FARRELL RECALLED
March 1, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Everton captain Peter Farrell, is recalled at left half-back in the Ireland team to play Wales at Belfast on March 9.

FRED GEARY’S ‘TROPHY
March 1, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Football-Official by W,C. Cuff
It is seemly football should have precious few unseemly scenes. Yet the odd occasions when things have gone wrong and a riot might have arisen become something of a joke in the football world. Years gone by the scenes after the final whistle were a disgrace. A player thought if he could gather the ball the moment the signal stopped the game it was his property. This was quite erroneous but it became a habit, and the made scrimmaging that went on to collar the ball became a scandal. In one cup final of our remembrance, Everton v. Manchester City. Geldard was near enough to dash in and collar the ball. He was leaving the cup final scene with this memento only to find an official challenge him for possession. Such a finale to a final was quite undignified and the authorities thereafter stopped the nonsense, by instituting a rule stating that the ball must be handed to the referee at the conclusion of the game, and it was later handed to the captain of the winning club. Cricket has suffered in similar manner, and today we have the film to show us the rugby scrum that arises when a Test match is ended. Yet with six wickets, four bails and a ball you have there a memento (decided by lottery) for every one of the fielding side, and to balance that would come in due course the opposition side. Anyway the batsmen have their bats – and the fielders have a “stick apiece.” What could be fairer and what could be better to end the gentlemanly wrestling matches that we see after a Test match has ended? Many years ago at Crystal Palace there was nearly a riot in the dressing room through a football smash-and-grab incident. Everton were on the losing end that day and the whole Aston Villa team went into the Everton dressing room after the game demanding the ball be handed back to them. They had seen an Everton player gather the ball and rush off to the Crystal Palace dressing rooms. Everton players declared they did not know where the ball was. Villa players searched boots, the skip, every hook and cranny, knowing the ball must be somewhere around there. Their search was useless, for an Everton player, realizing the difficulty of hiding his treasure, had taken out his penknife the moment he got back to the dressing room and slit the ball, and was proudly going around the Villa players taunting them to “Well, find the ball and you can have it.” Actually he was wearing it under his football jersey –as a chest protector! Years after he mellowed and handed his “trophy” to Fred Geary the famous little centre forward of Everton –still living and aged 81 a few days ago –who proceeded to hand it over to the Aston Villa management when they came our way to play a League game a year or so ago. The strange sight of the ball was worthy of your attention –it was a seamless ball, and the like of that ball has never been used since, although many a man of genius has tried to invent a ball without seams. So ended the chest protector in its many miles of travel –in the boardroom at Aston. Talking of scenes, one is happy to record the spirit of harmony as between rival boards and managements, whereas in older times there was much antagonism. In one instance after a ferocious “derby” day meeting between two clubs –not of that city of course – a player actually charged the massive chairman into the side-boards, and timed his charge to the spilt second so that no one, as present who could give evidence for the astounded and buffeted chairman. Those are days of long ago, put I must mention for the joy of it, the meeting of Bert Cooke, the Tranmere manager of that period, with Mr. John McKenna who suffered pain, from gout and was not spirited in his exist from a taxi cab. Manager Cooke, most anxious to give a helping hand –as is his wont – proffered a hand to Mr. McKenna on leaving. “No thanks my man,” said Mr. McKenna. Give me your hand,” called Manager Cooke. “Leave me alone,” said Mr. McKenna by now halfway out and one foot on the street –“But said Manager Cooke “Mr. McKenna –but “ “Oh, for goodness sake leave me alone Cooke” said Mr. McKenna, to which Cooke replied “That’s all right sir, but you’re standing on my foot and I’m pegged down. “ Mr. McKenna’s weight was extensive, and having released the pinion he laughed heartily at Mr. Cooke predicament.
Tomorrow –A Liverpool Idea that ended many arguments.

EVERTON’S GRANA CAPTURE
March 2, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Jimmy McIntosh’s, Everton’s star “guest” player of the war-time period, became the medium of the first important transfer deal put through by Manager Cliff Britton, when he was transferred from Blackpool last night. He will probably play against Blackpool on Saturday. McIntosh is under 30, and one of the best clubman ever known. This is no sensational signing, but the capture at no fancy fee, of a player whose heart was in the Everton from the moment he first stepped into the dressing room. McIntosh had games with Liverpool and Chester during the war before settling down with Everton, for whom he once had the distinction of scoring all five goals in a 5-5 drew with Crewe Alex. Everton would have liked McIntosh to remain when peacetime football returned, but Preston would not agree but now, after a lapse of five years the bond is renewed. McIntosh has a house in Blackpool, but will live in Liverpool as soon as accommodation can be found for him, and this morning so keen was he to get to work with Everton, that he travelled from Blackpool to join his new colleagues –most of them old friends –at Bellefield in a club “workout.” The immense value of the transfer is that McIntosh, as emphasized by Manager Britton, is cover for two positions, for Jimmy besides being a forceful and quick-shooting centre-forward, is equally at home at outside-left and so becomes a dual purpose signing. The signing of McIntosh is a move which will bring dividends to Everton, for whenever I have seen him in post-war football Jimmy has never failed to score and, as a matter of fact, scored against Everton at Bloomfield road this season. McIntosh was in the Blackpool team until Blackpool secured his namesake also from Preston N.E. and will be happy to be back in First Division circles, especially with the club he likes so much.
Blackpool Changes
Blackpool will be without Stanley Matthews against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. The English outside-right received a leg injury against Preston and was declared unfit today. Taking his place will be 21-year-old Albert Hobson, who was signed by Blackpool from a Manchester works side. It will be his second appearance in League football. Willie McIntosh is also injured and Mortensen will lead the attack for the first time since August 28. Blackpool; Farm; Shimwell, Suart; Johnston, Hayward, Kelly; Hobson, McCall, Mortensen, McKnight, Wardle.

MR. BRODIES’S BRAIN-WAVE
March 2, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
A “Steve” Bloomer Memory
Goal Ruled Out After Three Minutes
Football-Official by W.C. Cuff
It may not concern or interest the average football follower, but at least it should never be lost sight of that this city was productive of many football “births” which lovers of the game took to their hearts and valued as rare adjuncts to the flow and control of the game. First of all never let us forget football’s goal-net gift, which came through the brain of Mr. Brodie, our City Engineer –a valued Everton follower who found a means of stopping all arguments about the exact run of a goal-ball. In days of old, with club directors as linesmen, or umpires, chaos resigned supreme. It was plain we could not continue in that official train, and referees and linesmen were appointed. Now, it was still more vital that something should be done to stop the endless arguments of those days when each side said diametrically opposite things about the ball –One side, “It went through the goal posts,” the other vowed it passed over or outside and was not a goal. Mr. Brodie brought to life goal nets just as they stand today, and they have never been changed from that moment. The back of the net –ah, what wonderful memories arise through “the back of the net.” Occasionally, a faulty net is holed by a strong shot which pierces the side-netting and lodges the ball “at the back of the net,” but those are rare happenings, and one official can trace the hole if he has not seen the illusion.
Bloomer’s Punch
In one of the greatest games Derby County ever put on our ground. I saw the truly great Steve Bloomer take the opposition defence up and down the touch line –he could not get the ball to his extraordinary shooting boot. They followed him up and down up and down, and suddenly he swirled around on the right foot and drove a ball at amazing pace to goal. In those days the goalposts were whitewashed, and, believe it or not the whitewash flakes spluttered full two feet into the air when the ball struck the crossbar and the ball went soaring up at least 20 feet in the air. A remarkable man Bloomer, with a power of shot one associates with men of the Barnes, Johnson, Houghton, Joe Smith efforts, but in my estimate no one ever equaled Steve Bloomer in his ability, for delivering telling blows with enormous pace, with just sufficient loft to stun a goalkeeper’s chance of saving, and with the precision of a Joe Davis on the snooker board. He plotted shots.
Double Entry
It was the Everton and Liverpool clubs combined who gave birth to the notion of “Derby Day” matches being started with both teams entering the field two by two instead of in single team file, and proceeding to “tear em up.” Now this is a trifying thing, but it has travelled as far as Cup Final games, and I beg to place on record the thought behind “Bee’s” mind when he called upon me and upon our old friend the Liverpool chairman, Mr. Tom Crompton, asking that the idea should be tried “as token of the local clubs’ players being sportsmen and desiring nothing but the best sporting spirit in their annual meetings.” It looked odd to the spectator who wanted to cheer his side as they entered the field, but I am happy to think the scheme has given universal satisfaction. Only once did it break down in its application, and that was a Cup Final occasion when a certain manager, “clothed with a little brief authority,” refused to link up in the dual purpose and said; I will not ley my team be a party to this combined operation. Let them go out as usual and get on with their business.”
Ran With The Ball
They got out, and went out a beaten side, but I must confess they seemed to have just caused to complain of a goal scored by them which was ruled out as offside, yet the referee had run alongside the scorer for 20 yards and had not seen fit to blow his whistle until he had slotted the ball into the Wembley goal. Which, of itself, is almost concrete proof that the goal was not an off-side verdict or he would have whistled offside thirty yards out when the forward first received the ball. However, who are we to be judges of referee’s? Are there not sufficient amateur referees at every game played in this country –and they are not lacking in voice if they think the referee has made an error. That is what is called “football’s human nature.” The oddest delayed goal in my long history was that at Tottenham Hotspur’s ground when, at least three minutes after we had scored a goal, the ball was taken to the far-distant part of the field for a throw-in the linesman had not been able to force upon the referee. It was a stunning staggering walt, for play had gone on and on, and not even the home team had sought consultation with the linesman. However, the referee having heard from the linesman that the ball had been over the touchline –minutes before –retrieved the ball and left us blank. I am not complaining, I am merely stating a decisional fact and act that confounded most, if not all the players and led Everton out of the Cup.
He Hung On
Teams go out of the Cup through the faintest of incident happenings – a throw-in at Crystal Palace cost us a Cup-tie versus Sheffield Wednesday. I can see burly Walter Abbott to this moment –away on the far side of the field. Not speedy in 1907, Walter refused to kick the ball into play for safety’s sake. Walter hung on to the ball to try to skim it along the touchline –to keep play flowing, just as Carey of Manchester United does to this day, just as Spencer and other famous backs attempted to keep “the ball on the island,” as the true “Frisby Dyke” terms it. Walter was a dainty player, but he became leaden-footed, and the ball was snapped up, and straight-way the amateur Simpson of Sheffield, scored the winning goal.
Tomorrow -Illegal Payments. When Everton Stood Alone.

J. McINTOSH FOR EVERTON
March 3, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
At A Moderate Fee
Jimmy McIntosh one of two forwards named McIntosh on the Blackpool books signed for Everton yesterday. The fee was moderate one and it is plain that Everton by taking this big hard-hitting centre forward or outside left, have indulged in a wise insurance. Everton play Blackpool at Goodison Park on Saturday and if McIntosh is selected he will have an immediate opportunity to show his old club a goal or two. McIntosh was displaced by Willie McIntosh (who signed from Preston) in the Blackpool side at centre-forward but last season he played for them regularly and then was something of a rumpus when he was left out of the Cup Final team after playing in all the lead-up round. McIntosh has a glorious history. He went to Blackpool as a boy of fifteen from Droylsden in Lancashire, and after scoring lots of goals with their junior side was transfer to Preston N.E. During the war he was a War Reserve policeman in Liverpool. At that time he played many games as a guest for Chester and later Everton, who found him very effective as a centre-forward. Afterwards he returned to Blackpool and was always notable for being able to put the finishing touches to the Matthews –Mortensen trimmings. McIntosh is Manager Cliff Britton’s first important signing since taking over at Everton. Everton have made an inexpensive, but felling move to round of their magnificent struggle to avoid Division 2.

EVERTON STOOD ALONE
March 3, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Money “Dropped In Players’ Boots”
A Famous Inquiry
Football –Official by W.C. Cuff
I am very proud of Everton Football Club. I am proud of her records in the game, of her Cup-tie victories, her League victories, her astounding return from the lower ranks when relegated to the Second Division for the first time. But more than all am I proud of Everton because there was a meeting of the game’s authorities, a commission, and Everton stood alone –not another club could lace up to the challenge. Talk had gone round the football camps of payments which were not legal. It was said players had big sums dropped into their boots. Other clubs were said to be paying quite fabulous sums beyond the limit wage, as per rule, and were laughing at the innocent victims who were not on “special payments.” The day came when every club was offered to send its captain to a meeting in Manchester. A tribute was gathered there to take evidence. And the chairman began proceedings by asking captain whose club had never paid an illicit fee to stand. There was an ominous crack in the captaincy department. Two stood to attention.
One Remained
The chairman, who knew something of No 1’s club, sternly ordered No 2 to “stand down. I know quite sufficient about your club’s unfair illegal payments. The subdued captain took his seat. There remained one stalwart little body –rosy-faced, chirpy Jack Sharp, captain of Everton and subsequently director of Everton F.C. Jack Sharp stood upstanding –the only man in the room. Now there were good and sufficient reasons for the honorable mention. First of all there were two sectors on the Everton board, and, if they had dared, one side feared to think of breaking the rules lest the other “clique” should tell. Another, which I pointed out to players when they mentioned matters to me, was answered in these words, “I am a member of the legal profession and any notion of that kind even considered by a board and I will resign my position. This statement had become necessary, because our players had heard some “from opposing players of the payments made under the table. For instance, we had two stern Cup semi-final games with Aston Villa –we were always bumping into Hampton and his merry men –and Hampson could do some “bumping.”
“A Bit Stiff.”
The first game at Stoke ended in a goalless draw. Leigh Richmond Roose keeping a great goal for us at his former club’s ground. The replay was at Nottingham Forest’s ground, and this time we were beaten by Villa whose winger came off the field chatting with Makepeace and Sharp in this manner-of-speaking. – “By Jove, that was a bit stiff, but I’m glad we pulled it off. We are on £25 a man for a victory today.” Naturally the Everton players reported the statement to us and asked us to think of their position playing for a quite moderate wage and having to beat off men who had this big incentive to win. We confessed they were unfortunate to be with a club which refused to pay illegal sums. That was in 1905, and since then rumours have spread around regarding payments, buy any official who will risk his whole football life by tampering with the tainted footballer who demands excess payments is merely tightening a rope around his football future.
The Fake
The game has had but one known case of alleged faking, and that had a was stain at its source, because the players had no knowledge of war-time experiences and felt they would be going to the workhouse in 1914. Some smart Allick conceived the notion of arranging a correct score priced at 10 to 1 in the betting odds- there were no pools in those days and ready-money betting was the only avenue for such a stupid effort. Players talk, always will talk –and sure enough their story of a 2-0 win for Manchester United spread like wildfire. Indeed one book-maker in Manchester became thoroughly sickened of visitors to his office asking, “What price a correct score, guv’nor? They came to the room panting, puffing, having run themselves out lest they shouldn’t be in time to be “on.” His reply was; “You can have any match except the one at Manchester today -,” and they faded away showing no interest in any other fixture. True enough, 2-0 was the verdict, and the shouted statements of the crowd, before and during the game showed how far the fake had travelled, and football officials tried their hardest during the waiting time to interval to warm everyone of what would happen –but it was too late. The score was 2-0, and the effect was a commission with very many footballers put out of the game for evermore.
The Law
Many years afterwards , the authorities withdrew their penalty, but the punishment had left its scar, and any further correct score scare has been absent from the day to this – and I am sure, given no war outlook and unemployment aiding these men, there would never have been this solitary case of gross faking which sullied the game in 1914. Today the game has a cleaner smell, and the Football League, while having every desire to award the footballer the best possible wages and benefits, will be ceaseless in endeavoring to keep the game clean. This Is The Football Law.
Tomorrow, When B.B.C insisted on “squaring” their commentaries.

EVERTON MAKE USEFUL ACQUISTION FOR MODEST EXPENDITURE
March 3, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Business in the transfer market is brisker just now than at any previous period since the opening of the season, and with the closing date less than a fortnight ahead there may be still more hectic hustling before the ban is imposed. Manager Cliff Britton has made a useful signing at a very modest cost in taking Jim McIntosh from Blackpool, as announced in our later edition last evening. While nobody will call a £4,000 signing a major one in these days of five-figure deals, McIntosh is capable of giving Everton excellent assistance in their effort to strengthen the attack, and the club has got a good, experienced player at a figure often asked these days, for youngsters will not the least knowledge at big-time football.
Matthews Absent
Stanley Matthews is out of the Blackpool team to meet Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, owing to a leg injury he received last week. His place will be taken by 21-years-old Albert Hobson, who was signed by Blackpool from a Manchester works team last winter. This will only be Hodson’s third appearance in League football. Centre forward Willie McIntosh is also injured, and Mortensen leads the attack. Team; Farm; Shimwell, Suart; Johnston, Heywood, Kelly; Hobson, McCall, Mortensen, McKnight, Wardle. Catterick and Fielding have now recovered from their slight attack of influenza, but Everton have not yet announced their team.

McINTOSH LEADS EVERTON ATATCK
March 4, 1949. The Evening Express
Toffees’ 10th Home Win Bid
Blackpool’s Visit
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Jimmy McIntosh, Everton’s latest capture will, at Goodison Park tomorrow lead the Blues against the club which transferred him to Wednesday –Blackpool. McIntosh is certain of a great welcome-back to the ground where he gave so much delight in the war years. With the arrival of “Big Jim” comes the repeat experiment of playing Billy Higgins –last week’s leader –at outside right. The last time Billy played in the position was at Chelsea at September. Young Tommy Clinton, the Irish lad, continues at right back for Saunders, so that forwards’ switch to the exclusion of Powell is the only alteration, as Everton make a bid for their 10th home win and to preserve their four-months unbeaten home record. McIntosh should bring that extra need “punch” to the attack and his height and weight will take a lot of attention off Wainwright. This could easily be a celebration day for Jimmy at the expense of his old pals, but if Stanley Matthews the “Football Bombshell” is in the Cup final mood at centre-forward for the Pool, he may lead his side to a “double” over the Toffees. Mathews and Willie McIntosh are absentees so Mortensen goes back to the position, he is almost certain to occupy in the England team against Scotland on April 9 at Wembley. Unless Tommy Jones can keep the bustling Mortensen in check. Ted Sagar may have a busy day. It is the quick individual burst of Mortensen which constitutes the main menace to another Everton move up the ladder. Everton; Sagar; Clinton, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington. Blackpool; Farm; Shimwell, Stuart; Johnston, Hayward, Kelly; Hobson, McCall, Mortensen, McKnight, Wardle.
• Everton “B” v. Dunlops, at Bellefield

WHEN B.B.C. INSISTED ON “SQUARING” GAMES
March 4, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Seeing A Game By Television –It Is Inevitable
Football Official by W.C. Cuff
Football, as I have stated in earlier talks wih my readers, is vastly conservative, believing that one moves the more certainly if one moves slowly and securely. Speed in ski-ing is the thrill, but control is the art. Thus football must not move its measured step unless it is, perfectly certain of a move towards progress. Now when wireless came upon us (for good, better, of worse) football clubs gave serious thought to the request of the B.B.C that games should be broadcast. Many were the views, many the alarums, many the veins of argument, most of them suffering pernicious anemia! Everton considered the matter, and came to the conclusion that broad-casting should be permitted. Thus it was that Tony Weldon made his debut the day “Bee” broadcast his first game, and the city’s first insight into football by either-eal measures. It was a momentous day in many ways. First, our visitors were Leeds United –or was it City? –and both sides were suffering the relegation jitters.
Too Soon
Everton won, Weldon scored, and “Bee” clamping down on the colonelcy of the folk who ejaculated “Square 4,” took his own line of country, vowing that the listener would know, if he spoke of Chedgzoy attacking, that must of necessity be Square 2 or whatever number one cared to throw to the listening public. So he cut out the square, and by half-time had a peremptory note of heart from the B.B.C “Put the squares into your round holes of commentary.” He “was before his time” I fear because today the B.B.C would never dream of squaring any match –they have more sense than ruin the flow of comment running away with its broadcaster by the interjection of “Squares.” So in two years’ time the square was taken from its useless life.
One-Sided
Another oddity of the game in question was created. One was led to ask “How can a man listening recognize partisanship by the boardcaster?” It so happened that Leeds in the first half had most of the play, and as a consequence the broadcast went that way –the Yorkshire way. How strange that a sick man, connected with Everton, listened to the broadcast, and by half-time took the phone in his hand to complain that he had heard “Bee’s” broadcast, and decided he would vote against any further broadcasts as “his first half commentary had been completely one-sided -it was all Leeds.” It could hardly be otherwise, as the ball was chiefly in Everton’s defensive regions. Liverpool F.C. had the opportunity to be the first to broadcast in this city, but after all plans had been agreed, they backed out, and it is probable they felt the gates might be affected. Since that day there have been broadcasts from Anfield.
Home Atmosphere
Let us look at this mirroring of the game to the man who stays at home, it provides the sick and lame and half with an afternoon’s excellent listening. You may not always agree with the choking sensation that arises when the “caster” yells “Goal – no it isn’t, something’s happened. Oh, it’s a goal kick –the ball went over the bar.” But atmosphere in the homes of the listeners means a great deal, and questioning the blind school one day, one learned that they prefer the runaway commentary with everything intensely exciting –or made out to be so –than the drier, truer state of the game talked in easy manner in the Arlott manner, for instances, as in cricket. Of course football gates can suffer by a broadcast of a famous match. Of course the Final Tie has taken thousands of pounds from the lowly Third Division club –yes, indeed, all clubs. It will always do so; that is an axiomatic, effect. But place in the scales the value of broadcasting football, and you find the game has gained many friends and new converts to its side by means of the introduction of the wireless. Only once was a Final Tie at Wembley refused to the B.B.C and they had marathon runners rushing from the ground to an outside area to tell their tale of what they had seen –which was a “Much-Binding” parody of what had happened. Today we accept the fact that the world is entitled to the broadcast of matches, and, in my view, when television comes to a head and to the eye of every citizen outside London regional, football will again bow to the inevitable.
Meet The Challenge
Football clubs can meet the challenge (if it is a challenge, as some think and I do not agreed) by improving the grounds for the benefit of their spectators. “Gentlemen, be seated” should be their first consideration albeit many football fans declare they would far sooner stand in the paddock than have a seat in the grandstand. When films came to curb the theatrical shows, people declared the public would never be satisfied with a flick instead of a real live personal appearance of some great actor or actress. The films answered by saying; “Gentlemen, be seated.” They gave them tip-up chairs, comfort, convenience, and that as contrasted with the hard benches of some theatres, soon showed the way the public money would go. Football has grown old gracefully, but some clubs are disgracefully harsh upon their, loyal spectators. They also stand who meekly wait and murmur not, but when television comes –as is inevitable –my vote will be for its and the raid it makes upon intending visitors to football matches will be as nought if the football clubs have put their house in order and made every stride towards the comfort of their spectators.
Must Be There
I know no club in the country that has a better parking than Goodison Park. It is massive, it is well governed, its stands make a vast umbrella upon the cheaper portions of the crowd, and in it’s compactness and convenience I know no club to better it. In wirelessing of matches and television, my side will always be favourable to the hospital cases, no matter what the cost may be to the football exchequer. We must not, should not, aye, dare not, take from them the joy of “witnessing” a match they cannot see except by their ears. Come television, come weal or woe –football fans will always desire to be “amongst those present.” So that the kernel of the crowd will always be on view at our matches.
Tomorrow, William Dean, the greatest of centre forwards.

END OF BLUES’ FEARS?
March 4, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are home to Blackpool who, will be somewhat weakened in attack, compared with their visit to Anfield a fortnight ago, though the absence of Matthews and Willie McIntosh, both injured in last week’s game at Preston. Mortensen takes over at centre forward, and the England international will be as big a danger there as he is in his normal berth. In place of Matthews, Blackpool bring in a comparatively inexperienced 21-year-old winger in Hobson, while McCall returns at inside right. Everton bring in Jimmy McIntosh signed on Wednesday from Blackpool at the modest fee of £4,000, as leader of their attack. Jimmy needs no introduction to Goodison Park followers, who remember has very speedy and effective performance for the Blues during war-time. “Mac” yesterday told me of his pleasure to be back on the Everton staff. He has happy recollections of his treatment by the club when a guest. The Everton defence, which has been their saving grace for so long should be able to peg down the Blackpool attack, which means that once again the onus of achieving victory rests upon the forward line. The inclusion of Jimmy McIntosh will bring height, weight and skill to the attack, and he should benefit from the chances which the canny subtlety of Fielding will provide, to say nothing of the support of Eddie Wainwright. Another display of marksmanship from Eglington, similar to last week, would also be acceptable. Clinton, who made such a promising debut last week, retains his place, and Higgins supplants Powell at outside right, which is Higgin’s real position. Everton; Sagar; Clinton, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington. Blackpool; Farm; Shimwell, Stuart; Johnston, Hayward, Kelly; Hobson, McCall, Mortensen, McKnight, Wardle.

WAINWRIGHT GETS A ‘HAT TRICK’
March 5, 1949. The Evening Express
McIntosh also Scorers Against His Old Club
By Radar
Eddie Wainwright set snowbound Goodison Park a light today with a magnificent “hat-trick” against Blackpool. New boy Jimmy McIntosh led the forwards with rare enterprise and enthusiasm. The Everton forwards played delightful football, and reduced a hesitant Blackpool defence to a state of panic. Wainwright scored his goals in the 10th, 23rd, 30th minute, and McIntosh signalized the occasion by scoring a fourth eight minutes before the interval. Wainwright scored a fifth (and his own fourth) in the 88th minute. Conditions were atrocious for McIntosh, Everton’s new centre forward, to make his league debut against his club, Blackpool. Show had fallen all morning and a thick layer covered the playing pitch under which the ground was almost waterlogged. A corps of workmen were employed before the game to clear the touchline and the referee came out to examine he pitch ten minutes before the start. Everton had Higgins at outside right, while Clinton retained the right back position. Blackpool were without Stanley Matthews, and his position was taken by 21-year-old Hobson making his third appearance in the seasider’s first team. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Shimwell and Suart, backs; Johnston, Hayward and Kelly, half-backs; Hobson, McCall, Mortensen, McKnight, and Wardle, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Haworth, Blackburn. The snow was falling heavily when the teams took the field and there could not have been more than 10,000 present when the game started. After an early Everton raid had been repelled, Mortensen took up the running and flashed the ball out to the left to send Wardle away; Clinton harried Wardle so successfully; however, that Wardle’s intend centre finished in the side netting. After McIntosh had failed with an effort to put Eglington through solo, Blackpool went to work again, and Tommy Jones had to come to Dugdale’s rescue to keep Mortensen quiet. Away went Everton for Higgins to cross square, but McIntosh misplaced his attempt to side flick the ball to the in-running Wainwright. How treacherous were the conditions could be gathered from the way Sagar mishandled in dealing with Mortensen’s intended diagonal pass to Hobson. Fortunately Sagar was able to leap back and snatch up the ball before Hobson could nip in. A sustained spell of Blackpool pressure on the right ended when full back Shimwell let go a full-blooded drive from 20 yards, which Sagar dealt with coolly ad confidently. With the game ten minutes old Everton took the lead. It was Lello who initiated the move, his strong pass to Eglington clogging in the snow, and enabling Eglington to centre low into the goal mouth. McIntosh and Wainwright harassed the hesitant Blackpool defence so successfully that ball rolled clear and Wainwright had an easy task to slip he ball past Farm from six yards.
McIntosh Does Well
Just afterwards Sagar was called on to deal with a sharp short-range drive from McCall near the post. McIntosh was leading the Everton attack with tremendous enthusiasm and he used his height to good effect in leaping up to head a Farrell pass out to Higgins. Mortensen was always a danger and the once strode right through the Everton defence to level a fierce drive from an oblique angle, but Sagar was able to cope with it. Considering the conditions the football was full of incident and neat interpassing between the Everton forwards enabled McIntosh to drive the ball just wide of the post. The Everton side was in really fine fettle, and the forwards were adopting the right tactics in swinging the ball from wing to wing. McIntosh was no slave to the down the middle pass and when he veered out to the right and outwitted Hayward, Farm did well to bring his centre down so cleanly. Farm was in action straightaway to deal with a Lello first timer from 20 yards. Everton would not quieted and in the 23rd minute, they deservedly increased their lead. This second goal was the result of a glorious triangular piece of work with Wainwright again the scorer. Eglington turned the ball into the middle, and McIntosh flicked it sideways for Wainwright to nip in and steer the ball beyond Farm as he left his goal. Blackpool in their turn always required watching, and Sagar had to deal with shots from Mortensen and McCall in quick successions. However Everton were soon back on the goal trek again and exactly on the half hour, the Toffee’s struck their third blow. It was a magnificent solo effort by Wainwright, who left the Blackpool defence literally standing still by the power and speed of his burst. He gave Farm no chance with a potent right foot cross shot into the far corner of the net. This gave Wainwright a brilliant and well deserved “hat-trick” for we were seeing the Wainwright of old. Immediately afterwards McIntosh appeared to be pulled down inside the area, but despite claims by the Everton players and the spectators, referee Howarth would give no penalty award. He confirmed his decision after consulting a linesman,
Toffee’s Fourth
Everton were altogether too fast and accurate for this Blackpool defence and in the thirty-seven minute they made it four. Appropriately enough it was McIntosh who signalized the occasion by scoring this one. Fielding and Higgins combined for Higgins to place the ball in the centre and Farm who had left his goal, appeared to kick the ball against McIntosh from whom it rebounded over the line. This was only the second time this season that Everton had scored four goals, the previous occasion being against Preston on September 25. The Everton forwards again nearly caught the Blackpool defence on one foot but this time Higgins just failed to find Wainwright with his short pass. Just before the interval, Hobson almost reduced the arrears for Blackpool with a terrific rising shot which beat Sagar but hit the bar and bounced behind. Half-time; Everton 4, Blackpool 0.
Straight from the restart Everton came near to making it five, McIntosh slipping out to the right wing and lobbing a short ball inside for Higgins to pounce on it and let go fiercely from close range. Farm just managed to parry the ball by the foot of the post at full length. A foul against Clinton saw Suart place the free kick accurately, but Tommy Jones’ head came to the rescue. Sagar was right in position to deal with a characteristic Mortensen effort. Everton swung into action again, and Higgins was slightly unfortunate to find the snow pulling the ball back when he tried to send McIntosh through on his own. The Blackpool goal escaped miraculously when Hayward headed Fielding’s centre back to his goalkeeper so strongly that Farm lost possession, and Higgins, racing in at top speed, lofted the ball a matter of inches over the top. For some time Blackpool took charge of affairs and the Everton defence had to put in some pretty hard stopping work. Sagar did well to bring down a puzzling dropping shot from Wardle, and then was perfectly positioned to take charge of a McCall grounder. When Everton broke away it was again Wainwright who tried to finish off neat left wing work but this time, Farm was there to save low down. Everton came again and Farm had to go up high to cut out a velocity cross drive from Higgins who took over from Wainwright. When the need arose the Everton defence, revolving efficiently around Tommy Jones, proved itself compact and competent, with both full backs tackling effectively. A free kick to Blackpool just outside the penalty area was retaken after the first effort had been charged down, but the second time Mortensen fired the ball yards wide. A slip by Dugdale almost let in Mortensen, but Sagar raced out and dribbled the ball towards the corner flag and safety. Blackpool had more of the game this half, but Everton came into the picture with McIntosh speeding up the right wing to round Hayward, but “Mac” found there was no one up with him. Directly afterwards Fielding and Eglington again mesmerized the Blackpool defence, but when it came to the vital moment Fielding elected to pass instead of shoot, and his attempt to provide Wainwright with a gift chance was off the mark. Another Blackpool rally still found the Everton defence unruffled, and in fact, Jones and company were almost casual in the way they bided their time, and then took the ball away from the Blackpool forwards almost as they pleased. With twelve minutes remaining, Everton made it a nap hand. All the prelimary work was done high up on the right, and eventually Higgins lobbed the ball to McIntosh who turned it aside for Wainwright to score with the slowest of shots, Farm stood and watched the ball pass over the line. This was Blackpool’s heaviest defeat of the season. Final; Everton 5, Blackpool 0. Official attendance 25,548.

TWENTY YEARS OF GLORIOUS SERVICE
March 5, 1949, The Evening Express
Ted Sagar’s Proud Record With Everton
His Sons May Follow In His Stead
By Pilot.
Ted Sagar, Everton’s brilliant goalkeeper, will next Wednesday, March 9, complete 20 years of glorious service to the Everton Football Club –a record exceeded in football’s history by three goalkeepers. Elisha Scott, of Liverpool; Jerry Dawson, of Burnley, and Tim Williamson, of Middlesbrough are the only goalkeepers with a longer period of service to a single club, but they did not have the beating of Ted when it comes to genuine 100 per cent loyalty and efficiency. Ted has ensured through the years and his run of 401 league games that the name Sagar shall live forever in the game, and it is quite possible that before long another Sagar, and another Edward, will go on to keep the name respected and admitted in the game. Ted’s eldest son “young Ted” who is 15, is as keen on football as was the international himself in his youth in the Yorkshire mining township of Thorne. Another enthusiast in the family is David, a 10-year-old-year-old son, if one or both eventually become footballers and prove half as good as their father, they will be outstanding successes. Ted Sagar is built in with the bricks, and while one cannot expect him to go on forever like Tennyson’s brook, I know there is plenty more grand football in the always-fit player, who in August 1950, will quality for his third benefit. But, for the war, Sagar would have equaled the four-benefit feat of Elisha Scott.
Early Days
Here, in brief, is the history of his amazing and likeable personality. As a lad of 16 he had trials with Hull City, but they were not impressed and Ted went back to Thorne. Keen on the game Ted used to train with the Doncaster Rovers youngsters and it was while at Belle Vue that he was spotted by a Football League referee who passed on the tip to Everton. The Goodison people did not hesitate, but brought Ted to Goodison Park. Sagar was barely 18 when he went to the Park to play in the junior sides until the 1929-30 season when, still inexperienced, he made his League debut against Leeds United. After only a few games Sagar went back into the Central League side, and Billy Coggins, secured from Bristol City, went into the team. Coggins was in the 1930-31 Second Division championship team, but in 1931 fell victim to appendicitis and in went Sagar, Ted never lost his place again; in fact, from 1931 to 1949. Sagar has never been dropped. The only games he has missed have been because of injury. In the early days of wartime football Ted became captain of the club, and was nick-named “The Boss” straight away. That name has struck ever since. In the Army, Sagar travelled as far as Burma, Irak, the Middle East, Italy, and he wrote me several times wondering in the welter of war whether he would ever play League football again. Ted was still rather in doubt on the point until he went to Germany with the R.A.O.R. At once he took up football again.
Futile Quest
In the old days, especial training and travelling had little appeal for Sagar, but after his years around the world a week’s special training at Harrogate is “no trouble at all,” to him nowadays. In Germany, Sagar played a “blinder” against Liverpool, so much so that when Ted had arrived back at Goodison Park was rehabilitating himself in the Central League side, Liverpool asked Everton if they would transfer him. “Not on your life,” came the firm reply from Goodison just as, years ago, Liverpool had shuddered when it was suggested Scotts should go to Everton. I have known Ted since he came. Never have I met a grander player. Many a grand action has he done, but never one to harm anyone. It was Ted Sagar who drew up the “Round Robin” (I shall have it) among the players refuting the suggestion that there was, a couple of years ago, ill-feeling in the dressing room. Yes, Ted always has been as great a defender of the truth and what is right as he is of a goal. If there were more of the Sagar temperament and loyalty in football the game would be happier. It is the club men who keep the ball rolling, and Ted is among the greatest of them. I join most heartily with all our readers in congratulating Sagar on his wonderful service to the game, his club, and the public. May it continue for a long time yet.

EARLESTOWN V EVERTON ‘A’
March 5, 1949. The Evening Express
Earlestown attacked in the blinding snowstorm, the ball often being a mass of icy snow. After about 15 minutes Fruish scored for Earlestown after a combined movement between Butler and Holt. The storm became so intense that the game was abandoned after 29 minutes.

WILLIAM DEAN –THE GREATEST OF ALL
March 5, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Momentous Goals –Best Ever Was A Back-Header
Football –Official by W.C. Cuff
William Ralph Dean –that was the name of the most successful centre forward Everton ever had on their books. Contentious commentators may argue the difference between a Waring or a Lawton and a Dean, but in my humble estimation, William Dean was the greatest of all centre forwards, and my mind goes back to many famous leaders of lines, such as Albert Shepherd, Appleyard (great club man), to name but two of outside areas. Locally we have had the Parkinson –Raybould pairing at Anfield, plus Bobby Parker, Freeman and Young at Everton. William Dean (I would never subscribe the title “Dixie” to our player, because I knew he did not like it). It led people in other parts of the country to imagine he was not only a colourful player, but that he was a coloured player, hence from the start I refused to speak to, or of him, in any other word than William Dean.
Body Balance
He had a body balance not given to many forwards. Sturdy of frame, he was brought up on football at his school, and would play three games a day if need be. When at Tranmere he was surveyed by “Bee” in prophetic words that rang true 15 years after they were written. In my view, Dean was the complete centre forward, and in heading the ball he had the facility that has come to no one since the days of Sandy Turnbull. Dean’s heading prowess was the envy of his comrades. It was not so much that he headed the ball, but that he added pace to the ball, and could flight it, angled toward goal with a surety that led him to be the most dangerous leader goalkeepers faced. He did not make spectacular nods –it was more of an edging that brought him his goals –he looked that way, and said: I’ll put it there,” and the ball went to the appointed spot – and goalkeepers know there is nothing more awkward for a goalkeeper to save than a header going away from him.
Hitch Up and Away
He was never a trouble to centre half backs in the sense of unfairness –he suffered every conceivable kind of short pull, bump and bore from pivots, but was uncomplaining. Off he would go, hitching up his slacks as if he had perpetually loose trousers –just an idiosyncrasy of his. He was most generous in his praise of those who served him with the ball, and would pay tribute to the centres of wingers like Chedgzoy (oh, yes, Sam was one of his heroes), to Troup and others, not forgetting the championship year. “Swing it over, lads” he would say, “and I’ll pop em in.” and he was as good as his word. He scored momentous goals –at Hampden Park, at Wembley, in internationals, at home, and in his record bag of 60, but to my mind the best he scored was that at Aston Villa’s ground when he back-headed a ball to beat the Villa’s goalkeeper, who had advanced at least 12 yards out of his goal. Dean with his back to the goal, threw back his head and scored what the locals believed was a sheer fluke but to those who knew the man and his accuracy there was never a doubt that this was an intentional headed goal, made by the genius who could do everything with a ball, especially when it was placed towards his head. I think he got all five against Steward, the Manchester goalkeeper when that match was broadcast, and Steward was the first to go to him and congratulate him upon beating him five times –excellent sportsmanship.
Slave To A Cause
Dean was a thorough sport, but to youngsters in hospitals, to charity appeals, to any cause of worthy character, he was just a slave. He made a packet out of football and being the light-hearted sportsman he was, he sacrificed a good deal of it and now is engaged at Chester at the Dublin Packet Hotel, and making another “packet” I hope. When we went to Switzerland there was a snag in
The tour arrangements –the local people had come to see Dean, the famous Dean, and he had left us to play in an international match elsewhere on the Continent. It nearly ruined our programme. His frame is world –wide and we had no opinion in playing a reserve centre forward, but they never forgave us for the omission. Dean’s ability to play after his motor smash was a miracle. His old-time manager, Bert Cooke, visited him in hospital and said, “He will never play again.” Months of absence followed and he resumed on a very wet day with a very heavy ball at Huddersfield, tried out by the reserve team and believes me, every time he headed the ball the Everton reserve players and their officials found their shoulders heave in fear.
Dean The Second?
I believe one of his family is following father’s footsteps, and is shortly going to Ireland, with a representative Cheshire School’s team. It will be interesting to see whether “like father, like son” becomes a fact, for there are but few instances of father and son continuing the good work, albeit there were the Barrass, Rawlings, McLelland continuation classes in football’s history book. I am reminded at this point of a strange outburst by one of our players concerning a star comrade. The public can have little conception of the many uprising that are registered in the football training-rooms. No bitterness exceeds the bitterness of parted colleagues, as I well know, but this incident will show the public the tenderness with which management of players must be exercised to ensure good feeling and sportsmanship all round.
Cresswell Stayed
We were being “eyed” for relegation (as if that were a crime) Nothing would go right for us. Our goalkeeper stalked in to me one day to declaim “Now, Mr. Chairman, I can stand this no longer. That back keeps backing, backing, backing –it does not give me a chance at all. Either he goes or I go,” To which I replied.” “Very well, you have made your decision. You have given your orders. You go!” It was the only way to deal with anyone who acted the part of the tail wagging the dog. Thus Cresswell went on to help us win the Cup. Everton, as a club, had a generation of years without having abnormal troubles about anyone wanting to leave us –one player told another who was restive. “Don’t let them kick you out: stay with Everton. They are the best club in the country to work for. “In recent years a number of favourite players forced their issue and left the club. I think it is wise in such cases to ask oneself. “Why should these brilliant players, desire to leave? Look for the reason of their outgoing. There was a reason.
Monday –Cup Final crowd and Ticket problems.

EVERTON TOOK FLAVOUR OUT OF BLACKPOOL “ROCK.”
March 5, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Wainwright –Wizard of the Blizzard at Goodison
Hat-Trick Plus One
McIntosh also Takes a Goal Against His Old Side
Everton 5, Blackpool 0
By Stork
A most trying game for all, players and spectators alike, Everton played really top-class football on a surface which did not lend itself to accuracy. There was much more punch in the attack, and that was where Blackpool failed. They had no one, not even Mortensen, to round off their work. The game was a triumphant for Wainwright, who took four of the five goals. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Shimwell and Suart, backs; Johnston, Hayward and Kelly, half-backs; Hobson, McCall, Mortensen, McKnight, and Wardle, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Haworth, Blackburn. When I arrived at Goodison Park I did not think the game would be started for, it was snowing heavily, and men were working clearing the lines, which were soon filled in again by the heavy downfall. However right on time, the teams came out and the game was started. In my mind it was farcical to have made a start, as visibility must have been difficult for the players, and a foothold even more so. Despite the conditions there was an uncommonly good crowd, although it was more than possible that it was the smallest gate of the season. No doubt the inclusion of Jimmy McIntosh was somewhat responsible for a turn-out of enthusiasts. Slips and slides were very frequent Everton started off with a burst of attack, and someone went close when they shot over the bar. All things considered, some of the movements were of good quality. Naturally, there was a great deal of drag on the ball when it touched a snowdrift and the only possible way to make progress today was to give the ball plenty of boot.
Keepers in Action
Blackpool for a time were held down to defence, but eventually they got moving and Sagar had to save from Mortensen, not a particularly difficult shot, but one that required close attention. A free kick taken by Jones was helped along by Wainwright, but Farm had advanced from his goal in anticipation and he very easily collected the ball. Right from this Blackpool attacked and Shimwell moved up amongst his forwards, and he made a hefty drive, low down which Sagar saved. At 12 minutes Wainwright opened the day’s scoring. Eglington who provided the opportunity, outing his centre close in to goal, and both Wainwright and McIntosh went for it. There was a little bit of a scuffle before finally Wainwright popped the ball into the net.
Nearly an Equaliser
This was very satisfying, but to hold their lead Sagar had to make a good save from McCall. He caught the ball near the foot of the post to prevent what might very easily have been an equalizer. The snow was driving into the faces of the Blackpool defenders, who were looking after the Gwladys Street goal. One had to pay tribute to the efforts of the players under such trying conditions, and Sagar in particular brought off a nice stroke of work when he kept one out from Mortensen, who had hooked the ball in rather unexpectedly from close range. Eglington, Fielding, and McIntosh got together in the three-piece-suite which culminated in Everton’s new player shooting hard and low with his right foot at the Blackpool goal. There was very little day-light between the ball and the upright as it passed outside. Dugdale twice tackled Hobson to prevent the Blackpool winger from cutting through to either take a shot himself or provide others with one. There were some Spartan spectators standing down in the paddock. They would no doubt have a better view than those in the stands, for at times it was barely possible to identify a player owing to the swirling snow.
Wainwright Again
McIntosh took himself out on to the right wing, where he beat Suart and then centred into the goalmouth, where Farm was ready to take the catch. But almost immediately afterwards Fielding from long range tried his luck, and Farm was again successful in his handling of the ball. At 25 minutes Everton went further ahead, and again it was Eglington who provided the centre which Wainwright took instantly although he was faced by Farm but he seemed to squeeze the ball beyond the Blackpool goalkeeper and into the net. One must not forget Fielding’s part in the goal, for he it was who sent Eglington off. In fact this Everton left wing had been quite good.
Matthews Missed
McIntosh could not be allowed any rope. Of course, Blackpool knew all about this for he was played at entre forward often enough for them. One missed the scintillating runs and ball jugglery of Stan Matthews. Even he would not have found the conditions favorable to his particularly type of play. His understudy, Hobson put one or two nice balls into the middle but Jones was keeping a very tight grip on the centre of the field. Hobson also was reasonable for a worthy effort which Sagar saved. McKnight, who was carving his way through to a shot, seemed to me to be pushed in the back by Farrell but there was no appeal.
A Crashing Drive
Blackpool’s spent a few minutes in front of the Everton goal without testing Sagar, and then from a quick breakaway Everton advanced. It was shortly after this that Wainwright at 32 minutes scored his third goal and hat-trick. He picked up a ball on the right, strode with it a few yards, and then crashed in his drive which passed in front of the Blackpool goalkeeper and into the net. This was a very happy state of affairs for Everton, who had adapted themselves better to the conditions. In fact there was more concerted movement about them than Blackpool. In fact the flavor had almost gone out of the Blackpool “Rock.” Nevertheless even a three goal lead could not be considered with complacency for Blackpool might very easily turn the tables. In a game of this sort anything was liable to happen, but I do consider that the Everton defence was much more confident and secure than that of Blackpool.
McIntosh’s Goal
The goal scoring had not finished, for at 37 minutes McIntosh added a fourth for Everton. The ball came over and seemed to drop between the goalkeeper and McIntosh, and in my view what happened was that the goalkeeper, in kicking clear, crashed the ball on to McIntosh’s leg, and then it went into the net. Wainwright was nearly through again, but the referee rightly judged him offside. Blackpool seemed to have no real method of beating the Everton defence which was right on top of its job. Just before the interval Blackpool did strike a blow from their left wing and Sagar had to save from McCall, but there was no great power behind the inside right’s shot. When Dugdale made a slip almost on time Hobson nearly made him pay for his error. The winger’s shot struck the outside edge of the wood-work before passing over for a goal kick.
Half-time; Everton 4, Blackpool nil.
Everton resumed in a manner which suggested that more goals were in the offing, for Higgins hit a strong shot which brought Farm to his knees to save. Then Blackpool took a turn, but they did not get past Jones, and when Eglington cut through again another goal loomed up on the horizon but there was no one up to take advantage, and Hayward was able to tap the ball back to his goalkeeper.
Clearing The Lines
Incidentally, the grounds men had been out at half-time clearing the lines once again. Blackpool were far from time with and had it not been for Jones they would have reduced Everton’s commanding lead, for he got in the way of a shot by Mortensen which had Sagar beaten. At the other end Everton, who were the much more progressive side, almost brought their goal tally to five after Haywood had passed back to Farm who fumbled his clearance and Higgins dashed in but scooped the ball over the bar. Blackpool were quite capable of framing an attack yet when they got near they had nothing at all to give Sagar. Their shooting was feeble in the extreme. The Everton left wing was the focal point of its attack and time and time again it cut open the Blackpool defence but Hayward and his co-defenders fought stubbornly. Wardle tried a long lob which Sagar caught with Jones standing alongside on guard in case of eventualities. Hayward showed a very cool head when he was in difficulties, McIntosh was challenging him, and it seemed that the Blackpool centre half could not get out of his trouble. He did so, however, by a simple scoop of the ball into Farm’s hands. The snow had eased up by this time, but the ground had churned up, and accuracy of course, was just a matter of pot-luck. Wainwright put Higgins through and the outside right was very deliberate hen shooting for goal, Farm, however, was equal to the task of saving. McIntosh ran the ball close in found himself covered and decided to offer a chance to Wainwright but the Everton inside right was covered. Immediately from this Blackpool were awarmed a corner kick when Sagar turn a shot by Hobson round his post. This was sum cleared away and Blackpool were playing better at this stage but their forwards were woefully weak near goal. In saying this the Everton defence was very sound. With 10 minutes to go Everton took the score to five, and it was Wainwright again who chalked up the goal. He had to thank Higgins for the opportunity and goalkeeper Farm was not entirely without fault, for he made no more whatever to a shot which simply rolled over his goal-line. Five goals to Everton is something uncommon these days but in my opinion they were well worth them for they had played good football under trying conditions. McCall put one over the Everton crossbar but Blackpool did not suggest that they would damage the Everton goal average. This was Blackpool’s heaviest defeat of the season. Final; Everton 5, Blackpool 0. Official attendance 25,548.

WAINWRIGHT LOOKED BETTER THAN MORTENSEN
March 7, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Everton 5, Blackpool 0
It was madness to think of football at Goodison, yet it was misfortune for those who did not attend as the game gave us a sample of the way the professional can battle against the elements and produce art and science. To understand how difficult it is to play in a maelstrom of snow and ice and wind it is necessary to acquaint readers with the process of snow clearing adopted by the players. Each time the ball was to be thrown in or used as a free kick, the player tipped the ball on his toes, off the ground, and hoped the thick crust of snow would be removed. Now any conception of “working” a ball in that state appears impossible, yet it is not exaggeration to state that this was a completely satisfying game, with a crop of goals, a reawakening of the home side’s forward line, with splendid refereeing and a judgment of lines and rules it was impossible to be sure where the centre line was, where the penalty zone started and finished revealing a controller of sense and wisdom. Only once did the referee need to raise a finger of warming, and as it concerned Wardle (who had offended a fortnight before at Anfield) it was not surprising he had reminded this winding winger of the need for “playing the game.”
Electric Bursts
The game recalled Everton’s last snow-storm effort when they beat Southport by nine goals in a cup-tie. The game offered splendid chance to judge Everton of the near future and of next season and also to make comparisons with known stars. Therefore let us take four inside forwards on view, and state their case. Wainwright’s hat-trick and added goal late on made him outstanding. He has promised this glut of goals for some time and possibly his operation and long-suffered injury have prevented him rising. His speed over four yards was a revealing trait against Blackpool. That the stickiest forward of the League was present gave one splendid opportunity of weighting up both, my award goes to Wainwright because Mortensen has gone heavier, coaster in style, and not so sharp of the mark. Admittedly he was facing Tom Jones, and admittedly he was centre-forward instead of inside forward. Also Matthews was not there. This was Wainwright’s happiest day and he would be first to say that McIntosh (newly-signed from Blackpool two day’s earlier) had helped him on his way. McIntosh lent the most needed thing in Everton-height, weight and body built for taking heavy charges and in addition, produced lovely, intricate touches suggestive that he and his team mates, Fielding and Wainwright will have fine understanding in quick time. Gone will be the taunt about the absence of goals in away matches. Fielding was not happy in snowy conditions, yet his faulty to be slick in the swerve and in making well-judged passes showed him in good light, especially when Wainwright went “cold” in the second half.
Dugdale’s Tackles
It was a joyful reunion with McIntosh and promises much lively endeavors especially if the wingers can be more consistent. All the winners did well, yet I would name Dugdale as outstanding defender whose length of leg was thrown perfectly across the forward’s path, a rousing display allied to the new man. Clinton showing vigour and strength till Sagar had little to do except watch half-back Johnston strike the woodwork and Shimwell (full back), now by precept and practice what the forwards should have been doing. Well as Hobson tried (he was near getting one goal), as deputy for Matthews, there was far too much indolent effort when the goal area had been reached. Blackpool maybe were unsuited to the conditions, which suited Everton. One thing is certain the Goodison Road grandstand housed spectators in the snowdrift and the lower rows of seats were quite unusable so that the stand had the uncommon sight of reserves players, Pressmen, and spectators standing the whole of the game and although covered by the stand’s roof still getting very wet. It was worth shivering to see Everton’s revival and to both sides one gives highest praise for sportsmanship and for provision of a game, seemingly impossible yet attractive in every mood, especially as Blackpool fought back valiantly in the second half and Johnston never ceased compelling his men and playing wisely at wing half-back.

A CUP FINAL PROBLEM
March 7, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ground To Hold 200,000 Needed The F.A. Should Provide It
Football-Official by W.C. Cuff
Football has grown out of bounds. The needs for a ground accommodating at least 200,000 spectators is of paramount importance. When one recalls an attendance at a Cup Final of 100,000 at least forty years ago, one is forced to the view that we have not progressed with the game’s rapid rise and increased support. Today, the Cup Final in it’s regal Wembley setting still holds no more than 100,000, and that fact suggests we have not shown vision for the future of our followers. Crystal Palace, once home of Final Ties, was a remarkable place. Photographs show that thousands of spectators attended this ritual and never saw the ball unless it was booted to the heavens. It is quixotic that these photographs show “behind the spectatorial lines” men plying their trade the three-card trick, and other gambling games. They also show men, fast asleep within the precincts of the spectators’ portion –oblivious to all that is going on in the central pitch.
Lost Lines
The Palace served its purpose, but its service was plainly insufficient, hence the move to Wembley, where the opening day found football’s most historic game, a game with the spectators crowding the touch-lines which players, referee and linesmen could not see. The miracle of it all was that the first Wembley was ever played at all. Half an hour before the kick-off was due, the possibly of play was infinitesimal. The chief steward appointed to control hundreds of other stewards, failed to get a view of the game. He was my old colleagues, Mr. Bob Lythgoe, and he found it impossible to get out of the room in which he found himself. Police gave orders that in no circumstances were the doors to be opened afresh, and the result was the chief steward of the first Wembley final was locked up for the afternoon. Fortunately he was in the refreshment room. After that, the Cup Final continued its even way without interruption, yet I feel there is something to be said for the playing of the final tie outside London, which has the setting but not the sitting accommodation necessary in 1949.
An Urgent Need
The need of a new ground without greyhound attachments (at Wembley this takes up an enormous portion that could otherwise be used for spectators to fill) is of immense importance. Wembley houses very few more than could be placed in a ground such as Chelsea, or Odsall at Bradford, while the natural valley, view of Charlton’s ground would make it an ideal centre for a final tie, if it were enlarged as Hampden Park, Scotland, has been enlarged. The need is there, and it is to be hoped that that Football Association will, in due course, and not far distant, open its own doors, with its own national ground where all international and Cup Finals can be staged.
Artificial Light
The conglomeration of fixtures towards the end of the season has always been distasteful to players and clubs. This could be obviated if we could indulge in night football –in the shadows. It is a vast time we had arc lamps to light our way in a game between Everton and West Bromwich Albion. Today, with mid-week matches creating complaints from the Government about spectators becoming absentees, it is necessary we survey the possibility of playing in the darkness of night, and obviating all need of mid-week afternoon matches. It is not so far removed from possibility as many may think American has tried it with success. I saw a game in Scotland way back in 1900 by the light of lamps and the only fault with this was the shadowy appearance of players. That has been elimated by American football clubs, and our players who have experienced the novelty out there state there is no difficulty in following the white ball in its flight by night. Our weather conditions are such that a white ball would become black in a couple of minutes –and therein lies the greatest barrier to night matches. However, some inventive genius, by making a ball that shall not lose its colour through wet or mud; will gain rich reward by making mid-week games possible on November evenings or in February.
“Too Reliable”
Reverting to the final issues again one has to remember that Crystal Palace ground in April was often dust-laden, and good play was impossible through the bouncing ball and the dusty roads, as in the game in which Burnley and Liverpool took part. Wembley on the other hand is kept sacred for final ties, and therefore the turf is just perfect. This is a difficulty for some Cup-final players, who declared the ball travelled faster and was “altogether too reliable” compared with what they had played on in the previous games. I have been asked whether the pre-match ceremony of presentation of the players to our King should be elimated, as it gears the players out of their game through nervous strain. I can see the point, but when they tell us the presentation could just as well be made after the final tie when the medals are being presented, I would remind them that there might be a time when a player would not be presented at all – through injury or other unexpected cause, if the presentation were held up till after the game. No, the Cup-Final as a spectacle, while quite different from the atmospherics of the Hampden Park meeting of Scotland and England, is part of the great day, and should be unaltered. The greatest cup final need is a ground that will hold in comfort, and with a good view for everyone, an attendance of at least 200,000. Even then the ticket problem will be with us. No one can suggest a means of obviating that awful factor. In the city of Liverpool, football spectators have little complaint against the clubs rise to cope with increased attendances. Everton’s Goodison Park, flanked as it is with magnificent stands, covered accommodation for those who want to see the game and escape rainfalls, is one of the most compact and convenient grounds in the county. It will hold over 80,000 spectators without any danger.
Local Extension
The comparatively new Gwladys Street stand was the subject of much earnest thought, and created in some parts of the boardroom the fear that it might be a white elephant. Its fate hung in the balance for quite a long time. It was a grand investment and has paid for itself already. It is difficult to know, where or when, any further alteration can be made to increase the holding capacity of the ground. Maybe the directors could ponder a scheme for building up the present stands, although viewpoints of football from a great height are never satisfying because the players look like shrimps when you get beyond the ordinary stand heights. Liverpool’s ground is even more confined in its range of improvement, although I know they long ago had plans for re-arranging their ground, which, for its close-up view of everything (except to those who take the top steps of Spion Kop, who declare hey cannot see the near goal except the crossbar and the goalkeeper’s head) is without equal the country over. The city is fortunate to have two such grounds so handy to the centre of the city, and each having spared a thought for the spectators that he might not be drowned by rain. So long is what it is, we shall always have with us the man who is happy to stand rather than take a grand stand seat –an Irishman –because he loses the atmosphere of play if he is not “in close attendance.”
Tomorrow; Centres of Attraction –Players who brought Everton fame and fortune.

SOUTH AMERICAN BLUES?
March 7, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
F.A. Pass On Invitation For Summer Trip For Goodison Players
Everton May Tour
Ranger’s Notes
Everton directors will consider at tomorrow’s board meeting an invitation to visit South America in the close season, playing probably eight games in three countries. The request reaches them from the Football Association, and although full details have not yet been worked out, it is believed that the trip would involved eight matches in probably three countries, presumably Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. Last season Southampton under took a South American tour travelling by boa and being away for two months. If Everton accept the probability is that they will choose to go by air. The board will doubtless be guided in their final decision by the views of Manager Cliff Britton, whose main concern will be not to overload the players in such a manner as to run any risk of staleness at the start of next season.
Everton’s Best
Under almost any other conditions but those of Saturday we might become almost lyrical about Everton winning 5-0 –a welcome change after so many earlier defeats by the same margin –but, while giving them every credit for a splendid victory, the game against Blackpool was hardly a true test. Everton won because they adopted the right tactics on a ground inches deep in snow. They lifted the ball out of the clinging surface whenever possible, whereas Blackpool attempted to trail it through the slush and snow, which not only put the brake on their progress but gave the opposition ample time to hip in and frustrate their plans. Fielding and Wainwright soon showed how progress could be made by hitting the ball out to the wings or well down the middle, yet it was not until the last half hour that Blackpool took a leaf out of their book. By then the damage had been done, for Everton, thanks to a hat-trick by Wainwright and a goal to McIntosh, were four up at the interval, the result of really excellent combination considering the wretched conditions. It was bad enough watching in the first-half blizzard, never mind playing, for there were two inches of snow on the press-box seats and writing ledges. The only consolation was that we saw Everton’s best display of the season, and their most heartening victory.
Right Tactical Ideas
Everton won not only because they had the right tactical ideas but partly because Blackpool seemed to have no heart for the flight, and appeared to be laboring under the feeling that the match should never have been started. It would not have been surprising had that been the referee’s decision. Blackpool’s reluctance was emphasized when they were several minutes late resuming for the second half, what time Everton were lined up waiting and Farrell had dashed off to see what was amiss. Wainwright was the attacking hero of the day, his four goals being the best individual Everton performance for a long time, but Fielding takes top marks for his splendid distribution and menoceving of openings. Tommy Jones for a brilliant display of pivotal work and Dugdale for a very solid defensive performance. The rest played their parts well, though an injury cramped Higgin’s style. On such a day one could hardly form a reliable impression of Jimmy McIntosh’s likely effect on the attack. He was speedy, hard-working, not a slave to the middle and always ready to shoot but the conditions need to be nearer normal before his full value can be assessed. Apart from occasional brief periods in the later stages of the second half, Everton always impressed as the more virile and powerful combination. They frequently had the Blackpool defence in a tangle. All the wiles of Mortensen could make no impression on Jones. Clinton did not appear to like the conditions –small wonder – and was nor quite as distinguished as the previous week, though still promising. The match was a terrific test of endurance for it took every ounce of strength in move the heavy ball. It say much for Everton’s general stamina and fitness that they kept going at the speed they did.

EVERTON MAY TOUR S. AMERICA
March 7, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s feat in scoring five goals against Blackpool on Saturday was the brightest feature of the week-end. This was Everton’s first “nap-hand,” since pre-war days although in the transitional season they scored seven against Blackpool at Goodison. The fact that Liverpool lost 2-1 at Chelsea while the Toffees were reveling in the snow means that the two clubs are now level on points at 28, but…Liverpool have two matches in hand. Jimmy McIntosh, just as I expected proved immediately what a splendid investment –and not costly –Manager Cliff Britton made last Wednesday by bringing Jimmy back to the Goodison fold. McIntosh drew attention from Wainwright to an extent that Eddie banged home four goals, while Jim scored one himself. And I am assured that Billy Higgins gave real promise of solving the vexing outside-right problem, despite the recurrence of an old ankle injury. Everton are contemplating a tour of South America during the summer – by air – at the invitation of the Football Association. The tour will involve matches in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay.
Blues Revel
Everton’s goal revel was the crowning glory of a grand all-round display which colleague Radar sums up as follows: It seems reasonable to say that Everton have secured a great bargain in McIntosh, who fitted into the scheme of things with the ease of the class footballer, and whose very presence seemed to galvanize the attack into a potent five-point machine. This was an Everton without a single weak link and with Billy Higgins adapting himself splendidly to outside-right. Blackpool never could match the attractive and effective football Everton provided from the start. McIntosh was the complete centre-forward, and his speed and penchant for wandering away to the wings always had Hayward a puzzled man. With Jimmy drawing Haywood away, and Eglington and Fielding switching positions to the bewilderment of Shimwell and Johnston the way was left for Wainwright, who thrash his way through eagerly for his goals, which included a hat-trick in the space of 20 minutes. Wainwright showed us the right way to shoot –all along the floor. Lello and Farrell were brilliant constructionists and clever defenders at wing-half, and although Mortensen was the most dangerous Blackpool raider. Jones time and again dispossessed him at the vital moment, while Jones generally was them on the rare occasions that Clinton and Dugdale were beaten. Both these lads were grand in the second half, while Sagar dealt characteristically with anything going his way.

CENTRES OF ATTRACTION
March 8, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Football –Official by W.C. Cuff
Everton has been known by its works, by the refusal to break rules, by its fundamental factor, which was “Play the game. Make the game attractive.” And in that desire there has been a streak of central interest that has led the club to be known by the centre forwards it fielded. The long line of readers of attack make splendid memories, and we can live in the memories of the following leaders of men (not chronological order); Hartley, Geary, (Still in the city), Sandy Young, Freeman, Ernie Gault, (Still in the City), Bobbie Parker, William Dean, Tom Lawton –to the present moment. It is an inspiring list, and creates much argument, albeit there is no value to be gained from questioning one another as to which was the best. Let us rather content ourselves in the joy these centre forwards have given. Fred Geary was the smallest of them all. Splay-footed, broad-shouldered, this son of Nottingham came, saw, conquered, and to this day has the eye of a hawk when handling his beloved bowls on the green. Sandy Young was a masterpiece when firing in at the half-turn, and he was fortunate to have, in his particular time of operating, such remarkable men as companions as Jimmy Settle and Tommy McDermott, two of the greatest inside forwards the game has known.
On Three penny Piece
It is my view that McDermott was the greatest of all inside forwards. His ability to wind himself round on a three penny piece and never lose control of the ball was a football feast served up to Everton followers as a meal-ticket which never failed to satisfy. There is a great joy in the smallish man holding the ball and twirling himself round to the consternation of the halfback. McDermott could also beat his rival without touching the ball, which is Stanley Matthews greatest feature of forward play. Jimmy Settle and McDermott were “two of a kind.” They loved their football, they loved their sociality at even-times. I recall Dr. Whitford being out-raged when he was chairman before an important match at Wolverhampton, when Settle broke out of bounds, came back to the hotel in a shocking state, was “put to bed” (on the nearest couch, ground floor) fell from his “bed” cut his head and next morning was hoisted before the Whitfordian beak.
Settle Repaid
The doctor was an Irishman of great bodily strength, fiery mustache, and bitter words, when such were needed. He told Settle just what he thought of him, and warned him the punishment that would come after that day’s match – how unfair he had been to the club, to his comrades, to the game. Settle knew suspension bridged his next meeting with the directors. The doctor made it plain he would appear before them for his offence. Everton players feared they would have no chance of winning, playing as they thought, ten men and a “passenger” with a “fat” head. Settle played the game of his life, and Everton won! That Settled it. How could one suspend a player for Friday’s offence when he had justified himself the following day? Freeman was a centre of the character never seen before, never seen since he stepped up to goalkeepers and trickled the ball beyond them. What a sensation he would be today, when players, getting right through a defence have not the nerve to go on their way rejoicing and walk the ball into the net. Of course, Freeman had his valued partners, too –no centre can live without the co-operation of the forward comrades. Freeman was with Woolwich Arsenal, and was the subject of days of special pleading by “Bee” that he should be signed –he was just what the Everton doctor wanted to replace Sandy Young. Freeman was watched by Director Bainbridge, who felt he was not the Everton style. It leaked out that he “had scored Arsenal’s four goals –but he did nothing else,” which makes rather laughable reading in the days when spectators, starved of goals, are not very concerned how they are made so long as they are made. Even the official programme of the date when Freeman played his second game said, “We cannot see how Freeman can possibly fit into the Everton attack. Combination cannot be a feature with such a leader.” This was rather harsh foreboding. Freeman went on to break the existing goal record of Liverpool’s Raybould -38 goals in one season. He was duly barracked by the crowd when playing outside left on an icy turf (after months off with a broken shoulder blade) and he was turned from Everton by spectators and became Burnley’s leader, to score the final-tie goal against Liverpool on their only appearance (to date) in the final tie.
Parker was a grand leader, strong, virile, earnest, as unruffled as his massive locks. Stricken down with a terrible wound in the back during the First World War he is now residing in Glasgow.
Dean and Lawton
Next came William Dean, to whom I have already paid tribute. I recall that his first game as at Arsenal’s ground, and he was described in a Liverpool paper as “a passenger,” –which was not exactly kind or constructive criticism of a boy of 18 who had never see a First Division match and had never seen London –couldn’t sleep a wink at nights through nervous strain. I mention these facts because I feel spectators and Press critics should take every consideration with players, and especially with new players, lest they spoil a career. It is sufficient to remind ourselves that Dean and his helpers (the whole of the side) helped to make Everton’s fame and fortune. Lawton followed in due course – it was touch and go whether we got him to come, and there were in some parts of our boardroom, doubts as to whether we were doing the right thing in risking £6,000 for a boy of his tender years. Would he succeed? Would he fit the Everton front line? The doubting Thomases were answered in the course of time, but the war and his desire to be away from Everton cut his innings at Goodison Park –more’s the pity. Tomorrow –The F.A. And Football Pools.

EVERTON TURN DOWN TOUR OFFER
March 9, 1949 The Liverpool Echo
Higgins Doubtful
Everton will not select their team to visit Derby County at the Baseball Ground until later in the week. Higgins who injured his ankle again in the match with Blackpool last Saturday, must be considered doubtful. The directors at their meeting last night also considered the invitation to visit South America and decided against it. There is a possibility that they may visit one of the countries concerned, but not all three, which is too big an undertaking.

LOTTERY OF THE “POOLS”
March 9, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
League’s Vain Move
£100,000 Offer
A “Packed” Meeting
Football –Official by W.C. Cuff
Can you imagine the consternation of the football world if you read next week that in future no fixture lists would be published, and the public could go to their games knowing that certain teams would be at home, but that the name of the visiting side would be kept secret? Chaos, organized chaos, could arise from such an incident. Yet that was just what did happen 14 years ago. The Football League had for long years been jealous of their powers regarding fixture lists, which they claimed were their own copyright. The growth of football pool betting had been fantastic, and the Football League felt the pool people and newspapers had no right to these fixture lists, which were the copyright of their inventor, Mr. Charles E. Sutciffe, former referee, later a Management Committee member, and even eventually President of the Football League. How to stop them? Mr. Sutcliffe propounded a scheme to then President Mr. John McKenna that clubs would in future be unaware of their opposition until the morning of the match. It was a revolutionary idea. It turned the game inside out. It created a bitter battle between football followers, and those who believe the pools are not sporting, are not fair, and are a canker in the life of the present generation. The publication of this shattering decision to hide the fixtures not only from the pools but also the clubs and the fans, came like an atom bomb on the football world. Its Leakage came through the Echo.
First News
London still claims it led the world in telling the world of the occurrence, but we knew quite well that the Liverpool Echo was first afield with the news, and could hardly believe its own print, so staggering was the thought behind it. “Bee” was a-bed at 8.30 a.m. when he received the news, phoned it to the office and declared that for hours he could not credit his story was genuine, trustworthy, or right it looked like a veritable leg-pull. It was true all right, and every paper in the world made it the subject of debate. The difficulty from the Football league point of view was too simple for words –it was arresting the enthusiasm and interest of the football supporter. Trying to cut the pool’s sources was cutting into the very life of the football enthusiast. He likes to know what he is to see on Saturday long before Saturday morning. Clubs visiting long distance points also complained that it gave them little chance to make their arrangements. They knew not whether to pack for a long week-end journey, or a nearby town or city.
Fogged The Issue
The whole issue was fogged by the fact that trying to gain a point on the question of copyright, we were scarring the spectators and the club. “Bee” had arranged a meeting of the League and the pools chiefs and talk turned on sums of £100,000. It was when Mr. Sutcliffe talked about back payments for previous years the debate ended suddenly. Meantime fixture lists came upon the game on Saturday mornings. The crowd soon tired of that, and stayed away in protest at the Football league’s action. In due course, in an interview, I gave my view of the matter, and was described as, “Mr. W.C.Cuff Everton F.C.” The late Mr. Jack Sharp called in the help of “Bee” on this point, and a letter was framed in which Mr. Sharp very rightly claimed that the interview led the public to believe this was Everton F.C’s view of football pools; “It is not so,” said Mr. Sharp, who went on to declare that I was entitled to my opinion on the matter, and that he would claim the man in the street was entitled to have his bob on football pools which would be no harm to the game, and was a vastly better football notion than the former type of gambling fixed odds, which could lead to a lot of trouble.
The Sacrifice
I am still against all kinds of football pools. They produce nothing better than a G.P.O balance sheet that bears inspection. They certainly create employment. If they were stopped, Liverpool alone would have to find jobs for 25,000 people – which is an awful thought, but in the cause of justice the sacrifice could be made. I know the platitudes of those who would not have pools stopped. They talk of the fun of the coupons, of the week-end interest, of the necessary relief from the business life of a stupid world, of the chance of massive sums from treble chances, from points pools, from the well-known three draws and four aways. In my mind football form is such that it is pure lottery whether anyone succeeds in pools. No one can estimate with the slightest degree of certainly any match of any division and Scottish games I am told by pools-fanatics, are the greatest bugbear of all in their uncertainty. All of which helps my contention that there is no skill in filling up a football pool. It is not a test of skill and is, therefore, illegal because it is a lottery. A child never having seen a game has as good if not better chance (because not based by what has been read in the papers) of being successful.
Too Nimble?
The reason we do not have a government sweepstakes in England as they do in Ireland is that the authorities know all too well the danger that people unable to afford 10s for a ticket would be tempted to sacrifice that amount for a chance of a fortune when it would have been spent upon feeding their children. Football is almost too popular these days. It has gone beyond a talking point. It has become the be-all-and-end all of boys whose conversation from week to week concerns players, their ages their history, their prospects. In workshops and offices, football talk is continuous. This surely cannot be helpful or wise. Regarding the pools, I like to recall travelling back from a Football Association meeting to Birkenhead, where there was an “open” meeting on the topic. Arrived there I was asked to speak, and began “I have just left an F.A. meeting in London and arriving here what do I find?” Before I had time to answer my own question, a voice from the packed meeting sang; “The music goes round and round, and comes out here” (the reigning song at the moment).
Doctor’s Call
“No need to tell you, of course, that the pools had packed the meeting with their representatives, and no one from our side had a chance to make himself heard? It was history repeating itself. I remember a famous doctor due to make a speech in an election task. His rivals saw to it that at the appointed hour they had the doctor called away on urgent business miles distant from the meeting. The doctor attended the supposedly sick man and was kept away long enough to ensure he could not help the candidate. These are tricks of the voting trade. I don’t subscribed to them, although they bring in a little light relief, don’t you think.” Tomorrow –Some Finance Sidelights

NOW MONEY TALKS
March 10, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Football –Official by W.C. Cuff
It is well we can back our minds to the beginning of the Everton club so that the modern generation shall know how the old club began and finally attained its high station in football life. A contrast in football figures is illuminating. Today the club pays a sum of £16,000 in players wages. Put the figure in line with the balance sheet of 1892 when the sheet showed wages of £4,038. The secretary’s salary was £156, and the trainer received £96 per annum. The vast gulf between today’s finance and 1892 is unbelievable, but true, and I can picture the annual general meeting to be held at the Presbyterian Schoolroom, Royal Street, to consider the balance sheet and vote upon a resolution to form the club into a limited liability company.” That notification is linked with the statement that “the accounts have been audited and found correct by Messrs T. Theodore Rogers and Co.” – who are still in charge of the audit, and whose fee was until comparatively recently still the same rather small figure.
Loan to Players
William Jackson was treasurer of the club in 1892, and he included with his figures “Balance Loan to Players £25 15s” – an odd factor in football life those days, and never considered needful in modern days. I find another significant item in the 1892 agenda. Proportion of wages advanced to players -£200. The programme which then brought in £68 would fetch £1,000 in current seasons, and advertising at £82 was a big outlay. In some minor clubs in years not far distant, it was often declared that the club was in such a financial state that players nearing the end of a game leaned towards the players’ entry and exit door, because first in could get some wages, and the dallying players would arrive to find there was no more money in the kitty to pay their wages. This happened just before the war, whose boom put many clubs in low water – back in banking circulation.
£800 –Now £20,000
The division of gates to visiting sides –then and now – makes another compelling contrast. In 1948 balance sheet Everton showed they had paid out practically £20,000 to visitors whereas in 1892 the sum was £800. In like manner law expenses of the old year cost the club £9 and today’s legal costs amount to £456. Ah, me! I remember those days only too well, but they had a jollity and comradeship rather foreign to these days. The annual general meeting at Royal Street was not the bear-garden some of the Central Hall meeting became. Through all its strife, Everton became a famous club, a rich club, a club envied by nearly all, and its success was due to the one-time sportsmen who took an interest in the club when it had little promise less money, and directorship meant sacrifices not glorification and grandstand accommodation. Today the club basked in the ripe judgment brought to bear on its early beginnings by fine old sportsmen. Where the programmes showed a sum of £68, one finds a sum of “sublets and programme account as £900, and trainers wages today eats up £1,800 with grounds men’s wages and expenses a sum of £5,000.
Tell-Tale Items
Turn back the clock to 1892, and the items read; Groundsmen’s wages £64, trainer’s wages £96, gate expenses (commissionaires, tellers and gatemen) £155. The last item will revive memories of trickery upon the receipts by certain people who “worked” turnstiles. It is a fascinating comparison between the modern and the ancient and at this stage I would like t0 put on record the services of stalwarts such as Fred Storey, chief groundsman, and Harry Cooke, trainer, two pillars in the modern equipment of a club finely –equipped in a structural office and other directions.
A Fine Innings
Story was my office boy till he moved up to the ground-floor, as it were, and Harry Cooke, who was signed from an Egremont club, was a bonny inside forward of pace and splendid controlling habits –he was unlucky to miss a Cup Final appearance when we won the Cup for the first time, but he was never a complaining type and his years of service with the club must number nearly 50 years –without a black mark. A fine innings, Harry. Groundsman Story, in his office days, was wont to crack a gag with the lads and when someone phoned to ask “Is that the Brilliant Shinio Company?” Storey relied, “No sir, this is the Brilliant Everton Football Club” –apt and speedy restore from Edward Storey. Before closing I must put before readers the two items Gate receipts 1892, £5,700; 1948 £103,872. Season tickets of 1892 £121; 1948 £3,178 Colossal!

SPOILING THE GAME
March 11, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Cut Out The “Stopper” And Restore Old Offside Rule
Football- Official by W.C. Cuff
The game is not as good as it used to be – that is surely the most. Indeed overworked arguments the sporting world has ever heard. It has gone from generation to generation and the best answer is “It will never be as good as it was” whatever one is arguing. It is a topic of interest without a shadow of hope of bearing fruitful answer or providing anything. So saying I propose to continue in the line of thought of those who say “The game is not so good as it was” My reading of football in 1949 is that it is a great joyful game of infinite variety and charm, having perhaps more changes of personnel than in the days of long ago. This means the team is Red or Blue or Orange and the makeup of that team varies from week to week. I would counsel selectors however, that the successful teams are those which make fewest changes. The kernel of the comparative angle is that the offside trap, reduced from three defenders to two, has brought into the game a new vein of defence –the Stopper. You see a pivot forced to stand many times behind his backs. He is called “The Stopper,” and unfortunately it is not necessary to be a footballer to take on the role of Stopper. Managerial orders say “Your place is near your goalkeeper. Don’t move from that area. Stand fast. Cut out the centre by your heading. Never advance. It matters not where you plant the ball once you have retrieved it –just be content, because you know that if the other sides is unable to score a goal against your side, you cannot lose the game.”
Points The Trouble
So we have come to the stage set for Destruction rather than Construction. And it is not in the best interest of the game, or the players or spectators that defiance should take the place of constructive engineering skill in movement by passing-patterns, than which there is no prettier motion on the football field. The Stopper has robbed the game of much of its luster, and points –yes, indeed one point being so highly rated these days of hair-length falls to a lower rank –are the cause of the trouble, because they count so much and create so little initiative on the part of teams ordered to play a game which crowds the view of the shooter till he is “blinded” of his objective.
No Back-Door Merchants
It is not my desire to recall the musty past. Yet it is necessary to recall the ways and days of Joe McCall, of Preston North End or Billy Wedlock, or Alec Raisebeck of Liverpool, or John (“Honest”) Taylor of Everton, or Charles Roberts, of Manchester –these were centre half backs, and they were no back-door merchants. For them the rallying cry of an advanced raid was the joy of life. Indeed Charles Roberts was as brilliant a forward –at centre half-back –as ever trod the ground. He gathered the ball and made every post a winning post by his competence to go forward, taking the ball with him by headway and by a series of individual feints and dribbles opened the defence and proceed to hand on his torch to a Turnbull or a Wall or a Meredith. Meredith could fill a book for me. At the moment I want to point to Meredith’s touchline dribbles –the man who trained the ball in and out of a series of bottles; the man who had more control of the ball on the touchline than any one before, or since. I yield to none in my appreciation of Stanley Matthews, and having said that, would tell you Meredith was the upward winger – his object was to stretch his spindly legs towards the corner flag and fling over a centre when he was on the run.
Centred on The Run
Today, wingers who are not half so competent to ensure the centre is kept in the field of play, always “kill” the ball before centring it Meredith rarely used the “killing” process. He centred on the run, and no one put centres more sweetly than the old master towards his co-forwards. He centred at a period when the defence was unable to close in, and I imagine that fully half of the goals Sandy Turnbull scored from Meredith’s centres were headed goals. Turnbull invariably went on one knee to receive his goal-knighthood, because by that means he ensued the ball would not be lofted and pass over the crossbar. As for the goalkeeper –well, he had no chance to take a headed ball when it was taken one yard from the turf by the bullet head of a Turnbull. I would vote for a return to the three-offside plan tomorrow. There is a new notion in the course of inquiry, Scotland having carved the field of play into three sections. The rules of football have been so uniformly sound and good I am very concerned about making any alterations, but I do feel that any markings of the ground will not obviate the difficulties rather will they add to the referee’s task, but by the reversion to 3-defence for offside instead of the present “lurching two,” I feel the game would come back to a brightness that left it the moment defence became the only consideration of management of teams.
Offside Trap
Resorting to the offside trap is not common today, and sometimes defences get hung up on their own offside scheming. A goal arises despite their protests that the scorer was offside. Yet I have seen two sides bent upon the same constructionists schemes of offside traps set to a ridiculous extent –all the forwards and half backs and backs were practically lined up on the centre line, which made the game just farcical. Loathing changes of rules as I do, I hope to see that slight offside trap made into a three-decker defence instead of two, so that the centre half back can get on with his proper job of joining in attacks as well as helping the defence. The only time the Stopper comes into his own in attacking parties is when a corner kick is being taken and a man like Tommy Jones, of Everton, can advance and assist in heading a goal from a corner kick after which he returns to his well ordered stance and defence station. Tomorrow “Bee” will give a some of the letters received from readers about Mr. Cuff’s articles.

EVERTON VISIT DERBY
March 11, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton are one of the greatest home sides in the First Division, but away they simple cannot hit the goals standard. They have scored only twice in 15 matches, and gained only four points. The fact that newcomer Jimmy McIntosh so quickly fitted into the Toffees scheme of things last week may make all the difference in the world, while those five goals against Blackpool should inspire the Everton forwards. The County –last team to win at Goodison –are a great side battling for the championship but the new young Everton may shake them into conceding a point. Everton will face Johnny Morris, the Manchester United inside-right forward, who today was transferred to Derby County. Everton play an unchanged side. Everton; Sagar; Clinton, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
Everton Res (V. Aston Villa Res, at Goodison); Burnett; Saunders, Moore; Bentham, Humphreys, Grant; Mcllhatton, Pinchbeck, Catterick, Powell, McCormick.
• Everton “B” v. St. Helens Town Res, at Bellefield

“BEE’S” FINAL WORDS ON THE SERIES
March 12, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Letters From, and Replies To, Many Correspondents
Football –Officials by W.C. Cuff
The book is closed, the serial is ended, and the late W.C. Cuff’s story has been told. It was a difficult but satisfying task, because it was necessary to remind the present generation of Mr. Cuff’s part in Everton’s way of living. If one needed any reason for its appearance, the answer was provided by readers who came along with most enlightening news, views, and ideas. To me this factor was the breath of football life. Naturally in a career such as Mr. Cuff’s over 50 years in the game, there was bound to be a big proportion if old-time lore, and some may have desired the latest as the best – the stories of dissent, inside transfer happenings, and the like –which would have been breaking faith with the club. Mr. Cuff told of all the famous debates over famous players and their signings, and refused to enter into a breach of confidence or trust, leaving those to the dust of the club files.
They Say –
They say let them say what they will say! The correspondence I have received arising from the serialized story of W.C. Cuff has increased my knowledge of the club and has given me many hours of fascinating reading. It is impossible to quote all of this. I will, however, put the cover on the serial by quoting some of the more remarkable letters received.
Mrs. George Fleming, wife of the late Liverpool player and trainer says; “You are right; there is no monument or stone to indicate the burial-place of Tom Watson. Players of those days were willing to sacrifice. George ended his playing days and accepted a post as trainer at considerably reduced fee, yes, and also lent the club £100. “
Old-Timer T.E.B wrote; “Everton could have won the Cup two years in succession but for autocracy regarding the signing of Georgie Wilson’s brother –that was the spot of final tie brother,” Answer; No, sir. John D. Taylor, whose death was announced a fortnight after he had read the opening chapters said; “Aye, it’s grand to be readin’ about these good old days when I captained the team that won the Cup.
50-Stone Defence
Mr. T.L. Williams, of Llangaffo near Gaerwen, Anglesey; “Most interesting series sir. Liverpool never had a more loyal servant than Tom Watson, and it is not too late to pay him due regard. I should be willing to add my subscription to a headstone. “Who will ever forget the series of semi-finals between Liverpool and Sheffield United in the Cup. One abandoned at Fallowfield through crowd breaking in –Liverpool were leading –is that the cause of Liverpool’s Cup hoodoo these years, I wonder? “The attack then read;- Cox; Walker, Allen; Morgan, Robertson, with Raisebeck taking all in his way stride. All save Rab Howell and Cox were Scottish. Why not resurrect this side Bee? Tell us of the scale showing 50 stone in defence – Foulkes, Boyle and Thickett, of Sheffield United, battling with Dunlop the Goldie brother and others.
“Still a Reader” (Heswell) provides the Everton-Villa Cup final side and says Villa had eight Englishmen and three Scots, while Everton had seven Scots and Four Englishmen. Former Liverpool Lord Mayor Alderman, R.J. Hall, said; Brilliant series –can we have them in book form please?” Hoylake C.I.D, also asked that the series be put into book form “for keepsake.”
Can Any School Beat This?
Mr. Thomas R. Owen seeks information from schoolmasters or school players. List to his request; “During 1897-8 I played with our school team and exceeded our tutor’s (Lionel Stringer’s) wildest dreams. Mr. Stringer had been captain of the Tranmere Rovers by the way. Our school team had scored 132 goals, against a debatable and erroneously awarded one goal! I have wondered often whether that accomplishment has ever been improved upon. The school was Anfield Road School team, which contributed 54 per cent of the playing members which constituted the Liverpool Boys team of that year. Will some school master connected with the football side please tell me (address Mariners Homes, Liscard, Wallasey) whether that allocation has ever been severely contested. Salutations and congratulations. “Mr. Owen’s penmanship is remarkably good-a fine, fluent readable “hand” without a tremor. Mr. D. Radford (The Raven, Low Hill) wrote; “Your series has filled an aching void. Will you, Bee, please write your own reminiscences? Also put in a photograph. Is there no chance of the Cuff series being put into book form. Thanks for the past pleasures and hope for many more to come.
“Children’s Hour”
Those who think the broadcast of Children’s Hour is something new will get a shock when I tell them another correspondent sent me a copy of a paper called The Million, in which they not only have a brightly coloured picture of Everton F.C. of that day, but also a whole page devoted to Children’s Hour. The paper paid tribute to Everton in this manner; “The success which has attended Everton since its inception a dozen years ago has not been surpassed. Its headquarters will accommodate 40,000 spectators. It is seldom perhaps that the accommodation is inadequate to the demand, but the gates of the club have avenged 16,000 for this season. The club finds employment for 30 professionals –in fact, football has become such a serious and expensive pastime that clubs like Everton require no less than an income of £10,000 a year to keep up their organization. Then there was the reader who asked; “Please give the full story of the brothers Sharp.” That would have filled a volume or two. It concerned the signing of the brothers Jack and Bert Sharp. It was not common knowledge that Bert, the full back was the brother Everton most needed, yet odd fate Jack came, saw and conquered and Bert often said he felt he would have done better to have gone to Derby County who wanted him badly. The brothers stayed together, however. Other relationships in Everton concern the name of Menham, the elder a famous goalkeeper, who was followed by his nephew, Gordon Menham into the difficult task of goalkeeping. Gordon was an amateur but he did sufficient in Everton’s colours to prove what a striking goalkeeper he was. Another reader, G.W. of Huyton asked; “Was Elisha Scott ever an Everton player?” The answer is No. But he definitely signed for Everton, and would have played for them if he had not revoked his decision ever to kick a ball again for Liverpool F.C. He signed, sure, I saw the signature.
George Wilson; I have lived through those old times and have enjoyed every moment of the series.”

EVERTON SURPRISE AFTER DERBY’S SHOCK START
March 12, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Fielding’s Grand Goal Was His First of Season
He Had The £25,000 Look
Derby County 3, Everton 2
By Stork
Everton looked like winners at ever point in this game, and were the better side, but in the second half Derby turned on the tap, and with Everton looking rhythum Derby became top dogs. Nevertheless Everton put up a rare battle. Derby Co; Webster, goal; Parr, and Howe, backs; Mosley, Leuty, and Musson, half-backs; Harrison, Morris, Stamps, Steel, and Broome, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Ref; C.P. Womesley (Stockport). Derby was going with the signing of Johnny Morris, of Manchester United, for whom Liverpool bid so highly without success. Morris preferred Derby, with the prospect of a championship medal. I met Morris in the melee before the match and the pink-cheeked little forward looked very live and eager for the fray. He has great responsibility to justify £25,000. Other big-priced players have taken some time to run themselves in. Steel, for instance was a case in point, and so was Bryn Jones, of the Arsenal. Morris was the only change in the Derby team. Everton were as selected and the crowd looked a big one, although there was plenty of room in the stands. There was plenty of soil, but little turf on the playing pitch. Derby got off to a flying start, for within a minute they had scored. Musson was the starting point when he slipped the ball through to Broom, who took it a few yards forward before he centred for Stamps to get his left foot to the ball and crack it at lightning speed into the Everton net. That was a heavy blow, and for some minutes Derby were relentless in attacking hitting the Everton defence before it got settled. They took the strain and Higgins went off with a dash and Eglington hit the goalkeeper had the ball went over – a bit of bad luck. The corner was another near miss for Everton, for Jones headed against the crossbar and from the rebound Fielding scooped the ball over the bar. Wainwright made one crossfield pass to Eglington, who put Everton on the attack and the Derby defence was not so sure as it should have been. Derby utilized the long pass to good effect, and when Steel put one over to Harrison the winger centred strongly and Stamps rose to make a header but missed the ball completely to leave Jones in possession. Eglington surprised the Derby defenders when he worked into the middle. They expected him to pass to his left but he elected to shoot and Webster had to save. When Fielding centred –Leuty and Webster became entangled in their efforts to keep out Wainwright. Everton were having as much of the play as Derby and were quite their equal in point of skill. Morris made a fine close pass to set Harrison off, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington indulged in some clever moves, and had one of them come off it would have been “beautiful.” Sagar dealt with a hard drive from Stamps, and Steel’s shot passed outside the far post. Clinton hurriedly gave away a corner and then McIntosh beat the Derby defence, only to be ruled off-side. However, Everton were playing well enough to warrant an equalizer, and it came at 25 minutes. Eglington and McIntosh were the prime movers, but Fielding’s shot was a bobby-dazzier. This was Fielding’s first goal of the season. The Everton goal had an escape when Clinton passed back to Sagar, not knowing that a Derby man was close on his heels. Sagar had to dash out to clear. Sagar dived at a shot and appealed at the same time and his request was heard.
Fielding Superb
Everton claimed they were badly done to when McIntosh delivered a cross-pass to Eglington, who headed it into the net. The goal was disallowed on the linesman’s flag. It looked a good goal from the Press box. Neither Morris nor Steel could compare with Fielding, who was in the £25,000 class today. After Jones had run across, the County goal was fortunate not to fall when Musson ran in the way of a Wainwright shot and got away with a corner. The flag kick was taken by Eglington, Jones had come up and he headed straight to McIntosh who shot Everton’s second goal at 40 minutes –and what is more they deserved it. They might have had another when Higgins centred and Eglington’s shot was tipped over by Webster. Half-time; Derby C 1, Everton 2.
Everton had done exceptionally well to overcome Derby’s shock goal it was a surprise to the Country to find themselves behind. They re-opened the game in the same way as they had started their first half, but they could shock Everton again, although Sagar had to save from Steele and Broome. Jones had been rock-like down the middle, and Stamps had a difficult task to find an opening for his big drives. True, the County took the first ten minutes and at 58 minutes Broome had equalized. He beat both Clinton and Jones before he shot beyond the unsighted Sagar, who never had a chance. Broome tried again with a fast right-foot drive, which passed a yard outside. He later lifted one over after he had received a long clearance from Parr. Derby were now having their moments and Broome tried to flick one passed Sagar, who, however, collared the ball safety. Apart from one attack, Everton were mostly on the defensive, and Morris lifted one simple chance over the bar. Derby’s leading goal was not delayed, for at 70 minutes, Steel scored. A glorious bit of passing between Stamps and Broome, carried the ball close into the goal, and from the scramble which ensued, Steel cracked the ball into the net. Everton, bothered by the sun, almost sneaked an equalizer when Eglington shot across the Derby goal, Webster dropping on the ball to stop its progress. Eglington beat Parr and delivered a high-powered shot which Webster saved. Back came Derby, and Broome tried to make a goal for Morris who shot over. Everton could not recover their first-half rhythm, but they went down fighting. Final; Derby County 3, Everton 2. Attendance 33,120.

EVERTON’S GREAT FIGHT AT DERBY
March 12, 1949. The Evening Express
Fielding Dazzles, Scores His First Goal of Season
By Pilot
Everton put up a great fight against Derby County at the Baseball Ground today, where Fielding, who cost Everton nothing, completely outshone high-priced players like Morris (£26,000) and Steel (£15,000). A goal down in the first minute to Stamps, Everton became the better but luckless side, Jones striking the bar and Eglington having what I through a goal disallowed for offside. Fielding equalized for the first goal of the season, and McIntosh gave Everton the lead to give the side two away goals for the first time in any away match this season. Derby came into their own in the second half, when Everton faced a blazing sun. After Broome had equalized, Steel gave Derby the lead again, in an evenly contested game in which Derby adopted the long passing tactics, and with Everton playing closer but effectively. This was a highly encouraging display from Everton, with McIntosh again an enterprising leader giving Leuty no rest. Musson kept a close watch on the raiding Wainwright, but Parr had no answer to Eglington, who was the unluckiest player of a rousing game. Johnny Morris, Derby County’s £26,000 capture from Manchester United, made his debut, for Derby. I had a chat with Johnny before the game and expressed regret that he had not come to Anfield, but he said; “In a way I am sorry, too, but I know I have come to a good club and hope to do well with them. The Everton party included Chairman Dr. Cecil Baxter, Directors Harold Williams, and Norman Coffey, Secretary Theo Kelly, Mr. Harry Sharp and Manager Cliff Britton. Derby Co; Webster, goal; Parr, and Howe, backs; Mosley, Leuty, and Musson, half-backs; Harrison, Morris, Stamps, Steel, and Broome, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Ref; C.P. Womesley (Stockport). Everton had quite a shock for Derby were a goal up in a minute through Stamps. This emanated from Musson, who slipped the ball through to Broome. Clinton dived to intercept Broome without success and the ex-Villa player slipped the ball back inside for Stamps, positioned on the penalty spot, to crack the ball home with his left foot, Sagar having no chance. The County almost made it two just afterwards when Harrison cut through by Dugdale but missed the ball completely. Then Morris was on nice ground from Broome’s low centre, but found Clinton too quick for him. For five minutes Derby literally peppered Everton, their passing being quick and accurate and keeping Everton always on the wrong foot. Everton survived and then crashed into the game with a power and confidence which had the County jittery. Howe completely failed to clear, and Higgins came through and the latter was able to go on and turn the ball back inside for the in running Eglington.
Derby Escapes
Eglington tried to hook his shot but the diving Webster just contrived to get his hand to the ball as it spun over. From the corner Tommy Jones headed in a dropping ball which had Webster beaten all the way, but it struck the face of the bar and rebounded to Fielding who hooked it inches over the top and shook his hands in disgust. The County were moving the ball about in brilliant style, but Everton were gradually coming into the game following some powerful heading by Jones. McIntosh hit one by the post. Eglington twice was baulked as he weaved a way through, and then he tried a shot which seemed to graze Leuty’s chest but landed in the hands of Webster. Fielding took his time to ensure accuracy with a low centre from inside right, and Webster risked injury to dive at the feet of the quick moving Wainwright. Fortune favoured the brave and Webster came through with the ball, although Wainwright sportingly held off his foot. McIntosh raced away to outside left to take over from Eglington and middle a ball which Webster saved. Derby failed to improve on a succession of corners, although the nippiness of Farrell and the head of Jones prevented anything but a Morris shot which Sagar held well, and a Steel effort which skidded on the ground.
An Equaliser
Everton by studied football, got over their early jitters and in 26 minutes were on terms when Fielding scored his first goal of the season – and a good one. This was only the third goal Everton had scored away this season, and in its making Jim McIntosh well repaid his transfer fee, taking over Eglington’s pass to more down the left wing past Leuty and slip the ball along the ground for Fielding to hit it low with his right foot into the corner of the net from only 10 yards. If Everton had been shaken by Stamp’s goal then the County certainly were by this one and they became prone to panic. McIntosh was leading Leuty all over the place as Everton took a grip on the proceeding s and although the County still used the cross field pass magnificently the Toffees’ defence had become sure and resolute. McIntosh from outside right middle accurately and Eglington ran in and headed the ball just inside the far post. The whistled sounded for off-side before Eglington made contact, but I rated Eglington behind the ball when McIntosh played it. Fielding was the master-mind of this live, alert Everton attack, and he completely overshadowed Morris and Steel, who between then cost Derby £41,500. Fielding cost nothing, and he had Mozley on his toes by his control, and he engineered a move which saw Leuty defy Wainwright but lose the ball. Wainwright recovered and turned the ball towards goal, but as it was crossing the line Musson came from nowhere to kick it actually off the line for the corner from which Everton took the lead in 40 minutes. Tommy Jones came up for the corner, which Eglington landed plumb on to Tommy’s head. The ball swooped inwards and McIntosh standing close in gratefully nodded it into the net. This was the first time this season that Everton had scored two goals in an away match, and this doubled their previous away total. Only a last-minute leap and one-handed tip-over prevented their third goal, for when Higgins centred Eglington looked a scorer but Webster got there in time.
Half-time; Derby County 1, Everton 2
Only three teams this season have succeeded previously in scoring more than a goal at the Baseball Ground – Manchester United, Sunderland and Wolves. The Derby people just could not appreciate that for so long this season Everton have been a struggling club. Today they were “top of the League” class. McIntosh outwitted Leuty but Eglington had no chance of getting in a shot and the County became the aggressors with Sagar saving confidently from Steel and Broome. The County broke away in 56 minuets to equalizer through Broome. Broome cut in and had Clinton in two minds so that Jones went across to intercept. This unsighted Sagar and Broome was able to toe-end the ball low into the net.
Near Thing
The County had been the better side this half, and Broome tried to cash in with another, but his shot whistled by the post as 33,120 spectators roared “Goal” Broome was allowed to get in his shot, although he appeared yards off-side from Parr’s long kick. The sun came out to aid in the Derby rally which made the start of the second period similar to the first half –Everton defending, but doing it well against a rampant combination. Sagar saved well from Broome who was easily Derby’s most dangerous raiders and than Webster fisted away from the head of McIntosh. In 70 minutes terrific Derby pressure brought it’s reward when Steel gave them he lead for the second time, Stamps and Broome completely bamboozled Jones and company and when the ball dropped back invitingly Steel, unmarked slammed it high into the roof of the net. Final; Derby County 3, Everton 2.

EVERTON RES V ASTON VILLA RES
March 12, 1949, The Evening Express
After good approach work by Mcllhatton and Pinchbeck, the latter sent in a hard shot which was cleverly saved by Jones. Villa were dangerous and in their periodical raids found Humphreys a strong opponent. Everton had the better of the play and it was surprising how the Villa goal escaped. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Aston Villa Res 0.
After the interval Everton monopolized the play Mcllhatton placing across some good centres. In the 68th minute Everton took the lead, Powell scoring with a shot which gave Jones no chance. Final; Everton Res 1, Aston Villa Res 0.

DERBY HAD SECOND HALF INSPIRATION
March 14, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Derby County 3, Everton 2
Although Johnny Morris, Derby County’s £24,000 inside forward from Manchester United had a quiet debut gave the impression that once he had moulded his game to suit Stamps and Steel he will be worth every penny of the fee paid. I must say that Morris did not look a £24,000 player on Saturday but Fielding and Steel did particularly the former in the first half. Everton will never agree that Eglington’s header did not produce a good goal and I am inclined to side with them even, though I am aware that angles can be dangerous. Eglington ran forward to the ball and passed a Derby defender en route but the referee whistled as Eglington put his forehead to the ball. When Derby took a lead in a minute by a terrific shot by Stamps it looked as though Everton would be over-whelmed.
Fielding’s First
Everton got over that blow and surprised County by the quality of their football and the fluent manner in which they made progress. It was more spectacular play than of Derby who relied on long and strong passes. When Everton took goals through Fielding –his first this season –and McIntosh. Everton’s fortune seemed set. They played well enough for their lead. Derby, with championship ambitions, must have had a serious talk during the interval, for they resumed with determination and a lot of football skill ultimately played Everton out of the game. It was a complete turn-round. One waited for an Everton revival. It did not come and for most of the half, they were busy looking after defence with little or no time to seek a goal. The first ten minutes of the second half brought me to the realization that Everton were going to be hard-pressed to hold their lead. Derby hit them hard and often. They powerful forward line was not to be curbed and Broome at last devised a plan o outwit Clinton. For one whose playing days are drawing to an end, Broome showed amazing speed and he and Steel played ducks and drakes with Farrell and Clinton. Stamps and Morris lent their aid and Everton were finally crushed. The second away win was as far off as ever and Derby victory complete when Broome beat Clinton and Jones and “toe-ended” the ball beyond the unsighted Sagar. Steel put on goal number three. Webster an eighteen-year-old goalkeeper making his debut made fine saves from Eglington but Derby had got their teeth firmly into the game.

SOLVING A BLUES’ PROBLEM
March 14, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Higgin’s Skill at Outside-Right
Everton had representatives out “scouting” again at the week-end, but needs at Goodison are not urgent and there is no doubt whatever that a local lad, Billy Higgins, is solving Manager Cliff Britton most vexed problem –Outside right. This is obvious after the Blues gallant losing battle at Derby County. Higgins at the moment is not the master of all the attributes of an outside-right, but he has the essentials in his make-up and can gain confidence from that one factor. If Billy will have as much confidence in himself as his manager, directors colleagues and public he can make this position his own for he has control centres splendidly, has speed, two good feet and an amazingly keen “note” for moving to the right spot. Why, at Derby only a super-dive by young Webster prevented Higgins –in the right spot at the right time –getting an equalizing goal to make it 3-3. Yes, I have great faith in Higgins after scoring him in this game in which partner Eddie Wainwright was blotted out so that Higgins had to play the lone hand more than is usual. This was a grand Everton display for an hour, bringing a 2-1 interval lead which should have been 4-1 but with the county playing so well in the second half that defeat could, not be averted. There was glory gained in this match, however, and with a shade of luck Everton would have won well. The Derby defence had few answers to Everton’s forward progression in the first half when Fielding was a delight; Eglington an unlucky raider; McIntosh the young, quick-actioned leader; Higgin’s danger man, but with Wainwright “policed” persistently by Musson who forgot all other work in that one mission. Yes, and it was Musson who kicked off the goal line a winner by Wainwright. That was a near goal, but in addition Jones headed against the bar; mighty saves by Webster defied Eglington, and in addition Eglington had what I still think was a good goal disallowed for offside. Eglington was five yards outside the penalty-area when the ball was centred back and he ran yards past Parr to head into the net. It speaks volumes for Tommy Jones, Lello, Farrell and the backs that Ted Sagar had so few direct shots. The cunning of Frank Broome turned the tide where the skill of Steel and Morris failed, while Jack Stamps’ aptitude for coming back for the square pass was a Derby master-more. That Everton could recover from the shock of a goal down in seconds and take a lead through Fielding and McIntosh emphasizes their team and fighting spirit. This was a most encouraging show, and I must mention a grand Dugdale display against the tricky fast Harrison before closing on a game we shall not readily forget. On this form, Everton will finish in the top half of the table.

EVERTON FINE, THEN –
March 14, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Merseysiders and there were many at Derby were mighty proud of Everton at the interval, in their game with the County, for had not they recovered from a shock goal, and proceeded to pity football which must have surprised the “Rams,” who have championship aspirations? Furthermore, they had taken a 2-1 goals lead, and were playing n such a confident and capable manner that defeat did not suggest itself. After that one-minute body blow, Everton had held the bank of England forward line, and by dint of good football made one wonder who were near the top of the table –Derby or Everton. We were soon to know, for after the interval the County turned on their full steam, and the weight of their attack caused all hands to be called to Everton’s defence wheel, so that any attacks they made were just darting raids. The first half unison had gone, never to be recovered, so Derby were good winners in the end. There was the controversial point about the game which will never be satisfied so far as Everton are concerned and even the County manager, Stuart McMillan, agreed that he thought Eglington’s header was a good goal. It certainly looked it from the stand, but I am not unmindful of the angle of description. It is a fallacy to be dogmatic over such things but the Everton winger came running up for the ball, and passed a Derby man en route. The linesman “flagged” and the whistle sounded as Eglington made his header. The linesman was in a better position than we in the stand, but that does not say he was right. (Writes Stork). That would have put Everton two goals up at the half stage, and they were worthy of such a lead, for they had produced some high-class Soccer, and the £25,000 player was Fielding, not Morris not Steel. I say here and now that Morris will justify the big fee paid for him, although he did not have a great game. More knowledge of his co-forward type of game, will see him a strong force in a great line of attackers. Morris has been nourished on the Busby diet which is hardly that of the County, who are not so dainty but more forceful than the united. Morris may have to alter his style but he is capable of it, and the Derby people are quite satisfied with their purchases. It was Steel –only £15,000 –who put the spike in Everton’s guns, for he kept switching the attack from one point to another, paying particular attention to Broome, who showed amazing speed for one of his years. This pair, along with Musson, finally broke down the Farrell –Clinton resistance, and with Stamps adding his portion –he is a much better footballer these days –with a touch of class from Morris proved too big a burden for the Everton defence to shoulder, although Broome’s goal found Sagar unsighted. A chance or two in the second half was all the Everton attack could muster against the prolonged attack by the County, and Steel snapped the winner from a Morris pass. I expected Everton to show a revival, but it never came, defence had to be their main concern against hard-hitting County, whose forward line may take them to a championship title. Now here’s a laugh line. En route for Derby on Friday afternoon, trainer Harry Cooke and myself had a carriage to ourselves. After some football talk, a Government discussion, and a little, reading, we both went off to sleep. Neither one of us remembered stopping at Derby, so were carried on 60 miles further down the line. Fortunately we were able to get a train back in half-an-hour. No, we had not been drinking –we are both “T.T” we had to undergo much leg-pulling for the rest of the trip.

EVERTON BID FOR FIRST ‘DOUBLE’ OF SEAOSN
March 18, 1949. The Evening Express
Famous Villa At Goodison Park
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton’s bid for their first “double” of the season, Everton receive Aston Villa at Goodison. The Goodison duel becomes a four-point affair, for both the Blues and Villa, while not in the danger zone, would feel happier a little away from the “quicksands.” At the moment, Everton are two points ahead of Villa for a match more players and are so amazingly good at home that the Midlanders should be defeated. Everton will win if they play as well as they did in the first half at Derby last week and so preserve their grand record at home. Last defeat at the Park was on October 16, when Derby did the trick –five minutes of immunity from defeat. A sound defensive make-up and tremendous improvement in attack makes me think Everton will get their 11th home win, and so take full points from the Villa, whom they defeated at Villa Park per Catterick’s goal. Everton make only one change in –the team which lost, at Derby, George Saunders, returning to right-backs in place of Clinton. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington. Aston Villa; Rutherford; Parkes Dorsett; Powell, Martin (C.), Moss (F.); Coffin, Gibson, Ford, Dixon, Smith (L.).
On Monday the Everton players will go to Harrogate to rest until their visit to Sunderland tomorrow week.
• Everton “B” v. I.C.I Widnes.

VILLA ARE IN GOOD FORM
March 18, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton unbeaten at home since October will entertain former companious in distress when Aston Villa are the visitorsd to Goodison Park tomorrow, but Villa also are on the up-grade these days. They have won six of their last eight League games, including away matches at Huddersfield and Sheffield United, two useful victories against sides whom they were fighting for vital relegation points. Villa, like Everton are not now so desperately concerned about their League position provides, of course, there is no relapse. The Midlanders have been playing really good football of late, and then defence, when earlier on was pierced as easily as Everton’s was now been consolidated to a point where clubs are finding it hard to get goals against them. As Everton likewise are strong in this department this game looks like being a tough battle for supremacy. Everton’s good footcraft showing in the last two games against Derby County and Blackpool will be continued further, and home supporters are hoping to see another victory which would finitely put Everton’s position beyond all possible doubt. The Blues only change from last week is that Saunders resumes in place of Clinton. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington. Aston Villa; Rutherford; Parkes Dorsett; Powell, Martin (C.)(captain), Moss (F.); Coffin, Gibson, Ford, Dixon, Smith (L.). Everton are giving their players another week relaxation at Harrogate. The party leaves on Monday and will go on from Harrogate to the Sunderland game next Saturday.

EVERTON FADE OUT AFTER EARLY GOAL
March 19, 1949. The Evening Express
Defence Becomes Jittery and Villa Go in Front
By Radar
After taking a sensational one-minute lead and threatening to swamp a mesmerized Aston Villa defence, Everton failed to stay the pace and lost their first home game since October 16. Wainwright scrambled Everton into the lead almost straight from the start, and for 20 minutes the Everton forwards played sparkling football, only the brilliance of Rutherford in the Villa goal, denying them a commanding lead. Then the Everton attack, and the inside forwards especially faded out of the picture and Colin Gibson equalized for Villa just on the interval. In the second half the Everton defence went to pieces and Dixon added goals for Villa in the 52nd and 66th minutes. The teams lined up as follows:- Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Aston Villa;- Rutherford, goal; Parkes, and Dorsett, backs; Powell, Martin (C.), and Moss (F.), half-backs; Goffin, Gibson, Ford, Dixon, and Smith (L.), forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Salmons (Stoke-on-Trent). With a crowd which must have been near the 50,000 mark basking in the summer-like sun, Everton raced away, to take a sensational lead within a minute of the start. Fielding took advantage of hesitancy in clearing by Powell and raced up to the goal-line before squaring a short centre all along the floor. Dorsett failed to scramble the ball away, and Wainwright came in at top speed to force the ball over the line. It was fast, exhilarating football right from the outset and Eglington had the Villa’s defence in trouble when he cut into the middle to be brought down from behind. Jones however, drove the free kick well wide of the near post. When the Villa left flank went to work, Smith slewed a most puzzling entre across the face of the goalmouth with Sagar scrambling. Eventually, Goffin returned it to the far wing, for Smith to level a fierce first time with his left foot which flashed too near the post for Sagar’s liking. Villa came again and Dixon worked his way through cleverly before offering a nice chance to Smith but this time Smith’s shot was lofted yards over the top from close range. The light ball and unusually heavy surface was not making things easy for either side, but despite the fact that they had been set to face a dazzling sun, this Everton side was showing plenty of enthusiasm.
Nippy Villa Forwards.
The Villa forwards were nippy and forceful however, and they came near to equalizing when Gibson let go a surprise drive all alone the ground which almost caught both Sagar and Jones in two minds. Fortunately it sailed harmlessly the wrong side of the upright. Away went Everton, for Fielding to open up the way for Eglington, Fielding took’s Eglington’s return pass in his stride to speed along the ground, but the ball was charged down. Fielding again gained possession and his powerful shot looked all over a winner until Rutherford leapt across to affect a really magnificent clearance, although the Villa goalkeeper could not prevent the ball trickling over the line for a corner. From this the trustful Wainwright headed in strongly but again Rutherford saved the day for the Villa by turning the ball over the bar for yet another great save. There was a brief stoppage while Wainwright received attention after Rutherford had accidentally punched the ball into his face. At this point Higgins was limping after earning a corner which produced no profitable result. Then a slip by Lello almost let in Goffin. After McIntosh had driven yards over the bar, the Villa who had not been impressive in their finishing return to the attack, but Dixon after outwitting Saunder’s placed his centre behind. Dixon back-headed one just wide of the post from a Smith cross, and then Smith and Saunders had to call for treatment for minor leg injuries. With passes too often going astray, Everton had lost much of their sting. Things livened up somewhat when Dugdale caught the Villa defence napping with a long clearance, and with Wainwright racing ahead at top speed, Rutherford had to run to the penalty spot o punch clear. With only seconds remaining to half time Villa drew level. It was Goffin, picking up the ball in the open space, who placed Gibson in possession and Gibson worked his way into striking distance, before giving Sagar no chance with a low right-footer.
Half-time; Everton 1, Aston Villa 1.
Off The Target
Villa quickly swung into action on resuming, and when Gibson centred from an awkward position, Dixon steered a header two yards off the target. Away went Everton for McIntosh out on the extreme right, to round Dorsett and cross an inviting ball. Wainwright failed to connect with his head and Eglington, who had moved inside, scooped the ball inches over the bar. Dixon almost took Sagar by surprise with a nicely judged right footer which Sagar at the last moment managed to turn round the post and then Jones, who did not seem at all happy, almost turned the ball beyond his own goalkeeper. The Villa pressure was such, however, that a goal seemed inevitable and it came in the 52nd minute. With the Everton defence, in a state of jitters, the ball bobbed about the penalty area before Powell lobbed it inwards. As it was crossing the line Saunders appeared to leap up and force it on to the underside of the bar, Dixon from the rebound, heading into the net. There were possibilities of Everton retaliating themselves, when McIntosh carved out an opening for Wainwright, but Wainwright failed to find his man when he tried to turn the ball into the goalmouth. Martin took safety first measures lashing the ball into touch when Higgins looked dangerous and this led to a dangerous moment for the Villa defence. With the game 66 minutes old Dixon increased the Villa’s lead but it was Leslie Smith to whom most of the credit. He raced up to the line, rounded Saunders and turned the ball into the goalmouth for Dixon to breast it over the line. Everton fought back and McIntosh was desperately unlucky not to scored with a deflected header from Eglington’s centre. Official attendance 50, 201. Final; Everton 1, Aston Villa 3.

EVERTON “A” V EARELSTOWN
March 19, 1949. The Evening Express
At Skelmersdale, Rimmer, Earlestown’s centre half, was helped off the field with an injured shoulder. Up to his point Earlestown had been the more dangerous. Towards the interval Everton came near to scoring several times. Half-time; Everton “A 0, Earlestown 0. Final; Earlestown 1, Everton “A” 2. Liverpool F.A. Amateur Cup (Semi-Final).

WOLVES RES V EVERTON RES
March 17, 1949. The Evening Express
Both forwards began with attack, Everton forwards were clever with their smart understanding. Territorially Wolves were having more of the play. However, Burnett, in the Everton goal, was the star. He made three miraculous saves in the space of as many minutes, from Wolves forwards. In 43rd minute Wolves went ahead with a goal scored by Forbes. Half-time; Wolves Res 1, Everton Res 0.

DIXON WAS CHIEF “VILLIAN” IN EVERTON’S DOWNFALL
March 19, 1949, The Liverpool Football Echo
Wainwright’s First-Minute Goal
Negatived In Second Half
Home Record Goes West
Everton 1, Aston Villa 3
By Ranger
Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Aston Villa;- Rutherford, goal; Parkes, and Dorsett, backs; Powell, Martin (C.)(captain), and Moss (F.), half-backs; Goffin, Gibson, Ford, Dixon, and Smith (L.), forwards. Referee; Mr. C. Salmons (Stoke-on-Trent). There was a sensational opening for Everton were in front within a minute of the start. An attack on the Everton goal had seen Sagar throw the ball out to Eglington, just inside his own half. A long weaving run by the winger, in the course of which he bear Parkes, provided an opening for Fielding who crossed the ball square in front of the Villa goal, where Dorsett, trying to clear only succeeded in putting the ball straight to Wainwright who hooked it past Rutherford from only two feet distance. It looked to me as though Wainwright had handled, but this must have been an optical illusion as there was no semblance of protest from the Villa defenders.
Villa Hit Back
Eglington was boring a way through again, this time veering into the middle when he was brought down the Parkes, to whom Referee Salmon issued an admonishing word. Tommy Jones’s free kick went behind of Fielding. A grand bit of work by Ford resulted in a shot from the centre forward who had gone to the outside left position, going straight across the Everton goal without anyone there to add the finishing touch. It ran across to Goffin, whose centre was met first time by Smith only for the ball to swing wide of the post.
“Ooh!” Said The Crowd
A long-drawn “Ooh” from the crowd was sympathetic of their relief when a long-distance shot from Goffin sped across the goal and just outside the far post with Ford just failing to make contact had appeared to be unsighted. Everton were defending the Gwladys Street goal and the sun was a trouble to the defenders when the ball was in the air. Fielding had two good changes in a minute. With the first he elected to turn the ball inwards to McIntosh rather than shoot and failed to get it past Martin. His second effort was “a gift” when Martin cleared so tenderly that he presented Fielding with a free kick from just inside the penalty box. Fielding hit it first time, but Rutherford dived quickly to make a brilliant save.
Another Escape
The first stoppage for an injury came when Wainwright after 20 minutes, was temporarily knocked out when struck in the face with a short-range clearance by Parkes. He quickly recovered.
McIntosh –The Constant Thorn
Higgins got a crack on the leg which had him limping and necessitated Fielding taking a corner kick. Though McIntosh had not had a real scoring opening he was a constant thorn in the flesh of the Villa defence and his excursions to the wings frequently had the defence in a tangle. Tommy Jones was beaten by Gibson when apparently unsighted by the sun but covered himself and actually got the ball away, even if only a few yards when lying on the ground. McIntosh got an unexpected chance when a loose ball had so much break on it that it enabled him to get in a quick surprise shot, without, however being on the mark. Dixon finished weakly after a tricky and a little later headed the ball away from instead of towards Sagar when Smith put across a peach of a centre. Everton almost took a snap goal when Dugdale came up almost to the half-way line and then lashed the ball into the middle where Wainwright was only just foiled by Rutherford at the goalkeeper ran out. Even the Rutherford could only knock the ball away with the tips of his fingers as Wainwright dashed in and Martin had to complete the clearance.
The Equalizer
One minute from half-time Villa got on level terms, Gibson being the scorer. He got his chance when his partner Goffin, after a meandering run which took him to outside left was trotting across to his proper berth when he picked up a loose ball and slipped it forward for Gibson. Gibson eluded tackles by Farrell and Tommy Jones, and then lashed in a strong right foot shot from about 14 yards distance, which Sagar was unable to reach, though he appeared to me to be a trifle slow in his effort.
Half-time; Everton 1, Aston Villa 1.
Eglington had a glorious chance to put Everton in front in the first minute after resuming, but scooped a centre from McIntosh over the bar from five yards’ range. It was a bad miss. It turned out to be still more unfortunate, for Dixon put Villa in front at the 52nd minute. This goal was a reward for Villa’s persistence. It came following a melee in the goalmouth after Ford had been baulked at his first attempt, and headed in again, and Saunders had apparently tipped the ball on to the crossbar with his fingers. From there, it rebounded straight to Dixon who headed it downwards into the empty net.
Almost Made Amends
I could not swear that Saunders did actually tip the ball but it certainly looked like it from the Press Box. Eglington almost made amends for his earlier miss with a brilliant header which Rutherford knew very little about as he instinctively jumped upwards. The ball appeared to cannon away off the goalkeeper’s shoulder, and as it was going upfield from a Martin clearace Farrell met it with a terrific first-time shot. But fortunately for Villa Martin was there again, to kick off the goal-line.
Double For Dixon
Everton had now go rather ragged and were nothing like the well-balanced side that they had been in the first half-hour. The visitors put themselves further in front when Ford set Smith going on the left wing. The winger ran the ball to within a foot of the dead-ball line before pulling it back square for Dixon to knee it in. The ball really rebounded off the Villa inside man rather than he himself putting it through. This was a blow to Everton, who have not suffered a home defeat since they lost to Derby County on October 16. That record looks at the moment as though it is going west, for Villa definitely have been the more enterprising and dangerous side after the first half hour or so. McIntosh went near when he flung himself full length in an effort to head the ball beyond Rutherford and then Tommy Jones cane up for a corner and hit a Strong shot which Parkes tipped up into the hands of Rutherford for the goalkeeper to make a catch and clearance. Wainwright who had not been seen for some time, was the starting point of an Everton movement which finally saw Higgins with a great chance, but he shot too hastily from the edge of the penalty area, and was nowhere near the mark. Everton came into the picture again when Martin failed to get away a high ball and Wainwright tore in but could not make contact.
At Sixes and Stevens
The Everton defence was now strangely at sixes and sevens at times and even Tommy Jones, lost his normal poise and seen uncertain at times as to his next move. Eglington revived the dying hopes of the home supporters with a header but it never had a chance of beating Rutherford. Final; Everton 1, Aston Villa 3. Official attendance 50,201.

WOLVES RES. V. EVERTON RES
March 19, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Wolverhampton had most of the play in the early stages, smart attacks on the wings causing the Everton defence some anxious moments. Humphries and Burnett however, were equal to the task of breaking up the attacks. Burnett made two wonderful saves from Rowley and Forbes. Everton’s forwards when they went down, were clever, and Catterick was unlucky not to score with a fierce drive. In the 43rd minute Wolves took the lead through Forbes who headed in from a free kick. Everton were put on the defensive early in the second half when Forbes opened the play with a series of raids on the left. Everton forced a corner on the right but Sims gathered it nicely to clear his lines. Wolves increased their lead in the 55th minute when Maynard shot into an empty net while Burnett was lying injured on the ground. Final; Wolves Res 2, Everton Res 0.

EVERTON SLIP BACK INTO THE LEAGUE NETHER REGIONS
March 21, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Everton 1, Aston Villa 3 (attendance 50,300)
This chapter comes from the book of football as written in the Aston Villa manner. Everton had put away their snow-dad glory and came upon the Midland side, each yearning for relief from relegation. There was every reason for Everton making this their stepping stone to safely and having been provided with a Wainwright goal from a mere conglomeration of defensive faults in 60 seconds they had no excuse for not going through with their lead. Instead the team became ragged, uncertain and wing half-backs had a sorry time against a team founded on the ancient creed, that attacks should be built in by constructive passes, along the ground, taken forward stride by stride, with always a man near at hand to “place himself” for the return pass. It is rather ancient Villa style, but it commands victories. The applause of the crowd was manifest when they gave unstinted applause to Villa even through it hurt the spectators to find a goal lead evaporate into a deficit of 3-1, about which no one could argue. Until 30 minutes when Villa got on top Rutherford had been superb and had broken Wainwright’s heart for by all known standards of goalkeeping, the Everton player should have been credited with a hat-trick in half an hour.
Master Builders
This was one of the days when Tom Jones was not getting the ball as he desired and this fact weighted heavily upon others in his ranks. So Villa began building up by the nearest of processes. Gibson’s equalizing goal at 44 minutes sent the home team to the interval with some tear. This could have been obliterated if Eglington or Higgins had taken goals when offered. Everyone misses the simplest opportunity the only trouble here is that Everton forwards continue missing them with regularity defying excuses. The need for wingers at Everton has been constant. Many times I have remarked; Pity the Everton centre-forward –he is in a wilderness.” McIntosh was a lonely soul –the forgotten man in a lost week-end. Saunders had a splendid first half and Dugdale, indulging in much long striding against a clever wing, stood valiant to his task Farrell’s first half excellence like that of Wainwright’s faded from sight in the second half.
Two Captains
Let us learn the lesson Aston Villa supplied. First the personality of play showed up when Powell, as on his Anfield debut, took charge of the winners. By precept and practice, he moulded the flanks while his captain, Martin took charge elsewhere. It was a meeting of the waters in the case of Ford battling against Tom Jones (both are Welsh internationals), and Farrell tossing the coin with Martin (both Irish internationals). Dorsett, to my mind, was the outstanding man of the day with a length of punt from all angles, with either foot, recalling his uncle’s displays for West Bromwich. Dorsett, like Donald McKinlay, of Liverpool, graduated at outside left, drifted to half-back and finally took up full-back stance. In spite of a certain slowness of thinking and movement by F. Moss, the Villa captivated through Gibson and Dixon who moved ahead with intricate dribble to open up the goal gates. It was good to watch and effective in purpose and conclusion. Villa are not readily put out of confidence by an early goal, Everton on the other hand, feel the end of the world, the moment the opposing side take up the offensive. I suggest the Everton need is leadership on the field by a strong personality.

RUN ENDED
March 21, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The end of Everton a long unbeaten run at home emphasizes the uncertainty of modern football. Apparently the Blues looked to be in for another runaway win, but Aston Villa stayed on better to win well. Colleague Radar comments; “ Just how much the inspiration of Tommy Jones meant to Everton was evidenced in this shock defeat which might easily have gone the other way. Not often does Jones have a poor day but on this occasion he was not at his best, for the normal poise was missing. The speed and accuracy of the rejuvenated Villa forwards, and Ford in particular, often had Jones in two minds, and his lack of confidence spread to the rest of the defence. Saunders and Dugdale could not hold Smith and Goffin, and Farrell and Lello could not complete with the wiles of Gibson and Dixon. It was a strange game in that Everton went off with a scrambled Wainwright goal and looked as if they might swamp the opposition with Fielding and Wainwright in dazzling form. It was then that Rutherford who always seems to reserve his best goalkeepings for Goodison, rose to the heights and two saves from Fielding and Wainwright were masterly. Then the Everton inside forwards lost their luster, and the enterprising McIntosh was forced to play a lone hand. Gibson’s equalizer just before the interval gave Villa the confidence they needed, and although Dixon’s two goals were scrappy they were deserved. Higgins I noticed was limping for a time, but let us hope it is not serious. Outstanding forward in the game was Eglington.

BLUES SLIP BACK
March 21 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Not Yet Out Of The Wood
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, despite their transformation during the past three months are still not out of the wood. The two valuable points which Villa took from them on Saturday would have made a big difference to the Blues outlook but there was no denying the visitors earned them. Despite being a goal down in the first minute, and being so over-played in the first quarter of an hour that Everton might have had the game won by then if they had made the most of their chances, the Villa kept their heads. The longer the game progressed the more the visitors took command. Everton’s defence has so long carried the side that none can cavil if it was below its usual consistency this time. Villa’s forwards were such a lively and combined lot that they will give other defences a tough run for their money before the season ends. The Blues forward line was a disappointment. It lacked balance and combination and its early promise soon departed. Eglington was the most consistent yet he missed the easiest of chances of putting the Blues in front in the first minute of the second half, Wainwright was good at times, but out of the hunt for long stretches, and Fielding and McIntosh had little to show for a lot of hard work. The improved link-up between half backs and forwards which we had been in the Burnley and Blackpool games was missing after the first spasm of Everton’s high endeavour had run itself out. Then, when the defence also lost its poise the result was hardly ever in doubt. Hitherto the rearguard has been so reliable that we have come to look upon its consistency as almost automatic. This time there was a lack of the covering-up tactics which have served so well in the past, and a far bigger proportion of miskicks, partial clearances, and misunderstanding than we have seen since the very early part of the season. Even Tommy Jones generally so free from blemish was not at his best. But after the valiant efforts of Jones and his colleagues in the past, this lapse from grace cannot be laid too harshly against them. Villa were much quicker to be tackle than Everton more accurate in their passing, and after a bit of shot-shyness at the start, more willing to “have a go.” Ford caused Jones more trouble than any centre forward for some time, and with the two inside wing men showing canny ideas of combination and distribution and both extreme winners possessed of unorthodox ideas, it is little wonder the home defence found it heavy going. The best goal of the day was the Villa’s equalizer by Gibson a worthy finishing shot to a short but tricky dribble in which he beat two opponents before shooting obliquely out of Sagar’s reach. The other two goals, scored by Dixon had a tinge of fortune about then, but so also had Everton’s scored by Wainwright with the kind assistance of Dorsett. Everton left this morning for a week’s relaxation at Harrogate. They had a successful spell after their last visit there. Here’s hoping the same results follow this second break from ordinary routine.

EVERTON VISIT SUNDERLAND
March 25, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton have gained only four points in away matches, but they gave a grand display at Derby in their last “out” game, and have a good chance of bringing back something from inconsistent Sunderland, provided the wing half-backs can keep the two high-priced stars, Shackleton and Ivor Broadis in check. Saunders failed to pass his fitness test, so Tommy Clinton returns to right-back, and Higgins is suffering from laryngitis, so Aubrey Powell will be at outside-right. Everton; Sagar; Clinton, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
• Everton Res v Barnsley Res, at Goodison Park
• Everton “A” v. Burscough, at Bellefield, George Mahon Cup, 2nd round.

BLUES’ VITAL GAME
March 25, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton should tackle their Sunderland game with renewed vigour after the week’s rest at Harrogate. The Blues’ away victory at Aston Villa still stands alone as the Orphan of the storm in their away record, with three goalless draws to slightly lighten the gloom. Last week’s home defeat put the side back where the possibility of relegation, if not the actual danger of it, again rears its head, and if they return from Roker pointless the position will be still more disturbing. The defence, hitherto so consistent showed some signs of strain last week, but with Tommy Jones there as a steadying influence I am hoping that tomorrow will see it back on its usual level. Everton’s team shows two changes, Higgins is down with laryngitis and Saunders has not recovered from the knock he received last week. Powell will be at outside right and Clinton at right back. Everton; Sagar; Clinton, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, Eglington.
In the event of a replay in the Manchester United-Wolverhampton Cup-tie on Saturday, Everton will sell paddock tickets at the paddock turnstiles in Bullen’s Road, ground tickets on sale from the ground turnstiles in Goodison Road (Walton Park End), and a limited number of seats will be on sale from the inquiry window. Goodison Road,. Selling will commence at 11 a.m. Sunday Morning.
• For the record Wolves and Manchester United draw 1-1, and replay at Goodison Park on April 2, 1949. A crowd of 72, 500 £16,000 receipts, Wolves winning 1-0, Smyth scoring the winning goal.

SAGAR SAVES 6TH MINUTES, PENALTY
March 26, 1949. The Evening Express
Clinton Heads Into Own Goal in Trying to Avert Score
By Radar
A scrambled goal, which was actually headed over the line by Clinton in a desperate effort to clear enabled Sunderland to take the lead in the 42nd minute against Everton at Roker Park today. Ted Sagar had inspired his colleagues with a brilliant full-length save from a Tommy Wright penalty only six minutes from the start, and for long periods in the first half Everton were on top. With Fielding in dazzling form, the prospects looked bright, but McIntosh was well held by Hall and there was little or no thrust in the Everton attack. Sunderland were the faster and more aggressive force after the interval, and Shackleton truck the upright with a venomous left-footer, with Sagar completely beaten. McIntosh equalized for Everton after 66 minutes. Everton made two changes. Saunders, who travelled up to the Everton rest centre, Harrogate, on Thursday, was still troubled by a thigh injury and Clinton returned at right back. Billy Higgins was not too fit when he turned out against Aston Villa last Saturday and subsequently learned he had a touch of laryngitis. He is improving, but Manager Britton decided to take no risks, and Aubrey Powell deputized at outside-right. Sunderland were also forced to make a change in the side which won at Preston last week. Centre-forward Davis was also down with a thigh muscle injury, and the Scotsman Turnbull, came in at centre-forward. Sunderland; Mapson, goal; Stelling and Hudgell, backs; Scotsmen, Hall (captain), and Wright (A.), half-backs; Wright (T.), Broadis, Turnbull, Shackleton, and Watson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.J. Russell (Leeds). There would be about 35,000 spectators at the start. The first incident of note provided a rarity, in that Tommy Jones was penalized for charging Turnbull on the extreme corner of the left hand of the penalty box. But it was Jones who was right in position to head right Wright’s free kick. Then Fielding worked his way over to the outside right position to carve out an opening for Powell, but that player, in trying to round Hudgell, formed the ball tamely over the line for a free kick.
Near Thing
Sunderland came near taking the lead when Shackleton’s lobbed pass was headed downwards from Turnbull to offer Broadis a glorious opening, with only Sagar to beat –But Broadis lifted the ball high and wide. With the game only six minutes old, Sunderland were awarded a penalty when Wainwright’s desperate tackle brought down Broadis. There was a brief half while Broadis received attention, then Sagar delighted his colleagues by throwing himself full-length, to turn Wright’s spot kick away from the target. Here was plenty of incidents in this fast-moving game so far, and it was only a split second intervention by Stelling which prevented McIntosh connecting with his head a beautifully placed Jones’ free kick from the edge of the area. Again there was a close call for Everton when Sagar had to leave his goal hurriedly to deal with a fast Jones back pass with Tommy Wright racing in pell mell. Sunderland forwards were fast, but so far Jones had kept a firm control on the centre of the field. Everton’s best effort so far came when Wainwright pounced on a pass from Farrell and let go accurately on the volley, but Mapson was perfectly positioned to save low down and without difficulty. Mapson had to deal with a tentative long ranger from Fielding and then Farrell sent Powell on the goal trail. Mapson was fortunate to divert his effort for a corner.
Over The Bar
Jones headed Powell’s corner over the bar. A tendency to stray offside several times neutralized likely-looking Everton raids. Fielding was foraging to splendid effect, but so far without any really tangible response from his colleagues. Sunderland swung into action anew through their left-wing pair and Sagar dealt confidently with a full blooded Watson drive near the upright. Defences generally were in command, but if anything Everton were having the better of matters, and after Mapson had beaten Powell in a race for possession from a Fielding hook pass, Jones headed a Powell corner strongly a foot on the wrong side of the post. Following a Hudgett free kick Shackleton took over from Turnbull to try a first timer. It was slightly off the mark. In the 42nd minute, Sunderland went away to take the lead, Broadis transferred to Wright, who crossed a short ball, which Turnbull turned goalwards. With Sagar well beaten Clinton headed into his own net in a despairing effort to clear. It seemed certain, however, that the ball would have crossed the line in any ease.
Halt-time; Sunderland 1, Everton 0
Sunderland went away in a hurry straight from the resumption, but Watson, who had moved inside, was woefully off the mark in his attempt to find Shackleton. Exactly the same thing happened when Everton moved to the attack, for Wainwright, who was not having too happy an innings, neutralized great efforts by Fielding and McIntosh. A misunderstanding between Hall and Mapson came perilously near to letting in the fast-moving McIntosh but Hall just managed to regain possession. Again offside proved Everton’s undoing following attractive inter-passing, initiated by Fielding, although it was a long time before the linesman realized that McIntosh had strayed just a little too far ahead. Everton never had a luckier escape than they did after Jones had partially cleared a Scotson centre and Shackleton went in at top speed to level a ferocious low drive, which shook the far upright. Sunderland would not be denied and Broadis, who was a continual source of worry to the Everton left defensive flank, rounded Dugdale and slipped the ball inside for Wright to drive in sharply all along the ground. Jones barred the way, but did not clear effectively, and it needed some grim defensive packing to prevent the Sunderland inside-left finding a shooting loophole from close in. Mapson had to save a grand driving left-footer from Wainwright , but Sunderland were soon back on the goal trek again, and it was fortunate that Sagar was on the spot to parry a grand shot from the elusive Tommy Wright. Everton fought back with several likely-looking raids, but Mapson was not worried. Jones went up to connect with a corner conceded by Stelling when Wainwright looked dangerous, but once again he was wide of the target. Wainwright had now livened up considerably, and he was wretchedly unlucky not to equalizer when his burst of speed completely outstripped the Sunderland backs to a long through ball. It seemed an odds, on certainty that Wainwright would score, but Mapson who had left-his goal to narrow the angle, just managed to deflect Wainwright’s lethal drive inches round the post. Wainwright was laid out in the process, but soon recovered, to see Jones again head over the top from the corner. Everton were desperately on the mend now and they deservedly drew level in the 66th minute. Wainwright’s cross pass to McIntosh caught Sunderland on one leg, and McIntosh slipped the ball round Hall and Hudgell. He appeared to have sent it too far but from an almost impossible angle he swept the ball into the far corner of the net. Sagar was equal to the call when he cut out a dangerous right cross and yet again when he saved a Broadis header. It was Sunderland’s turn to escape miraculously when McIntosh, finding the ball bouncing awkwardly at the vital moment, missed his kick completely. Final; Sunderland 1, Everton 1.
• Everton “A” 0, Burscough 2
McINTOSH REWARDED IN FIGHTING RECOVERY
March 26, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Deserved A Goal For Constructive Play
Sagar Stops Another Penalty
Sunderland 1, Everton 1
Sunderland; Mapson, goal; Stelling and Hudgell, backs; Scotsmen, Hall (captain), and Wright (A.), half-backs; Wright (T.), Broadis, Turnbull, Shackleton, and Watson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones, and Lello, half-backs; Powell, Wainwright, McIntosh, Fielding, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.J. Russell (Leeds). Everton seeking to advance from the relegation zone were at Roker Park today after spending a few days at Harrogate. Two changes were made in their side. Powell, the Welsh international forward displaced Higgins on the right wing, and Clinton in at right back in place of Saunders. Sunderland had the same team which gathered two points at Preston last week, except that Turnbull played centre forward owing to “hat trick” Davies being unfit. Hall, Sunderland’s centre half made his first appearance at Roker Park since his injury on New Year’s Day, and lack of strength in this position has cost the Wearsiders several points. The weather was dull and cold when the teams turned out before about 35,000. Sunderland won the toss, but it was not a matter of importance in the conditions prevailing. Everton made the running at the outset, but Fielding was guilty of an illegal charge which took Sunderland into the Everton area. Then a full-blooded charge by one of the Everton defenders brought a free kick although a penalty would have been a better decision.
Sunderland Pressure
The Everton defence was quickly in difficulties with uncertain clearances, but although Sunderland were forcing the pace, they could not make use of the opening created. Powell twice was responsible for dashing right-wing raids, and from a corner, centre half Jones went in for a flying header but missed the ball. The first real danger to the Everton goal came from a Shackleton pass to Turnbull, who nodded down for Broadis to take the ball in the stride but the inside right shot high over the bar with a first-timer. The same player making another dash through a second or two later was fouled within the penalty area, but the crisp shot from Tommy Wright’s penalty kick for Sunderland was smartly saved by Sagar at the expense of a corner. A foul by Hall on the edge of the Sunderland penalty area looked promising for Everton, but it failed when Eglington failed to reach the ball with his head, and Sunderland cleared their line.
Powell A Danger
It was a fast open game and Sagar was continually in action without being in serious difficulty. What the game lacked in skill was more than compensated for in robustness, Powell, Everton’s most dangerous forward, again harassed the Sunderland defence, and when he put in an acute angled shot Mapson was fortunate to find the ball strike his foot and go for a corner. Stelling brought Eglington down hard as the winger was racing goalwards and then a quick switch to the other end gave Arthur Wright the chance to try a long-distance shot, which went wide. If anything, Everton went finding their men more effectively than Sunderland, who were guilty of much inaccurate passing and wild kicking. Everton were certainly putting tremendous energy into their play without coming very near to a score. Powell forced yet another corner, but it did not yield anything at all Mapson had to rush out to clear a bouncing ball as Powell bore in on him.
Jones’s Great Effort
Jones tried a flashing header from yet another Powell corner. It was a grand effort which Mapson could not have saved had it been on the target. Sunderland’s forward work continued to leave much to be desired and this was again revealed when Shackleton tried a very poor first-time shot, following a free kick. After 41 minutes, Turnbull scored for Sunderland. He gave the ball to Tommy Wright, who, closing in on the goal, crossed a shot which Turnbull, running into position, headed past Sagar. Half-time; Sunderland 1, Everton nil.
Everton weathered opening pressure by Sunderland and then Broadis with a clear opening, put the ball into an open space with Watson out of position. Sunderland were fortunate when Eglington raced for a back pass from Hall to his goalkeeper, and Sunderland were lucky to get off with a clearance. Everton were responsible for some excellent constructional football by McIntosh, Fielding, and Wainwright, but their, hopes of an equalizer fell when Powell was caught in an offside position.
Shackleton’s Miss
Sunderland at this period were crowding on tremendous pressure and almost scored again when a Tommy Wright centre was slammed low into the goalmouth with Sagar out of position and Shackleton had the mortification of seeing the ball strike the post and rebound into play. Then Broadis and Tommy Wright put in a smashing raid to have the ball kicked off the goal line for a corner. Play was fast, with an improvement in the standard, but good as Everton’s outfield play was they did not show signs of getting the ball into the net.
Wainwright Foiled
Under pressure from Wainwright, Stelling had to concede a corner, but this time Jones went down in his effort to head in. The equalizer looked certain in the 65th minute. Wainwright gathered the ball on the run and tore into the Sunderland goalmouth with only Mapson to beat. His short-range shot looked a winner until Mapson tipped it away for a corner. McIntosh equalized in the 66th minute. Powell and Wainwright went through and Mapson, rushing out to intercept, was deceived when the ball was flicked across to McIntosh, and taking the ball forward he sidestepped Mapson and slashed the ball into the net. It was a good goal well taken, and a fitting reward for the constructive football which Everton had continued to play this half. Sunderland fought strenuously to take the lead after this unexpected equalizer and Sagar and his defenders had an exciting time in clearing from the dashing Sunderland forwards.
Another Chance
Everton were within inches of taking the lead in a flying visit to Mapson, and with the goalkeeper out of position, McIntosh just failed to gather the ball. A mere touch would have seal it into the empty net.
Desperate Battle
Sagar was responsible for several fine short-range clearances, any one of which would have rated a goal from a less capable goalkeeper. Shackleton tested him with a rasper from 40 yards when he parried and picked up to clear. Both sides were fully extended in desperate efforts to snatch a winning goal and the play was certainly robust in the closing minutes.
Final; Sunderland 1, Everton 1.

EVERTON STILL HAVE STIFF FIGHT BEFORE THEN
March 26, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Ranger’s Weekly Gossip
An Everton supporter takes me severely to task for my remark last week that if Everton took two points from Aston Villa they would be virtually safe from relegation. “Don’t be defy,” says he. “Just as long as it is possible for clubs below Everton to overtake them they are far from being safe.” How profound. “Don’t forget it is always possible to lose eight or ten matches on the run or to win the same way. Look at Everton’s fixtures for home games; Manchester United, Arsenal, Charlton and Wolves. “How many points will be gained from these? With the Blues away record the worst ever and such a stiff home programme, your statement is utter tripe. “If they had won against Villa they would have had only 30 points and would need six more or even reasonable safely in view of their terrible goal average. Can you see them getting them. “As an Evertonian, I say that as they are playing the answer is No. “Cliff Britton has done a wonderful job since he took over and deserves great credit, but we all hoped for a few more signings. Now the transfer deadline has passed the Blues must struggle on with the same old misfits. Thank heaven we still have Tommy Jones and Sagar. If either are injured during the next few weeks the outlook will be grim indeed. Meanwhile please do not make any more silly statements about safety being beyond all possible doubt.”
Well, that’s one man’s opinion, I still stick to mine, that if Everton had beaten Villa hey would have been reasonably secure. As it is, if they have suffered another defeat at Sunderland today, then the position is not, so good, and may cause more anxiety before the season is over.

EVERTON TAKE A USEFUL POINT
March 28, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
A Goal For McIntosh
Sunderland 1, Everton 1
Everton recovered from a half-time deficit at Roker Park to draw level by a goal of doubtful quality, but it was the Everton defence which pulled them through by grand work in covering the Sunderland wing men, and the steadiness of Tom Jones in front of goal. He had Turnbull almost under complete subjection and the same may be said of Dugdale in the case of the former Partrick Thistle winger, Tom Wright. Yet it was these two players who worked Sunderland a goal three minutes from the interval. Turnbull had burst through and Wright made the byeline to crisp the ball up into the centre of the goal area and there Turnbull headed in with Sagar well out of position, Clinton made a great effort to head out from under the bar but could only help the ball on its way.
Drew Goalkeeper
McIntosh’s goal came at the 63rd minute, Hall, the Sunderland captain, had a return of his thigh muscle injury and evidently could not kick the ball up the field when no one was on him. He simply pushed it to Arthur Wright and Wainwright took it from the wing-half to send it on to McIntosh, standing clear. McIntosh drew Mapson, pulled the ball to the right to get round him and scored from an angle. Sagar had distinguished himself in the early minutes of the game when he saved a penalty kick by Tom Wright for a foul on Ivor Broadis and, apart from the goal which beat him only once was he in difficulties. On that occasion a shot from Shackleton hit the upright and it was a goal, so far as Sagar was concerned, but the ball rebounded into play. Apart from the excellent defence shown by Everton, Fielding was the leading spirit in initiating attacks. In approach work some of Everton’s forward play was methodical and neat but it was in the art of finishing that Everton attack failed. Eglington began well but tailed off against the resolute tackling of Stelling. Only Broadis of the Sunderland attack was really outstanding and in his case purely as an individualizer, but Sunderland were certainty more dangerous near goal than Everton.

EVERTON RESERVES 0, BARNSLEY RESERVES 2
March 28, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton gave a poor display against Barnsley who seized the opportunities that came their way. The Blues front line had many chances, but failed through lack of steadiness when within the firing zone. Lindsay in the 35th minute gave the visitors the lead from a spot kick, and in the 88th minute Parker increased their score.

MORE THRUST WANTED
March 28, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Sunderland’s £64,000 attack failed to find holes in Everton’s defence. On the other hand, if the Blues’ attack could have finished with the same skill as it began its advances from midfield. Everton might have won both points. As it was, they were fortunate to get a point for the equalisering goal by McIntosh, well taken as it was, looked a kindly gift from referee Russell, of Leeds, for it was distinctly of the offside variety. Tom Jones had an excellent match, along with his backs and Sagar. No one had the complete answer to the clever individualism of the ex-Carlise United player, Ivor Broadis but Jones had the £10,000 Turnbull bottled and Dugdale never gave young Tommy Wright an inch of room. Wright could do little, but he did sufficient to one occasion to give Turnbull the leading goal just on the interval, as might have been taken quite early, but Sagar made a brilliant save at the sixth minute from Wright’s spot-kick and Wright had previously got 31 goals from the penalty spot without failing once in Scotland. On this form Everton should rise in the table if they can infuse more thrust into their attack. There was too much passing and too little progress. Fielding made the play but needed someone with a quick shot in his boot to round it off.

WAINWRIGHT DAZZLES
March 28, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
“Not until Eddie Wainwright sprang into life in the last 20 minutes did Everton appear likely to pull a rather scrappy game out of the fire at Sunderland” write Radar. “After Clinton had helped into the net Turnbull’s effort, which he only just failed to clear, it looked as if things would run Sunderland’s way, but in time Wainwright began to negative the Wearsiders offside trap, with dazzling solo bursts. “Wainwright almost scored after one great run before he supplied McIntosh with the vital pass that enabled the centre forward to outwit two defenders, side-trap Mapson and shoot into the vacant net. So much were Everton on top after that that they might have brought back both points. An unfortunate bounce with spun the ball away prevented McIntosh from getting another off a later Wainwright pass. At one time it looked as if the luck would run in the wrong direction again, for in six minutes Sunderland had a penalty, but this gave Sagar the opportunity to pull out one of those miracle saves of which only he is capable. “Make no mistake about it, Tommy Wright’s shot was hard and true, well away from Sagar, but Ted flung himself full length and turned it aside. Everton forwards always showed the greater craft, while the defence gain confidence as the game progressed.”