Everton Independent Research Data
BLUES FIGHT BACK
May 1, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s final away game is summed up by colleague “J.A.R” as follows;
“The score of 4-2 against Everton was not a true reflection of the game. For long periods it as Everton who provided the methodical craft, and believe me, it was not entirely due to ineffective finishing that stopped them finding the net on at least three occasions. Ill luck they had, not only in the Sunderland goalmouth but in their own as well, for it was misfortune which led to Cyril Lello giving away a corner –a low ball which kicked up unexpectedly as he shaped to clear –from which Wright headed Sunderland’s third goal at a time when Everton had reduced a two-goal deficit, and were moving with much promise. In fact, Sunderland did not have the championship look, and it was as well for them that Tommy Wright, playing at centre-forward snapped up a hat-trick of chances, and played a big part in the fourth goal scored by Duns, for Shackleton and Broadis were given little scope by Grant and Lello. Catterick and Wainwright (penalty) scored for Everton in a game which in all justice should have yielded at least one point for the Blues.
TRUBUTE TO BLUES
May 1, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
If points were awarded for approach work, perhaps Everton would not have had to wait for the last week of the season before being relieved of the relegation bogey. At least that is the impression they gave to Sunderland supporters. If the Blues’ forward line had shown the same terrier-like persistence of the diminutive Grant, even Sunderland’s four goals might not have been sufficient to win this match. Eglington did not always face up to the strong and fearless challenge of Stelling. In fact, part from Catterick and Wainwright, the former of whom missed chances, the Everton attack was not particularly aggressive. Tommy Wright, the £12,000 Scottish outside right, is only 5ft 6ins, but he managed to get above the Everton defence to head into the net two of the goals which formed his hat-trick. Wright had been pressed into service as a centre forward, to solve the problem of the absence of Davis, and he gave Falder a worrying time, but it was Broadis whom the Blues defence found a handiful when he was in possession. The former Carlisle United player-manager got his body well over the ball when dribbling, and he developed amazing pace over 20 yards. He could easily outpace Lello, but he was also mobile, Broadis went into the open space on either wing which nonplussed the Everton defence at times. Still, in Sunderland’s board-room, A tribute was paid to the fact that few better football sides had opposed Sunderland at Roker this season.
EVERTON TO TOUR
May 2, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton will leave Liverpool on Sunday for their tour in Sweden where they will play three matches –May 12 at Stockholm, May 16 at Helsingborg, and May 18 at Gothenburg. They sail from Tilbury on Sunday and return on May 22. There will be 14 players in the party.
EVERTON TOUR
May 2, 1950. Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton, who conclude their football League programme on Saturday when they received Manchester City at Goodison Park, leave on Sunday for their Swedish tour. The tourists sail from Tilbury on Monday, and play their first match on May 12 at Stockholm; on May 16 Everton play at Helsingborg, and on May 18 play the combined eleven of the teams of Gothenburg. Everton travel to Kendall this evening to play Blackburn Rovers, and return to Liverpool tomorrow.
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1, EVERTON 1
May 3, 1950. The Evening Express
Everton and Blackburn shared two goals in the match arranged by the Westmorland F.A and played at Kendall last night, Hold scored for Everton and Horton equalized in a fine display by both sides.
OLD-TIMERS AGAIN
May 3, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
“Where are the boys of the old brigade?” Taking us once more down memory lane, 22 of them – possibly more –are at Bootle Stadium tomorrow (6-30) for the third and final old-timers’ match of the season. They include almost all who took part in the second Holly Park game which means, if the South Liverpool affairs are anything to judge by another event as entertaining as its predecessors. Among those who have promised to turn out are Bill Dean. Tiny Bradshaw, Warney Cresswell, Ted Sagar, Jimmy Dunn, Alex Stevenson and Ted Savage, while Tommy Griffiths who was unfortunately prevented from taking part in the South game, is expected to play. Approximately 12,000 tickets have been disposed of. The ground, however, is capable of holding in the region of 30,000, so there will be ample room for latecomers to pay at the turnstiles. Teams will be chosen from;-
Everton; - Sagar, F. King; W. Cresswell, G. Jackson, N. Greenhalgh, C. Gee, T. Griffths, G. Watson, A. Geldard, E. Critchley, J. Dunn, W.R. Dean, A. Stevenson, C. Leyfield. Liverpool; A. Hobson; R. Done, , T. Bush; T. Gardner, T. Bradshaw, E. Savage; W. Kinghorn, A. Malam, F. Howe, A. Hanson, L. Carr, H. Roberts, N. James.
Substitutes may appear after the interval if necessary. After the game, Bootle are holding a reunion supper at the Town Hall, Bootle, at which the Major (Councillor C.G. Anderson) will be present.
TED SAGAR’S CELEBRATION DAY ON SATURDAY
May 4, 1950. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Will Break Elisha Scott’s Record
Receives Third Benefit Cheque
Ted Sagar, Everton’s goalkeeper, now in his 21st season with the club, will gave a celebration day on Saturday, when he will not only play goal for the Blues against Manchester City at Goodison Park, but will receive his third benefit cheque, and will smash the 429 record of Football League matches set up by Elisha Scott, of Liverpool. This will be Ted’s public farewell to First Division football, but not, I am pleased to say, his farewell to football. Definitely Sagar will be an Everton player next season. I have the assurances of Manager Cliff Britton on that important point, but have always known that Everton never would forget the great service rendered by Ted, one of the grandest joyalists ever to play for the club. This is the procedure for Saturday, Ted will be making his 430th appearance; he will captain the team; and at the final whistle he will go to the grandstand, not only to receive his £750 benefit cheque from the directors, but will be given the opportunity of saying over the microphone his words of thanks to the people who have helped him in attaining glory and honours in the field. Sagar last played for the First team on December 10 against Sunderland, and although he was then superseded by George Burnett, the club promised to give Ted the chance to set up the new appearance record. That promise is being fulfilled, and I am certain the crowd will rally to Sagar to pay tribute to him. Sagar has had many great days with Everton with whom he has won two First Division championship medals and a Cup winners medal, but this should be one of the greatest of all. It will be “au revoir,” but definitely not “good-bye” for Sagar is built in with the bricks at Goodison. This will be the third benefit Sagar has received from Everton and had it not been for the war it would have been his fourth. Sagar’s inclusion is the only change in a team which has gone five matches unaltered. Everton; Sagar; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington.
Everton leave, Liverpool on Sunday en route for Sweden. Wainwright will not be in the party as he goes to Canada with the F.A. on Tuesday, but the following make the tour; Burnett; Moore, Hedley, Saunders; Grant, Falder, Lello, Lindley; Buckle, Fielding, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington, Hold.
SAGAR WILL BEAT SCOTT
May 4, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s Veteran ‘Keeper to Play on Saturday
Game Against Manchester City Will Be His 430th League Outing
Ranger’s Notes
Not since Bill Dean turned out for Everton in the last game of 1927-28, still wanting three goals to beat George Camsell’s scoring record, has the final match of any season at Goodison Park been so noteworthy as this Saturday’s fixture with Manchester City, for Ted Sagar will return to the Everton side and make his 430th Football League appearance, thus going one better than Elisha Scott’s total for Liverpool. Ever since Sagar equaled Scott’s record, which he did against Sunderland on December 10 last, and then gave way as first-team custodian to George Burnett, Everton fans have been hoping that an opportunity would be accorded him to play at least one more match this season. Even the Everton not been clear of all fear of relegation, many folk would still have hankered to see Sagar playing, knowing full well that although the wisdom of not disturbing the side which has been playing together regularly is well founded, Sagar would have not have let Everton down. He has never done so in the past, and despite his “advanced” age –he was 40 last February –Ted is still a great goalkeeper agile and secure, and still able to hold his own with the best. Saturday will be a memorable day for this grand and loyal Evertonian, for after the game he will make his way to the directors’ box and receive from Chairman Dr. Baxter a benefit cheque for £750, the third he has had from the club. The two previous ones were pre-war benefits, then limited to £650. Several other Everton players will shortly be due for benefits as also will some Liverpool players and those other clubs for this season marks the fifth since the war to rank for benefits, as the first post-war transitional period counted in the reckoning. These sums, however, are not due until the players present contacts have expired, and nowadays these run to the end of July each year.
A Wonderful Record
Ted Sagar has been on Everton’s books since he came as a raw youngster in March 1929. He has given the club wonderful service, and has won all the honours possible in the game including First and Second Division championship medals, a Cup Final medal, and an England cap. He has been one of the most popular players ever to draw an Everton shirt over his head and the crowd on Saturday will give him a right royal reception, one that will be remembered by all who are present. Teams;- Everton; Sagar; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Manchester City; Trautmann; Phillips, Westcott; Spurdle, Fagan, Emptage; Turnbull, Hart, Westcott, Smith, Clarke.
The fourteen Everton players who will make the trip to Sweden include ten of the team to play on Saturday, Sagar being excepted, plus Hold, Saunders, Lindley, and Burnett.
RINGING DOWN THE CURTAIN
May 5, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
On Merseyside, the piece de resistance tomorrow will be the appearance of evergreen Ted Sagar in the ranks of Everton against Manchester City. This will be Ted’s 430th Football League game for the Blues and there will be a big crowd at Goodison to pay tribute to as fine a club-man and as loyal a servant as ever donned a jersey for any side. Sagar has been an ornament to the game he has served so well for 21 years. His third benefit –he gets his cheque from chairman Dr. Baxter in the directors box when the match is over –has been worthily earned. What Sagar’s future will be remains to be seen. I understand that certain plans are under consideration, but at the moment, I cannot say more. Tomorrow’s game, apart from this fitting conclusion to a brilliant Sagar sage, provides us with no vital angles. Manchester City are bound for the Second Division along with Birmingham City. Everton can improve their final place by one notch if they take a point from City, as seems fairly certain. Two would be better still, and this is well on the cards. The Blues have not done quite so well after their splendid Easter performances and another victory to wind up the season is about due. An attack which got three goals against Blackpool’s cast-iron defence ought to be able to rattle in enough against City, despite the brilliance of ex-German paratrooper Bert Trautmann to make sure of finishing on the right note. The inclusion of Sagar is Everton’s only change. One other alteration that many staunch Evertonians would like to have seen would have been the inclusion of Tommy Jones, so that the Welsh international could have been given a fitting farewell by his many admirers. Jones’s service may not have been as long as Sagar’s but he, too, has been a wonderful ornament to the game, and still remains implanted in my mind as the finest centre half I have ever seen. It would have been nice to see him in action for the last time in Everton’s colours. Jones has always given of his best to the club. Instead he will be playing tomorrow for Pwllheli, the club he is to assist next season, in a friendly match against Wrexham at Pwllheli. Teams;- Everton; Sagar; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Manchester City; Trautmann; Phillips, Westcott; Spurdle, Fagan, Emptage; Turnbull, Hart, Westcott, Smith, Clarke.
If the Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley tomorrow is drawn, the replay will be at Goodison Park next Wednesday, Kick-off 6.30. Only stand tickets will be issued in advance (£1 1s and 10s 8d). Widnes and Warrington will each get 5,000 of these and Everton will dispose of the remainder to personal or postal applicants.
IT’S A BIG DAY FOR EVERTON AND TED SAGAR
May 5, 1950. The Evening Express
Goodison Rings Down The Division 1 Curtain
Goalkeeper Takes His Third Benefit
By Pilot (Don Kendall).
The curtain will be rung down tomorrow on the football season of 1949-50, for Everton. Everton now safe from worry, oppose Manchester City at Goodison Park, but it is a notable day in the history of the club and that of international Ted Sagar in particular. Victory will take Everton above Charlton Athletic, just as a win for the City will enable them to keep out of bottom place, no matter what Birmingham accomplish at Wolverhampton. Still this is the day of goalkeeper Sagar who will beat Elisha Scott record of 429 League appearances for Liverpool by one, and whose 21 years of glorious service will be rewarded after the match when he will be presented in the directors box with his third £750 benefit cheque. There will be no rushing away from trams and buses until after Ted has been honoured and said his thanks to you all. Ted will be a player for Everton again next season remember but possibly his League appearances will be limited. Let us join right now in thanking Ted for the many delights and thrills he has given us throughout the 21 years; for his unfaltering loyally to the club and supporters; and wish him many more happy years in the service of the club he loves. City’s only away win this season was at Sunderland when Everton lost last week and while Manchester have often do well at Goodison, I fancy the Blues can conclude with their sixth home win of the season and the second home League win of 1950. Teams;- Everton; Sagar; Moore, Hedley; Grant, Falder, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell, Eglington. Manchester City; Trautmann; Phillips, Westcott; Spurdle, Fagan, Emptage; Turnbull, Hart, Westcott, Smith, Clarke.
THREE GOALS IN TWO MINUTES
May 6, 1950. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton’s Inspired Spell Set Dreary Game Alight In Closing Stages
Everton 3, Man City 1
By Contact.
Everton; Sagar (captain), goal; Moore and Hedley, backs; Grant, Falder and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, Catterick, Farrell and Eglington, forwards. Manchester City;- Trautman, goal; Phillip, and Westcott, backs; Spurdle, Fagan and Emptage, half-backs; Turnbull, Hart, Westcott, Smith and Clarke, forwards. Referee; Mr. Linston (Warrington). Not more than 30,000 people, most of them tucked away under shelter from the rain were at Goodison Park today to see Ted Sagar make his 430th League appearance. It was also the wind-up of a disappointing Everton season, which is followed tomorrow by the beginning of their trip to Scandinavia. The game served also to bring to our notice for the first time German goalkeeper Trautmann whose only previous appearance in this area this season was for St. Helen’s at Hoylake in the F.A. Cup. There was no mistaking the warmth of welcome for Sagar, who looked fit and sprightly enough to have been beginning his career much less nearing the close of it.
Captain for the Day
Sagar led the team out as captain for the day, and got another ovation as he went up to toss for choice of ends. He elected to kick towards the Park. It was dismal and raining heavily at the kick-off time. Try as they would, neither side could bring of their early attacks to finality until Wainwright found Farrell with a beautiful through pass. The ball tangled in Farrell’s feet, but he recovered to produce a short pass to enable Buckle to run on to a shot which Trautmann saved splendidly low down. The goalkeeper also got applause for a beautiful catch taken almost at the goal angle from a shot by Wainwright. Conditions were ideal for an end of season game, the ball kept low, sometimes skidded disconcertingly but the football for a last match was first rate. At Catterick opened up the way for Wainwright to shoot at almost point black range, but again Manchester’s Trauntmann got his body behind the ball, even if he needed two attempts before he took possession of it. Very occasionally the City framed a worthwhile attack, but they usually kept the ball so close Everton had no difficulty in breaking them up. City, indeed looked very much the relegation team. When Clarke was unceremoniously deposited on his ear by Buckle, full back Westwood came up to deliver a swerving free kick, which passed out of play after striking a City player en route. Sagar’s first real task was to pick up a simple centre by Clarke, Westwood having got that wing started with a beautifully-judged pass. The Everton goalkeeper fielded the shinning wet ball first time, but could not prevent it spilling out of his grasp and going for a corner. City’s finishing was extremely poor, through much of their approach play had promise. Westcott was having a very thin time and it was nearly all Everton, with Trautmann picking the ball out of the air like fielding a tennis ball out of a sharp angled shot by Wainwright. Westcott appealed that Sagar had allowed the ball to cross the goalline when dealing with Westcott’s header but there was no basis for a goal award. The ball was merely in danger of crossing the line. By this time the rain had creased but the ball still shot about the field at disconcerting speed, and City’s defence was proved to be faulty tactically although neither Buckle nor Eglington got much change from Westwood or Philips. As the game progressed if that the word, it became evident that it was going to be one of the least interesting at Goodison Park this season. Everton were now playing very indifferently, and the match began to look what it was merely an end of the season outing with nothing at stake.
Poor Shooting
The first 30 minutes felt more like 60 minutes and City’s complete inability to do anything right when they were remotely close to goal, must have been heartbreaking for people like Westwood and Spurdle who were playing well. At last City got their first real scoring chance, and Westcott measured his aim with all the time in the world, but slashed the ball tremendously hard yards over the bat. Catterick followed suit with a left foot shot when almost as well placed immediately afterwards. Everton today tried a switch move between Buckle and Catterick, but it did not seen to be especially effective. The best City forward at this point was Smith, who is still playing with his damaged hand in a plaster of Paris cast. Trautmann showed himself to be rather a slow mover, but a sure one once he made up his mind to go to the ball.
Everton’s Best Move
Everton’s best move started with Moore and went on via Buckle and Catterick to the point at which Eglington hit his shot just too high to be effective. In making a tackle on Buckle who was responsible for the final pass to Eglington, Phipps received a knock and hobbled away painfully after attention to play at right half back. Hart went right full back. Half-time; Everton nil, Manchester City nil.
The second half started no better than the first had ended, and again Everton tired the switch between Catterick and the wingmen. Both goalkeepers must have been as bored as we were, with neither front line causing the slightest concern. The Everton loyalists who had come to see Sagar would have got more for their money in the shooting in spell before the catch than in the game proper. Apart from collecting a simple shot from Lello and handing away an in-swinging Buckle corner kick Trautmann was virtually unemployed. A move which was begun by Wainwright and ended by him when he tried to lob the ball into an open goal deserved award, but in lifting the ball over Trautmann’s head he put the ball over the bar. When Eglington was surprisingly given a through pass by Hart of all people, the way seemed clear for him to score, but Trautmann was soon down to the shot and even refused to allow his full backs to clear but made a headlong dive to take the ball five yards wide of the post. Due to Smith’s brainy forward play. Turnbull enjoyed a sharp chance, but he could not bring the ball under control before he was tackled.
Everton Liven Up
An enlivened Everton improved the game considerably and the game’s best shot by Wainwright almost saved the far post, with Trautmann’s big frame dully covering it. He makes goalkeepers look easy, especially when taking the ball with a catch as he did when Catterick burst through hereabouts. At 70 minutes, Eglington danced his way around Phillips and delieverd his centre in the neighborhood of the far post, where Catterick nodded it downwards for a good goal. Tauntmann appeared to be deceived by the flight of Eglington’s centre, which came over unexpectedly strongly. Catterick scored a second from a beautifully-judged pass by Buckle and Trauntmann looked disgusted. There was little he could have done about to prevent this point. The game had only been restarted a minute when Eglington scored – with his right foot. Buckle again made the spread-eagling pass to Catterick who unselfishly turned the ball over to Eglington to make a certainty of it. Eglington had one man to beat but did the job perfectly and hit the ball home with his “wrong” foot. It was Eglington’s first goal of the season. Clarke scored for Manchester City at 84 minutes. Final; Everton 3, Manchester City 1. Official attendance 29,627.
SAGAR CHEQUE OUT
May 8, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton 3, Manchester City 1
We shall recall Ted Sagar’s 430th League appearance for Everton longer than what happened in the match in which his side beat Manchester City by three goals to one. If ever a side looked set to fall straight through Divs 1 and 2 and into the third class it was this Manchester City X1. Apart from the immense German goalkeeper, Trautmann, who makes the ball seem like a tennis ball, and Westwood and inside-forward, Smith they appeared moderate to a degree never approached by a visiting side in Liverpool this season. Everton too, had moments when it was not necessary to explain their low position but fortunately they came to life in a three minute second half spell in which goals came almost as if by clock-work. Catterick got two of them and Eglington the other, and in at least two, Buckle’s spread-eagling pass was as much responsible as the final header or shot. Everton quite plainly experimented in this match Catterick was continually drifting to the wings and Eglington and Buckle coming inside to take his place momentarily. None of the twitches succeeded. The crowd would probably have wished to see Sagar given more opportunity to show action. He had scarcely anything to do except make a goal-line save from a header and pick the ball from the net, when Phipps scored from the outfield. Many thousands stayed behind to see Everton players carry Sagar shoulder high and to see him receive from Everton chairman Dr. Baxter, his third benefit cheque. As the doctor said “if if had but been for the war it would have been Ted’s fifth benefit.” And what might his record of League appearances have been then.
EVERTON RETAINED LISTS
May 8, 1950. The Evening Express
Blues to Part with Six Men
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton have adopted their retained and transfer lists. Everton are to part with only six players. On the Everton retained list there are 35 names, Everton have two internationals on their transfer list –Peter Corr, the Eire “cap,” and Tommy Jones, the Welsh “cap” and ex-captain. Also on offer are Billy Higgins, the local born forward, Norman Greenhalgh, another ex-captain, T.S. Jones and E.F. Street.
Everton have given free transfer to T.S. Jones and Street, who are young players they developed through their own junior teams, but require fees for Higgins, Tommy Jones, Greenhalgh and Corr. Jones (T.G.) has been on the transfer list for some months, while Higgins, too, has been on offer for a few weeks at his own request. The fact that “T.G” and that grand old servant Norman Greenhalgh, are going, means that the club now has only Ted Sagar and Stan Bentham of that brilliant `1939 championship team still with the club as players. Here are the players retained by the Blues;- Goal; Burnett, Sagar, O’Neill, Dunlop; Full-Bakcs; Hedley, Moore, Saunders, Rankin, Clinton, Fletcher, Jones (T.E.);
Half-backs; Falder, Grant, Humphreys, Lello, Lindley, Woods, Tansey, Melville, Bentham.
Forwards; Catterick, Donovan, Eglington, Farrell, Fielding, Hickson, Lewis, Wainwright, Buckle, Hampson, Easthope, Hold, Parker, McIntosh, Powell.
Sagar’s Day
It was Ted Sagar’s great day at Goodison Park on Saturday, and celebration in another way was Tommy Eglington who with only 17 minutes of the season remaining, scored his first goal of the season –and with his right foot! The only dispappointment for Ted must have been that swooping surprise shot from Clarke which beat him. He would have liked to have kept a clean sheet on his21st first-class football birthday, but he was, as he said to the assembled thousands, grateful to his colleagues for that goals burst in the second half which brought Harry Catterick two well deserved goals before Eglington got his. Ted in that sincere way of his which has endeared him to all, thanked the club, his fellow players the supporters who has encouraged him, and the Press for the great help given him. Well, Ted from the Press viewpoint you deserved every bit of encouragement for you have been the epitome of the 100 per cent clubman, footballer, and sportsman. The way Peter Farrell and his team mates raced over to carry shoulder high from the field this great goalkeeper after the game was a grand gesture and one in which I was delighted to see Manchester City players join readily. Everyone agreed with the tributes Chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter paid to Ted on this, his own day, which Everton rightly celebrated with their sixth home win. Half-backs really controlled this game of mixed offerings in which dreary patches were sandwiched between the merry moments. The City half-backs opened well, but as the solid Everton line of Grant, Falder and Lello began to take charge, the initiative passed to Everton who won convincingly and well. Falder completely blotted out the City inside forwards who lacked the quick well-conceived moves of the Toffees and Grant and Lello really were splendid. Apart from just two errors apiece and which brought excellent recoveries, Moore and Hedley were soundness personified and so far as Sagar was concerned, we were sorry that the City forwards had not the shooting instinct to allow Ted to give us just a fleeting glimpse of his leaping and catching. Catterick I regarded as the mainspring of the attack which took a long time to master such as Westwood and Fagan, but which moved rhythmically and swiftly later. All through the Everton shooting was good, as witness the fine display of goalkeeping by Bert Trautmann. Each of the five kept him busy to bring light into the long periods of football darkness. Quite a pleasing finale for the Blues of Goodison, who eventually finished above Charlton and Stoke City, Wainwright ended as Everton’s top scorer with a dozen and tomorrow afternoon Eddie leaves Liverpool for Canada.
New Kit
Everton left Liverpool last evening for London on the first stage of their tour of Sweden, during which they will play three matches. Chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter was at the head of the party which left Lime-street and he was accompanied by fellow directors Messrs Ernest Green, W.C. Gibbins, R.E Searle, and Jack C. Sharp with Secretary Theo Kelly. There are 14 players on the tour, which will conclude on May 22 when they arrive back in Liverpool. Manager Cliff Britton joined the tourists in London last evening having been in the South since Friday, and they leave for Sweden this evening. All the players wore new blue outfits of blue blazers with the Everton F.C. badge and flannel pants. There will be four finals of football competitions decided this evening, for at Goodison Park Earle face Collegiate Old Boys in the final of the Liverpool Amateur Cup.
NO SURPRISES IN EVERTON RETAINED LISTS
May 8, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Blues Put Fees on Four Players
Ranger’s Notes
There are no surprises in the retaining lists of Everton, announced by the club today, Everton are putting four players on the transfer list at a fee giving a free transfer to the others. The four Everton men on the list are Peter Corr, who joined them two years ago from Preston North End and has 24 first team appearances to his credit, Norman Greenhalgh, a former captain and long-service player; Billy Higgins, centre forward or extreme winger, who has played several times in the senior side, and Tommy Jones, the Welsh international centre half. In the case of Higgins, he was put on some time ago, at his own request, as he felt he would have greater opportunities for advancement elsewhere and the club did not wish to stand in his way. Tommy Jones is included more as a precautionary measure, for he is now established at his Pwilheli hotel to which he intends in future to devote his full time, apart from playing on Saturday for Pwllhei. He has no desire to throw in his lot with anybody else. Greenhalgh has given Everton excellent service since joining them from New Brighton some seasons before the war, and if he so desires, could still fill a useful niche elsewhere. When I had a talk with him on Saturday he told me of certain ideas he has in mind regarding his future, but which at the moment I am not at liberty to disclose. The same applies to Billy Higgins. The two players granted free transfers are T.S. Jones, a 21-year-old outside right who has had Central League experience as well as serving with the “A” team, and S.F. Street, 20-year-old left half who has been mainly in the “A” and “B” sides. The 35 players retained are;- Burnett, Buckle, Bentham, Catterick, Clinton, Dunlop, Donovan, Eglington, Easthope, Fielding, Farrell, Falder, Fletcher, Grant, Hedley, Hickson, Humphreys, Hold, Hampson, Jones (T.E.), Lello, Lewis, Lindley, Moore, Melville, McIntosh, O’Neill, Parker, Powell, Rankin, Sagar, Saunders, Tansey, Wainwright, and Woods. The Everton party of 14 players and officials sail from London tonight for their Sweden tour. They play at Stockholm (May 12), Helsingborg (May 16), and Gothenburg (May 18).
Hectic Finale
Just like the sun coming out from behind the clouds on a rainy day gives an entirely different aspect to the view, so did the last 20 minutes of Everton’s game against Manchester City brighten up what looked like being a dull and dreary finale to the season. The opening stanza had shown promise, with Everton serving up some attractive combination but little finish apart from Wainwright’s first timers. Then the match developed a long phrase of misplaced passes, sliced clearances, and general aimless and desultory play which must have made most of the 29,627 spectators feel that the close season couldn’t come too soon. The next phrase provided a thrill-packed finale which made everybody forget all that had come before and sent home happy and contented. Three goals in four minutes to a rampant Everton attack which ran the Manunicans’ defence off its feet was good going. Add to that several near misses, some brilliant saves by Trautmann, a goal to City and several near squeaks at both ends, and you’ll understand why Goodison resounded to cheering the like of which we have seldom heard there this season. Tommy Eglington at times one of the games unluckiest players, laid the foundation of victory when he “made” the first goal for Catterick had a big part in the second, also scored by Catterick, and then not only got one himself –first he has notched this season –but actually scored it with his right foot, which he so seldom uses for shooting purposes. And a splendid goal it was too.
Blues in Shooting Form
Everton thoroughly deserved their victory. They had six shots to City’s one and only good work by Trautmann prevented a bigger margin. True, some of the shooting was erratic and rather too much was left to Wainwright, who was in excellent form, but it was an improvement over many of Everton’s previous games, even allowing for the weakness of the visitors. On this showing Manchester City do not look like making a quick return to the First Division. Their rearguard was fairly reliable until the final Everton “blitz” caused it to cave in, but the attack is woefully weak and rarely caused the home defence any anxiety, while the wing halves did little of note. Ted Sagar had a great reception at the start and finish of the game. He was chaired from the field by his colleagues and thanked the crowd from the directors box after receiving his £750 benefit cheque for the support they had given him over the years. In presenting the cheque Dr. C. Baxter (chairman) said that Sagar had been one of the finest servants Everton have ever had. Ted reckons Everton the best club in the country, so that honours are even. Sagar has been retained for next season, and though, in the natural order of things, younger men will take his place, we may still see him in action occasionally in the future should the need arise. If it does Everton can count on him for a worthy display. He may be a “veteran” but the ability is there still.
THREE PLAYERS MISSED ONLY ONE MATCH
May 9, 1950. The Evening Express
By Radar
Neither Liverpool no Everton can claim an “ever-present” in the 49 and 47 cup and league games they played respectively during the 1949-50 season. Both, however had players who were “missing” on only one occasion, Everton called on 23 players. Everton skipper Peter Farrell’s only absence was due to an Irish international call against Finland. Farrell by the way appeared in four different positions for Everton, 20 of them at right half, eight at left half, once at inside left and one at inside-right. Farrell’s closet challenge is Eddie Wainwright who appeared in 42 Cup and League games. Eglington was third on the list with 39 appearances. Eric Moore and Ted Buckle made 27 and 24 consecutive appearances at right back and centre half from the time they were promoted to first team status. Third in the list comes Everton’s Eddie Wainwright with 14 goals (two of them scored in cup games). And Harry Catterick with ten. Everton goal-scorers;- Wainwright 14, Catterick 11, Buckle 8, Higgins 4, and McIntosh 3, each, Farrell and Powell 2 each, Eglington and Corr 1 each.
Appearances
Goalkeeper –Burnett (29), Sagar (18)
Righ back –Moore (27) Saunders (20)
Left Back-Hedley (23), Dugdale (20), Saunders (4)
Right Half –Grant (27), Farrell (20)
Centre half- Falder (24), Jones (14), Humphreys (9)
Left Half – Farrell (8), Lello (36), Lindley (2), Grant (1)
Outside right; Buckle (28), Corr (14), Higgins (4), Powell (1)
Inside right –Wainwright (40), Fielding (2), Higgins (3), Farrell (1), Powell (1)
Centre forward; Catterick (24), McIntosh (15), Wainwright (2), Hold (1)
Inside Left- Fielding (15), Farrell (17), Powell (14), Lello (1)
Outside left- Eglington (39), McIntosh (3), Buckle (3), Higgins (2)
EVERTON CHANGE THEIR MIND
May 10, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
But Offer to Higgins Came Too Late To Stop His Departure
Ranger’s Notes
An hour before he left home this morning to catch the 10 o’clock train to London, en route for South American, Billy Higgins received a letter from Everton offering him terms for next season. The offer came too late. He had already made all arrangements to fly to Colombia tomorrow, and to meet a representative of the Millionaires Club –for whom he is to act as coach and player –in New York on Friday. Even had he received Everton’s letter earlier, I don’t think it would have made any difference. Higgins decided some little time ago to try his luck on the other side. Should the venture prove successful, he will be sending for his wife and two children –a boy of five and a girl of three –and the family will make their home in Bogota. “I hope I shall make good over there,” he said this morning. “I know it is a big step, and much will depend on the conditions I find in Colombia. I shall do my best, and with the playing experience I have had here, plus coaching experience under the Lancashire and Cheshire F.A’s I feel I can make the grade all right. “In any case, I am only going to look around, and will not make up my mind until I get there.” Last week I put up all the possible snags I could think of for Higgins’s consideration, but his mind was made up. He wants to “have a go” so all we can do now is wish him luck and success.
A Free Agent
Higgins case is different from that of Franklin and Mountford. Being on Everton’s transfer list he becomes a completely free agent so far as the League and F.A. are concerned when his present contract expires on July 31. Had he stayed in this country he could have gone to a non-league club without hindrance. Everton’s permission would only have been needed had he been signed by a Football league side, in which case a fee would have been payable by the signing club. Everton still have him on their transfer list at £7,000 and Tommy Jones at £12,000. I understand the figure in the case for Norman Greenhalgh is £1,000. For what it is worthy Higgins has committed a minor technical offence in that he is still under contract to Everton until the end of July. As he will be forfeiting his summer wages, however, and in any case wrote to the club asking them to release him but had no reply, that can hardly be held seriously against him. In the case of Franklin and Mountford, they have been retained by Stoke City and offered terms for next season. This means they are still subject to F.A. and Football League rules and as England are members of the International Federation all players coming under our F.A’s jurisdiction are automatically subject to F.I.F.A rules as well. As the Colombian clubs are not members of F.I.F.A, they are technically taboo to retained English players.
Not a New Angle
Should the two Stoke men stay in Colombia for good, they would automatically be “outlawed” by our F.A and could not play either for any clubs affiliated to F.I.F.A without permission. The position is not a new one. It must be nearly thirty years now since certain North American clubs invaded our preserves and signed some half dozen English players, the U.S.A not then being committed to recognizing English registrations, as they are today. While the position never assumed really serious proportions the League Management Committee took the precaution of passing a resolution that no player leaving English football to go to American should be allowed to re-register on his return to the country, without a special inquiry. This rule is actually still in force, though few know of the fact. Meantime managers of our leading clubs will be keeping their fingers crossed and waiting to see whether any other South American clubs dangle further attractive bait in an effort to lure more English players across the Atlantic. Only time will show.
EVERTON BEATEN
May 13, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Swedish Team Scores Three Goal to One
The Aik Club of Stockholm last night beat Everton by 3-1 in Stockholm after leading 1-0 at the interval. Burnett injured himself when warming up for the match. The Stadium doctor reported he was not seriously hurt, but it was decided to take no risks, so Saunders kept goal. Only a few seconds of the first half remained when the Sweden outside right, Baeckvaal, split the Everton defence to open the score. Fifteen minutes after the resumption left winger Nilsson put the Swedes two up. Nine minutes later smashed his way through to registered his sides only goal, Nilsson scored a third goal for Aik.
EVERTON CLEARLY SUPERIOR
May 17, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton gained a 1-0 victory in their match against Haesingborg I.F at Haesingborg, in south Sweden yesterday. Everton were clearly superior and the 8,000 spectators had an opportunity to watch British at it best. The only goal was scored after thirty six minutes play. When Buckle passed the ball to Catterick who had no difficulty in giving Everton a lead which they held throughout the match.
A CHAT WITH BILLY HIGGINS
May 18, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Former Evertonian Tells of His Early Colombian Impression
Trans-Atlantic Talk
Ranger’s Notes
Stories from Bogota these days are almost as frequent as falling leaves in autumn, If I might offer a word of advice to English players, it is the old Asquithian motto “Wait and see” All isn’t gold and glitters. These rumours of attempts to “poach” the cream of our Soccer talent are seriously ruffling the usually placid waters of the close season. With the idea of trying to get the low-down on things I arranged a telephone call yesterday to Billy Higgins, the former Everton player now in Colombia. Prompt to time, the phone at my home rang at eight o’clock which was lunch-time in Bogota. “Here is your South American call,” said a quiet voice “Mr. Higgins is waiting to speak to you.” With no more delay than it takes me to contact Everton or Liverpool I had spanned 6,000 miles of land and ocean by radio, and Billy Higgins was there at the other end, hello-ing for dear life. While the connection got top marks for promptness, unfortunately the line didn’t rate so highly, for clarity. After severe unsuccessful attempts to wrestle with noises off, Higgins unused to telephoning under difficulties, had to call for the help of a new found friend of his, Mr. Jack King an Australia engineer, who acted as intermediary for the conversation. “What are Higgins’s reaction now he has had time to look around a bit?” I asked.
Not Signed Yet
A pause then in came Mr. King; “He hasn’t signed a contact yet. Negotiations are still proceeding and everything looks like being satisfactory. The terms may eventually be better than he was originally offered. He may sign tomorrow. (Note –The original terms were £1,000 signing on fee, £120 a month, and £10 for a win or £3 for a draw). I was unable to ascertain whether the improved terms were offered by the Los Millionarios Club or Sante Fe, who have also taken an interest in Higgins’s arrival.
Leaving out the “I can’t get you” and the “Beg pardons, “the conversation continued in question and answer form thus –
Q –has he met Franklin and Mountford yet”
A – Only for a few moments. They seemed quite happy about things as far as he could judge.
Q –How does the high altitude affect him? (Bogota is 8,500 feet above sea level).
A – It made him a bit short-winded at first, but he is now getting used to it.
Q – Has he done any training yet?
A – He has been out for ball practice this morning, and I understand the Colombian experts who watched him were very impressed.
Q –when will he play his first game?
“It All Depends
A – It all depends on the signing of the contract. All being well he should turn out against Call, at Call on Sunday. They are one of our leading sides.
Q – Do you know anything about attempts to get other English players over to Bogota?
This brought a guarded answer from Mr. King. After a pause for consultation with Higgns; “It is quite likely,” he said. “But we cannot say definitely. “I didn’t press the point.
Q – What about living accommodation?
A – Billy is in a private hotel at the moment. At the end of the week he is coming to live with me. He has been promised a house for his wife and children. I don’t inquire what the rent would be. Accordingly to information from a reliable source, Colombian ideas of the suitable rent for a modern semi-detached run to what was reckon would be about reasonable for a Park Lane luxury flat. Asked about the report that the Millionarios Club would like to persuade Liddell and Matthews to take a one-way ticket, Mr. King said neither he nor Higgins had heard of it. He nodded on the question of the cost of living, that it was “very high” compared with England.
He Misses the Echo
With time drawing short Mr. King got in two parting requests. “Billy wants you to give his love to his wife and children and his parents,” he said, and please send him on the Echo as often as you can, next to his family, he say he misses that more than anything.” Having promised to do so I said good-bye. The conversation had taken eight and a half minutes, which with a rebate for periods of bad reception, left me with seven minutes net and a bill for £8 15s. Radio-telephones conversations are listened to by a monitor with two stop-watches. One records the full time of the call, and the other is stopped when the line is bad and questions have to be repeated, allowance for which is made in the charge. I must have struck a keen monitor! I thought I should have got a bigger “rebate” for the line was very bad at times.
HOLD GOES IN AND WINS FOR EVERTON
May 19, 1950. The Liverpool Daily Post
Stockholm, Thursday
Everton won the last match of their Swedish tour by beating Gotherburg Alliance team by three goals to one in Gothenburg today. Gothenburg led 1-0 at half-time. Everton’s three goals were all scored by Hold, who came in as a substitute for Farrell, who was injured towards the end of the first half. It was a dull match, played before more than 12,000 spectators. Everton were inclined to be sluggish in the first half, and the home attack was always looking for gaps in the visitors defence. Everton improved after the interval and their forwards well supported by the half-back line, saw more of the ball and combined well. Accurate passing carved holes in the Swedish defence, but the finishing was poor. Hold gave a brilliant display and completely outshone his colleagues, the best of whom were inside right Fielding and outright Buckle. Hold opened his account in the sixth minute of the second half with a hard shot from close in. He netted again in the twenty-eight minute with another fine shot and completed his hat-trick three minutes before the end when he dribbled round the goalkeeper and walked the ball in. Gothenburg were aggressive and skilful and in the early stages of the game were often dangerous, but in the second half they could not cope with the Everton attack. –Reuter.
BURNETT TO SEE SPECIALIST
May 24, 1950, The Evening Express
Knee Injury
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
George Burnett, the Everton goalkeeper has suspected cartilage trouble sustained during the recent Swedish tour, Burnett is to be examined by the Everton club specialist on Thursday. Burnett was examined by a specialist in Sweden, who diagnosed cartilage, and Manager Cliff Britton stated today; “It looks as if it is cartilage but we shall know for certain later.” George sustained the injury before the start of the opening game, of the tour in Stockholm. The players were having their pre-match kick-in when the knee went. Burnett went off and the reserve back. George Saunders, went into goal. Burnett was unable to play in any of the matches, and the A.I.K Club of Stockholm loaned to Everton their own goalkeeper Kjell, who played against the Blues in the first game. Kjell was a great success in both matches which Everton won and his catching and throwing inspired confidence. Should Burnett have to undergo an operation it will complicate matters for Everton, for next season which opens in 12 weeks. It would be possible for Burnett to be ready in time for the new season on August 19, but that is doubtful. Everton have other goakkeepers in Ted Sagar, O’Neill and Dunlop of whom only Sagar has played in the first team.
EVERTON SIGN IRISH JUNIOR
May 26, 1950. The Evening Express
Burnett’s Suspected Cartilage
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton have completed their second signing of the close season by securing John Francis Sutherland, the 18-year-old right back of Evergreen F.C., Cork. This signing follows closely on that of William McDermott Hamilton, the 23-year-old outside right of Bellshill Athletic.
News of another character from manager Cliff Britton of the Blues is that first choice goalkeeper, George Burnett, is to go into a nursing home as soon as possible. George was examined by the club specialist yesterday and cartilage is suspected. In the nursing home Burnett will be examined under an anesthetic, and if necessary an operation will be preformed. Mr. Britton thinks that even if an operation is necessary Burnett should be fit again in about six weeks.
BOGOTA MENTIONS BOTH HEDLEY AND BUCKLE
May 29, 1950. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Football provided the sensation in a week-end of rain drenched sport, for from Bogota, Colombia, comes the report that Jack Hedley the young Everton full back, is going there this week to join former team mate Billy Higgins, and the name of Ted Buckle, the Everton winger, is also mentioned in connection with Bogota. Everton know nothing whatever about any such project by either player, both of whom are on the retained list. Manager Cliff Britton, with whom I had long talks, said; Hedley is on holiday in the North-East and we have no intimation that he is going to South American. Neither have we any idea that Buckle thinks of going. We are as much in the dark as anyone. Dr. Cecil S. Baxter the chairman said the news came as a complete surprise to him and to Everton. From inquiries which I made during the week-end, I find that definitely an air passage has been booked for Hedley in a plane leaving Prestwick Airport-Scotland, on Thursday. That, however, does not mean that Hedley is going.
On Holiday
Ten days ago I revealed the fact that at least one “contact man,” was on Merseyside prepared to help any player to go to Colombia if he desired. Possibly that has a tie-up with this Hedley sensation, but Hedley and Buckle were on the tour of Sweden with their club, and gave no hint of any such flight into the “wilderness of football,” They arrived back in Liverpool last Monday, and Hedley stayed until Wednesday when he went to his home on Tyneside for a holiday. Buckle was with Manager Cliff Britton on Tuesday actually making arrangements for Buckle to take up residence on Merseyside next season. Up to now Buckle has been living with his family in Manchester in a house owned by Manchester United. Ted’s former club, but now Everton have a house for him here, and Buckle was over to look at it, and make arrangements for its redecoration to suit his wishes. That in itself indicates that Buckle has no thought of going. The contracts of all players, do not expire until July 31. Buckle left Liverpool on Tuesday and has now gone of his home in Croydon for his holiday. The name of Frank Mountford the Stoke City half-back, also has been mentioned in connection with Bogota but Frank has stated quite emphatically that no offer has been made to him. Just as the fact that the departure for Bogota of George Mountford (Frank’s brother) and Neil Franklin has naturally made rumour turn to Stoke City for other “possible” so has the departure of Billy Higgins from Everton to Bogota made the Blues the object of speculation regarding others. The fact, too, that Hedley and Higgins were friends must have impressed itself on people. It is definite that Hedley, who came here during the war as a junior, has given no hint to Everton about leaving. Higgins did mention to Mr. Britton the possibility of a coaching engagement, but did not say with whom or where. The workings remain a complete mystery to Everton. Hedley’s father has no knowledge of the matter, and Ted Buckle states he has received no offer.
JACK HEDLEY FOR BOGOTA
May 29, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Neither Everton Nor His Father Know Anything About It
Stork’s Notes
You cannot keep Bogota out of the news these days, and if the latest report about their English angling is correct. Everton will lose another of their players, who is said to have signed contracts for the Millionarios Club with whom Billy Higgins is a member. I tried to get definite information about Jack Hedley’s signing all day yesterday, but without success. The club have no knowledge of it, but report have it that he has not only signed but a reservation in a plane which leaves on Thursday has been arranged. The report however must be treated with reserve, Hedley’s father who lives in the North, knows nothing about the negotiations, not had any arrangements been made for the journey. Another Everton player is linked up with the Bogota offer – Ted Buckle, in fact quite a number of prominent First Division players have been “tapped” during the last few days but until the players concerned are on the way I would advise caution. Bogota are out to get any English player they can secure, but they are doomed to disappointment in many cases.
HEDLEY AND BOGOTA
May 30, 1950. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
There is still no official news about Jack Hedley, the Everton full back, who is reported to have signed for the Millionarios Club, Bogota. Hedley is away from his home and obviously avoiding interviews. My Newcastle contact, however says that according to his information Hedley will definitely leave Preswick airfield on Thursday evening and will be accompanied by others who have fallen for the bait.
George Burnett, the Everton goalkeeper, who was injured while on tour, is to be examined today to ascertain if his injury is definitely cartilage.
HEDLEY HAS NOT MADE UP MIND
MAY 31, 1950. The Evening Express
Still Giving Thought to His Club
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Jack Hedley, the Everton full back, made a statement today, an Evening Express Northern correspondent, regarding the report that he is going to Bogota tomorrow. He said that nobody had negotiated with him in this country he had three cables direct from Colombia, but had not made up his mind whether to go or not, despite the fact than an air passage is booked for him tomorrow night. He added that he was still giving some though to his club, but that he could earn from the offer more than two years than he would in 12 years playing for Everton. Hedley said he had yet to be inoculated and vaccinated if he goes, and that he has to pick up his visa from the Colombian consul on his way to Prestwick.
May 1950