LAWTON ASKS FOR TRANSFER
June 1, 1945. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Tommy Lawton, England and Everton centre forward is anxious to throw in his lot with a London club, and has asked Everton to place him on the “open-to transfer list.” The request will be considered at a board meeting next Tuesday and, if Everton adopt to it, there will be keen competition for his services among the leading Southern Clubs. Chelsea and Arsenal are two whom I have known for some time to be definitely interested in the possibility of Lawton moving South. Both would be prepared under certain circumstances to offer a big fee, one which they be higher than the £14,000 paid for Bryn Jones. A factor which might hold up negotiations temporarily is that Lawton is in the Army, and clubs might not be willing to take the big financial risk involved until he was back in civil life. That, however, may not be long, for he is in an early demobilisation class, and expects to be released about Christmas. There is of course the question whether Everton will agree to his transfer. The board, however, has always been noted for its very fair attitude to players. It is never sought to stand in the way of a man who has expressed a desire to move and has a genuine reason for it, and though the club as well as its supporters would be sorry to lose a star like Lawton, I should not be surprised if the directors indicated their willingness to discuss matters with interested clubs. One thing which will undoubtedly weigh in their minds is that the player’s desire is actuated mainly by the fact that his wife has not been in good health and had been medically advised that the South would suit her better. Lawton cost Everton £6,500 when signed form Burnley in December, 1936, when only just over 17 years of age. He got his first cap for England in 1939, was top scorer in the First division in the last two per-war seasons and has figured in over 30-international games, including the 11 goals he got in a recent Italian tour, he scored 71 times in the season just closed in all matches.

TOMMY LAWTON’S TRANSFER BOMBSHELL
June 1, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The news that Tommy Lawton has asked to be placed on the transfer list causes me no surprise though it, has come as a shock to Everton supporters, who will not relish the thought of losing such a star performer. When I travelled to Glasgow for the Hampden International with Tommy and his wife he told me then and not for the first time what was in his mind, but swore me to secrecy as he also did when telling me on Tuesday that “He had taken the bull by the horns” and asked for his transfer. As a matter of fact he was one of those I referred to yesterday when hinting at some starting transfer were pending. One has to wait first, however, to see what Everton reactions will be. The board considers the matter next Tuesday. They can refuse his request if they wish, but as the main object he has a “wanting away” is the improvement of his wife’s health and one requisite of that is residence in the South, they may not stand in his way. There is also the question of whether it is wise to keep a man against his wish. If Everton agree then we can count on very strong competition for his services among the leading Southern clubs with a fee likely to beat the £14,000 Arsenal paid for Bryn Jones. Arsenal are certain to be one of the bidders. They were mentioned to me months ago as being keenly interested in the possibility of Lawton’s departure. So are Chelsea, the more so now that Joe Payne’s playing days seem to be finished. Millwall also might enter the bidding though I am afraid the fee will be too stiff for them; still they have an enterprising board, and might not be averse to taking a chance. Personally were I a betting man, my choice would be Chelsea. The fact that Lawton is in the Army might hold up negotiations, assuming Everton consent for the time being. No club will feel like risking such a big sum for a man till subject to Army orders and movements. Lawton is in an early class for demobilisation, however and expects to be back in Civil Street by the New Year. We can leave it there for the time being awaiting Everton’s decision. If Lawton goes the club will show a big profit on the £6,500 they paid for him in 1936, when he was only just turned 17. Tommy, now 25, got his first cap for England in 1939; has played in about 30 internationals since, as well as severe representative games; was top scorer in the First Division in the last two pre-war seasons and notched 71 goals in all games, including the recent Italian trip in the season just closed. If he does go South he will be the biggest box office attraction of all times and –providing he escapes serious injury –should give the club that gets him their money back with compound interest.
Everton’s Shareholders
Everton shareholders Association has called another meeting for the Stork Hotel on Wednesday next June 6 (7-30). As on the last occasion all shareholders of Everton whether members of the Association or not are cordially invited to attend.

Palace ' Ask The Price Of Lawton
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 02 June 1945
Crystal Palace F.C. are out to achieve the signing of Tom'Lawton, Everton, England and Army centreforward. We have asked Everton the price they want for Lawton,” Mr. George Irwin, Crystal Palace F.C. secretary manager, said today, and if money can bring him to Selhurst we will have him. directors have decided that only the best will be good enough for our supporters, and our move to sign England's finest centre-forward the first step towards our post-war progress to the highest circle soccer.” Nottingham Forest are also interested in the possible transfer of Lawton.

CHELSEA CHAIRMAN AND LAWTON
June 4, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The possible destination of Tommy Lawton, assuming Everton agree to his transfer requests, which is by no means certain, is causing a lot of speculation down South. It would be easier to give the clubs whose names so far have not been coupled with Lawton. Even Third Division sides are said to be interested. Some such as Crystal Palace, have solid backing behind them –what some of the others propose to use for money is a bit of a puzzle. In any case all those who talk of entering the bidding, whatever division they are in, will be wasting their money they have also the men who can give the supports which even Lawton brilliance as he is, must have. One swallow doesn’t make a summer and Lawton wouldn’t be the player he has been in England’s side if he hadn’t had the right men alongside him. That seems to be the view of Chelsea. My original tip was that Stamford Bridge was the most likely future home for Tommy, but I’m not so sure after the conversation I had with Mr. Mears, the chairman after the match there on Saturday. “The board will certainly discuss the matter if Everton put Lawton on the list “he said, “but my personal view is that the first step in team building is good inside wing forwards and I would rather spend on those before paying a big fee for a centre forward.” Reverting to Lawton, I saw Millwall and Arsenal representatives in close confab with Mr. W.C. Cuff at various times. Later I asked Mr. Cuff whether he would give any idea of the probable price Everton might put on Tommy’s head. He declined but added laughingly; “if Bryan Jones was worth £14,000 then Lawton is worth double.

Sagar Says Football Is Better
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 05 June 1945
I'M fit and very eager now to get back to Everton,” L/Cpl. E. Sagar, the England and Everton goalkeeper. told me when I talked to him in the Baltic port of Wismar, where L/Cpl. Sagar is serving with the Royal Corps of Signals, writes military observer. L/Cpl. Sagar recently spent his B.L.A. leave with his wife and two boys, who live at 10, Allendale-avenue, Aintree, Liverpool. I thought the standard of English football had improved tremendously,” he said. It seemed, to me, much faster. The prospects for post-war football in England look pretty good.” L/Cpl. Sagar hopes to play again for Everton. with whom he had been since 1929. In the war years he has played in many parts of the world. He keeps goal regularly for his own unit in divisional matches, and has also played for such teams as the Corinthians in Palestine, and for a Corps eleven against the Persian international team in Teheran. L/Cpi Sagar's eldest boy, by the way, is already following in his father's footsteps, and playing a promising game in goal in his schoolboy team.

EYES ON EVERTON
June 5, 1945. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
The eyes and ears of the football world are trained on Everton today, for this evening the club directors meet to consider Tommy Lawton’s request to be placed on the transfer list, so that he can take Mrs. Lawton to reside in the south. Never has a club been asked to make sure a momentous decision for if the request were granted it would create a precedent in football. Players have been placed on the transfer list at their own request because of their own health reasons –Bert Sproston’s was a case in point –but not because of the heath of a relative. I have received several letters from readers appealing to Everton to retain this brilliant footballer and as one put it. “Even if Tommy does not play with us for goodness sake don’t let him play against us.” Corporal Jones of the R.A.F and a keen Evertonian, writes “it will be a sad blow to the Blues if he has to go –but had he has weighed the problem over, and think the main points are; A suitable spot for Lawton’s wife in the south must be in proximity to London, for I imagine that only a London club would be in a financial position to pay for Lawton’s transfer. That means Lawton’s wife living near London, during the playing season. Well, what is to stop Lawton living there, but still playing for Everton? Tommy has been stationed at Aldershot during the war, and has travelled often to the north to play for the Blues in important games. Regarding training I think arrangements could be made for him to do it with one of the southern clubs. It may be unorthodox, but I maintain that everything should be done to keep Lawton at Goodison. That view will be endorsed by the majority of Everton followers. I can assure every Evertonian, and in fact, all football lovers on Merseyside, that the directors will explore every possible angle before arriving at a ticklish decision. I am content to leave it to their judgement.
That Vacancy
There will be a meeting of the Everton F.C shareholders at the Stork Hotel, Liverpool tomorrow night at 7.30 when the forthcoming elections for the three seats on the directorates will be discussed. The Association has two candidates –Messrs Albert Denaro and T.C. Nuttall –and no executive committee last night decided to recommend the members to support Messrs Denaro, Nuttall, and W.C. Cuff. The two retiring directors Messrs W.C. Cuff and R.E. Searle have been pledged the support of the Board, and other candidates are Mr. Fred W. Lake, and Mr. Ernest Edwards. The Everton directors discuss annual meeting matters at this evening’s gathering, and it will not be long before their balance sheet is out.

EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS
June 5, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
At a meeting last night the executive committee of the Everton Shareholders Association unanimously recommended to the shareholders meeting, which is to be held tomorrow night, at the Stork Hotel (7-30) the adoption of Merrs W.C. Cuff, A.N. Denaro and T. Nuttall as candidates for the vacancy on the board of directorates of the Everton Football Club.

EVERTON DIRECTORS AND TOMMY LAWTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Wednesday 06 June 1945
By John Peel
The Everton Directors at their meeting at the Exchanged Hotel, Liverpool last night, considered Tommy Lawton's request to be placed on the transfer list, but, after discussion, the matter was defered until a subsequent meeting.  I am not suprised at this really, for the request came with such suddenness that several of the directors did not know anything about it until they saw it in the Press.  The reason for Lawton's desire for a chance is the health of his wife, who has been ill for some time, and, on the advice of her medical adviser, is anxious to move to the South. 
Ted Sagar
Ted Sagar the Everton and England goalkeeper, is present at Wismar. the Baltic coast, where is serving the Royal Corps of Signals.  Ted his played In many parts the world since his Goodtson Park days, and regularly keeps goal for his unit team in Divisional matches, and has also played for such teams as the Corinthians in Palestine, and for the Corps XI. against the Persian international team in Teheran. But Ted’s one thought is to get back to Goodlson Park. I hope to be playing for Everton again soon,” he says. Known as the Boss by his colleagues, Ted came to Everton in 1929. When home on leave a short while ago, he said he thought the game had been speeded up since he went away. His eldest boy is following in his father’s footsteps. He Is keeping goal for his school team and showing distinct promise.

MR. GREEN
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 07 June 1945
BY Pilot
MR. Ernest Green, the Everton F.C. director and former chairman of the club, has been nominated once again as representative for No. 3 District on the Football Association CounciL This will be Mr. Green's third attempt to secure the seat. The Everton club have nominated Mr Green, who hat spent lifetime in football, and Marine F.C. have once again agreed to be joint nominators In 1943, Mr. Green entered the field late and was beaten by Mr. Harry Hughes, of Crewe, and Mr Hughes' elevation to the F.A. vice-president last year, Mr. Harry Mansley, Chester, and Mr. Green became the contestants a Lancashire Cheshire battle.” Mr. Mansley won the day, getting the majority of the Cheshire rotes. Everton feel that Mr. Green has a much better chance of success this time in election which carried out post, the result being known before the FA annual meeting—to be held June 23 ‘“is year. Mr. Green and Mr. Mansley are old football friends and whoever is elected will serve the clubs well

VITAL VOTES Interest the election lor seats on the Everton F.C. directorate has flared np There was meeting the Shareholders Association again last night, but what world wants Is the attitude which Mr. R. E. Searle, who. with Mr. W. C. Cuff. retires rotation, will be adopt. I can tell you that up to, yesterday Mr. Searle had made up his mind to cast his votes for Mr Cuff and but In view of fact. that the Shareholders' Assoofatlon. has announced its intention of supporting only Mr, Cull and their two candidates—Messnj; A. Donera and T. G. - Nuttall it indicates that they are opposing Mr. Searle. Mr. Searle said to me: “I intended voting only Mr. Cuff and myself but the declaration of the Association might make me change mind." There are two other candidates-Mr F. W. Lake and Mr. Ernest Edwards— and the fact that Mr. Lake'e proxies are made out exclusively In his own name caused some delay in "getting together." I am certain that had Mr. Lake's proxies carried the name , ? Messrs. Cuff and Searle, Mr. Searle would have voted for Mr. Lake. Mr. Lake said yesterday: "If Mr. Searle supports is his intention to vote for the retiring directors and myself." There is no doubt that Mr. Searle's votes would turn the election for which the six battle for three end indications are that the retiring will be sent back for another term, Mr. Lake will Join them. There are 19 days left too btain proxies, and most of the , candidates have been working diligently gathering support, none more than Mr. Lake, who has received one proxy from Spain!

Mr. Lake has been In football for 40 years, amateur with Waterloo Melville, Orrell, Liverpool Leek, Northern Nomads. New Tower Amateurs Balmoral and Marine between 1902 and 1914, and having a full season—1908-9 —with Derby County. During the last war Mr. Lake Played with many famous internationals in services games—Joe McCall. Charlie Brittain Jack Tresadern among them—and after beenong wounded helped run a depot team. In 1919 Mr. Lake restarted the Marine Club. Mr. Lake has been connected with Marine 34 years, holding the positions of assistant secretary, hon. secretary, hon. manager, chairman, president (1925 to 1935) and life member. Mr. Lake was team manager when Marine reached the Final of the F.A. Amateur Cup in 1932. Mr. Lake became shareholder of Everton in 1919. and from 1934 to 1937 acted in entirely honorary capacity in reviewing players for the Blues, travelling many thousands miles in the process. In 1937-38 Mr. Lake became a director of Tranmere Rovers F.C., when the Rovers gained promotion to the Second Divison, and he has been active official of the Liverpool County Combination for 20 years.

EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS
June 7, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The Everton shareholders Association at their meeting in Liverpool last night adopted Messrs A.N. Denaro and T.C. Nuttall as their candidates for the vacancies on the board of directors of the Everton Football Club. Both addressed the meeting and thanked the members for their support and promised that if elected they would devote themselves to the well-being of the club and would at the same time give their wholehearted support and interested to the Shareholders Association. Both spoke with some concern about the wholesale buying of shares by one person. They considered it was not in the best interest of the club. It is fundamentally wrong that one person should be allowed to accumulate so many shares “they can.” It was confirmed at the meeting that the shareholders would give their wholehearted support to Mr. W.C. Cuff’s nominations. Mr. Ernest Edwards (“Bee’s) another candidate also addressed the gathering.

LAWTON TO STAY WITH EVERTON
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 14 June 1945
By PILOT
Tommy Lawton, England's centre forward, is to remain with Everton Football Club. This is the best football news Merseyside has had for months. Lawton has asked the directors to remove his name from the transfer list, and the greatest of all contemporary leaders stays to captain the Blues. sensation was created two weeks ago today when I announced that Lawton had asked for his transfer in order to take Mrs. Lawton away for health reasons, and several clubs made inquiries at Goodison Park. I have now made arrangements for Mrs. Lawton to go away for long holiday,” said Lawton to me today, and having satisfied myself that I have done everything for her welfare, I immediately asked for the withdrawal of my 'name from the transfer list.
Happy Man
Never at any time have I had any desire to leave the club I joined in 1936, and I the happiest man in the world to think that I have been able to settle things, and stay with Everton, the best club in the country.” When the Everton directors met last week to consider Lawton's request they deferred decision until their next meeting, but the item now comes off the agenda. Lawton has played 30 times for England, and last season scored no fewer than 72 goals in 45 matches.

WEDDING BELLS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 14 June 1945
Wedding bells ring on Saturday at Rainhill Parish Church for Johnny Lyon, Everton’s winger, recently back from a P.O.W. camp, who is to marry Miss Barbara Stephens. Here’s wishing them much happiness.

Everton Player Is Bridegroom
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 16 June 1945

Miss Barbara Stephens, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Stephens, Chatsworthroad, Rainhill, was married today to Mr. John Lyon, a returned P.0.W., an Everton F.C. inside-forward, and formerly Lancashire and English International schoolboy footballer. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Lyon, Paradise-lane, Whiston, near Prescot. The ceremony place at Rain hill Parish Church. A gown of white satin and an embroidered tulle veil were worn by the bride, who was given away by her father. In attendance were Mrs. Mavis Fairclough, matron of honour and sister of the bride; Miss Barbara Lyon, sister the bridegroom; and Miss Sylvia Fairclough, niece of the bride. ‘A.B. B. Stephens, R.N., brother of the bride, was best man.

 

EVERTON’S HANDSOME PROFIT
June 18, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Are you surprised at Everton’s profit of £3,942 on last season? I am not, for I could see that football was coming back to its own week by week. I have stated time and again that football is going to have a post war boom. The Everton balance-sheet seems to point that way. Don’t forget that most of football’s strongest supporters are in the Services so what will the harvest be when they return to “Civvy Street.” They will want their football hot and strong and next season providing the two senior Divisions (North and South) function as intended –it isn’t definite yet –we shall get an idea of what to expect when we return fully to the pre-war leagues, with promotion, relegation, cup-ties, transfers and all the zest of it. However let me get back to the Everton balance-sheet. Gross receipts from all games including percentage from matches played away, totalled £32,830, a big increase on last season’s working, which produced £26,933. Entertainment tax takes a huge lump out of that no less than £10,056. Visiting clubs to Goodison Park did extremely well, for they received between them £8,329, Everton’s share of away games being £5,956. The bank overdraft, which stood at £26,678 has been reduced to £21, 383 and depreciation amounting to £2,600 has been allowed for. The annual general meeting takes place at Central Hall, Renshaw Street on Thursday June 28, at 7.p.m.

SECOND THOUGHTS ON FOOTBALL FIXTURES
June 19, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Soccer Politics
Everton Election Points
By Ranger.
Electioneering is in the air just now, not only on the political scale, but also in the Evertonian vein, where once again the question of vacancies on the Goodison Board has set in motion various conflicting currents. I give below letters which have reached me on this topic, but first of all let us take a quick survey of the latest Soccer set-up. It relates to next season’s fixtures. I told you after the Third Northern Section meeting in Manchester how the Thirds felt about the “selfish,” attitude of the seniors in pushing them back to their pre-war groupings without so much as a “by your leave.” I couldn’t tell you what several delegations said to me privately; it was too blistering. Now comes news that the F.A. Cup may not be practicable after all. And not only that but I’ve heard from more than one quarter that several of the First and Second Division clubs are doubtful whether they can fulfil next season’s League fixtures on the North and South groupings. They are getting windy about the long journeys they foresee, difficulties in raising teams for the many mid-week games which will be necessary on a 42 match basis, and, with other snags in the offing, there is more than a chance that there will be yet another switch-round in the arrangements.
Everton F.C. Elections.
The writer of the following letter requires no introduction to readers of this column. It is from Ernest Edwards, better known to you as Bees my illustrious predecessor, who has always been and to my mind always will be, the leading sports journalist of this country. He asks Everton shareholders to do something for him, a very little something compared with all he has done for the club in the past. Read the letter below, and please not his address, which is 8 Grafton Walk, West Kirby (Phone Hoylake 4200). He writes;-
“This is election time.” People have been saying. So you’re putting up for the boards? My answer is No I am being put up for the board, thanks to the compliment passed me by Messrs Harold Williams and Norman Coffey-names not unknown in the Everton Boardroom. They asked me to stand, and to use a famous phrase I replied “I don’t mind if I do.” It is necessary, however, to accentuate the position and eliminate the negative these days, and I ask Everton shareholders not to fence me in. My view is that the club is one of the best in the world; I am not a whit hostile to the board. But the annual meeting of the club have become a by word. No sooner does a vacancy arise than the whole trouble arises afresh. Bickering, collective bargaining, statements, denials, and intrigues appears to grow overnight like mushrooms. “Some years ago those who aid Sack the Lot” meaning the directors now appear to croon’ “I’ll walk beside you,” It is disturbing and difficult to imagine. I refuse to tout for votes, it would be better for the club if the Corporation laws about vacancies were adopted, by which means any one-touting for a vote would be automatically disqualified. What are the qualifications for directorship? Must one be a friend of a director? Do the directors select on-coming directions? Or is it the shareholders task? Must one have qualification for knowing something of the game? Some names have not even been discoverable on the shareholders list. “All I claim is that I have been a shareholder for nigh 40 years and desire to aid the city’s fine football name. Will shareholders therefore drop me a card tonight to the above address their decision to support me or otherwise? I cannot close without saying, to all those who have offered to work for me, how much I appreciate their encouragement and promissory notes. Shareholders, a postcard to night, please.”
Those Proxies Again
I also have a letter from Alex Lomax, hon, secretary of Everton Shareholders Association, as follows: - “Evidence given to members of the Everton F.C. Shareholders Association would seem to indicate that Mr. Lake, when given proxies by shareholders, has given an undertaking that such proxies will be exercised in favour of himself and Mr. Cuff, only. Perhaps Mr. Lake would give a public assurance that it is his intention to implement this undertaking. Alternatively, does he claims the right, as reported last week of exercising such proxies in favour of the two retiring directors and himself.”
I telephone the contents of the above letter to Mr. Lake, so that he should have an opportunity of replying to it at the time of publication, If he so desired. He tells me he will reply in due course.

EVERTON INVITED TO VISIT GLASGOW
June 21 1945. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton expect to open the 1945-46 season with a match in Glasgow. The directors have agreed to take a team to Scotland to oppose a side representing Glasgow for the benefit of Matt Gemmell, the Clyde trainer. Gemmell has been forty years as trainer at Shawfield Park and is now retiring and the whole of Glasgow football wants to pay tribute to him. Everton with Torry Gillick and Jimmy Caskie already on the spot, should prove a tremendous attraction. The Glaswegians have not forgotten Everton’s brilliant play in the Empire Exhibition tournament there in the summer of 1938. Of course the journey depends on the permission being granted by the Scottish F.A. and English F.A, but that should be forthcoming.
Pre-War Basis
The Central League will operate on a pre-war basis next season. This was the decision of the Management Committee at their meeting in Liverpool yesterday and the clubs will be asked to ratify the decision at the annual meeting in London on July 23. The committee was 100 per cent strong under the President Mr. W.C. Cuff the only absentee from per-war days. INVITATION TO EVERTON
June 21 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
To Play Benefit Match in Glasgow
The highly regard in which Everton are held in Scottish football circles is again in evidence, this time by an invitation extended them by Clyde F.C. Everton have been asked if they will send a team up north at the beginning of next season to play a representative Glasgow eleven in a benefit match for Matt Gemmell, the Clyde trainer who recently announced his retirement after fifty years with the club. The Goodison Park directors are quite agreeable, providing conditions at the time make this project practicable, and it is pretty certain the match will be confirmed in due course. This is another tribute to Everton, who were the first English side to be approached when the Scottish folk were looking for star teams to play in the Glasgow Exhibition games just before the war. On that occasion they pleased the Scots mightily by their classic, displays of football in the brightest and most scientific form.

EVERTON ANNUAL
June 29, 1945. The Liverpool Echo
Mr. Fred Lake Joins Board
Close Voting
Ranger’s Notes
There were some lively passages at last night’s annual meeting of Everton shareholders, when the main business was the election of three directors. The voting, apart from support for Mr. W.C. Cuff, who topped the poll with an overwhelming majority, was very close, and resulted; Mr. W.C. Cuff 1,928; Mr. F.W. Lake, 1.059; Mr. R.E. Searle, 955. Mr. T.C. Nuttall 931, and Mr. A.N. Denaro 921, the three first named being elected. Messrs Cuff and Searle were retiring directors; Mr. Lake takes the place of the late Mr. R. R. Turnbull. The firework began when a member of the Shareholders Committee fired a question which the chairman Mr. W.C. Gibbins ruled out of order. Then Mr. Alf Denaro stepped into the fray with a fighting speech which embodied some criticism of Mr. Searle, and followed the lines of other speeches which I have previously reported here. Mr. Denaro reiterated his determination to fight to the bitter and any attempt at “dictatorship in connection with Everton. Mr. Seale who hitherto has refrained from entering any controversy this time figuratively took off his coat” to hit back spiritedly at his critics. He said he had not acquired any shares since joining the Everton board. What he had he brought when on the Shareholders association, and had used them for the benefit of the association and Mr. Denaro at a previous election. He ridiculed the suggestion that any one man could dominate the board with 280 shares and strongly repudiated the suggestions made against him. Further than that he said he had several times offered to place his shares “on the table” for other members of the board. Earlier in the proceedings Mr. Gibbins had emphasised that any director or shareholder had a perfectly legal right to buy as many shares as he wished if he could get them. Mr. Lake was next to enter the arena and regretted that Mr. Denaro had introduced personalities. He said that up to recently the shareholders Association would have been happy to accept Mr. Searle’s support and votes. It was too late in the day now, following Mr. Searle’s resignation from the association, for them to try to make him out to be in the wrong. Despite the chairman’s effort to close the discussion the arguments waxed hot and strong, and several member let off steam. One suggested that the “degrading system of touting for proxies “should be stopped and that voting in future should be by show of hands. Shortest speechs of the evening was by Mr. Cuff –one sentence. “I have nothing to put before you except my long service to Everton,” he said. It was more than sufficient. The poll proved the regard in which he is held. The rest of the business was brief, Mr. Gibbins reviewed the past season, thanked the staff and players for their efforts and summed up the future as encouraging. Mr. Cuff outlined the League’s plans for next season, Mr. Denaro complimented him on his fifty years of invaluable service to the club, and the elected directors briefly returned thanks.
The New Director
Mr. F. W. Lake, the new director hardly needs introduction to any Merseyside football follower. He has been in the game since boyhood, played with the premier amateur teams, has occupied every administrative officer with Marine F.C. for which he is now a life member, has been an active official of the Liverpool County Combination for many years and had a short spell as a director of Tranmere Rovers. His knowledge of the game is extensive his judgement excellent, and he will bring valuable assets to the board which he now joins. Another new Everton appointment is that of Mr. Williams Dickinson as assistant secretary of Mr. Theo Kelly. The combination sounds good to me for Bill Dickinson knows the ropes well by virtue of his work as hon. secretary of Southport F.C. He was chosen from nearly 400 applicants.

EVERTON F.C. BOARD
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 29 June 1945
New Member The election for three seats on the Everton Football Club directorate, at last night's annual meeting, proved a personal triumph for Mr. William C. Cuff, president of the Football League and 50 years a loyal worker for the Everton cause in every administrative capacity (writes Pilot). There were five candidates and Mr. Cuff, with no fewer than 1,928 votes, had a clearcu t majority of 879. Mr. Fred W. Lake, who has years' football experience, Mr. F. W. lake finished second with 1,059 votes, and Mr. R. E. Searle, who, with Mr. Cuff, retired by rotation, gained the third seat with 955 votes, beating Mr. T. C. Nuttall by four votes. Mr. Nuttall polled 951 votes, a brilliant effort, and his co-candidate from the Shareholders' Association, Mr. A. N. Denaro. polled 921 votes. Mr. W. Dickinson, war-time secretary of Southport F.C., has been appointed assistant secretary to the club.