Everton Independent Research Data
LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 6 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 2, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 32)
At Elland-road. The visitor’s forwards played a hard game in the mud, but were neither as skilful in passing nor as strong in finishing as Leeds, who were also better served at half-back. Carr was a grand leader and scored three goals. Other scorers for Leeds were Hydes (2), and Turner. The Everton defence was seldom strong enough to hold the United attack, and the visitors’ full backs often floundered. Miller played well throughout and scored Everton’s only goal.
Earlestown Bohemians 1 Everton “A” 2
County Combination.
At Earlestown. Percival, in Earlestown’s goal dealt with only three of four shots in the first half. From one of these Webster scored after a neat pass from Coulter on the wing in the second half the pace slackened and Hilton missed another chance, shooting a yard outside with White some distance away. In the half Everton’s long passes beat Earlestown, who were inclined to keep the ball too close. Coulter scored the second goal and soon afterwards Brennan, the Earlestown outside left, reduced the arrears. For Everton, Own, White, and Cavanagh were outstanding. Coulter took matters easily. Hilton tried hard, but shot very badly. Swift and Holligan were Earlestown’s best.
EVERTON MUST TAKE THEIR CHANCES.
March 2, 1936, Evening Express.
The Fault Against Manchester City
By The Watcher.
Everton’s worries about relegation are vanishing. They will disappear completely when the forwards take better advantage of scoring openings. They shared four goals, with Manchester City at Goodison Park, when, in my opinion, they should have sent the City home pointless. Dean could not be blamed for the goal shortage. He did everything possible, both with his head and his feet, but time and again the paths he cut out for his colleagues were wasted. The quicker his colleagues take their chances, and do not forget that others sometimes are in better positions, the Blues will have little difficulty in annexing the points required for safety. The Everton side as it stands at present is good enough to ensure First Division soccer at Goodison next season. The defence is sound, the halves are a capable set and the forwards, now that they have cut out some of the finery, are fast and tricky. Dean took the honours on Saturday. Next to him, in my opinion, comes Gillick, and then Geldard, White, Mercer and Cook are next for honours. Geldard has run into brilliant form. He showed tremendous speed against the City. On the opposite flank, Gillick’s understanding with Thomson and his ability to turn the ball in at the last moment was a feature that pleased everyone. White got through a tremendous amount of hard work in oppose on to Tilson, and Mercer had to be quick to check the fast moving Brook. Jones kicked well, but I thought Cook was slightly better in his all-round work was slightly better in his all-round work. Gillick scored both Everton’s goals.
Maurice Lindley
Tuesday 3 March 1936 Sunderland Echo
Maurice Lindley. 19-year-old halfback, who has shown distinct promise in “A" team and Central League matches for Everton. Has been signed on professional forms by the Goodison Park club. Lindley who stands 5ft. 10 ½ in, and weighs 11st, was formerly a mill worker in Yorkshire and was recommended to Everton.
EVERTON FORWARD MOVES.
March 4, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Coulter’s In Reserves.
By John Peel.
Everton travel to a destination unknown at the moment and an interesting forward shuffle has been decided on. Cunliffe crosses over to partner Gillick on the left while Stevenson goes from the left to the right as Geldard’s partner. The team, therefore will be Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean, Cunliffe, Gillick. Everton were due to visit Stoke, other alterations being Arsenal, Sunderland, and Leeds United, so that whatever the League decrees Everton’s task will be severe.
Coulter’s Return.
The Central League game at Goodison Park, with West Bromwich Albion as Everton’s opponents, promises a most interesting meeting, especially as Coulter, the Everton outside left, who broke his leg in the international match at Wrexham last spring, is to turn out with Dickinson as his partner. Coulter has made excellent progress and it is now, I should imagine, a question of the Irish player regaining confidence prior to regaining his old form. Coulter has played in a couple of “A” team matches and while taking matters quietly, showed his old ability to find the net and his many friends and supporters of the club hope that he will rapidly gain the strength and assurance necessary to fulfil his former role as the initiator of surprise moves. The Central League team is: - King; Jackson, Allen; Britton, Gee, Archer; Leyfield, Miller, Lambert, Dickinson, Coulter. Allen is an “A” team player, and Lambert has recently showed promise as a leader.
Everton Men In Ireland Team.
The Ireland eleven to meet Wales in the international match at Celtic Park, Belfast next Wednesday, was chosen last night. It will be seem that Cook and Stevenson of Everton are again called in.
EVERTON RESHUFFLE THEIR ATTACK.
March 4, 1936. Evening Express.
Cunliffe-Stevenson Switch
Everton’s Experiment For Away Match.
By The Pilot.
Everton make forward changes for the first time since January for Saturday’s match, which, according to present arrangements, will be either Arsenal, Sunderland, Stoke City, or Leeds United. Yet the constitution of the attack is not altered. For six matches the attack has operated with Stevenson at inside left and Cunliffe at inside right. On Saturday the two players change places in an effort to bring just a little more cohesion and greater shooting power to the line. Both players are used to their new positions; in fact, Cunliffe has often stated that he prefers playing at inside left –a position he occupied with success earlier in the season.
Cunliffe-Gillick Duo.
Cunliffe will be linking up with young Torrance Gillick for the first time, and it will be interesting to see how they settle down in harness. Stevenson is a two-footed player who feels as much at home on the right as the left, and in my opinion the reshuffle will bring improvement. The defence and half-back line remain unaltered in this further attempt to take Everton to a position of real safety. The Blues have suffered only one defeat in 11 matches. That was at Huddersfield in the mid-week game. They have drawn against Sheffield Wednesday, Liverpool, Boton, Derby, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester City, and defeated Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Wolverhampton. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean, Cunliffe, Gillick.
Reserves At Goodison.
The reserves have a Central League match at Goodison Park against the champions, West Bromwich Albion. The match marks the return of Jackie Coulter, Everton’s brilliant Irish international outside left, who will be playing his first Central League match since breaking his leg in the international match against Wales late last season. Coulter has played two games with the “A” team and his leg has stood the strain well. Everton Reserves: - King; Jackson, Allen; Britton, Gee, Archer; Leyfield, Miller, Lambert, Dickinson, Coulter.
TOMORROWS MATCHES.
March 6, 1936. The Liverpool daily Post
By John Peel.
Under the new scheme of football fixtures Everton are called on to journey to Sunderland, and this afternoon the players set out for the North-East for tomorrow’s game with the championship almost won Sunderland have few cares, while their opponents are in need of points. The leaders however, will be out to “make sure” and in view of the check Sunderland sustained at Preston last Saturday Everton may expect to find the prospective champions anxious to make amends. Everton’s task therefore, is severe. Liverpool apparently are to have Portsmouth as visitors instead of Middlesbrough. The new First and Second Division fixtures are given on Page Nine.
EVERTON MAY SURPRISE SUNDERLAND.
March 6, 1936. Evening Express.
By The Pilot.
Some of the greatest matches seen during the past two seasons have been those between Sunderland and Everton. Tomorrow they clash again –at Roker Park, where Sunderland have dropped only three points out of 32. Form indicates a Sunderland win, especially in view of the fact that the Roker Park men won at Goodison Park earlier in the season, but Everton are an entirely different proposition these days. The Blues are playing with confidence and that has brought back skill and understanding. Perhaps they are missing scoring chances, but certain it is that the Wearsiders are going to have one of their hardest fights. Everton are playing the men who drew with Manchester City, but Stevenson and Cunliffe change places. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean, Cunliffe, Gillick. Sunderland: - Middleton; Morrison, Hall; Thompson, Hornby, Hastings; Duns, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, Connor.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. Central League Match at Goodison Park tomorrow (Saturday) March 7, Everton Reserves v. West Bromwich Albion Reserves, Kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d, stands extra, (including tax).
COULTER AT HOME TO HIS FRIENDS.
March 6, 1936. Liverpool Echo.
Everton Make The Long Journey To Sunderland.
Bee’s Notes.
The last of the secret fixtures was issued today, and no amount of care and secrecy could keep the main matches from the morning papers. The Daily Post, this morning, gave the main list, and although the League officials tried hard to keep this week’s final effort with juggled fixtures from the Press they failed once more. In any case the football spectator takes umbrage at being left till Friday before he knows what teams he will be watching tomorrow’s juggle has nothing clever about it. Liverpool should have been home to Middlesbrough, and are home to Portsmouth, and Everton, instead of going to Stoke go to Sunderland. As showing the ability of the “man in charge” I should like to tell you that Everton’s secretary Theo Kelly, had his itinerary in the post at 6 p.m. ;last night. Enterprise such as this deserves a special pat on the back, but them, this is a characteristic move by an astute young man who has earned medals for his handling of unexpected difficulties.
A Man With Point.
Jack Coulter is making his bow to the Merseyside public tomorrow at Goodison Park. This is a most uncommon case; the case of a man who drew thousands to the Park course to see him use his football influence in a reserve side. Stevenson and Coulter added lustre to Central League games, and near the end of the season Coulter, and Ben Williams “sat this one out” in a Welsh international at Wrexham. They were locked together in a broken leg case. Coulter had a lot of trouble with his leg during the summer, and it looked as if he would not play with the “A” team at Ormskirk he has returned to the side, and tomorrow will help to re-create enthusiasm in Everton’s Reserves match because he cannot help being a fascinating player to watch. It means a return to the uncommon kind of football, and this season’s fare has been of a character compelling in a points view but lacking in personality.
Everton Face The Champions.
Everton’s task at Stoke would have been a big one, but to go to Sunderland and face the champions is the hardest task they could be forced to make at this stage. Some of the Everton folk feel the fluttering of fixture cards has been unfortunate for Everton, who could have beaten Blackburn last week but always had a fear of Manchester City whose records at Goodison Park are notably historical marks. Now a visit to the champions is likely to make the Blues see their first defeat since Huddersfield -one defeat in League games since December 21 – a remarkable absence from loss with a good lift up from drawn games. The remembrance of Cup surprises at Roker Park will help to Make Everton more comforted and enthusiastic to create the surprise of the day. The unchanged team –Stevenson and Cunliffe make “crossed” (but not “noughts” I hope) –has been welding itself into a neat combined force. The test at Sunderland is severe, but not impossible.
EVERTON TACKLE SUNDERLAND
March 7, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
In tackling Sunderland at Roker Park, Everton have one of the stiffest games of the day. There has been a notable improvement in forward work, though chances have not been snapped up as spiritedly as the friends of the club would like. The Everton halves and backs will have their work cut out to check the trustful Gurney and his fast raiding wing colleagues, but I expect Everton to contest the issue strongly. The teams is: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean, Cunliffe, Gillick. Sunderland: - Middleton; Morrison, Hall; Thompson, Hornby, Hastings; Duns, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, Connor.
EVERTON’S THRILLING RALLY AT ROKER.
March 7, 1936. Evening Express, Football Edition.
Blues Wipe Out Three-Goal Lead.
Well Worth The Point.
By The Pilot.
Everton fought back in brilliant style after being three down against Sunderland at Roker Park. Cunliffe, Stevenson, and Dean scored for the Blues in the second half to make it a 3-3 draw. Everton were well worth a point. Dean and Sagar were doubtful starters up to the last minute. Dean had a leg injury and Sagar had stomach trouble, but both turned out. It was a glorious football day, and it seemed that the “Pools” war was again affecting the gate, for there were no more than 14,000 present. Billy Dunlop came along to greed old Merseyside friends, and Tom Morrison, the former Liverpool player, was at full back for the Wearsiders. Teams: - Sunderland: - Middleston, goal; Morrison and Hall, backs; Thomson (C.), Hornby, and Hasting, half-backs; Duns, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, and Connor, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson (J.), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Pinckston, (Birmingham). The match begin two minutes late in a tricky cross wind that favoured the Blues. In less than 30 seconds Duns had scored for Sunderland. Everton’s first attack was almost made a good one by a wry pass from Morrison, and away went Duns to avoid a tackle by Jones and Thomson (J.), cut in, draw White and sweep to just inside the penalty area and score with a low, right-foot shot, to a spot just inside the post. One attack, one goal. Everton pressed on the right and Middleton had to run out to stop a Cunliffe menace. Next Cunliffe was short with a header.
Geldard-Stevenson Duo.
Geldard and Stevenson joined in delightful combination, and Hornby flung himself to head away from Stevenson. The ball went out to Thomson (J.), whose long shot was turned aside for Cunliffe to drive a foot wide of the post. Geldard tricked three men delightfully only to turn his centre behind. Sunderland lunched their second attack of the game in 12 minutes. Yes, it brought a second goal! Cook was adjudged to have fouled Connor just outside the penalty area. Hasting lobbed the ball to the goalmouth. Sagar had it well covered, but instead of making a catch high up, he allowed the ball to slip through his hand, and before he could recover Gurney had nipped in to tap the ball home. Dean was applauded for refusing to tackle Middleton, and when Dean hooked a pass through, Cunliffe went on, only to shoot much too quickly, the ball going wide. Mercer made an unavoidable foul on Gallacher, but Mr. Pinckston gave the Everton player a “lecture.” This was the third time the referee had spoken to different players, quite unnecessarily, I thought.
Everton Stand Still And....
Sunderland, who attacked only rarely, went further ahead in 26 minutes, when Carter scored with Everton standing still. Gurney put the ball back for Carter to hook it forward to Gurney, who was obviously offside, in my opinion. The ball was not a foot from Gurney, but he stood still and allowed Carter to come through, draw Sagar from goal, and tap into the vacant net. Everton were having more of the game territorially, yet they never looked like scoring goals. Sunderland became a menace when Duns went through Gurney’s pass and levelled a “sizzler” across the face of the goal. Duns next sent a surprise header to the same mark. Geldard chased a quick pass forward, cut in pass Hasting, and turned the ball back in fine style for Stevenson. The Irish international took the ball first time, but failed to get over it and hit it into the crowd.
Half-time Sunderland 3, Everton 0
The score in the first half flattered the League leaders. Everton had been repeatedly pulled up by the referee, but I could not see any justification. Connor came in pell-mell to meet a flying centre by Gurney, but blazed over the top before Sagar was troubled in fisting away from Gurney’s header. Dean’s touches were a joy, and now he hooked a pass up the middle for Cunliffe to run through, Cunliffe, however, aimed his shot straight at Middleton. Stevenson sprang in, but once again got under the ball. Sunderland almost increased their lead twice within a minute. Duns was allowed to go through, and Sagar came out to beat away the shot, and Carter went on with little opposition only to place high and wide. Cunliffe and Stevenson now changed places. Gillick contributed a thrilling run yet was forced over the line, and Middleton made a flying save off Cunliffe’s centre. Everton reduce the lead in one hour, Cunliffe was the scorer. Mercer got the ball under control in excellent fashion, made ground, and slipped through a pass for Cunliffe to take the ball in his stride and score with a low shot which gave Middleton no chance. Hornby was injured and had to go to outside left, with Hastings at centre-half and Connor at left half. Everton almost scored following Thomson’s free kick the ball bobbing about in the goal mouth until Geldard’s shot was charged down, and Hall kicked away off the line. Everton were having all the game however, and in 70 minutes Stevenson scored the goal of the match –a wonder effort. The ball was swung out to Geldard, who cut in and slipped the ball across with his left foot. Stevenson, standing on the edge of the penalty area, placed the ball into the far corner of the net with a perfect effort. Dean was almost through on his own, and Geldard had a shot charged down. Dean scored a third goal for Everton after 75 minutes. Sunderland were outclassed and out played in the closing minutes. Final Sunderland 3, Everton 3.
BRAVO, BLUES!
March 7, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo.
Everton Wipe Off A Three Goal Deficit.
The Pernickety Match.
By Bee.
There were half-a-dozen curtain lectures by Referee Pinckston at Sunderland, and Everton, after being three goals down, staged a revival that should have brought them victory. However, making a well-deserved drew of 3-3 they escaped defeat once more. Everton took 45 minutes to settle down to Referee Pinckston’s curtain lectures. Geldard was in sparkling form. Teams: - Sunderland: - Middleston, goal; Morrison and Hall, backs; Thomson (C.), Hornby, and Hasting, half-backs; Duns, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, and Connor, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson (J.), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Pinckston, (Birmingham). Everton had a doubt about Dean and Sagar, but both were able to play against the probable champions. It was a cold day, but fine, and the straw round the touchline was not needed, winter having cast its grab. The crowd was surprisingly small for a match of their appeal. Everton had a strong wind at their backs in the first half, and a goal against their register in 60 seconds. It came to the Sunderland outside right, Duns, who took up a slight confusion between Thomson and Jones. Thomson’s intervention stopped Jones making the clearance for which he had gone out, and it was the scorer’s good fortune to find a lucky cannon-back from the attempted clearance by Jones. The shot, however, was a strong and low one, -almost old-fashioned in its pace and strength. Referee Pinckston, who had charge of the famous Everton v. Sunderland Cup-tie a year ago, had to bestir himself to ensure the cleanliness of the game and in less time than it takes to tell he had called to order Jock Thomson and Cunliffe, and his manner was typically Pinckstonian. Everton played some pretty football after this, and tried to forget, the first minute lapse. Thomson tried a shot, and Cunliffe a lob, and Hornby, the ex-Leeds half back, now at centre half for the home side, dived low to make sure the ball would not pass beyond Middleston. White was playing as well as ever, and Jack Jones won applause for a rather dazing dribble.
Gurney makes It Two.
Geldard weaved in and out, and had varied success through an inclination to do too much. In fifteen minutes a second goal was scored against Sagar, who took a free kick, and failing to hold the ball after gripping it, misjudged the flight of the ball, which passed over towards an empty goal, and although there was an earnest effort to retrieve the position, Gurney was able to push the ball over the line. Thus Sagar’s error had cost a second goal, but the beginning of the free kick should be recorded, W. Cook was called up and cautioned for kicking over the ball. Everton’s best response to this surprise deficit was a nice creation on the part of Dean for Cunliffe, who slipped through and beyond Morrison and struck a useful shot in difficult circumstances. The fourth lecture of the day came when Mercer’s enthusiasm earned the disapproval of Mr. Pinckston. Play was held up while Cook, who is rarely damaged, had his chest injury attended. The match developed into a curtain lecture. Carter scored a third goal when Gallacher stood in an offside position but made no movement and Carter, running forward, was able to score against a defence that stood appealing for offside.
Geldard Hits Post.
Everton were unlucky to get a free kick given to them which became a break of Stevenson’s forward run. Cook’s was the fifth caution of the day, and Stevenson had a chat from the referee, after which Hastings came into the same offering, and when the referee but his hand upon the Sunderland man’s arm Hastings plainly told him “You can’t do that there here,” After Duns had made a shot close and a header closer. Geldard became a riot in endeavour and cleverness, and when Gillick made a through pass and good run Geldard had the bad luck to strike the upright. Stevenson, who was at inside right today, ballooned a fair chance high over the bar. Geldard’s outbreak of enthiasm and good class football roused the 12,000 spectators to unstinted applause for the visitors. Gillick made the neatest hook over his head, only to find the ball fly on the dry turf out of his contact.
Half-time Sunderland 3, Everton 0
The second half began with Connor missing a charming chanced after carter and Gurney had done extremely well Sagar punched away in spite of Gurney’s close attention, and Dean’s been a goal instead of a tame shot to Middleston’s hands.
Cunliffe Shoots Through.
Stevenson made another balloon shot and Duns, sweeping through like a veteran rather than an 18 year old, was only baulked of a goal by reason of Sagar’s fine save. Stevenson once more heard the referee’s strentorious cry “Come here; let me talk to you.” Thomson, White and Mercer were chiefly responsible for an Everton revival of remarkable character. It began with Mercer crossing the ball for Cunliffe to shoot into the left-hand corner of the net. (3-1 at that hour). A minute later a free kick on Gallacher against Cunliffe at the touchline gave Geldard a chance, but Hastings kicked away off the goalline. There followed a rousing attempt to score on the part of Mercer who shot outside, and Geldard crossed the ball for Stevenson to score with a blazing shot, and revolutionise the game with a score of 3-2 at 63 minutes. Stevenson and Cunliffe had reverted to their old-time positions this half, and the effect had been felt from the first minute. The Sunderland defence was not sure, but the half-back work of Thompson and Hornby saved an insecure defence trio, in which hall was the best of three. Everton now had a chance to snatch one more of their innumerable drawn games. Hornby had now gone outside left, and Hastings became pivot. Jones, the Everton back, was doing a fund of work, but the match was held up once more this time for a talk between the referee Dean, and mercer. This at a time when Everton were staging their finest flight back.
Dean’s Equaliser.
Everton’s second half form was a revalation. They had Sunderland on the trot, and exposed the team’s defence. Gillick made an opening for Dean to glide the ball in well-timed fashion beyond Middleton at 75 minutes making the score 3-3 and recalling the 90 minutes score of the Cup-tie last year t Goodison Park. There should have been a lead for Everton when Geldard winding his way in and out by the bye-line passed back for Stevenson to get the honours of the day, but the little man mistimed his shot. Gillick’s later effort was a better one and he made a strong shot, Middleton being beaten but finding the ball pass outside no more than a yard. Final Sunderland 3, Everton 3.
STUBBS MARKS.
March 7, 1936. Liverpool Football echo.
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Swift, the Manchester City goalkeeper, has not missed a match in Cup or League since making his debut on Christmas Day, 1933. Last week v. Everton, was his 106th consecutive match.
• Everton and Fulham are the season’s champion “drawliest.” Both have drawn more than a third of their matches.
• Beasley, who got two of the Gunners’ goals last week, came within an ace of being signed by Everton when leaving Stourbridge. Arsenal were only a matter of a truck call ahead of their rivals in getting him booked.
• Mention of Bloomer reminds one that Dean this morning was only seven goals behind Bloomer’s great English League record of 352.
• Everton’s new secretary should be able to tell a good shot when he sees one. Was a gunner in the Navy during the war. His travels were almost world-wide.
• Mr. A.R. Wade the veteran Everton director who passed away last week, had a trowel which he greatly treasured. It was used by his father to lay the foundation-stone of the St. Domingo Church (from which emanated the Everton club), and the deceased gentleman had made provision so that this memento will now be one of the ornaments of the club board room.
• Everton and Birmingham lone have been granted no penalty kick concessions.
SUNDERLAND 3 EVERTON 3 (Game 1552 over-all)-(Div 1 1510)
March 9, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Sunderland Surprised.
Everton’s Fine Rally.
Referee Lectures Players.
By “Bee.”
Everton have specialised in drawn games this season, and at Sunderland, home of the League leaders, they took another point, making their twelfth drawn game this season. It was remarkable football in many respects; the goal added spice to the day’s sport on a ground not too secure through the continual throw of large clumps of dirt or divots. The goals had a special frame, each one bearing an unusual aspect. The first came in a minute to the clever, and astute Duns, an 18 year-old winger, who was aided by a bump delivered by Thomson on the man who had the ball covered. Jones to wit. A second goal came through Sagar misjudging the flight of a simple ball which Gurney pushed into the net. Carter completed the scoring in a vexatious manner. Everton stopped play, believing an offside position must call for an offside kick. No one argued Gurney was not offside, but he stood perfectly still, and the referee, seeing this allowed Carter to go through and score. So much for Sunderland’s share. It seemed impossible to pick up the threads of a draw, yet in the end a win to Everton was prospected.
Best Shot Of The Game.
First Cunliffe scored through the rugged Mercer’s advancing mood, next came Stevenson’s best volley after a thumper of Rugby goals from that member. This was the best actual shot of the game. Finally Dean glided the ball through from a Gillicks centre, and then fate gave Everton a band of triumph cards, but whereas Geldard had hit the upright in the first half, he now wasted his way in and out of the defence which all this half had lost the stout Hornby a help. Hasting becoming pivot and Hornby outside left, and passing back to Stevenson, everyone believed a goal must come. It was not an accepted moment, and Everton were in the performance against a side with such a fine line of forwards.
Lecture.
Unfortunately this is not the end of the news portion of this important game to Everton. They are not exactly a dirty side, yet here there were ten cautions or lectures from Referee Pinckston, of Birmingham, two men shiffering a caution on two occasions. Referee Pinckston was the referee who received such high praise when Everton won a cup-tie a year ago against Sunderland in extra time of the greatest match Everton has ever known. How is it possible, therefore, to reconcile this “handing” of a game between the same clubs by the same referee? Perhaps he was not in form except where lip-service was concerned. The effect of the lectures on the Everton side was to make them a poor side in the first half. They could not settle to their game; everything they did in the hurry and bustle of ordinary football tackles became not only a stoppage and foul but a hold-up for a demonstration by the referee, whose finger worked overtime and prevented a reasonable flow of the game. When he spoke to Hasting he appeared to touch the arm of the Sunderland player, who took exception to this “handling case,” while at other times players were ordered, peremptory fashion to stand here, and more, if needs be, another yard nearer the referee to hear his admonition. This game, did not warrant such interference, but one fears past happenings have got the officials of the game into a state of nerves which is only equalled, by the other interference –the interference of the fixture list, which on this occasion probably cost the Roker club 10,000 followers.
Geldard Sprakles.
One must say this for the spectators they gave much applause to Geldard for an enlivening display, when with Thomson’s and Mercer’s improved second half work, darted the battling manner of the supposedly beaten side. It was a hard won point, and quite so easily attached to a winning tag when the home defence became unsettled. Hornby had been outstanding as centre half back till he hurt himself, and Duns and Gurney were star raiders, with Connor unusually subdued. In the end, all the Everton players carried the war into the home camp, and every member deserves praise for a very bright display. Gillick had his moments of success, and endeavour, and after the first half experiment of Stevenson and Cunliffe crossing over, they reverted to their best known positions, and Everton’s rise started with the return of these two players. At half-back White was very fast and quite a captivating half-back. Jones was the better back throughout, but Cook, having got over the first half lectures, took his wing in hand. Geldard was the most arresting of the visitors’ forward line, which played pretty football if not so effective in the finish as Sunderland’s line of attack had been in the first half. . Teams: - Sunderland: - Middleston, goal; Morrison and Hall, backs; Thomson (C.), Hornby, and Hasting, half-backs; Duns, Carter, Gurney, Gallacher, and Connor, forwards. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson (J.), half-backs; Geldard, Stevenson, Dean (captain), Cunliffe, and Gillick, forwards. Referee Mr. E. Pinckston, (Birmingham).
EVERTON RESERVES 1 WEST BROMWICH ABLION RESERVES 2
March 7, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central league (Game 33)
There was much interest in the reappearance of Coulter, and although, naturally, not taking any undue risks, his display showed that will returning confidence, he will be as skilful as ever. West Bromwich just about deserved the odd goal victory, for although Everton had as much of the attack the Albion were the sharpest finishers, and made plenty of difficult work for White, whose splendid goalkeeper was no outstanding feature. That the Albion keeper was not troubled as seriously was due for resolute defence put up by Finch, Foulkes and Ridyard. In the early minutes Crowe made a couple of excellent saves from Leyfield, but the Everton goal escaped downfall when a fierce shot from Alsop was daringly headed away by Jackson –a great defender throughout. Everton opened the score when Lambert headed in from Coulter’s centre, but prior to the interval Alsop equalised. The after-interval play provided a tense struggle, and a goal from Alsop gave Albion victory. Everton Reserves: - White, goal ; Jackson, and Allen, backs; Britton, Gee, and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Miller, Lambert, Dickinson, and Coulter, forwards.
Everton “A” 5 Earlestown White Star 3
County Combination.
At Crosby. Splendid teamwork by Everton gained them a deserved victory. For the first half-hour the visitors were outplayed. Fisher (own goal), Prescot, Hullett (2) and Webster having netted for the home side. A delayed clearance by the Everton keeper resulted in Andrews reducing the lead, and before the interval Evans obtained a second. Soon after the resumption, Everton lost the services of their outside right (Holmes), through a badly damaged leg, and he was removed to hospital for X-ray. With 10 men, Everton still enjoyed the better of the exchanges, and the Star goal had several escapes. Capwell later scored the visitors third goal. Morris, Watson, and Webster were Everton’s best players, Bach, Ashcroft, and Andrews doing well for Earlestown.
REFEREE WHO TALKED AT EVERTON FOR 45 MINUTES PLAY.
March 9, 1936. Liverpool Echo. Surprise For The League Leaders.
Bees Notes.
Everton and Sunderland in their 6-4 Cup-tie, had a special testimonial number in the Football Echo last season, and the referee , Mr. Pinckston, was granted as much praise as any of the twenty-two players engaged in that historic match. The final, after ninety minutes, was 3-3. The same thing occurred in the score book on Saturday, but this time the same referee “jumped to conclusions,” and “ratted” the players by making public demonstrations of his powers, by bringing players back to his foot, by pointing, threatening fingers towards the dressing room. The sum total was that nearly every Everton player was cautioned or spoken to, and the game suffered because of that. Hasting objected to the referee “handling him” in person, and everyone probably felt it would have been nice if fewer cautions for simple offences had been recorded, and if the referee had, it is alleged, been civil when being asked about a foul or an offside.
The Port Of Authority.
Everton continue to be a great drawing card, although this gate was small through a boycott –there could be no other measures of protest, as the day was fine, and their list of drawn games now total no fewer than 12 –the same number as their defeats. They earned every part of this latest draw, and I would specially recommend the lads of the side for their part in the outburst in the second half after the 10 cautions had been administered –Cook and Stevenson each had a “bogey two.” Everton could not get going till the juggling department had ended; Stevenson and Cunliffe went back to their proper positions, and I hope this oft recurring experiment will be left alone in future. Mercer, who was responsible for Jack Jones getting his chance at Ellesmere Port, had leaped to Division 1 status-gain by means of his natural position of right half, instead of the experimental left flank. Mercer began badly, but finished on a glorious note, and behind him Jack Jones gave a first-class display of rousing defence, without resource to the mad-rushing effort. Jones is an enigma –he looks small when in multi, but stripped he becomes a fine-built fellow –no laughter here please. Let me here remark that we met another back of fine physique, when Billy Dunlop and his friend, Mr. Halley, the finder of future stars rather than the remembrance of Fallen Stars, joined forces with the Everton camp and the now notable “Carsey” Evans. The old man of Anfield was a sturdy of silver hairs and striking physique. Jones should aim at playing as long as Dunlop played, then he will earn the medals Billy got –albeit Billy doesn’t interest himself sufficiently to get his name inscribed upon them. Most old-time players sell their medals rather than show them –force of circumstances, you know!
The Next Home Match.
After today’s match between the League and its clubs I expect next Saturday’s fixtures to be as per contract, not as per the hidden mystic hand. That being so, Blackburn Rovers would appear as the home side, and this still winning combination will make one of the greatest matches Goodison Park has known. If Everton reproduce the form they showed against the leaders of the league, no Blackburn side can live in such wholehearted and neat, yet forceful, movements. White is playing marvellous football as pivot, and Thomson joined up with Mersey and Stevenson to make the second half revival possible. After being bumped, bored, and talked to, Cook came off fit to play for Ireland on Wednesday, and Stevenson can copy his great goal if he keeps the ball running low when he shoots. Dean and Morrison faced each other once more, and Geldard was in his whimsical mood till he got a bump which sent him into his most determined and peaceful manner. He was the most dangerous forward, although Cunliffe and Stevenson did much hard work in the inner berths and Gillick joined in the second half “sturdy” when a three-goal deficit was wiped out, and to the honest, Everton could have won in the last flicker of play. However, a draw away from home against a side fielding such men as Thompson, Hastings, Connor, and the clever boy Duns, is a noteworthy performance. It so happened that while performing this feat Everton closest rival in the chart were also in winning vein. Sunderland seems to be the only side clear of relegation trouble. Four up and four down would possibly cause a directorial death-roll every match that would be intolerable.
TEAM WORK DID IT AT ROKER.
March 9, 1936. Evening Express.
Everton Best Feat Of Season
By The Pilot.
Twelve matches and only one defeat. That is the brilliant record of Everton since Christmas. On Saturday the Blues, in their fight for safety, recorded what I consider to be their finest success of the season. Against the potential champions, Sunderland, they found themselves three goals down at half-time, yet fought back to gain a point, and were unfortunate not to have snatched the victory. It was one of the most sensational matches I have seen for a long time, but Everton revealed the right fighting spirit combined with football artistry and finishing power. It was a thousand to one on Sunderland at half-time, with the Roker men leading 3-0. Sunderland had a good goal from Duns, a grit goal from Gurney when Sagar, i thought, erred, and an apparently offside goal from carter in the first half. In this period there had, in my opinion, been a series of unnecessary lectures to the Everton players. Everton forgot the power of Sunderland and battled back brilliantly, completely upsetting the Roker defence. Cunliffe, Stevenson, and Dean got goals within 15 minutes, and Sunderland were reduced to a state of depression before they were relieved by the sound of the final whistle. It was a triumphant for Everton’s fighting spirit. Similar endeavour in subsequent matches will place the Blues high and dry in a safe position. On such a day it would be invidious to particularise. Every man pulled his weight in this eclipse of the League leaders. It was Everton as a team which brought the success, and the point gained should prove an inspiration to them.
COOK AND STEVENSON
March 10, 1936. Evening Express.
By The Pilot
Two Merseyside players in Cook and Stevenson, of Everton, are included in the Irish team, and Cook has the honour of captaining the side against Wales. Billy Cook said to me, however, when discussing the game “Wales are a fine team, but our boys will put up the fight of their lives to win our first game of the season. I fancy we shall beat them all right.”
EVERTON PLAYER INJURED.
March 10, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton report that their player Holmes, who was rushed to hospital in the fear he had broken his leg, is progressing splendidly and a break has not occurred. This is good news. It would have made Everton’s fourth broken leg case in seven month’s. Hannon, the Everton winger, had a severe injury at Leeds and his torn ligament will keep him out for the rest of the season. Dickinson, the centre forward, was hurt on Saturday and suspected cartilage trouble may not prove this good player “in the cart” I am happy to say.
Far, Far Away
Evertonians far away follow the team to their end. From Southend I get this note from Mr. E.T. Smith. It explains itself. “As an old supporter of Everton from the day’s of Anfield Road, I congratulate them on their performance of Saturday, and it gives one heart to think they may yet escape relegation. I seem to remember such a match at Goodison Park where Sunderland also were leading 3-0, and Everton drew level just on time. I Believe Dicky Boyle was in the team. Wishing them the best of luck from one who has not seem them for many years, but is still a “Blue.”
EVERTON ‘S SIDE.
March 11, 1936. Liverpool daily Post
By John Peel.
For their game with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, at Goodison Park, Everton have chosen the team which drew at Sunderland, except that Cunliffe will partner Geldard, and Stevenson will be at inside left. The pair started in the reverse positions last Saturday, but finished up as they have been chosen to turn out against the Rovers. The Rovers are on the bottom step and Everton are three places above. Everton team; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
EVERTON’S NEW ASSISTANT SECRETARY
March 11, 1936. Evening Express.
Appointment Of Mr. Hunter Hart
Famous Half-Back’s Dual Post
By The Pilot.
Mr. Hunter Hart, the former Everton half-back, has been appointed assistant-secretary to the Everton football club. The appointment was made by the directors at their meeting last night and Mr. Hart takes up his duties immediately. He succeeds Mr. Thoe Kelly, who is now the secretary to the club and will combine the office with that of coach to the first team –a position he has filled with success since January. Mr. Hart joined Everton as a player from Airdrieonians in 1922 and helped the club to win the First Division championship in season 1927-28. He last played in season 1929-30 and captained the side in every season with Everton. He was later appointed to the office staff under the late Tom McIntosh and Mr. Kelly, and on the appointment of Mr. Kelly to the position of assistant-secretary, Mr. Hart took charge of the “A” team. Mr. Hart is one of the most popular players ever to wear the famous blue colours of Everton.
Back To Usual.
Everton are merely making positional changes for Saturday’s important relegation battle with Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park. These effect the attack, in which Cunliffe and Stevenson once again change places. Last week the experiment was tried of playing Stevenson on the right and Cunliffe on the left, but during the match against Sunderland the captain, Dean, altered the formation so that the players changed flanks. That move marked the beginning of Everton’s fight back after being three goals down. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
WREXHAM PLAYER FOR EVERTON.
March 12, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
TG Jones Signed By Everton
By John Peel.
Transfers are in the air and I should not be surprised to find a number of movements, in addition to that of Liverpool signing Busby yesterday, before the end of the week. Everton are always keen to secure young and promising players, and I note that T.G. Jones, Wrexham’s youthful centre half-back, has been secured by the Goodison Park club. In build he is not unlike Griffiths, now of Aston Villa, whom Everton secured from Wrexham and if Jones proves as successful as the Welsh international player all concerned will be gratified. Jones is a Welsh school boy international, and his play had attracted the attention of several clubs, including Aston Villa, who had made a big offer for him last week, but Everton stepped in. Eighteen years of age, Jones stands 6ft 1in, and weighs 13 stone. The transfer fee is stated to be the biggest ever received by the Wrexham club, who will undoubtedly greatly miss his services. Jones, who is a native of Connach’s Quay went to Wrexham last season as a member of the ground staff. His gifts a footballer were quickly recognised and he signed a professional form early in the present season. Latterly he became first choice at centre-half where he has given repeated evidence of ability to become one of the leading pivots of the country.
Champions Drawists.
Everton are champions drawists in the Football league. The 3-3 draw at Sunderland was their twelfith drawn game of the season. In addition to sharing the points at Sunderland Everton drew at Birmingham, against the Villa, Blackburn, Derby, Chelsea, Sheffield against the Wednesday, Preston, and at Goodison Park drew with the Villa, Bolton Wanderers, Leeds. Four of these draws ended 3-3. Birmingham and Bolton Wanderers have each drawn ten games, seven of the Wanderers draws being away from home. Fulham in the Second Division have drawn 11 times, five at home and six away. In the Third Division Chester have drawn four times at home and on six occasions in away games. Gateshead have drawn eight times at home in seventeen games, and are unbeaten there. The only club in the League without a draw is Reading.
Hunter Hart’s New Post.
Hunter Hart, the former Everton half back and captain, has been appointed assistant secretary to the club. A few weeks ago Hart was appointed coach to the players, but he desired to continue in association with the club’s office work. He will still be able to give the value of his long experience to the players.
Ireland v. Wales.
Ireland beat Wales at Celtic Park, Belfast yesterday, in gaining a fine win over Wales by 3 goals to 2. Stevenson, of Everton, the Irish inside left, whose ball control was frequently dazzling and his passing beyond reproach. Stevenson hitting the post and the ball rebound to Kethorgahan to scored the second equaliser. Stevenson scoring the winning goal for Ireland, William Cook also played for Ireland.
Bell for Everton?
It was reported yesterday that Everton were in negotiation for the transfer of Bell, the Tranmere Rovers centre forward, and that the deal may be completed today. Bell created a league record on Boxing Day, when he scored nine goals against Oldham Athletic and the Rovers won 13-4.
BUNNY BELL WILL SIGN FOR EVERTON TONIGHT.
March 12, 1936. Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
As stated last night in an exclusive story from Manchester, Bunny Bell is going to leave Tranmere Rovers for Everton, thus following the line of profession started by Dean. I learn that Bell, will sign tonight, and he is considering the notion of being a full-time pro, as compared with his present combination of football and Fletcher and Co., shipping agents. Everton have also taken Jones of Wrexham, the centre half back, whose name had been associated with Aston Villa –Tom Griffiths put his present club wise about this astonishing young pivot, but Everton paid the price and won. The most remarkable feature of the Bell’s transfer is yet to come. I understand a swopping arrangement may develop, and Bell’s fee will be dependent upon a cut for the transfer of an Everton pivot, say Gee whose name has often been linked with a possible transfer in the last three months. Clark’s name is also mentioned, but I do not attach much credence to that show. At Manchester yesterday, in the mass of rumour and managerial appearance, I vouchsafed the news to Messers Carr and Knowles that Bell was going to Everton. They replied in surprised tines, and wondered if the player would be prepared to make a move. So the public can by this means, get some idea of the way the March 16 transfer riot leads to statements and refutations. “Bunny” Bell will always be remembered for his nine goals feat against Oldham Athletic on Boxing Day 1935. Since this distinction made his name famous he has had singularly little success with his shots. Possibly defences have “marked” him more keenly because of the reputation he gained on this memorable occasion. “Bunny” is still a mere strippling, so far as build is concerned; indeed, he has come to be known as the “invisible man” –so easily does he slip through defences! While he played with Tranmere there were many followers of the club who could not take kindly to his style of play. He kept the line moving well was less of an individualist than most “star” centres, and relied upon the half chance for most of his goals. His heading is one of his strongest “lines” and he has scored many goals in this way. As an onlooker of most of Bell’s League football, I should say that he will need building up for the onerous duties of leadership in first class football. He suffered two severe injuries in a short space of time, having his cheek and collar-bone broken. There can be no pluckily forward in football. He has taken hard knocks and come back for more in a way that shows his heart is in the right place.
Everton’s Revival.
A pleasing factor from a Merseyside point of view since the advent of the present year has been the welcome revival that has been staged by Everton. As a result the relegation fears that have been entertained have been considerably lessened, and the side now seems to have settled down and refuses to accept defeat. Since January 4, when they drew at home with their near rivals, Liverpool, the Goodison Park side has completed ten League engagement and have only been defeated once –in rather unlucky fashion at Huddersfield where the Town won by the odd goal in three. From the ten games, Everton have collected eleven points by means of two home victories and seven drawn games, while they have registered twenty-four goals and concerned nineteen. Their two victories were recorded over Middlesbrough (5-1), and Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-1), while the points have been shared with Liverpool, (0-0), Bolton Wanderers (3-3), Manchester City (2-2), at home, and Sheffield Wednesday (3-3), Aston Villa (1-1), Chelsea (2-2), and Sunderland (3-3)
Dean’s Part.
One of the factors in the latest Everton revival has been the return of Dean, to something like his old form, both in the matter of goal-scoring and craft. After a brief absence from the game he returned to play with the Central League side, and signalled his return by scoring a “hat-trick” against Liverpool Reserves at Anfield, and then obtaining goals against Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers reserves. After that he again became leader of the first eleven, and has since averaged a goal a match. In the nine matches he played in. These have been scored as follows:-Bolton Wanderers (2), Middlesbrough (2), Sheffield Wednesday (1), Aston Villa (1), Chelsea (2), and Sunderland (1). With ten more matches yet to play –six of which are at home –it only requires Everton to maintain their present form to be assured of retaining First Division status for next season. These remaining games are Blackburn Rovers, Grimsby Town, Brentford, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham and Preston North End at home, and Stoke City, Arsenal, Brentford, and Leeds United away.
TWO SEASONS AGO IN JUNIOR SOCER.
March 12, 1936. Evening Express.
Now He Is An Everton Player.
By The Watcher.
Everton have paid about£3,000 for T.G. Jones, the young Wrexham centre-half. “He should be a world beater in a season or two.” This is the brilliant future forces for the 18 year-old Thomas George Jones, Wrexham centre half-back whose services Everton yesterday paid one of the biggest transfer fees ever received by the Welsh club. Mr. Earnest Blackburn, Wrexham’s secretary-manager and former Aston Villa player, gave me the forecast. “He should know the possibilities of Jones, for it was he who discovered Jones playing in junior football in Connah’s Quay two seasons ago. Mr. Blackburn secured Jones immediately he left school, and after he had spent twelve months on the club’s ground staff he was signed as a professional. He has been first choice for the pivotal berth in the league side this season. Aston Villa is one of the big clubs, who have been watching him many times lately. They made a four-figure offer for Jones about a week ago. Jones, who is a Welsh schoolboy international, is ideally built for the pivotal position. He is 6ft and weights nearly 13 stone. He will continue to train on Wrexham’s ground and travel to Everton’s games each week-end.
More Transfers?
Everton want “Bunny” Bell, Tranmere’s recording breaking centre forward. The deal may be carried through tonight.
PROSPECTIVE DEAL WITH EVERTON.
March 13, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
The prospective deal between Everton and Tranmere for the transfer from the latter club of Bell, the centre forward, and of Clark, the Everton centre or right half has been held up. It was anticipated that the deal between the clubs would be completed last evening, but it is learned that it will probably be some time this afternoon before negotiations are carried through. Mr. J. T. Knowes, the Tranmere secretary assured me last night; There has been no hitch. It is just a case of the negotiations being delayed.” A Clark is a very strong half-back of great experience, who has done good service for Everton. He helped the club to win the championship in 1931-32 when he made thirty-nine appearances, and in later seasons proved one of the mainstays of the Central League side. He joined Everton from Luton Town, and had previous service with Arsenal.
EVERTON AND BLACKBURN ROVERS MAKE THE BIG RELEGATION.
March 13, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton had hoped to wipe out a Blackburn memory a fortnight ago. Tomorrow their chance comes along, but in the meantime Blackburn can have brought some new players to strengthen their eleven –or they may have taken an Edwards to their fold from a local club, having medals for taking out best from our midst. Good luck to them for their try-outs. Tomorrow, however, they are meeting a side which will show fine fight and good football arts. The display of Everton at Sunderland was so good, it seemed impossible to estimate at the half-way stage. They played against the top team and in spite of the “cut” in their armour, due to refreshing interventions, the players came back with a will and skill and the combined forces led to a magnificent draw. It will not have been lost upon the Everton followers that the change over off Stevenson and Cunliffe to their normal posts coincided with Everton’s best form, and tomorrow’s selection list shows no change from the team that made history in the second half of the Sunderland game. So Everton hope to proceed to a rather new experience for them in First Division series; they have been drawing match after match till the necessity of a home win has become of supreme importance. All the bottom dogs are beginning to win, and while Everton are to be congratulated upon escaping defeat for so long, the time has come when home matches should be won. I think the urge upon them to make a four-fold leap (Blackburn are footing the League table) tomorrow will be such that a home victory can be depended upon. In any case Goodison Park should be more like its old self in a spectatorial manner and I can promise them the standard of Everton’s work will make the game interesting “weather or no.” Everton; - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
VIATL GAMES IN THE LEAGUE SAFETY FIGHT.
March 13, 1936. Evening Express.
Everton’s Chance To Step Up ladder Tomorrow.
By The Pilot.
One of the most important First Division programmes of the season will be decided tomorrow –matches which have a direct bearing on the foot of the table question. There are five matches in which clubs directly concerned with the hectic scramble for safety are in opposition. Here is the list; - Everton v. Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa v. Leeds United; Bolton W. V. Chelsea; Middlesbrough v. Grimsby Town; Wolves v West Bromwich Albion. Everton, whose efforts to reach a safe position have been encouraging, have a great chance to take leap up the ladder as the result of their game with Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park. The Blues have suffered only one defeat in the last 12 matches. Since the dawn of 1936 they have been playing excellent football and revealing a fighting spirit which has sent the relegation clouds from the horizon. Matches which looked to be lost have been saved by inspired football and I cannot see Blackburn getting away with anything in the way of points. The Rovers are bottom of the League with two points less than the Blues for the same number of games played, and their away record shows only one victory-at Leeds –and two draws out of 15 games. Blackburn rarely do well on Merseyside. In their last five visits to Liverpool grounds they have suffered defeat. At Goodison Park in their last three visits they have conceded 18 goals and scored four. Sale, the goal-getting forward secured from Stoke City at a big cost will lead the Blackburn Rover’s attack. Thompson, the regular centre forward, is moved to inside left. Bruton, the international winger, returns to the side to recovery from thigh injury which has kept him out of two games. Jesse Carver, the Liverpool born centre half of Blackburn Rovers, received his benefit cheque of £500 from the club today, this having been sanctioned by the league. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Blackburn Rovers: - Binns; Gorman, Crook; Whiteside, Carver, Pryde; Bruton, Calladine, Sale, Thompson, Turner.
EVERTON ENTERTAIN BLACKBURN
MARCH 14, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
In recent weeks Everton have made steps towards safety, and if they continue to improve there should be no doubt the club retaining their place as members of the First Division. In Blackburn Rovers the Goodison Park club have desperate visitors this afternoon, and a stern game may be expected. The Rovers are worse off than any of the clubs in the danger zone, and they must always keep on trying in the hope of getting away from the bottom step. However, Everton need the points, also, and unless something unusual happens the home side ought to win. The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - . Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Blackburn Rovers: - Binns; Gorman, Crook; Whiteside, Carver, Pryde; Bruton, Calladine, Sale, Thompson, Turner.
EVERTON RISE.
March 14, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo.
Solid Victory Over The Rovers.
By Stork.
A comfortable and solid victory against a very poor side. Everton dazzled in the first half, with Dean outstanding –Dean’s two goals brought his total to 348-four behind Bloomer’s record. Mercer’s first goal brought a great cheer. On this form the Rovers will have great difficulty in retaining senior status. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook, and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Binns, goal; Gorman and Crook, backs; Whiteside, Carver, and Pryde, half-backs; Bruton, Calladine, Sale, Thomspon and Turner, forwards. Referee Mr. W.P. Harper, Sturbridge. There was a big improvement in the attendance today, yet there were many thin places around the ground. The opening to this vital game was extremely quiet. There was a lot of big punting, and also a number of cases of miss-passes, when a correct one would have opened a way to the receiver had the ball reached the point intended. After Sagar had made a save from Bruton the quietness of the crowd was broken by a riot of cheering when Dean opened Everton’s account at the seventh minute. A Blackburn man made a mistake and Stevenson pushed the ball over to Geldard. Geldard moved up a few strides before he squared the ball to Stevenson and the Irishman let out a hugh drive from which Binns beat out the ball, which went to Dean, who was also unmarked, so that the Everton captain had time to breast it down before he made his shot, which appeared to strike someone on its course into the net. Some of the Everton’s football was exceedingly good, and only an offside decision –a good one though –prevented another Everton goal. Geldard put the ball perfectly for Dean who made a hash of his attempted shot and the crowd roared in their anguish. Bruton was troublesome on the Blackburn right in a spasmodic Rovers attack.
Stevenson’s Skill
While the Everton defence was sound, Pryde and Crook, of the Rovers, could not always get the hand of Cunliffe and Geldard. A spell of big kicking ended when Turner smartly kept the ball in play and Sagar had to go carefully when completing his save, for Sale was ever on his “tall.” Stevenson, who was in one of his brightest moods, made combination look easy, and had he not been a shade close when finally parting with the ball to Gillick, the latter must have scored. As it was Gillick had to shoot as he was tackled and the ball cannoned away. Dean made two perfect headers. The first one was missed through Cunliffe running too far forward, the second through Stevenson not being wide awake to Dean’s intention. Mr. Harper made mistake when he gave Geldard offside, not knowing that a Blackburn men was standing behind him. He corrected the error by a throw in, and Stevenson headed over at express speed. Everton netted a second time when Stevenson, Cunliffe, and Binns became involved in a crash, but there was an infringement. Everton were so much on top that game lost some of its lustre, although the crowd were pleased about the way Everton made ground. Cunliffe made a fiery shot just outside.
Dean’s Great Shot.
The Rovers nearly sneaked one in when Calladine beat White, but Sagar rushing out made a sparkling save. Immediately afterwards Dean scored with magnificent shot, reminiscent of his sixty goals’ season. He must have been twenty yards out, but the ball went from his left foot like a rocket and I doubt if Binns even saw the ball as it sped into his net at the 36th minute. Just on the interval Sale narrowly headed over the Everton crossbar.
Half-time Everton 2, Blackburn Rovers 0.
Blackburn Rovers never reached the heights of an even moderate First Division side. Their attack, well, it was never an attack really, and if Everton had not run into a fanciful vein they would have had many more goals than the three they had scored. But let me tell you of Cunliffe’s goal scored at the fifty-fifth minute.
Dean’s Perfect Display.
Dean was the inspiration and Mercer the provider, for it was the latter’s centre which was dropping lose to goal when Cunliffe and Binns rose together, one to save, the other to score. The honour went to the Everton man whose header sent the ball over Binns outstretched hands and into the net. Dean’s display was perfect. He kept the line moving in such a manner that it just had to make progress, yet in the second half there was a lack of shooting even when Everton had worked out their openings. The Rovers in my opinion, should have had a penalty award when Cook brought Sale down, and Everton’s score should have been increased when Gillick was offered a gift goal, but shot wide. Mercer scored one of the most spectacular goals, and Everton’s fourth when he ran right through the Blackburn side eleven minutes from the end. This was Mercer’ first league goal, and he was the recipient of a great cheer all for himself. Binns was hurt saving from Geldard, and when he went out to retrieve a ball he collapsed, and had to be carried off the field, Bruton going in goal. The Rovers new goalkeeper made a good punch away. Final Everton 4, Blackburn Rovers 0.
• Everton’s win today, lifted them seven places in the League table. Liverpool dropped six places in the table.
• So much dissatisfaction has been expressed among Wrexham’s supporters in connection with the transfer of T.G. Jones to Everton that it is believed an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders is to be called. The general opinion appears to be that the team had already lost to many of its best players.
STUD MARKS
March 16, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Since December 21 Everton have doubled their points total, and only suffered one defeat, yet had only moved up one place in the League table.
• Only six provincial club grounds have been favoured with Cup finals or replays-Everton-Old Trafford, Brunden Park, Baseball ground, Fallowfield, and Bramell-Lane.
FORWARD WHO BECAME A STAR HALF-BACK
March 14, 1936, Evening Express, Football Edition.
Frank Soo
Three years ago in January, Mr. Tom Mather, now manager of Newcastle United, decided to take what the majority considered a big chance with a little man. It was then that he signed Frank Soo, for Stoke City from Prescott Cables, after making the trip to watch the Cheshire County League team with the particular idea of running the rule over another player. So so took Mr. Mather’s eye by his coolness and skill in working the ball that he forgot all about the original magnet and made what has since proved to be a fine capture. Soo’s acquisition created something of a stir, but not, perhaps, because anybody seriously thought he would turn out to be so much a star. The big point of the early news story was, of course, that Frank was the son of a Chinese father. His mother is English and he was born in the Derbyshire spa of Buxton. The chance re that he will be in the English side to meet Scotland at Wembley next month, but not in his original capacity as an inside forward. Frank is a wing half-back these days. It is claimed for him in the Potteries that he is already the best left half in the country, though it was not till September 19, 1935 that he had his first experience in that position as a League player. As he played in Liverpool schools football as a boy, it was ironic that he should be first called on to take his place in the Stoke half-back line against Liverpool at Anfield road and so place his foot firmly on the ladder that leads to fame. That was not is debut in League football. It was in the match with Middlesbrough at Ayrsome Park on November 4, 1933, that he was given his baptism as an inside left, and on that occasion Stoke were beaten 6-1. Soo become a first team scorer for the first time in the home Cup-tie with Bradford on January 13, 1934, and got his first League goal in the home match with Huddersfield Town 16 days later. He had but 23 League games as a forward all told before his successful conversion this season, and one of the 23 was at outside left against Everton at Goodison Park on March 30 last, when Stoke were routed 5-0. Injury to the veteran Harry Sellars, just recovered from a cartilage operation, gave Soo his chance to make his name as a half-back, and how he took it is emphasized the facts the selectors have watched by with a view to international honours, and that a present moment he is the best and most consistently effective member of the Stoke team. Soo was never awesome scoring as a forward but he is certainly a player apart in his present role. His rapidity of movement is vested with such smoothness and certainly of purpose that there is no suggestion of hurry about his play. He accomplishes much by quick thinking, and made the most remarkable feature of the game of one who can boast of only 5ft 7ins statues is his reliability in the defence phrase. Frank is a live wire, something of an idol, and real dandy player-and he cost the club next to nothing.
EVERTON 4 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0 (Game 1553 over-all)-(Div 1 1511)
March 16, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Dean At His Best.
Dashing Goals At Goodison
Rovers Show Poor Form.
By “Stork.”
Everton had a simple task in beating Blackburn Rovers 4-0. I have no hesitation in saying that the North-East Lancashire club is the poorest I have seen in term. Everton could, if they had liked to rub it in, have run up double figures. The victory sent Everton hurtling up the table. The winners cut through the Rovers’ ranks at will, for there was not the skill nor the ability to stop them. Everton’s form was magnified by the poor resistance put up by the Rovers, who were fitful and fretful, and not even the acquisition of Sale, the former Stoke forward, could turn their forward line into anything like shipshape. Forwards have been Blackburn’s big trouble. I am afraid it will remain so until the end of the season. Blackburn Rovers outlook is not a happy one. One could count the saves Sagar had to make on the fingers of one hand, while the defence was riddled by the Everton forwards, who running round them. Everton’s combination bewildered the Rovers, but chances were allowed to pass by, so that Everton’s final score, instead of being a big one, was decidedly small when all things were considered.
Rover’s Feeble Efforts.
Blackburn did not play like a side struggling against adversity, or was it that they had given up the ghost? At all events they jogged along in such a manner that Everton had only to strike reasonable form to be assured of the two points, so feeble were their efforts. It was only occasional rushes that Everton had to fear, for in the main the Rovers were penned in their own quarters, but even with the knowledge that their goal was in danger they did not produce the relentless endeavour to stay the oncoming Everton attack. With a team fighting for its existence one usually expects a fiery display, but there was nothing lively about the Rovers, who were beaten in every department. Everton, as a result, produced all their tricks in fact, they became so haphazard in the late stages that they, for one brief spell, allowed Blackburn to stay round the Everton goal for nearly five minutes, an uncommonly long time considering how they had previously cleared them out at a moment’s notice. Everton were without doubt kind to the Rovers, who were never at any point a real danger. Let me take Mercer’s goal as an example. He must have run through nearly half the Blackburn team, yet not one of the latter could stay his progress. Mercer went on to score his first goal in the senior side. Everton, however, could do no more than win the game, and this they did with the greatest of ease. Their combination in the first half was excellent; the ball went from man to man with great precision, the final pass being made at the right moment to put an opponent out of position and leave the way clear to goal. Dean was in grand form at this point, and he had able lieutenants alongside him in Stevenson and Cunliffe. The Irishman was a rover, and he moved to great effect, opening out the game with cute and canny passes. Pryde and Crook had a particularly unhappy time against Geldard and Cunliffe whose understanding enabled them to sweep through any old time.
Dean’s passing.
Dean has come right back to form. His passing of the ball was amazing, and had his colleagues lined up with him when he was nodding the ball down to them they would have entered the scorers list. Dean scored two goals himself and so got within four goals to Steve Bloomer’s great record -352 goals. His first at seven minutes came after Binns had handled out a terrific drive by Stevenson, but it was his second point which took the eye, for it brought back memories of is record breaking 60 goals season, in that he fired the ball in with his left foot from 20 yards range, and it flew like a rocket into its billet. That was at 36 minutes. The second half was not so good, but Everton were always good enough for the Rovers. At 55 minutes, Everton came along with goal number three, a header by Cunliffe who beat Binns in rising for the ball. Then followed Mercer’s goal, and Everton had won in comfort. With eight minutes remaining Binns in making a save, was injured and had to be carried off, Bruton going in goal. Not many calls were made on him before the final whistle sounded on a game which had gone one way. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook, and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson and Gillick, forwards. Blackburn Rovers: - Binns, goal; Gorman and Crook, backs; Whiteside, Carver, and Pryde, half-backs; Bruton, Calladine, Sale, Thomspon and Turner, forwards. Referee Mr. W.P. Harper, Sturbridge.
• Bristol Rovers signed Hartill from Liverpool.
OLDHAM ATHLETIC RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
March 16, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 34)
Considering that their right back, Hilton, was injured in the first 10 minutes, and was a passenger on the right wing for the rest of the game, Oldham did welt to get both points. Davies and Richardson scored for them, and Miller got Everton’s goal. Everton were cleverer in approach work, but finished poorly. Bell was well subdued by Millegan. Everton’s mistakes was they kept the ball too close. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson and Allen (J), backs; Britton, Jones (TG), and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Bell (RC), Miller (WR), and Coulter, forwards.
Northern Nomads Reserves 1 Everton “A” 5
County Combination.
At Burscough. Prescott scored for Everton after 12 minutes for the visitors, and Baldwin and Prescott added goals for the visitors. Pearson reduced the arrears from a penalty, but just on the interval, Hullett scored a fourth for Everton. In the second half a Nomads defender kicked the ball against a colleague and it rebounded into the net. Morris was a tower of strength in the Everton defence and Lindley favourably impressed at right half. Baldwin, Webster and Prescott were the pick of the front line. McMillan, Riding and Brooks were outstanding for the Nomads.
EVERTON WINNING A GREAT FIGHT.
March 16, 1936. Evening Express.
Eleven Points From Last Eight Games.
Heading For Top Half Of Table.
By The Watcher.
Carry on, Everton! Eleven points from the last eight games is a great tribute to the fighting spirit of the side, and if it is maintained the club will finish in the top half of the table. It was always Everton’s match against Blackburn Rovers, who were beaten 4-0. The halves held the visiting forwards as in a vice; Dean led his colleagues in brilliant style; and altogether the side worked smoothly. They were too fast at all times for the Ewood men. It is more than 20 years since Blackburn won at Goodison.
Four To beat Record.
Dean, who now wants only four goals to surpass Steve Bloomer’s record, was right on top of his form. Rarely have I seen him to better, advantage this season. His far-flung passes kept the wings in constant action and his judicious use of the ball in the goalmouth and unselfish distribution provided many goal-scoring chances for his colleagues. A feature of the Everton captain’s display was the manner in which he shot on almost every occasion. He has earned much fame by the way in which he nods the ball into goal with his head but on Saturday he shot with power and direction. Both Cunliffe and Stevenson might have had more goals. Chances came to them not only from Dean but also from Gillick and Geldard, who were too speedy and tricky for the Rovers’ defence. On the whole, however, the Blues front-line moved well. White did great work. He gave Dean much support and at the same time held in check Sale, the Rovers leader, was making his debut since joining the club from Stoke City. Mercer and Thomson were in good form, too. The home defence never wavered, and Sagar was only seriously troubled on two or three occasions. Dean got two of the goals, Cunliffe another, and Mercer the last, which was the best. Keep it up Everton!
EASY FOR EVERTON
November 16, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes
Everton have stepped up the League with a bound. That does not mean that they are safe for no club, even those with 30 points, can consider themselves out of the wood. Blackburn Rovers, Everton’s latest victims, appear a safe bet for the Second Division, for they are a very poor side and something better will have to be produced if they are to escape relegation (write “stork”). They were never a match for Everton, who won as they liked, and if the “Blues” had stressed themselves, I feel sure they would have won by an even bigger margin than four goals. The Rovers had given such a feeble account of themselves in the first half that Everton gave me the impression that they had no desire to rub it in, and chances were allowed to pass by which would not have been the case had Blackburn showed the least resistence. Everton gave a fine gave a fine display of combined football, moving along sweetly and forever testing the Blackburn defence, which had no cover to stop them, and if a quarter of the chances offered had been accepted by Everton a double-figure victory would have been their reward. Blackburn’s attack was paltry, and only headlong dashes with no semblance of unity about them were Everton’s danger points, but they were so few and far between that Everton’s defence had a really comfortable afternoon. Sagar’s task was a light one, so well did the Everton half backs throttle down the spasmodic advances of their opponents, and they had so much time to spare that they found time to push on their attack by smart forward passes. It was a “one horse race,” as they say in racing, for Everton won from pillar to post. The Rovers are the poorest team I have seen this season, and I have seen a few poor ones. They seemed to lack heart, which suggests that they have given up the ghost, but in this game they did not even show the grit for the determination usually associated with a side fighting for its existence in the top circles. No I am afraid the once famous Blackburn Rovers are due to serve a term at least in the Second Division. They did not look like a First Division side against Everton, and I cannot see how they are to retain it unless something startling is done before midnight tonight. New men are wanted, for to be quite frank, the team as it stands is not good enough. Sale’s introduction did not bring the desired result, for while he was a bundle of energy, White stopped his gallop almost when and where he liked, while Bruton and Turner rarely got the better of Thompson and Mercer respectively. In contrast, the Blackburn defence never really solved Everton’s combined plan so that Everton’s task was made easy for them.
Dean’s Great Goal.
There is an international trial in a few days time. On the present form Dean must be considered a possible for the centre forward berth, for the Everton captain has struck a patch of form which cannot be ignored. He was once again the inspired leader of a line of forwards, who had simply to respond to his bidding, and his two goals were admirably taken; the second brought back memories of his great days, for he beat Binns with a pile-driving left foot shot from close on twenty yards range. These two goals brought his total to 248 -4 short of Steve Bloomer’s record but I am not so concerned with his goal scoring, but his general all-round display. Blackburn never mastered him, although little Jesse Carver kept closer than a long lost brother. He could not, however, prevent those perfect heady passes which should have brought a riot of goals. Stevenson was an able assistant playing dazzling football in the first half, but it was Dean who made the line toe the line. Geldard and Cunliffe led Pryde and Crooks a merry dance, and Gillick was well piled by his Irish partner, Everton, however, had nothing, to fear from the Rovers, as you can well imagine, when I tell you that Sagar’s saves could be counted on the fingers of one hand. In the second half Cunliffe headed a nice goal, but the most spectacular goal of the day was scored by Mercer, the most improved half back of the season. He gathered the ball near the half-way line, got into his long stride instantly and wended his way beyond four or five opponents, before he shot beyond Binns, and into the net. This was Mercer’s first goal for the first team, and the crowd were not allow to show their appreciation. I thought Mercer was off on another goal scoring run –the crowd wanted it- but at the last moment he changed his mind and made an inward pass. Near the end Binns, the Rovers’ goalkeeper, was injured. He tried to resume, but his next attempt to save caused him to collapse and he had to be carried off, Bruton going into goal. This made no difference, for the game was then well won, by Everton, which played well to a man, and at the same time were kindness itself to Blackburn Rovers, who could have been beaten by a more handsome majority.
BELL AT GOODISON
March 17, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton followers will on Saturday have an opportunity of seeing the club’s latest recruits –Bell, from Tranmere Rovers, and Jones, from Wrexham –for they are to play in the Central League game against Birmingham at Goodison Park. Everton’s team will also include Coulter. The side is: - King; Jackson, Cresswell; Lindley, Jones; Archer; Leyfield, Bentham, Bell, Miller, Coulter. After showing capital form for more than half the season and getting well within striking distance of the leaders. Everton Reserves have fallen away of late and were beaten for the fifth week in succession on Saturday. The side has dropped to the half-way position in the Central League, with 33 points for a game more played. Since January 25 the Reserves have played 8 games and obtained only 2 points –from a victory at home over Aston Villa by a goal to nothing. The seven defeats have been inflicted by Huddersfield Town (2-0), Bury (2-0), West Bromwich Albion (2-1), at home, and Newcastle United (3-1), Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1), Leeds United (6-1), and Oldham Athletic (2-1) away. With a strong side on duty on Saturday, Everton should secure the full points.
BESTALL’S PLEASENT MEMORY
March 18, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton may be felling a bit out of the picture just now as far as the F.A. Cup is concerned, but they are not forgotten by the central figure in next Saturday’s double-headed drama. Jack Bestall, the Grimsby captain, was telling me that the most unforgettable game of his life –Cup-ties, internationals, League games, and even mid-week friendlies all thrown in-was the battle on the way to Wembley with the Goodison Park men last year. There was a thrill every other second,” and Bestall “Grimsby played well, but Everton were absolutely brilliant and undoubtedly deserved their win by 6-3. We fisherfolk have not a regret about the ninety-minutes.
“Dear Sir” Pars
Mr. G. H. Chamberlain writes: - I was interested in your Southend correspondent’s note. I remember the match against Sunderland well, when Everton were losing 2-0 abut ten minutes from time. I forgot who scored the first goal, though I have an ideal it was Jack Bell. But Dicky Boyle’s equaliser (lobbed over the heads of a crowd of players), with only three minutes to go, was my first big football thrill –never to be forgotten nor, I fear, recaptured.
EVERTON DRAW A BLANK
March 20, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Locally, we have no engagement for Everton, who play at Arsenal next Wednesday if the Cup-tie at Huddersfield is won.
• Advertisement in Liverpool Echo. Central League Match at Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday). Everton Res v. Birmingham Res, kick-off 3.15. Admission 6d, Boys 2d. (Stands extra) including tax.
ANNIVERSARY
March 21, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo
Dixie Dean’s Great Day
His League Record and Goals.
Football’s “Prime Minister” –The Man Always In The Public Eye.
Football Echo Special. (Copyright)
By Louis T. Kelly
Having been asked by my worthy editor to write an appreciation and something of the football life story of the one and only William Ralph Dean, Everton’s famous captain and centre forward, I gladly comply. Especially as the self-same Dean is now very much in the public eye as, indeed he has been almost right through a brilliantly –distinguished career. For Dean at the moment is within striking distance of equalling –aye, surpassing –a record which has held good for nearly a quarter of a century-namely, that built up in the long ago by that master marksman, Steve Bloomer, who between 1892, and 1913-14 erected his monumental aggregate of 352 goals in English League football. One stresses the world’s “English League Football” because there can be no real comparison between goal-scoring values in Scottish League and those of our own English League. In the former, beyond four (and at most six) clubs, season after season, the remaining clubs in Division 1, prove a sort of “easy meat” to the opposition, and the matches are often so one-sided in character that the average first-class centre forward is in a position to help himself to goals almost by the hat full Saturday by Saturday. But on this side of the Border prolific goal-scoring is a vastly different and much more serious business. Hence the high pedestal on which the best judges have placed Bloomer’s marvellous final return of 352 goals, when Father Time’s referee-whistle went for the last time to declare closed a really wonderful innings. As it happens, it had fallen to my lot to be the only one to tabulate Bloomer’s goal-scoring achievements season by season in those early days, when football’s recording angles were indeed few and far between, and my Bloomer figures were eventually taken over as being final and official. It often happens thus –people out to steal other people’s thunder!
Four wanted.
However, we will let that pass. And so, as stated, even a Bloomer had perforce to come to a “full-stop.” But one wondered and was intrigued as to whether his sensational net-finding figures would ever again be approached much less beaten. Yet today, right on our own doorstep, it has been found possible to produce and rear a local man capable, we confidently expect, of achieving the once seemingly almost impossible. With but four more goals in his bag, Dean will have made it a tie; with five more goals the Everton captain will have got his head –yes, “head” is a good word –in front. But note, too, the difference in length of time taken up by Bloomer and Dean respectively in their soaring scorings. The Derby man’s feat was spread over a period roughly of 22 seasons, whereas it is not yet a dozen since Dean as a mere boy first appeared in the ranks of Tranmere Rovers. We must also bear in mind that the Everton captain has been heavily hit by injuries, sustained both on and off the field. His list of attendances given below amply bears this out. Thus he missed 15 schedules games in 1926-27, 13 two seasons later, 17 in 1929-30, and 1933-34 as many as 30!
A Marked Man.
It is pretty safe to say, indeed, that Dean has been football’s most “marked” man, literally and otherwise, whom the game has ever known. Yet in spite of all these hindrances and setbacks, he is now on the threshold of this new and coveted kingdora –our League’s prospective king of goalgetters! Some say goals are easier to score today than in Bloomer’s time. Don’t believe it. Compared with the League’s earlier days defences (full back and middle line) have quickened up, as a whole, nearly 100 per cent. Covering and inter-covering, dovetailing, blotting out, and the like are now each something like a fine art. Ground shots were never so difficult to find a way through to the net, and so a new and added method of defeating the defence has had to be evolved –the headed goal, or, if you like air-raids, the dropping on of bombs from above!
Heading Marvel.
How Dean has perfected the new plan, as no one else perfected it, his total of headed goals eloquently tells us –his back headers, his side-headers have indeed proved feats to marvel at. Just as the great “Ranji,” prince of batsmen, invented the leg-glide, so has out subject invented and developed the head-glide, and were it not for this striking attribute Dean’s register today would be found to fall far short of anything like Bloomer’s figures. Apropos, too, goals being more plentiful today than in yester-year, actual figures give this contention the lie, for the average “goals per match” were formerly distinctly higher than now. But concerning this modern football wonder man –William Ralph Dean –in very truth a prime minister of the game. Much remains (even though in concentrated form) to be said.
A Great Line.
Everton have had some grand centre forwards right down the years) Geary, Southworth, Parker, “Sandy Young, to name a few –but there has been none to quite compare with Dean. What a master of positional play, and so effectively unselfish! What a student, too, of gang-warillyness in regard to keeping onside, and what a spur to his team mates. Assuredly the big game has known no greater match-man than this. And so Birkenhead –home of the first tramcar, the first real bearing its name, even the “way-home” (on occasion) of the Echo’s Football Echo editor –is admittedly proud of its greatest football hero. And not only Birkenhead but the whole of Merseyside, Lancashire 0aye, England. But this is no mere form of hero-worship. Rather is it the laurel wreath for something already achieved and honours won, with the greater “crowning” now we believe but in the offing.
Five Figures.
Statistics and ordinary records are often dry and starchy things to peruse or digest. But herewith are some of the more “juicy joints” concerning Everton’s man of the moment: - Born, Birkenhead, Joined Tranmere Rovers at 15. Crossed the Mersey to Goodison in March, 1925, when barely 18. Scored 32 goals in 38 matches in his first full season. Two years later broke the League’s individual record with 60 goals in a season –only one of which was of the penalty kick type. Scored 92 goals in all that winter. Gained championship medals in 1928, 1931, and 1932; Cup winner’s medal when captaining his team at Wembley; and recipient of nearly a score of international caps against countries located both at home and abroad; and finally, over thirty times scorer of three goals or more in a League match! As a box-office attraction has proved one of the game’s three greatest personalities. They are –Stephen Bloomer, Alexander-the-Great James and William Ralph Dean. Appended one gives Dean’s complete League register to date, “audited and found correct” (officially) after being compared with the Everton F.C. logs and registers: - (Copyright)
With Tranmere Rovers
No of League Games No of League Goals
1923-24 2 0
1924-25 27 27
With Everton.
1924-25 7 2
1925-26 38 32
1926-27 27 21
1927-28 39 60
1928-29 29 26
1929-30 25 23
1930-31 37 39
1931-32 38 45
1932-33 39 24
1933-34 17 9
1934-35 38 26
1935-36 (in play) 38 14
Total 300 348
STUD MARKS
March 21, 1936. The Liverpool Echo
By Louis T. Kelly
• The Everton players have had two “business holidays “ this week. Of course. Saturday’s good win enabled them to ride easy for the time being.
• Since the return to duty against Bolton Wanderers, Captain Dean has run up eleven goals in ten matches, hence has been keeping up his average in old-time fashion.
• The Everton Mercer looks like taking “silk.” What a lad –Joe Mercer. What a goal! Joe Mercer. His two strides on Saturday seemed to equal every three of his opponents.
• In reply-Tommy Johnson’s transfer fee from Manchester City to Everton in 1930 was stated to be £6,250. Busby’s is said to be a record for the Maine-road.
• Excitement grows as Dean approaches Steve Boomer’s great English record. After his first two successes on Saturday, William seemed to scent further goals, but in the end had to leave it at that.
• Head groundsman for the last ten season’s Mr. Joe Smith has been in the service of Everton club for close upon 36 years –a fine record.
EVERTON RESERVES 5 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 1
March 23, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 35)
Bell’s Hat-Trick For Everton.
Everton beat Birmingham 5-1 at Goodison Park. Despite the decisive marginal score in Everton’s favour, this was a most entertaining encounter, with a host of interesting features, the most outstanding of which were Bell’s hat-trick of three goals on this first game for Everton at Goodison park; the fine constructive and defensive work of Jones, the ex-Wrexham pivot, at centre half. Coulter’s tricky footcraft, that denotes the regaining of confidence, and the excellent goalkeeping of Clack, of Birmingham. The scoring was as follows- Coulter, and Miller (Everton), Small (Birmingham) and Bell for Everton in the first half, then two further goals from Bell after the interval completed the scoring. Everton: - King, goal; Jackson, and Cresswell, backs; Lindley, Jones (TG) and Archer, half-backs; Leyfield, Bentham, Bell (RC), Miller (WR), and Coulter, forwards.
Skelmersdale United 2 Everton “A” 2
County Combination.
Skelmersdale retained their unbeaten league record after a great struggle, but the point gained by Everton was sufficient to give them two points advantage in the league table. Everton have drawn two and Skelmersdale drawn four. Hulligan scored twice for Everton in the first half and Constanline and Stepheson scored in the second half for Skelmersdale for when Gaskell failed to score from a penalty. In the second half Everton were mainly on the defence, and White played a great game in goal, though Skelmersdale forwards missed some gilt edged chances. The gate receipts were the best for several seasons being over £34.
HONEST JOHN McKENNA
March 23, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
My dearest football friend, John McKenna, has played out time and retired to his rest. Honest John McKenna. The name will never be lost to memory, because this president of the Football League had done so much for everybody in connection with the game. He was not an office-seeker, but in football, bowls and Masonic craft he was an office bearer whose brusque outer self concealed a heart of gold. I was born under a lucky star which gave me as football god-father, first the founder of the Football League, Pa McGregor, following which came a journalistic and football spell with John J. Bentley, and finally the longest and best of all, the closest association with Honest John McKenna. He was a pillar of the football game, and his consideration for the lowly player or club was more intense than his concern for those, as he would say, “better able to look after themselves.” Often enough players came to me with a grievance, I packed them off nine times in ten to 6 Castlewood-road, Anfield. Always the player expressed fear in approaching President Mckenna but everyone in due course returned to me to say that he had received the kindliest treatment from Mr. Mckenna. They were seemingly surprised by the warmth of their reception and the care taken over their cases, but that was typical of Mr. McKenna all though his life.
Mellowed To sympathy.
He had a military bearing to benefitted a man who had won many prises for rifle shooting at Alcar, and the way he made opening a speech as an argument always mellowed as the conversation proceeded, till in the end his voice rang out with a sympathetic tone. He laughed heartily, he worked with the same intensive strain, he was a man’s man and the football league has loss its greatest member. I hasten to tell some of the best football incidents we have exchanged. Joe Donnachie, the former Everton winger, went to a minor club, served a benefit period, and at the match was boomed by the club. “Come and support Joe” the player became very perturbed that he could get no money from his own benefit. He reported the matter to Honest John, who took the view that this was a species of fraud, and the player resulted his benefit money within a week. No more than two months ago he was busying himself upon the question of the pools war and was approached by Mr. Watson Hartley, who pictured the prospects of the Football league receiving £50,000 for the copyright to which Mr. McKenna coyly replied –May we have a little on account sir.”
No Respecter Of Persons.
Mr.Mckenna was no respector of persons and when a director entered the Liverpool boardroom on one occasion vehemently declaring that Manchester City had been robbed of the game, Mr. Mckenna at once called for quiet, using his well-known phrase “A moment, please, a moment.” He than proceeded to ask the director if he knew what the word robbed meant; did he believe the referee was a thief? And promptly proceeded to insist on the director making an apology in the presence of all present! On the other hand, inner councils with John McKenna revealed him at his greatest. I have spent many afternoons at his house chatting on football matters. He with his gout-foot telling upon a “humpty,” the telephone at his side, a cigar-box handy, a golden-holder, which he prized more than any other present, and “Ma” bringing in tea for two. Wilson, the former Manchester United player, has something by which he will remember Mr. Mckenna . A commission sat up Wilson’s ordering off case, and the players having offended more than once, received a severe sentence. The work of the inquiry had ended when Mr. McKenna said; “Well, that is all for today, gentleman, except that I want Mr. Wilson to stay behind for a moment.” When the room was empty Wilson received a kind and encouraging act from the League President, who had suspended him for two months a few minutes previously, and the advice Mr. Mckenna offered to “Mr. Wilson” was never lost on a player.
The “Case” Collapsed.
The veteran leader used to tell, with great gusto, how he tried to trap his barber, who had been using the shortlist football coupon. Mr. McKenna said, “I got my evidence nicely completed, and during the share I jumped and said, “What are you doing with those football coupons.” The barber replied, “That’s all right, guv’nor. I buy up all the old unused coupons and use them for shaving paper!” it was typical of the man that when he left the West Derby Union, and the staff desired to give him, a complimentary dinner, he insisted on giving the dinner to the friends he was leaving. He came to Liverpool from Ireland, began as a grocer’s boy, joined the West Derby union, linked up with Alderman, John Houlding, was one of the founders of Liverpool F.C, signed on the team of Mans that played at Anfield, signed Alec Raisebeck for Liverpool’s service became chairman of the club, raised £600 in five minutes at the Law Association Rooms when the Anfield club was in financial distress, and was so honest to-goodness that when a Liverpool F.C case came up for hearting, the Liverpool club felt Mr. McKenna was so keen to be fair to the other side that he was well-nigh unfair to his own side! Mr. Charles Clegg and Mr. McKenna sat in a case in which a Liverpool half-back was concerned, and the suspension was one month, instead of three months, this being due to Mr. McKenna declaring. “The player would not have been British if he had not taken action when he was called that foul name.” Mr. McKenna did a world of good by stealth. I know the cases, but they are not for publication. This genial Irishman, beneath the seemingly grumpy voice, was the most of kindness and football has lost what I have lost –a great friend. He was a widower, with no family, and his end is his final year was hastened by the enormous amount of work he put in for the game. It is but a few weeks ago he fall on the Manchester platform through hurrying for a train. Whatever his physical disability his brain was active and sure to the end. He never forgot a date or a game. He had no fumbling for facts. From his chin to the top of his head he was as alive as any youth.
EVERTON SIDE TO FACE ARSENAL
March 24, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have an opportunity tomorrow to show their worth and their determination to get out of the trouble which threatens more than half the clubs in the First Division. They are due at Highbury to meet Arsenal, who must have gained new strength by reaching Wembley once more. The London club may field some of their reserves strength, but whatever the side, the combination of Arsenal exponents always seems to be worthy of the strongest opposition. Everton, nevertheless, are sure to make a bold effort to secure a point or points, for the players realise that victory would give the club a big lift in the table. At the moment, Everton possess 30 points for thirty-three matches against Arsenal’s 34 for thirty-one matches.
Unchanged Team.
Everton will reply on the team which defeated Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park last Saturday week, and I Believe Dean and his colleagues will prove capable of putting up a strong fight. Dean is rapidly approaching a record aggregate of goals, and no doubt he would greatly appreciate a score against the formidable London combination. The team is Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
EVERTON AT ARSENAL SHOW NO CHANCE
March 24, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes.
Everton go to Highbury tomorrow to meet the Cup favourites, and on Saturday receive the team knocked out by the favourites. Arsenal tomorrow and Grimsby Town at home on Saturday. By Saturday night Everton should have made their position fairly secure; they played so much better than the results showed –so far as away matches were concerned –that some cynics imagined I buttered up their visiting days. That was never the case, and the pronouncedly good form the side has shown in recent weeks, home and away, has been proof of the gradual tend towards blend that has meant so much for Everton. Tomorrow’s Echo will have the best report of the Arsenal game, when Everton field this unchanged side; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
• Ex-Evertonians Frank Jefferis and before that Ernie Gault was the right hand man for Southport Football club with manager J.J. Commons.
EVERTON HOPE TO HIT HIGH SPOTS AT HIGHBUY TOMORROW.
March 24, 1936. Evening Express.
Vital Battle with Cup Finalists.
By The Pilot.
Everton figure in an important Football League match tomorrow, when they oppose the F.A Cup finalists and favourites, Arsenal, at Highbury. Everton have a Merseyside record to preserve when they step out on to the field at Highbury tomorrow. Neither Everton nor Liverpool have suffered defeat in London this season! Liverpool won at Arsenal and Brentford and drew at Chelsea. Everton also drew at Chelsea. While one may regard the Blues as free from relegation worries –they have five comparatively easy home matches and only four away games –a win tomorrow will lift them clear of all danger. Everton have enjoyed a wonderful run of success, for they have lost only one match since December 21, when they lost at Birmingham. The other defeat was at Huddersfield. So the Everton players have come through 12 matches without tasting defeat. To face Arsenal in their own strong-hold constitutes just about the biggest task of the season. The Blues will be encouraged by the fact that, for the fifth successive match, they will be at full strength, whereas Arsenal will be compelled to make changes. Arsenal will probably lack the services of Hapgood, Hulme, and Beasley, all of whom were injured in the cup-tie against Grimsby Town. It is expected that Crompton –a great back –will play for Hapgood; Kirchen, ex-Norwich City for Hulme; and Milne, the Scot from Blackburn Rovers, for Beasley. Seeing that it was on this ground, 11 years ago, that Billy Dean made his debut for Everton, the Everton skipper will be anxious to get among the goals and so make further progress towards beating Steve Bloomer’s record, about which you first read in The Evening Express in February. Dean requires only four goals to equal the record of Bloomer. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Arsenal (Probable); Wilson; Male, Crompton; Hill, Crayston, Copping; Kirchen, Bowden, Tuckett, James (or Bastin), Bastin (or Milner).
EVERTON TACKLE ARSENAL
March 25, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton hope to test Arsenal to the full today at Highbury; indeed, the players are keen to emulate the feat of Liverpool, who lowered the Arsenal colours in London during the Christmas holidays. Are are always a tough proposition, and the game is likely to prove one of the best of the season. Everton will be at full strength, but the Cup finalists may not have their full side on duty. The kick-off is at 3.30, and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Arsenal: - (from); Wilson; Male, Crompton; Hill, Crayston, Copping; Kirchen, Bastin, Cox, Dougall, Beasley, Rogers, Davidson.
LETTERS
March 25, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Bee’s Notes
“Everton Blue” says: - Do ask Everton directors not to take a delight in playing men out of position. The Reserves team is just the same, a right half (Lambert) playing centre forward and a centre forward (Dickinson) playing inside left. Now after ten years of Dean, ten years to find a deputy, what do we find? The right half of the “A” team thrown into the position in the Reserves.
EVERTON HEAD IN FIVE MINUTES.
March 25, 1936. The Evening Express.
Gillick’s Surprise Goal Against Arsenal.
By The Pilot.
Arsenal had Hulme at outside-right for the re-arranged League match with Everton at Highbury today. Cox was at centre-forward, with Dougall and Rogers on the left. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Arsenal: - Wilson, goal; Male and Compton, backs; Hill, Crayon and Copping, half-backs; Hulme, Bastin, Cox, Dougall, and Rogers, forwards. Referee Mr. E. R. Westwood. The players lined up in the centre of the field wearing black armlets, and a minute’s silence was observed as a tribute to Mr. John McKenna, president of the Football League, who died on Sunday. All flags at Highbury were at half-mast. White’s lob down the middle of the field was nodded back by Dean for Gillick’s benefit. The Scot came in so fast that he missed the ball. Geldard troubled Compton and was able to get across a low ball which was booted clear. Hulme’s first raid saw him lob behind. Dean’s head won in a duel with Crayston, and Mercer slipped in a left foot shot which Wilson saved on one knee. Sagar ran out to pick up from Dougall with Rogers, ex-Wrexham, anxious to get to business.
Everton Lead.
Everton took the lead in five minutes by a remarkable goal by Gillick. Dean and Cunliffe had enabled Gillick to force a corner off Male. Gillick swerved in the flag kick, which went over Wilson’s outstretched arms and entered the net. The sun, shinning across the big stand, must have unsighted Wilson, who straight away put his cap on. Cook delighted in a neat overhead pass back to Sagar. When Bastin weaved a spell, Dougall crashed in a terrific cross-drive, which flashed inches by the far post. Thomson obviously considered the Gillick plan a good one, for he tried a long dropping shot from distance. The 25,000 people gasped when Wilson appeared to misjudge the flight, but he turned the ball aside for a corner. Jones received a bump, but recovered to see Geldard swing past Copping and turn back a centre from the line which just failed to reach Cunliffe. Everton were having all the game. Crayston bulked Dean of a heading chance. Twice Geldard dribbled to the middle only to delay his pass until every point was covered. Crayston held off Dean, while Wilson who was none too safe scrambled the ball away. Mercer was putting in a tremendous amount of headwork.
ARSENAL 1 EVERTON 1 (Game 1554 over-all)-(Div 1 1512)
March 26, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Take A Point.
Disputed Decisions At Highbury
Flat Finish After Fine First Half.
By “Bee.”
Everton were content to take a draw from their visit to Arsenal yesterday. The crowd was not quite content with the second half display, which was flat and without special incident, but Everton ought to have won this game and could have done so, if the referee had considered a throw-down on Geldard in the way most onlookers viewed the incident. It was a sweeping tackle by Crompton acting for Hapgood, and the back could not hope to touch the ball, therefore it was not a lawful tackle. Everton protested, but the appeal was refused by the referee (Mr Westwood, of Blotwich). In addition, Everton reckoned they scored a goal when Mercer, dashing up in a hectic period of Everton attack, slammed the ball to the customary packing-case defence as obtain in Arsenal efforts. Undoubtedly the shot was turned clear through striking a defender, but I thought the defender was standing on the goal line and therefore the point was rightly negative. However, the other incident was plain to everyone’s eye, and there were 20,000 spectators present for this game, which developed into a nice pleasant interlude, with an end-of-season and summer atmosphere about it that was suited to the crowds enthusiasm for the Cup final side. However, Arsenal with a goodly supply of reserves, never looked like a cup final eleven, this was natural, and easily explained. You cannot find deputies in a moment for such men as Roberts and Beasley’s deputy on the left flank. Rodgers of Wrexham, had little chance to show his pace, and ability, Everton indeed gave Arsenal’s defence a testier time than they have had all through the season.
Gillick’s Goal From Corner.
The visitors playing their customary eleven, kicked off with a goal, Gillick scoring direct from a corner kick. Wilson did not see the ball owing to the blaze of sunshines. Arsenal equalised from a corner, Hulme another winger, heading through pell mell and equalising the scorers in the first half. After that Everton had a remarkable spell of attack. Four shots were delivered by their forwards in the space of two minutes. Arsenal’s defence-packing was sufficient to stop all these shots. Geldard on two occasions and Mercer and Cunliffe on another occasion had bad fortune in not putting the ball through the mass defenders; in truth, the ball struck a defender who know not of the save until he saw the ball passed out, and with it Everton’s chance of a victory away from home. However it was undeniable that Everton were vastly superior in attack, and at half-back in the second half, where the tired feeling came upon the visitors players. It was in this period that Thomson played his best and refused to be put off his game by the unfair shouts of the crowd, who looked upon their hero, Hulme, with a kind eye. Thomson had gone to ground and clutched the ball beneath his stomach. Hulme tried to kick away a ball he could not hope to reach. The crowd did not see that, they did see Thomson retaliation and the subsequent caution. Fortunately Thomson continued to play expertly, and he quite held up the famous Bastin-Hulme wing. Bastin being probably troubled in mind through the serious illness of his mother at Exeter.
White’s Fine Form.
White, however, was the outstanding half-back of the day. His pace is like his pass- unquestionable and most helpful. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for him, and he rarely wastes the ball. Cryaston, tried at centre half back, did well against Dean once he had got his leaping and heading phase right. This was one of the best duels of the day, with Dean doing some glorious fetching and carrying and giggling. Sagar was safe, especially in the last moments. Wilson also saved in grand manner by a sideways throw of the body when Stevenson tried to make it a victory to the visitors. Stevenson had a good first half, whereas Gillick, apart from his goal, lacked pace and against male was outwitted and out-sized. Compton played well, but neither of these backs did a whit-better than Cook and Jones, whose length of kick and sure-footed lunging at the ball had not a flaw in its process all day. Mercer twice came near repeating his famous goal against Blackburn Rovers, whereas Dougall clever in tricky, lacked poise in shooting. Cunliffe and Geldard did much good work in the open, but the finishing touchs was not well applied, thereby spoiling their approach work. Everton’s attack, in fact was just as unbalanced and uncertain as the Arsenal’s. Once more defences held away –it is becoming a habit. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Arsenal: - Wilson, goal; Male and Compton, backs; Hill, Crayon and Copping, half-backs; Hulme, Bastin, Cox, Dougall, and Rogers, forwards. Referee Mr. E. R. Westwood.
EIGHT GAMES WITHOUT DEFEAT.
March 26, 1936. The Evening Express.
Everton’s Fine Fight For Safety
Valuable Point From Highbury
By The Pilot.
Eight matches in succession without defeat! This is the great run set up by Everton in their battle for a position of League safety. The fine sequence was continued at Highbury yesterday when the Blues forced Arsenal to a 1-1 draw and so preserved the record of the Merseyside clubs in not having lost in London this season. Everton were satisfied with their half share, but I am of the opinion that they should have been awarded a penalty in the second half, when Compton brought down Geldard as the Everton winger was moving at pace along the goal-line. The Everton players also claim that a shot from Mercer in the first half was over the line when male kicked it clear. Owing to the angle of the Press box it was impossible for me to form a definite opinion. Everton had the better of a game which faded out to half-pace. Little was seen of Arsenal in the opening half except for two fierce cross drives from Dougal and Cox, but just on the interval Everton levelled a dozen shots in as many seconds only to find the ball rebounding from the knees, bodies and heads of the Arsenal defenders, who packed tighter than sardines in a tin. The defences were magnificent. No one did better than Cook –a brilliant two-footed player. Jones was an excellent partner and Sagar showed fearlessness and skill in goal. Male and Compton were fine Arsenal defenders. Crayston was the best of the Arsenal half-backs, who did not compare with the Everton intermediary line. White was a 100 per cent, attacker-defender from the start to finish. Mercer was the juggler, swift-raider and ideal purveyor in the first half, and Thomson the tenacious tackler and intervener and expert distributor later on. Dean treated us to many joyous flicks and expect touches, but I have seen the Everton forwards in a better light. Their combination was not so finished as usual. Dougal was the outstanding Arsenal forward except when it came to shooting and in that respect only Bastin was reliable. A great point and a worthy one. Everton will be unchanged for the match against Grimsby Town at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Grimsby Unchanged.
Grimsby will play their Cup team against Everton. The players travel tomorrow in order to attend the Grand National and then return to their Manchester headquarters. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy; Vincent, Kelly; Hall, Hodgson, Buck; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, Moralee.
• Advertisement in the Evening Express. League match at Goodison Park, Saturday next, Everton v. Grmsby Town, Kick-off 3.15 Admission 1/- boys 4d. Stands extra, including Tax. Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
EVERTON STILL IMMUNE
March 26, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Arsenal Surprised.
Bee’s Notes.
News from overseas, conveyed to me by the meeting with Mr. J. Guttridge, of Trinidad, a Liverpool man back home after three years “out there.” He timed his visit to London just in time for the Everton match at Highbury. Home folk have no conception how people from far-off follow Everton or Liverpool, as their colours goes. Here is a man from Mexico who has been away from this country for twenty years, yet he still follows Everton, and has written Mr. Secretary Kelly wishing the club luck and suggesting “how they may escape relegation.” Mr. Guttridge tells me he came home of the same boat as the great cricketer from West Indians, Constaine, who is returning to help Nelson in the Lancashire in the Lancashire League, and is now fit after an operation for cartilage, which is not always a footballer’s bête noir. Everton continue to take a draw and make a drawing card whatever they go. They played so well first half against the Arsenal and their deputising members they should have won. They could have won if the referee had taken a very simple and sensible view of a main incident of the game, namely, when Compton brought down Geldard a few yards from goal by a sweeping foot tackle which had no legal standing, because the back could never hope to reach the ball, stab it, or check its progress. There should have been one answer for such an offence, a penalty kick. In addition Everton claim they scored when Mercer was making one of his three famous runs towards goal, sweeping through every rank and filling a mark on the football register. He shot with terrific force, and the ball struck Male on the body. Everton claimed Male was over the line. I did not see him over the line, but the penalty kick had no doubt about it. However, these referee pointers and supposed mistakes tend to end themselves by balancing their own selves as the season ends. This was a summery afternoon with Arsenal fresh from Cup paint and powder; Arsenal with more “reserves” with Dougall showing how attractive he could have been to an Anfield crowd; with Rogers, of Wrexham, getting little chance in Beasley’s place, with Crayston making a fine, fair duelling game against Dean, and with Compton, the great young back, not so good as he had been against Manchester city, but still a very fine player.
Sporting family.
Compton is a good cricketer, as well as the most promising back in the game. He has a brother on the Arsenal staff, an outside left by football persussion and a cricketer with Middlesex. Sport is in the brother’s blood, and each is blessed with fine physique. Arsenal also showed us another young man, better known to us by what he did in our midst –Bradshaw the former New Brighton and Southend goalkeeper. He is having a good season, and was taken to the semi-final in case Wilson broke down. It so happened Wilson broke down yesterday, but only through the glare of the sun’s rays coming across the field to blot out his vision of Gillick’s well placed corner kick. Hulme though he would put another winger in the scoring list, and he took “the half,” but he had not great times against Thomson and the splendid back pair, Cook and Jones became he was held tight by sound defence. Hulme got nothing from the crowd when he tried to kick the ball away from a man who had covered the sight of the ball with his stomach but Thomson, getting boos from the crowd for retaliation, proceeded to show his best form through the game forcing play on the left and end getting little response from them in the second half –which was a pity, because Stevenson had a very good first half, and wound up the day by nearly winning the game, this being Wilson’s very best save, taken on the half-turn and taking a pound per man from the Everton visitors. Everton’s line lacked balanced at the least convenient time. They had Arsenal in a peppery mood –the home folk said they had suffered no such attacking buffeting for years. Five times in three seconds smashing shots were covered up and out. Geldard and Cunliffe and Mercer had awful luck with really good drives, but as you know you who read this Arsenal arrange for this kind of “luck.” It is not luck at all; it is a pre-arranged plan of campaign, and far from lining up as a wall, each half back and back gives his own goal attention at any considered moment of play.
White’s Right.
Tom White played one of his masterly games. No one, exceeds him in endeavour. He works and flies into position, he does not waste his pass, he is a good header of a ball and a solid charger. Now he is attacking up the field without forgetting the pain ands of the advances “guard.” He is astonishing in his virility and ability. I have seen nothing to equal his work since the days of Charlie Roberts and I do not forget Bradshaw’s monumental work this season at Anfield. It was a pity Everton pressing claims from Mercer, White and Thomson had not a fitting finale from the forward line which did so much to approach the goal and then failed to deliverer the stinging reply. Dean had a joyful day with his head and with his asfitely delivered passes with the right amount of “drag” on them. Cunliffe did a lot of foundation work, and Geldard, in spite of his lapses through over-employing himself need least, had cruel luck with stinging drives. At back and in goal there was solidity and security, and Arsenal never looked like winning, while Everton should have won this game, and could have done so, if one of two claume had been correct – (1) the penalty incident; (2) the lack of forward balance, particularly on the extreme left, in the second half, when Arsenal were not showing up well, and Everton had their late first-half mark upon their minds. However, it is good to draw away, and Everton’s continued immunity from defeat is making them picture a high place in the League chart by the end of April. So time marches on and with it the extraordinary League chart which throws a club to the foot of the League if they lose two games in succession.
EVERTON BID TO REACH TOP HALF OF LEAGUE TABLE.
March 27, 1936. Evening Express.
Victory Over Grimsby Will Do.
Chance Of First “Double.”
By The Pilot.
Everton tomorrow will make a bid to secure a position in the top half of the First Division table. A Victory over Grimsby Town at Goodison Park will ensure this. Everton are enjoying a wonderful run of success, and on form they should beat Grimsby Town, who, followed their dismissal from the F.A. Cup, are putting up a fight to avoid the lower positions in the League. In mid-week the Mariners defeated Sheffield Wednesday 4-0, which proves that they are not upset because of their narrow defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Everton will be highly encouraged by reason of the fact that they could hold Arsenal to a draw at Highbury on Wednesday, and a little more cohesion in attack should enable them secure the victory. Incidentally, Everton have a chance of recording their first “double” of the season. It was against Grimsby that the Blues registered their only away success of the season, Everton won 4-0. Everton and Grimsby have figured in some glorious Cup, and League battles at Goodison Park; in fact I cannot recall a dull match between the clubs. Everton make no chances, and Grimsby play their full Cup team, with Hodgson at centre-half and Kelly and Vincent at full back. I anticipate that we shall see Dean making another move towards those vital four goals which will enable him to equal the record of Steve Bloomer. Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy; Kelly, Vincent; Hall, Hodgson, Buck; Baldry, Bestall, Glover, Craven, Smailes.
• Advertisement in Evening Express. League Match At Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Grimsby Town, kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra, including Tax. Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
GRIMSBY STARS AT GOODISON TOMORROW
March 27, 1936. Liverpool Echo
Trying To Make Their Seats Safe.
Bee’s Notes.
Welcome to the most sporting club in the country –Grimsby Town, to name them, in case of doubt or debate. Yes, Grimsby Town, the club that gets 8,000 gates and smiles; Grimsby Town, the team that went to the semi-final and still made no money out of it owing to compensation for League fixtures being interrupted –and still smiled, Grimsby Town, the team that carries on in spite of its luck of population and support, the team whose players admitted he had handled a goal-ball and thus led Manager Frank Womack to write, first post, to the other side, telling them for referee was quite right in his verdict. This is the side that will face Everton tomorrow at Goodison Park knowing full well Everton have had but one defeat in a dozen or so matches; knowing that Everton have made their position safe in the League or at least have promised the safety-catch, Grimsby will show us the galliant Tweedy whose name has been associated with an Arsenal deal; they will show us the tall Pat Glover, whose name has been associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers but I don’t think we need take note of the latter prospect as the same source said, “ Wolves are also thinking of signing Hartill afresh,” which would reduce transfer deals to a Gilbertian situation, Hartill having, in the last twelve months, sampled four clubs! Bestall, Craven (who has lapsed from last season’s form), and Hodgson and Kelly will be other personalities in a side so lowly in the League chart that they must make up for lost time over the Cup and get their league position secure. They are only one of a number in the same “boat” but it is quite easy to see how Easter time matches will perchance throw over he accepted pair of footers –villa and Blackburn Rovers. Grimsby’s bad luck lies in the fact that Everton have for two months been showing good term and have developed their penetration near goal. As Dean wants but few to get level with Steve Bloomer’s English League record, no true Evertonian fan dare miss any further home matches till the record is complete. All this means enthusiasm for the Goodison Park cause, and tomorrow’s match is sure to compel the people to go to Goodison and see the sporting match. Everton’s team is likely to read; Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick.
• Advertisement in The Liverpool Echo. League Match At Goodison Park, Tomorrow (Saturday) Everton v. Grimsby Town, kick-off 3.15. Admission 1/- Boys 4d. Stands extra, including Tax. Booked seats Sharp’s Whitechapel.
GRIMSBY TOWN AT GOODISON.
March 28, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Rarely has the “zone” been so wide-spread as it is at present. Everton picked up a useful point at Highbury in the week, and today they tackle Grimsby Town, who were beaten by the only goal in the Cup semi-final by the Arsenal. Grimsby are a good side who are sure to make Everton go all the way in what is likely to prove a highly interesting match. Everton are fully aware of the serious position, but a victory today is likely to prove a step of a decisive character. The onlookers will keep a special eye on Dean, in the hope that he will get nearer Bloomer’s goals record. He needs four to equal it. The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton: - Sagar; Cook, Jones; Mercer, White, Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean, Stevenson, Gillick. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy; Kelly, Vincent; Hall, Hodgson, Buck; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, Moralee.
EVERTON HEAD FOR SAFETY
March 28, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo
Four In The Grimsby Net
By Stork.
Everton want well into the “safety zone” by this 4-0 victory. They were always a shade too good for Grimsby, who did not produce their usual Merseyside form. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent and Kelly, backs; Hall, Hodgson, and Buck, half-backs; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, and Moralee, forwards. Referee Mr. C. E. Lines, Birmingham. It was a perfect day, and the attendance as a consequence was well up to average. Everton started by aid of top-class combination. Perhaps Gillick was a shade slow in sizing up a move by Stevenson, but Geldard quickly responded to the promptings of Mercer, so that Cunliffe was able to get home a great shot, which Tweedy turned aside, the ball going out to Dean and back again towards the Grimsby net, where, however it was cleared. Gillick and Stevenson sorely troubled Buck and Kelly, and White, with a free kick, sent the ball into the crowd at a terrific pace. Bestall, who is the Town’s roving commissioner, found Mercer a proposition, and was twice defeated when he attempted his clever stuff against the Everton man. The ball was difficult to control yet Everton made it do their bidding with ease, and Geldard astounded the Grimsby folks by the way he pranced beyond Kelly and then failed because he under-sliced his intended cross to the middle. Everton had dictated the run of the game thus far and when Thomson slipped through a “beautiful” ball, Cunliffe made a ferocious shot which looked certain to score until Tweedy got his hands to the ball and edged it over –a great shot and a great save. Dean received a bump on the head when he challenged Tweedy, and the first shot by the Town was a long-length drive taken by Hall, which was never likely to score from such a distance, but Bestall nearly surprised Sagar with a shot that Everton goalkeeper just managing to get his finger tips to the ball to edge it round the post; this was another magnificent save. Sagar followed with a perfect catch from Glover, while Tweedy showed that his semi-final display was no fluke when he turned over his crossbar another smashing drive by Stevenson. The Everton goal had yet another escape when loose ball came through to Glover on the right wing. Sagar did the only thing he could when he came out, and sure enough Glover must go and shoot straight at him, but the range was so short, and the shot to sharp, that Sagar could not hold the ball and it was some minutes before it was successfully cleared. Grimsby were now running more to form, and although there was not the ultra-cleverness about their play it was nevertheless effective for it was more direct. The bounce of the ball was troubling one, and all, and at long last the referee saw Hodgson foul Dean, but the free kick only produced a furry in front of the Grimsby goal.
Two Rapid Goals.
Gillick once cleverly rounded Vincent, and then squared the ball nicely to Stevenson whose shot was kicked away by a defender. When Geldard made the miss of the season the crowd simply groaned. He had the ball at his toe and the goal yawning before him. This miss may have proved costly, for had not Sagar been as live as a cat Craven would have beaten him. Then came to goals in two minutes to Everton, Gillick took the first at 36 minutes, after the ball had lobbed about in front of the Grimsby goal; his shot only just tricked in but that was enough. Stevenson obtained the second following a good centre by Geldard which Dean nodded down so that Stevenson was left with a splendid opening which he took with thanks. Cunliffe headed over, and Glover threw away a chance when he lost control of the ball.
Half-time Everton 2, Grimsby Town 0
After Everton had tested Tweedy several times in the opening minutes of the second half, Grimsby produced a spell of their best. Bestall made passes or rare precision, and the only fault was that there was no one in the Town’s front ranks to take them up. Yet the Everton defence at this point had to undergo its hardest work. Grimsby however, promised a lot, but produced little in the way of powder and shot. Then Everton took a pull to themselves having seen that a two-goals lead was not so strong a defence as it at one time appeared, and in the next few minutes they pounded the Town defence with some clever combination and dribbling. When Dean was pulled up for a charge and spoken to, the crowd were plainly annoyed and it may have been this that caused Everton to hit back, and Hodgson to save a goal, deliberately headed beyond his own upright. This led to Everton’s third goal. The Grimsby’s goalmouth and at 67 minutes White, from far out, scored a grand hot. A spectator in his joy “jumped the rails “with the intention, no doubt, of congratulating the scorer, but before he got far a policeman intercepted and escorted him off the field. Grimsby Town were weak on the wings, for neither Moralee nor Dyson did anything of outstanding note. Sagar made another great save from Glover, but at this stage. It was Stevenson’s wizardy with the ball which took the eye, he even made Bestall look moderate, and it was from Stevenson’s work that Gillick slashed the ball on to Tweedy’s body as the goalkeeper rushed out. Thomson damaged a foot, and was obviously in pain, but decided to stay the course. When Dean loomed up in the goalmouth, the Grimsby defence got so concerned that Kelly had the misfortune to put the ball through his own goal at 84 minutes. Bestall who was now outside right, gave Sagar festy ball to edge over his bar. Everton 4, Grimsby Town 0
STUD MARKS
March 28, 1936. Liverpool Football Echo
By Louis T. Kelly.
• Everton is the only First Division club that has been accorded no penalty kicks this season.
• First impressions of Everton’s latest centre half recruit, Jones, of Wrexham, are that he is “the goods.”
• The team victorious in the last two semi-final ties at Wolverhampton has gone on to win the Cup. Will Sheffield United make it three? Cardiff did it in 1927 and Everton in 1933.
• Death has taken heavy toll of Merseyside stalwarts during 1935-36. First, Mr. McIntosh, them Mr. Wade, and now the revered president of the League John McKenna.
EVERTON 4 GRIMSBY TOWN 0 (Game 1555 over-all)-(Div 1 1513)
March 30, 1936. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Everton In Form.
Stepping On To Safety.
Grimsby Town Outpointed.
By “Stork.”
Everton by their 4-0 victory over Grimsby Town stepped into the safety zone, and with an easy conscience they may easily finish the season well up the table. They are playing with great confidence at the moment and never at any time did they look like losing to Grimsby Town, although it took them a long time to score. It took them 36 minutes, to bring about the defeat of Tweedy, who had previously brought of some fine saves, but once they had scored they were, not long in adding the second for inside two minutes they had Grimsby Town facing a two-goal deficit. The Town never suggested that they would reduce it for their forward line was not together. The mainspring, Bestall, worked smoothly, but the rest did not function in unison, so all his good work counted for nought. His passes were the acme of perfection, but there was no colleagues to make full use of them. I though Everton at the outset were a little too much concerned with the making of just one more pass, while there were times when a man was not quick enough at sizing up what his colleague would do. Stevenson’s “cudding” of the ball was masterly, and he gave Gillick some capital opportunities, but the outside left was slow to get off his mark. True, he took the first goal, but even then delayed his shot o that in the end he had to make a quick drive. The ball only bounded into the net, and it was fortunate that it was going away from Tweedy, otherwise the tall, capable goalkeeper might have saved. Two minutes later Stevenson had beaten Tweedy a second time, and the game was as good as won. Grimsby Town, on the rare occasions they got within striking distance could deliver a drive. Sagar had not a lot to do but what he did was accomplished in the manner of a master. He stopped Grimsby at the right moment, for a goal to them than might have turned the game inside out. Bestall, however, was playing a lone hand, for neither Moralee nor Dyson could get away from Mercer and Thomson respectively, and Craven has lost his cunning. The big Glover found White in his most devastating form. When he elected to go into the tackle he invariably came out with the ball.
White’s Display.
White’s display was excellent, and when he scored with a hot shot at the 67th minute the crowd gave him a great cheer. Grimsby had one good spell shortly after half-time, but Everton broke loose again, and for the remainder of the time had the game in hand. Geldard will long remember chance he missed when he found himself with the ball in front of goal, and shot wide. Near the end the Grimsby defence, became unsettled through Dean’s big form hovering in their midst, and Kelly in his anxiety to make a clearance of any sort swept the ball into his own net. Everton have improved immensely in the last few weeks and although Dean did not score he was ever a danger to the Town defence, of which Hodgson was best. Geldard opened well, giving his nearby opponents yards start and a beating, but of the forwards none stood out so boldly as Stevenson. Everton’s half-back line was strong to a man. White was a care free pivot with an abundance of energy a glimtackle, and a link with the forwards.
Mercer And Thomson.
Mercer many times beat Bestall, the rower and often darted forward, delivering the ball to a partner in great style. Thomson too, struck his known form, so that the feeble Grimsby attack was throttled down almost from the start. Thomson received a foot injury when his and another boot struck the ball together. He limped his way through the rest of the game. Jones and Cook played with confidence, but the three outstanding Everton men were Sagar, White, and Stevenson. Grimsby’s half-backs were overworked because of the frailty of their attack. Hall was a worker throughout and Buck was not far behind him, but the backs, Vincent and Kelly, could not always solve Everton’s plan of campaign. Tweedy and Bestall were their stars, in a side which is not so good as it once was. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Cook and Jones, backs; Mercer, White and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Cunliffe, Dean (captain), Stevenson, and Gillick, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Vincent and Kelly, backs; Hall, Hodgson, and Buck, half-backs; Dyson, Bestall, Glover, Craven, and Moralee, forwards. Referee Mr. C. E. Lines, Birmingham.
SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 30, 1936. Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 36)
At Bramell Lane. Sheffield just about deserved their victory. In a goalless first half Sheffield passed hotly, but it was not until a minute after the resumption that Richardson gave them a deserved lead. King kept a splendid goal, and both defences showed to advantage. An injury to Bentham, who went to outside left, upset Everton’s attack, which, however, played splendidly in the closing stages.
GRIMSBY OUTPOINTED.
March 30, 1936. The Liverpool Echo.
Bee’s Notes.
Everton administered a severe blow when they beat Grimsby Town, for the defeat has sent the Fishermen into the “fighting zone, while they themselves reached the safety zone, for it is my firm conviction that their thirty-three points mean safety. Grimsby helped in their own defeat by now showing a bold front when they had their opportunities, although I do not forget Sagar’s many fine saves (writes “Stork”). Everton, however, always held the balance in hand, for there was more ability in their attack, yet they were an unearthly long time in opening the day’s scoring, but Tweedy, the Town goalkeeper, played no little part in keeping his side’s goal intact for thirty-six minutes. He made some remarkable saves in fact the goalkeeping all round was of high class for many of the shots were of such a calibre that if they had counted the goalkeeper could not have been blamed. Everton once they had got the lead played with a confidence that foretold the ultimate result, for Grimsby’s attack did not play well together. Not even the charming display of Bestall could pull the line into a united whole, so that he and Glover were shouldering all the responsibility for the two wing men, Moralee and Dyson and Craven were much below par.
Devastating
Everywhere else there was strength but without a combined attack it was a foremost proposition for Grimsby, for the Everton half back line was in its most devastating mood –amood which brooked of no denial. Bestall ran hither and thither, and made perfect passes to all parties of the ground, but there was no one present to take up his challenge to Everton, or there were they could not beat down the Everton half-backs. A good half-back line is the backbone of any side. Well, Everton had it in White, Mercer, and Thomson –a trio which “blanked out” all but Bestall and Glover. Hodgon, Hall and Buck were very little behind their rivals, but they had a much more difficult task to cope with, for the Everton forwards line was ever so much superior to that of Grimsby. Even with the lively ball Dean and his colleagues inastered its intricacies much better than the Grimsby quainter-in fact, some of their combination was elaborate. Grimsby, however, fought against it with determination and at one period got on top, but Everton gave me the impression they were “sitting on the splice” with their two goals lead. A little temper entered into the game and this set Everton off again, and White scored a grand goal to segment these of Gillick and Stevenson and so delighted was one spectator that he jumped the wall and was making his way over to White when “arrested” and taken back to his place. White had played so well that a goal was a just reward.
Magnetism.
I do not forget Sagar’ s part in this solid victory for he made wonderful saves at the critical point of the games –before Everton had scored. Two of them were nothing short us miraculous, and Bestall and Craven must have wondered how he got to the ball and what sort of magnetism he had his hands to hold such shots. Sagar’s part was unquestionably a big one. Stevenson was not to be outdone by Bestall and he riddled and darted in a manner which had the Town defence “moth-eaten” and by right Gillick should have had a profitable afternoon, but the former Ranger was very slow off the mark. On the other hand, Geldard was very quick. He started as if he would whip the Town defence all on his own, but the effort was not sustained. I have seen Jones and Cook in better form, yet they made no vital mistakes, although the former made one pass to Sagar along the goalline, which put the goalkeeper “on the spot” Sagar tried a foot to prevent Glover shaping up the chance. It was entertaining football, but until Craven remains his cunning, and the wingmen show more enterprise. Little can be expected from Grimsby’s attack, for Glover and Bestall must have support. Hodgson was a strong pivot –he was not always fair in his dealings with Dean –and both Buck and Hall were tremendous workers, but to give you an idea as to how the Town defence feared the Everton attack, I have but to sell you that they got themselves in such a knot in the final minute that Kelly in his anxiety placed the ball into his own goal.
A GRIP THEY MEAN TO KEEP.
March 30, 1936. Evening Express.
Everton’s Fine League Rally.
The Defeat Of Grimsby
By The Watcher.
If Everton maintain their present form, all questions of League safety can now be discarded. It is a brilliant recovery. Fourteen points have been collected from the last 10 games and there has been only one League defeat since December. Everton’s 4-0 victory over Grimsby Town, was one of the club’s best performances at Goodison Park this season. There was solidity, punch and power about the side that accounted for the Mariners and recorded the first “double” of the season. Nowhere was there a weak link. The defence was safe, the halves were good, and apart from occasional hasty shooting, which lost them chances of further goals, the front line always impressed as one full of “bite,” speed and enterprise. Hodgson kept closer than a shadow to Dean, who in consequence had his opportunities severely limited. Nevertheless, the Blues’ captain was able to hold the line together and time and again slip passes through to Cunliffe and Stevenson. Gillick and Geldard were always too fast for the Grimby defenders, and had not Cunliffe shown a tendency to get his foot too far under the ball when shooting at close range, more goals would, I am sure, have accepted. White was the best of the middle line. He lent invaluable support to the defence but was always ready to move up with the attack. Cook and Jones kicked well and Sagar was in great form. In fact, Sagar and Tweedy, the respective goalkeepers, were the stars of a thrill-packed game. Gillick, Stevenson, White and Kelly (own goal) were the scorers in that order for Everton.
March 1936