SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. THOMAS LEA
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 06 June 1939
One time Everton footballer and a former member of Southport Town Council, Mr. Thomas Lea, aged 70, wine and spirit merchant, of Brighton-road, Birkdale, died suddenly yesterday afternoon. He had not been well for some time but was in his shop yesterday morning. Later he complained of feeling unwell and died soon afterwards. Mr. Lea first played for Everton in the 1886-7 season, and was the first player to sign on for Southport Central when the club became professional in 1888. Later he played for Accrington Stanley. Mr. Lea was a member of Southport Town Council from 1912 to 1918, and his brother, Mr, Wm. Lea, is a. member of the present Southport Town Council. Mr. Thos. Lea had been member of Birkdale Conservative Club for 52 years and was made a life member last January.

PLAYED FOR SOUTHPORT LAST CENTURY
June 6, 1939 Lancashire Evening Post
Death of Mr. T. Lea
A former Everton, Southport and Accrington footballer and ex-member of Southport Town council, Mr. Thomas Lea, wine and spirits merchants, of Brighton road, Birkdale died suddenly yesterday. Mr. Lea who was aged 70 played for Everton in the 1886-87 season when Everton were practically an amateur side. He was the first player to sign on for Southport Central when that club was formed as a professional organisation in 1888, and played in every position apart from goal. Later he played for Accrington Stanley in the First Division, but a knee injury ended his football career in 1895. Mr. Lea was a member of Southport Town Council from 1912 to 1918 and his brother Mr. William Lea is at present a member of the council. He had been a member of Birkdale Conservative Club for 52 years and was made a life member this year. Mr. Lea celebrated his golden wedding in April.

FORMER EVERTON PLAYER DEAD
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 07 June 1939
MR. T. LEA, OF BIRKDALE
A former Everton footballer and ex-member of Southport Town Council, Mr. Thomas Lea, wine and spirit merchant, of Brighton Road, Birkdale, died suddenly, aged seventy. Mr. Lea first played for Everton in the 1886-7 season, in the F.A. Cup, when Everton were practically an amateur side. He was the first player to sign on for Southport Central when that club was formed as a professional organisation in 1888, and played in every position excepting goal. Later he played for Accrington Stanley, in the First Division, but a knee injury ended his football career in 1895. Mr. Lea was a member of Southport Town Council from 1912-1918, and his brother, Mr. William Lea, is a member of the present Council. He had been a member of the Birkdale Conservative Club for fifty-two years, and was made life member last January. Mr. Lea celebrated his golden wedding in April.

TRANMERE SIGNING
Liverpool Evening Express - Wednesday 14 June 1939
Tranmere Rovers today signed John Cuff, an inside left, who is 20 years of age, sft. 9ins. and 12st. He is native of North Shields. Cuff was signed as a professional by Everton two years ago

EVERTON PLAYER WEDS
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 17 June 1939
Members of Everton F.€. were present at St. Augustine’s Church, Bolton, today, when Mr. Norman Greenhalgh, their full-back, was married to Miss Maimie Marsh, daughter of the late Mr. Ernest Marsh, Darbishire-street, Bolton. Mr. Greenhalgh, who is the son of Mr. Philip H. Greenhalgh, Stone-street, Bolton, was formerly a member of the New Brighton Football club and played for The Football League against The Scottish League, last season. The best man was Mr. Stanley Shore and the groomsmen were Mr. Walter Boyes and Mr. Tommy 'Lawton, both members of the Everton team, and both English International players, and Mr. Daniel Leyland. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr. Walter Marsh, wore gown of white satin broche. coronet of orange blossom held her veil in position and she carried bouquet of pink and white carnations. Frocks of pastel green net posed over taffeta, and headdresses of pink flowers were worn by the bridesmaids, -the Misses Annie Jost and Gertrude Haron. Pink carnations formed their bouquets. A reception was held later in St. Augustine’s parochial hall, before the bride and bridegroom left for their honeymoon, their destination being kept a secret. Among the guests were Mr. Theo Kelly (Everton F.C.) and Mrs. Kelly, Mr. W. Sawyer (New Brighton F.C.), Mr. E. Sagar (Everton F.C.) and Mrs. Sagar, Mr. T. Gillick (Everton) and Mrs. Gillick, Mr. R. Bell (Everton) and Mrs. Bell, Mr. S. Bentham (Everton), and the Messrs. W. Vaughton and J. Montgomery (New Brighton F.C.).

“Cracked Chest” Query At Inquest On Footballer
Liverpool Evening Express- Monday 19 June 1939
WHETHER a cracked chest, due to a kick, played any part in his death was question raised at a St. Pancras inquest today on a professional footballer, Henry O’Neill, of Poulton Old - road, Blackpool, who died in Archway Hospital on June 14. O’Neill had played for Everton and Runcorn clubs. Mrs. Elizabeth Gertrude O’Neill, the widow, said that about four months ago her husband complained about pain in the chest, and finally was X-rayed in Blackpool Hospital. The report from one doctor to another was that he had a cracked chest, due to a kick. Like most footballers, he had received many kicks. Dr, Thomas Norris, medical officer. Archway Hospital, Highgate, said the opinion was formed at Archway Hospital that O’Neill had cancer of the lung and an X-ray appeared to confirm this. The Coroner, Mr. Bentley Purchase: Did you know there was a suggestion of a cracked chest? The doctor: O’Neill said he had an injury while playing football three years previously. I am afraid I looked on that as a red herring and it passed from my mind. The Coroner: Do you think it had any bearing on the matter? The doctor: I do not think it did. Dr. John Taylor, pathologist, said O’Neill had a soft yellow growth in the lung about the size of a coconut. Death was from heert failure due to exhaustion following cancer of the lung. He did not think the growth had any relation to the injury. The coroner recorded a verdict of Death from natural causes, and said O’Neill died from cancer the lung and that this was not associated with an injury. Mrs. O’Neill told an Evening Express representative afterwards that her husband, while at Runcorn, scored the record number of goals for the Chester League.

OLD EVERTON PLAYER HAD CRACKED CHECT
Evening Despatch - Monday 19 June 1939
"Due To A Kick"
But Not Cause Of Death
The Death of Henry O'Neill, a former professional footballer, who was told recently that he had a cracked chest, was found at the inquest in london today to have been due to natural causes.  O'Neill who was 31 and lived at poulton Old-road, Blackpool, died in Archway hospital, Highgate.  His widow said that until about four months ago he never had a day's ilness
Pain In Back
When he had pains in his back 'he was X-rayed and a doctor in Blackpool was told that he had a cracked chest, which was thought was due to a kick.  Dr. John Frank Taylor, pathologist, said that the cause of death was heart failure due to exhaustion following cancer.  He did not think that the injury had any relation to his death.  The Coroner, recording a verdict of "Death from natural causes," said that he was quite satisfied that the old injury had no bearing upon the matter at all. 
Played for Everton
Mrs. O’Neill told an Evening Despatch representative afterwards that her husband went to Everton when he left school. He was then transferred to Cardiff,” she said, ” in the year that they won the Cup. Unfortunately he could not play owing to an injury received in the semi-final. Then he went to Runcorn and while with them scored the record number of goals for the Chester league. After that he went to Switzerland as a coach and then to the Red Star team in Paris. When he came back to England joined Stockport County, leaving about 16 months ago.”

Jimmy Caskie
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 20 June 1939
By Pilot
Let me introduce you to the half-a-pint winger. It is none other than Jimmy Caskie, Everton’s Scottish international outside-left, Jimmy is at present touring Canada and the United States with the Scottish F.A. team, and he is proving a fine attraction. . Mr George Graham, secretary of the Scottish F.A., has written to Mr. Theo Kelly, secretary of Everton, and he states Jimmy Caskie is as great a wee chap as ever I have travelled with. He has been a wow ’ over here, and the people cal! him the half-pint winger.’ He is the personality of the party.” It is good to know that Everton’s one representative in the party is doing so well. Incidentally, Britton, Jack Jones and Jackson are doing exceptionally well with the F.A. team in South Africa. They have played together in every match with one exception. The exception is the only match the Tourists have lost!

EVERTON PROFIT OF £10,000
June 21 1939 the Daily Post
Everton’s Balance sheets
The accounts of the Everton Football Club for the year ending May 6 1939. Show that the club had one of their most successful season, the League Champions making a profit of £10,121. Compared with a loss of £800 the previous year. The annual meeting of the club will take place on Thursday of Next week at the Law Association room. Cook Street, Liverpool. Gates receipts show at by increase in 1938. The total for the year being £45,373 compared with £54, 576 last season, which proceeds of matches played away the total income reaches £66,786, compared with £51,449 in the previous season. Players wages and transfer fees cost £12,206 against £15,552 in the year 1938. The Directors in submitting the accounts report there on as follows. The year’s profit as shown by the income and expenditure accounts is £10,121 16s 0d. The income from properties as per profit and loss accounts is £648 10s 8d. The income from investments is £265 14s 6d. Total £11,030 1s 2d. To this should be added the balance brought forward from last year £47,404 11s 8d, less divergence paid June 1938 £105 17s 11d Total £47,298 13s 9d. Totaling £58,334 14a 11d. The directors have made provision in the accounts for depreciation as amounting to £5,417 8s 3d, out of this balance the directors recommend payment of a dividend at the rate of seven and half per cent. Per annum less income tax at 5/6 in the pound amounting to £105 17s 11d. leaving a balance carried forward of £52,811 10s 4dthe retiring directors are messrs WG Cuff, A Coffey,, and Agates, who are eligible and often themselves for re-election. A nomination has also been received on behalf of Mr. AN Denaro of 329 Walton lane, Liverpool 4. The auditors Messrs T Theodore Rogers, Bowler and co retire and often themselves for re-election. The transfer books of the company will be closed until the 30 day of June 1939.
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 6TH JUNE 1939. EXPENDITURE. To players wages and transfer fees etc £12,206 15s 0d. Players and transfer benefits £3,155 os od. Medical fees, players accident, insurance etc, £528 15s 10d. Gates division to visitors £8 684 1s 7d. Travelling expenses £4 727 18s 7d. Advertising bill posting, printing and stationary £995 7s 3d. Gates expense checkers etc, 31,791 15s 8d. Travelling expense and transfer wages £2,403 7s 4d. Ground expense and grounds men wages £4740 16s 9d. National health and unemployment insurance £93 5s 6d. Rent, rates, taxes lighting water, telephone insurances etc, £4,035 5s 6d. Entertainment tax £8,739 10s 3d. Offices expenses, secretary salary, postage etc, £1310 12s 8d. Bank commission and interest £1310 11s 8d. Clothing materials and stores £797 n8s 0d. League percentage subscription contributions etc £1,698 7s 4d. Laws cost and accountancy charges £146 18s 6d. Pensions £220 0s 0d. Expenses in connection with Royal visitor £238 18s 0d. Total £57 865 15s 4d. Balance to profits and loss accounts £10,121 16s 0d.
INCOME. By gate receipts £54576 4s 0d. Proceeds of matches played away £12,210 1s 7. Total £66,786 5s 7d. Season tickets £680 16s 6d. Advertising contractors

for boarding refreshments etc programmes accounts £414 6s 5d. Share transfer fee £36 2s 6d. total £667, 937 11s 4d.

K.W.HAYWARD
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 21 June 1939
Tranmere Rovers have signed K.W. Hayward, goalkeeper, ex-Birkenhead School boys and Everton "B".  He is aged 15 and a half, height 5ft 7 and half inches and weighs 9st 8lbs.   

Soccer Stars As Cricketers
Thursday 22 June 1939 Liverpool Evening Express
By Pilot
TOMMY Lawton, England and Everton centre-forward, lhas signed for Skelmersdale Cricket Club. will play for them on Saturday against Burscougb St. John’s, at Bursoougb. Lawton is an exceptionally good cricketer and made some fine scores when assisting Burnley in the Lancashire League. Since going to Everton he has had a spell of cricket with Bootle in the Liverpool Competition. Skelmersdale play in the Southport and District Amateur League. Lawton will prove big draw at Burscough, and a record attendance is expected. This will please the Burscough groundsman, J. Aspinall, for the match is for his benefit. Soccer Stars There will be a real football atmosphere about the game, for also in the Skelmersdale side is Joe Davies, outside left who recently left Everton for New Brighton. Davies is one of the stalwarts of the Skelmersdale team. The wicket keeper is Jimmy Briscoe, the Skelmersdale United full-back, who had a spell with Southport. In the Burscough team, on Saturday, will be Bob Langton, the young Blackburn Hovers outside-left, one of the football finds of last season. Skelmersdale reached the semi-final the Sandhurst Shield knock-out tournament, last night, by beating Derby-road. There were two footballers in the Derby-road team —Joe Rutherford, the Aston Villa and former Southport goalkeeper, and Jack Rimmer, the Macclesfield and former Bolton Wanderers outside-left, who played for England as an amateur.

FRANK KING
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 24 June 1939
Frank King; former Everton goalkeeper, although he is finished with professional football, keeps in the sporting limelight. King left Goodison for Derby County, and last season asked for permission to be released from his contract so that he could become member of the Southport Borough Police Force, Yesterday Frank competed in the Police Golf Championship, handicap section, at Hillside, and much to his surprise and delight, carried off the premier prize. Prom his handicap of 18 had net returns of 69 and 71 for an aggregate of 14-0. As a footballer, King now contents himself with playing for Southport Police team.

PRAGUE MEDALLION FOR EX-FOOTBALLER
June 24, 1939. Lancashire Evening Post
Mr. Edgar Chadwick, of Lune-grove, Blackpool, a member of the Everton team many years ago, and the first man to coach footballers on the Continent, has on the occasion of his 70 th birthday received a gold medallion from the Football Association at Prague, accompanied by a letter of good wishes and a letter from Mr. W.C. Cuff, president of the Football League, who was the Everton secretary when Mr. Chadwick played for that club.

Prague Medallion for ex-Footballer
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 24 June 1939
Mr. Edgar Chadwick, of Lune-grove. Blackpool, a member of the Everton team many years ago. and the first man to coach footballers on the Continent, has on the occasion of his 70th birthday received a gold medallion from the Football Association at Prague, accompanied by a letter of good wishes and a letter from Mr. W. C. Cuff, president of the Football League, who was the Everton secretary when Mr. Chadwick played for that club.

EVERTON F.C. DIRECTORS
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 29 June 1939
One of tihe most important meetings in the history of Everton Football Club takes place tonight. It is the annual meeting, and chief interest centres on the election of directors. There are four candidates for the three positions. The retiring directors, Messrs. W. C. Cuff, president of the Football League, A. Coffey and A. Gates, are opposed by Mr. A. Denaro, nominee of the Shareholders’ Association. For weeks past both sides have been working hard securing proxy votes. Yesterday was the last day and the votes were counted last night, showing, I understand, that Messrs. Cuff, A. Coffey and Gates will be re-elected. There will be additional votes taken at the meeting, but I do not anticipate that these will alter the position.

Re-Election Of Everton
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 30 June 1939
Directors CHAIRMAN’S TRIBUTE TO TEAM SPIRIT OF PLAYERS
By Pilot
Football Club shareholders last night showed their confidence in the directorate by re-electing the three retiring directors at the annual meeting. They were Messrs. W. C. Cuff, president of the Football League, A. Coffey and A. Gates. The nominee of the Shareholders’ Association, Mr. A. N. Denaro, was, as foreshadowed in The Evening Express, defeated. The result of the poll was: Mr. Cuff, 2,103 votes; Mr. Coffey, 2,089 votes; Mr. Gates, 1,115 votes; Mr. Denaro. 928 votes. The meeting lasted 90 minutes. A shareholder asked how Everton were affected by the Military Service Act, and Mr. Theo Kelly, the secretary, replied that only three players—Barber, Sweeney and Keenan —were affected, and they were already in the Territorial Army. Team Spirit. Mr. Ernest Green, the chairman, referred to the brilliant playing season during which Everton won the championship, and emphasised the wonderful team spirit among the players—a spirit which enabled the players to fight back after that 7-0 defeat at Wolverhampton and lose only one subsequent league game. The fine spirit among the players was due, to a great extent, to the influence of Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Green also paid tribute to the enthusiasm of Mr. Harold Pickering who looks after the "A” team; Mr. Cyril Webster who, in an honorary capacity, looks after the team, and to Mr. Harry Cooke, the club trainer who last season was given a benefit as a reward for 35 years’ service. New Venture The success of the "B” tearn last season has influenced the club in expanding still further. Mr. Green stated that next season they would run a “C” team in one of the Bootle J.O.C. Leagues. This would be for a team of under 21 players. It is being done to cater for players between the ages of 17 and 21. Whatever the outcome of the experiment,” said Mr. Green, “to try to help our own schoolboy players to qualify for places in the Everton first team, is a praiseworthy effort.” Everton will not lack amateur players. Already the following have been signed: Goalkeepers; W Brookes (Northop, North Wales); J E Canavan (B team). Full-Backs: N Bell (Newton-le-Willows); Dugdale (B team and former Bootle and Lancashire Schoolboy); Ireland (B team and former Liverpool and Lancashire Schoolboy); J S Latham (from Thorndale, I Zingari team): K Rigby (B team and former Bootle Schoolboy); H Kevan (Bootle Schoolboy and Lancashire). Half-Backs; B P Atkins (B team); M R Beardwood (B team and former Liverpool Schoolboy); G Kieran (B team and former Birkenhead and Cheshire Schoolboy); W B Robson (B team and 8.8. Battalion team); Sharrett (B team). Forwards Bailey (B team and former Liverg)ol, Lancashire and England Schoolboy): K urkes (B team and former Birkenhead Schoolboy); F Burnett (A team); Froslick (Litherland B.C. and former Waterloo Schoolboy); J (B team and former St. Helens, Lancashire and England Schoolboy); F McDonald (B team and former Liverpool Schoolboy); T Owen (A team and Little Sutton Juniors); W Price (B team and former Liverpool and Lancashire Schoolboy); II Roberts (A team); Simmons (A team and former Wallasey Schoolboy); Sumner (B Team); Dandy (Marshside Junior and former Southport and Lancashire Schoolboy); T Evans (former Bottie Schoolboys): D Butler (Kenwood Juniors, Shrewsbury). The professionals signed for next season are: Goalkeepers.—E Sagar, Lovett, G Burnett. Pull-backs. —W Cook, N Greenhalgh, G Jackson, J E Jones, R Lambert, Prescott, G Saunders. Hall-becks.—C Britton. J W Davies, Edwards, C W Gee, T Jones, M Lindley, J Mercer, H Milligan, J Thomson, T G Watson, C Wyles, M Hill. Forwards.—E Barber, A W Barber, C Bell, S J Bentham, W Boyes, J Caskie, Catterjck. J N ('unliffe, T Gillick, Keenan, T Lawton, Merritt. W Sharp. A Stevenson, T Sweeney, H Trentham, Dean, F. Griffiths, A Johnson.