Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON FACE THE ROVERS.
March 1 st 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Meresyside enthusiast are more directly concerned in Everton's efforts to escape relegation. Their victory at Middlesbrough has proved a great tonic to the players, and they will be all out today to increase the value of that victory by adding two points at the expense of BlackBurn Rovers. The Ewood Park side are always popular visitors, and at their best are a most aggressive side, and they will make a bold bid for the points. Everton's position, however, is such that the players are likely to make an extra effort, and they should secure victory. The team is the same as that which won at Middlesbrough. The kick-off is at 3-15, and the teams are; - Everton –Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigsby, Stein. Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Baxter, Jones; Imrie, Rankin, Rosecamp, Bruton, Pudderford, Bourton, McLean, and Cunliffe, forwards.

ALEC TROUP SIGNED FOR DUNDEE
March 1 st 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton last night transferred another Scottish International winger, Troup their outside-left to Dundee, and he will play for his new club against Hearts of Midlothian in the Scottish Cup-tie to-day. It will be recalled that Ritchie outside right, went to this club from Goodsion Park about a two weeks ago. Troup who was born at Forfar, stands 5ft 5ins and weights 10st 7lbs. The played for Dundee when the game was resumed after the war, and gained his first International cap against England at Sheffield when England won 5-4, after being down 4-2 at the interval. He was also capped against Wales and Ireland the following season, and them was secured by Everton. Since he has been with Everton he has made upwards of 240 appearances in league games, and when the Goodison Park side gained the league championship in the season 1927-28. Troup held an “ever present” record in the season 1925-26. He again played for the Scotland against England at Manchester when the former won the only goal of the match. So far this season Troup, appearances have been mainly with the central league side, for just prior to the opening of the campaign he underwent a minor operation, and stein the reserves outside left, came in to fill the vacancy, and did so with such success that he has held on to the position during the greater part of the season. Troup made his first appearance for Everton against Stoke City and he has been at Goodison Park for seven seasons. The negotiations between the clubs had proceeded all day yesterday, Troup has a men's outfitters business at Forfar. So it will be convenient for the little Scot to play for his old club at Dundee.

YOUNG PLAYERS' CLAIMS TO INTERNATIONAL TRIALS
March 1 st 1930. Evening Express
HUNTER HART'S PLEA FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW BLOOD
ANFIELD GAME A CHANCE TO FIND FUTURE ENGLAND STAR'S.
MEN I WOULD CHOOSE FOR THE GAME.
By Hunter Hart, Everton's captain.
The deciding match of the season's international championship between England and Scotland to be played at Wembley in April, is somewhat overshadowed by the cup-ties just now, but this is just the time when the English selectors have a splendid opportunity of “spotting” young blood have tried out several new men in trial matches, they could easily go to greater lengths and play young players instead of testing whether men who have been tried and not found wanting are still good enough.
CHANCE FOR TESTS.
In particular do, I refer to the trial match at Anfield this month, when an England team will oppose the Rest. Here is an excellent opportunity to make the match a real experiement –a chance to sort out the young players, as apart from the men who have already proved beyond all doubt that they are up to international standard. There are dozens of men in the country who have had plenty of experience in representative football, and all followers of the game know that they can do. Consequently, it is useless making up trial teams of all such players. Far better would it be to introduce young men into, at least, one of the sides. The young players have created football sensations this season, and up and down the country there are youths, even in their teens, who are playing so well that they deserved a chance to get in. In my opinion it is more advantageous to give the youngsters an early introduction into representative football, even if they are not actually selected to participate in an international. The experience gained in their youth will stand them in great stead later on, when the trusted “old brigade” have passed out of the international section. It would be silly to play all young players in the Anfield trial, and I would not even suggest that the England side should include men who might not be selected for the want of experience, but in the Rest side I would certainly play young men with a seasoned and highly experienced man to lead them. Thus we would have a teal test of tried stalwarts, who have already carried the England –banner forward, and promising aspirants to that honour.
TRIAL WOULD DO GOOD.
It matters not whether these young players get caps this season, or next, but the fact remains that a taste of international football can do them nothing, but good, and there is always an odd-on chance of the selectors making a great discovery. Big match temperament goes a long way, for we have seen some of the greatest club players in the game failing when participati9ng in a representative match. This may be due to the fact that they were not given an early introduction to these encounters. I trust the selectors will adopt this suggestion for the coming match in Liverpool. England is particularly well off for goalkeepers and centre-halves I find, and there are dozens of men in these positions who could be trusted to make a success of the position. Men such as Hibbs (Birmingham), Brown (Sheffield Wednesday), and Hacking (Oldham) are well-known for their prowess in International games, but in this match there is a splendid chance of giving Turner (Huddersfield Town) a run with the England side. Here is one of the best goalkeepers in the land and a man who has youth on his side. For the other goal, there could be no better man than young Gibson, of Hull City, who gave such a galliant display against Manchester City in the Cup. Gibson has displaced such a fine player as Maddison in the Hull team, and any person who can do that is worthy of a trial in this match. Consideration of the full-back positions presents a more difficult problem but first choice for the right-back berth in the England side naturally falls on one of the finest defenders in the country. Smart, of Aston Villa. Here is a great footballer, absolutely intrepid; a good tackler and positional player, and one who uses the utmost discretion in kicking. Cooper, of Derby, who has done yeoman service before, is another who practically selects himself, and so for these positions I do not think the selectors could do better than take them for either side. If others are wanted might suggest Jimmy Jackson, of Liverpool, or Lowton of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who has no superior in the Second Division. No one could wish for better man than Blenkinsop, of Sheffield Wednesday, to fill the left back position. He is really an automatic choice. There are several claimants to the same position in the Rest team, including Hapgood, the promising Arsenal player, and Jack O'Donnell, of Everton, who, it will be remembered, was watched last season. O'Donnell is one of the most consistent players, and a great team man, and I think the time is opportune when he should be given his first chance. These pairs of backs would be ideal, and both good enough to oppose the clever Scottish forwards. There is a nice blend –two well tried campaigners on one hand and keen young men on the other, full of vitality and football ability. Both pairs would dove-tail admirably.
AUTOMATIC SELECTIONS.
Edwards, of Leeds, is undoubtedly one of the finest wing halves England has ever seen, and walks into the England side without any opponent. There are three good men available for the same position in the Rest side, however, none of whom would prove a failure. I refer to Barrass (Manchester City), Strange (Sheffield Wednesday), and Fogg (Huddersfield Town). For choice I would take Strange, who resembles Arthur Grimsdell a deal, in that, besides being a fine defensive player, he often fills the role of a sixth forward. Well, he started as a forward. There are so many good pivots that one hesitates to pass over all but two; but everyone will agree that Hart of Leeds, has preformed so well in previous tests that he should again be chosen for the position in the England team. For this vital berth in the other side men such as Morrall (Birmingham), Davidson (Derby County), Messer (Reading), Leach (Sheffield Wednesday), Barratt (West Ham), Seddon (Bolton), and that splendid Third Division player, Maloney (Northampton Town), spring readily to mind; but from what I have seen this season I consider Morrall has won for himself the right to a place in the team. Tall, agile, and a brainy player, he has youth on his side, and, I am sure would prove a great success. Barrett, of Fulham has had his taste of representative football and did well. In these circumstances it would be wise to persevere with him and allow him to take his place in the England side, while the fine form of the lank Tate, of Aston Villa, makes his claim stronger than even such as Nuttall (Bolton). Green (Sheffield United), and Cadwell (West Ham).
SMART WINGERS.
England's best outside right is, to my mind Billy Butler, of the Wanderers, and here is the man I would choose for my England team. A young man is wanted for the Rest, and there can be no better than Brooks, of Derby, one of the best of Mr. Jobey's many discoveries. In the inside-right positions I would have two generals –men who can and will hold the self together and give the inspiration needed. What better men than David Jack, of the Arsenal, and Jimmy Seed of the Wednesday, for these exacting roles? They would do for the team what they are performing for their clubs. The leadership is another problem, but I suggest the selectors should give Joe Bradford (Birmingham) a further chance as leader of the England side, and Hampson, of Blackpool, who performed creditably in the Inter-League match at Goodison Park, merits another opportunity to prove he is one of the cleverest young centre-forwards in the land. It has been said that Walker, of the Villa, does not do well in internationals, but there is no better inside-left in the country, neither in experience of ability, and I would play him inside to Page, of Burnley, who is playing better than ever this season. What a wing for England!
On the Rest side, were I able to choose, I would give the left wing positions to two men still under 20, who have only come into first-class this season –one merely a matter of weeks. I refer to Bastin, of the Arsenal, and Cunliffe, of Blackburn Rovers. In these youths England has certain budding internationals, and it is best that they should have their baptism early. Bastin is playing on the wing for the Arsenal I know, but he is an inside men and graduated as such. I sincerely hope these players are given the chance of testing their strength against men such as Edwards and Smart. I consider that either of these teams would be capable of winning the crown for England, besides playing attractive football. I do not wish to presume or even act as adviser to the selectors, who are well able to discharge their duties, but I offer the appended teams as a matter of personal opinion, in the fond hope that some of the young players I have named will be seen in action at Anfield. England; Turner (Huddersfield); Smart (Aston Villa) and Blenkinsop (Sheffield WednesdaY; Edwards (Leeds United), Hart (Leeds United) and Barratt (Fulham); Butler (Bolton), Jack (Arsenal), Bradford (Birmingham), Walker (Aston Villa), and Page (Burnley). Rest; Gibson (Hull City); Cooper (Derby County) and O'Donnell (Everton); Strange (Sheffield Wednesday), Morrall (Birmingham) and Tate (Aston Villa); Crooks (Derby County), Seed (Sheffield Wednesday), Hampson (Blackpool), Bastin (Arsenal), and Cunliffe (Blackburn Rovers).

EVERTON SURPRISIE BLACRBURN. 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 March 1930
MARTIN GOALS IN TWO MINUTES. 
BOURTON LEVELS LATE ON
Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.  Blackburn Rovers; Crawford; Baxter Jones; Imrie, Rankin, Roscamp; Bruton, Puddefoot, Bourton, McLean, Cunliffe. Referee; Mr. T.J. Bothan.  There was so sign of fog at Goodison Park to spoil Blackburn’s visit, and what promised to be as attractive game.  Everton led off with a brisk opening, and were a goal up at the end of two minutes. Martin was the scorer, and the drove in a beautiful ball as it came across from the Everton left.  Everton promised well, and were so fiery and definite in their work that the Rovers’ defence had a hectic time.  Critchley might have scored again, but the Rovers recovered, and was obvious that the Blackball side were surprised by the excellent display of Everton.  Puddeloot was brought down as he was preparing to shoot, and Rankin came to the rescue of his side when Stein put across a dangerous looking centre. Everton had the help of the wind, but even allowing for that, they played delightful football. Stein again placed the hall into the centre, and Martin was only a trifle too high with his shot.
FRESH AND CRISP. 
The Blackburn defence was not without fault, and Jones and Roscamp were by no means comfortable in their clearances.  Once Critchley put across a short centre, and Martin headed in, the ball going over the line before Crawford could get to it.  Imrie made the best effort for Blackburn, and Critchley was a source of great trouble to Jones. The Sweeten man frequently beat him with ease, and altogether there was a freshness and crispness about Everton's work that was good to see.  Thus far Blackburn had been disappointing.  Their forwards made few openings. In any case the Everton defence seemed to have their measure.  Still, there was danger when Bruton took a free-kick, and McLean sent the ball practically along the Everton goalline.  Fortunately for Everton it ran out play—that was Everton’s narrowest escape.  Then O'Donnell brought down Bruton, and it looked as though a penalty must follow, but the referee allowed the game to go on without awarding even a free kick. Everton continued to attack, and the Blackburn defenders had more to do than they could accomplish with ease.  If Everton had a fault it was that they were inclined to crowd together in the goal area.  Once Cunliffe got away, and it looked dangerous until he rather over-ran the ball. At length Blackburn found confidence, and the forwards produced more like their normal game.  Then Dean got through and was preparing to shoot when Crawford, leaving his goal, caught the ball on his legs in very lucky fashion. 
BOURTON EQUALISES. 
Rigby sent in a great shot which Crawford turned for a corner.  Then a centre by Bruton was headed in by Cunliffe, while O'Donnell made a great clearance as he kicked out of the Everton goal.  Everton certainly had more to do as the interval approached, and when Bourton equalized at forty-two minutes it was only in keeping with Blackburn’s improvement.  Half-time; Everton 1, Blackburn 1
LEVEL AT GOODISON
BLACKBURN ROVERS’ RALLY PAYS WELL
EVERTON HARD LINES
In the first half Martin scored for Everton and Bourton for Blackburn.  The first half was Everton’s, but it must be admitted that Blackburn were a better side at the interval than at the start.  Trouble came for Everton when Sagar ran out and O’Donnell made a miskick that gave away a corner.  Then Dean burst through and drove wide as Crawford tackled him.  Cunliffe showed his pace, but overran the ball twice, the second time after cleverly rounding Robson. 
DEAN AND PUDDEFOOT
Stein wasted a chance after a sparkling run, and at fifty-six minutes Dean gave Everton the lead for the second time.  It was a great shot in Dean’s best form, and came after the Everton centre had cleverly beaten Jones following a throw-in.  A minute later, however, Puddefoot equalised, and he got his chance when Cunliffe shot and Sagar flung himself at the ball, but only succeeded in pushing it to Puddefoot, whose task was easy.  With the aid of the wind Blackburn played with dash and spirit, and two shots went very near, one from Imrie being a particularly good effort.  Everton made great efforts to forge ahead.  Once, Jones kicked the ball out of the Blackburn goal, when all seemed lost.  Critchley had a fine shot turned over the bar, and then sent a tremendous drive just wide.  Critchly was Everton’s best shooter.  Final; Everton 2, Blackburn Rovers 2. 

MAN UTD RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 01 March 1930
At Old Trafford.  The opening play was all in favour of the visitors, and Weldon and Dunn gave the home defence much trouble.  Manchester improved, Davies cleverly saving from Ball and Thomas.  Just before the interval, after the visitors had been on the attack.  Thomas obtained a lucky goal for Manchester when Davies failed to hold the greasy ball.  Half-time; Manchester United Res 1, Everton Res nil. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, March 1, 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

FOR OVERSEAS READERS
Liverpool Echo- Saturday, March 1 1930
Everton last night transferred another Scottish international winger, Troup, their outside-left to Dundee, and he will play for his new club against Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Cup-tie today.  It will be recalled that Ritchie, outside right, went to this club from Goodison Park about a week ago.  Troup, who was born at Forfar, stands 5ft 5ins, and weighs 10st 7lbs.  He played for Dundee when the game was resumed after the war, and gained his first international cap against England at Sheffield, when England won 5-4 after being down 4-2 at the interval.  He was also capped against Wales and Ireland the following season, and then was secured by Everton.  Since he has been with Everton he has made upwards of 240 appearances in League games, and when the Goodison Park side gained the League championship in the season 1927-38, Troup held an “ever present” record.  In the season 1925-26 he again played for Scotland against England at Manchester, when the former won by the only goal of the match.  So far this season Troup’s appearances have been mainly with the Central League side, for just prior to the opening of the campaign he underwent a minor operation, and Stein, the reserve outside-left came in to fill the vacancy, and did so with success that he has held on to the position during the greater part of the season.  Troup made his first appearance for Everton against Stoke at stoke, and he has been at Goodison Park for seven seasons.  The negotiations between the clubs had proceeded all day yesterday.  Troup ha a men’s outfitter’s business at Forfar, so that it will be convenient for the little Scot to play for his old club at Dundee. 

EVERTON 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 2
March 3 rd 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
SPIRITED PLAY AT GOODISON.
EVERTON SHARE WITH BLACKBURN ROVERS
A draw of two goals each was a fitting and to the game between and Blackburn Rovers. Any other verdict would hardly have been in keeping with the play. It was a hard, strenuous game, well contested by sides that played spirited and clever football. For the major portion of the first half it looked as through Everton had the measure of the their opponents. They scored first through Martin as two minutes and played with such sparkle and confidence that success seemed certain. Before the interval, however, Blackburn improved considerably, and an equalising goal came at 43 minutes. In the second half the balance was fairly even. There were times when the Rovers threatened to overrun the Everton side, but against this must be recorded the fact that Everton responded with surprising dash and skill, so much so that the Blackburn defenders several times only saved the goal by desperate measures. Everton's early form was as delightful surprise, and although they played well throughout, there was not quite the same certain touch about all their work late on. On the other hand, Blackburn were disappointing till they found their confidence, when they became a far more formidable proposition.
DEAN'S FINE GOAL.
After Bourton had equalised two minutes before the interval, Dean gave Everton the lead at 56 minutes, with a shot that reminded one of Dean at his best. He got the ball from a throw-in, and cleverly beating Jones, he drove in a shot that would have beaten any goalkeeper. In the next minute , however, Puddefoot scored for Blackburn. It was Cunliffe's smartness that made the goal possible, as when the outside man shot, Sagar only managed to push the ball out and Pudderfoot's job was easy. Then followed a strenuous struggle for the masterly, and if tempers were strained nothing serious happened. It was a great fight by sides evenly and cleverly matched. Sagar did a fair amount of good work, although once or twice he was not quite sound in his fielding of the ball. Both Williams and O'Donnell played with dash and sound confidence. They were particularly good in the first half, when they held the Blackburn forwards with a tenacious grip.
GRIFFITHS STANDS OUT.
Griffiths was the outstanding man in the middle line, excellent in both attack and defence. He almost won the game in the last minute when he sent a header against the crossbar. Robson found Cunliffe a difficult man to hold and was not always fast enough to keep the Blackburn winger in check. A good display came from Dean, whose deft touches were a source of trouble to the Blackburn backs, while Critchley and Stein were capital. Blackburn's best were Cunliffe, Puddefoot, Imrie, and Baxter. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams, and O'Donnell, backs, Robson, Griifiths, and White, half-backs; White, Critchley, Dean (captain), Rigby, and Stein, forwards. Blackburn Rovers; - Crawford, goal; Baxter, and Jones, backs; Imrie, Rankin, and Roscamp half-backs; Bruton, Puddefoot, Bourton, McLean, and Cunliffe, forwards.

MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 3 rd 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (GAME 30)
Everton Reserves at Old Trafford participated in a game distinguished by excellent football. The scored does not represent the play. Everton were every bit as good as their opponents, but not quite so fortunate. In the first half Thomas rather luckily gave Manchester the lead, and Ramsden increased the advantage just before the interval. Everton certainly had their chances, but the only one accepted was Dunn, who scored from short range.
MARINE 4 EVERTON “A” 4
Liverpool county combination.
At Crosby. Both Hanson and Webster of Everton were unfortunate in dislocating an elbow during the closing stages. The visitors were the more polished side in the first half, and Marine rallied finely, in the second half. French (2), Hanson, and Dyke scored for Everton, Hodgson, Campbell, and Garvey (2, one penalty) netting for Marine.

WEDNESDAY'S GAME AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
Everton play Newcastle next Saturday.  They would look on the replay with some pleasure were it not for the fact that the Villa come to Goodison Park on Wednesday-a match fraught with tremendous possibilities.  Home is not home to Everton they simply don’t close the losing or drawing door behind them.  Wednesday next may see the long-desired change of home-front.  We shall see. 
EVERTON'S EXCELLENT DISPLAY 
While Everton can provide football such as they served up on Saturday there is little need to consider them as candidates for the Second Division.  There was both tone and quality in their display. At their best Blackburn are a side that take a lot of beating, yet Everton came within measurable distance of doing it. The Rovers could offer nothing better than the show Everton gave, and the fact that Everton were fighting hard at the finish was proof of their ability to stay the full course. Their partial success we welcome, and for a long time in the first half it looked as though they would carry both points. Blackburn's recovery, however, justified a point. It was good to see Everton as a dashing fiery side with just as much rigour at the end of a strenuous struggle as at the start. Martin's goal was a fine tonic, and the goal by Dean was one of the best seen at the ground this season.  Both in the making and execution it was Dean at his best. He beat Jones with a delightful touch, and drove home a shot that looked like a goal from the beginning. The defence was sound, although once or twice Sager handled rather uncertainly. Robson at times lacked the pace to hold Cunliffe, but he played well enough to uphold his reputation.  Critchley got a lot of the ball, and if he was wasteful near the end he was one of the best shooters. Stein, too, did capital work, and put the ball across with accuracy and discretion.  Altogether Everton's form was excellent, and on Saturday's showing they have little to fear from any opposition. 

EVERTON WANT JOHNSON
March 4 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton are said to be searching for an inside left, and turn their attention to Manchester again, a month ago according to our Manchester corespondent, they were keen on a player, who had been barracked at Maine-road, negotiations fell through and they have been resumed, and possibility that Johnson the international forward, may be signed in a few days, with no chance in the league, the club out of the cup tournament the City are inclined to have the view that they can now afford to part with Johnson. Everton also watched Jones of Arsenal, but they are inclined at this junction to Johnson.

EVERTON'S TEAM FOR VITAL GAME AGAINST VILLA:
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
Everton Want Johnson, Manchester City Sharpshooter. 
We have the trial teams; we have the trial tackle: Anfield next  Wednesday will be aglow with football  talk and interest, because  whether we believe a trial game necessary,  wise, or what not, we know that  such games area feast of the fitful football; a satisfying of the football  enthusiast who wants to see the best-class  men engaged. It is more satisfying than as international: to my way of thought. However, to-morrow we have another call for a mid-week duty.  It is the call of the Aston Villa club at Goodison Park ground. The Villa went out of the Cup, and now have one eye upon League conuses. Everton have their eyes full—one upon the bonus, the other upon the relegation. We are certain to enjoy this meeting to-morrow, because the two sides have never failed us in a sporting and interesting game since the day they put up their greatest of all final ties, in 1896.  Everton have not yet chosen their side, but with no injuries and all 0 K, on the Goodison front, we can expect the following to take their place in this great endeavor to take a home win for a change: — Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.    This is the side that has picked up away victories. Why not stamp their card with a home victory against the Villa, for until recently the Villa had not touched their best, and it was only a Cup revival that brought them into a favoured position. We shall see Houghton, the seventeen-year-old winger Buchan does not think so much of him as I do. He and Cunliffe are a pair of wonderful wingers for their ages. And Bastin, of the Arsenal, is better than either of them. So there! This is a youthful game, and while one must have the steadying influence and the experienced mind, let it not be forgotten that the best sides are those who have let youth have a fling. Rimmer, for instance, of Wednesday—or of Southport; Bastin, and company; the string  of them this season is long, and it has,  not been noticed that in Everton they have the youngest trio of half-backs that  has ever helped the club—only one of  age -and " only just.
EVERTON AND JOHNSON. 
We learn from Manchester that Everton are making strides towards Maine-road, with the main object of signing Johnson, for whom they have always been partial. There would never be a question of Johnson leaving Manchester if the crowd had not taken to barking at him. It was only the fact that he helped them in their Cup and League successes in January that kept him in the Manchester side six weeks ago. Everton would have taken him then, but Manchester thought twice, and finally said no. Now, Manchester City are being tempted again. Everton realise that there is need for a key man who shall be not only a general key man  but a shot who will not hesitate to let  his leg fly when any chance is  available  The Everton team is lacking at the  moment in what one might call a snapshot.  All along the line the forwards chosen are rather too deliberate towards shooting, and each is inclined to move the ball a foot before shooting, which means that the defence often covers them up.   Everton have other irons in the fire besides this Johnson light.  Supporters may wonder what would happen if Johnson were landed. Well, he would be very useful if Dean was unable to play, and there are those who think that with Johnson at inside left Rigby could go to his best place, outside left, and then Stein or Critchley could play outside right. 
THE CRITCHLEY QUESTION. 
To me it is really remarkable how Goodison have, by venous methods, tried to find a new outside right for two seasons.  I did not Critchley's shots on Saturday, but I think the player named has had sufficient buffeting since he helped the championship. It warrants him a long run in this senior side without the unsettling stories of this or that new outside right or this or that experiment at outside right. 
EVERTON UNCHANGED
TEAM TO PLAY ASTON VILLA HERE TOMORROW
Everton make no change in the team to play Aston Villa at Goodison Park, tomorrow, from the side that drew with Blackburn Rovers., viz; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein. 
Everton “A” want away game for Saturday next, 8th.  Write Mr. T.H. McIntosh, Goodison Park. 

TODAY'S MATCH AT EVERTON
March 5 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
John Peel.
Aston Villa are always popular visitors to Goodison Park, and I am sure there will be a great gathering today to see the rearrange League match between the teams. It came as a great surprise when the Villa were knocked out of the Cup, but they are still a good side. Everton's position is such that they should make the most of their remaining fixtures particularly at home, and I look for a victory today. Everton will have the team which did duty last week, kick-off is at 3-15 and the Everton team is –Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.

EVERTON AND THE VILLA IN “LEAGUE.”
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 March 1930
FOUR GOALS SHARED
EVERTON’S DESPERATE BATTLE FOR LEAD
By “Bee”
The call of the Villa is heard everywhere.  They have a following unequalled by no other visiting club.  Today they came to Goodison Park smarting under the loss of Cup-tie at home, and Smart and Walker were the main absentees from their side-through injury.  The appearance of Waring, ex-Tranmere, was quite a feature of the game in which Everton showed no change from the side that has not lost since its blend was realized as likely to carry the club out of its relegation fear.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Rigby, Stein.  Aston Villa; Biddlestone; Bowen, Mort; Gibson, Talbot, Tate; York, Beresford, Waring, Brown, Houghton. 
GOALPOST BROKEN. 
When the tarpaulin had been removed from the goal area an unusual incident occurred at the Aintree end goal. The cross-bar and an upright fell to the ground, and one began to wonder whether the bars would be put right in time for the kick-off, as there were only four minutes to go.  Director Banks lent his helping hand, and although the post went down four minutes before the kick-off, another one had been brought from the practice field at the other end of the ground in good time, so that the match started only a few minutes late.  Everton kicked off and blared away in a manner that pleased everyone.  Martin delayed the first shot, but when Griffiths, White, and Dean combined and kept the ball on the ground, Dean made a pass-back to Martin, after Critchley had beaten a full-back and centred so that a corner arose. 
A GRIFFITHS DRIVE. 
From this the ball swung out at Griffiths, who let out one of his best low drives, and once again proved the value  of this man, not only as a half-back but  also as a magnificent abet.  It was not such a powerful shot as his memorable goal against Manchester City, but it was a good goal, taken when wanted. A goal in two minutes just as Martin scored in two minutes on Saturday.  The goal was all the more notable, because I heard from Mr. Cuff, the chairman, prior to the match, that Griffiths was anxious not to play owing to illness.  Griffiths was near a second goal in another minute with a ball that was going to be awkward owing to the clots of mud on the ground.  Griffiths piled on the pressure again, tried to squeeze in a shot, but was blotted out by accident. And then came the Villa at their nicest. Brown was the instigator of those moves, and when Waring was going forward Williams, the full-back, made a definite trip that brought a free-kick a few yards outside the penalty area. 
HOUGHTON LEVELS. 
This free kick was fatal. Young Houghton was called up to take the kick, and his shot turned off one of the wall of defenders to the top of the net, so that in ten minutes the sides were all square. The encouragement from this goal was such as to be marked The Villa combined perfectly, and Waring was very tricky. Griffiths alone stood between Brown and a goal.  Not a great deal was seen of Gibson, the Villa captain in the opening stages, but when Everton revived they had a lucky breakaway.  Martin should have shot early on and the delay was fatal, even though Dean came near converting with his head an excellent centre by Critchley.  The Villa combined admirably, and played with an ease and a punch in front of goal that was foreign to the home side, so that after Sagar had run out and failed to reach a ball there was a gaping goal for Beresford or Waring. 
BROWN INCREASES. 
However, Williams kicked away, and Everton should have been thankful for the escape. In one minute, following fine work on the right, Brown, the ex- Huddersfield player, crashed in one of his best shots, and took the lead for the Villa.  The nearest approach to an equaliser came from Griffiths, with a header from a corner.  The referee failed to notice an offence by Dean on his rival captain, yet Gibson was the cause of a free kick when Dean was charged. The Villa were playing in such excellent manner and formation that one could not deny them their value, for a lead of 2-1.  In fact, they overplayed Everton for a considerable period.  The Villa headed another goal through Brown, after York had been allowed to go on after an offside decision.  Brown was wrongly voted offside when he was onside, and as he netted the ball it could be said that the two decisions balanced themselves. 
DEAN EQUALISES. 
Sagar made a desperate save as Waring chased after a half chance.  In a welter of good football by the Villa, Griffiths broke into a beautiful movement and a back-heel, and from this change of front came an equalizer, Dean scoring.  Dean made the movement by a magnificent pass to Martin, who pushed the ball forward, and Critchley closing in tried a shot that was without direction or strength, and luckily the ball passed over to Dean, who raced in and scored at the twenty-ninth minute.  Villa protested vigorously on the point of offside, but the goal stood.  Dean was near with a header from a Rigby centre. The new Villa goalkeeper once "lost the hall" and was lucky to find it with a catch. Critchley made a random shot in an endeavour to get the lead.  Before half-time. Stein nearly scored,  putting the ball square across the goal, and Brown was unlucky to find a leg  pulled from under him when he was  about to shoot into an empty net, where  he also had a goal chance, but, while  his footwork was clever, he had not produced  a stinging shot.  Half-time.—Everton 2, Acton Villa 2.  In the second half, with Everton kicking towards the town end goal, there was another severe tussle. Aston Villa continued to serve up delightful football, and Everton became desperate. 

QUERYOSITES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
Bobby Jones, the ex-Everton and now Bolton goalkeeper, writes;- “I had a cutting sent from home from your notes, 12 a pair of gloves left in the stand.  I found them on the steps after I had seen you, so I have returned them to the owner.  I missed you afterwards; else you would have saved me the trouble.  So maybe Mr. Spruce will inform you.  He is another person lucky through your notes.  I close, wishing you the best of health and a good close season.  Also hope the old club (Everton) steer clear. 
A TECHNICAL REFEREE
“J.M.W,” writes;- What a grand type of football Everton treated us to against Blackburn –the “swinging-about” fashion with a good many people have been clamouring for all the season.  No matter what coloured spectacles one was looking though, it must be admitted that they were far the superior side on the general run of the play; and I think the Rovers were a very lucky side to “get away” with a draw.  But to get to the point; my object in writing to you is to remark upon the decision of the referee during one period of the game –I refer to the time when Jones fouled Critchley in the second half.  The referee signalized for play to continue, and when a player obliged and placed the ball in the net, he altered his decision, and pointed for the free kick to be taken.  Perhaps you can explain this action, for I fail to find anything in the rules governing such a decision.  My opinion is that this referee has been reading a lot about the “big fight” and has treated us all to a “technical decision.”  However, he had the fine sporting instinct of the average Englishman to continue with, and they let it go for what it was worth.  I wonder how the “Cry Babies” across the herring pond would have received such a decision. 

EVERTON 3 ASTON VILLA 4
March 6 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON AGAIN FAIL
ASTON VILLA DESERVE THE POINTS
GREAT HALF-BACKS
By “Bee.”
Nothing will go right with Everton at home. The goalposts fell down four minutes before the start of their vital game with Aston Villa, which Everton lost (4-3), and Griffiths was a doubtful starter until the last moment and then probably played when he might (or should) have been rested. When he scored a goal in two minutes one felt that here was the spirit of the Everton side, which had done such big work the previous Saturday against Blackburn. But be degree the Villa, with their weakened side (Walker and Smart were away), not only got up to their opponents, but thrashed them by very sound and secure football. The half-back line of the winning side stood out boldly as fine tacklers and very exceptional headers and use of the ball.
KEEPING THE BALL DOWN.
They did not balloon the ball, they moved it upward. The Everton wing half-backs did not have a good first half yet White (in particular) and Robson (in a smaller fashion) came to their best in the second half, what time Griffiths began to tire after a lusty and successful (indeed outstanding) first half exhibition. The Villa were clever in every department save goal, and there Biddlestone, of Walsall, had to easy a passage that he was not extended. The reason he was not tested to the full was because in addition to three six-feet high half-back, Villa fielded two little men at full-back, both of a similar character of game and appearance of body. Mort and Bowen were admirable, sure-footed, practical defenders who got the ball away instantly, where the home defenders desired to bring the ball to earth and then, perchance to manceurve it before they elected to kick clear.
TWO GOALS FROM FREE KICKS.
O'Donnell is built this way, but Williams, his partner was a fine rugged mover of the ball, and a relentless tackler. Each back gave away a free kick which led to a goal, and each of these goals came to Houghton, the eighteen year old Villa winger on the left, who takes free kicks with his right foot. But Houghton while clever and a goal-getter, was no more dangerous than the rest. Beresford and Brown needed a lot of catching, and there was system and sense running through the whole Villa ranks where there was effort and excitement and yet unnecessary dragging of a pass on the Everton side. It could not be said Everton were out of luck. They had their chances. They had a lead in two minutes; they had a 2-2 score at half-time, when they had been very sorely tried by a smart side, who complained that Dean's equaliser of Brown's goal (after Houghton had opened the side's account) was quite an offside point. Stein had taken a pass from the scheming Martin rather awkwardly, but the ball had spun its way to goal and over the line. Thus at fifty-second minute Everton were leading 3-2, and the thought of a spray and necessary home victory came to the mind of the 24,000 spectators. But at the seventieth minute Everton suffered one of their relapses. Waring got a fine goal to delight his Tranmere supporters, and Houghton, with a further free kick turned the game to 4-3 for the visiting side.
A JUST VERDICT.
It was a just verdict, Sagar had a great deal of heavy work, and he was crowded out by his own side when the free kicks were being taken. He had “lost” the ball once or twice, yet had kept a good goal in the circumstances. It was all to-no use. Villa won after being out of the lead twice, and Everton's position became more than exasperating through this further lapse. They were beaten by a better side, a clever side, a sharper side with ideals, and an eleven that at times brought out passing movements the like of which Corinthians and the old Villa side used to serve up to the public. Mr. John Devey, the former Villa captain, looked on and smiled when he saw the whole five of the Villa forwards combine without moving the ball off the turf, and without an Everton player touching it in the matter of intervention. The Villa still stands for standard play and class football.
A MIXED MEDLEY.
Everton stand for a mixed medley of varieties; much of the game showed up well; there was no lasting power about the eleven; they got into troubles needlessly; there were times when a pass could be made; it was not made; rather was it a means for them to dribble in or out, and finally get crowded out. Martin was very clever if a shade slow in the second half. Critchley had his moderate moments, but he did a great deal of good. Dean was faced by a man who could head the ball as well as he could –which used to be saying much; and the left wing was only moderately successful. After the game came the signing of Johnson, who becomes inside left for the game with Newcastle on Saturday –a very vital game, one might remark, but height all Everton games are vital from now onwards, and the only hope lies in the fact that the side plays much more consistently and well away from home than at home. May that good phrase go on. Teams. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and O'Donnell, backs; Robson, Griffiths, and White, half-backs; Critchley, Martin Dean (captain), Rigby and Stein forwards. Aston Villa; - Biddlestone, goal; Bowen and Mort, backs; Gibson, Talbot and Tate, half-backs; York, Beresford, Waring, Brown, and Houghton.
EVERTON'S FIFTH HOME DEFEAT.
By John Peel
What will happen to Everton? After the match yesterday I heard one of their supporters say, “Well if they can't play better than that they ought to go into the Second Division.” Truth to tell they were deservedly beaten by a better side but Aston Villa on yesterday's form would have mastered better sides than Everton. The dominating feature to my mind was the effortless but skilful work of the three tall half-backs, coupled with the ability of young Houghton to make full use of free kicks just outside the penalty line. The Villa as a side, were more certain in their movements than Everton and I thought Waring played a cool, calculating game. He has improved in the finer points of the play and some of the touches yesterday were very neat indeed, even though he did not make the most of at least one excellent chance. It was Everton's fifth home defeat.

EVERTON SIGNED TOMMY JOHNSON
March 6 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Important football transfer were completed last night, when Everton secured T. Johnson the Manchester City inside left. That Johnson would join the Everton was forecast in the ‘'Daily Post'' on Tuesday and the arrangements have been brought to a successful issue. Johnson will assist his new club on Saturday. Everton have eyes on this player for sometime, and previous efforts to secure him were not successful. A one time it was reported that Johnson did not please the Manchester City spectators, and he has been subject to barracking, but that he is a good player, is demonstrated by the fact that he this season played for England against Wales, and is to participate in the international trial match at Anfield next week. In the critical stage of Everton's career it is expected that the new player will add much needed strengthen to the attack, and though the fee is not stated, Everton undoubtedly will have paid a high fee for his service. Johnson has played all his senior football with Manchester City, and it is recounted that last season, he scored five goals against Everton in the league match. A Dalton-in-Furness man, he played for Dalton Athletic and Dalton Casuals before joining Manchester City in February 1919. As a youth of seventeen. He developed rapidly and has played with distraction in the three inside forward positions. As a youth he won many sprints. His nature judgement, skill and experience should prove of immense worth in the critical days ahead. A fine positional player, he has a good shot, and his shrewd judgement and placing are excellent. He stands 5ft 9 and half inches and weights 11 st 11lbs. Manchester City are well endowed with inside forwards, and no doubt Johnson realises that a change will be of benefit to him.

ANOTHER EVERTON SIGNING
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 March 1930
Everton today signed another international forward in the person of W. McCambridge, an inside-left, from the Irish team, Ballymens.  McCambridge is twenty-two years of age, stands 5ft, 9in., and scales 11 ½ stone.  He will play in the Central League team against Stockport County, at Goodison Park, on Saturday.  There is every possibility that Everton will make another signing this evening.
EVERTON’S TEAMS
Everton make but one change for the game at Newcastle, bringing in their new player, Johnson, at inside-left, to Rigby, Stein going to outside-right with the reserve side.  Teams; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.  Reserves, at home to Stockport;- Routledge; (on trial); Cresswell, Common; Kelly, McClure, Bryan; Stein, McPherson, Holliday, Weldon, and Lewis. 

JOHNSON BECOMES AN EVERTON PLAYER
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 06 March 1930
MORE TO FOLLOW
Bee’s Notes
It is not worth while restating the case of Everton.  Every game now bears a weight unknown before to the club.  There is time, even yet, to escape the clutch of the relegation machine which cracks up all and sundry in its wheeling way.  But it can only be attained by stern effort and great care that the chance of taking a shot or a header is not delayed.  One would have thought that a 3-2 lead, after a goal in two minutes, would have been sufficient to give Everton confidence; they have none; the home games continue to conspire against them.  Everyone said how well they fought against Blackburn, then came the Villa blow-a just blow, for the Midland men put up bright, resolute football, sense, and quickness of the pass without a flourish of “holding.” It was football that paid.  Few would kept up their end against the display those three 6ft half-backs offered.  However, enough of yesterday.  What of the morrow? Johnson, of Manchester, is on the books; he is one of a number of signings the club has taken in hand.  Johnson is a well-built young man, who has lived his life in Manchester so far as football is concerned.  As a boy he played with Dalton-in-Furness.  Through his career he has collected goals and made goals.  It is a big thing to expect one man to make the Everton attack, which is so clever in part, yet so uncertain when the need of instant shooting comes in.  Many may wonder where Johnson will play.  I think it can be argued that he will be inside-left unless someone drops out through injury in yesterday’s game.  Johnson is in the trial game at Anfield next Wednesday.  He has done well in these games and in his international calls for two or three years.  He would not be with Everton now but for difficulty he finds in doing Manchester justice, thanks to the calls of the crowd.  Needless to say he will be playing against Newcastle United on Saturday- a match of very severe weight in the circumstances. 

Everton Sign Another International.
Friday, march 7, 1930 Western Daily Press
Following their capture of Johnson from Manchester City, Everton have obtained the transfer of McCambridge, the Irish International inside-left, from Ballymena. McCambridge has twice played for his country, against Wales and Scotland this season, and was watched last week-end representatives of Everton, Liverpool, and Bradford City. He will play for ‘Everton Reserves against Stockport on Saturday. The fee paid by Everton is said to be th.3 highest ever received by the Ballymena club-

W.G. McCAMBRIDGE SIGN BY EVERTON
March 7 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Following their capture from Manchester City, the Everton have obtained the transfer of WG McCambridge, the Irish International inside left from Ballymena. McCambridge has twice played for his county against Wales, and Scotland this season, and was watched by several clubs including Everton, when he stood out in the Irish side against Scotland. Last weekend, representatives of Everton, Liverpool and Bradford City, journeyed across the Irish channel to see him play. He will assist Everton Reserves against Stockport County tomorrow. The fee paid is said to be the highest ever received by the Ballymena club- twenty-two-years-of –age, he stands 5ft 9 and a half inches, and weights 11 and half stone. If McCambridge turns out- anything like as good as previous Irish players signed by Everton, notably W Scott, Val Harris and Lacey, them the club will have every reason to be satisfied.

EVERTON SIGN ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL
March 7, 1930. Western Daily Press
Following their capture of Johnson, from Manchester City, Everton have obtained the transfer of McCambridge, the Irish international inside left, from Ballymena. McCambridge has twice play for his Country, against Wales, and Scotland this season, and was watched last week-end by representatives of Everton, Liverpool and Bradford City. He will play for Everton Reserves against Stockport on Saturday. The fee paid by Everton is said to be the highest ever received by the Ballymena club.

EVERTON F.C’S SIGNINGS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 March 1930
It is said that Everton have signed two players from China –We Wun Wunz and How Lung Sinz. 
The Everton Reserve side to meet Stockport Reserve, at Goodison Park, tomorrow, will include McCambridge, the Irish international, at centre-forward, and Weldon, at inside-left.  Routledge, a young goalkeeper from the North-East is given a trial.  Everton “A” play Hoylake United at Banks-road, West Kirby, 3.30. 

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, March 7 1930
A NEW SERIES
NO.9 – FAIRCLOUGH LANE AND THE STORY OF A TRAGIC DUEL
By Michael O’Mahony.
The breaking dawn of the nineteenth century found Fairclough-lane the centre of a really nice situation.  It was certainly much nearer to the rural sounds of woods and water than it is today.  The mosslake brook, on its way to the sloping fields and mill wheel in what is now Norton-street, ran along the course of the present Crown-street.  Pembroke-road, now West Derby-street, was a grass-bordered vista over which towering elms waved their branches on either side; indeed, the wayfarer out from town walked under an archway of leaves from the door of the little thatched inn called “Polly Tittles,” to the quiet village by the pool known in old documents as Waurtree.  “Polly Tittles” deserves a digression.  It stood not far from Monument-place and had an orchard behind it, the entrance to which was approached by steps cut in the rock.  It was much restored to by townsfolk, who used to have wrestling matches and boxing bouts there at fair-time, but all proceedings were maintained in a spirit of admirable order.  “Polly,” says Stonehouse, “was a woman of masculine stature and manner, who used to boast that she could soon settle any of the lads who wanted to cut up rough, and she could do it too.”  Doubtless owing to this accomplishment the inn became a model to all places of public entertainment at the time. 
BOUGHS AND HEDGES
The spreading boughs shading the road were not more pleasant than the hedges lining either side, and at the corner of Brownlow-street stood an ancient stile, which opened on a path into the fields and at which groups of people were in the habit of standing together of an evening to await the event of the day, the arrival of the mail coach from London.  the scarlet coach, with its flashing spokes, gold-laced drivers, and four prancing horses, must have been a heartening sight as it rolled down to the gates of the “Saracen’s Head” or “Golden Lion,” and well worth waiting for, and so the stile became a place of cheerful tryst.  But if I digress again for a moment it is to point out that manners change.  I have noticed in our days groups of people stand together, generally of an evening, not far from the site of the long-vanished stile, and, having waited patiently enough for the coming of the coach’s successor, see it go by them (“chain across”) without any feeling of admiration.  Indeed, I have seen its fading lights accompanied less by look of love than by the language of lurid disapproval.  Up to 1800, and for years afterwards, the triangular space between the present Pembroke-place and London-road was the fields of Mr. Daulby, the friend of Roscoe, and the first laying out of the land was for a Hebrew cemetery, while adjoining it was a florist’s nursery, which remained for years in the possession of a family named Fielding.  Hardwick-street was a grassy pathway called Love-lane (another Love-lane) long noted for four old pink thorn trees, and the slopping way between this interesting corner and the village of Low Hill and the track through the furze beyond it to Gregson’s Well was Fairclough-lane.  It is a pity to have to recall the fact that this fragrant neighbourhood was some 130 years ago, associated with an episode of hated ending in death, but history is history. 
THE BROOKS AND THE BOLTONS
Early in the last century no local families were better known than the Brooks and the Boltons.  The Brooks were descended from Humphrey Brooks who brought the first news of the sailing of the Armada to England and Colonel Bolton was a man whose wealth was only equaled by his splendid benevolence.  He raised, equipped, and maintained at his own expense a volunteer force of 600 strong, and when, owing to commanding influence, he secured on the death of Bryan Blundell, the vacant post of “Customs jerquer” for his young friend Major Brooks, there was general satisfaction.  That is everyone approved but Brooks himself.  He no sooner received the post than he applied for an increase of salary.  His application was referred to a committee, who did not favour it, deciding that 700 pounds a year was enough for a young unmarried man.”  Major Brooks, who, unlike his estimable brother, Venerable Archdeacon Brooks, was of a resentful temperament, took umbrage at the decision, and blaming his benefactor for it, did his best to pick a quarrel with him on every possible occasion, purposely waylaying him in the streets to insult him face to face and hurling abuse at him at crowded public meetings.  These were the days when a curious code of honour demanded the penalty of bloodshed for the most trivial offence, and after a disgraceful insult flung at Colonel Bolton across “Change, a hostile meeting could no longer be avoided.  The major, fresh from a successful duel on Bootle sands, was eager for the fray, and a meeting was arranged close to Miller’s Dam- a lonely, unfrequented part of the Dingle –but owing to a hint from a friend of the major’s, both Bolton and Brooks were taken into custody by the authorities, Brooks storming and shouting that his adversary was the cause of the interruption to the fight. 
DEATH IN CANDLELIGHT
The parties were bound over to keep the peace for a year, during which time Major Brooks never lost an opportunity of still insulting his former friend.  On Christmas Day, 1805, the day the bond expired, Coolnel Bolton, returning from church and walking along Castle-street with Colonel Earle, was so violently insulted that there was no other alternative but an immediate meeting, which was fixed to take place that very evening.  The bad conduct of the major was so public that he was arrested, but after a few hours’ detention was released.  No sooner was he at liberty than he sent a peremptory message to the colonel that he would await him that evening at five o’clock, at the corner of Love-lane, above Fielding’s nursery.  Punctual to a moment Colonel Bolton, accompanied by the well-known surgeon Harry Park, came upon the ground, but it was so dark that candles had to be lit before they could see to load the pistols; and here, in the dreary December night, the tragedy proceeded to its denousement.  “What a scene!” exclaims Picton, “for the pencil of a Salvator Ross.  The generous, public-spirited, kind-hearted English merchant compelled by the fantastic public opinion of the day to imperil his life because the man he had cherished chose to treat him with base ingratitude!”  Colonel Bolton, remarking that it was the custom of the duello for the challenger to fire first, requested him to do so.  The challenger fired instantly without touching his opponent; but Bolton’s returning shot entering Brooks head, he died immediately. 
NO PROSECUTION
The major lived in Daulby-street, not two hundred yards distant.  The family heard the fatal shot as they sat down to dinner, but little dreamed how much it meant till the body was brought home.  A verdict of “Wilful murder” was returned against Colonel Bolton at the inquest, but public opinion was so much in his favour that no prosecution was ever instituted.  Unlike Daniel O’Connell, who, after his fatal meeting with D’Easterre, wore a black glove on his right hand to the end of his days, Colonel Bolton wore no visible sign of sorrow, but the unhappy and unsought-for duel affected the spirits of the amiable man for the rest of his life.  His benevolence yearly increased and in 1836, on the eve of his death, he gave 2,000 guineas to the poor of Liverpool.  The first row of roofs which arose off Love-lane was Jubilee-street (built during the Jubilee of George III.). St. Jude’s Church arose in time, and to-day, but for the fringe of popular branches showing above high railings, and breaking the drab line of Hardwick-street, many might be surprised to find a church set between the closely-packed streets, but St. Jude’s is as a miniature cathedral and has a “close” all its own.  While historically it is the church which long sounded to the eloquence of Hugh McNeill, it is architecturally what we understand in Liverpool as a relic of Rickman, whose tender devotion to cast iron is so solidity established amongst us. 
GLADSTONE’S SCHOOL
But St. Jude’s, with its handsome façade, trim outlines, and long, graceful windows is a more satisfying sight than those examples of umbrella Gothic which we have to suffer for our sins.  Rising from its terraces and railed environment, it confers dignity on a dull district.  With the fall of the high elms in Pembroke-road, the bramble borders of Fairclough-lane soon succumbed to the billhook, and the bow windows of Mount Vernon House, and the balustrades surrounding the fish pond on its flat roof, soon looked down on the houses which came steadily up the hill to its gates.  High steps and deep areas were in those days the hallmark of respectability, and notwithstanding an invasion of “sloppiness” that evidence of distinction is still maintained.  The sky line is now crossed by the tower and imposing gables of the Sacred Heart Church.  The fine old Mount Vernon House is gone, but it did not readily surrender its grip on the soil.  From a period of proud isolation, it descended about the about the year of Waterloo to the status of a private school under the rule of a polite preceptress, and there exists a tradition that to this exclusive school, accompanied by a nurse, there came every day a little boy from Rodney-street, whose name on the books was entered as William E. Gladstone.  The old house, which lived on down to our own day, sheltered many strange tenants under the roof which once held the fishpond.  It has now disappeared for good, and on its site stands a building which ever moved to admiration the heart of the Grand Old Man – a thriving elementary school.  Next Week; Drury-lane. 

EVERTON’S TASK WITH NEWCASTLE PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
WHAT FETTLE?
Everton go to Newcastle United’s ground complacent that the Novos have had a stiff Cup-tie, which is even more distracting and extracting than a League match with the Villa.  As Everton have won away games with some degree of regularity while they have been missing points with regularity at home we must hope that this very vital game will bring us one or more points.  Newcastle are placed in such a frail manner that they have ideas of making this a real homely gift for their supporters, who have been holding shareholders’ protest meetings and the like.  We have not come to that at Everton, though it is rather remarkable we have escaped.  Truth is that years gone by this failure of Everton would have been a real bone contention, and there would have been meetings all-round the city with platitudes falling upon my ear, which platitudes I know by heart.  Their very insincerity bothers me.  That’s not the point for the moment; we have got to think of the visiting side tackling an admittedly poorish side in Newcastle.  Hutchinson has come back to the home fold with forward work and goals, but the club do not know what to do with Gallacher, and Hutchinson; they are trying to field two centre forwards.  Therefore the attack should be rousing, yet possibly it is lacking in positioning power through the doubling up of the main post of the attacking line.  All this should be good for Williams and Griffiths; in fact, the more I see Everton away the more optimistic I become concerning their chances.  They have a chance in all their away games, judged by any form I have seen save the Blackburn Cup-tie-and you know what Cup-ties are; they are a law unto themselves.  At any rate, I am going to Newcastle in the hope and belief that the players will make another earnest, prolonged struggle, and push their ability to the fore.  They have youth on their side, Griffiths is 21, White is not 20, Robson is 20.  Where will you find a half-back line of such tender years?  Yet they are doing their share in the attempted revival of the Goodison Park side.  The appearance of Johnson, of Manchester City, will add life and soul and shot to an attack that has failed in finality moves.  Everton? Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. 

EVERTON'S VITAL MATCH
March 8 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
How will Everton fare at Nerwcastle? It is a vital match, the result of which may mean relegation for the losers, Everton directors and players realise the importance of the game, and the men engaged can be depended on to put in all they know to bring about the desired result. Newcastle had a hard cup-tie on Thursday, while Everton played ion Wednesday, but I have no doubt that the players will turn out fresh and eager. Newcastle have not been playing well at all in the League, though up to the last match they did well in the cup. Much depends on how Griffiths Everton's best half-back, fares against Gallacher, the match winner. The little man is always likely to win a game off his own bat, so to speak, and he will need a special watch today. Everton ought to be strengthened by the inclusion of Johnson, and with Rigby as his partner the left wing may prove a source of strength. A victory to Everton would relieve the tension. With Newcastle at the bottom of the table they are in sore straits, and with two desperate teams in action, the issue seems to be very open indeed. A draw would not be surprising. Everton; - Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Newcastle United; - McInroy; Richardson, Maitland; Mattieson, Harris, Weaver; Boyd, Devine, Gallacher, McDonald, Scott .

EVERTON’S DOOM
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 March 1930
POOR FINISH AT NEWCASTLE
GALLACHER GOAL TELLS
“ONE OF THE POOREST DISPLAYS I HAVE SEEN.”
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, White; Critchley, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.  Newcastle United; McIlroy; Richardson, Maitland; Mathieson, Harris, Weaver; Boyd, Devine, Gallacher, McDonald, Scott. Two worried team?, Everton and  Newcastle United, drew together, to-day, about 40,000 people in what was looked  upon as a sort of relegation test.  Everton produced Johnson, of Manchester City, for his first game in the same colours but for a different club,  and he must have created an atmosphere of confidence in the Everton side,  because they were right on top of their  form early on, and twenty minutes had four goal-getting chances, none of which they chiefly through deliberateness and delay.  Robson wade big headers, White was perfect in his cross-pass to Critchley, and Critchley had the defence guessing and gassed. Yet, only shot to the Newcastle goalkeeper, who ran out and caught a straight drive by Martin, a drive of some power.  Only once was the Newcastle side dangerous; that was when Gallacher had his first shot and O'Donnell cut across him to stem his path. Then Williams and Robson each left it to the other to clear, and neither did, with the result that Newcastle made their second effort.  Compared to this, there had been twenty attacks by Everton, all of much better character, yet lacking in severe punch and finality. Williams, when needed, defended brilliantly, and Johnson did some powerful work and created centre-forward passes that were models.   who;  d. defended brilliantly and Johnson  did some powerful work  and  created  centre-forward passes Martin was unlucky to be crowded out,  and Dean was slow with a prime chance  which he did not take first time.
GALLACHER. 
One might say, characteristic of the Everton games this season, that they outplayed Newcastle for twenty minute,  at which point Gallacher moved off,  dribbled past one man and then  another, and finally crashed a perfect  lob drive to goal.  It is useless saying it was all against the run of the play, even though that is the fact. Here was a man who would, take a shot of real power and direction at only the second effort that came his way. Moreover, within one minute he had made Sager stretch his long limbs across the goalmouth to prevent two goals in two minutes, while he went on to make another thoroughly good drive which swung just over the crossbar.  Needless to say, this deficit to Everton,  ' after a long spell of easy defeating of a poor defence, was vexatious and liable to upset the even temperament of the Everton side, who had been lulled into a belief, quite justifiable, that here was a team that could easily be beaten.  Gallacher was the great answer to these beliefs; he is the great denial.  It is worthwhile mentioning that three times the kick-off was altered, and finally the teams kicked off eight minutes, were the rearranged time.  This had been done as a result of a request on the part of Everton. 
NEWCASTLE WAVER. 
The Newcastle defence wavered considerably, and either Dean or Rigby could have gone in to score easily.  Finally, Rigby, able to take his time and place his drive, shot badly outside.  Gallacher was the only forward on the field to be dangerous. He was surrounded by three men, yet made Sager save again. White had a fierce blow in the face, the blow knocking him out.  It seemed to be a match in which the name Gallacher was starred in big letters. He was the whole news of half. When he was brought fully and fairly down Williams a free kick was a lot of trouble to the defence, but later he was bought down by two men in one and the same incident, and as he sat on the ball he raised two fingers to show the referee that this was a double-decker offence.  Williams and O'Donnell, the Everton backs, trod on the ball two yards from goal without my Newcastle man being able to take the benefit of their only blunder this half. Tired of waiting for the Everton forwards to test the Newcastle goalkeeper, White made a long shot, but the ball was nowhere near the mark.  That is of there was to this half. A Gallacher goal and Everton much work without any semblance of finish.  Half-time; Newcastle U 1, Everton 0.   The standard of play in the second portion of the first half, though play began with a good drive by Scott.  Half, though play began with drive by Scott.  Griffiths threatened to produce one of his magic goals when he ran though and beat three men.  He got as far as the penalty area, when he slipped.  That is how Everton failed to draw level. It was certainty had Griffiths stood up.  Martin made a drive at McIIroy.  Who lobs were applied by the Newcastle forwards, Sagar punched away despite the close presence of full back O’Donnell.  Gallacher misfired, this being his first offence of the day.  He was well covered and slow.  Gallacher again not through on his own after a miskick by O’Donnell, and when Williams tackled him and brought him down in the penalty area, the home centre-forward was not alone in his claim for a penalty.  The referee, Mr. Wood, of Sheffield, however, said no.  Rigby was having a good time this half.  He beat a poor defence with the ease that one expected, and then offered Dean a gift, but the latter could not find the ball, and from that Sagar had to pick up cleverly from Boyd.  Dean put a bumping ball into McIIroy’s hands, and Johnson could not quite fathom the swing of a ball that come to his left foot for what threatened to be a goal.  Johnson also made a header that McIIroy had to save.  The former Sunderland goalkeeper was in a melee, in which Martin looked like scoring.  The trouble with Everton was still the fact that they did not apply shots.  Anyone could have kept goal today for an hour against the Everton side.  Through it all, Williams stood out as the great back of the day. 
THE “BIRD” TWITTERS
The spectators were not altogether satisfied with Newcastle’s form, and Maitland and Harris both got the “bird” in a game that lacked lustre, thrill, and skill.  O’Donnell took an enormous liberty in front of goal, but recovered cleverly when he realized the danger, McIIroy picked up luckily from Martin, following which Martin again made a hit-or-miss shot that swung in its flight out of goal mark.  But at least this was an attempt to force a goal at the critical moment.  Here was a game easy to win and Everton not only refused the chance but allowed Galalcher to get his goal.  Two pounds bonus will be paid to each of the Newcastle men; they should give their money to the man who made the only bright spot in the whole game.  Everton were slow but could have won this game quite readily, with any system of instant passing and instant shooting.  It was poor football and it was the more aggravating that Everton shod not accept a great chance of beating a bad side.  Newcastle United 1, Everton 0. 

STUD-MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 March 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

 

TROUP-RITCHIE SURPRISE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 March 1930
It is by no means certain that Troup and Ritchie, whom Dundee secured from Everton for the Cup-ties will remain at Dens Park.  The former has created the better impression in the games he has played, and it is felt that with a good man to support him Troup might, after an absence of almost ten years become once again the idol o Dundee.  Ritchie, who canno0t play unless he understands his inside partner, has not done anything of note so far, and it is unlikely that he will remain in the North.  Whether the pair will return to Everton is a matter for question, Dundee have frankly admitted that they are unable to pay a penny for their players, so it stands to reason that Everton have still some call on the services of the pair.  Temporary transfers for Cup-ties have been allowed in Scotland for years, and this may be just such another case.

EVERTON RES V. STOCKPORT C RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 March 1930
FULL BACK SCORES AGAINST THE BLUES
Within five minutes Everton were a goal in arrears, the home defence faltering a determined Country raid, Everest having no difficulty in opening the scoring.  Everton had McCambridge at centre forward, and with the chances offered he prove a dangerous raider, but the home attack were never really as convincing as Stockport.  Weldon equallised for Everton.  The visitors again took the lead when Routledge failed to hold a long distance shot from the full back, Kyle.  Half-time; Stockport Res 2, Everton Res 1. 

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1 EVERTON 0
March 10 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
EVERTON'S SECOND LAPSE.
NEWCASTLE A BAD SIDE, BUT GAIN FULL POINTS.
By “Bee.”
The game at St. James's Park, Newcastle was of the utmost import. It went the way of Newcastle by a goal to none –a brilliant goal after twenty minutes, a goal that only a Gallacher could obtained a goal that carried a golden ring and effect. This was a relegation meeting; two of the oldest and most reowned sides met and among the 40,000 spectators there were heard expressions of regret that either side should look like “going down.” The defeat was hailed with joy by the officials of the home club, but they, as all who looked on recognised that the better side lost and that Newcastle cannot expect such tenderous at future teams when other sides than Everton. Everton had the foot of Newcastle. It availed them nothing because the forward line would not take an easy chance.
EVERTON'S CRAFT.
I do not exaggerate when I say that in this bad game between two admirably weak sides, Everton provided all the football craft save the splashes of genius brought forward by the irrepressible Gallacher. Had he been the Everton centre instead of the slow-moving Dean the victory to the Everton side would have been by a handsome margin. Naturally both elevens felt the urge of the occasion and also felt the fear of the occasion; they could not do themselves justice, it was said, Veitch the old Newcastle captain excused them on that score, yet he put on record the fact that Everton were the cleverer and better side and were worthy a draw at least. I disagree, Everton's game was that curious mixture which never promises a goal. Take away three drives by Martin, hit or miss type of try-on-shots, and the team promised nothing in the way of work for the goalkeeper. They wanted to move the ball before shooting it –it has become a fetish with them all; even the half-backs are developing that way; it is not a question of drawing the opposition before parting with the ball; they draw a defender and then desire to get the ball tipped and tapped through others that may come on.
POINTS LOST BY SINGLE GOAL.
By this route they get crowded out. Half-backs lose the ball after having worked hard to get it in their possession and forwards lose a shot-chance through being covered up. That is the secret of this good play with no goal. In the past week the Everton club had lost four points, each game by a goal, and each time has had the chance to take a share. At Newcastle their chances was truly great because the home side had six changes from their beaten cup side, and the way the defence played (goalkeeper excepted of course, because he had no cause to bestir himself) was sufficient to encourage the forwards to take their toll. Maitland and Harris were not in the same class as their Everton rivals yet, their gross mistake cost them nothing. Everton brought in their capture from Manchester City. Johnson is a nimble footballer, with a strong shot. His efforts on Saturday swung up and over, but he offered some priceless passed to Rigby and Dean.
A GREAT WING.
Dean did not except them, and was yards short and beaten a head in jumping to a ball that was centred. Rigby and Johnson in the second half paired off beautifully, and are plainly going to be a great wing. They made Everton's last half-hour attacks so that Everton had the first twenty minutes to themselves and the whole of the last half-hour on attack, yet McInroy was never seriously bothered, save by the straight drive from Martin. I am putting the teams in their proper category when I say that Newcastle were so bad they should not have won; Gallacher, the master mind, shot a goal to win the game, and crowned on two more efforts of a similar character in two seconds. Sagar saved one, the other went overboard. So did the Newcastle side, which was without worth in a commentary sense. No one in defence, for instance, did so well as Williams, the extremely dour Everton backs O'Donnell got into scrapes and go himself out of them, and once nearly put the ball into his own net. At half-back Griffiths was fair without being his true self, and White and Robson were below par; Robson is tired through the stress of the campaign. Put in a nutshell, if one say's Newcastle were a bad side, yet beat Everton, what does that make of Everton? The answer is correct, yet the eleven is still not doomed to relegation –plans are afoot and players are being “named.”
EVERTON NEED.
The big need at the moment is for a changed centre forward and wing half-backs, plus two new men who shall forget all about Everton's trouble and play a normal and practical game. The present side seems frightened to take a chance anywhere near goal –and they cannot get going if they do no shoot. Teams; - Newcastle United; - McInroy, goal; Richardson, and Maitland, backs; Mathieson, Harris, and Weaver, half-backs; Boyd, Devine, Gallacher, McDonald, and Scott, forwards. Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams, and O'Donnell, backs; Robson, Griffiths, and White, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Rigby, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 STOCKPORT COUNTY RESERVES 3
March 10 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)
Everton were a trifle unfortunate in losing both points for although in the initial half the county were the more trustful attackers, the second half found the home forwards battling strongly against a defence that was rallied vigorous in their tactics. Everton at least should have had a penalty and the sound work of McCann in goal prevented a later on equaliser. The home side had Routledge from the North-East on trial in goal, and although his early work unfortunately lacked confidence and enabled Stockport to score a couple of easy goals, he afterwards did fairly well. McCambridge, the latest acquisition at centre-forward tried desperately hard to score and showed good ideals, but Everton generally were not convincing. Everest took advantage of a defensive lapse to open the County's score. Weldon equalised, and then Routledge was very much at fault in failing to stop a long-distance shot of no power from Kyle. Brown increased Stockport's lead in the second half, and Wilkinson took a pass from McPherson to score Everton's second. After this the losers crowned on tremendous pressure but it was of no use.

PLAIN TALK ON EVERTON’S POSITION
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 March 1930
NOT DOOMED, BUT CERTANLY FULL OF GLOOM
EVERTON’S PREDICAMENT
PLANS HEAD
THE OUTSIDER’S CHANCE
By “Bee’s”
We are oft made to say the things we do not say. I did not say Everton were doomed; gloom, yes; doom, no?  How can there be any definiteness on such a matter when Burnley and Grimsby continue losing their games, hose or away? Grimsby beat Middlesborough  away, yes; but they have wobbled  beyond words and Burnley have to come to the Everton ground, as also  Grimsby—so those two matches carry  with them a four-fold scare. I am in the knowledge of plans of campaign in the Everton camp. Anything like a win against a bad side on Saturday would have pushed the need out of sight. The club has lost four points in a week and the grievousness of the latest loss was that they were superior to Newcastle with their six changes (Veitch said this, and added that Everton “at least deserved a draw.") and have no excuse for not getting goals. It is valueless to talk of Everton being in such a mood that they outclassed them for twenty minutes.  It is equally foolish to talk of the last half hour of the bad game and say “Newcastle were never in it." They are true statements, but they carry no weight with me. What I desire to know is this: When and why shall Everton get goals, as they progress to-day? 
PLAIN TALL 
The position is not so hopeless as it looks if you study the fixtures and realise the funniosity of the game—  Blackburn's defeat, Grimsby's loss after  an away win to brighten their sad lives  —but it is necessary to be very  emphatic and fair and plain in our talk  at this stage. Everton had a dozen chances to shoot. They are all tarred with the same brush; there is not a man among them just now who will take the ball as it comes to him, for shooting purposes. The half-backs have caught the same disease for movement, they will move the ball either side before the shot is delivered or the pass made.  The chance to make a pass after drawing one man is not their way of playing, they want to tread the ball and gather players around them and then they are covered up. Martin had three blaze-shots, two direct at the goalkeeper, but carrying some pace, the other over.  Rigby was off the target when placed for goal: Johnson, the new man from Manchester, had bad luck with two shots early on, and seemed to concentrate upon combination—his ideal passes went to Dean, upward passes to an unmarked man; his pairing with Rigby in the second half showed that this wing will, must, be a greet working wing, and good to look at. But having said that we are faced with the vital factor. Whence come the shots and goals? Memories of the past cannot carry the selectors through any longer:  thoughts of leadership or captaincy carry no weight to-day; it is 1930, not 1927. The lost shot in the centre, the inability to rise to a ball crossed from the wings, is apparent to any who have eyes to see; beaten a head “is the correct phrase. It is perpetual, it is  galling, to behold, but it is dragging the  attack to a depth that means whatever  combination roe have produced you are  still yards short, and, therefore, unable  to deliver the shooting goods ordered.  There us another feature that must strike home. Robson, genuine to the last ounce, working to the last kick, is tired through the stress of the senior game. His physique (at the moment) is troubled. He has been a brave and clever young lad, but he has needed a rest for some time. Them is excuse for him, and he sure to "come back."  I wish I could say it about others. 
A MORD OF PRAISE. 
It is unsporting and unfair to talk of a winning side as a bad “ten” if you do not apply the natural commentary to the side they have beaten.  I hide nothing; Gallacher was a masterpiece, a genius, and a gentleman.  If he had been with our boys the score would have favoured Everton 6-0. Rarely have I seen a game where a centre-forward, with little chance through careful marking, carried the team to victory. He did it alone.  The ten others were shocking examples in Newcastle's famous colours, Everton were certainly very good in goal and at back. Williams is the best signing for years; O'Donnell took risks and redeemed himself, but if the attack was carrying its proper sphere of influence the defence would have more confidence and rest. Williams was the star; Griffiths was not quite to his high par, and while it is true that the "awfulness of the occasion had a lot to do with the twenty-two players being afraid to do anything in awe they erred, well, I am sorry to say that Everton’s overplaying of Newcastle for twenty minutes in the first half and thirty minutes in the second half should make them ashamed that Mclnroy had so comfortable a time in goal. The defence of Newcastle and the half-back work afforded the visitors a victory. The reasons for their non-acceptance have been outlined above. Movements will be made this day that may bring a bright light in the team that has lost confidence if not heart. But I think the directors' first thought must be:—we must have a man who will shoot at goal when he is unmarked and but six yards distance from the goal of his high calling. 

JOHN PETER O'DOWD NOT SIGNED
March 11 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
I understand that Everton have been in negotiations for John Peter O'Dowd, Blackburn Rovers Reserves centre-half, but Burnley secured the player's transfer last evening.

STYLES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 11 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
“Blue and Red” writes-My first offence.  Knowing your keenness re the welfare of our clubs.  I am sure you must feel the bluntness of the good old Blues.  Well, I suggest you strongly advocate again the five forward team.  The downfall of the Blues is their persistence in playing inside men as semi half-backs and leaving the wingmen, and the still greatest centre forward to do the attacking.  Every inside forward Everton get they all adopt this useless plan.  Good lads at first, and then they all start leaving their job, and only hinder the half-back behind them, and if they get a ball only put it where they ought to be themselves.  Rumour is they play to instructions.  Bobby Irvine, Wilf Chadwick, Dominy Weldon, Easton, Dunn, and the present first and second team inside forwards play this style, and also lose the matches, and eventually their places and club.  The new boy from Ireland on Saturday against Stockport was fed by Weldon, McPherson, the three half-backs, and others, but the usual result, and the lad was crowded out and worn out. 
A PROPHECY
“Two Bob” writes; - I notice you adopted the wisest course as regards your comment of the Everton-Villa match, re; “Least said soonest mended,” or is it possible that you, too, the disgusted.  Seriously, I expected strong criticism from you as regards the left half position.  Hart on one leg would do better.  I have referred to this matter before.  If Everton are in such an extremity for the left half why not try a full back there?  Two left insides signed this week.  Inside lefts will not save Everton, but wing half-backs and big ones too.  If Everton deseeded they will never return to the First Division-a calamity indeed; but they have been heading for it for some time, and their players are not to blame. 
A LOOK ON THE “AMBLERS”
We must put sentiment aside (says “Cheshire”) When the score was Villa 2-1, a person behind me remarked, “The Villa are positioning themselves better than Everton.”  He kept repeating this, and I looked round to see who it was that could see what, I am sure, the whole of the Everton team and directors could not.  I wondered do the players ever think,. Surely there is one amongst them that can see what myself and the gentleman behind me can see.  But no, the game went on.  When Villa forwards got the ball, the others would move up and keep just a yard behind and well spread out; in fact, they ran to the best position for a pass if it came.  Not so Everton.  They were too tired or dull to move; they thought it wasted energy moving up for a pass which might not come to them.  But they did happen to be there sometimes, and then we see a man “ambling: along, trying to dribble past the defence, and if he managed it there wasn’t breathe in him to beat a child.
ACHANGE OF “FRONT”
Please ask Everton directors to surprise all their supporters by turning out next Saturday in the old blue jerseys and white knickers.  The old club has had no luck since the new colour scheme was introduced.  Play up the Blues- Hakki. 

PEN-NIBS IN A SPLUTTER ABOUT EVERTON'S PLIGHT
March 12 th 1930. The Liverpool Echo.
I can do no less than gave today a means that selection from the flood of letters about Everton.
By “Bees.”
Eric Linton, of Wallasey says; - I beg to submit the following team, which I think would lift Everton out of the danger zone; Sagar; Cresswell, Williams; Griffiths, Hart, O'Donnell; Martin, McPherson, Dean Johnson, Rigby. The weak spots at present are at left back, outside right, and half-backs. Cresswell and Hart are too good to be left out of the team at this trying period, and if McPherson can reproduce the form he showed on Saturday at inside right for the reserves, he will strengthened the line provided the crowd will give him a fair trial and be patient. A little less barracking and a few more cheers would help. This is where the Anfield supporters are supreme –they do cheer their team to victory. Now then, Everton supporters, do your bit. Up, Everton!
Mr. McBee
“Southport” writes Dear MacBee, I read your interesting achicles on football. I have come to the conclusion that you are Scotch; if not, you have “slepped” with one. I think you have Gallacher on the brain, your comments on the Newcastle match are laughable –Gallacher and ten others. The Scotch influence is ruining Liverpool football. As most of the Macs are returning to Scotland, let us have an all-England team for a change
Answer – I have read half a dozen reports and each said the same thing. Gallacher alone won the game. The rest were ten a penny. Call me what you like; if we in this city could have Gallacher on our side, we would be very content.
SEE HOW THEIR TURN
“Clubmoor” writes;-
The day of miracles is not past. At last –at long last –has our leading sporting scribe seen –or shall we say admitted he has seen? Everton's weakness –a weakness apparent for nearly two seasons –centres. Oh, the folly of seeking a team to suit one man's particular style, when the common sense policy would have been to search for a centre to link up with the talented man on Everton's books. And please, Mr. “Bee” accept heartless congratulations on the Newcastle report. There we have the fearless critic, honest in criticism and honest in praise, thereby offending no right –thinking person. Why leave it so late.
CALL ACROSS THE PARK
“Red” writes.
Last time Everton were in danger of Division 2 they were across the Park, and secured an inside right, who paved the way for Dixie to score the goals that saved them. I refer to Forshaw. Now why don't they try Liverpool for the transfer of Hodgson or Clarke? I am surmising Liverpool would be prepared to part. Either pass this tip on or publish it.
B.B.A 6 says.
Amid all the alarmist talk of Everton's imminent downfall little or nothing is heard of praise for the men of Goodison Park, who week in and week out give of their best in the best interests of sport. These men must get “fed up” now and than, with every closed thing in the universe, even as you and I do and very few of us can lay our hands on our hearts and say that we shall give a superlative “show” in our particular professions, in fact, the “dud” are usually the first to grouse. Carry on Everton doing your best, no man and no team can do more; you have the good wishes of all lovers of good sport everywhere. Remember Sheffield Wednesday! No team has lost until it thinks it has –there is a long way to go yet. Good luck to you.
LADS FORWARD!
“ Custard” writes.
The position of Everton is no doubt serious. There is still a good fighting chance to escape the Second Division. Two wing halves are required; also Johnson placed in the centre. My opinion is that the goods are on the books, but badly managed. Too many visits to Scotland, which have proved a failure, have been made. It is not necessary to secure players with cape these days; it is lads who can find the net.
HE DISAGREES.
A “Member” writes; -
I have read your reports and notes on the Newcastle match, and it was one of the few away matches I have missed. I cannot of course argue against your report, but why the attack on Dean? I admit he has lost much of his old form, but in my opinion he is coming back, and in any case he does pass to his wings and holds the line together. No, sir, dean is not responsible for Everton plight, and the forwards have scored sufficient goals to win at least eight of the matches lost or drawn. The defence is entirely to blame, and when you say, in referring to Robson. “He is sure to come back,” I must differ with you. I am confident the wing half-backs have been Everton's weakness, plus the goalkeeper, and occasionally a back. Then, again, why drops a goal-scoring wingman –I refer to Stein –and retain Critchley? I suggest that Stein is one of the most dangerous forwards Everton has. He is a two-footed kicker and knows where the goal is when a shot is needed. Now, “Bee” let us be fair. You have not seen many Everton matches this season, but I have, and I state definitely, and with every confidence that with two good wing halves, and Stein at outside-right, Everton will finish in a very respectable position in the League. So, I have not seen many Everton matches? I don't seem to have seen Liverpool F.C, for three months.
GRIFFITHS AS CENTRE.
“W.G.L.” writes; -
We are now witnessing the disgusting annual scramble for points by Everton, and probably this time a well-merited descent into Division 2. One of the reasons appears to me to be the direct result of the club's declared policy of providing the football spectators with real scientific football, regardless apparently, of points or goals. Possibly they have achieved this and received the plaudits of crowds and of that part of the country's Press, which does not matter a toss of a button to me or any other Everton superior. It was stated by the club and others a short time ago that they had the talent. Talent represented by transfers fee paid –yes; but in football ability the statement was ludicrous. After the first match or two the club's need should have been obvious to these in control they were certainly obvious to many supporters I believe the club's only hope now is to play Hunter Hart centre half, or buy Elkes or Jack Hill before Saturday and play Griffiths centre-forward.

EVERTON TAKE A HALF-BACK
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 March 1930
Everton are today signing a note-worthy half back- a wing half ack.  Everton are expected to land a big and famous half-back today from Scotland.  He is a wing half-back. 

EVERTON SIGN THOMSON
March 13 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton have made a signing which to my mind, will partly solve the half-back, problem, for Thomson of Dundee I understand is a really class half-back whose made of play is the right one. He keeps the ball on the floor, when at will possible and Everton should be strengthened by his inclusions to the team. The Goodison Park Club have had their eye on him for some time, and it was expected that so soon as Dundee lost interest in the Scottish cup, Thomson would sign for Everton. Whether the right half-back McNab will follow his colleague to Goodison remains to be seen. Thomson is twenty-three years-of-age and as he stands 5ft 11ins and weights 11 and a half stone. Is admirably built for the position and if he lives up to his reputation he is likely to prove a great asset. He has played all his football with Dundee, and is regarded as one of the best half-backs in Scotland. He will be tested to the full in Everton's remaining games and he may expect a strenuous time during the next few weeks.

JOHNSON'S SCORED FOR THE REST
March 13 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Johnson scored for the Rest who had beat England by 6-1 at Anfield. Johnson scored for the Rest at 50 minute in front of 15,000.

TEAM V. WEST HAM
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
There was much inquiry and thought at the gathering of the football directors and managers, yesterday, at the North-Western.  I was able to tell you of the signings of Wright and Gunson-first in the field-also Scott, the goalkeeper; and then came the news of Thomson, of Dundee being fixed up.  Thus the Everton side was collected before the nightfall from the chairman Mr. Cuff, and it shows Stein at outside-right, Thomson making his debut and the rest as usual.  There will be a stiffening process through the inclusion of Johnson and Thomson.  The latter was very much fancied by one of our managers, who told me, after yesterday’s game; “That man is a really splendid half-back.  I had more then a sneaking idea of taking him to our club.”  He will do Everton much good. 
THOMSON’S DEBUT
Thomson, the new half-back signed on yesterday from Dundee, will make his debut for Everton in the match against West Ham United, at Goodison Park, on Saturday.  He will take the place of White, who crosses over to the right wing, and supersedes Robson.  There is a change in the forward line, where Stein will play at outside right instead of Critchley.  Otherwise the side is the same as against Newcastle United.  The team is; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; White, Griffiths, Thomson, Stein. Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. 
A GOOD CHANCE
What is all this fuss and bother about Everton’s position in the League? Says “B.A.T” True, they have not done so well as their supporters would have liked considering the high transfer fees which have been paid for some of the men.  But is not this a thing one might expect in a system which admits the buying and selling of men?  Not much sport in this kind of thing that I can see.  But there it is! Well, I have been looking at Everton’s remaining fixtures and I think they still have a very good chance of getting another 11 or 12 points which would give them a total of 37 or 38.  Not so bad, if it works out that way!  If Everton must buy another player let it be a first class ‘keeper.  That is what they really want! 
LOWESTOFT LOOKING ON
Some little while ago I asked an old friend of mine, a Mr. J. Cullerne, to do something for me, in regard to the securing of a footballer or two (workless in Liverpool) for my amateur club- Lowestoft Town F.C (says Mr. Charles jenson).  Evidently he got into touch with you, with gratifying results to my club and to me.  This little note is sent you to convey my club’s and my own grateful thanks- please accept.  Now a little personal note.  I have lived in Lowestoft for the past twenty years, but I am Liverpool born, and still a loyal Evertonian.  It grieves me to see the parous position of the Blues, so may I still further trespass on your kindness?  Tell the Everton supporters to rally round the grand old club; never let it be said that for want of a shout from them.  Everton descended into the Second Division.  They (the supporters) can prevent this, I’m convinced –that they will do so is the earnest desire of a few lonely Evertonians domiciled here. 
“WE CAN AND MUST.”
“Pier Head” writes;- Your remarks re Everton’s position were to the point, and justly merited, but you must be well aware that the present position is due to more to the short-sighted policy of the management for the past two years than anything else, or is it a long-sighted policy that has missed the immediate need, therefore, why limit your criticism?  Why not review the causes that have led up to this deplorable state of affairs?  Is it not a fact that the team has been hovering round the bottom of the league, with the exception of the championship year?  At the end of that season it was obvious to everybody that the team needed strengthening in certain vital positions and had that been done we should not have had one end of the team getting overworked, while the other end could find little to do.  The team developed into one without balance or blend.  Then again one man cannot always carry the responsibility of getting goals when you have two or three always out to prevent him, and no one can say that he has had adequate support on either side of him.  He has more at the present moment than he has had for some time.  Cast your mind back to January, 1929 when the rot set in and you will find that only one man in the League (either Bolton or Blackburn) had less goals scored against them, and then afterwards, even if the forwards did get a few goals, is it any wonder the overworked defence failed to stand up to the strain?  The half-back line has been to the greatest extent the cause of the weakness.  I do not need to go into the circumstances, whatever they were –bad luck, old age, or what else- the fact remains that the weakness has been most glaring.  No, dear Bee, while your remarks are justified to the hilt, they do not go to the root cause, and the management are not to get away with it.  They must take their share of the responsibility.  The immediate need is for an outstanding personality as captain.  We hope and trust that the powers that be, whether management or players, will even yet save us from the indignity that is starring us in the face.  Go to it with a will and spectators should give them their full throated and unstinted support. We can., and must, be saved. 

ANOTHER WORRTHY CAUSE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 March 1930
The Everton Club has granted the annual collection for the blind at the match v. West Ham.  The collection is in aid of our Merseyside Fund for the Blind, and will be devoted to the work that is being done for the 1,800 blind men, women, and children, that are resident in this area.  Never before in its history has our Merseyside fund needed greater assistance. 
EVERTON “A” SIDE
Everton “A” play at Skelmersdale in the Wavertree Cup tomorrow.  Team; Britt; Johnson, Parrish; Ryan, Haycock, Bryan; Chedgzoy, Dyke, French, Webster, and Walton. 

DEBUTANTES AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
It is a mad rushing world of sport today- we are steeple-chasing over all obstacles and Everton hope to clear the fences which have barred their home-game victories in the past.  The League is all in all to us tomorrow and for the rest of the season.  A way out has been created by Burnley’s fall- to name but one club.  The way is clear if Everton win their home games.  They should and they could, and as a correspondent said yesterday, “They must,” With the introduction of Thomson of Dundee and Johnson of Manchester we shall see more sparkle in the side, and I am hopeful we shall also see some spirited shooting the like of which was barred us last week, when the win was there for the asking.  Thomson is a man of experience and skill; Johnson can turn a game by his strong, quick shot; Rigby can shoot; they all can shoot, and if they charge down upon their West Ham foes with direct action and instant shot when the goal-range is reached,. I have no fear about the result.  West Ham are smarting over their position.  They, too, don’t feel very well, thank you; and they are grateful for their win over Arsenal last week, for that win lifted them considerably.  We must keep in mind that as Burnley and Grimsby visit Goodison Park, these two games bear an eight-point effect.  Tomorrow the West Ham side must be Chapter 1, in the grand slam.  The Hammers beat us up there- which is down there, of course- and with refreshers in the shape of new players to the Goodison Park side, I can foresee some excellent football, and, greatest of desires a home win.  The public can play their part in encouraging the players.  Remember Sheffield Wednesday and Belgium! Team;- Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; White, Griffiths, Thomson; Stein, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. Harry Wearing) will give the following programme at Goodison Park tomorrow;- March, “Simplicity,” Ord Hume; tone poem, “Loreley,” Nesvadba; waltz  “The Choristers,” Phelpe; selection, “A Soldier’s Memories,” Hawkins; fox trot, “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling,” Campbell and Connelly; fox trot, “Give Yourself a Pat on the Back.”  Campbell and Connelly; march, “The Cossack,” Rimmer. 

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 14 March 1930
A FASCINATING SERIES
NO.11 – DRURY LANE –WHERE STOOD A LIVERPOOL PLAYHOUSE OF LONG AGO
By Michael O’Mahony
Following the Great Fire of London there took place an important migration of its dispossessed inhabitants to Liverpool.  Many enterprising merchants burned out of business in the Metropolis came and prospered in the rising port by the Pool, and in their coming took an unconscious share in so moulding the minds of men and manners that Liverpool today is more of a cosmopolis and less of a Lancashire ton than any other centre in the country.  Islington, Paddington, Kensington, Vauxhall, Covent Garden, Hatton Garden, and Moorfields, are reminders of a day when such names may have sounded in the ears of the migrants as the memorized music of “Bow Bells” though the three latter are of local origin.  Moorfields takes its name from the once mighty clam which ruled the town for centuries.  Hatton Garden is so called after Hatton, a village near Warrington – the native place of the brothers who build it, while Covent Garden is a corruption of Commons Garden, which was its name in 1650.  But, you may ask, what of its neighbor, Drury-lane? 
THE FIRST LIVERPOOL THEATRE.
Drury-lane undoubtedly won its name from long association with the drama, the first Liverpool theatre having been located in this street.  Despite a reputation for decay, the people of the town could boast of a zest for amusement in the days of Elizabeth.  In 1567 a cock-pit was erected at the public expense, and in 1576 horse-races were established which were to run on the shore every Asension Day, but there was nothing in the way of dramatic entertainment for years afterwards.  “The continuous history of the drama in Liverpool,” says Picton, “dates from 1745, in which year a company of players held up by contrary winds on their way from London to Dublin, gave a performance at a cock-pit in Blackberry-lane.”  This was so successful that a building was erected in Old Ropery, at the end of Drury-lane, but soon was succeeded by a larger building in the lane itself.  The new theatre was a plain building 27 yards in front, 16 feet deep, with boxes, pit, and gallery; the rent was 65 pounds, the expenses ten pounds a night, and the highest takings on a single night 92 pounds.  Derrick says in a letter to the Earl of Cork;- “The scenes of the Liverpool playhouse are prettily painted, the clothing very rich, and everything carried out with amazing propriety.  Behind the boxes there is a table in the manner of a coffee house, where tea, coffee, cakes, and punch are supplied at fair prices.  They play three times a week.”  Messrs Gibson and Risont were not only the joint managers for some years but dazzling stars on the stage when the curtain went up.  Two local connoisseurs of the drama visiting London at the time were instructed to attend Drury-lane and report on the acting of Garrick, then at the zenith of his fame.  They did so, and returned home to report that “Garrick was all very well, but he could never hope to come up to Gibson and Ridont.” 
A PERIOD PLAY BILL
An abbreviated play bill of the period runs;-
  On Monday next, being the 8th of August, 1768
Will be acted a Tragedy called
OTHELLO, MOOR OF VENICE
Written by Shakespeare.
At the end of the second act a new Scotch dance call’d
THE HIGHLAND REEL
At the end of the play a new pantomime dance call’d “The Village Romos” will be given, to which will be added a farce call’d
“HIGH LIFE BELOW STAIRS
Patrons would truly be hard set if they complained of rationing in the fare provided.  One of its most successful managers was an actor named Shuter.  His leading lady, as capricious as she was gifted, frequently disappointed her audience by being late, and one night when she failed to appear at all the crowded house rose in angry calls for the manager.  
SHUTTER! SHOOT HER!
“Shuter! Shuter! Shuter!” came the cries from every corner of the building when the manager, striding down the stage, fortunately quelled the uproar by shouting back, “If you want to shoot her you must do it yourselves.”  The site of the theatre is occupied today by a garage whose cavernous portals stand open night and day while the human tide ever surging down towards the fathomed depths of the Mersey Railway suggests how easily the petulant actress could have escaped from patrons did she but reign in our day.  While the name of Drury-lane might ever seem to imply frivolity (here William IV., when Duke of Clarence, pushed a pail of milk from a poor girl’s head and then astonished her with a guinea for her loss), it was in its way something more than the theatre-land of Liverpool.  Within those deeply recessed doorways and above those solid counting-houses dwelt the solemn seigniors of the town.  One may ask, and not for the first time, why in those days did they build so narrowly?  The answer is that while the noble river flowed by their very doors, on the eastern slope meadows came down to the edge of a clear brook, and the ozone of the seas was met by a fragrance redolent of wood and wold.  So near was the river that during a high tide in 1768 a vessel called the Wheel of Fortune ran her bowsprit through the window of a house at the bottom of James-street.  Turning from the lane into Old Ropery today there comes from high windows a murmur of many voices denoting the Corn Exchange.  It is more than a coincidence that this very building should rise close to the site of the old stone granary where the Birkenhead head Benedictines stored corn left unsold on market days.  Against the high walls rise, in passive strength, a line of graceful cranes, looking as idle as a painted ship.  “Why, they are for Wine,” said a passer-by whom I asked about them, and he pointed underneath the great corn hall from whence, through grated and vaulted gates, rose the odour of wine.
JOHN THE REGICIDE
It is not possible for anyone knowing enough of the history of Liverpool to cover a thumbnail to move about in the quarter of the city without being reminded of the Moores, principally the Moore who was the son of John the Regicide, and who has left behind him but one gracious memory.  In one street he has perpetuated the name of his gentle wife, Dorothy Fenwick, but that’s another story.  I prefer today to recall a romantic episode which happened to a decent family named Dimoke, who lived in one of the tortuous entries between Fewter’s Wynt and Drury-lane.  The only vehicle for public accommodation in the town at the time was a one-horse chaise with a leather top.  It was kept by Dimoke who lent it out to invalids disposed to take their air along the north shore.  During those slow excursions, the driver, for the greater comfort of his fare, led the horse along slowly by the head.  One day when Dimoke could not attend himself, he entrusted the chaise to little Dick Watt, his milk boy, and the boy being so satisfactory, his employer sent him to an evening school to learn the common elements of education.  The boy afterwards went to sea and remaining in the West Indies, all remembrance of him in Liverpool gradually faded away.  Forty years afterwards an eminent West Indian merchant, the head of his firm, came over to Liverpool, where a branch of his business had long been carried on.  On arrival in Liverpool one of his first occupations was to inquire for the Dimokes, and finding the family dead and gone he preserved till he found two maiden sisters of his old employer alive.  He settled on each of them 100 pounds a year for life.  This, says Picton was the quondam little Dick Watt who founded the family of the Watts of Speke Hall, Lancashire, and who left his nephews a fortune of over half a million.  In this Fewter’s Wynt lived men of hard upbringing, but whose outlook on life was cheerier than that of Edward Moore.  In a good house on its corner lived William Boat, merchant.  He was a poor wait found in a boat and brought up by the person who found him.  Placed out as an apprentice, he made good, and became a successful merchant and most generous citizen.  One morning, when news was brought him that one of his vessels had captured a Spanish ship with gold and silver bullion and specie on board, he ran up and down the Pierhead, shouting;- “Billy Boat, Billy Boat- born a beggar, die a lord.”  Not only charity in the town but every poor neighbor he ever knew were made sharers in his stroke of luck. 
HEIGHTS AND DEPTHS
The profound deeps that open under Drury-lane today are almost equaled in height by the cliff-like walls which rise towering from its pavements.  Dusky passages, winding stairs, and cosy basements still recall the past.  How long will it be before those memories of faded days will be crushed between the mill-stones of progress?  Next Week; Mill Lane

HUNTER HART UPHOLDS STANDARD OF REFEREEING
March 15 th 1930. The Evening Express
LEAGUE OFFICALS DISCHARGE
THEIR DUTIES WITH ABILITY
SCOUTS SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO WATCH ASPIRANTS TO HIGHER CIRCLE
MR. E. WOODS SKILL AS CONTROLLER
By Hunter Hart, Everton's captain
Practically every other person interested in football is endeavouring to find some remedy for improving the standard of refereeing at the moment, the chief content being that present day officials are, speaking generally, hardly efficient enough. Personally, I do not think there is the slightest foundation for any grumble in regard to the “knights of the whistle,” and with a tolerant browd, and equally tolerant player, we should find that the officials on the Football League list know their duties, and discharge them to the best of their ability. To be a referee in the highest circle of football is no sinecure, and instead of spectators, and often players, doing their best to assist the official to control the game properly, they many times seem to go out of their way to upset them.
THREE ESSENTIALS.
The three essentials to a good referee are absolute fitness, a complete knowledge of the laws of the game, and most important of all, the ability to apply those laws in a tactic yet firm manner. There must be thousands of people who know the rules backwards, and yet would be complete failures were they given the job of taking the match. These people invariably take to themselves the role of critic of the man in charge of a game, but they would not be so quick with their remarks were they called on to actually referee. Study of the laws will make you a good referee in theory, but it is not so simple to become practical. If players and spectators would observe the golden rule of accepting the rulings of the officials without demure, then we should quickly find that the Football League referees are as expert as anyone could wish. Mark you, I do not say the officials are infalliable, or that I have not had cause, as a player, to take exception to the manner in which some have controlled matches, but in the majority of cases the men will do their duty well and fairly if given a proper chances. On Saturday last I witnessed what was almost an ideal exhibition of refereeing by Mr. E. Wood, of Sheffield, who had charge of Everton-Newcastle United match. In such an encounter, with both teams, fighting for their existence, one would have expected a few fouls, and perhaps, a little rough play, but so admirably did Mr. Wood handle the battle that there was hardly any foul play –I mean intentional foul play –and the match was contested in a splendid spirit by both teams. Mr. Wood undoubtedly gave players to understand, right at the beginning, that he was the person who mattered, and every man bowed to his rulings a thoroughly sporting manner. It required no dogmatism on his part to bring this about, in fact, he turned down an unjustified appeal with a ready smile which the players and crowd appreciated. Another thing in favour of Mr. Wood was that he was one who could appreciate the honest, old-fashioned shoulder charge, and I say old-fashioned because, though still permitted, there are officials who will not appreciate it. Richardson, the United back, used his shoulders strongly, but fairly, and in the referee he rightly found a person who approved of these measures. So did everybody else. The secret of Mr. Wood's success was that he was stern enough at the outset to show the players and watches that he was the person who counted, and so no one would dare take liberty with him. This trait in a referee counts for more than anything else, but examination will not instill it into any aspiring referee.
PROMOTION BY MERIT.
I agree that the only way to secure referees to take the junior matches is to invite applications and subject the men to an examination and, perhaps, a test match, but the process of promotion should be governed strictly by match control, and not by the mere interetation of such and such a rule. Every official's goal is to get on the Football league list via the linesmen's list, and the powers that be act chiefly on the recommendations of the clubs. This system could be improved on with untold benefit to the game. When clubs are desirous of getting new players they do not act on the advice of a scout alone, but immediately go out to watch the player, though he may not know it. The department in charge of the referees should do the same. If information is received that Mr. So and So is a likely and capable referee, it would be far better for the Football League to send on “scouts” to watch him controlling a match. It is match control, which counts in a referee. To watch a man for two or three games might be the means of saying untold worry later on, if the man in the lightest sphere should fail to live up to his former promise. A man might referee in a splendid manner in one match, because it is one of those “easy” games, but the next week get hopelessly “lost.” The men who do get “lost” are not wanted on the League list. In Scotland, investigators are employed to watch referees about whom complaints have been made, and they report accordingly, but England could go a step further and appointed officials to spot likely referees among the higher grade junior matches. If this were done I have not the slightest doubt that the standard of refereeing in this country would be even better than it is at the moment. Discreet selection in the first essential to a reliable list of referees, and if the Football league, and the Football Association also for that matter, adopted some scheme similar to that I have outlined, we shall get fewer grumbling from clubs, spectators, and players.

WILL EVERTON ESCAPE RELEGATION
March 15 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury
On Merseyside the general topic, when the question of football crops up centres round the plight of Everton will their escape? The position is desperate but I fancy they will clear the danger in the end. To-day's game with west ham united must be won, however, and the players are likely to make a great effort to achieve their object the inclusion of Thomson the new half-back from Dundee ought to bring about an improvement for the wing half-back, have not been up to the required standard. Stein at outside right is an experiment, which may prove successful but the man he displace Critchley has by no means been the worst forward in recent games.
Everton; Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; White, Griffiths, Thomson; Stein, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby. West Ham; - Dixon; Earl, Cox; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Earle, Watson, Norris, Ruffell.

EVERTON DOWN AGAIN 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 March 1930
WEST HAM STEAL TWO VALUABLE POINTS
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, O’Donnell; White, Griffiths, Thomson; Stein, Martin, Dean, Johnson, Rigby.  West Ham; - Dixon; Earl, Cox; Collins, Barrett, Cadwell; Yews, Earle, Watson, Norris, Ruffell.  Referee; Mr. E. Beards, Wolverhampton. 
There was no snow on the ground when Everton and West Ham kicked off before 30,000 spectators in this momentous game for both sides Everton were warmly welcomed, and it was significant that in an endeavor to catch the old spirit the players raked out the old original jersey, with the letters “E.F C." upon them.  Thomson, of Dundee, made his debut, and Stein was keenly watched as an inside right instead of outside left. Thomson is a very tall man, but his limbs are not massive.  Everton lost the toss, which meant facing a slight wind, and Johnson offered a pass forward such as he gave on Wednesday, and Dean fell over as he tried a centre.  Barrett was certain with a pass to Watson, but the Hammers’ centre kicked too hard.  There was not a great deal of enthusiasm early on, yet the crowd found pleasure in some of the West Ham forwards’ combination 
JUST OUTSIDE. 
They found each other very readily, Donnell made a vicious clearance, and the new man, Thomson, made his first individual success when he dribbled beyond the clever Collins.  Sagar got too far under a centre by Hughes, and then Everton went away to another lovely pass by Johnson, and Dean rounded the full-back and appeared absolutely straight for goal.  He raced forward, and when Dixon, who came out of goal, was hopelessly placed. Dean put the ball to the right of the post, and just outside.  Before Dean had even attempted to shoot people had started to shout “Goal!” It was an uncommon miss, and an unfortunate one. The crowd was so silent that one felt they sensed the awkwardness of the situation.  O'Donnell rather overplayed himself in his enthusiasm, and mercifully an offside decision helped to clear the air.  The crowd enthused and encouraged the home players, and Griffiths, Stein, Martin and Dean were in a four-piece suite which ended when Dean could not catch a swift centre. Again, the ball was put too fast for Dean to gather unless he were an angel. 
HAMMERS WANT HOLDING. 
West Ham wanted a lot of holding against just now, and a free kick against Rigby for a sliding tackle helped them to make an astounding attack. Sager could not get near the ball when Watson was two yards out from the goal, and as the ball went towards goal so the new man, Thomson, swerved across and kicked it off the line, thus helping to save his transfer fee in very practical manner.  Stein got into the Picture with two centres and a surprise centre that finished up by glancing on the crossbar and travelling on to Rigby, who made Dixon effect his first serious save of the day.  Sensible passing by Everton brought Stein a further chance, but this time he drove straight at the goalkeeper.  O'Donnell drove a free kick outside.  There was a feeling at this time that Everton had got the will to win—and the ability.  Then tried two swingers with his left, neither ball getting to goal. A third time he was placed, this moment with a right- foot chance close in. To the crowd's astonishment, and, perhaps, annoyance, Dean put the ball plot where he put the original miss, slightly to the right of the posts. Thus two gifts had gone astray. 
WATSON CONVERTS. 
Watson showed that he could do something similar when he dug the ball, but in his case he was hampered by three rivals.  Watson made amends with a magnificent conversion of a centre by Yews, taking the lead for West Ham in 35 minutes.  Everton were bothered, as one could imagine, by what one has to know as the usual turn of events, but they had criminal luck alien Rigby, from inside left, struck the crossbar a mighty bang, and followed up his effort with a great drive, which Dixon punched upwards.
ANOTHER FOR WATSON. 
Watson scored a second goal with an ease and a certainly that made one wish that Everton could find some sense of surely in front of goal.  There is no handshaking where West Ham is concerned; they merely get the goal and go ahead in the hope of more; and they made a hole in the home half-backs, except that Thomson did well fore and aft.  Sager also did well, but Fate seems to be punishing Everton for their amazing misses before a goal had been scored.  Half-time-Everton 0, West Ham United 2. 
DEAN THERE AT LAST
The crowd started the second half with an enthusiasm that urged Everton to score in two minutes.  They had a throw-in on the left, and Thomson cleverly joined in a forward idea, squared the ball, and Martin seemed to have headed into an empty net for Dean to complete the movement by heading in.  The crowd shouted itself hoarse when Martin was straight for goal and Dixon dived at it and hugged the ball to his body.  Even more important was the save when Dixon scooped a free kick by Williams round the corner just as Dean chased into him.  To show the extent of Everton’s enthusiasm and energy one must add that Rigby was only a yard overboard for the equalizer, Thomson was having a good day in every way, and he nearly squeezed in an equalizer.  These were, as the reader can understand, somewhat hectic moments.  West Ham “played for time” and Dixon their goalkeeper, fumbled badly without playing the full punishment.  The referee took the unusual proceeding of reprimanding the West Ham goalkeeper for deliberate delay in the goal kicks.  Dixon saved a low drive from Dean after Martin had made a golden run, and Dixon further saved two from Griffiths.  The West Ham defence was on the collar for long stretches, with little or no relief and release, but there was still the urgent need for an equalizer, and shots were not finding their mark.  Griffiths beat three men and then desired to make a meal of it with a fourth, so that he was captured.  Luck was with West Ham in their packing-case principle. 
THOMSON A SUCCESS
Thomson had been an outstanding success, and Williams was clever at full-back.  O’Donnell started to go forward in the hope of creating a shot.  Only once did West Ham Break away, this through the agency of Watson and Ruffell.  It is rarely that one sees a solid half-hour on attack and shot without a goal, yet this was what was happening here.  Williams was a strong and studious defender, and Griffiths ran himself out a dribble with two stab tackles, winding up with a shot just outside.  Even closer was the effort of Thomson, and there was relief when Sagar made a catch from Ruffell.  Stein had the wickedest of misfortune, falling awkwardly in the penalty area when he was about to make sure.  A centre by Stein was headed aside by Johnson. 
GRIFFITHS GOES OFF
In fact, the second half was nothing but a recital of Everton effort, shot, and deliverance of the West Ham defence.  Sagar made a lovely catch from the West Ham attack, from which raids came every five minutes, yet bore a more deadly appearance than Everton’s.  Griffiths and Martin nearly scored from a corner kick, and Griffiths and Barrett, rival centre-halves, collided, Griffiths having to leave the field.  This was not Everton’s lucky day.  Everton claimed confidently for a penalty in the last couple of minutes but it was ignored.  Final; Everton 1, West Ham 2. 

STUD MARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 March 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 1 WEST HAM UNITED 2
March 17 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
MORE POINTS DROPPED
EVERTON PLAY WELL BUT WEST HAM PREVAIL
THOMSON'S SUCCESSFUL DEBUT
Everton played well enough to win most games but lost to West Ham by the odd goal in three. From an Everton viewpoint it was a most disappointing result and places the side in a still more uncertain position. On three occasions before West Ham opened the scoring Everton had changes, and failure as in this case generally proves costly. Twice Dean got through and at his best would have scored with ease, while Johnson dribbled just long enough to ruin another good chance. There is little consolation in the fact that Everton played hard in the second half when the London side had to put in a vast amount of difficult work. In this period Everton reduced West Ham's two goals lead, and although they continued to have most of the play they could not again break through. In the first half the Londoners had their confidence strengthened by two capital goals by Watson, and generally provided the better football. Afterwards Everton seemed to realise their deficiencies, and so far as honest effort went there could be little complaint, but the ability to force home their advantages was lacking.
DELAYED GOAL KICK.
Apparently West ham were satisfied to hold on to their 2-1 lead, and Dixon, the goalkeeper was spoken to by the referee for needlessly delaying the taking of goalkicks of which there was an unusual number –further evidence of Everton's vigorous and persistent attack, play was of a fairly high standard, with West ham more definite and purposeful in attack, and in this section lay the main difference between the sides. Watson scored at thirty-two minutes and again at forty-one minutes. He first came when he headed through a fine goal from Yews centre, while his second was the result of a brilliant drive. Two minutes after the interval Stein scored for Everton. Thomson sent the ball across and Martin headed in, but Dixon pushed it away and Stein managed just to squeeze the ball between the goalkeeper and the upright. Two incidents in the first half cancelled out as when Thomson kicked off the Everton goalline and when Rigby sent a great drive against the West ham crossbar.
DEAN A WEAKNESS.
It could not be overlooked that Dean was a weakness to the Everton attack. He was often a yard too slow in attempting to snap up chances, while his distribution was often faulty. By comparison Watson was a much more dangerous leader, clever with the ball and quick to respond to passes from the wings. Rigby and Johnson paired well but Martin rather spoiled his work by holding the ball too long –a policy the did not pay on the heavy ground. Stein did many good things and was quite as effective as on the left wing. Thomson made a successful initial appearance and added strength to the middle line. He was particularly effective is dribbling and delivering his pass at the most opportune moment. In attack he did excellent work, his good shooting being another point in his favour. Griffiths left the field ten minutes before the end with a cut over the left eye sustained in collision with Barrett and Everton finished with ten players. Sagar put in some smart clearances and Williams was a sounder back than O'Donnell, although both did well. The best on the West ham side were Watson Earle, Collins, Cox and Yews. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams and O'Donnell, backs; White Griffiths and Thomson, half-backs; Stein, Martin, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Rigby, forwards. West Ham United; - Dixon, goal; Earl and Cox backs; Collins Barrett and Cadwell, half-backs; Yews, Earie, Watson, Norris and Ruffell, forwards.

EVERTON SIGNINGS
March 17 th 1930. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
A north of England corespondent points out nearly all the new players signed by Everton this season have been secured since the beginning of the year, and that the following amount have been expended.
McPherson…(Swansea)……………£7,000
Williams……(Swansea)…………..£ 4,000
Thomson…….. (Dundee)…..………£4,000
Johnson …….. (Manchester City)…£5,000
Rigby………...(Bristol Rovers)…£3,000
Mccambridge…(Ballymena)…£1,400
Coggins…(Bristol City)…£2,000
Everton paid very little for J Whyte (Blackburn) and for McClure, both half-backs the Goodison term has recently transfer Troup and Ritchie to Dundee and Easton to Swansea. At the conclusion of the Bristol City against Bradford City match at Bristol, on Saturday, negotiations were completed for the transfer of William Coggins the Bristol City goalkeeper. To Everton it is stated that the transfer fee was about £2,000. Twenty-three years of-age, stands at 5ft 10 and half inches, and weights at 11 st 10lbs. Coggins who is a product of Bristol City has played consistently well with the city club for five seasons.

EVERTON NEW GOALKEEPER.
COGGINS LEAVES BRISTOL CITY
At the conclusion of the Bristol City v Bradford match at Bristol, on Saturday, negotiations were completed for the transfer of William Coggins, the Bristol City goalkeeper, to Everton. It is stated the transfer fee was about £2,000. Twenty-three years of age, 5ft 10 half ins, 11 st 10lbs. Coggins, who is a product of Bristol football, has played consistently well with the City club for five seasons.

SKELMERSDALE UNITED 1 EVERTON “A” 0
March 17 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
HALL WALKER CUP
Everton played more constructively, but on the snow-sudden ground Skelmersdale's direct methods enabled them to secure victory. The goal was scored by Taylor, a left wing players from Bickerstaff, a team in the Ormskirk League. Everton had hard luck on several occasions, but Naylor kept a good goal for the Skelmersdale

GOING, GOING- EVERTON’S SEC OND DIVISION PROSPECT
Liverpool Echo –Monday, March 17 1930
ANOTHER SIGNING
COGGINS, OFF BRISTOL
Bee’s Notes
The end of the age-old story that Everton have never been in Division 11, is upon us. I fear. The outlook is tragic, the-possibility of escape is there, but after the way Everton shaped on Saturday against West Ham I cannot imagine how the Everton players can see their way to the escape.  Some cynics and partisans say “Why shouldn’t Everton go down?" "Why, indeed.  Others say: "It will do them good to have a period of Second Division warfare."  Perhaps so. But I'll tell the world that it would not be good for the game when Everton go down to Division 11. For this reason : They pay their  bills—it may sound a trifling thing, but  it is a very important matter these days  of "owing transfers "; secondly, they  play the game, and other clubs are  happy to play against them for that  reason alone—it is a very fine tribute to the theoretical side of the management;  thirdly, they have a following that  allows a payment of the customary dividend,  which is relished by all the clubs  who are struggling for financial soundness.  I mention these things, because I keep in touch with the people all round the country. Going home on Saturday night, marveling how on earth at least  two sitters were thrown away by  inaccurate shooting before West Ham  had taken their very fine first goal, I  was aboard the good bus Crossville  passing through Park, Upton. Greasby.  Frankby. Newton, &c. At the back of the "gallery” were two men. They talked from Park to Greasby without cessation. They talked one topic, one theme—Everton, their players. A writer  on football matters myself they  suggested the recall of Tony Weldon;  they suggested many and varied things—  I did not think a journey of half an hour  could encompass such a fund of Everton  topics - they lived for the club; they  loved the club; they wanted to see the  good ship in the top waters. That's how it goes all round the country; everywhere you go you find the sympathetic traits. A Glasgow man wrote me asking that the officials should know they had the sympathy of all, sportsmen. Through it all the points, continue to slip from our grip. There was little exeunt for Saturday's lapse.  A win was there for the asking. Not for the first time. Think back a trifle.  Villa were out of the lead 3-2; Everton would not accept their good fortune.  Newcastle offend us prime plums in the first twenty minute. They were not accepted. Easy chances, not angled, angular, awkward things -simple, straightforward, shooting ranges. You saw the name against West Ham- perfect openings, made each time, if I am not forgetting in this welter of accidents and incidents, by Johnson. West Ham took their chances; their extreme wing men are among the fastest and sharpest in the game! Each is small built. Each goes ahead, always forward, not doubling back or cuddling the ball unnecessarily. Everton players do a lot of unnecessary work—a sort of fetish to  make a move oi a tip or a tap—anything  but the practical, sure pass  WHEN it could he made with ease  and without denial.. We noticed that on the right wing. It is impossible to encourage this type of play in March. 
NAMES COUPLINGS
Nothing went right with the side.  Rigby playing fiery football and offering a great shot hit the cross-bar; Stein got a goal and the botheration of the telephone led me to appear as having said Dean scored, whereas I said Stein scored.  Dean should have scored.  Give West Ham all the credit for their very fine open method of play and their direct and determined and practical endeavous and you are still left with the knowledge that the home side were luckless and perhaps foolish early on.  The work of the home side bore the stamp of the Hoodoo.  Home seems an impossible place to them.  Their hearts sink to zero.  The fine rallying second-half was due in a great measure to the new man Thomson and to Griffiths and Williams.  These three were giants and deserved a better reward for their efforts.  None came.  Rarely have Everton given us such a pleasant new man as this man Thomson.  Here is the excellent attacker and provider; a shot; a tall and virile man; a big –striding man; a man whose signing seems to offer us more hope than most of the signings made by the club in the last few years.  It has to be put on record that the purchases this year-not this season, marks the words carefully –have hardly been in accord with popular belief.  Many have thought that a goalkeeper was needed early on when Davies struck his unfortunate patch.  Then the urgent need of Young, strong shooting forwards was marked “Important and necessary” as far back as December.  The surplus stock of the men of years was added to.  Meantime Sagar had done magnificently, and you can imagine my surprise when I had a phone call yesterday morning at 9 o’clock from a distant town to say, “Coggins, of Bristol, has signed for Everton.”  It is stating actual conversation when I say that around the country people are saying.  “What are your city clubs doing?  Why these particular signings at this time of day?”  I have no answer.  They know their own business best.  But I do begin to wonder where we are getting to, especially when the financial list is raised, showing the signings of a number of men- notably Johnson, Rigby, Thomson, McCambridge (a go-er, I am told), McPherson, White, of Blackburn.  Attwood (better than people imagine at centre) &c., &c., ad lib.  It is all very distressing.  Time was when Bradford performed a miracle.  Are Everton beyond it? 

MORE EVERTON DESPONDENCE AND CORRESPONDENCE THE “WRITING ON THE WALL” SUPPORTERS SUGGEST
March 18 th 1930. The Liverpool Echo
A YELL WANTED.
Preliminaries are unnecessary, say “Blue Bert.” Everton's position is precarious, but by no means hopeless. Six games remain to be played at Goodison, and it is essential that all should be point producing to Everton. Everton's team is good enough to remain in the First Division, but the trouble is lack of confidence, and this is more manifest in their home than away games. Cool heads are required to steer the club into the safety zone, and cool heads are impossible if confidence is lacking. As there are only three games to be played away everything hinges on the six at Goodison, and in this connection, I think that supporters render invaluable service to the club. Everton supporters are amongst the most supporting in the country, but it seems to me that at some of the home matches they hardly render sufficient vocal support. It rests with the supporters to give the “Blues” encouragement whether their favourities are playing badly or well. None of the teams to visit Goodison are, at present, in the first ten in the League and consequently it should not be impossible to get nine points from these games, despite Everton's indifferent home display this season. On Saturday next I hope to hear the first big “yell” by Evertonians, and may it result in a welcome two points for the “Blues.”
“OUR TEAM.”
"Our Team” is in a very dangerous position. If this team was played –Sager; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, “Revlo.”“Sit up and take notice. Everton don't want any more players; what they want is luck –and I hope they get it. They'll need it. Everton have got me wild, and if I told you what I'm thinking, you'd give me in charge” says William Stapleton. Now that Everton have signed two real forwards bere is their chance to field a team worthy of the club's traditions, say “Soufe.” Let them play McPherson in front of his old clubmate, Williams; they understand each other's style, and would do well. Then they could rest that hardworking boy Robson, and play T. White, right half-back. Steer Everton to safety thus; - Sagar; Cresswell (captain), Williams; White Griffiths, McPherson; Stein Martin, Johnson, McCambridge, Rigby.
STILL A GREAT NAME.
With all our faults, we are still one of the most fascinating teams in the land. Our name is still great –it's Everton (says Mr. C. Moitram). For heaven's sake, please stop tipping Everton to win, and perhaps they will do so. Your poster reads farcical, thus Mr. W. Nixon. A grouse while the grousing is going on says “Diehard.” Everton's downfall is due to playing three forwards. How often we have seen Dean head the ball right and left, with defence sandwiching him on all sides, yet the inside forwards “miles” away instead of keeping up to smash a grit goal in. Why not very their tactics? My team; Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; Robson, Griffiths, Hart or Bryan; Critchley, McCambridge, Dean, Johnson, Stein. A team to keep Everton in Grade 1; - Sagar; Williams, O'Donnell; White, Griffths, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Johnson, Rigby, Stein. Thus St Helens Junction.
OH, BOY.
A Correspondent writes; - I hope I may some day have the pleasure and privilege of meeting you to thank you personally for your kindness. Perhaps I may send you in my card at half-time in one of these next Everton's matches, when you have a ten minutes break in your –to me –so unusual and interesting away of earning your living. That's a new one me!
A GREAT PLAYER SPEAKS.
Why all this grouse and grumble about Everton (asks Charlie Morris of Chirk), of Course I read the “Echo” (it seems to be on the map), especially “Bees” notes. As a player who was in the limelight from 1900 to 1911-12, it is my considering judgement that Everton have a rare good side. I watched them against my old team (Derby) at the Park, and I came to the conclusion that they had a worthy side. But is it not that they are out of luck? The men are there, as I saw them, good enough even for Everton. The trouble is they are afraid of doing right unless they do wrong. I suggest that is the trouble. What the players really want is a pat on the back from the crowd; the players must feel they have the confidence of the crowd. At any rate, the Everton club seems to have performed better away than at home. That to me is significant. If a player hears a whisper from the crowd against him, that player more or less is a “goners” I say again, Everton have got the team and the spirit, and in my opinion, despite the position, there are very few better in the First Division League and I hope they will not spend a lot of unnecessary money on other players. Those they have will get them out to trouble. Now, crowd, if you want the best out of Everton –don't whisper.
MANAGEMENT.
What's wrong? The answer is easy its Management, and of long standing. It can be traced back from the time when the old chairman was displaced, and the shareholders, who were hoodwinked into bringing that about, must have long since realised their mistake. There is abundant evidence to prove my accusation, but one or two instances will suffice. Three years ago the team were hovering near the bottom; three or four new men were introduced, and saved the situation and went on to win the championship. Team spirit was there and good captainship. Splendid! The directors are entitled to some praise for bringing that about, but they were so unaccustomed to the strange atmosphere that it was decided to nip it in the bud by dropping two of the championship team the following season. We are reaping the reward. The directors have had to fall back on the displaced right wing, but they don't like it, as will be shown by the silly efforts they are making to displace a real good man, who is not given any encouragement to give of the best. Another move that not a single supporter of the club can understand. Why must a place be found in the team for White? Had White been kept in reserve for the centre forward position they may have been some sense in it, but to move him all over the place is to say the least not fair to the player. One more item; McPherson a left half-back is dropped from the first team after three or four games. I have nothing to say about that, but what on earth are the directors thinking about playing him on the reserve team one week as an inside left and the following week inside right. This is from “Wailing Wall.” The spectators at Everton –some of them –threw papers etc., at the referee as he went down the sub-way on Saturday, at Goodison Park. The story that three things were thrown at the Everton players is totally wrong. The people were complaining that the referee should have given a penalty kick. On the shareholders' stand there was a chalked statement, complaining that Manchester City had signed six young players and Everton have signed cast-offs from other clubs. This shows you the temper of the people around Goodison Park at this tragic point in the history of the club.

THE PERPETUAL CALL TO EVERTON;
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 March 1930
WHAT THEY SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT DO
Still they come—all sorts, sizes a, shapes,  inks, and inclinations. Some to praise, some to deny; some to affirm; some to merely cry over the Everton position.  People do not seem to have looked at  two very vital features.  Everton play Burnley, Grimsby, and Sheffield United at home, and on Saturday Burnley and Grimsby meet each other, and a home victory would be helpful to Everton's chance.  Few seem to have noticed the Sheffield United position and programme. They have six of the tousiest teams to meet away from home and very few home games. While there's life there's a life for the asking!. “True Blue” says: I am writing for the first time with the view of doing my bit to help the old club Everton. J. T.  Howcroft said that Everton should drop Dean. He has gone slow since the operation on his foot. Now that Everton have got Johnson, who can play as well at centre-forward as he can at inside-left, Everton should play Johnson at centre with McCambridge at inside left. 
THE THINGS THEY SAY. 
Why this personal attack on Dean?  Asks “Fairplay. - A fortnight ago, you wrote him up as the old Dean when he scored one of the finest goals ever seen at Goodison. A week ago you blamed him for Everton's defeat at Newcastle, when you said Gallacher would have won the match 6-0 for Everton. To date Gallacher has scored twenty-two goals in twenty-nine appearances; Dean twenty-four in twenty-two appearances.  Obviously Dean is still a useful leader, so why tell the Everton directors to drop him? As you ought to know, no man has been played when unfit so often as Dean has in the past two seasons; so please, Bee, place the blame in the right quarter—the directorate.  If anyone has been fair to Dean I have, fair almost to the breaking point.  In fact, I have been accused of shielding him.  How unfair this correspondent is in his statements is proved by the suggestion he makes that I said Dean scored one of the finest goals seen at Goodison Park. I did not see the game, and could not have said it. 
WE AR! ALL CONCERNED. 
“X” offers constructive criticism; -   All sportsmen, Rugger or Soccer, view Everton’s parlous state with concern.  Each game they play, especially at this crisis. It is more and more apparent to any impartial observer that their regrettable lack of success is due to the unwillingness or inability to vary the method of attack, which at present so simplifies the defence of their opponents.  For two years now the sole idea seems to be to place the ball to Dean, who always receives it with three jostling adversaries in attendance. With the constant buffeting he has been subjected to for so long, it is wonderful that he has retained any form at all. May I be permitted to suggest that this really fine player be placed at inside right?  There are many successful precedents- Puddefoot, &c.—Johnson, a quick-footed player and good shot at centre. Then, if the attack were distributed—the outside side crossing the ball to inside left and the outside left to the inside right occasionally, and those inside forwards would take a first-time shot a la Edgar Chadwick—it would tend to scatter the defence, and Dean, with his strong shot, would be given a freedom he has not experienced for some tune.  If there is any entertainment to be found in Everton football, it is obtained in watching how the opposing backs cluster round Dean immediately the ball approaches their goal, yet the present Everton players do not appear to be able to counter this move. Shades of Bell, Taylor, and Settle! Are none of the old-time brainy players available to coach the present eleven? 
COMPARISONG. 
After reading an expert's (?) account of the Everton defeat at the hands of a matter of fact West Ham eleven, I was struck by the utter callousness of the writer, who one time was a much talked of knight of the whistle. Phil Scott could not have received such treatment as Dean received even from his worst American critic.  Just about twelve months ago this same writer heralded Dean as the greatest footballer of all time, and to-day he seeks to lay the whole blame of Everton's plight on the  shoulders of the man, who, in the course of his career, has suffered more backs  and kicks and sly ankle tape than any other.  Granted Dixie has “slowed up," but he held the line together on Saturday and kept his inside men occupied with judicious pass. The public will rally round Dixie and Co, and will make every allowance for the present state of affairs.  But keep the team intact, and thus help them to that confidence that leads to goodwill and a desire to preserve an enviable record. This is from "Friend o' Mine." 
"Well-wisher” from Manchester City writes.—permits me a line in your precious column. I have seen in the Echo" so many humorous gestures as to "What is wrong with Everton," I came from Manchester to see how Johnson shaped, and, believe me, he wasn’t the same boy. Why? I'll tell you. The centre does not play football as it is put to him. When a player makes headway to a centre and Dean receives it, is afraid if he misses, so he passes it back to the wing. If you notice he very rarely passes back to the same wing—always the opposite one.  That is craft, not tact; and with our Johnson it is tact he wants. A good schemer is Johnson. I would feel sorry to see such a team as Everton go in Division 11. It wouldn't be fair to your city. I know I talk as though you had power of attorney, so excuse me, please. Everton tried hard on Saturday; very hard, but they should never have been two goals down in the first half.  The forward line should be: Stein, Martin, Johnson, O'Donnell or Weldon, Rigby. Says -Argus."
At Newcastle Critchley is reported as being the only dangerous Everton player; result dropped.  What have they against this plucky and clever lad.  Order the inside men to get amongst the opponents’ defence.  Still enjoying your fearless notes- says “Hopeful.”
Says “Watcher; - I am amused by the yapping of the Everton spectators.  They can’t understand why their team I at the bottom.  I can.  When will these fellows realize that they are responsible for the type and style of game played at Goodison?  Perhaps they forget their parrot cry, “Give it to Dixie?”  Perhaps they re beginning to realize that to smother the talent of ten individuals so that one player’s ability might he exploited to not good policy. Perhaps they are beginning to see that it would be better for the plan of campaign to be worked out by the players themselves. Lack of confidence had now gripped the players. How is it to be regained?  Might I suggest that Dean be relieved of the unfair responsibility that has been forced on him by his - admirers"?  This could be done by playing Dean as inside to Johnson until such time as W. R. gets into his stride. Personally, I don't think Everton will go down.  But if they do, the spectators themselves must take a share of the blame. 

DEAN'S NEW ROLL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 19 March 1930
TO LEAD EVERTON CENTRAL LEAGUE SIDE. 
The Everton Central League team to play Birmingham at Goodison Park, on Saturday, includes the name of Dean at centre forward.  W. Coggins, the new goalkeeper from Bristol City, appears in goal, and McCambridge partners Weldon on the lift wing. MCPherson plays at right half, his right Jul place.  The team is: Coggins: Cresswell, Common; McPherson, Hart. McClure:  Critchley, Dunn, Dean, McCambridge, Weldon.  Everton's first team, of course, have no match on Saturday.

DEAN TO LEADER CENTRAL LEAGUE
March 20 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
The senior side being disengaged the eleven to represent Everton in the Central League match at Goodsion Park on Saturday against Birmingham on paper appears one of the strongest side turned out in the competition. The new goalkeeper Coggins is to make his debut for Everton while Dean is to lead the attack since his rise to fame, Dean has seldom appeared in the second team. Team; Coggin; Cresswell, Common; McPherson, Hart, McClure; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, McCambridge, Weldon.

BEE’S NOTES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 March 1930
The Indigo-drunken-Chinese signings, &c, have no place in this column, Everton have enough worry without having to bother about supposed ‘cute sayings.  It is not a funny position today. 

CALL ON CRESSWELL
March 20 th 1930. The Liverpool Echo
“We are seven” writes too long. This is the pith; - Seven of us will endeavour to pick, for serious consideration, what the Everton directors seen unable to pick –a winning team. Having paid the piper for over twenty-five years we feel entitled to state are view, but criticism other than constructive is out of place. Our attitude is not to be considered as against any player at all, but only what we would try in the present circumstances, and the reason. First, a captain –a man with football nous, a tactician, one in whom every player could or should have confidence. Have they such a man on their books? In the mind of ninety-nine out of every hundred, undoubtedly and kicking his heels in the reserve. The made to order –Cresswell. Four years ago he was obtained in similar circumstances and placed in charge. He played his part then with every credit, and that disaster was averted was in great measure due to him. Today he is the very acme of fitness, and playing every bit as well as ever he did. In proof of that, let us prefer back to any and every paper from the opening of the season until he was dropped following an injury in the Liverpool match and you will find headlines such as the Brilliance of Cresswell.” “Best man on the field,” and so on. We know you pressmen were not talking through your hats, for we have the evidence of our own eyes, supported by the fact that the International Committee selected him, and more than once, to play for the country this season. We have heard it said that he has gone slow –he never was a fast man –and cannot last ninety minutes. Twaddle! He could play all-day. His conduct off the field is, and always has been, an example to every footballer who has his own and his clubs interest at heart. It must not be through we are grinding an axe for Cresswell, for we most decidedly are not, any more than we are proving his qualifications for captaincy and a place in the team. It may not be commonly known, but although he has played full back for years, his natural and best position was ri0ght half. Cresswell must be brought back, and as right half. Having decided that the rest is fairly easy. J. O'Donnell is feeling the strain of the circumstances, and has lost a lot of the devil-may-care wherein lies his success. Only temporarily we hope. But meanwhile cross Williams to the left –he can play either wing –to let in Griffiths, a right footed player, as right full back. Griffiths as a half is not good in feeding the forwards, but has a full-back's chief essentials –a splendid worker, a grand tackler, speedy, and a good clearance. Left half, McPherson, dropped far too soon; he is too brilliant a player not to be a success. We are aware he has one or two failings, but they can easily be put right. Then Thomson, who is obviously a grand player, as centre half we believe he would be a success –a good two-footed feeder. We cannot see need for much alteration in the forward line; we think Dixie's lapse is only temporary. If alterations is necessary, perhaps Johnson and Dean might move one to his right and let in McCambridge. We think, Mr. “Bee” the team submitted shows more balance and blend than heretofore.
REMEMBER
“Thirty-five Years' supporters” is indeed glaringly one-sided in his condemnation of Everton's Scottish “stars,” (says “Scottie?). Perhaps he has thus early forgotten last week's Newcastle game, in which, as was generally agreed, a Scottish “star” defeated Everton single-handed. Have the Scottish “stars” to accept blame for their defeat? If so, its speaks very little for the losers, in whose colours no fewer than three English international “stars” and two Welsh International “stars” took part, and, incidentally, only one Scotsman. Finally, your correspondent should not forget the heroic part played by the Scottish “stars” he refers to in helping to retain Everton's First Division status about two years ago.
A SCOT ON A SCOT.
I.B.N. writes; - I notice you have got on the “black list” with some of the Everton supporters. I often think it's a pity that you insert such a lot of piffle I should commit the majority of them to the W.B.B., and retain the column, which is so widely read and appreciated from your own pen (I beg pardon, typewriter), when the correspondent is a writer you know to be an authority, and gives your readers some interesting facts from time to time. “Southport” seems to have got the needle and annoyed at you giving Gallacher all the praise when he beat Everton off his own bat, we can easily read between the lines that it is a case off sour grapes. I maintain had Gallacher been leading the “Blues” with inside players to give him wise passes, Everton would have been nearer the top than the bottom today. He says most of the Macs are returning to Scotland. On April 5 if he wants to get a lesson on how football should be played, he should go and see the Wembley Wizards again go nap against the flower of English football.
FAIR PLAY FOR “DIXIE.”
I have read with interest your notes, and with amusement, some of your correspondents and I have come to the conclusion that we are all, yourself included, tarred with the one brush, in as much as we think we could run the Everton club better than those responsible, says “A member.” There is one thing, which I cannot understand, and that is why Dean is being “dropped” by Mr. Howcroft, and some of your correspondents? (I hope the directors ignore the suggestion –or should I say in the case of Mr. Howcroft –the demand). “Dixie” has shouldered the responsibility of scoring practically all the goals for some years mow, and in consequence we are apt to forget that there are four other forwards, all of whom should be capable of scoring, and I would ask, what of Rigby, Martin, and Johnson, the sharpshooters. Are they not supposed to score occasionally? Dean is but twenty-three years of age, and has ten or more years good football in him. He will shine again, I have only one difference with the Everton directorship –They been mistaken in their policy of endeavouring to strengthened the attack, whilst it has been obviously throughout the season that the defence was and still is woefully weak. I yield to no one in praise of Dean. I have ever realised his position, his opposition, and his friends and foes. Today I am named as being against Dean through having in two weeks criticism, suggested that he had gone back to the point that he should at least be rested. I stand by my criticism –whether it is Dean or anyone else. I have been fair –perhaps unusually fair in this case.
SCRAP THEM ALL.
“An old player” writes –I see the papers say Everton have got their “backs to the wall.” Would it not be truer to say “backs to the First Division.” They have eight more matches to play, and on their present form they might make a draw of one, but the other seven they should lose certain. It is most annoying for the directors to have to travel round trying to buy players to keep them in the First Division once more, bit I am afraid they are too late this time. It must be very humiliating for them to read as they did in the “Echo” some three weeks ago. The Everton Reserves team, which included three or four Internationals, were no match for _____” Fancy buying internationals for ever so many thousands of pounds and then have to put them into the Reserves side because they were no use in the first team. They can't help to win even a Central league game. Scrap all their men and start fresh by buying young men who will try. May I suggest getting some like the Portsmouth team. There is a team of nearly all young men, who try the whole 90 minutes and several of them will make names for themselves certain.

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Echo –Friday, March 21, 1930
A FASCINATING SERIES
No 11. –MILL LANE- AND HOW IT BECAME BRUNSWICK ROAD
By Michael O’Manony.
Maybe it was the atmosphere of St Patrick’s Eve which brought out that now rarely-seen figure, a singer of old songs, and whose voice rose in quaint Irish melody, as dusk fell in one of the quiet streets sloping towards Brunswick-road a few nights ago. 
 “O Molly I can’t say you’re honest,
You’ve stolen the heart from my breast. 
I feel like a bird that’s astonished
When young vagabones robs it’s nest”:
Sang the singer to an air as whimsical as the words, and as Samuel Lover sang it to our ancestors, and often enough in the old Concert Hall, Lord Nelson-Street, quite eighty years ago.  That the lover in his raptures “had still a frugal mind” is revealed in a later stage of his address by the reflection;-
“Tis little the change that you’ll bring me. 
Exception the change of your name”: and while I hope the not unshrewd balled-singer touched some warm hearts among the crowds pouring out from evening service, at St. Xavier’s as they trooped up the narrow way, I found myself thinking of the reasons why places as well as people frequently change their names. 
HOW NAME CHANGED
Liverpool in her streets is not free from fickleness in nonmenclature.  Some very old ones today are even known by various aliases, but I cannot call to mind one well-known thoroughfare which has changed its name as often as Brunswick-road.  Folly-lane originally ran from Shaw’s Brow to Gregson’s Well, and when the first stretch of it –as far as Moss-street –because known as Islington, what was left of it winding up the hill to the Well retained the old tittle.  Stonehouse differs from Picton as to the date when it was call Mill-lane, but it is abundantly clear that in a town of many mill sails, and the lanes which led to them, it was in the 18th century the principal Mill-lane in Liverpool.  According to Stonehouse the change to the present name came about by an interesting subterfuge.  “About 1820, a your lady having strong proclivities towards the resigning dynasty saw that the painter who was reinscribing the names of the streets had left his ladder against the house in which she lived, while he went to his dinner.  She availed herself of the opportunity of his absence to rub out ‘Old Mill-lane’ and chalk up instead of it “Brunswick-place,”  On his return the painter, seeing the name boldly written, considered that was the title he had to inscribe, and accordingly followed copy.  Next time he came, two years afterwards, the name was changed to Brunswick-road and has since remained so.” 
PLEASANT CAUSEWAY
Well up to 100 years ago the road, which was then much steeper than it is at present, was little more than a pleasant causeway.  The only houses were some cottage on the north side leading up to the well, each standing in shady gardens and approached by rustic gateways.  The south side was just green fields extending to the high hedges in Prescot-lane and Low-hill.  The most imposing roof tree in the lane was that of Everton House, which stood at the corner of Everton-road, the residence of an eminent banker named Gregson, and in the shadow of whose gates stood the railings guarding the steps which led down to “Gregson’s Well.”  This public spring was not only a picturesque feature but a real blessing to the women water-hawkers, who got a good living by selling it from their carts “four pails full for a penny!”  Just a little further on than the well, in a comfortable house surrounding by a small demeans lived in the opening of the 18th century a Dr. Daniel Fabius, described as “a practizer of phisick at Everton.”  Dr. Fabius, who was a devout Baptist, collected round him a number of friends who worshipped at his house, and dying a young man he left a plot of land facing Everton-road as a cemetery for the growing congregation.  About 1840 the fields which stretched over towards the present Prescot-street were laid out, and with the first line of small property came declension.  Mill-lane began to lose the look of a rural causeway and take on the air of a business artery.  Shops took the place of front gardens, the villas one by one succumbed to their fate, and the change came with such a rush that a chance of widening the street cheaply was lost, and thus a main entrance to the city is today little better than a bottle-neck.  Measured yard by yard, Brunswick-road is the shoppiest street in Liverpool.  Taken side by side, a human being would indeed be hard set if he did not find in it everything he wanted for his normal need. At one or two points here and there behind the packed shops on the north side rise remnants of the roofs which once marked a line of villas, but though flowers and fruit can be had in Brunswick-road, there are now no gardens.  “Gregson’s Well” lives on in name, but of the little Baptist cemetery, nothing is seen.  “After remaining for forty years neglected and almost forgotten, the land,” says Picton,” was used for the site of a chapel, which covers a large portion of the area, leaving only a narrow margin round.  What has become of the remains of mortality, whether they were dug up and scattered at the grave’s mouth, as one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth,” or whether they were only disturbed sufficiently to carry down the walls of the building, I am unable to say, but in any case the proceeding cannot be too much reprobated.  “The tombstones torn from the family graves and placed upright round the walls of the enclosure, bear silent and reproachful, testimony to the sacrilegious violence practiced on them.  In themselves, they are very interesting records of old and deeply-respected Noconformist families-the Johnsons, Wedgewoods, Hopes, Houghtons, Holmeses, Smallshaws, and Fishers, and many more.  The Indian savage will travel hundreds of miles to visit the graves of his ancestors.  The Christian of the nineteeth century estimates the tombs of his fathers at so much per square yard, and, to save the cost of a few hundred pounds, builds his temple upon their bones!” 
A WELCOME GLIMPSE.
Sir James Picton was a deeply reverent man, and while his indignation does his memory credit, I have no doubt that good and adequate reason could be given for the disappearance of the Fabius graveyard and chapel which has followed it, just as there exist justification for the transformation of the Necropolis space in the same area.  The latter now offers a welcome glimpse of green sward spreading beyond its fine gates and graceful sundial, but it can never hope to rival the vista which awaited the traveler, who, ascending the hill, turned at this point towards Everton village a hundred years ago.  A water colour drawing by Charles barber at that time gives a prospect of the northern end of the road taken from a point almost opposite Geave-street.  On the left is shown a fine avenge of trees, extending to the corner of the village.  The road is narrowed by an old gabled farmhouse and building standing on the site of the present Aubrey-street, beyond which a peep of the village is seen through the vista bathed in sunlight.  On the east side of the road, occupying the main portion of the view, is a wood of large and ancient growth, and of varied tints, while the fore-ground consists of steep, broken banks, such as the early primrose and violet love to nestle in.  There is a bank now at the corner of Everton-road, but it is quite a different kind of one altogether.  Most certainly, there is nothing of a broken look about it.  Across the eastern wall of a solid-looking hostel there runs the inscription; “Gregson’s Wall, Established 1841,” but the original fount flowed and sparkled under it’s dark archway in the gloom of the elms many memorable generations ago.  –Next week –Elbow-lane. 

EVERTON “A” TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 21 March 1930
Everton “A” v. Ellemere Port, away, 3-30-Britt; Johnson, Reid; Haycock, Keeley, Bryan; Chedgzoy, Dykes, French, Webster, and Hamson.

EVERTON RES V. BIRMINGHAM RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 March 1930
VISITORS LEAD AGAINST TALENTED HOME SIDE
Everton, with a side that included four players of international experience, monopolized the first half, and it was the rugged defensive work of the Birmingham defenders that prevented the home side taking an early lead.  The amateur, Tewkesbury, in the Midlanders goal was among the heaviest worked, and early on saved from Critchley, McPherson, and McCambridge.  The home side were inclined to excessive combination, pretty to watch, but ineffective against first-time tackling.  Fillingham shadowed Dean, who had made amends for a miss from Weldon’s centre by heading with all his old-time skill, the Birmingham keeper effecting a clever save.  Coggins had to wait 20 minutes for his first real shot, Leslie being the shooter.  Dean was encouraged by the crowd, but Kewkesbury again prevented him scoring.  Everton played well on the attack, but simply could not finish effectively although there was no lack of earnest endeavor.  Birmingham took a snap goal two minutes from the interval, Horsman scoring.  Half-time; -Everton 0, Birmingham 1. 
Birmingham did most of the attacking on resuming, and Coggins saved two difficult shots from Pike and Marfitt. A defensive lapse enabled Lane to score a second for Birmingham, while Critchley reduced the lead.  McPherson equalized with a penalty in last few minutes.  Final; Everton res 2, Birmingham Res 2.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 March 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

MEN THAT COUNT
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 March 1930
EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL CONGRE-GATE
The eight annual reunions of the Everton and Liverpool turnstile attendants, held at the historic Sandon this week, once again reached “high-water” mark.  Firstly, the Danks catering was such as to whet the appetite, and secondly the mixed musical programme that followed sufficed to drive dull care away for at least one night.  The Liverpool secretary, Mr. George Patterson, spoke of the friendly feeling that held away in the managements of the two Merseyside senior clubs, whilst the ever-genial Mr. Walters added his quota.  Apologies for absence-through indisposition-were lead from Mr. Barker (Everton) and “Stud-Marks.”  The following artists, under the care of the indefatigable Mr. Williams, scored right along the line;- Messrs, W. Cubhey, J. Conoran, T. Shannon, Frank Williams, W. Cameron, T.W. Palfreyman-Burns, B. Griff, H. Matchett, Jones and White.  Also the Apollo Quartette.  Once again much of the success of the reunion was due to the efficient efforts of the chairman, Mr. E. Jones and Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. Summerskill. 

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 2
March 24 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 32)
It must have been disappointing for the home supporters to find Everton's strong team held until the closing minutes –a debarred enabling Everton to equalise. It was a fair result as Birmingham did not deserve to lose. Everton were persistent attackers but their finishing efforts were disappointing. Dean, without revealing the speed and ability of two seasons ago, was ever dangerous and although he was guilty of a bad miss when Weldon centred early on, he tried hard throughout, and was often foiled by the ability of Tewkesbury, the Birmingham amateur keeper. McPherson, at right half was conspicuous and McCambridge and Dunn worked industriously. Weldon was not at all comfortable on the left wing. Critchley, on the right wing was Everton's most dangerous forward. Coggins in goal showed fine judgement. The goals scored by Horseman and Lane for Birmingham and Critchley and McPherson (Penalty) for Everton . Everton; - Coggins goal; Cresswell and Common, backs; McPherson, Hart and McClure, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, McCambridge, and Weldon, forwards.

ELLEMERES PORT 2 EVERTON “A” 7
Liverpool county combination
At Ellemere Port. Three Ellesmere Port boys, Keeley Baycock, and Dyke, stood out for Everton, and Dyke scored three goals. Webster, and French each getting two. Ellesmere Port were outclassed late in the second half. Hughes scored twice from corners. Stanton made brilliant saves from Webster, who was frequently on the mark.

FOOTBALLER’S WEDDING
Liverpool Echo - Monday 24 March 1930
EX-EVERTON PLAYER TAKES A NEW PARTNER. 
This afternoon, at Walton Parish Church, Jasper Kerr, the former Everton full-back, nowadays a strong first team man with Preston North End, was married to Miss Margaret Mason, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.  Edward Mason, of Walton.  There was a large crowd of friends and sportspeople at the church, and the best man was Mr. John Kerr, brother of the bridegroom, himself a football official—director of Hamilton Academicals F.C.

A BYWORD OR A BEE-WORD
March 25 th 1930. The Liverpool Echo
So some of your so-called correspondents have been giving you the “bird” of late, and it grieves me to think only one who knows you could say such piffle (says Mr. William Stapleton). And I have come to the conclusion they must be novices to your wonderful “Sports of the Day” columns. Football of course is your main feature and I'll say it sure is a “wow” in the history of the sport I don't think Liverpool has had a more interesting and more fascinating journalist; yet I am not flattering you, but I believe in giving credit where it is due. The writers of those “poison pen” letters though if I may say would you'd contradict or deny the allegations, but no like the sport you are you merely took is as all in the day's work.
On with the good work! Off with the Motley We are at a lose to understand your attack on dean, and we think it is now time some facts were published, which appear to have escaped your notice (says Two Blues.”) It is interest to note his records for the past two seasons as compared with other centre-forwards. Last season he scored twenty-six in (about) twenty-six games, notwithstanding injury, whilst Halliday was top with forty-five, the next being thirty-eight it is conceivable that “Dixie” would have been close to these figures had he played the sixteen games he had missed. This season he has scored twenty-three goals in twenty-three games; again while handicapped with injury. Hampton, the top English scorer with thirty-five –a figure we suggest “Dixie” might easily have equalled had he played in the eleven games in has missed. Further Dean has scored in seventeen in twenty three games. Not bad for one who is yards slow and always beaten by a head (your description). On the other hand, Everton's record without Dean is; -
Played 11, won 1, lost 6, draw 4, for 11, against 27
Figures which illustrate Everton's chances if they drop Dean now.
Referring to the West ham game, and “Dixie” missing wonderful chances, is it to be presumed that the other Everton forwards did not have any because they did not score. It is odd that the first real criticism of Dean by me should produce this furore. For five years there has been praise –sometimes when people did not agree with my praise. I give the letter above freely and fully so, that the public shall know the turn of the tide has arrived, and that when a star plays badly I shall continue to say so, whether it hurts of otherwise. No other player escapes, and I feel sure Dean would be the last to ask that he should escape criticism when the criticism is not favorable. He is but twenty-three years of age even now. He has been a marvel; people told me I was Dean mad; you see whate'er I write –for or against –I am in the wrong, I shall go my own way. They said the same thing about men when I claimed Bert Freeman as my own; I tire of doing the right thing in the estimation of people who do not know the full particulars. I will go on with what I am proud to consider –the good work.
IS IT HOPELESS.
“Connaught.” Of London writes; -
I have been up in London ten years, but my interest in the Everton club date back to 1890. To people like myself, the position of the club is simply heartbreaking and inexplicable Everton have always stood, for what is best in Association football (I don't refer to the winning of League and Cups, but simply to playing of goodclass football irrespective of result), and it would be a loss to the game if there should be any break in their long connection with the First Division. Why am I writing you? Simply to say that I refuse to believe even yet –desperate at the position is –that the position is absolutely hopeless. And it hope that in the “Echo” and “Post” you will do all you can to prevent any spreading of the “hopeless” feeling, if the team get it into their heads that it is now too late the situation then indeed the outlook would be hopeless. There is no failure so complete as to give up trying. But I am convinced that the man wearing the Everton colours are made of sterner stuff than that. The position as I see it, is not hopeless and can yet be saved with a long and strong pull all together. Fortunately there is no match on Saturday, so that there is a “breather” in which to take stock and prepare for a final effort. If the directors –as they surely will –select the team regardless of individual reputations and concentrate on the men likely to get goals, is there any reason why the five home matches should not all be won? A hugh task, but not impossible when the calibre of the opposition is examined. And a special effort could easily extract 3 points out of the remaining three away games. Result would be a total of 39 points and safety! Let the players believe that they have the moral support of the Goodison Park crowd behind them, and it would make a world of difference. Any wretched “barrackers” should keep clear of the ground for the remaining matches they are simply adding to the team's troubles and it surely un-English to hit a man when he is down.

CHANGES AGAINST BIRMINGHAM
March 26 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton are making another bold bid to save the club from relegation, and the directors last evening decided on wholesale changes in the search for a winning team to oppose Birmingham at Goodison Park on Saturday. Dean stands down and Johnson the former Manchester City forward has been chosen to lead the line. Except in goal, changes have been made in every line. Common is to taken the place of O'Donnell, who thus, misses his first match of the season, and has proved a dashing back at his best. Williams is to partner Common, Robson returns in place of White, while Critchley comes back to his old position at outside right. Stein again cross over and Rigby goes inside.
The Everton Reserves team go to Huddersfield and Cresswell and O'Donnell are to be the backs. Everton are trying two new players from the north-east in Towers a half-back and Hewitt a centre-forward. The latter has had previous run with the Reserves.

Jack Cock for the Films
Portsmouth Evening News - Wednesday 26 March 1930
Jack Cock, the Millwall centre forward has been offered an important part in Gaunmont's football talkie..  He has been tried out and has an excellent "talking voice" doubtless due to his early training as a singer.

READERS CALL FOR FAIR PLAY TO DEAN; 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
Below one offers correspondence- still the main topic of the country of football--Everton F.C. and their members.  It is worthy of notice that Dean, after a spell in the reserves, may not find a place in the senior side next Saturday.  I imagine that the line will read Stein, Martin, Johnson, “Tony” Weldon, and Rigby.
EVERTON’S “LIFEBUOY” TEAM
"vin" writes:—a  friend (a rabid Evertonian imbued with the sensibility  of natural modesty) is convinced that  the following eleven, if allowed to  weld together, would prove Everton's  salvation and be known hereafter  as the " Lifebuoy " tem; Sagar; Williams, Cresswell; Griffiths, Hart,  Thomson: Critchley, Dean, Johnson, O'Donnell, Stein. Martin first reserve.  It is a fine blend of youth and experience, calculated to produce a cheerful disposition so essential in team spirit at this vital juncture. Anyhow and every how:— 
What's the use of repining?
Where there’s a will there’s a way
On May 3 the sun may be shinning
Although it is cloudy today.
FAIR'S FAIR. 
I must speak my spoke and take up the cudgels on behalf of our old pal Dixie (says “Ivanhoe “). I am sure the criticism he has received from yourself and others has been unjustified.  Admitted, at the present time he is not playing his known game, but surely we can understand the reason for that when we take into consideration the difficulties he has been working under. How he is playing as well as he is to-day is a mystery, for despite his loss of form he is still keeping up with the best of them.  An average of a goal per match in my opinion is not bad going," and justifies a man his inclusion in an side, good or bad. No, Bee, leave Dean alone; the fault is in the boardroom.  Anyone who says I have been unfair to Dean is unfair to me! 
AFTER ABUSE, CONSTRUCTION. 
Now that a lot of your correspondents have spent themselves is abuse, &c., can I address a few remarks to you on the current vital subject (says Mr. J.  Hughes). Firstly, dear "Bee." let me differ from a lot of your correspondents in stating, in my humble opinion, that the Everton club have at their disposal some of the finest talent in the four countries. Why, then, this lack of success? In a nutshell, lack of generalship and positioning. Why do they still persist in playing only three forwards,  and mostly to one whom, I am sorry to  see, has slowed down owing, presumably,  to Injuries. But they played, aye, in excess to the old Dean, why not they to the new and slower Dean. How many gosling chances has he put each side of him when surrounded by opponents, and no other forwards there to take them? Enough to win two championships! How often does he receive a ball when facing the opposite goal? When has he received a backward pass from his other forwards that he might drive home.  No, sir, the trouble is not the players but their instructions. Let them forget this new offside rule and realise the disadvantages of the five half-back game. The lack of forward play and the vitality sapping back and forward rushes of the inside forwards, the crowding in defence and in each other’s way. Then, again, one has seen the most vital factor: the opposing halves have no forwards to watch, and the result is obvious, that Everton have been playing a 75 per cent defensive game, you might say willingly, and no attack.  New rule or old, there have always been two backs, and there is only one way to combat the little extra latitude allowed the centre forward; three forwards will not do it. Play full forwards and halves, and the two backs work always in line. Then, if opposing forwards are well up, they are either covered or obviously offside. Attack is the best defence. They are not yet hopeless. On the assumption of home wins and away losses they are only one point behind.  But tactics must be altered, and success lies in full attack.  The playing talent Is there, but very badly managed. The team seem as though they play to orders; this sort of idea should be abolished. Cut out all favouritism (says “Progress") and let us have a homely atmosphere. Give this team a chance to show its paces in a practice before the next match.  I have assured myself that it could beat any team it meets: Sager; Williams, O'Donnell; Hart (captain), Griffith, Thomson: Martin, Dean, Johnson, McCambridge, Rigby.
“Dock Board writes:—Dean has played in 25 matches and scored 25 goals. Eleven matches have been played without the services of Dean, and they have not won one of them.  The last three matches they have played without him; the opposition have scored 13 goals without a reply. Two matches on the run has been the longest sequence without his scoring. Six matches they have played without Dean they have not scored. Dean has played in 25 matches and they have not scored in two. How can they drop him? What they want to do is to drop the W formation. 
"Old Swan" writes;—I think it is a shame to put a man like Dean in the reserve side; they don't want to give the man a rest.
From Bill Erlis: This old Liverpool  South-End player and follower of  Everton for forty four years, writes:—  Dear "Bee," I wrote you last year  condemning the W formation style of  Everton forwards, which you kindly  published, and it appeared to strike  them to alter the style of an advanced  line in their next home match which they won 5-1. All Lancashire papers praised their altered tactics of the advanced forward line which brought about such good results; but they have never adopted it since and you see the outlook for the Everton supporters’ despair for a few weeks.  I pleaded for fair play for Critchley last season with good results, and I am amazed to see him dropped again, after standing out on his own for the last two months. You were at Manchester City's match at Maine-road and saw he was Everton's outstanding forward, also the Derby County match he was outstanding. Stein's position is outside left, and I say Critchley's displays are as good on the average as Crooks, Bruton, Spence, or any of the outstanding right wing outside. With a little ringing of the changes we should not have been in our sad position.  Griffiths and O'Donnell should have been tried at the inside positions forwards weeks ago. Teams that don’t adopt this W formation are the City, Leicester, and Sheffield Wednesday.  Let the Everton forwards have more faith in their ability and advance and shoot more- not be goal shy. 
MISFORTUNE
Mr. Ashworth offers an open letter to the chairman of Everton.  This is the pith;-
I believe you and your colleagues have done what in your opinion was the right thing to do to steer the club far from the position which it finds itself on the League table today.  Accidents to players have brought about a large share of misfortunes, but, in my opinion, ill-luck is not a few matches have been Everton’s great undoing.  Dame Fortune must have forgotten the way to Goodison Park, and if she still persists in her absence the hopes of the good old club are well-nigh shattered.  Luck comes in cycles for and against, and when it is dead against no working or administration by a board of directors can avert the disastrous outcome of such misfortune.  I may not agree with the signings of Ritchie and Dunn or the parting with Troup, but by the signing of nine players since January you have tried to combat with misfortune.  I am not going to enclose a team-sheet of what I consider our best team, I leave that responsibility to the directors, who are the best judges, but I am going to ask the players who fulfil the few remaining fixtures; Give your best, continue in that spirit which in the end will prevail and if Dame Fortune still remains an absentee from Goodison Park then let it ever be said that Everton went out fighting. 

EVERTON HOPE TO FEEL AT HOME
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 March 1930
Bee’s Notes
Happy days are here again.  We are faced with football after his elusive exclusive racing ‘chase.  The change is welcome and possibly more profitable than any racing effort we may make Everton have their own Grand National test; it has been a course that has troubled nearly every year since the war –championship season excluded –and it is odd that a club so placed financially and in the matter of loyal following should have failed to notice the grand-slam-slide that occurred at the back end of last season, when half-a-dozen matches were lost in consecutive weekends, plus a mid-week match or two.  That was the sign of the times and the writing on the wall.  There is these days a writing on the wall that is the cutburst of a shareholder who is annoyed.  He has started to write his remarks too late- they were perhaps necessary two or three months ago.  However, we must forget this dolenote, and put forward the very definite belief that Everton can and will escape.  People laugh at the thought of this being possible; but it is a distinct possibility, and if the home games are won and an odd point taken from an away engagement the club will once again save its skin after being “shaved” to the nearest point of being cut and wounded.  The cynic will say, “Yes, but Everton do not win their home games.”  It is this talk that leads the players to get the notion that they cannot win at home.  The big pull is needed for every remaining home game to be won, and in meeting Birmingham they are meeting a side that has gone back a good deal this season, and, like Sheffield United, Burnley, and Grimsby, forms one of a chain of visitors to our grounds that make each home game equivalent to the turnover of four points instead of two.  The crowd will go to Goodison Park tomorrow to urge a victory to the home side; to help the players to a victory.  There is sufficient talent there to walk through the home games- that’s my considered judgement, and I am going to bank on a solid and sure victory tomorrow against my old club.  One victory at home will set the club going pell mell for victory medals.  The start is everything.  The start shall be tomorrow.  Everton; Sagar; Williams, Common; Robson, Griffiths, Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Johnson, Rigby, Stein. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (Conductor, Mr. H. Wearing) will play;-
March, “Viva Birkenshaw” (Rimmer); overture “Light Cavalry” (Suppe); selection.  “On With the Show” (Bert Feldman); selection “William tell” (Rossini); selection.  “The Gold Diggers of Broadway” (Bert Feldman); march, “Commonwealth” (Rimmer). 

THE LANES OF LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 March 1930
A FASCINATING SERIES
NO 12- HOW ELBOW LANE WAS CALLED AFTER MR. SWEETING
By Michael O’Mahony
Etymologists insist (after the manner  of their kind) that many of oar surnames  have their origin in some  physical characteristic of an ancestor, and that what Is true of people may in  a sense be also said of places.  That this is quite correct—all the  more than I feel called upon  to say, but, anyhow, none of the old  marrow wynds, still with us in the city,  were more truly named than the curving  arm which twists from Dale-street  to Castle-street, long known as Sweeting-street,  but which was originally,  and for more than a century, called  Elbow-lane.  It was a most appropriate title Viewed today from its Dale-street archway; it is doubtful if a more provoking elbow could be traced on any motor map in England It came to be called Sweeting-street when Thomas Sweating was mayor, in 1698, a date which recalls interesting men and manners. To have a street designated by your name was then very high mark of party favour, for party feeling ran high. " Charter men "  and "old Carter  men " were at it dingdong  in private, as well as in public, and as each side would perish before  making a generous gesture to the other the difficulties of finding the right men,  of the right colour, for every position, must often have put " the forty able  and discreet men " into tight corners. 
Mayor-Making Then. 
A reference to the selection of a mayor in Sweeting's day, will bear repetition in a correspondence on the subject between Norry's, of Speke, and Peter Hall, one of the well-affected, the latter writes.— 
“I think the town not like itself; we being at such a loss fora man as I never knew, Mr. .Sweeting will tell that on the Sunday before he left town, Mr. Cleaveland having positively denied us, we concluded to put up Joe Prior, with which I own I was not well-pleased, but some days afterwards, Joseph confessing to Mr.  Mayor that having a distemper in  the head he could by no means that  year serve. Then we were again to seek.   " Last Monday we could think of  none other than Mr. Briggs, he was  sent for and readily accepted of the  offer, but being too much elevated with  the thoughts of it, was not able to  behave himself, but after his usual  manner and he himself to make the  thing public was drunk two nights  together.   “This made an end of him, and to be plain with him and short with you I told him to wait on Mr. Mayor and to be excused, for we found he could not govern even himself. This he took ill but I told him I would be off my promise. Next day we choose Joe Cockshut” 
"Assemblies and Dawnsyngs."
 There was nothing of the spineless Briggs about Sweeting.  If he took his glass of wine he did so reasonably. If he was popular he deserved it. He was a right good public servant, loyal to his colours, who leaving the old town by the Pool more prosperous than he found it, deserved to have his name perpetuated.  From its position at the heart of  things, and being in touch with the times when the old Town hall –once Domus Beatae Mariae- the House of Blessed Mary was let for “assemblies and dawnsyngs at sixteen pence a night.”  The lane, from its arches at either end, must have looked out on many brave pageants fairing forth from the High Cross to the church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas, possibly on such a one as took place during the mayoralty of Thomas Bavand, when Henry Earl of Derby came into town over the Great Health in 1577, and residing in his fortified castle, waiting for a fair wind to speed him to the Isle of man.  His stay was made the occasion for a fortnight of solemn church services, merry-makings in season, and typical Liverpool hospitality.  The record of one day runs as follows;-  “The next morning, St. George’s Day, festivities were resumed, when his honour came to church very gorgeously, and after went in solemn procession about the churchyard, and so entered, and there offered a piece of gold, which was given to the minister, Sir James Seddon.  “This being done, his honour’s chaplain Mr. Cadwell, made a goodly and learned sermon, and at every time of my lord’s departure from church there was great triumph as aforesaid, and the same evening at after supper one Ralph Powell, being ready with squibs to make pastime, cast the said squibs abroad very trimly, whereat his honour took great pleasure.”  On Wednesday his honour came again to church, when Master Untter made a passing famous learned sermon on Rev. xxii., which sermon, it is very unkindly remarked to the prejudice of Sir James Seddon, was liked much above the other.  “There were many things done and pastimes made at a Morris dance which were all so trimly handled, as was to the liking of the said right honorable earl, the like of which were never seen or known before in the said town of Lirpole, for which his honour did not only give manifold thanks, but, sore against Mr. Mayor’s mind, did constrain him to take his honour’s liberality to bestow on the company.  All things being finished in decent order, then on the Sunday next.  God sending prosperous wind and fair weather, his honour took shipping at Lirpole in the Edward, about four of the clock in the afternoon being accompanied with the Elizabeth of Alt, the Good Luck of Douglas, the Michael of Lirpole, and the Bee of the same.”   There are musty records which make for luscious reading and while there can be no doubt that the foregoing was “devised” by that worthy burgess, Master Raplph Sekerston, “of his own politic wit and wisdom,” we may be pardoned for leaving to the historian of the future something less picturesque to say about us.  Whole nothing is shorn of the reverence that doth hedge a Lord Mayor, the city’s choice of a Chief Magistrate is today one of dignified facility, and when an Earl of Derby sails upon the sea he goes forth with as hearty a Godspeed as if he were accompanied by a flotilla including “the Michael, of Lirople and the Bee, of the same.”  Those curious to know what Elbow-lane looked like when its name was changed will find a very faithful drawing of it in the Binns collection in the Reference Library.  There one section of it is seen showing tall, arched doorways approached by steps, while another gives a row of simple cottage having shuttered windows, such as are to be found today in Hockenhall-alley, off Dale-street.  This was how it looked even down to 1830, while the old inn on the north side, known as “Dean Swift’s Box,” lived on for some years after that.  If Thomas Sweeting was proud of the old thoroughfare bearing his name, how much more so might he be to-day?  Not an inch of this bending arm nor the showry Queen’s-avenue, which it links along with it, but throbs with enterprise worthy of a great port.  Enter it from Castle-street and you find yourself in an inauspicious opening where, like people who wink with their lower lids, window slits rise from below to entrap the lights.  Handsome old doorways, railed in corners, and porticoes murmur of the past, while the present shouts from the glittering lists of names on the brass plates shinning on every staircase.  It is not only a place where fortunes may be made and great careers begun and ended; it is a place where a sybarite might dwell all his days and find content.  In this angle may he be clothed in purple and fine linen, in another may he be curled and perfumed, and even fare sumptuously every day as he listens to fine music behind painted windows.  Does he want to explore the world he has but to send for a magic carpet in the shape of a time table to the travel; bureau at the corner, and as for other needs-well, of course, you’d assume that a man like that would be on the telephone.  A book shop makes an interesting niche.  In its old-time window, persiflage is represented by such authors as Lady Dorothy Neville and Lord Rossmore, while more mellowed flavor is imparted by Iassac Walton, wedged in by works on English Ivories and Stained Glass.  An air of prosperity hangs round this place of swift transit from one main highway to another; it even touches the cheery newsagents who pitch their wares round its corners.  Who that knew her has not a kindly memory of “Old Sarah,” who, dying some dozen years ago, left 1,0-00 pound, chiefly to the charities of the city.  It was the first street in the town to have its name written up inscribed in stone-so Picton says- and at least one peculiarity is undeniable.  This relic of Elizabethan Liverpool is now the only remaining street into which you enter at both ends under a covered archway.  Next week –Lodge-lane.

DEVELOP THE “A” TEAM PRINCIPLE IN FOOTBALL
March 29 th 1930. The Evening Express
HUNTER HART SAYS IT IS A SCHEME THAT WOULD HELP SMALLER CLUBS
BEST METHODS OF DISCOVERING GOOD LOCAL TALENT
TRIAL WOULD REPAY TROUBLE TAKEN
By Hunter Hart, Everton's captain.
The development of the “A” team principle, as a means of solving the difficulties of the smaller clubs to find talent for which they are at present unable to pay, is a scheme which might well be considered by the Football Association, through its County Associations clubs in the Third Division, and certain members of the Second Division. There are few clubs in the Third Division who can pay a price for a player at the moment, always bearing in mind the high level of fees just now, and they have to wait until a big club is willing to let a man go for a few hundred pounds or with a free transfer. What a talent are these smaller clubs likely to pick up with so insignificant an outlay? A “ winner “ is struck now and again, but the supply of good players for little or nothing will not satisfy the 44 Third Division clubs and 75 per cent, of the Second Division clubs. These clubs must have some other avenue through which to secure the talent they need, and I strongly advocate the establishment of “A” or third teams by every club in association with the Football League.
LOCAL PLAYERS DRAW.
One of the chief arguments for this would be that no matter which district you take, the followers of the club always like to see the local players in harness and the best method to get “locals” into your team is to bring them on through the “A” team, then to the reserves, and finally, if they are efficient, to the first team. Let us consider the cases of Everton and Liverpool for a moment. The most striking case of a man winning his way through each of the three classes is Albert Virr, undoubtedly one of the best servants the Goodison Park club has ever had. Albert Virr first played for the Blues as an “A” team man, but his prowess was bound to take him through to the League team. He cost Everton nothing, but had they been asked to secure him from some other club in the country they would have been asked to lay down a sum running into thousands. Walter Rooney, now with Wrexham is another player who developed in the Everton “A” team, and Bryan, who is doing so well for the reserves at the moment, has had his share of the third team fare. Take Liverpool. They have secured a really promising half-back in Gardner, who has already played in the first team from the “A” team, and others which spring to mind are James and Scott. What Everton and Liverpool can do, so can the smaller clubs who, to put it bluntly are “hard up.” Club officials might say “Oh, we could not effort to run three teams. It takes us all our time to conduct two.” Yet the expenses of the “A” team provided it were properly conducted, would an infinitesimal sum.
ON AMATEUR FORMS.
In the first place, I would errol all players for the team on amateur forms, hence, no wages. I would take players from 18 upwards, who desired a trial. Never fear, the junior players will always be anxious to play for the best team in the district, and you will consequently have a wide choice. A small ground could be rented in order that there should be no clashing with the first or reserves matches, if the league or competition did not permit of one club playing all its matches away. An entry into the premier county league would ensure a good class of football and the travelling expenses would not be much even in such large countries as Yorkshire, Lincoln, or Devonshire. Perhaps the cost of running this third team for a season would amount to three or four hundred pounds at the outside, even if you received no “gate” money and if every club found one first team player every two years it would pay them. Just think of that! Well, I go so far as to say that the value of Albert Virr and Rooney swallows up the cost of running the “A” team. Why cannot the smallest clubs do the same? In this way you will bring local players into your league side, and the discovery of one good player will compensate for a hundred failures. Do you not think that Blackburn Rovers are well satisfied with Cunliffe as a return for running a third team? Of course they are.
FIND THE TALENT.
Some weeks ago I pointed out that there could be no tampering with the present transfer system; but it must be borne in mind that the smaller clubs are almost unaffected by this, except from a selling point of view. The big clubs look to the lesser lights to find the raw material and develop it, and there is no better way than to slowly graduate schoolboys and boys of fifteen into a team playing in a county competition. Gate receipts do not matter, for if any small club can find a player marketable at a figure running into thousands, they will require no gate receipts to help the third team. Again the youths who were given a run in the “A” teams would strive their hardest, knowing full well that if they revealed any talent at all they would eventually find themselves signing a professional form. The smaller clubs in the Football League cannot afford to employ the services of the “scouts” that improve concerns can, and consequently, the organisation of third team is a means of finding new blood, and for nothing.

EVERTON MUST WIN TODAY
March 29 th 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Birmingham are a strong side, one they will go every inch of the way, and it is plan that Everton will be faced by players possessing skill and power to drive home their attacks. With the position in so attractive a state I am sure the followers of the club will rally to the support of the team in their time of trial. It would seem that no matter what happens Everton will always attract the crowd. It will be a stirring struggle and I hope and believe that Everton will this time prevail. The kick –off is at 3-15 and the teams are Everton; - Sagar; Williams, Common; Robson, Griffiths, Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Johnson, Rigby, Stein. Birmingham; - Hibbs; Liddell, Barkess; Firth, Morrell, Leslie; Briggs, Crosbie, Haywood, Bradford, Blyth.

THE LAST STRAW
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 March 1930
EVERTON GO DOWN AT HOME, PER CUSTOM
WILLIAMS OFF HURT
BIRMINGHAM PILE UP EARLY LEAD
By Bee
Everton; Sagar; Williams, Common; Robson, Griffiths (Captain), Thomson; Critchley, Martin, Johnson, Rigby, Stein.  Birmingham; Hibbs; Liddell, Barkas; Firth, Morall, Leslie, Briggs, Crosbie, Hayward; Bradford, Blyth.  Referee; Mr. Crewe, Leicester.   Griffiths was acting captain for Everton, and his team found plenty of encouragement from the spectators with its newly-framed forward line.  Johnson, as centre-forward, was near charging Hibbs through the goal, and Thomson of Dundee, was brilliant and persistent, yet Birmingham were near scoring, after Williams had taken a risk with his head.  Blyth, the old Arsenal man, fired a trifle over the bar at great pace.  Williams and Hayward jarred their legs in another Birmingham attack, both limping for some time.  Thomson’s passes were only equaled by the nippiness of Briggs in getting the ball away.  The crowd of 35,000 spectators relished an incident where Common was set firm for a rush-in by Hayward, who charged him overboard.  In spite of the powerful Barkas, who was very willing, Everton had a great chance of scoring when there was a cross-pass by Johnson towards Critchley.  Critchley returned the ball loftily, Johnson heading in.  Hibbs appeared to have got too far under the ball which dropped behind his hands but did not quite reach the line, and in the bustle and hurry the ball was turned. 
TWO FOR BRUM
Birmingham scored in eleven minutes through a magnificent drive by Crosbie, who is not looked upon as a goal-getter, but rather as a schemer.  This time he scored a perfect goal from fifteen yards after there had been a throw-in.  This was in eleven minutes, and two minutes later Hayward made a delicious glide for Crosbie merely to tap the ball slightly to the right.  Briggs centred to an all-open defence.  Williams being still lame and Robson not in the place of marking, one could foreshadow a goal all the way, because Blyth is a veteran and a sure leader.  The ex-Arsenal man put Everton two down and into the dumps.  Williams, the full back, went off at seventeen minutes, so that everything was going against the Everton side, and they had to play Robson as a full back and Critchley as a half back.  Briggs had practically been the engineering chief in taking this lead for the Birmingham side, which should have been reduced, when Martin stood in front of the goal, probably eight yards out, and struck the crossbar.  Bradford was jarred by an unfair tackle by Common, but, having jarred his leg, now jarred Everton’s chances almost beyond redemption. 
BRADFORD BAGS A THIRD
He had apparently been covered on the weakened Everton flank, when Bradford got a cannon back and scored before Sagar, who had run out, could dive at the ball.  Everton’s luck, or lack of luck, continued when martin failed to get hold of a driving chance, and when Rigby centred ably and Johnson, diving in to head the ball, just missed, and pitched into the side net.  Birmingham were much quicker and more practicable than their rivals in allowing for the noteworthy Difficulty of ten men playing eleven. 
JOHNSON REDUCES
For a time the rans were equalized through Hayward being hurt, and it was while he was off that Critchley made a goal possible for Johnson, and the ex-Manchester man took it, drifting the ball beyond Hibbs.  Thirty minutes;  this was the signal for Hayward’s return to the field.  The crowd cheered with the strength of a Grand National crowd, especially when martin showed fine work at outside right, and Rigby went close with a header.  Hibbs saved a straight one from Thomson, and Everton continued with Martin as outside right, and Critchley at half-back doing well in his post. 
STEIN STARTLES
Griffiths, who had begun quietly, went into a great rally, and when Thomson became a right half-back and passed perfectly, Martin brought out a priceless “pulled” centre which Johnson headed slightly to the left, and Stein, taking his time, rammed home an unstoppable shot.  The crowd relished this revival and the referee tumbled to the ground in an exciting moment of play.  Sagar made the save of the match from the damaged Hayward, who was now appearing as an outside left.  Half-time; Everton 2, Birmingham 3.  Everton’s ten brave battlers made a bonny fight on resuming, although Common had to kick away from under Bradford’s nose.  Bradford was vexed when another ball swung away from him.  Common and Briggs had a rough moment, and the crowd gave Briggs a vexatious growl every time he touched the ball. 
BRIGGS GETS FOURTH
It was just sufficient to make Briggs ill-tempered in his shooting, which meant that he was a rousing shooter, and after Johnson had narrowly failed to convert another fine centre by Rigby, Briggs cutting-in to the middle, let out a rampageous shot, low to the right hand corner, for a 4-2 lead in fifty-five minutes.  He seemed to have got another when Sagar fell, and Hayward, running up, had merely to put the ball into an easy position, but Sagar was clever enough, and lucky enough, to get in the way of the shot, and came out with honours, and no more than two goals margin. 
BVRADFORD’S FORM
Bradford was now showing some of the form he displayed at Anfield in the international trial match.  Briggs, in spite of his detractors, made the prettiest run of the day, and refused to be selfish and score a further goal.  He tapped the ball square to Bradford, whose miss was inexplicable.  This was a shot that was so easy that it missed hits way.  Hibbs, however, had a mere watching part in the game, and had practically nothing to do all day.  Briggs was the man of the match, of stout heart and stout body, and a fund of raids of severe strength and effect.  Birmingham outplayed Everton, and the only redeeming thing one could say for Everton was that they played ten men for practically the whole of the game.  Rigby and Hibbs well beaten when he sliced the ball a yard over the mark.  Critchley and Martin went back to their original places at this moment, and it was natural that when Birmingham broke away they were always dangerous.  Everton had a good measure of attack and the usual appeal for a penalty, but, candidly, goals did not look like arriving because there was the continued absence of shots.  Hibbs was lucky to run out to prevent Stein scoring, and the more I watched the game the more I felt there was a Hoodoo on this fatal ground.  Final; Everton 2, Birmingham 4. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 March 1930
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 2 BIRMINGHAM CITY 4
March 31 st 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
EVERTON'S 7 TH HOME DEFEAT
WEAKENED FORCES LOSE TO BIRMINGHAM
WILLIAMS INJURED
Everton's stock fell a further few points as the result of their defeat (their seventh at home by Birmingham 4-2) at Goodison Park, and even their most diehard supporter must now have little hope in the side'' ability to avoid relegation. Saturday's defeat' was a bitter blow, yet on the play it could not be said Everton deserved to win. The only point in their favour was that for seventy-three minutes of the game they were without the services of Williams, and as a consequence the side was disorganised, and before the end lost what sparkle was shown early on. The lost of Williams was a big handicap, especially to a side fighting for its very existence, and with so much dependant upon a result it must be remembered, however, that before Williams limped off with a damaged foot, resulting from an accidental collision, Birmingham had taken a two goals lead through Crosbie and Blyth, and four minutes later Bradford got a third.
EVERTON FLIGHT BACK.
Three goals down and a player short was sufficient to upset the best of sides, but Everton to their credit, made the best of what seemed a hopeless task, and goals by Johnson and Stein made the score 3-2 at the interval. Meantime Hayward, the Birmingham centre, had gone lame and moved to the outside left position, where he played for the remainder of the game. Ten minutes after the interval, however, Briggs got a fourth goal, and from that point Everton never really looked like wiping out the arrears. Indeed, the miss of the match came from Birmingham side when Briggs made a delightful run and with a square pass to Bradford, the Birmingham centre, to the surprise of all, placed the ball over the bar.
BRIGGS THE DANGER.
Bradford had only Sagar in front of him, and could have walked the ball into the net. Briggs was the dangerous forward on the Birmingham side, and once Sagar fell in saving from Briggs and was fortunate in getting the ball as Hayward dashed up to score. Everton made several good efforts especially in the first half as when martin hit the crossbar, and a header by Johnson ought to have scored, but Hibbs was very confident. Afterwards most of the good work came from Birmingham, and the half-backs saw that the forwards got plenty of the ball. As a side Birmingham were by no means brilliant; they were useful and dangerous, and in Briggs and Bradford they had forwards capable of winning a game by their own efforts. Everton seemed to lack confidence and cohesion. They needed a big personality, who could hold the sides together. Sagar made some good saves but Common's deficiencles were obvious in his duel with Briggs, while Robson, who filled the left back position after Williams retired, had a task that was beyond him. Thomson did much good work in the middle line, and strove hard to give the forwards a helping hand, while Griffiths too, did excellent work. Johnson was a good leader and distributed the play with a fair amount of discretion, but with only four forwards for the major part of the game it was hardly suprising that the line did not function well. Birmingham had clever players in Hibbs, barkas, Morrall, Bradford, and Briggs. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Williams (captain), and Common backs; Robson, Griffiths, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, Johnson, Rigby and Stein, forwards. Birmingham; - Hibbs, goal; Liddell and Barkas, backs; Firth, Morrell, and Leslie, half-backs; Briggs, Crosbie, Haywood, Bradford, and Blyth, forwards.

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 31 st 1930. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
A feature of this match at Huddersfield was the brilliant defensive work of Cresswell, and O'Donnell, Everton's backs, who treated the spectators to some delightful football. Coggins kept a good goal, and White was conspicuous at centre-half. Huddersfield were also well served by their defenders, and neither set of forwards had matters its own way. Davies scored for Huddersfield with a drive from twenty yards range. Everton; - Coggins, goal; Cresswell and O'Donnell, backs; Wilkinson, Mcpherson, Hewitt, McCambridge, and Weldon, forwards.

EVERTON “A” 1 SOUTHPORT HIGH PARK 1
Liverpool county combination.
At Stopgate lane. Brogan and McGee made good efforts for Everton, and Rimmer and Dutton had strong shots stopped by Chedgzoy, who was making his first appearance as a goalkeeper. Everton gained the lead soon after the resumption, and the visitors were held off till the closing stages, when Hulme made the scores level.

THE CRITIC AND DROPPED EVERTON PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 31 March 1930
AND SO THE –“INDIGO” DEPARTMENT!
EVERTON’S CUP OF SORROW FULL TO OVER-FLOWING
NO WAY OUT
By Bee
It is difficult to write.  Everyone was at me on the national winner.  Everyone, in a football sense, went to see and help Everton to capture their lost victories at home.  Yet everyone seemed to sense that something would go wrong.  It was soon apparent that Briggs, the tubby tiddler, who always takes toll of our clubs when he visit us, was going to dodge his way through.  Then Crosbie thought fit to make a stern shot.  Bradford did likewise, and another veteran, Blyth, of the Arsenal, helped himself to a header.  So that the old men were playing with the joy of youth and the discretion of age.  There was not the same short touch in the Everton attack, and as two goals lead were taken before the club lost Williams for the rest of the game it is possible the game would not have gone our way if there had been no vexatious cut of their forces.  And yet I don’t know, for Everton got to the 2-3 stage by half-time, and then a little bit of dueling between Briggs and Common led to the little man bringing out the best shot of the match.  The game seemed to end there; it could never mend with the attack playing as it was playing.  People even railed at the new captain, Griffiths, who did more in defence than anyone else, to my mind; they railed at this and that man; the man who held the ball when he should have parted; the man who should have parted with the ball when he held it; any stick good enough to beat them down to the lower division.  Yet the crowd had tried hard to give the needed encouragement and relief to the players.  The players probably felt that no matter what they did there would be an avalanche to overtake them, and they tried to do too much.
THE FETISH
All along the attack the men tried to do one work in three moves instead of making a pass or shot at a convenient moment- when the one opponent had been drawn.  They were all tarred with the same brush.  Plainly, Johnson strove too heartily as centre-forward.  He does not like the berth, I imagine-and I am told so; Rigby does not like inside left, I imagine-and am told so; the maligned Critchley did better than anyone with his half back and half forward, and Martin, who had been outside right, reverted to his old position.  Rigby was a terrier and very helpful.  People looked upon the side and wondered what evil influence is upon it.  I speak, as I said before, as a shareholder as well as a supporter of all clubs and all games.  Everton have no special relief from relegation –that would be foolish, yet no one wants to see them to down- least of all their opponents; yet what could one expect when Hibbs had the comfy position he held on Saturday.  There is no suggestion of goal-getting in the eleven; the shots of Saturday think back a while and try to remember them.  Thomson made a straight drive, and much did he wander in an endeavor to stem the tide.  Birmingham are not a gay side by any means, but at least their members do take a shot.  Everton do not.  The goals the home side got were not due to slamming drives taken when offered; they counted and they threatened a revival of dropping hearts, but in the end Everton could have but one complaint –and it is right it should be given due prominence-the blow to Williams virtually put them out of victory’s way; ten men can’t beat, and should not beat, eleven in the new offside ruling.
SURPRISE SELECTIONS
It has been the subject of much comment that certain players have been omitted.  The directors deserve our sympathy in this direction.  They had to make a definite move.  They had to do something that was sure to be distasteful to them- to leave out the hero of the championship side was a bitter pill of them, and doubtless to him; yet there was no option, I fear.  Differences of opinion will arise on this matter, and I have given full rein to those who have cared to blaze away at me through this column, telling me how unfair I have been.  I know a little more than they do-and I have given their views and practically “left it at that.”  Whatever faults the directors may have had in their selections they at least have our sympathy in this awkward predicament.  They cannot tell the public the full position, of their peculiar situation; but I can at least tell you that they acted wisely.  There seems to be no way out now that Burnley have resumed winning.  Home matches had to be won; they could have been won if the players had been good enough; they were not good enough, and the price must be paid.  There has been a definite lack of heart (or “guts”) in the side and there have been innumerable changes of plans and formations of sides till the players have lost their nerve and their confidence –but have never lost the Everton habit of holding a ball needlessly, nor yet the habit of forsaking the first-time drive.  A Briggs drive such as took the score to 4-2 would never be found in the Everton in the Everton category-you may say because the player would fear missing it and getting the crowd’s goat.  I disagree.  There has been a very prolonged and persistent grub in the attack which for weeks led me to say to myself.  “Who, then, will shoot, if the present good chances are not accepted at once?  And I answered myself, “Nobody.” And the natural sequel to that is- there can be no goals.  Birmingham won this game through the practical, pushful persistence of the attack, aided by half-backs who, like Thomson, made the pass so sure that it hardly ever lost its way to a forward; they gained ground; they took the ball by the neck, as it were, and made it work for its living, and- they shot.  I had been a super-optimist till Saturday.  Now I can see the shutters indicative of Division 11.  Pity ‘tis true; true, ‘tis pity.  Yet we shall be able to survey some new avenues of football and may be out of the Second Division fire we may find moulded a side that shall be a shade more biting in front of goal and not be a slave to the whirring wheel that seems to be their lot as they gather the ball.  I am not one to shout, “Get shut!” but I do say that no Everton player today seems to think of a wise pass after drawing or beating a man- they want to do it all over again. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 1930