Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON F.C’S £11,472 PROFIT
June 5, 1950. Evening Express
On Last Season
Everton F.C made a profit on the year’s work of £11,472, 3s 1d. In addition, there was an income of £835 30s 10s 7d from properties. Gross gate receipts were £102, 196 13s. The amount paid to visitors was £15,573 3s 10d; League percentage and subscription took £3,203 13s 8d; and entertainment tax £7, 543 6s 2d. Last year the accounts revealed a loss of £2,351 on the season’s working. A sum of £23,551 this time for players wages and benefits compares with £22,554 during 1948-49. Only £1,600 was paid out in transfer fees during the period under review, whereas the expenditure in the previous year was £24,050. Training expenses and wages were £2,435 in 1949-50 and only £1,656 the previous year, but rents, rates, taxes, lighting and other expenses were reduced from £11,350 to £9,360. Medical fees were slightly lower the comparative figures being £713 and £868. An amount of £4,343 has been set aside as provision, for future taxation and £13,557 for deferred repairs. The report indicates that after providing for depreciation on stands dividend (at 7 ½ per cent), and income and profits tax, there is a balance to be carried forward of £28,325. Match expenses (travelling, advertising printing and gate expenses) were £18,694. There will be no newcomers to the Board of Directors hen the annual meeting is held at the Law Association Room in Cook-Street, on Monday, June 26 for the three retiring directors Messrs W.C. Gibbins, W.R. Williams, and H.R. Williams, will be returned unopposed.
HEDLEY OFF; CATTERICK NEXT?
JUNE 12, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Harry Catterick, Everton centre forward, is understood to be among the latest batch of Football league players to be tempted by Bogota terms. Others are Ford (Aston Villa), and Sherwood the Wales and Cardiff City full back. In a word of football uncertainty it seems definite that a plane taking off from Prestwick, Scotland to South American on Friday had Roy Paul and Everton full back Jack Hedley among its passengers. The story continues that they were due to play their first game for the Millionarios club yesterday. Bobby Flavell, Hearts forward, flew from Prestwick last night for Bogota, Jimmy Walker (Patrick Thistle) has also been invited and it is understood that approaches have been made to Brown and Aitken of East Fife. As to Jock Dodds, the man of mystery said to be behind these secret movements, his whereabouts are unknown. But it is expected that the Bogota gold-rush is not ended. Several more players were expected to go by air to South America over the week-end. Their identity is likely to be disclosed only when the plane is out of sight.
Livingstone Back
Duggie Livingstone pre-war Everton and Tranmere Rovers player has been engaged, as coach by Bradford, who last year suffered relegation to Division 3. Duggie has just returned from a coaching appointment in Rotherham, following thirteen years as trainer-coach to Sheffield United That Livingstone has not been engaged by a first class club is absolutely inexplicable. Unlike many Football leagues trainers he has all the Diplomes on his poet subject. He has played in first class company is a grand personality and gets on with people everywhere. Possibly the breaks has gone against him.
PAUL, HEDLEY, BACK FROM BOGOTA
June 19, 1950. The Evening Express
Hope to Play for Old Clubs
Say Their Have Been ‘Disillusioned”
British Footballers Roy Saul, Swansea Town and Welsh international and Jack Hedley, of Everton, on their way home from Bogota, Colombia, “bitterly disillusioned” with their experiences arrived at London Airport from Paris today hours before they were expected. They had reached Paris by air from New York earlier in the day. Neither would make any comment on their experience when they landed at London airport. They left later in 2 cars Paul for Southwater with Mr. Glyn Davies, chief scout of Swansea Town, and Hedley for London. Hedley and Paul flew to Bogota a week ago to play for the Millionarios Club. When they stopped off at New York on their flight home yesterday they declared they had “a raw deal” in South American and hoped to resume playing with their respective clubs in Britain. They said that after an initial promise to play on a two-year contract for £7,000 sterling between them, the Millionries club tried to get them to sign a contract at a considerably lowly figure. When they refused to sign then club raised all kinds of obstacles to prevent them from signing with the Santa Fe club, which had made them an attractive offer. Local players disliked them and they felt that British players were not welcome there. They alleged that an attempt was made to get them to sign a contract under the guise that they were signing a release for publication of photographs which had taken of them. They did not sign. Colombian players, they declared had no knowledge of teamwork, but were always intent on “playing” flashy for the grandstand.” They would be no match for any British team. Paul and Hedley said the club had a shower facilities and that during their stay they received only 150 pesos (about 30 sterling) each. They had to borrow from Neil Franklin (England and Stoke City) and his club bate George Mountford, who have been in Bogota for several weeks. The two returning players said that players said that Franklin and Mountford seemed content but they themselves would not advise other British players to go there unless they had money in the bank.
Higgins Dissatisfield
Paul and Hedley said that Bill Higgins dissatisfied with playing for the Millionarios “would come back tomorrow if he could get out of his contract. Hedley said he did not think British public reaction to their Lattin American trip would be unfavourable. The public is behind us. They know we are underpaid,” Hedley added. Paul said; “We hope to play immediately when we get back to England. We have broken no contracts and we think there should be no trouble.” Hedley added: “We think we are in the clear.” They said playing conditions in Bogota were bad. Paul adding. “It was worse than amateur stuff.” The five British referees in Colombia had a difficult time because the club does not provide them enough protection from partisan crowds. The players said the club put them up in a boarding house, both in the same room and “not under very good conditions.”
‘Bum Steer’
Regarding their contact bid by the Millionarios team the pair said; We were given a bum steer.” Paul said; “In a cable with the offer we were to get £7,000 between us for a two year contracts. When we got there the offer came to about £100 a month each. The cost of living, which they said was about the same as England, we found to be about four times as much. “They told us we would sign a contract with one hand and have the money in the other. This also was not true.” The Santa Fe club offered them better terms than the Millionarios but that the Millionarios management “put every obstacle” in their path. The two reared English football much superior to the football played in Colombia, Hedley added; “Their always behind English football. It is all exhibition stuff. One man tries to bear a team England should easily win the championship.
“I AM IN THE CLEAR,”SAY HEDLEY
June 20, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Although his home is on the North-East Coast, Everton footballer, Jack Hedley, paid a surprise visit to Liverpool last night, arriving on the afternoon London train and hurrying away in a taxi. Hedley had arrived at London airport earlier yesterday with Roy Paul, of Swansea, from Bogota. He was reluctant to talk but replying to questions, said he had come to Liverpool to spend the night with friends. He said that he was making no move to contact either the Everton directors or Mr. Cliff Britton, the club manager. “I shall wait a move from them, but if nothing happens I shall report for training as usual on July 24. I played no football, nor did I sign a contract in South American and I am taking the view that I may be in the clear in regarding the trip as a holiday. “I am saying no more at present, I may have said too much already.” Roy Paul, of Swansea left London Airport for South Wales with Mr. Glyn Davies, chief scout of Swansea Town.
CHARLIE LEYFIELD RETURNS TO EVERTON
June 27, 1950. The Evening Express
Assistant Trainer
Succeeds Alex Stevenson
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Charlie Leyfield the Welsh international trainer and former England war-time outside-left, is returning to his old “love” Everton. Leyfield has been appointed assistant trainer to Head Trainer Harry Cooke in succession to Alex Stevenson. Stevenson took over the position at the start of last season, and leaves the club, he has served so faithfully for 16 years to concentrate on his business. There are several clubs who would like to engage Alex as coach-trainer and it is possible that he will be “wedded” back to football, if the offer is sufficiently attractive, but the severing of the link between Everton and “Steve” has its sad aspect. Few greater clubmen have served the Blues, with whom his entire career has been studded with glory and genuine honesty of service.
A Bargin
Stevenson was a bargain when Everton secured him from Glasgow Rangers and in his early days he formed a vital part of one of Everton’s greatest ever wing combinations, Jackie Coulter being the other part. Alex gained 15 full international caps with Ireland; helped Everton to win the League championship in 1939; and throughout his career gained honour and popularity. The parting must come hard to both sides, and it must be with a certain lump in the throat that we say “Au revoir, good luck Stevie, and thanks for the joys you gave us.” And it is with genuine warmth that we say to Charlie Leyfield “Welcome back and good luck.” Leyfield was always a great Everton loyalist, ever since he came to Goodison Park as a junior from Chester junior circles. During the war Charlie played as a guest with Fulham and he secured representative honours in a wartime match –actually at Goodison Park. A broken leg seriously jeopardized Leyfield’s playing career, but for the past three seasons he has been head trainer to Wrexham with whom his contract expired a few months ago. Leyfield is a man with ideas and industry, in fact many of his schemes were operated with immense success by Wales, including the better use of throws-in.” during Charlies’s work at Chester, he was appointed trainer to the Welsh international side and eventually the position of team manager-trainer. Such is Charlie’s enthusiasm for football that last season he played in all the “old timers” matches organized on Merseyside. Norman Greenhalgh, the Everton full-back and former captain, has been removed from the transfer list in which he was placed at £1,000 and granted a free transfer.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORY
June 27, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Blues’ Harmonious Meeting
Mr. W.R. Williams Elected Chairman for Coming Year
Ranger’s Notes
At a directors meeting following last night’s annual gathering of Everton shareholders, Mr. W. R. Williams was elected chairman for the coming year in succession to Dr. Cecil Baxter. Mr. Williams’s name was proposed by Dr. Baxter, and was received unanimously by his colleagues. Mr. Dickie Williams, as he is popularly known, has been on the Everton board since 1938, when he stood as the nominee of the Shareholders’ Association. He has been a staunch Evertonian for over fifty years a shareholder since 1912 and in his early days was a player of no mean caliber with Bootle Amateurs. In business he is head of the Liverpool coal marketing firm which bears his name, and for years his chief hobby was bowling. Mr. Williams brings to his new post a keen business brain, a sound knowledge of football, and a charming personality, which has made him popular in all Soccer circles. Dr. Baxter has earned his rest from the responsibities of the chair. He has worthily held the reins during the difficult post-war transitional years, which have been more than usually productive of anxious times, but with commendable calmness and clarity of thought he never panicked, and has safely seen Everton through to what, I thrust, will be a considerably brighter future.
Not An Unkind Word
In past years I have had to report so many condemnatory speeches by Everton shareholders that it was a pleasure last night to find brotherly love and the milk of human kindness and tolerance so much in evidence that the annual shareholders’ gathering was reminiscent of those old boys’ reunions was everybody pats everyone else on the backs. No wonder that Dr. Baxter, always imperturbable and courteous even when shareholders have been in their most pugnacious mood, beamed benevolently over his glasses and looked particularly gratified at the friendly and amicable spirit in the body of the kirk. He could not have wished to relinquish office under more peaceful conditions. The vote of thanks to the directors was moved by Mr. Tom Nuttall, who in past years has been one of the board’s most severe critics. He used to hit hard in condemnation. Now he was generous in praise, and said that the directors had served the club well during the difficult conditions of the last few years. Alderman Clark seconded these sentiments and the motion was carried unanimously, with considerable applause from the 50-odd shareholders present. In his brief review of the past season. Dr. Baxter stated that although the performances of the side were not without disappointments, there was an improvement in the second half of the campaign. He assured the meeting that everything possible would be done to improve the status of the club and the respect in which it was held. Mr. Cliff Britton (Manager) said he considered the general-play and spirit of the team an improvement on the previous season, though it was not a satisfactory one from the result of view. The most pleasing features were the success of the young players who came into the senior eleven and the promising form of some of the former “A” team lads now in the reserve side.
No Hedley Statement
Defensively, he thought the team was fairly sound. His chief problem was still to add more punch to the attack. The balance sheet showing a profit on the year of £11,472, was unanimously adopted the retiring directors (Messrs W.C. Gibbins, W.C. Williams, and H.R. Williams) were reelected, and a message wishing him a speedy recovery was sent to Mr. Fred Lake, who is indisposed. There was no mention of Jack Hedley’s starred Bogota expedition. When I asked Dr. Baxter about it later, he said; “I cannot say anything. We are waiting for word from a higher power,” which I assume to mean the F.A. and the Football League
Alex Stevensonhas Resigned
Alec Stevenson has resigned from the job of Everton’s assistant trainer in order to devote himself more closely to his sweets and newspaper business. Charlie Leyfield, the former Everton player and trainer to the Welsh F.A has been appointed in his stead. Leyfield will take up his duties as soon as he has complete his contract with Wrexham.
EVERTON F.C’S NEW CHAIRMAN
June 27, 1950. The Evening Express
Mr. W.R. Williams
Mr. W.R. Williams was last night elected chairman of Everton Football Club at the private meeting of directors, which followed the annual meeting. Mr. Williams who has been a life long supporter of Everton, lives at Lydiate and joined the Board in June 1938. Mr. Williams succeeds Dr. Cecil S. Baxter, who has filled the chair with distinction during the past three years and is a keen student of football. Dr. Baxter is particularly versed in the business side of football having been for some time the chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr. Williams is retired and will be able to devote all the necessary time for the benefit of the Everton Club.
GOODISON, PICTHE SECOND TO NONE
June 29, 1950. The Evening Express
Close Season Renovations
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton will provide perfection pitch for the new football season –playing areas which will rank second to none in the First Division, thanks to special work during the close season. Everton’s Goodison Park ground, which was so improved following the installation of a new system of drainage, has been clogged for some years by chick weed, which spreads with the rapidity of a forest fire after a drought. I remember when Mr. Ernest Green was chairman of the Grounds Committee that “chick-weed” became almost a swearwood with him and Head Groundsman Ted Storey. The weed was got more under control about a year ago, but the opinion of Manager Cliff Britton today is that they have got it well under control. The Blues linked up with the New Greenkeeprs Association about a year ago and so have the benefit of advice which has now become available for all Football League clubs, for the League is working with the Bingley, Yorkshire organization aiming at better playing pitches. Goodison park, has been given a good spraying to kill the weeds and to produce a better and more lasting surface the whole ground has been given a further coating of loam before re-seeding. Everton are particularly satisfied with the improvement following constant work by industrious members of the ground staff. Manager Cliff Britton became so interested in the ground work that he delayed his holiday until yesterday when he travelled to his native Bristol, and then to Sussex for a tonic before returning to Liverpool in mid-July. Secretary Theo Kelly, too, will be going on holiday now the business of the annual meeting has been cleared up.
June 1950