EVERTON’S HEALTHY BALANCE SHEET ;
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 July 1943
PROFIT OF £1,378;
Though their profit is not as large as Liverpool’s, Everton F.C. have had successful season, and balance-sheet shows a profit of £1,378 In addition, £3,407 has been written off during the year for depreciation, and the bank overdraft has been reduced by over £1,000, but against this the amount carried forward in the profit and loss account to next year (£29,855), is down by £2,077 compared with last year. On the income side, gross gate receipts (including away games) total £16,254, against £14,684 year ago. Everton paid £1,200 more to the visiting clubs than they themselves received from away games. Out of the gross receipts entertainment tax took £3,978, travelling £1,407, players’ wages £805, and rent and rates £1,645. The club’s property (houses and land) stands at cost in the balance sheet at £23,250 —obviously considerably less than present-day values—while the stands, thanks to wise financial guidance and regular allotment for depreciation, are down to only £30,667. The bank overdraft is £21,867 (£23,032 last year). The directors have taken advantage of the improved outlook to recommend payment of dividend for the last three years of 7 ½ cent, per annual, which absorbs only 219.  The F.A rule limits payment of back dividend to three years and though it has been suggested this might be relaxed in war-time, no alteration has been made so far.  The annual meeting is being held at the Law Association Rooms today week (7 p.m) when Mr. Ernest Green, Dr. C.S. Baxter, and Captain Tom Percy the retiring directors will be automatically re-elected, no other nominations having been received.  Mr. Green, as I stated recently has now completed 30 tears unbroken and meritorious service to the club. 
Baseball and Bowls
Cricket occupies main place in tomorrow’s outdoor programme, but the there is a ball game at Goodison Park for baseball followers, and bowls semi-final at Knotty Ash for the trundlers. The baseball match is between Rootes and the U.S. Nitesticks. The latter defeated Caledonians last week after entertaining game, and, with their side of experienced American players, look likely to win again, though Rootes have other views.
All the games at Goodison are enlivened by a running commentary by an American broadcaster, and people with no knowledge of baseball will find themselves surprised at the ease with which they are able to follow the play. In week or two they become so expert that they start looking for the finer points.

EVERTON PAY 3-YEAR DIVIDENDS
July 2, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton Football Club have decided not only to pay a dividend of 7 ½ per cent, to their shareholders this year, but to pay a 7 ½ per cent dividend for the two previous years also. This welcome gift follows a profit on the year ending May 22 of £1,378. This is the second season in succession Everton have shown a profit for the previous year they made £1,270. The club however, is still down on the war period because of a heavy loss is down by just over £9,000. The club finances remain sound despite this –concrete evidence being provided by the decision of the directors to pay the three years dividends. The banks overdraft has been reduced by £1,165 to £21,867, but the freehold land is listed at £23,250, and the stands etc, at £30,667 less depreciation. There should be few grumbles from the shareholders when they gather for the 64th annual meeting of the company at Cook-street tomorrow week, July 9.
Gate Increase
Main reason for the financial success of last season, of course was the increase in gate receipts, which totalled £16,254 as compared with £14,684 the previous season. Actual receipts at Goodison Park were £12,950 and £3,304 was received from away matches, visiting clubs being paid £4,536. Players wages were up to £805 from £792, and travelling expenses amounted to £1,407 from £1,071. Entertainments Tax took £3,978 as against £2,596 –this took practically all the increase in gate receipts. The three retiring directors –Mr. Ernest Green, Dr. Cecil, S. Baxter and Captain Tom Percy –will be re-selected unopposed for a further period of three years and Mr. Green will thus complete 30 years uninterrupted service as a director of the club. Mr. Green joined the board on June 9, 1913, and is Everton’s longest-serving director. A special tribute is paid to Mr. Green in the annual report.

EVERTON’S “ANNUAL”
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 July 1943
Everton hold their 64tb annual general meeting to-morrow evening at the Law Association Rooms, Cook Street (7 p.m.). Like Liverpool’s, this promises to be short and sweet. The shareholders not only have a very satisfactory balance-sheet before them, showing a profit of £1.378, but the recent improved outlook has been signified by a recommendation from the board to pay a dividend, at the rate of the maximum per cent., for the past three years, there are no other nominations, Mr. Ernest Green. Dr. Baxter and Captain Percy will be automatically re-elected directors.

EVERTON’S ANNUAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 July 1943
Everton F.C.’s annual meeting was short and sweet. It lasted but twelve minutes. The chairman of the club, Mr. W. Gibbons, in his address to the shareholders, said the season just closed had come up to expectations both from a financial and playing point of view. The Everton club,” he said, are in better financial position than most clubs in the country, and their policy of playing their own youngsters had been fully justified. We have found several young players who should serve us well in the future, and we-have combed the district for young, players, who will have their chance when the trials commence in August.  The three retiring directors, Messrs. Ernest Green, Dr. Baxter, and Captain Percy were re-elected. This is Mr. Green’s thirtieth year on the board. Mr. Fred Lake thanked the directors for their work during the season, and hoped that they would continue to give youth its chance. Clubs who have built their teams with guest artists ’’ will have a hard time when things become normal.

EVERTON F.C. MEETING
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 10 July 1943
At Everton Football Club’s annual meeting In the Law Association Rooms last night Mr. W. Gibbons, the chairman, said the club had good season. They did not go in for guest players on a big scale, but preferred to try out youngsters, and the policy had paid for itself. They had found number of young players who would serve them well In the future. He paid tribute to their one full-time man, Mr. Harry Cooke, the trainer, and his good friends, Messrs. George Thomas, B. Borthwlck and McArdle. The three retiring directors, Messrs. Ernest Green, Dr. Baxter, and Captain Percy, were re-elected, there being other nominations. Mr. Green has been on the board for thirty years, during which time he has rendered great service to the club. Dr. Baxter has completed fifteen years on the board.

CASH GOES BEGGING
July 13, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
There must be many shareholders of Everton Football Club who are so well off that they do not brother collecting dividends. Dividend drafts to a total of more than £3,000 are still lying at Goodison Park waiting to be claimed. Last week the club decided to pay dividends at the rate of 7 ½ per cent, for the past three seasons, and this means another slack of drafts going on the file. The trouble is that many of the shareholders cannot be traced. I suspect this many have changed addresses and have failed to notify the secretary. I am informed by the auditors Messrs Theodore Rodger, Bowler and Co, that more than fifty of this year’s annual balance sheets came back to the club marked “unknown at this address.” I advise any shareholders who have not collected their “divides” in recent to contact the club right away, and in any case it will be as well to let the secretary know the changes of address. Cash going begging in wartime ...it’s a new one on me.

NEW SEASON’S SOCCER FIXTURES
July 20, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Plans for the 1943-44 season in England are well forward and the Football league have circulated to the clubs the fixtures for prelimary survey and approval or otherwise. Everton –August 28, Blackburn Rovers (a); September 4, Blackburn Rovers (h); September 11 Manchester U (a); September 18 Manchester U (h); September 25, Burnley (a); October 2, Burnley (h); October 9, Liverpool (h); October 16 Liverpool (a); October 23, Wrexham (a); October 30, Wrexham (h); November 6 Tranmere Rovers (h); November 13 Tranmere Rovers (a); November 20 Crewe Alex (a); November 27, Crewe Alex (h); December 4 Chester (a); December 11, Chester (h); December 18, Manchester C (h); December 25, Manchester C (a).

TRIBUTE TO EVERTON
July 21, 1943. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
It is popular knowledge that anyone who has ever played with Everton never forgets the old club. Players who were the blue jerseys years ago still have a warm spot in their hearts for the Goodison Park side. This is borne out by a letter from Len Weller, the former Everton half-back now living in Stoke-On-Trent, to congratulate Mr. Ernest Green, the Everton directors on the completion of thirty years service as a director. In the letter to Mr. Green, Lew recalls happy memories of their travel together when winning the Central League championship for Everton back before the last war and adds; “If I had my career to go over again and had my choice of clubs, there is only one I would select –Everton. “ Lew adds that he has a son who looks like making the football grade. Lew sends his best wishes to all his old friends of Merseyside who may remember him.

TRIBUTE TO EVERTON 
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 21 July 1943
It is popular knowledge that anyone who has ever played with Everton never forgets the old club. Players who wore the blue jersey years ago still have warm snot in their hearts for the Goodison Park side. This Is borne out by a letter' from Lou Weller, the former Everton half-hack row living in Stoke-on-Trent, to congratulate Mr. Ernest Green the director on the completion thirty years service as director. In the letter to Mr. Green, Lew recalls happy memories of their travels together when winning the Central League championship for Everton hack before the last war and adds "ll I had career over again and had choice of clubs, there Is only one I would select—Everton. Lew adds that has son who looks like making football grade. Lew sends his  best wishes to all his old friends Merseyside who remember him. 

TRIBUTE TO EVERTON
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 21 July 1943
It is popular knowledge that anyone who has ever played with Everton never forgets the old club. Players who wore the blue jersey years ago still have warm spot in their hearts for the Goodison Park side. This Is borne out by a letter' from Lou Weller, the former Everton half-back row living in Stoke-on-Trent, to congratulate Mr. Ernest Green the director on the completion thirty years service as director. In the letter to Mr. Green, Lou recalls happv memories of their travels together when winning the Central League championship for Everton back before the last war and adds" lf I had career over again and had choice of clubs, there Is only one I would select—Everton. Lou adds that has son who looks like making football grade. Lou sends his best wishes to all his old friends on Merseyside who may remember him.

EVERTON’S “ HEAD”
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 July 1943
Mr. W. C. Gibbins has been re-elected by his directorial colleague’s chairman of Everton F.A. for another twelve months, this making his fourth successive season. Mr. Gibbins took over the chair at Goodison at a difficult period, but has handled the job in the cheery and capable manner characteristic of him. A director since 1920, he has done excellent work for the club, and to his efforts has been largely due the restoration of harmony on the board and at annual meetings. He has been on the Liverpool County F.A. for over twenty years.

“LIVERTON” DERBY
July 22, 1943. The Liverpool Echo
Curtain-Raiser For Lord Mayor’s Fund
Ranger’s Notes
Liverpool and Everton followers are to get an extra attracting this coming season, when, instead of a pre-season practice game, there will be a “Liverton” Derby in aid of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool a War Fund. This takes place at Anfield on August 21, the last Saturday of the close season, and both clubs will turn their strongest side. It will be no “practice” match in the usual sense, but a real competitive game, with both teams striving their utmost to start the season with a victory. Messrs, W. Gibbons, R.L. Martindale, Theo Kelly, and George Kay have already got together with the idea of making this encounter well worthy of the cause it is to help. When they have done their part the final word will treat with the followers of football, but a Liverpool-Everton game at any time is a strong magnet, and there is sure to be a big crowd. Ever since I was deputed nearly four years ago, to draw up the guest list of prominent Merseyside sportsmen to be invited to the Town Hall, to enlist their aid on behalf of the Lord Mayor’s Fund, I’ve been looking forward to a “Liverton” Derby for the Town Hall fund –an all-Liverpool match for an all-Liverpool cause. Hitherto, for good reasons it hasn’t been possible, but a hint to a certain quarter, followed by an official letter, brought an immediate and sympathetic response from the clubs. Both are equally I keen to help the most excellent cause, which has done such splendid work for the well-being of our own relative and friends now in the Forces. That aspect alone, apart altogether from the excellence of the fare provided –and no football fan needs a second invitation to a “Liverton” match –ought to ensure whole-hearted support. Application is being made to the F.A. and the League for the requisite permission, but there should be no difficulties there, so make a note of the date now. Further details will be given here in due course. Liverpool-Everton games right through the war period have provided excellent football. Last season –Liverpool were well on top of their Goodison rivals. Everton will go all out to start this campaign with a victory at their rival’s expense. This is going to be a champion curtain-raiser.
Everton’s “Head.”
Mr. W. C. Gibbons has been re-elected by his directorial colleagues as chairman of Everton F.C for another twelve months, thus making his fourth successive season. Mr. Gibbins took over the chair at Goodison at a difficult period, but has handled the job in the cheery and capable manner so characteristic of him. A director since 1920 he has done excellent work for the club, and to his efforts has been largely due the restoration of harmony on the board and at annual meetings. He has been on the Liverpool County F.A. for over twenty years.

EXTRA LOCAL SOCCER “DERBY”
July 22, 1943. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log
Great news for Merseyside football enthusiasts. They are going to get an extra “Derby” match between Liverpool and Everton –and before the 1943-44 season officially opens. In addition to the Football League “Derby” game on October 9 (at Goodison Park) and October 16 (at Anfield), the clubs have arranged to meet at Anfield on Saturday. August 21, in aid of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s War Fund. Ever since Sir Sydney Jones then Lord Mayor, made an appeal to local sportsmen to support the fund-this was in 1940 –our senior clubs have been seeking ways and means of responding in a big way, and on Tuesday Mr. W.C. Gibbons, the Everton chairman and Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly, received a visit from Mr. R. Lawson Martindale chairman of the Reds, and Manager George Kay, when the project was discussed. Some days before I suggested to Mr. Kay that he might put forward the idea of a charity match with mixed teams of Reds and Blues. That we are to get a straightforward match with all the old rivalry suits me just as well, and I am certain that it suits you, too. Both clubs have agreed to field their best available elevens and efforts will be made to bring along as many of the stars as if this were a cup-tie. Given ordinary luck, the War Fund should be swelled by a sum not far short of four figures, for I expect there will be an attendance around the 20,000 mark. The match will take place of an ordinary trial game and should prove a grand send-off to the new season, which begins on August 28.
Everton Chairman
Everton directors held their annual meeting during the week, when Mr. Will C. Gibbins was unanimously re-elected chairman for the ensuring year. This will be Mr. Gibbins third season as head of the club. Mr. Gibbins has been on the Everton Board since 1920, and went into the chair in 1940, when he took over from the late Mr. Andrew Coffey, who resigned through ill-health. Mr. Coffey had succeeded Mr. Ernest Green, who followed on Mr. Will cuff’s long term of office. Mr. Gibbons has always been prominent in Merseyside sporting circles, and so far as football is concerned has been a whole-hearted superior of junior organisations. Mr. Gibbons is president of the Liverpool County Combination, a member of the Liverpool County F.A. and he is well-known in bowling circles.

FORMER ABERDEEN GOALKEEPER
July 29, 1943. The Aberdeen Journal
Mr. Robert Macfarlane, former Aberdeen goalkeeper, has died at his home, 85a Newton Street, Greenock, at the age of sixty-nine. He also played for Morton, Celtic, and Everton. He appeared regularly in the Aberdeen team before the last war.

MORE “GOOD OLD DAYS”
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 July 1943
Following on the recent letter from Heswall correspondent, recalling the “good old days” of football of half a century ago, I have just had another —no connection between the two, of course—from Mr. Charles T. Marshall, of Gliddon Avenue, Oshawa, Canada, who used to write me occasionally pre-war days. His memory was stirred by the Echo article of a few months back relating to old Bootle facts, and writes; “I remember in the days football rivalry, some of us Evertonians calling it Brutal Bootle.’ I lived in Florence Street, off Walton Lane, In 1880, and well remember the long walk we youngsters had to get to what we called Bootle shore, and there bathe or paddle, in the Mersey. Regarding football, I used to watch all the local dog-fights’ at Everton and Bootle’s grounds, but think your contributor is wrong in Including George Farmer in the list Bootle’s players. I only know of him playing inside left. We used to call Tom Veitch, the full back, the backyard kicker,' for he could land the ball in the backyards of Kemlyn Road houses. Your writer omits one very prominent name in his list, and it was Johnny Holt, the centre half, who was one of the four Everton men who played tor England against Scotland, In 1891, at Blackburn, the others were Geary, Chadwick, and Milward, and the Old Country won 2-1. Though Parmer was born In England (Oswestry), the Welsh Football Association played him in 1885 •against England and Scotland, not the only English player to play for Wales. Holt wasn’t the only Bootle player who left and Joined Everton; there was Davy Jardlne and Jack Weir. All the best to all Evertonians and Bootleites.”