “box office” attraction, Malam, whose footwork gives much productive chances, can shoot powerfully with either foot.  Not yet 20, he cost Chesterfield four figures, and has since prove he was worthy every penny of it.  Everton-born, he graduated with the Everton “A” team before join Colwyn Bay, from whom he was secured by Chesterfield. 

BOOTLE BEAT COMBINED MERSEYSIDE FOOTBALLERS CRICKET MATCH
August 18 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
He two-evening match at Bootle between a combined teams of Everton and Liverpool footballers, and the Bootle cricket club provided a close finished at the Hawthorn road, last night. When the footballers reply to Bootle 219 for six wickets, declared, Dabbs last man batted in confident styles, and lost his wicket only two minutes from time. The Bootle win by 94 runs after practically every member of the side had taken a hand in bowling. The footballers lost half their wickets in an hour for 45 runs, only Bradshaw and riley double figures, Dabbs and Dean added 31 for eight wickets the Everton players share being 25, in which were a 6 and four 4s. Nieuwnburys made 16, and Dabbs after staying 40 minutes was bowled, when the match appeared to be set for draw. For Bootle Stanton took for wickets for 13, Cohen two for 13, Lewis two for 18, and Lawrence Nutter and Brown one each for 6, 11 and 33 runs respectively.
Bootle, H.S. Brown b Clark 39,J. White c Dabbs b Clark 115, JR. Williams c Hodgson b Jones 11, A. Cohen Ibw b Riley 1 A. Threlfall b Hodgson 30, S. Jones b Clark 1, N. Stantum not out 26, TB. Roberts not out 5, extras 1 total 219 (6 wickets) for Bootle Parry and R. Nutter, Lewis, Lawrence did not bat.
Footballers X1, T. Bradshaw c and b Lawrence 14, S. Bentham c Brown b B Lewis 6, A. Riley b Staunton 13, A. Geldard c Parry b Staunton 0, E. McPherson b Nutter 1, J.E. Jones c Cohen b Staunton 3, CR. Webster c Lewis b Staunton 3, G. Hodgson c Roberts b Cohen 4, B. Dabbs b Lewis 28, WR. Dean c Nutter b Brown 25, B Nieuwenbuys c White b Cohen 16, A. Clark not out 6, extras 6 total 125

RAPID-FIRE GOALS IN EVERTON TRIAL
August 18, 1934. Evening Express.
White's Shock for Blues.
Dunn Scores Twice in First Half.
By the Watcher.
The weather was more suitable for cricket than football today when Everton staged their final practice game at Goodison Park. There were more than 7,000 spectators at the start, and the shilling enclosure was especially well filled. Teams: - Blues: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), White and Stein, forwards. Whites: - King, goal; Cresswell and Jones backs; Mercer, Clark (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Campbell.
In the opening minutes Leyfield almost scored his shot which hit the upright, having Sagar well beaten. At the other end Dean skimmed the bar with a quick header from a centre by Stein. Sagar prevented an almost certain goal by diving daringly at the feet of Higham and taking the ball away from his toes. There was little to choose between the teams in the early play. The Blues were if anything, the more virile set.
Cresswell's Mastery.
White and Stein gave Cresswell a busy time, but the international back usually emerged master of the situation. The light ball was difficult to control, and a blazing sun also added to the players difficulties. Dean had few chances to do anything during the first half, and in fact, he was almost starved for long periods, play being principally confined to the centre of the field. On one occasion, however, he severely tested King with a hard left-foot drive just inside the penalty area. Leyfield was an outstanding member of the Whites eleven. Ever ready to accept chances, he also displayed good form with his crosses. Two goals were scored in quick succession a few minutes before the interval. From a ground pass by Britton, Cunliffe ran forward a few yards before shooting hard into the net to the left of King. From the kick off the Whites went down, and Dunn equalised for them with a short-range shot. Three minutes later White took the lead through Dunn, that player completing a movement originated by Archer. The Whites went further ahead through Stevenson. The Blues' defence had got in a tangle, and Stevenson snapped the ball up from about three yards out and crashed in an unstoppable shot to give the Whites a 3-1 lead. Half-time Blues 1, Whites 3.

RESERVES ON TOP
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 August 1934
EVERTON’S YOUNG RAIDERS
TO-DAY’S TRIALS
By Bee
An excellent-sized crowd attended Goodison Park, in spite of the beautiful summery weather, for Everton's final trial match.  Blues; Sagar; Cook, Britton; Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (Captain), White, Stein.  White; King; Cresswell, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.  Cook baulked Stevenson, and Dean, after "pressing" one shot, found his second well saved by young King.  Leyfield was a box of tricks, and when Coulter centred Dunn headed the opening goal for the reserves. In one minute Cunliffe had equalised from White's centre on the right, and Dean's headed gift.  Dunn took the lead again from a Coulter corner, and Stevenson made it three by his own scheming and completing the contract, so that at half-time the Reserve team were leading by 3-1.  The Reserves aide excelled itself and, happy thought, succeeded mainly through excellent combination and keeping the lead on the ground, thinks to the initiation of Dunn and Stevenson.  Leyfield struck the post with a first shot.  Cresswell, who was in his brightest form,confident and competent, blocked Cunliffe’s, and Higham made a first time effort. Dean on his toes, but used his head more open than his feet, getting a sweeping header across from Stein's centre.  After a long range effort by Archer, Cook and Williams had to be capable to keep out the lefty reserve. Coulter being through till Sagar reached out his safe hands. 

EVERTON TRIAL SURPRISE.
August 20 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
First Team Suffer Many Goals.
Excellent Shooting
Blues 4, Whites 7
By "Bee."
Trial games may not be matters on which one can frame opinions, but one could not escape the fact of Everton reserves winning handsomely by 7-4 on Saturday at Goodison park, whether one allows for intense tryers among the younger generation or a slight easing up by the first team defence. If Everton Reserves can continue to shoot as well as they did against Sagar, who kept goal well, they should win the Central league championship by a margin. Their ideas of attack was excellent; they used their half backs to some value and the co-operation between half-backs and backs, and forwards and half-backs, with the ball kept on the turf, and not in the air, led to a remarkable result, which at one time showed the first team in a deficit of 6-1.
Combination The Keynote.
Combination was the key-note of success, and the first team defence was at certain stages of play played to a standstill, while the finishing power of the shooters was sufficient to make the 10,000 spectators wax enthusiastic even in a trial game. The shots of Dunn, Higham (a half turn blaze away) and Leyfield were of unusual strength. The best thing of the game was the output of £263 for Charity's sake. For charity's sake I draw a veil over some of the work of the first team, knowing the heat of the day and the knowledge of the lack of importance of the game had their effect upon the better known players. This must not discourage the reserve team to go with their stylish method and their astounding finales. Sagar saved a whole bagful of goals. The game went an easy way for a long time and then goals came in this order: - Dunn, Cunliffe (2 in 2 minutes) , Dunn Stevenson half-time 3-1. Higham (2), Dunn, Leyfield, White Stein and Gee. And Jock Thomson had the misfortune not to be included after making three brave efforts to score.
Higham A Nippy Leader.
With Higham, nippy and sure, hitting the post and the first team getting goals against a young boy through the latter's lack of experience, the score-sheet hardly does the winning side justice. Certainly, Leyfield showed many tracks and the scheming of Coulter, Stevenson and Dunn –the last named in particular –was backed up by wise half-back work; indeed, the half-backs were the key to this season albeit Cresswell and Jones, ancient and modern as it were, were on the top of their form. Blues: - Sagar, goal; Williams and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), White and Stein, forwards. Whites: - King, goal; Cresswell and Jones backs; Mercer, Clark (captain), and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Campbell.

HIGHAM CHALLENGES DIXIE.
August 20 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
For Everton's Leadership.
Practice Games Surprises
By the Watcher.
On his form in the trials, Higham will be a serious challenger to Dixie Dean for the leadership of Everton's attack this season. By scoring four fine goals in the Goodison practices Higham has set the Everton directors a difficult problem to solve, when deciding on the eleven to journey to White Hart-lane for the season's opening game on Saturday. Dixie, who has played in the practice games, with all his old confidences, scored a couple in the first "test," but failed to find the net on Saturday, whereas Higham netted twice in both trials. In all fairness to Dean, though, it should be pointed out that on Saturday he had few changes to do anything; in fact, for long periods during the first half he was almost starved. So daring and ever ready to shoot was Higham, that Dean, even at his best will have a difficult task to keep in the League team if Higham maintains that form. The form displayed by the Whites –virtually a reserve eleven –surprised everyone. It surprised their opponents, too, and the result was that they defeated the first team men by seven goals to four. The co-operation between the backs and half-backs of both elevens was one of the most pleasing features of a game which ran on fairly even terms until three-quarter time. Keeping the ball on the turf both sets of halves kept their forwards especially the inside men, well plied with passes.
Sagar's Daring.
It was due more to Sagar than to the backs covering him that the Blues did not suffer a much heavier defeat. In fact Sagar saved a whole bag of goals by his daring dives and excellent anticipation. He had a particularly warm time in the later stages of the game, a fact due in no small measure to the inability of Williams and Cook to hold the White's forwards. After a quiet opening two goals came in as many minutes, Cunliffe equalising for the Blues after Dunn had put the Whites ahead. Then came goals from Dunn and Stevenson, the Whites leading at the interval by three goals to one. Higham (2), Dunn and Leyfield gave the Whites a lead of seven goals to one before the blues got through again, White, Stein and Gee scoring for them and making the result one of seven goals to four in the White's favour. Of the respective defences, Cresswell stood out with his cool and stylish clearances; often the crowd of 10,000 which paid £263 for admission, was amused by the manner in which the international hoodwinked the first team forwards. There is nothing wrong with Cresswell. He is just as good as ever. Mention should be made of the play of young King, who was appearing in goal for the Whites. Although on some occasions he was beaten by easy shots, he effected some smart clearances; on one occasion he literally picked up the ball from Dean's foot as the centre forward was about to send in a rasping shot.

EVERTON’S F.C’S MINOR SHOCK
Liverpool Echo - Monday 20 August 1934
TRIAL GAME THAT MIGHT MEAN ANYTHING-AND NOTHING
RISE OF THE YOUNG PLAYERS
Bee’s Notes, The Hive, Monday
Trial game, count for nothing. Yet one has to abide by them and bide with the players taking part.  Everton's first team lost by that quaint score that has so often figured in local football history-7-4 —and it would be folly to attach much, if any, importance to it. Yet them is a bright light floating over the winner's side. They come to their serious work with the knowledge that they are “on the mark," and have scored seven goals against Sagar, who kept a great goal and saved a wholesale collection.  So, whatever may be said of the first team that did not stress itself, this much must be put on record: there is a likelihood that the Central League side can perform victory in the Central League for the first time. The chairman, Mr. W. C. Cuff, who was to-day elected to the important office of picking England's Soccer team—with others, of course, of the Football Association—has long wanted his own club to win the league he formed. Well, it was a pity he had not been present to see Dunn and Stevenson and Coulter—and company-working the ball cleverly and astutely so that victory was bound to be their lot.  Scheming is so necessary- where the young bloods are concerned, and the effect of such ground passing cannot be lost to the younger members of the Evertonside. There was a fine linking up of half backs with the pass-back was often employed; similarly the half backs passed among themselves —this was the key to victory—and the combination and co-operation of the forwards with their half backs made the whole side a very engaging eleven with promise that the crowd will, as last back-end, find much pleasure in watching Central League games.
LEYFIELD MAKES A MARK
Leyfield was very nearly taken from the club list some time ago. Now he showed what manner of tricks he can employ, and at half back young Mercer made a deep impression. Further behind, Jones, alongside the wary Warney Cresswell, was a sound back, and the old man of the party did not take his harp, but he took a lot of judicious football into the game, and this must have encouraged the boy King, who has come on alot, when some feared he would stay put. King made errors, but that was quite natural for a boy of sixteen years of age. What pleased most was his manner of saving hot shots from White and Thomson among others.  Altogether this trial may have counted for nothing but 263 pounds for charity's box, but at least it had the effect of giving the reserve side rare confidence.  Higham's shooting at one point was such that the crowd broke out into unstinted applause, and there was even a hand-shake to mark the "spot," which is an unusual feature of trial games.  Don't tell me the first team did not strive too hard that was natural, and don't imagine Everton would be so foolish as to think of a change of any kind. I think you can take this as read; the team against Tottenham Hotspur will be; Sagar; Williams, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson: Gelderd, Cunliffe, Dean, White, and Stein. That is anticipating something that will occur to-morrow night when the directors meet to pick their first team. It will be necessary to aim at a blend, and in meeting Spurs the team has one of its toughest games, as Spurs are a little flighty and very sprightly.  Their record against Everton was excellent last season in Cup and League.  Everton will need to be clever to beat this fast, young side. 

NO NEW PLAYERS SINCE, CLOSE OF SEASON.
August 21 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have not signed on a new players since the close of the last season, but Everton have parted with several men, McGourty has left Goodison Park for Hamilton in Scotland, while others forwards in Critchley and Turner have gone to Preston North End and Bradford City respectively, Coggins and Bocking were other players not re-signed.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL GROUNDS
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, August 21 1934
PARKING FACILITIES IN STANLEY PARK
THE SCHEME
Our senior clubs have a new parking ground for their patrons. Your attention is required for the police orders of the season.  Parking has been an awkward business for football fans for a considerable time, and has caused much anxiety for the police responsible, both from the point of view of meeting the ever-increasing demand and owing to the risk entailed by children and others using the streets adjoining the grounds during the times patrons are going to them or leaving. The fact that it might at any time be necessary for a fire engine to use one of these streets when they are filled with stationary vehicles, left unattended, and the consequent dangers cannot be underestimated.  I am pleased to be able to inform readers that, by the kind permission of the Parks and Gardens Committee, acting in conjunction with the police, a portion of Stanley Park is to be set aside and used for a car park whilst matches are in progress. Entrance will be gained from the two centre gates in Priory-road near the Crematorium. A parking fee of 6d will be charged.  The ground available is about equidistant from both Everton and Liverpool grounds. A new footpath has been cut in the park to allow of persons going direct to the Everton ground, and those going to Liverpool will use the main walk leading to Anfield-road near the football ground. These facilities are in addition to those which have for a lengthy period been available at Liverpool ground, where the club have been able to allocate space for a limited number of cars, a factor which has been much appreciated, and which will continue.  Now that additional accommodation is available, where owners can leave their cars under supervision, clear of tram traffic and sufficiently removed from the immediate vicinity of the grounds to allow of their being moved quickly without the customary wait of fifteen minutes after the matches are over to allow pedestrians to disperse, it is hoped that the unsatisfactory position of streets being congested with traffic to the inconvenience of all, and the possibility of accidents, will be greatly diminished.  The police intend to direct owners and drivers of cars to these authorized parks, and will take action to clear many of the streets which have in the past been used for parking owing to the lack of alternative accommodation, and will doubtless deal with offenders for parking in unauthorized places now that proper accommodation is available within easy access of the grounds.  Superintendent W. Hughes, of the E Division, has tackled the problem with wisdom, and it is up to the public to do their part to make order where some confusion has been noticed in the recent season. Of course, the present parking of the Liverpool club at Anfield is still available to those who desire to put their cars in that area, but the new scheme is a much wider one and deals with both grounds in a competent manner. 

EVERTON CHOOSE BEATEN TRAIL TEAM.
August 22 1934. Evening Express.
Cresswell Back for Visit to 'Spurs.
By the Watcher.
Form shown in trial games carries little weight with the Everton directors. They have revealed that fact by selecting for Saturday's opening game with the Spurs at White Hart-lane almost the identical eleven that was so heavily defeated in last Saturday's final trial at Goodison Park. The only change is the substitution of Cresswell, the club's international back, for Williams. Of course, trials cannot be regarded as true tests of a team's strength. The Goodison Park brigade have a stiff task at Tottenham where, by the way, they were beaten twice during the last campaign. It was there they lost their chance of holding the F.A. Cup for a second season. With Dean playing again with all his old confident, they should make the journey in a far more confident mood, though I think they will do well to share the spoils. The Spurs are a young and virile set of players and Cresswell and Cook will have all their work cut out to hold them. The inclusion of Cresswell was certainly strengthened the rear division, and it should also result in the attack getting more chances. His judicious kicking will mean a lot to the Blues' forwards. The 'Spurs have not yet announced their chosen, but I do not anticipate any great changes from the team which operated so successfully in last season's closing games. The Everton team will be: Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White and Stein. Everton's reserves will be at home to Burnley's second string in a Central League fixture. Everton Reserves; King, Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.

CRESSWELL IN FOR DAMAGED WILLIAMS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 22 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Everton have a stiff test in visiting Tottenham Hotspur, for they were twice beaten at White Hart lane last season by three clear goals-in the Cup competition as well as in the League game.  They should do much better this time, with Dean fit and well again after his two operations last season.  The players selected last night to oppose the Spurs are;- Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein.  With the exception of Cresswell for Williams, this is the side beaten by the Whites 7-4 in the practice game last Saturday, but trial games and League matches are different propositions.  The Everton reserve team to play Burnley reserves at Goodison Park (3.15) will be; King; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Archer; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson, Coulter. 

EVERTON'S HOPE OF SUCCESS.
August 24 1934. Evening Express.
It All Depends on Dean.
By the Pilot.
Everton's hope of success at Tottenham depends on Dixie Dean. During the later stages of last season the forward work of the side was unsatisfactory. There was little punch and little cohesion. Experiments were made which failed to bring about the necessary improvement. When Dean is on form, there is no greater centre forward playing football. His faculty for leadership, his brilliant headwork, his persistent worrying tactics are calculated to upset any defence and lead power to his own attack. There is every reason to expect Dean at his best term. He states that he is absolutely fit again and confident that he can recapture that form which has made his the most talked of footballer of the decade. Of course, Dean cannot do everything himself. He needs powerful men beside him, and that is one of the reasons why I think the directors have acted wisely in selecting White at inside forward. It must be borne in mind that White was one of the men who participated in those goal glut two seasons ago when Everton made a habit of scoring sixes sevens eights and nines. He can exploit direct, easy constructive methods and finish off his work with a sharp drive or dangerous header. His build will enable him to carry some of the "weight" which means that attention will be taken from Dean. On the right flank the youngsters –Cunliffe and Geldard –will be given an opportunity to settle down. Geldard is a fine player on his day, and I feel certain that he will receive good support from the willing enthusiastic Cunliffe. The half backs and defence should compare with any side in the competition. Everton will need to play fast, incisive football against the 'Spurs, who are among the quickest tacklers I know. I shall be making the journey to London, and look forward to seeing an exhibition of really high-class football. If the Everton forwards will seize on every shooting opportunity I think they will escape defeat. Last season they were defeated there in the F.A. Cup third round, and they also lost the League engagement there. The score in each case was 3-0. Everton; - Sagar; Cook, Cresswell; Britton, Gee Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Tottenham Hotspur: - Nicholls; Channell, Whateley; Evans (T.), Rowe; Alsford, McCormick, O'Callagan, Hunt, Hall, Evans (W.).

•  Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match at Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday), Everton v Burnley. Kick off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 3d, Stands 9d including tax.

STIFF TEST FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Spurs v Everton.  It reads so much like a fiery steed against the older and clever fellows, till you remember that Mr. McIntosh has told us many times that Everton have rarely played such a young side. Even "veteran” Dean is only 27, and anyone who thinks of Cresswell as old is surely forgetting the football life lie bears. Actually, close study of his methods reveals his shuffling little run; his half-jab swing of the leg for any distance kicks, and his general easy, graceful style by which he could play till he is fifty years old—as did Meredith.  Both these star veterans used to glide to success; it is a method of play at the cheapest outlay of strength. But when you think of the Spurs you think of lads of the village—mainly Welsh villages.  A new stand has been put up to accommodate the people who want to shout London cries; new stands don't enforce home victories, and Spurs have had their share of good fortune against Everton in Cup and League. Each time, however,there was a strangely memorable first half-hour, in which Everton played so well that most of the home team shook with fear of defeat at home. Spurs are not yet dependable; they have their inspired momenta when they have got a lead, but till they get a lead they are not a bit convincing.  Here, then, is Everton's solid chance of the biggest surprise of the day—let them "hold everything" and Spurs form will fade out. I don't propose to say more of this match now, because there will be my full and complete account in the Echo, and Friday's dreams are sometimes wasted by Saturday's fold of newsprint. Get your Echo for the accurate critique of the Everton game, wherein the following teams line up;- Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson;  Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein.
Everton "A” start with Present Cables at home, Marine's Ground, College-road, Crosby. Team: Deighton; Allen (T.), Morris; Kavanagh, Griffiths, Lambert (R.); Mayfield or O'Reilly (M.), Bentham, Webster, Rose, Coates.  Cables were one of the few teams to take a point from them at Crosby; therefore they are looking forward to a close game. 

TEST FOR EVERTON.
August 25, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton visit Tottenham where last season they were beaten in League and Cup games by 3-0. There are no new comers in either team today, but the return of Dean, fit and well, as Everton's leader should bring about an improvement in the attack of the Goodison side compared with last season after the early stages. There was a lack of finish, and forward experiments when Dean was laid up did not make for cohesion, I think we shall see a better Everton if Dean reproduces something like his old form, and the playing of White at inside-left will add weight and strength to the attack. But when be highly tried, for the Spurs are a fast and clever team, and if the visitors can secure a point I think they will do well. The teams are: - Everton; - Sagar; Cook, Cresswell; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Tottenham Hotspur: - Nicholls; Channell, Whateley; Evans (T.), Rowe; Alsford, McCormick, O'Callagan, Hunt, Hall, Evans (W.).

EVERTON SPARKLE IN THRILLING GAME
August 25, 1934. Evening Express, Football Edition
Dean Heads Goal in 34 Seconds.
Then Comes 'Spurs' Equaliser
By the Pilot.
Everton were greeted by the massive new grandstand a double-decker similar to those at Goodison Park, at White Hart lane today, where they, opposed the 'Spurs. The stand is only partially completed, and there is only a skeleton structure at one end. Dean sent a "Good luck" telegram to Ernie Blenkinsop, captain of Liverpool. Liverpool, by the way, were represented at Highbury by two leading officials. They were watching the Arsenal Reserves and had a noted inside forward under review. I noticed several Liverpool people in the crowd! There must have been more than 40,000 present half-an-hour before the kick off . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cresswell and Cook backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), White and Stein, forwards. Tottenham Hotspurs: - Nicholls, goal; Clannel, and Whatley, backs; Evans, (T.), Rowe, and Alsford half-backs; McCormick, O'Callaghan, Hunt, Hall, Evans (T.) forwards. Referee Mr. W. P. Harper (Stourbridge). Football was certainly welcomed with a cheer in London. Rarely have I heard such applause at the beginning of the match. Even the referee was accorded an ovation. It was the first time I had seen the Everton "Rugby League" stockings, I liked them. Everton began in sensational manner, for they were a goal to the good in exactly 34 seconds. It was a dual effort, begun by White. White held the ball, and then slipped it back for Britton to drag it round Alsford and lob it down the middle.
Dean's Header.
Dean raced ahead, and as the ball dropped it just touched his head, bounded down to the ground, and up into the net. Nicholls dived, but the bounce of the ball beat him. Some people thought Dean failed to connect, but I feel certain he touched it. It was a happy opening for the Blues, and they continued to hold the ball neatly, draw their man, and make the pass. There was plenty of "snap" in their work, but the 'Spurs were lively raiders, and O'Callaghan skied one over the top. McCormick slipped past Cook and drove in a low ball, which Sagar saved at full length. Dean turned a ball to White, who drove it, only to find Nicholls in position. This was fierce, hectic football with a real cup-tie atmosphere, Everton were tackling as keenly and quickly as the home men.
"Spurs Equalise.
Tottenham drew level in 15 minutes through hall. From a throw in on the left Hunt received almost on the goal line, and wormed his way past Cresswell. He tapped the ball back to the in-running Hall, who shot hard into the roof of the net. There were successive thrills when Hunt bore through after Nicholls had fisted away off Dean's head. He sent a terrific shot against the upright. The ball rebounded to McCormick, who shot without hesitation right on the target. Sagar leapt back across the goal like a cat, and made a might save with both hands. This was a football treat. Some of Dean's quick flicks and short passes were fine and Cunliffe almost got through. It was good, fast football between two evenly matched sides, and good sides at that. McCormick was providing rather more dangerous than Evans, and from one of his crosses Cresswell had to make an acrobatic leap to avert danger. It was 50-50 on the point of pressure, and, in fact football ability. On the showing this half, these teams are going to be in the forefront this term. Thomson and Stein got the 2Spurs' defence in a tangle, and flicks by White and Dean sent Stein's centre across to Geldard whose shot was charged down. But it left Cunliffe with an absolutely open goal. He shot three yards outside. It was a bad miss. Just on the interval Hall sent a left foot shot outside.
Half-time Tottenham 1 Everton 1.
During the interval I made many inquires regarding the scorer of Everton's goal, and dean said he did touch it. So the goal goes to Dixie's credit. The referee told me that he accepted Britton as the scorer, but Dean it was. The 'Spurs were hot at it on resuming in a game which had dropped slightly in pace. Evans drove one wide, then Cook twice came to the rescue with timely tackles and interventions. Channell took a hand in the shooting game. Sagar turning over the top an awkward dropping ball.
Cresswell on the Wing .
Cresswell ran off into Geldard's position, and such was the precision of the cross that Nicholls had many anxious moments before Dean got offside. Geldard centred along the carpet and Nicholls dived out to turn the ball away. T. Evans completing the clearance. Next Britton sent one over the top. Everton had a narrow escape when McCormick shot from short range, the ball coming back to Hunt off Cook. Hunt shot immediately Sagar jumping across to make another fine save.

EVERTON RES V. BURNLEY RES .
August 25 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
There were no few faces in the Everton Res, side against Burnley at Goodison Park, but the brilliant form displayed by the Blues in the trial game created additional interest. Burnley made the opening advance, and Smith was just unable to time his header accurately otherwise the Everton goal would have been in danger. Stevenson quickly demonstrated his tricky footwork, and when Coulter, at the second attempt, got across a good centre the ball was headed on to the inside left, who volleyed just over the bar. A great shot by Archer was one of the incidents of a lively opening. The Blues were playing with a brilliance, which kept the rugged Burnley defence at full stretch. After five minutes Everton took the lead through Stevenson, who headed through after Higham struck the crossbar. Burnley, without displaying the craft of the home side, were frequently dangerous and Jones came to Everton's rescue when Alderman looked a certain scorer. There was also a tendency for the attack to keep the ball too close. There was no disputing however, the superiority of the home side. Higham was in brilliant shooting form, Wilson in the Burnley goal, making some great saves. Dunn, too, was frequently on the target, and only a magnificent save by Wilson kept Mercer from adding to Everton's lead. At the other end King picked up neatly from Howarth, and later made a fine save from Alderman. Near the interval Burnley equalised Weale accepting a pass from the right wing and gliding the ball into the net. Half-time Everton Res 1 Burnley Res 1.

NEWS OF O'DONNELL.
August 25 1934. Evening Express Football Edition.
By the Pilot.
While on holiday I met many Scottish football friends with whom I had many long discussions. One was particularly interested in the rumours that Everton had under review F. O'Donnell the Glasgow Celtic forward. "If Everton take him they will not regent it" with his comment. "We know Everton have watched him, but there has been nothing doing so far. "He is a fine big player whose chief asset is his willingness for work. A good trier means a lot." O'Donnell I notice was Celtic's scorer in chief last season. He got 22 goals.

FIRST MINUTE SHOCK FOR SPURS
Liverpool Football Echo - Saturday 25 August 1934
BRITTON-DEAN WEMBLEY ACT REPEATED AT WHITE HART LANE
EPIDEMIC OF MISTAKEN PASSES
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (Captain), White, Stein.  Tottenham Hotspur;- Nicholls; Channell, Whatley; Evans (T), Rowe, Alsford; McCormick, O’Callagahn, Hunt, Hall, Evans (W). Referee.- Mr. Harper, Stourbridge
Welcome to Football! A glorious day and everybody on their toes. The 'Spurs' ground is now masterly in its accommodation; 25,000 more people can be accommodated since the new stand was erected. It is a great structure, and I note the name of Morton and Co., of Garston, on the hoardings of the stand.  The Everton captain, Dean, sent this telegram to Liverpool's captain: Love thy neighbour. Best wishes for the season.”That's the spirit.  Teneriffe sent Everton good wishes.  Happy days are here again. "Stand full,” said the 'Spurs' notice-board, yet there was over half-an-hour before the kick-off.  Football compel, them to come in.  Fifty thousand here, and the ground will shelter 60,000 under cover. Sensation of sensations. Exactly sixty seconds. Britton hesitates after Alsford has allowed the ball to pass out for a throw-in when he could have kept the game going. Britton hesitates; he makes one quick inturn dribble; the half back is beaten . A pass to White is possible, but Britton elected to do his Wembley Cup final act; a long, hanging centre to the goalmouth. Dean faces his own men and is prepared to deliver his famous back header. Goalkeeper Nicholls knows this too well, and sets himself to make a catch.  But whether Dean connected with the ball we here cannot say with certainty.  All we know is that the ball, either directsfrom Britton or by the agency of Dean's curly hair, passes on to the left corner of the goal—and the Spurs are dumbfounded.  White rushes forward to shake Britton's hand, so I imagine the goal goes to his credit. This was a brilliant start.  All the players were bothered by the intensive sunshine. Cook got an accidental kick on the head but did not need to retire. Sager makes a tip-top save from McCormick, and Cunliffe is brought down heavily.
 SPURS LEVEL 
White nearly converted a gift pass from Dean, Nicholls being safe this time. Britton now found his fetish for a dribble cost him qualms, but the pace of the ball beat McCormick. Cresswell, limping, cleverly put his foot to the ball to stop Hunt going right through.  Fifteen minutes and an equalizer.  Britton does well, though giving a throw-in, and O'Callaghan passes the ball Hall, who drives in fast and sure.  Dean's first header to Stein makes the crowd gasps in admiration. Cunliffe put one too high—a fault of his at times. 
CROWD AND CRESSWELL 
Spurs were sharp, and used the instep to make good passes. Willie Evans, all fat and powerful, centred, Hunt hit the woodwork, and McCormick running up drove in a beauty, Sagar's one-handed turnover being quite dainty and unbelievably sharp.  The crowd started to "boo" Cresswell for bringing down Evans, but the incident ended when both players shook hands. Dean worked to the right and got the defence muddled. Geldard's cross shot at half speed travelled just outside, with no goalkeeper near.  A further free kick against Cresswell ended when Hall, near outside right, shot just outside. Cook's full length kick from a free kick for an offence on Stein troubled the Spurs' defence. 
CHANCES GO BY AT SHORT RANGE 
Cresswell prevented a possible goal and got another knock in the process-knee trouble. Evans drove too far out to beat Sager. Gee became a forward by Stein's side, and Geldard, closing in, failed to beat Nicholls, the rebound being taken by Cunliffe, who struck the upright—not bad luck, it was bad miss. Indeed, both should have scored from the short range.  Half-time.—'Spurs 1, Everton 1. 
DEAN SAYS HE TOUCHED BALL 
Ninety-nine out of 100 said Dean did not touch the ball for the first goal.  Dean himself says he deflected the ball and Everton will give the goal-scorer as Dean whatever London papers say they will give. It was a hotly-debated argument in the Press box, and Spurs started the second half with a hot shot just over the bar.  Play had been so good and fast that the pace had to slacken, and Everton's form for a time went back, Sagar making a capable catch when the defence was straggling.  A full-back's shot made Sagar tip over —he fell in the process. This was a save followed by another save. 
CRESSWELL AS A FORWARD 
Everton found the sharpness of the 'Spurs a trifle irksome and were glad too see Evans shoot just over the bar. The crowd gasped to see Cresswell become a forward and centre perfectly, Nicholls punching out and later misfielding a ball that rolled over the line—fortunately for Nicholls the whistle had gone for a foul.  Gee stopped a pile-driver by Alsford- half back versus half back. Nicholls had done badly till now, when Everton's right wing pair took the ball up, and Cunliffe’sshot enabled Nicholls, wide of reach, to stop a goal. Next Britton came into the shooting gallery. Cook took tebal from Hunt's nose—England's centre had been very well held.  'Spurs nearly scored through McCormick—Cook saved this one—and Hunt—Sagar saved this one. Dean chased and was outpased, but his effort was enterprising, especially as Nicholls fell and Dean, now on the ground, could not get near the empty goal. Per contra McCormick hit the goal stays.  Sagar stopped Evans taking the lead, and Britton set his side going till Cunliffe made one miss-pass. There was now an epidemic of mistaken passes by both sides. Dean lobbed the ball quickly for Cunliffe, who had hard luck to shoot just over.  Dean made another opening per Geldard and Stein, and Spurs were now lucky to escape a deficit. Cook was rock-like at this vital stage and Gee still held Hunt in a vice. 

EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 August 1934
The ground looked perfect, the crowd was of good size, but the players would undoubtedly find the warm conditions very trying before the end arrived.  Everton s opening phase suggested goals, and although Burnley did make one dangerous advance the Goodison side's superior craft was always in evidence, and it occasioned no surprise when Higham, after working a scoring position, sent in a shot that hit the cross-bar. Fortunately Stevenson was close in, and he was able to run in and head Everton's opening goal after five minutes. — Higham and Dunn both went near with glancing headers, and then Hornby made a run and passed across the face of the goal, that should have given Burnley the equalizer, but their front line wasslow, and Clark and Jackson affected a clearance.  Everton were the more constructive and skilful, yet the visitors were good in defence, with Waterfield always prominent.  Shots from Higham and Dunn were saved by the useful Burnley custodian, and Everton had indulged in enough attacking to have augmented their slender lead, but chances were not accepted and Burnley came very near equalizing when Alderman sent in a grand shot that King saved with difficulty at the foot of the post.  Everton piled on heavy pressure, only to be thwarted by Wilson, who saved brilliantly from Ingham, Mercer, and Dunn, and then a minute from the interval Burnley equalized, Weale scoring. Halftime.—Everton Res. 1, Burnley Res. 1.
Although Everton did most of the attacking and shot with regular frequency, they were not as definite and accurate in their finishing as they might have been. Burnley revived after their equalising goal, and made occasional advances without revealing Everton's persistence and craft. Five minutes from the end Smith (C) gave Burnley the lead with a good goal.

‘SPURS LACK THEIR OLD DASHING SPIRIT
Weekly Dispatch (London) - Sunday 26 August 1934
DEAN LEAPS TO THE BALL TO GIVE EVERTON A FLYING START
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1, EVERTON 1
By Thomas Moult
THE new season's grand kick-off—taken by "Dixie" Dean: a throw-in from the old stand touchline—by Alsford: a pass from White back to Britton 35 yards downfield, and a lobbed kick that carried the play right into the Tottenham goalmouth....  Then a leap by Dean to meet the light ball as it bounced high: a blackout for the goalkeeper as that black curly head missed it, so complete the black-out that the luckless Nicholls missed it also—and 55,000 shocked spectators were shouting and groaning "Goal!" before the season was a minute old!  That's how Everton -and the 'Spurs—began the campaign at White Hart-lane. We were told later that the goal was chalked up to Dean, not Britton, so that the ball must have skimmed off a flying curl. But it was Britton's beautifully-placed forward pass that started Everton on what should be a better chapter in their fine history.  Of course, the 'Spursrecovered from the unexpected blow.  They recovered quickly, moreover, and at the end of a quarter of an hour O'Callaghan ran over to the right wing and helped Evans in a tussle against wily Warny Cresswell with such success that he was able to pass back from the goal-line to Hall, who promptly blazed a lightning trail past Sagar and the scores became level. And level they remained to the end. 
Level In Merit 
So indeed were the teams in merit, although Everton might have won if Dean had been adequately supported. Only Cunliffe on his right played up to him, and the consequence was that at least six chances were thrown at away during the game.  Gee was unable to follow up in his old way, being too busy shadowing Hunt.  The third-back policy was adopted on both sides most thoroughly.  Ironically it was Cunliffe wasted Everton's most golden opportunity. Just before half-time Geldard shot and Nicholls saved point blank. In doing so he left his goal as wide open as a by-stander; but when the ball rebounded to Cunliffe the Everton inside right shot wide from only five yards away. 
Missed Chances 
Tottenham, too, missed their chances.  They had little of the dashing, crashing spirit that, swept them so thrillingly to victory after victory early last season, and their attack, like the new stand on the ground, palpably lacked finish. McCormick and Hall were the best of the line.  Nevertheless, Everton owed a lot to Sagar in goal. He was magnificent, especially when, after Cook in the second half had stopped a shot by McCormick, he saved from Hunt close in.  And as the drew breath for the final whistle Sager cleared just as magnificently from McCormick. An England goalkeeper proving himself!  Nicholls was less reliable. He must have unsettled his backs, although they worked hard and soundly. Channel vas fortunate, though, when he met a screw -in from Stein and turned the ball against the post. Hunt also struck the post a few minutes after the ‘Spurs had equalized. His shot was great, and really deserved a goal. Moreover it nearly led to one. The ball rebounded to McCormick, who crashed in another, but Sagar tipped over the bar.   Cresswell's artistry was a feature of a tussle which, being won by both defences was not remarkable in quality. Before the veteran settled down he featured with Evans in a pleasant moment of restored harmony.  He had brought the 'Spurs winger down, but they went away in arm for the free-kick!Tottenham; Nicholls; Channell, Whatley; Evans (T), Rowe, Alsford; McCormick, O’Callaghan, Hunt, Hall, Evans (W). Everton.- Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. 

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 EVERTON 1
August 27, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton's First Point.
Spurs Surprised at Tottenham.
A well Earned Draw.
By "Bee."
Everton began well by taking a point where they had been badly beaten in Cup and League matches last season. They deserved the point because, although the game had many curious turns in a stagging second half, there were moments when they had a chance to win, and if Cunliffe had been steadier in front of goal their must assuredly would have won. Let one's mind visualize the last save of all-Sagar bending low, and having come out of his goal making one more superb catch to save his side. It was grand football for half-an-hour. The pace was severe and Everton were troubled in that period, although they had taken the lead in sixty seconds. It was a curious affair. A half-back could have kept the ball in play; not having done so Britton came to prominence with one of his feints to make a lunge; he hen drew the ball a few yards inside and centred. Nicholls the goalkeeper, had his eye on Dean expecting him to connect with the ball. Dean was not challenged by Whatley –the back's blunder –and Nicholls allowed the bumping ball to enter the net most people said Dean did not get his head near the ball, but the club and players themselves say the goal must be resigned as Dean's because he connected with it by the aid of his air.
'Spurs Youngsters Started.
It was a hair-raising start to a bright football season, and Spurs' youngsters were startled by the turn of events. It was all so sudden and, in a measure so insipid looking, because the ball as it passed Nicholls had no great pace. Undoubtedly the goalkeeper had expected Dean to do one of his back-heading movements. Everton, who played Cresswell for Williams 0the only real change forced on them through injury of beliefs –took up the battle from this point, but by degrees the natty sharpness of the Spurs began to tell its tale, and it was no surprise when hall scored a fine goal after a throw in and a pass by O'Callagahn. Till half-time the game was a crackerpace and Everton gradually began to lose their hold, but all through Gee never released his stranglehold on the important member of the line. Hunt and moreover Dean still wanted a lot of watching although he had not the pace of the home team's backs. He was always a menace. Finally after half time Spurs had their chances, and they developed a nervy state in goal. Nicholls being at fault with his handling, and being as clumsy as Sagar was superb in his sure catch and leap to take the ball. It was anybody's game, and oddly enough Everton had the bigger chance to snatch the full token as Cunliffe and Geldard each had a great chance, and the latter merely struck the goalpost from a range that should have not been beyond a young man of his strength and football ability.
Cunliffe's Last Chance.
Cunliffe's indeed, had a final chance to make the game good, but there was no response; chiefly the young man ballooned the ball. And then as if to show perverseness Cunliffe let out a strong straight drive, not too high. I was a soaring, searing ball, and Nicholls made it his job to show his best at that moment. So neither side won, and neither deserved to win, because Spurs were shockingly erratic in their passing, and could not take victory when their work entitled them to.
Everton Slowness.
That was their fault, and Everton were not entirely satisfying in the same important matter of passing. There was a certain slowness in Everton, which was shown up by the alacrity of the Spurs. However, Everton deserve great praise for their pertinacity, their pluck and their fight back after half an hour of the hottest and best football one could wise to see. The crowd was about 55,000 strong and the ground looked a picture in its new dress, which includes a grandstand, the cynosure of all football eyes on the far side of the ground. It add 25,000 people to its accommodation and whereas Everton used to have the record for covering thousands of spectators Spurs now have it; in a few weeks when the stand is completed, there will be 60,000 people under cover and the ground will hold 80,000 people. Saturday found the old grandstand full half an hour prior to the kick off, and the people enjoyed the thrills of the opening play, but did not make allowances for the summery conditions and the pace of the early play; it was natural the heavier players should fade away like soldiers of old. Everton had to thank their defending trio for a great deal. Cook was excellent, and as outstanding as Sagar, and Cresswell after a sultry start, took matters into his own hands and kept the lively Willie Evans from troubling the defence.
Gee's Striking Work.
Britton helped him, and helped his own attack, and Gee kept England's centre forward out of the hunt all day –that in itself is a striking piece of work. Thomson had to face the mercurial McCormick and fared well, but in attack Everton were ragged; the right wing pair spluttered and overdid the dribbling process; the left wing pair were not well together through White being unable to feed Stein, who cannot be blamed for lack of attention. Dean's come-back had been made into a London newspaper stunt. This much can be said; most of his passing was sound and he aimed at the easy moving of the line by combined methods, but Everton were not in their combined mood, the line was a solo type and not consistent partly through their own faulty finishing touch or excess of dribble and partly through the defence of Channell Rowe, and Alsford. Spurs were just as uncertain as Everton, with Hall the most dangerous man of the line. There were few stoppages and much to interest and amuse and the control of the game found linesmen failing to notice the elementary portions of their task, right under their eyes things were done with impunity, and Spurs in the first half were at least what is known as "Saucy." However, it was a memorable start with a quick fade-out, and Everton by taking one point away from home did a good day's work where they have generally left without any consolation. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cresswell and Cook backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), White and Stein, forwards. Tottenham Hotspurs: - Nicholls, goal; Clannel, and Whatley, backs; Evans, (T.), Rowe, and Alsford half-backs; McCormick, O'Callaghan, Hunt, Hall, Evans (T.) forwards. Referee Mr. W. P. Harper (Stourbridge).

EVERTON RESERVES 1 BURNLEY RESERVES 2
August 27 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 1)
Everton's opening fixture at Goodison Park proved disappointing. They were the craftier and more skilful individualists, yet Burnley got through to score twice. The home side had the chance, but failed to take them; and the early impression created that Everton would ultimately win was gradually dispelled when it was seen how stubborn and reliable Burnley's rearguard could be. Wilson, in goal did wonderful work in thwarting Everton's shooting, for they sent in shots with regular frequency without being able to add to the goal that Stevenson had headed, following a good effort from Higham. The tendency to excessive dribbling and a too close combination spoilt Everton's changes, and Burnley's wholehearted enthusiasm in their spasmodic breakaways brought them a couple of goals scored by Weale and Smith (C.). Everton: - King goal; Jackson and Jones backs; Mercer, Clark (captain), and Archer half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson and Coulter forwards.

Everton "A" 4 Prescot 0
Liverpool County Combination.
At Colleague road. The home team monopolized fully three-quarters of the attack. Webster scoring after 15 minutes. Rose added a second shortly after. Prescot lacked the progressive footwork displayed by Everton, but excelled in defence. Rooney and Bush being Conspicuous. Almond was Prescot's most dangerous forward. Everton had a stout pair of backs in Allen and Harris, Rose and Webster combining well in the home forward line. Webster added two goals after the interval.

EVERTON UNCHANGED.
August 28 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton's side to meet Leicester City at Goodison Park tomorrow shows no change from the side which drew at White Hart Lane, the team being Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. The kick off is at 6-30. The Reserve eleven to meet Oldham Athletic in a Central league game at Oldham today is; King; Jackson, Jones; Mercer Clark, Watson (T.G.); Leyfield, Dunn Higham, Stevenson, Coulter.

EVERTON ARE SATISFIED
August 28, 1934. Evening Express.
Unchanged Side For First Home Game.
By the Pilot.
Everton are satisfied with the form of the team against Tottenham, and will play an unchanged team for their match with Leicester City. If they play as well as they did against the Sours, then Everton should be able to boast three points from two matches tomorrow evening. Leicester are one of the most attractive sides in the League. They have not met with much success in recent seasons though they did reach the F.A. Cup semi-final last term, but they follow the Everton example of always adhering strictly to copybook football. The City side has not undergone any wholesale changes since last term; in fact, it is expected that only one newcomer will be on view. This is Coutts, an inside left from Hearts of Midlothian.
Aggressive Forward.
Countts, is a most aggressive forward, always on the alert. He signalled his debut with Leicester by scoring their only goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their home match on Saturday. The leadership has been taken over by another Scot, Gardiner, who scored in the corresponding match at Walton last season. He is a dangerous leader and scored 10 goals in 15 matches for the City last year. The remainder are well-known. There is McLaren the Scottish goalkeeper behind Adam Black, who is described as "another Warney Cresswell." He is a football veteran, but still a fine player. His partner is Jones, the Welsh international. Maw, the young ex-Notts County forward, and Adcock, the England player, are on the right flank of attack and Liddle a stocky nippy and dangerous raider, links up with Coutts on the left. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Leicester City; Mclaren; Black Jones; Smith, Heywood, Ritchie; Adcock, Maw, Gardiner, Coutts, Liddle.
•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Wednesday) Everton v. Leicester City. Kick-off 6.30. Admission 1/- Boys 4d Stands extra (Including tax). Booked seats, Sharp's Whitechapel.

EVERTON DESERVED THEIR POINT-BUT!
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 August 1934
Bee's Notes
Everton's feat was particularly good because it was a worthy result; neither side deserved to win, yet late on the chance came to them to revenge themselves of the Cup and League defeats of a year ago. They did not accept the gift coffered.  And the reason! Well, it would be unfair to be harsh at this stage. Let the eleven settle down; let the heavier grounds make their appearance; let the pace of a cricket pitch, such as Spurs, be sawn off, and let the Everton selectors ponder over the game and its flow, but not pander to the idea that changes must be made. The attack was the chief thing in Everton's thought. Dean had come back; everyone had raid so, so it must be. His work at the Spurs' ground prevented the Goodison attack being labelled well below old-time pattern. There were many little things done by the member of the line, but it was Dean who held the key to combination, and he got no one to make up the chain of evidence so necessary.  Dean, well watched by keen backs and a stout heart in Rowe, laboured on, headed the ball back to his partners, but, to be frank, the line was not well knitted, and neither left nor right came out with special honours.  Stein was not sufficiently employed—not a new complaint against his partners; and the young men of the right wing were attempting to make too much ground when a wise pass would have saved their legs and made the defence see trouble ahead. Cunliffe was extremely swift to his stride, and he did much work without collaborating with his wing man; his shooting was once more of the heavenly fashion, yet right on the closing note Cunliffe showed what his best shot is, and that was the moment the uncertain and shocked Nichols, 6ft. 4in, in height, determined to redeem himself. 
FAIR ENOUGH 
It was a performance to draw with Spurs, and I think much of the Everton "half " share came through the shock Nichols sustained when watching Dean and expecting a definite knock-header, he found Dean merely disturb a couple of "waves." The ball was deflected into the net, but London critics still won't have the official verdict that Dean scored the goal in sixty seconds; they say. "He did not get within a yard of it, and Britton was the scorer. “ Well, White certainly made a mad rush to shake Britton's hand. It does not matter who scored; but the register must include the goal, and official verdict shows Dean with the credit of it. if the club want to add any more credit notes they could point out that Sagar's work was as dashing and daring and clean as Nichols' was labouring and fingered with butter. Sager came out of this very good verdict of a draw with main honours, and close to him I should put Cook at back and Gee at half back. Gee had England's centre forward to watch, and he completely held up this very astute and able leader. It was Hunt's hold-up that prevented the customary fly-away tactics of Evans and McCormick, who, like Hunt, had a moderate, if not poor, match. In this the praise to Britton and Thomson must be added; and Cresswell, after a stinging opening and a couple of fouls, just roved through the game with his customary sangfroid and clever football. 
NEWS TO WATCH OUT 
The Everton man on the look-out for futures must consider the attack. I would not say the line was bad; it was just the unfortunate passing paralysis that came on them, just as it came on the Spurs, in the second half, when the game was there to be won the visitors if they could complete their attack. There was not a conciseness and conclusiveness about the attacking line; the endeavour was there and there was an overdose of energy—the need when to say "Enough" was emphatic.  Dean does more with one nod or touch than some of the players do in a long, tiring run, when a pass could be made, but the urge to have just one more dribble is upon them. Spurs' best were Channell at full back, Rowe at half, plus Alsford, with Hall the dangerous man of the attack. It was grand football for half-an-hour and after that it had fluctuating moment; sometimes almost good and often really bad. But, then, the players must have been tired out!  The reserve teams of our city made a curious mixture. Liverpool won hand-somely and Everton, who had been leading their first team 6-1 in a trial game, lost at home. Which only goes to remind us that trial games are indeed unreliable. More reliable is the information I get about Villa making a bid for a six-figure job in ground improvements and stand rearrangements.

EVERTON AT OLDHAM 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 28 August 1934
DUNN PUTS RESERVES IN THE LEAD 
Oldham-Talbot; Hilton, Silcock; Grice, Shaw, Brown; Buckley, Hewitson, Britton, Sharp, Spink. Everton; - King; Jones, Jackson; Watson, Clark, Mercer; Coulter, Stevenson, Higham, Dunn, Leyfield. Possibilities of a decent gate for the Central League game between Oldham Athletic Reserve and Everton Reserve, at Oldham, this afternoon, was spoiled by a heavy shower which fell just before the start.  Everton had a good side out, while the home side had Sharp, recruited the previous day from Aldershot, at inside left. Everton opened in promising fashion, being much the better together.  Layfield and Coulter were keen raiders, the former using his pace to advantage. The visitors were never loth to shoot, and after Stevenson had driven wide, Higham shot only a foot wide.  Everton were more accurate in their passing and received fine support from their half backs. Oldham asserted themselves, but were up against a sound defence. King in goal was well covered by Jackson and Jones.  Oldham failed to profit by a free kick well in the visitors' quarter'', and when they won a corner it was Everton who immediately threatened real danger.  Showing great speed, Layfield outpaced the defence, but Talbot safely parried a splendid cross shot. A minute later Coulter, who was a source of trouble to Athletic, on the left wing hit the side net with a terrific drive.  At length Everton's persistence brought its reward. Dunn ended some scrambling play in front of the home goal by driving the ball home.  A few minutes before the interval they got a well-earned second goal when Watson gave a fine pass up the middle, enabling the centre forward to score easily.  Half-time.—Oldham Athletic Reserve 0, Everton Reserve 2.
There is a doubt about Geldard playing against Leicester to-morrow.  The directors may decide to play Stein outside right, as in Teneriffe, putting Coulter outside left. On the other hand, Layfield may find a place at outside right. 

EVERTON'S FINE VISITINGLIST 
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 28 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Goodison Park fans! Everton are at home to Leicester City to-morrow night, starting at 6.30. This is a meeting of pals; and Goodison Park, in its bright new colours on legs and per thepaint of the buildings, should produce another fine crowd.  Leicester City, lacking in one vital link -their fine old gentleman Mr. Peter Hodge, who died a week or so back—will always command a following here, became they play the game. They are an attractive side which has personality, and has often troubled our sides by means of their electric work on the wing.  Today, the Maws and Adcock, and Liddle make a trinity worthy any football enthusiasts special outlook. And the big man in goal, McLaren (not to be confused with the former goalkeeper City fielded—same name, but differing style), it is quite a good 'keeper with a degree of dash in his make-up. I shall be looking for Jones, the Welsh international, who was taken from Clayton Orient.  Clapton Orient have already thanked me for putting them on to the free member for Dundee. Smith, an inside right, who has made good, Mr. David Pratt, ex-Liverpool footballer, has turned a dying club into a live winner. They had 16,000 people on Saturday, and on Sunday morning, before my blinds had been drawn, Mrs. and Mr. Pratt were phoning me in town to tell the glad tidings of their start. They had played well, said David, and Smith was the star forward. The season tickets had numbered 450, compared with 50; the second (team faced the Chelsea side with its six internationals, and drew 2-2; and Tommy Lucas was leaping high for joy as his team, the third eleven, had gone to Folkestone, champions of the Kent League, and had beaten them before their own people 5-1.  I was asked about Bocking, of Everton, who had turned out my very lucrative offer to play at Clayton. Maybe he will think twice about hanging on at Stockport and take the kindly offer!
Let me state that, 'spite the denials of the London Press, who decided for themselves which player had scored at Tottenham. Everton have put the name of Dixie Dean as the opening goal-getter, and that should be sufficient to silence everyone on a point that does not matter a great deal but is a matter of historical reference.  T. G. Watson takes the place of Archer, to-day, at Oldham, this afternoon, in the Central League game, Watson having been hurt.
TEAM SHEETS TO-MORROW 
Everton (v. Leicester), 6.30:  Sagar, Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein.
The camera cannot lie! Or so they say.  At any rate Everton enthusiasts will agree that the British Paramount News Film of the Spurs v Everton game shows very definitely that Dean did touch the ball in that fatal first minute, but only just.  White’s second effort to get the ball to Britton is clearly seen, Britton’s faint, and than lob.  Dean and the goalkeeper were for it, and the ball grazed Dean’s head as Nicholls and he leapt for it.  A remarkable point, which the London Press might note, is that Dean never looked behind; he knew it was in the net and leaped forward for the usual handshake. 

OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 4
August 29, 1934. Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Central League (Game 2)
Everton Reserves outclassed Oldham Athletic Reserves in a Central League game at Oldham Athletic yesterday, winning by 4 goals to none. The winners were superior in every department, with Clark a tower of strength at centre half. Higham was an enterprising leader, and Coulter and Stevenson a clever wing. Dunn was a great worker and Jones and Jackson covered King efficiently. Before the interval Dunn, and Higham scored, and in the second half Leyfield and Higham added to the score. Everton: - King goal, Jackson and Jones, backs; Mercer, Clark (captain), and Jackson (J.G.), half-backs; Leyfield, Dunn, Higham, Stevenson and Coulter, forwards.

LECIESTER CITY AT GOODISON PARK.
August 29 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton open their home season with a match against Leicester City tonight, and after their draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart-lane there should be a big crowd at Goodison Park to see the match. Leicester City also drew 1-1 on Saturday, at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and it may be of interest to note that the game at Goodison Park last season also ended in a draw of one goal each. Everton play the side that drew with the Spurs (Geldard who was somewhat doubtful, now being reported fit), and I think they will go one better this time and secure the full points. The kick off is at 6.30 and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. Leicester City; Mclaren; Black Jones; Smith, Heywood, Ritchie; Adcock, Maw, Gardiner, Coutts, Liddle.

RESERVES START WITH A WIN AT EVERTON
Burnley Express - Wednesday 29 August 1934
Burnley Res (1) 2; Everton Res (1) 1
After four minutes STEVENSON gave Everton the lead, and just before the interval WEALE equalized. SMITH (C.) scored the winning goal in the second half.  The Burnley reserve team began their Central League programme with a visit to Goodison Park last Saturday, the team being :  T. Wilson; Readett, Waterfield (Capt.);  Clacher, Smith (W.), Schofield ; Howarth, Alderman, Smith (C.), Hornby, and Weale.  Burnley could thank their defence as much as their forwards for winning this game.  After Everton had taken the lead they crowded on great pressure, and but for the brilliant goal keeping of Wilson would have quickly increased their advantage. The former Barnoldswick Town player gave a great display not only at that period but throughout the game, and he was well supported by Readett and Waterfield.   The forward line, without showing the same craft as their opponents, worked with a determination and spirit that made them a frequent danger. Weale scored a capital equaliser from Howarth's centre, while Cecil Smith profited a defensive error to slip through and score the winning goal. The newcomer, Alderman, wearing the Burnley colours for the first time, impressed as a schemer, and Howarth's work came in for much praise. An industrious half-back line was useful without doing anything brilliant. 

EX-EVERTON HALF BACK 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 29 August 1934
Thomas Robson, wing-half, formerly associated with Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, but who has been out of League football for some time, has been signed by Northampton. 

LEICESTER’S GOODISON RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 29 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
Leicester City make their ninth appearance at Goodison Park this evening.  Although they usually concede a lot of goals to Everton, their football is generally good.  The club first appeared at Goodison in 1908-9 and lost 4-2, and at the close of that season fell back to Division II.  Since their return to the upper circle in 1924-25 they have obtained four points from Everton as the result of victories in 1926-27 and 1929-30, while all they have scored 17 goals and conceded 34.  The results of these games (Everton’s score first) have been;- 1-0, 3-4, 7-1, 3-1, 4-5, 9-2, 6-3, and 1-1. 

EVERTON 2 LEICESTER CITY 1
August 30 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton First Victory.
Dean and Leyfield The Marksmen.
Play Spoiled by "Throws in."
By "Bee."
The most satisfactory thing about the first game played by Everton at home was the result. A 2 goal to 1 margin was a fair one, because they were the better of two moderate sides. The game was dull; the display had that mid-week air about it that never satisfies spectators, and there were about 25,000 people ready to see the side that had drawn at the Spurs' ground. The night was clear and the wind did not get beyond the stands to the playing pitch. Yet the number of throws-in from touch in this game betokened the error s of judgement and the safety-first tactics employed. It could never be a thrilling game where the ball was being "handled" so often. Actually the Leicester side, like, Everton made one change on the wing. Adcock could not play to that the visitors converted their centre-forward, into a winger and his chief mission was to ponder on the offside decisions that came upon him. On the other hand, Everton wisely fielded their proper reserve right winger when Geldard could not play and he not only got a goal, but provided one for Dean. Leyfield has many tricks in his football make up and may be he tried to do too much on his debut, but in the goals department he did more than his share, but his general game did not come up to his known form, which was a pity, because Everton's attack has been under the cloud thus far and it was hoped a second appearance to the line would reveal their best form, whereas in fact, the play of the line was far from satisfying.
A Striking Shot.
Dean's comeback continues. His opening goal taken from Leyfield's centre was a praiseworthy effort with the foot –with the head Dean is known to be in his own class, but with his boot Dean seemed to have lost power. Now he brought out a striking shot and much joy for the crowd. Leicester had started brightly on their left flank, but finally that phrase of Leicester's did not fare better than Everton's pair which caused the crowd to become irenic at times when White failed to show pace and even failed to make a correct pass, at which he was once so expert and sure. Stein had more changes than he had on Saturday, but at times Thomson the half-back; found White behind him, and until White made a fine header near the finish his display had been quite unlike his former work seasons ago. Dean was a bugbear to the visiting goalkeeper and backs and he battled with the trinity till the bouts became a trifle bitter, but without Dean's continued efforts at setting his line going smoothly the Everton attack would have been a name.
Cunliffe's Work.
Leyfield got a goal early in the second half, the ball spinning under McLaren's body –a surprise to the big Scottish goalkeeper, and to the crowd, who felt his big body must have covered the opening to the new boy. Yet apart from the goals the display of Everton's right wing was no better than on Saturday. Cunliffe did a lot of stern, relentless work; he is ceaseless in his endeavour to help the defensive side and start raids but still hangs on to the ball too long, while his shooting was a little better than on Saturday, Cunliffe is definitely a footballer of skill, and his long, measured strides carry him far. However, the line as a line was lacking in most qualities and the standard of play throughout the second half was very drab. Slicing and hooking and pulling both sides spent most of their time retrieving the ball from the touchline, which is always sure sign of indecision and inaccuracies. Britton's penchant for dribbling provided Leicester with a grand goal seven minutes from the finish-Gardiner for once left by successful Gee, shot a grand goal, and the visitors now had a chance to take a half if they had been competent. However, the forward line was not so good as the moderate Everton line, and the danger looked more than it was so Everton got their first win of the season in a display that left the spectators rather puzzled to know why night matches generally fail to produce enlivening football. Missed passes and throw-ins spoiled this game from the onlooker's angle but there was some bright patches notably when Cresswell and Cook were working and when Sagar was having an unoccasional leap to a far flung centres. Gee was the dominating half-back and Thomson was steady throughout but it has been made plain that over weight in the attack is causing the Everton front line to drew; White can hardly keep up with the pace of the raids and has lost his tackling ability when he makes his post that of a half back's duty. Leicester were best served by Jones. Black at back, Heywood for half an hour against Dean and Ritchie, Smith not reaching his customary heights. Coutts and Liddle were the best of a poor forward line. Teams:- Everton: -Sagar, goal; Cresswell and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Thomson half-backs; Leyfield Cunliffe, Dean (captain), White and Stein, forwards. Leicester City: - McLaren, goal; Black and Jones backs; Smith, Heywood, and Ritchie, half-backs; Paterson, Maw, Gardiner, Coutts, and Liddle, forwards. Referee Capt, Hamilton Jones.

EVERTON'S SUCCESS.
August 30 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
In their first home game, following their draw at Tottenham, Everton showed fair form in attack, and they well deserved their victory over Leicester City by the odd goal of three. The display altogether however, was not of the best and no doubt the men will show improved form later. I was particularly pleased however, to note Dean's good shooting, and it is apparent that the centre-forward is recovering his form. A notable feature was the first appearance in league football of Leyfield, a young player who was born in Chester. He has accomplished excellent work in the Central league side chiefly at outside left. Yesterday, playing at outside-right, he marked the occasion by scoring a goal and giving Dean the opportunity to beat the Leicester goalkeeper.

EVERTON MAKE A TEAM CHANG.
August 30, 1934. Evening Express.
Stevenson for White.
Former Goodison Men in Preston Side.
By the Watcher.
Everton, for their match with Preston North End, one of the promoted clubs last season, at Goodison park on Saturday will have one change from the side victorious against Leicester City 2-1, last night. Stevenson, the Irish international and former Glasgow Rangers forwards comes in at inside left in place of White. Leyfield, who scored against Leicester City last night, retains the outside right position. Geldard and White will appear in the reserve eleven at Preston. Preston North End will field the eleven, which beat Grimsby and Tottenham in the first two games. This means that three former Everton players –Holdcroft, Lowe, and Critchley –will be on view. Everton; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Stein. Preston North End: - Holdcroft; Hough, Lowe; Shankly, Tremelling, Milne; Critchley, Beresford, Maxwell, Bargh, and Pears.
A Good Win.
With Dean playing more like the Dean in his record scoring season and with the 18 year-old Leyfield shining on the extreme right Everton were full value for their victory against Leicester City and this following on the fine performance at White Hart Lane, the form gave the 20,000 spectators hopes of many good things to come this season. In a game in which the respective defences were prominent the interest never flagged for although the defenders often proved too strong for the forwards, both goals had remarkable escapes. After 25 minutes Dean converted a beautiful centre from Leyfield, who by the way took Geldard's place on the right wing owing to Geldard's slight leg trouble, with a real first-timer from only a fewer yards out. Leyfield put Everton two ahead four minutes after the resumption, Dean returning thanks for a pass, which gave him the first-half goal by placing a beautiful low ball to the youthful winger. Gardiner netted for Leicester seven minutes from the close. From the time that Leyfield scored, however, it was always Everton's game. They deserved both points, although the Midlanders never gave up fighting.
•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park Saturday, Sept 1, Everton v. Preston. N. E. Kick off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, stands Extra (Including tax). Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.

ARCHIE GARDINER’S GOAL THE EBST OF THE MATCH
Leicester Evening Mail - Thursday 30 August 1934
DULL PATCHES IN GAME AT EVERTON
CITY CAN DO BETTER
EVERTON 2, LEICESTER CITY 1
By Jack Littlewood
The City game with Everton last night at Goodison Park did not prove the match I thought it would. It was too patchy. There was not enough good football and too much scrambling.  Both teams will necessarily play better, but at as yet very early in the season for anyone to make comparisons that are expected to carry weight.  There was that start of the season mid-week at about it which detracted from the game. It was hard, but there was not that keen execution that is always associated with the Saturday games.  City, too, as is only to be expected, have not yet that free and easy polished style one is used to seeing.  In view Of the circumstances, for they have lost the "father at the family," this not to be wondered at. Time is a wonderful healer, but the healing is always slow.  Though the City were not as effective as I should have liked, there can be little doubt that had the goal which Gardiner scored in the 21stminute been obtained only ten minutes earlier, the City would certainly have made the pace so hot that they would either havewon the day or gained a point. It came at a period when, apart from spasmodic attacks, the game was lifeless, with the ball more in the air than on the floor; and furthermore it was the best goal of the match.  Coutts' pass was the sort of thing one sees too rarely.  It was so perfect and so admirably judged.  It had need to be, for Gardiner had a man on him, and, furthermore, had been forced over towards the right. It WAS a narrow angle, but this did not delay him or slow the pace of his shot. 
FORTUNATE EVERTON 
Everton had previously scored twice, but on each occasion they were somewhat fortunate. Their first came from a pass from the right when Dean breasted the ball down to shoot it high into the net, giving McLaren no chance.  But the pass should really have been intercepted before it got to Dean.  As I saw it, the ball came over and just as Heywood was preparing tojump up he hesitated. That was sufficient for the ball to pass over to Dean.  Heywood either thought that someone else was in a better position to clear, or there was a shout from nearby.  On the other hand it may have been that owing to the flight of the ball he dare not risk touching it for fear of it coming down on him and touching his hand, for he was standing well in area.  That was how the first goal came after 25 minutes.  Then in the second half and after only four minutes, Everton got that other goal. It came from a player new to Division 1, football, Leyfield, and for a youngster only 18 years old to score on his first appearance in the highest class of football is good going.   It is a feat on which he is to be congratulated.  On such occasions one needs a little luck, and he had it in the way in which he spun the ball; but that does not actually account for it all.  McLAREN BEATEN 
McLaren had a clear view from about 12 to 15 yard and had certainly narrowed the angle.  Judge then the surprise when the ball reached the net.  McLaren appeared to touch it with his hands, but yet it went into the net under his body as he was falling side-ways to catch it.  Such was the second goal.  The City's goal in such circumstances, clean cut and splendidly got, came as a delightful tonic and one of the brightest moments of the match.  It was not, however, a game to be enthusiastic: about. Of the two halves, the first was the best; but there was a disappointment in t the City halves did not get the grip on the game that their work warranted.  Jones played a sound and hardworking game pleasing to see, and Black, during the most trying times, was his usual self.  But though the defence itself was generally so thorough, there was not a consistency throughout the team.  There were occasional breaks in the marking of a player and in anticipating or passes, slips which gave Everton an unnecessary advantage, 
DEAN'S GREAT AVERAGE 
Dean's goal was his 310thin 322 matches, a wonderful average andone judging by his continued skillful heading and ball distribution, will be considerably improved if he steers clear of injuries. 
Against Leicester City, last night, Warney Cresswell, the famous Everton full-back, played his 542nd League game, and proved that though years pass by, he is still a capable defender.  His record is good, but one must not forget that of our own Adam Black.  To have two right backs in one match that have each played over 500 games is surely a record, and a great tribute to both men. The game was watched by about 25,000 people—a good mid-week gate, particularly when one considers that Liverpool were playing at Manchester.  Mr. W. C. Cuff, the Everton director, and one of the most popular members of the Management Committee of the Football League, has been elected chairman of the Everton club for the 13th year in succession—another good record. 

THIS WILL NOT DO, EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Thursday 30 August 1934
Bee’s Notes
This is how Everton lined up:  Leyfield,Cunliffe, Dean, White, Stein. This is how they wound up.Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, White-Thomson, Stein.   No exaggeration. My positional chart may have been gained at various points of play in the second half, but it is at least a fair statement of claim regarding Everton's "attack," and I ask “Now can Everton score goals in this straggling, uneven forward formation?" It is early season, and my criticism is brought to prominent position because such formation as Everton have fielded will lead to further inglorious games such as we saw last night.  Leyfield's debut was all-successful- he scored a goal that should have been saved; he made a goal for the keenest endeavourer, Dean, whom shot was the equal of the grand goal obtained by Gardiner. Dean v. McLaren and the backs intervening and keeping up a running chatter regarding Dean’s come-back (so one who sat nearby tells me) made a hot-goal work, yet the game never gripped. Here were two teams always built for style rather than florid, hurried efforts. Yet there was more slicing, hooking and pulling and throwing-in in this game than we have seen for ages. The game was spoiled. Perhaps it was the night-light; perhaps the leg-weariness that comes early in the season, when dry grounds tear toes. Gee put a tight hold on Gardiner and was outstanding; therefore there was no need to introduce just one movement better left out. Cook was striking in his solid punches of the ball; Cresswell and he were perfect in their interventions, but Cresswell could not keep the ball "on the island." Leicester are like lost sheep without their manager, the late Mr. Peter Hodge.  Everton must do something better than this against Preston. Leyfield played well enough for a start. But I KNOW HE CAN PLAY MUCH BETTER. 
Northampton Town have signed Thomas Robson, half-back, formerly of Everton and Sheffield Wednesday. Robson was a little fellow who had a spell at Yeovil at centre half back.  He is still a young man, and a very determined player. 

EVENTON CHANGE 
Liverpool Echo- Thursday 30 August 1934
Everton make one change in their team to meet Preston North End at Goodison Park, on Saturday. Stevenson returns to the side in place of White, who goes into the reserve team. Sager: Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson: Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, and Stein.  The reserve side to travel to Deepdale to meet Preston North End Reserves is:  King; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Clark, T. G. Watson; Geldard or Mayfield, Dunn, Higham, White, and Coulter. 
STAUNCH
Mr. F. Gill, of 35, Pettits-road, Dagenham, Essex, was an Evertonian in 1891, when he was 8 years old, and is still an Evertonian, he says, in 1934.  He was a visitor to the Everton-Spurs match, and these are his inner thoughts; I saw Everton’s first game at Goodison Park, 1891; Everton v West Bromwich.  Reader in goal for the Albion (in long flannell trousers). I cannot bring myself to imagine how Everton now play second-rate players.  Where are the players on the Everton books who can compare with Maconnachie, Makepeace, Jock Taylor, Tommy Fleetwood, Sam Chedgzoy, Frank Jefferis, &c.’ players like Creswell (grand old player), Britton, Sagar, and Dean and Geldard are surely worthy of better support.  Use your best efforts to ginger up the Old Team.  In my opinion, they badly want a first-class inside forward.  Why not sign Morton, of West Ham United, a class footballer of the Bastin type? It’s a long time since Spurs played so badly, but my own team could not accept some of the easiest chances.

STEVENSON IN EVERTON TEAM
August 31, 1934. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton have a most interesting fixture at Goodison Park tomorrow, when Preston North End who regained their place in the First Division last season, reappear at Goodison Park. Both Everton and Preston North End were among the twelve clubs to form the League in its first season in 1888-89, North End were champions in the first two seasons, and then finished second in the three following years, being runners up to Everton in 1890-91. North end won the League championship and F.A. Cup in 188-89, the former without losing a march, and the Cup without having a goal scored against them. They have had their ups and downs since then, but they have always been a popular side. Last season North End gain promotion along with Grimsby Town, and they have opened the campaign in promising fashion. They won game at Deepdale against Grimsby Town by a goal to nothing and on Monday beat Tottenham Hopspur at White Hart-lane by 2-1. As drew 1-1 against the Spurs the Spurs in the opening fixture the meeting of the old rivals tomorrow should produce a closely contested game.
Stevenson At Inside-Left.
Everton make one change from the team that beat Leicester City on Wednesday Stevenson being preferred at inside left to White. Leyfield who did so well on his debut retains the outside-right position. The team is; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook, Britton, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson Stein. Preston North End will have the side that has started the season so well, namely; Holfcroft; Hough Lowe; Shankley, Tremelling, Milne, Critchley, Berseford, Maxwell, Baugh, Pears. Holdcroft Lowe, and Critchley are the former Everton players, while Hough went to Preston from New Brighton. The kick off is at 3.15.
Tremelling's Task.
Not a little of Preston North End's success has been due to William Tremmelling their centre half whose onerous duties it will be to keep a close watch on Dean tomorrow. That Tremelling will not fail in this respect is fairly certain for he is a player of wide experience, and we can look forward to some interesting tussles between the two men. Tremelling is a brother of Dan Tremelling the Bury goalkeeper, who has been footballing since before the war, and has played in every position except goal since he gave up baking to take up football as a career. His first club was Shamrock Albion, for whom he played at left back, and later he joined the ranks of Retford Town. In may, 1924, he came under the notice of Blackpool for whom he appeared as a goal scoring centre forward before being converted into a centre half-back. Tremelling helped Blackpool to gain promotion to the First Division, and joining Preston in December 1930 assisted them to regain their First status last season when he took part in forty-one League games. Tremelling who was born at Birnmingham is a prominent Church worker, and has gained no little fame as a vocalist.
Geldard and White in Reserves side.
Everton include Geldard and White in the Central league side to meet Preston North End at Deepdale tomorrow, the team being: King; Jackson, Jones; Mercer, Clark, Watson (T.G); Geldard, Dunn, Higham, White, Coulter.

CONQUERORS OF THE 'SPURS
August 31 1934. Evening Express.
One Better Than Everton at White Hart Lane.
By the Pilot.
Preston North End's victory against Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 provides a definite line on the relative form of the Deepdale and Goodison clubs. Everton drew there last Saturday 101, and seeing that the North Enders went one better we must expect them to put up a mightily fight against the Blues. There is a teal "Everton" appearance about the Preston side. It includes three men who formerly wore the blue jerseys of the Merseysiders –Critchley, Holdcroft, and Lowe. Holdcroft and Lowe went to Preston together and turned the defence into one of the strongest in the Second Division last term. Holdcrofts was previously with Darlington, and Lowe came to Goodison from Skelmersdale via Southport. Critchley had long service with Everton, gaining two championship medals and a second Division championship medal. He was the man who scored the winning goal to place Everton into the F.A. Cup final two seasons ago. Another ex-Merseysider in the Preston ranks is Hough the right back, who granulated with New Brighton. These players are certain of a warm welcome and their form will be watched with keen interest. Everton's form was not highly convincing against Leicester City on Wednesday, and in an effort to bring more co-ordination in the forward line Stevenson, the Irish International forward is being brought to inside left in place of White. The team is; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook, Britton, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson Stein. Preston North End will have the side that has started the season so well, namely; Holfcroft; Hough Lowe; Shankley, Tremelling, Milne, Critchley, Berseford, Maxwell, Baugh, Pears.
•  Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match at Goodison Park Saturday, Sept 1, Everton v. Preston. N. E. Kick off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d, stands Extra (Including tax). Booked Seats Sharp's Whitechapel.
•  Central League Match at Goodison Park Monday Sept 3 rd , Everton v Oldham Athletic Kick off 3.15 Admission 6d, Boys 3d, Stands 9d including tax.

ANOTHER NEW COBBLER
Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail - Friday 31 August 1934
EVERTON PLAYER JOINS THE RANKS
The Cobblers on Tuesday night made an addition to their list of players which is regarded as important. The new is Thomas Robson, right half back, with five years’ experience of first class football, much of it with Everton and Sheffield Wednesday.  Twenty-five years of age, 5ft 9in, in height and werighing 11 stone 4lbs, he should prove of great value to Northampton. 

EVERTON TACKLE THEIR OWN OLD-TIME WINGER, CRITCHLEY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 31 August 1934
By Bees
Back to the smoke, to see a further meeting of Arsenal and Liverpool, while at home Everton's meeting with the promoted side--Preston North End— is of special moment, because the appearance of Critchley will set tongues wagging.  Everton have a week end of earnest endeavour. First, Preston North End; second Leicester City, on Monday evening.  By the time the week-end is overwe shall have a fair idea of Everton's strength or otherwise. Tackling Preston we are faced with the uncommon sight of Critchley playing his old comrades.  Rarely in his long innings at Everton did he make big first team bow before the second week; it was one of the fatal things about the selectors; year by year they used to sign somebody or other to fill Critchley's shoes, and whether Everton won a League Division 1.or II., or won the Cup, Critchley always had to win a battle to gain his first team place by September 10.  Some people went so far as to say I was "Critchley-mad "! Well, if, as it is stated, there are sixty-five mentally deficient, I am' in a large majority! Seriously, however, Critchley complained that he was left out of the first team and left out of the Cup final; they could not play twelve men in any side without being noticed by the referee and Football League: so Critchley was left out, wisely or otherwise. Finally, the club said they would sell Critchley, and Iam sure his complaints about non-selection may have had some bearing on their decision. I would like to ask if any other player had his experience;? And if any other player had the same justification for asking. "Why am I not in the first team?" This is a commentary without bitterness, and is only mentioned as the public are just now asking why Critchley was “allowed to go to Preston," whereas the truth is he was not required any longer by Everton.  So far Critchley has been the outstanding forward for North End, and, as showing how football can be argued backwards and forwards, it is only necessary to point to two comments made to me. One: Preston and Grimsby will be good additions to the First Division, and worthy the class they have entered. No. 2 says, "Bah! Neither side was good enough. The attack of Preston is paltry. They will go out as soon as they came in."  The season is so young that one admires the pluck of any commentator being so emphatic about what will' happen next May. Goodison Park will be able to judge for itself, and will watch former Everton players in Holdcroft, Lowe, and Critchley making special effort to surprise their former clubmates. Preston themselves say. "We have been greatly helped by Everton in the transfer department, and their treatment of oar financial side was extremely kind. We have always done well out of their 'leavings.' Got any more?" And they think of Harrison, Jefferis, Jasper Kerr (now at Lancaster Town), Holderoft, the goalkeeper, and Lowe, the quiet back, who is so sure a defender.  Everton have already done sufficient to make the welkin ring, and there is personality in the side. People in London said, “They carry surplus of old men.” Which is absurd, for Dean is but twenty-seven; White they picture to be about eighty, judging by their remarks; and if Cresswell is taken out of the opening eleven it would be hard to find a team in the division with fewer years. The Lancashire battle to-morrow will provide us with an idea whether Everton's attack is knitting together, and whether some of the dribblers have sacrificed hard-working self for the effects of combined force per co-operation.  Dash has always been there; the need for the wise pass at the first convenient moment has been the attacking fault. The young boys, however, have bright ideas and much life, and Preston will know they have been playing when the whistle goes to-morrow night.  Everton; Sagar; Cresswell, Cook; Britton, Gee, Thomson; Leyfield, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Stein. 

BOCKING EVERTON FULL BACK RETURNS TO STOCKPORT COUNTY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 31 August 1934
Everton F.C. to-day transferred William Bocking, their full back, to Stockport County.  Bocking thus returns to his old club, for it was from Stockport County that he came to Everton in April, 1931.  He first came to the County's notice when playing with a local Combination side, Vernon's Amateurs, but he began with Waterloo Albion. He played for a time with Hyde United, and in 1925 got his first chance with Stockport County. In five seasons there he missed only eight League matches.  He first played for Everton against Preston N.E. a day or two after he was signed.  Of the robust type, he plays in either full back position.  He had the curious experience of playing three consecutive games in three divisions of the league:  His last game with Stockport County in Northern section Third Division:,  His First gamewith Everton in their last game in the Second Division;  His second game with Everton in their first game of the following season in the First Division. 

August 1934