Everton Independent Research Data
STUB MARKS
August 7, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• We are hoping to see Everton getting into their stride with an opening win against Arsenal. The Toffees by the way haven’t started the season with a home defeat since Arsenal’s neighbours Chelsea slipped it across them 3-2 in 1919-20, Everton, however were at the time rebuilding following the war.
• Everton’s inimitable honours and leg-puller, Charlie Gee, knows a good club when he sees it –both sorts.
• The Everton veteran jack Elliott has been none too well of late. Gout set’s a difficult get-out or rather get about problem.
• George Eccles, the former Everton full-back, has just lined up for his 34th season with Bolton Wanderers –first a player, and then trainer. Three Wembley Cup Finals stand out as the purple=patches in his lengthy career.
EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL PLAYERS BEAT ORRELL AT CRICKET
August 9, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
A team which comprised members of the Everton and Liverpool team’s defeat Orrell by five wickets in their game on Saturday. A feature of the footballer’s innings was the sound display of Lawton and Taylor. Lawton hit nine -4’s and Taylor eight. The visitors also revealed strength in bowling Arthur taking 4 wickets for 8, his second spell was particularly devastating, three wickets captured in two over’s. Lindley took two for seventeen, Dabbs one for ten and Hanson two for forty-five. Teams were 12 a side and Orrell batting first, obtained 98, Warburton and Brown hit 28 for the first wicket, during Brown hit 28, but the second and third wickets fell without any addition to the score. Orrell rallied the following wicket producing 24, mainly through Taylor. However, from that point onwards, except for worthy resistance by brack and a Warburton the remaining wickets fell rather cheaply, the side being dismissed within two hours. Arthur and Lawton opened for the footballers and secure a fine 54 in thirty minutes most of which were obtained by Lawton. Taylor then joined Lawton, but the pair were not long together, Lawton being splendidly caught by Robinson off Shacklady in the slips... Shackley got the following batsman Lindley without cost in the over. Taylor continued to hit out in brisk fashion, and in just over an hour the Orrell total had been passed. Play was carried on for a further half-hour, Shacklady did best for Orrell, taking three wickets, for 45 while Allman had one for eight and Robinson two for forty-two. The teams follows:-
Orrell; J Warbuton b Lindley 8, R. Brown c and b Dabbs 24, J Taylor runout 16, S Carr –Jones lbw b lindley 0; c and b Hanson 7; Warbuton b Archur 10, J Williams b Hanson 1, A. Branch b Arthurs 20; Shacklady c Mercer b Gee 4; A. Robinson lbw b Arthur 0; J Morris b Arthur 2; S Quail not out 1; Extras 9. Total 98.
Everton and Liverpool players; J Arthur lbw b Robinson 8, T Lawton c Robinson b Shacklady 53; P Taylor not out 51, M Lindley b shacklady 0; J. Mercer c Brown b Shacklady 0; A Hanson c Taylor b Allman 5; B Nieuwenhuys c Carr Jones –b Robinson 8; CW Gee not out 3, Extras 8 Total (6 wickets) 135, for footballers D Dabbs, WR Dean, Smith and A Patterson did not bat.
COMBINED EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL LOSE TO BOOTLE CRICKET CLUB
August 11, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Bootle defeated combined Everton and Liverpool team of footballers by nine runs with a minute to spare in an exciting finish in their tw0-evening, twelve a side game which included at Hawthorn-road last night. A tenth wicket stand of 33 giving the visitors a fighting chance after they had lost four wickets for three runs at one period. The fall of the second wicket at twenty-two prefaced a bad spell for the visitors, Arthur left three runs later and the next two wickets fall without addition to the score. Bradshaw fifth to leave strained himself in attempting a bye, Jones and Nieuwenhuys added a fifteen for the sixth wicket and Jones and Hall figured in some entertaining runs before the former skied one from Davies and was smartly taken by Cohen, after taking twenty minutes for his twenty. Hanson was caught on the boundary; Geldard contributed two 4’s off Parry, but was beaten by a ball from Cohen that he did not attempt to play. Bell and Balmer set up the hundred in nine-five minutes, and the tenth wicket put on thirty-three in twenty minutes, before Balmer had his off stump uprooted by Davies after hitting four 4’s in his twenty-one. The last pair took the score within nine of their opponent’s total and just on time Ball was bowled. He had battled for forty-five minutes and hit two 4’s in his twenty-seven. Davies took five for 40, Cohen three for 24, and Worgan there for 25, Fuller did not bowl. Scores follows:-
Bootle; IS Collis c and b Bell 6; F Harrison c Taylor b Bell 1, S Jones c Hanson b Arthur 14, A Cohen c Lawton b Kemp 46; RL Fuller lbw b Bell 12; JW Greenwood b Kemp 7; JR Williams c Lawton b bell 23; TG Parry lbw b Kemp 0; LA Collis b Bentham 4, W Worgan lbw b Bentham 4, Davies b Bell 11, HS Brown not out o, Extras 6 Total 134.
Everton and Liverpool footballers combined; T Bradshaw b Worgan 13; SJ Bentham c Parry b Worgan 5; J Arthur c Greenwood b Worgan 2; T Lawton c Jones d Davies 0; P Taylor b Davies 0; Je Jones c Cohen b Davies 20; B Niewenhuys c Cohen b Davies 4; RC Bell b Cohen 27; A Hanson c Fuller b Cohen 1; A Geldard b Cohen 8; J Balmer b Davies 21, D Kemp not out 10 extras 14, Total 125.
EVERTON PRACTICE MATCH
August 11, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Football begins on Saturday, when the Scottish League season opens and England League clubs will hold public practice games. The team for Everton’s first trail match at Goodison Park on Saturday, kick-off 3.15 were selected yesterday as follows: Blues; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Whites; Morton; Cook, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (tg), Davies; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, Trentham. The only new player is Davies, the left half back from Chester. He was born at Wrexham, stands 5ft 9ins, and weighs 11st 4lbs. He gained international honours as a schoolboy. The captain of the Everton team for next season, has not yet been announced.
EVERTON TEAMS FOR FIRST PRACTICE
August 11, 1937. The Evening Express
Internationals All In Blues’ Forward Line.
By Watcher.
Everton will have only one new player on view, when the club hold their first public practice match on Saturday. Jack Davies, the 22-year-old Welsh schoolboy international half-back, whom Everton signed from Chester during the close season, will make his first appearance in the Blues’ colours. He will play at left half-back. In the Whites’ side which is composed mainly of players figuring in Central League football. Altogether there will be eleven players of international rank in the two sides, and eight of these will figure in the Blues’ team, which has an all-international forward line!
Blues; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Whites; Morton; Cook, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (tg), Davies; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, Trentham.
EVERTON’S TEAM FOR SATURDAY’S PRACTICE GAME
August 11, 1937. The Liverpool Echo.
Everton issued heir teams for Saturday last night and with only one new man signed the sides were as expected. The directors have decided to test their premier eleven against what is likely to become their recognised second team. The trial games are so often a snare that it behoves on to “set them out,” with an open mind and not pin too much faith on them. As they are played as much for the cause of charity as anything else, however, they should be strongly supported. Everton’s game will enable the Goodison Park followers to see just how much progress has been made with their new stand..
The Solitary Debutante
There will be only one new man among the 22 players. It is Davies the former Chester full back who gained international honours as a schoolboy. He is of the clever type and should fit in with the scheme of things demanded by the Everton club. Everton have never favoured the robust type of player. They much prefer the classical type, and certainly Davies fills the bill in this direction. Naturally their followers would have clearly liked to have been seen other new faces in the ranks, but although the season is about to commence it must not be taken for granted that plans for future signing have been shelved. The directors are still prepared to do a deal should the right man come along, but they are not going to make a signing simply for the sake of making one.
Who will Be Captain?
So far Everton have not settled upon their captain. Dean’s personality counts for so much and the weight of captaincy does not weigh so heavily on his massive shoulders as it would on another that things will probably be “as you were.” When you reach Goodison take a good look at the playing pitch. It has never been in such good trim. Ted Sagar has made a complete recovery from his knee trouble. He says he has never felt better in his life, and his leg is giving no trouble whatever. This is good news. Here are the Teams; Blues; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Whites; Morton; Cook, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (tg), Davies; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, Trentham.
EVERTON’S BAPTISM
August 13, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Everton open the practice series at Goodison Park tomorrow, and there will be a good attendance even though the weather is anything but suitable for football. There is only one new man to see in this, the first of two trial games of the Everton club, but those who are willing to bear the best of the afternoon will be able to “look over” the building of the new stand at the Gwlady-street end of the ground. What is the promise for the coming season? Is the vital question. Will the trial game provide a line to the further? Often enough that games are apt to lead us up the wrong street, for they are mostly go-as-you please affairs.
No Captaincy Decision.
At the moment the directors have not decided on a captain, but it is more than probable that Dean will once again be in charge. We should know something about this tomorrow. Whatever the result of this meeting some good play should be witnessed, for the ground is in such wonderful conditions that good football should come as a natural consequence. Here are the teams. Blues; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Whites; Morton; Cook, Thomson; Bentham, Jones (tg), Davies; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, Trentham.
BELL RINGS TRUE IN EVERTON TRIAL
August 14, 1937. Evening Express.
Great Goal For Whites Off Geldard Pass
Blues’ Neat Touches
By Watcher.
Everton F.C. first public practice match attracted a crowd of about 7,000 to Goodison Park today. The pitch was in perfect condition and the main source of interest before the start was the skeleton of the new stand. An ankle injury necessitated Stevenson standing down from the Blues team, and his place was taken by Laidman, former Wigan forward. Blues: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones (je); backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Laidman, and Coulter, forwards. Whites: - Morton, goal; Thomson and Cook, backs; Davies, Jones (tg), and Bentham, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, and Trentham, forwards. I understand no decision has yet been reached concerning the club’s captaincy but Dean again led the team out today. Britton showed up prominently in a quiet opening, but it was Geldard, hero of the Tottenham Cup-tie, who took chief honours in the early stages, shinning with two pretty runs and a well-placed corner kick. Gillick drove hard across a yawning goalmouth. He also failed to take advantage of another offering shortly afterwards. Mercer shot high over from behind the penalty spot. Bentham sent Lawton through on a clever course, but Jones (je) missed the pass, and when the White tried a lunge on the left, the full back raced across to rob Geldard on the line. A Cunliffe-Dean partnership developed well. When the pair were well placed inside the “box.” Cunliffe finely side-tapped Dean, who pushed the ball out to the incoming Coulter. His return was headed over the angle of the post by Dean. So far, the exchanges had been quiet, but full of interest. The Blues were revealing better touches, as was only to be expected, but the Whites were a more determined lot. Bell gave the Whites the lead after 29 minutes. Geldard’s low cross being so well placed that Bell experienced little difficulty in shooting hard and true into the back of the net. Dean tried a solo effort after this reverse, dribbling through and levelling a shot of great power, Morton having all his work cut out to hold it on the carpet.
Half-Time Whites 1, Blues 0.
EVERTON AND SCOTTISH WINGER
August 14, 1937. Evening Express
The Evening Express understands that Everton are interested in Hanlin, the St. Mirren outside left and that a Goodison Park representative watched him in the Scottish League match against Aberdeen, at Aberdeen, today. The Evening Express, also understands that this move follows an approach to Sunderland concerning Jimmy Connor, the F.A. cup-holder’s famous Scottish international outside left. Connor, however, is still on the injured list, suffering from a ligament injury which kept him out of the team a long time last season. In reply to Everton’s application for Connor, Sunderland replied that they could not consider selling a player who was not fit. Further when he was fit, there would be no question of the Wearsiders parting with him.
FOOTBALLERS “ON TRIAL.”
August 14, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Newcomers show Their Paces.
Everton Exiled!
Goodison Ground “Wireless” To-Day
By Stork.
Football began in Scotland, today, but English followers of the game contented themselves with watching newcomers in trial matches. At Goodison Park Everton’s a quiet “reopening.” The rain had put out of order many phones in the Goodison area, and the Echo was forced to resort to the pre-war practice of having the report brought from the ground to the office by hand-only one stage in advance of carrier pigeons! Blues: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones (je); backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Laidman, and Coulter, forwards. Whites: - Morton, goal; Thomson and Cook (captain), backs; Davies, Jones (tg), and Bentham, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, and Trentham, forwards. Referee Mr. F. Percy.
Stevenson could not play owning to an ankle injury, and Laidman played in his stead. For my part, I thought it was pity that a practice game should be played on such grand turf. It would have paid the club to have sent a cheque to the hospital and leave the ground until the grant opening. The ground has never looked better but there was a grave danger of it being cup up for the top surface was found to be soft. Dean and Cook captained the respective sides, which is a likely forecast as to the captaincy and vice-captaincy of the club.
A Natural Calm.
Naturally there was a calm about the game, which will not be there on a real match day, but there was a lot of interest in the play of Davies, the Chester half back and Cuff, of the Whites, I think we know the form of the Blues so it was not uncommon to find most interest in the Whites’ side. Britton, however, was the first to catch the eye with some delightful wizardly. He cuddled the ball, dragged it aye did what he li8ked with it, but there was of course a lack of “bite” about the play, as there is in all practice games. The Whites had several opportunities of testing their shooting skill, for they worked their way through to goal, but could not produce the fiery shot; in fact, neither goalkeeper had much worry. Davies showed one or two tricks, but one could steadily see that the players were not prepared to take risks-who could blame them? Geldard’s centres were good but not taken up as they should have been. The penalty areas bore the new markings.
T.G Jones Prominent.
T.G. Jones was playing an attacking game, and his right wing was getting good support. It was through his great pass that the Whites were able to draw first blood just before the half hour. It was a fiery drive which Bell drove low down to Sagar’s left hand side, the goalkeeper having no chance whatever. Stevenson by the way, was sitting behind me nursing a damaged ankle, but there need be no fear. He told me he would be quite fit by Wednesday. When Dean worked his way through, the crowd urged him to take a shot much against his own desire I fear but he was willing to oblige. His shot did not seemed to bear any great sting, but Morton failed to take it cleanly. The goal against them caused the Blues to pull up their socks, and they gave a better account of themselves. Jackson even tried a bow at a venture with a long shot which Morton had to save. Then Dean with a left-foot shot grazed the crossbar. Half-Time Blues 0, Whites 1
EVERTON SHOW THEIR PACES
August 16, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Dean Early On The Goal Mark.
“Hat-Trick” Gives Blues’ Side Victory
By “Stork.”
The Blues made up of last season’s Everton’s first team defeated the White’s 3-2 at Goodison Park in the first of the two Everton trial games on Saturday, and considering that there was only one new man on view, the attendance of 9,569, who paid £247, was distinctly good, especially so in view of the weather outlook. The ground was a picture, but the heavy rain had soaked the top of the turf to such an extent that there was a fear that the players boots would tear it up. However, as it happened, no great harm has been done. It would appear that Dean has played himself into the position of captain once again. No decision has been made, but it was noticed that Dean led out the Blues’ side, with Cook in charge of the Whites. Dean scored a “hat-trick” in the space of 10 minutes in the second half, and the feature of the three goals was that they were all obtained with the boot.
Bell’s Effort.
The Whites had drawn first blood in the initial half through a charming shot by Bell, who fastened on a Geldard pass and scored with a low shot which left Sagar helpless. In spite of this I always had faith in the Blues, for they were the superior craftsmen, as was only right and proper, but it was plain to all that they were not taken risks. Naturally a deal of the spectators attention was devoted to the new man Davies, and although he showed traces of thoughtful football, I would not say that he is ripe for first team inclusion just yet. He will I feel sure, develop in a clever half-back, but at the moment that is not Everton’s great need. Britton opened in a manner which bodes well for the future. His wizardy was delightful, but he must not overdo it. After the change of ends the Blues got their teeth into the game, despite the determined efforts of the Whites and when TG Jones made a back pass it opened the way for a Dean equaliser. Then came Cunliffe’s pass which brought Dean his second success, but it was the third goal which took the eye. He got the ball just outside the penalty area, and as Morton left his goal to narrow down Dean’s shooting angle, the ball went sailing over his head and into the net. It was a bonny goal.
The Players.
Geldard scored the White’s second goal, after the ball had cannoned off Sagar and spun across the goalmouth. Even then the ball looked like going over the line, but Geldard hooked it into the net. I have never placed a lot of faith in trial games, so I do not intend to be too critical, but I was astonished to see Gee lose his temper. He played good football, just as his opposite number TG Jones, did for the Whites. Neither favoured the “stopper” type of game, so that the forwards were well supplied with takeable passes. Jones “used” Geldard frequently , -and the outside right responded with some smart centres which should have produced more goals. The first half was not productive of many shots, the goalkeepers having a fairly comfortable time, but Sagar did enough to let us know that all is well with his knee. He and Britton have worked out a new mode of clearing, Sagar throws the ball along, the ground to Britton, who carries it up, and so turns defence into attack immediately.
Stevenson’s Ankle.
Stevenson was absent through ankle trouble, but he assures me that it will be all right for Wednesday’s trial game. Laidman the Bootle boy, was a willing deputy, without the canniness of the little Irishman. Laidman tried to keep “touch” with Coulter, who seemed to amble through the game. I thought Jones and Cook the best of the backs, although Thomson stood his ground firmly against Gillick and Cunliffe. Cunliffe was more open in his play, and consequently more effective. His penchant for holding on to the ball has often brought him into disfavour. Everton are searching round for added strength, but the clubs all report the same “Where are the players.” Even with an open purse it is well nigh impossible to get a club to part with their best man. Result Blues 3, whites 2. Blues: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones (je); backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Laidman, and Coulter, forwards. Whites: - Morton, goal; Thomson and Cook (captain), backs; Davies, Jones (tg), and Bentham, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Cuff, and Trentham, forwards. Referee Mr. F. Percy, Liverpool.
DEAN GETS OFF THE MARK IN FINE STYLE
August 16, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
The Stork
The first of the practice games has come and gone, and has taught us little we didn’t already know. But for the fact that they help so many worthy charitable causes there would not be much regret if they were cut out altogether. They are source of anxiety to directors and officials. No club wants to run the risk of injuries so close to the opening day, and although they seldom get beyond the exhibition stage often enough they are accompanied by minor mishaps that are aggravating and annoying. It was in a practice game last year that Tom White received the leg injury which kept him idle practically all through the season. On Saturday Tom Lawton was the victim. He stubbed his foot making a shot early on, limped along for a time, seemed to recovered temporarily, and finally went off midway through the second half. Fortunately it is nothing very serious. He is practically fit again, and will take part in Wednesday’s second game. Apart from injuries, there is the question of the turf. The Goodison pitch looked a picture before the start. It seemed a shame to play on it, because the heavy rain had so tended it so much that it kicked up very easily. At Bolton and Blackburn the practice games were called off. The directors refused to allow the summer’s good work to be jeopardised. Had it not been that they did not wish to disappoint the 10,000 spectators who turned up. Everton would have done the same. The telephonic breakdown in the Walton neighbourhood also played its part, for when Mr. Cuff tried to get through to the ground on Saturday morning to take “sounding” he found all lines out of order.
Dean’s “Hat-Trick.”
Everton’s first trial game did not tell us a great deal. I never really expected it would, for I know the form of the majority of those engaged inside out, and there was only one man, the new man Davies from Chester, and perhaps Cuff, the Whites’ inside left, who were new to me and, no doubt, the most of us who went to Goodison Park on Saturday. The Blues, mainly comprised of the first eleven of last year, won as they should have done, considering that they will most likely be the side which will face up to the Arsenal on August 28. Stevenson was an absentee through an ankle injury, but there need be no worry, for wee Alex informed himself –he was sitting in the stand –that he would be fit for the second trial on Wednesday. Stevenson’s inclusion will make for strength, for without trying to detract from the play of his deputy Laidman, of Bootle, it could not be expected that he could produce the tricks of the little Irishman –few can. The position and captain of the Everton club has not been settled but I should imagine that Dean has played himself into the job by his three goals in ten minutes. He was captain of the Blues, with Willie Cook as commander of the White, and I think it is a case of coming events casting their shadow before them. Trial games to my way of thinking, are a snare. Often I seen a player braze out like a meteor in a practice game, yet when the stiffer task of competitive football has been embarked upon he was just an ordinary member of the side.
“Footed” Goals.
No one is really at full strength unless it is the new men who are playing for their place, whereas the tried and trusted are jogging along in the full knowledge that they will be senior members on opening day. Dean was full of energy considering it was only a go-as-you please affair, and although his first goal was in the nature of a gift his last was a goal so often seen during his 60 goals season. He received the ball in such a position that Morton was on a hiding for nothing no matter what he did. He elected to come out of goal only to see the ball soar over his head and into the net. If he had stayed at home the result could have been the same, such was the magnificence of the shot. Three goals from Dean’s boot –do you understand those sirs, his boot and not his head. Headed goals by Dean are common place. Kicked goals have been a rarity with Dean for some time, although he scored several with his foot in the late games last season. Just prior to the interval he was urged to try a shot much earlier than he desired, but he answered the call and Morton only half parried the shot, which did not seen to bear much sting. Later Dean shaved the crossbar with a grand drive. Cunliffe also shot with a better discrimination, but what was even more important was the open game of Cunliffe who has so often been charged with too much dribbling.
About Davies.
But what of Davies? Have Everton found a new “star”? Not yet, but in time Davies will be fit to grace any team, for he showed glimpses of neat football, occasionally producing a cute pass to the opposite wing. Lawton was injured, and although he came back it was not long before he left the field for good. Dickinson taking his place. Dean, on this showing, is certain to be in the team. Everton are still on the lookout for players. They were abroad over the weekend. They are fully aware of their weak points, but as Mr. Cuff put it to me, “We cannot get the men we want even though we are prepared to open our purse string to the full extent. Naturally with such a scarcity of good players, clubs are not prepared to part. We ourselves dare not part with any of our men not knowing where we could get one to fill his place. I think, added Mr. Cuff, “we will have to pay more attention to our third team. That seems to be the only solution. If we can get two or even one from it we will be very well satisfied. The second and final trial game takes place on Wednesday; kick-off at 6.30 p.m.
Everton Sign Roy Fenton, Former Anfield Left Back.
Everton have signed a former Liverpool player in Roy Fenton, the left full back, who had a free transfer from Anfield at the end of last season because of suspected cartilage trouble. He is now fit again and Everton consider they have made a good capture. Felton joined Liverpool after leaving school, and was on the Anfield ground staff for a time. He is 18 years of age, 5ft 9 ½ ins, and weighs 11st 10lb.
EVERTON TRIAL VERDICT
August 16, 1937. The Evening Express.
Young Players Will Challenge For Senior Team Places
By Watcher
Everton’s first practice match at Goodison Park, on Saturday, when the Blues beat the Whites by 3-2, served to show that not only are the recognised seniors in first-class fettle, but the younger school have many members likely to fight every inch of the way for first-team status. I am fully aware that games of this character cannot always be retried on as reliable guides, but nevertheless, although the match never earned a label of excitement or fierceness, the constant touches of artistry and the clever machinations, particularly of the Blues’ half-backs, dispelled any fears concerning the general ability of the players to whom Everton fans will look for honours attempts next season. Chief point about the match was the evergreen Dean’s quick reply to those who would have him supplanted by a youngster man. He had a quick eye for the main chance, a fact amply evidenced in the second half when he notched a hat-trick of goals within nine minutes. Strange to says, all goals were shot! It is unusual to find Dean not heading at least one home. Cunliffe and Laidman, Dean’s inside partners were rather subdued, but Gillick and Coulter served up some excellent runs, although, in the case of Gillick, shooting was not a strong point.
Solid Half-Back Trio
Britton, gee, and Mercer will need some beating as a half-back trio. They were solid without being spectacular. Their anticipation gave the “Blues” attack a definite advantage and considerably decreased the potency of the Whites’ forwards. Britton takes in the half-back department. An early injury to Lawton disturbed the White’s front line, in which Geldard and Bell –both scorers were fast off the mark, and Cuff a master of the short forward pass to the wing. Davies, the former Chester half-back, and the only new man on view, had a big task against the Gillick-Cunliffe wing, backed up by Britton, but the manner in which he “worked” the ball impressed most of the crowd of 9,500. There was little to choose between the respective defences. Sagar and Morton were rarely caught napping, I think Cook just about deserves top mention among the full backs, with Jones (je) a close second because of his clean kicking under pressure.
Everton’s Junior Trial
Everton are holding a junior trial match at their West Derby ground, this evening. The teams will consist of players whose form is known to the officials.
EVERTON SIGN FELTON FROM LIVERPOOL
August 17, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton have signed a former Liverpool player in R. Fenton the left half-back, who had a free transfer from Anfield t the end of the last season. Felton joined Liverpool after leaving school, and was on the Anfield ground staff for a time. He is eighteen years of age, 5ft 9ins, and weighs 10st 11st.
LAWTON AND STEVENSON OUT OF TONIGHTS GOODISON PRACTICE.
August 18, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s second trial game takes place at Goodison Park to-night. There is no alteration in the Blues side, which is likely to be the selected for the Arsenal game, with the exception of Stevenson for Cuff at inside left. Stevenson damaged an ankle in training and was expected to be fit for this game. The directors, however, decided to take no risks with him, so that Cuff again holds the position of partner to Coulter, in the White’ side much interest will be displayed in the debut of Roy Fenton, who was signed only couple of days ago. Felton was on the Liverpool’s books for a period, but was given a free transfer at the end of the season. Lawton, who jarred his ankle in last Saturday’s practice game will not play, but it is only a precautionary measure which keeps him out, for the injury is nothing serious. Dickinson will lead the attack as he did for a portion of the second half on Saturday. The appointment of captain has been held over until next week. Teams; (kick-off 6.30) Blues; Sagar; Jackson, Jones; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Cuff, Coulter. Whites; Morton; Cook, Fenton; Bentham, Jones (tg), Watson; Geldard, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Trentham.
EVERTON’S FINAL PRACTICE
August 18, 1937. Evening Express.
Felton’s Chance
By The Pilot.
It will be Everton’s final trial. Two notable absentee will be Alec Stevenson and Tommy Lawton. Stevenson received a slight injury in a private trail game, and Lawton had a minor knock in Saturday’s practice game. Mr. Theo Kelly, the secretary, said to me today that both are fit enough to play, but the directors deemed it wiser not to risk them for trial games. The absence of Stevenson gave Cuff, who played inside right with the Whites on Saturday, a chance to partner Coulter on the left wing of the Blues’ attack. Laidman reverts to the Whites’ side. In particularly with Trentham and Dickinson comes in at centre forward for Lawton. An interesting appearance will be that of Roy Felton. Everton’s latest signing from Liverpool. Fenton is still in his teens, although he was at Anfield for three seasons. He has the making of a classic defender for his ideas are sound and he keeps excellent position. He will act as Billy Cook’s partner in the Whites side, and so tackles Dean and company as his Everton baptism. The match should furnish lively football. Blues; Sagar; Jackson, Jones (je); Britton, Gee, Mercer; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean, Cuff, Coulter. Whites; Morton; Cook, Felton; Bentham, Jones (tg), Watson; Geldard, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, Trentham.
EVERTON’S SECOND TRIAL
August 19, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Gillick Retires Owning To Strain
Sagar In brilliant Form
By Stork.
Everton’s second trial game was not nearly so lively as Saturday’s match, but the result was the same in that the Blues, the senior side, scored another victory, 2-1. Some of the football displayed was of good class, but the players were not inclined to take any risk in view of the start in a week’s time. To show how a trial game can rob a side of one of its prominent players. Gillick strained a ligament in his leg and had to be carried off just before the interval. Not for the first time in the history of the Everton club has a trial game proved costly, but I am told that Gillick’s injury need cause no anxiety, for it is not severe, and if need be he could have resumed, but acted wisely in staying off for the remainder of the game. The play proved that Sagar’s ability is in no way impaired by his enforced absence late last season. He was to my way of thinking one of the outstanding personalities of the match. To save a penalty is sufficient in itself, but there were other saves which Sagar made which prove that he is himself again. T.G. Jones’s penalty kick was delivered straight at the goalkeeper, but when the ball came back to him he had a great chance, but once again he slashed the ball straight back to Sagar. A greater save was that when with outstretched hand, Sagar turned round the upright a slashing drive from Geldard. If that shot had beaten him no one could have quibbled for it would have beaten most goalkeepers.
Outstanding Players.
The Whites almost took the lead in the first minute, but after that there was a dull patch when the players centred on intricate football rather than direct methods. Britton, Gillick, and Cunliffe worked well together without getting any compensate for their work and Geldard and Bentham dovetailed well, but the man who took my eye was T. G. Jones. He kept in touch with his forwards so well that it was rarely he made a faulty pass. Another who showed up well was Cuff. He played like a first team man. Still, he must remember that he is not expected to do the work of the whole forward line, as he seemed inclined to do. Young Felton found the opposing wing a trial, but there is plenty of time for him. When Gillick retired Arthur took his place, and he had not been playing long before he scored the eagerly awaited goal with a lob shot the ball spinning away from Morton. Then Dean nodded a goal in his usual easy manner after he had twice shot straight at Morton. Dean is still a menace near goal and Cunliffe once again took the direct route instead of being over indulgent. Near the end, Dickinson reduced the lead with a header. It was a Dean-like effort. J. Jones was strong at full back; in fact the whole of the three first team members were sound defenders. Gee is in good form and Mercer, still a powerful half-back. Bentham also did well. Result; Blues 2, whites 1. Blues; Sagar, goal; Jackson and Jones (JE), backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Cuff and Coulter, forwards. White; Morton, goal; Cook 9captain), and Felton, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Dickinson, Laidman, and Trentham, forwards. Referee Mr. T. Campbell, Liverpool.
RESERVES SHOW UP WELL IN GOODISON TRAIL
August 19, 1937, The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Amateurs May Solve The Transfer Problem.
Writes Stork
Last night’s trial game at Goodison Park was one of the quietest games I have seen. Naturally I did not anticipate anything thrilling for practice games are not given that way. I could not help but notice that the Blues –the senior side –were inclined to be too pretty when more direct action was called for. I had occasion last year to criticism Everton for their wastefulness in front of goal where they became slaves to the pass when a shot was demanded. Last night, before 5,000 people this fault was again displayed, and as a consequence the game had nothing to commend. Trial games in my opinion, do not serve any purpose whatever unless it is help they give to the local hospitals, but to be hyper-critical over a trial game would be crass folly.
Promising Reserves
The Blues won by two goals to on, but what did the game tell us? That is more important than the goals. It told me that Everton have several promising reserves men ready the moment their services are required in the senior side. T.G. Jones, although he missed a penalty, made a big impression, for not only was he a successful “stopper” but had attacking ideals and rarely did he put a pass to the wrong man. Then there was young Cuff at inside left. He promised well if he was inclined to get himself “lost” through trying to do the work of the whole forward line. Experience will teach him that he has a position to keep and that there are others to look after the other side of the field. Still he pleased me more than a little. He played like a first team man; at least that was my opinion. Bentham when he was a forward never showed up as he did last night as a half back, for he was ahead of Mercer on last night’s display, so seems to have found his right niche. Felton was out of touch with his game, but he did one or two things extremely well.
Deputies Score
Bell was the pick of the White forward line, and was responsible for the bulk of their shooting. Dickinson scored his side’s goal with a header and Geldard opened well with his darting turns. It was uncommon to see Arthur, who came in for the injured Gillick in the second half start the Blues’ scoring. He lobbed the ball beyond Morton rather cleverly, Dean “nodded one in” and also shot with power with his feet. Gee give little away but the artist of the middle line was Britton. Gillick’s injury is nothing to cause concern. He pulled a tendon just behind the knee and was carried off, but had it been necessary he could have resumed, but took the wise course and remain off the field, where there were no risk. Sagar, gave a sparkling display in goal. He barred T Jones way with his double penalty shot save, but it was his other saves which informed us that he is right back in his best form. That one handled save from Geldard was sufficient to tell us that all is well with him. The attendance was 5,237 and the receipts £125. Prior to the game Cunliffe was presented with his benefit cheque by the chairman Mr. W.C. Cuff.
Everton F.C. Amateurs.
Apart from their professional staff Everton have secured some really good class amateur players and most of them are boys in their teens. This seems to be general idea in these days of high transfer figures. The majority of clubs are concentrating on their “A” in the hope that come future “star” will be found amongst the youngsters. Everton’s list of amateur players number twenty-three. Here they are with the name of their previous clubs:-
GoalKeepers;
RF Seddon (A team) aged 20; EJ McCoy (Bedford Amateurs) aged 18; G. Burnett (Litterland Boys Club and ex-Liverpool Boy) aged 17; E. Hughes (Welsh international school boys and Flintshire County school boy) age 16;
Full Backs;
N Farrington (Leyland Motors FC) age 19; T. Haspell (Barnton Victoria FC) age 18; S Taylor (Pentown Quay FC) age 18;
Half-Backs
GE Saunders (A Team) age 20; RE Roberts (A team and Bedford Amateurs) age 20; R.B.W White (A team and Bedford Amat) age 18; N. Forgham (Shell Max FC) age 19; S Simmons (Wallasey and Cheshire County schoolboy) 15; C Ireland (Linacre Gasworks’ FC) age 19;
Forwards
H Merritt (Burscough Vics and Leyland Motors) age 16; F. Newry (Port Sunlight) age 19; JC Taylor (Rock Ferry Social) age 20; N. Ashurst (Skelmersdale United) age 20; N. Sharp (Orrell FC) age 17; J Quinn (A team) age 18; T Shallcross (Liverpool and Lancs County schoolboys) 17; WG Roberts (Penhyn Quarry FC) age 18; AF Burnett (Clayton Pics FC) age 18; W. Greatbanks ( Plunters FC) 16.
EVERTON’S “OLD BRIGADE” FOR FIRST MATCH?
August 19, 1937. Evening Express
By The Pilot.
Jimmy Cunliffe, Everton’s inter-national inside-right, was presented with a cheque for £650 at Goodison Park last evening by the chairman, Mr. W.C. Cuff. This represent’s Cunliffe’s first benefit. Mr. Cuff addressed the players in the dressing room and mentioned that this was his 42nd year with the club. He expressed the hope that it would be as good as the best of the years which had gone before. He urged the players to give off their best for the Everton club and to preserve the Everton tradition of always providing high-class and clean football. The final trial match –ending in a victory for the Blues (first team) by two goals to one –had one unfortunate note. Gillick, the Scottish International, had to leave the field before the interval with a strained tendon in the right knee. He was examined by the club doctor, who expressed the opinion that it was nothing serious. A further examination is being made today. I do not anticipate that the Everton team for the opening game against Arsenal will differ much from last season. It will be a case of “the old brigade” facing the Gunners. The directors will choose their side at the meeting next Tuesday, and at the sometime they will select the captain and vice captain for the season.
Young Players scheme.
The trial last night showed Everton once again in the light of pattern weavers. The play was more dainty than effective, in fact, it was left to enthusiastic Arthur, who came on as deputy for Gillick to open the score for the Blues. Just after Sagar made a brilliant double save off Dickinson’s penalty, and then Dean and Dickinson scored. The young players showed up well, and I deemed Bentham, at right half for the Whites, one of the biggest successes of the trial. He has developed into a grand intermediate. Felton, from Liverpool revealed sound ideas without trying to be spectacular, and Cuff, Trentham, and Laidman contributed many joyous touches. This evening the Everton players visit Ellesmere Port to oppose Bowaters at cricket, Bowls and tennis.
GEORGE HARRISON
August 20, 1937. The Derby Daily Telegraph
George Harrison, barman, Rising Sun Inn, Church Gresley was summoned for having driven at an excessive speed in built up area.
EVERTON SIGNED DOUGAL FROM ARSENAL
August 23, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
J Dougal the Arsenal inside forward has been transferred to Everton. Before joining the London club in 1933 Dougal played for Southampton, and he made his debut in Arsenal’s first team in 1934. He stands 5ft 8ins, and weights 11st 3lb. He made his first team debut for the Londoners at Middlesbrough in 1934. Last season he did not appear for the first team. The previous season he made eight appearances and scored three goals.
EVERTON’S ACQUISITION
August 23, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
You know the result. Apart from Davies and Dougal (the latter signed on Saturday) and Harrison, Penrose, and Patterson, a lot of work has gone to no purpose. Peter Dougal, who joins the Goodison staff after four years at Highbury, has to hide his light under a bushel, for a long time. He showed promise at Southampton, but when he went to Arsenal he found Alec James a barrier to further progress in First Division games. A clever Scot, nicely built with the Scot usual cleverness in dribbling and ball control, allied to a powerful shot, he should be a valuable acquisition to the Everton Staff.
ECHO CORRESPONDENT ARRANGEMENT.
AUGUST 23, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Just a word or two about our arrangements for the coming season. Stork will devote himself to the interest of Everton followers and Contact will cater for the Liverpool fans. Stork you have known for a long time by the sound and expert commentaries on football and boxing. Contact will be remembered by his old name of Buzz, under which he wrote so knowledgeably of the doings of our Third Division sides. These two expert critics will follow the fortune of their teams in home and away games, and keep you posted up to the minute with all you want to know. Contact is the son of Mr. Earnest Edwards (Bee), known and respected for so long by everyone in football circles throughout the country. I know the warm regard my predecessor had in your affections. He was a man whose popularity was as great in the office, among the people he worked with, as it was in the outside world. That is a big tribute. He is I am glad to say flourishing like a bay tree in his retirement. Now let me vacate the stage for Contact who will tell you of the lessons of Saturday’s game at Anfield and give you his views of Liverpool’s prospects Stork will hold Everton in the balance in tomorrow’s Notes, and tell you whether he finds then wanting or not.
GILLICK MAY MISS FIRST MATCHES.
August 24, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s Winger’s Injury
Cartilage Trouble Feared
Everton are not likely to have the services of Gillick their Scottish international winger for the opening match against Arsenal on Saturday. Indeed he may be absent for some time. Everton have on previous occasions been unfortunate in having players injured in trial games and being compelled to open below strength and once again this “Bogey” has turned up. Gillick retired owing to an injury in the second trial game last Wednesday and at first it was thought he had strained a tendon in the knee. It now appears that the injury is much more serious than was at first believed. Gillick was taken into a nursing home last Saturday morning, and was examined by a specialist, and an X-ray photograph was taken of the injured knee. The specialists’ report is expected to be made known today, and it is feared that the player is suffering from cartilage trouble. Should this prove to be the case an operation would be necessary and Gillick likely to be out of the side for some time. The club, however, are fortunate in having such a capable deputy as Geldard, also an international to fill the breach. Gillick, who was secured by Everton from Glasgow Rangers in December 1935, at a fee, stated unofficially to be £8,000, made his debut for the Goodison Park club against Leeds United on the left wing.
Helped Rangers To win League And Cup.
Gillick joined the Rangers, from Petershill, a Glasgow junior club, and played in two Scottish League matches in 1934-35. The following season he took part in seventeen League games and scored as many goals, helping the Rangers to win both the League and the Cup. He is twenty-two years of age, stands 5ft 7 ½, and is an extremely tricky player who can fill any of the forward positions. In the 1935-36 season he played in twenty-three league games with Everton and scored 9 goals, while last campaign he played in all forty-two league matches and scored 14 goals, and in addition netted twice in the third round F.A. Cup-tie against Bournemouth. He was also chosen to play for Scotland against Austria and Czechoslovakia as an outside left.
INJURY BLOW FOR EVERTON
August 24, 1937. The Evening Express
Gillick Cartilage Trouble
By The Pilot.
A blow for Everton. Scottish international winger, Torry Gillick, will not be available for the opening matches. He has fallen a victim for cartilage trouble. Gillick was injured during the first half of Everton’s second trial game last Wednesday. He twisted his right knee and fell with no one near him. The injury was thought not to be serious, but later Gillick was examined by a specialists, who diagnosed a displaced cartilage. No decision with regard to an operation will be made until the meeting of the Everton club directorate tonight, when other business to be done will be the selection of captain, and vice captain and the team to face Arsenal on Saturday. This is the second season in succession Everton have lost a player owing to cartilage trouble received in a practice game. Last season Tommy White then a first team player, fell with no one near him. Subsequently he had an operation and only once afterwards appeared in Everton’s first team –against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Gillick last season was Everton’s only “ever-present.”
Everton F.C. Charity Effort
Everton Football Club engages in another cricket match tomorrow afternoon when they oppose the Meat and Associated Trades C.C at the Cadby Hall ground, penny-lane. The match is in aid of the Liverpool and distich Meat Tarders’ Benevolent Fund, and should prove a sporting treat. Everton will select their team morrow.
EVERTON’S BAD LUCK
August 24, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
By stork
What are the prospects for Everton for the season 1937-38. On what they did last season, one would be inclined to think that they were in for a very ordinary season regarding points gathering, for it will be recalled that towards the end of the season their form was anything but encouraging. Like most other clubs few signings have been made. Two new names appear on the pay roll in Davies, the half-back from Chester and Peter Dougal, who was obtained from the Arsenal during the week-end. Now to be perfectly frank Everton can have a good season if they will realise the need for goals. The football craft is there; is fact the players have become so imbued with the desire to make just one more pass that the shot has been passed by and, of course a consequence many chances missed. I was pleased to see Dean “foot” three goals in practice games and hope this is a forerunner to many similar goals. The players who is deputy to dean has a thankless task to fill such famous shoes, but in Lawton, I feel that Everton have a worthy successor, and Cunliffe gave me the impression that he will play a more open game this season. He has only to do that to bring more punch into the line, for Stevenson can “hit em” when he likes. I thought Coulter would have come back with a bang, but I fear the remembrance of the break he suffered in the international match is still with him. Would that he could regain his old form.
Gillick’s Injury.
The news that Gillick may be out of the team with suspected cartilage trouble is a severe blow to Everton, for much was expected of the scot this season. The middle line is good enough for anything. True, they are all attackers and that brings in the need for close collaboration with the full backs. Attacking centre half backs are not favoured nowadays. It is claimed there must be a “stomper” under the present system of play, but Gee has proved that a centre half back can be both, although it means a lot of work and a fleetness of foot. Britton is better, if anything for he has tightened up his defence, and Mercer, with his long raking, strides can go up and get back in a very small space of time. The half-back line will do for me. Would that I could say the same of the last line of defence.
Defensive Faults.
Too many goals were given away last season by faulty defensive work. Too, many loopholes were left open through which the opposition threaded its way to put the goalkeeper “on the spot” There must be a better covering plan and the inclusion to go up too far must be curbled. There is Jones (JE), Cook, Jackson and now Jock Thomson left them get their heads together and fortunate some plan of campaign, so that there is no open road anywhere. A stiffening up here, and with the forwards willing to shoot, there should be no anxious time for Everton. They have two grand goalkeepers for Sagar is at the height of his form –need I say more –and Morton is fit for any team. Go to it, Everton, and don’t let us languish so long for an away victory.
EVERTON TEAMS
August 25, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have chosen their sides for their opening matches. As was anticipated in view of Gillick’s injury Geldard will occupy the Everton right wing berth as partner to Cunliffe. Otherwise the team is the same which did duty during the back end of last season except that Sagar resumes in goal in place of Morton. The side is; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Dean has again been elected captain of the side with Britton vice-captain, the latter is succession to Cook.
Everton Reserves travel to Sheffield to meet the Wednesday Reserves and the side selected is: Morton; JE Jones, Felton; Bentham, TG Jones, Davies; Arthur, Bell, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham.
DEAN AGAIN TO CAPTAIN EVERTON
August 25, 1937. Evening Express.
Seventh Time In succession.
Blues’ Team To Meet Arsenal.
Happy Choices
Two Everton players who figured in the reserve teams during the trial games are included in the side to entertain Arsenal in the soccer send-off at Goodison Park on Saturday. They are Geldard and Cook. Geldard plays outside-right owing to Gillick having to undergo an operation for cartilage trouble, and Cook will be at left back as partner to the local-born Jackson. Otherwise the Blues team is as expected, for Sagar, who was absent during the closing games of last season owing to cartilage trouble, returns to gaol and the “old brigade” are being trusted to carry the Everton banner forward. Under the leadership of Dean, Everton have won the First Division championship and the F.A. Cup, and he has proved a fine skipper. If he should be absent there is the quiet, unassuming Britton –one of our ideal footballer-to take over the reins of captaincy. Happy Choices. The side is; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Everton Reserves go to Sheffield Wednesday in quest of Central League points with the following team:- Morton; JE Jones, Felton; Bentham, TG Jones, Davies; Arthur, Bell, Lawton, Dougal, Trent ham.
EVERTON CHOSEN
August 25, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Torry Gillick is to undergo an operation for cartilage almost immediately so it comes as no surprise to find that he is not in the Everton team to meet the Arsenal at Goodison Park on Saturday. There was never much likehood of the team which did service towards the back end of last season showing many changes and had not Gillick met with his unfortunate practice match accident the team would have been identical with the one which placed the last game for Everton, except that Sagar now fit, resumes to the exclusion of Morton. Geldard, of course was the automatic choice for Gillick’s place and should he strike his best form there need be no fear that the line will suffer in strength. Geldard played quite well in the practice games, and will Cunliffe adopting a more open style Geldard should benefit. As forecast in these notes some time ago. Dean has again been selected captain, for the seventh year in succession, with Cliff Britton second in command. Gillick is to have his operation on Friday; in which case he will be out of the game for a matter of two months. It is anticipated that he will be fit- by the beginning of November. Team; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, and Coulter. Reserve team against Sheffield Wednesday, at Hillsbrough; Morton; JE Jones, Felton; Bentham, TG Jones, Davies; Arthur, Bell, Lawton, Dougal, Trentham.
Everton’s Charity Help
Everton’s trail matches realised £372 for charity. The donations are as follow. Northern Hospital, Southern Hospital, Stanley Hospital and Royal Infirmary £40 each. Bluecoat Hospital, Bootle Hospital and Cancer Hospital £30. St Paul’s Eye Hospital, Royal Children’s St John Ambulance Bridge and National Institute for the Blind, £10. Liverpool Child Welfare, Liverpool Maternity Hospital and Liverpool Eye Hospital £5. Secretaries and managers Association £5. Liverpool Police Aided Clothing, £3 5/- Liverpool Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Children, Liverpool Referees Society, British legion, Walton, Nursing Association, Lancashire Referees Association, woman’s Hospital. Home for Incurables, Liverpool, Heart hospital, Liverpool Foot hospital, Aged poor and Mersey Mission for Seamen 3 guineas, Wallasey Centre Hospital, Wallasey Cottage Hospital, Lifeboat Institution, Liverpool Gyphanage, Dental Hospital, £2 10/- National Union of Journalistic £2 2/2, Hahnemam’s Hospital and Deaf and Dumb £1, 11/6.
STAR ARSENAL TEAM AT GOODISON; TEST FOR BLUES’ DEFENCE.
August 27, 1937. Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
The meeting of the Everton and Arsenal is the match of the day. No game will produce more thrills or good football, and I feel that Everton can get off the mark with a win. Everything depends on the strength of the Blues’ defence, which on many occasions last season, was suspect. Arsenal still possess a brilliant attack even though they are certain to miss the master-mind Alex James. There is the dashing daring, do-or-die Ted Drake in the centre –a match winner if ever there was one –backed up by the big full-striding Kirchen, and the clever Bastin. Unless there is good covering, and quick tackling by the Everton defence, such players as these will make things merry for Sagar. Personally, I think the Everton attacking machine, if it gets into gear right away, will extend the Arsenal defence, I am looking to Geldard to prove a rare rapier. There is little to choose between the respective intermediary sections, but the Everton trio should prove the more constructive force. Dean will be facing the master third back in Herbie Roberts, and may find the down-the-middle path effectively blocked. Still the circumstances will demand full exploitation of the extreme wingers. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Arsenal; Wilson; Male, Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Kirchen, Bowden, Drake, Bastin (or Davidson), Milne.
• League Match At Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Arsenal. Kick-off 3-15 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra, including Tax. Booked Seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• Central League match at Goodison Park, Monday Next Everton Reserves v. Manchester City Reserves . Kick-off 6-30. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands extra (Including Tax).
EVERTON ENTERTAIN THE GUNNERS OF HIGHBURY
August 27, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Arsenal’s Visit
Who could wish for a better opening match than that between Everton and Arsenal? The meeting of these two clubs has always created a great deal of interest, and that is not surprising for the previous meetings of the two clubs have invariably resulted in a grand game. Goodison Park with a extension –half the new stand will be in use tomorrow will be fully taxed for although the summer is still with us there is a feeling abroad –I have felt it; that the public is ready for its football. The Arsenal who usually have an interest in one or other of the big prizes of football, fell between the stoods last season, and missed everything. Don’t think, however, that the Arsenal are finished with their pot hunting for they have the men, and the money –should that be needed, for strengthening purposes –to put in the field a side capable of meeting and beating any team.
Cannot Buy success.
The Arsenal, however, with all their money, cannot buy success. That has been proved time and time again, for it takes more than mere money to build a team. The best players in the world can be purchased but if they do not blend together it is money wasted. Blending has been the Arsenal secret and will continue to be so if I know my Mr. Allison, as I think I do. There was a time when I described their type of game; the time when they were snatching an odd goal and then dropping back, and becoming an all defensive organisation. It paid its way, however, and that was all the Arsenal required it to do. What will their plan of campaign be this season? We will get some idea at Goodison tomorrow, for while I am fully aware that Everton are not world beaters; they are difficult team to beat on their own ground. Some of the Arsenal members are getting on in years. I am sorry Alex James will not be amongst us at Goodison, for he usually touched his best on Merseyside, but with Bastin and Davidson to fill the inside left position his absence may not be felt so greatly as we all think. In Kirchen, at outside right, and Drake now fully recovered, the Arsenal have two-match-winning forwards, but behind there is a taint of age, and this should help-Everton’s cause even though the Arsenal can still build up a stout cover for their goalkeeper.
Everton’s Style.
I hope I don’t seem to be carping about Everton’s pretty; pretty style of play. If I am forgive me for it is done with the best intention in the world. Ultra clever football will play into the hands of the Arsenal defenders, who cannot move about nearly so quickly nowadays, so are delighted to find their opponents holding the ball and thereby courting the tackle, whereas a ball quickly transferred was a defender on the wrong foot as it were and out of position. Go straight to it Everton –the direct route I am sure will pay you best, and I feel that you can win this game, and so get off with a good start for the season. Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Arsenal; Wilson; Male, Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Kirchen, Bowden, Drake, Bastin (or Davidson), Milne.
• League Match At Goodison Park Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Arsenal. Kick-off 3-15 p.m. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra, including Tax. Booked Seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
• Central League match at Goodison Park, Monday Next Everton Reserves v. Manchester City Reserves . Kick-off 6-30. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. Stands extra (Including Tax).
HIGH CLASS START
August 28, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
These sides usually play that high class football in which spectators revel and Goodison Park. With its partially raised new stand should be well filled to see Dean and his colleagues pit their skill against Arsenal’s stars. Unfortunately Gillick will be absent from the Everton ranks, but Geldard at his best is a most able substitute. Arsenal, now without James, are still a great power and they will again play a prominent part in the season’s doings. Everton are somewhat uncertain but the players will be all out to outpoint their rivals, and a great game is assured. Arsenal have taken away 24 points from 26 visits to Goodison Park by means of 9 victories and 6 drawn games, Everton having won 11 occasions. The result of the Goodison League meetings between the clubs (Everton score first) have been. 1-0, 0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 0-3, 1-0, 2-0, 1-0, 3-0, 2-3, 2-3, 1-1, 1-0, 3-1, 2-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-3, 4-2, 1-1, 1-3, 1-1, 3-1, 0-2, 0-2 and 1-1. Since 1925-26 Arsenal have carried off the League championship on four occasions, been runners-up twice, won the F.A. Cup twice, and also been in the final on two other occasions. The kick-off is at 3-15 and the teams are: - Everton; Sagar; Jackson, Cook; Britton, Gee, Mercer; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Coulter. Arsenal; Wilson; Male, Hapgood; Crayston, Roberts, Copping; Kirchen, Bowden, Drake, Bastin (or Davidson), Milne.
ARSENAL SMASH THROUGH EVERTON DEFENCE.
August 28, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Drake’s Hat-Trick In Powerful Display
Dean Gets One For The Losers.
Unusual Pick-Up Incident Costs Goal.
By Stork.
Everton were well and truly beaten. The Arsenal are not the back number some people thought, for they are still masters of football art and tactics. Everton’s forwards remain shot shy. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Arsenal: - Wilson, goal; Male, and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts and Copping, half-backs; Kirchen, Bowden, Drake, Bastin and Milne, forwards. Referee Mr. W.P Harper. , Stourbridge. As is usual at this time of the year the day was summer like for the opening of the football season, but that the people were ready for their football was made manifest by the packed terraces at Goodison Park. With the extra accommodation in and under the new stand I should say there was nearly 60,000 people present all eager and anxious to see the ball set rolling. Dean got a great reception when he led his men out, and the Arsenal too came in for an ovation for they are an attraction wherever they go. The teams were as on the programme, you will find them above, and as the opening play was fast and furious with some thrills one or two goalmouth incidents, the crowd were soon on terms with themselves. Dean soon showed what a value he is to Everton, for with two moves he put his side on the attack through a neat pass to Coulter, whose centre came into the goalmouth as he intended, but it was not accepted as it might have been. The Arsenal then showed their airs and graces, and when Drake ran out to the left wing it meant trouble for the Everton defence for another had taken up the centre forward berth so that there was no lost of strength by Drake’s wondering tactics. Drake flung the ball into the middle but it passed harmlessly wide, and there was a sign of relief later when Bastin darted away like lighting, pushed the ball across the goalmouth and with Bowden rushing up a goal seemed a possibility, but the ball beat the inside right, who stretched out his leg in an effort to make contact and most likely a goal had he done so.
Drake Through In 14 Minutes.
It was interesting fare, and although I missed the fluttering pants of James I could see there was still a wealth of talent in the Highbury side. I liked the way Kirchen got off the mark. I liked the fighting quality of Bastin, but by the same token I admitted the efforts of Dean and the centring of Coulter, which often had the Arsenal defence heart some without causing its downfall. The Londoners took the lead at fourteen minutes through Drake, but in actual fact it was three-piece suits for Kirchen’s right across the field pass to Milne put the Everton defence right out of position, and when Milne returned the ball into the goalmouth with great rapidity Drake had simply to nod his head as Homer did and the result was Sagar was beaten. Drake thus had an honour of scoring the first goal on Merseyside. Everton did not take this sitting down, and through the inspiration of Dean they severely taxed the Arsenal defence but, although there is a suggestion of age in the Londoners’ rear line, there is still a lot of intelligence in the matter of covering tactics, so that Wilson, their goalkeeper, while having to be on the quivive was not seriously tested until Britton took deliberate aim from afar out and the Arsenal goalkeeper –who is a third team man, by the way –make a good catch. Britton took a corner off Hapgood and although surrounded by a gathering of Arsenal man. Dean was successful in heading the ball towards the ball goalwards, where Wilson made still another nice save. Although Roberts had the advantage of some inches over Dean he was not always successful when the ball was in the air, but his close attention to the Everton captain made it extremely difficult for him.
Dean’s Head Does It.
Stevenson had been quiet for a while, and was not fully awake to a Dean back-header, but it was only a minute before Everton had levelled matters and Dean was the scorer at 25 minutes. A corner had been forced through a shot by Geldard striking an Arsenal man, and from Geldard’s nice length centre the ball was headed through amid great excitement, by Dean. It seemed to me that Dean had used his hands, but I would not argue the point, for the referee was there and should have seen any such infringement. Everton were now giving the Arsenal ample scope to show their defensive skill and Dean went close with another headed which would have had the goalkeeper beaten had it been a shade lower. Then the Arsenal scored their scored goal through an uncommon action by Cook.
Cook’s Unfortunate Mistake.
The ball had been lunged well up the field, and Cook must have been under the impression that he heard the referee’s whistle, so he picked up the ball just to the left of the penalty area. There was an immediate appeal by the Arsenal and from the resultant free kick Drake with his head glided the ball beyond Sagar into the net. It was rank bad luck for Everton and Cook. The first accidents closely followed an this goal. Sagar and Kirchen, being injured through a collision, and then Bastin was hurt in his heavily bandaged knee through an accidental kick by Cunliffe. As Bastin returned Kirchen went off the field just as Everton were on the attack, which concluded with a long but inaccurate shot by Cunliffe. Kirchen came back in time to see Everton deliver another solid attack, in which Britton was prominent with his usual amazing lob centre that Dean headed to goal where Wilson did a fumbling act with the ball before finally disposing of it. Kirchen made a nice drag pass which Bowden hit as it came to him, but it went to near to the Everton goal to be at all pleasant and then Drake over-ran himself as he was closing into goal. Two minutes from the interval Drake scored his third goal, and of course completed his hat-trick. It was another bit of slack defence by Everton, for as Sagar rushed out Cook tried to cross Drake’s path, but was not successful, and the Arsenal man simply turned round and tapped the ball quietly into the empty net. This was the final incident of the ball.
Half-time Everton 1, Arsenal 3.
The Arsenal were sitting pretty when the game was resumed. They even netted the ball a fourth time, but the ball had been out of play before Drake tapped it into the goal. Hereabouts Everton had a spell of ill-fortunate for a shot by Stevenson was booked for the back of the net until it hit Roberts. Gee mis-headed, and this let Drake through to what seemed a certain goal until he shot straight at Sagar, who was thankful for the opportunity. Everton should have taken a second goal when Dean placed Coulter, but the Irishman was beaten to the ball by a split second, and although the ball went to Dean who brushed through all opposition, the Arsenal defence stood adamant.
Penalty Appeal.
There was an appeal for a penalty for hands against Male, and the referee discussed matters with the linesman before he decided against it. Everton were having quite as much of the game territorially as their opponents, but they were not definite enough in front of goal but one could not help but admit that Wilson was a lucky man when he saw a shot by Geldard bump up against the upright and bound away to safety. Sagar, too, was fortunate to see Bastin slash a hot drive against the woodwork, so that Geldard’s ill-luck was negatived to some extent. Everton were still somewhat finicky in front of goal, and there was an occasion when a first time drive by Cunliffe would have brought him better result than a square pass to his left wing. The game had cooled down a little, but no one could dispute the Arsenal’s superiority in their positional play. Drake was a demon to shoot and a long drive of his was not far off the mark and of such power that the ball rebounded from the concrete wall, which proved beyond all doubt that the removal of his cartilage last season has not cost Drake any of his effectiveness. Roberts is still the master mind among football policeman. He was worth three men to the Arsenal today.
Drake’s Strategy
The Arsenal who many thought would be feeling the pinch this season but did not suggest it today scored a fourth goal in the eight-first minute, and once again it was tactics which made it. Drake led the Everton defence into the belief that he was going to take the pass from the wing, instead of which he ran past the ball and let Bastin in with a simple task. Sagar had been out positioned by Drake’s strategy, and he simple stood and watched the ball go into his net off Bastin’s foot. Milne should have made it five as he ran through when stopped playing, but he shot straight at Sagar. Final Everton 1, Arsenal 4. Attendance, 55,711
EVERTON AND OVER-LABORATION
August 28, 1937, The Liverpool Football Echo
Shoot Hard And Shoot Often
By Stork.
Everton’s outlook –is it god or is it bad? A great deal will depend upon their style of play. If they are determining to go ahead with their pretty, pretty, methods they may sacrifice the substance for the shadow. But perhaps you do not get what I mean. Everton have always been famed for their scientific style of play. No matter the result, they are determined to prove, what they consider the best in football, and while this is pleasing to the eye it very often does not bring the desired result in goal points. I would ask Everton not to be so finicky in front of goal, for when all is said and done goals are the very salt of the game. I have seen Everton play some grand football yet lose the points, and the crowd has immediately forgotten the science of the game. That is typical of the football followers. He pays to see goals, no matter how they are scored, so that it beloves Everton to reduce passing to the absolute limit. Everton’s team is composed of artistic footballers. They ran and do delight with their high class combination, but it is calling to find that it has been all to no good and the other side showing less science, taking the points. There may be misses but if one shot hits the target it is worth all the dazzling inter-passing which has got you nowhere. This has been a great fault but Everton way for some time. The season they dropped into Division 11, they played excellent football which just goes to prove that goals are the very essence of the game. I would like to see more solidarity in the defence, but Everton can make a fairly good show this season if they only go about it in the proper manner. Shoot hard, shoot often is my advice.
Who’s Who At Goodison
Goalkeepers.
E. Sagar Born Moorewit; 5ft 10ins; 10st 8lbs. Signed March 1929 (after a trial with Hull City) from Thorne Colliery. First appearance in Everton League v Derby County January 18, 1930. English international v Scotland, Ireland, Austria, and Belgium 1936. Cup winners medal 1933, League Championship medal, 1932. Total League appearances 232.
H. Morton; Born Chadderton, 5ft 10ins, 11st 8lbs, Signed March 1937, from Aston Villa. Served with Royal Welsh Fusiliers in Germany. First appearance for Everton v. West Bromwich Albion March 13, 1937. Total League appearances 202.
Backs.
G. Jackson –Born Liverpool. 5ft 8ins, 10st 7lbs, signed May 9, 1932. Previous clubs Walton Church. League debut v. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Feb 9 1933. Total League appearances 51
JE Jones –Born Bromborough. 5ft 91/2 ins, 11st 10lb. Signed May 9 1932. Previously with Ellesmere Port. First League match v Leeds United, April 2, 1934. Total League appearances 61.
W. Cook –Born Coleraine 5ft 71/2 ins; 11st 10lbs, Played for Port Glasgow Juniors and Glasgow Celtic. Signed for Everton 30, 1932. Debut v West Bromwich Albion, December 31, 1932. F.A. Cup winners made 1933. Nine times capped by Ireland. League appearance (Everton 150) (Celtic) 102
Total 252
J Thomson –Born Thornton; 6ft 12st; 13lbs. Joined Everton from Dundee March, 1930, Debut appearance v. West Ham United March 15 1930. Honours Second Division; First Division and F.A Cup winner medal in 1931; 1932; 1933 respectively. International (Scotland) v Wales, 1953. League appearances Everton 236; Dundee 125, total 361. Goals 11
R Lambert –Born Bootle; 5ft 9ins, 11str 5lbs. Signed as half-back from Docks Red Triangle, May 6, 1935.
Roy Fenton –Born Bill Quay, Co Durham 5ft 9 ½ ins, 11st 10lbs. Signed August 6, 1937. Previous club Liverpool.
Half-Backs
C.S. Britton-Born Bristol 5ft 10 ½ ins, 11st. Joined Everton in the summer of 1930, from Bristol Rovers, after playing in 50 League games for the Southern Section club. Made League debut with Everton v. Tottenham Hotspur October 25, 1930. Caps v Scotland, Wales, and Ireland (1936), and v. Scotland and Ireland 1937, also capped v. Italy, Hungary, Norway and Sweden. League championship medal 1932, cup medal 1933. Total League appearances Everton and Bristol Rovers 289 goals 4.
C.W. Gee –Born Stockport. 5ft 11 ½ ins, 12st. Had trials with Manchester City, Joined Everton at the close of 1929-30, after one season with Stockport County. First League game for Everton v. Bury New Year’s Day, 1931. Marked the occasion by getting winning goal in the last minute. Helped club to win promotion 191; and First Division honours in 1932. Twelfth man in Cup Final 1933. Capped v. Wales 1936; Ireland 1937; and Spain 1932. League games –Everton and Stockport County 18- goals 3.
J.Mercer –Born Ellesmere Port. 5ft 9ins; 10st 13lbs. Played for Shell Max and Ellesmere Port. Son of famous Notts Forest centre-half. Played for Everton “A” in closing match, of 1930-31 Signed pro forms Sept 22, 1932. League Debut v Leeds United April 18
T.G. Watson –Born Seghill (Durham) 5ft 7ins; 10st 6lbs. Played for Segill and Blyth Sparatans. Joined January, 1953.
SJ Bentham –Born Lowton 5ft 8 ½ ins; 11st 2lbs. Joined Everton from Wigan Athletic, Feb 12, 1934, as an inside right. League Debut v. Grimsby Town (a) Nov 23, 1935. When he twice found the net. Last season developed into a capital wing half. League appearances 9, goals 4.
TG Jones –Born Connah’s Quay; 6ft 12st Signed from Wrexham March 11, 1936. Made debut in Everton League side v. Leeds United Oct 17, 1936. Total League appearances (Wrexham and Everton) 7.
JW Davies –Born Wrexham; 5ft 9ins; 11st 4lbs. Joined Chester six seasons ago, is a junior Schoolboy International. Left Chester for Everton July 7, 1937. League appearances 180 goals 1.
M. Lindley –Born Keighley; 5ft 11ins, 11st. Joined Everton Feb 29, 1936. Previous club, Barnoldswick.
W. Edwards –Born Wigan; 5ft 9ins; 11st. Last played for Botting Woods F.C. signed for Everton March 20, 1937.
Forwards
T. Gillick –Born Goriness; 5ft 6 ½ ins; Played for Glasgow Rangers when 17 and after two seasons with the Ibrox Park club was secured by Everton, December 1935. League Debut at Goodison Park v Leeds United Dec 14, 1936, and has since only missed one match. Total League appearances 101, Goals 47.
A. Geldard –Born Bradford, 5ft 7ins; 11st Signed for Everton November 14, 1932. In his school team when he was ten, schoolboy international. Played in Bradford’s league team when only 15 (1929-30). First match for Everton v. Middlesbrough, November 19, 1932. F.A. Cup medal in same season, also capped v Italy and Switzerland. Played against Scotland 1935. League appearances 167; goals 31.
JN Cunliffe –Born Blackrod 5ft 10ins; 11st 9lbs. Played for Blackpool and then Ardington (West Lancashire league) signed for Everton Nov 30 1935, League debut v. Aston Villa March 25, 1933, capped v Belgium 1936.
RC Bell-Born Birkenhead 5ft 10in, 11st spent four years with Tranmere Rovers. Joined Everton March 13, 1936, League Debut v Leeds United April 18, 1936. League Debut v Leeds United April 18, 1936. League appearances 119; Goals 108
WR Dean _Born Birkenhead, 5ft 10 ½ ins, 12st 10lbs. Pervious Clubs Moreton BC. Pensby United and Tranmere Rovers. Joined Everton March 1925. Made League debut v. Arsenal March 21 and has since gained every honour of the game. Set the English scoring record in 1927-28 with 60 goals in League games. First Division championship medal 1928, and 1932. Second Division 1931, and Cup medal 1933. Total international honours against all countries number 16. Broke Steve Bloomers long existing record of 352 league goals in the match v Sheffield Wednesday, September 2, 1936. Total League appearances 423; goals 375
T. Lawton –Born Bolton 5ft 11ins; 12st Played for Bolton Wanderers schoolboys and then taken under Burnley’s wings, signing as professional two seasons ago. Joined Everton December 31, 1936 and made his first senior appearance v Wolverhampton Wanderers February 13, 1937. League appearances 35; goals 19.
AE Stevenson –Born Dublin; 5ft 5in, 10st 7lb. Signed January 31, 1934 from Glasgow Rangers. Previously played for Dublin Dolphins. Made League debut, with Everton v. Arsenal, February 5, 1934. Nine Irish Cups. League appearances 130; goals 52.
J. Coulter –Born White Abben, Belfast; 5ft 7 ½ ins; 10st 5lbs. Joined Everton, February 10, 1934, from Belfast Celtic. Previously with Clintonville and Brantwood Juniors. First League appearance v. Portsmouth April 21, 1934, at inside left. International honours v England , Scotland and Wales total eight. Out of League football throughout 1935-36 owing to broken leg injury sustained in the Wales, Ireland match, March 1935. League appearances 48; goals 17.
P Dougal - 5ft 8ins; 11st 3lbs. Signed by Everton August 21, 1937 from Arsenal. Usual position inside left. Debut for Arsenal made v. Middlesbrough. February 10, 1934. Previous clubs, Southampton and Sere F.C Paris. Total appearances (Southampton and Arsenal) 50; 9 goals.
E. Hurel _Born Jersey; 5ft 5ins; 10st 5lbs. Joined Everton from Tros Athletic, May 8, 1936. League Debut v. Bolton Wanderers. September 12, 1936. League appearances 5 goals 1.
CR Webster –Born Liverpool 5ft 10ins; 10st 10lbs. Now one of the long service men in the Goodison camp, which he has served his club splendidly in Central League games and as mentor to the “A” team. Joined Everton from the West Derby U club, May 4, 1929. Unique record in that he has not once appeared in the Toffee’s League side.
A. Dickinson –Born Saltney; 5ft 10ins; 11st 7lbs. Second spell with Everton following a brief stay last season with Port Vale. Came to Goodison from the Saltney club as an amateur before taking the professional grade. Signed Nov 15, 1934. Has only made one League team appearance –v. Portsmouth, March 23, 1935-when he played centre forward with “Dixie” Dean at inside left. Also made 5 League appearances with Port Vale –total 6.
J Cuff –Born West Chirton; 5ft 9ins; 10st, 13lbs. Secured from North Shields. April 9, 1936. A promising inside forward, who has still to win his spurs.
W. Hullett –Born Liverpool, 5ft 11ins; 11st 5lbs; Previously played for local junior clubs. Enimanuel Church. Signed by Everton, December 23, 1935. Like Cuff has graduated through the Everton “A” team. No League appearances.
F. Laidman –Born New Elvert 5ft 8ins; 10st 7lb. Secured from Wigan Athletic, December 7, 1936, and last season did well with the Everton Central League side.
J. Arthur –Born Haslingden; 5ft 7 ½ ins; 10st 4lbs. Previously with St. Mary’s FC, Signed September 17, 1936. Another player to begin on the Everton “A” team ladder to move up to Central League status.
D. Trentham –Born –Chirbury, Shropshire; 5ft 8in; 10st 6lbs. Brother of the well-known West Bromwich Albion full back Herbert Trentham. Joined Everton as amateur from the curiously named Mick’s Trafford FC. Left winger who is likely to improve, and a capital marksman. Signed as professional December 22, 1936.
H. Catterick –Born Stockport. 5ft 10ins; 10st 10lbs. Joined Everton March 8, 1937 from Cheadieheath, and should do well given further experience.
WHY NOT A FAIR-PLY CHAMPIONSHIP?
August 28, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Cliff Britton, Everton and England Half-Back
Says Football Can Be Cleaned Without Being Spoiled.
Much of this rough play talk is just –as the Americans say –hooey; a stunt which is brought out when certain people are short of a subject. On the other hand, it would be absorb to say that everything in the football garden is lovely. Footballers are ordinary human-beings, which means that they are not perfect. We need not even complain that there is talk about unfair play, for that, in recent times, efforts have been made to cut out of it. Where there is smoke there is fire. Just hilling our head and ignoring rough play wouldn’t do at all. Wouldn’t it be a fine idea, for the players as they start on a new season to make up their minds, in the combined sense, that this was to be the fairest season the game has known? Don’t imagine for a moment that I am putting in a plea for what might be called drawing-room football. This game is as strong, able men, and there is no reason at all why healthy vigour should not have a place in it. But let it be vigour of the give and take variety with the ideas of games observed. The faint and square shoulder charge can be very effective for players who are of a robust type, and must give vent to their feelings now and then. In passing may it is suggested without being severe on the people who have a difficult task that some referee’s frown all too readily on the shoulder charges. It is the safety value of football. While it would not be right to excuse the players who resort to other means of stopping their opponents they have been punished for a really good charge, one can easily understand them. We can have fair football without spoiling the sport for anybody –either for players or spectators. Having just mentioned the referees, I am not going to make any further reference to them. After all and this is a reasonable attitude, it is the players themselves who really decide what sort of football is played. For the players to try to dodge their responsibility by putting the blame on the referee in a match which takes the wrong turning, is not quite fair. The referee job should be to administer the technicalities of the rules. Various clubs are making up their minds to go all out for the championship. I sometimes wonder whether it would not be possible to run, in addition to the ordinary struggles, what might be called a fair-play championship. This may be only just a hopeless dream, and I shan’t be surprised if I am immediately told there are all sorts of quite legitimate objections which can be raised against it.
What A Tale Would Be old.
Letting my imagination run riot for a few moments I see two lots of League tables published every week –the usual one which shows how the clubs stand on points, and another one which shows how they stand in the fair-play competition. The question of who would award the marks in each match be a difficult one, but the referee, with the help of his neutral linesmen; would not find it particularly difficult,, so I imagine to award the fairs play points at the end of each match. Perhaps it would be necessary to keep the records secret till the end of the season, but if it were known that there was a fair-play championship in progress, as well as the other championship, the players would have the inducement to play the game. In the coming season bigger bonuses are to be awarded for success in both League and Cup competitions. What about a bonus for the clubs which hold the lead, at the end of the season the fair-play championship? An end of the season championship table, compiled in the way I have suggested, would certainly be interesting and would tell its tale in a convincing way. It will probably will suggested that as success is so important in this game of football –and failure so disastrous –players must not be allowed to overlook the importance of victory. Let that be agreed. Even so, those are not reasons for scrapping fair play. I am prepared to suggest that playing the game accordingly to rule, and success in the Sharpe of matches won, usually go hand in hand. Players, who, in their enthusiasm gave away several free kicks against their side in the course of a match, don’t help their side, to win. A promising attack –stopped by a foul committed by a member of the attack immediately places his team on the defensive. Football is –or should be –a science. The reckless player –the win at any price man –mot only spoils the sport, but he is running the risk of preventing a fellow-professional from continuing to earn his living at the game. If this ideal of a fair-play championship so far as the clubs are concerned is just an unworkable motion, I suppose we must look to those who are responsible for the welfare of the respective clubs to foster the spirit of fair-play amongst the players under their charge. Here’s hoping that sport will live up to its name this season, “Sport.”
WEDNESDAY R V EVERTON R
August 28, 1937. The Liverpool Football Echo
Three thousand spectators saw Everton Res, with a strong sun at their backs, assume the initiative. Bell went clean through, just shooting wide of the far upright. T.G. Jones was responsible for some good passes, and clever play by Arthur gave Dougal a chance to fire in a first timer, which Smith was rather fortunate to reach. The Everton forwards combined more cleverly than the Wednesday’s, and some neat triangular movements came from Bentham, Arthur and Bell. The Everton defence blundered twice, but Wednesday missed both chances. Trentham and Dougal again showed their paces, Trentham twice putting over a good centre, which the inside forward wasted. The game was lacking in thrills, both defences being very strong. Arthur was clean through when Udall misheaded the ball backwards but he just placed wide of the far post. Half-Time No score.
EVERTON CRASH BEFORE STORMING ARSENAL ATTACK.
August 28, 1937. The Evening Express, Football Edition
Deadly Drake Does The Hat-Trick
Direct Methods Harass Goodison Attack
Dean Blues’ Lone Scorer.
By Watcher.
Everton’s proud home record, retained for so long last season, fell in the first match today, when the Blues surrendered to Arsenal at Goodison Park by 4-1. It was due to the direct, first-time methods employed by Arsenal against an uncertain Everton defence and a forward line which was too often disjointed. Star of storming Arsenal attack was Drake, who accomplished a hat-trick. Dean, Everton’s scorer and best forward, was too well –Policed-to be fully effective. There were 18 internationals on view –nine on either side. Everton’s new stand now half completed was well filled, and there must have been 65,000 present at the start. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Arsenal: - Wilson, goal; Male, and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts and Copping, half-backs; Kirchen, Bowden, Drake, Bastin and Milne, forwards. Referee Mr. W.P Harper.
Everton called the tune at the start, Dean manoeuvred well, finally pushing the ball out to Coulter, whose low turn was intercepted by Milne. Britton took the stage with a fine headwork when facing a challenge by Bastin. Arsenal’s first goalward excursion of late began with a quick sprint by Milne, Jackson nipping in to rob Drake from a shooting chance with a hefty shoulder charge only a few yards out.
Drake Just Missed.
Arsenal came again, and this time Sagar nearly had to pick the ball out of the net. Bastin turned in a low ball from inside the box, and Drake threw himself forward, only just failing to reach the ball, which flashed across the goalmouth. When Kirchen and Bowden essayed a rush down the left Cook made no mistake with a full-blooded kick, but the Blues, not yet able to shake off the Londoners’ forwards, had to fall back in defence until offside held up Milne with the winger well set on the goal area. Everton were so far inclined to overdo the fancy stuff, whereas Arsenal were adopting first time direct methods which were paying. Bowden came over to the left to lend assistance to Milne against a stout defence offered by Jackson and Cook hardly had the Everton defence dealt with this danger than the Gunners went ahead with Drake goal, and it was a picture. Once again it was the Arsenal left wing that was prominent and yet it was Kirchen, the right winger who provided the chance. Kirchen answered Bastin’s appeal for help took over the left wing side and from within a few yards of the goal line, he levelled a perfect shoulder-high centre, which Drake, standing close to the near upright, found it easy to nod down into the corner. Time, 15 minutes.
Blues Missing Links.
Everton’s attack was disjointed. The missing links were the inside forwards, although Dean must be exempt, for with the few opportunities he secured, he always attempted to weave out openings for his colleagues. It seemed to me, however, that the Blues were leaving too much to Dean, whose heading efforts were being nullified by “policeman” Roberts keeping close to Dean. The crowd was being provided with plenty of thrills, and with Everton staging a determined ten-minute goal attempt, the stands kept echoing with cheers. Britton, who was playing strongly at half-back, put in a fine screw shot from 20 yards, which Wilson caught in grand style, and the next item of note was a great piece of combination between Dean and Geldard, the winger getting too far under with his final effort. Everton drew level after 26 minutes. Dean was the marksman. Geldard placed his corner kick slightly to the far side of the goal and Dean jumped forward to breast it into the net past Wilson’s hands. Referee Harper ignored the Arsenal players appeals for handling.
Sensational Goal.
Arsenal, via Drake, took the lead for a second time following a remarkable occurrence. When the players stopped for an alleged offence by Crayston, Cook picked the ball up preparedly to kick it upfield for the free-kick. To everyone’s surprise Referee Harper ruled no free kick had been made necessary and thereupon granted Arsenal a free kick because of Cook’s action in picking up the ball. Kirchen took the kick near the goalline. He dropped the ball nicely into the centre, Drake doing the needful with a head. Several players got into the wars at this stage. Kirchen and Sagar came in collision in a race for possession in the goalmouth. Both had to receive attention and Kirchen later went off for a few moments to receive further attention. Bastin received a blow on his knee and had to receive attention from trainer Whittaker. Everton went near to equalising once again when Dean headed a perfect forward lob to Britton, only inches outside the far post. A minute before the break Drake got his third goal, to give Arsenal a other goal. Male booted the ball well up field, and Drake chased it up the centre, Cook came up, but Drake rather easily opposed of his challenge and went forward only a yard or two to send in a shot that was a goal all the way.
Half-Time Everton 1, Arsenal 3.
First thrill on the resumption came from a corner kick taken by Coulter, turned back into the goalmouth by Geldard, and only got away by the Arsenal because of mass defensive measures. Dean and Geldard were prominent in constructive work on the right wing, on which flank Cunliffe was inclined to hang back too far and he slow off the mark. Arsenal scored again, but Drake’s downward header was effected from an offside position. Yet they might have added two within as many minutes but for the agility and watchfulness of Sagar. In the first place, Drake was on the spot to meet Kirchen’s cross, but Sagar collected his short drive in grand fashion, and similarly disposed of another short-range effort, shortly afterwards. The Everton fans roared disapproval when the referee disallowed the Blues’ claim for a penalty after Cunliffe’s inward flick had apparently been patted down by Milne. Arsenal instead were given a free kick on offside grounds. Kirchen went off again for attention, returning with his right knee bandaged, and then the game was held up while Jackson had attention.
Geldard Misses Chance.
Chance of a lifetime came Geldard’s way midway through this half. If he had taken it there is no telling what change it might have had on the game. Geldard was standing by a bunch of players when the ball fell at his feet, but to his own annoyance and to the dismay of the crowd, the winger gently tapped the ball into Wilson’s waiting hands. Cunliffe roused the crowd to fever pitch when he dazzled in a run which took him past two opponents to the front of the “box” but Coulter made only poor use of Cunliffe’s squared past. Arsenal made certain of the points when Bastin put on a fourth at the 83rd minute. It was a wonderfully worker goal, Milne took the ball along, swung round to drop it in front of goal, where Drake, his passage blocked, allowed it to pass on to the waiting Bastin, who never hesitated, shooting the ball hard to the back of the net. Sagar had no chance. Final Everton 1, Arsenal 4. Official attendance, 55,711.
WEDNESDAY R V EVERTON R
August 28, 1937. Evening Express, Football Edition.
The Wednesday ground looked a picture when Sheffield Wednesday Res met Everton Res, in the opening Central League match. About 3,000 people were present. Everton, who won the toss and took advantage of a strong sun, were early aggressive, and Bell missed a great chance when the Wednesday defence blundered, allowing him a clear shot at goal which he just placed wide. TG Jones was feeding his forwards well, and after clever play by Arthur, Dougal fired a real first timer, which Smith saved in great style. The Everton forwards showed clever combination and Bentham, Arthur, and Bell were responsible for some clever triangular movements. Offside twice held Everton and then had play in the Everton defence gave the Wednesday forwards two scoring chances, but Everton were lucky. Trentham and Dougal combined effectively on the left and Trentham put over two good chances when went begging. The heat slowed play down a little, and the game lacked thrills. Arthur missed a great chance when Udall misheaded and left him with a clear run. He placed just outside the far upright. Play continued to be confined chiefly to midfield, the only outstanding chance coming to the Wednesday but Driver was too slow to take advantage. Neither side seemed likely to score, although the Everton forwards kept the ball more on the grounds and showed far better ideas of combination than did their opponents. Driver was once put clean through, but he was too slow in turning and Jones (tg) easily beat him. Felton was prominent with some hefty clearances, but, taken all round, there was very little to enthuse about. Half-time Sheffield Wednesday Res 0, Everton Res 0
When Smith took a goal-kick the ball went straight to Lawton, who returned it first time with terrific power, Smith being fortunate to save at the expense of a corner. Arthur, receiving from Bentham, ran on and, from a rebound, had no difficulty in beating Smith.
EVERTON 1 ARSENAL 4 (Game 1605 over-all)-(Div 1 1563)
August 30, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Blow For Everton
Arsenal’s Fine Display
Drake Performs Hat-Trick.
By Stork.
Everton ran right into it on Saturday. They were completely outplayed by the Arsenal at Goodison Park before 55,771 spectators and were beaten by 4 goals to 1. The Arsenal were always the better side. Arsenal are still a great side even without Alec James, for Bastin filled the Scot’s place finely. Everton were out of joint; there was not cohesion, and they were incapable of dealing with the perfect-moving machinery of their opponents. To be beaten 4-1 on their own ground was a bitter pill for Everton’s followers.
Drake Right Back To Form.
Drake recovered from cartilage trouble, has come right back to his best form, but although he did the “hat-trick” he was not the only factor in Everton’s defeat, for it was the Arsenal team-work which upset Everton’s plans –if they had any. Where the Arsenal were masters of every move on the board, Everton were haphazard in their play, while their defence was completely outwitted by their opponents’ positional play. The Highbuy team gave a perfect example of correct football. Anything they did was done with a purpose, whereas Everton trusted to luck in a lot they did. It was thought that the Arsenal rearguard, on the score of age, might not stand the strain, but there was never any suggestion of unsteadiness, for they are masters of covering tactics. Arsenal can rest assured –at least on this display –that all is well, and they need not look any further than Bastin for a successor to James.
Mistaken Tactics.
Everton’s tactics were all wrong. To fling the ball up in the air when there is a 6 foot barrier to face was not wise, but that is what they did, and although Dean worked hard, he found his task a diffident one. Roberts is still the best of all football “policemen,” yet Everton would persist in their one-way tactics. They should have taken a leaf out of their rivals book and used the turf to make their advances. There will have to be a severe tightening up at Goodison Park. The Arsenal lesson should be learned. There were many hints offered, and one of them was to go out and seek the ball and not wait its coming; another was that when a man roamed out of position another immediately took his place. From the high altitude of the Press box it is difficult to be absolutely certain of goal incidents, but I though Dean handled the ball into the net to score Everton’s only goal. The referee was close at hand, but of course, he could have been unsighted. Dean, however, was the one man in the Everton forward line to cause the Arsenal defenders any real trouble. That left wing pair, Stevenson and Coulter had a moderate game, and Cunliffe and Geldard played in patches.
Strategic Moves.
Kirchen, with a cross-the-field pass at 15 minutes, outwitted the Everton defence so that Drake was left with a clear opening to head beyond Sagar. The Arsenal’s second goal was a fortunate one for them. Cook anticipating that the game had been stopped for hands, picked up the ball near the penalty line, and was astonished to find that the whistle had not sounded. From the free kick Drake cleverly gilded the ball into the Everton goal with his head. Just prior to that Dean had scored his goal, but with one minute to go to the interval Sagar, and Cook misunderstood what the other would do what time Drake darted between them and hooked the ball into the empty net. Although Everton played up strongly there was not enough “bite” to break down the Arsenal stronghold. Geldard struck the upright, but so did Bastin. Nine minutes from the end Drake gave the “dummy” to the Everton defence and let in Bastin to score. Jackson and Cook were too far apart. Gee while striving all he could, did not master Drake, and Mercer played a poor game, Britton was Everton’s best player. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Britton, Gee and Mercer, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Coulter, forwards. Arsenal: - Wilson, goal; Male, and Hapgood, backs; Crayston, Roberts and Copping, half-backs; Kirchen, Bowden, Drake, Bastin and Milne, forwards. Referee Mr. W.P Harper.
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 1
August 30, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 1)
Everton Reserves deservedly beat Sheffield Wednesday Reserves, at Hillsborough. Only one goal came late in the game through Arthur who was the visitors’ most consistent forward. Everton had the more constructive attack although doing little shooting, while the home forwards had the ball too much in the air. Both defences were sound, Davies being outstanding at left half for the visitors, and there were some clever triangular movements between Bentham, Arthur and Bell. Trentham centred well, Jones and Fenton were strong backs, and easily held an erratic Wednesday forward line. Wednesday’s display was disappointing. Everton Reserves: - Morton, goal; Jones (je) and Felton, backs; Bentham, Jones (tg), Davies, half-backs; Arthur, Bell, Lawton, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards.
Haydock Athletic 1 Everton “A” 2
Liverpool County Combination
Superior team work gave Everton “A” a last minute victory at Vista-road on Saturday. The home team held out well during the first half, when Roby scored their only goal, but after the resumption, the weight and better football of the Everton men broke up the Haydock defence. White and Newby Everton’s scorers.
TIGHTEN UP DEFENCE, SPEED UP FORWARDS
August 30, 1937. The Evening Express.
Problems Everton Have To solve
By Watcher.
Arsenal’s 4-1 victory over Everton, in the opening match of the season at Goodison Park, has provided several problems for the directors to solve at their weekly meeting tomorrow night. It would be ridiculous to advocate wholesale team changes after one reverse, but, nevertheless, it is obvious there will have to be one or two alterations to bring the side up to scratch. The defence will have to be tightened up and I want to see more speed in attack, although, fortunately, Everton, in my opinion, have the men on their books who can probably remedy these deficiencies.
Arsenal Machine.
Everton on Saturday faced an Arsenal side which is likely to figure among the honours again. The Gunners revealed perfect teamwork, and played like a machine. Everton held their own for the first quarter of an hour, but after that Arsenal always seemed likely winners, pressing their attacks home more forcefully, and finishing better. In the home attack, Geldard and Coulter seemed slow off the mark, Stevenson never hit his best form, and Cunliffe hung back too far. Result was that Dean had to plough a lone furrow for long periods, and against a centre half-back of Roberts’ ability, this was a heart-breaking task. Still, Dean stuck to his job in grand fashion, and scored the Blues’ solitary goal. He has now scored Everton’s opening goal in four successive seasons. Britton was the best Everton half-back and it was largely due to his work that Milne, arsenal’s left winger, had a far quieter day then Kirchen, on the other flank. In the defence, Jackson and Cook were inclined to leave open spaces in the middle. Drake had five scoring chances; he got three goals. Bastin notched the fourth.
EVERTON RESERVES TONIGHT.
August 30, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton Reserves play Manchester City Reserves at Goodison Park tonight, kick-off 6-30. Everton will include Davies, ex-Chester, and Peter Dougal, formerly of Arsenal, who was signed a fortnight go. Dougal had ligament trouble towards the end of last season, and was given a free transfer. During the summer he put himself under the care of his brother, now trainer for Burnley, who soon had him fit again. Everton have great hopes of him. We shall see tonight how he fares: - Team; - Morton; Jones (je), Fenton; Bentham, Jones (TG), Davies; Arthur, Bell, Lawton, Dougal, and Trentham.
Still Mighty Arsenal.
I have a sorry story to tell today. We had to swallow a bitter pill on Saturday evening for even allowing for the Arsenal knack of pulling out something good for Merseyside, it was not contemplated that Everton would have suffered a severe defeat. Four goals against on your own ground is indeed something to make one sit up and think, and think hard, and being the opening game of the season it leaves one with the thought of what is going to happen in the future. It had freely been stated that the Highbury club were on the down grade, many of their former great stalwarts it was said, were feeling the weight of their years, but on their game at Goodison they need have no qualms about their team, for it gave an excellent exhibition of good class football, which always looked likely to overcome the very ordinary game played by Everton. There is bound to be some hard things said about Everton by their supporters during the week but had we not better curb our criticism until a later date for it is hardly wise to judge on one game? Don’t misunderstand me, folk. I have no intention of glossing over Everton’s defeat, for I could not do so had I wanted to. The plain fact of the matter was that Arsenal were too good for Everton, who struck rock bottom, just as they did in the final months of last season. There were defensive lapses; there were weaknesses in attack, and for a change the half back line did not function so well as usual, so that nearly the whole team was out of joint and one must view the future with some uneasiness.
Comparisons.
Comparisons I know are odious, but a comparison with the Arsenal’s display may be distinctly helpful; at least it can do no harm. The Arsenal “used” the ball and there lay the great difference for Everton trusted more to luck that the ball would reach a colleagues. Luck may play its part for a time, but not all the time. I watched the Arsenal player running into position when his partner had the ball, so that when it came to him he was clear of obstruction. This I am sure is the teaching of Alec James. Positional play is the very essence of football. There can be nothing haphazard if success is to be attained. I honestly believed that Everton could hold the Arsenal to a half-share of the points, but very soon altered my opinion after I saw the way the Arsenal forwards could cut into the unsteady Everton defence, which played too wide apart against a dashing leader. Like Drake. Drake got a “hat-trick” of goals, and Bastin the fourth, as against the one obtained by Dean, the only Everton forward of any account. He worked hard to get his line moving, but Geldard, Coulter, Cunliffe and Stevenson were right off their game –so what chance had Dean? He had to play a lone, hand, difficult at the time, but more so against the Arsenal with their cast-iron defence, which is augmented immediately the opposition suggest an attack. They are still the mighty Arsenal, and Alec James’s loss is not going to be felt to any great extent, for Bastin filled his boots to perfection. The only weak spot in the team was Milne. Would that I could say there was only one weak spot in Everton team. There were weaknesses right through the team; in defence, among the forwards, aye, even in the half-back line which has been Everton strength up to now. While admitting the power of the Londoners defence I saw simple chance thrown to the wind through want of a definite shooter. Everton must go for the ball and not stand around waiting its coming, for the Arsenal nipped in time and time again to take it from under the Everton players very noses. I have no intention of describing the goals for I dealt very fully with them on Saturday. Everton have a ticklish problem before them.
EVERTON RESERVES 4 MANCHESTER CITY RESERVES 3
August 31, 1937. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 2)
Dougal Pleases At Everton.
Scores Winning Goal In Game Of Seven.
Reserve Players Show Up Well.
By Stork.
Everton Reserves beat Manchester City Reserves in a high scoring match at Goodison Park last night. Everton securing the odd goal of seven. The chief attention of the crowd was centred in Dougal, and when he scored the winning goal close on time he received quite an ovation, and it went further, for the crowd waited for him as he left the field and gave him another reception. But apart from his goal, which was a simple one in point of fact, Dougal did some nice things. He made his passes along the turf so that they could be taken up with ease, but at the same time it had to be said that in the last 15 minutes Everton missed many scoring chances through their desire to take the ball just one step closer to goal, so that when the ultimately made their shot the ball invariably cannoned against a defender. Still, one had to pay tribute to the shooting ability of the Everton forwards, and had not Robinson, the City goalkeeper been in splendid form, Bell himself might have taken a couple of goals in the first ten minutes, for during that period he was deadly in his marksmanship. It was the City, however, who took the lead at 10 minutes, Rodger, the outside left being just too smart for Morton, who hesitated just that fraction of a second which means a difference between success and failure. He came out, but changed his mind, and that was fatal for him, for Rodger nipped in and piloted the ball into the net.
Two By Lawton.
Then came 2 goals by Lawton, the first a penalty for hands which should never have been for it was a case of “ball to hand” and not “hand to ball.” Lawton’s second was a much better one although he only had to head in a ball which bounded off the crossbar from a fine shot by Bell. Heale and Hallmark gave the City the lead. A shot by Dougal which carried no weight with it trickled across the City goalmouth, and Bell neatly turned the ball into the net.
Davies A Good Worker.
As already stated Dougal obtained the winning goal close on time so that Everton won the second game in succession. Bell and Lawton served up some good football early on, but it was not maintained and I should say the best of the team throughout was Davies the left half-back. He was good in attack and defence. In TG Jones Everton have a worthy successor to gee, should he be required. Trentham was a bright winger in the first half and Arthur showed up for a time. The City were best served in goal, at inside left, and Rodger showed his pace until he got a hasty blow on the nose. Everton Reserves: - Morton, goal; JE Jones and Felton, backs; Bentham, Jones (TG) and Davies, half-backs; Arthur, Bell, Lawton, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards. Manchester City: - Robinson, goal; Clark, and Cregg, backs; McCulloch, Neilson and Rogers, half-backs; Turnbull, Emptage, Hallmark, Heale and Rodger, forwards. Referee Mr. N. Ormrod, Bolton.
EVERTON TREK TO MAINE ROAD.
August 31, 1937. The Liverpool Echo
Everton At Manchester
By Stork.
The Everton directors will have a round-table conference tonight to decide their team to meet Manchester City and while they are fully aware of the many weaknesses shown in the side which fell to the Arsenal I do not anticipate any drastic changes. It was a bitter blow to crash so heavily on their own ground, but, as they say the Arsenal will never play better, and Everton will never play so bad. The defence has been in and out for some time now. It must not leave any loopholes at Maine-road. Everton may get some encouragement from the City’s defeat at Wolverhampton but they should not allow that so away with them when they step on the field tomorrow. I was up at Goodison Park last night to see what sort of reserve strength. Everton can call upon when required. Dougal scored the winning goal of seven, but I was not greatly concerned in his goal-getting so much as his constructional play. Well, let me tell you he made the pass along the ground –something new to Everton these days –and found the man unattended. Everton must cut out this Dean complex. I know Dean asks for the ball in the air, but it must not become a fetish, particularly when there are giant defenders to face as there was against the Arsenal. Even these famous lob centres of Britton’s belonged to the towering Herbin Roberts. Everton will not be faced with a Robert’s at Manchester but the City can build up a strong defensive barrier for all that.
Hard Nut To Crack
The City, as champions will be hard nut to crack at Maine-road, but no team is unbeatable, and if Everton get together and formulate a plan of campaign there is no reason why the City forwards should be allowed a loose leg. The game promises to be a stunner, for Everton will be all out to prove that Saturday’s game was, well, just one of those things which may never happen again. Reverting back to the reserve game the Everton forwards scored four goals –two for Lawton, and one for Bell and Dougal’s winning goal. Dougal, by the way, plays the Scotch type of football and considering that this was sonly his second game in eighteen months he did uncommonly well. Watch, Davies, for he is distinctly promising, and TG Jones is good enough for any senior side. Bell-shot excellently early on, and Lawton, and he paired off well.
August 1937