Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON’S FINALE
June 2, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton failed at Arsenal by the same score as Liverpool had won by the previous week, but they were worthy of a point, for they played skilful football, only to fall to round it off the first-time shooting. Though they took an early lead they lost it when a hot shot by Rooke spun out of Sagar’s hands and Lewis got the winner early in the second half. Farrell, Stevenson and Eglington constituted the Blues’ most dangerous flank, with Stevenson the guiding force of the whole attack. Dodds was well held by the Arsenal’s debuty centre-half Fields, and got few chances. Arsenal had just the little extra thrust which made the difference. Everton finish the season in the top half of the table which is far better than at one time looked likely. Had their recovery started a little earlier they might well have been in the first half-dozen. The spectators who attempted to attack an Everton player during the match against Arsenal has turned out to be a mental patient. He has been placed in hospital for observation.
TRIBUTE TO BLUES
June 2, 1947. The Evening Express
Despite a 2-1 defeat by Arsenal to wind up the season, it was a merry party of Everton players which gathered after the Highbury game at their London hotel to hear Chairman Mr. Will Gibbins thank them, at an informal get-together, for their efforts on behalf of the club (writes Radar). Mr. Gibbins mentioned that the club had its worries from a relegation viewpoint earlier in the season but the players had rallied wonderfully and by their grand spirit enabled the club to finish in the top half of the table. When Everton having thrown off an early Gunners challenge, took the lead through Eglington in the 23rd minute, they gained confidence and seemed to have Arsenal’s measure. However, powerful Rooke drive just beat Sagar to level matters immediately after the half-hour, and Lewis for once eluded the dominant Humphreys within a minute of resuming to net the decider from McPherson lobbed centre. Thereafter it was always the Londoners who were dictating the course of events, and matters were not helped from an Everton view-point when Peter Farrell received a nasty knock on the back of the leg and had to limp along the left-wing for the remainder of the game. Arsenal were from then onwards always quicker to possession for the Everton men seemed to have decided to wait for the ball to come to them tactics which will never pay dividend. I rated Saunders, Farrell, Humphreys and Grant. Everton’s best performers. Farrell’s injury is likely to prevent him playing in the “friendly” against Gillingham tonight in which case Gordon Watson will, not doubt deputise. Otherwise there will be no changes.
EVERTON BEAT GILLINGHAM
June 3, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Everton beat Gillingham 1-0 in the Watson benefit game at Gillingham last night, Dodds scoring the goal. Next season’s international between England and Ireland has been allocated to Goodison Park on November 5.
Goodison Park stages the final of the R.E. Lythgoe Cup tomorrow evening when Everton face Earle in what should a nice football offering. Everton accounted for Liverpool Police is the semi-final while Earle scored a grand win over Skelmersdale United at Holly Park, on Saturday to quality. The Liverpool County F.A are providing medals for the winning teams, so the lads had something for which to strive apart from the glory of winning. Everton; JA Jones; Hedley, Dugdale; D. Griffiths, Falder; S. Miller, Owen, R. Swain, Higgins, D. Hickson, Lyon.
EVERTON F.C.’S £8,454 PROFIT
June 7, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Transfer Fees and Wages Increase
By Pilot
Everton made a profit of £8,454 on the year ending May 10, as compared with a profit of £21,557 the previous year, while the balance carried forward is £24,615. Gate receipts were up from £70,670 to £70,920 and whereas £7,303 was received from visiting clubs, the Blues paid out £9,765 to visitors. Season tickets brought in £2,465 as against £319, which emphasises that there are more regular supporters these days than in yester-year. Main reason for the drop in profit is the turnover on players’ transfer fees which stood at nil last year, but which show an expenditure of £12,135 this year and cover players like Dodds, Mcllhatton, Livingstone, and Hodgkiss, offset by Joe Mercer’s move to Arsenal. Another important item which brings down the profit is the increase in players wages from £6,560 to £14,035 and also winning bonuses. A pleasing feature of the balance sheet is that the bank overdraft has been wiped out completely, while the property and assets stand at £56,828. It is a long time since the club was in such a healthy state financially. The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, June 19 at the Central Hall when the retiring directors Messrs W.C. Gibbins and W.R. Williams offer themselves for re-election and nominations on behalf of Messrs T.C. Nuttall and H.R. Williams have been received for the vacancy created by Mr. George Evan’s (now a life member decision not be seek re-election.
EVERTON’S GRAND WIN IN DUBLIN
June 9, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Shamrock Rovers 1, Everton 3
Everton set Dublin alight with supreme football craft when they defeated Shamrock Rovers 3-1 at Dalymount Park –home of Bohemians –before 15,000 spectators yesterday, and at the same time they restored some of the lost prestige which the English footballers have suffered during the last few days. This was Everton of the traditional vintage playing with a progressiveness and craft not seen in Eire for many years. Captain Tom Scully, director and secretary of the Rovers said to me after the game; - “This is the finest exhibition of football Dublin has seen since Everton were here in the days of Dixie Dean.” In the past few days Stoke City have been beaten 3-0 by Drumconda and Shelbourne defeated Manchester City 4-2, but Everton showed that English football is still leading the world by the manner in which they recovered from an early shock and went on to win almost as they pleased. This is the story of the goal scoring. In the first four minutes Gilbert, a young inside right who took my eye as one of the most promising of all these clever Rovers sent out pass to Beyhan, and he crossed a ball which I thought Sagar should have secured, but it dropped to the feet of O’Byrne and so Everton were facing an uphill battle from the start. Believe me the Rovers certainly tried to cash in on their advantage and for 20 minutes showed us a sample of the football which has made them favourities for the Inter-City Cup. Impregnated with all-British centre half Jack Vernon, and David Walsh, of West Bromwich Albion, they played in a typically English style and not unlike Everton with the quick exploitation of the short ball and accurate back-heel. Came Everton at their full power for Stevenson, Fielding and Wainwright to make the equaliser possible at the 20th minute. Wainwright darting forward from Stevenson’s pass to flash the ball into the net past the advancing Breen (you will remember him with Manchester United). In the second half it was mainly Everton and at the 65th minute Fielding had a shot charged down; Stevenson struck the bar and when Wainwright hit the rebound, Glennon knocked the ball out with his hand, and from the penalty Wainwright gave Everton the lead. Wally Fielding celebrating his return to football after an enforced lay-off, then showed us the acme of ball control, dribbling, positional sense and finishing. In fact, the whole crowd rose to him time and again. At the 75th minute Fielding and Stevenson went through and “Stevie” feed it up for Fielding to run the ball through. Everton’s display was beyond criticism, but definitely Fielding was the man who took the eye of the Irishmen, while Everton found their switch in the second half quite a success. Here Stevenson took over the leadership from Wainwright, who was injured twice in duels with Vernon, and the whole thing worked well with Wainwright serving the line magnificently. Make a note that young Jack Hedley has made tremendous progress and had a really grand game, while Gordon Watson, deputising for the injured Farrell was superb. Fine service on the wings, and with Bentham, Humphreys, and Greenhalgh and Sagar sound in the defence, made this a great team. In Dublin with the players are directors Messrs, Ernest Green, W.R. Williams, F.W. Lake and Dick Searle, with Secretary-Manager Mr. Theo Kelly and Mr. Harold Williams, who is a nomination for the vacancy on the directorate at the annual meeting this month. Dublin is full of English clubs scouts, and I had a long chat with Chairman Mr. Bob Smith and director Mr. Eddie Gill, of Manchester City, who are still out to strengthen their attack to fit the side preparatory to their return to the First Division. One humorous note was the toss-up in which Coad, for whose benefit the match was held, spun the coin. Greenhalgh called “talls” and found it came down with a harp showing upwards. Coad said “You win,” and Greenhalgh replied “I’ll take your word for it.”
EVERTON WIN IN DUBLIN
June 9, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Despite being a goal down in the first five minutes, Everton ran out good winners in their friendly game with Shamrock Rovers at Dublin yesterday. Wainwright (two) one a penalty and Fielding scored for Everton who served up a fine display of attractive football and helped to restore some of our lost prestige after the defeats recently sustained across the channel by Stoke and Manchester City.
IRISH PLANS
June 10, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Such was the success of Everton’s visit to Dublin that the bonds of friendship between the clubs – Everton have taken three players from Shamrock Rovers in Farrell, Eglington, and Dodds –will in all probability be strengthened by a return game next season –at Goodison Park. At the banquet –yes, and it was a banquet in every sense –given by Mr. Joe Cunningham, chairman of the Rovers and his colleagues to Everton over the week-end. Mr. Cunningham expressed a desire to visit Goodison and Mr. Ernest Green, senior director of Everton, promised that it should be placed on the Blues list of “musts” being supported by colleagues Messrs W.R. Williams and F. W. Lake. The matter will be decided as soon as next season’s league fixture are known. “Everton refused to adopt the “open-door” methods which have so handicapped Irish football for years,” said Mr. Cunningham “but in the case of the transfer of Farrell and Eglington they came to us in a straight-forward and business like way and conduced everything in a manner which was a great credit to them. We of the Rovers are delighted that Peter and Tommy have gone to such a grand club and done so well. If ever Everton want any of our players they will have first refusal.” And believe me there is one player, Gilbert I think would make a great success, in English football.
Everton may have to wait until Friday before being able to announce their team for Saturday’s match at Anfield against Liverpool for Secretary-Manager Mr. Theo Kelly has to see how Farrell and Dodds fare with their injuries.
THE ANFIELD GAME
June 13, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
A few months ago this game might have looked a fairly easy task for Liverpool –and I haven’t forgotten that Everton beat them at Goodison when the Blues were in the doldrums. But the Everton of the last few months has been a different side to that of the early part of the season, and Liverpool are by no means sure of victory. It will be a stern struggle under what may, if this weather holds, rather trying conditions, and there is likely to be little in it at the end. Both teams will receive gold medals of pre-war vintage. Owing to injuries Everton will not decide their side definitely until later. Liverpool; Sidlow; Harley, Lambert; Jones, Hughes, Spicer; Watkinson, Balmer, Stubbins, Polk, Liddell. Everton (from); Sagar; Hedley, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Humphreys, Farrell or Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Dodds, Fielding, Eglington.
ANFIELD ‘DERBY’ RINGS DOWN FOOTBALL CURTAIN
June 13, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
There will be divided thoughts at Anfield tomorrow, when the 1946-47 season will be concluded with the Liverpool Senior Cup final between Liverpool and Everton. From a Liverpool standpoint interest will centre as much on happenings at Bramell-lane as on the matter in hand. Liverpool won the Lancashire Cup last week, and if things run as they want tomorrow, they will have three cups to display on the sideboard –this Liverpool Cup, and the First Division championship cup- to complete their season’s treble. There should be a splendid crowd to see this final, for any local “Derby” has a particularly appeal and seeing that Everton took three of the four League points from the Reds, it remains to be seen if Liverpool can gain some measure of consolation. There will be added interest in that this time the cup will be presented from the directors box so that due tribute may be paid to the winners, and a special tribute to Liverpool. In this connection spectators are asked to observe the sanctity of the grass on which “renovation work’ has started. Because of the duel Liverpool interest in an eventful day and the fine constructive arts of Everton, we should have a good ending to the season. As a matter of fact, I fancy we shall be having that 30 minutes of extra time. Liverpool will need to show improvement on their form against Bury if they are to beat a side playing with rare understanding and with much better service from the wings than when Liverpool last faced their rivals. Everton cannot yet name a definite team because of the doubts about Dodds and Farrell, but Jack Hedley definitely plays at right back. Liverpool have Liddell and Polk forming the left wing in a game which should be in keeping with “Derby” tradition, and which has been put back specially to 3.15 pm. Liverpool; Sidlow; Harley, Lambert; Jones, Hughes, Spicer; Watkinson, Balmer, Stubbins, Polk, Liddell. Everton (from); Sagar; Hedley, Greenhalgh; Bentham, Humphreys, Farrell or Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Dodds, Fielding, Eglington.
QUICK GOALS IN CUP FINAL AT ANFIELD
June 14, 1947. The Evening Express
30,000 See Thrilling ‘Derby’ Between Liverpool, Everton
The final of the Liverpool Senior cup between Liverpool and Everton ended a grand “Derby” finish to a Merseyside football season at Anfield today. Liverpool had to make late changes because of an injury to Harley, so Jones went to right back and Fagan to right half. Everton had Dodds at centre forward while Watson continued at left half. Liverpool; Sidlow, goal; Jones and Lambert, backs; Fagan, Hughes and Spicer, half-backs; Watkinson, Balmer, Stubbins, Polk and Liddell, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Hedley and Greenhalgh (captain), backs; Bentham, Humphreys, and Watson, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Dodds, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.H. E. Evans, (Liverpool). There was a rousing start, with Liverpool playing a type of football that gave one the impression that they wanted to prove that whatever happens at Sheffield they were worthy champions. The Reds played fast incisive football at top speed, Watkinson figuring prominently, while only the vigilance of Greenhalgh kept Stubbins from hitting in his shot. Hedley headed away a dangerous Watkinson centre before Liddell want to the line to turn the ball back to the in-running Polk, but Watson intercepted cleverly.
Pass Unavailing.
Away went Dodds to beat Jones and push the ball back for Eglington, whose final pass, however, went astray. Fielding and Stevenson tried to get thought with interpassing, but Spicer handled and Watson’s free kick cannoned behind for a corner, from which Bentham shot over. Liverpool took the lead in 10 minutes with a beautiful goal by Balmer, who took over after Fagan had broken up a close passing movement. He moved a little to his right past two players before scoring with an accurate right foot cross-shot from just inside the penalty area and to which Sagar, flung himself too late. In any case, this shot would have beaten any goalkeeper. Stevenson tried a flying header which flashed outside, and Fielding let go with a distant effort which went high and wide. Within four minutes, however, Everton were all square and believe me this was another grand goal. Watson robbed Balmer, who sented the ball forward to Fielding who put it across to Dodds. The centre turned it back into the centre for Stevenson to race clear and lob the ball high over Sidlow’s head into the net. Within 30 seconds Liverpool were in the lead again, to give us two goals in the space of a minute. The Reds forced a corner on the left, and then Liddell placed it accurately, for Watkinson to race in and crash the ball into the roof of the net just as he came into collision with Greenhalgh. And, so, instead of getting the hand-shakes, Watkinson had to have trainer‘s sponge. A flying shot by Liddell from 30 yards passed outside and there was no justification for the booing of Greenhalgh every time he went for the ball. The small section of the crowd was unreasonable. There was more excitement in this game than in an F.A. Cup final, and play was accomplished by one continuous roar by 30,000 spectators, who were getting a thrill a second. In addition, it was football of the greatest class played at terrific speed of the magic of the Merseyside Derby.
A Fine Show
Hedley, the youngster of the game was putting up a fine show against Liddell as the Reds continued in rampant mood in the face of a strong Everton. Sagar double-fisted away from Liddell while Liverpool failed to profit from two free kicks. Liverpool were generally attacking and all Sidlow had to do for quite a while was to hold a fierce Eglington shot, and this he did amazingly well. Then Dodds shot was kicked away by Hughes, following good work by Mcllhatton and Stevenson. Mcllhatton broke away and turned the ball back from the line to Stevenson, whose grand cross shot was headed off the line by Jones to save a certainty. Sidlow fisted away a corner by Eglington as Everton came rather much into the game. A feature of the Everton play was the accuracy of their passing. Sidlow had to fist away from Mcllhatton and then go down and turn aside a shot from Fielding. Watkinson was fouled as he weaved his way inside, but Liddle’s free kick flashed over. Liddell came across to the right with a shot which ricocheted off Greenhalgh’s foot and Sagar had to drive quickly to concede a corner. The entire Everton attack combined magnificently. Balmer raced in to meet a Liddell centre and his header swept just by the far post.
Half-time; Liverpool 2, Everton 1.
Stevenson provided the opening thrill of the second half –he always seems to pull out that something extra against the Reds –when he accepted Bentham’s pass and fined in a dangerous shot, which Sidlow patted away to safety. A Mcllhatton centre flashed across the face of the Liverpool goal. Then Sidlow had to go down to take charge of a menacing centre from Stevenson who next placed Dodds through, but Hughes took no chances and booted the ball over the top for a corner. This was quickly followed by another Everton corner as the Blues piled on the pressure, and from this Sidlow made a late save off a deceptive shot from Bentham. The pace had not slackened whatever, and the Everton defence were covering cleverly. The Liverpool attacks were not getting the scope given them in the first half, so it was now Everton who were calling the tune. Fielding was fouled just outside the penalty area and Watson came racing in for the free kick which, however, cannoned against the Red barrier. It is a long time since I heard such a continuous roar as the players swept to their work, neither giving quarter, asking quarter or expecting it. Bentham went past five opponents by cheer persistence, only for Hughes to take command and intercept at the last second.
Fine Movement
Everton should have been level when a fine open movement between Stevenson and Fielding and Eglington saw Eglington centre perfectly to Dodds, who unmarked from three yards, placed straight at Sidlow, who saved with one hand. Yes, this should have been a goal. The sense flashed to the Everton end, where Sagar twice had to fist away centres from Liddell and it took all the tenacity of Greenhalgh and Humphries to hold up Stubbins when he moved away to the right in an endeavour to find operative room. Two promising Everton attacks broke down when Fielding’s final passes went astray and Liddell tried to apply shock tactics when he raced into the centre, but he could not get hold of the ball properly and it was well off the mark. Stevenson’s cute pass to Mcllhatton had Lambert beaten and Dodds beat Sidlow to the centre, but his header was inches too high. Everton were pressing so much that it seemed they must equalise, and yet the Liverpool defence never once got into a panic and there were few loopholes for shots. Watkinson almost increased Liverpool’s advantage when he took over after Stubbins and Balmer had sought in vain for an opening, his shot being no more than a foot wide. There was a laugh when Sagar came far out to prevent the ball going for a corner, but he slipped down and helped the ball farther over the line. The corner brought no grist to the mill and away went Dodds, only to be forced to the corner, where Hughes cleared. For fully a minute the people let themselves go and even the Everton players joined in the applause. A mighty roar greeted the announcement that Sheffield had won to make Liverpool the 1946-47 champions. Mcllhatton presented Everton with another gift opening but Dodds was not quick enough to turn the ball through after Stevenson had edged it across to him and Sidlow took command. Jones conceded a corner, but Bentham’s shot was charged down by Lambert as Everton battled like demons to try and force extra time.
A FITTING FINALE
June 16, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Liverpool 2 (Balmer and Watkinson) Everton 1 (Stevenson)
This was a Liverpool senior Cup command performance before 40,000 spectators who had come to see the conquering heroes and their hereditary rivals, Everton, and to “listen” to the match at Sheffield, by which the third and most important trophy could be put in the Liverpool boardroom. A more electric finish Anfield has never known. They won Liverpool’s Senior Cup, heard the verdict from Sheffield, and then the teams took commendations from the crowd, the Lord Mayor himself an ardent football enthusiast, F.A. Chairman Hewitt, and club vice-chairman, Mr. S.R. Williams was a fitting finale. The match too, was a joy, with science, combination, body swerves, steadiest defence and sometimes a school boyish melee with players bundled together in uncommon manner with referee Evans at hand, eyes for everything and never stopping progress when the innocent might be penalised. An intensely fast game was in doubt to the last kick, and that kick was a wasteful corner kick into the crowd instead of on to the field – the biggest sin in football. I mention no names because everyone had fought so availability and the game was crowded with the beauties of class football. In a goal scored by Balmer and made by Fagan the utter sangfroid with which Fagan “passed” his rival in trapping (Alec Stevenson) revealed his confident ball-control. He did not move two inches; indeed, it might have been a Stevenson act, except that Stevenson bursts into these efforts and the Liverpool captain merely killed this ball as if he was doing this kind of work all day long. Next one must value the Stevenson goal a semi-lobbing effort aided by Fielding and Dodds. Any other kind of “shot” would not have beaten Sidlow. Then Watkinson’s lead with the conversion of Liddell’s corner kick by the young man who has known no defeat since he came into Liverpool’s side.
Technique.
At Wolverhampton the game turned in Liverpool’s favour when Jones headed out a deadly shot. The same thing happened here; Jones headed out and again, it appeared his neck had been wrenched. Why should Liverpool play a style foreign to the fashion of years gone by? The big boot has gone, the opening-up pass came to us per Busby, and is now carried on by Taylor, Fagan, Paisley, Spicer, (supremely fit and confident). Hughes, Jones, etc. The effect of this upon the forwards, is patent; they too, operate in style sweeping through by the Corinthian paths that make defences squirm. Though this game did not produce a Stubbins goal, his juggling of the ball with head and feet will be mentioned by all present to see this solo ballet. Everton’s disappointed themselves. They had so much of the play, so many of the chances, so much incentive to go in and win, that a single goal to their credit does not do them justice. The wing half-back work of galliant, silent Bentham and Watson was a feature. In attack Everton went off and along by a many-sided movement as compared with their rivals, one-two-three-pass-and-shot. Everton’s inner trio was slightly below par due to the difficulty. Dodds found in passing Hughes. He got applause (after suffering much kop “jollying”) for retrieving a throw-in ball for Liverpool. Everton’s extreme wingers were sharp and unsparing without delivering shots one might have expected. This was defeat with distinction in a game one will forever associate with Fagan’s appearance as a wing half instead of outside right – an outstanding display of calm assurance and poise. So Liverpool find themselves with three cups, and a captain to “fit anywhere” But why present the trophy in the secrecy of the boardroom. Liverpool; Sidlow, goal; Jones and Lambert, backs; Fagan, Hughes and Spicer, half-backs; Watkinson, Balmer, Stubbins, Polk and Liddell, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Hedley and Greenhalgh (captain), backs; Bentham, Humphreys, and Watson, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Dodds, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.H. E. Evans, (Liverpool).
ACROSS THE PARK
June 16, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton, whose chairman, Mr. Will Gibbins, was the first to congratulate the Reds on their League success. Everton lost the Liverpool Cup because they lacked Liverpool’s opportunism in front of goal in the greatest-ever Liverpool Cup Final, for here was a game in a thousand packed with thrills and the delights of football. There was hardly a pin to choose between the teams, proving that Everton can have had few superiors during the second half of the season. Just before Christmas pessimists were tipping Everton for relegation. “Odd goal and often very unfortunate defeats certainty made the position uncomfortable, but the directors, Secretary Manager Theo Kelly and the players never lost faith in their own ability. They laughed at the critics and went to work with a will to banish the relegation clouds and become one of the teams of the second half of the season and finish tenth. Put that down to the loyalty of the players, to the men and club whose belief in them was steadiest and to the directors and Mr. Kelly for refusing to go into a panic. Injuries hit Everton hard, but their reserves, too, pulled out every ounce, as witness that perfect half-back display by Watson on Saturday. That was a model of perfection, and I rated it the best individual performance from 22 fine players, who delighted 39,700 watchers. And before closing down on tributes to our two clubs who have kept Merseyside on top of the world I want to say “Well done” to two of the most important men in the organisations –the trainers, Albert Shelley and Harry Cooke. Albert, Harry, you are not forgotten.
BACK FOR ARGYLE
Western Morning News-Wednesday 18 June 1947
Plymouth Argyle have signed Bartholomew Purvis, right or left back from Reading as a part-time professional. No transfer fee is involved. Purvis, who is 25, has played for Everton and Gateshead and for Chelsea and Reading as a guest star while in the forces. Together with several other clubs Argyle negotiated for Purvis during season 1945-46 while he was with Everton but he declined to come West at the time. Purvis a joiner's apprentice, joined Everton during the war as a professional. After demobilization he signed for Gateshead. When he asked for a transfer to Reading the latter club were unable to fix him up and he requested a free transfer. Argyle, who were still keen to obtain his signature, then made arrangements for him to continue his apprenticeship in Plymouth.
BACK FOR ARGYLE
Western Morning News - Wednesday 18 June 1947
Purvis, Of Reading, As Part-Time Professional
Plymouth Argyle have signed Bartholomew Purvis, right or left-back, from Reading as a part-time professional. No transfer fee is involved. Purvis, who is 25. He has played for Everton and Gateshead, and for Chelsea and Reading as guest star while in the forces. A native of Newcastle, is 5tt. 9in. and weighs 12 stone. Together with several other clubs Argvle negotiated for Purvis during season 1945-46 while was with Everton, but he declined to come West at the time . Purvis, a joiner s apprentice, joined Everton during the war as a professional. After demobilization he signed for Gateshead. When he asked for transfer to Reading the latter club were unable to fix him and he requested a free transfer. Argyle, who were still keen to obtain his signature, then made arrangements for him to continue his apprenticeship in Plymouth.
EVERTON’S A.G.M
June 19, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall).
Everton’s annual meeting –the 68th in the history of the club – takes place this evening at the Central Hall and should be a nice, quiet gathering after the excitement of the elections of the past two years. This time there will be no election for seats on the directorate, for although Messrs Harold R. Williams, and Tom C. Nuttall were nominated for the vacancy created by the elevation of Mr. George Evans to life membership, Mr. Nuttall has since with-drawn, and unless there is any last-minute sensation Mr. Williams will be elected with the two retiring directors Mr. W.C. Gibbins, the club chairman, and Mr. W.R. Williams, Mr. Harold Williams has for years been the club’s most loyal followers never missing a match either at home or away. Shareholders will be asked to adopt accounts showing a profit on the year’s working of £8,454.
NEW EVERTON F.C. DIRECTOR
June 20, 1947. The Evening Express
Important Signings Expected
By Radar
Everton F.C. expect to make some additions to their playing staff within a week or two included in the prospective signings is a full back. This was revealed by secretary manager Mr. Theo Kelly at the annual meeting of the club at the Central Hall, Liverpool, last night when there was not a discordant note, and the entire business was completed in less than half an hour. After revealing a list of 34 professionals, also have been signed for next season, Mr. Kelly added; “There is power to add to that list, which may not be so long hence.” The players engaged for next season are; Goalkeepers, Sagar, Burnett, (who is to be married on Saturday), Jones; full backs, Greenhalgh, Jackson, Saunders, Dugdale, Kelly, half-backs, Bentham, Cookson (still in the services overseas), Falder, Farrell, Grant, Humphreys, T.G. Jones, Lindley, Watson, Doyle. Forwards; Boyes, Catterick, Eglington, Fielding, Higgins, Johnson, Lyon, Makin, Mcllhatton, Owen (W.), Stevenson, Wainwright, Ashley, Dodds, Victor Green, Tommy Gardner. Mr. Kelly stated that he hoped to sign today Dick Ireland, a young full back, who coupled with Dugdale in the Liverpool schoolboys team in 1938, and who has been playing for Wrexham Reserves on permit. Ireland had been offered terms by Wrexham but preferred to join Everton. Referring to the players Mr. Kelly stated that Farrell will be fit again by the opening of next season; Harry Catterick is gradually regaining his confidence; both Eglington and Mcllhatton created a tremendous impression on visiting grounds; Wainwright will be released from the Services and will go into full-time training towards the end of the year. Tommy Gardner, an outside right or left, who was with Liverpool last season, has been engaged for 12 months.
Ground Improvement
The chairman W.C. Gibbins referring to ground improvements, said it was hoped that Goodison Park would be restored to its high pre-war standard by next season, and added that in his opinion Everton’s was the best football arena in the country. The balance sheet, which was adopted without a single question, revealed a profit on the past year of £8,454 an a dividend of 7 ½ per cent was declared. The retiring directors, Mr. W.C. Gibbins and Mr. W. R. Williams, were re-elected unopposed for a further three years, and Mr. Harold R. Williams was elected –also unopposed –to fill the vacancy caused by the elevation of Mr. George Evans to life-membership. Mr. Harold Williams, said he had been am ardent follower of Everton since 1922, and would do his best to live up to Mr. Kelly’s maxim that “only the best is good for Everton.” Mr. Gibbins expressed the thanks of the directors and club to Mr. Kelly and his staff for the way in which they had carried out their arduous duties, and referred to Mr. Kelly as “one of the most able men in the game.” Proposing a vote of thanks to the chairman and his directors, Mr. A. N. Denaro, a former chairman of the Shareholders’ Association, said he hoped that the last had been heard of any ill-feeling which had existed during the past few years, and Mr. Gibbins said the hope was shared by the Board.
NEW EVERTON DIRECTOR
June 20, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Mr. Harold Williams was last night returned unopposed to the Everton board, along with the two retiring directors, Messrs W. C. Gibbins (chairman) and W.R. Williams, Mr. Harold Williams is no relation to his name-sake on the board or to Mr. Ronnie Williams, the Liverpool director. He has been a lifelong supporter of the Everton club, and for many years before the war used to follow them in away games as well as home matches, rarely being absent even from the long distance trips such as Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Grimsby and the rest. He will be the youngest director on the board. He is also a keen cricket, enthusiast being a member of Susex (his first love) and Lancashire. In business he is a director of several well-known city firms. He resides at Heswall.
EVERTON’S SOLIDITY
June 23, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s balance-sheet is a model of wise direction. It escaped general comment that they had put arise no less than £25,000 for deferred repairs, taxation, and rehabilitation of the practice ground, as well as investing nearly another £5,000 in houses for players during the past season and knocking substantial sums off their fixed assets for depreciation. Everton, in short, are wisely digging themselves in against the possibility of a rainy day. If others would do likewise football would be the better for it. Tommy Jones’s name continues to be linked with Metropolitan clubs in formation which reaches me from London. How long the Welsh international will be content with reserve status at Goodison remains to be seen. Everton made their desire to keep him abundantly clear a few months ago, and have done all they possibly can to show how highly they regard him. On the other hand, they have never been a club to stand in a player’s way. These positions are just as awkward for club as for player. Time may bring its own solution. The position of Cyril Done, at Anfield, is another problem. Here is another player who would do some club a world of good unable to command a regular first team place.
Everton were pioneers some years ago in experimenting with a scheme of under-the-turf heating to do away with frozen pitches. Today they lead the way in a war on weeds. They are experimenting with a modified form of flame-thrower which burns out the roots of obtainable weeds; A small part of the pitch has been treated. If the idea is successful it will be extended.
FLAME THROWER ATTACKS THE GOODISON WEEDS
June 23, 1947. The Evening Express
Everton’s Latest Experiment
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Important experiments which may prove of immense value to football clubs in the care of their playing areas are being made by the Everton club at Goodison Park under Chief Groundsman Ted Storey. The objective is to rid the ground of the pernicious knot-weed which is the bane of every groundman’s life. This weed has taken a grip on the Goodison playing area during the past few weeks, and while systematic weeding can produce good results Everton’s new ideas may bring greater speed and efficiency. This is the burning of the weed by flame-flowing. Up to now one patch about 20 yards square just bounding the baseball diamond has been “scorched” and believe me on that space there is no more of the choking weed. Naturally the grass, too, has been burned, but it is thought with confidence that the grass will recover quickly, but that the weed will remain “dead.” Secretary-manager Theo Kelly explained to me that it would have been unwise to make extensive burning until the effects were known. “If the experiment proves a success with this one patch,” said Mr. Kelly, “then we shall proceed to apply the flame-throwers to the other areas which are in the grip of the weed.” Goodison has already made a fine recovery following the hard winter’s wear, but Everton will feel happier if those little yellow flowers of the weed are no more. If Everton’s idea is a winner than other clubs will follow the example to combat the weed which is so hard to eliminate by ordinary methods and which spreads so rapidly choking the grass in its progress. The Everton staffs has not taken long to fulfil Chairman Mr. Will Gibbins promise that Goodison would slowly but surely return to its pre-war spick and span conditions. Already the fronts of the Bullen-road and new goal double-decker stands have been painted in the familiar green and work is now going on with the front of the Goodison road stand. Goodison and Anfield are two of the safest grounds in the country for spectators, but Everton, even with their dozens of steel crush-barriers embedded in concrete are taking no chances, and new crush barriers are being erected in that “bottle-neck” corner between the old goal double-decker and the Goodison road stand where, especially on big match days, we used to see the swaying of the crowd like corn in a breeze. These new barriers will stop all that besides adding to the comfort of those who like this excellent “spec.” And o throughout the summer goes in the work of making things better for the man who pays his 1s 3d.
EVERTON’S NEW CHAIRMAN
June 25, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton F.C. don’t often change their chairman, but at last night’s meeting of the directors Mr. Will Gibbins made it known that he did not wish to continue, having had seven years at the helm. His successor is Dr. Cecil Baxter, who has been twenty years on the board and follows in the footsteps of his father, who occupied the position of chairman years ago. One will miss the genial Mr. Gibbins, who was elected to the chair in 1940, and steered the club through the most difficult war years. He was kindness itself to one and all. Dr. Baxter is a keep sportsman, and in his early days played football for Stonyhurst where he was at school. He is a golfer of no mean ability. He knows football inside out and brings great though to bear on the administrative of the game. A bachelor he practise at his home in Robson Street, Liverpool.
EVERTON’S MOVE
June 26, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall).
Everton will be making one of the most important proposals at the annual meeting of the Football league this week-end, when they set out to get a better deal for Services players. The recommendations of the League includes a £5 per match fee for Services players, but Everton are of the opinion that this is inadequate, and have tabled an amendment that the remuneration for Services players during the playing season be increased to £6 per match, with a maximum of £12 per week. The reason for the maximum, of course, is to obviate the possibility of any service player participating in more than two matches in a week and so on the match wage basis drawing more than the £12 which is the maximum sum paid to any full-time player. I am of the opinion that Everton’s idea will be endorsed by the clubs for £5 does seem a poor reward to recognised first team players such as Eddie Wainwright. Wainwright’s case is similar to that of many players with other clubs, and as £6 is not out of the way I have a feeling that the Management Committee will support the amendment, and so bring unanimity on these wages points. Everton followers will be sorry to hear that Mr. Ernest Green, the senior director of the club is indisposed following journeys involving hundreds of miles of travel in the cause of the club. Mr. Green will be forced to miss the League annual meeting for the first time since he became a director. We wish Mr. Green a speedy recovery.
June 1947