Everton Independent Research Data

 

BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
March 1 st 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
At Valley Parade. In the course of an evenly contested first half, Houghton dribbled through and scored at short range for Everton, but soon afterwards, Scriven equalised. White the Everton centre-forward was hurt just before the interval and left the field. Wilkinson scored a fine goal for the visitors, and Scriven equalised.

BRADFORD CITY’S DRAW
Leeds Mercury - Thursday 01 March 1928
Scorers.- Bradford City; Scriven (2) -2 goals- Everton; Houghton and Wilkinson-2 goals
Bradford City and Everton played a drawn game of two goals each at Valley Parade, yesterday in a Central League engagement.  Everton who lost the services of White, their centre forward soon after the interval, were the faster team in an evenly-contested encounter, and scored first through Houghton but Scriven quickly equalized.  In the second half Wilkinson restored Everton’s lead, but Scriven, who was the most enterprising of the Bradford City forwards, again restored equality. 

THE CLEAN OLD DAYS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 01 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
During the last few years, when dealing with Everton –Liverpool matches you keep repeating how clean these games have become, and seem to imply that games between these rivals in the past were more or less “rough houses”  (says E.J). Let us recall the names of these bad (?) lads of twenty to thirty years ago;-Everton.- McFarlane, Muir, Scott, Roose, Crelly, Molyneux, W. Balmer, R. Balmer, Eccles, Storrier, Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott, Taylor, Boyle, Makepeace, Robertson, J. Bell, L. Bell, Kirwan, Cameron, Gee, Settle, White, H.P. Hardman, G. Wilson, Young, McDermott, Scholfield, Rankin, Sharp, Bolton, Gray, Turner, Chadwick (E.), W. Oldham.
Liverpool- Perkins, Doig, Hardy, West, Dunlop, Goldie (A), Robertson, Parry, Raisebeck, Howell, Robinson, Goldie (W), Goddard, Walker, Morgan, Robertson, Chadwick (E), McGuigan, J. Parkinson, J. Parkinson (of Blackpool), Cox, Raybould, Hewitt, Allen, Becton, Satterthwaite. 
In my opinion the above, as players and sportsman, can compare favourably with any playing the game today.  Furthermore, the referee was one John Lewis- “some” lad to allow any rough stuff!  The players were just as “pally” then as now.  Twenty-seven years ago this Good Friday they played a friendly (kick-off 2 p.m.) at Anfield.  After the match the players drifted over together to Goodison Park to watch the Reserves teams in a Comination match.  It’s the spectators who have become less bitter; also the presence of so many ladies has had a restraining effect on the language –that’s all the difference. 
THE ANSWER
It raises a very interesting point, Mr. E.J., and I thank you for it.  Unfortunately my friend picks out all the good, nice names, and omits the –others! I wouldn’t hurt the law of libel by publishing one name!  But I remember one very “thick” member, who was supposed to be put in the field for the purpose –the set purpose- of firing his opposing wing man; and I remember another occasion when a fiery scene was enacted in one of these matches.  Strictly speaking my correspondent and I are not at variance, but rather is he taking a glance too far back.  He talks or Roose, but in the same breath names such old stagers as Robertson, Kirwan, Cameron.  My reckoning regarding local matches was concentrating on a period round about 1905-6-7; whereas my correspondent names many who had gone from Everton and Liverpool by 1903- Robertson, Howell, Walker, Becton, Satterthwaithe, plus the Everton men; Molyneux, Boyle, the Bells, Kirwan, Cameron, Gee, Scholfield.  I do remember that years ago I begged for a sporting ring to these encounters and praised the players for the fine clean game they gave us.  Then the “Porcupine” of happy memory stuck some quills int ome and a correspondent wrote them regarding the matter, saying that his notebook had “led” to the cleaner “Derby” games. Silly-like I threw the correspondent’s letter away only a week ago.  In those days “bee” was looked upon as no friend and a severe interloper.  When I pushed the claims of Freeman for instance –for weeks on end- the official programme described his first game thus; - “And so we saw this much-boomed young man.  We can only say that having seen him we cannot imagine Everton being successful or making for combination with Freeman as centre.”  Soon after the official programme listed his 38 goals record!  And they went on to claim that he got his goals through Coleman and others pushing the ball forward.  So there had been some combination, apparently!  However, “EJ” very rightly points to a fine collection of sportfolk of our club, and his final remarks are assuredly right up to the mark! 
“Old Blue” says; Let’s have a big inside left.  I don’t grouse unless I can suggest a remedy.  The Blues have needed a great man who can help to bring all that is good out of Troup and Dean, and can score himself.  Pass this on to the right quarter.  Elkes wants to come North. 

EVERTON GO TO WEST HAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Here is an unchanged side that is still at the top of the League –but only banging on by a threat instead of a stout cord.  The games played since December 23 have bene stern and trying; injuries have kept the customary formation from appearing.  Now the team seems to have got back to its one-time groove.  And straightaway West Ham make up their mind that this is the one match that must be won-the Hammers have been sliding down till they have got into the danger zone, and, though they are not a club to race about for big-fee players, never having spent any money on them, they are plainly windy about their position.  I defy anyone to size up the West Ham side.  But I do not forget that Everton have not won there for four years; they have lost 2-1, 1-0, 4-1, and 2-1- figures that do not look promising until you remember that Huddersfield won at Bolton for the first time in their lives last Saturday.  Everton having beaten Hammers 7-0 at home should go into this game with the sure “feel” that they are the superior side.  Critchly should have a good innings against this defence; indeed the whole side should be capable of gaining one more away victory.  With that I leave the problem, making known the time of kick-off 3.30.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  West Ham; Hufton; Henderson, Earl; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Watson, V. Gibbins, Moore, Ruffell. 
QUERYSITIES
“J.T.C” writes- It is fifteen years since I had the pleasure of trespassing upon you for space.  This time I would like to ask you if it is possible if you could reproduce the Everton and Wolverhampton teams when Toman, the Everton centre forward, met with an accident in contact with Jones?  I well remember the incident, and believe Everton went on to score a remarkable win- either 6-0 or 6-1.  I also have a vague recollection of a cartoon published in the “Echo” on the Monday following, depicting Baddeley, the Wolves goalkeeper, as a human octopus.  I was telling some friends about it, but they seem to think I am pulling their legs.  Now, “Bee,” help me out.  Publish a reproduction of that cartoon!  I know it’s a big thing to ask, but you have done bigger in the past.  I have followed Liverpool and Everton for over twenty years with a leaning towards the former, but I must confess I have seen more delightful games at Goodison in the old days of Settle and Co.  than in the present. 
 Answer.- it is impossible to give a reproduction, but I will give you the date.  Toman broke a leg, September 7, 1901, Everton won the match 6-1.  Settle (3), and Taylor (3) scored for Everton; Woiolridge for Wolves; Teams.- Everton; Muir; W. Balmer, Watson; Boyle, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, Taylor, Toman, Settle, J. Bell.  Wolves.- Baddeley; J.Jones, Walker; Annis, Pheasant, Whitehouse; J. W. Jones, Haywood, Beats, Woolridge, Miller. 
Everton Reserves X1 v Preston North End Reserve, at Goodison Park, kick-off 3.15 is; Davies; Common, Kennedy, Bain, Griffiths, Rooney, Kendrick, Easton, French, Houghton and Wilkinson.  Jasper Kerr is in the Preston team. 

HOW FOOTBALLERS KEEP FIT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 March 1928
“BLUES LENT” THAT LASTS THE YEAR ROUND
“DIXIE” ONLY SMOKE
WHERE “FAGS” AND DRINKS ARE BARRED
“Echo” Article
“Blue Lent” begins to-day, and from now until the night after the boat race all smokes and fattening foods are barred to Oxford and Cambridge crews.  Sweets, pastries, milk, puddings, and tobacco are altogether banned but the oarsman are allowed as much beer as they please, and champagne is allowed once a week.  Such abstinence as the ‘Varsity crews inflict upon themselves, however, is nothing to the voluntary abstinence of many members of the Liverpool and Everton football clubs, who spare no effort to keep themselves fit during the football season.  Liverpool in fact, possesses probably more “steady” sportsmen than any other city.  Not only is the percentage of nonsmokers and non-drinkers, both in the main teams and the reserves, abnormally high, but among those who do indulge, moderation is observed to such an extent that a player who drinks a second bottle after a victory is looked upon by his companions as going too far, while one who fills his pipe for the third time is regarded as a lost soul! 
“DIXIE’S” STAR CASE
A star case is the famous “Dixie” Dean.  Once and once only, has “Dixie” tackled a cigarette.  It was when a friend, who lay ill, was unable to light his “fag,” and asked “Dixie” to light it for him.  “Well,” said Dixie,” I suppose I could do it.  I’ve seen others do it.”  And he puffed the cigarette alight as well as he could, but had to confess that he did not experience “that grand and glorious feeling” he had been given to expect.  There are, of course players in the Everton and Liverpool clubs who do smoke and thrive on it.  Cresswell is a pipe smoker.  But Troup and Weldon, the winging pair, do not smoke; and Forshaw, as his friends well know, has yet to puff his first fag or pipe.  “We have practically not a drinker in the place,” said Mr. Tom Mackintosh, the Everton club secretary, in a talk with the “Echo” to-day.  “If one player has a bottle of beer a week, apart from mealtimes, that is about all.” 

LEAGUE GAMES OF DECIMAL DOTS.
March 3 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON RESPITE FROM TERROR OF THE TOWN.
Everton will have a respite today from the Huddersfield menace to their League leadership, as the Town have an axe to grind in the Cup. It will mean however, that Huddersfield will have two matches in hand of the Goodison Park lot after this afternoon so it behoves Everton to try to exact as much as possible from the visit to West Ham at Upton Park where they should not be afraid of a defeat. Leicester who have played one more match than the leaders, will be idle as far as the League in concerned, so this will be another encouragement to the Blues to try and make hay in the West Han sunshine. Bolton and Cardiff, others of the Fighting Five, will be away with perhaps, nothing but a draw in view in either case. Huddersfield have cut down the difference between their goal average and that of Everton by about half since last week, while Leiceseter (third) have gone further than that in the case of Bolton, and Cardiff are some way behind the others in this dizzy game of decimal dots. West Ham who have at the moment, little interest in League arithmetic, have been beaten by seven clear goals at Goodison Park this season, but on their own ground they are likely to show their teenth to the extent of retaining a point. Everton play the team who drew with Liverpool last week while the Hammers make two changes. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup. West Ham United: - Hufton, Henderson, Earl; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Watson, V. Gibbins, Moore, and Ruffell.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 March 1928
YET ANOTHER AWAY LEAGUE ENGAGEMENT
WEST HAM THE ORDER
“BEE” TELLS OF GOODISON TEAM STRUGGLES
West Ham; Hufton; Henderson, Earl; Collins, Barrett, Cox; Yews, Watson (Captain), V. Gibbins, Moore and Ruffell.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell (Captain) , O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Referee; Referee. Mr. H.V. Stott, of Tamsworth.  West Ham as a club have some uncommon features.  They won’t pay big prices for new players; they kick-off at 3.30 p.m., believing that it means another 300 pounds on the gate as compared with 3.15 kick-off; and they put a bar on type-writers, even going so far as to say if you bring your meccano set into the pressbox they will confiscate it.  I question whether the club has a right to order this silencer.  However, it does not concern me personally.  Everton were greeted by sunshine, summer weather, sunny smiles, and old football friends, and there were about 25,000 people present at the start.  West Ham made vital changes, bringing in Moore and leaving out Earle, and Cox for Cadwell, on turf that was absolutely barren of grass, except at the corner posts, but the going was nevertheless excellent.  Everton, I hear, are going on the Continent in May.  They will switch over to Switzerland. 
DEAN’S DRAWING POWER
Having beaten West Ham 7-0 Everton hoped to do some more damage against the “Hammers.”  Liverpool, I expect. Evertonians will be keen to know whether Dean has broken the English goal-getting record of 43 by harper, of Blackburn and Sheffield.  Dean reached 43 last week.  Without a doubt his goal-scoring escapes in London and elsewhere bring large attendances for the away games. 
The Everton chairman Mr. W.C. Cuff and the secretary, Mr. McIntosh were posted missing at West Ham today.  They were out scouting.  V. Watson captained the hoe side.  It was plain to me that the ball was going to be very light and bounding.  Everton won the toss, but there was only a gentle breeze to help them.  Hart was bothered by the sunshine and the presence of Critchley, but O’Donnell very cleverly cleared, and Yews renewed the attack with a clever dummy move and a centre that Hardy caught and juggled with convincingly.  Gibbins was offside when the ball hit him on the back of the head; and O’Donnell was the outstanding figure of his own side, kicking admirably when pressed.  However, he could not excel the excellence of the save of Hardy, when Gibbins, running to the left, drove in a perfect shot.  Barrett, as usual did well against Everton, who have not won here for some year. However, some relief came when Critchley made a corner and placed it perfectly, Dean heading a foot wide of the goal. 
HUFTON TESTED
Dean was next charged with a push in the back, and followed with an offside decision through a big left-foot punt by O’Donnell.  Critchley changed places with Forshaw and made a lovely raid, after which Dean came near scoring twice against Hufton, whom he beat so many times in the trial game at Middlesbrough.  He broke through and each time had only the goalkeeper to beat but for once in a way he was off the mark.  Hufton having run out and making him have a poor view of the supposedly open space.  In the second case Hufton smothered the ball, and away went the nippy West Ham forwards, Hart saving the situation when O’Donnell and Cresswell had crossed each other.  Critchley again made a perfect centre.  Indeed Forshaw, Kelly and Critchley had one ideal length, which ended when Weldon out of position at inside right, failed to meet the centre. Critchley and Forshaw again paired off perfectly, and Earl got his head to the ball to prevent Dean scoring a certainty.
WORKING WITH NINE MEN
Hufton and Dean had several duels, and Forshaw, in trying to keep the ball in play, damaged his right knee, and was off the sometime.  There was some misunderstanding between both teams, probably due to the glare of the sunshine across the ground.  Critchley fell all of a heap when he caught the leg of Cox from a big punt by Cresswell, so that Everton at the moment were working with nine men.  Forshaw was the first to resume, and Critchley followed in a few minutes. Dean showed his pleasure by trying a long drive with the ball that travelled across the goalmouth.  Cresswell did not hesitate to pass back to Hardy when Yews became a trouble.  Whatever Dean was there two or three men gathered together and where the goalkeepers were concerned you could plant on the goalkick being well over the half-way line. 
EVERTON ON COLLAR WORK
Gibbons was ready for any half-chance, and now sent the ball against the side of the net.  Everton were now laboring heavily and Cresswell had to kick away.  Everton returned and Forshaw, limping badly got in a pass which opened a way for Dean.  Troup wound up the incident with a terrific shot that pulled away from the left post a brilliant effort.  The Londoners gasped at this and also at the sensational score at Huddersfield.  Hardy had to run out to prevent Moore getting a goal.  Ruffell should have done better than shoot outside at a moment when the Everton defence was concentrating on the right flank, Gibbins having broken through.  West Ham went on with the attack the ball being headed out.  Weldon was plucky and Critchley persevering, but the West Ham forwards found the opposing half-back line rather easy to pass.  Hardy seemed to have run out too far, but leaping made a short pass at which point Forshaw and Critchley changed places for the rest of the half. 
UNNERVED BACKS
Collins made one of the most dogged and inspiring runs of the match, going right through on his own and being smothered out.  Hardy caught a header from a corner, and afterwards the West Ham backs gave a nervy display.  This half had been one in which there were no shots of sting into the danger zone.  Hart fed Dean, who put the ball on to Troup, and Collins risked a body swerve in front of his own goal which was a liberty not justified even though it succeeded.  Everton attacked strongly before half-time, yet much of their work came to nothing through lack of understanding.  Critchley was plainly troubled with a damaged back, but continued to be consistent and god, and for a time Dean and Troup worked together amid heavy pressure.  Weldon tried a long shot a quarter the length of the field, near but stingless.  Kelly wound up the half with a magnificent enterprising run, Critchley having hard luck with the finishing touch, Forshaw could hardly bubble along the touchline. 
Half-time.- West Ham 0, Everton 0. 
HOW THEY SHAPED WITH THE HAMMERS
DEFENCE SUPREME
A GOALLESS DRAW TO A STIRRING GAME
Everton started the second half with nine men, and when Critchley turned out just after the start, he could barely do himself justice, yet Everton started with an attack.  West Ham replied and Cresswell single-handed put paid to the effort.  At last the referee gave a foul for an elbow on Dean, this being a signal for an outburst of boos.  If Hufton had not punched away cleverly, O’Donnell would have scored with the free kick from the touchline.  Gibbins headed the wrong way of the goal at a time when the Everton half-backs were being bothered.  Forshaw reappeared in a few minutes, to see Watson unlucky near goal.  Hardy took a sharp effort and shot from the same player at the foot of the post, and O’Donnell, in the penalty area, defended like a Trojan. 
NOT A PENALTY OFFENCE
Critchly fell in the penalty area when breaking through as a centre forward, but there were no penalties or prizes for this.  O’Donnell should have passed back to the goalkeeper rather than do an ankle tap which gave Ruffell a great chance of shooting.  Fortunately the ball passed over the bar.  Gradually Everton with their big handicap of a damaged right wing, began to suggest they would have to be content with a draw.  However, Dean burst through between the banks, and Hufton coming out saved a sure point, although he damaged his leg.  This was the narrowest escape West Ham have had.  Hart ended Ruffell’s idea when the latter got close in, and Cresswell cleverly baulked the left-winger a moment later, and headed away the corner-kick which he gave.  Dean went to outside right in an endeavor to turn the game, and he and Critchley intertwined with much success.  Critchley hesitated a moment too long or a goal must have arisen.  O’Donnell made a lovely clearance off Gibbin’s body. No one did better than Kelly, and when he threw in he sent the ball to the goalkeeper.  Yews crossed the ball for a gift, but the other forwards were lying back.  Dean, Critchley, and Troup passed admirably and square and Troup’s shot travelled inches off the mark. 
STOOPING TO CONQUER
Dean also had a blaze away at a bad angle.  The best shot of the match was from Weldon, Hufton falling to save.  Hufton, in the last minute, made another great save from Critchley. 
Final; West Ham 0, Everton 0. 

EVERETON RES V PRESTON N.E RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 March 1928
A warm reception for Kerr, who captained North End, and two smart goals to Houghton were features of a first half that showed Everton playing good constructive football and completely overplaying North End, who after a brisk opening, fell away considerably.  It was fortunate for Preston that Carr was in good form in goal.  Preston were really a disappointing, particularly forward and at half.  Half-time; Everton Res 2, Preston nil.  On resuming, North End had shown much improvement, but Everton continued to the more dangerous.  Houghton completed the hat-trick with Everton’s third goal, and in the closing minutes Cameron scored for North End.  Final; Everton res 3, Preston N.E Res 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 March 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

SHARP’S
Daily Mirror - Saturday 03 March 1928
Liverpool yesterday made a smart capture by signing on Cyril, only son of Bert Sharp, a former Everton player and nephew of Jack, the former Lancashire cricketer. 

DIXE DEAN DIDN’T!
The People - Sunday 04 March 1928
WEST HAM GAVE HIM NO CHANCE TO SHOOT
WEST HAM 0, EVERTON 0
It would not be correct to describe Everton as a one-man side, but against West ham at Upton Park the rest of the team played to “Dixie” Dean as if they imagined that their famous marksman was the only forward likely to beat Hufton..  how ill-advised was this policy was proved by the fact that throughout the game the goalkeeper had not a single actual shot from Dean to deal with, although it must be admitted that there were three occasions when the centre-forward would almost certainly have scored if Hufton had not dashed out of goal and blacked the ball at the moment it left the forward’s boot.  Hufton possibly saved West Ham from defeat by intercepting brilliant shots put in by Troup and Critchley, the latter playing a capital game at inside-right after changing places with Forshaw, who was “crocked” in the first half in a collision with Hufton.  West ham did better than expected in dividing the points, but they were, on the day’s play, just as good a side as Everton.  If play never rose to great heights it was always interesting, and the 40,000 spectators – the biggest crowd at the ground this season- were not slow in showing their appreciation, especially when “Dixie” Dean was frustrated in his attempts to find an opening to shoot.  If anything, West Ham did rather more attacking than Everton, but they were not good finishers and Hardy had even fewer troublesome shirts to deal with than Hufton.  To some extent this was because O’Donnell unceremoniously but fairly hustled Gibbins on almost every occasion he tried to shoot, but more to the bad marksmanship of Ruffell.  Barrett showed that he has quite recovered from the effects of his accident, and Henderson, Earl, and Cox played well; while for Everton the two backs, Hart, Dean, Critchley and Troup were the best. 

WEST HAM UNITED 0 EVERTON 0
March 5 TH 1928. The Daily Courier.
BLUES AT SIXES AND SEVENS.
DRAW WITH HAMMERS WHILE A WIN AND LOSS HOVER NIGH.
Everton put up a valiant fight at West Ham, but nothing went right for them. They came near to snatching victory in the closing stages, and yet the surprising thing was that they were not beaten, for Everton played the greater part of the game with only four forwards, and one of their four was limping. After fifteen minutes' play they lost entirely the services of Forshaw, who although he remained on the field at outside-right, was rendered useless by a return of his knee injury. About the same time Critchley was also lamed. This injury robbed him of his speed, but he continued pluckily, and several times in the second half he came near to scoring. In these circumstances Everton did well to share the points. The chief honours went to the full backs –O'Donnell being the best on the field –while Hardy, in goal, showed splendid confidence. West Ham strengthened by the return of V. Gibbins as leader of attack, and Barrett at centre half, and playing against a disorganised Everton attack, had long spells of pressure. Their best raiders was Yews, and Hufton was brilliant in goal.
DEAN DONE.
West Ham gave a much better display than for some weeks past. Gibbins was kept well in hand in front of goal. It was the same with dean for Everton. Time after time he was thwarted at critical moments, and there were only three occasions when he looked like scoring. Twice when he dashed between the backs Hufton took considerable risks with his won safety, throwing himself at Dean's feet, and but for his anxiety not to injure the goalkeeper Dean might have scored in each instance. Everton's best efforts came in the closing stages when Troup, Weldon, and Crtcheley, each put in rasping shots which might easily have beaten Hufton. The Everton forwards placed too much reliance on Dean being able to force his way past three, and sometimes four, bustling opponents. Kelly was the best of the Everton's half-backs. Teams: - West Ham United: - Hufton, goal, Henderson and Earl, backs, Collins, Barrett, and Cox, half-backs, Yews, Watson, V. Gibbons, Moore, and Ruffell, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 1
March 5 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 29)
Houghton twice found the net in the first half, and but for many brilliant saves by Carr further goals would have accrued from Easton and French. After the interval Houghton completed his “hat-trick” and nearing the end Nesbitt scored for Preston. The Everton forwards backed up by a capital half-back line, displayed splendid understanding.

DEAN HELD IN CHECK
Athletic News - Monday 05 March 1928
Everton Share with West Ham
Injury Handicap
West Ham United 0 Everton 0
By Kay
West Ham and Everton shared two points in a goalless game at Upton Park.  Neither team will be satisfied.  From Everton’s side of the argument two points would have been very valuable to them, inasmuch as this would have enabled them to keep well ahead in the running for the League Championship.  The Londoners, on the other hand, required a win in order to lift themselves from the vicinity of the danger zone.  However, the result was in keeping with the run of the game.  Everton might easily have achieved their purpose had there been a little more intelligence shown by the half-backs.  Dixie Dean was deluged with passes from all angles.  It seems to be an unwritten law with the Everton men that “when in doubt give the ball to Dean.”  England’s centre forward is a brilliant player, but he is only human and cannot be expected to do the work of a complete forward line.  Quite early in the game Critchley and Forshaw, the right wing pair, were put out of action through injuries.  The last named was badly hurt and hobbled about on the touchline unable to help his colleagues.  On the extreme left Troup was starved for opportunities, and stood helpless while the ball was pushed forward in the centre, for Dean to fall victim to the vigilant home defenders.  I was sorry for Troup, but more concerned about Dean, who made the best of a bad job, and despite the amount of overwork came out of the ordeal with honours.  He did not add to his bag of goals, but he did manage to keep Hufton, Henderson, and Earl on tenterhooks.  Even when the Everton line was disorganized by the mishaps to the rightwing forwards, which, by the way, were quite of an accidental nature, Everton were the more scientific side, and the record crowd for a League match, numbering 40,000, showed its appreciation of the neat triangular movements. 
Full-Backs’ Understanding
The visitors were seen to best advantage in the first half, and Dean would have scored on at least two occasions but for the timely and courageous dives of Hufton, who went into the fray without a moment’s thought for personal safety.  For most of the time Dean was chasing an elusive ball.  Weldon performed some clever tricks by the aid of perfect control, but his passing was extremely weak.  All the same, he put in the most likely scoring shots of the game, and once again the agility of the home goalkeeper was exemplified.  That West Ham did not gain the full spoils was no fault of the half-backs.  Collins, Barrett, and Cox did everything possible to make the work of the forwards easier, but Watson, at inside right, seemed to be uncomfortable in that position, and V. Gibbins lacked the necessary amount of dash at centre forward.  Moore and Ruffell were the most impressive forwards, the former engaging in many a thrilling encounter with Cresswell, who gave nothing away.  A feature on the game was the splendid understanding between Henderson and Earl at full-back for the home side.  There is no question that Henderson has returned to his best form.  He does his work effectively without any fuss, and although not quite so experienced Earl makes an ideal partner.  When Dean’s colleagues were pushing through passes from all manner of impossible angles he never gave up trying.  There were times when he retrieved the ball in miraculous fashion.  West Ham United; Hufton; Henderson, Earl; Collins, Barrett, Cox; Yews, Watson, V. Gibbins, Moore, and Troup.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Forshaw, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. H.V. Stott, Tamworth. 

EVERTON’S BAD FORTUNE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 March 1928
BATTLE AGAINST ODDS
Bee’s Notes
And now let me tell you of a rather fine feat put up by Everton.  It will doubtless be said that by drawing at West Ham they were simply taking a point from a bad side.  Well, there is something to be said for that argument, if you were not present to see the match.  Being present gave the real outlook on the important match.  The Hammers, who, by the way, only pay two men limit wages, had lost to Bury and therefore were desperate.  They had gone out with the firm determination to knock the top off Everton’s League leadership.  That they failed to do so was due to the way Everton battled against great misfortune.  So many saw the grand “Derby” game on Merseyside that I cannot do better than refer to that.  Lucas went outside-right when he was damaged and in spite of the pain of his injury he was definitely useful and had a hand in one of the goals scored through the Liverpool club’s majestic period. Forshaw, at West ha, was off in twenty minutes, and he was utterly useless- he could not raise a leg.  You ask why he stayed there?  Well, so sure as he stayed on the touch-line he was bound to be seen by the opposition, and though he could not stretch his foot forward to make the gentlest of passes or centres, he served a purpose.  They also serve who stand and wait.  In the days of the new offside rule it is plain that any club losing a player almost automatically loses the game.  Here in this case the dice was loaded against Everton, for not only Forshawe but also Critchley was damaged.  Critchly had three awful bumps but like the plucky and clever and adaptable player he is, he stayed to the end and nearly won the game.  Critchley is learning, improving, and gathering ball control and wise centre.  He showed that he could fit the inside right position; he showed that he could fight back through suffering pain for an hour.  I mention these things specially because I know there are cranks at Goodison Park who WILL NOT, see in Critchley the goodness that he produces, yet if it were offered by a man of any other name it would be hailed as ideal. 
STEADY “O’D,”
I am out to state that O’Donnell played magnificent football; sure defence, trustworthy, putting with right or left, a genuinely delightful exhibition, and bearing a stamp of steadiness-in-strife that must have made Hardy feel very secure, Cresswell “partnered” him with his own known ability and specially good heading, and our half-backs, after appearing a trifle labored and slow, wound up with a distinct staying power that made them worthy a point, if not more.  Look at it in this way.  While Hardy was sound with all he had to do, Hufton covered Dean uncommonly twice in the first ten minutes and finally made two marvelous saves from Tony Weldon and Critchley; both were going away balls, and Hufton’s saves brought down the West Ham applause form 40,000 people, who paid 2,400 pound –an excellent gate on a summer’s day with a side at home that has been most variable for three years.  It was capital football, in spite of the lopsided nature of the Everton effort’s, with a damaged right wing, but a goalless draw, that drew such applause as this game, was a pattern of clean play and genuine interest.  It was good to see Weldon resume his hitting out process, then there was the all-steady and sure Troup with run, and shot.  Kelly was the brightest of the half-backs on either side, and West Ham’s best were Yews, Watson, Hufton, and Collins the last-named a very bonny half-back.  Dean, for once in a while, failed to score, and thus the defeat of Harper’s record figure for the First Division is fit for the homeland –next Saturday, I suggest.  Dean was watched by what seemed an army of scouts, whose good turns sometimes included an elbow-nudge, so that he must have been sore at the finish of his airing and dashing day.  Given the same positions as fell to his lot in the first moments of play, I would bank on him getting one, if not two, goals.  However, it only goes to show that he is human.  Some defences had begun to question that!  Incidentally, it can be stated that Everton are on the look out for a strengthening mixture in the attack; also that our old friend Mr. Jack Tinn was in town on Saturday.  His team, Portsmouth, have spent a lot of money, but having picked up six points out of the last eight they have brought the two Sheffield clubs into the harsh light of the relegation lamp, and the money spent has thus far began justified.  Portsmouth it appears, had loyally stuck to the guns that carried them through from Third Division to Second and from Second to First.  They had not grown with their rise. 
Benefits were granted as follows; to D. Raiit, and Troup, of Everton. 

DEAN LEADS AT IBROX PARK
March 6 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON HAVE TO FIND A NEW CENTRE AGAINST PORTSMOUTH.
Dean, the Everton centre-forward is to lead the English League against the Scottish league at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, on Saturday. Thus Everton, who are at home on that date to Portsmouth, will have to find a new leader.
BENEFITS FOR RAITT AND TROUP.
Benefits were sanctioned to Raitt and Troup of Everton.

IRVINE TRANSFERRED
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 March 1928
IRISH INTERNATIONAL FOR PORTSMOUTH
The transfer of Bobby Irvine, Everton’s Irish international inside-right, was not altogether unexpected, but that he should go to Portsmouth is something of a surprise. The transfer was completed to-day, and although Everton have Forshaw to fill the berth, it is not open to the public to see who shall readily replace Forshaw in case of accident.  On that score, then, we may anticipate news of a further Everton signing between now and March 16, the last day for League signings this season.  Bobby Irvine joined Everton in 1921, from Dummury, and his first game for the Blues was against Liverpool at Anfield that year.  He is still a young man.  While with Everton he has been capped nine times for Ireland, and has played against England, Scotland, and Wales.  Undoubtedly a clever footballer, perhaps it is Irvine’s misfortune that he proved individually too brilliant for even so classic a side as the Everton Club cultivates.  His innate artistry when in possession of the ball has always been good to watch, but his best season as a goalkeeper was his first, when he got 11 in 25 appearances.  Irvine may do better with Portsmouth to whom his characteristic ability, to go through with the ball may spell the difference between relegation and staying in the First Division.  Irvine plays for his new club against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. 

W.R. DEAN, M.C
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
The West Cheshire Artisans’ Golf Club intend holding a series of whist drives and dances to raise funds to send the members to fight for the Cheshire County Golf Club championship next July.  The Birkenhead Artisan side have proved themselves one of the foremost club combinations when at full strength, and this year they have hopes of providing England with a player when the internationals come along.  The first whilst drive and dance will be held on Monday next.  March 12, at St. James’ Parish hall, Tollemache-road, Birkenhead England’s centre forward, W.R. Dean will be M.C. 

IRVINE'S VOLTE-FACE.
March 7 th 1928. The Liverpool Courier.
TO HELP POMPEY AGAINST EVERTON AT GOODISON.
GOES AFTER SIX YEARS.
Bobbie Irvine, transferred yesterday from Everton to Portsmouth, will play for his club against his old comrades at Goodison Park on Saturday. Irvine, since joining Everton six years ago, has been capped by Ireland 11 times. He took part in the last six matches against England, and played against Scotland in 1922, 1924 and last month at Glasgow, while he has also figured twice in matches with Wales. Irvine formerly was with Dunmurry a North of Ireland club. He is an inside-right of marked skill and an excellent shot. Irvine, who is a native of Lisburn, County Antrim is 5ft 9in, in height and weighs about 11 and half stone. He did not appear for the Blues in many First Division matches this season, but he managed to score three goals, as well as one in an F.A. Cup tie and four for the Reserve team. He scored 11 goals last season in 34 First Division matches, and in the proceeding campaign he netted eight times in 31 appearances.
EVERTON SURPRISE
EASTON AND HOUGHTON IN ATTACK LED BY WELDON.
Everton have made some surprising changes in their team to meet Portsmouth at Goodison Park on Saturday, kick-off 3.15. Dean of course will not be available owing to the Inter-League duel at Glasgow and Weldon, a little fellow, is moved from inside left to the centre-forward berth. Forshaw, whose many admires will regret to hear may mot play again this season, is also missing from the team, owing to an injury on Saturday. His place is allotted to Easton, a reserve, while Houghton, another reserve, is brought into Weldon's old position. The chosen are as follows: - Hardy, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr, Critcheley, Easton, Weldon, Houghton, and Troup.

IRVINE’S GOING, DEAN’S ABSENCE, AND THEIR NEW EVERTON FORWARD LINE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Most people would be startled with the news of Irvine’s departure from the City, for departure it is, even though he may play against us at Goodison Park on Saturday.  Irvine has endeared himself to the public of Liverpool b his thoroughly sporting game.  I don’t know any forward who has had more hard knocks and has not squealed about them; I don’t know any heartier player; I don’t remember any footballer who, off the field, could talk football sense to equal Irvine, and, of course, he had a peculiar “Rafferty” touch that lent a rich brogue to whatever he declared.  He was known in the clubroom as “Rafferty,” but to the public he was always “Bobby” and it is a great pity that any team so competent to work the ball, wheel about, and take charges such as he took, is leaving the city because he does not fit a particular scheme of things at Goodison Park.  The club, I am sure, regret the parting.  Irvine I know regrets it more than anyone.  That was made plain at the week-end, when Portsmouth were nibbling for his transfer, and by the usual devious means the player got wind of the forthcoming move. 
STILL YOUNG
Football clubs no doubt realize nowadays that players are public men, and that their goings and comings cannot very well be hidden; nor, indeed, is it always harmful that the public should know what they desire to know about football stars.  It is this “storyette” business that feeds most of the football fans.  However, this is an aside topic.  Irvine will have our good wishes and Portsmouth will have a good strong player who, although he left Dunmurray as far back as seven years ago, is still very young.  Moreover, I am happy to say that he is one of a band- which is increasing –who have the good sense to realise that they cannot play for ever.  In short, Irvine has been sensible with his “talking.”  Would that there were more!  The quaintness of the transfer lies in the fact that with Forshaw unlikely to play for the rest of the season it seemed impossible that Everton would part.  On Saturday, for instance, against Portsmouth at Goodison Park, they have to find a man for Forshaw and Dean being away in Scotland the forward line has been thoroughly turned, and I admire the directors’ pluck for bringing in Easton as partner to Critchley and “Happy” Houghton as partner to Troup. 
STRIPLING’S DEBUT
Easton and Houghton make their League debut on the same day.  Houghton is a “local” and none the worse for that, but Houghton is tarred with the same brush as Irvine.  They were fashioned in the same mould; they loved dribbling.  In addition Houghton is not quite as physically strong as the Irishman. Easton came from Blyth Spartans and has travelled a good deal, for he has played for Montreal Maroons and had a run with Rotherham United.  His form with the reserve side has been consistency itself, as indeed has Houghton’s.  The forward line strikes me as a shade small, but they are a clever mixture, and it will be interesting to see what happens against this very rugged Portsmouth side.  “:Tony” Weldon, generally inside left with us, has moved to a place he has filled many times in Scotland, and no one has a doubt about his ability- to fill that berth.  The team is; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Easton, Weldon, Houghton, Troup. 

Harold Houghton
Dundee Courier-Friday 9 March 1928
Norwich City yesterday signed Harold Houghton, the Exeter City inside-left. Houghton has been six years with Exeter, whom he joined from Everton in 1928.

EVERTON'S EXCHANGE
Sheffield Independent - Friday 09 March 1928
Everton have signed on Samuel Neston, outside right of Gillingham, and the Southern Section club have taken Arthur Dominy and Tommy Millington, of Everton.  Dominy will be remembered as the former Southampton player. 
Neil McBain
Neil McBain who has gone from St. Johnstone to Liverpool.  Formerly with Everton, Manchester City, and Ayr United, McBain played at centre-half back for Scotland against England in 1922, and represented his country in the matches with Wales in 1924 and Ireland in 1923.  He will play against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

EVERTON RECRUIT.
March 9 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
MESTON SIGNS FOR EVERTON
ARTHUR DOMINY AND TOMMY MILLINGTON TO GILLINGAM
S.W.Meston son of Sammy Meston, a famous old-time player, who has been secured by Everton from the Third (Southern) Division club, Gillingham is a forward, and made 36 appearances last season for the Kent club scoring three times. He has shown good promise and is likely under Goodison Park influences, to develop into a very smart performer. Gillingham have at the same time taken the two Everton players Arthur Dominy and Tommy Millington. Arthur Dominy is of course the old Southampton inside forward, who used to be so popular as a partner to Rawling at the Dell. He scored four goals this season for the Goodison Park reserve team and netted 12 times for the first team last season, when he appeared on 28 occasions with the seniors. Tommy Millington, a sturdy Wrexham boy has assisted the Everton Reserves during this season, and he succeeded in netting once. He, however, made 13 appearances for the senior eleven last season.
NEIL McBAIN SIGNS FOR LIVERPOOL.
Neil McBain, Liverpool's latest signing is a Scottish International centre half-back and has been with Manchester United, Everton and St. Johnson.

POMPEY’S CAPTURE
Hampshire Telegraph - Friday 09 March 1928
R. IRVINE TRASNFERRED FROM EVERTON
A NOTABLE FORWARD
By Sentinel
Pompey have set the football world talking by securing from Everton the signature of R. Irvine, a famous Irish International inside forward, who is regarded as one of the foremost in the game to-day.  The fee is, of course a heavy one, but as the case with McIIwaine, it is necessary to pay big money if you want big players.  Pompey have been angling for a long time, but there have been others at the same game, and it was not until Tuesday that Mr. J. W. Tinn, who went north on Monday, was able to complete the bargain.  Irvine, who was born at Lisborn, stands 5ft 9in, in his socks, and weighs 11 ½ st., and her can play either at inside-right or inside-left, as also can Jack Smith, another of Pompey’s recent captures, who was thoroughly justified his transfer from South Shields.  The Everton player learned his football with Dunurry, a Belfast club, and went direct to Liverpool, where he quickly installed himself as a prime favourite among the Toffeemen.  He has many Irish “caps,” having first been selected in the 1922 season to play against Scotland.  He played against England in 1923-4-5-6-7, and again this year; against Scotland in 1922-4-8 and against Wales in 1923-7-9.  Invariably he has been a success in these big matches, and after the defeat of Scotland in February “Jonathan Oldbrick,” one of the most experienced of the “Athletic News” critics, wrote of him.  “Irvine set a fine lead to his colleagues, and it was he who was the chief factor in the goal which won the match.  His quick thrust through the Scottish defence left him with a clear view of the goal.  He shot with great force, and McClory, instead of clutching the ball, allowed it to bounce off his chest of Chambers, who, having followed up, promptly scored.”  Again, in the match against England, in which Hufton broke his arm, Irvine played a conspicuous part in the 2-0 victory gained by “Old Ireland.”  He is a quick, thrustful forward, with fine ball control and clever footwork, and he has scored a lot of goals for Everton.  Last season he played in 34 League games in addition to the Cup-ties, and had a big hand in helping his club to avoid relegation particularly in the last few matches when he operated at outside-right.  In the last match but one, when a draw was effected against the Villa, the “Athletic News” critic wrote;- “With Dean well shadowed by Talbott, Irvine was the most conspicuous forward.  His solo flashes along the wing were finished off with centres which were always dangerous.  Had Forshaw anticipated the Irishman’s return pass the Villa defence must have been in for a bad time, but the ex-Liverpool player was not at his best.”  This season he has again been playing well alongside Dean, and has been given great praise for his footcraft, which is said to have improved so puzzling to the opposition.  He has proved a constant scorer, too, and at Birmingham, when Everton could only draw, he got both the goals, and was said to have been by far the most practical of his club’s forwards.  I do not know in view of Saturday’s win against Cardiff City, what the intention is with regard to playing him, but he will be available as soon as he is required. and if he can reproduce his Everton form for Pompey he will be a sound and profitable investment. 

CHAMPIONSHIP EFFORT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Similarly Portsmouth have been buying up all sizes and shapes, and they have a hope that they can, at their first show at Goodison Park, tomorrow get their revenge against a side that had won away from home.  Things are different, however, to the September period, and Dean will not be there to hamper them.  That is a blow, yet the presence of Weldon, Easton, and Houghton (last two making their debut) makes the game all the more entrancing, and, moreover, there is the spice of watching Irvine playing against Everton.  Something similar occurred any years ago, when Sandy Young was transferred to Spurs, came back to Goodison to play a match, scored a goal, and drew thunderous applause from the massive crowd.  Maybe history will repeat itself to-morrow-who knows?  It is sure that Everton will be keen to get a further hold on their home matches.  The lapse against Spurs has taught them a lesson; home matches must be won.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; critchly, Easton, Weldon, Houghton, Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McLegan; Nichol, McIIwaine, Moffatt; Forward, Smith, Weddle, Watson, Cook. 
Here is the programme of music for the match at Goodison Park, by the Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conducted by Mr. Harry Wearing);-
March, “The Coassack” waltz,  “Russian Lullaby”  selection,  “II Trovatore,”  for trot, “Persian Rosebud,”  piece.  “A Day With the Huntsmen,” “March, Queensbury.” 

TRANSFERS
Burnley Express - Saturday 10 March 1928
On Wednesday Liverpool engaged another centre half-back, Neil McBain, the Scottish international, who was with Everton two seasons ago, McBain first came to England in November, 1921, but he returned to St. Johnstone, the Scottish League club, managed by David Taylor, the old Burnley back.  Everton on Wednesday, signed Samuel Meston, Gillingam’s outside-right, and Gillingham took Arthur Dominy and Tom Millington, of the Goodison club.  Dominy is the former Southampton captain and inside-right who went to Everton lasts season. 

NEIL McBAIN
Perthshire Advertiser - Saturday 10 March 1928
Neil McBain came to St. Johnstone from Everton at the beginning of last season.  He learned the game in Campbeltown, and went from the junior ranks to Ayr United as an inside forward when only 18 years of age.  Eventually he found that the centre half position was his true berth, and he produced form that attracted the English agents.  In 1921 Manchester United secured his services at a big price, and later Everton gave a big fee for his transfer.  When in England McBain was capped to play for Scotland as centre-half and wing half, on three occasions –against England (1922), Ireland (1923), and Wales (1924).  Most people will agree that McBain is temperamental, but in the mood he is probably the best centre-half in the country. 

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 March 1928
LOWLY PORTSMOUTH AT GODOISON PARK
FIGHT FOR THE ELAD
BLUES’ EFFORT IN FACE OF HUDDERSFIELD THREAT
By Bee
Everton; Hardy; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Easton, Weldon, Houghton, Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhail; Clifford, McColgan, Nichol, McIIwaine, Moffett; Forward, Smith, Weddle, Watson, Cook.  Referee; Mr. Ouell, of Tipton.  It was a cold, bright day, with a hard ground, when the noval Everton team (minus Dean, engaged with the English League) met Portsmouth, who broke new ground, never having played here before.  The snow kept off; in fact, the warmth of the sunshine was appreciated by 25,000 people.  Easton and Houghton made their debut in the experimental forward line, which had Weldon at centre forward instead of inside left.  Irvine’s team, Portsmouth, got a good rally, and many must have been inquiring whether part of the contract of the transfer was that Irvine should not play against his old side.  Everton won the toss, and O’Donnell was soon busy punting and afterwards reclaiming a ball that he had lost to be the persistent player, Forward.  O’Donnell at a third appearance took a free kick that led to a shot by Easton, but unfortunately Weldon was in the way, and it was he who stopped the shot.  Portsmouth were a quick lot and Moffat, their half-back, gave other players a rare insight in the matter of speedy throwing.  Against him appeared the new man, Easton, and this player got the glad hand for first-time flicking of the ball so that Critchley could take up a pass.  Easton, however, blotted his copybook when he accepted the finishing point of a lovely round of passing which began with Houghton giving the through pass to Weldon, who turned the ball on to Easton.
THE WELDON PASS.
The ball must have turned on some uneven turf, because Easton kicked under the ball instead of into goal; and, in fact, Easton could have gone well in towards goal before shooting.  After Hardy had patted away, free kicks came to each side, and the Portsmouth goalkeeper must have been troubled by the glare of the sunshine.  One of the best moves of the day was a long swinging pass of Weldon to Troup, the latter tricking his tall adversary and centring, McPhail catching the ball although charged by Easton.  From a corner kick Nichol made a wild shot that ballooned into the stand.  The Everton forwards certainly kept the ball on the ground and moved off quickly, but when Houghton slipped, he was unable to reach the reasonable chance of shooting for goal.  Everton got a shock when they found Forward was allowed to proceed with his attack in spite of his offside position, his centre being taken by Weddle, who was standing pat for the goal, and was surprised to see Hardy get his hand to a ball that looked to be certain to pass over the goal-line.  Moreover, Hardy gathered the ball and withstood a charge before he cleared this most dangerous situation.  Hart stopped Cook very cleverly, and Troup, with a corner kick, put the ball to the goalkeeper’s hands, only to find that the referee had sounded the whistle to show that the ball had gone outside.  O’Donnell and Virr muddled a defence move through be being interlocked.  Cresswell timed his intervention beautifully, and thus saved another ugly outlook.
A FIERY DART FROM COOK
Away went Everton and Easton made a pile-driving shot that McPhail patted away with rare confidence, following which Critchley and Easton changed places, and Critchley, from inside right, narrowly failed to get hold of the face of the ball and make a goal.  Portsmouth’s reply to this was pretty due to Cresswell’s under-heading a ball, the result being that Cook raced up and drove in a beautiful low shot with plenty of fire and direction, Hardy making a save equivalent to that made earlier on by McPhail.  Portsmouth had more attack than Everton when the game had become thoroughly set, and in spite of Kelly’s and Hart’s excellence, the Everton defence was busy, whereas Cook screwed round one shot, and the Portsmouth right wing was a trouble to Virr.  Forward indeed went near to scoring, and when he later beat Virr luckily, he centred square to find the shooter drag the ball.  Weldon, in a break-away, went towards inside right, and made a square pass that was not accepted, and Easton gave a free kick needlessly when he used his hands, not for the first time during the game. Hart was one of the outstanding players in this mixed grill of good and bad football, and when he pushed the ball up the middle Weldon failed to get a grip of the ball, which swung to the extreme left.  Forward was equally prominent for the Portsmouth team, and after O’Donnell had kicked over a head pass by Cresswell, Forward danced through a defence and pushed the ball in such a way that it should have been a gift goal for the visitors, but neither the centre forward no Cook could reach the simple chance. Everton were being outplayed and out-pointed and outpaced at this point, and one wondered how this side could have been languishing at the foot of the League for so long.  Weldon was good enough against clever McIIwaine, but finished badly, and there was a spark of fire brought into the proceedings when Weldon tried to kick the ball out of McPhail’s hands, Critchley having supplied the centre.  Just before half-time Houghton was near with a corner kick, but candidly Everton were not convincing and they had a hard passenger in a game where the shooting had been of weak character.  Weddle missed from three yards’ range just before half-time; Half-time; Everton 0, Portsmouth 0. 
INEFFECTIVENESS OF THE FORWARD LINE
CROWD BECOME CAUSTIC
EVERTON DISPLACED FROM TE LEADERSHIP
In the first half, which was barren, Portsmouth made a favourable impression.  It was the weakest exhibition of forward play shown by Everton for many years.
Dean had been sorely missed, and McPhail had but one really strong shot to save throughout the first half.  When the game was resumed they had the benefit of the wind that had sprung up, yet they still lacked power and punch, although they enjoyed much of the early attack Virr and Easton were wide of the mark, whereas Cresswell with a long punt was on the Portsmouth.  After a stoppage for an injury to Moffat Houghton hit the side netting when the spectators thought he must be given offside whereas the referee ordered a goal kick.  Portsmouth broke away, and Weddle, once again, failed to use a good chance, Hardy picking up with ease.  Easton repeated the dose at the other end; in fact, it was a long time since I saw such poverty-stricken and alleged shooting.
THE CROWD CAUSTIC
The crowd now possibly 35,000 strong became ironic, and when Troup got a shot to the goalkeeper’s hands, they cheered lustily and caustically.  O’Donnell, from the half-wy line, put a balloon ball into the goalmouth, and Weldon was unluckily covered with one shot, and later slid along the ground on all fours to try to sweep McPhail and the ball into the goal.
A PENALTY QUERY.
The sum total of twenty minutes almost persistent attack by Everton was two shots to goal.  O’Donnell took the liberty of making a further drive to show the men of Pompey that there was someone ion the side who could apply some force to the ball.  Eventually Troup began to weave his way in and out of the penalty area, and the referee was booed for not giving a penalty kick on an appeal for hands.  The referee indicated that the ball hit the player’s chest.  My view was that it was a case of hands, the only question was “intent” Weldon made a corner, and Easton a further useful low shot, and the crowd kept themselves warm by booing the referee.  Portsmouth were all for defence in the second half.  They only came in breakaway stretches.  It would not be fair to miss praise for Moffat, the left half of Portsmouth.  Nicol was hurt and went to the touchline, but he resumed.  Final; Everton 0, Portsmouth 0.

BURNLEY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 March 1928
At Burnley.  The first half of this match was goalless, but both sides had chances of scoring, the finishing, however, was bad.  Mantle and Earle missed for Burnley, and French and Lewis for Everton.  A bitterly cold wind affected play and between bursts of sunshine there was a blinding snowstorm.  Half-time.- No score.  The second half was largely in favour of the visitors, for whom Griffiths and Rooney put in the best shots.  Helsop missed a chance for Burnley.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 March 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

BEE’S LETTER-BAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 March 1928
IRVINE EXIT
I trouble you very occasionally.  My last offence was to differ from your warm admiration of Stan Fazackerley and his “flicks” days “Spellow,: so now I cannot understand your eulogy of Irvine.  I errant you he is a clever dribbler, and certainly knows the tricks of football.  I have bene a supporter of the Everton team for thirty-eight years, so you will perhaps give me some credit for judging a practical footballer, and from that standpoint Irvine isn’[t in the first dozen “inside rights” in the First Division.  What do you mean by “is leaving the city because he does not fit a particular scheme of things at Goodison Park?”  Why not be honest and gibe the thing definitely instead of a vague generally?  Why strike the gloomy attitude about the unlikely idea of Forshaw not playing?  Go in for booming the right of the younger players having a trial.  Never mind Dunn of the Hibs! Give Easton a chance.  He’s been playing an excellent game for the reserve.  If Liverpool can give Race an extended trial after as week’s experience, Everton can treat a more experienced player likewise.  I’m pretty certain the two newcomers to the First Division play will not disappoint if only the so-called “critics” will be fair to them.  “Spellow” loves me! 
THE OTHER SIDE
B. Fair, in his letter, tells me the opposite! Read this;-
As you are prejudiced against Irvine, I write to point out top you that although he has played in only about half the number of League games Forshaw has (who is played in preference), Irvine has scored more goals.  Needless to say, if he is good enough to play for Ireland, he is good enough to play for Everton League team regularly.  Moreover, Irvine is a clever dribbler, and he plays the proper game of football (short passing and dribbling) and not the unscientific kick and rush game that apparently you favour.  So you see, readers, that whatever I say about Irvine I must be wrong. 

SURPRISE AT EVERTON
Athletic News - Monday 12 March 1928
No Sting in Attack without Dean
Dour Defence
Everton 0 Portsmouth 0
By Junius


The majority of the 35,000 spectators at Goodison Park anticipated an easy victory for the local side, but it was a disappointed crowd at the finish of what had been a contest much below the ordinary League standard.  The enforced changes in the Everton forward line probably had much to do with the ability of the team to strengthen the club’s position at the head of the chart.  With Dean at Glasgow, Forshaw again on the injured list, and Irvine transferred to Portsmouth during the week, the Everton attacking line rarely gave the impression of exacting quarter from a side that fought sternly to improve upon their lowly position.  Never was Dean more missed, for Everton’s lack of inches and of the requirements of a centre forward were plainly demonstrated throughout, while the introduction of Houghton and Easton to League football did not bring about the success desired.  The latter, who joined the club from Blyth Spartans last March, showed promise as the game progressed, particularly in the second half, when he was the one forward seriously to test McPhail.
Chances to Score
Regarding Houghton, his time is not yet, and as a result Troup had to plough a lonely furrow.  Critchly played well in the first half, but the forward line as a whole failed to approximate the standard usually attained by the clubs.  This was surprising, as the forwards were provided with numerous chances to display their ability.  But they were slow on the ball, and passes intended for colleagues often went to opponents.  These were outstanding defects and as, by comparison, the Portsmouth forwards were faster and adapted themselves better to the blustering breeze, it can be readily imagined that they enjoyed a good share of the game.  The Southern team were seen at their best in the first half, when Cresswell elected to play against the wind, probably underrating the character of the opposition, and while the visiting forwards did well during the visiting forwards did well during this period, the change-round served to show that the half-backs and full-backs were not lacking in defensive measures.  They defended stubbornly and tenaciously. 
Dour Defenders
In the second half it was a case of Everton attempting to wear down a dour defence that fought hard and lasted well.  Portsmouth, I thought, should have opened the scoring after the game, had been in progress 15 minutes, when Weddle, the young Durham centre-forward, standing but a few yards out, had a glorious chance from a centre by Forward but he allowed Hardy to clear.  Later on, Forward, cutting in, should have shot, for he had plenty of room, but he preferred to pass the ball altogether.  Nichol provided Weddle with another chance as the interval approached.  As Troup’s swift drive from close on the touch-line represented practically Everton’s best effort, it can readily be imagined that the visitors might easily have enjoyed the lead at the turn.  In the second half the Everton forwards had many chances of retrieving the position, and had Dean been in his customary place the issue would probably never have been in doubt. 
No Hesitancy
There was no hesitancy about the work of either half-back divisions, and little to choose between the players in this respect.  I liked McIIwaine, who kept a strong gap on Everton’s inside players in addition to flashing some fine passes out to Cook and Forward, while early on, he tested Hardy with a great drive.  Nichol, a half-back of the attacking type, went to the ball and ably purveyed to his forwards, but he could not altogether combat Troup’s wily ways and tricky movements.  Critchley and Easton could not exact much from Moffatt, who played on to become the best of the Portsmouth half-backs.  Everton’s trio played quite up to their standard, but had the misfortune of not seeing their work turned to better account.  Both defences were thoroughly sound.  Both defences were thoroughly sound, with O’Donnell outstanding.  He was not averse from moving up at times, to remind forwards of what was required of them.  Clifford and McCoglan covered McPhail well for he had little to do.  If the Portsmouth players lacked class they were all workers and merited a division of the points.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Easton, Weldon, Houghton, and Troup.  Portsmouth; McPhil; Clifford, McCoglan; Nichol, McIIwaine, Moffatt; Forward, Smith, Weddle, Watson, and Cook.  Referee; Mr. C.S. Osell, Tipton. 

EVERTON 0 PORTSMOUTH 0
March 12 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON GIVE UP THE LEAD TAMELY TO HUDDERSFIELD
NEW FORWARD LINE LAY-OUT MAKES NO IMPRESSION TO PORTSMOUTH
DEAN'S ABSENCE TAKES THE CHAMPIONSHIP POLISH OFF THE EVERTON SIDE.
NO GOALS IN GAME THAT WAS SELDOM ABOUT SECOND DIVISION STANDARD.
It is quite possible that if Irvine had been playing for one of the sides that side would have won at Goodison Park, where Everton were at home after a long absence. As it was, both Everton and Pompey were in parlous straits for marksmen, and it must be said that the home team gave up the lead very tamely to Huddersfield. A Portsmouth director told me, writes a Daily Courier representative, that there was no formal agreement not to play Irvine, but a promise was given not to do so. “We wanted to let Everton down lightly under the circumstances,” he humorously added, although as things turned out he was speaking more truely than he had imagined. The players that did themselves justice on the Everton side could be counted on the fingers of one hand. If it has to be said that Weldon is not a centre-forward, it cannot be said that Weddle, Pomey's centre-forward, made a good impression. I did not like the new forward line lay-out necessitated through the absence of Dean in Scotland. Again, it seems we have to ask ourselves; “What is the would be championship side without Dean?”
TOO LIGHT.
The Everton forward line gave the impression of being too light, especially during a protracted part of the second session, when the Portsmouth defence falling back, pounded it with their heavy artillery. The game was generally patchy, with too few bright spells. Indeed it was seldom above Second Division calibre, and occasionally below. There must have been contributory causes, mainly there was a puzzling breeze, the ground was hard and fast and a light ball was continually in the air, where a requires the most skilful of players to control it. In the criticism it is pleasing to be able to pass a good-opinion of one of the players making a debut for Everton. Easton, despite a couple of early mistakes in front of goal, has apparently the making of a capable inside man. Houghton, the local produced will have to travel some distance before he is up to the first-class standard, if this was his best. He should not be discouraged, for a first occasion has overawed other players before him. Troup did not seem to be able to make much out of the partnership, and he kept wandering into the centre, like a second centre-forward. Critchley, on the other wing, seemed at times to be finding McColgan one of the strongest backs in the game. Hart was easily the pick of the middle trio; but Virr and Kelly were not as impression as they might have been. Cresswell was variable, and O'Donnell played one of his best games, tackling well and kicking a good length, and on one occasion, with his best of intentions, he went through and tried a potshot. Hardy was quite good. He took some of the high stuff in great style. Teams: - Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly Hart and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, Weldon, Houghton, and Troup, forwards. Portsmouth: - McPhail, goal, Clifford, and McColgan, backs, Nichol, McIlwaine, and Moffatt, half-backs, Forward, Smith, Weddle, Watson and Cook, forwards.

TWO DEAN GOALS
March 12 th 1928. The Daily Courier
DEAN PENALTY SAVED
THE Football league team outclassed the Scottish League before 60,000 spectators at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, by six goals to two. After eight minutes in the second half Dean missed a penalty kick, which was saved by Falconer. Dean scored the fifth and sixth goals.

BURNLEY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 12 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 30)
Freakish weather conditions were not altogether to blame for the poor game at Burnley, when Everton Reserves had to be content with a goalless draw after having much the better of the play. The visitors were more convincing in their fieldwork, but generally their finishing was deplorably weak. Wilkinson should have won the match, but he shot tamely into Dawson's hands in the second half. The defence carried off the honours.

EVERTON THROW AWAY GOLDEN CHANCE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Many times have I suggested that goals are cheap to-day, and the game gathers no special pleasure by the glut.  But while Newcastle took seven against Villa’s five, and the English League scattered the proud imaginations of the Scottish hearts by winning 6-2, Everton lost the leadership of the League for the first time since the early part of the season, though failure once again to win at home against a side that was outplayed in the second half.  I am sorry the referee did not give the penalty kick claim, for we might then have had a curious situation.  True, Troup is a crack-a-jack shooter, but apart from the wee Alec., who of the forwards would Everton pick to take a spot-kick?  This penalty debate was curious.  Everton said the player intentionally handled the ball.  Portsmouth said he handled, but did not handle intentionally, and the referee said the ball hit the player’s chest.  So where are we now?  He spoiled a good testing moment for Everton when he refused a spot kick.  Personally, I voted the most dangerous forwards of the home side none other than the backs.  At least they showed power of boot, which was more than could be said of the home forwards. 
GIVE IT TO-
People in other parts of the country have often chided the Everton team for “giving it to Dixie.”  They said; “there is too much of this Dean business.”  But Dean has got the goals and Everton without him on Saturday, plus Forshaw’s absence of course, were mere commoners, a line with two good wingers and for the rest a determined trinity without the power of shot.  McPhails early on had a shot to stop and he did it confidently, though I never like his pat-down, as compared to his catch as a saving clause.  In the second half Everton overplayed their rivals and should have taken reasonable toll of such a side as Portsmouth who though they have good hearty backs and a fine half-back line- McIIwaine and Moffatt are very, very good-have a lapsing set of forwards, almost equal to those of Everton, on Saturday, Weddle missed some cheap gifts; the Welshman, Cook was fiery without being convincing, and Forward gave a bright display against Virr and O’Donnell and was quite a joy in the way he tugged his centres and swung the ball over.  Yes, the answer to the critics who ask why they always “give it to Dixie,” was supplied on Saturday.  Houghton and Easton were asked a big question at their baptism and Weldon was also asked to do big things to take Bill Dean’s boots.  It is rather remarkable that the forward line for EverTON field EasTON, WelDOn, and HoughTON.  There was
Nothing like a ton of weight in the lot, for from the first I feared that they were not competent, physically, to carry a First Division role.  All three worked rather cleverly, but perhaps a bit too finicky, and the greatest barrier of all was the lack of driving force in shooting; no wonder the crowd was ironical when the ball eventually “reached” McPhail from a full back.  With the other members of the side there was no cavil; they all did well, and Hardy, at the most critical juncture, took risks and the ball in a fine piece of defence.  Portsmouth struck me as much improved, and as needing certain other alterations of attack.  Forward will do; Cook can improve on that show; and at half-back they had two good ones, and at full back two fiery defenders.  Both sides lacked touch with the shooting business.  On a dry day, with few fouls, and much need for keeping warm, one wonders the whole side did not revel in blazing away at the goal.  Incidentally, I hear that the Everton manager was away-no, not in Scotland –in Yorkshire; not “on Likia Moor ba’ tat,” but in a colliery area where they used to call down the pit for some more first-class players when they had just sold off one or more of their members.  There is a very loyal personally who stands near the sub-way.  He is known as “Big Larry,” and he always sees Everton matches from the same spot.  For thirty-six years he has visited and cheered his pets.  I chanced to meet him on Saturday, prior to the game, and a police sergeant cracked this one on him; “Everton are playing away to-day.” 
Think it over; it’s a bit subtle!
It is said that Everton’s favourite song is “Me and My Shadow.” 

O’DONNELL AS A FORWARD?
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 13 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
It is difficult to comprehend the mentality of the Everton management (says “Disappointed”) to allow players of the ability of Dominy and Irvine tp depart.  Dominy, who in the opinion of many, would have been to Everton what Kelly is to Huddersfield, Gillespie to Sheffield, Buchan to Arsenal, and other types of team players who readily come to mind.  Irvine always a wholehearted player, who went the ninety minutes; the championship virtually thrown away by management.  I am a thirty years’ supporter and beg to offer a suggestion, knowing the value of your column;- Hardy; Cresswell, Kennedy; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Meston, Critchley, Dean, O’Donnell, Troup. 
EVERTON’S RECORD?
“Still Optimistic” writes;- This is all too bad, after coming in the straight with a clear lead on January 1. Everton are slipping down to finish in the ruck.  The Everton board must have known the position and after watching on Saturday, Everton must go out for the big men, Everton forwards were beaten in the air. Now what price Elkes, Bee?  He is out of favour at Spurs, and could be had for a moderate sum.  Everton must sign two inside forwards.  I am glad there was no singling out of individuals on Saturday, such as we witnessed in the Devlin fiasco, although Everton’s centre’s showing on Saturday called for it.  I am glad the new men got a fair chance, although they proved they were not good enough.  Easton started off full of promise, to fade away.  The query I would like to ask is;- Is Everton’s a record, stopping on top of the League so long? 
LETTERS OF PROTEST
I wondered at the audacity of the Everton board experimenting with three inside positions, besides transferring a player who on Saturday against either team would have had a real “day out.”  Is it just a case of Irvine not agreeing to play second fiddle to a player who in the opinion of many thousands of supporters is not in the same street as regards football ability and sheer hard work?   It seems like that to me, and I can only say it was ever thus with Everton, for, despite the thousands and thousands of pounds they have spent post war on players, they have never been able to field a side that has done anything in either Cup or League (excepting this season, of course, so far).  It strikes me they get one good player out of about every twenty purchased.  May I pass a few remarks (says “Fish Market”) about Everton F.C.  people are asking what is wrong with the team?.  A schoolboy could tell them.  The management threw away the League and Cup for the want of two class inside forwards who could score goals, instead of leaving it all to Dean.  They have not got one inside forward capable of scoring goals or drawing the opposition off Dean, without whom they would by now have their head and shoulders in the Second Division.  Take a glance at the list of players they have signed in the last year to so, and ask yourself what for?  What a collection of men!  And yet only two inside players of quality and quantity are required.  Excepting 1906, what a record they have to boast of for a wealthy club!  Play Kennedy left back, O’Donnell inside left, and give a trial to Meston inside right. 
Here’s another view;-
“Castleraven” writes;- Might I take the liberty of expressing condemnatory remarks concerning the transfer of Irvine?  Can Everton afford to dispense with the services of a player of international repute, whose high standard of football efficiency is only equaled by his keen sense of sportsmanship?  Can a substitute of sufficient dexterity be found to act as deputy to this prince of dribbles?  Can Everton provide an equivalent of sufficient adroitness to emulate Irvine as a ball manipulator?  I leave the question to Evertonians, whose intellectual propensities enjoy the capability of appreciating real football. 
As a Blue supporter for many years, I consider Saturday’s match the poorest I have ever witnessed says “Custard.”  I wonder what the “heads” think of the forward line, the weakest Everton have ever played.  However, there is still a splendid chance of the championship; more dash is required in the forward line, better shooting, and far more often, is necessary.  For this reason I would suggest O’Donnell inside left; my team against Manchester United would read; Hardy; Cresswell, Kennedy; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Easton, O’Donnell, Troup, Dean. 
“Disgusted” says;- In the first instance let me thank you for your most valuable sports notes.  Having been a keen supporter of Everton for 25 years, I am disgusted that Everton, trying to win premier honours should transfer Irvine, knowing Forshaw was unfit, and likely to be for some time, and with no one capable to fill the inside berth, a calamity which will cause Everton in loss the Championship. 
Stuart Brotherhood (Walton, Liverpool) football service is to be held at the above church on Sunday, at 3 p.m.  Chairman, Mr. D. Pratt; speaker, Mr. W.C. Cuff; reader, Mr. W.R. Dean; soloists, Mrs. D. Pratt and Mr. J.R Evans.  A hearty welcome to all readers of these notes. 

JOE CLENNELL
Daily Herald - Wednesday 14 March 1928
Joe Clennell, the former Everton and Cardiff City forward, who has been with Rochdale this season, has been released from his engagement to go into business in Cardiff. 

GOALLESS DRAW AT TURF MOOR
Burnley News - Wednesday 14 March 1928
A little comedy and a little variety prevented the Reserves match at Turf Moor on Saturday from becoming boring.  The comedy was mostly because Jerry Dawson would persist in coolly gathering to him the balls that came his way; it was certainly funny to watch him.  There was other pieces of comedy when players were deceived by the swerving wind-driven ball and missed kicking or heading the ball altogether.  And, moreover, it was a mixed day, starting with a wind which blew from the Beehole end of which Burnley had the advantage.  For a brief period too, they had the added advantages of a miniature blizzard, the snow almost blotting out the play as far as the spectators were concerned and then, as suddenly as it had come, ceasing and giving way to a blinding sunshine.  Neither side could play well owing to the wind but if anything Everton Reserves had slightly the better method when they had the wind in the second half.  It was then that the half backs tried to make up for the forwards deficiencies by utilizing the wind for long shots, but even though Dawson received some nasty knocks and limped so that he had to leave the goal kicks to his backs, he displayed an amazing nonchalance and kept goal remarkably well.  There should have been a big lot of goals, five or six on each side, but the refusal of the gilt-edged chances by both sides stamped the forwards as rank bad finishers.  A draw was a fair indication of the sides but here should not have been a blank sheet.  The teams were; Burnley Reserves; Dawson; Knox, Flack; Forrest, Spargo, Weston; Helsop, Burley, Mantle, Dougall (F.), Earle.  Everton Reserves; Davies; Common, Kennedy; Bain, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Wilkinson, French, Templeton, Lewis.  Referee; Mr. J. Caseley, of Sheffield. 

EVERTON’S LEAGUE HOLD NOT A RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Many people have been wondering, with me, whether Everton have put up a record by being at top of the League so long.  The answer is that Liverpool, in their second championship season, were on top of the football world in October- believed to be October 23, by a man who has done so much for the side- and for football generally- and they were never taken from the top rung of the ladder to the end of the season.  The League position has become so acute that a side like Cardiff think they have a chance of winning the League; Blackburn Rovers were talking were talking the other day about their chance to win the League and the Cup, and the bottom rungs of the ladders are such that hardly any side of the bottom dozen can be said to be safe!  Manchester United are in a bit of a fix, and to get out of it they have signed Rawlings, the well-known Southern member, who has for years been a trouble to centre half-backs.  He is the Southampton centre, but surely he must be getting on in years!  To-day he makes his debut in senior football in the meeting with Everton. 
Weeks and months ago I sent you letters re the weakness of the Everton forward line, says “Old Bee.”  It was impossible for Everton to win either Cup or League.  Again, I repeat the reason –lack of reserves.  They require two attacking inside forwards –not semi-half backs. 
“Custard” writes; - Whilst I tender to you many thanks for publishing a portion of my letter, I wish to draw attention to an error made re team I suggested.  You placed Dean outside left, which, of course, is “absurd” I have been pulled up as having made such a suggestion.  My forward line read; Critchley, Easton, Dean, O’Donnell, and Troup. 
THE BAIN OF THE TEAM
“A.C.D” writes; - It was patent to everyone, even prior to the game with Portsmouth that the forwards were too small to hope to succeed against a desperate side, and Saturday’s display surely proved it.  One likes to see the reserve players given every chance, but surely the right man to be played at centre-forward in Dean’s absence was Bain.  He has the height, weight, speed, stamina, ability, and experience.  Furthermore, he came to the club as a centre from Manchester United.  He has occupied a number of positions with the reserve team and with every credit, yet, when an opportunity of resuming with the League team arises, he appears to be entirely overlooked. 
A LOCAL COMPLAINT
With reference to the column signed “Fishermarket,” Castleraven,”   “Disgusted,” and “Custard,” I hope you will find space to publish my views (says (“Wide Awake”) Spectators now realise what football should be; not what it is, and not what was served up by Everton on Saturday.  It is time the “Everton board” betook upon themselves the task of finding inside forwards of mettle.  It does not mean to say money can buy the right man.  No, money has been spent; more will be spent, not wisely nor well, unless the club awake from their lethargy.  Out of every twenty purchased, one may turn out a good player.  The call for forwards is urgent.  It is time the shareholders squealed instead of being mere figureheads.  What about local lads?  Why not give them preference?  I have a likely lad in view, and one who if he had any influence to back him might have been fortunate a little while ago to kick a ball at Goodison, but they decided otherwise.  (Note.- There are thousands of “likely” locals; you could not try all). 

A SCRAPPY GAME
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 March 1928
DEAN’S MANY HEADERS AT TRAFFORD PARK
MANCHESTER UTD, LEAD
RAWLINGS SCORES IN LAST SECOND OF FIRST HALF
Dixie Dean, of Everton, wanted but a goal to-day to set up a new scoring record for the First Division.  Manchester United were one goal up at half-time, though a goal scored by Rawlings.  Dean made many efforts, but each time was baulked. 
EVERTON NEWS EXPECTED
The day was dull, but the ground was in good condition for his rearranged match at Trafford Park, this afternoon.  There was quite a good gate, considering the midweek circumstances, and the size of it was probably due to the fact that Rawlings, the new player from Southampton, was making his debut in First Division football.  Everton welcomed Dean back at centre-forward, and kept Easton at inside-right.  The team showed only one change from last Saturday.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Easton, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Manchester United; Richardson; Moore, Jones; Benion, Mann, Wilson, Spence, Hanson, Rawlings, Johnston, and McPherson.  Referee; Mr. Arthur Ward, Kirkham.  The start was a trifle late.  Cresswell won the toss, which brought no special advantage.  Everton, I hear (says Bee”), are hoping to make a very important announcement in regard to a forward position with-in a few hours.  The club has fixed up a journey for Easter Monday to Dublin.  Manchester kicked-off, and Mann at once sent Hanson on the move, and hardy had to pick up, following which McPherson beat O’Donnell, but found the ball run too fast for him, and made a goal kick.  Hanson tried to fed McPherson, ho got the better of Cresswell, and the Everton players seemed to stop for a referee’s decision which did not come, the result being that Rawlings shot hard and hardy brought off a beautiful save.  From a free kick that would have been better left unwhistled Dean had half a chance, but was crowded out; O’Donnell punted from the half-way line, and Richardson had to make a covering piece for Dean, or Richardson would have been beaten.  Manchester replied on the right, where O’Donnell was beaten, and Cresswell, rushing in, collided with Spence.  Manchester made a corner of this, Kelly heading away at a convenient moment.  Hart twice figured in good tackles, so that Rawlings and Hanson were checked, and then Richardson ran out to stop what must have been a goal.  Troup centred well, and Easton was near converting, at which point there was a stoppage for injury to Jones, the Manchester full back.
A PECULAIR CASE.
Dean made a high ball from a throw-in on the extreme right, and this led to a peculiar happening, Dean challenging the goalkeeper when he was in possession, and Richardson conceding a free kick for taking too many steps.  The ball was placed inside the penalty area, Dean made a hurried pass, and a little sharpness on the bright would have produced a goal.  Troup pushed the ball with good direction up the middle, and Dean found a hole in Moore’s pace, and having tricked the full back, made a swinging pass to the outside right, the ball travelling out.  There were too many throws-in to make the game a good one early on.  Kelly shot rather wildly outside after Easton had produced a good through pass towards Dean.  Weldon had bad fortune with a shot that was blocked out, and Critchley put over a peculiar lob shot which grazed the post and went outside.  Play for a long time was scrappy, the Manchester forwards showing little combination, while their half backs were not exactly de luxe in the matter of making passes.  McPherson was taken to the touchline through a tackle by Kelly, and from the free kick the ball went towards goal.  Hardy and a full back went up to punt away without success, and O’Donnell had to kick away from the goal line to save his side. 
DEAN HEADERS
Weldon had gross bad fortune when he shot sharply and the ball travelled from a United defender on to the crossbar for a corner.  Dean also headed on to the top netting.  These incidents stirred up the game a bit, and not before it was time.  Cresswell passed back to Hardy when Rawlings started a merry thrust, and at the other end Dean’s heading reminded some of the Manchester folk of the days of Sandy Turnbull.  One of his headers was caught by Richardson.  One of Manchester’s Best efforts came when O’Donnell failed to clear an easy position and Johnston hit the side netting.  It was a good chance thrown away.  O’Donnell cut across Spence, with sad results to the Everton player, who was knocked out.  O’Donnell recovered and played on, putting the ball into the Press box.  Dean was loudly applauded for chasing away, nodding the ball down, and beating his fullback, and Richardson saved only by sticking out his foot against the goalpost.  Dean could not quite catch the rebound.  Kelly again tried a long shot, this time from the centre of the field, with little chance of scoring even if the direction had been correct.  The game continued scrappy and without conviction, nether goalkeeper in half an hour having anything to do worthy the name. 
EASTON GOOD
Certainly Everton were doing more shooting than their rivals, and Weldon now sent one outside.  Easton was very good with his head, and no one could have been more earnest than this young player.  There was a free kick for an offence on Kelly, which Dean failed to head through from Cresswell’s kick.  Dean is so wonderful with his head that it seemed to me he must have been unsighted, otherwise he must have got a goal.  Easton and Critchley made an opening for Dean, who, wasting no time, banged away a beautiful ground shot before Richardson could move out of his socket.  Fortunately for Manchester the ball travelled a yard too near the left.  Troup, from Dean’s back-header, put the ball to the other side of the goal.  Following this Dean headed to the same spot as that at which Troup put the ball- another narrow escape for Manchester.  McPherson was hurt again, this time through O’Donnell cutting across him, and the referee waved a warning finger.  The United tried to play an offside game when Everton were near the middle of the field, the result being that Hart was able to push the ball up, and the danger was not cleared until Richardson had caught a miskick from Jones, who spooned the ball into his hands.
RAWLINGS SCORES
Critchly made Richardson come out again to race Dean for a position ideally suited to the centre-forwrad.  Jones again mis-kicked, this time to create a corner.  Manchester’s best effort came when Spence centred so that Rawlings could head, but the ball went off at a tangent at a merry pace outside.  Everton should not have been down at half-time, but as a matter of fact they were down, to a goal by Rawlings in the last second of the first half, Rawlings cleverly heading a centre by Spence after O’Donnell had taken the man instead of the ball.  Half-time; Manchester U 1, Everton 0.

JUNIORS’ LOCAL DERBY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 March 1928
BAIN’S SMART HAT TRICK FOR EVERTON
There was quite a good crowd at Goodison Park to see the junior Derby game between Everton and Liverpool.  For the first ten minutes Everton played the more enterprising football, but their great failing was in front of goal, and Riley had but one shot of real merit to save.  This was from Griffiths.  It was without doubt a grand effort.  Bain played an intelligent sort of game at inside-right, and it was through his subtle passes that the Everton forwards had so many opportunities, but neither French nor Houghton could get the ball through the Liverpool defence.  Wilkinson was brought down in the penalty area when he was all but through, and many thought a penalty should have been awarded, but all Everton got out of it was a corner, which, taken by Lewis, gave Houghton a chance to defeat Riley, but once again bad marksmanship spoilt the effort.  Liverpool from this point became a live attacking force, and Davis had to make several clearances, which, however, were never really dangerous, because the shots were of the lob type rather than full-blooded drives.  At the twentieth minute Bain scored for his side.  A movement on his left wing ended in Bain being given possession just behind the 18-yard line.  Steadying himself Bain hit a fierce drive that struck the under part of the crossbar before going into the net. 
BAIN’S HAT TRICK.
Everton continued to be the more dangerous side, for there was more “bite” in their attack.  Bain was the driving force of his line, and it was only justice that he should score a second goal at the end of thirty minutes, for his working throughout had been full carat.  Bain set seal to his display by performing the hat trick when he scored his third goal at the end of thirty-three minutes’ play.  Just on the interval Clarke scored a good goal for Liverpool Res., Scott having made a wonderful opening for his partner.  Half-time; Everton Res 3, Liverpool Res 1. 

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 EVERTON 0
March 15 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
TOWN'S LEAD INCREASED
NEW FORWARD SCORES.
HOW THE BLUES WENT UNDER AT OLD TRAFFORD.
Everton ought to have won by a comfortable margin in their re-arranged League match with Manchester United at old Trafford yesterday. The fact that they lost by the odd goal was due to the mistaken tactics of expecting too much from Dean! No player worked harder than Dean. He strained every nerve and muscle to break down the Manchester defence, but nothing went right for him in front of goal. Everton had the better of matters early in the game, but their forwards missed many chances. Dean twice eluded the backs only to have his shots stopped by Richardson, and one of his best shots went just the wrong side of the post. Several times he was unlucky with his attempt with headers and he once placed on top of the net. Manchester United were well served at half and full back, but their forwards as a line were distinctly poor. They never looked like scoring, and the only goal they obtained just before half-time was due to faulty tactics by O'Donnell. He tried to take the man instead of the ball, and when Spence broke away both O'Donnell and Cresswell made no effort to recover, apparently expecting the whistle to go for offside. Had Spence shot Hardy would have probably saved, but instead he flashed the ball across for Rawlings to breast the ball into the net.
DEAN WELL WATCHED.
Everton continued to do most of the attacking in the second half but with the exception of Dean the other forwards seemed to have lost confidence in themselves, as far as scoring was concerned. The United defence was made to look more formidable than it was through only having to concentrate on Dean. This they did to good purpose. Everton's nearest approach to scoring was from a corner kick following a free kick by Hart, which was diverted wide of the goal through striking one of the players. From the corner kick the ball was flashed out of the reach of Richardson, but Jones was standing at the other side of the goal and kicked the ball out. Everton had a similar narrow escape in the second half, O'Donnell kicking the ball away from the goalline. Richardson saved an eleventh hour effort by Critchley, and Hanson struck the crossbar for the United. The Everton half-backs were never more than moderate.
KELLY AND THE CROWD.
Kelly showed up well in defence, and he was subjected to a good deal of barracking after he tripped McPherson. With the exception of Dean, all the Everton forwards were disappointing. The United attack was led by Rawlings, who the day before had been secured from Southampton. He had the distinction of scoring the United's goal. The United's best forwards were Spence and Hanson. Every credit must be given to Manchester United for their sound defence. Mann was most reliable at centre-half, and he was well backed up by Bennion in keeping Dean from scoring. Teams : - Manchester United: - Richardson, goal, Moore and Jones, backs, Bennion, Mann, and Wilson, half-backs, Spence, Hanson, Rawlings, Johnston, and McPerson, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Easton, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 LIVERPOOL RESERVES 2
March 15 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
BAIN NETS FOUR TIMES.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES TROUNCED AT GOODISON PARK.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)
Liverpool put up a poor show in the Central League game at Goodison Park, and were well beaten. The blame could be divided between the Liverpool backs and forwards. Walsh and Scott on the right worked well together, and with Clarke, opened out the play, but so far as finishing power went it seemingly was not in their plan of campaign. Pither and Devlin had an off-day, the outside left, wasting many centres by wretched shooting. Clarke never had a real chance apart from that in the opening half, when triangular work by Miller, Scott and Walsh ended in Scott placing the ball between Kennedy's legs for the ex-Newcastle man to net. Everton deserved their success, they showed a better understanding, and when it came to close quarters gave Riley and his backs a warm time. The success of the forwards was Bain, who obtained four of the six goals and did the “hat-trick.” After accomplishing this he twisted his knee and was off the field 15 minutes, but returned on the change over. Meston, the young player from Gillingham, also showed up well and with Bain, proved the most dangerous of the line. Wilkinson who has played in four different positions in as many games yesterday led the attack, and well he carried out his task. He was responsible for the fourth goal when he headed beyond Riley a ball that the goalkeeper had just previously fisted out. The sixth goal came from a penalty, Houghton netting. Liverpool who were down 3-1 at the interval, obtained their second pint from Walsh. Teams : - Everton Res: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Bain Wilkinson, Houghton and Lewis, forwards. Liverpool Res: - Riley, goal, Gray and Done, backs, McMullan, Cockburn, and Miller, half-backs, Pither, Devlin Clarke, T. Scott, and Walsh, forwards.

EVERTON SIGNING
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 March 1928
Everton have signed on martin, inside forward, of Hull City.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 March 1928
McClelland, of Middlesbrough was transferred to Bolton wanderers this morning.  He and Weldon had a bit of trouble at Goodison park it will be remembered. Following on what I promised in last night’s paper; There is something big happening in connection with Everton.  I think it will bear a two-fold strength, and be of special “forward” help.  It has become very necessary in recent weeks.  Everton have been sliding back since Christmas Eve.  The matches that were drawn were thankfully received, but those matches should have been won; the matches lost have been lost by margin that should have been impossible, judged by the way the games have gone.  Yesterday was a fine example.  Everton players in the first half quite well enough to shot Manchester United they (Manchester were a very poor side, with no sort of forward ideas.  Everton shot six times to Manchester’s once.  Manchester held on and at half-time Rawlings got a goal while players stopped to expect the referee to signal for offside.  I did not think Spence offside, and certainly the referee did not.  Hence Rawlings’s contribution towards his transfer fee.  Rawlings, however, did not satisfy, any more than the other forwards and while so much concentration was bestowed upon Dean it was hoped the inner wing men would have a good show.  They worked desperately –no one could deny that-but they were not fortunate and they were not successful.  Indeed the more I see of the severity of senior football the more I believe physical attributes are of paramount importance when signing a player.  Rawlings got his goal through his inches.  Inside forwards of the height of Buchan and Blyth take some shifting when the head is drawn towards the ball.  But what troubled me yesterday was the poverty of real football that we saw.  Everton were “knocked” by a goal on the stroke of half-time, but it was not a thing to worry about, for United never looked as if they would score after O’Donnell had kicked away from the line to help hardy, who had quite a nice day’s outing.  There was a similar incident when Referee Ward, perfectly placed for judging –indeed, he alone could judge- would not give a goal to Everton as Jones kicked from the goal-line to save Richardson.  There were few other entertaining points of play, which resolved itself into punt-and-run and the defences always on top.  No one could find serious fault with the Everton defence.  Cresswell gave a polished display, and O’Donnell did much good work in his sweeping-through fashion.  I thought that if he had concentrated on the ball instead of centring upon the elusive Spence the first goal would not have come.  This goes into the weighing machine when we balance his work, for it must not be forgotten be kicked off the goal-line.  The half back work was of excellent calibre.  Kelly “got the bird” from those fiery people who shouted “Send him off.”  But Referee Ward did not seen institute inquiry or a caution.  Kelly was admirable; so were Hart and Virr.  It was just that lack of forward touch that was so missing in the Everton camp.  There was much running about, much endeavor, little purpose, and little shooting, save from the middle man, with a stray one from Troup and Critchley, the former having no chance in the second half.  Critchley was in an unbalanced frame of mind.  He shot well twice in the rally of the last five minutes, and nearly scored; but his wastage of two centres at a critical moment of the long-drawn-out closing minutes was not his best form.  The game seemed to last on interminably, this being due in part of time being taken off through a Manchester player inclining to waste time by unsporting methods.  It is time some of these methods were made to pay dearly for their unfairness and childishness.  It was not good to think Everton could not beat a side like Manchester United, for they were beatable on yesterday’s form.  Mann wears wondrously, but he and his fellow half-backs do not offer many passes to their forwards and the forward line is a thing of shreds and patches and needs severe remedy.  At the game I renewed acquaintance with former Everton players in Tommy Nuttall and Bert Sharp, both of whom are keeping in close touch with the game.  Bert used to play full-back for Villa and Everton and is well remembered for his cricketing at Bootle. 
THE POSITION
It seems that Everton have thrown away the League chance.  Only a calamitous combination of circumstances could cheat Huddersfield of their rich and deserved reward.  These are the positions, and they make funny readings.  The latter end of the table shows enormous possibilities, and none of the bottom dozen can fell that grand and glorious feeling we sing about.
Huddersfield P31, Won 18, Lost 8, Drawn 5, For 75, Against 50, Points 41
Everton   P32, Won 14, Lost 8, Drawn 10, For 76, Against 52, Points 38

THE “BAIN” OF GOALKEEPRS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton Reserves were fully entitled to their big victory over Liverpool Res, for there was more craft and method in their play, which for long spells was responsible for Liverpool being mainly on the defensive.  The match, however, was a triumph for David Bain, Everton’s versatile player, who not only scored four of his side’s six goals, but played capital football into the bargain.  On yesterday’s display Bain is entitled to a run in the senior eleven, for he seems to be in his best form.  His work was subtle, and he had an astute pass to centre or wingman, varying these with a ball across to the opposite wing.  His greatest success, however, was his penchant for a shot, and as Everton have been pining for an inside man who could deliver a true drive, to help along Dean’s goals, it would be worthwhile considering Bain’s inclusion, if the position is still vacant on Saturday. Meston did not get a great deal of chance, but he has a pleasing style and should improve with closer contact with his new colleagues. 

CRITCHLEY AS INSIDE RIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 15 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
“Disgusted” writes; - This is my first letter, but I could not resist the temptation after the wretched display by the Everton midgets against Portsmouth.  Portsmouth were tall, strong, and fast, but shy and not clever at shooting; when they did shoot, however, there was power in their shot.  Everton were too slow, too small, and too weak to get past the bigger men to get in a shot. For a few seasons past football has been played on heavy and muddy grounds and I think you will agree that experience shows the heavier and taller side comes out best under these conditions, and, I believe, in any conditions in present day football.  Two good ponies are no use compared with two good horses in pulling a big load.  We have got rid of three men this week who did not fit in at Goodison, but what have we left?  What is wanted is a taller and stronger inside right and inside left, men who can draw the defence and who need watching.  Huddersfield’s success is due to the fact that the outside men are very fast and clever, and that all the line need watching all the time.  Their defence is no better than ours, but a strong forward line leaves the defence of its own side easy.  I hope Everton will take the lesson as to small versus tall good men.  A friend of mine who saw the West Ham match tells me that when Forshaw was hurt Critchley went inside and played splendidly.  Therefore, whilst they are looking for two good big inside men, play Critchley inside to Meston, that is the suggestion of an old follower. 
GIVE ‘EM HELP!
Last Saturday’s incidents (the cheap sarcasm, &c., of spectators during the Everton-Portsmouth game) will do no good to anyone (says “Observer”).  Certainly there will be no stimulus towards Everton gaining the championship.  Surely it was obvious to all spectators that the very keenness of the Everton players to make a sound win was the chief cause of failure.  Because of the men’s ardent wish to stave off Huddersfield’s challenge, they could not do themselves justice.  The re-shuffled forward line never got going, but they were triers all the time.  Now, “Bee,” just ask local spectators to help in bringing the League cup to Liverpool.  Everton’s brilliant games earlier in the season proved that they have a team good enough, but the spectators ought to help much more than they do. 

EVERTON SIGN MARTIN
March 16 th 1928. The Daily Post and Mercury.
G Martin, Everton new forward, is a versatile player, who will now realise his ambition of figuring in first division football. He played a prominent part in the defeat of Everton at Aston Villa ground last year in the fourth-round of the FA cup after the teams had played two drawn games. Martin played at inside left in the first match, and he was a live force through out. In the final match at Villa Park, martin at outside right scored the winning goal following a corner, and it was recognised that apart from that point he more than any player, was responsible for the overthrow of Everton. A swift attacker, he is no sooner on the run than he has a shot if at all favorably placed and he shoots well, to. He had the quite uncommon distinction for a footballer at one time of being awarded a diploma in art. A native of Lanarkshire, martin assisted Hamilton academically and while still with the club was allowed to assist bo'ness the Scottish league club, in the Scottish cup in October 1922 he was transferred from bo'ness to hull city, and has been a regular member of the first team ever since he played in all positions in the forward line, and occasionally in the back division. He stands 5ft 9ins and weights about 11 st 6lbs. Very popular in hull at the present moment at one time he was subjected to barracking by the crowd and this led to his being placed on the transfer list at his own request. Fortunately for hull he reconsidered his decision. Mr. T McIntosh, the Everton secretary completed the negotiations, and the transfer fee runs into four figures.

HULL TO EVERTON
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer - Friday 16 March 1928
Martin Transferred at a Big Fee
George S. Martin, inside forward, was yesterday transferred from Hull City to Everton, at a fee stated to exceed $1,000.  He will play against Leicester City tomorrow.  Martin, who went from Bo’ness to Hull in October 1922, had originally played with Hamilton Academicals.  Last season he scored the deciding goal for Hull in the second replay in the Cup-ties against Everton at Villa Park.  Martin has occupied every position in the Hull attack. 

EVERTON SIGN HULL INSIDE FORWARD
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 March 1928
Transfer came with a final rush yesterday, and foremost among them was that of G. Martin, the Hull City inside forward, to Everton.  Martin played well against Everton in the Cup last year, both as an inside and wing forward.  He is something of an artist “off the field,” too.  He will play in the Everton team to-morrow.  Everton went with an open cheque to Scotland, but the big signings they expected did not fructify, hence the trek to Yorkshire. 

EVERTON AT LECIESTER
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to-day to Nottingham and then travel on to Leicester.  After the way the forwards have slipped back in recent times, one could not look on the away journey with any degree of optimism; the rest of the side has stiffened up to its former type of play; no one would cavil at the work of the goalkeeper, backs and half-backs in mid-week, not yet at home to Portsmouth.  Is there any reason for expecting a change of plan in the attacks?  At the moment I write, I confess I cannot see any hope, especially as Leicester are such a really strong side, fast and impressive, and not to be judged by the mid-week loss this week, which was due in part to the absence in Scotland of some of their stars.  Everton (probable).  Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Bain, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Leicester City; McLaren; Black, Brown; Findlay, Carr, Duncan; Adcock, Hine, Lane, Lockhead, Barry. 

G. MARTIN LEAVES.
Hull Daily Mail - Friday 16 March 1928
VERSATILE CITY FORWARD TO PARTNER "DIXIE" DEAN. IN EVERTON TEAM ON SATURDAY
(Exclusive to the "Mail" by "Veritas.")
"I have often wondered whether First Division football would come my way," said George Martin, when I congratulated him on his translation to the Everton team, soon after his transfer from the Hull City Club on Thursday was completed, "and-though," he continued, means parting company with many friends made through football Hull, I have no regrets otherwise. Without having the faintest idea that Everton ever entertained any desire for mv services until they asked me, with the permission of the Hull City Club, to sign on for them this afternoon, I have always thought I should like to play for them. did not take me long to consider and to accept the terms offered me by Mr. McIntosh, the Everton secretary, who said I should be wanted to play in the League team on Saturday against Leicester City at Leicester, either inside right or left to Dixie Dean, and wherever they put me," Martin added with a smile. "I don't mind, because I have had a fair turn every position, except in goal, for Hull City."
QUICK BAPTISM.
"It is somewhat remarkable," the popular Scotsman went on to say, that shall begin my First Division career with one of the teams I helped to beat in last season's cup-ties against the team that beat Hull City in this season's competition." In the course of further conversation, Martin said he thought .that his style of play would fit in with the Everton idea, "and hope," he remarked, be able to help Dean create further records in League football." . There is no doubt that Martin was the most consistently effective forward in the Hull City team, for which made his 205 the appearance in League football last Saturday. In these games he scored 54 goals in addition goals obtained in cup-ties. It was his goal in the cup-tie at Anlaby-road last season that created the draw with Everton, and in the second replay he obtained the third and deciding goal which dismissed Everton in extra time at Villa Park. A MEMORABLE GAME.
In these cup-ties he played outside right, but in the decisive frame he went centre forward in the extra half-hour, and won the match. It was doubtless the versatility the Scotsman these games that impressed the Everton officials and caused them make successful overtures for his services desperate bid recover the leadership, and with the championship, _ for which Huddersfield Town are now making the pace very hot.
SCOTTISH CLUB'S DISPUTE.
It was as centre forward that Martin first joined Hull City in October, 1922, being brought from Bo nes? By the then City manager, Mr Harry Lewis. He had previously played for Hamilton Academicals, which was his first club, and some dispute subsequently arose because the Academicals claimed Martin's signature and a right to the transfer fee paid Hull City to Bo'ness. The matter was amicably settled the clubs concerned. Martin in recent seasons has been in much favour with the crowd Anlaby-road, but the Hull spectators have not always treated the Scotsman kindly. Will recalled that in November, 1925, barracking led to his being placed the transfer list at own request, but, fortunately for the club, he reconsidered his decision. Nor was on the transfer, list when Everton, I understand, made some enquiries earlier in the present week, but as these were not immediately followed up, was thought that they had abandoned the quest for Martin's services. The visit paid by McIntosh, the Everton secretary, on Thursday afternoon to Hull was quite unexpected, and no one more surprised than Martin when the nature the official's errand was made known. The Hull City manager, Mr. W. McCracken, was in South-West Yorkshire, and permission for the Everton to approach the player desired was given by the chairman, Dr. Pullan.
EVERTON MONEY FOR CITY.
The amount of the transfer fee has not been divulged. While not in the nature of some of the big " sales " effected Hull City in past, I gather that the Everton cheque is for a substantial figure, out of which Martin will, of course, receive the guaranteed amount due to him connection with the joint benefit was to share later in the season with his fellow Scotsman, "Jock" Gibson. This is the second deal Everton have had with Hull City, the first being the sensational treble transfer seventeen years ago when Tom Browell left Hull City for Everton for £1.650, to be followed three months later by his brother Andy and Joe (" Stanley ") Smith. In all Hull City received £3,100, an amount which was said to record up to that period, 1911. To-day the last day for the transfer except by permission the League authorities, and transfer permitted to clubs in vital positions in any division of the League.

GEORGE MARTIN."
Hull Daily Mail - Saturday 17 March 1928
G for George, one of the best
E for "energy," when put to the test.
O for "opportunity," when he never lacks.
R for "repeating," his famous attacks
G for "gaining" entry into First Division
E for "Everton," and a wise decision.
M for "Martin,: Hull City's joy
A for "always" a broth of a boy;
R for "remembrance: of his clever tricks;
T for "taking" most of the risks;
I for "interest" we shall now take.
N for "nothing" the progress he'll make.
-J.F. Werge. March 16th, 1928.

EVERTON MYSTERY OF TEAM SELECTION.
March 17 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CHOICE FOR LEICESTER GAME DEFERRED UNTIL TODAY.
Everton have a stiff task at Leicester today, and it is understood that their team will not be chosen until just prior to the game. The Filbert-street fellows are pretty dangerous on their own ground, and as they are within easy reach of Everton they will endeavour to strike a blow for a lift up the ladder today. It is difficult to foresee the result here in view of the decision to postpone the selection of the Everton team. Everton's probable team follows, with Leicester's chosen side (kick-off 3.0) Everton: - Hardy, Creswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Bain, Dean Weldon, Troup. Leicester City: - McLaren; Black, Brown, Duncan, Carr, Bishop; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead, Barry.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 March 1928
ATTEMPT TO STOP ROT OF WALTON SIDE
LECIESTER QUICK SIDE
DEAN’S RETURN TO THE VISITORS’ TEAM
By Stork
Everton; Hardy; Cresswell (captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Dean, Weldon, Troup.  Leicester City; McLaren; Black, Brown; Duncan, Carr, Bishop; Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lockhead, Barry.  Referee; Mr. R. Bowie, of Newcastle.  Everton cut their journey to Leicester into two halves, staying at Nottingham last night and travelling up to Leicester this morning.  Martin, the new man just obtained from Hull City, waited the arrival of his new colleagues at Nottingham, and made his debut in the Everton colours- white with blue facings-at inside right, to the exclusion of Easton.  Bain, who gave such a clever display in the junior Derby game on Wednesday, also accompanied the Everton team in case of emergency.  Although rain fell heavily at Nottingham throughout the morning Leicester had missed it; thus the ground was in excellent conditions, and a big crowd was present.  By the way, the new stand which was in course of construction when last Everton visited Filbert-street is now completed, and it offered a great sight and a wonderful increase in accommodation.  This is necessary, too, in view of the semi-final match here in a week’s time.  Leicester made a change in their rearguard, Brown taking the place of Osborne who got a severe cold in his eye.  I understand that Mr. MacIntosh, the Everton secretary, has all the arrangements completed in case of a replay semi-final tie between Huddersfield and Sheffield United at his ground, but I will tell you of those anon.
MEETING HIS MASTER
Cresswell won the toss and accepted the help of what little wind there was.  The City opened at a great pace and when Barry and Kelly got to grips the outside left won the duel and made a perfect centre.  Weldon, however, had dropped back and cleared what should have been a useful chance to the home team.  From the clearance Dean got under way, although he had to travel over to his right-hand side to get away from an interference, but when he came across Bishop, who played along with him in the Inter-League game last Monday, he met his master for once in a way.  The wing men of the Leicester team were so fast and clever that they gave the Everton wing halves much work to do, and it was only through Adcock holding on to the ball just a trifle too long that prevented his inside men from having a smack at Hardy’s charge.  The Everton goal had the narrowest of squeaks when the game was about eight minutes old. Adcock hooked across a surprise centre, which Cresswell appeared to have well covered, but for some cause or another he misjudged the ball and Chandler ran round him like lightning.  Hardy sizing up the position deemed it necessary to leave his goal, but to his consternation he found Cresswell heading the ball high up in the air.  It was a tense moment, for the ball was undoubtedly dropping just underneath the bar when Cresswell flew back and headed out what would have been a certain goal. 
WHAT HARDY MISSED
McLaren, the goalkeeper, had slightly more to do than the Everton custodian, but at the same time it was not the sort of stuff to defeat such a capable man.  The very first time that Hardy was called upon to make a clearance from a direct shooting effort it proved fatal to Everton’s cause.  Adcock was a long way off from goal when he made what I took to be a centre rather than a shot.  It bore no sting, and Hardy was standing right under it and all seemed to be well, but to everybody’s surprise, Hardy failed to get a grip of the ball, which passed between his hands and fell behind him and into the net.  This goal came at the tenth minute, Everton were in no way shaken by this reverse, and they continued to gather round the Leicester goalmouth, but there was still a lack of a decision shot, Weldon sending one over the bar when Dean offered him a rather good opportunity.  Cresswell got across the crowd for what they considered a trip on Hine, but the Everton captain showed great determination a little later when he held up Lockhead, who had dribbled well inside the penalty line, and thus made for himself a typical opening.  McLaren was undoubtedly Dean’s stumbling-block.  He never stayed in goal when he could come out, and it was through these methods that he stopped the leading goal-scorer on more than one occasion.  When Troup, served by Virr, put a ball into the middle, Dean went crashing through with his effort to get the one goal he required to beat the First League record.
MISHAP TO DEAN
He got up so much speed that he was unable to stop himself, and went careering over the wall and amongst the crowd.  He jumped back quickly enough obviously unhurt, but within a few minutes he ran off the field slightly limping, and remained off for a few minutes receiving the trainer’s attention.  He was not long away, however, but when he returned he carried with him a slight limp.  The Everton goal had a narrow escape at the half-hour.  Lockhead, a rare dribbler, had worked for himself an opening, but found his ultimate shot kicked clear by Kelly, Lockhead, however, was able to gain possession from the clearance, and on this occasion he hit a furious drive that rattled against the crossbar and then went out for a goal-kick.  At this stage of the game Leicester were well on top, and the Everton defence had to undergo some stiff work.  The Leicester full-backs were very grim in their work, but a lot of their team strength lay in their half-back line, where Duncan and Bishop in particular served up some glorious stuff to their forwards.  Dean must have been hurt more than most of us had imagined, for I have never before seen him fail to go for the ball when there was a possible or even a half chance.  He did this when Troup slipped one through for him, the like of which in most cases he would have had in the net.  Just after this Dean beckoned to Weldon to go into the centre, Troup also moving a step inward, to allow Dean to go to outside left. 
CHEER FOR CRESSWELL
Some of Cresswell’s work was of twenty-two caret; in fact, he got quite an ovation for the way he once got himself out of a difficulty by a simple header back to his goalkeeper.  Dean made one of his superb headers which McLaren caught confidently and well.  With about two minutes remaining for play Adcock missed a sitter when he failed to catch a corner kick full in the face.  Hardy made a good catch from Hine, and that was practically the last incident of note in the first half. 
Half-time; Leicester City 1, Everton 0.
DEAN CHANGES HIS PALCE THROUGH MISHAP
EARLY GOAL BY ADCOCK
LECIESTER CITY WIN BY ONE GOAL TO NIL
Adcock, for Leicester, scored the only goal at the tenth minute, Hardy unaccountably missing the shot.
Dean met with a mishap, and went to the outside left position for a while.
During the interval I learned that Dean had strained a muscle in the thigh, but when the team resumed he went back into his old position at centre forward.  In the very first minute of the second half, Bishop and Barry initiated a movement that was only ruined when Chandler slashed out at a centre and lifted it high over the bar.  It was a charming opening for a centre forward with a cool head.  From this point Everton enjoyed a few minutes of attack, mainly through their wing men, Critchley and Troup who each sent in some good centres.  However, the only shot that McLaren was called upon to take was one from Dean, which did not bear its customary power, for he (Dean) had failed to get hold of it aright through being on the half turn just as he was about to shoot.  The rival right backs Black and Cresswell, were playing grand defensive football, but Weldon was again right out of touch with his shooting. 
SHADOWED BY CARR.
Carr, the Leicester centre half, had one mission to perform, that of shadowing Dean, and it must be admitted that he accomplished the task with considerable credit.  Never for one moment was he more than the length of a bootlace away from Dean, the result being that the Everton centre forward never got a real chance, except when it came to a heading bout.  Dean, however, nearly broke the record when critchly, after making a fine dribbler and solo dribble and run, made a perfect centre, which dean took in his own inimitable style.  It looked a goal all over, for Dean had strided the ball away from McLaren, who appeared to be well beaten, but at the last moment, with arm out-stretched he edged the ball away from goal- a truly magnificent save.  Critchly was playing gamely.  He often defeated Bishop and Brown to a frazzle, running between them like a hare, and when he centred there was always danger to the Leicester defence, which, as it happened was the City’s strongest point, McLaren in particular stamping himself as a goalkeeper of more than ordinary ability.  It was all Everton for a period, but they could not clinch their field work with a goal.  The Leicester forwards could not be said to be any too clever when it came to shooting, for they had inumnerous opportunities, only to send them high over the crossbar. 
A HELP TO CRITCHLEY
Much of Martin’s work could only be seen by close scrutiny, for he did most of it in a quiet sort of way; yet it was very effective, and as a result Critchley was seen at his best.  A Leicester defender nearly brought about disaster to his own goalkeeper through standing in his light just as he was about to pick up a ball coming from the right wing.  O’Donnell was knocked out just as he was about to pick up the ball from the right wing.  Hardy was responsible for another charming save when Lockhead from a trifle more than eighteen yards out of goal drove in a shot something similar to that which he had hit the crossbar in the first session.  This time Hardy punch it up and cleared the danger.  Dean went near with a header, so near, in fact, that McLaren had to punch it over to get rid of it.  Dean, with a desire to work the ball over to his left boot, wasted a possible opening, whilst Critchley screwed a shot when Weldon “placed” him.  Final; Leicester City 1, Everton 0. 

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 March 1928
Both sides played hard and well with Everton the more penetrative to a degree, but Bury, after a slow start improved to such an extent that they gave the home defence some grueling spasms and they were the more dangerous in front of goal.  Everton lacked cohesion, and were too stereotyped in their play.  Harrison made a number of good saves, an effort from Easton being the more praiseworthy although Griffiths was always willing to try a long shot.  Meston got little of the ball to show his true worth.  Gale, leading the Bury attack, proved a very dangerous attacker when in possession.  Griffiths in defence, was as good as ever.  Halt-time; No score. 

STUB MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 March 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

LEICESTER CITY 1 EVERTON 0
March 19 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
DEAN IN THE WARS.
EVERTONIAN'S PLUCKY IN LEICESTER DISASTER.
Leicester City won by a lucky goal, the only goal in their home match with Everton. Thus Everton have not scored a single goal in their last four games. Leicester were considerably assisted in their victory by the fact that Dean, the Everton leader, strained the muscles in his right leg early in the game, and although he played on pluckily he was prevented from shooting with his right foot, and was just made that little bit slower by his injury which prevented him from scoring. The goal was scored after ten minutes' play. Adcock took a wide pass from Chandler, beat O'Donnell, and sent in a high dropping shot, which he evidently intended as a centre. The ball was carried by the wind to the far end of the goal. Hardy sprang forward to save, but apparently took his eye off the ball to look at Chandler rushing him with the result that the ball went between his hands into the back of the net. Prior to this, Dean several times had looked like scoring with spirited rushes, only to be foiled by the Leicester goalkeeper, who adopted the right tactics in repeatedly leaving his goal to intercept both centres and forward passes. Then came the injury to Dean, who until the interval played outside left, returning to the centre-forward position in the second half.
WRONG TACTICS AGAIN.
The Everton front line was sadly disjointed in the first half, but improved later. They did most of the attacking in the second half, but once again they adopted the wrong tactics in expecting too much from dean, who playing with a damaged right leg, was not as trustful as usual. Still he had hard lines on one occasion, meeting a centre from Troup with his head and diverting it goalwards. It would have beaten most goalkeepers, but not McLaren, who was seen at his best. Adcock missed the best chance of the match in the closing stages, having a clear run for goal, only to place behind when nearing Hardy. It was a keen game, full of fast and interesting football. Everton played better than in their last two games, but still their forwards left much to be desired. The new player, Martin from Hull City, certainly improved the line. He played with great dash and determination, and provided Critchley with many neat passes. Unfortunately he did not reveal shooting powers. Weldon worked hard, but is still completely off colour, and neither Critchley nor Troup were seen at their best. All three of the Everton halves worked hard, but they repeatedly found themselves beaten by the Leicester wing forwards, as also did Cresswell and O'Donnell. Hardy except for the one mistake he made played a sound game. Teams : - Leicester City: - McLaren, goal, Black and Brown, backs, Duncan, Carr and Bishop, half-backs, Adcock, Hine, Chandler, Lochhead and Barry, forwards. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart and Virr half-backs, Critchley, Martin Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 0 BURY RESERVES 0
March 19 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 32)
After a grand first half the game deteriorated considerably and the Everton forwards never looked like scoring. Bury had the more convincing attack, but they frittered away some glorious openings. Meston, the Blues' recent wing acquisition saw little of the ball, while Lewis on the opposite wing was weak. Griffiths was in great form both in attack and defence, and was easily the outstanding exponent on the Everton side. Houghton and Lewis received injuries, the latter being carried off ten minutes from the end. Everton: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Bain, Wilkinson, Houghton and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTONS SLUMP
Athletic News - Monday 19 March 1928
MASTERY OF DEAN
LEICESTER CITY 1, EVERTON 0
By Roman
Watching Leicester’s game with Everton, it was difficult to realise that the season is a long way from being spent and that the sides in opposition have still designs on the championship.  Both will have to play better to prevent Huddersfield from having a walk-over.  It was a disappointing match, especially from two teams that have maintained leading positions in the League race by skilful football and cleverly conducted styles of play.  Much of the play fell far below accepted standards.  Recent reverses and the importance of the game seemed to be reflected in the general lack of coolness, which would have produced better results.  It is a long time since I have seen a game in which the contestants relied so much on hitting the ball hard at all angles, instead of trying to control it.  Everton resorted to this unusual game to an even greater extent than Leicester.  Their defenders with the exception of Hart, persisted in sending the ball lustily towards goal and trusting to Dean’s speed to do the rest, but it was not one of Dean’s days.  He had a mishap quite early, when he finished a headlong rush by falling among the crowd at the back of the goal, and, after straining a muscle in an attempt to kick the ball, he played out the first half at outside left.  Later be resumed his usual position, but with Carr keeping a persistent watch on him England’s centre-0forward had a lean time.
HARDY’S LAPSE.
Still, there was not a great deal to choose between the teams, and the deciding factor and Leicester’s greater steadiness in defence.  It was a lapse by Hardy which let City score the one and only goal of the match ten minutes after the start.  Adcock lobbed the ball into the goalmouth more apparently with the intention of providing an opening for another than to score direct.  Everton’s goalkeeper let it go between his upraised hands.  There were other occasions when chances were provided which they could not turn to account.  Hardy was unconvincing in his efforts to deal with the ball when in the air, and Leicester should have taken toll.  The attack, however, was uneven.  The left-wing sparkled but the right flank was variable and Chandler could make little impression against Hart’s keen tackling.  Barry was outstanding.  At times he fairly danced around Cresswell, and he sent over scarcely a bad centre.  Lockhead provided the only shooting worthy of note and once hit the crossbar, but, like Everton, Leicester were not very dangerous at close quarters, even though they received better support from their half-backs.  A feature of the half-backs’ work was Carr’s display, for although he set out to shadowed Dean, and at times lay even behind his own full-backs to do so, he still managed to get as good passes through to his forwards as anybody in the game.  With Dean ineffective Everton certainly revealed limitations in attack.  There was hardly any punch at all in the first half.  Often the forwards pulled up too quickly before a chance had disappeared.  Hefty kicking from behind seemed to give them the impression that the ball could not be reached. 
DEAN’S PASSIVE MOOD
Afterwards there was more life in Everton’s attack, but it still lacked deadiness Dean, for once, was in a incur to leave matters to someone else rather than rely on his own hustle and finish.  It must be a long time since he has either headed or passed back from the goalmouth as he did in this game.  Even so he got within an ace of an equalizer with a header.  It was only a masterly save by McLaren that deprived Dean of success.  Leicester’s goalkeeper, indeed, played a big part in the victory by his anticipation and sure handling and with the full-backs he represented the most consistent department.  The full backs improved greatly after an uncertain opening, and Black once he had got the measure of Everton’s left wing pair allowed them little latitude.  Critchley was the best of the visiting forwards.  Martin, the new man, combined with him very well in midfield, but like the rest of the visitors’ forwards had no finish.  Leicester City;- McLaren; Black, Brown; Duncan, Carr, Bishop; Adcock, Hines, Chandler, Lochhead, and Barry.  Everton; Hardy; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon, and Troup.  Referee; Mr. R. Bowie, Newcastle. 

LETTERS
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 19 March 1928
Sir- I should like to ask Hull A.F.C. directors if they want a change from Second Division football?  By their action in transferring G. Martin, I think they do, but into the Third Division and not First.  If Hull City would try to get two fast wingers and a scoring centre forward they would have a class forward line, for to my mind we had two of the best inside forwards in the second Division.  Look at all the best teams in all leagues, and you will find their forward lines the same as I ask Hull City to try and het, re two clever inside forwards, goal scoring centre-forward and two fast clever wingers.  In closing I should also like to correct “Veritas” on his article about Martin’s transfer he states that martin played outside right in the cup-ties against Everton last season., I think if my memory serves me right, he played inside left at Anlaby-road and A. Horne, who has been transferred from Southend to Manchester City this week, was outside right- I am, Sir, etc., FORWARD LINE, Hull, 16th march 1928. 

EVERTON’SEARNEST SHOW BUT NO GOAL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 March 1928
EVERTON SLIPPING
BY Stork
Everton are going through a phase of their existence which comes to all clubs in turn.  Up to Christmas when they were fortunate enough to keep the same team week after week, they were undoubtedly the best side in the country. M this was not my decision alone, but the words of many of the most shrewd judges throughout the length and breadth of England; since the turn of the year, however, there has been a steady decline, and now they are just an ordinary side, lucky in having as leader a man of the calibre of Dean, and even he has not scored a League goal for several weeks, but there can be no gainsaying his worth to the Goodison Park club.  This was made apparent in the game with Leicester City when he had to go to outside left through an injury to his thigh.  From that moment there was no spirit, no shot, and no semblance of combination in the line, and only on his return did McLaren have anything to do.  This is, indeed a glowing tribute to Dean’s power, and is not very complimentary to the rest of the line, but that is, unfortunately the truth.  Dean’s injury, I hope it is not as bad as it appears, upset the whole “kabboosh,” and along with a lucky goal scored by Adock, gave Leicester the victory in a game in which the main feature was lack of shooting.  Recalling the game to mind, I cannot cite one case where McLaren was in difficulties from any other Everton forward than Dean.  I felt sorry for Weldon; he tried hard enough to find his lost shooting power, but it was of no avail, moist of his efforts speeding over the bar or aside the posts.  He has lost confidence, and is obviously worried about it, and that does not tend to make it any better for himself. Martin, the newcomer, did not shine in a shooting sense, either, but I liked the way he plied Critchley, Dean, and Troup, and this on his first association with the team.  It bodies well for the future, and I he can find a shot or two to help along his field work, Dean will get a respite that he much needs.
THE WINNING GOAL
It was heartbreaking to think that Everton should be beaten by such a goal as that which gained the City the day.  Hardy would not be beaten once in ten by such another, for Adcock’s centre never suggested that it would culminate in a goal.  Whether the wind –it blew in gusts –altered the direction of the ball, only Hardy knows.  At all events he was waiting the ball’s arrival, and appeared to have it well covered, but at the last moment the ball dropped between his hand and fell behind him into the net.  What had happened? That was what we had to ask ourselves, but there was no answer.  Hardy could have been forgiven of he had gone to piece afterwards, but he did no such thing; in fact, he almost botted out of the memory that one lapse by keeping a grand goal throughout the rest of the match.  Leicester’s wing men, Adcock and Barry, were an awkward pair, for they were so fast and elusive, and Kelly and Virr had a worrying time when these little fellows set off on the run.  Their very lack of inches was a drawback to men of the height of Virr and Kelly, who could not handle them like they would a man of their own size.  Barry and Adcock were the best part of the City’s attack, and if their inside colleagues, Chandler and Hine (Lochhead was not nearly so remiss in front of goal), had been as effective with their shooting as the wing men were with their centre Leicester would have had a few more goals.  While on the subject of centres I must take it known that Troup and Critchley put in some glorious ones.  The latter, to my mind, was the best of the Everton forwards.  He left such a good man as Bishop hopelessly in the rear, and later on rarely failed to dispose of Brown, who, however, had a great partner in Black. 
McLAREN AND DEAN
The great man of the Leicester side, however, was McLaren.  Here is a keeper who is not short of ideas.  He knew, possibly Bishop primed him, that to stay in goal when Dean was about was asking for trouble, and it was his anticipation in “leaving home” and getting to the ball before Dean which enabled him to make so many saves.  He would not let Dean get his head to the ball if he had anything to do with it, but he was nearly beaten by a header when Critchley gave Dean one of his “particulars.”  Dean flicked it sideways, and McLaren looked to be well beaten, but his length of arm saved the situation –it was a mighty effort.  Cresswell and O’Donnell were very sure, particularly the captain, whose intelligence got him out of many a difficult predicament.  Hart kept a close watch on Chandler, who has fallen off a lot since he was considered for international caps. 

CUP-TIE AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 20 March 1928
Bee’s Notes though neither Everton nor New Brighton have selected their teams to meet in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Goodison Park tomorrow (Kick-off 3.15), I have word from the secretaries of both clubs that strong teams will be placed in the field.  Everton make their selection this evening, but the New Brighton side will be chosen until just prior to the match.  The Liverpool Cup appeals to all players because of the handsome medal it brings to the winners and runner-up, so there is every indication that a keen game will be witnessed at Goodison Park. 

THIS IS ABOUT THE SECOND TEAM IN THE LEAGUE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 21 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
My first offence (says “Old Supporter”), I thrust you will find room for this expression of opinion, re the Everton F.C., I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to the E.F.C, directorate on their complete success in the long and ardous task of handing over the League leadership to a more deserving club.  When one reads, in your notes, official excuses re clubs’ unwillingness to part with players when sought for, one is confirmed in the view that such officials do not know their job.  How responsible club officials could expect to go through a season with so few first-class players as the E.F.C, have tried to do, and so dismally failed, passes the comprehension of us unimportant people, who are only desired for out “bobs.”  But what mismanagement of the man!  The only first-class reserve forward was the one so unsatisfactory to the club that it was essential to obtain an ex-Liverpool player to displace him.  When a goalkeeper was required through injury, the club played the one who was not appearing even in the reserve team.  When a centre half was needed at Cardiff, the international reserve player was left at home with the second eleven, and a man moved to a totally unaccustomed position.  Again, having obtained a new forward, why drop the best inside forward in the Portsmouth match, and keep in the team one who has for some time been a source of weakness?  When a club needs players badly the price goes up, naturally and when Everton need is a new board, who know talent and get it before the time of dire need arrives, and having obtained it use it to the best advantage.  None of these qualifications is possessed by the E.F.C., directorate. 

EVERTON RESERVES 3 NEW BRIGHTON 1
March 22 nd 1928. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
Everton Reserves won against Third Division opponents just as readily as the score indicates. New Brighton started well enough, and although a goal down in five minutes through French, fought back so strongly that soon Laycock levelled the matter with a header, that went to the right of Davie's outstretched hand. Having done this much, however, they seemed to think that was all that was required of them. Roberts did not accept a gilt-edged chance made possible by Dickie and with Howson lapsing momentarily, French headed past Mehaffy after the ball had come back off the bar. Wilkinson added a third point before the interval and completed the scoring. Everton as indicated, deserved their success and now met Tranmere Rovers in the final. The winners strongest point was defence. Davies, Kennedy, and Common dealt ably with everything that came their way. They had, however, an excellent trio of halves in front of them, and it was mainly due to Brown, Griffiths and Rooney that so little was seen of the New Brighton attack. Roberts especially had an off afternoon as a result of Griffiths keenness. French not only scored a couple of goals, but distributed the ball with excellent judgement. He had clever inside wingers in Wilkinson and Easton and with Meston, the quartette should develop into a resolute attack. Mehaffy kept a good goal for New Brighton, despite being beaten three times, one save from Easton in particular being cleverly made. He was ably supported by Jock McDonald, the old Everton back, who resumed acquaintance with the scene of many triumphs. Forward the extreme wingers, Dickie and Whitter caught the eye most: - Everton Res: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy backs, Brown, Griffiths and Rooney half-backs, Meston, Easton, French, Wilkinson, and Kendrick, forwards. New Brighton: - Mehaffy, goal, Howson and McDonald, backs, Beattie, Reid and Morrison, half-backs, Whitter, Sanderson, Roberts, Laycock and Dickie, forwards.

EVERTON TEAM CHNGES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 March 1928
DAVIES AND BAIN TO PLAY- WELDON DROPPED
Everton have made important changes in their side to meet Derby County at Goodison Park.  Davies goes into goal in place at Hardy and Bain comes in at inside right, Martin taking inside left position, to the exclusion of Weldon.  The team as rearranged will be; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Bain, Dean, Martin, and Troup.  Everton Reserves X1 v. Sheffield United, at Bramell-lane, is;- Hardy; Common, Kennedy; Brown, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Easton, French, Wilkinson, and Kendrick.

WEE OR MIGHTY?
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
I have read with interest (says “Stevey”) the letters from your various readers for years.  I notice if either of our local clubs are not carrying all before them you get a string of letters from supporters making all kinds of suggestions, such as “Sack the lot,” of “Why don’t Everton, or Liverpool, sign on so-and-so?” I notice when they are nagging at Liverpool they are leaving Everton alone, and vice versa.  The latest growl is at Everton, to the effect that the inside forwards are too small, and why don’t the club sign big men, and that little men are useless in present-day football.  They have certainly rammed home their argument, for I noticed that you are now saying that the players are too small, and in your report on the Portsmouth match you said the Everton forward line had no chance against the big Portsmouth defenders.  Now, personally, I don’t blame the small man as much as the whole team in general.  If the half backs know they are playing with a small forward line in front of them why don’t they play accordingly, and keep the ball low and feed the men in front with ground passes?  If they are going to balloon the ball the forwards will never get goals in a month of Sundays; but give the wee fellow a nice ground pass and you will soon see whether he can shoot.  For instance, when Weldon played for Airdrie he was scoring goals almost every week.  Everton signed him at a big fee, and in my opinion, he paid for his transfer in his first match, against Leeds United.  Had they lost that match Everton would now be fighting to get back into the First Division.  I feel sure that if Everton play football, and not balloon ball, especially when feeding the left wing, both Weldon and Troup will show how they score goals in Scotland, and Dean would get the support he deserves.  Don’t look for big men to play each side of Dean.  Everton have got the players, and I would far rather seen a nippy little player than a big stiff

EVERTON SIGN A FORWARD
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 March 1928
Everton have to-day signed Jones, of Bournemouth, the clever young forward, inside right of a footballing family, which included Ivor Jones, who played for West Bromwich Albion.  Jones is only nineteen years old, and has seen service with Methyr Town.  He is 5ft 7in, in height, and weighs 10 ½ stone.  He is reckoned one of the cleverest of the young Welsh school. 

EVERTON NEW FORWARD.
March 23 rd 1928. The Daily Courier.
Jones, Bournemouth and Boscombe's inside right, signed on yesterday by Everton, is the youngest brother of Ivor Jones, the Welsh International. The new Blue is 19 years of age, 5ft 7in, and weighs 10st 7lb, and has made a reputation as a clever forward.
DEAN ALL RIGHT AGAIN.
Features of Everton's chosen, published in the later editions of the Daily Courier yesterday are Davies for Hardy in goal, Bain at inside right and Martin at inself-left. There was a possibility that Dean might not play owing to his leg injury, but he has improved under skilled treatment and, of course has been chosen. The Everton Resevres team to visit Sheffield United Reserves will be: - Hardy, Common, Kennedy, Brown, Griffith, Rooney; Meston, Easton, French, Wilkinson, and Kendrick.

EVERTON V DERBY COUNTY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
LEAGUE MATTERS GROW INTERESTING
In League matters there is much to enjoy, much to annoy (so far as managers are concerned), and much to perturb (so far as spectators fans are concerned).  Everton, having slipped up at home for some time now, and having failed to get the goal of their high calling and desire, are at home to Derby County, whom they have already beaten at a time when Cooper dropped out early on through severe injury that led to an operation. Derby have come on lumps since George Stephenson joined them, and it is no cert that Everton will win to-morrow, although with Martin making his home debut in the League series, the crowd is sure to be big; and there is another engaging matter about goal-getting that is an everlasting draw to Goodison enthusiasts.  Derby have got out of the danger zone; and Everton, with just a shade of a chance of a championship in case Huddersfield lose the games with clubs at the foot of the chart, should find plenty of encouragement to go through with the work on hand right to the bitter end.  These are the teams;- Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Bain, Dean, Martin, Troup.  Derby County; Wilks; Carr, Collins; McIntyre, Davison, Storer; Crooks, Whitehouse, Bedford, Stephenson, Stephenson, Mee. 
FINAL AT GOODISON
An interesting game will take place at Goodison Park on Monday next, kick-off 3.0, between Collegiate School and Wallasey Grammer School.  Both teams have had a most successful season and the meeting in the final of the Secondary School Challenge Shield should produce a keen game.

DEAN’S GOAL-TOLL –OFFICIAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 March 1928
COLLECTION OF POINTS IN REPRESENTATION FOOTBALL- BY ENGLAND CENTRE
Today, after a fortnight’s suspense, dean got the one goal that gave him the honour of record scorer in the First Division of the League.  He scored his 44th League goal to-day, and thus passed the 43 scored by Harper, of Blackburn Rovers.  The goal scored by Dean in club and representative games are as follow;-
English League ……………………..44
F.A Cup Ties……………………………3
Inter-League games………………..4
Blackpool (Hospital Cup)………..5
Continental Tour English F.A….9
Fleetwood Disaster match……..4
F.A trial at West Bromwich…….3
F.A trial at Middlesbrough……..5
Inter-League Match at Ibrox….2
                                       Total…..79
Some total!  And the sum total of all these goals is that the critics of the world have come to the conclusion that he is the best centre the game has known-which is what Liverpool have been saying for some seasons.
RECORD-BREAKING GOAL V. DERBY COUNTY
Dean, the Everton centre, had scored almost 100 goals this season in all matches, but today he set the seal on First Division football with a lead on Harper (of Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday), who had been the previous “holder.”  Camsell, the Middlesbrough centre-forward, holds the record for the English League (all divisions), his 59 in Second Division series being untouched.  Dean may yet break that figure.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Bain, Dean, Martin, Troup.  Derby County; Wilkes; Carr, Collin; McIntyre, Davison, Storer, Crooks, Whitehouse, Bedford, Stephenson (J.), Mee.  Referee; Mr. G.T. Davies, of Bury.  The mid-day rain spoiled the attendance for the Derby County game at Goodison Park, and the ground was very greasy.  Everton player Martin, of Hull, at inside left, this being his home debut.  Everton got a poor reception for a team which has some chance of giving Huddersfield a run for the championship.  Bain offered a pass to Critchley in the first minute and when he received a return he seemed to take the ball too confidently and placed it too square to be of use to anyone.  Derby went straight away, and Whitehouse, who caught Cresswell and O’Donnell in two minds, went through on his own to deliver a cross shot, which Davies pushed away and Cresswell cleared from practically off the goal-line.  Critchley took a nice pass from Dean, yet pushed the ball up so far that Collin cannoned the ball away for a corner, from which Dean found the ball travel a trifle too high for his liking.  Martin had a fair chance of scoring from an awkward angle, but timed the ball badly and shot outside.  It was sprightly football, and Everton did their fair share of attacking early on. 
THE COUNTY’S METHODS
Derby were inclined to over-elaborate especially on the right wing while Crooks and Whitehouse both beat their side by playing pretty-pretty football when plain stuff would have sufficed.  Strange to say, this was the fault of Troup at this point, for after receiving a perfect pass from his partner, he lost the ball after beating his man in good style.  Martin followed this move with a lovely lofty pass to Dean, but the movement came to nothing through an offside judgment.  It was noticeable that Cresswell took no chances, and twice put the ball into touch when there was a slight chance of giving the forwards some work to do.  However, he made a great clearance of a ball headed into the air by himself, and Everton went on pushing the ball into the middle without getting much change from Davison, who possibly gives Dean three inches in height.  Bedford missed a great chance by screwing round the ball, and Bain, with long pass, gave Critchley one more chance, to put the ball across, the wingman being lucky to find the ball stay in play at all.  Bain was doing fairly well, and certainly did not lack life or liveliness.  He gave Critchley innumerable chances, but the latter made a sorry mess of all the good work.  Virr saved a certain goal by chasing alongside Whitehouse, when the inside man got a nice up-the-middle pass, which left a clear course to goal.
COUNTY TWO UP
Bedford scored for Derby after seventeen minutes.  Davis punched away to the left, O’Donnell headed the ball towards the corner, and Crooks placed it back to Bedford, who put the ball into the net in no uncertain manner.  This was followed by another point from Stephenson, who scored a great goal with his head, and received due reward from the crowd.  Mee tried very hard to get rid of the shadow, Kelly, who struck to his man and rarely allowed him the latitude of Crooks on the other side of the field.  Derby’s exhibition of tip-tapping the ball had given place to something much more direct; very few shooting opportunities were neglected, and Everton were rather fortunate in not becoming a further goal down as a result of Bedford’s shot, which Davies could not hold and which passed the post at a fair speed after the goalkeeper had touched it.  Critchley certainly had an off day; he could neither centre nor pass Storer.  Everton’s failure at getting the ball into goal almost moved the crowd to tears, as first one and then another failed to get the full face of the boot to the ball.  Derby defended strongly, and looked like holding what they had. 
DEAN BREAKS RECORD
Dean broke the scoring record for the First Division by getting Everton’s first goal at the thirty-fifth minute.  He got his chance through Hart joining in the band of mis-kickers and screwing the ball to him so that he could place it to the left of Wilkes.  Everton roused up after this, and Dean was only just wide with a strong shot.  Half-time; Everton 1, Derby County 2. 
DEAN’S FEAT
EVERTON’S PLAYERS NEW FIGURES
LEAGUE RECORD; 45!
Bedford and Stephenson each scored early for the County.  Then Dean followed by breaking the scoring record of the League First Division.  He scored again immediately after the interval.  There was more than a rumour of apprehension when Liverpool’s half-time score appeared on the register.  Before the Derby directors had come back from the interval siesta their side had lost their two goals lead.  Dean scored the second after being blocked out at the first time of asking, and the game thus became very open again.  Critchley was off for a while with an injury he received from Collin, and Derby got away on the right, only to find O’Donnell make a good recovery and finish with an acrobatic touch at the corner flag.  Dena mentally kicked himself for being in the way of a shot from Virr, when a clear passage of the ball would have given the home team the lead.  There was some feeling in the game and the crowd did not readily forget Critchley’s injury, when Storer and Kelly got at loggerheads.  Hart brought down Mee very flagrantly and the free-kick provided trouble until O’Donnell made a peculiar shuffle with the ball and got it away.  Everton were now definitely on top, and it seemed only a question of how long Derby’s defence could stand up to their excessively long attacks before yielding the winning goal.  Dean nearly got through for a “hat trick” but the whistle had gone for offside.  It was still as much as Everton could cope with to deal with Derby’s unfrequent raids.  Final; Everton 2, Derby County 2. 

SHEFFIELD UTD RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 March 1928
At Bramall-lane, before 6,000 spectators.  The visitors were a goal down after only five minutes’ play.  Oakton scoring cleverly from a centre by Stevenson.  Everton replied hotly, Kendrick striking the post, with Turnbull beaten.  The visitors’ goal had some narrow escapes before Santly added a second, after 35 minutes, but straight from the kick-off Easton reduced the arrears.  Half-time; Sheffield United Res 2, Everton Res 1. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 March 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTONIAN’S HAT-TRICK IN DRAW AT LANE
Star Green 'un - Saturday 24 March 1928
CENTRAL LEAGUE
UNITED RES. PULLED BACK
United Reserves were engaged with Everton Reserves in a Central league match at Bramall Lane this afternoon.  The visitors transferred Easton from inside right to centre-forward in place of French, Jones, a new acquisition, taking Easton’s place.  United made no change.  Teams; Sheffield United Reserves; Turnbull; Webster, and Coyles; Williams, Davis, and Gonney; Oakton, Boyle, Shankley, Kennedy, and Stevenson.  Everton reserves; Hardy; Common, and Kennedy; Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney;  Meston, Jones, Easton, Wilkinson, and Kendrick.  Referee; Mr. F. Smith (Burnley).  Before 6,000 spectators.  United won the toss, and kicked towards the Shoreham Street goal.  Enterprising play by Gooney set the home forwards going in promising fashion; but the Everton Kennedy robbed Boyle and cleared.  After five minutes’ play a similar move by United brought a goal, for this time the ball was taken up the field, and Oakton scored a good goal from a very acute angle.  Boyle met the ball on the run, and with a tremendous drive sent it a foot over the bar.  At the other end Turnbull made an excellent save from Kendrick, who shot from only eight yards out.  SHANKLY scored a second goal after 35 minutes’ play.  Oakton operated well on the wing, an, with an equally good centre, left the centre-forward with the easiest of chances.  Straight from the kick-off Everton swept up the field and EASTON reduced united’s lead.  Half-time; Sheffield United Reserves 2, Everton reserves 1
Some time later Shankly was again pulled up for offside and straight from the flag kick there was another goal, EASTON beating the home backs to equalize.  Ten minutes from time STEVENSON put United ahead again, but two minutes later EASTON once more equalized, this completing his “hat trick.”  Result; Sheffield United Res 3, Everton Res 3. 

EVERTON 2 DERBY COUNTY 2
March 26 th 1928. The Daily Courier
DEAN BECOMES THE PREMIER FIRST DIVISION SHARPSHOOTER
The joy bells were set ringing at Goodison Park when Dean, the famous goal hunter scored his 45 th League goal, and thus becomes the record scorer in the First Division of the League, taking the title from Harper, of Blackburn, with his 43 . Camsell, the Middlesbrough centre-forward, of course, still holds the record for the English League (all divisions) his 59 in the Second Division still standing as a record. Dean, has, of course scored a great bunch of goals besides in representative and club games. This time he found the route to goal particularly difficult, for he was closely patrolled, with Tommy Davison, the sleuth in chief, who looks after the centre forward all the time. His second was a really great goal. The Rams deserved their lead in the first half for Everton gave the impression of regarding them too lightly. It was not until well after the County obtained their two goals in quick succession that Everton realised the urgent necessity of making everything tight and snug. Crooks is little more than a youth, but he is a born footballer, and was a real danger on the Rams' right wing. It was he who gave the chance to Bedford, the ex-Forest and Blackpool “star” who beat Davies just after the goalkeeper had punched clear. Bedford was a brainy leader, and Hart patrolled him closely, but Virr and Kelly were not up to their best standard. Then Skipper Storer scored the Rams second goal. The international was largely the brains of his side and his constructive work was notable. Things were going awry for Everton before Dean obtained his goal near the interval, and the second half saw a turning in the tide, but the forwards' clock did not tick properly. There was such coming and going in front of goal, but little concerted action, and far from being able to breathe triumph, Everton had to be thankful with another goal by dean to keep his first in the initial half company. Martin, the ex-Hull City man impressed favourably, writes a Daily Courier representative. He had a knack of opening out the game, could draw a man and pass the ball. Possibly he will prove deadlier in front goal. On this occasion Troup was not at his best, and on the other wing Critchley and Bain did not have a good afternoon. Bain has the enthusiasm and he was better than some material we have seen in the inside perth, but he will have to do better in passing and shooting although he was unlucky with one close up hook shot. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Bain, Dean, Martin, and Troup, forwards. Derby County: - Wilkes, goal, Carr and Collins, backs, McIntyre, Davision, and Storer (captain), half-backs, Crooks, Whitehouse, Bedford, J. Stephenson, and Mee, forwards.

SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 3
March 26 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
At Brammell-Lane. Easton at centre-forward, preformed the hat-trick. United quickly became two up through Oakton and Shantley, but Easton reduced the deficit just before the interval. Later Easton equalised, Stevenson putting United ahead for Easton to again score. Everton team: - Hardy, goal, Common, and Kennedy backs, Brown Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, French, Easton, Wilkinson, and Kendrick, forwards.

DEAN TOPS CENTURY
Athletic News - Monday 26 March 1928
But Everton Recede In Race For The Champion
Everton 2 Derby County 2
By JUNIUS.
EVERTON lost further ground in championship race by conceding point Derby County, who thereby moved a step away from the relegation zone. Chief interest match from a local standpoint centred round the home forward line, in which Martin and Bain were making their first appearance of the season at Goodison. In Martin, the ex-Hull City player, Everton have secured inside forward who at once dropped into the Goodison team’s scheme of attack. He responded well to all that was asked him, and not only provided Troup with accurate passes, but flung the ball across to the other flank when there were better prospects of advancement.  Bain did not settle down to the inside-right position until late in the game, when he improved upon a rather moderate display in the first half.  The County forwards, by accurate passing and quick movement, always suggested danger. They held the ball and used it well, early on a slip by Cresswell might have brought disaster.
TWO SWIFT GOALS.
At the outset they did not finish well, but as the game progressed they began to locate Davies, and at the end of twenty minutes Crooks returned a ball cleared by the goalkeeper for Bedford to head into the net.  Within a minute Stephenson headed the County’s second point from a pass by McIntyre, and Everton’s discomfiture seemed complete.  The County forwards became more enthusiastic, striving and struggling to increase their lead, but when Dean reduced the margin in the thirty-eight minute he restored confidence in the Goodison side.  Everton got the equalizer within thirty seconds from the resumption, when Dean snapped up a pass from Critchley to beat Wilkes.  This was his 100th League goal for the club.  The bulk of the play in the second half was favourable to Everton, but marksmanship was poor, that of Troup especially, for he had at least two chances from easy positions.  Dean had few opportunities for he was ably patrolled by Davison.  He found the net a third time, but was just a shade offside.  His first goal put life into the Everton attack, and his colleagues from that point played like men refreshed. 
Critchley’s Craft
Crithcley was the most aggressive home forward in the first half, though in Storer he met a half-back tenacious, crafty and clever.  Still, the wing player had his successful periods.  In Crooks and Mee the County had two clever raiders who caused much anxiety to both O’Donnell and Cresswell, the former being the best back on view, especially under pressure, and that was frequent during a period when Virr was not up to his usual level of efficiency.  Bedford, despite the close attention Hart kept on his movements, led the line ably, while Stephenson and Mee repeatedly kept Kelly at full stretch.  There was little to choose between the respective half-back divisions, but that little favoured the Derby trio, who were the more constructive in their methods and passed with greater accuracy.  Behind capable full backs, who were rarely found wanting, both Wilks and Davies the latter displacing Hardy, accomplished good work.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Bain, Dean, Martin, and Troup.  Derby County; Wilkes; Carr, Collins; McIntyre, Davison, Storer; Crooks, Whitehouse, Bedford, Stephenson, and Mee.  Referee; Mr. G.T. Davies, Bury. 

DEAN’S RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Monday 26 March 1928
Dixie did it!  The record scoring figure- 43 goals- went by the board on Saturday in the Derby game, when his 100th goal for the Everton Club brought him his 45th point this season.  Needless to say, the goals were of the type that few other players could have obtained, and what is more important, they more important, they equalized two goals by which Derby led after the eighteenth minutes.  There was plenty of interest in this game spite the fact that Derby had practically cleared up any danger which threatened them in a relegation sense.  The visiting side played good stuff; confident stuff too and football which showed us how they came to make that surprising performance of the previous Saturday, when they drew with Huddersfield.  They certainly did not deserve to lose, although they came near enough to doing so in a thrilling closing phrase in which Everton, after being two down, made a fine effort to take both points.  At first Derby, by their penetrativeness and speed and general smartness, had rather more of the game, but later Everton came into their own and made a recovery, followed by a spirited effort to win the game outright. A draw was a good result.  Everton had one very weak spot on Saturday’s showing, for Critchley with a successful and helpful partner in Bain, failed to put half the finish on the previous good work of his colleagues, and could be relied upon to mar rather than make a movement.  It was Critchley’s black day, and he cannot afford to be in a similar mood on many other occasions.  Although many thought Bain a trifle slow.  I liked his work and the way he put the ball up with perfect judgment.  His shooting was not deadly, nor yet strong; but who can blame him for that, considering his eagerness to do well?  Bain looks likely to keep his position in the team, thus adding weight to a line which suddenly changed from “invincible” into “individual and too small altogether.” 
MARTIN DID WELL
Dean was fairly well watched by the tall fellow, Davison, who can comfortably concede England’s centre forward three inches in height.  But there were just two occasions when Davison was not there, and Dean made the best use of both –especially the second, when the ball came back, having been blocked out by a defender.  Now Martin, the Hull man who was being tried at inside left, made a good impression in this his home debut.  I debut him with no fault on Saturday’s game at least, but give credit for the way he maneuvered the ball and used his noddle.  Martin comes to Everton with the usual idea of the Everton team- Dean- and ten others!  He must forget the idea of putting the ball to the latter when the centre forward has gone to outside right.  Dean’s idea, I think, is to draw the defence-not have the ball pushed back into the “edge of beyond,” where the angle makes goals almost impossible.  Hart was quite the best half-back, Virr and Kelly having to mark tartars in Mee and Crooks, while O’Donnell and Cresswell, of whom the latter took no chances, did fairly well.  Davies had an easy tasks, whereas Wilkes, his counterpart, had a great day so far as work was concerned, and moreover did everything in good style.  More than once he pluckily went down for the ball when others might have “left it at that.”  In front were Carr and Collin, the latter being the man booed for the foul which put Critchley off the field for a spell.  Not a bad pair for backs, these, and a staunch pair at the time they were most needed.  

BAIN EVERTON'S CENTRE.
March 28 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton make no changes in their defence for the match with Sunderland on Saturday. As Dean however, will be playing in the International, Bain is introduced at centre-forward Weldon comes in at inside left, and Martin resumes at inside right. Teams: - Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Bain, Weldon, Troup. The Everton Reserves tea at home to Aston Villa Reserves on Saturday, will be: Hardy, Common, Kennedy; Barker, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Jones French, Houghton, Wilkinson.

EVERTON CHANGES.
March 28 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton have dropped Houghton from their attack on the return of Dean, whose place was taken by Weldon for the match with Portsmouth. Weldon resumes at inside left. The eleven selected last night are as follows: - Hardy; Cresswell, O'Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchely, Easton, Dean, Weldon, Troup.

DIXIE DEAN FOR USA?
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 28 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
A letter from a former Everton player, now in Brooklyn, is worthy world-wide consideration.  J. McGivney writes;- Conversing recently with a man well connected in Soccer affairs here in New York, I received the startling information from him that Dixie Dean had already signed a contract to play here next season with the New York Giants Soccer Club.  To me, I might say, it was a huge joke; but the man was serious, and stated he already had the contract, signed by Dean, ready to be posted to the American Soccer Association just as soon as the season is finished!  Either this man is trying to pull off a big bluff, or else Dixie Dean is crazy.  I doubt the latter.  I am a Liverpool man myself, also an ex-player, and I would hate to see any of my fellow-townsmen fooled to come out to this country to play football.  The conditions and underhand methods of the owners connected with Soccer in this country are well known at home by now, or should be, and should serve as a warning to any player contemplating coming out here.  Any player requiring information would do well to get into touch with Michael O’Brien, Billy Hibbert, and one nor two others who have had some.  One team here was recently disbanded (Philadelphia F.C), and most of the players left stranded, I may say that not one team in the American Soccer League is making money.  Wishing the “Football Echo” every success. 
WING COMPARISONS
I think it is about time you were told the reason of both Everton’s and Liverpool’s faults (says “True Blue”).  We can go on buying inside men every day, and until we get an outside left will fail.  Compare the style with Tunstall, Edmed, Tirlaway, Jackson, Smith, Hulme.  All these men make straight for goal or gain ground, then centre on the run, and vary their passes to the opposite wings.  Take Huddersfield’s wing men alone; Jackson centred, Smith scored, or vice versa.  It has never bene done at Everton since Chedgzoy and Harrison. 

EVERTON TEAM ARRNAGEMENTS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 29 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton’s task at Sunderland is a difficult one, and the team will have to play at the top of their form to win, or even draw.  Dean will be absent on international duty, and to solve the forward problem the directors have decided to place Bain in the centre, a position he occupied lasts season, while Martin again crosses over to the inside-right berth, Weldon returning as partner to Troup.  The team is;- Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Bain, Weldon, Troup. 
EVERTON LOSE!
The annual meeting between Everton F.C and the Francis Xavier’s College team took place at West Derby.  It is surprising to see the fine crowd which attends this festival and the interest in the game is none the less because of the fact that the boys could have little chance “on form.” Surprises, however, never cease, and the result of the game was a startler, the boys defeating their more famous rivals 8-7.  I have a feeling that it took Everton all their time to lose.  It was all very enjoyable, and the boys should benefit by the game.  They had a chance to study the finer points of the game as demonstrated by the Everton players, who indulged in some entrancing football.  In the evening the players and officials were entertained to tea, with a musical programme and billiards to follow.  I must not close without a reference to the colleague orchestra, which has only been in existence a short period.  They played “straight” stuff with care, but it was the jazz which got hold of the Everton players, who were soon in full song. 

AMATEUR FROM COCKFIELD CLUB ON TRIAL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 March 1928
Everton F.C., today, signed on, on amateur forms, H. Baker, a member of the Cockfield Club, which came into the limelight through reaching the final of the Amateur Cup.  Barker is a right half-back, and will play to-morrow against Aston Villa Reserves at Goodison Park.  Incidentally, Cockfield, who had to make a collection so that the team could travel to matches in the earlier rounds of the cup, now possess a cheque book.  Everton have also signed on professional forms Alfred French, who used to play with them as an amateur, and has since assisted Runcorn.  French will also play in the Reserve side to-morrow. 

EVERTON’S LONG TREK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 March 1928
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to far-off Sunderland.  Here there are some reconstruction movements; Sunderland have recently gathered success and mayhap Everton without Dean will be working hard to regain the lost touch of shooting and football success.  Bain becomes centre-forward and Weldon returns post haste to his original position.  Otherwise there is no change.  Perhaps the forward line will startle us- and Sunderland.  May be bot.  It looks as though the answer will be in the negative.  Everton; Davies; Cresswell, O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Bain, Weldon, Troup.  Sunderland; McInroy; Murray, Thomson; Clunas, Parker, Whelan; Wilks, Gurney, Halliday, Wright, Hargreaves. 

BARKER SIGNS FOR EVERTON
March 31 st 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton have signed on amateur forms H. Barker, right half-back of the Cockfield club, which reached the final of the amateur cup. French who has been playing centre-forward as a amateur, has now signed as a professional. The two players will assist the reserves to-day in the centre-league match against Aston Villa at Goodison Park.

EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 March 1928
WITHOUT DEAN AT ROKER PARK
SUNDERLAND CHANCES
BAIN FILLS THE BILL AT CENTRE FORWARD
By Stork
Everton; Davies; Cresswell (Captain), O’Donnell; Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Easton, Bain, Martin, Troup.  Sunderland; McInroy; Murray, Thompson; Clunas, Parker, Whelan; Wilks, Gurney, Halliday, Wood, Hargreaves.  Referee; Mr. A.H. Kingscott, of Long Eaton.  Football in Sunderland has fallen very flat, and there was only a very sparse attendance when Everton kicked off and immediately made play on their right wing; but before Easton could get to Critchley’s pass a Sunderland defender had cut in between them, and cleared whatever danger Everton had promised.  Cresswell, who was playing on his home ground, received quite a nice ovation all to himself, and he was soon busy with some delightfully cool and calm clearances.  One of the best things seen in the first five minutes was an inter-passing movement by Easton, Bain, and Critchley, and again Easton, and but for the fact that the last-named found the ball bumping away from his shins at the last moment there seemed every prospect of a goal for Everton.  As it was, however, the ball sped just outside the Sunderland upright.  As so often happens in this uncertain game of football, the side which had been on the defensive were the first to create a real danger.  Halliday, who is one of the most dangerous leaders in the game, found himself clean through the opposition, and, shooting unexpectedly –which is the very essence of good football- he hit the top of the upright, with Davies scrambling across his goal without any hope of being able to stop the ball if it had been an inch to the right. 
SUCCESSIVE THRILLS
Hargreaves who collared the rebound, tried to lob the ball past the goalkeeper, who, however, was very sure in his catch.  This was the forerunner of a strong Sunderland attack, but they were unable to strike a fatal blow at the Everton goal, and it was left to Easton to provide the next thrill.  Bain and Easton had a rare understanding, and when the centre forward left his position to Easton, the latter went on and shot just a trifle wide of the post.  Halliday came again, and, but for Cresswell, would have scored.  It was a tricky business, and there were some who claimed that Cresswell had infringed the law he tackled Halliday, but the referee did not agree.  The pressure on the Everton goal, which was relieved temporarily, was continued, and Davies had to stop a header from Halliday and a little later, when the Everton defence got itself in a bit of a knot, O’Donnell in his eagerness to clear shot right across the face of his own goal.  So far the football had been very interesting, but there was still a lack of good shooting, although Martin made a brave effort, but just got underneath the ball to put it over the bar.  Hart was doing his utmost to get his forward line moving well and smoothly, some of his passes being the acme o perfection; but it had to be admitted that the Sunderland defenders, Murray and Thomson gave the Everton defence very little time to cuddle the ball to make a position; so it was small wonder that there were few shots.  Easton had a chance, and only the awkward bounce of the ball spoiled him from getting a true hit at it.  Still Jack was as good as his master; in fact, I thought Everton were the superior in actual football, for there was more method about their general work.
INEFFECTIVE CLUSTER
Gurney had a good shot which just went over the bar, and a little later Davies had a race with Hargreaves for possession, and just won the duel.  Everton for a spell monopolized the play, and were clustered round the Sunderland goal, and while McInroy had to make several clearances they were only from tame efforts.  Bain was a bundle of enthusiasm in the centre, but Parker gave him very little rope.  Troup pushed one through for him, and Bain hit out at it instantly, and although the ball went high over the bar it was the only method that Bain could have adopted in the circumstances.  In a breakaway, Halliday was again the danger point to the Everton defence, but Davies had little difficulty in saving his charge.  Hargreaves was finding his old colleague Cresswell a hard man to circumvent; in fact, in the many tussle in which these two took part Cresswell was more often than not the successful one, and he did it with a calmness that suggested that he had got his man well in hand.  McInroy was called upon to catch a dropping ball from Critchley’s head, and there was again a call for a foul against Cresswell when he jumped over Halliday to make a header.  There certainly was a genuine plea by Everton for a penalty when Bain had a shot handled in the penalty area. 
A FOUL UNSEEN
It was quite plain to see that Murray had handled it, but the referee had either not seen it or was of the opinion that I was not intentional. Critchley, who had worked well in towards the middle, hit a fine shot that was unluckily cannoned out.  Close on the interval Critchley provided a centre that caused a determined scrimmage in front of McInroy, who held on to the ball instead of getting rid of it, and so invited an injury.  Half-time; Sunderland 0, Everton 0. 
FIRST WIN SINCE THE NEW YEAR
SUNDERLAND BEATEN
The first half was blank through ineffective shooting.  Two minutes after the interval Virr opened Everton’s account.  Parker sustained an injury, and had to be carried off.  Easton scored a second goal, and thus completed Everton’s first League win since January 7. 
The second half was only in progress two minutes when Everton took the lead, Easton, as in the first half, forced McInroy to tip over the bar, and the resulting corner kick was fatal for the Sunderland defence, for Virr, using his great height, got his head to the ball and placed it into the net.  Everton at this point were right on top of their opponents, and from another corner Bain hit the foot of the post with everybody beaten.
HALLIDAY’S AUDACITY.
Sunderland hit back with a will, and Halliday had the audacity to push one of his own players out of the way so that he could get a shot- and what a shot it was!  It travelled like lightning, and rattled against the Everton crossbar before it rebounded into play.  This was undoubtedly Sunderland’s best effort at scoring thus far.  Everton’s response was just as determined, and when Bain found a way through, McInroy had to leap high to turn Bain’s drive over his crossbar.  It was a good save, if a trifle spectacular.  There was now much more life about the game, and Sunderland were responsible for some of it, and the Everton goal had a narrow escape when the ball bounced about the centre piece until O’Donnell came up and cleared.  It was only a half clearance, however, for the ball went to an opponent and was immediately pushed goalward, and Davies had to rush out of goal and throw clear to save his charge.  Sunderland lost the services of Parker ten minutes from the end through an injury sustained in a tackle with Martin.  He had to be carried off the field.  With five minutes to go Everton scored a second goal.  Troup centred and Bain helped the centre along with his head, leaving Easton with an easy opportunity to score.  Sunderland made a spirited reply, and Davies had to punch away.  At this point Everton’s victory was complete.  This was Everton’s first League win since January 7. 
Final; Sunderland 0, Everton 2. 

EVERTON RES V ASTON VILLA RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 March 1928
After giving the Villa a gift goal in the first minute, when Armfield was allowed to go right in and score with ease, Everton fought back hard.  Hardy had a warm time from Kirton.  Harris, and Armfield, and the home backs held up many spirited raids.  A breakaway up the middle, in which Jones was prominent, terminated with Wilkinson equalizing.  Tully scored their second goal, and then followed a charmed spell of luck for the Villa defence.  Jackson saved from Griffiths, Jones, and French but was extremely fortunate to keep Houghton’s place-shot out with his foot.  Barker, the new acquisition, was doing well against the Villa left flank.  Half-time; Villa Res 2, Everton Res 1.  Armfield scored a third for the Villa and Jones scored Everton’s second. 

WHISTON V EVERTON A
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 March 1928
At Whiston.  The visiting forwards played well but lacked finish near goal, Whalley saved well from Templeman.  At the other end Collins and Taylor went close for Whiston. Hughes played well in the visitors goal.  Half-time; No Score.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 March 1928
By Louis T. Kelly

BEE’S LETTER-BOX
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 March 1928
PRESCOT’S ARMY
In your notes (says Mr. J.J. Haydon, of Prescot) you mention Mercer, the Hudersfield goalkeeper as brother to the Sheffield United player of the same name.  They are no relation to each other.  “Billy” Mercer belongs to Prescot, and had a trial with Everton before going to Hull City. Along with several other Prescot players.  Whilst at Hull he won the shield for the professional footballers, billiard tournament open to all England.  He also plays cricket for Hull as match pro, with success. He holds the First Division and Central League championship medals.  As you are probably aware, we have turned out quite a little Army of players to various clubs, including Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham, Reading, Leicester, Glasgow Rangers, Hull, &c.- can’t mention them all.  We had three with New Brighton a short time ago.  We have had several good referees; one officiated in the final about five years ago- I refer to Mr. J. Davies.  But I must conclude.  I could go on like this for ever. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 1928