BOCKING RETIRES
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 02 August 1938
Billy Booking, Stockport County fullback, is retiring from the game he has played for the last 15 years. He played his first game with Stockport in October, 1924, and the following year secured a regular place in the League team. He was first choice for the right full-back position for seven and half seasons. In season 1931-32 he was transferred to Everton, but he returned to Edgeley Park in 1934-35. He captained the County during their memorable run of success in the Cup in that season, and also led the side when they gained promotion to the Second Division in 1936-7. When he was transferred to Everton he played his last game for Stockport in the Northern Section: his next match was with Everton the last match of the season, in the Second Division, and he also played for Everton in the opening match of the following season in the First Division. Thus he played in three different grades of football in three successive games.

EVERTON F.C. VOTING PROPOSAL
August 4, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
E.S.A. Meeting Supports Suggested Change.
The allegation was made last night at a meeting of the Everton Shareholders Association that a large block of shares in Everton F.C. had recently been brought by a director of the club, and together with shares belonging to another director had been split up into single units in an attempt to obtain voting control at future annual meetings. The statement was made by Mr. A.N. Denaro, chairman of the Shareholders Association, at a meeting called to explain the reasons for the proposed one-vote-one share alteration in the articles of association of the club, which will come up for approval at an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders on August 12. After bearing Mr. Denaro’s explanation the meeting unanimously passed a resolution pledging itself to support the chance. Outlining the case, for the Shareholders Association, Mr. Denaro alleged that a few days before the recent annual meeting one of the members of the board brought a block of about 98 shares, and instead of retaining them split them up into single units. The same thing he alleged was also done by another director holding some 20 shares with the result that their strength was increased from about seven to 118 votes.
The Question of Power.
Such action he characterized as “a deliberate attempt to get the voting power for the next annual meeting in such a position as to ensure, as far as possible; that these directors will be returned at the head of the poll.” “Messrs, Green, Coffey, Evans, Gibbins, and Williams therefore decided that the proper and fair thing; in face of this, would be to give everybody one vote for every share held. “It has been suggested in a circular sent out by the four other directors that it is unfair to the small shareholders that a man with 19 shares, should have 19 votes” added Mr. Denaro “in my opinion is just as unfair that a person should be able to buy 100 shares and split them up into 100 units for the sole purpose of obtaining voting power. “I am totally opposed to the majority of shares being in the hands of directors, whether they are for or against us. The balance of power ought to be in the hands of the shareholders. I mean to do all I can to see that it is, and I think the proposed alteration is the only way of ensuring that position.
Privileges Unchanged.
“The voting strength now is 797, it would go up to 2,394 with the change so that the value of those 118 votes is reduced considerably if we have one vote per share. That is why some members of the board do not want this alteration. They have made up their minds to do all they can to obtain power. That is not desirable in the best interests either of the club or the shareholders, and for that reason this association recommends shareholders to support the proposed alteration.” Mr. Denaro, added that the change would not in any way affect privileges regarding season tickets. He hoped as many shareholders as possible would attend the meeting personally, but those who proposed to send in proxies should not that they must reach the club offices not later than Tuesday morning next. In reply to a question Mr. George Evans stands that the proposal must be carried by a 75 per cent, majority to make it effective. Mr. W. C. Gibbins, who also spoke in support, said that he and his colleagues on the board were making this fight not on behalf of themselves but on behalf of the Shareholders, in whose hands the control of the club should always rest.

EVERTON’S VILLAGE-GREEN FOOTBALL TRAINING
August 5, 1938. Evening Express
Games on Miniature Pitches With Coats As “Goal Post”
Methods That Make For Speed
By Pilot.
Everton footballers are getting fit for the new season, which opens on August 27, but not, as you would expect of one of the richest clubs in the country, in the shadow of Goodison’s stately “double –deckers.” Their training is taking place at Bellefield, West Derby, the ground of Everton “A” team, and it smacks of the village green, with its carefree, happy go –lucky atmosphere and absence of elaboration. When I saw the boys doing their “work out” –in weather better fitted for sun bathing than the strenuous work in which they indulged –the scene was reminiscent of schoolboys when with a borrowed ball we held ourselves to a piece of waste ground and with coats as goalposts, hurled ourselves into the fray with all the gusto of enthusiastic youth. This method of preparation in an age of £13,000 transfer fees and costly new-flanged training devices was indeed an eye-opener. There was one regulation goalpost in use, but that was all; the rest were provided by coats laid on the ground. Trainer Harry Cooke, of course, was there with his usual sack full of footballs. As if to suit the occasion, Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly offered me a “ten-for-fourpence” cigarette. I took it. Then he borrowed a match! Mr. Kelly, Mr. Cooke, Mr. George Clarkson –a really enthusiastic shareholder and True Blue – and members of the Press, were the only spectators at this kick-about, which was as thorough as it was beneficial. Trainer Harry Cooke picked four sides and the lads played in two games on pitches half the size of an ordinary football ground. There was no dribbling. The dictum laid down was that the player in possession had to part as soon as he was about to be tackled. What does this mean? Speed in “killing a ball; smartness in parting; a quick summing-up of position so that the pass goes to the right spot; complete freedom from injury; and the reduction of superfluous flesh. Naturally, players, now and again, could not resist the temptation to hold on and dribble. Well, who could stop whimsical Alex Stevenson, “Spiral” Joe Mercer, tricky Torry Gillick, or “Get-the-ball-at-all-costs? “? Gee having just that extra kicks? Charlie Gee does enliven the training. No matter who is in possession Charlie will shout for it! The play is exceptionally fast for the ball is always on the move. I had a spell, I kicked about for three minutes, which was quite enough. The lads played for half-an-hour. Phew! I was not surprised to see “Bunny” Bell in goal. It brought back memories of Everton’s Christmastide game against Leicester City when he deputized for Ted Sagar –and did it well. After the football the players had a spot of tug-o’-war –but it was rather too hot for that. It was good to see the lads in action again, and they do look as fit as fiddles at the moment. Mr. Kelly mentioned that a private trial takes place on Saturday. I hope to be there to see it. The new fourth team, by the way, will also play at Bellefield. Cyril Webster will be in charge and Harold Pickering will look after the “A” team.

SEVEN QUESTIONS TO E.S.A
August 8, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Arising out of the Everton Shareholders’ Association’s recent meeting which pledged itself to support the directors in their one-vote-one-share proposal at next Friday’s extraordinary general meeting, I have received a letter from a correspondent signing himself “Shareholders” putting certain questions to the secretary of the E.S.A. He writes as follows:-
“As a shareholder of Everton F.C., of many years standing, and a follower for over 40 years, I should be glad if the secretary of the Everton Shareholders’ Association will be good enough to enlighten the public by answering the following questions:-
1. is it a fact that the splitting up of votes for voting purpose was inaugurated by a association known as “The syndicate” formed over twenty years ago?
2. How many of the directors supporting the resolution to be put forward at the extradordinary general meeting were put on the board by the syndicate?
3. Is it a fact that a prominent member of the Shareholders Assoication endeavoured to buy the 90 odd shares which have been purchased by a director with opposite views?
3. How many of the present shareholders directors have purchased shares when opportunity arose and put them into individual names for young supporters?
5. have the shareholders directors at all times during the best twenty years retired on proxy votes, the majority of such votes being in their own and their friends names?
6. Did two of the shareholders directors who were due to re-election this year nearly 50 votes, the whole of three shares being in individual names but carried by one persons.
7. How is it after the club has been established 50 years an alteration is wanted regarding voting? Is it due to the fact that certain directors have now become panicky because one director has been able to secure 100 shares which the Shareholders Association were anxious to obtain.
“It was stated by a director at the meeting that the shareholders’ directors were anxious to see that the club was run by the shareholders. As three of the directors in question have been on the board for 20 years it has taken them a long time to look after the shareholders interest.”
Mr. Denaro’s Reply
I have been unable to get in touch with Mr. Lomax, secretary of the E.S.A. Denaro, chairman of the association, to whom I conveyed the gist of the letter, makes the following comment: - “Shareholders’ seeks to stir up the mud of former directorial controversies, which have not the slightest beating in any shape or form on the present situation, in order to cloud the issue. That in itself is an unsportsmanlike action which condemns him from the outset. Matters which happened nearly a quarter of a century ago having nothing to do with the present dispute. His statement that it has taken three of the directors, who have been on the board twenty years, a long time to decide to look after the shareholders interests is both untrue and an unwarranted impertinence. They have been looking after those interests all the time. It is only of recent months, following co-options to the board in direct contravention of implied promises to the shareholders that the latter’s rights have been threatened, resulting in the formation of the shareholders’ Association. “The proper place for questions to be put off the character Shareholders asks is the annual meeting of the Everton Club, when he will have the same right as any other member to ask what he “wishes.”
“The Secret Out”
A second letter, from another shareholder, who adopts the same cognomen as that given above reads as follows:-
“So the secret is out. The sudden desire of Mr. Denaro to alter a system of voting which has been in vogue for fifty years has resolved itself into a fear that 118 votes will result in the shareholders’ Association not being able to call the tune at future elections. “As Mr. Denaro also stated that the present voting strength was 797, one obvious fact emerges, namely, that the little coterie led by him under the grandiose title of the Everton Shareholders’ Association by no means constitute anything like even a majority of shareholders, otherwise why worry about a mere 118 votes? Figures relating to the actual membership of the association would be interesting, and I think, illuminating. “Obviously Mr. Deano and his companions are seeing to dominate the affairs if Everton F.C by representing themselves as shareholders champions. So long as the present voting system appeared to operate in their favour they were content. The mere threat of the pendulum swinging the other way is sufficient to undue them to Endeavour to get the shareholders to upset a voting system, tested over fifty years, in the weeks. What is the hurry? The matter is one for careful deliberation by all shareholders. No election is pending and I urge all shareholders to refrain from voting until a latter date, when the matter can have been reviewed from every angle and the full results of such a drastic change clearly visualized. As three-quarters of the shareholders apparently have no connection with Mr. Denaro’s organization, they will have an open mind with regard to the affairs of the club, and I exhort some of the responsible the gentleman amongst them to call a meeting to give us an opportunity for full discussion in an unblessed atmosphere is to the best method to protect our interest. In the meantime no good purpose can be served by rushing into a vote either way until clarity is attained.”
Football First
While all this controversy regarding Everton’s directorial affairs is a matter of importance and principle to shareholders, so far as the man-in-the-street is concerned it leaves him cold. First and foremost he wants to see the club field a side which will give him good football for his money and not always be struggling in the depths against the spectre of relegation. And from what I know of the directors –whichever side they are on –that is their wish and desire as well. The sooner these internal squabbles are settled once and for all the better for everybody. On the other hand I don’t take the pessimistic view that they will have their effect on the players. There’s no reason why they should. They are matters altogether out of their ken. Shareholders who intend to be present at Friday’s meeting are asked to bring the club’s circular with them in order to secure admission.
Everton and Liverpool Lose
There is nothing to be alarmed about, however, as they lost to Orrell C.C in their annual match at Orrell Lane. Playing twelve men a side, the soccer men made a galliant fight to reach the Orrelll score of 137 and with Phil Taylor and Bunny bell hitting hard they nearly did it. Shacklady was in brilliant form for Orrell, and he did the hat-trick and captured seven wickets for 20 runs, the footballers being beaten by 26 runs.

TRUE BLUE
August 8, 1938. Evening Express.
Pilot’s Notes
I had a chat with several players and Billy Fagan, who came along with Johnny Browning, paid a nice compliment to Everton. He said, “If Jimmy Cunliffe had not been injured, Celtic would not have won the Glasgow tournament.” I noticed several Everton players on the Bowling Green and one is certainly a true Blue. This is Harry Morton. His complete “ensemble” was in blue! Yes, from collar and tie right down to his shoes –all Blue. Of course, we impartial folk have to be careful about colours. I had a red handkerchief in my pocket. Some Evertonians nearly removed it! Joe Mercer made a nice “crack.” He introduced me to a younger brother, and I asked, “Does he play football?” “Yes,” he said Joe. “They all do in our family –except me.”

CRICKET MATCH ABANDON
August 9 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
The two-night match which was due to began at Hawthorne road last night between, Bootle cricket club and combined teams of Everton and Liverpool footballers. Had to be postponed owing to the saturated state of the wicket. A one evening game has been arranged for to-night, however starting at six o’clock.

DEFENCE IS EVERTON’S PROBLEM IN SEASON’S FIRST TRIAL TOMORROW
August 9, 1938. Evening Express.
All Eyes Will Be On Milligan.
By Pilot.
Everton will be on parade tomorrow night! The early-awaited first practice match for the coming football season takes place at Goodison Park. No other Merseyside club holds a seniors’ trial until Saturday. Chief interest will centre on the appearance of Milligan, the new half back secured from Oldham Athletic at the back end of last season. Milligan is a big, strong, purposeful player who was sought by several clubs before Everton stepped in to do business. Those who saw him playing at Boundary Park assure me that he is a player of distinct promise. Milligan is the only newcomer in the staff of 31 professionals, and the player all will miss most is Albert Geldard who has gone to Bolton Wanderers. “The directors do not meet until this evening to select the teams, but I anticipate that the probable first team will oppose the Central League side. The problems facing the directors are confined to the back and half-back divisions. At full back there are strong claimants in Cook, Greenhalgh, Jack Jones, and Jackson. Maybe Cook and Greenhalgh will be given the first chance.
11 Halves.
There are eleven half-backs from which to select six. Now you know why Everton would not be averse to parting with a wing half-back –proved the fee is right, of course. The line which finished last season and which operated in the Empire Tournament at Glasgow was Mercer, Tom Jones and Thomson. Maybe the directors will decide to play that line on one side for the purpose of the trial. The attack practically selects itself, with Gillick established at outside right and Boyes on the left. The outside-right in the Central League side will be watched with keen interest. There is no player of experience it will be like searching for the right man for the future. One thing is certain. We shall see real copybook football. Everton’s natural tendency to play copybook stuff will ensure this being an elevating offering.

MILLIGAN TO PLAY IN PRACTICE MATCH
August 10 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton will have one new player on view in the trial game to-day. He is J Milligan who can play centre-half or left half. He is twenty. Stand 6ft and weights 13st, and took part in 41 northern section matches for Oldham athletic last season. He played at left that season.

THOMSON IS EVERTON’S NEW SOCCER CAPTAIN
August 10, 1938. The Evening Express
Cunliffe Out of First Trial
Blues’ Forwards Ankle Injury
By Pilot.
John Thomson, the Scottish international half-back has been elected captain of Everton Football Club for season 1938-39. This is the first time Thomson has occupied the position, although he has acted as vice captain on several occasions. During the latter portion of last season when Everton were making their big fight to avoid relegation he led the team and is exceptionally popular with players and officials alike. He has proved a great servant to the Blues since he joined them in March, 1930. Previously he played for Thorton Rangers –a Fifeshire junior club –and Dundee. He gained a Scottish International cap against Wales. The club have not appointed a vice-captain. Mr. Theo Kelly, secretary of Everton, stated today the arrangements have been completed for Everton to play Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Monday, September 26. The Blues will travel through after the match at Huddersfield on September 24. Cunliffe will be absent from the opening trial game of the Blues at Goodison Park tonight. He is still suffering from the ankle injury received in the Empire Exhibition Tournament in Glasgow. Milligan, from Oldham Athletic, will be the only newcomer on view. The provisional first team will oppose the Central league team. Blues; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Whites; Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee, Milligan; Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies (JW), Trentham. The playing area at Goodison Park was flooded last night, but was clear within an hour. The tunnel leading from the dressing rooms to the pitch was flooded, some feet, and there have been pumping operations there throughout the night. Now everything is clear. Everton are holding trials for amateurs at Bellefield, West Derby, tonight, tomorrow night, and on Saturday afternoon.

EVERTON PRACTICE MATCH SIDES FOR NIGHT
August 10, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton set the ball rolling tonight, at Goodison Park (Kick-off 6.45) when the probable first team –bar the fact that Cunliffe is not playing –will oppose the reserve side. Cunliffe has not yet got over the effect of his injury at Glasgow. A month or so ago his injured ankle started to give him pain again. A minor operation was found necessary in order to remove three of four small splinters of bone. It was nothing serious and he is back in full training again and virtually a certainty for the opening match, but the club is wisely resting him as much as possible just now. The only new players on view tonight will be Milligan the big strapping 20-year-old half-back from Oldham, and a youngster named McMurray. I saw Milligan a couple of times last season the last occasion being in the mid-week match in May at Rake Lane when four of the Everton directors were there as well. He is strong, resolute player, leaning more to attack than defence, but quick to get back when the need is there. He should do Everton a power of good when he settled down, and gathered a little more experience. McMurray is a Scottish junior who was spotted by Mr. Hunter Hart when the latter was in Scotland and was brought down for a trial. Everton have also signed a youngster named John Drew, an outside left who has been recommended to them by Dave Murray, the former Goodison centre forward, who is now a manager in Jersey. Tonight’s teams are as follows;- Blues; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Whites; Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee, Milligan; Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies (JW), Trentham.
Jock Thomson Captain
Jock Thomson has been appointed captain for the coming season. Thomson of course, was captain of the side in several games in the last few weeks of last season. It is felt that his experience will be of immense value to the younger members of the side. Everton have clinched Aberdeen’s offer of a friendly game at Aberdeen on September 28.

EVERTON SHOW THEIR PACES
Blues 3 Whites 1
August 11, 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork.
Stevenson’s mastery
Half-back who is likely to do well.
The blues, composed of the recognized first eleven, with the exception that Bentham played for Cunliffe, who is still nursing an injured ankle, defeated the Whites, the recognized Central League team, 3-1 in the first public Everton practice game at Goodison Park last night. The scores were Stevenson and Lawton (2) for the winners and Wyles for the Whites. It was only right and proper that the seniors should take the victory: yet the play was never of so wide a margin as to make the play one-sided. Under the guidance of Thomson. Who has been elected captain, the Blues were, perhaps the greater tacticians, but even so, one missed the sternness associated with competitive football. In such games as these one an apt, to be led astray for it goes without saying that few, if any, of the players are at full stretch. There was no keenness about the tackle. Who could expect it? Injuries were received that way- but, nevertheless, there was some good-class football shown by each side. MASTER OF THE BALL. Stevenson was the master ball controller, while Lawton showed that he has lost nothing where his shooting is concerned. He hit some grand shots, and had not Morton been at the peak of the form more than two goals would have fallen to the Everton centre-forward. But I need hardly dwell on the play of the known players. They all did their work in their usual manner. Milligan and McMurray, the new players on trial, were keen. The latter is a Scottish youth who is connected with a junior side across the border. He has played three games in six-days-an indication of the keenness. He is of the true Scottish type, relying upon clever football rather than anything else-he has nothing else, really for he is on the light side- but in the matter of football artistry he showed a wealth of talent and might be considered by the Everton club. Milligan’s play Milligan who came from Oldham early in the close season is an entirely different proposition. He is big and strong, and should make up into a really powerful wing half. Of course, like the others he took this game for what it was- a practice game-yet I saw enough in his play to consider that he has a future. There was more shooting by the senior side and Gillick’s play on the right wing was highly satisfactory, and Bentham showed what a useful man he can be in any position. The goalkeeping of both Sager and Morton was excellent and Gee for a time had the measure of Lawton when the ball was in the air. It was nice, quiet and attractive football which was put before 6,576 spectators, who paid £165 at the gate. I will have a further chance of running the rule over the Everton players, as they have another trial next Wednesday. Result Blues 3 White 1.
BLUES- Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh, Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson (captain), Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes
WHITES-Morton, Jackson Jones (j), Britton, Gee, Milligan, Wylie, McMurray, Bell, Davies (jw), Trentham.

SCOTTISH JUNIOR PLEASES IN EVERTON TRIAL
August 11, 1938. The Evening Express
By Pilot
A 22-year-old Scottish junior, McMurray, was one of the successes of Everton’s opening trial match held at Goodison Park last night in which the Blues –the probable first team –defeated the Whites by three goals to one. McMurray was spotted by Mr. Hunter Hart, Everton’s assistant secretary playing in Scotland, and has been brought down on trial. There is distinct promise about him. He played inside-right for the Whites and I was impressed by his quickness in moving to the open spaces, has control over the ball and the cuteness of his distribution. Milligan, the new half-back from Oldham Athletic, revealed himself as a strong tackler and accurate feeder. He is built on splendid lines, and I am convinced he will do well.
Good Forward Work.
This was an entertaining and elevating trial productive of much scientific endeavour. The forward work all through was good –particularly that of the Blues. The Whites attackers were inclined to hold the ball rather too close –and this did not pay against quick-tackling defenders. Wykes, the former Peterborough half back, was experienced with at outside-right for the Whites. There are distinct possibilities about him. He has power of shot –this was reflected in his tendency to centre too hard –and his ideas were sound. He is worth further runs in a position not exactly strong at the moment. Wykes headed a neat goal in the second half from Trentham’s brilliant centre. Stevenson and Lawton (2) had placed the Blues in front before this. There would have been many more goals, had it not been for brilliant goalkeeping by Sagar and Morton. They were grand. I liked the work of Greenhalgh, Mercer, Lawton, Gillick, Stevenson, Jack Jones, Briton and Trentham, but all the 22’ afield forced home the fact that the Everton hopes are bright and that the club will continue to follow the path of true football. There were 6,578 people present, and they paid £155 13s 8d.

RESERVES FORWARD LINE ALL UNDER TWENTY
August 11, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Last night’s practice match at Goodison Park panned out pretty much according to expectation. It was a nice pleasant evening’s entertainment, admirably suited to the sultry weather so far as spectators were concerned, but without much spirit or keenness on the part of the players. Anyhow, who could expect spirit under such conditions. My clothes struck to me sitting watching. To play must have been a trial and tribulation. The first team won 3-1, the scorers being Stevenson and Lawton (2); Wykes got the Reserves consolation point. It would be unfair to pass critical judgment in any player on such a foundation. Milligan, who was watched most closely of all, relies to a big extent on his keen tackling and the far use of his weight. Last night he naturally employed neither, so was at a disadvantage. In any case, I don’t think we shall see the best of him until we get to the mud-larking stage. A heavy ground is more to his liking. He needs a little speeding up when the going is light. McMurray was the best of the reserves’ forwards and stood out as the possessor of football brains and considerable skill in opening out the game. He tried towards the end, which was no wonder considering he played two games in Scotland at the week-end –Friday and Monday –and then had the long journey from here. On top of that he was playing in borrowed boots. Trentham was not as good as I have seen him, but he has the virtue of persistency. If he had not the reserves would have been minus their goal. It was Trentham who made it when he chased a ball which looked certain to go out, and Wykes nodded in his picture book centre with a beautifully placed header in the best Dixie Dean manner. Jack Davies, tried out at inside left, showed promise until it came to a matter of shooting when he was woefully erratic. He must curb his exuberance when near goal. As for the seniors, this game told us nothing we didn’t know already. It emphasized again making all allowances for the “gentlemens” of the opposition, that Lawton is one of the finest centre forwards in football. Nobody can ram in a first time hooked shot on the half turn better than he, and few get such power better than he, and few get such power behind a drive. Lawton finished up leading goalscorer last season. If he gets the right type of support, and keeps free from injury, I shall expect him to be there or thereabout this winter. Stevenson was his usual tricky self, the complete master of the ball control; Boyes and Gillick took things easily –as did most. Greenhalgh justified the good things that have been said about him previously. Cook ambled through in a manner of calmness compared with his usual fieriness and Mercer and Bentham were the hardest workers.

EVERTON BOARD DISPUTE
August 11, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
And now we come to the correspondence class. I have a pile of letters referring to the Everton board dispute. I hope today’s installment will end the flood. The shareholders meeting is tomorrow (Law Association Rooms 8, p.m), when those who feel they have still something to get off their chests will have ample opportunity for verbal fireworks. Mr. A.R. Cook, of Upton Road, Birkenhead writes as follows:- “The increasing trend towards schisms in directorates of football clubs is a disquieting feature of a great national institution, which has become more than a mere game or entertainment business. Apart from its influence on the sport and play, the dirty linen wasted in some minutes is significant of efforts to obtain directorial domination of organizations which from tiny sports clubs, have developed into wealthy concerns with prodigious assets. “It is of the utmost importance that football should be run by the people for the people and it would be fatal to the sport were its control rested in small cliques regardless to us members that our club unique in many merits, should be in the troes of internecine strife. But although the harm already done is remediable, I hope that the last straw will be avoided by the rejection of the clan to allot a vote to each share instead of to every shareholder. To corner shares and break up blocks to acquire voting strength is just the policy which the Shareholders’ Association condemn, while condoning it by their resolution. In an ideal club no member would have more than one share, and each would take practical interest in all issues, especially the selection of directors. The next best thing is to maintain the present basis of voting. If departed from it is good-bye to the interests and influence of small shareholders to whom I appeal for support at this critical juncture for “one man –one vote.”
Disappointing Record.
Mr. D. L. Evans (Rock Ferry), writes; Might I suggest to the Everton directors that their record for the last three years is nothing to be proud off, and that their time might be more profitably occupied strengthening the team. After all, the directors are there to provide the spectators with good value for their money. They have decidedly fallen short of this, for some years, despite the good gates they have enjoyed.
The Small Man’s View.
“Small Man’s View.
“Small Shareholders” writes; “When Everton left the Sandon to start on their own there was 500 members with five shares each. My brother and I took five shares and for some years enjoyed the pleasure of using our one vote each. “But then a few gentlemen desirous of obtaining control, formed a syndicate and spread shares among “dummy” shareholders many of whom never saw a football match of wanted to see one, to increase their votes. For about twenty years our one vote has been so much waste paper. “Under the new regulations of one share one vote, we shall have the chance of using our five votes and it defeated will know it is by genuine football followers.
Directors statement.
Finally here is the viewpoint of the majority section of the board, who have sponsored the proposed alteration in voting rights. The letter is signed by Messrs Ernest Green, A. Coffey, W.C. Gibbins, G. Evans, and W.R. Williams, who writes as follows:-
“The time has come when we, the undersigned directors of Everton F.C feel the full facts leading to the proposed alteration in the articles of association should be put before the shareholders. It was originally our wish not to be drawn into public controversary, but as erroneous impressions are aboard, we are compelled to speak. “It has been made to appear we desire the alteration in order to obtain control of the club. This is not so. The change will lessen the power of directors. The five members of the board whose names appear above hold between them an aggregate of 37 shares so on a one vote one share we should have only 37 votes out of approximately 2,500. At present, out of a voting strength of 797, two other directors control no fewer than 118 votes, made up of shares recently spilt into single units. “Actually, owing to deaths &c, the live’ voting strength is about 650. Of these a good proportion never attend annual meetings, so it is obvious anybody controlling 118 votes is well on the way to power of veto. “Our sole object is to prevent anybody, no matter who it is, obtaining that power. If the proportionate voting strength of these spilt shares is cut down from 118 out of the present effective total of say about 650 votes to 118 out of a total of approximately 2,500 then the holders cannot exert the same influence. The vast majority of shareholders -637 but of 797 –own either one, two, or three shares. Twenty persons have four shares each. Twenty five have five, twenty two six, there are seven with seven each, nine with eight, four with nine, four with ten, eight with eleven, two with twelve, three with thirteen, two with sixteen and one with twenty-five.
In Hands Of Shareholders
“Thus while 687 shareholders out of 797 have three shares each or less there are only 108 with four or more, and only one above 20. “Our proposal is not to give the big shareholders a bigger say. It is an effort to prevent possible attempts to obtain control by the buying and splitting of shares for voting purposes. “With our own total of 37 votes –if the resolution is praises –we are placing ourselves entirely in the hands of the shareholders. We are content to do so. If they are not satisfied with our stewardship at future annual meetings they have the remedy. If the shareholders will support us at tomorrow’s meeting they will have struck a blow for their own future independence which nothing can destroy. We are fighting this principle for them, not ourselves. Let them come on Friday, hear what is said, and cast their votes as they think best and fairest. “We urge all shareholders to attend. The matter is vital, Shareholders who, through a misapprehension of the facts, have given a proxy against the resolution, and desire to withdraw it will have an opportunity of doing so if they attend the meeting. “Finally the directors, who sign this letter wish to assure shareholders and supporters of their intention to do their utmost to give spectators good clean sport, and a warm worthy of the traditions of Everton. “

EVERTON ‘’DUMMY’’ VOTES
August 13 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
Director and Sprit Shares
One vote per share approved
Disclosure concerning a block of shares by a directors at £5 each, and later split up into single shares, were made at a meeting of Everton Football Club, Ltd., at the Law Rooms, Cook Street last night, when it was agreed by 347 votes to 115, that the club’s articles of association be altered so that shareholders should have one vote for every share held. Mr. E Green, chairman of the club, who presided over a large gathering of shareholders, moved the resolution in favour of change remarking that the affairs of the company would not be allowed to interfere with those of the club, and that he was not supporting any particular section or faction. He believed that by supporting the resolution they would improve the affair of both the club and the company. ‘’Dummy ‘share Dangers. Hitherto shareholders were allowed one vote up to nineteen shares held, and were allowed a maximum of two votes if they held twenty or more shares. In the past elections for posts on the board had been so keenly contested that shareholdings had been split up the single shares each share carrying a vote, and the result had been that about 270 ‘’dummy’’ shareholders had been created in the company. A dummy shareholder was one who had not paid a penny for his share did not hold the scrip never received a dividend warrant, and his address on the shareholders register was not his true address. He (Mr. Green) knew that 100 dummy shareholders gave one office as their address, and most of them did not attend football matches and had never seen a match in their lives. ‘’our shareholders’ register is becoming more and more farcical on account of this dummy shareholder business’’ he added. ‘’if this resolution is approved the dummy shareholders will gradually disappear. At present the 270 dummy shareholders are out of a total of about 820 votes-a third of the voting power-but if the articles are altered the voting strength will be increased to 2,500. This will preclude the possibility of the club being controlled by a few shareholders. Mr. Barry formally seconded. Mr. Fred Lake said the number of live shareholders had been variously stated at 650 and 600 and he asked which figure was correct? Another shareholder asked if shares had recently been our chased by a member of the board and had these shares been split up under other names? A directors Explanation. Mr.T. Percy, a director, said he had purchased ninety-nine shares from Mrs. E.M. widow of his predecessor on the board. Mrs. Wade received a communication from another director, who was vice-president of the Shareholders ‘Association, offering £5 each for the shares and there was no question that Mrs. Wade was sorely tempted by the offer. She had a definite grievance about another director, who was a member of the Shareholders Association, and she got into touch with the speaker. She wished to sell the shares but she did not wish to sell to any party who was supporting this particular director. He (Mr. Percy) was pledged to support Mr.Turnbull, a candidate at that time for the board, but there was grave doubt whether the shares, transferred so close upon the election would be eligible for voting purposes. He bought the shares for £5 each, not for the purpose of offence, but for the protection of Mr. Turnbull. Mrs. Wade split the votes into ninety-nine sepate names (cries of ‘’shame’’). Mr. Percy added that Mrs. Wade transferred the shares at his request, and the address in every case was given as '‘Thomas Percy, 14 Dale street.’’ Counsel’s opinion was obtained and it was found that the votes were not eligible for the then current election. He was on the board for a further two years, and if he decided to seek re-election at the end of this term-which was doubtful-he would take quite adequate steps to protect himself. As far as he was concerned, the shareholders were the arbiters of the club’s destinies, and he would accept their opinion as to the way he should place these votes. There seemed to be a desperate and awful fear that his votes would be wrongly used, but the votes would be used as the shareholders dictated. On the verge of another season their efforts should be directed towards the welfare of the club, and he believed that if they altered the articles, which had stood the test of fifty years, they would want to change them again in twelve months. The ‘’villain ‘’ of the piece. Mr. George Evans, another director, said that he also had bid for the shares at £5 a share, and in a letter to Mrs. Wade, told her that he wished to buy them so that they would not be split up. Prior to doing so he informed his colleagues the executive of the Shareholders’ Association and also on the board of the club. Mr. Denaro, supporting the resolution, said that though he was regarded in some people’s minds as the arch villain of the piece, he was a believer in democratic government. The shareholders at a general meeting were given to understand that their nominee for the board would be considered, but later two gentlemen, who, he understood, were not even shareholders at the time, were elected. Mr. Percy had admitted that the ninety-nine shares were bought for a specific purpose, and he (Mr. Denaro) believed were handed out to dummy shareholders to vote for the person whom Mr. Percy considered the right candidate. Under the one vote one share rule they would have a better chance of preventing a monopoly of voting, and if they failed to pass the resolution they would be committing suicide in the name of the club. After further discussion Mr. Fred Lake asked to be allowed to speak, and the chairman, amid considerable opposition from a section of the gathering, ruled that he had already done so. After a show of hands had favored the changes, a poll was demanded, and the chairman later declared that it had been carried by the requisite majority.

EVERTON PARADE YOUNG STARS
August 16, 1938. Evening Express
Final Practice Tomorrow
Newcomers On Trial
15-Year-Old-Wallasey Giant
By Pilot.
Young Everton will be on view at Goodison Park tomorrow night when the Blues hold their second –and last –trail match of the season. Interest will be created by the appearance of several young men who hope to follow in the footsteps of such stars as Cunliffe, Jack Jones, Mercer and Jackson who, only a few days ago received handsome benefit cheques, and who all graduated through the club’s junior ranks. It is expected that the teams to do duty will include all the Everton professionals with the exception of those to be chosen tonight to oppose Liverpool in the Jubilee Fund game on Saturday. Just take a dozen from the entire playing strength –and that should hardly be difficult –and you have the remainder from which their trial teams will be picked.
Leeds Newcomer.
One newcomer who will be given a trial is an 18-year-old inside right named Ellis. This is the Leeds boy who had several games as an amateur with Leeds United last season. Ellis is particularly anxious to sign up with Everton, and he comes with good credentials. It is probable that Drew, the outside right from Jersey, who was recommended by Dave Murray, the former Everton player, will also be given his first run. This lad is only 17. Three former Merseyside footballers will possibly be included. I refer to Norman Sharp and Maurice Hill, who did so well with the “A” team last term, and Simmons of Wallasey. Simmons is a veritable young “giant.” He is a second Tommy Lawton and yet is only 15. He plays inside-right. It is almost certain that Bob McMurray, Everton’s new Scottish signing, will be on view again, and I can promise those who did not see him last week that he is well above ordinary. If chosen to play against Liverpool in the Jubilee match, of course, the opportunity of seeing him will have to be deferred. This trial should provide an excellent football offering and give supporters a golden opportunity of assessing the reserve strength of the Blues. Do not forget that the strength of any club lies in the strength of the reserves. Interest in the Jubilee match by the way, is most encouraging. There have been several applications for booked seats. This goes to show that the old Merseyside “Derby” rivalry will be strongly uppermost.

EVERTON GIVE NEWCOMERS A RUN IN TOMORROW TRIAL.
August 16, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Second Trial
By Stork
Everton have another trial tomorrow night, and those who did not see the last one, and so missed the impressive display of Robert McMurray, the young Scot from Glasgow, Perthshire, who was down on trial but is now a full fledged Everton player, will have the opportunity of seeing this clever inside forward for he figures in one of the teams. “Mac” stood out in that game as a player well above the ordinary in a player well above the ordinary in point of skill. He has no weight or height to help him along, but he has something better, a football brain, I do hope that last week’s display was not just a flash in the pan, but I can hardly think, it was for he had to overcome several handicaps, such as wearing a strange pair of boots, play alongside colleagues who were strange to him, and it was his third game in six days. However, go along and see for yourselves, I don’t think you will be disappointed. Other new faces in the teams will be young Drew, the Jersey Islander, whom Dave Murray, the former Everton forward, recommended to his old clubs Simmons, the Wallasey Lawton like schoolboy, who is only fifteen years of age –he was figured a few times in the “A” team and has shown great promise. Then there is a new inside left by the name Ellis, who last year was on the books of Leeds United. He has been hankering to play for Everton. Well, here is his chance. He is said to be a promising youth. Well we shall see. Others are Norman Sharp, a good name, and Maurice Hill, and the remainder of the professional staff not playing against Liverpool in the Fund game on Saturday will be seen in action tomorrow night.

PRACTICE MATCHES BENEFITS.
August 17 1938 The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
There is nothing like actual match practice for bring out the best in footballers, and players have the advantage this year of being able to oppose combination composed of other their own colleagues. This the jubilee game on Saturday to assist the league fund for the benefit of players, will have a twofold purpose. The preparations for the senior league games on the following Saturday will be greatly appreciated. As a preliminary of the game with Liverpool on Saturday. Everton to-night hold their final practice game at Goodison Park, kick-off at 6-30 p.m.

YOUTH GETS CHANCE IN EVERTON TRIAL
August 17, 1938. Evening Express
Forward Line’s Average age is 17 years.
By Pilot.
Everton field a forward line of players whose average age is 17 in their final trial game which takes place at Goodison Park tonight. The ages are Barber (18), Simmons (15), Catterick (19); Ellis (18); Drew (17). These are Everton youngsters and they have been pitted against a defence of accomplished youngsters. The players who will be participating in Saturday’s Benevolent Fund game against Liverpool are not appearing tonight, so it provides a chance for all the other professionals to show their paces. Three of those young forwards will be, virtually on trial. Drew comes from Jersey, and Ellis from Leeds, barber is a lad from Weston-Super-Mare. McMurray, Everton’s latest Scottish signing, will appear in the Whites’ attack which faces the experienced defence of Morton and company. Everton have not yet selected their team to oppose Liverpool. The doubt, of course, is at inside-right. Cunliffe will not be able to play, but Mr. Theo Kelly, Everton’s secretary, stated today that the international will probably be fit for the opening game at Blackpool on Saturday week. The team for tonight’s game are; Blues; Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee, Milligan; Barber, Simmons, Catterick, Ellis, Drew. Whites; Lovett; Saunders, Lambert; Lindley, Edwards, Watson; Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies (JW), Trentham.

EVERTON HOPEFULS
August 18, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s second and final match take place this evening, at Goodison Park (Kick-off 6.30); when the teams will be as follows; Blues; Morton; Jackson, Jones (Jack); Britton, Gee, Milligan; Barber, Simmons, Catterick, Ellis, Drew. Whites; Lovett; Saunders, Lambert; Lindley, Edwards, Watson; Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies (JW), Trentham. This match will give the Goodison supporters something on which to weigh up the reserves strength of the side. Particular interest tells in the appearance of several newcomers, including Drew, a 17 year old winger from the Channel Island; Ellis an 18-year0old lad from Leeds, who will partner him, and Simmons, the Wallasey ex-school, not yet 16 years of age, but built on usually robust line for a younger. McMurray did so well in the first trial last week that Everton lost no time in signing him. He has another run this evening.

EVERTON AT PRACTICE
Blues 3 Whites 2
August 18, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Young Players Show Up Well
Everton’s second trial game at Goodison Park attracted only 2,423 spectators (receipts £57) despite the fact that included in the teams were several young players of distinct promise. The blues won 3-2, but they had to fight hard for their victory in fact the Whites forwards line gave the more. Experienced defence a lot of trouble for Bell and company played some good-class combination. Practice matches are the only means to give the players a real pipe opener; something with a completive ring about it. Naturally after his astonishingly good display a week ago, McMurray the Scot who was signed at the week-end was more closely watched than any other player, and while he did not have quite so good a game as a week ago, he again demonstrated that has ideas, and it was a fine pass by him which enabled Bell to score the first goal. It is such passes as this that are wanted in the senior side, for Lawton will snap such passes with relish. He was up against a good defence on Jones and Milligan, so one need have little worry about his game in the circumstance. There were other newcomers who took the eye, particularly young Simmons, the Wallasey Schoolboy, who kept rushing the ball through to Barber, like a veteran. Only 15, Simmons should progress into a smart, forward, and Barber, from Weston-super-mere, had a good game, clinching it with a nicely-taken goal. Davies Plays Well. Ellis was inclined, to want to do too much, a strong player, he is built that way, and his partner Drew, from jersey, did well without being outstanding. Davies had a great game, he is fitting in well, as an inside forward, even though his shooting left something to be desired. Lovett made some superlative saves, yet was only human in that he was faulted once or twice. Morton played only during the first half. So that Burnett could be given a trial in the second session. The older members of the side, without being at full stretch, got though the game with credit. Milligan impressed me. Although it was quite obvious that in a more severe test he could pull out a good deal more. It is not often that one sees a penalty and a warming in a trial game, but that happened last night. It was a mild sort of penalty from which Britton scored in neat fashion. The scores for Blues were, Britton, Barber, and Catterick; for the Whites, Bell, Watson.
BLUES:-Morton (Burnett 45), Jackson, Britton, Gee, Milligan, Barlow, Simmons, Catterick, Ellis, Drew
WHITES: - Lovett, Saunders, Lambert, Lindley, Edwards, Watson, Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies (jw), Trentham

DIRECTORS SELECT TEAM FOR JUBILEE MATCH
August 18, 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton have chosen their team to meet Liverpool in the jubilee fund match at Goodison Park on Saturday. It is the, full team with the exception that McMarray will figure at inside right, owing to the inability of Cunliffe to take his place. This will give the club, an opportunity of seeing McMurray in better company. He thus gets an early chance of providing his real worth. His passes are made with great through, and both Lawton and Gillick should benefit from them. The team is Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh, Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson (captain), Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.

EVERTON & LIVERPOOL TEAMS FOR JUBILEE GAME
August 18, 1938. Evening Express.
Each Side Includes A New Forward
By Pilot.
Everton and Liverpool are ready for the first big clash of the season –the Jubilee Benevolent Fund game at Goodison Park on Saturday. Each club includes a newcomer. Everton will have Bob McMurray, the former Glasgow Perthshire inside-right, and Liverpool include Kinghorn, their new outside-left, from Queen’s Park (Glasgow). The full first teams will be fielded, and I am looking forward to a classic to give a real sent-off to the season proper, which begins a week later. The rise of McMurray is rather romantic. Mr. Hunter Hart, Everton’s assistant secretary, went north to watch some junior football. He was taken up with McMurray and induced the young Scot to come down for a trial. McMurray played in Everton’s opening practice game and was of the outstanding personalities –and that despite the fact that he was playing his third game in six days! Mr. George Evans (director) and Mr. Theo Kelly (secretary) travelled to Scotland last Friday night saw McMurray in a Glasgow hotel on Saturday morning and completed the signing. McMurray came back to Merseyside again and played in Everton’s second trial at Goodison Park last night. After the game the directors decided to include him in Saturday’s team, in place of Cunliffe, who is not yet fit following an ankle operation. The object is to see how McMurray fits in against first-class opposition as apart from ordinary club trials. McMurray is a constructive footballer and will prove a ready opening-creator. Liverpool have out their best available side, which means that ten of the players who did so well towards the end of last season will be on view. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Jack), Thomson; Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Liverpool; Riley; Cooper, Harley; Busby, Bush, McInnes; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Fagan, Balmer, Kinghour.

EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL TEAMS
August 18, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Cunliffe Still Unfit
Ranger’s Notes
Liverpool and Everton have chosen their sides to take part in the Jubilee Fund match at Goodison Park on Saturday. With two exceptions in each case they are the same as those which did duty in the final match of last season. The exceptions are Gillick and McMurray on the right wing for Everton in place of Geldard now with Bolton Wanderers and Cunliffe, and Kinghour and Bush in the Liverpool side in place of Hanson and Rogers. The teams will turn out thus; Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Jack), Thomson; Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Liverpool; Riley; Cooper, Harley; Busby, Bush, McInnes; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Fagan, Balmer, Kinghour. McMurray and Kinghour will each be having their biggest test so far. Both have done well in the practice games. Now we shall have an opportunity of forming a better idea of their capabilities under conditions more closely approaching what they will face from August 27 onwards. McMurray comes in because Cunliffe is not yet thoroughly sound. Everton hope he may be ready in time for the opening League match against Blackpool on Saturday week. He has been having ball practice for the last couple of days, and the prospects at the moment are good. Harry Eastham is progressing favourably, but a doubtful starter, for Saturday week.
Everton Hopefuls.
The attendance at Everton’s second practice last night was disappointing. Granted the trial matches are tame compared with the excitement of league warfare, nevertheless it is rather a pity that supporters of any club should fail to take interest in the youngster who are being relied upon for the future strengthening of the team. Everton have some promising talent on the books. Not that there was anybody of outstanding brilliance on view last night. On the contrary, nobody stood out as a heaven sent football genius ready to slip into the first team and competent to hit the headlines right of the reel. There are, however, a number of younger players who, by training, encouraging, and right coaching may develp into stars of the future. As a general rule I cannot raise much enthusiasm for schoolboy prodigals who are hailed as Alec James, Bryn Jones of Dixie Dean in embryo. It is almost impossible for anybody to forecast how a young star of 14 or 15 is going to turn out. In the fifteen-year-old Simmons, however, Everton have got a lad built on exceptionally strong lines, apparently full of stamping and strength. For his age he played extremely well, and was the best forward on the Blues side. We can leave it at that for the present. Time well tell whether his talent develops. Wykes signed from Peterborough last March has the making of a nice winger, two-footed and not afraid to shoot; so also has Barber and Saunders showed promise at right back. All three are 18. The last named was recommended by Dixie Dean just before he left Goodison last season.
How Edwards Came.
Edwards another 18-year-old, who came from Bottling Wood, near Wigan, about a year ago looks like making out a first class pivot. He distributes the ball well, but has yet to learn the art of getting the maximum result without unnecessary effort. There is a story attached to this lad’s signing, which has never been told before. West Bromwich Albion heard of him and sent a scout along, but when the latter came to seek decoration for the dotted line he discovered to his dismay he had brought only a Birmingham league form. However, he got Edwards to sign this, and promised to send on a Football League form later. Meantime, Everton had also been keeping an eye on him and managed to nip in and get his signature on the proper form before West Bromwich could clinch matters.
Strong In Goal.
Goalkeeper Burnett and Lovett both did well. Everton took pretty sound here. Lovett is the 17-year-old Shrewsbury lad to get whom Everton signed on half the Kenwood Juniors side last back-end. Three further members of the junior side, by the way are coming down on Saturday for a trail at the Everton “A” team ground. Two of them have been sought by a number of other senior sides. McMurray confirmed the impression gained in last week’s trial. He is a tenacious forward, always gathering and controlling the ball and pushing it through on the ground in accurate passes. His pass which enabled Bell to open the score for the Blues was an up-the-middle gem, glided beautifully between two defenders right to the centre forward’s foot. The Blues won 3-2.
“Forcing House Methods.”
During recent seasons there has been an increasing tendency to hurry on young players into first-team appearance before they are really ripe. I am not referring now to Everton but to club generally. I hope Everton will not be tempted.

FOOTBALL’S GREAT DAY TOMORROW
August 19, 1938. Evening Express
Thrills Of Merseyside Big Game.
By Pilot. Eighty-Eight Football League clubs will be engaged tomorrow in a series of local “Derby” matches not in search of points and bonus, but to lay the foundation for the League £100,000 Jubilee Benevolent Fund. These games, which should serve as a tasty appetizer for the opening of the real campaign, should be more beneficial than ordinary club trial games. Each First Division club must raise £1,000 each, Second Division club £500, and each Third Division club £250. Some clubs –Everton for instance –have guaranteed to raise £2,000 from their game. All eyes at Goodison Park will centre on the two newcomers –Kinghour, of Liverpool and McMurray of Everton –both Scotsmen. The Liverpool followers are practically convinced that Kinghorn is the man to solve the Reds only problem –that of outside left. I am of the same opinion. True we have had only one chance of seeing the ex-amateur in action, but he revealed sufficient of football artistry to give promises of splendid things in the future. Everton take the field without that lighting raider, Cunliffe. They included Bob McMurray, the new lad from Glasgow junior circles, at inside right. Spectators are reminded that the Jubilee handbook will be on sale. All proceeds go to swell the funds. Make sure you get a copy, which will also serve as programme for the day. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Jack), Thomson; Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Liverpool; Riley; Cooper, Harley; Busby, Bush, McInnes; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Fagan, Balmer, Kinghour.

JUBILEE FUND GAME PROVIDE APPETISER FOR NEXT WEEK’S KICK-OFF
August 19, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
A Wallasey reader suggests that Liverpool and Everton might agree to drop the third-back defensive game tomorrow and instruct their centre halves to go in for the now old-fashioned idea of an attacking centre half. Then we might see football played on the ground, where it was originally meant to be played” he adds. That would be a change anyhow! The idea is a good one. Continual heading is ruining football as a spectacle, and the third back game is largely responsible. I hope the football loving public of Merseyside will support tomorrow’s game heartily. The League is hoping to get £1,000 from every First Division side £500 from each in the Second and £250 from the Thirds. Most of the seniors have guaranteed to make good any shortage below four figures, while Everton, along with Wolves and a few others, have promised an additional £1,000. Spectators can also help by buying a copy of the souvenir programme (price 3d) Issued by the League itself (not the individual clubs) it contains a mass of interesting information. The Everton-Liverpool match is at Goodison Park (kick-off 3.15) when the teams will be; Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Jack), Thomson; Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Liverpool; Riley; Cooper, Harley; Busby, Bush, McInnes; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Fagan, Balmer, Kinghour.
It will be the first real test for McMurray, Liverpool’s newcomer to the position so long filled by Alf Hanson. Both distinguished themselves in practice games. Now we have an opportunity of seeing whether they can keep it up in the face of sterner opposition.

WHAT THE NEW SOCCER SEASON HAS IN STORE
August 20, 1938. The Evening Express.
By Pilot
Everton’s Power
There is one ground where you might. That is just across the Park at Goodison Park. The main power of Everton will, I think also be found in the intermediary division. They have plenty of brilliant half backs there. For proof look at the names of those who may, through forces of circumstances, have to open the season in the Central League side. Everton’s attack looks good enough, too. Only one club scored more goals than Tom Lawton and company last season, Cunliffe must remain a “doubtful” for the opening game, but there is Stan Bentham a bonny, wholehearted player this –and McMurray ready to step in. I am expecting big things of Gillick now that he knows the outside right berth is his own. Torry has always promised much, but has never yet hit the high spots for the Blues. He can do it –and I think he will. The defence will need tightening up. They gave away 75 goals last season. Still, with such men as Cook, Greenhalgh, Jack Jones, Jackson, Saunders and Lambert on the books, surely the defence cannot be suspect. No, I think we shall find Everton having a grand season –better than many people expect. Shall we see major honours being brought to Goodison, it is not too much to expect.

BRILLIANT GOODISON “DERBY” GAME
August 20, 1938. Evening Express
Stevenson Gives Everton The Lead.
Lawton Misses Penalty
By Pilot.
The public response to the Benevolent Jubilee Fund Appeal was not good so far as Goodison Park was concerned, for there were no more than 10,000 spectators at the start of the match between Everton and Liverpool today. There was one team change, Hobson appearing in goal for Liverpool, in place of Riley, who had a seat in the stand. Riley assured me there was nothing amiss. Teams: Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (T), and Thomson (captain), Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Liverpool: - Hobson, goal; Cooper (captain) and Harley, backs; Busby, Bush and McInnes, half-backs; Nieuwenhuys, Taylor, Fagan, Balmer, and Kinghour, forwards. Referee Mr. G. Hewit (St. Helens). Despite the fact that the crowd was small –and this means a goodly sum from Everton’s “purse” to bring it up to the guaranteed £2,000 –there was plenty of enthusiasm, particularly from the boys’ pen as Lawton went through and shot outside. When Fagan had Everton’s defence tied up, it took a timely intervention on the part of Thomson to prevent a score. Everton’s left wing made a delightful movement with close interpassing and when Boyes pushed in his final low pass Stevenson should have scored, but he sliced his shot across goal. Everton were having rather more of the game, their forwards being particularly nippy, and McMurray came into the limelight with a nice slip through to Lawton, whose angle was narrowed by Bush. Kinghourn, Liverpool’s new outside left, cut into the centre, gathered the ball in a trice moved forward a couple of yards and let go a terrific right-foot shot from the edge of the penalty area. Sagar just managed to touch over the bar for a corner.
Harley’s Speed.
Harley’s speed in recovery enabled him to overtake Gillick when the winger threatened danger. If this was a sample of exhibition football, then I am eagerly anticipating the serious meetings between these rivals. It was great fare –action all the time and some really fine collaborative art. Hobson made a brilliant save off an equally brilliant surprise shot from Boyes, who had moved over to the inside right. From the corner McMurray almost shot through, and when the ball was cleared beyond the penalty area, Cook rushed through and drove in a wonder shot, which Hobson turned over the top. Hobson’s failure to come out to this corner placed the Reds goal in danger and five Everton players tried to scramble the ball home, but without success.
Gillick Tests Hobson.
Boyes twice hit the side netting before Gillick, with perfect anticipation, bore through and forced Hobson to save low down. Stevenson cut through and netted with a cross-shot –but the referee rightly negaitived the goal for offside. Everton were having the better of the game, for I have seen Liverpool defence cover much better than this. The Reds through Fagan, Taylor and Nieuwenhuys, treated us to a perfect movement which Cook nipped in the bud, and in 29 minutes Everton took the lead, Stevenson being the scorer. Lawton, just inside the penalty area, nodded the ball down, and Stevenson nipped in like lightening to swerve past Cooper, draw Hobson, and glide the ball into the net. Lawton claimed he had taken a goal when he headed in and Hobson caught the ball high up. Hobson appeared to be standing behind the goal line, but I think his hands were outside. This was really exhilarating football, with action throughout, the forward work of both sides being a positive treat. There was a curious incident ten minutes before the interval, when Gillick, who was chasing a somewhat forlorn hope, appeared to be brought down in the penalty area in a mix up with Bush and Harley, after the ball had been cleared. On the signal of the linesman, the referee awarded a penalty and great was the roar when Lawton’s shot crashed into the crowd yards wide. Nieuwenhuys received a bump in collision with Greenhalgh, but was able to continue. Hobson had to run to the edge of the penalty area to hold up Gillick. Just before the interval Lawton received a blow in the right eye and left the field holding a sponge to the injury. Lawton has a cut over the right eye brow, which has necessitated a stitch.
Half-time Everton 1, Liverpool 0.
Lawton was able to resume after the interval and Harley’s speed again enabled him to hold up the roving and alert Gillick. Lawton scored a second goal for Everton after 48 minutes.

ONE OF THE “OLD INVINCIBLES”

August 22, 1938. The Yorkshire Evening Post

Mr. R.H. Howarth, who has died at Preston, aged 73, was one of the “Old Invincible” the North End team which made history in the 80's created records which still stand, and became the first Football League champions (1888-89). There are now only four survivors of the “Old invincible” Bob Holmes, Sam Thomson, John Goodall, and Jack Gordon.

ONE OF THE “OLD INVINCIBLES”

August 22, 1938. Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer

Former Preston North End Full Back

Mr. R.H. Howarth died on Saturday at his home, Grafton Street, Preston, aged 73. He was one of the Old Invincible, the Preston North End team which made history in the 80's created records which still stand and became the first Football League champions (1888-98). Mr. Howarth was a solicitor in Preston for many years and was a brother of the late Sir Alfred Howarth an honourary Freeman and former Town Clerk of Preston. Mr. Howarth was one of the fitness full backs of his day, and played for England five times between 1888 and 1894. He was in the team which in 18888 beat Scotland 5-0 at Glasgow. There are now only four survivors of the “Old invincible” Bob Holmes, Sam Thomson, John Goodall, and Jack Gordon.

EVERTON BEAT LIVERPOOL
Everton 2 Liverpool 1
August 22 1938, daily post, by stork
Skilful Play At Goodison Park
The injury to Lawton, and misses a penalty.
The Jubilee Fund game between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park showed that Everton can play enchanting football and finish it off with a shot, and that Liverpool must introduce more punch in their attack if they are to enjoy a successful season. The Liverpool team, up to a point, played solid football without, perhaps, the elaboration brought into the game by their rivals, but near goal there was only one team in it. For Liverpool’s forwards rarely tested the Everton goalkeeper, Sagar, where as Hobson, in the Liverpool goal, was one of the chief figures in this friendly game. The Newcomers. This game was expected by many to fall flat, but in my opinion it was a most enjoyable and interesting football match in which two goals were scored by Everton (Stevenson and Lawton)., and one by Balmer for Liverpool. Naturally, the newcomers to the side, McMurray and Kinghorn, attracted special attention, and while neither figured so largely as they had done in the practice game, they did enough to satisfy their respective clubs that they have two promising players. McMurray without being over prominent showed plenty of wisdom and wise football ideas in his distribution of the ball, and Kinghorn proved that he is a two-footed player by the way he swept to inside right and give Sagar his greatest task during the afternoon with a raking shot which the Everton goalkeeper fingered over his crossbar. Both defences showed strength. I marked down Cook as the highlight among the four full backs, Cooper ran him a close race. For the honour. Where Everton’s great strength and superiority lay was in the half. Back line for here were three men who could back up a forward to such an extent that it was only reasonable to anticipate that there would be more shooting from the Everton front line because they had so many more chances than that of the Liverpool attack, for the forwards had to forage for themselves. Apart from Busby there was little constructional play in the Liverpool middle line. That was the great difference and one must not forget that Everton were appearing before their own crowd, so that it was just possible they were pulling out a little more then their adversaries. Lawton’s Penalty shot. Lawton, who received a cut on the eyebrow, but will be fit for next Saturday, surprised everyone by shooting wide from the penalty box. This must be the first penalty miss since he joined the club. For a spell Everton were well nigh invincible. They seemed to have the ball tied to their shoelaces; for it went from man to man as through on a string and had been for Hobson their goal crop would have been considerably increased. As it was, I though Everton had the ball twice over the line apart from the two goals that scored. The attendance, considering the day, 17,468 was amazingly good and the fund benefitted by £956 4s 8d. Result Everton 2, Liverpool 1. Everton; - Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh, Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson (captain), Gillick, McMurray, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes Liverpool: - Hobson, Cooper, Harley, Busby, Bush, McInnes, Nieuwenhays, Taylor, Fagan, Balmer, Kinghour. Referee. Mr. T. Hewitt (St Helens).

GOODISON “DERBY” POINTERS
August 22, 1938. Evening Express
By Pilot.
There was big pointers to be coming season at Goodison Park on Saturday, when Everton defeated their neighbours, Liverpool, by two goals to one in the Jubilee Benevolent Fund match.
(1) Both clubs are going to enjoy good seasons.
(2) Kinghour has solved Liverpool’s outside-left worry.
(3) McMurray is a player of the true Everton traditions, and a forward of high promise.
Everton were the better team and deserved to win. I liked Liverpool’s late and whole-hearted rally, but they got into their swing a little too late.
Quick To Settle Down.
The Blues were quicker to settle down, and had the pull at half-back. Tom Jones was magnificent, and Mercer and Thomson tackled well and fed adroitly Boyes was as lively and precise in his work as one could wish, and Gillick gave further signs that this is to be his big season. The defence was excellent, with Cook and Greenhalgh having a perfect understanding and covering, kicking, and tackling well. Behind them Sagar was –well, Sagar. Need I say more? McMurray through a little nervous, fitted into the forward scheme which Stevenson and Lawton exploited so well. This player will do well on Merseyside. He always tries to play football. And Kinghorn? Yes a good, direct player who is ever on the look-out for an opening. Kinghorn’s best shot –a peach –was delivered from the inside right position! Accuracy of finishing is the outstanding virtue of Kinghorn. The Reds forwards –and Fagan in particular –were fast and possessive of clean-cut, direct movement. Fagan was the schemer and indications are that he is in for a great season. So with Taylor and Balmer, while Nieuwenhuys was the quick-footed quick-thinking raider we know so well. McInnes was the best of the half backs. Busby was rather too easily dispossessed, and Bush had a worrying time against Lawton. Cooper, Harley and Hobson formed a defensive trio which inspires confidence. Hobson made some wonder saves and did sufficient to show that with he and Kemp in support at first-choice. Riley the Reds once again will be all right in goal. This was a game I enjoyed, but I hope we get no more of them, Lawton received a cut over an eye which necessitated stitching, and Nieuwenhuys, Harley, Taylor, Gillick, and Tom Jones all received nasty bumps. All will be fit for next Saturday’s opening game, but my opinion is that the risk of injury in this class of match is far too great –even in the cause of football charity.

JUBILEE GAME
August 22, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton and Liverpool provided 17,468 spectators, who paid £956, with a fine exhibition of football. Though it lacked the vital keenness which stamps the game with points and pounds in the balance it was no milk-and-water affair. Everton were the more polished and deserved their 2-1 victory, gained through goals by Stevenson, and Lawton, the latter of whom missed a penalty-an unusual thing for him. Balmer scored for Liverpool in the last couple of minutes.
Brighter Outlook?
There was a first and cohesiveness about the Everton attack which was lacking most of last season. I did not see Everton’s matches in Glasgow, but I have been told by the directors who did that they played wonderful football. Partly on that basic the board has been optimistic regarding the coming season. Hitherto I have been unable to share their belief. It will require more than one game –and that is friendly –to convert me, but I have to put I on record that there was an all-put-together spirit, a linking up between halves and forwards, and solidness in defence, that makes the future look brighter if it is maintained from next Saturday onwards. Everton’s approach work was of high standard. The forwards moved like one man, but more to my liking was the fact that in front of goal they knew where and when to shoot, and did it without delay, and that the defence did not leave those gaping holes which have been a source of weakness in the past. In the first half Everton were well on top. In the second portion Liverpool came late on with a rush and a determination that almost snatched the game out of the fire. Hobson, who deputized for Riley –there is nothing wrong with the latter, by the way –had a busy day, far busier than Sagar, and did his work with that competency and confidence that always characteristics Anfield goalkeepers. I thought he had carried the ball over the line when he caught Lawton’s shot, and Lawton apparently thought so too, for he appealed strongly. There was a similar incident later on following a Stevenson header, but it was so fine in either case it would be unwise to be dogmatic with anything but an end-on-view.
The Newcomers.
The centre of interest on either side was in the shaping of the two new men, Kinghour for Liverpool and McMurray for Everton. Kinghour got little chance to distinguish himself so outstanding as he had done in the trial a week ago. First of all he found Mercer and Cook a rock-like barrier, and secondly he got few worth-while passes. Most of those which reached him did so when he was well covered. In consequence he had to do a lot of his own fetching and carrying. What shooting he did was accurate, though occasionally from too angled a position, when a centre would have been better, and he proved again that he is a two-footed player by his right-foot pile-driver early on –one of the best shots of the day. When he has settled down and is properly supported Kinghour will be among the goals. McMurray made a creditable show. He has some delightful touches, and when he gets the ball he always does something constructive with it, though Gillick’s wandering left him rather in the air on occasions. Lawton was outstanding. His goal was a gem. A copybook pass from Gillick, a lightning like streak through the defence, and the ball was rammed home in unstoppable fashion before Liverpool had realized what was happening. Gillick played better than I have seen him for some time. Lawton’s cut eye which required a stitch from the doctor is healing nicely. He went with the rest of the team to play golf at Ormskirk today. Everton defence was strong, with Jones quick to spot the best opening for an attack, and directing his passes there, Mercer, likewise doing two-fold work in turning defence into aggression. Cook was in jubilant mood, and Greenhalgh sure in his tackling and clean with his clearance. The more I see of Greenhalgh the more I imagine Everton must be palting themselves on the back. He cost £3,000 six months ago. Double that figure today wouldn’t buy him, even if the club were willing to part which is course, they are not.

PLYMOUTH BOXER

August 23 1938 Western Morning News

Death Of “Nutty” Curran in Australia

PO Curran, popularly known as “Nutty” in Plymouth boxing circles and well known throughout the world as a heavy-weight boxer who defeated Ian Hague and Gunner Moir, both English heavy-weight champions has died at his residence, Bolton-Street, Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. He was 56 years of age, and according to a letter received y Mr. Samuel French, Plymouth, from his wife, who is left with six children, some grown up, died from a clot of blood on the brain. R. Curran was working as a stevedore at the docks at Ryde an also ran a gymnasium for the training of young boxers. His second son, Jimmy, was trained so well in this gymnasium that he became the amateur middle-weight champion boxer of Australia. Curran intended bringing him to England this coming winter in order to try him out with some of the best middle-weights in this country. Curran's former home was in Kilkee, Irish Free State. P.O. Curran married a daughter of Mr. Frank Brettell, the first Plymouth Argyle manager.

EVERTON SECTION AGAINST BLACKPOOL
August 24, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton go to Blackpool- the teams finished close together in the middle of the table at the end of April, and it is likely to be a close game on Saturday. Cunliffe is not yet fit after his injury in the Glasgow Exhibition Cup Final against Celtic, and Bentham has, been called on to partner Gillick, who will now have an opportunity of settling down in his favourite wing berth. Geldard has been transferred to Bolton Wanderers and with Boyes on the other wing. Everton ought to be well served in the outside berths. Lawton who received a cut over the eyebrow last Saturday is all right, and he will lead the attack.

EVERTON MAKING CHANGES
August 24, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By John Peel
Everton are making a change from last week by introducing Bentham at inside right as partner to Gillick. Cunliffe has not yet fully recovered from his recent ankle operation –a legacy of the Glasgow Exhibition match –in which four small chippings of bone were removed. McMurray deputized against Liverpool last week, and played a promising game, but the directors have decided that his experience is not yet ripe enough to justify his inclusion for a League match. The side is as follows: - Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (T), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.

EVERTON CHOOSE THEIR RIVAL ELEVEN
August 24, 1938. Evening Express.
By Pilot.
Everton have to take the field against Blackpool at Bloomfield road without their English international forward, Jimmy Cunliffe. Cunliffe is making good progress towards recovery from his recent operation on an ankle, but is not quite fit for duty. His place, will be taken by Stan Bentham, the Earlestown player who has often operated to the first team in previous seasons. Bentham is a strong, forceful type of player, with good creative ideas and a shot in either feet. He has had plenty at experience as a wing half-back, and this has strengthened his play as a forward, making him exceptionally strong on the ball. Bentham should serve as a more than useful foil for Lawton and Gillick. Everton have chosen the eleven which played in the opening trial game. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (T.G), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. McMurray the newcomer from Scotland, plays inside-right for the Central League side to oppose Blackburn Rovers Reserves at Goodison Park. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Jones (JE); Britton, Gee, Milligan; Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies, Trentham.

THRILLS OF FOOTBALL’S BIG KICK-OFF
August 26, 1938. Evening Express
Everton’s Big Task
Everton Hopes Lie In Defence.
By Pilot.
Everton will have no newcomers in their team for a particularly hard task at Blackpool. Blackpool are expected to prove one of the teams of the year, but everything depends of the strength of the Blues’ defence. Tom Jones and company will be facing a brilliant forward line which contains for Scots and one Englishman _Finan. There are such as Frank O’Donnell, the Scottish international, Buchan, Munro, and the world’s champion goal scoring outside left, Dawson, from Falkirk, who in one season scored 39 goals. Can Everton keep that scintillating five at bay? If they can, then the Blues will not be defeated. Rest assured that Bentham, with his rare enthusiasm and football art, will make a fine deputy for Cunliffe at inside-right, and so I have no doubt whatever that Everton will compare with Blackpool in attack, while Everton should be strong at half-back. It all depends on the defence which, in the preliminary sallies, has showed signs of greater solidity than last season, when far too many goals were concerned. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Blackpool; Roxburgh; Blair (D), Sibley; Farrow, Hayward, Johnstone; Munro, Buchan, O’Donnell, Finan, Dawson.

EVERTON’S TEST
August 26, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton could not have had a harder test for their first match than which faces them at Bloomfield road, tomorrow, for Blackpool have been steadily building for the last few seasons, and have got together a team second to none. They are looking forward to a good season aren’t they all –but to be perfectly candid the seaside club should have a good season this time, for the players are there; Joe Smith and his directors have seen to that. Everton would rather have a severe test to kick-off with, for it will gave then some idea as to their future. An “easy” would tell then nothing.
Happy Band.
There is a grand spirit among the Everton Boyes. If team spirit counts for anything I would have little fear of defeat, for I have never moved among a happier band of players than the Goodison boys. They are confident that they will do better this season; and although the same players are still on duty, I have sensed a feeling among them that has not been there for some time. Blackpool with such a galaxy of names will be difficult to beat before their own people. The “Pool” have got to have a good side to keep the interest throughout the eight months. Well their progressive board has spent a lot of money and are naturally looking forward for repayment in the matter of results. This game may be a classic, for Everton showed in their first game that they can play high class football, and Blackpool are built on the same mould nowadays. They gave an all Scottish attack, and their one weakness has been cleared away by the signing of Dawson at the end of last season.
Capable Work Men
They are pinning a lot of faith on Frank O’Donnell who did not have the best of luck last year. Everton by the same token are thinking on Tommy Lawton, but are not entirely dependent upon him as a goalscorer, for Stevenson and Gillick are capable marksmen. I am going to Bloomfield Road tomorrow full of hope, and hope to tell you that Everton played well no matter the result. If, of course, they can strike off with a victory, so much the better, but it is asking a big question to go a visiting and return will full points. However, we will see. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (T), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Blackpool; Roxburgh; Blair (D), Sibley; Farrow, Haywood, Johnston, Munro, Buchan, O’Donnell, Finan, Dawson.

VICTORIOUS OPENING BY EVERTON
August 27, 1938. The Evening Express, Football Edition.
Blues Breezy At Blackpool!
Team Work Beats The Seasiders
Great Goal By Lawton
By Pilot.
Two goals in the opening 19 minutes placed Everton on the victory trail in a thrill-packed game against Blackpool, at Bloomfield-road, to give the Blues a glorious send-off to the season. Everton won 2-0. Stevenson and Lawton scored within six minutes of each other. Everton were deserving winners, for their defence was brilliant, being especially effective with tackling and intervention. Their forwards operated with advanced ideas all through. Directors E. Green, chairman, G. Evans, and W.R. Williams with Mr. Theo Kelly were in charge of the Everton party, this being Mr. Williams first journey in his new capacity. Blackpool-manager Joe Smith’s greeting was; “I think Everton will have a good season, and I wish them all the luck in the world –after today! “ News of the day is that George Kay, manager of Liverpool, is away in quest of a man to strength the Reds’ defence and the whisper is that he is in a Southern town. This was an ideal day for Soccer’s opening, and early indications were that the ground would be packed to overflowing. Teams: - Blackpool: - Roxburgh, goal; Blair (D) (captain) and Sibley, backs; Farrow, Hayward, and Johnston, half-backs; Munro, Buchan, O’Donnell, Finan, and Dawson, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (T), Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. –Mr. E.C. Carnwell (Licefield). Buchan tried to go through at the outset, but he was forced over the line and after some fine tackling by Cook, Bentham leveled the first shot of the match. It brought little anxiety to Roxburgh and off went Munro to force Greenhalgh into a corner concession. This led to a bonny Blackpool attack and Munro bored through. Sagar saved the close up shot and also dealt with a header from O’Donnell. Gillick came into the centre to Greenhalgh’s long kick, deceived Hayward, and shot in along the floor.
Half-Back Grip.
The Everton forwards could not shake off the grip of the Blackpool half-backs, and Blackpool’s £35,000 attack looked the more dangerous. Roxburgh ran out to pick up from Boyes before Buchan beat three men in a sinuous burst-through and shot, Sagar was there. Stevenson next sprang into the picture when he took over a low pass from Boyes, cut in and crashed one inches over. It was the Blues who drew first blood and Stevenson had the honour. There was some fierce tackling before Lawton contrived to slip the ball through to Stevenson, who had come to the centre. The Blackpool players appealed for offside and stood still. The referee waved play on and Stevenson walked on unattended and slipped the ball low into the net as Roxburgh advanced. Blackpool were due for a greater shock for in 10 minutes Everton were two up. Lawton was the scorer this time –and what a goal! Cook and Gillick and a quick thrust through for Lawton to nod the ball down and shoot with his right foot from the edge of the penalty area. Roxburgh got his hands to the shot, but it was of such terrific power that he could only divert it into the corner of the net. Rarely have I heard a home crowd applaud a visiting goal so heartily. Gillick was a real “live wire” and now he went on from Stevenson’s pass to flash a shot pass the face of the goal. The tackling of Everton was positively deadly. Buchan did his best to revive the hopes of Blackpool, yet Sagar came flying through the air to take the ball away from the heads of three attackers. Everton were playing much better together as a team and speed on the ball was enabling them to break down Blackpool’s fine half-back resistance. It was team work as well as individual prowess which was enabling Everton to play the better football and appear much more dangerous than Blackpool. Cook and magnificent, and now Greenhlgh pulled up Buchan with a wonder tackle at the last second. Sagar held a high shot from Munro, and Gillick was almost through, the long-legged Sibley intercepting his cross shot. Next Roxburgh came out and lost possession, but before Boyes could do the needful, he had recovered.
Half-Time Blackpool 0, Everton 2.
Blackpool attacked desperately on resuming, but it was again Everton’s strength in the tackle and their intrepid intervention that kept them at bay. O’Donnell took over from Dawson to hit a fast one against the side netting, and Blackpool claimed a penalty when Jones came flying over O’Donnell’s shoulders to head clear. Jones next appeared to handle, but the referee allowed Buchan to go through. Came a fierce tackle, and the ball slipped away for O’Donnell to hit it on the half-volley. The ball struck Greenhalgh and went behind. Munro dived in along the ground to a fast centre and although he missed the ball he dragged it inwards with his foot. Sagar was there to make a grand save, Bentham shot into Roxburgh’s hands after enterprising play by Stevenson and then Sagar dashed out to crowd out a shot from Dawson.
Blues Effective.
Everton came back into their own, their forward work being much more effective than the rather crowded play of the home attack. Roxburgh twice had to come out to save, and Lawton twice tested him before. Sagar more than played his part with a wonder full-length save from O’Donnell’s header as the ball was slipping in by the post. Gillick broke through on his own only to lose possession at the vital second. Final Blackpool 0, Everton 2.

EVERTON RES V BLACKBURN RES
August 27, 1938. The Evening Express, Football Edition.
Everton, with McMurray and Milligan their close season captures in the side, opened on an aggressive note against Blackburn Res, at Goodison Park. Early on McMurray blazed over the bar from close range, and although the Rovers’ right wing showed some pretty footwork, Everton quickly took the lead. Trentham worked his way down the wing and then moved towards the centre, where he was brought down badly. From the resultant free kick Davies found a loophole through a line of defenders to net with a great shot. Within two minutes Everton went further ahead, Trentham although badly hampered, ran through and scored capital goal. At times the Rovers showed capital footwork, but were inclined to over-elaborate. Play was dull for a time, but livened up with a good run and a centre by Trentham which the Blackburn ‘keeper managed to divert before Bell could get his head to the ball. The Rovers played excellent football but were often faulty near goal. Eventually, however, Hargreaves took advantage of a centre from Langton and scored. Shortly afterwards the home side ran through on the right, and Bell netted a third with a fast shot.
Half-time Everton Res 3, Blackburn Res 1.
The Blackburn goal had a lucky escape on resuming, when Clarkson kicked away after the keeper had lost possession. Everton were the better side, but Hargreaves had a great chance of scoring when he shot wide with only Morton to beat. Shortly afterwards the Everton keeper saved well from Hargreaves and at the custodian advanced from his goal. In the concluding stages Everton were well on top and Bell scored a fourth goal. Just at the end Colclough scored a second for the Rovers.
Full Time Everton Res 4, Blackburn Rovers 2.

EVERTON WIN IN FIRST HALF
August 27, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Blackpool Beaten By Two Clear Goals
Sagar’s Brilliance
By Stork.
Everton made their victory sure in the first half. Teams: - Blackpool: - Roxburgh, goal; Blair (D) (captain) and Sibley, backs; Farrow, Hayward, and Johnston, half-backs; Munro, Buchan, O’Donnell, Finan, and Dawson, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Greenhalgh, backs; Mercer, Jones (T), Thomson (captain), half-backs; Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee Mr. –Mr. E.C. Carnwell (Licefield). I have never seen such a crowd at the Blackpool football ground as present today and there was every indication that the ground would be packed. Everton directors present were Mr. E. Green (chairman), Mr. G. Evans, and Mr. E. Williams, the latter making his first appearance as a director. Blackpool’s big money side looks like being an attraction, if today’s attendance was a criterion. The referee had a few words to say to the two captains, Thomson and Blair, before the toss was made. Having won the toss, Blackpool were soon busy through their right wing pair, Munro and Buchan, but the inside man let this chance slip by making too forward a pass. Everton’s reply was made by good class combination, but Bentham’s long-range shot was of little account. Then the Pool gave an example of their Scottish weaving and had not Thomson made a timely tackle Sagar would have had much more to do than save Munro’s rather time drive. Everton gave away two corners neither of which caused a great deal of concern and when Everton got to grips with Blackpool’s defence Gillick by moving into the centre looked like taking a goal, but he failed to get in a true drive, and Roxburgh had little trouble saving. Lawton and Haywood had a rare tussle and then Britton made a good shot after he had cleverly beaten two Everton defenders, but Sagar was very comfortable. Stevenson was badly angled in front of goal, but being deliberate in his aim he beat the goalkeeper, only for the ball to curl over the bar.
Everton One Up.
The thirteenth minute proved fatal to Blackpool, Stevenson scoring for Everton. Lawton made a through pass, and while Blackpool were appealing for offside Stevenson went forward with the ball and shot beyond Roxburgh. Finan tried to wipe this goal out with an oblique drive that smacked across the Everton goal face. Everton had kept this expensive Blackpool team on a tight rein, and none did better than Cook in defence. Another blow by Everton, at the 19th minute there being no argument about this goal. Gillick started it with a lovely pass to Lawton who headed the ball downwards proved forward, and hit a great drive. Roxburgh got his hand to it, and edged it upwards, but it dropped into the back of the net. These two goals upset Blackpool who found the tackling of Everton a draw back to their plans.
Dangerous Right Wing.
Blackpool right wing was Everton’s greatest danger and Munro gave Sagar a fierce shot, which he held. Farrow tried to level matters when he rushed up and hit the ball with all his nights, but he had forgotten that direction was just as important as power. Gillick sold the “dummy” to Haywood and then saw his shot charged away.
Half-Time Blackpool 0, Everton 2
Blackpool Get Busy
Blackpool resumed with a desperate attack and the Everton defence, for the first time, was sorely tested. Lawton with a cute pass, put O’Donnell through and the centre forward made a good shot which hit the side netting. Buchan went close in fact the Blackburn forwards for some time swarmed round Everton goalmouth. Sagar was not unduly over worked. It was apparent that Blackpool were out to relieve their position and O’Donnell was unlucky to see his fiery drive hit Greenhalgh. Then Munro rushed the ball through, Sagar saving; and a free kick was the result. Bentham sandwiched in a sharp shot, and then Dawson was foiled by Sagar. Blackpool were leaving their first half display, behind, but their forwards were crowding too much. Everton got over their testing period and started to do something on their own account, Everton leaving two long drives fielded by Roxburgh. Sagar kept Everton sheet intact when he made a marvelllous save from Frank O’Donnell’s header. The ball seemed booked for the net but Sagar edged it out with his finger tips. Cook was hurt but did not have to go off. Gillick was right through but knocked the ball too far forward and gave a defender his chance. Sagar was brilliant at a time when it was most needed. Try how –Blackpool would they could not penetrate the Everton goal. They had by far the better of the half, but they found the Everton defence too much for them. Final Blackpool 0, Everton 2.

WINGED MESSENGERS OF FOOTBALL; FROM PIGEON POST TO TELEWIRE
August 27, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Fifty Years Echo Football Editions.
Goals, Goals, Goals! –And How You Come To Read Of Them By Tea Time –In Step With The Organisation Of The Great Winter Game.
“Ranger” Scan A Marvellous Half-Century.
We celebrate our 50th birthday next week. The football edition of the Echo was born in 1888, when the Football League came into existence. Like the latter, it has grown in strength with the passing of the years. In step with the League, we now start on our second half-century. It is a suitable moment to look back upon what has been accomplished and to visualize the possibilities of the future. Let me take the league first. It is to a Scotsman that we are indebted for its birth. William MacGregor was the man who prophetic insight into the future of football on the basis of friendly rivalry and haphazard fixtures, as it was then, and saw how better off it would be with the undoubted advantage of a League and championship. Even he, however, could hardly foresee that the tiny seed he was sowing then would grow into the vast tree it has become today, with its roots and branches throughout the length of the country. Twelve clubs adopted MacGregor’s proposal. Most people know them. For those whose memory requires refreshing they were Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Six Lancashirians, note, and not a Londoner. It was not until 1904-05 that the first London club appeared in Division 1. Need I say it was Arsenal. The League system proved so successful that it soon had its imitators. A powerful body sprang up under the title of Football Alliance, but when out when the Second Division came in. By 1893, both Divisions consisted of sixteen clubs, and the League was well and truly launched, gathering impetus year by year.
A Fine Line Of Football Pioneers.
The history of the growth and development of football from these early days is more than can be told in the limits of one article. It is a fascinating story, of which few of the millions who watch the game know little but the bare outline. It will be told in a special series in this paper. Mr. MacGregor resigned the presidency in 1893. Mr. J. J. Bentley succeeded him for seventeen years, while from 1911 until his lamented death two years ago the league flourished and prospered under the guilding hand of Liverpool’s men bluff “honest John McKenna,” who exercised his wise control, and was experience at a time when interest in the game was expending at an unprecedented pace. During this past two years Mr. C. E. Sutcliffe, who I am glad to say is progressing invariably after his recent illness, has occupied the chair. Charlie Sutcliffe has passed through every praise of football from the players’ room to the referees’ sanctum and on via the directorial board. May he long be spared to hold the reins. Our thanks are due to the man who was far-seeing enough to realize the benefits of organized football, and to those who have since carried on the enhanced out reputation for the highest standard of clean and fair minded sportsmanship.
………And Now For Our Own Jubilee.
The Echo was one of the first newspapers to realize all that the birth of the League portended from a journalistic point of view. In those far-off days, however, the gathering of reports and results was a vastly more difficult job than it present. Then, pigeons were the quickest means of communication for short journeys, and the telegraph for long ones. More than anything else the invention and perfection of the telephone revolutionized methods of news-gathering, what time mechanical improvements on the printing side were keeping pace in the march of progress. Whereas, fifty years ago, the football reporter sat –often without protection from the weather –writing his messages on than transparent paper, which was then attached to the leg of the pigeon, today he sits in comfort on the stand with a telephone at his elbow. He reports the match as it proceeds, his messages is transcribed direct on to a typewriter by an operator in Victoria Street equipped with headphone, so that by the time the game is over the account of it is already in type, auniling only the final score to make it complete. The telephone was not always so reliable as it is today. In pre-war days, and given the early years after the war, temporary dislocation caused by storms, sometimes upset well-laid plans. Nowadays the increasing use of underground cables makes the breakdown of telephone communication a ware occurrence. The telegraph, too, was not always perfect. In our issue of November 11, 1899, we apologized to readers for the uncompleted state of several reports –“due to the partial breakdown of telegraphic communication.
Twelve Correct Forty Years Ago.
It was about this time by the tray that money prizes were offered for correct predicts of football result –the forerunners of today’s gigantic pools business. In September, 1899, and for several subsequent weeks the Echo carried a large front-page advisement of a London syndicate offering prizes of £1,000, of £1 a week for life, to anybody who could give correctly the results of twelve matches. The entrance fee was sixpence for seven attempts or !s for Sixteen. At the time it was permissible to send money with the coupon. Going back still further there is something rather quaint about this report of the match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Anfield on September 7, 1889. Headed “The Great Football Match –A sketch on the Ground,” It reads- “few of the outside public, who know little or nothing of the interest taken in football, or of the crisis of people who frequent the matches could form any conception of the enormous gathering which today’s match draw. The Anfield enclosure of the Everton Club present one of the most exciting and exhilarating scenes, even when the vast area is only fringed by spectators, but when as was the case today, the whole of the stands for hundreds of yards around were packed with serried ranks of excited and enthusiastic spectators, the scene is one of the utmost impressiveness and grandeur. It is estimated that there were no fewer than 20,000 spectators present, and among them were the faces of many well-known Liverpool men. The gathering was one of the most reharliable to be seen probably in any part of the world and for intense excitement there is nothing comparable to this.” For some years, with the exception of a couple of “Football Chips” –the genesis of our present “Stubmarks” –The football addition consisted only of some three or four columns of reports with a sprinkling of unclassified results. Towards the end of the nineteenth century there began to appear, in addition to reports, articles, correspondents in the outer areas.
The Beginning Of Photographs.
In 1903 comes the announcement that, “recognizing the growing desire of the public for prompt production of suitable illustrations, the Daily Post and Echo has installed a special process department for the production of their own picture blocks. Thereafter photographers were produced with increasing frequently. Prior to that line drawings had been the mains of illustration. As the years passed new features were added, old ones improved and the benefit of modern invention and mechanical efficiently devoted to providing our readers. With the best possible football paper in the quickest possible time. That has been our aim in the past. It will continue to be our aim in the future. And what of the future of the game itself. Its progress during the past half century has been phenomenal. From small, ill-equipped and financially poor organizations clubs have grown into gigantic limited liability companies. In the years to come I want to see better provisional for the backbone of football –the spectator. First of all supporters should be protected from the weather. That is vital. Secondly, let them provided with seats. Thirdly, I would like to see the price of admission reduced, particularly to Division games.

EVERTON TEAM SPIRIT
August 27, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Will Make The Same Side Different If Defence Can Only Prevent Goals.
By Stork.
Goodison Park way they are all banking on the team spirit of the Everton side. Well I admit there is a wonderful spirit among the boys and that is something but without being pessimistic, I am not too sure that Everton will do a great deal better than last term. Why should they, with the self same players on their books? One cannot argue against a forward line which scored seventy-nine goals, but one can argue against a defence which allows seventy-five goals to find their way into their net. That is one of the reasons why Everton may find that something more than team spirit will be needed to take the club into a higher position than it held last season. Mr. Earnest Green, the new chairman is very optimistic about the future. Where does his rosy outlook come from? The Glasgow Exhibition games in which Everton did so remarkably well, I did not see any of them? But have hear about the triumphs against the pick of Scotland. They must have played well, but is there not too much stress placed in this form. They were only exhibition games even allowing that the Scottish teams were on a handsome bonus, whereas Everton were not. Football in England is an entirely different proposition. It is more relentless this side of the border, the pace is almost twice as fast, so that any English side playing against the Scots would look faster than they really are.” I would not call Everton a speedy side by any means, but I understand they were yards faster than either the Ranger or Celtic. How many teams in England could match Everton in regard to speed, Many I should say. Where good class football is concerned Everton have few superiors, but if is goals which count and unless there is a curb put on opposing forwards, meaning that there must be no leakages in defence which runs out the good work of the attack, can we hope for anything better than last season. I have no complaint with the forward line in fact. I think it will have an even better season than last, but I am just a little fearful of the defence. Some goals were given away last term. That must not happen again or they are going to be in exactly the same boat. I watched all the practice games, along with the jubilee game, and was pleased with the display of the defence –upon which a good deal will depend in the next few months. Tighten this up and all will be well. With Cook, Greenhalgh, Jack Jones, and Jackson to call upon there does not seem to be much room for criticism. They are all good defenders, but they must work hand in glove; cover one another footholds were present in the 1937-38 season. Many claim that the new captain Thomson will not go through the season. Well, let me tell you that Jock has never been fitter than he is today, and I know that he has the confidence of his colleagues. His main mission is to make the openings with those adroit passes of his, and it was due to him that the club did so well in their late-on games. He has alongside him Tommy Jones and Joe Mercer. The latter playing in his rightful place, has struck his best form –he was a future in Scotland –and Jones is slowing just that little extra “bite” which should make all the difference. Then there is Milligan to fall back on –a big strong player with punch; a little at the moment, but can lack on a yard or so unless I am mistaken. Played through the trial games as thought on light rein. Gillick has shown great form in the practice game. With the right partner the Scot is a match winner. Cunliffe may he out of the team for a time. Bentham or McMurray will deputise. The latter, a clever footballer, needs more experience. Lawton and Stevenson tried and trusted I have but one thing to say to Boyes –More direct methods, please.
Says Jock Thomson.
“I feel very confident this season” say Jock Thomson the Everton captain. “We have five young players in the side –Greenhalgh, Mercer, T. Jones, Lawton and Gillick –who are likely to do better this season, and along with the older members, should knit into a fine all-round team. There is a wonderful spirit in the team, and immense confidence has been gained by the club’s great performance in the Glasgow Exhibition games.”

 

EVERTON OPEN WITH A VICTORY AT BLACKPOOL
Blackpool 0 Everton 2 (Game 1647 over-all)-(Div 1 1605)
August 29, 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
By stork.
Everton surprised everyone by their victory over one of the most expensive teams in the country, Blackpool. But how they had to battle for success. Don’t think for one moment that they did not deserve their win. The game was won because Everton took their chance, two goals and held at bay a terrific Blackpool onslaught in the second half. Blackpool had banked their all on the all scotch forward line, which has cost them a pretty penny, but unless this section of the team realize that it is the shooting which wins matches they are going to come in for some severe criticism from the spectators. I heard rumbling after their defeat. The talent is there, but it must be exploited on the right lines. Everton showed them how to make use of the open spaces. Blackpool fell because they would crowd each other. Shock For Blackpool. Everton’s team spirit told its tale.’’ They have said all along that team spirit would take them far this season, and if Saturday’s display is anything to go by then Everton have not a lot to fear. Blackpool started as though they would show Everton how the game should be played for they used good class football to get them within striking distance of the Everton goal, but, then they failed, and a goal to Stevenson in thirteen minutes crushed their hopes; caused them to lose faith in themselves and when Lawton scored again five minutes later it was the final blow. Blackpool never looked up again in that half, all the steam had been taken out of them. Their combination failed them, their passes went astray and Everton got a grip of their galaxy of stars and throttled them down so that they became just an ordinary side. Man of the man, Everton play with a confidence which has not always been their, and although in the second half they had to defend stubbornly, they did so with a will, and none did better during Blackpool a hectic half-hour than Sagar the goalkeeper. He gave of his best when it was wanted, and two of his saves from O’Donnell, will long be remembered at Bloomfield Road. Everton Shoot. Everton played quite as good football as their rivals, but there was the added spice of a shot of power, and the right kind of pass which enabled the forwards to stride forward free of interference. It was a case of them using the open spaces whereas Blackpool passed to a man who could do little because there was always an Everton man somewhere in the vicinity. Everton’s tackling was amazing. It was quickly made and made with an assurance that was uncommon for Everton, who had got into the habit of waiting for the ball to come to them instead of themselves going for the ball. No doubt the ‘’Pool.’’ Will benefit from this defeat, for with such men as they have at their command they should be a force. Dawson was very poor, such a lot had been expected of him and O’Donnell only rarely got the better of Jones. It was Everton as a team which made victory possible. Stevenson Goal. Lawton made the pass which sent Stevenson through, and the Irishman paid little of no heed to the appeal of some of the Blackpool players that he was offside. He marched forward, and slapped the ball into the net. Lawton’s goal was a scorcher. Gillick, who played hie best game for Everton, gave him a nice length ball which Lawton headed down and then cracked with all his might, Roxburgh got his hands to it,, but such was it pace that he could not hold it, and it flew over his head and into the back of the net. It was a grand goal. O’Donnell had hard lines with a header which Sagar tipped away, but Dawson who holds the record as a scoring winger, was right off the mark. Blackpool’s defence was not nearly so sound as that of Everton’s a team which had brought off 100 to 1 chance for few had expected them to beard the lion in his den and beat him. There was suggestion of two penalty awards. Both refused-one against Jones and the other against Hayward. Final result Blackpool 0 Everton 2
Blackpool, Roxburgh, Blair (d), Subley, Farrow, Haywood, Johnston, Munro, Buchan, O’Donnell, Finan, Dawson
Everton, Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh, Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson (captain), Gillick, Bentham Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton Reserves 4 Blackburn rovers Reserves 2
August 29 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
At Goodison Park, Everton worthy winning of a rather poor game. The visiting forwards, were very weak in front of goal and several chances were missed, on account of poor shooting. Rogers and Chivers were best, but lacked support. Gee was a tower of strength for Everton for who Trentham and Bell were the best attackers. Bell (2), Trentham and Davies scored for the home team, and Hargreaves and Chivers replied for the visitors.
Everton team: - Morton, Jackson, Jones (je), Britton, Gee (captain), Milligan, Wykes, McMurray, Bell, Davies, Trentham

LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
Everton ‘’A’’ 4 BRICKWORKERS 0
August 29 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s all-round superiority furnished them with an excellent was over the newcomers to this League at Whiston. LIndley, who did a deal of work, scored early in the game, and only the sterling efforts of the home defence (Youd and McCann being outstanding) prevented severe additions to the total. The home forwards were more active in the latter half, but created little impression, while Catterick, and Davies scored further goals for the visitors.

TEAM SPIRIT SECRET OF EVERTON SUCCESS
August 29, 1938. Evening Express
BY Pilot.
“It is our grand team spirit more than anything else which will pull us through. We had it last season, but fostered it during the Empire Exhibition tournament, and I think that spirit and the will to win will bring us many more wins like this.” Jock Thomson, Everton’s captain speaking after Everton’s great victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield road by two clear goals on Saturday. I agree it was team work as apart from individual ability which enabled Everton to open with an away win for the first time since they were in the Second Division and won at Plymouth. In saying that I do not detract from individual merit, but primarily it was achieved because every man pulled his weight for the entire 90 minutes –and because they could get that little bit extra out of themselves when needed. The Blues adopted a three-point attack with Bentham and Stevenson always throwing in their weight in defence and snapping up those vital loose balls. It repeatedly had the Blackpool defence spread-eagled. Mark you Blackpool often went near wiping out those Stevenson and Lawton goals scored in the opening 19 minutes. Tad Sagar, however, close Blackpool’s most dangerous moments to touch his best form. Some people had doubts about Everton’s defence. They can dispel then after this resistance. Cook was grand, and Greenhalgh was the essence of coolness and deliberation. Tom Jones showed the touch of devil and the classic art –and Thomson finishing one of the freshest men in the game –was there, there and everywhere, calling for a ball giving instructions and generally rallying his men. Stevenson’s and Bentham worked hard, and Lawton was the strong, purposeful, hard-shooting leader. Boyes was a livewire and Gillick played his best game I have seen since he came from the Rangers.

EVERTON’S GREAT WIN
August 29, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton’s victory over Blackpool, the team of all the talent, was one of their best away wins I have seen for a long time, for they had to fight against a side which was feeling the sting of defeat and trying their utmost to prevent it. In the second half Blackpool probed and probed the Everton defence time and again, and had they got a goal it might have meant all the difference, for they were hitting hard and needed the inspiration of a goal to bring themselves to something like normal, for they were undoubtedly suffering from the threat of a home defeat on their first appearance at home. It was them that Everton showed that their fighting spirit was not just a phrase but the real thing. Blackpool had spent money lavishly to build up a winning attack, and on names alone were expected to stride to a convincing victory, but this costly attack was so well handled by the Everton defence that it ultimately lost faith in itself. In the first ten minutes it had confidence enough, too much so for liking, but Stevenson’s goal knocked them off their perch, and Lawton’s brought their world tumbling around them. They became uncertain in pass and shot and an Everton victory seemed assured.
Each For All. Then came the second half with Everton riding easily with two goals in their pockets, and Blackpool stirring might and main to do a little pick pocketing and how near they went to achieving their desire only those who saw Sagar take two saves can imagine Sagar was at his best, when only his best would do, and to him as much as anyone lay the credit for the victory. They were two brilliant pieces of goalkeeping. Had he been beaten no one could have blamed him, the Blackpool people must have cursed him, for he had stood between them and a possible point. Everton had displayed an amazing team spirit in their Glasgow matches and had based their way existence on it, and I must admit that it was team spirit, which defeated this glamorous looking Blackpool team, with its big names and known ability. It was each for all and all for one, so that their opponents never got a real chance to settle down.
Don’t Crowd Blackpool.
Everton got their two goals by this method. It looked as though there were holes in their defence when Stevenson and Lawton scored their goals. It was not entirely that but the fact that the ball was given to the scorers, when they were unfettered. Blackpool’s passes were put to the middle irrespective of the position of the Everton defence. Too many lobs were put up for O’Donnell to head, and Tommy Jones took most of them. Another thing the Blackpool forwards were inclined to crowd each other; Everton kept the game more open. I am not going to single out any Everton man for a particular honour I have told you of Sagar’s saves; now to Stevenson and Lawton’s goals. The former scored at the fatal minute –the thirteen. The Blackpool player stood appealing for offside as the Irishman went on his way and slapped the ball into the net. Lawton cannot explain this penalty miss a week ago, but promised me that he would crack one home against Lawton. He kept his promise with a brilliant shot. So hard did he hit the ball that Roxburgh could not keep it out although he got both hands to it. He could only turn it over his head and into the net. He swung his hands afterwards, which told of the stinging pace Lawton’s shot carried with it. Lawton tried several others of a similar nature, but they were not quite on the mark. Mercer made the run of the match when he beat four men, veered over to the left and them shaved the crossbar. It was a well-won victory. Eleven players had a hand in it. Everton’s form was most encouraging for the future. I will leave it at that; You will have an opportunity to judge for yourself on Wednesday when Everton play Grimsby Town at Goodison Park.

NO CHANGES AGAINST GRIMSBY TOWN
August 30, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By john peel
Everton are at home to Grimsby Town to-morrow, kick-off 6-30, and the side that won at Blackpool will again be on duty. Everton gave a confident display at Blackpool and a continuance of that form should carry them far

GRIMSBY, WHO OPEN GOODISON PARK’S SEASON TOMORROW.
August 30, 1938. The Evening Express
By Pilot
Grimsby Town have the honour of opening the First Division Soccer season at Goodison Park. Tomorrow night they visit the Blues, who won at Blackpool. How Grimsby have maintained a First Division club since 1934 is something of a football mystery. Their gates are the smallest of any club in the Division, and they cannot spend big fees on star players. Yet there is no more popular soccer organization in the land. Mr. George Pearce, the chairman, and his co-directors, are always fighting an uphill battle, and yet they smile through it all. I have no doubt the Town will provide a few shocks before summer dawns again. Their scheming inside forward. Craven is now with Manchester United; Jackie Bestall is coach at Birmingham, and Jack Coulter has gone outside league circles. There remains, however, “Pat” Glover, the Welsh international leader and one of the finest men who ever donned a football jersey. Glover could not play against the Villa, but news reaches me that he may be at Goodison. If so, Grimsby’s hopes will rise. Their prime schemer is T. W. Jones, the former Burnley and Blackpool inside forward, whom Everton once almost signed. Then there is the dashing Beattie, who played for three First Division sides last season –Birmingham, Huddersfield and Grimsby. Formerly he played for Aberdeen, Wolves and Blackburn Rovers. Jimmy Boyd, the speedy outside-right, gained a cup medal with Newcastle United. He had spells with Derby County, Bury and Dundee before going to Blundell Park. Temple is a player who has sprung into the limelight in quick time and promises well, whole on the left flank is Bartholomew, the nippy winger secured from Bradford City. The big man in the defence is Betmead, a Grimsby-born player, and one of England’s best pivot, and on his right is another local, Hall, who follows his trade as a carpenter and trains at night. Buck, the left-back was with Leeds United and Hodgson, is a left back. Grimsby found playing with Seaham Colliery Welfare. His partner, Vincent, was former Stockport County player, and behind them is England goalkeeper, Tweedy. There is a fine spirit about the Town who always serve up good and clean football.

GRIMSBY WITHOUT GLOVER
August 31, 1938. The Evening Express
By Pilot.
Everton will be catching their friendly rivals, Grimsby Town, on one leg, as it were, for Grimsby’s outstanding player, Pat Glover is a victim of rheumatism and will be out of the game for some weeks. This is a big blow to the Mariners for there are few better centre forwards in the country than big Glover. Town will not decide on the constitution of their attack until just before the game. Seven forwards are included in the party. It is possible that Kurz, a youngster Grimsby signed on from the local Y.M.C.A and who has been showing up well with the reserves in trial games, will be given the opportunity to lead the attack for the first time. Lewis the free scoring Welsh winger, is also in the party. Everton played so well at Blackpool that I think they have a splendid chance of gaining two more points tonight. The same speed on the ball the same deadliness in tackling; and the same open methods of attack should enable them to conquer Town. I have no fears for Everton’s defence. The form shown at Bloomfield road leads me to the conclusion that those loopholes which occurred too frequently last season have been closed for good. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Grimsby Town; (from); Tweedy; Vincent, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck; Boyd, Temple, Beattie, Kutz, Jones, Bartholmew, Lewis.
Everton Football Club are making a new departure. They are taking their players away on special training next week –with the season only ten days’ old! On Monday the Blues oppose Aston Villa at Villa Park, and after the match the team will travel through to Bushey, Hall, near Watford, and remain there until Saturday’s engagement with Arsenal at Highbury Stadium. The object is to give the players a chance to get over the four games –in-eight –days rush. It will act as a splendid tonic and should do the lads a power of good. Bushey is an ideal training centre, with a gold course right on the doorstep.

EVERTON OPEN THEIR HOME PROGRAMME TONIGHT
August 31, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton are home this evening to Grimsby Town (kick-off 6.30), and field the same side as that which opened so well at Blackpool. There will be a big attendance to see how and where the side has improved since last season. Everton should register another victory for Grimsby these days are struggling side. Nothing is going right for them, Pat Glover’s absence practically all last season was a big blow. Now misfortune hits them again and Glover is laid up with rheumatism, which is sometimes apt to be a long and troublesome job to shift. Grimsby bring along seven forwards to Goodison tonight. No doubt they wish they could play em all! The final choice will be made later, but whatever it is it will be a very experimental sort of attack. Beattie remembered as figuring last season in a quick double which took him from Birmingham to Huddersfield and on to Blundell Park within a month, is only survivor of the Grimsby forward line which played here last March. Of the others Gallacher has passed on to Gateshead, Jackie Coulter, ex-Everton, is now with Chelmsford, the non-league club managed by Billie Walker, former in charge at Sheffield Wednesday and Craven has gone to Manchester United. Bestall of course, has given up active participation in the game, and after twelve years faithful service at Blunnell Park is now adding as coach to Birmingham.
A Sound Defence.
Grimsby’s defence –which they had chiefly to thank for their preservation last season –is unchanged. Hall, Betmead and Buck make a sound intermediate line, and Vincent and Hodgson at back, and Tweedy in goal. Grimsby have as good a rearguard as the majority. In last week’s attack against Villa, Grimsby fielded Boyd and Temple on the right, and Jones and Bartholomew on the left. The first named went to Blundell Park from Dundee, but will be remembered before that with Newcastle and Derby; Jones was a member of Blackpool’s promotion winning side a couple of years back, then suffered a nasty injury which kept him out of the game for some time; while Temple comes from Carlise and Bartholomew from Bradford City. Obviously it will take this newly constituted forward line some time to settle down. I cannot see them taking anything away from Goodison tonight. Grimsby Town last season finished up with seven victories out of their last home games, but their away form was poor, only two wins being recorded throughout. This season they have started off with a home defeat by Villa. One would like to see them do well, for they are one of the cheeriest and most hospitable of clubs. Visiting officials and pressmen are always assured of a warm welcome at Blundell Park. Grimsby may not be as well blessed as they would like with support or finance, but no club faces a stiff uphill task with more optimism of cheerfulness. The teams are as follows: Everton; Sagar; Cook, Greenhalgh; Mercer, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Gillick, Bentham Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Grimsby Town; (from); Tweedy; Vincent, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck; Boyd, Temple, Beattie, Kutz, Jones, Bartholmew, Lewis.