NEIL McBAIN BAD LUCK -CUP-TIE OUTLOOK
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, January 1 1924
Evertonians are perturbed about the absence of Neil McBain, and it is bad to state, but true, that there is a doubt about his being ready for the cup-ties. McBain’s father is ill, therefore Neil has gone home.

ON THE WEARSIDE
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, January 1, 1924
EVERTON FIND SUNDERLAND TOO STRONG
FAST FORWARD WORK
THE HOME SIDE AGAIN GET THREE GOALS THROUGH
SUNDERLAND WIN 3-0
The weather was beautiful bright and mild at Roker Park this afternoon for Everton’s visit, and the ground was on the greasy side. There was a crowd of 20,000 people, and both teams were unchanged. Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell (Captain), England; Clunas, Parker, Ferguson; Grimshaw, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, and Ellis. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.
Cresswell captained the Sunderland side, and won the toss. The Wearsiders played with the sun in their favour in the first half, Irvine and sent Chedgzoy in the first movement, but the winger could only centre behind. Ferguson similarly sent Grimshaw through, and Hart handled to prevent the winger getting through. The free kick from Ellis saw him return the ball from Hawes, to have his shot charged down by Raitt. Another pretty movement by Everton saw Chedgzoy work close in, but England rather luckily robbed him close to goal. England had to put his foot out, and nearly brought the winger down. Ferguson nearly yielded a corner to Chedgzoy, but England cleared cleverly.
FAST AND PRETTY
The game was fast and pretty to watch, and Sunderland made ground as the result of a free kick for a foul throw, and when Buchan passed out, Ellis had a rare gallop, but his centre struck Raitt in the back. Hawes, however, secured, and drove narrowly over the bar. Again Hawes drove in, and was only a yard wide from thirty yards. The Sunderland right wing was becoming very aggressive, but Hawes was not making the most of his chances. Ellis once drove behind in attempting to centre. Grimshaw was having some rare duels with Livingstone, but the Everton back recovered well.
DANGEROUS DALLIANCE
Reid was at fault in allowing Ferguson to challenge him while trying to watch the ball over the line, and he gave Fern anxious moments to clear the danger. Had another Sunderland forward been up, the situation might have been more unpleasant for the visitors. Livingstone was hurt in tackling Buchan, but soon recovered. From the touch-line Buchan hooked a ball, which struck the side rigging. Sunderland were making all the running on the right, and once Paterson sent Ellis through in great style, Buchan unaccountably missed a centre, and when Grimshaw returned, Buchan was given off-side.
HOME DEFENCE TANGLED
Everton made a burst by way of a change, and Cresswell was hard put to it to beat Cock by passing back to McInroy. Raitt made rather a faulty clearance, and just recovered in time to beat Paterson by placing into touch. Another Everton raid from the left put the Sunderland defence in a tangle, but the attack was repelled. Twice Chadwick shot, but McInroy saved his first drive, and the second sent just wide. Everton were now recovering ground by delightful work in the open, and were coming to closer grips with the Sunderland defence. England twice made spectacular tackles, and Buchan was brought down by Hart.
HOME SCORE OPENED
The resultant free kick led to Sunderland opening the score. Buchan passed to Paterson, and the centre slipped it through for Hawes, who, though tackled by Raitt, beat Fern with a grand low drive. Buchan tested Fern with a header, but Irvine wasted a good opening after beating the defence by shooting wildly. Chedgzoy cleverly beat England, and, with his head, Cock turned his lovely centre alongside the post. Sunderland were having more of the play. Their defence was strong under pressure, and the forwards fast. England in particular made many fine clearances. Paterson made a great effort, sending out to Grimshaw who returned, for Paterson to sky the ball over the bar when close in. the Everton defence was rather shaky under this severe pressure. Troup shot at McInroy, who had the ball well covered. Everton pressed persistently towards the interval, and Cock shot a beauty, for McInroy to save brilliantly at the expense of a corner. Just on the interval, Ellis, from the half-way line, made a brilliant run and beat both backs, to work the ball close to goal, and then shot into the net from close range. Half-time;- Sunderland 2, Everton nil.
WELL ON TOP
Sunderland well deserved their two goals’ lead at the interval, and they started the second half in confident style. Play centred in midfield for a while, the respective backs and halves overcoming all attempts by the forwards to break through. Grimshaw dallied too long, and Start was able to place his centre into touch. Raitt made a good clearance in the goalmouth when Troup advanced the ball to beat him. Chedgzoy was frequently offside. Patterson sent to Grimshaw, and the resulting centre went wide. The home right attacked again, but the difficulty was cleared. Chedgzoy forced England to concede a corner.
FERN PRESSED
Kirkwell cleared from the kick, and then came an appeal for hands, but it did not succeed. Sunderland came again, and Buchan placed neatly through for Hawes. To beat the inside left, Raitt had to put the ball back to Fern, who cleared under pressure. Chedgzoy got another corner, but placed the ball behind. ‘Everton advanced once more, but the movement was spoiled by offside. Troup endeavoured to send Cock through the centre, but England was there with a good tackle and stopped him.
A FADE-OUT
Hawes made a great effort, and rounding the Everton right back, shot just wide. Troup made an opening for Chadwick, but the inside-left shot too soon and was well wide of the goal. The play had lost a good deal of the sparkle of the first half, but there were still some pretty movements. Troup rushed over the line in an attempt to round Kirkwell. Kirkwell headed out, when Troup again invaded the centre. Raitt at the other end made a good recovery when threatened by Paterson. Cock looked a likely scorer in the penalty area, with only the goalkeeper to beat. The Sunderland defence were playing at the top of their form, and the free kick that followed, Cock being pulled up, was easily cleared. It was a ding-dong struggle for the last twenty minutes, Sunderland continued to be the most dangerous side, and the left wing in particular was very forceful, but Raitt was playing a strong game this half. Everton made two heavy raids but Cock fell over Cresswell’s foot in manoeuvring for a shot. McInroy pushed away a drive from Irvine, Cresswell completing the clearance. McInroy made another narrow save, falling near the post in pushing away a header from Cock. Five minutes from the end Ellis beat Raitt to centre from the line, and with a well-judged header Hawes beat Fern for the third time. Another corner to Everton was cleared with little difficulty, and Buchan raced half the length of the field and centred from the line. This was turned wildly over for a corner, which was abortive. Chedgzoy had a chance, but shot too high, and he knocked the ball over the line in another effort. Final; Sunderland 3 Everton 0.

SUNDERLAND 3 EVERTON 0
January 2 1924. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON OFF FORM AT ROKER.
ELLIS GREAT GOAL FOR SUNDERLAND.
Everton were beaten at Sunderland in a game in which nothing went right for them, and was not a patch on the Goodison match. A big holiday crowd rejoiced greatly in a victory, which took the first full points from the Blues this season. From the kick-off Everton progressed, Chedgzoy chasing the ball behind. Hart handled from a breakaway on the right, but the danger was cleared, and England apparently tripped Chedgzoy when the latter was cutting in. Everton were playing well, and Reid did two clever things successively in robbing Paterson. Sunderland had a couple of ineffective shots, and later Ellis shot weakly, but Grimshaw's centre caused some trouble. Paterson's following up made Livingstone give a dangerous pass to Fern, which was scrambled away, however. Sunderland came again, and great work by Hawes was nullified by Buchan being offside Everton had a great chance immediately after, the inside forwards missing by becoming mixed up. Cock then tested McIroy from Troup's centre and Chadwick had a dangerous shot cleared luckily.
THE FIRST GOAL.
Everton's form hereabouts was splendid and it was all against the run of play when after 21 minutes Hawes received in front of goal and beat Fern. From the restart neat work by Irvine and Chedgzoy led to the Irishman shooting wide and Cock headed just away from the post. When the homesters raced down Raitt gave a corner, which was cleared, and Cock ran right down, losing the ball unlucky.
ELLIS "WALKS" THROUGH.
England's defence was the feature at this stage. Paterson, yards offside, was allowed to go on, but he shot over from about five yards out. Wonderful work by Chedgzoy saw Troup hook the ball from the goal line to test McInroy, But Everton's luck was more than usually out, for after Irvine had shot hard over Ellis ran down on his own, beat Brown and Raitt, and walked the ball into the net, a great goal. Chadwick missed a glorious chance just on half-time. The second half saw some big booting by both sets, but when Everton secured Chedgzoy and Cock were usually offside, and little impression, was made on the defence. Hawes shot right across the goal with Fern well beaten. The Blues finishing was very poor, but England was irresistible. Once Grimshaw drove in a shot that grazed the crossbar, and then Ellis made Fern save finely. For some time the visitor's goal was bombarded, but once Cock nearly beat McInroy. It was all-futile, however, for Sunderland got another via Hawes head, and the rest is silence. The winners best player was England, who overshadowed Cresswell. Ellis spectacular goal might have been saved, if Fern had showed forethought, but the heavy home team on the day were too good for the Blues, for whom David Reid was as good as anybody else. Teams: - Sunderland: - MCInroy, goal, Cresswell (captain), and England backs, Clunnas, Parker, and Ferguson, half-backs, Grimshaw, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, and Ellis, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 STOKE CITY RESERVES 1
January 2, 1924. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. The score of one goal each about represented the run of the game. Both forward lines were in excellent form, and shots were frequent during the ninety minutes. The game had only been in progress three minutes when Williams opened the score for Everton. It took Stoke some time to get on level terms, but eventually Smith found the net from a corner taken by Tempest. The visitor's left wing performed excellent and McDonald had a busy afternoon checking the many advances on this frank. The youthful Everton, half-back performed well, and the defence left little to be desired. Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and Kerr, backs, Rooney, Weir, and Virr, half-backs, Parry, Miller, H. Parry, Williams, and Forbes, forwards.

SUPERB GOAL BY ELLIS
North Mail and Newcastle Chronicle, Wednesday, January 2, 1924
EVERTON PRETTY FOOTWORK LEADS TO NOTHING
A ROKER “DOUBLE”
Sunderland executed the “double” on Everton with a 3-0 win at Roker Park yesterday, and the score did not flatter the Wearsiders in the slightest. Everton played pretty football in midfield, but they failed to show any finish to their work when near the Sunderland goalkeeper. As a matter of fact, Chadwick, their marksman, bungled many attempts to direct the ball goalwards, and at the latter part of the game shot from a range which could scarcely have caused the most inexperienced goalkeeper any trouble. Sunderland’s defence was sound -too sound for Cock and his colleagues -and this was noticeable in the wild and fruitless attempts the visiting forwards made to overcome Cresswell and England. Cock did not work with his colleagues as he should have done and elected to try a solo move when assistance from another player might have brought him nearer goal. The first goal was scored after 20 minutes play, when Hawes converted a pass from Buchan. This was followed by a goal from Ellis, which was the best effort seen on the ground this season. He took the ball from the Sunderland half and worked his way past many players to find Fern “napping.” The last goal was notched by Hawes, who finished a smart move by all the forwards by landing the ball into the top corner of the net. It was a fast and interesting game, and the 30,000 spectators had not a dull moment throughout. Sunderland; McInroy; Cresswell, England; Clunas, Parker, Ferguson, Buchan, Paterson, Hawes, Ellis. Everton; Fern; Raitt, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup.

EVERTON BEATEN
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 2, 1924
Bee’s Notes
If Everton could bemoan an unmerited defeat at home by Sunderland, they were well beaten 3-0 at Roker Park yesterday. Only one of the three goals could be attributed to defensive errors; but Sunderland’s defence was much better than Everton’s – perhaps because the short-passing game played into their hands. Still, it was a grand game on a sticky surface, and Everton ought to have been awarded at least one penalty. This was from an incident when the game was only three minutes old. Chedgzoy certainly did not look like scoring when he went through, but there can be no question about England throwing his hip across the winger and stopping him long enough to allow the ball to go out of play. Cock was also brought down in the second half, but it looked as though Cresswell had slipped when making his tackle. Cock was the mainspring of Everton’s attack, and all too frequently he was left ploughing a lonely furrow because Irvine and Chadwick were lagging behind. Clunas gave Troup no room to operate, while, well as Chedgzoy played, England’s tackles were too quick for him, and his centres were not played placed so well as usual. If not so dominating as McBain might have been, Reid played creditably, and got good assistance from Hart, who generally had the Buchan-Grimshaw wing in subjection. Raitt played a hard game, and Fern’s only mistake was in staying at home when Ellis advanced to score the second goal. While the first half was fairly even, Sunderland’s superiority was most pronounced later. Hawes beautifully placed a shot into the net after twenty-one minutes, and three minutes from the interval Ellis beat the field almost from the half-way line and scored when Fern should have left his goal. Everton’s nearest approach to a goal was a fast shot by Cock, who, in the second half, also hit the post. Hawes got another fine goal off his head five minutes from the end.

EVERTON CHANGES.
January 3, 1924. The Daily Courier.
Two important changes are notified in the Everton team to meet Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Saturday. Fern in goal is deposed in favour of Harland, who this comes into the premier team for the first time since his serious injury at Chelsea last February. McDonald displaces Raitt at right back, and the team is therefore Harland, MCDonald, Livingstone, Brown, Reid, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup.

EVERTON MAKE CHANGES
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 3, 1924
EVERTON’S WEAKNESS
Bee’s Notes
The contention that a classical side in football is rarely concerned in many goal-scoring feats is well emphasised by the Everton team, say “Blue Band.” I place them on a parity with Newcastle United in this respect. The team plays exceptionally fine football, but it is only on rare occasions that they score more than one or two goals. This being the case, it is of vital importance that the goals against should be kept down. Everton’s defence is not in keeping with the other part of the team, and it seems to me that the “halves” are being over-worked each week. I witnessed the Bolton game last week, and never wish to see a finer display than that given by Finney. Surely there must be more men of his type available.
DIRECTORS MAKE CHANGES
It is common ground that Everton are playing attractive football. All the world is now recognising this, and when one talks of the defence it is necessary to remind readers that there is a point that is apt to be overlooked, namely, that the half back line, as a line, plays very well up the field, and any time they lose the ball there is a sudden and always dangerous breakaway by the opposition. It was so when Buchan and company waited to snips, and I reckon Sunderland won their game here through tactical hanging on for the loose ball that would sure to come their way. It means that when the opposition break through they have backs to face, plus a goalkeeper, and there are about five men to beat the defenders. This fact should be borne in mind. However, when the Everton directors met last night they decided to rest Fern, bringing in Harland, whose first appearance it is with the first team since his extraordinary accident at Chelsea’s ground, and they further decided that McDonald should return, vice Raitt.
Saturday’s “Football Echo,” by the way, will show Lacey together with some old-time internationals of local memory. The association of Lacey with the veterans of the game will rather startle those who forget that the Irishman came here as a mere boy of seventeen years of age. Billy Brown, the Everton player, came here just prior to the war, when he was sixteen. We must not forget these things, or we shall make the player named as old as I am!
BOLTON MAKE NO TEAM CHANGE AGAINST EVERTON
Against Everton on Saturday Bolton Wanderers will field the same team that won a week ago against the Merseysiders.

EVERTON REVENGE?
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 4, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Everton have the visit of Bolton to-morrow at Goodison Park; and Bolton, as Cup winners, would be a big attraction; but when we remember the appearance of Davie, Jack, Finney, whom we look upon as a local -he is running hard for international eyes- Joe Smith and Vizard (still a wing with twinkle in every movement and a finishing punch by Joe). J.R. Smith, holder of two Cup medals (Wembley and Scottish), not to mention Seddon a relative of Eph. Longworth, by the way- you see the Bolton attraction becomes a live matter. Everton have had a rough passage, and they have been so near “on form,” yet so far from moving up lately, that people have begun to think the team was fading out. It is but a temporary loss, and I am sure they will return shortly. It will need nothing short of their very best to beat Bolton, because, although Birmingham drew with the Wanderers a few days ago, Bolton have risen to high position and have some startling results to their name. there should be plenty of football “meat” in this game, and many will be anxious to see Harland’s reappearance in goal; also Jock McDonald’s reappearance in the defence. Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Howarth, Finney; Longworth, Seddon, Jennings; Butler, Jack, J.R. Smith, J. Smith, Vizard.
LANCASHIRE CAPTAIN AGAIN
MR. J. SHARP INVITED TO ACT FOR JUBILEE YEAR
It was unanimously decided at the ground meeting of the Lancashire County Cricket Club, to-day, to invite Mr. J. Sharp to again skipper the county side for the coming season.

MY FOOTBALL CAREER
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 05 January 1924
 HOW EARLY AMBITIONS AND STRIVINGS SHOULD INSPIRE OTHERS. By JACK COCK
(Everton's Famous International).
I have been invited to write the story of my football career, and to give my views and opinions upon various matters that have and still are disturbing the none too placid waters of the football world. It is pleasure to respond. There was time own life when I used to read every line that set eyes on, so long those lines were about the game of football, and it may be that perhaps what I shall write will have appeal to many youngsters to-day, just as older readers will be interested in learning what I think about more controversial matters than how to set on in football. There never was a time the whole history of football when junior players of youth and a fair degree of talent had such splendid opportunities for rising great heights in first-class football. There is constant cry for new players, and every hamlet is searched for promising players. When such a state of affairs exists it is rather surprising to find young players who bemoan their luck. Every season that comes round will find every club manager besieged by dozens—even hundreds—of local lads who wish to have trial with their favourite club. Every lad believes he can make good and make 9 name a household word in a short space of time. Yet it must be placed on record that there are very, very few youths who enter football through the ever-open August trial game door,  far the greater percentage get their first real chance through being by a club agent, and the first real thing the youngster knows about the whole affair is when he is asked if he willing sign a professional form. I don t pretend to know why these trial games do not year in and year out bring forth many talented youngsters. Perhaps they are too haphazard affairs; they are often rushed through. Sometimes there are so many lads waiting for turn '"to show what they can do" that trial games of minutes duration are the rule, one after the other, and that is no period in which to tell whether a voungster has the makings of a first-class player. l am not running the trial game idea down: local talent should be encouraged for all it worth, but I do say to the aspiring youngster that he must not think, if he takes part in such a trial, that he will be signed on right away. Nor do I think juniors are well advised to stand in a bier queue in this fashion. I' talented youngster will bide his time, and will content to do his best week after week in his own junior class, will in time have the club agents his track. I make my own case as a demonstrative instance. I was born in Cornwall, the most southerly County in England, where one seldom hears the big noise of the first-class football world, yet where football is played with intense enthusiasm. I saw the light day a little township named Hoyle, and though I spent some my boyhood years in London, and was first thrilled with the idea of becoming professional footballer when I had experienced the joys, selling chocolates on the Fulham ground at Craven Cottage, father's work took him ,back to Cornwall—-to Camborne, in fact—and once when in my early teens, I seemed to be off the map far as my ambition was concerned. ft all through that long period at Camborne stuck my idea. I played in local football, and soon had a reputation for being the "boy marvel" in the district. Then it, came about that family left Cornwall for good, and once again settled the Fulham district of the great Metropolis. I was not long before enthusiasm for football broke out. I helped to form club known as West Kensington United, which played on the Wormwood Scrubs, and later had hand in the formation of another club which we called Castlenau Ignited, and which, to our delight was allowed to become a member of the Hammersmith League.
No Big Jump to Fame.
I relate all this just to show how the football ladder has to be climbed slowly step by step. The big jumps into fame do not come until a full apprenticeship has been served. About this time I was working at Lyons Cafes, and it was because one of our foreman played for the Forest Gate Club that I took a step higher in the football ladder. My first game in this team was a huge success, so much so that I became a regular member of the side. In fact, I won my first football medal that year, for the Forest Gate club won the East Ham Charity Cup. Later still found me working Gwynnes Ironworks at Hammersmith, and it was whilst there I became an Old Kingstonian. My uncle introduced the Old officials, and though I had to wait in some little suspense for time-—it was Christmas when I joined the club—l managed to the regular centre forward before that season had ended. And here is where chance took a hand in the game of my football career. Season 1913-14 was momentous one for me. I assisted the Old Kingstonian? to win two cups, played a short spell an amateur for Brentford, and before the season closed had been signed a professional by Hudderefield Town. It all happened because had constantly strived to do best with my own junior club, and because a man who worked the same iron foundry myself happened to have some sort of connection with the Brentford club. He may have been a "shout," I do not really know. What  is that is I shown good enough form with the Kingston to warrant his suggesting to the Brentford club that I should have a trial game. My first game in first-class football (if it may be termed such) was with Brentford Reserves against Millwall Reserves—or rather that ought to have been my first game. It all happened with terrible suddenness. I had gone down to Griffin Park with the idea of playing with Brentford Reserves. The first team was in South Wales, due to play Aberdare. Before realised what was happening a telegram had been, thrust into my hand by my workman friend with the excited words, ''Here you are, Cock.
A chance of a lifetime."
That telegram asked me to go  to Wales immediately to play against Aberdare. It was still morning, and I had just half an hour in which to get to Paddington Station, and catch the train for Wales. That was how I got my feet on the ladder of football fame, and I think, having risen to international fame and having won a reputation a goal-getter in the highest class of football, I can claim that I have never had it off since. But here's the point. I didn't stand in any waiting queue asking for a chance. I kept playing junior football, realising even in those early days of my life that if a lad has talent and the determination to keep on doing his best he will surely get his chance. That is why I give all juniors the advice. Stick in and do your best for your junior club, and never lose heart. The big clubs are too anxious not to miss clever young players ever to miss you have the talent.

BLUES PLAY SIX INTERNATIONALS.
January 5, 1924. The Daily Courier.
ALL OUT TO BEAT BOLTON.
The visit of the Cup-holders to Goodison Park should prove a great attraction, more especially as Everton will be all out to avenge their unlucky defeat at Burnden Park last Saturday. It will be a rare game to watch. It was obvious after the Sunderland match that "alterations and repairs" would have to be undertaken at once to put the Blues' house in order. Thus, it was no great shock to find Harland given his chance in goal after an absence from the first team of nearly a year. The Irishman will be highly tested, but the men in front have confidence in him and that means a lot. With McDonald resuming at right back the defence should show the improvement for which supporters are clamouring. McBain is being kept for the Cup-tie against Preston, but David Reid is a most satisfactory substitute and is at the top of his form. It is up to the forwards to apply just those finishing touches to wonderful midfield work which spells goals and points, and it is a fact not to be overlooked that their atrocious luck must take a turn some time or other. So why not today? Bolton will have Seddon back at centre half, and field their strongest available eleven. If Finney plays up to the form he showed last Saturday there will be more heartburning than ever locally that he was allowed to shine on other fields than Goodison and Anfield. Teams, Everton, Harland, McDonald, Livingstone, Brown, Reid, Hart, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Bolton Wanderers, Pym, Howarth, Finney, Longsworth, Seddon, Jennings, Butler, D. Jack, JR Smith, Joe Smith, and Vizard.

P. GORDON’S REPLAY
The Liverpool Football Echo- January 5, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Mr. P. Gordon sends the following engrossing reply to Mr. Stud Marks; With reference to paragraph re the ’93 match -Everton v. Preston-your memory errs in one particular. We, as you say, played three times in the semi-final against Preston in 1893, but the winning goal at Blackburn was scored by the undersigned. Edgar Chadwick, I think, took the corner kick and I headed it through. This happened four minutes from time. Pardon me for drawing your attention to your slight lapse, which is quite excusable after thirty years. With best wishes for the New year, and also the best for the “Echo,” I am, Yours sincerely, P. Gordon.
P.S.- After scoring the goal, I could tell you what Trainer (P.N.E. goalie) said to me- but I dare not!

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 5, 1924
By Louis T, Kelly

• The Blues have certainly bumped into awkward adversaries during the holidays.
• Curiously enough, they and Preston- their Cut-tie opponents of a week hence- were the only First Division members that failed to earn a single point from their Christmas to New Year programmes.
• Of course, Everton played well enough to have beaten Sunderland at home nine time out of ten. But at Roker and Burden they appear to have been fairly well mastered- as will most teams. Yet Everton have somewhat not infrequently shown an inability to withstand sustained pressure this season.
• Fact is, Everton have been so busy attacking in the majority of their matches, with full backs located near the half-way line that the enemy periodically “get in” with those menacing breakaways. Hard luck!
• McBain’s Christmas Day mishap was a blow to the Blues, for the best was needed to stem the torrent at Roker and Burnden.
• The present season is showing us some very promising referees, and a year hence we are likely to find that the official League list will be quite up to “standard” requirements.
• Everton have called on nineteen League team players to date.
• It’s quite unfathomable why Everton, with such capable reserve, are so moderately placed on the Central League table
• Everton came within an ace of being fined £100 for being unable to field eleven players at Burnden Park on Saturday!
• What with fog and holiday train dislocations the man in charge of a travelling team has a worrying job at this period of the season.
• Stan Davies has figured at centre-forward, inside right and finally outside right in his last few matches with the Albion, whose form is a big blow to Bassett and Co after the brilliant way in which their season opened.
• Stan, by the way, hasn’t found the net for the Throstles since early October -a matter of three months.
• The three men have captained the Sunderland side this season -Buchan, parker and now Cresswell.
• Ellis, who did most of the damage in both the Everton matches, only came to the fore for Sunderland three years ago.
• Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham, Everton, Manchester City and West Ham have escaped any penalty kick inflictions this season.

MORE MEMORIES -WITH PRESENT DAY LINKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 5, 1924
The following international grouping is of a quite an uncommon character. We are giving these old-time groups because they arouse such memories to the older generation of readers. Our good colleague “MacZ,” writes; “Please do not give any more of the dear old friends of football. It makes oneself feel so terribly old when you publish the old team-groups.” I quite agree (writes “Bee”), yet I am sure the combination we give to-day will appeal to old and young. It is a grouping of international players of the local clubs in the year 1913-14. The appearance of Lacey in such a group reminds us that he is still a young striping of a lad; while Jefferis is still playing hard football for Southport and Mr. Jack Sharp has since those days become a director of Everton F.C. Val Harris tells me, is still playing for Dublin Shelbourne, although he must be full forty years of age, while Harry Makepeace is on the staff of the Goodison Park club. Jack Parkinson is a professor-newsagent, a rare worker here on the field, and Houston is still playing, whereas Ernie Peake has given up and gone in for managership. The only other member not mentioned is Jack Taylor, who captained Everton when they won the Cup in 1906. It is a long time since the initial Cup victory to a city club came upon us. Long overdue is the reappearance of the trophy. Shall we say this year, Everton and Liverpool? Any to come, glad of it!

BOLTON AND EVERTON DISAPPOINT
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 5, 1924
LACK OF FINISH AT GOODISON PARK AND A PENALTY KICK THROUGH PROTESTS
“BEE’S” COMMENTS
A DRAWN GAME 2-2
Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Bolton Wanderers; Pym; Howarth, Finney; Longworth, Seddon, Jennings; Butler, Jack, J.R. Smith, J. Smith, Vizard.
Everton brought back Harland and McDonald to-day for the game against Bolton, this being Harland’s first appearance in the side since he played at Chelsea and was left unconscious for weeks on end. McDonald appeared vice Raitt-this being his first run since his broken nose incident at West Bromwich. Bolton, having won last week, left well alone.  Everton lost the toss and hoped to win the game, and they would have been near their objective if Cock had shot instead of passing the ball towards the right-hand side. The home centre was so close in that in spite of his angle position, it seemed that only a shot suited the occasion. A moment later Hart, some distance out, hit a smashing drive that was barely above the bar.
ACUTE WANDERERS
Hart’s effort seemed to suggest “business only meant.” The ground was in a nice condition, and McDonald early on showed that he had lost nothing of his old-fashioned punch. Livingstone, too, did some pretty work in defence, and it is worthy of attention that while the Everton forwards were caught in the offside net, Bolton were cuter, and when Butler centred, he was well on side, and his centre was headed heftily by J.R. Smith, the ball travelling about a yard out. There was splendid combination, and in some of it Brown and Irvine appeared, the result being that Chedgzoy had a clear field. Unfortunately, he pushed the ball too far up, and the chance came undone. Bolton were as good as their rivals in the early stages, and while J.R. Smith was again a shade out with a header from Butler, J. Smith, making a first time drive, found the ball swung over the bar. The old Dudley man is still one of the strongest shots in the land. Play in the first quarter was below standard, the reason being that with all the trickery shown there was not a shot for either goalkeeper to handle. Chedgzoy, Cock, and Troup combined together, for instance, and Chadwick wound up weakly.
TAKEN IN THE ACT.
Then Livingstone attempted a risky dribble which Butler nearly collared, and later Vizard was surprised “in the act,” McDonald running from behind and catching him unexpectedly, while Chedgzoy, who damaged his knee, also surprised the Bolton left wing by his help and enterprise. Everton’s camp looked black when Jack, onside when the ball was last played, went zig-zag down the middle of the field to do his Wembley act, but he was nipped in the penalty area.
SURPRISE GOAL BY IRVINE
Reid stopped J.R. Smith about the same spot, and it was something of a surprise when, after eighteen minutes, Irvine scored. A corner had come to the right wing, and, after Chedgzoy had centred, the ball went out to Troup, who passed in to the front of goal, where there was still a crowd of players. Irvine, remarkable to relate, was the one man unmarked, and even he took a liberty, for he turned the ball to the right before he shot from close in to the extreme left-hand side. The most noteworthy incident for some time was the leave-taking of J. Cock, who had his neither garments rent asunder. Just before he left the Bolton defence was not too secure, as Finney and Pym had a misunderstanding, and the goal was in jeopardy. Finney, you may remember, is the old South Liverpool player of war-time service who was wanted by Everton when he left New Brighton.
HARLAND SAVES FINELY
Irvine twice came near increasing his goal account, and Jennings made a bad pass that might have brought trouble. Bolton’s nearest approach to an equaliser arose when a foul for hands against brown led to Jack heading the ball over to J. Smith. The latter got his well-known left foot to a first time shot and Harland made a wonderful save. Some idea of the strength of the shot may be gained by the noise made against the boot and by the way the ball spun round the post for a corner. Chadwick made one strong and swift rush, and when the referee pulled up Cock for offside there were four men to prove the referee wrong. Chedgzoy pushed the ball up to Irvine, who tried to score again at the identical spot at which he got his first goal, but this time the ball was inches off its mark. A similar remark applies to J. R. Smith’s shot and the crossbar, and Bolton in this instance claimed that McDonald handled the ball in the penalty area. Whereas Everton’s half-backs were as strong as usual, Hart in particular, Bolton were below their normal form, Seddon, who had injured his left thigh, being quite unlike his usual dominating self.
Half-time.- Everton 1, Bolton nil.
The second half started in much the same way as the first, with plenty of threat and no real danger. Butler, for instance, wasted a ball when he centred far too loose to Harland, the ball resting on the crossbar. He seemed to feel his mistake, and when Joe Smith made a severely practical centre, Butler hit a low drive to the foot of the post. However, it was seen that Harland had his foot against the corner of the goal, therefore a goal could not have come in any case. Bolton were making a much better fight now, and Pym was unemployed. There was a time when McDonald passed back with severe pace, and Harland could not save the corner that came from it. Butler was unable to take the corner through a strained left thigh.
A CUP-TIE MEMO
At this moment the news went round the ground that Preston were winning 4-0 against Burnley, and in view of the Cup-tie here next week with Preston North End the score had a significant ring about it. Just under the hour Bolton equalised through J. Smith, who had been really unlucky with some of his shots, but he will never get a more remarkable presentation than that which he utilised. Hart had an easy chance, and had actually Jack when the ball cannoned off Hart’s foot, and Jack was left with a surprise opening. He centred, and J. Smith did the rest in his own swift manner.
STORY OF A PENALTY
This was a surprise, but a greater surprise followed, because Everton got a penalty kick against someone for hands, and the referee absolutely ignored Troup, who had centred, to lead to the handling incident, and it was only when the Everton men surrounded him and made a debate of the business that the referee decided to call in the view of the linesmen. This view was favourable, and Chadwick took the spot kick accurately, but without his usual strength, and Pym was more surprised than one could imagine by the way the ball went past him not half a yard away from his foot. After this Butler left the field, and Livingstone was knocked out, and Troup made an enlivening run that was on a par with most of the work to-day, being that it lacked finish. Jack scored for Bolton after 87 minutes.
A THRILLING ENDING
The game had a sensational termination. McDonald bored on Vizard, but could not quite stop him, and when Everton were arguing the ball was over the line, Vizard centred, and Jack’s great height enabled him to squeeze the ball between Harland and the full-back. Considering Bolton had only ten men they had fought a gallant fight. Final; Everton 2, Bolton 2.

EVERTON 2 BOLTON WANDERERS 2
January 7, 1924. The Daily Courier. NEITHER SIDE LOST AT GOODISON.
BLUES AND BOLTON FAIL TO IMPRESS
By Adams.
Everton did not win and Bolton Wanderers failed to lose. This, I think, sums up the game at Goodison Park, but I can imagine that after the match was over there were twenty-two disappointed faces –eleven in each dressing room –and conversation harping on the phrase, "Well, of all the –(?). There was a lack of finish to the efforts of both sides and far too much volleying by the backs. This placed the contest in a much lower category of excellence than the match at Burnden Park, which was played under very much worse conditions, and there have been several better exhibitions of football at Goodison this season. Possibly the teams had in their minds' eye the imminence of the first round of the Cup next Saturday, although it must be said both sides worked hard throughout.
"UNSATISFACTOORY."
It was what might be described as an "unsatisfactory" game. To begin with Cock muffed a ridiculously easy chance in the first minute by passing when he ought to have shot. Therefore Bolton were as good as their opponents for a quarter of an hour or thereabouts, when Irvine from Troup's centre beat Pym from an unchallenged position, Finney and Jennings made mistakes which created dangerous situations and once Cock was pulled up for offside with a quartette of defenders in front of him. This was after Joe Smith had put in a dazzling left-footer which Harland saved splendidly. Just before the interval Bolton appealed for a penalty for handling by McDonald, which the referee did not see.
OVER THE LINE.
The Wanderers equaliser was a positive gift for Hart allowed himself to be dispossessed by Jack whose centre to Joe Smith was eagerly welcomed by the skipper and promptly sent into the ringing. In a few minutes Everton were ahead again through a penalty about which was some doubt. Who handled the ball in " the box." It might have been Howarth, but there was a mass meeting of players on the point and the referee had to consult a linesman before he awarded the penalty kick , which Chadwick converted. (Troup cross-Echo). If this goal was unpalatable to Bolton the second equaliser was nauseating to Everton, for with all deference to the referee, there can be no doubt whatever that when Vizard lobbed the ball across the goalmouth for Jack to score, he was at least a foot over the line to the left of the post. The left winger has good cause to remember his kick against the Blues this season. Neither Seddon nor Finney played up to form for the visitors, for whom Butler did well until he left the field injured in the second half. Vizard was inconsistent, Joe Smith as opportune as ever, and Jack, as enigmatical. John Smith was never in the picture, and this was due in great measure to the brilliance of David Reid, who was the best man on the field. Everton are indeed fortunate in having such an understudy to Neil McBain. Hart worked and tackled heroically, but I have seen Brown play better. McDonald was an improvement on Raitt, but Harland had so little to do that comparison with fern would be unfair to both. Livingstone took risks and kicked hefty. The forwards were good and bad in spasms, and all of them failed to crown the intricate and bewildering interpassing movements which are at once the joy and despair of the club's supporters. Teams : - Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, Reid, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Bolton Wanderers: - Pym, goal, Howarth, and Finney, backs, Longsworth Seddon, and Jennings, half-backs, Butler, Jack, Smith (JR), Smith (J) (captain), and Vizard, forwards.

WEARSIDE PRAISE FOR EVERTON.
January 8, 1924. The Daily Courier.
Good sportsmanship and good temper run together. The Everton game was as pleasant a contest as one could wish to see says the Sunderland Football Echo, and quite a lot of Sunderland's supporters were rather sorry that Everton did not get a goal to compensate them for their clever play and their clean tactics. Indeed, both sides deserve complimenting on their thoroughly sporting display, and I doubt whether Mr. C. E. Lines will have the pleasure of controlling this season a better game from this point of view. I though he made a mistake in not admitting Everton's claim for a penalty against England early in the game, but he is a very sound official on his two games.

“STAND!”
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, January 8, 1924
Bee’s Notes
I have had a complaint from a friend, who must realise the value of standing when anything vital is being taken, for he says that when Chadwick was taking the penalty kick on Saturday at Everton a chocolate boy was walking around the back of the goal. It seems a simple nothing, but to those who know the value of keeping the eye on the ball the matter is a very important one, and chocolate boys and others should keep still, otherwise the view of a shooter is disturbed. The movement of an outside agent is very disturbing, and while we recognise that the boy has his wares to sell, he has plenty of scope out of the region of the goal.
The visit of Preston North End is creating a lot of talk, consequent upon the victory of North End last week. It is splendid news that McBain is ready for service, well as Davie Reid has played I am particularly happy to state that, through the kindness of friend Gore. I am going to give in the “Football Echo” photographs of the Everton and Preston sides of 37 years ago. In view of the teams meeting together on Saturday, the picture becomes doubly interesting.
EVERTON ATTENDANCE FIGURES
Everton attendances are an engaging thing because there has been a replayed cup final there. Goodison Park houses their attendances as well and as better than nearly every one of the grounds in the land. The covered accommodation is larger than most, and that fact alone is productive of many a big crowd that would otherwise not attend to risk all weathers. Here are some facts worth special notice. Against Sunderland, on Boxing Day, Everton took £3,319 from 51,380 spectators and the Newcastle-Barnsley gate final tie was £4,130 from 57,000 spectators. Against Newcastle, in 1920, there were special prices, and the receipts were £4,967 from 54,673 spectators. Against Liverpool, in 1920, 55,481 spectators subscribed £3,551. Money talks!

EVERTON ARRANGEMENTS
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 9, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Tie with Preston at Goodison Park is going to be lively. Let me first tell you of our good old friend, once “courted” by the Anfield club, Joe McCall, who has been resurrected and is playing as well as ever he did-in fact one follower of the side tells me he is “still the best centre half-back in the country.” Joe McCall gave a grand display against Burnley, and what big Hill, ex-Plymouth, said about his game is worth noting. He said;-
   “It is an education to see Joe McCall play, anyone coming from a new division and seeing him, learns how the game should be played. I have never seen play so instructing. It is educating to simply watch him play. That is high praise, but we know our Joe and his style. The wonder is that this egg-merchant can find stamina to carry him through. Everton have decided to bring in McBain, now fit, and therefore there is a welcome ring of confidence about the side. They played Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup.
Thus there is only one alteration-at the pivotal position. Although North End have not yet chosen their side, I am able to divine what will happen. This is the eleven that will appear at Goodison Park; Branston; Hamilton, Yates; Mercer, McCall, Crawford; Woodhouse, Rawlings, Roberts, Ferris and Harrison. It is the fact that North End have never had such triangular work as that which has just been developed by the former Everton player- Harrison, who with Crawford and Ferris has made a trinity scheme that is doing famously.
Only one small block of seats (numbering 230) has been booked at Everton. There are no more bookings until at the “gate” on Saturday, when 12,000 seats can be had on entering the ground.
THE DEBATABLE GOAL
It is not my desire to hark back to the Everton debates on Saturday last. Whether the ball was or was not over the line, the goal has been given, and it counts to the extent of producing a point to Bolton. But I must, in fairness to the home club, give the view offered by a dear old sporting friend, Jno. L., writes;-
I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that the ball was over the line when Bolton scored the last goal. I was leaving the ground from the Bullens road side and seeing the Wanderers racing up I paused a moment, near the exit, and was in a position to see all that happened, and have not the remotest doubt about the matter.
Edge-hill Congregational P.S.A Football Sunday is on February 3. I am confident that the meeting will be a huge success, as the chairman is Mr. T. Bromilow (Liverpool’s half-back) speaker, Mr. W.R. Clayton, Everton F.C and ex-chairman (subject, “Sport and Character”: musical items by “Studmarks” (“Football Echo”). Mr. Louis T. Kelly and Miss Milba Kelly.

LOCALLY
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 11 1924
Bee’s Notes
There were two games on the local grounds some years ago, when snow proved the barrier. That day Everton were hard-pressed to know how to stop Stockport from running away with the game. It is strange that the first time the pair are both drawn at home again there should be a snowfall. But really the players are glad of this snow, for they hate ice-turf. Arctic conditions mean the very worst of jarred arms, broken bones, and scrapes. The snowfall softened the turf-may the process continue. In any case we may expect many fine games much rousing enthusiasm and surprise results. I have given out my opinion that I think draws will be comparatively few, and I may add that I think goals will be very numerous. Let is hope there is a good number on the Everton and Liverpool roll to-morrow night, when you take up your usual choice, the “Football Echo”. Everton v. Preston is one of those unusual meetings that could create all sorts of surprises, the reason being that though the sides have been alongside each other for generations they have not met for nigh thirty years. With McCall playing as pivot Preston might have made an away draw, but without McCall Preston are like sheep without a shepherd. It is certain that the forwards upon whom Everton must concentrate are Tom Roberts, the goal-getter and Rawlings and Harrison, each having a big stride and a definite move towards goal. I don’t think Ferris, the Irish international, will have his own way this week.
   More than all, I do not fancy the North End half-backs.
  Everton’s forwards should have the gala day if they push home their work.
Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Preston North End; Branston; Hamilton, Yates; Mercer, Crawford; Woodhouse, Rawlings, Roberts, Ferris, Harrison.

EVERTON VETERAN
January 12, 1924. The Daily Courier.
Macconnachie the old Everton footballer, has joined Foleshill Great and Heath, a Birmingham Combination club, and will appear against Athershore tomorrow. After playing thirteen seasons for Everton, Macconnachie was transferred to Swindon, where he remained two years, leaving to take up a position as coach at Stockholm.

MY FOOTBALL CAREER
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 12 January 1924
WAR-TIME DAYS WITH BRENTFORD, AND TRANSFER TO CHELSEA.
By JACK COCK.
Last week I told how I came to sign amateur forms for Brentford, and how I had first chance in first-class football much sooner than I had anticipated. That season matters developed fast and furiously for me, for, before the campaign had finished, Huddersfield Town had taken a fancy to me and persuaded to sign professional forms for them. That was in the season before the world was thrown into that terrible five years' conflict which gripped most of the nations of the earth in its toils. I, along with millions of other young men, had to give up the playing fields for the battlefields. I had a hard life in France, and, as I won the Military Medal, can say that the sportsmanship which football breeds helped me along. Footballers came to the aid of the Mother Country with a fine spirit of patriotism, and I have always been proud to think that I embraced a profession where such men were to be found and could be called colleagues. War-time football saw me taking a pretty fair part. I was stationed in London when not in France, and there I played for my first love, Brentford, a club which came to win the highest honours in the London Combination games during the time League football was in abeyance. I scored a whole heap of goals for that club, and I believe it was because of my success in those games that afterwards became a Chelsea player. At least, League football had no sooner restarted than Chelsea made bid for transfer. Huddersfield Town were then- October, 1919— not the power in the lane they are to-day. They had financial troubles may remembered that shortly after I had left them they had short, sharp fight for their very existence. To me, the rise of Huddersfield Town since the war present: one of the greatest romances of football history. My own feelings at figuring in "big' transfer were not mixed. My wife had not enjoyed good health in Yorkshire, and that alone would have influenced me to leaving Huddersfield. There was another reason however. The Town were in great financial difficulties, and I knew that by consenting to the transfer I would be falling in with their wishes, for the cheque of £2,500 which Chelsea paid them for my services was a real fortune for them at the time. When I reached Stamford Bridge I found the Chelsea club in somewhat parlous plight. The relegation bogey hung over them, and I knew that I had taken over great responsibility. My first match was on November 1st, 1919, at Stamford Bridge. I realised I was to either be a Guy Fawkes for the crowd or a hero and I determined to do my best to enter the second category, for, after all, no player likes to fail. Happily, I gave a pretty bright display and managed to get two goals, which was good enough start in all conscience As a matter of fact I have always liked to get off the mark well, and when I transferred later to Everton I managed to do the same thing, scoring a goal in my first game for present club. I experiences with Chelsea were varied In my first campaign with them I scored I7 goals in 27 games, being the chief marksman. Those goals materially helped the club retain their First Division status and they must have brought me a reputatior in another direction, for that season I was capped against Scotland and Ireland.
Reason of Further Transfer.
If there is one game which will always stand out in my memory and in the memories of those who were present, it was that International with Scotland at Hillsborough in April, 1920. England managed to win the odd goal in nine, after one of the most strenuous and exciting contests I have ever seen or taken part in. The Hillsborough ground was in terrible condition that day. There were numerous "small ponds" dotted here and there, and when the ball landed plonk in the centre of one the water would scatter and splash us all up. Yet the critics have declared that seldom has such scientific football been seen that occasion.
My present colleague, Alex Troupe, played in that match; he and Jock Paterson, now of Sunderland, were a ''scratch" wing pair, but they gave a brilliant exposition, and Andy Ducat had the time of his life trying to hold them. My part in the contest was to score two goals, that I was quite happy with my lot. If anything, this game caused me to become an even more marked man than previously. At any rate, while I maintained my position as Chelsea's chief marksman for two more seasons, I never achieved many League goals in my first season with them. Injuries, too, came along, and there came a time when I was not happy with the Pensioners. I liked London well enough, but the fact of the matter was that I was losing my football with them, and when a man beomes to such a realisation it high time he packed his grip and hiked himself off to other club where thinks his talents will find greater scope. That was how I came to be transferred to Everton in January of last year. That I had done the right thing I amply proved scoring nine goals in 15 League games that season for Everton. This is an average which takes a lot of maintaining in First Division football, but as it included hat trick against Middlesbrough, where the great Andy Wilson then was, was quite content with my success.. I have been happy at Goodison. We have grand lot of "pals," and the team spirit, which is very necessary if success is to be achieved in football, is there with vengeance. You would take us for lot happy schoolboys could see together sometimes, and when you get players like that you will generally find that, they can do things on the field. Everton aren't having the best of luck these days, or we should have been much higher in the table. I wonder how many football enthusiasts when they attend matches, realise how much luck enters into the game . There are days when everything off, when every shot you take at goal right on the target, and when goals seem to the simplest things in the world to get. Then comes the reverse side of the picture. You get days when, try you will, nothing goes right. You may shoot better yet not score, and you disappoint your followers became of it. The players are all the time wishing they could now have one or two the goals they got that day when avervthing went swimmingly But they can't; they have to keep cn doggedly, hoping and striving for the best. sometimes wish the crowds would realise these things, and give the players wee bit sympathy instead of the usual hard knocks.

EVERTON’S BOY-SCOUT MOVEMENT
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 12, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Everton, too, are out and about for the purpose of strengthening their side. It has been said from Ireland that they cry after a centre-forward from there, but Ireland has outrageous ideas of fees for juniors. It is also said that Harland’s brother, a forward -left winger-may be signed by Everton. Wolverhampton, Bradford and Sheffield United’s ground have been watched within recent days, so we may expect some news from Everton before very long.

HOW TO TAKE PENALTIES
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 12, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Possibly some readers of these notes will remember Jacky Kirwan, who at once time played for Southport and afterwards went to Everton and Preston (writes my Southport correspondent). During the war Jacky returned to Southport from London, where Zeppelins were making unacceptable gifts of bombs. Jacky wanted his wife and family out of the way of these friendly visitors. He was not a pal of some members of the expected new Government, although he is Scotch. The writer of these notes met Jacky outside a Southport house one night. Jacky had not the least idea where he could find apartments, but he was “put on to” a good house. He brought his wife and family to it, and they lived there happily ever after, until Southport Vulcan F C became a thing of the past, and he vanished without having troubled the Germans or Turks or anybody else, except the people who thought he could train Southport Vulcan to beat Everton and Liverpool and all the clubs which kept the game alive when other footballers were getting killed from the same purpose. Kirwan was rather a dab hand at penalty kicks while he was Southport. The writer once asked him the secret of his success. “Oh,” he replied, in quite a casual way, “I just look at the goalkeeper and let him think I am going to kick with my right foot; and then I tap the ball past him with my left foot. Sometimes I may reverse the process, but I could never see the sense of kicking like a mule, as some penalty takers do. It’s all done by kindness and codology.” Codem’s pills were alleged to be worth so much a box. Kirwan’s “cod” came off very frequently.
MACCONNACHIE STILL PLAYING
John MaConnachie, ex-Everton and Swindon an abroad, is now playing for Egleshill Club, near Coventry.
“DIXIE” DEAN
Mr. A. Davies (Claughton) writes- I notice in your report of the match between Tranmere Rovers and New Brighton you state that Dean came from Bebington, which is incorrect. Below I give Dixie Dean’s football career. Dixie first played for Laird-street Council Schools, Claughton, and also played for the town’s team. When he left school he played for Annandale for a part of a season and then joined Laird-street, a junior team in the Birkenhead League. Last and this season he joined Pensby, and while playing for this team was brought to the notice of the directors of Tranmere Rovers. He has signed as amateur for the Rovers and is only 16 years of age. He is the nephew of two famous old players of West Bromwich Albion Sam and Ralph Brett, who played about 20 years ago. Wishing him every success.

EVERTON WIN WITHOUT MUCH EFFORT
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 12, 1924
EVERTON WIN THROUGH
A GRAND GOAL BY COCK AND FURTHER COMTRIBUTIONS BY SAM CHEDGZOY. CHADWICK, & RAWLINGS
BEE’S REVIEW
EVERTON WIN 3-1
Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Preston North End; Branston; Hamilton, Yates; Mercer, Marshall, Crawford; Woodhouse, Rawlings, Roberts, Ferris, Harrison.
Everton were has selected, and North End had to had a deputy for Joe McCall- a great blow to their idea as first stated in our columns. Turf soft, attendance wonderful considering the match across the Park, probably 33,000 spectators, including Preston’s large following.
TWO IMPORTANT ITEMS
The demand for tramcars to Everton was so great that they had to switch over some Anfielders to do duty up to Walton. I learn that Joe Clennell, who is in the running for international caps this year, is leaving Liverpool and is opening an hotel at Cardiff. We shall miss him.
The attendance at the start was the best part of 30,000, and Harrison had a special cheer all for himself. Hart won the toss, and kicked towards the Aintree end. McDonald was soon engaged, and he got a big special when Referee Andrews gave a free kick against him, and Woodhouse headed outside. Marshall began with a miss kick, and Chadwick with a false pass. However Marshall improved to the extent of setting Harrison in motion. The danger soon passed, whereas when Everton did eventually get moving Irvine supplied Cock with a pass, Cock pushed out, but Chedgzoy, after a single effort at dribbling, made a fine centre and then turned the ball to the right hand side of the goal, where Branston made a brilliant save, although he had to concede a corner.
CHADWICK’S TACTICAL GOAL
Woodhouse hesitated to such an extent that eh turned all his good work of the left flank plus Roberts, the ball was kept on the ground and combination was the sole order. There were some curiosities in full-back play. Hamilton’s them tricked Troup cleverly, and in another moment McDonald took a divot, then pushed the ball straight up in the3 air and finally over-kicked his forwards. Some idea of the determination of Ferris can be taken from the fact that at one point Ferris was over at inside right, which is not so bad for an inside-left. Preston had apparently planned their campaign, for when a free kick was taken against them they lined up on the half-way line to try the excessive offside principle. When the game had been going eleven minutes Everton scored a goal through the following up tactics of Chadwick. The goal came from one of those peculiar little errors that threaten to spoil a goal. In this case, Chedgzoy trying to make a square centre, only turned the ball a couple of yards from the original position, and Brown running up centred so well that Chadwick was able to head the ball towards goal. It was a nice effort, yet it did not carry sufficient sting to suggest a goal, but as the ball fell Branston mishandled it and not only did he fall, but the ball might have gone in on its own without further touch. However, Chadwick the enthusiast and the leading goal-scorer of the side, ran up and scored a very popular goal.
NORTH END DEFENDING
An early goal in a Cup-tie is worth an appearance in the next round in 99 cases out of 100, and Everton having gained the lead, sought to make sure, and Troup put one to hand, McBain drove over, Chedgzoy made a centre, and Cock charged the goalkeeper fairly, so that a free kick should not arise, after which the Preston cross-bar was reached with a header, and Branston who had hurt his arm, had to make a good catch to secure the ball. Everton were in their brightest humour, and Preston could not stand to such attack. Harland was unemployed whereas Preston were saved by the angle of the bar when the Irishman drove in a beauty.
CHEDGZOY NOTCHES NO.2.
However, Everton got their second goal through Chedgzoy, who had been playing an unusual rousing game, and the whole of the work leading to the goal was of good standard from the start to the concluding point. Irvine, for instance, gave the half-back Crawford, a dummy, and looking to the left, he passed to the right. Chedgzoy skipped away like a hound from the leash, and when Hamilton crossed over to meet him he drove in a terrific ball that must have been enormously angled, yet found a home in the left-hand corner of the net. Irvine collided with Branston, and both looked very badly hurt, but Branston was able to resume in goal, although his neck and body were paining him.
Half-time; Everton 2, Preston North End nil.
INTERVAL COMMENTS
Everton had practically been on the attack the whole of the half, and McBain, Troup, Chedgzoy, and Cock had done particularly well. Harland had not had a single shot in 45 minutes. In fact, he walked up and down the goal to keep himself warm. The extent of Everton’s superiority can be gained therefrom.
RAWLINGS SCORES FOR PRESTON
Chedgzoy aroused the 30,000 spectators to a tremendous state of excitement. He went up the wing, and, dribbling to the left all the time, he eventually got for the second time in the match a left foot chance, and his drive went inches out of reckoning. The game then took a typical Cup-tie turn. Rawlings scored in two minutes, after Ferris had done good work, and after Livingstone, in trying to kick out, had passed the ball on to Woodhouse. Woodhouse centred and McDonald darted forward with his head, but missed the ball, and Rawlings had a nice chance, of which he made full use. This was a shock to Everton and made them centre upon first-time shooting. Cock tried one ball that went pretty well wide and there was a new spirit in the game now, because Preston had a chance of snatching an equaliser.
NORTH END MISS A CHANCE
Preston could have made an equaliser had Woodhouse taken an easy chance from Harrison after a linesman had signalled for offside and the referee had not noticed it. Woodhouse had a second chance even better, because when Harrison centred, Harland left his goal, partially pushed the ball away and Woodhouse was left with an open goal and fired over the abr. The gods do not forgive these mistakes. Fog descended over the ground, but although the view from the stand was poorish, the view on the actual playing space was probably easy. Preston now began to believe in themselves, and although they were as weak as ever in front of goal, still they had raised a doubt about the issue, and they went on with their effort to make a replay. McDonald in heading away was laid out, and Chedgzoy got one rap that hurt him very badly. Rawlings had rarely been seen, and now in the mist one saw him driving a ball to goal after the whistle had gone for off-side- so much waste energy. COCK GIVES 2-GOAL LEAD
Yates so far lost his head as to charge unnecessarily and foully, but Everton did not get their hand on a 2 goal lead from the free kick. McBain used the back-heel touch with good effect, and one time he applied such force that he sent the ball six yards or more. At last Everton again got a 2-goal lead, and it was as fine a goal as one could wish to see. It was a solo effort, single-handed, definite, and concluded with a shot, the like of which one rarely sees from Jack Cock. Harrison had just missed a ball that found touch, while McDonald was crying offside when the ball was put from the right area to the middle. Cock went ahead in his own, slipped the back, and with a beautiful left foot drive, put the ball well out of Branston’s reach in the corner of the net. This was one of Cock’s electric goals, and to my mind sounded the death-knell of Preston, even though Roberts went near with a first-time shot.
CONGRATULATIONS.
I wish to offer hearty congratulations to Everton upon their victory, which was gained more readily than the score suggests. Rawlings got a goal that upset their confidence for the moment, but in reality Harland had but two efforts to deal with and that last statement shows exactly the difference between the sides. McCall was sadly missed. Chedgzoy left the field hurt one minute before the finish. Official figures- Attendance, 33,000; gate receipts £2,255.
Final; Everton 3, Preston 1.

EVERTON 3 PRESTON NORTH END 1
January 14, 1924. The Daily Courier.
FA CUP ROUND ONE
EVERTON IN RARE FETTLE
PRESTON MANCEUVRED OUT OF THE CUP
By Adams.
Everton were full value for their win over Preston North End, and on the form displayed, may look forward with equaninity to the draw for the next round of the Cup-today. At no point of the game did Preston look like winning, and minus McCall, resembled "Hamlot" without the prince. It says something for their doggedness that the score against them was kept within reasonable limits, but they will be first to admit that fore and aft they met their masters. Perhaps the defeat may be a blessing in disguise, for the Deepdalians will now be able to concentrate on escaping relegation, and in their efforts they will have the best wishes of every one. BRANSTON'S HEADER.
Everton pressed almost continuously, and there were periods when Harland had to walk briskly up and down to keep himself warm. Their first goal was a curious one. Chedgzoy's centre went where it was not intended to, and Brown headed on to Chadwick, who shot, Branston made to stop it, but the bounce best him, and all he could do was to head the ball away. It went to Chadwick, who had followed up, and simply tapped it into the net. The second goal was a Chedgzoy special –a flashing run at top speed, a cut in, and a shot at an acute angle which Branston never touched. But possibly the third goal was the gem of all. It was certainly the best that Jack Cock has scored for the Blues. It was a solo affair, and he slipped between the backs at a great pace and finished with a left foot drive well out of the goakeeper's reach –a rare piece of trustful opportunism. Rawling's goal came from a miskick by Livingstone, which enabled Woodhouse to centre. McDonald rushed forward to head the ball, missed it and Rawlings was left with a sister. Just afterwards Woodhouse failed with an easy chance given him by the referee who overlooked the player's offside position, but these rallies on Preston's part soon fizzled out, and Everton were the dominant force to the end and were comfortable winners.
MEN WHO SHONE.
Hamilton played a fine game for the losers, but the intermediate line were never in the picture and one sympathised with Marshall who had a tremendous task in endeavouring to hold the home inside men. Harrison worked untiringly on the left wing but he was well looked after, and Fern was more or less ineffective. Roberts was held in a vice, and Woodhouse apart from an occasional burst never touched his best form. Every man on the winners' side played well, and the cup-tie of slinging the ball about was a success. Chedgzoy had a day out, and he and Irvine bustled the opposing defence unmereifully. Cock's goal was the deserved culmination of consistent excellence; Chadwick was as enterprising as ever, while Troup besides producing some new conjuring tricks, was as good a half-back as any of the three regulars. McBain's display was a treat to witness, but Hart and Brown were little, it anything, in ferior in their work. The backs volleyed and tackled enthusiastically, and Harland had a cheerful, if chilly, holiday. The refereeing was not particularly good. Gate and Money. 33,000 £2,255. Teams: - Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Preston North End: - Branston, goal, Hamilton, and Yates, backs, Mercer, Marshall, and Crawford, half-backs, Woodhouse, Rawlings, Roberts, Ferris, and Harrison, forwards.

BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 2
January 14, 1924. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Everton engagement with Birmingham at St. Andrews ended in a merited victory for the visitors by 2 goals to 1. Williams and Forbes scored clever goals for Everton while Harvey, a new player on trial from Kiveton Par, was successful for the home team. Although during the initial half the Everton defence survived many thrusful raids by the home forwards, there was no disputing the visitors superiority in the second half. The Everton wingers, Parry and Forbes often played the home defence in a tangle though under such difficulties Hunter and Samson rendered valuable work. Fern displayed his customary coolness in his clearances, and saved his line repeatedly. The visitors' midfield play was at times superb Peacock and Reid giving capital assistance to the forwards and being equally noticeable in destructive work.

EVERTON TOO CLEVER AND FAST A SIDE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Monday 14 January 1924
(By PERSKUS.”)
North End’s thrashing of Burnley raised hopes in regard to the Cup-tie that were fated not to be realised. In no sense were the Deepdale side even the ghosts of their selves of the week before, and long before the end of a game that put their football in a very drab light it was clear that they had finished with the national competition and all its works for another season. Whether that is a circumstance to repine over or accept with philosophy may be open to two opinions, but he would be a poor specimen of a sportsman who grudged Everton the reward of their superiority. I had heard a lot about the type of football that the latter have been playing all season, and it must be confessed that they largely bore out what one had been told. The only real basis of North End’s chance of victory was that Everton would find the rather exotic qualities of their style unsuited to the rougher usages of Cup-tie warfare. But this never happened, for they had power as well as skill, and as their opponents played far below what was legitimately expected of them the eventual issue was inevitable. How far McCall’s absence was responsible for North End’s poor showing can only be guessed at. I hesitate to suggest that had the veteran international been in his place, to stimulate and prompt the side by his unequalled artifice and experience, there might have been a different story to tell. That would be to saddle Marshall with all the responsibility for what was a general decline. At the same time it is no reflection upon the latter to say that he did not possess the genius of McCall. Few men have it, in any position. And it may be claimed justly, as the old campaigner has been playing, that his falling out of the side had a very considerable influence upon the exhibition they gave against an eleven who are strong enough to go very near winning the Cup. There was another contributory factor to the rather featureless football played North End in this match. That early goal, which left the side with not merely game win to win, but a game to recover before it had barely started. This was another example of the malign fate that has hung on the club’s heels all season in regard to the defence, and going back over the match in Its broad outlines, it is easy to see what a moral effect that goal had both teams.
A HALF-BACK VICTORY.
But football is made up of such tragedies, and games have to be taken as they work out; and the fact remains that on the day Everton were undeniably the superior side. They played a game of finer texture than North Ends. They had better and, what is more, infinitely quicker ball control, and in resource, balance, and the ready grasp of move they left the Prestonians labouring. Labouring is quite the proper term. Whatever the explanation, all the happiness of their display against Burnley had departed. They never got together with any smoothness; the machinery groaned and creaked at every point and joint. There was a time at two periods of the game when Everton wavered, and when, could North End have rallied in a real sense, the issue might have been saved. That was, first, early in the second half, when one of the two goals against them was pulled back and the home defence was betraying signs of nerves, and, secondly, when Woodhouse, twice in quick succession, appeared to have the chance of an equalising goal. I say appeared because one’s a view of details of play in thehazy light was none too good.  Had either of these opportunities been taken he would be a bold man who would argue that Everton, with all their greater polish, would have won. It was the Everton half backs who largely dictated the run of the game. They were not only much too fast to the ball for the North End forwards but vastly too skilful in using it when they were in possession. McBain is an artists in every phase of his work, but he did not leave a much bigger mark on the game than either Brown or Hart, and the whole three made the men in front of them play. By comparison the North End half backs were uninspired, even Crawford falling far below his normal standard, and, bad as they were, the forwards did not get adeal of help from those in the rear. Still, one saw the difference resourceful move between the two attacks. The Evertonians were not only good in combination; they could turn themselves with profit to individualism. They had the requisite ball cleverness, and both the second and third goals were brilliant examples of this adaptability. I was not over-struck with the Everton defence, which was playing behind dominating half-backs, and it had a lighter task than North End's, in which Yates found Chedgzoy a hotter handful than he could cope with, and in which Branston got himself into too many difficulties in clearing to impress one with his dependability. Hamilton was the one man on the side who, by his decisiveness and general tactics, did his powers any sort of justice. The game proved what one feared- that the right-wing formation that answered against Burnley will not do.

SKILL AND PACE
Athletic News- Monday, January 14, 1924
EVERTON FORWARDS IN GREAT FORM
CHEDGZOY’S DAY
EVERTON 3 PRESTOPN N.E. 1
By Junius
When it became known that the services of McCall were not available, there was a general consensus of opinion on Merseyside that Everton would have a light task in disposing of the pretensions of Preston North End, and expectations were fully realised. It was evident from the outset that North End had no chance of defeating the Goodison Park brigade. Their hope appeared to be to prevent their opponents from winning. It was simply a case of the Preston defence holding out against the Everton forwards, and, as has often happened, when one breach has been made other successes follow. These would have been more pronounced but for masterly keeping at times when all seemed hopeless.
EVERTON TACTICS
The conditions after the snowfall, naturally, left the ground on the soft side, which, being just sufficiently holding, was all for the good of clever play, as the ball, in consequence, could be timed fairly easily and passing bouts indulged in without much lofty kicking. The Everton players forsook their usual methods of passing and repassing for the policy which is supposed to pay in Cup-ties. It served its purpose. Everton’s plan of concentrating the three inside forwards on the centre with the wing men unmarked and widely placed, using their speed to advantage, turned out a very profitable one. They relied more on direct method, sweeping passes, and speedy movements than upon their undoubted cleverness. Unnecessary trimmings and manoeuvring were almost completely discarded. The attack of the Preston forwards was spasmodic, for whatever line of action they had decided upon pursuing was set at nought by the opposing half-backs ere it had scarcely reached the process of development. Still, the lapse was not altogether their fault, for they were but moderately supported by their half-backs, and waited in vain for passes which failed to arrive.
ASN EARLY INDICATION
The Everton players gave an indication of their intentions when Chedgzoy cut in and gave Branston a particularly fast shot at the end of the second minute of play, to be followed by powerful driving on the part of Cock and Chadwick. Still the Preston team played determinedly, and with the full-backs relying more or less upon offside tactics, Everton’s methods called for readjustment. For some little time they were not convincing, yet after the game had been in progress eleven minutes they took the lead. The goal was unexpected and in the nature of a gift, for Branston, dropping a slow header from CHADWICK, had the mortification of seeing the same player following up to simply tap the ball into the net. Then a change came, for Branston was kept exceedingly busy, not only the forwards but McBain making him bring off clever clearances. Had Everton added to their score at this juncture justice would have been met, for the forwards were constantly on the attack, the Preston half-backs being unable to cope with the situation, and Branston did exceedingly well to avoid further downfall. Everton’s second success came after 23 minutes, when Irvine passed wide out for CHEDGZOY to beat Crawford and Yates and leave Branston helpless with a drive from an acute angle. The second half found the North End players fighting with their backs to the wall. Two minutes after the resumption Livingstone in attempting to find touch, did not propel the ball sufficiently, and Woodhouse swung it in to the middle, where RAWLINGS scored. They now struggled gamely, but were unable to exact quarter, and it was left for COCK, who first defeated the half-back and both backs by just a turn of the foot, to finish with a drive that clinched the issue. Meanwhile the North End forwards were not without chances, but ill-direction was their common fault, and on one occasion Woodhouse, with Harland out of his goal, could not locate the net.
AT HIS BEST
I have not seen Jock Cock give a more resolute and successful exhibition than in this game. His tackling, opening out the play, and following up were incisive, and the manner in which he took the ball through to score Everton’s third goal was a great example of his work. Chedgzoy, however, was the star player of the home attack. There were occasions when he toyed with Crawford and Yates. Irvine was an able supporter of his wing man, who left the field just before the close as the result of an ankle injury. Troup and Chadwick were not overburdened with work. Still, they played their parts well. North End’s forwards, with the exception of Ferris, showed little skill, but they were not well supported. Little was seen of Harrison, and Woodhouse was usually left out of the scheme of things by Livingstone leaving him to receive the ball in an offside position. McBain was here, there, and everywhere, feinting, doubting, tricking, and passing to splendid purpose, and Hart, with Brown, completed a powerful line, which contrasted markedly with North End’s weak trio. McDonald and Livingstone were more dependable than Hamilton and Yates. The latter pair kicked strongly enough, but often were lacking in length and direction. Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Preston North End; Branston; Hamilton, Yates; Mercer, Marshall, Crawford; Woodhouse, Rawlings, Roberts, Ferris, and Harrison. Referee; H.W. Andrews, Manchester.

BEES’ NOTES
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 14, 1924
Both Mersey sides got through the first difficulty, and though Liverpool left their win till they got a goal near the interval and near the finish. Everton won more readily than the score suggests. So much has already appeared under my name regarding this match that I do not propose to say a great deal now. However, it must be said that the home half-back line was excellent, and Preston was puerile. Marshall has not come forward, and I can quite understand how he was not playing in the reserve side a week ago. Marshall, like many another pivot, has not learned his lesson; the lesson of using the ball when he has accepted it. Pivots who do not produce results of their passes are fast dying out of the game. McCall was a tremendous loss to Preston, and with Branston making a blunder early on, and Yates playing a rather foolish game, Everton had but to take the opportunities to make good. But here’s the rub; When Everton led 2-1 Woodhouse had two gift chances, and if he had taken them we should have seen Everton pressing for a lead.
A CUP SIDE
Many have asked whether Everton are a Cup-fighting side? “Well, that goal by Rawlings did tend to disturb the side, but if they can get through another round successfully I should say Everton will be able to go far, for they have the ability and have more of a Cup-ring than we have previously given them credit for. Certainly, the left back key locked up the Preston attack, and Harrison, Roberts and Rawlings must have yearned to have Hunter Hart, McBain, and Brown behind them! McBain has soon shown his best form again, and Hart improves even in these days, for he has been uniformly good all through the season- better I think than at any point of his career at Everton. In the forward line Chedgzoy was a racing torrential attacker, who felt he could go hither and thither at will. It was Chedgzoy in his best international form- which is the highest praise, for, he never lets England down. Irvine was a bit subdued by his collision, but the “dummy” -not “a” dummy, as I was made to say on Saturday-leading to the first goal was an old-fashioned bit of work that led the wandering North End backs into a maze. Chadwick and Troup proceeded on their own sweet way, and Livingstone was the better back because McDonald did not start well, and because Livingstone is now playing a fully confident and reliable game. Preston were well beaten. They can now centre their whole being on League affairs- and upon generalship, positional play, and sensible work when the half back has obtained possession of the ball.

EVERTON PLAY AWAY
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 14, 1924
THE ENGLISH CUP DRAW
Bee’s Notes
The draw has fashioned some sterling encounters. Mersey clubs, after being at home for the first round, have to go away, and neither knows at the moment where the trek will be. If Everton go to Barnsley they will meet their old-time Cup foes, and memories of the famous tie at Goodison when certain Everton and Barnsley men were sent off the field; also the memory is revived of the semi-final meeting of Everton and Barnsley at Leeds, when the crowd broke in ands when in the replayed tie Everton were beaten at Old Trafford, and Scott, the goalkeeper, had the webbing of his hand split, while Jack Taylor, the captain, practically ended his football career that day through getting a bump on his “Adam’s apple.” If Everton go to Brighton they will recall being there many years ago, the same day that Sheffield Wednesday fought Chelsea in London, and Liverpool played the last Cup-tie game at the old Plumstead ground, Arsenal being well whipped by Parkinson and company. Everton beat Brighton at Brighton- and should do like-wise now- if they go there.
CHEDGZOY CAPTAIN
The following teams were chosen for the North v South International Trial Match, to be played at Leeds on Monday next;- North- Sewell (Blackburn Rovers); Cresswell (Sunderland), Wadsworth (Huddersfield Town); Kean (Wednesday), Seddon (Bolton), Barton (Birmingham); Chedgzoy (Everton), captain, D.B. Jack (Bolton), Bradford (Birmingham), Stephenson (Huddersfield Town), Seymour (Newcastle). Reserves to travel with the team;- T. Wilson (Huddersfield Town) and Buchan (Sunderland).
B.H BAKER IN GOAL
South;- B. Howard Baker (Corinthians); Parker (Southampton), A.G. Bower (Corinthians); Smith (Spurs), C.T. Ashton (Corinthians, captain), Meehan (Chelsea); Dr. J.A. Paterson (Arsenal), S.G.J. Earle (Clapton), Baines (Portsmouth), Elkes (Spurs), Lieut, K. E. Hagan (Corinthians). Reserves to travel with team;- Wilding (Chelsea), Moore (West Ham).

CHEDGZOY’S LEADERSHIP
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, January 15, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Not for the first time in his life, but certainly for the first time in his representative games, has Sam Chedgzoy been appointed as captain of the North side v. South, at Leeds, on Monday. Much surprise has been expressed that Ted Taylor’s name is not in the trial games, but I take it that his form is so widely known to the selectors that there is no need for his trial trip. Some of the names selected will startle Northerners, but there is no value just now in debating these points.
EVERTON’S CUP WIN 1906
Yesterday’s notes made me state that Everton won the Cup in 1916. That was the year there was a break in the Cup tournament through the war. Of course, a nought for a one makes the difference; as a matter of statistical fact, Everton won in 1906, of course. It is interesting to recall, in view of the possibility of their playing at Brighton, or Barnsley, that Everton have met both sides, and that the Barnsley games were “terrors.” Dick Downs used to play for Barnsley, remember and Lewis, ex-Liverpool, now plays for Hull, so that we have many personal touches in the next round. Meantime, let me quote you a letter from Mr. J.W. Shackleton, of Bootle;-
OH! MEMORY
Would you kindly tell me the season Everton met Barnsley in a Cup-tie, semi-final, played at Leeds? A friend of mine told me he saw the match about fourteen or sixteen years ago. Sharp, Settle, and Taylor were playing, and the match was a draw; replayed on Manchester United’s ground. Can you confirm that statement? I have lived in Bootle ten years, but my home town is Bradford, Yorks, I lived there forty years, Leeds being only about thirteen miles from Bradford. Yet I confess I must have forgotten a semi-final being played at Leeds on a Second Division club’s ground; but my friend assures me he was at the match, so I can only say the fact had slipped my memory. It seems odd to me taking Everton to Leeds; Barnsley only about eight or nine miles from Leeds. Advantage of ground must lie with Barnsley, if any, because Barnsley played Leeds City in their division.
My correspondent has, since writing his letter, doubtless seen my remarks on the back page or last night’s issue, when I recalled the great Leeds affair between Everton and Barnsley. They met at Leeds, and the ground was much debated as being favourable to Barnsley. The ground was hopelessly overcrowded, and yet some people from Liverpool without tickets walked in without payment and saw the game from a good vantage point. Mr. James Ledson was one of the lucky ones. Afterwards Old Trafford was the order, and Scott had his webbing trodden on and split. MaConnachie was hurt, but played on; Jack Taylor got a blow in his throat, which practically ended his playing days, although he afterwards helped South Liverpool, as did also Sandy Young. Barnsley won easily at the finish, but until five minutes from the finish there was only a goal between them, and the late George Barlow and Freeman worked their insides out to effect a draw in the second half, although the side was utterly disorganised through injury and illness.
FRED WHELDON DEAD
A hero of mine has just passed hence. He was a scoring forward of the long ago, and in school days we all spoke with awe of Freddie Wheldon’s daisy-cutters. He had the knack of keeping a ball skimming about six inches from the turf, and he was the inventor of the daisy-cutter, which seems to have gone out of fashion, for nowadays forwards don’t seem to be able to guarantee that the ball shall not be lofted. Freddie Wheldon was the hero of a goal scored for the Villa in a final tie. A local man offered a grand piano to anyone scoring a goal, and Fred did the trick, and got the piano. The instrument was sold and the proceeds divided between all the players. Freddie after leaving the Villa went to Small heath, and spent years of good service with them at Munts-street. He was a good cricketer, and was a regular member of the Worcestershire side; in fact, it does not seen so many year since last he came up to Liverpool’s ground and helped the Fostershire, and had a good laugh with the local celebrity, Mr. Lodge. Freddie Wheldon was no relation to Harry Weldon-this to answer a bundle of inquiries that are likely to arise. May the turf lie lightly upon “my hero’s” body.

EVERTON UNCHANGED
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 16, 1924
Bee’s Notes
No change is to be made in the Everton team, which so decisively beat Preston North End in Saturday’s Cup-tie, for the match with Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday. The team, therefore, is; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick and Troup. Middlesbrough are in search of valuable points, owing to their humble position in the table, and are taking a course of seaside training for a fortnight in the hope of refreshing the side. The team will be back at Ayrsome Park for their return match with Everton there on January 26th.
Brighton beat Barnsley 1-0

EVERTON’S OPPONENTS
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 17, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Brighton state that they are delighted to meet Everton in contrast to Barnsley, for the latter adopt shock-tactics, while Everton delight in the combined and daintier style of play. These shock tactics prevented Brighton settling down to their normal game yesterday. They could not combine, and they could not get going, yet on the day’s play the better side won. It was ragged football, however, and was full of cup-tie fervour. Cook, the Brighton sharpshooter, was hemmed in, and this released the hold on Hopkins, and it was he who, five minutes from the end, took a chance and scored a good winning goal. Hayes, the Brighton goalkeeper, was little troubled, but Jenkins, at left back, was not quite his sure and confident self. At right half McAllister predominated with good footwork. Brighton could not act on the heavy going, whereas Barnsley seemed to revel in it. The Yorkshire side were most dogged in defence, and it was lack of forward sting that led to them failing to get a solitary point after much hustling and bustling.
WHAT THE BRIGHTON CAPTAIN THINKS
George Coombes, the Brighton captain, seen in the dressing-room after the game, said he was delighted at the prospect of meeting Everton, and had felt somehow that it was “coming off.”
“We do not, he added, “underate the opposition for February 2, but we shall be real triers, and I see no reason why we should not succeed, seeing that in past years we have accounted for Oldham, Sheffield United, and the Corinthians, and we are actually playing better than ever.”

EVERTON TO MEET THE ENIGMA TEAM
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 18, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Everton have to face Middlesbrough, who are Cup-less, and in the League sense have suffered reverses the like of which no one could quite explain. They read a good side at the outset of the season, even if we doubted their half-back ability. They signed on Maitland and Reg. Freeman, the Wallasey boy. They transferred Andy Wilson just when their forward resources seemed worst. Elliott, Wainscoat, and Dickson (of the Villa) have been brought together in the attack without a Cup goal resulting. Middlesbrough are an enigma. They are absolutely desperate, and after their stay at Blackpool this week they say they are determined to give the Everton cracks a great run for the League points, as they simply must keep their First Division status. In the same cause are the Preston club, who have made may changes, one being Quantrill’s return vice Woodhouse. Preston have their fears where we have none!” We know the player too well. However, that’s an aide. What we have to consider is the Everton outlook, and it may here be said that McBain has had a heavy cold, but he says he is sure to play. Chedgzoy is all right after his leg injury last week, and in view of the latest Cup win of the Blues I imagine that there will be continued belief in the Goodison side, and the following will grow. Hence another big crowd to-morrow to see what we shall see. Middlesbrough have found Goodison Park rather troublesome in the past. I think their defence will find it very difficult to-morrow when the teams turn out thus;- Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Middlesbrough; Clough; Freeman, Maitland; Harris, Webster, Slade; Botterill, Elliott, Dickson, Wainscoat, Urwin.

HARLAND BROTHER
Lancashire Evening Post -Saturday 19 January 1924
A brother of Harland, Everton's Irish goalkeeper, has joined the Goodison staff, and played in the reserve today.
By the way, is it true Everton are willing to part with "Dicky" Downs, the famous old Barnsley back? 

MY FOOTBALL CAREER
Derby Daily Telegraph -Saturday 19 January 1924
A Discussion On The Lot Of A Centre Forward
by Jack Cock
having told the story of my football career, I can now proceed to discuss some of the matters which are so dear to the controversial heart of the football enthusiast.  May I first of all discuss the lot of a centre forward?    I have no facts or figures in statistical form to guide me, but I say without hesitation that there is more searching for centre-forwards more heart-burning and anxiety to fill the position satisfactorily, and more big fees paid for class leaders than over any other position on the field.  Why?  Simply because that position is one of the most important on the field, and also one of the most difficult to succeed in.    It is one of the fundamental axioms of football that an atatck centres round the work of the pivot.  If a team has a centre-forward that can keep both his wings in employment that can sweep out long raking passes, dart between the backs, and snap up the returns, and who can shoot goals like a born opportunist -then that team is happy.  The lot of most centre-forwards is not a happy one.  Leaders of attack usually find themselves slap-bang in front of the goal; they are in the best position for shooting.  They have more chances of getting goals than any other player -(I am speaking generally now) -and the crowd realises all this.  And so, if the luckless centre forward has an off-day if he doesn't happen to do the right thing at the right time, he comes in for a lot of blame.   But here is the rub.  People expect so much of a centre-forward that they cannot find room in their feelings to keep for him a little sympathy.  They overlook that the opposition know how dangerous a centre-forward can be; they forget that a centre-forward often has one opponent told off to do little else but "Shadow" him; and that a centre-forward receives more attention than any other forward.  While it may be true that a centre-forward is most advantageously placed, and that more opportunities may come his way, it is equally true that he has to overcome the greatest handicaps.  Just now our playing fields are at their worst thanks to our climate.  Which player has to wade through the mud and slush the most -the centre-forward;  and why -because most of the play of necessity is down the middle of the field.  Which player has to shoot the ball from miniature quagmires in front of goal - the poor centre-forward.  I mention these matters just to show that the lot of a leader is deserving of some sympathy, but, for that matter, every player, no matter what his position, should not have harsh criticism ladled cut to him all the time.  I think I have said sufficient to show why many players do not shine in the position.  Just think of the so-called centre-forwards from junior football that have failed in that position in first-class football, and who have made good in other positions.  This is one of the reasons why the never-ending search for tip-top leaders goes on.  There are other things which make the position so hard to fill.  Some players have different ideas about the task.  Some players regard themselves as being in the role of centre forward purely and simply to hit the ball hard and true at goal after the two wings have done the donkey work.  Players of this type are known as "opportunies," and their midfield work is seldom highly developed.  There is another type of leader-the man who is more than brilliant in midfield, and in keeping his wings on the move, who is ever scheming in attack, but who cannot finish off his work in front of goal.  This is the player who has an admiring crowd one minute and a despairing lot of onlookers the next.  His shooting spoils much of his midfield cleverness.
The Best Testimonial
My first type of leader is extremely useful if the club get two wings together of super-cleverness and with will be content to do all the work which leads up to goals, and allow the opportunist to take all the credit for his goal-shooting.  After all, it does not matter a bad penny who gets the goals so long as goals are scored, but players are always faced with the problem that if they efface their own individuality and their own personal reputation there may come a time when they will find that that course has cost them a job.  Let me explain.  There is always a time in a player's career when he has to look out for a job.  When such a time comes his past record is his best testimonial, and if his past record is one long story of goals, goals, goals, he doesn't need to look far.  But if he has to explain that he hasn't been scoring simply because he has been allotted the task of fetcher and forager it doesn't sound so convincing.  For my own part, I try to be a happy medium between the opportunist and the brilliant midfield player.  I like to be able to be of real use in engineering atatcks, in opening up the game, and also in shooting goals.  This is the most difficult role to fill, and it is the reason why you find so few G.O. Smiths, MCColls, Vivian Woodwards, and Wilsons.  I tell my readers quite frankly that there are times when midfield work takes too much out of a leader and spoils his shooting, and vice-vera.  The happy medium is extremely hard to slight upon.   Might I say just one thing more about the work of a centre forward?  he invariably comes in nfor a lot of hard knocks and much attention, and aything which helps him to have his task made easier should be done, for it has a great and good effect upon the side in general.  Ground passes are the thing which a leader sighs for.  The half-back who sends the ball along in ther air isn't helping much.  The centre-forward has to get the ball under control, waste time in getting away with it and as often as not finds the opposing centre half, who hasn't got his back to the goal he wants to get to, has all the advantages of the position.  Wingers who cross the ball sweet and low will find more goals coming from their passes than from those who send the ball hurtling through the air chest high.  I know there are times innumerable when a ball has to be lofted over the heads of opposing defenders; that is O.K.  The centre-forward has to take his chance with his head, but there are countless times when a slipped through centre on the ground can be taken by the leader in his stride.  In fact, groundwork throughout is a great secret in football, and less air work would improve the standard of football considerably. 

DOWNS TO LEAVE EVERTON
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 19, 1924
Bee’s Notes
I learn that Everton and Dicky Downs are parting company. Downs is remembered as the man who, four years ago, pulled Everton out of the relegation fire. I said at the beginning of the season that I would pay £3,000 for his fee, if I were a club manager. He is not costly now, and because he has not been playing with the side for some week’s clubs may be shy to step in. Preston N.E. are in touch about his transfer, and I have recommended them to take Downs in view of their need for a resolute and tactical back. I asked one famous international this week what he thought of Down’s to-day.
His reply is instructive;- “He is one of the best backs in the land even today. His judgement is so wonderful and his heading and kicking so certain.”

HARLAND BROTHER
The Lancashire Evening Post- Saturday January 19, 1924
A brother of Harland, Everton’s Irish goalkeeper, has joined the Goodison staff, and played in the reserve to-day.
By the way, is it true Everton are willing to part with “Dicky” Downs, the famous old Barnsley back?

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo -Saturday January 19, 1924
By Louis T. Kelly

• Reds and Blues over the first hurdle in the National
• This at any rate is an advance on last year.
• Everton may very easily prove the great Cup team of 1924.
• Eighteen long and eventful years have elapsed since Jack Taylor held aloft the Cup- a proud, proud man-right along the home line from the city to Goodison.
• The victories side of that 1906 day have had varied experiences in the interval.
• Some have done well, very well, both socially and financially; while two or three alas have done ill, with the remainder steering, so to speak, a middle course.
• We don’t think a finer or more electrifying goal has ever been seen at Goodison than Sam Chedgzoy’s of a week ago.
• His marvellous anticipation of Irvine’s square outward pass; his taking of the ball in his stride whilst travelling at hurricane speed; has dazzling run wherein he sig-zagged two or three of the enemy, and his finishing acute-angled shot and goal.
• The whole business from first to last the acme of brilliance.
• Nor did he play finely merely at intervals. In the first minute Chedgzoy put in an almost similar shot that Branston fortunately for his side “rose” to; and what more captivating than the right winger’s second half solos v Yates and Co could man desire.
• Assuredly, class will tell, especially in the seasoned-service man.
• A year or so ago the “critic” spoke of their Mercers, Carrs, Waldens, &c., as being the Everton’s man’s legitimate successors in England’s team.
• But on 1923-24 form Chedgzoy surely stands supreme, absolutely alone in his position.
• This is no mere word of flattery, for Chedgzoy is not only clever, but he is an enthusiast -a man possessing the genuine team spirit.
• May he help the Blues to go far on the high way towards Wembley!
• McBain was another outstanding performer in the Preston game. He is indeed a second McCall, particularly in the matter of ball control and his manner of pushing the ball up to his inside men, and especially to his centre forward.
• Also in his ability to pass the ball on the carpet and not so much “to” his man but where his man can “join” the ball to form a type of junction.
• In brief McBain keeps the machinery going and moving up and onward towards the enemy goal, his forwards seldom having need to stop to bring the ball into control and thereby lose valuable time.
• Give a club a tip top centre half and there are possibilities of a tip-top team; give them a weak centre half and a strong effective side is almost an impossibility.
• We thought Livingstone showed much of his best craftsmanship last week, and that Brown and Hart were worthy collaborators alongside McBain.
• We can quite see the Scottish team-builders swooping down on Merseyside for the Anglo-Scots’ trial to begin with.
• And, reverting to the Cup, we like Everton’s chance muchly, because the men have thus far shown little or no signs of staleness.
• We noticed with interest and satisfaction that Bert Young, the former Everton and Orwell Wednesday youthful winger, played a great game for Aberdare against West Ham United.

WHISTON V EVERTON A
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 19, 1924
At Whiston Everton were early dangerous, Appleton saving from Houghton. Howard carried play to the other end, Davies clearing. From a corner Swindells scored for Everton.
Half-time; Everton A 1, Whiston 0.

EVERTON v. MIDDLESBROUGH
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 19, 1924
AN HOUR PASSES BEFORE CLOUGH WAS BEATEN
THEN COCK SCORES FROM CHEDGZOY’S CENTRE
EVERTON WIN 1-0
By Bees
Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Middlesbrough; Clough; Holmes, Freeman (Captain); Harris, Webster, Slade; Botterill, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscoat, Cochrane. Everton, though their Cup-tie win over Preston, gained in favour, and to-day there was another large crowd to see them “league” it over Middlesbrough, who had been at Blackpool, and had made striking changes.
PRESENT, SIR!
Mr. Bamlett, their new manager, was, last night given a handsome watch by the Wigan club directors “in remembrance” of their working together for the last two or three seasons.
CLUB (CHAIRMAN) CASE
I learn that the Wigan paper that had a special reference to the Rake0lane match, when New Brighton won 5-0, has apologised to the chairman, Dr. Tom Martlew, and therefore, the threatened libel case will not now come into court.
MONEY RETURNABLE
Some days ago two kind readers sent me 10s notes, the idea being that the sums should pay for a dog licence for a poor boy who looked like having to part with his dog. The boy, thanks to a gift, has paid the “toll” and now I want to know, Mr. P. Reader, and also a correspondent signing himself “J.L.,” what shall I do with the money?  
Reg. Freeman captained the visitors’ side, and won the toss. Middlesbrough opened as if they were nearer the top of the League than the bottom, and Cochrane was particularly clever with a very troublesome shot. The ball came awkwardly to Harland, and he did a wise thing when he decided to concede a corner by lobbing the ball over the bar.
MEANING BUSINESS
Middlesbrough were not satisfied with this, and Cochrane was again the stormy petrel, and again Harland nipped in to pick up a ball that had been sent from less than four yards’ range, the result being that in the first two minutes Middlesbrough had made two real efforts, and had shown Everton that they meant business. Everton, as a consequence, went along on the left and Hart made a fine shot that was caught by Clough in a smart manner. The same man caught a further effort when Brown joined Hart in trying to make a goal to the half back department. Cock, as in the Cup-ties, was fiery, and he twice meandered over the left wing with justification, after offering a centre to Chedgzoy, who had hesitated a fraction of a second through the ball falling on an awkward piece of turf, the result was that Chedgzoy’s shot was blocked. Later on Cock determined to shoot from the left angle, and the ball was well out of reckoning. Still, it was good to see the effort. A much cleverer effort was that played by Wainscoat, who made a stunning drive that passed not more than a yard out. Freeman stopped Chedgzoy, but could not prevent a corner, from which Cock completely missed the ball after Irvine had pushed it back to Chedgzoy -a canny move that was worth a goal.
CURIOUS FEATURES
Webster was a fine, hard-working terrier-like divot, and he made one hook save that was all valuable, and on his right flank Harris, formerly of Patrick Thistle, was also doing some good work, even though he found the wing was a hot one. An accident nearly brought Everton a gift goal. Troup ran ahead, but did not quite last the last few yards, and when the goalkeeper tried to kick out he drove the ball against a forward man. Fortunately for Middlesbrough, Cock could not quite see where the ball had gone, otherwise he had an empty goal into which to put the ball. Another curiosity was the view of Holmes handling deliberately in the penalty area after the whistle had gone for a free kick. It was a risky proceeding, for he could not be absolutely sure that Mr. Shutt had sounded the whistle for a free kick for a foul on Chedgzoy. The game was wonderfully clean, hard, and enjoyable, and Middlesbrough were plainly playing a desperate game. So far Everton’s shots had been blocked, and now Chedgzoy broke away on his own, dribbled past his man, and determined to shoot with the left foot, the ball being sent spinning right over to the left wing and out of play.
CLOUGH MAKES A DIVE
Webster was lame in the knee, and Holmes at full back, did not improve his side’s chance by over-kicking the ball Irvine had the best chance of the match, thanks to a pass by cock; and it may be that the chance was just a little too open for him. At any rate the tall Clough, throwing himself down, smothered the shot and made a save of a certainty. Everton had plenty of shots, McBain trying one. Troup was outside after a “free” against Freeman; and on the other Botterill, at outside right, was very poor, and Wainscott was not the man we were led to expect on his form against Sheffield United. Where Everton had no luck was in the fact that Chedgzoy offered a lovely centre and Troup hit a rocket-like shot that struck the upright and took away a lump of the whitewash with it. On another occasion, in a melee, Everton could not quite squeeze the ball through, and Irvine again had no one but the goalkeeper to beat, and as Clough had left his goal, Irvine decided to shoot, putting the ball high over the bar, whereas a pass inward would have made a certainty of it.
Half-time; Everton 0 Middlesbrough 0.
A PECULIAR FORMATION
The ground was sticky after the early morning rain, and so were Everton’s prospects of a goal, for when the second half started they again hugged the ball too tightly to be effective. Chedgzoy got a rap on the ankle from Slade, the old Huddersfield half-back, and a free kick was given, which led to a peculiar forming-up of a single line of defenders and forwards. Chadwick was about a yard too far with his header, and then hit a sharp ball that was unlucky because it hit the body of Holmes. Although the home backs had not been impressive, Middlesbrough had not got a move on, save in the first two minutes, and Harland had little to bother him, whereas Clough was always on his toss. Everton looked more dangerous than the score suggests.
COCK SCORES AT THE HOUR.
The game ambled along for a long time without result, and Middlesbrough, mainly through Cochrane, made some sort of a show about surprising the Everton forwards and defence. It is true that Chadwick put one ball to hand, but there was no special strength in the shot, and therefore the 28,000 spectators were glad to see Cock score just as the hour struck. Chedgzoy put across a centre and Cock, in trying to head it, found the ball hit his shoulder and flash beyond Clough. The goalkeeper had no chance to save, and on the other hand one could not have blamed Harland if Wainscoat had equalised one minute later, because Wainscoat was in front of goal and made a terrible miss. He had a chance of redeeming himself, but Harland made a sure catch. Subsequently the City attack developed their plan of campaign in the most menacing manner, with the result that both Lucas and McKinlay were forced to put the ball back to Scott in order to save their own faces. Johnson was twice well placed when he was thwarted, and a little later Morris was knocked off the ball just as he was about to shoot. A sensational run by Cock ended with the centre forward beating both backs, but his place-shot struck the foot of the post and bounced into play again. It was a tragic ending to an excellent run, and Clough was hopelessly out of touch when the woodwork saved him. It was a disappointing game, and Middlesbrough had sufficient chances to win the game. The Everton forwards were disappointed, and altogether the men did not quite cotton on to their right game. Even allowing for the sticky going. Everton’s form was faulty. Brown was the best half-back of the day, and Clough did well, even though he took one shot from Chadwick so confidently that he nearly foozled the ball and let it slip into goal. Clough also smothered a ball from Irvine, and altogether his work had been one of the bright features of the day. Irvine, Chadwick, and Chedgzoy had a rousing minute of shooting, without adding to the score. Middlesbrough made a fighting finish, and pressed Everton’s defence into extremities. It was only McBain clearing twice that prevented an equaliser. There was more spike in the finishing ten minutes than in any other part of the game. Final; Everton 1, Middlesbrough 0.

EVERTON 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 0
January 21 1924. The Daily Courier.
MIDDLESBROUGH PIPPED BY A HIP.
FREAK GOAL GIVES EVERTON POINTS.
By Adams.
There were about 28,000 people at Goodison Park to see Everton beat Middlesbrough by 1-0. I doubt if 25 per cent of them left the ground satisfied for the game was the poorest seen there this season. Of the two sides Everton were perhaps the more disappointing, for their display never approached anything like the sparkle and understanding one is justified in expecting. In no game this season –and I include their heavy defeats at Sheffield and West Bromwich –have they played so disjointedly and carelessly. They began the contest as if it were "all over bar shouting," and gave the impression that they held the opposition as insignificant in the extreme. As a matter of fact this attitude nearly led to their downfall in the first five minutes, when Cochrane slung over a fine shot which surprised Harland, who had to gather another hard drive from short range immediately afterwards.
NO FINISH.
When the Blues did get going, it is true, they overran the Middlesbrough halves and backs, but the finishing was uniformly wretched, and Cock especially when not wandering about a la Micawber, was either given offside or thought he was, and stopped in his tracks. A shot from Hart was easily Everton's best scoring attempt up to half time, but there were innumerable corners, from which nothing accrued, and it seemed as if both sides were exploiting the wrong sort of game. The backs, especially Freeman and Holmes, were kicking out persistently, and apart from a few Chedgzoy runs and centres, there was precious little over which to enthuse.
THAT GOAL.
The second half commenced with the same features, and only livened up when Cock got a centre from Chedgzoy past Clough. This was an extraordinary goal. It appeared as if the bounce of the ball deceived the centre, for he evidently intended to head it. As it was the ball hit him on the hip, and Clough had not the remotest idea of its ultimate trajectory. If Everton's forwards were incohesive those of the visitors were positively heartbreaking. There were four occasions at least when Wainscoat had the goal at his mercy, but he usually muddled the chance of fell over. Dickson, too, was a great squanderer of grit-passes from the outside men, of whom Cochrane was the best, for Betterill was slow and hung on too long.
ESCAPES.
It must be chronicled that the Middlesbrough goal had a remarkable escape when all five Everton forwards had a series of "pots" at it, and again when Cock ran through and hit the foot of one of the posts with Clough helpless. In fact, the last ten minutes of the game were the brightest, for Middlesbrough died game, and gave McDonald and Livingstone a gruelling time, while twice McBain saved the citadel when sorely pressed. The visitors' best man was their goalkeeper, Clough and their next Webster, at centre half. The backs were woefully weak, and the whole team unbalanced, and to be candid unskillful. Although Everton famous half-back line was off-colour, Brown played a distinctive game. He and Chedgzoy were the pick of the side. Altogether a disappointing encounter, and not refereed any too well. Teams : - Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs Brown McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Middlesbrough: - Clough, goal, Holes Freeman, backs, Harris, Webster, and Slade, half-backs, Botterill, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscott, and Cochrane, forwards.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 3
January 21 1924. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Playing delightfully polished football at Boundary Park, Everton reserves completely outplayed the Oldham Athletic Reserves and were far superior than the score 0f 3 goals to 2 suggests. The home team could make no headway against the virile Everton halves, and for three-parts of the game were defending their goal. Wall scored Everton first goal, in twelve minutes from Parry's centre. Longmuir equalised, and after the interval Longmuir placed Oldham ahead, but Wall levelled the score. Miller obtained the winning goal. Everton's forwards gave a splendid display, Parry and Forbes being extremely clever wingers.

WHISTON 2, EVERTON "A" 1
January 21 1924. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
At Whiston. Everton opened strongly, and Appleton fisted out from Barton and Jones afterwards saving a hard drive from Weir. Swindles opened the score after fifteen minutes, when he quickly tapped the ball past Appleton following a corner kick by Harland. No further scoring took place until ten minutes after the interval when Nuttall equalised following goo work by Fildes. Shortly afterwards Rooney had the misfortune to place through his own goal. Whiston gave a much improved display and well deserved their victory.

NEAR THE BRINK
Athletic News- Monday, January 21, 1924
MIDDLESBROUGH FEARS AND EVERTON DAZZLE
A GOAL MANY ESCAPES
EVERTON 1 MIDDLESBROUGH 0
By Impressionists
When a team in Middlesbrough’s precarious situation goes on to the field the importance of being successful is apt to obscure innate worth. Clearly, Middlesbrough were at high tension from the moment the ball was sent a-roving. It occurred to me that they were playing according to a plan keeping their combination as open as possible; of releasing the ball promptly at all costs. There is a happy medium in all things, and widespread methods without scheming can be nearly as futile as intricate passing. Middlesbrough’s tremendous anxiety to give the ball momentum with small regard to the array of friend and foe was entirely satisfactory to the Everton backs, who were in impressive contrast to the classical assertion of the team in other respects. Late in the game, when they were a goal behind, Middlesbrough revealed that they could hold the ball, outwit an opponent, and make adopt passes. The attack was organised and progressive. In this way came two gifts as a means of saving point. Hitherto the forwards rarely approached near enough to Everton’s goal to demonstrate what they could do there, but when they did, one had one illuminating answer to the club’s plight. Each inside forward was super-sensitive; fearful of accepting the responsibility of shooting becauseof the consequences of failure. Better to have shot and missed than never to have shot at all. Middlesbrough have tactical faults. They were brought into sharp relief by the superlative merits of Everton, but that they are largely of the legacy of the team’s want of confidence could be detected by the way they acquitted themselves in the later stages. Somehow the Tees-siders seemed too good for the fate that oppresses. They ought to have drawn a game actually they were fortunate not to lose by several goals. The paradox needs some explanation. For three-quarters of the time, Everton were polished, dominant cohort. They failed to improve the golden moments, nevertheless, when it was the veriest simplicity to give the ball a trifling diversion into the net.
Misses and Misfortunes.
Cock set the horrible example when he allowed a centre by Chedgzoy to bound over his foot when standing no more than two yards from the line. To all appearances he had repaired the error when, by swerving away to the left, he put Irvine in an ideal state for scoring. Irvine easily left all opposition, but then tamely trundled the ball towards Clough. Again, Irvine had all the defence bewildered, even to Clough, who advanced as a lost resource. Before he dropped at Irvine’s feet the ball had been sent into the empty goal. Clough’s anticipation was splendid in cutting out a corner-kick, but he had not recovered when McBain hit the ball furiously and truly for the net. But Cock received it with a resounding impact against his back. Moreover, Troup drove so hard against the post that white particles flew. It will be gathered from these salient features that Everton should have had a confident feeling at the interval, even allowing that the fates frowned. There were many instances of Middlesbrough averting disaster by a fraction. So on through the second half as in the first was the story one of Everton attack and Middlesbrough desperation. In spite of outrageous fortune Everton got a goal, but it happened that Middlesbrough should have equalised, and that at the time would have made an Everton recovery difficult. Even after Wainscoat’s errors, Cock had the misfortune to see a shot hit the inside of the post and rebound to Clough, who had left his goal. When Bottrill trickled the ball inside to Wainscoat, the latter allowed it to elude him right in front of the posts. The gods forgave this grievous neglect, and Wainscoat had another present which again his anxiety spoiled, and when he tried to give Dickson the burden of shooting it was too late. Thus might Everton’s prolonged and overmastering superiority have had a tragic sequel in the result. In reality the margin of a goal scored fifteen minutes after the resumption is an extremely modest reward. This cannot be attributed entirely to inefficiency near goal. Opposed to mistakes were many virtues, which by a fraction failed to mature, though Clough and Freeman carried weight in this latter respect.
Quaint, But Sufficient.
Somehow the visitors withstood the Everton buoyant brilliants until Chedgzoy sped down the wing and delivered a centre which glanced off Cock’s body into net. A quaint goal; it served the purpose which Everton sought and deserved. Harland was only once called upon to prevent the ball from going through. No doubt he had plenty of mental anxiety, for McDonald and Livingstone were unreliable backs—a curious example of mediocrity beside the brilliance of the rest. It is a striking tribute to the half-backs that the Middlesbrough inside forwards only latterly got a chance to harass the backs. Still there was a suspicion of Wainscoat and Birrell purposely holding themselves in readiness to assist in defence. Eventually the Everton backs were proven doubtful in a tackling sense and uncertain in kicking. Neither at any time was firmly accurate in making returns. Livingstone was slightly better because he did not send the ball soaring as often McDonald. The intermediates were craftsmen to core. Anticipation enabled them to make effortless interventions, but each was so thoroughly the master of the ball that ample scope was made to uncover their towards, who received the ball in front and along the ground. Brown and Hart supplied the energy in tackling, and kept the wings ever moving, while McBain was a mighty, yet peculiarly unobtrusive force. When theball was about there, some uncanny means, was McBain. He never seemed to be striving to capture it. In possession he could give bis forwards time to align themselves, so that he had a selection of avenues down which ingeniously to pass. That was awkward for the other side. McBain never descended to the obvious.
Artistry and Effort.
Cock was not burdened with the leadership of the attack. When he did not fall into the offside trap, as often was the case, he found the ball gravitating towards him from the wings. But Cock was certainly a link, for he could vary his play and constitute himself an individual danger, with speed and good control.  Troup’s trickery and variation of tactics made the left wing a troublesome source, but not to the extent possible if Chadwick had not been rather cumbersome, and in perpetual danger of losing his balance and coming to earth. Chedgzoy and Irvine were a great combination, however. Well served from behind, and beside, Chedgzoy was speedy, and centred to perfection. He invited goals when he pulled the ball back and then went on with it, on the inside of his opponent, by an almost simultaneous clever action. Irvine was far more skilful than decisive. Middlesbrough have very lately to thank Clough and Freeman. I liked the way the goalkeeper took a firm hold of the ball and got it away. Freeman was beaten by Chedgzoy at times, but he was the barrier on which many an attack broke, by his use of both feet, his speed in covering a wide sphere, as was necessary, his general coolness and resource. Freeman beat his man and kicked in his colleagues’ interests. Holmes was slow, and his kicking ponderous and inaccurate. This did not help Harris, who was not at his beat inconstruction, manifestly being concerned about keeping his rivals, and Troup in particular, at bay. Still, Harris was the best of a half-back line in which Webster, assiduous in defence, did not make the most of his conquests. As showing the assortment of Middlesbrough forward units, Bottrill on the right was woefully weak until the closing stages, while Cochrane, lively and penetrative at the start, flickered right out. Outstanding were Dickson, whose dash, dribble, and distribution of a moving ball, imparted some combination; and Birrell, whose elusiveness and neat footwork suffered from want of support. Wainscoat feared to trust the ball, and his own undoubted artistry. Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Middlesbrough; Clough; Holmes, Freeman; Harris, Webster, Slade; Bottrill, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscoat, and Cochrane. Referee; Mr. E. Shutt, Burnley.

WHY EVERTON COULDN’T SCORE
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 21, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Let me ley you into the secret. The reason Everton did not score more than a goal- simply that I had them in a sweep-shake! What other detracting weight could they carry than that? Everton were only one of a number of big surprises- a week where home teams were in a mess, where youngsters got their first show in senior teams and succeeded, and where Cup results were put to shadow in the matter of sensations.
PUT DOWN THAT BRICK
That is tantamount to asking for a shower of bricks. But it is my solid contention and I will not waver for it. I don’t say Middlesbrough deserved to win; their faults were crass and their misses of sitters was well-nigh criminal; but we judge Everton on their own standard, and that standard was not the Cup-tie standard. Everton deserved to be beaten? No, I don’t say that. Middlesbrough should have won. I say that in spite of the way Troup knocked off the whitewash and Cock hit the foot of the upright with the goalkeeper out of touch with the ball and Irvine also kept from a goal by the woodwork. It is the fact that Clough -good goalkeeper this one-had some luck, much intuition, and a nonchalance that was carried almost too far. It is the fact that Everton played the better football, but tactically Everton played wrong for whole lumps of moments. That hugging game won’t do in the slush grounds. It may be a costly blunder one of these days.
SHOULD BE HIGHER
Middlesbrough should be higher and will be when that forward line gets to work properly in front of goal. Wainscoat has many admirers and a lot of others. There is a sort of debate up North as to whether Dickson of the Villa is the better or whether Wainscoat will repeat his mark against Sheffield United. Wainscoat should have scored three goals easily. That was where Everton went not! Everton did hit the woodwork, but the Borough misses were so complete that Harland did not get a touch at the ball. Moreover, we must not forget Middlesbrough’s early work and Harland’s two very canny saves to turn the tide of affairs. Middlesbrough have one I like in Webster, who runs himself out through his energy; Freeman seemed to carry the weight of responsibility of captaincy, and Holmes is not for me for he over-kicks his own forwards. On our own side the backs did not impress, and, making allowance for the turf, it must be confessed that the back division lacked sure touch and gave the crowd a sort of shiver feeling. Of course, on such a day Everton could hardly be reckoned as in their element, and it is right to state that Chedgzoy was not in the same bright frame of mind and movement as a week earlier, but then that was exceptionally football, and, after all, I reckoned Chedgzoy offered sufficient gems in the first half to win the game. Brown was the most successful half-back on view, and the three home half-backs still play the real game and make for Everton success. Some said it was a poor match; to my mind it was an enjoyable match; a lesson could be learned from it, and the rally of the Borough in the last quarter of an hour made it a very fascinating finish to a useful game. Cock not only interested us by his runs and his quaint “conversion” to goal, but also his placing of another shot, with Clough nowhere near. The better team won, without doubt, but Middlesbrough could have been very “shocking.”

DAVID JACK’S TWO GOALS
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 21, 1924
THE NORTH MORE VIRILE THAN THE SOUTH
The first trail match took place at Leeds this afternoon, when the representatives of the North met those of the South. The International Selection Committee nominated the following players;-
North; Sewell (Blackburn Rovers); Cresswell (Sunderland), Wadsworth (Huddersfield Town); Kean (Sheffield Wednesday), Seddon (Bolton Wanderers), Barton (Birmingham); Chedgzoy (Everton) (Capt), Jack (D.B.N), (Bolton Wanderers), Bradford (Birmingham), Stephenson (Huddersfield Town), and Seymour (Newcastle United). South;- B. Howard Baker (Corinthians); Parker (Southampton), A.G. Bower (Corinthians); Smith (Tottenham Hotspur), C.T. Ashton (Corinthians) (Capt), Meehan (Chelsea); Dr. J.A. Paterson (Arsenal), S.G.J. Earle (Clapton), Haines (Portsmouth), Elkes (Tottenham Hotspur), and Lieut K. E. Hegan (Corinthians). Referee E. Farrar (Leeds).
The teams were as original selected. There were not more than 5,000 people present when the game commenced. We saw some fine open play in the commencing stages, and after a bad mistake by Bradford and a splendid recovery by Wadsworth, the North got a magnificent goal. The way Stephenson set Seymour off, the manner in which the winger raced away and centred, and the final touch of Stephenson were all pieces of great skill. It was a very fine goal that Stephenson got, and he will be the first to acknowledge the help of Seymour. The game continued in favour of the North, who were more virile in attack than the South and the effectiveness of the Stephenson and Seymour wing was beyond question. Frankly, the efforts of the South forwards had not been too good, though one effort came near to fruition, Hegan hitting the crossbar. Howard Baker’s goalkeeping was remarkable; in fact, I have seen few, if any, goalkeepers with a bigger punch or place kick. The South attack at this period needed more watching than earlier on, and we got one magnificent shot from Earle and an equally brilliant save by Sewell. Bradford was disappointing on the whole, as was the Smith centre forward also. Haines did not shine. Still, there was a great deal that was good in the work of both teams, and the North got another goal through Jack. Seymour also had a hand in this goal and was one of the outstanding men on the field. Jack got the third goal- a beauty -after good work by Wadsworth. Bradford got the fourth goal as a result of a fine individual effort.
Half-time; North 4, South 0
Haines scored for the South
Seymour scored a fifth goal for the North

CHEDGZOY CAPTAINED THE NORTH
December 22 1924. The Daily Courier.
The North beat the South by five goals to one at Elland Road yesterday.

EVERTON'S FIVE DAYS BREEZY BUMP.
January 23 1924. The Daily Courier.
The Railway strike is likely to cause great inconvenience to League clubs fulfilling long distance engagements on Saturday. For instance, Everton, who have to meet Middlesbrough "away" have decided if a normal service of trains is not restarted, they will travel by Charabane. They will leave Liverpool on Thursday, and return by the same means.

TEAMS-SHEET
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday January 23, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Everton and Liverpool make no changes for the League games on Saturday. Everton break their journey at Harrogate. It will be a tiresome journey if they have to go by road.
Everton Res (v. Oldham Athletic Res at Goodison Park, 3);- Fare; Raitt, Kerr; Peacock, Reid, Virr; Parry, Miller, Wall, Williams, Harland. Harland is a younger brother to Harland the goalkeeper, who is over here on trial. This is his first appearance in the Central League team.

PITY THE POOR CHARABANC TRAVELLER!
The Liverpool Echo – Thursday, January 24, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C accompanied by their secretary, Mr. McIntosh, went on an errand to-day. They are due at Middlesbrough this week-end and as their next fence after will be Brighton, down South, they looked upon the trifling journey to Middlesbrough as a sort of trial trip! By train Middlesbrough is an awkward and tiring journey, but by road it is a big task, and the club have wisely decided to aim at getting to Harrogate to-night and completing the journey to-morrow. Of course travel to Brighton would be twice as far, and everyone hopes that a week hence the strike conditions will have gone clean out. Naturally enough, this is not the time for footballers to travel by charabanc; in fact, I have heard the wise League president, Mr. John McKenna, vow that clubs would be advised to take taxis rather than charas, so that they could escape the cold and the draught. Many of those who tried the charabanc on the occasion of the last strike complained of being numbed and leg-weary, and, of course, travel in such circumstances is anything but a good training-day for a big match.
STIFF JOINTS
The joints become frightfully stiff; there is an air of sleepiness about the men that is not conducive to sleep at the right time -at night; and it is surprising that Everton decided to go by road rather than a journey by train which is running and takes a long time. They probably had to settle definitely and take no risks, and, therefore, they took the “open road.” It is not true that they took a chiropodist with them. The party of fourteen were up early this morning, and left the office at about 10.20. the morning was not kind to them; there was a nip in the air; there was rain, and the promise of a dreary journey was all too patent. Fortunately it was a covered-in bus, and that meant they would escape the weather elements, though it did not allow them to see the scenery en route! I should think that such a journey would put Middlesbrough’s chance in the forefront! As one of the players said to me yesterday;-
 If we go that open-road business to Brighton we shall have to start on the Monday to get there in time for the Cup-tie. Only Mr. McIntosh and Elliott, plus one reserve player, went up north. Livingstone, by the way, has not been too, well lately, thanks to a surprise ball that caught him in the New year’s Day game. It was someone else’s attempted clearance, and knocked him out, but he cannot get rid of the soreness around the back of the neck and ear.
THIRD PARTY VIEW OF CUP TEAM
Brighton are one of those teams persistently underrated in the South. They never do badly in their league; generally they do well, and they have a fair record in the Cup. Last year, of course, they gained notoriety through their three games with the Corinthians, which saw then triumph over the amateurs in the end. They always have a good side of men chosen with discrimination who can combine skill with speed. It is easy for the observer in the routine of football to express an opinion on the merits of the side, but a third and disinterested person’s advice is always more valuable. I have had a chat with Mr. W. L. Wood for over a quarter of a century at the head of Queen’s Park Rangers- the man who found Charlie Shaw and Frank Bedingfield, to mention a couple of names in passing. The point of this interview is that last Saturday the Rangers beat Brighton by a penalty goal, and these two clubs meet again to-day.
“Brighton are a very good side,” said Mr. Wood, “and even on our heavy ground they showed excellent combination and good speed. Give them good going on top of the ground and they will want a lot of holding. They have some young men forward, and Nightingale, the outside right, is very good, while Cook, the Sussex county cricketer, is greatly improved even since last season, when he scored the winning goal over the Corinthians. Brighton possess a first-class man in the most vital position of all- I refer to Coomber, their centre half, while Hayes is a sound goalkeeper not given to lapses. “A good team from end to end. They combine cleverly when called upon for that type of game, but it is obvious that they have been influenced forward by their matches with the Corinthians. Now they do that quick first-time passing so valuable in cup-ties for making ground and so embarrassing to the opposing defenders.”
“OF MAY COLOURS”
Brighton whose colours are blue and white stripes, had the unique experience of playing each half in different colours last Saturday. Swamped in the deluge, they had no change with them. But fortunately the Rangers’ management realised Brighton’s predicament, and at half-time gave them a set of their (the Rangers) old colours- all green jerseys.

EVERTON’S LONG ROAD JOURNEY TO MEET MIDDLESBROUGH
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 25, 1924
EVERTON’S JOURNEY
Bee’s Notes
Everton, at Middlesbrough, need not expect Wainscoat and company to fiddle around goal as they did last week. Similarly we do not expect Everton to fiddle-dedee, believing they have nothing to beat. The men went up to Harrogate yesterday, and conclude the journey to-morrow morning. I hope it keeps fine for them, and also that the result keeps them warm and smiling. Urwin, who has returned to the Borough goal, is a nippy forward, elusive, and strong to cut in. I reckon him the unluckiest fellow ever to miss a cap. He was chosen once, and then something uncanny turned up and he could not turn out. Smith, the Irish international, is sure to be on his toes for the purpose of showing how wise was the club’s purchase, and Webster, on the wing, may be able to conserve his strength, for he plays himself out in the first half hour.  Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Middlesbrough; Clough; Holmes, Freeman; Harris, E. Smith, Webster; Urwin, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscoat, Cochrane.

MY FOOTBALL CAREER
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 26 January 1924
Why and How I Think The Offside Rule Should Be Altered
By Jack Cock
I have often had the question put to me; "What do you think of the offside stunt merchants?"  I'm often too disgusted to think about the full backs who run away from the ball, rather than show a desire to play it.  The offside question is one which has caused more controversy than any other in football, and I have at times been amazed to find even players upholding the one-back game, as it is termed.  The great majority of players who believe that the one-back defensive game is good for football are backs themselves, so that perhaps they are not altogether unbiased in their opinions.  Whenever I go in my football travels I rarely find forwards who will stand up and praise the follows who run away from the ball and cause a constant "tooting" of the whistle for offside.  It is all very well for people to write and say that the offside game can be overcome by brains, and especially by brainy forwards.  It is easy to sit and write that if attacking players will only keep behind the ball they can never be pulled up for offside.  In regard to the latter phase I might say that backs are delighted when forwards strictly observe this idea, for then they drive you back to the half-way line, and keep you there as often as not?    I do not know how many followers of the game realise that forwards do a tremendous lot of sprinting, and that they cover more ground than any other player on the field.  Let me give you an instance.  There are times when you see forwards defending their own goal at a corner kick, and there are heaps of times that they have got the ball from such positions, and have set up a swift and brilliant attacking movement.  The whole line dashes the full length of the field.  We'll say a corner kick comes, and this is cleared.  The forward are puffed a bit; they are out of wind.  Not so the defenders, who after the corner, has been taken, immediately move up the field at a trot to that when the ball comes back again the poor forwards are whistled offside.   Yet, I shall be told that forwards should have trotted along with the backs, and so kept onside?  It sounds all right, if one had the wind to keep on trotting all the time, but the astute forwards preserve their wind for occasions when they have a real chance of putting on goals.  The forward whp runs about up and down at the dictates of a wily back is but playing into the hands of the opposition; he is using up his energy quite needlessly, and he is not doing his side much good in the long run.  It is no use forwards keeping onside for 45 minutes, and using up so much power as to be unable to raise a gallop in the second 45.  Now let me put myself quite right with my readers.  I want to say that I have no objection at all to being trapped by a good full-back, providing that full back only uses the offside stunt as a last defensive resource.  Don't mistake my meaning.  I, along with other forwards can admire the back who plays football and whop does not make the offside game his A to Z style.  My lick, and the kick of most forwards and the kick of 80 per cent of the football public is against the backs who play the one-back game from first minute to last, who run away from the ball on every conceiveable occasion and who, by so doing, make a travesty of the game.  I've played in games when the whistling of the referee for offside has been absoluetly annoying, and I haven't always been on the atatcking side when I have felt this annoyance!  I am one of those players who love football for the sake of the game and the recreation.  In my earlier articles I told how I loved the game right from my boyhood, and I am one of countless professionals who have that feeling in their hearts, and who see this game being travestled and spoilt as a game and as a spectable by players who have snatched ast the offside rule to keep a job.
Praise For McCracken
Bill McCracken didn't play the offside game for 90 minutes.  The brilliance of McCracken came in because a forward could never tell whether the Irishman would meet him in the orthodox style or by the one-back idea.  That was where McCracken's genius for defensive strategy came in.  But today ther are backs who do nothing but run away from the ball.  I won't mention the names of any clubs, but I can frankly assert that I have seen no less than four players - backs and half-backs -running away from the ball together.  That isn't football surely.  O don't deny that I have played in games when I along with my colleagues, have overcome the offside rule but perhaps that has been because the opposition were not experts in the tactics they attempted I do not deny that I have often talked this matter over with my colleagues, and that we have arrived at a working plan.  I admit all this, but I am speaking from the point of view of football as a national sport.  The one-back game is killing interest in the hearts of thousands of people, and it will go on doing so just as long as backs are allowed to be eaten up with the mania of running away.  What would I do to preserve the game?  I should say that a line drawn half-way between the goal-line and the centre line, behind which no player could be offswide, would make for a vast improvement.  When a player got past the new line he would have to have the customary three opponents between him and the goal before he would be in an onside position.  Such an amendment to the rule would subdue a back's activities so much that there would be far lesws chance of the game being constantly held up.  It would not allow of the return of the "goal sneak,: for no forward would snatch goals at that range.  I have not the sapce this week to enter into a full discussion of other phrases of this offside game, and must defer that matter until next  week.  Now I wish to conclude by saying that my whole objection is not against those who put the offside rule into football, but against those men who have made the offside rule their whole game, their doctrine.  That there are such players cannot be denied.  That there are clubs which have won honours almost soley because of the way they have exploited the one-back theory cannot be denied.  The trouble is other clubs are adopting the same methods.  If it is good for one club it must be good for them as well.  There lies the whole danger.  We have enough offside nowadays to fill any man with dissatisfaction, but I do not think we have reached the height of the epidemic.  When no steps are taken to suppress an outbreak of this sort it must spread.  The more the one-back game is allowed to sprread and to become the regarded route to football success, the less spectacalar and popular will be the game. 

Jack Cock Again.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 26 January 1924
 A grand goal Jack Cock gave Everton another home victory last week over Middlesfbrongh, and such a result is going to have  far-reaching effects upon the relegation puzzle. Middlesbrough have been in special training for the past fortnight, so that Cock and Co. will have had to be on their best 'behaviour if they hoped to repeat their sensational win last year. 
The Latest
Everton are said to be certain to sign Norman Bullock, the Bury centre-forward, shortly.  What is wrong with Jack Cock that Everton want to spend money on another leader? 

EVERTON SHOULD WIN
January 26, 1924. The Daily Courier.
POLICY OF DESPAIR BY MIDDLESBROUGH.
Although tavelling by road to Tees-sides, cramping, muscle binging ordeal, precautions have been taken to place the Everton team in the field at Ayresome Park today in the best fettle. The side will be the same as that which defeated Middlesbrough at Goodison Park last Saturday, and with their hosts trying experiments in the forward lines, everything points to the blues bringing off the double. Middlesbrough will try, for the first time, their new capture from Cardiff City, Smith, at centre-half, shifting the useful Webster to the left half position, vice Slade. Their most drastic changes, however, is the playing of Urwin a left winger, in the outside right position and dropping Bottrill, whose, slowness last week was obvious. It is to be hoped that the Everton halves and backs will not give Dickson Wainscoat, and Birrell the "rope" they did at Goodison, for the inside men had many gilt-edged chances, which they frittered away. It does not follow, however, that they will do so today, and Everton's happy go lucky exuberance may, if repeated, lead to disaster. In spite of the strike, the usual critical survey of the game will appear in Monday's Daily Courier, a special representative having travelled with the team.

TROUP WEARS A CORSET TO KEEP HIS SWIVEL COLLAR-BONE IN ORDER
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 26, 1924
Bee’s Notes
Those who have seen Alec Troup playing pluckily on the left will be astonished to learned that in the last few weeks the Scottie had to have a corset strapped round his swivel shoulder blade. It has given him considerable pain, because it has torn the pit of his arm. However, to-day he is using a special pad that prevents the obnoxious scraping.

OLD TIMERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 26, 1924
Bee’s Notes
The various references appearing in the “Echo” about old-time clubs and players is of very great interest to old followers of the game (writes J.B). Last week we had “Oakmere,” but I would like to draw attention to the name of “Oakmere” being a mistake; unless my memory plays me false it should have read “Oakfield Rovers.” I remember the club well, and how prominent they were in the season 1886-7. About this time it is difficult for me to recognise Billy Hughes, who I know well. Everton, Bootle, Stanley and Oakfield Rovers at this time were our leading clubs, although Bootle were equal, if not superior, to Everton- but luck was always against Bootle. Those were the days of veiled professionalism, particularly in the case of Everton, who were eventually suspended. Bootle was only opening out, that is towards good gates, but they managed to get big crowds for the night matches at the beginning and end of the season. Stanley played where Luxmore-road is now situated, and the brothers Watson (backs) had a lot to do with the club. Archie and John Goodall both played for Bootle, but they were never able to keep their men, other clubs offering (in a veiled manner) other advantages. Bootle were in the same plight. A man would be playing for Bootle one Saturday and for Everton the following, and they had to make the most of local talent, plus Scotchmen who were then coming to Bootle to work at the big engine shops. I remember how little attention the Press gave to football matches, and it was left to Bolton to supply us with the “Football Field,” a parcel of these papers being thrown out of the train at Kirkdale station and taken over by a Mr. Howard (a newsagent). The only other place to get the paper was at a small hotel in Tarleton-street. How things have changed. Reference has been made by yourself, or elsewhere, about benefiting the old-time players, who are now not too well off. I made a suggestion years ago that these men should at least have free access to our local grounds. I have stood next to (not long ago either) men who had played and covered themselves with glory, and who were not known to the crowds. I am not writing of old professionals but amateurs.
MORE OLD-TIME LORE
Reading the “Football Echo” on Saturday evening recalls my memories of my Stanley Park days (says “Little Billie of Richmond and Everton). The eldest of the Griffiths family, William, was a pupil teacher at prince Edwin Wesleyan Schools, with frank Brettell, of Everton Football Club. So they arranged a match for the championship of Stanley Park. The day arrived and when Wm Parry, the captain of Everton, called up his team he had only nine men, and the Cambrian team ten members; and a strange player to the writer, being a reserve player with Everton, was called upon to play centre, W. Gibson, our centre, not turning up. We commenced, and it was not long before I appealed to the umpire, as the stranger was prodding me in the face with the stump of his arm, he only having one arm. We found out afterwards that he was the celebrated Welsh international Ketley, six feet high, and your humble 5ft 2in! We beat them 6 goals to 2, and I scored my goals between Ketley’s legs! In those days it was very hard for a captain to get a team together, as the commercial time in Liverpool was four p.m. on Saturday; only engineers, painters, joiners, and cotton finished at one o’clock. Of course, the club was composed of all trades, including clerks and cotton-sample men. Talking about the difficulty of securing players and scouting. I had quite an experience. I was asked to bring any likely youths (for trails, of course)- all amateurs in those days, who had to pay their annual subscription to keep the club going. I came across a tall youth, and approaching him, he said he could not play without his father’s consent. So off I went to his house and saw his father, who insulted me and said he had enough to do to keep the lad in boots. But the father prospered in business, and invested some money in shares and became a director; also the son, who never played for us; is on the board of Everton, and the writer only a spectator!
Thanks for your kind remembrance.
OAKFIELD, NOT OAKMERE
I was pleased to see the photograph of the Old Oakfield (not Oakmere) club, whose members assisted Everton in the Stanley Park days (writes Mr. W.J. Eyton), James Pickering, who played previous to George Fleming, also Jobey Wilding, who came from Wrexham, and Ted Griffiths (Wassy) half-back, with Charles McGoldrick, who played half-back with the writer. Jackson kept goal for Bootle, not Stanley, and was followed by Dunning, who went to Aston Villa, Jack Griffith taking his place in the Bootle goal. The Griffiths family consisted of three fine footballers, William Griffith (Cambrian), Edward Griffiths (Cambrian, Everton) Stanley (Press Guards), John Griffith (Leek and Bootle) and Benny Griffith (Lansdown). I think you may have heard of Billy Hughes, of Bootle, he having played against Small Heath. The Stanley club was run by the Bicket family, of Bootle, and they brought Alick Dick from Kilmarnock; also Archie Goodall, as a youth. Billy Wilson, McCallum, and Pollock were followed by George Martin, who became captain of Everton.
HOUSING A CROWD -OR CROWING A “HOUSE.”
“Nuquuam” writes;- I would like, through the medium of your paper, to draw the attention of the Everton club concerning the manner in which things are conducted at the ground on a holiday match. On Boxing Day, for instance, thousands made their way to the match much before the time arranged for the kick-off, the consequence being that the latecomers had to from long and monotonous queues, the ground being positively packed; but the ridiculous part about it was; the men at the turnstiles continued to admit more people, who, I am told, could advance no further than the steps inside the ground. Numerous others were delighted to get out of the ground again after having paid for admission. As soon as the enclosure is full all turnstiles should be closed, and those who turn up at the last minute for such matches will know what to expect.

EVERTON’S “BRAKE CLUB!”
The Liverpool Football Echo -Saturday, January 26, 1924
HOW THE MEN FARED ON THE CHARABANC JOURNEY
MIDDLESBROUGH CHANGES
“READERS GIVE HIS VIEW OF THE TEESIDE ENCOUNTER
Everton; Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Middlesbrough; Clough; Holmes, Freeman (Captain); Harris, E. Smith, Webster; Urwin, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscoat, Cochrane. Everton left Liverpool on Thursday and trekked to Harrogate, as the first point of vantage, prior to the completion of the journey to Middlesbrough. They had quite a good journey in the covered-in ‘bus, and Mr. Secretary McIntosh said the boys had stood the journey quite well, and they were very grateful that the weather had been fine and the conditions rather warmer than for many a week. Middlesbrough brought in Urwin at outside right- a new position for him-and Smith, ex-Cardiff, was tried at centre half. Crisp but dull weather prevailed at Ayresome Park this afternoon when Middlesbrough virtually in need of League points returned from their long spell of special training to meet Everton. The fact that Ernest Smith, Middlesbrough’s latest recruit from Cardiff City, was due to put in appearance, did not largely augment the gate which was in the neighbourhood of 10,000 when the sides as selected took the field. Everton, ever popular visitors to Middlesbrough, received a warn cheer on beginning to attack the town end with a strong breeze at their backs, Freeman having lost then toss. The Teasiders were the first to mean danger, smart work by Urwin, Burrrell and Cochrane forcing a corner to the last-named.
COLLISION CAUSES STOPPAGE
This was beautiful placed but the ball swept across the goal without any Boro forwards being able to apply the finishing touch. Barely had this incident happened when Troup returned the compliment by making ground well into the middle of the area, advancing to meet the winger’s centre, Cock had the misfortune to collide with Freeman, and Boro defender caused the game to be stopped for a few minutes for attention. In the early stages clever footwork by Troup was very noticeable. Another solo run by the ex-Denaby player gained a fruitless corner. Under pressure Webster and Holmes wavered, Clough having to leave his goal to a dangerous swerving centre from Irvine, and Chadwick then drove past the upright.
COCK DRIVES HOME
Freeman evidently was feeling the effects of his injury, for he now assumed the duties of outside left, Webster dropping to left back. This sort of pressure could only have one result, and at the end of twelve minutes Cock fastened on a likely centre from Chedgzoy, and scored a low, close-ranged drive and gave Clough no chance. Middlesbrough’s attack hereabouts were spasmodic, their rearranged forces showing small ability to combine, which was scarcely to be wondered at. Finally Freeman had to retire from the field, for he had been little more than a passenger. A thrill came in the Everton goalmouth when Dickson gamely tried to head a centre from Cochrane past Harland, but this pressure was quickly beaten off, and Troup gave Chadwick a chance, only for the inside man to have his drive charged down at the last minute. The football continued fast and exciting, with Everton the more dangerous in the offensive. Harland, however, had to stop a lightning centre from Urwin, whilst Livingstone retired for treatment. Following further Middlesbrough attacks Webster tackled Chedgzoy with rare vim, but Smith so far had little chance to distinguish himself.
ACCIDENT TO HARLAND
Another accident befell Everton, Harland being injured in advancing to stop Dickson, who lobbed a bouncing ball just too hard. After half-an-hour’s play Smith handled rather rashly in the penalty at Chedgzoy’s centre, but from the spot kick, awarded hesitation, Chadwick sent quite wide, this being an unusual experience for the Everton penalty expert. A fine drive by Irvine tapped over the bar. Freeman had returned but was limping, and the Borough goal had a very narrow escape when Cock got through. Middlesboro’s best efforts were by Dickson, who headed Urwin’s centre inches wide. Cochrane’s tenacity yielded Middlesbrough a corner, from which Wainscoat headed over. McBain had been a great figure this half. Just before half-time, Cock missed a rare chance, whilst Irvine drove well but Clough was ready.
Half-time; Middlesbrough 0, Everton 1.
EVERTON UP NORTH
COCK SCORES BEFORE THE INTERVAL
CHAPTERS OF ACCIDENTS
THE BOROUGH FORWARDS PLAY DISAPPOINTINGLY
MIDDLEBROUGH 1 EVERTON 1
There could be no two opinions about it. Everton had been the better side in the first half. The second portion began, however, with three fast Middlesbrough attacks, Birrell having hard luck with a sudden drive, and Harland subsequently being penalised for handling. The free kick yielded Middlesbrough no advantage, Livingstone being able to clear.
CHEDGZOY HURT
At the other end Troup prettily transferred the danger, but Holmes proved a difficult customer to negotiate Chedgzoy was the next to receive an injury, the international sustaining a kick on the left ankle, but he quickly resumed. Considering that the game had never been rough, the number of accidents had been surprising. Hesitancy to centre robbed Cochrane of a splendid position created by Wainscoat. The Borough forwards so far had proved exceedingly disappointing; and the crowd, nigh 15,000 strong, grew strangely silent. Wainscoat should have done better than place outside when a good chance presented itself. But a minute later the inside left gave Birrell an opening, from which the latter drove hard but unsuccessfully into goal. A bit of Webster’s dash was needed to show the Brough forwards how to make headway; but the corner that he won yielded no result, and as the minutes ticked on Middlesbrough’s chances seemed to diminish, though they were having the best of the game at this period. A glancing effort from Troup hit the crossbar and passed out to Freeman, who cleared. Dickson led the Middlesbrough line subsequently with great dash, but, despite a likely header, he could not get the ball past Harland. Though showing more “pep,” and keeping Everton mainly on the defensive, the Teesiders showed a lack of understanding, and rarely were responsible for any good shots. Birrell, Urwin and Smith combined to give Dickson a chance the leader’s header passing into Harland’s hands. Final; Middlesbrough 1 Everton 1.

MIDDLESBROUGH 1 EVERTON 1
January 28, 1924. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
EVERTON DRAW.
MIDDLESBROUGH'S DESPERATE UP-HILL FIGHT
CHADWICK SENDS A PENALTY WIDE.
Deprived of the full spoils in the last half dozen kicks of the game at Ayresome Park, Everton nevertheless treated the 15,000 onlookers to as pretty an exhibition of forward play as any seen this season at Middlesbrough. Whilst in the first half the visitors scored once, missed a penalty, and generally gave the Teesides defenders a gruelling time, a sheer spirit of desperation took root in the beasts of Dickson, and company after the interval. The result was less frequent attacks by the Blues, coupled with a great deal of unsparing, but rather wild offensives by the Borough. Cock's initial goal was a beauty –a first time downward drive with the right foot as Irvine's low cross-reached him eight yards out. Chadwick fired his penalty kick a yard wide of the right post, whilst later Troup hit the Cross bar. When Dickson equalised Urwin had left him with a simple "nodder" past the reliable Harland. If only for their up-hill struggle against superior balance and combined effectiveness, Middlesbrough deserved their point. McBain once more proved an outstanding figure in constructive work, whilst Troup caused heart throbs imumerable to the burly Holmes. Troup and Cocks, in fact, were the most successful units in a fact, were the most successful units in a line, which depended rather upon swift combined work than individualism. Cock should have put the issue beyond doubt in the closing stages, when he tricked the defence completely ere driving a foot wide. Altogether Everton shaped convincing against opposition which, it has to be confessed is rather poor at present. Smith, the ex-Cardiff player, rarely impressed. Middlesbrough's best being Webster at left half. Of the Teeside forwards Dickson most took the eye by his energy, though Urwin framed well on the right wing. It was a good hard game from first to last with Everton always the cleverer and Middlesbrough fighting desperately for a point when all seemed lost. Teams : - Middlesbrough: - Cough, goal, Homes and Freeman, backs, Harris, F. Smith, and Webster, half-backs, Urwin, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscoat, and Cochrane, forwards. Everton: - Harland, goal, McDonald, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 OLDHAM ALTHLETIC RESERVES 0
January 28, 1924. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
At Goodison Park. Everton introduced Harland at outside left, a brother of the first team goalkeeper, and it was due to his tactics that Williams scored the only goal of the match. The play of Oldham during the first half was very disappointing chiefly through the lack of support from their halves, their forwards being unable to get within shooting distance. Longmuir, in the centre was always dangerous and one fine effort deserved a better fate. The game was thirty-five minutes old before Williams scored and had it not been for bad luck the home side would have held a comfortable lead. During the second half Oldham greatly improved and had quite as much of the game as Everton. Fern was fully tested but kept his charge intact.

POINT FOR PLUCK
Athletic News- Monday, January 28, 1924
AYRESOME MEN’S FIGHT AGAINST ADVERSITY
A MISSED PENALTY
MIDDLESBROUGH 1 EVERTON 1
By Vulcan
SO oft this season have Middlesbrough appeared to tamely abandon the struggle after a goal had been scored against them that it is quite refreshing to record how they boldly challenged an adverse fate and snatched at least one point when all seemed lost.  It was not the goal which Everton scored twelve minutes from the start which was Middlesbrough’s biggest handicap. They shouldered the heaviest burden two minutes from the start, when Freeman going out to meet Cock was so badly crippled that he was of little use afterwards. He was carried off, returned to play outside left for a short time, and retired altogether for about twenty minutes for repairs. Then he returned to his first position at left back with one leg practically useless. It was while Freeman was at outside left that Chedgzoy got away on the wing, and outpacing all opposition swung across such perfect centre that Cock had easy task to score. That was after twelve minutes’ play, and for the next twenty minutes Everton gave a bewildering display of the higher arts of football.
The Penalty Kick.
Chedgzoy’s speed, Troup’s wiles and determination, and the skilful passes of the inside trio, backed up by half-backs who were the integral part of the attack, so completely dominated the game that there were visions of an overwhelming defeat for the home team, and probably the crowd touched the depths of despair when Smith so foolishly gave away a penalty kick. There was no doubt that he handled the ball, and equally be it said there was not the slightest need for his doing so. However, to the surprise of all Chadwick missed the goal entirely. I am assured that this is Chadwick’s first penalty failure for Everton, and certainly it cost them a point. It was very soon after this that Freeman returned to duty, and although Everton continued to play delightfully pretty football Middlesbrough’s more robust methods became the more effective. All the second half it was the Teessiders who were the more dangerous team. They were always fighting gamely to equalise, but again and again well-executed movements failed for the loss of essential penetrating form near goal. Birrell was seldom in position for a shot, and Wainscoat invariably fell when he got to grips with the Everton defence. There were however, two tenacious terriers in the team, Cochrane and Dickson. The latter was the only man who ever looked like scoring, and he it was who succeeded in somewhat dramatic fashion three minutes from the close, when he headed through a centre of Urwin’s.
A Just Reward.
It was a just reward for a game effort and the crowd cheered their appreciation. Middlesbrough have still the shadow of relegation clouding their future, but Saturday’s display at least inspires hope that if doomed they be they will die fighting. Naturally chief, interest centred around the debut of Smith. The newcomer from Cardiff was not very successful, but he has had a long absence from First League football and cannot be condemned on one appearance. Harris’s judgment was always apparent, but Middlesbrough’s best half was Webster, who several times came near scoring.  It was really a joy to watch the first half display of the men from Goodison Park. Their passing was a model of accuracy, and both wings cultivated the triangular formation, with the respective wing half-backs in close attendance for development attack. But excessive passing breaks down before smashing tactics, and Everton, once they lost grip seemed to have little force in them. Certainly Middlesbrough were more tenacious, and well deserved their reward. Middlesbrough.—Clough: Holmes, Freeman; Harris, Smith, Webster; Urwin, Birrell, Dickson, Wainscoat, Cochrane. Everton.—Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. Referee: S. Turnbull, Durham.

MISSED PENALTY UP NORTH
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 28, 1924
EVERTON’S CASE
Our special critic at the Everton match says;-
Deprived of the full spells in the last half does kicks of the game at Ayresome Park, Everton nevertheless treated the 15,000 onlookers to as pretty an exhibition of forward play as any seen this season at Middlesbrough. Whilst in the first half the visitors scored once, missed a penalty, and generally gave the Teeside defenders a gruelling time, a sheer spirit of desperation took root in the breasts of Dickson and company after the interval. The result was less frequent attacks by the Blues, coupled with a great deal of unsparing but rather wild offensive by the Borough. Cock’s initial goal was a beauty- a first-time downward drive with the right foot as Irvine’s low cross reached him eight yards out. Chadwick fired his penalty a yard wide of the right spot, whilst later Troup hit the cross-bar. When Dickson equalled Urwin had left him with a simple “nodder” past the reliable Harland. If only for their up-hill struggle against superior balance and combined effectiveness, Middlesbrough deserved their point. McBain once more proved an outstanding figure in constructive work, whilst Johnny Troup caused heart throbs innumerable to the burly Holmes. Troup and Cock, in fact, were the most successful units in a line which depended rather upon swift combined work then individualism. Cock should have put the issue beyond doubt in the closing stages, when he tricked the defence completely ere driving a foot wide. Altogether Everton shaped convincingly against opposition which, it has to be confessed, is rather poor at present. Smith the ex-Cardiff player, rarely impressed, Middlesbrough’s best being Webster at left half. Of the Teeside forwards Dickson most took the eye by his energy, though Urwin framed well on the right wing. It was a good, hard game from first to last with Everton always the cleverer and Middlesbrough fighting desperately for a point when all seemed lost.
“Supporters” writes;- It fell to my lot to conduct three Prestoners to Everton. In their opinion Everton are equally as good as any team they’ve seen. All three were unanimous in voting McBain the best centre half they had seen. Their next remark will interest some “supporters” of Everton who are complaining of the club’s rear division. It was to the effect that Livingstone is a real class full back, whose intervention and anticipation were “a treat to watch.”

FOREIGN NEWS ABOUT EVERTON’S CHEDGZOY
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 30, 1924
Bee’s Notes
The cameo of Chedgzoy is very interesting when it talks of his school and salad days, but when it tells of his breaks and his future arrangements it is beside the mark. I don’t think it has ever been published, but I can vouch for the fact that Chedgzoy was in his boyhood days an ardent “Red.” He himself told me he was one of Anfield’s most regular visitors, and he would willingly have donned their jersey and played for them for the glory of the thing. Chedgzoy did not break a leg at Bolton, but he had an extraordinary set of accidents there, and he says that Bolton is, without doubt, his unlucky spot. It was there he was described by the doctors as having broken his thigh in two places. Yet ere many weeks had passed Sam was mounting the golden flight of stairs at Everton and shocking the Everton secretary, then Mr. W.C. Cuff. Chedgzoy believes that if he had stayed at Bolton Hospital much longer he would have been snowed under with kindness. Every day people visited him, and none more regularly than Referee Howcroft. What a difference to the action of one London club, which has yet to inquire how a player who got crocked, and was in hospital through accident in their game for weeks on end- I say had yet to inquire how the rival player is going on and whether he is still unconscious!
BOGNOR’S IDEAS
From an old musical friend down at Bognor I get the following instructive note re Everton’s opponents in the cup. “The home men have a fine half back line, a not unskilful forward group, and a defence which is not likely to quake under Cup-tie fever. Hayes, I think, is the ex-Deepdale custodian and right half, McAllister is a ‘plum’ who came from across the border two seasons ago as an inside right. Hopkins is the ex-Arsenal forward, Cook is the Susses cricketer, and Nightingale is a true winger. He is the speediest forward I have seen since Jack Parkinson and seems to know as much about wing work as the other nightingales do. We are having early summer weather here, quite anti-Moretonish!”
In the “Bognor Post” we learn this from a special correspondent;-
“Sammy” Chedgzoy, the Everton outside-right, is also England’s outside-right. How often his name has been “mucked about” no one can reckon, but he does not “muck chances about.” Only the other day I was in his native town of Ellesmere Port, where he used to work and play for Burnell’s Ironworks. I paid a call on a friend who is headmaster of the school there, and he showed me a historical school conduct book with the entry; “Sammy Chedgzoy, two stokes over the bench for breaking school window with football.” I wonder what Sammy will say when he reads this. He is one of those distinctive players who, have, amongst other football trophies and decorations, the memories of a broken leg. This he received at Bolton in what I think, was his first League match. He does not want any more! He is a speedy winger, a juggling dribbler, an accurate marksman, and his speciality is- ah! That would be giving the show away, but I hope that Jenkins is used to struggling near the corner flag! Chedgzoy, by the way, intends to leave the football arena before many moons have passed but, Brighton please note, he would like to add an English Cup medal to his football prizes! 

EVERTON’S CUP-TIE TEAM & ARRANGEMENTS
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 31, 1924
Bee’s Notes it seems to me an age since last the city had to be content with central League fare on a Saturday, and Saturday’s Cup visitations have led to the uncommon occurrence of two Central league games on our main grounds. There is one at Everton where Manchester United play, and with the scores being popped up from Brighton every fifteen minutes, the game makes appeal to the followers of the club. Manchester United have championship hopes, and Everton Reserve have been winning their games for some time. Thus the following side is expected to have a good spectatorial look; Fern; Raitt, Kerr; Rooney, Reid, Virr; Parry, Wall, Forbes, Williams, and Harland. NO CHANGE -BUT A DOUBT
Everton, for the Brighton game, have chosen the usual side, with Peacock traveling as reserve. There is more in that latter statement than meets the eye, for I believe there is a doubt about a half-back, none other than Hunter Hart, who has not been the sort of man who has been laid up with injuries- he is very hardy, and knows how to puck up his feet. Peacock could also, in stress of emergency, play in other positions than could be vacated through illness. Chedgzoy is still troubled with last week’s damage, but he will be O.K, by Saturday, so the team will line up as follows;-
Harland; McDonald, Livingstone; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, Troup. They go to London to-morrow, and return home on Sunday evening.
PACKING UP HIS KIT
Joe Clennell was a busy man yesterday, removing his goods and chattels to Cardiff from his Barlow-lane business. Thus we lose entirely a fine Merseyside personality. What a stoke of bad luck it was for Everton to lose him as they did, just when they had pulled him through a peck of trouble in the shape of repeated breakdowns! However, Everton’s loss has proved Cardiff’s gain; indeed one of the City directors attributes the great strides made by his club very largely to the brainy initiative and fine moral “comrady” influence of the inimitable Joe, who was first “broadcasted” by the writer when watching a Lancashire Cup-tie  ‘steen years ago at Blackpool.