Everton Independent Research Data
TWO CHANGES IN EVERTON TEAM TO MEET GRIMSBY
March 2, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton for their important game with Grimsby Town have brought in Torry Gillick on the right in place of Geldard and Boyes, when has fully recovered from the knock at Leeds, retains the outside left position. Tommy Jones returns to centre half in place of Gee. Team; Morton; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. The Reserves side against Birmingham Reserves at St Andrews will be; Sagar; Jackson, Thomson; Mercer, Edwards, Lindsay; Geldard, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, Trentham.
BOYES WILL MAKE HOME DEBUT FOR EVERTON ON SATURDAY
March 2, 1938. The Evening Express
Blues’ Two Team Changes
Jones Resumes As Pivot; Gillick on Right wing.
By Pilot.
Wally Boyes, Everton’s new outside-left from West Bromwich Albion, will make his home debut on Saturday. He has been chosen to play against Grimsby Town at Goodison Park. Boyes damaged an ankle in the second half of last Saturday’s game at Leeds, but has made a good recovery. The Blues make two changes, compared with the side that took a point in that great 4-4 battle at Elland-road. Tommy Jones, who was absent owing to an ankle injury, returns to centre half and this means that he will be ready to play for Wales against Ireland in the international match at Belfast on March 16. The other change is in attack. Here Geldard is omitted. Torry Gillick, the Scottish international takes the position. There is no doubt that Gillick is more successful on the right, even though he has represented his country only as an outside-left, and it was as a left winger that Everton originally signed him. Gillick, as a matter of fact, has expressed a preference for the right wing, and I know he will be happier there. Watson continues at left-half in place of Mercer. Everton; Morton; Greenhalgh, Jones (JE); Britton, Jones (TG), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
Team To Visit Birmingham
Geldard will play in the second eleven team to visit Birmingham in a Central League game, while Mersey will continue at right half-back. Everton 2nd x1; Sagar; Jackson, Thomson; Mercer, Edwards, Lindley; Geldard, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON MAY MAKE A STEP TO SAFETY TOMORROW
March 4, 1938. The Evening Express
Grimsby Town at Goodison Park
Boyes Home Debut
By Pilot.
Everton will continue their battle for safety tomorrow, when they oppose Grimsby Town, another club in need of points, at Goodison Park. The partial success of the Blues at Leeds gives sound foundation for tipping them as winners against a side that possesses plenty of craft in attack. Danger, however lies in over –confidence. I recall some seasons ago when Grimsby visited Goodison Park seemingly with little chance. They won 4-2 and the defeat virtually sent Everton to the Second Division. Everton are playing better football now than at any time during the season. They are accepting their chances, and Wally Boyes, who will be making his home debut; has brought strength to the forward line. There should be a warm welcome for Jackie Coulter, the former Everton outside-left, who will be playing on the ground for the first time in the Town colours. Another big attraction will be Hughie Gallacher, the famous Scottish international centre-forward. I anticipate a good, sporting game and think the Blues can make that safety move. Everton; Morton; Greenhalgh, Jones (Jack); Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
EVERTON SHOULD TAKE BOTH POINTS FROM GRIMSBY
March 4, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes.
Everton, tomorrow are home to Grimsby, and after their fighting spirit at Leeds, victory seems within their power. Grimsby’s attack has sadly missed the guilding hand and personality of Pat Glovers. Its record in the “Goals for” column is the poorest in the division. In seven games they have failed to find the net at all, and 13 times have been unable to go beyond one. If the home attack is in the same mood as last week I look for a solid victory. Everton must put their best efforts forward right from the start. Let them do away with that gradual warming up process, which gives the opposition too much scope in the early stages. A two goal deficit cannot always be nullified like it was at Elland Road.
A Relegation Game
By Stork
The winners of the Everton-Grimsby Town match at Goodison Park tomorrow are going to do themselves a great deal of good, so it can be taken for granted that it will be a tussle to the bitter end. Grimsby are almost as greatly concerned about their position as Everton, so the game is of vital importance as a means to step up the table. Coulter has been an eye-opener since he joined the Town. He made his presence felt from the moment he donned their jersey, and it will be interesting to see how he fares against his former comrades. Coulter at his best is an entertaining winger and comparisons are bound to be made between him and his successors, Boyes who will take the honours.
A Personality.
Boyes made an impressive debut against Leeds, and I know his colleagues took to him immediately. He plays more straight forwardly than Coulter, who ambles through a game but is always a danger near goal. Another feature of the game is the reappearance on Merseyside of Hughie Gallacher, still one of the personalists of the game and a man to be feared. He will find Tommy Jones a “fair” man to play against, for Jones relies solely on skill as distinct from many other centre half backs I know of. Hughie will have little chance in the air, but “on the floor” he is capable of holding his own with any. I am looking forward to a great tussle between the pair. It is age against youth.
Remedied
I forecast a draw a week ago, I will go one better this time and vote for an Everton victory, based on what I have seen away from home where with the least bit of luck they would have won games they have lost. It has all been due to bad marksmanship, but as this seems to be remedied, I think we can safely look to a home win.
Gillick Preferred.
Cunliffe is shooting better these days, and Lawton’s second goal against Leeds was one of the best I have ever seen. Gillick has been preferred to Geldard on the Everton right wing. He has not the speed of Geldard, but he does cut in, something Geldard would never do. That failing, I think, has cost him his place. Watson’s backing up the left wing last week improved the left flank, which has been weakness ever since Coulter palmy days. Everton; Morton; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Grimsby Town; Tweedy; Vincent, or Kelly, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck; Shaw, Beattie, Gallacher, Craven, Coulter.
GRIMSBY TOWN TO TEST EVERTON
March 5, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have a chance to step a little higher on the safety ladder. They are at home to Grimsby Town, and I believe they will not allow a similar debacle to that of a few years ago, when Robson scored four goals which practically put Everton in the Second Division. Everton’s draw at Leeds last week demonstrated that the forwards can score goals if they take a chance and shoot hard and often. This time the team will be strengthened by the return of T.G. Jones to the pivotal berth. Special interest will be shown in the first home appearance of Boyes, while Gillick’s display at outside right in place of Geldard is another feature. Coulter will oppose his old colleagues and as Gallacher is also in the Grimsby ranks there are many phases which add zest to the occasion. The kick-off is at 3.15 and the teams are: - Everton; Morton; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Grimsby Town; Tweedy; Vincent, or Kelly, Hodgson; Hall, Betmead, Buck; Shaw, Beattie, Gallacher, Craven, Coulter.
Grimsby Away Record.
Grimsby Town have fulfilled 15 away fixtures this season, losing seven and securing 9 points from the other 8 by means of a victory over Huddersfield Town (2-1), and drawn games with Birmingham, Blackpool, Sunderland (all by 2-2), leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke City (1-1), and Charlton Athletic (0-0). Today’s visit will be Grimsby’s eighth in quest of League points, and from their meetings with Everton at Goodison Park they have taken away four points by successes in 1901-02 by 1-0, 1929-30 by 4-2. The other games have gone in Everton’s favour by 4-2, 4-2, 3-1, 4-0, and 3-0.
EVERTON’S PLACE IN THE SUN.
March 5, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Welcome Victory Over Grimsby
Fine Forward Play
By Stork.
Everton did themselves a power of good when they beat Grimsby Town, who gave a very feeble exhibition, no one suggesting they were fighting a relegation battle. Teams: - Everton: - Morton, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE); backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Kelly, and Hodgson, backs; Hall, Beatmead, and Buck, half-backs; Shaw, Beattie, Gallagher, Craven, and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. H. N. Mee, Mansfield. The day made us think of the summer, with its cricket and tennis flannels, for it was the best days we have had this year. The position of Grimsby and Everton was such that the game had an important bearing at the bottom of the table. The game had an additional attraction in that it brought back to Goodison, Coulter, who at one time entertained by his glorious wing play for Everton. Then, of course there was Boyes making his home debut. A week ago Boyes did well on his initial outing, and there were many anxious to see how he would do on this, his first home game. Everton opened with a great confidence, and Gillick was early prominent on the right when he almost surprised the Grimsby defence when he sneaked through, but was just beaten in the nick of time. The Town defence had become unsettled even at this early stage, and Kelly gave away a corner which Gillick dropped in front of goal, and it was some minutes before the Grimsby defence got rid of the danger. Then Coulter, after the run of the ball had beaten Britton (it had been so lively up to now that it beat more than Britton), with a long length centre forced Morton to make a catch which he did in a nonchalant manner even through Gallagher was almost at his shoulder.
Coulter’s Neat Trick.
Coulter, with a neat trick, got the better of Britton, and slipped the ball inside to his partner Craven, who in turn banged it over to Shaw. These were good football tactics even though Shaw’s centre was safely headed away by Jones. Britton then showed his command of the ball and his manner of getting himself out of a difficult position by the simple method of the back heel. So far the shooting had been nonexistence, and when Lawton tried one shot the ball flew wide of the mark. Boyes after having beaten Hall, could not follow up the ball because the Grimsby man had locked his legs. The free kick produced nothing of any account. Gallacher was finding Jones’s height a serious barrier to his progress, but nevertheless he was always hanging about on the lookout for a half chance that might come his way. He realized he had no chance who the ball in the air so he wisely decided to stand close to the header in case the ball came anywhere near him. Gallagher was almost through because he “used his head” his lob being only a shade too far forward for him to follow up. When Lawton was through he seemed to be pushed in the back by Betmead just as he was about to make his shot. He was so close to the goalkeeper that he almost kicked the ball out of Tweedy’s hands.
Boyes Hits Hard.
Boyes forced Tweedy to catch a curling shot of his. Morton had to deal with a similar shot by Coulter. The greatest thrill we had thus far was provided by Boyes who took a pass from Cunliffe in his stride and hit the ball with great power and a goal seemed certain, but the direction was not quite true. Nevertheless it was a great effort, and in the next half minute that Everton attack pounced down on the Grimsby defence, and with Gillick at centre forward matters were looking dangerous from a Grimsby point of view, but the Scot’s shot was cannoned out. The lively ball was undoubtedly upsetting matters it was difficult to control, and did some tremendous things. Gallagher almost sneaked beyond the Everton defence, which was not aware of the presence and Morton had to rush out of goal to prevent Gallagher from going through to an open goal. At 27 minutes a goal came to Everton in an uncommon way.
Lawton’s Clever Hook Shot.
It was least expected for when Stevenson and Britton made the play the Town defence seemed well established. Cunliffe missed the ball and it was perhaps as well he did so for it enabled Lawton to make a hook shot which left Tweedy no chance. Lawton is a great opportunists. He does not need a lot of chance, as those who saw this goal can well imagine. Britton tried his luck and Tweedy had to make a full-length dive to get at the ball, which had been slightly deflected. Greenhalgh was having a testing time against Coulter, who is still a master of ball control and the centering of it. Everton’s goal had the effect of livening up matters and when Stevenson let the ball go by him to hoodwink the Grimsby defence Lawton smashed in another first time drive that a less capable goalkeeper than Tweedy would not have saved. At 33 minutes Gillick produced the second Everton goal by thoughtful football. He slipped round Hodgson with ease and looked up to see where he should put the ball and saw Stevenson there. The ball went right to the foot of the Irishman, who crashed home an unstoppable shot from close in –I should say twenty yards out. Everton were playing beautiful football at this point, and Lawton side tapped the ball to Stevenson so that the latter was almost given a spot kick, but he blazed the ball over the bar. He tried to improve on this with two shots, one of which slapped up against Lawton.
Half-time Everton 2 Grimsby T 0.
The Coulter Touch.
Everton resumed in a happy position, and soon found that Grimsby were willing to test the issue even though they were two goals in arrears and in nine minutes, otherwise 54 minutes they had reduced the lead through Coulter. When Buck took the free kick Coulter sneaked over the inside right position, and as the ball came across he stepped forward and headed it over Morton’s head. It looked a simple goal because there was no flourish about it, yet had not Coulter acted quicker it never would have been. Everton were inclined to be over elaborate and for once on a way Lawton showed hesitancy to shoot which is foreign to him. Gillick had made ducks and drakes of Kelly and Hall, and put the ball over to Lawton, just as he likes it, but he started too slowly and the ball was cleared before he could reach it. The game was still lacking in fire. Lawton missed another gilt-edged chance when Stevenson slipped the ball over to him. He does not miss many like this. At 78 minutes Everton scored a third goal and to all intends and purposes sealed the issue unless Grimsby could find a burst of scoring that they had not promised to do up to now. Lawton was the scorer, and it looked at first that he was going to miss the chance, but he decided to deaden the ball that came over from Gillick. By so doing he reduced his chance, but he managed to find a corner in which to but the ball. Betmead kept one ball out of his net, if not two, and Gillick might have done better when Tweedy was out of goal. However, Everton had little to fear from the very moderate Grimsby team. Buck made one of Grimsby’s best shots when he struck the crossbar. Almost on time Gallagher scored for Grimsby, Morton got his hands to the ball, but could not hold it. As the players left the field Gallagher went over to Tom Jones and shook his hand. Final Everton 3, Grimsby Town 2.
THE BEST EVERTON
March 5, 1938, The Liverpool Football Echo
By G.A. Brooking.
The best Everton backs of all time “put Downs and Doyle, a rugged pair that some of the fancy forward lines of today would fight say Of.” So writes a keen enthusiast Mr. J.H. Hyslops, in relation to my recent article on Merseyside memories of the Association game. He agrees with me that Roose is the best goalkeeper; though Scott’s steady consistency, Hillman’s occasional wonderful afternoon, and in the far-off days, Davy Jardine’s agility, comes to mind. Mr. Hyslops prefers Kelso at right half instead of Boyle, but agrees that Holt and Robertson should be at centre and left half respectively as in my choice.. On the right wing he think that Latta and Brady are preferable to Bell and Coleman, Dean is a unamomous choice at centre though he omits Jack Southworth with regret. I agree with him, for Southworth comes very close to Dean and is just in front of Fred Geary, Bert Freeman and Sandy Young. Southworth’s passing from Goodison comes to mind for he was injured in a friendly with Preston North End and never played again. But to return to the forwards Mr.Hyslop prefers Settle whom he thinks “is the best inside3 forward Everton ever had, and Jack Bell, whom he stated is the Blues finest forward of all time. Well, there is always room for two opinions and this is a powerful team and the fact that I prefer Chadwick and Milward on the left does not say that I am right. What a character Sandy Young was. The spectators had a real affection for him and their singing of “Height ho, Sandy scored a goal” recalls fragrant memories of his priceless scoring effort which brought the English Cup to Goodison in 1906. It only seems yesterday but a lot has happened since then, and sandy’s life ended sadly in Australia –but that is another story! Mr. Hyslop’s team is; Roose; Downs, Doyle; Kelso, Holt, Robertson; Latta, Brady, Dean, Settle, Bell. The side I chose was Roose; Kelso Parry; Boyle, Holt, Robertson; Bell, Coleman, Dean, Chadwick, Milward. As the showman said “You pay your money and takes your choice.
EVERTON 3 GRIMSBY TOWN 2 (Game 1635 over-all)-(Div 1 1593)
March 3, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Welcome Lift For Everton
Gillick At Home On The Right.
Gallacher And T. Jones In Keen Duel.
By Stork.
When two teams situated at the foot of the table are engaged, the usual result is a hard-fought and narrow victory for the winners. There was nothing of this nature about the Everton-Grimsby Town game, which moved along on calm, dignified lines. The result was a narrow one, 3-2 for Everton, but the game was deadly quiet most of the time. Everton should have won be a more handsome margin than a goal, for they were the more purposeful team, particularly in the first half when they should have helped themselves to more than two goals. After the furor of shots at Leeds I naturally expected them to keep Tweedy a busy man, but this sound goalkeeper was shot not unduly disturbed with Everton’s efforts. He had no chance with the two goals which beat him for they were of the unstoppable kind, but leaving them out of it, what others were likely to beat him?
Gallacher Takes His One Chance.
Boyes came along with a fierce drive which hit the side netting and Stevenson had two cannoned out but the remainder, which caused Tweedy to handle were not the sort to beat such a safe custodian. It was well for Everton that the Seasiders had not a real shot in their locker. Coulter brought Morton into action with swerving centres, and Craven made one or two “chancy” effort, but the Town attack was weak and easily held at bay. Gallacher could do nothing against T. Jones not even with the ball on the ground, so it must have been very satisfying to him to score with preciously the last kick of the match –his one and chance. There can be no don’t that Gallacher had met his master, and was the first to acknowledge it as when the teams left the field he went across to Jones and congratulated him on his display. Gallacher had been so used to playing against the relentless type of centre half that he must have found it a pleasure to oppose someone who would allow him to play. But Jones allowed Gallacher to play as well as he (Jones) wanted him to play, I think both Grimsby’s two goals should have been prevented for in each case it was a defensive hesitancy which let in Coulter and Gallacher to score. At half-time it seemed that Everton would win convincingly, for the Town’s attack rarely trusted to deliver a damaging blow, even when they had opened a way to goal, Everton should have improved their goal average in this game, with the chance at their disposal. Almost immediately they had the Grimsby Town defence falling into error. Gillick soon proved that the outside right was his best position and that Boyes would need little inducement to but in and shot. Everton were the more elaborate side, perhaps too much so. Lawton opened the day’s scoring with a drive on the half turn which left tweedy helpless and Stevenson found the net with a drive of equal power, from Gillick’s well-placed centre.
Typical Coulter Goal.
Coulter, obtained his goal through the Everton defence failing to mark him when he slipped over to inside right when Buck took his free kick. He bounded forward and headed over the head of Morton into the net. It was a typical Coulter goal, sneaked from under the nose of the opposition defence. He had been a worry to Greenhalgh with his intricate footwork, but taken right through the Town attack was peltry in its efforts, and it was not until the last minute that Gallacher broke loose from Jones’s vice like grip. Again it was a case of a slack Everton defence. I am not sure whether I would prefer Watson to Mercer, even with the latter’s failure to make accurate passes. Boyes did not get a lot of passes from Watson whose defence was not nearly so solid as Mercer’s. These two players must be a big problem. Does it do to sacrifice defence for attack? I have known all long that Gillick was not an outside left. On the opposite wing he played his best game for some time. He took up good position and was undoubtedly more at home on the right. Stevenson and Boyes were not as prominent as the right wing pair because they were given less to do. Boyes with more time to settle down, will do. I put Jones as the best back on the field. His kicking being sure, his tackling faultless, Greenhalgh, as already stated found Coulter a difficult proposition. Morton made some good saves but he might have saved the last goal seeing that he got his hands to the ball, which flew up and over his head. Grimsby’s position became more desperate than ever as a result of this defeat, and on this form is going to have a great struggle to avoid relegation. Teams: - Everton: - Morton, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE); backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Grimsby Town: - Tweedy, goal; Kelly, and Hodgson, backs; Hall, Beatmead, and Buck, half-backs; Shaw, Beattie, Gallagher, Craven, and Coulter, forwards. Referee Mr. H. N. Mee, Mansfield.
BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 4
March 7, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 32)
Playing fast, clever football, Everton deservedly won at St. Andrews, before the biggest reserve gate of the season. From the start Geldard proved a fast and clever winger and he gave Everton the lead following good work by Bell after 30 minutes. Birmingham improved towards the interval but Jennings and Parr found Sagar safe. Fast exchanges characterized the second half with Everton’s forward making greater use of their chances. Bell (2) scoring from Geldard’s centres, while the winger obtained the fourth goal a few minutes from the end. The visitors defence was sound all round with mercer most prominent. Everton: - Sagar, goal; Jackson and Thomson, backs; Mercer, Edwards and Lindley, half-backs; Geldard, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards.
EVERTON TAKE A BIG JUMP; GRIMSBY LET DONW LIGHTLY
March 7, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Another Monday morning round again, but one for a change that finds Goodison followers tackling the day’s work with smiling faces. Two points from Grimsby and up go Everton like a rocket six places in the table. But their position is not a true one, for half a dozen clubs below them have games in hand, some as many as three. Saturday’s was not a game to enthuse about over-much, but the points count just the same. In addition to the reason above the Blues owe their big jump partly to their good goal average, which puts them ahead of five sides whose points are equal. Goal average may yet play a vital part in the final relegation decision. If it does and Everton are concerned –though I do not think they will be –there will be little to fear. It’s a long time since a club in the bottom half of the table provided the leading scorer in the First Division. Lawton’s two on Saturday brings his total to 23 so that not only has he outstripped McCulloch but has a bigger total than any other player in English football. Not bad going for a lad of his years in his first senior season. There are few players with Lawton’s wonderful facility for whipping in a full-blooded first-time drive on the half-turn. His first goal against Grimsby was one of the type, and he has got several others in similar fashion. One of the hardest shots of all to put in with any degree of curacy, young Lawton seems to have mastered the knack better than most. With good fortune and freedom from injury I reckon Everton have in him a future leader of England. There is plenty of time, yet, but I shall be surprised if one day we do not see the two toms of Goodison –Jones and Lawton –on oppose sides in an international.
Likely Irish Caps.
Coulter’s goal was his eight for Grimsby, all singles. Three have been winning goals and two others have forced a draw, so that Grimsby’s position but for Coulter might easily have been where Portsmouth are now. Small wonder they are well satisfied with their bargains. On his present form I imagine Coulter should walk into the Irish team to meet Wales next week. It is being picked this evening, and in addition to the former Evertonian, Ireland will doubtless ask for Stevenson and Cook. The Goodison directorate has signified its willingness to release them if chosen. Following an off day against England last October, Stevenson was dropped in favour of Mcalinden, of Belfast Celtic, but a Belfast friend who is in close touch there tells me he is practically a certainty this time.
Grimsby Were Flattered.
By Stork
Should Grimsby Town go down to the Second Division I know a few critics who will be keenly disappointed, and I am one of them, for a more hospitable club than the Town could not be found. Win or lose makes no matter, for they are great sportsman. But I am afraid that they are due to go through a nerve-testing time, for the side is not playing at all well, and Everton’s victory has placed them to the throes, and it will require a big pull to lift them out of it. They scored two goals at Goodison Park, which looks particularly good, but in my opinion neither should have been scored, Coulter was not offside when he nodded the ball beyond Morton, but he was unmarked, and Gallacher, who did little or nothing throughout the match, thanks to Tommy Jones was unattended for the first time when he scored in the last minute.
Quiet, Sirs!
It was not the pulsating game we had anticipated considering that each club was engaged in a vital match, a match which my mean clearance from the last two positions. For long spoils there was not a whisper from the crowd. It might have been a match played in cameral. True there was not a great deal to thrill us. At Leeds a week ago, Goodison the pulse never oared above normal. Everton on balance of play, comfortable winners, yet in the moments Grimsby might have gone off with a point for the Everton crossbar was rattled by Buck, as you can judge for yourself how close the visitors came to drawing. Not that they deserved it, for they were always playing second fiddle to a much superior Everton team who may have played down to the level of their opponents. It often is the case. Lawton put my heart in my mouth when he scored his second goal. I felt sure he would miss the gilt edged chance by his hesitancy to shoot. He was not hesitant with his opening goal, which came from a hook shot which put a bulge in the back of the Grimsby net. Stevenson cracked home a cannon ball which I don’t think Tweedy saw it alone made an effort to save. Lawton all through shot with power, and Stevenson followed suit in a lesser degree while Boyes almost tore away the side netting with a pile-driver.
Knotty Problem.
I am still wondering which of the two, Mercer or Watson I would prefer in my side. I know Mercer’s limitations when passing the ball, but I acknowledge him the finest defensive half-back in the game. To be quite fair how many games passes did Watson put up to Boyes. I watched carefully and they were very few. Can Everton afford to sacrifice defence for attack at this stage? Don’t forget it was through slack defence that Grimsby got their two goals. It is a knotty problem the directors have to decide. Gillick played his best game of the season. He is essentially a right winger –and never again, only in case of strict emergency must he be switched over to the left. He seemed at home on the right, and took up the position. He had a lot to do with Everton’s success. Lawton missed several simple goal, but scored a beauty; Boyes did not get the support he needs. When he had the ball he did well with it, controlling it skillfully and centring strongly and judiciously. Britton was the artistic half back, and Jack Jones was the best of the four backs engaged. Greenhalgh was often beaten by coulter –more famous players them Greenhalgh have suffered a similar fate against this “cheeky Irishman.
TWO EVERTON PLAYERS “CAPPED” FOR TENTH TIME.
March 8, 1938. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Sports Log.
Two Everton players have been chosen to play for Ireland against Wales, in Belfast, on Wednesday, March 16. They are Billy Cook, right back, and Alex Stevenson, inside-left. Cook, the boy with the Scottish ascent will again captain the team. This will be his tenth “cap” and he has been skipper of the team throughout this season. Stevenson regains his place, after missing the match against Scotland. He will also be receiving his tenth “cap.”
TODAY’S CUP GAME AT HOLY PARK
March 9, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
South Liverpool and Everton meet in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup competition at Holy Park this afternoon and the game is bound to prove a big attraction. The Everton side is a strong one, and includes Morton in goal, Cook at left back, mercer right half, and Bell, Dean and Dougal in the attack. The kick-off is at four o’clock and the teams are- South Liverpool: - Roper; Dodd, Hurst; Watson, Salmon, Pilling; Hughes, Houghton, Roscue, Jones (T), Carr. Everton; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Mercer, Edwards, Lindley; Merritt, Bell, Dean, Dougal, Trentham.
T.G Jones, the Everton centre half, is to play against Ireland for Wales at Belfast, to gain his first cap, Cook and Stevenson to play for Ireland.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP
March 9, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
South Liverpool At Home To Everton
By Stork
South Liverpool entertained Everton in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Holly Park, this afternoon. South are unbeaten at home, and were keen to show that they were worthy of promotion to the Third Division. They put out a strong team, the best at their command, and Everton included in their side internationals in Cook and Dean. This was “Dixie” first appearance at Holley Park and a large crowd turned up to see what promised to be a keen game. South Liverpool: - Roper, goal; Dodd, and Hurst, backs; Watson, Salmon, and Pillings, half-backs; Hughes, Houghton, Roscoe, Jones (T), and Carr, forwards. Everton: - Morton, Goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Mercer, Edwards, and Lindley, half-backs; Merritt, Bell, Dean, Douglas, and Trentham forwards. The local estimate of the crowd was 4,000 with more to follow. The players came on the field as they do at all local Derbys on Merseyside, two by two. In five minutes Trentham scored for Everton, after Dean had headed up against the upright. After 10 minutes the South equalized, Roscoe scoring from a melee under the Everton crossbar. Everton debated the point but the referee was in the best position to see, so allowed the goal.
SAGAR BACK IN EVERTON SENIOR SIDE.
March 9, 1938. The Evening Express.
First Football League Game This Year.
Visit To Preston.
By Pilot.
Ted Sagar, Everton’s English international goalkeeper, will make his first appearance in the Football League side since December 27, on Saturday, when he plays against Preston North End at Deepdale. Sagar takes the place of Morton, this being the only change in the side which defeated Grimsby Town. It was in the first half of the match against Leicester City at Goodison Park, on Boxing Day, that Sagar in diving to a low ball, suffered dislocation of the shoulder. He did not play again until February 19, when he assisted the Central League side at Wolverhampton. Since then he has played three times for the second eleven, but has not conceded a goal. He has been playing well. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (Jack); Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
SAGAR RESUMES
March 10, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Sagar resumes in goal for Everton after a long absence when he will appear in the team to meet Preston north end at deepdale on Saturday. He was hurt on Boxing Day in the game with Leicester city, and apart from the friendly game against Halifax town he has not since appeared in the senior side. It is hoped that he will have better fortune than when he appeared after his cartilage operation. Sagar for Morton is the only change, and the team will be Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
SOUTH LIVERPOOL 1 EVERTON RESERVES 4
March 10, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Liverpool Senior Cup Semi-Final
Everton reach Local Cup Final
South Liverpool Lose After Good Start
By Stork.
Everton, by their 4-1 victory over South Liverpool in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup, qualified to meet Tranmere Rovers at a later date. Efforts were made after the game yesterday at Holly Park to decide the day and venue, but nothing definite was reached. South Liverpool gave quite a good account of themselves in the first 45 minutes but they took so much out of themselves that in the second half they were almost stone cold. Everton appeared to take the game is a matter of fact sort of manner and this led to the belief that South Liverpool would win their customary home victory. I could see, however, it was only a question of time before Everton took complete command. There was a big crowd. Over 7,000 people paid close on £200 to see the match. South Liverpool had not lost a home League game since they were beaten by Morecambe last season, and it was quite a change for the onlookers to see the home side in arrears after 5 minutes. Dean headed on to the upright o that Trentham could shoot into the net. South Liverpool were not upset so badly as one would have thought, and they applied such pressure that Morton had to make a number of saves, and within another five minutes the home side had equalized through a goal by Roscoe, the Everton players disputing the point. They contended that the ball had gone over the line before it went to Roscue, but the referee was in the best position to see, South Liverpool were right on their toes during this half, and they played very fine football. Their passing was good, their combination was full of wisdom and the defence perfectly sound against whatever the Everton attack leveled at it, Morton had to make three times as many saves as Roper.
Salmon And Dean
Everyone was keen to see Dean, but Dean was not at his best, at least when near goal. His midfield play was as good as ever, for he put the ball out nicely to his colleagues, but he found Salmon, the South Liverpool centre half, a willing challenger to any more he made. The score was 1-1 t the interval, but from then on the game went the Everton way. South Liverpool had tried themselves out, and Everton playing with a little more vigour and certainly more craft, had little difficulty in adding three further goals. Dean got one, the last, but I thought Roper should have saved it, for there was little power behind the shot, and he actually stopped it with his hands, but the ball seemed to spin out of his hands, and go into the net. Before this Trentham and Bell had scored and if Everton had gone right out they might have added to this total. Roscue who was expected to do must damage to the Everton defence, got little or no chance. He was well held by Edwards, the Everton centre half back. Teams: - South Liverpool: - Roper, goal; Dodd, and Hurst, backs; Watson, Salmon, and Pillings, half-backs; Hughes, Houghton, Roscoe, Jones (T), and Carr, forwards. Everton: - Morton, Goal; Jackson and Cook, backs; Mercer, Edwards, and Lindley, half-backs; Merritt, Bell, Dean, Douglas, and Trentham forwards.
EVERTON IN CUP FINAL
March 10, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Everton had little difficulty in winning their Senior Cup semi-final with South Liverpool at Holly Park yesterday. The South promised to make a match of it with the Central League leaders, but gradually they were worn down by a more skilful side, and in the second half had not a leg to stand on. Everton appeared to treat the matter casualty in the first half, so that the South showed up well with progressive football, and Morton had to make a member of excellent saves. The crowd -7,000 –were delighted at the way their favourites fared during this period, and were looking forward to another home victory. It was denied them for the first time this season; and there was a quietness in the second half which had but one explanation –that South Liverpool had met their match. Dean was one of the attractions, but I am afraid he disappointed the Southenders, for he was not very assertive yet beneath his seemingly matter of fact play, there were touches of brilliance in some of his moves. Everton now meet Tranmere Rovers in the final. The day and venue has yet to be decided. Everton’s reserve team to meet Newcastle United, at Goodison Park (3.15) is; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Mercer, Edwards, Lindley; Geldard, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, Trentham.
BLUES’ CHANCE OF A POINT.
March 11, 1938. The Evening Express.
By Pilot.
Everton are putting up a fine fight for security in the First Division and if they can avoid defeat at Preston they will make a big step to safe ground for they have a fine run of home games to conclude the season. Boyes has brought life into the attack, and Greenhalgh has settled down to a splendid partnership with Jack Jones at full back. There is more confidence about the Blues all round. Sagar returns to the side following injury for the first time since Dec 27. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (JE); Britton, Jones (TG), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
FACTS ABOUT EVERTON
March 11, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Looking at their League table as it is at present constituted, one would not think that Everton were in any danger for they are almost half way up the table, but it is a false position, for they are half a dozen teams on the same mark and Everton are on top only by goal average. Goal average, however, can be a very valuable asset at the tail-end of the season. It has saved teams before now, and may do so again, although I do not anticipate that Everton will be concern and when the time comes, for they are concerned that they will make a move up and from now on. When Preston North End visited Goodison Park last year, they gave the finest exhibition of football open there for some time. Changes have been made in their attack, but they are still one of the most spectacular sides in the country. On form Everton, should have no chance at Deepdale tomorrow, but form seems to count for nought these days.
Encouraging.
Everton’s record at Deepdale is encouraging. It is one of their favourite grounds. Oh, yes, teams have their good as well as bad grounds and Preston’s is undoubtedly one of Everton’s successful enclosures, I am looking forwards to this game with interest for I hope to see some really clever football. The North End team has a lot of Scotch blood in it, and it is a known fact that Scotland breeds the best footballers. However, Everton are not without skill. They have been accused before now of sacrificing goals for pretty play, but in recent games have gone but more for goals, the start and end all of football as regards League position.
The Only Change.
Everton have made one change in their side Sagar resuming in place of Morton, who has filled the breach with great success. I saw Sagar in the Junior “Derby” game and he impressed me than as being ready for the first team when required. I have no bone to pick with Morton, a very able goalkeeper and a likeable chap into the bargain. I was pleased to hear that Tommy Jones has been honoured by Wales for I hinted at it in his very early days, when he was figuring in that Everton Central League side, Jones has earned his “cap.” I wish him a good game at Belfast, and a long reign in the Welsh team. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
DEAN LEAVES EVERTON
March 12, 1938, Liverpool Daily Post
Famous Player For Notts County
Won Every Honour In The Game
By Stork
Everton F. C, were concerned. Last night in one of the most surprising transfer. Deal on Merseyside or some years, W.R.Dean being transferred to Notts County at a fee somewhere in the vicinity of £3,000. The negotiations lasted four hours. Almost as soon as the deal was completed dean left by road in company with messes chairman Barnes director Irvine, and manager harry banks and he will play for his new club against queen’s park rangers at Sheppard’s bush to-day. Until this season dean has been a regular member of the senior side and has won every honour in the game. For some time dean, who was captain of the club, has been playing in the centre-league side and his play had done much to take the club to the leadership. At his best he was considered the finest centre-forward in football and earned high praise for his superb judgment in heading the ball, which he glided in any direction with infinite ease and skill.
Everton’s Best Bargain
Dean practically served all his football on Merseyside, for it was from tranmere rovers that the Everton club obtained (in 1925) his signature at the comparatively low figure of £3,000, the best bargain the Everton club ever made in-its long history. At the time Dean was with the rovers I was closely connected with the Prenton Park club, and for many weeks before he left Birkenhead almost every prominent club in the country had sent a representative to Prenton Park to see him. During his twelve years at Everton he was practically unassailable as their centre-forward. A man who has had so many years as a leader in present-day football with the knocking and bumping about he had to take, Dean naturally lost some of his pace and his troublesome ankle robbed him of shooting power. Even to this day, however, dean can head a ball with greater precision than any other man in the game. Notts County, in taking Dean have, I am sure done themselves a good Stoke of business for there are still several years of good football left in him. His positional play and keen knowledge of the game make him a man to be greatly feared. His presence in the side meant as lot to Everton, while his personality meant hundreds of pounds to his own club and the clubs Everton had to visit, for dean’s name in the Everton, team-sheet meant added wealth to the home side.
Eight-Two Goals in a Season
The greatest ambition of Dean was to win an English cup medal. He had already won all other honours football had to offer, and in 1933 this ambition was fulfilled. He led Everton to victory over Manchester city by a margin of 3-0. One will not naturally forget the great scoring season of 1927-28 when dean broke all records with 60 league goals to his credit beating the 59 obtained by cansell when Middleborough were in the second division. He scored 82 goals in all matches that season. Many on Merseyside will recall that memorable match with the arsenal at Goodison Park. Only a few minutes were left, if dean was to break Camsell’s record, but it was sufficient for almost on time dean got his head to a centre by troup and the record was broken. On September 2 1936 dean scored his 353rd goal to beat Steve Bloomer’s long standing record. Between 1927 and 1933 he grained ten international caps against home countries and he also played against France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain on the continent. Dean’s trophies also include first and second division championship medals. Altogether dean scored 349 league goals for Everton in 399 matches. In all he has made 428 football league appearances (including tranmere rovers) and netted 378 goals.
EVERTON’S TASK
March 12, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton, a little better off than their local rivals, also tackle a club which is in the Semi-Finals of the Cup In Preston North End, at Deepdale, so that the Goodison Park club has a severe task. North End are in a comfortable position in the first flights and are keen to get higher. It will be a game worth seeing. Sagar returns to the Everton team in place of Morton. Everton; Sagar; Greenhaglh, Jones (JE); Britton, Jones (TG), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
Preston North End; (probable); Holdcroft; Gallimore, Beattie (A); Shankly, Smith, Milne; Watmough, Mutch, Dougal, Beattie (R), O’Donnell.
EVERTON TRANSFER DEAN TO NOOTS COUNTY
March 12, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Greatest Centre Forward of His Time
Sixty Goals in a Season-After Broken Head in Car Crash
His Never To-Be-Forgotten Headers
By Stork
Followers of the Everton Football Club must have received a great shock when they opened their paper this morning and found that the famous Everton centre forward, W. R. (Dixie) Dean had been transferred to Notts County, the Third Division Southern team. Dean, had not played even in the Central League team for a week or two. Reports had it that Dean’s signature was desired by several clubs, but to every inquiry put to the club came the reply. “We know nothing about.” But one must not overlook the fact that only a few days remained for the transfer of players –March 16 is the last day on which a player can be signed, and play in a team with either promotion ambitions or concerned in the relegation question. That may have influenced the County to step in quickly. However, that is all by the way. The fact remains that Dean, the most talked of footballer in this decade, has left Everton, the team he has captained for many seasons. There will be a lot of discussion about this transfer, for although Dean has not been showing the form which made his name household throughout the world of sport, he still has a big following. No player during my time has earned such praise as Dean. “The best centre forward ever” was tagged to his name by all and sundry, and who could dispute the statement.
“Give It to Dixie.”
There was not a greater personality in the game than Dean. Everywhere he went he was besieged, and his value to the clubs visited by Everton was known only to those who followed Everton. The very first question put to you at an away game was “Is Dixie playing?” If the answer was “Yes” there was a high relief, for Dean’s name in the Everton team sheet meant a matter of some hundreds of pounds to the gate receipts. “Give it to Dixie” was the slogan at Tranmere Rovers! It followed him throughout the length and breadth of the country, and even at continental matches it was to be heard in broken English. It was “given to Dixie” in the season 1927-28, for that season he broke the goal scoring record with sixth goals, beating Camsell’s figure of fifty-nine goals for Middlesbrough, in the memorable match at Goodison Park. The greatest ambition of Dean’s life was to win a Cup final medal. There was great disappointment when Everton were beaten by West Bromwich Albion in the semi-final at Manchester, but the following year Dean’s ambition was fulfilled. He captained the side which defeated Manchester City at Wembley in 1933, and had a great deal to do with the victory.
Outlived Them All.
For nearly twelve years he held the position of centre forward for Everton without challenge until young Tommy Lawton was signed last season. Many have been signed to take his place, but Dean outlived them all. Dean cost the Everton club less than £3,000 when they obtained his transfer from Tranmere Rovers on March 16, 1925, and he has proved the best bargain Everton ever made. In his Tranmere Rovers days Dean was the most sought after man in football, I was reporting the Rovers games in those days, and hardly a week went by but there was a representative from one of the big clubs present to give him a “look-over.” Many were the opinion I heard expressed about Dean’s play. Some would not have him at any price, and one director went so far as to say; “We would not gave a handful of buttons for him.” I was one of his strongest advocates. Had I not seen him week in and week out, and knew his ability? As one man said to me, “You are ‘crackers’ about him.” I was and did he not justify my opinion of him to the full?
His Sixtieth Goal.
Many will recall that game with the Arsenal, the last day on which Charlie Buchan played for the Highbury club, before retiring from the game. When Dean had scored his second goal, and was standing level with Camsell, there was a hush round the ground. “Would he do it” was the question in everyone’s mind? He did through the agency of a corner kick taken by Alex Troup. The ball came soaring into the Arsenal goalmouth, which was as usual, packed almost to suffocation, but Dean positioned himself perfectly to receive the ball, saw a gap in the “Gunners” defence, and glided the ball through it with his head. The scene was smashing. The crowd leapt to its feet, and the cheer must have been heard at Dean’s home town, Birkenhead, never in the history of the game has there been a more deadly header of the ball than Dean. It was uncanny the way he glided them in, and in a duel with the goalkeeper –and the odds were on his side –Dean invariably got the better of him. It was a case of perfect timing, and a football brain. He was a nightmare to goalkeepers that season, and many a goal was scored because the “keeper tried to keep an eye on Dean and the ball at the same time –to impossible task. In July 1926 Dean was concerned in a motor crash in Wales, and was so badly injured that he was not expected to ever again play football. He had suffered a fractured skull, but this in no way impaired his heading ability. I can tell you a little story about Dean. Immediately he left hospital he borrowed a motor-cycle and went for a ride. It seemed to be playing with fate, but Dean had his own idea about the matter. He simply wanted to test out his nerves. He came through it successfully.
Got Every Honour.
He had every other honour the game could offer, international caps, inter-league caps, and league medals. He lost some of his trophies, which were stolen from a display cabinet in Liverpool. In his season of great triumph, 1927-8, Dean scored 82 goals in all matches that season. On September 2, 1936, Dean scored his 353rd goal to beat the great Steve Bloomer’s long-standing record, and Bloomer was at Goodison to see it done. Between 1927 and 1933 he gained ten international caps against home countries and he also played against France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain. He also holds First and Second Division championship medals. Altogether Dean had scored 349 League goals for Everton in 399 matches. In all he has made 428 Football League appearances –including Tranmere Rovers –and netted 378 goals. It is reported that Notts County have given £3,000 for Dean. In that case Everton’s books are square, for that was what they gave Tranmere Rovers.
Dixie Dean’s 15 Wonderful Years.
• Joined Tranmere Rovers at age 15. First Played for Tranmere Rovers (two matches) season 1923-24. Did not score. In 924-25 played 27 games scored a goal a match.
• Transferred to Everton, March 16, 1925, at £3,000. Played seven games that season and scored twice.
• Debut versus Arsenal at Highbury, March 21, 1925. Home debut versus Villa, March 28, 1925, when he scored his first goal against goalkeeper Spiers.
• Broke his skull and jaw in motor accident, July 1926. Resumed football October 2, 1926, Everton Reserves v Huddersfield Town reserves, at Huddersfield. Reappear for senior team, October 23, 1926, and Leeds United at Leeds, and scored in Everton’s first away win that season.
• First capped for England v. Wales February 12, 1927 at Wrexham, scored two goals.
• Cap ten times for England, and also played against France, Belguim, Luxembourg, and Spain. Scored eighteen goals in international tournaments.
• Scored five goals in a match against Manchester United, October 1926; against Sheffield Wednesday (9-3), October 17, 1931, and against Chelsea (7-2), November 14, 1931. Scored seven goals for Everton Res v Bradford City Reserves at Goodison Park, September 5, 1925.
• Equally E. Harper and K. McDonald’s (than) record of 43 goals in a season when he scored a hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield, February 23, 1928.
• Captain Everton, Scored 60 First Division League goals in 39 matches, season 1927-28, surpassing Camsell of Middlesbrough’s 59 in Second Division in 1926-27.
• Got 82 goals in all, that season.
• Got his sixtieth League goal, a hat-trick against Arsenal at Goodison when Charlie Buchan played his last match.
• Scored several times against Elisha Scott.
• Dean’s last League appearance for Everton was versus Grimsby Town at Grimsby, October 23, 1937, he did not score. (Blue Correspondent-It was against Birmingham at Goodison Park, Dec 1937).
• Positively his last appearance for the Everton club was against South Liverpool in the Liverpool Senior Cup at Holly Park, March 9, 1938.
• Transferred to Notts County March 11, 1938 at a fee stated to be £3,000.
PRESTON RALLY TO WIN
March 11, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Make a Good Show
Sagar’s Saves
By Stork.
Everton just failed at Preston North End, where they were up against a side which played quick and good football. It was only in the second half that North End got on top to win. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG) and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Preston North End: - Holdcroft, goal; Gallimore and Beattie (A), backs; Shankley, Smith and Milne, half-backs; Watmough, Mutch, Dougal, Beattie (R), and Maxwell, forwards. Referee Mr. C. Booth, (Heywood). Preston North End are resting their players in turn. Today it fell to O’Donnell to “sit back.” It was a perfect day. The Everton players sent Dean a telegram wishing him well with his new club. The sun would be a bother to the side defending against it and that was Everton’s privilege! Watson, with a clever movement tricked Mutch and gave Boyes a beautiful pass down the left wing. Boyes beat his man, but finally put his centre up against a defender. He regained possession and centred across the North End goal, where Smith soon cleared. Greenhalgh almost scored against his own side when he passed back to Sagar, who had to jump quickly to arrest the ball. It was straight from Sagar’s goal kick that Everton opened the score after nine minutes. Cunliffe got hold of the ball just over the half-way line and when challenged by Smith, beat him and although he was stumbling he managed to retain his foothold, go on, and shoot beyond the advancing Holdcroft. Everton almost had a second when Smith failed to take a header and Cunliffe and Lawton went close. At fourteen minutes, the North End equalized through Dougal. R. Beattie had put in a shot which would have gone into the net without Dougal’s aid, but the latter evidently thought it necessary to make sure. Dougal might have been offside –it looked perilously like it. I heard it said that Everton were the most entertaining side seen here for some time, and Lawton showed his shooting power when he almost tore away the back netting, but he was offside. Sagar had to save smartly from Milne and Watmough, who had previously missed a chance of a life time by treading on the ball. North End had their escapes, particularly when Smith turned the ball away from his goalkeeper, and Cunliffe almost got round Holdcroft, for an open goal. Britton was playing lovely football, and there was some “good stuff” on show today. Dougal dribbled his way through the Everton defence and slipped the ball so perfectly that R. Beattie should most certainly have scored, but was slow to take the chance which T. Jones took to clear, with thanks. If anything, Preston were inclined to over-dribble, Preston were inclined to over-dribble, which played into the hands of the Everton defenders. A miskick by Andrews Beattie let Stevenson through. The Irishman headed the ball down to his feet and shot with great power, Holdcroft putting it out. The game was full of incidents and Everton were testing the semi-finalists to the full. Watmouth tried to wipe out the memory of his previous miss by a rundown half the field, finishing off with a great shot which produced an equally great save by Sagar, who tipped it over the crossbar. Watson came along with a shot which swung wide and then Holdcroft took a free kick. Stevenson came up from behind and got possession and netted –but the referee annulled the goal. The game was always open and the interval arrived with the score one each.
Half-time Preston N.E. 1, Everton 1.
North End opened strongly and Mutch slashed a fast ball high over the bar. Gillick forced a corner, bit it produced nothing. Cunliffe was playing grand football. His habit of cutting through puzzled the North End defence and he was through for a second goal until he was tripped by Smith a foot outside the penalty area. Lawton’s free kick was blocked away. Preston’s attack was ever-dangerous and after one particularly bright melee of combination Watmough netted. A goal was disallowed because Watmough had knocked the ball down with his hand. A second goal was not long delayed, for at 57 minutes Maxwell scored, following good work by R. Beattie and Dougal. Sagar was in magnificent form. His work in goal proved that he had made a complete recovery from his shoulder trouble. The Everton defence got in a tangle to such an extent that the North End forwards should have walked the ball through, but two men missed before Sagar saved from Maxwell on the goalline. T.G. Jones twice held up promising Preston advances by perfect tackling, Preston were definitely on top in this half, and were a very fiery lot near goal. Gillick could make a little or Milne and A. Beattie, and when Stevenson tried a shot he blasted the ball high over. Cunliffe came near to clinching a great display with a goal when he grazed, the Preston crossbar. Stevenson surprised Holdcroft by rushing him and dispossessing him without any reward. It had been a keen battle, but North End took the award in the second half, when they were much more progressive and the same time had tightened up their own defence. In the last moment Holdcroft had to save a great drive by Boyes following good work by Stevenson. Sagar made a double save from Watmough and so saved the situation once again. Final Preston North End 2, Everton 1.
EVERTON FADE OUT AT PRESTON
March 12, 1938. Evening Express, Football Edition
North End Take Command in Second Half.
Blues In Grip of Halves.
By Pilot.
Everton flattered to deceive at Preston, where after taking the lead, they were beaten 2-1. Everton lost in the second half, when their speed on the ball was not comparable with that of North End. Britton, the Everton captain, had a telegram of good wishes from Billie Dean, who was transferred to Notts County last night. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG) and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Preston North End: - Holdcroft, goal; Gallimore and Beattie (A), backs; Shankley, Smith and Milne, half-backs; Watmough, Mutch, Dougal, Beattie (R), and Maxwell, forwards. Referee Mr. C. Booth, (Heywood). The opening quarter brought goals and thrills and plenty of good football. Everton were the more assertive, and Holdcroft had to run out to save from Lawton. The Preston defence was not revealing its customary solidity, and a low centre from Boyes caused them some trouble. Milne broke through, but instead of centring he sent his shot against the side netting, and Sagar’s goal kick led to Everton taking the lead in eight minutes.
Cunliffe’s Goal.
The ball went to Lawton, who headed it through to Cunliffe. Cunliffe was on the ball in a flash, and he eluded the tackle of Smith and went on to score with a beautifully-placed low shot into the far corner of the net. Mutch tipped one inches over the bar, and Watmough frittered away a good chance of creating a scoring position as he placed across goal. Everton almost increased their lead when the flurried Holdcroft lost possession, but Boyes was a little too slow in taking his shot. Preston drew level in 15 minutes, when Shanklin went through and a low centre was placed across goal. This Dougal tapped into the net. Everton claimed offside, but Greenhalgh, standing by the post, had placed the scorer on side. Preston gained encouragement from their equalizer and proceeded to serve up some excellent constructive football. Bobbie Beattie and Mutch revealed splendid constructive touches. Watmough again ended a good chance by trying to take the ball to the middle for his shot instead of helping his colleagues to a goal, and Sagar twice had to go full length to save net-bound shots.
Jones Brilliant.
Jack Jones was brilliant with his close tackling and positional play, and it was his alertness more than anything else which kept North End at bay. The Blues were always dangerous with their raids, and now Gillick went through to Stevenson’s pass to place outside. Cunliffe gad almost taken a goal when Mutch dallied, and Holdcroft had to come out. The goalkeeper missed the ball completely. Cunliffe followed up in enterprising style, but Beattie (A.) just managed to clear the ball away for a corner. Watmough was always dangerous when he cut in to goal, and now he worked into position for a perfect left foot shot which Sagar tipped over the bar. There was not a lot to choose between the sides, and Everton were circumventing well the scheming of the North Enders. Mutch wasted a good chance by wild shooting before the Preston attack, which was lacking in its customary accuracy, was altered –Dougal and Maxwell changing places. Stevenson was the next player to get the ball into the net, but this also was disallowed. Everton were giving an excellent display in a good game.
Half-time Preston N.E. 1, Everton 1.
Maxwell and Dougal went back to their original positions on resuming but they kept on switching over, and it had the effect of upsetting the Everton defence. The Everton half backs lost their grip and North End were always threatening. Sagar saved brilliantly from Beattie, Maxwell and Mutch and Preston were showing more speed on the ball than during the first half.
Preston Lead.
Preston took the lead in 58 minutes after some perfect combination between Dougal, who had gone outside left, and Bob Beattie. They passed and re-passed fully half a dozen times before Dougal raced to the line to cross a perfect centre, which Maxwell promptly nodded into the net. Preston had one goal from Watmough disallowed on account of handling. Little had been seen of Boyes, but this was not his own fault, for he was rarely given a ball from which he could do much. Everton tried a forward switch with Stevenson at outside right, but this temporary change brought little grist to the mill. North End’s speed on the ball was the outstanding feature. Sagar filled away brilliantly from Dougal’s corner kick. Preston were content to defend towards the end, and that brought Everton more into the game, but Holdcroft had little work to do. Near time Cunliffe should have saved a point when Stevenson provided him with an open goal, but he shot straight at Holdcroft. Sagar made two point blank saves from Watmough. Preston thus completed the season’s double over Everton. Final Preston 2, Everton 1.
PRESTON NORTH END 2 EVERTON 1 (Game 1636-over-all)-(Div 1 1594)
March 14, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton In a Bad Way
Relegation Bogy Looms Up.
Preston’s Nasty Blow
By Stork.
Preston North End, the Cup semi-finalists, dealt Everton a nasty blow when they defeat the Goodison Park team 2-1 at Deepdale on Saturday. The least Everton expected from the visit was a share of the spoils, and had they maintained the form of the first half there was every possibility that they would take a half-share. But as it was not maintained, Everton were once again embroiled in the relegation question and their position is now even worse than hitherto, for unfortunately for them, the other sides in the same boat either won or took a point. The position is serious make no mistake about that and the fact that Everton have more home games than some of the others may not mean a thing for they have got to be won. The promise of better things to come fails to materalise and the reason for it is hard to place. Without making any attempt with excuses, I have to tell you that the local people of Preston were amazed at Everton’s first half showing. They could not understand why Everton were so low in the table for they were quite as good as the North End during those first 45 minutes. They scored first in 9 minutes, and the outlook took on a brighter hue, for the Preston defence which has not conceded a single goal in their trek to the semi-final was not impressive.
Everton Fall Away
The Everton attack was quite capable of breaking through and what they had done once we thought they could do again, put after the interval there was a tightening up by the North End and an inexplicable failing away by the Everton attack. Where there had been thrust and party in its place came some aimless play and once Preston got their teeth into the game as they undoubtedly did in the second half, they always seemed set for a victory. Everton’s goal was a peach. It started with a goal kick by Sagar, which Cunliffe pounced upon and although challenged by Smith, and suffered a trip, the referee wisely allowed Cunliffe to go on, draw out Holdcroft and shoot into the far side of the goal. It was a grand goal and thoroughly deserved on the balance of play. As one Preston critic said to me. “The North End have something to do today against this side” They had during the first half, even after Dougal had leveled matters at fourteen minutes. I thought there was a distinct offside favour about the goal, for I saw no player in front of Dougal when R. Beattie shot for goal. The fact that the ball would have entered the net without Dougal assistance was of no matter, for he was definitely in front of the ball when it was last played with only Sagar in front of him. There was no appeal, or if there was it was only a half-hearted one.
Lawton Unlucky.
Almost immediately afterwards Lawton almost tore away the netting with a terrific shot, but was ruled offside. He looked to be offside, but the players tell me that he was not. “If and buts” however, are of no concern now the goal was disallowed, so it must rest there Preston were a speedy lot and possessed of fine shooting ability, and Sagar had much work to do; work of such a character that Sagar had to give of his best to keep the score down, Sagar has made a fine recovery from his injurys. Then came the second half and the eclipse of Everton. The North End as usual did some reshuffling in their attack, which is becoming common these days, and at 57 minutes Maxwell scored a second goal following good work by Dougal and Beattie. It was just at this point that the Everton defence got itself in a tangle and had the Preston forwards been more snappy in front of goal; Sagar would have been beaten again. Everton still had their moments and Cunliffe almost pulled the game out of the fire with a grand shot which shaved the crossbar. But Preston retained their lead to the end.
A Curious Incident.
Thus, Everton’s plight was intensified. Almost on time there was a hectic finish, Holdcroft had to turn away a great drive by Boyes and Sagar had to make a double save from Watmough. There was one curious incident when Holdcroft was about to take a free kick. He went up to the ball as though he would kick it, but did not do so. The intention was there and Stevenson rushed round him took the ball and slapped it into the net. The goal was disallowed. Now, if there was intent, Stevenson was entitled to do what he did. I have seen a player sent off for intention even though he had not actually kicked the player. Does not the same rule govern the Holdcroft case? It was an entertaining game, but I would have liked to see the Everton wingers given more of the ball. There was too much bunching in the middle, and the Preston defence therefore had their task simplified. Lawton worked hard, but I put Cunliffe at the head of the forwards. Britton had a good first half, as did Watson, while Tommy Jones came to his best in the second session. Jack Jones was a stalwart in defence, and Sagar was in excellent form. I was told that there was more good football in this game than in half a dozen games recently seen at Deepdale. . Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG) and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Preston North End: - Holdcroft, goal; Gallimore and Beattie (A), backs; Shankley, Smith and Milne, half-backs; Watmough, Mutch, Dougal, Beattie (R), and Maxwell, forwards. Referee Mr. C. Booth, (Heywood).
EVERTON RESERVES 6 NEWCASTLE UNITED RESERVES 1
March 14, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 33)
Though Everton won by such a decisive margin they were flattered by the result for there was not that difference between the sides. Newcastle were the better footballers and at times had the home defence in difficulties, but lack of thrust and hesitation spoiled several good chances. Jackson once kicked off the line while Livingstone hit a post. Everton were a long time settling down, and did not unduly trouble Tapken until Bell scored. After the interval Newcastle fell off, Bell charged Tapken through and he added another goal from a penalty. Dougal and Geldard completed the scoring. Garnham scored for Newcastle. Everton:- Morton, goal; Jackson, and Cook, backs; Mercer, Edwards, and Lindley, half-backs ; Geldard, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards.
Prescot B.I. 1 Everton “A” 1
Liverpool County Combination
Subsidiary game at Prescot. Each side was particularly good in attack, the respective goalkeepers Bache and Lovatt being responsible for a number of smart clearances. A goal scored by J. Davies gave Everton an interval lead. Higham equalized, and had the B.I. forward shown a sharper finish to their second half attacks they would probably have won. Lovatt, Saunders, and Wyles were dour defenders for Everton.
EVERTON GAIN MERIT IN DEFEAT
March 14, 1938. The Evening Express
Preston’s Team Work Turns Scales
By Pilot.
“This is the best game I have seen this season. Either of these sides on this form would beat anything we have in Scotland, including Celtic and Rangers.” These words were spoken to met at Deepdale on Saturday after Preston North End had beaten Everton 2-1, by one of the best known critics in Glasgow –Mr. Willie Gallagher. Mr. Gallacher had made a special journey to review the many Scots in action, and his praises were shared by everyone present at the game. Everton were beaten, but they gained merit in their defeat. Preston proved themselves a super team –a side that would have beaten any opposition on Saturday –but for an hour Everton were as good as their eventual masters. As a matter of fact the Blues should have crossed over with the lead, for Lawton, in my opinion, scored a good goal, which was disallowed for offside. Offside was impossible, for the ball went to Lawton off a Preston player! It was the brilliant team work of North End that turned the scales, and had it not been for the great defence of Sagar and company late on their win would have been more convincing. Yet, in the closing minutes, Cunliffe had a chance to save a point, but shot straight at Holdcroft. Cunliffe had given Everton the lead with a grand goal, and Dougal had equalized before half-time. Maxwell moved to centre forward and headed the winner. Cunliffe and Stevenson were the mainsprings of Everton’s attack. Both were excellent, while Lawton was dangerous until Smith got a grip on him. Tom Jones was a brilliant pivot, but late on Britton and Watson were outwitted. This threw tremendous work on Greenhalgh and Jack Jones, but they stood up to it well. No man on the field excelled Jack Jones, and Sagar was great in goal. Preston were a team of stars –a team which, on this showing, will lift the F.A. Cup. This was a match to remember, for there was hardly a foul. It was football for the entire 90 minutes, and proved to me that Everton will reach a position of safety.
DEAN’S DEPARTURE LEAVES AN ACHING VOID
March 14, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Notts Are Pleased With Their Bargain
Ranger’s Notes.
No transfer in the history of either of the city’s two senior teams has caused so much interest or controversary among Merseyside followers of the game as that of Dean to Notts County. Though he had been out of the lime light at this season, until his departure thrust him back into it, Dean was still the idol of thousands of Goodison supporters. They have followed his career through twelve brilliant seasons with absorbing interest, and in their hearts he will always have a warm spot. They had earnestly hoped the famous centre with the side for which he had done so much. That hope, indeed was encouraged by a statement by the club itself. In the early part of the season when it was frequently rumored that Dean transfer had been sought by others the club resented and repudiated the implied suggestion that notwithstanding the immensely valuable services he had rendered them over a number of years they would be prepared to discard him. Later still publicity was given to a statement that Dean would definitely finish his active playing career with Everton and that when the time came for him to don a jersey for the last time it would be as leader of Everton’s first team. Time apprenently wrought a change in the position. What caused it, or whether the player himself expressed a desire to move I know not. The club itself has declined to make any statement. I have it on good authority, however, that the transfer went through because it was regarded as being in the best interest of all concerned, and not least those of Dean himself. Whatever the reasons, Dean’s departure undoubtedly touches a sentimental chord in the hearts of Everton followers and, it is safe to say, is almost universality regretted by the man in the street. Many had hoped that when his playing days were over he might have found a niche in some other sphere of club’s activity. No player of this or any other generation has so endeared himself to his side’s following. Dean made his own name, and that of his club, a household one in the British Isles. It is difficult to realize he is no longer an Evertonian. There is still a chance however, that he may yet end his playing career on Merseyside. It depends on his success and length of stay with Notts County. I cannot say more at the moment because further developments hang upon too many things which at present are indeterminable. Meanwhile, however, “Dixie” takes with him in his new sphere the warmest wishes for his success from thousands of admirers on Merseyside and elsewhere. He still has it in him to do a club of the County’s standing a power of good in their effort to get back to a higher division.
What Notts Think
I had a word with Mr. Harry Parkes, Notts County’s manger, this morning and he was very pleased with Dean’s play against Queen’s Park rangers. “He was very unlucky” said Mr. Parkes. “Had the ball run a little kindlier for him he would have got three goals. I am convinced he will do us a power of good, and am looking forward to at least four season’s service from him.”
Preston A Fine Side.
By Stork.
Everton were defeated at Deepdale by a cleverer side, in a game which was chock full of thrills and good football. Everton were no laggards in point of skills, but on the day’s showing Preston North End were the more balanced side. It was only in the second half that the North End got on top, but once they took over the initiative they never lost their grip on the game and the Everton goal was fortunate not to fall more than twice. I was told that this was the best game of football which had been seen at Preston for some weeks and I hope the man who arrived in Preston from Australia and went straight to the match was amply repaid for not going right home to his people. I saw a lot in this game that was well above the average and the thing they could not understand in Preston was “Why are Everton o low in the table,” “This is not relegation football,” they said, but it was a relegation result from an Everton point of view. They promised to get the away win expected by many of their supporters, for they worried the North End defence as it has not been worried for some time, and when Cunliffe scored his goal, the Liverpool people present were on good terms with themselves. But their joy was turned to sorrow five minutes later when Dougal equalized.
Opinions Differ.
I am still firm in my belief that Dougal was offside when R. Beattie shot for goal. The ball would have Sagar in front of him when he moved forward, so he was palpably offside in my opinion. The referee seemed to think so, for he pointed for a free kick before he finally signaled a goal. Everton’s appeal, if there was one, was a timid sort of affair, but that does not convince me. Just prior to the goal Lawton almost plucked the net from its hangings with a terrific shot, but was given offside. Everton claim he was onside. I did not; so you see how opinions can differ. Preston North End tightened up their defence in the second half, and that was a measure necessary, for the Everton attack had run through it rather easily Smith, who had an upsetting time against Lawton got a firmer grip of things, and with his forward in irresistible force, ever a menace the Everton defence was often sorely tested and found wanting on occasions. Maxwell gave Preston the lead in following good work by Dougal and Beattie, and Everton were let off lightly. The wandering of Dougal and the interchanging of positions by Beattie and Mutch had quite a lot to do with Preston’s success, and will very likely take them to Wembley and the Cup. They advanced by throughout tactics and all through played well-planned football. There was nothing haphazard about it, and the speed at which they worked made things even more difficult for Everton. Yet I did not think Everton played at all badly. They were beaten by a fine team, but there seemed to be too much bunching together of the inside forwards, and the wings were not brought into the game, as were the Preston wingers. Cunliffe was the best of the line, with Lawton a tireless worker doing well with the few opportunities at his command. He gave Smith a bad time.
GRIFFITHS NEW ROLE
March 15, 1938. The Evening Express.
By Pilot
Tommy Griffiths, the famous Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Welsh international footballer, becomes a stage “star” this week-end. Tommy is going to play the violoncello at the concert organized by Mr. George Patterson, of Liverpool F.C,. At the Floral Pavillion, New Brighton, on Sunday. Tom is now out of football as a player, but is anxious to fix up an engagement as a “scout.”
EVERTON TEAM CHANGE
March 16, 1938, The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton have made a forward change for their match with Middleborough at Goodison Park on Saturday, this is at inside left where bell will take the place of Stevenson. The team against Middlresbrough will be; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (JE); Britton, Jones (TG), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Boyes.
Bell’s Scoring Feats.
The scoring feats of Bell have contributed considerably to the success of the Everton centre-league side this season. He has scored thirty-five goals in thirty-one centre league matches. Bell, who joined the Rovers in March, 1936 made three appearances with the first eleven last season and scored once, and he has a similar record for the present season. The Everton Reserves team to play Stoke City Reserves at Stoke tomorrow is; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Lindley, Edwards, Davies; Geldard, Hurel, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
BELL AT INSIDE LEFT FOR EVERTON
March 16, 1938. The Evening Express
One Change For Saturday
Middlesbrough’s Visit
by Pilot.
“Bunny” Bell, the former Tranmere Rovers centre forward, and one of the most prolific scorers in modern football, has been chosen to play inside-left for Everton against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday. He takes the place of Alex Stevenson the Irish international. It was decided at the directors meeting last night to give Stevenson a rest in view of the fact that today he assisted Ireland against Wales in Belfast. This is the only team change compared with the side which fought so well at Preston last Saturday. The last time Bell played for the first team was against Leicester City at Goodison Park on Boxing Day. He then played most of the game in goal, for Sagar injured his shoulder and finished up on the wing. Bell is the leading scorer in the successful Central League team with 31 goals scored in 30 matches. Bell’s greatest scoring feast was when he scored nine goals against Oldham Athletic at Prenton Park when playing for Tranmere. He missed a penalty in the bargin! Everton are faced with a big task, for Middlesbrough have won their last seven games and are right in running for the championship. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (Jack); Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Boyes.
Blues’ Central League Title Bid.
Everton can take another stride towards securing the championship of the Central League tomorrow, when they visit Stoke City at the Victoria Grounds. They have 10 matches to play and now, hold a lead of two points over their nearest rivals, Bolton Wanderers, for the same number of matches played. The next club Burnley are nine points behind the Wanderers. Consequently it has become a two-club race, and if the Blues are to succeed it is essential that they escape defeat at Stoke tomorrow. Catterick, the Stockport boy and a player recommenced by Charlie Gee, Everton’s international centre-half, leads the attack in place of Bell. There are changes at wing half-back –Davies comes in –and Thomson takes Cook’s place at left back. Hurel will partner Geldard on the right wing. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Lindley, Edwards, Davies; Geldard, Hurel, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON’S ONE CHANGE.
March 16, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Everton have made one change in their side to meet Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday, Bell coming in for Stevenson in the forward line. The change of front has most likely been made with the idea of bringing more punch into the attack. Bell has been a prolific scorer in the Central League team, having contributed largely to the side’s success, having scored 35 goals in thirty-one matches. He has made three appearances in the first team this season, and has scored one goal. Everton’s form against Preston was quite good. For an hour they were quite as good as the North End, to my mind the best in the country at the present moment. At Middlesbrough early in the season Everton surprised the North-Eastern team by winning at Aryesome Park, so that they have a great opportunity of bringing off the double. Sagar was in brilliant form last Saturday. He will have to keep a watchful eye on the Boro’ forwards, for in the line are a number of marksmen. Team; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (JE); Britton, Jones (TG), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Boyes. Reserve team to play at Stoke tomorrow is; Morton; Jackson, Thomson; Lindley, Edwards, Davies; Geldard, Hurel, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
TG JONES AND STEVENSON CAPS
March 16, 1938
Notes
TG Jones played for Wales against Ireland at Belfast, and Stevenson played for Ireland.
BORO’ WITHOUT “KEY” MEN?
March 18, 1939, The Evening Express.
Everton’s Chance Tomorrow
Teeside “surprise,” Team
By Pilot.
Middlesbrough, the surprise team of 1938, pay their first visit of the season to Merseyside, tomorrow, when they face Everton at Goodison Park. The Boro’ have won their last seven games in succession, and have risen from a middle-of-the-table team to potential champions. They stand third in the table, only two points behind the leaders, Arsenal, and have a match in hand. While the Boro will be fighting to strengthen their championship challenge, Everton will be striving for points to take them away from the lower positions. Everton are playing well, and are serving up football of a class rarely associated with a struggling club. I am surprised, however, at Everton’s omission of Alex Stevenson, who was one of the best forwards at Preston. With the Boro’ likely to be without two of their “key” men –Fenton and Baxter –Everton have a great chance of winning. It is possible that Norman Higham, the former Everton player, will be in Middlesbrough’s attack. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (Jack); Britton, Jones (Tom), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Boyes.
EVERTON’S POSITION
March 18, 1938. Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton have played so well away from home in recent weeks that they have given those who follow them a reasonably excuse for thinking that the tide had turned and they were about to put the relegation problem behind them, but in their very next game they have played in such a manner that those who only see them on their own ground are inclined to think that they are being “written up” that the true facts are being denied them. I have never been one to wrap things up. No matter the club, no matter my personal feeling towards that club, if they have earned an adverse criticism they got it. I go to a match as a critic and endeavour to be one without fear or favour. No whitewashing for me, but an honest criticism. At Preston Everton played equally as well as did their opponents for an hour, and to play as well as Preston North End is saying a deal, for they are in my opinion the best team in the country at the present time. Look what they did at Huddersfield on Wednesday look what they did at Highbury and against Brentford in the Cup. Only’s a good team can win on the grounds, yet Everton were able to hold them to a goal at Deepdale. All Preston were astonished at Everton’s league position. “It was false” they said. It may be, but there it is and Everton have to face up to facts and nothing else. At Middlesbrough in the early days of the season Everton scored a meritorious win at Ayresome Park to surprise the native. There is therefore an excellent opportunity of bringing off a double against the Boro.’ I think they will bring it about, and help themselves considerably in their bid for safety. They have made one change to the team from last week, Stevenson who was playing for the victorious Irish team against Wales, in Belfast on Wednesday, is being rested, and “Bunn” Bell takes his place. Bell has been great scoring factor in the second team. Let us hope he can bring some of his scoring ability along with him tomorrow. The last time he was in the side he was goalkeeper for most part of the game, Sagar being injured. Ted resumed last week, and gave a brilliant exhibition.
Goal-Scoring Forwards.
Sagar will have to be in good form against the Boro’. If I am not mistaken, for there are a number of goal-scoring forwards in the Boro’ front line –it was only a few days ago that Cochrane got 4 from the wing. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Boyes. Middleborough; (probable); Cumming; Lake, Stuart; Martin, Baxter, (or Sheperdson), Forest; Milne, Mannion, Fenton, Yorston, Cochrane.
A TEST FOR EVERTON
March 19, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
The visit of Middlesbrough to Goodison Park should attract a big gate. The Borough have recently become challengers to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal for the championship, and have gained seven successive victories. Everton, badly in need of points will have to be at their best to win, though they have the opportunity of completing a “double”, as they won at Middlesbrough in November by two goals to one. Last season the Borough won at Goodison Park by 3 goals to 2. They have to date obtained 37 points for 31 games compared with Everton’s 27 points for 32 matches. Everton play Bell at inside left in place of Stevenson and if he can repeat some of his feats in the Central League side –he has scored 36 goals in 32 matches –the home side may succeed. Middlesbrough will be under a big handicap, Baxter, the centre half and captain, and Fenton the goal-scoring centre forward, being absent through injury. The kick off is at 3.15 and the teams are; Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Watson; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell, Boyes. Middleborough; (probable); Cumming; Lake, Stuart; Martin, Sheperdson, Forest; Milne, Mannion, Highan, Yorston, Cochrane.
BELL SAVES EVERTON A POINT
March 19, 1938. Evening Express, Football Edition
Goal Five Minutes From The End
Poor Shooting Against Middleborough
By Watcher.
A goal by Bell five minutes from the end, enabled Everton to share the points with Middlesboro, at Goodison Park, with a 2-2 draw. Boyes gave Everton the lead with a goal after four minutes, Higham and Yorston followed with goals for Middlesboro’. Everton missed many chances by poor shooting. Higham, former Everton player led Middleborough’s attack. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell and Boyes, forwards. Middleborough: - Cummings, goal; Laking, and Stuart, backs; Martin, Shepperdson, and Forrest, half-backs; Milne, Mannion, Higham, Yorston, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee Mr. J.J. Greenan (Bradford). The Boro’ were lively at the start, but Everton took an early lead. Boyes scoring within four minutes. Cunliffe had tested Cumming with a swerving right-foot shot, and had then placed the Boro’ defence in difficulties with an excellent low cross before Bell gave Boyes the opportunity to turn across a fast ball which Gillick endeavored to convert with a first time effort from close in. Borough made a hasty clearance, but Boyes ran in and had an easy task to score from four yards. It was the former West Bromwich Albion forward’s first goal for Everton since he joined Goodison Park four weeks ago. Tommy Jones was cool in dealing with a right-wing lunge initiated by Mannion and carried on by Milne, Wales’s latest international again shone by the clever manner in which he held up and robbed the incoming Higham. The Boro’ exerted pressure, but Everton’s defence stood firm. The Blues finally raced away and went within an ace of the second goal –Bell overrunning the ball 12 yards out with the goal at his mercy.
Boro’ Level.
Middlesbrough, however, drew level in 16 minutes. Higham, the former Everton man was the scorer. Milne began the movement, creating the chance for Mannion, who took over just inside the bar, centred low and found Higham darting forward, that player heading low down into the bottom corner. In their next excursion goalward the visitors drew Sagar out of his charge, but Cochrane, securing possession of a loose ball, put too much speed behind his centre. Boyes, who by the way, was being brilliantly fed by Bell, rousing the 30,000 crowd’s hopes by rounding Larking and earning a free kick, which Borough put paid to by mass defensive measures. It was a case of heads-up for Boro’ when a Britton free kick dropped in the goalmouth, but Martin eventually cleared with Bell waiting behind him for the scoring chance. Lawton was brought down in Boro’s penalty area, but the referee refused Everton’s appeals for a penalty and he also disappointed the home fans when, after Bell had sent the ball into the roof of the net, the point was disallowed on the grounds that Cunliffe had obstructed Cummings.
Yorston’s Goal.
The Boro’ who were a lively side, went ahead after the Blues had experienced a remarkable let-off. In the first place, none of the Middlesbrough inside forwards properly utlised a fast pass from Cochrane, but when the Aryesome brigade staged their next raid they made no mistake. Sagar effected a save from Higham, and after the ball had eventually fallen to the feet of Cochrane, he cleverly brought it under control and shot, sending it bouncing forward. The ball hit Yorston, whose final touch diverted it past Sagar. Sagar was beaten by the bounce of the ball. Time 37 minutes. Everton pressed near the interval, and Boyes was unfortunate not to score with a wonder header.
Half-Time Everton 1, Middlesbrough 2.
Everton resumed with a series of attacks, three of which ended with Gillick driving over. Milne, the former Arsenal’s star, cleverly sold the “dummy” to Jack Jones, but Watson was there with a trusty left foot, and it was from his clearance that Boyes made good ground before finding his master in Laking. Everton had already had sufficient scoring chances in this half to settle the issue in their favour, but they sadly lacked correct shooting range. Territorally –the Blues definitely were on top in the early stages of this half yet the Boro were always more dangerous because they attacks were carried out with more directness. Bell lent Boyes support when Martin and Laking challenged for possession, but although Bell earned a corner, Boyes placed his kick on the net roof.
Greenhalgh Stems Raid.
Greenhalgh was prominent in stemming a Boro’ raid, and Tommy Jones was glad to concede a corner against the incoming Higham, whose speed was one of his strong points. Everton’s next corner kick saw the Blues adopt an unusual plan –Britton took the kick, Boyes fell back and Tommy Jones went into the goalmouth to give Everton more height. Gillick got the ball into the net, but for the second time in this game Everton had the point negative for offside reasons. Cumming excelled himself when he pulled down and cleared a fast drive from Boyes and followed this up by going full length to save a pile-driver from Bell. Gillick who was getting the ball more than any member of the Everton front line, shot against a Borough player when he seemed certain to secure the equalizer, and at the other end spectators threw orange peel on to the field when Everton were defending. The referee called police attention to this matter.
Everton Equalise.
Everton equalized in 85 minutes, Britton cutting out the chance for Bell to complete with a well taken header. It was all Everton in the closing minutes. Final Everton 2, Middlesbrough 2.
PLUCK CAN TURN DEFEAT INTO VICTORY
March 19, 1938. Evening Express Football Edition
‘Spurs Courage That Wiped Out Everton 3-1 Cup-Tie Lead
By Nestor.
The football team that gives up hope gives up the will to live. Early in 1937, Everton met Tottenham Hotspur at glorious Goodison Park, in a Fifth Round Cup-tie. It was the game of the season on Merseyside and it was only a last desperate attack in the closing minutes that gave Everton the chance to replay in London. It was that second meeting between the two teams that gives me such a fine backing for my opening statement. I have never seen a game quite like that thrill-packed Cup-tie at White Hart lane. Everton were a goal in the lead after two minutes, young Tommy Lawton hitting the back of the net. Ten minutes later Bill Dean, the dark-haired record breaking sharpshooter, had registered Number Two for the men from Merseyside. It looked as though the Spurs were to meet their Waterloo –yet we who knew the wonderful fighting qualities associated with all Tottenham teams, watched and waited for something exciting to happen. It did –Johnnie Morrison, Spurs effervescent centre forward, lowered the Goodison’s Park team’s lead. Tottenham still had a chance. Then came thrill Number Four. Soon after the restart following the interval, Bill dean scored again. Three-one in Everton’s favour –“and one more nail in the Spurs coffin,” as a Lancashire supporter said standing by my side. “It’s good-bye Spurs, now.”
Spirit Wins.
But it was not! Miller, the Tottenham left winger, playing with a plastered nose that had been broken in the heated first half, beat the defenders, slipped the ball across to Johnnie Morrison, who banged it straight and true into the net, 3-2. Still there were more thrills to come – Spurs were not beaten, by a long chalk. Yet they could not score and the minutes passed. Only five minutes remained for play –Four-three-and then, even as we looked at our watchers, those valiant ‘Spurs slammed away at the Everton goal –and scored the equalizer! Mere seconds remained now and it seemed that extra time would be necessary. Would Tottenham’s courageous battle against that early early, which is always such an encouragement to one team and a disappointment to the others, be of no avail, we wondered? Spurs forced everything into attack –Everton dropped back on defence –desperate defence. The referee glanced at his watch –thousands on the packed banking and stands sweated hearts thumped. Suddenly, with the whistle almost between the referee’s lips Miller flung over a flashing centre –Morrison leaped –fair head met the ball cleanly –and the goalkeeper was beaten to the wide!
• Have you ever noticed how many ex-Everton players have made good n Third Division circles this season? Tunney, who joined Wrexham on a month’s trial, has now become first choice for left full back berth, and now comes the news that George Edwards Morris, 22 years old Birkenhead born left full back, who left Goodison Park at the end of last season, has gained a place in new Brighton’s League side.
• In the first round of the Empire Exhibition tournament at Ibrox Park, Glasgow, Everton will meet Rangers on May 30. If the Goodison Park men win, they will face either Chelsea or Aberdeen in the semi-final on June 6.
EVERTON LEAVE IT LATE.
March 19, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Bell Makes Amends With Equaliser.
Missed Chances
By Stork.
Everton had to fight hard for their point against Middlesbrough, and it was only in the last five minutes that Bell equalized. They were in arrears because of failing to make their chances. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell and Boyes, forwards. Middleborough: - Cummings, goal; Laking, and Stuart, backs; Martin, Shepperdson, and Forrest, half-backs; Milne, Mannion, Higham, Yorston, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee Mr. J.J. Greenan (Bradford). The attendance was quite a good one, although there were gaps here and there in the big stands. It was a case of Red versus Blues once again, for the Boro’ played in red shirts and while collars. Everton had n opportunity of scoring a double, or at Middlesbrough they beat the Boro very easily, but since then the Wearsiders have come on apace, having won half a dozen games in succession. Milne opened the game with a dainty dribble, beating two Everton men in the process, only to run the ball out. It was then Everton turn to show some classical touches, Gillick and Lawton collaborating to such effect that Cumming had to grasp at a ball. This he did successfully, but in four minutes Middlesbrough were a goal in arrears. Boyes was the starting and finishing point of the goal. He made a square centre along the ground, which Gillick collected and drove goalwards, but the ball was turned out by a Boro’ defender. It was not cleared as it should have been, and Boyes dashed in to open Everton’s account. This was a good start, even though an Everton goal had hardly been anticipated, for the Boro’ for the few minutes had displayed a lot of skill, without troubling Sagar, whose first bit of work came when Mannion tried a shot from just inside the penalty area. Sagar pouncing on the ball and holding it safety in spite of all challenges. Boyes was giving Stuart so much trouble that he had to resort to touch-kicking to get himself out of his difficulty, and when Jones (J.), with a long clearance, “found” Lawton, there was an indication of a second goal until the Everton centre forward kicked round the ball. A pass to his right wing would possibly have been of greater value, for both Gillick and Cunliffe were waiting for the pass.
Bell’s Miss.
Everton were now playing on top of Middlesbrough, and when Stuart miskicked it put Bell through for what appeared to be a certainty, but the Everton inside man completely missed his kick with the goal entirely at his mercy. It was a bad miss, which might have proved costly, for in the next minute Cochrane lobbed a curling ball into the Everton goalmouth, and Sagar had to treat it with every care. A bad clearance by Cunliffe was mainly responsible for the Borough’s equalizing goal at 15 minutes. He intended to head to a colleague, but glided the ball to Milne, who passed inside to Mannion, Mannion scooped the ball up cleverly for Higham, a former Everton player, to head beyond Sagar. Everton had to start all over again and Milne opened a way for Boyes, who took a corner from the Middlesbrough defence, but no more, for the flag kick was safely disposed of. When Middlesbrough did get moving they did so by use of good class combination, and the Everton defence was in a tangle on one occasion with Sagar out of goal when Cochrane put the ball right across the goalmouth. He put it too far, however, so that Milne had to run over to the touchline to capture it, and the Everton defence had time to gather together its forces. Boyes was elbowed off the ball just outside the penalty area but a free kick availed Everton little. Middlesbrough should have had a goal when Cochrane had the whole of the net to shoot in from about six yards out. A place shot would have done but Cochrane unsuccessfully tried to blaze the ball through. Both defence had their spells of good fortune, for when Jones (TG) made an error it looked decidedly bad. Luck came to Everton’s aid and the goal was saved just as the Middlesbrough goal was saved by the intervention of Shepherdson when Lawton was on the point of shooting. So far there had not been a great deal of bite about the game.
Boro’ Lead.
With eight minutes to the interval Middlesbrough took the lead Yorston shot hard for goal, and Sagar had the ball covered until it hit Yorston and was deflected from Sagar who could do no more than watch the ball go into the net. Boyes almost got an equalizer just on the interval, Cumming edging over his crossbar a header from the Evertonian.
Half-time Everton 1, Middlesbrough 2.
Middlesbrough were worthy their interval lead, but in the second half Everton had enough chances to have passed the Boro total by a wide margin. This was just another case of the Everton forwards being unable to accept the chances laid before them. Time and again the Boro’ defence was so positioned that an escape should not have been possible, but the Everton forwards were badly at fault. Gillick, Cunliffe, aye the whole forward line missed reasonable opportunities when a goal seemed certain. The greatest miss of all was that of Bell’s after Lawton had mis-kicked, for their was no one near him, with goal yawning before him, but instead of Bell taking the easy chance he missed his objective by a wide margin. Lawton did make a header which brought out a superlative save by Cumming, who just beforehand had prevented a Boyes goal when he flung out his arms and grabbed the ball as it was crossing the line.
Orange Peel Thrown at Referee.
When Middlesbrough came down to the Everton goalmouth the referee found himself surrounded by orange peel which had been thrown at him by a section of the crowd in the paddock behind the goal in front of the double-decker stand. To show you to what extent Everton had monopolized the game in this half. I have only to mention that they won corner after corner from their rivals, but they were all of no accounts. When everyone had assigned them selves to defeat Everton scored an equalizer at 85 minutes, and it almost brought the house down. Britton made the centre and Bell glided the ball into goal, with Cumming making a flying leap without success. Everton made desperate efforts for another goal. Two centres came Cumming sweeping the ball from under his bar on each occasion. It was a hectic finish. Final; Everton 2, Everton 2.
EVERTON 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 2 (Game 1637 over-all)-(Div 1 1595)
March 21, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Miss Chances
Players Affected By Lowly Position.
Over-Eager-Forwards
By Stork.
Everton had to battle for the equaliser against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park, and the final quarter of an hour was so packed with goalmouth thrills that the nerve-tension of both the players and spectators was highly strung. Five minutes remained for play, and although Everton were hammering at the Middlesbrough goal there had been so many missed chances that one began to wonder whether Everton could get the ball in the net again. They did through a Britton lob and a Bell header, so that another home defeat was prevented and a valuable point saved. Week after week it has been the same thing so far as Everton have been concerned a question of missed chance. Make no mistake they should have won this game comfortably even though Middleborough held an interval lead. At least half a dozen golden opportunities were missed. Everyone of the forwards fell into line in this “missing” orgy, which ran to some extent to put down to “nerves.”
Worrying League Position.
Everton’s League position is worrying for they cannot get away from the relegation idea, and that worry has permeated among the players so such an extent that they became jumpy in this game; did not progress in a smooth manner common to the successful team. When a club runs up against this sort of thing more things go wrong than right, and it was so in the game with Middleborough who were undoubtedly the better side in the first half, because they played a normal sort of game. They had no worries; defeat meant nothing to them, but it meant a whole lot to Everton. When a team starts to “press “it generally loses more than it gains. Their very over anxiousness brought in errors, and this game was full of them. No wonder the players scratched their hands when they failed with gilt-edged chances. In the second half Everton should have won by a wide margin. Victory was there for the asking for Middlesbrough had unwisely gone into defence, after they had obtained the lead by sound attacking methods. Here was Everton’s chance, but they almost threw it away, and allowed the none Lasterners to sneak off with a point.
Frenzied Football.
The Everton spectators sighed and sighed again when they saw simple goals missed. It was not good football, which brought Everton their equaliser, but frenzied football. A defeat had to be avoided, so that the finer points of the game were omitted and in its place hurried and scurried play. “Get the ball in the goalmouth, no matter how.” That was the main plank on which Everton rested, and it brought the desired result in an equalizing goal. But it had been a terrific battle, whereas it should have been a simple and easy victory. All the Everton forwards were guilty of shooting errors, the worst misses being by Bell and Gillick. Middlesbrough were without their star players, Baxter and Fenton, yet they were able to show Everton the way to score goals in the first half. Quick, thoughtful football often had the defence sorely troubled. A goal in four minutes by Boyes –a goal of his own making –should have set Everton on the victory road, but Middlesbrough have settled down to something like normal, equalized through Higham, one-time Everton forward, and close on the interval a shot by Cochrane struck Yorston on the leg and flew into the net. Sagar had the original shot covered, but could not possibly get across for the deflected ball.
Disallowed Goals.
Everton had two goals disallowed and this caused spectators to loss a grip of themselves and cast orange peel at the referee, both during the game and as he was leaving the field. Now in both instances I though the referee’s decision, perfectly correct, for Gillick was offside and Lawton had handled the ball before shooting. So eager were Everton that Tommy Jones was called up into the attack when a corner was being taken, and late on in the game Bell changed places with Lawton who had a bad rare day’s work with no result. Middlesbrough are a good side. Yorston’s roaming propensity being unsettling to any defence. Minutes that Bell equalized. They were in arrears because of failing to make their chances. Teams: - Everton: - Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Watson, half-backs; Gillick, Cunliffe, Lawton, Bell and Boyes, forwards. Middleborough: - Cummings, goal; Laking, and Stuart, backs; Martin, Shepperdson, and Forrest, half-backs; Milne, Mannion, Higham, Yorston, and Cochrane, forwards. Referee Mr. J.J. Greenan (Bradford).
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION
March 21, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton “A” Score Seven At Runcorn
Everton played like champions, especially in the second half against Runcorn, when they ran up 7 goals 6 of which were scored in the second period. In the first half Runcorn had much of the play, but the Everton defence dominated the game, Davies scored the only goal during this period. Runcorn were outplayed in the second half when Davies (2), Catterick (2), Laidman and Arthur put on further goals. Everton were well balanced and played smart positional football.
TOUCH AND GO FOR EVERTON
March 21, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork.
Everton had goals served up to them on a plate against Middlesbrough, but did not accept them, and instead of a handsome victory they had to battle for an equalisering goal, which only came five minutes from the end in a most hectic finish. But how the blood boiled at the sight of grit goals being passed by rank bad shooting. Right along the Everton front line there was not one man who could be trusted to act calmly at the critical moment. It was a cool head that was needed but there were few cool heads in the Everton team on Saturday. Had there been so they would have wiped Middlesbrough off the man in the second half after they had played second fiddle for the first 45. A goal in four minutes was a good enough send off for an Everton win, but their opponents, with no troubles to worry them, soon negatived Boyes’s goal with two on their own account, and there could be no disputing their superiority in the matter of football artistry. They were quicker to the ball, had not to “kill” it before making a pass –this was a bad fault of Everton’s and kept the ball to the ground more than did their opponents. While I admit to Everton’s sledgehammer blows in the second half, it was not by classical football that they got to grips with the Boro’ defence. It was desperate football suitable to desperate needs, not the sort which has made Everton’s name traditional. You may claim it served its purposed. Very true but did it not suggest “nerves.” With a little more restraint and not so, much frenzy, I feel that some of those misses would not have been. The referee came under the ban of the spectators who lost their heads to the extent that some hotheads threw oranges peel at him during the game, and as he was leaving the field, now, the referee had done nothing to warrant such a thing. He had disallowed two goals to Everton, but in each case I though his verdict was correct. Yorston’s goal was the luckiest thing imaginable. He could know very little about it, for the ball, shot by Cochrane struck his leg and was deflected beyond Sagar, who had the original shot well covered. The Boro’s first goal came about through a miss-head by Cunliffe, Milne, Mannion and Higham joining up to score a clever goal. What a cheer went up when bell (then at centre forward) glided Britton’s lob beyond Cumming for the equaliser. Gillick’s had a poor match, and the Everton half back line did some chasing in the first half, when the Boro’s forwards played grand football.
EVERTON HAVE A HARD FIGHT AHEAD
March 21, 1938. Evening Express
Forwards Will have To Shoot Better.
By Watcher.
Everton must maintain a point-a-match average if they are to be reasonably sure to retaining First Division status. Such an average would give them a final total of 37 points, usually sufficient to ensure a club’s retention of First Division status. Even that number of points is no guarantee against relegation, because only two points separate the eight clubs at the bottom of the table. Everton were rather fortunate to hold Middlesbro’ to a 2-2 draw at Goodison on Saturday, and it was chiefly because of poor shooting. Everton should have won hands down. My note-book proves they had at least 11 really good goal-scoring opportunities, five of which came to them in the first quarter of an hour after the resumption. Yet, apart from two or three praise worthy efforts, Cumming, Boro’s goalkeeper, was rarely troubled. The defence and the half-backs did their job well, but the goal-scoring paths which were cut out were wasted because the forwards lacked shooting range. Sagar was confident in goal; Greenhalgh and Jack Jones formed a stout defensive barrier, the former New Brighton star being particularly good with first time clearances; and although Watson was below par, one has to praise the thoughtful play of Britton and Tommy Jones. Boyes, who scored his first Football League goal, for the Blues –Bell got the second –was the best winger, showing enterprise, ball control and speed. He was well fed by Bell. Gillick disappointed, and Lawton had to struggle along endeavouring to make the best of half-chance. Everton have players to keep the club in the First Division, but the forwards must shoot their way to success.
FOR AND AGAINST
March 22, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Rangers Notes
A Mossley Hill reader who sign himself “Fairplay” has written pointing out Everton’s big total of goals for and even bigger total against arguing there from that the side’s present position must be blamed on the rearguard. H writes: - “Only two teams in the First Division have scored more goals, and only one has been debited with more against to that if the League table are of any value at all –and if not then the whole system is a farce –it must be abundantly clear that it is Everton’s defence that has let them down all the season. It is, in my opinion, the poorest defence Everton have had for years. There is a total absence of class’ in the rear ranks. Too much reliance on goals for and against may lead one up the garden path. Figures can be made to prove anything. A big total against does not necessarily indicate a poor defence. It may mean forwards are so poor the whole brunt of the burden of the day falls on the defence, which capitulates through sheer overwork. You can argue it how you like. Everton’s defence, however, particularly at wing half has been below par for some time, but in my opinion, nothing has been gained by the dropping f Mercer for Watson. The weak spot against Middlesbrough was undoubtedly the attack. I exclude Lawton, who got no support worth mentioning, and had to take all knocks that came to him –and he takes a tremendous lot every week without flinching. Gillick has been a big disappointing so far this season and by now the directors must realize good as he may be when on form, that those occasions re too frequent to warrant the regularly with which he has been chosen.
Dixie Captain, But Injured.
“Dixie” Dean was in Liverpool yesterday, for the first time since he went to Notts County ten days ago. He has been made captain of his new club, and is very happy down there. Unfortunately he got a nasty knock on the ankle on Saturday, and can only hobble about with difficulty. It is feared a small bone may be broken. He is having an X-ray examination today. If that is so he may be out of the game for two or three weeks. Tough luck on Notts County if it turns out so.
THOMSON’S RETURN
March 23, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Thomson has been playing finely as full back in the Everton centre league side, but this will be his first outing this season, with the first team, and only his third in two seasons. Born at Thornton, this six-foot whole hearted player joined Everton from Dundee in March 1930 making his football league debut against welsh ham united on March 15, the sane year. Altogether he has made 235 league appearances with the Everton team, and scored four goals while he has gained first division second division and cup final medals with the club and was capped for Scotland against Wales in 1933.
Reserves Eleven
Everton side to meet Manchester United at Goodison Park in a Central League game will be; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Lindley, Edwards, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON CHANGES
March 23, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
I think all who saw Everton’s game with Middlesbrough anticipated that there would be some changes for the match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, on Saturday, the chief of which would be in the attack. Bell, the Borough, but he will partner Geldard on the right, so that Stevenson can resume as partner to Boyes. The other change is in the half back line –Jock Thomson, who has not before figured; in the first team this season, comes in at left half back to the exclusion of Watson. Thomson has been playing at full back in the Central League side, but no matter where he is played one can always rely upon him. The last time I saw him was in the “junior Derby,” and he was one of the successes of the game. Mercer is laid aside with the flu otherwise it is more than likely that he would have reclaimed his original position. However, we need have no fears about the inclusion of Thomson. If Everton can reproduce the game which enabled them to beat Chelsea in the Cup-tie they should take two valuable points from the Pensioners, who have strengthened their defence by the addition of Griffiths, who is said to be a grand back. Everton; Greenhalgh, Jones (J); Britton, Jones (T), Thomson; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. The Reserves side to meet Manchester United at Goodison Park in a Central League game will be; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Lindley, Edwards, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
THOMSON RESUMES IN EVERTON SENIOR SIDE
March 23, 1938. The Evening Express
First Appearance of Season on Saturday
Blues’ Four Team Changes.
By Pilot.
Jock Thomson, Everton’s Scottish international, will make his first appearance of the season in the first team when he plays against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. It will be his first game at left half back for two seasons. Thomson, who formerly played with Dundee, was a member of Everton’s team in their three successful season in which they carried off the F.A. Cup and two championships, but last season and this he has played at left-back with the Central League side. He made none first team appearance last season –at left back against Brentford at Griffin Park. The recall to Thomon, one of the finest positional half-backs in the game, is timely. He will have a steadying influence on the side. Thomson displaces Watson, this being one of four changes. Geldard, the English international displaces Gillick, the Scottish international, at outside right, and his partner will be “Bunny” Bell, who crosses from inside left to the exclusion of international Cunliffe. This enables the Irish international Stevenson, to return, to inside-left after missing one game. Geldard and Stevenson played two of their best games of the season against Chelsea this term. They were in grand form against the Pensioners at Goodison Park, and also against them in the cup-tie at Stamford Bridge. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (Jack); Britton, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Gillick and Watson are included in the Everton central League team to oppose Manchester United at Goodison Park. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Lindley, Edwards, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON F.C. SHAREHOLDERS MOVE
March 23, 1938. The Evening Express
Formation of First Association
By Pilot
For the first time in the history of the Everton Football Club, a Shareholders’ Association under the title of “The Everton Football Club Shareholders Association,” has been formed. Officials have been appointed and the first meeting has been called for next Tuesday night, when Mr. A. Critchley, M.P. will take the chair. Mr. R. E. Searle, who has been elected chairman, said to me today. The shareholders are dissatisfied with the manner in which the directors of the Everton club are co-opting directors to the board. “These co-options are taking place without any consultation with the shareholders and we think it is unfair. “We have called a meeting for Monday night to go into the whole situation, for it is about ten years since the shareholders had a chance of putting forward one of their own nominees. “We reached this decision after the board co-opted two members to the board recently. Mr. W. C. Cuff, chairman of Everton Football Club said to me, If the shareholders disposed to form an Association, I do not think there is anything to stop them. Apart from that I have no comment to make.” The following officials have been appointed Chairman, Mr. R. E. Searle; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. Taylor, hon. secretary Mr. A Lomax; committee Messrs C.P. Hadfield, Harry Allman, Herbert Allman, C. Winfield, and J. Charters. The sponsors hope to increase the committee to 12 at the meeting on Monday.
EVERTON F.C.’S POSITION
March 23, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Proposed Formation of Shareholders Assoc.
The position of the Everton Football Club this season has caused so much dissatisfaction among prominent shareholders that a movement has been launched for the formation of a shareholders association. The move has already reached the stage of forming a committee, and a meeting is to be held at the St. George’s Hotel, Redcross street, Liverpool, on Monday next, at 8 o’clock, to which all shareholders of the club are invited. Mr. R.E. Searle, who is acting as chairman of the committee, stated today that the present lowly position of the side, which has been causing concern to shareholders as well as anxiety to the directors, is regarded as very unsatisfactory for so famous a club. On top of that the shareholders also feel aggrieved at the recent action of the board to co-opting two new directors without the views of the shareholders being considered. On behalf of the latter it is alleged that it is many years since the directors called upon them to nominate a member. At present the committee is made up of eight,” said Mr. Searle, “but it is hoped later to make it up into 12 Mr. A. Critchley, M.P. has promised to take the chair, if possible, at Monday’s meeting.” So far the committee is composed of Messrs, R.E. Searle (chairman), A. Lomax (secretary), J. Taylor (treasurer), H. Allman, B. Allman, Winfield, Charters and Morris.
Club Chairman’s View.
Mr. W. C. Cuff, chairman of Everton F.C., interviewed by the Echo this afternoon said; “If the shareholders feel disposed to form an association there is nothing to stop them. Apart from that I gave no comment to make.”
COUNSEL FOR THE DEFENCE
March 24, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
“Everton Blue” writes to take up the counsel on the half of Everton’s defence, which was criticized by “Fairplay” a couple of days ago. Whilst I admit the backs are not the best in the country,” he says, “I wonder if Fairplay has watched carefully the way they have to play? Everton’s defence consists of four plays, only –goalkeeper, full backs, and centre half plus a wing half when Mercer plays. Owing to the wing halves playing so much in the centre of the field the backs have to come out to the touch line to play the opposing winners leaving T.E. Jones a lone in the goal month from which he is often drawn and goals are scored for example Middlesbrough first on Saturday. Milne ran forward and drew Jones then passed inside to Mannion and Jones to leave the centre of tackle Mannion who centred for the unmarked Higham to head home. Greenhalgh at the fined was trying to cover both Cochrane and Yorston. The assistance received from the wing half back was nil, there position being a few yards from the half-way fine. “This goes in every match. The full backs not getting the support from their wing half backs they have a right to expect. No one man can properly play two, and that’s what Everton’s back are being left to do. Drop the passengers before it is too late. Play Mercer at right half as scoring as he is fit again where his use of the ball is much better than on the left and give Lindley a chance at left half; he has the making of a really great player. The forwards would benefit, as they would receive the ball on the floor and not up in the air so much. This, I am sure, is one constructive step towards reducing Everton’s many weaknesses.
EVERTON DISCOVER ANOTHER DEAN!
March 24, 1938. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Sports Log
Everton have discovered another Dean –and he is a centre-forward! He will play for the “A” team in the annual game against New Brighton Reserves at Rake-lane on Saturday. He is Clifford Dean, a young player who has been signed from Winsford St. Chad’s. He has attracted a lot of attention and is stated to be highly promising. Everton will have two other new comers in the side. They are Dougal Bowden and Kenneth Bloom, both from Northwich Causals. Bowden is a centre-half and a son of the famous Aston Villa half back “Drummer” Bowden. Bloom is an inside left whom Wolves were anxious to sign. Everton “A” Wilkinson; Felton, Saunders; Wyles, Bowden, Davies; Arthur, Hurel, Dean, Bloom, Cuff.
Everton Shareholders.
The announcement that shareholders of the Everton Football Club had decided to form n association has caused much comment on Merseyside. I expect there will be a big attendance at the meeting to be held on Monday night.
EVERTON HOPE TO COMPLETE HAT-TRICK
March 25, 1938. The Evening Express
By Pilot.
Everton hope to complete a hat-trick at the expense of Chelsea when they meet at Stamford Bridge tomorrow. Already this season the Blues have defeated Chelsea in the Football League and the F.A. Cup. It will be a battle tomorrow to avoid relegation, for Everton’s position, following the forfeiture of vital home points has become serious. Everton are making forward and half back changes in the hope of bringing greater effectiveness. The most interesting move is the reintroduction of Jock Thomson the Scottish international, at left half. Bell and Stevenson shoulder the burden of inside-forward, and Geldard’s speed should put more “bite” in the line. I think I shall see Everton leave the field with the points in their keeping. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (Jack); Britton, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton continue their merry way towards the Central league championship. I expect them to consolidate their position at the head of affairs when they oppose Manchester United at Goodison Park tomorrow. The United have a good record, but it does not compare with that of the Blues. Everton have secured nearly 20 points more than the United. Everton will have a strong side, including a couple of internationals, and I anticipate another victory if their forwards snap up the chances. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Cook; Lindley, Edwards, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Catterick, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON AT CHELSEA
March 25, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
Everton go to Chelsea with a greatly hanged team to that which has been doing duty in recent weeks, but the position has become of such vital concern that something had to be done, particularly in attack, where too many chances have been missed. Naturally the position is weighting heavily on the shoulders of the players. There was jumpiness about their play against Middlesbrough which told of nerves. There was no smoothness about them, and in their anxiety to do better they began to “press” and there is only one result to a tears which fall into the habit –ask the golfer –errors. Everton’s attack has been faulted time and time again this season. They themselves and then failed to take advantage of them; I would like to see more open play in the forward line. There has been too much bunching in the goalmouth, which, of course, helps the defence to close up. A little more open play would enforce the opposition defence to open up, and buy so doing would undoubtedly offer the Everton forwards more scoring chances. With Everton’s forwards cluttered together, the rival defence has simply to pack in to goal to bar the way. How often do we see an Everton shot cannon up against a defender? Many times. To obviate that there must be more open play, the wingers must be exploited more. They are the men who can forced an opposition to leave its goal. Everton have reorganized their attack for Stamford Bridge. I am glad they kept Bell in the attack for I thought he did well last week. He gave the outside left more passes than he has had for an age. True, he missed a “sitter” but was not alone in that respect. He will partner Geldard on the right, and should make full use of the latter’s speed by putting the ball to him in a takable manner –just ahead of him. Stevenson will renew his partnership with Boyes, who is a tireless worker ever on the look out for a half a chance. Watson did not fill Mercer’s shoes as expected. He was brought in because of his constructional play, but was not a big improvement on Mercer, in that respect. Mercer was a much greater asset when it came to defence. Mercer, however, is unfit so the old warrior, Jock Thomson, comes in for the first time this season. Thomson has been playing full back in the Central league side, and is wearing well. Boyes and Stevenson should feel the benefit of Thomson’s inclusion. For the Scot does know how and when to push a ball up to them. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (JE), Britton, Jones (TG), Thomson; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson, and Boyes. Chelsea; Woodley; Barkas, Smith; Allum, Griffiths, Weaver (or another); Spence, Burgress, Payne, Foss, Chitty.
EVERTON’S TASK
March 26, 938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel.
Everton’s position is relatively worse than that of Liverpool, as the Goodison Park team have won one point fewer and have played a match more than their local rivals. Everton meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today; and as the former are not yet out of the wood the tussle will again be severe. Everton are playing Bell and Geldard on the right wing, and Stevenson returns, while Thomson (half-back) makes his first appearance in the senior team this season. Everton; Sagar; Greenhalgh, Jones (JE); Britton, Jones (TG), Thomson; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Chelsea; Woodley; Barkas, Smith; Allum, Griffiths, Weaver (or Miller); Spence, Burgess, Payne, Foss, Chitty.
CHELSEA GET THEIR REVENGE
March 26, 1938. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Fail to Repeat Cup Success
Blues Fade Out
By Stork.
Teams: Everton; Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; Barkas and Smith, backs; Allum, Griffiths, and Miller, half-backs; Spence, Burgess, Payne, Foss and Chitty, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Ames Redditch. Everton travelled to London this morning, owing to the team, having been to the Grand National yesterday. Mr. E. Green, the vice-chairman, was of the party that left us at London on other business. The Liverpool directors, Mr. W. Harrop and Mr. L. Mattindale, together with the manager, Mr. George Kay, were also on scouting business in the London area. The last time Everton were at Stamford Bridge was on the occasion of a Cup-tie which they won. Victory today was much more desirable to relieve the position. It was a bright sunny day, with a light breeze blowing across the pitch. The local estimate of the crowd was 22,000. Stevenson, Thomson (making his first appearance), and Geldard returned to the Everton side, who played in white. Chelsea opened in attack and Burgess tried a long shot which travelled over the bar. Everton then proceeded to play chessboard football, six of their players linking up with beautiful combination which ended with Lawton making a header and Woodley saving as Boyes ran in to make contact. Thomson soon caught the eye with his grand position play and cute passes. One Chelsea spectator brought a laugh with the remark; “Come on Chelsea, you’re all over them!” –which was extremely funny in the face of what was happening. Geldard grazed the Chelsea crossbar with a good effort, and then Everton had a narrow escape. Jack Jones put the ball back to Sagar with power, and then Fess was through, and Sagar was defeated in the challenge. Burgess shot with Sagar out and the ball rattled up, against Jones’s legs. The danger was still very real, for Foss got possession and slashed the ball back into goal, and the ball was going over the line until Thomson got his foot to it and kept it out. This led to further Chelsea pressure and the Everton defence had its anxious moments. Sagar having to sweep away a ball from the left wing.
Chelsea Go ahead
Lawton was finding Chelsea’s defensive barrier difficult, and yet Woodley had to keep his eye on a ball from bell that curled over the bar. Chelsea had got together after their feeble start, and at the seventeenth minutes took the lead with a beautiful made goal. Spence started the movement by centring to Payne, who put the ball so nicely over to Chitty that the outside left was given a grit goal. He had only to be accurate with his head to be sure of beating Sagar. He got the right angle, it was a goal. Everton came back into the attack, and Bell was well off the mark with a left-foot drive. Chelsea were employing the wide pass to take them down to the Everton goal, and Payne was through, although his angle was not enticing. He decided to have a try, and was dead on the mark, and only a Jack Jones header prevented Chelsea from becoming two up. Boyes and Geldard were working hard, and Stevenson put some nice passes into the middle, but the Chelsea defence was sound enough today, and the early luster of the Everton team had left them to some extent. Burgess was right off the mark with a long drive, and Sagar made an excellent save from Spence, although Jack Jones had run right across his vision. Everton nearly had an equaliser when Bell was through. The ball came to his right foot, which is his left but he did not even call upon Woodley, his shot going high over. Boyes was giving the old warrior Barkas plenty of work, and the crowd got nasty because the referee would not give a free kick against Thomson for that they brought was a foul on Burgess. Bell was more in defence than attack, yet Everton went close following a nice piece of work by Lawton. Stevenson and Boyes, the last-named being offside when he hot against the side netting, Jack Jones was in great form, and so for the matter was Griffiths, Chelsea’s centre half. A free kick just outside the Londoner’s penalty area was taken by Tommy Jones and a full-blooded effort it was too, Woodley having to make a sure catch, Everton had several chances which had not been taken.
Half-Time Chelsea 0, Everton 1.
The first item of interest in the second half was a punch away by Woodley of a Stevenson shot, and then Geldard, who at that moment was making rings round Miller and Smith, won a corner which he did not get. Geldard then elected to cut in and try for an equaliser, for I feel sure it was a shot, which Boyes headed over rather than a centre. Boyes made a brave effort even though the ball flew over. It was not very attractive football at this stage. Lawton was given a chance but for once in a way failed to take it. He veared over the left –almost outside left –and shot Woodly collaring the ball at the foot of the post. Barkas got his side out of a difficulty when he headed away from Geldard, and Chitty twice disappointed the Chelsea people, particularly so when he took the ball close in and then shot tamely towards Sagar. One would not have thought that in the rival attack there were two men who had earned for themselves the opportunity for goals, Payne and None goal Bell. Stevenson gave Bell a through pass that was labeled “shoot” but all Bell got was a corner. This provided Lawton with a shot and Woodley showed a safe pair of hands when he held the ball under the crossbar. Everton were banging the ball up the middle, even though they had seen that Griffiths was holding down the middle of the field. Lawton might have moved away from the centre to get away from Griffiths. Burgess went outside right and Spence inside. Final Chelsea 2, Everton 0.
EVERTON SHOW POLISH WITHOUT PUSH
March 26, 1938. The Evening Express, Football Edition
Weakness in Front of Goal
Menacing Chelsea Raids.
By Pilot.
Everton played artistically without being entirely effective against Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge, today. They did all the good work in the opening stages in an attacking sense, without bringing Woodley into action sufficiently. Chelsea gained the lead in 17 minutes, Chitty being the scorer. Subsequently Chelsea were more menacing in their attack. On the train to London met Messrs W. Harrop, Lawson, Martindale and George Key, of Liverpool, who were doing some scouting in the south. Mr. Ernest Green, the Everton director, travelled with the party, but left for similar business as soon as we reached Euston. Teams: Everton; Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; Barkas and Smith, backs; Allum, Griffiths, and Miller, half-backs; Spence, Burgess, Payne, Foss and Chitty, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Ames Redditch. Everton had the advantage of the wind and the play in the opening stages Chelsea did launch one attack, which was easily repelled, but the remainder was Everton all the way. This caused a wag in the crowd to shout, “Come on, Chelsea, you’re all over them.” There was one delightful bout of passing, in which Everton lobbed it here and there with Chelseas always on the run. The alertness of Woodley prevented Boyes nipping in. Everton played coolly and collectively, each man keeping excellent position. Boyes was away on the right to give Geldard a hand, and Geldard let go from the edge of the penalty, area to skim the top of the bar.
Chelsea Open Out.
Chelsea opened out after 10 minutes of real art by Everton, and Joe Payne, the famous goal-getter, was slipped through. Sagar came out to intercept and touch the ball, but still left Payne with a shooting chance. The shot was turned away by Jack Jones for a corner. From this Sagar, punched out, for Foss to take a shot on the half-volley. The ball struck Burgess and was going to the net, when Thompson stepped in calmly to clear from the line. Everton still played the higher grade of football, and a fine movement down the left wing led to Bell shooting by the far post. Chelsea took the lead in 17 minutes, Chitty being the scorer. Spence began the movement when he raced ahead and turned it forward to Payne. The leader merely glided in across for Chitty to nod into the net from close range and from a narrow angle. Geldard, who enterprisingly went over to outside left was fouled by Griffiths. The free kick failed to produce the shot and when Lawton turned over a pass in perfect style, Bell had gone too far forward. Sagar saved a low one from Burgess and a quick shot from Spence as the ball swung away from jack Jones. Chelsea showed some improvement, with quickly-developed attacks. Everton became a menace after Boyes had slipped Barkas and lobbed the ball forward. Lawton helped it along, and Bell took it with his left foot, but lacked elevation. Lawton paved the way for a good attack, in which Stevenson and Boyes played a vital part, but Boyes ruined it by getting offside. There was little to choose between the sides in a game which produced plenty of good football. Everton had a free kick just outside the penalty area, and Tom Jones was right on the mark. Woodley also did his part perfectly. Sagar dived to save Burgress’s shot and try as they did Everton could not find a shooting chance.
Half-Time Chelsea 1, Everton 0.
Woodley had the fist away from Stevenson’s centre, with Lawton on the spot, and then Everton almost draw level. Geldard had been refused what looked like an obvious corner kick, but the winger came again, sweeping past Smith. He put in a centre swiftly to the far post, and Boyes, dashing in got his head to it. How it went over the top was a puzzle. Lawton failed to control the ball when Bell had put him through, and so a great chance was missed. Lawton did better from a narrow angle, Woodley having to go full length to grab the ball as it was crossing the line. Sagar had to be quick to save when Greenhalgh passed back and when Chitty broke through, Greenhalgh pulled him up in style. Geldard tapped the ball inwards and was about to head in when Barkas came across with a timely intervention. Everton were having more of the game, but they showed little promise in front of goal. Chitty wasted a good chance from close range before Geldard neatly deceived Smith and put a flank attack in action. Bell could not reach the ball correctly with his head when it came to the final thrust. Everton were making the mistake of continually lobbing the ball up the middle, and here Griffiths had command. Payne scored a second for Chelsea after 74 minutes. Final Chelsea 2, Everton 0.
SPORTS REEL
March 28, 1938. The Evening Express, Football Edition
By Pilot.
Everton, at the moment, are barred from signing players they could play in their first team this season, as they are still fighting against relegation. Therefore there may be nothing doing with regard to Scott, the clever Brentford inside forward they watched last Saturday. Everton have always had a fancy for this ex-Middlesbrough player, and I recall that it was on the recommendation of Mr. Will Cuff that Scott received his first international cap. Recently Scott refused to go to Luton Town, although the clubs had agreed to terms. In addition to Woodruff they are prepared to receive offers for Gastall, Cunliffe –international cousin of Nat Cunliffe, of Everton –Toll, and Richardson.
CHELSEA 2 EVERTON 0 (Game 1638 over-all)-(Div 1 1596)
March 28, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Fail To Shoot
Cause of Defeat at Chelsea
By Stork.
If players will not shoot how can a team expect to win? Poor marksmanship has been one of Everton’s greatest failings this season. In many games both home and away they have had opportunities but there has been no punch in the attack for some time. I won’t say they had a lot of chances at Stamford Bridge, but they had quite the equal if not more than Chelsea, and the home side put two shots into the net. I thought by the way Everton opened that they were going to run, through Chelsea as they did at Goodison Park, but after a flourish of 20 minutes they lost some of their luster and became just an everyday workmanlike side and with Chelsea playing a similar sort of game, the match fell from its high state to a moderate and unattractive display. Everton had made changes in the hope that there would be more virility, more shooting and more unison in the front line, but he changes did not bring the desired result.
Feeble Display
Everton gave one of their feeblest displays for some time. It is all very well, to talk of a side having the major portion of the attack, but if it leads nowhere, then it is of no account whatever. I readily admit that Everton did have the greater part of the attack in this game, yet with all that advantage they could not beat Woodley, who in the main had a reasonably comfortable afternoon, for I cannot recall him having more than three shots of any account to save. Until Everton realize the value of the shot as against that extra little bit of dribbling of that extra pass they will find that their fight to escape from the bottom of the table is going to be a desperate one. One of the chief reasons why Everton could not beat down the Chelsea defence was that they played up into the hands of Griffiths, Smith, Barkas, and Woodley. The half backs particularly Britton would persist in lobbing the ball into the goalmouth. They had evidently forgotten that Dean is not there how a days with his brilliant heading ability but it is fairly obvious that this type of play has become so ingrained into some of the Everton players that they have apparently overlooked the fact that Dean was not there and that Lawton, good as he is, cannot beat down the stopper centre half who is dominating present day football. When I see that Lawton had no chance, I only speak a half-truth, for occasionally he had ball on the ground, but it was only occasionally. Thomson who came in for the first time this season, did bring some constructional play into the middle line. But he did not get enough of the ball, to serve his forwards as he would have liked.
Timely Saves.
Chelsea got a goal in each half, and may have had two others had it not been for two interventions on the part of Jack Jones and Thomson, who each kicked the ball off the goal-line. Even when they were a goal in arrears, Everton were still a better side in football sense, but good football without the necessary factor to back it up goes for naught. The first goal which was scored by Chitty was nicely made although I was under the impression that Sagar should have saved it. He did not seem to take up the poorest position for Chitty’s header which passed in front of him and into the far side of the goal, but there was no denying Paynes goal in the second half, for it was a shot that left everyone standing. Sagar could not have seen it, but here again there was an element of good fortune for the shooter for just as he was about to make his tackle Jack Jones slipped up and as a consequence was only able to make a half-tackle, which Payne overcame and then crashed the ball into the far side of the net with terrific force. One could hardly imagine that there were two such famous scoring forwards on the field in ten-goals Payne and Nine goals Bell, for Chelsea’s marksmanship was nothing to write home about I thought Payne played very well but as against that Chitty, his goal apart was anything but a success. By comparison Boyes was much more effective, yet he must but one his propengly for running back with the ball. This enabled the Chelsea defence to cover up the Everton inside forwards, who had run into position in anticipation of a quick pass from Boyes which never came. Geldard was Everton’s best forward, for Bell was not up to the force of a week ago, Thomson was a revelation. He used the ball so well and his tackling was very sound, but of the Everton side I would place Jack Jones above all of the others. He was a tower of strength, and but for one slip, T.G. Jones the Welsh international had a good game. Teams: Everton; Sagar, goal; Greenhalgh and Jones (JE), backs; Britton (captain), Jones (TG), and Thomson, half-backs; Geldard, Bell, Lawton, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Chelsea: - Woodley, goal; Barkas and Smith, backs; Allum, Griffiths, and Miller, half-backs; Spence, Burgess, Payne, Foss and Chitty, forwards. Referee Mr. B. Ames Redditch.
EVERTON RESERVES 1 MANCHESTER UNITED RESERVES 0
March 28, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
Central League (Game 35)
Everton were rather lucky to get both points at Goodison Park. It was a scrappy game, in which the defence were masters. The attacks indulged too much in fancy tricks, though the Manchester forwards were troublesome for a time with their short, swift passing Cook and Jackson, however, were study, and Morton was seldom in danger. The home forwards lacked balance, and the speed of Griffths and Porter countered the efforts of Gillick and Trentham to get the line going steadily. Edwards was a useful pivot, who subdued Bamford the United centre forward and Catterick the Everton leader, who scored the goal, was held by Jones. Everton Reserves: - Morton, goal, Cook and Jackson, backs; Lindley, Edwards, and Watson, half-backs ; Gillick, Bentham, Catterick, Dougal, and Trentham, forwards.
Friendly Match
New Brighton Reserves 3, Everton “A” 1
At rake Lane. It was only during the second half that New Brighton really got on top, Everton defended grimly, but White with a penalty kick, added to the goal scored by Stevens, before the interval. Following a corner kick, Davies scored for Everton, Seddon got a third goal for New Brighton.
EVERTON’S TACTICS.
March 28, 1938. The Liverpool Echo.
By Stork.
“When I was a boy Everton used to play football. Now they play air football.” Now they play air football.” They were the words off an old journalist to me as I left the Chelsea ground on Saturday evening. And he was right, for Everton kept punching the ball into the goalmouth, where it was invariably collared by centre half Griffiths. Such practice was all very well with a Dean there to nod home goals, but them is only one Dean when the ball is in the air. Britton must beat this in mind up future games. He must have known very early on that such tactics must fail as the game was being played. Centre half backs are lying in wait for such ball. Griffiths was, so that Lawton had little chance. Another thing. No team can hope to win a game without, shooting and Everton’s efforts against Chelsea were few and far between. They had their chances –not many, through the above reason, I admit –but they had some, only to fall with all of them. If Chelsea had been a good side I would not have minded. Everton being beaten, but Chelsea were a poor side which made this defeat all the more galling. I am not despondent over this defeat for I am still optimistic that if they will avert relegation, but I was sore with the tactics displayed, for Chelsea could have been beaten without any great effort.
Doubling Back.
Jock Thomson showed the way by the way he fed Boyes. He was the one man who saw the folly of lefting the ball into the goalmouth for the soon saw that it only came back. The bunching in the centre of the field militated against progress rather than helped it. The wings should have been exploited more fully. Geldard had the beating of Smith, and was the best of the forwards without being brilliant but Boyes must cut out his penchant for doubting back with the ball. He was clever with the ball, but his delay in making the centre cost his inside men deadly. Forward should be his motto. He almost headed a goal when a Geldard shot was passing out. In the early stages of the game Everton played delightful football, but there was not finality about it, so that Woodley had a fairly comfortable time. Centres were lobbed into his hands instead of being put back where they would have been of use to the Everton forwards. There is not much about Chelsea in my story, but there was not much about them on the field of play, and that they should beat Everton does not redound to Everton’s credit. There will have to be an alteration in Everton’s methods if they are to save their faces. Jack Jones was brilliant and Greenhalgh did fairly well, but a team without a shot is a team without a victory.
EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS ASOCIATION FORMED
March 29, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
The Everton F.C Shareholders association, the formation of which was mooted a week ago, definitely came into being last night when about a hundred shareholders attended the inaugural meeting. Official’s were appointed, the first committee meeting takes place next Monday, and a further meeting of shareholders is to be called t a later date at which a cut and dried scheme regarding the Association’s activities will be propounded. Mr. A. N. Denaro who presideded over the inaugural meeting, said the shareholders had first to decide whether an association such as that proposed was desirable. He thought it was. Mr. Denaro recounted what was said at the last annual meeting of the club with regard to the co-option of directors without reference to the shareholders and said from the reply received it was generally gathered that when the time next arose for a new director to be added to the board an opportunity would be afforded the shareholders to put forward the name of one of their own nominees. Following the death of Mr. Harry Banks, and Mr. Jack Sharp, however, two new directors were co-opted without the shareholders having any say in the matter. “I have nothing to say against either of the two gentleman concerned,” said Mr. Denaro “but I will say this, that whether it is Italy, Germany or the Everton Football Club we do object to dictatorship and we shareholders ought to be given a fair crack of the whip in regard to placing someone on the board.”
Value To The Club.
Mr. Deanaro’s remark that they all loved the Everton club brought forth considerable applause. He hoped that love would never be diverted from it, but when directors were put forward to represent shareholders he considered they should be elected in a democratic fashion, and that those whom they represented should be given an opportunity of having their say. An association of the type proposed, if rightly run, could be an immense value to the club. “I hope the directors will realize that we are only asking for something to which we are entitled,” he concluded “and not turn us down in the abrupt fashion they did many years ago. “ When the meeting was thrown open to questions one of these present remarked that he did not think the association had been floated in the proper manner. The members of the committee had apparently already been decided upon, instead of being left to that meting to elect. Mr. R. E. Searle, explained that the names published were only provisional and could be altered at the will, of the shareholders. The steps which already had been taken had been made only with the object of getting something definite done. Another shareholders said that if the idea of the association was solely to get one or two nominees on the board he did not think it worth pursuing the matter further. Many of them were quite satisfied with the way the club was being conducted. Mr. Ney maintained that shareholders already had the opportunity of nominating men for the board every year, and should exercise their power at the annual meeting. A similar view was expressed by Mr. Barton, who said it seemed that the aims of the association could be achieved by a little concerted action at the right time. The suggestions that possibly a deputation to the directors might have the required effect was made by Mr. Keating, but after discussion the proposal to form the association was duly put to the meeting and carried by 50 votes to 1. Several people refrained from voting.
Officials And Committee.
Two-names were submitted as chairman, Mr. R. Searle and Mr. A. N. Denaro. The latter who was elected with Mr. Searle, as deputy, said he was a very busy man, and had not come that evening prepared to accept the position but as there seemed to be a wish that he should take on the job, he would do his best to fulfill it to their satisfaction. The remaining officials and committee were then appointed as follows:- Hon, Treasurer, Mr. J. Taylor, Hon, Secretary, Mr. A. Lomax, Committee Messrs R.J. Alexanders, W. Barnes C, Winfield, H. Allman, W. Gray, J. Charters, B. Allman, W. Morris, R. Dibble, W.R. Williams, G.F. Barton, and Ernest Edwards. Mr. Edwards however, has today written to Mr. Lomax, secretary of the Association, staring that he does not desire to serve on the committee.
THREE EVERTON CHANGES
March 30, 1938 Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton are at home to west Bromwich on Saturday and here is another ‘’safely first’’ struggle. The Everton directors at their meeting last night decided to make further changes in the team in the hope of being about an improvement alterations being made at back half-back and forward in the side beaten at Chelsea last week. Cook returning to right back in place of grrenhalgh Britton, the captain is being released and mercer will appear at right half while Cunliffe returns to inside right to the exclusion of Bell. He Teams: Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes, forwards. The Everton Reserves team against Preston North End at Preston will be; Morton; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Lindley, Gee, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON GO IN SPECIAL TRAINING FOR “SAFETY” FIGHT
March 30, 1938. The Evening Express
Ten Days At Harrogate
Three Changes For Match With Albion.
By Pilot.
Everton footballers left Liverpool today for Harrogate, where they will undergo ten days of special training to equip them for their stern battle to retain First Division status. The directors decided on this plan at their meeting last evening. The team will remain at Harrogate until Saturday morning when they return to Liverpool to oppose West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park. Afterwards they return to Harrogate and will stay there until the following Saturday, when they go to Stoke City. The following players are in the party; under Secretary Mr. Theo Kelly and Trainer Mr. Harry Cooke; Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Greenhalgh; Britton, Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson, Watson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Everton have decided to make three important changes for the match against West Bromwich Albion.
Britton to Rest
The captain, Cliff Britton, is being given a well-earned rest, and this allows Mercer to resume at right back. It will be Mercer’s first appearance since February 19. Mercer has been playing right half in the Central league side recently with conspicuous success. He was, originally a right half. Cook, the Irish international captain, returns to right back for the first time since playing against Liverpool on February 17. He displaces Greenhalgh. The other change is in attack, where Cunliffe again takes over the inside right position in place of Bell. Everton; Sagar; Cook, Jones (Jack); Mercer, Jones (Tom), Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes. Greenhalgh and Bell are included in the Everton Reserves team to visit Preston North End. Everton Reserves; Morton; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Lindley, Gee, Watson; Gillick, Bentham, Bell, Dougal, Trentham.
EVERTON CHARGES
March 30, 1938. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have an important game in their struggle to reach a position of safely when they meet West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on Saturday, and in an effort to improve the side three changes have been made; at back, half back and forward. Cook returns to the right back position in place of Greenhalgh; Britton, the captain, is being rested, and his place at right half will be taken by Mercer., while Cunliffe replaces Bell at inside right, so that the team is;- Sagar; Cook, Jones (JE); Mercer, Jones (TG), Thomson; Geldard, Cunliffe, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes.
EVERTON PLAYERS AT HARROGATE
March 31, 1938. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton players went to Harrogate yesterday and it is hoped that the special training there will prove a tonic for the hard struggle ahead. All the players chosen for Saturday’s game with West Bromwich Albion with the addition of Britton, greenhalgh, Watson and bell were in the party. Mr. Kelly the secretary and trainer h cook were in charge. The party will remain at Harrogate for a fortnight. They return on Saturday for the home match against west brom and a week later will go direct to stoke for their match there. Everton visited Harrogate before the 4-4 draw with Leeds united.
March 1938