Everton Independent Research Data
BLUES HAVE CALLED ON SEVENTEEN PLAYERS
November 1, 1949. The Evening Express
Radar’s Personel Analysis
A personal analysis of Everton reveals that Everton have called on no more players for first team games than have Liverpool so far this season. With 14 games played, both clubs have included 17 players in their senior side at one time or another. As a matter of fact Everton’s total of ever-presents is one greater than is Liverpool’s. so far George Saunders, Gordon Dugdale, Cyril Lello and Peter Corr have not missed a league game for the Toffees. Everton’s full backs Saunders and Dugdale have played together in every game. Everton have tried four centre-forwards- McIntosh, Higgins, Catterick, and Wainwright. Apart from the two games against Newcastle and the “Derby” meeting with Liverpool during which Burnett was deputy for Ted Sagar, the Everton side was unchanged for the first six games of the present term. Leading marksmen among the senior side are Wainwright scored five to date, McIntosh (2), Higgins (2) Powell (2), and Corr one.
Here is a detailed list of players appearances. In parentless is given the number of times they have played in the particular position indicated.
Goalkeepers; Sagar (11), Burnett (3)
Right-Back –Saunders (14)
Left Back –Dugdale (14)
Right Half; Farrell (13), Grant (1)
Centre Half; Jones (9), Humphreys (5)
Left Half; Lello (14)
Outside-right; Corr (14)
Inside-right; Wainwright (12), Fielding (2)
Centre-forward –McIntosh (9), Higgins (5), Wainwright (1), Catterick (1)
Inside-left- Fielding (7), Powell (7)
Outside-left; Eglington (9), McIntosh (3), Higgins (2)
MAN WITH A LOAD OF MISCHIEF
November 2, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Once followers of football get their teeth into anything or anyone (I have seen them do it to railway sandwiches, players and referees) they rarely let go. This is a pity because by using they grey matter more and giving their teeth a holiday they might arrive a more balanced appreciation of football and people. Which brings me to the figure at present taking much verbal punishment from those who not only do not know the answer, but never will –Everton manager, Cliff Britton. Everyone has his or her pet theory about Everton and their tragic state of ill-health to which they have fallen. So many are bitter about what has happened since Britton took over it might be well to trace the Everton story from the day of his appointment, not merely from the start of this season.
Worked Their Salvation
Everton were then as sick as they are now. But they were not relegated. My reading of what happened is that Britton by getting things tied up defensively worked that salvation almost as surely as did the players. And he did it at the absurdly cheap rate of one signing, McIntosh from Blackpool. With a fresh start and no milestone to carry in the form of last season’s weight of goals against and matches lost; Everton this season began with the barometer set fair. No one was to know the needle would swing on fast to stormy, not even the Britton critics who specialize in knowing when Everton are going to be beaten, notably when they find the other side leading by two goals with a few minutes play remaining. It appears from what one hears, that everything wrong with Everton is due to Manager Cliff Britton. They gossip that the players do not get on with him; that he trains them to hard, that he is too disciplinarian. I have often travelled with Everton players and no one ever suggested nor has it ever been evident, that these thing are remotely true. Is not the position that Britton finds himself faced again with the most onerous job of beating relegation a second time with players (one exception), part of the legacy he took over when he agreed to take the Everton appointment? Is not the position that he is in a worse position, as to signing players than any other Everton official in history? Not because his club will not give him almost carte-blanche to spend, but because of the strange and disturbing situation in a transfer market which approaches stagnation. True, there are moves, but rarely of the kind of players who would be useful at Goodison Park.
Their Tradition
Everton, with a tradition and a good name to look to today find themselves in the position of all other clubs whose aim has always been to abide by the spirit and letter of the rules of the Football Association and the Football League –hampered in nearly every move they make and in some cases not considering it worthwhile even to make approach for a player listed. It is a position which clubs so penalized must find almost untenable, but who is to frame and who will abide by any fresh legislation, however, stoppered against loopholes? That is the question. Meanwhile, the Everton manager like the sensible fellow he is carries on not worrying more than he can help, and hoping that providence and teams even worse off than his will give him breathing space before he finally gets off his shoulders the load he has carried since he elected to take over Everton for better or worse.
DEATH OF MR. B. SHARP
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 November 1949
Former Everton And Villa Footballer Mr. Bert Sharp, the former Acton Villa and Everton football player, died suddenly early this morning at his home at 35 Station Road. Ainsdale, Southport. He was aged 72, and had been retired from active business for about six years. On giving up football. Mr. Sharp became associated with the licensed trade in Liverpool, and later went to Manchester, where he was in 'business with his brother Mr. Fred Sharp. Mr. Bert Sharp was regarded as one of the finest full backs in England in his day. He began his football career with Hereford Thistle and later, with his brother, the late Mr. Jack Sharp, who played football and cricket for England, he joined Aston Villa. and then with his brother, signed for Everton. He finished his active football career with Southampton. For some time he was professional with Bootle Cricket Club, and in September 1920, he had the distinction of taking all ten wickets of Wallasey for 37 runs. He was presented with the ball mounted on a silver stand. Mr. Sharp is survived by his widow, one son and two daughters.
EVERTON MEET THE CALLS OF EIRE
November 3, 1949. The Evening Express
Two Peters Are Released
World Cup Games
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton have notified the Football Association of Ireland that they will give every support so far as the release of players is concerned for the World Cup match between Eire and Sweden, due on November 13. The Eire authorities have asked for the release of Peter Farrell and Peter Corr, and Everton have agreed. Both players figured in the side that defeated England 2-0 at Goodison Park. Farrell scored the second goal. He also played against Finland at Helsinki, where he scored the only goal. On that occasion Everton, because of their game with Arsenal at Highbury, could not allow both to travel to Finland , and Eire took Farrell. The Irish team is being selected tomorrow, and there is little doubt that both the Peters will be chosen. Secretary Theo Kelly, of Everton, is making arrangements for the players to fly to Ireland, following Everton’s match at Goodison Park with Manchester United. Mr. Kelly hopes to delay for a few minutes the evening aeroplane so that the lads can be in Dublin on Saturday evening. Most of the selected players from English clubs will be leaving Liverpool on Saturday, either by air or the night cross-Channel boat.
JONES, EGLINGTON IN
November 4, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton make two changes in the side to visit West Bromwich Albion, involving three positions. Tommy Jones dropped for the last two games, is recalled at centre half with Jack Humphreys travelling as twelfth man. Higgins crosses over from outside left to take the place of Corr at outside right. Eglington being reinstated on the left flank. Elsewhere the side is unchanged. Everton will find the task of ending their two months run without a victory no easy matter against a team which takes a lot of beating on its own ground. Albion have had only five goals scored against them in eight home games and they have played this season with so few changes in the side that their team work and understanding is excellent. Everton’s forward fallings in front of goal are still as pronounced as ever. It will take the best of which they are capable to overcome Albion’s stern defence, but if the front line can only overcome the hoodoo which is dogging it in the penalty area the Blues might bring away a welcome point. Even that will not come without more penetration and a greater willingness from all the forwards including the wing men, to shoot hard, often and accurately. As I’ve said before Everton might gain in confidence and morale if they could only win one or two consecutive games. To do that they must rely on their own abilities and try not to be discouraged by ill-luck or early reverses. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Jones, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, Eglington. West Bromwich; Sanders; Pemberton, Millard; Kennedy, Vernon, Ryan; Elliott, Williams, Walsh, Smith, Heywood.
Everton Reserves (v. Manchester United, home 2.45). Burnett; Moore, Rankin; Lindley, Falder, Grant; Corr, Bentham, Lewis, Hampson, Parker.
OUT-OF-LUCK EVERTON GO DOWN FIGHTING AT WEST BROMWICH
November 5, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
West Brom 4, Everton 0
By Stork
Hardly a fair reflection of the play. Everton’s form at times was excellent, but, apart from a Higgins shot, there was no real fire in the attack. In quality of football they were equal, if not better, than the winner. West Bromwich Albion; Sanders, goal; Pemberton and Millard, backs; Kennedy, Vernon, and Ryan, half-backs; Elliott, Williams (C.), Walsh, Smith and Inwood, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell, Jones (captain), and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.T. Wright (Macclesfield). The Everton team were a little late arriving at the Hawthorns and they had to make a quick change. Several of the players were suffering from slight colds or the effects of cold, which, in the conditions today, was not likely to help, for it had been raining heavily all the morning, and was raining at the start, but not quite so heavily. It is a long time since I last visited this famous ground, and it did not look one bit different. Everton were hopeful that today might be the turning point and were optimistic enough to even consider a victory. Everton took the field in their alternative colours of white jerseys and dark knickers.
Powell Prominent
Everton went into the attack right from the kick-off, and Powell was soon prominent with a nice pass to McIntosh but the Albion defence was very in their tackling, yet it was some minutes before the Everton attack was beaten off. It had been terribly dangerous and the goalkeeper was not called upon with a shot, but it was encouraging if only for the fact that it showed that Everton still had some spirit. The Albion once they got moving were very quick in serving the ball to their forwards, who in turn also delivered to a colleague rapidly, and the first time they challenged the Everton defence Sagar had to rush out in anticipation of a back pass from Jones. The Everton captain’s tap back was not quite strong enough and Sagar had to act very determinedly to get possession before Walsh could take over. Inwood was a spirited member, and but for a wonderful interception by Saunders, trouble would have loomed up largely for the Everton defenders. On the other side of the field Elliott, having got the better of Dugdale, earned a corner, but this was quickly disposed of and Everton took up the West Bromwich challenge. They made some sound movements, but unfortunately it did not carry them far for the Albion defence had covered up well. So far there had not been a great deal between the two teams, although the Throstles had up to this point been the more dangerous-looking forward line. Dugdale was guilty of a handling case and so was Ryan, but in neither case was there anything dangerous to follow. Farrell cut in to stop Walsh, who had moved over to the inside-left position for the moment. Walsh scored for West Bromwich after 16 minutes play. Walsh had veered out to the left, was challenged by Jones, but retained possession and shot from a difficult angle. Sagar had come across his goal to cover up but Walsh lifted the ball high over his head and it struck the inside of the far netting. This was indeed a blow, but there was still plenty of time to rectify matters if Everton would take the chances, but for the next few minutes it was all Albion. By open football they gave the Everton defence some anxiety. Walsh was very quick off the mark, and Jones had to deal with him very solidly to prevent a second goal. The referee was rather a long time in making an offside decision against the Albion, but it came at long last and from this the Goodison men took over and Higgins from a long way out landed the ball Sanders in the West Bromwich goal. The Albion soon transferred play from their own goal area to that of their opponents by the speed they dispatched the ball to the wings and the fleet-footedness of the latter. When Eglington slipped on the wet turf it let in Elliott who cut in and shot towards the far side of the Everton goal.
Tense Moment
Sagar managed to get his finger tips to the ball and turn it out, but it was a tense moment nevertheless. Farrell was well in the picture with defence and attack, and from one of his passes Eglington had a shot charged down. McIntosh had few chances against Vernon, the Albion centre-half, and when he did cut through he found himself up against an offside decision when he shot outside. There was nothing exceptionally thrilling about the game, although the Albion defence had to show power of intervention more than once to cut out some of Everton’s well-conceived ideas.
Jones’s Effort
A free kick against the Albion for a foul on Farrell, who was slightly injured in the affair, saw Jones put the ball into Sander’s hands. Wainwright was trying to find Powell with his passes, and did once but the Welshman found the ball just a shadow too speedy for him. A little later Wainwright won a corner, and this enabled Jones, who had come up in his usual role when corners are taken, heading just wide. Another corner followed. This time Sanders punched away. Before he could get back to goal the ball was returned, but it was eventually cleared. Just on half-time, Higgins cracked in a left-foot drive which almost took the Albion by surprise, but Sanders punched the ball over the bar. Everton had dominant the last ten minutes of this half.
Half-time; -West Bromwich 1, Everton nil.
Everton played dexceedingly well during the first ten minutes of the second half and with the slightest bit of luck would have had an equalizer. They took a corner almost immediately and Sanders had to catch a good effect by Wainwright. At this point Everton’s combination was top class and Wainwright had a shot blocked out. Bu hard luck stories count for nought and eventually the Albion took up the running and Dugdale had to act smartly to kick away from the toes of Walsh, who was careering off with a menacing look about him. There was more fire about things now and Sagar had to edge away a dangerous cross by Elliott.
Brave Effort
No one could dispute that Everton were making a brave effort to level matters, and Sanders had to make up his whether to come out or to stay in when a ball came flashing over from the right. He came out, and punched the ball from off Wainwright’s head. McIntosh from the left wing, dropped the ball in the Albion goal area, it was only half cleared, and Eglington was able to get in a shot which Sanders saved. It was a peculiar visibility hereabouts, but one could not fail to see Jones come along for a free kick, and Sanders dropped down on the ball at the last fraction of a second to prevent it crossing his line. I have heard stories about Everton lacking in spirit. There was no shortage of spirit today, and I am sure that the Albion will agree, for there was no doubt that Everton were giving their opponents as much, if not more, than they had received at any stage of the game. Sagar has been immune from work for some minutes, but he was called upon a deal with a really hot effort by Inwood.
Fast Wingers
After Everton had their spell, the Throstles decided that it was time they came into the picture, and for some minutes they were eagerly seeking a way to add to their goal. They attacked through their fast wingers and from an Inwood centre Elliott tried to nod the ball without success. Elliott returned the compliment with a centre that Sagar punched away and this led to a really hot melee in the Everton goalmouth, Sagar was “not at home,” and the ball bounced about dangerously until finally it as cleared out of the danger area. The Albion were still keen-edged in then tackling and this often broke down promising Everton movements. Walsh picked up a thrown-in and tried a long shot in the hope that the surprising element would come to his aid. The only surprise was that his shot was yards away from its intended billet. Smith scored for West Bromwich after 81 minutes. It was a quick sort of business like most of Albion’s attacks and the inside left could hardy fail from the position and distance he was from goal. He left Sagar with no chance. This left precious no time for Everton to retrieve themselves. Williams scored a third goal and alo a minute later added a fourth. Final; West Bromwich 4, Everton 0.
EVERTON RES V MANCHESTER UNITED RES
November 5, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res; Burnett, Moore, Rankin; Lindley, Falder, Grant; Corr, Bentham, Lewis, Hampson, Parker. Everton began the second half in confident style, Lancaster in the United goal did well in dealing with first-class shots from Corr and Hampson. Everton were now the much superior side. In the 60th minute they took the lead, Lewis netting from Corr’s centre. Final; Everton Res 1 Man United Res 0. Buckley played for Manchester United.
THEY DID EVERYTHING EXCEPT SCORE
November 7, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
West Bromwich Albion 4, Everton 0
In face of a 4-0 defeat it is going to test my ability to convince you that Everton were the better team at West Bromwich. The fact was acknowledge by the Albion people so this is no white-washing. It was the old Everton story which has been told time and time again during the last few years. Nevertheless it was good to see Everton fight against a streaky goal (It would not have been scored once in a million other times) and actually get on top by dint of good-class football, far and away better than that of the Albion who banked on speed for their success. Up to the penalty area Everton were entertaining and effective after that point there was no one to deliver the blow which might have crumpled the Midlanders, who were not sure of themselves, until those last fatal minutes. Three goals in 10 minutes is a rarity although we have before witnessed the opposition having its fling in the dying minutes of a game against Everton.
Sagar Exonerated
Should Sagar have saved the first goal? Walsh was three yards from the be-line with Jones in attendance Sagar moved over to the near post, little dreaming that Walsh could possibly score from the position, he was in. It is my belief that the Albion centre forward simply booted the ball goalward. It soared up and up and although Sagar touched it, it dropped against the side netting just inside the upright. No 1 do not think Sagar was to blame. He had taken the correct action station. Everton did not wilt under the blow. Hey set about retrieving themselves and near the interval Higgins slashed in tremendous drive, which looked a winner until Vernon jumped up and headed the ball over the bar. A goal then would have meant all the difference, and that shot was worth a goal. Then there was Jones header which skidded along the face of the Albion crossbar. All very tantalizing, but when Powell slipped the ball through into Wainwright’s favourite position we could see nothing else but a goal. Wainwright scooped the ball narrowly over the bar. Everton kept up trying but the Albion half-backs were tackling with razor-edged keenness. Then the blows fell which made the West Bromwich victory look so thoroughly, so convincing. Smith had the ball in the net at the 81st minute then Williams accepted a pass by Walsh and goal number three went into the frame. A minute later Walsh had the ball in the Everton net for the fourth goal, and he nearly had a fifth when his shot struck the inside of the upright and came out. Walsh through it was in and so did many others. I award the Everton laurels to Peter Farrell, outstanding among all half-backs, Saunders who made such use of the ball in his clearances, Lello particularly in the second half, and among the forwards Higgins who has never played better since he joined the club. But oh, for a forward that could thump them in.
A FALSE RESULT
November 7, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
“We played the football they got the goals.” That sums up Everton’s defeat at the Hawthorns on Saturday. It is gratifying in part but not wholly for by the results columns are ye judged. Good football without its appendages won’t take you to the top of the table, nor drag you away from the bottom and that is the nastiest cut of all. If Everton’s play could be adjudged on a quality basis they would have won this game handsomely but the goal factor is the only one which shows itself in the League table (writes Stork). Even the Albion folk agreed that Everton’s football was better than their own, they could afford to be generous in the joy of a 4-0 victory. It may have been all against the run of the play, but it is there in black and white for all to see. I will say this that Everton will play many worse games and not lose so heavily. It was a freakish sort of game, not uncommon to football or any other sporting event. The Albion pitted their speed and shooting against the more elaborate yet effective Everton plans and it proved once again that Everton’s great need is a scoring forward. He need not be a great footballer, so long as he has a shot in either foot. It was tantalizing to see Everton take charge of the Albion and then fail to bring home the bacon because they had no forward to round off they clever menacuerves when oftimes had the Albion defenders worrying more than a little. The final wore in cold print looks ratestrohic from the Everton point of view, whereas it was anything but that. To say one was pleased with a side that is beaten by four clear goals seems to be idiot, but if ever there was a false result that it was. With ten minutes to go Everton were battling hard for the equalizer, they had been the dominant party throughout the second half and the thought of three goals in the last remaining minutes was only a pipe dream. The Albion forwards did not appear capable of getting them, nor did Everton and the worst that was anticipated was a 1-0 defeat. Then the “Throstles” burst into full song, and three goals were rattled into the Everton goal in nine minutes. It was sensational. It was amazing and mystifying and even now I cannot quite understand how it happened. What I do know is that the Albion broke away from the Everton tentacles and Smith, Williams and Walsh found a way through a defence which had previously denied them any success apart from a goal by Walsh in the first half had luck written all over it. Now let me take a look at Everton’s efforts just before the interval Higgins had a scorching shot headed over by Vernon, Jones had headed a corner right along the face of the crossbar, and Wainwright had scooped over a shot from his favourite position. A goal from any of these efforts would have shaken the Albion to the depths for they were none too confident until they scored their second goal. Those last ten minutes made the Albion look a better side than they are, and Everton not so good as they were. To have played so well and suffer defeat was a bitter pill. Having given my honest version of this surprising game, let me say that Higgins had a grand game at outside right. He put across fine centres, and made excellent use of the ball all through. Peter Farrell has never played better, and Lello after a slow start, took high rating before the end. Saunders was always playing with confidence and thought. Would that I could say the same about the forwards. No one seemed to want to take the onus of a shot in case he missed. Isn’t it better to have shot and missed then never to have shot at all? I think so.
THE SHOT LACKING
November 7, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s defeat at West Bromwich was due to lack of shooting power and a collapse in the dying moments. Radar sums it up as follows; “The defeat can serve one useful purpose, if the forwards have absorbed the lesson it should have taught them. The score read as a travesty of how this always enjoyable game really went, and even the Albion officials agreed with this. They summed it up aptly when they said later to Chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter; “You played the football’ we got the goals; Therein lies the crux of the matter. The general performances of the Blues merited at least a draw, and certainly not a 4-0 defeat. Their midfield play was immeasurably superior to that of the Albion, yet when Albion went on the attack they invariably looked the more likely scorers. Reason? Because Dave Walsh and his colleagues were always ready to take a shot at goal. Walsh was rewarded for his willingness to snap up a half chance. Contrast that to Everton’s persistence in that extra pass whenever the penalty-area was reached. Constant refused to realize on brilliantly executed attacks, by means of the quickly taken shot, and you know the reason why Everton did not score. It was just this which played into the hands of the tenacious Albion half-backs, who tackled while Everton were still making up their minds what to do. There is still a good deal of sound sense in the maxim that if you shoot hard and often enough the goals will come. Apart from a Jones header and a Higgins shot which was diverted there was no punch. Individually Farrell and Saunders were Everton’s outstanding men, and Farrell’s capacity for work was incredible. So with Saunders while Dugdale and Lello did well. Jones had an unenviable task against Walsh, and the brightest feature forward was the display of Higgins, who seemed far more at home on the right than at outside-left. I thought him the one real marksman although at times he delayed his centres too long.
EVERTON SHAREHOLDERS
November 8, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Move For Special Meeting
To Give Board Chance to Explain “Unsatisfactory Position.”
Ranger’s Notes
After a period of calm the little men in the ranks of Everton shareholders – the operative word little being indicative of their individual share interest – are girding their loins and preparing to do battle again for the good name of the club, which, rightly or wrongly, they think is in danger. Between 70 and 80 of them last night unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Everton board to convene an extraordinary general meeting. To be legally effective such a requisition must bear one-tenth of the voting power, namely a combined total of 250 votes. After counting the signatories the chairman (Mr. Eric Petty) announced that the petition bore 188 votes, so that 62 more are needed before the board can be compelled to move. Mr. Prtty say 40 of these have been definitely promised, and that the balance will be forthcoming in a day or two. Assuming the requisition is completed the board will have 21 days after receiving it in which to fix the date of an extraordinary meeting. The object of this meeting according to the resolution submitted last night is to “afford the directors an opportunity of explaining to the shareholders the reasons for the present position of the club, which we (the requisitioners) regard as unsatisfactory, and for the directors to receive the views of shareholders thereon. Revival of activity by the Shareholders’ Association does not necessarily indicate another trial of strength at the poll. The main idea, I gather is to enable shareholders to put questions to the board and to clear the air generally on certain points. Mr. Petty set the tone of last night’s meeting by asking the criticism should be constructive only. “All we are concerned about is to see Everton back in their old pre-eminent position,” he said.
A Noval Idea
Several old contentious topics were given a brief airing, such as the alleged concentration of big blocks of shares into a few hands and the supposed iniquity of the one-share-one-vote system, but nobody seemed inclined to pursue these topics at length. They have all been thoroughly discussed often enough before. One unnamed shareholder made the novel suggestion that the board might be asked to permit one shareholders’ representative and one player to attend of their meetings, so that the directors could obtained various points of view. “Such a departure would at least give them the chance to spread the blame if things go wrong,” said he. Mr. C.E. Balmforth, a former chairman of the Shareholders Association, said requests in the past for closer co-operation with the board had failed. The directors took the view that the Association was unnecessary. Mr. Tom Nuttall, a member of the executive of the E.S.C said the loyalty of Everton supporters was being strained, and gates were suffering. Responsibility for the affairs of the club rested solely with the board but he would like to hear what the directors had to say before offering any criticism. “It is said that the board will not pay the present fantastic prices for players,” he said “I admire them for their courageous attitude, but the time has come when, if we are to be saved from another sojourn in the Second Division, the board must cut across their good intentions and say, if the players they need are available that they mean to get them. “Everton must not trail behind other clubs in the quest for players. They must be in the van for what they need. No club can offer better prospects or conditions, within the rules of the F.A. than Everton. Let us encourage the board to go forward boldly with confident courage, and above all with enterprise, which is what is lacking in order to strengthen their playing forces and allay the anxiety which is now so widespread among their supporters.
Scout Refused Admission
Mr. Davies appealed to all followers of the club to give the players encouragement. He said that some of the remarks hurled at certain players were most unsporting. The reply to this, from an old shareholder, was that the offenders were not Evertonians but rabid Liverpool supporters who could see nothing good in Everton, and with whom he had frequently remonstrated. Although not a shareholder, Mr. Richard Bentham, a former honorary scout for Everton, has been invited to give his version of certain aspect of the club’s government. A former trainer of Liverpool and Lancashire Schoolboys sides. Mr. Bentham said he had travelled 200,000 miles on Everton’s behalf on a voluntary basis. He detailed the names of many players whom he had recommended from time to time without so far as he knew, any further action being forthcoming. He said that he had found the name of Everton well respected everywhere he went and his representative’s card took him into every ground in the country bar one –and that was Goodison Park. When he represented it at a first team game last season he was refused admission. An appeal to a director did not alter the position and a few days later after complaining of this treatment, he was told that “his resignation had been accepted.” Among the players which Mr. Bentham named as having been recommended by him, without effect, in their early playing days were Lawton, Cullis, Sewell, Sherwood, Hernon, Kilshaw, and several others who later changed clubs at a big price. Many of these he said could have been obtained at the time for a few hundred pounds.
EVERTON’S HERCULEAN TASK
November 11, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Though Everton’s present position is a little better than at this time last season, when they had only eight points as against eleven, is pretty desperate, and may be even worse after tomorrow’s game. Manchester United, visitors to Goodison, are playing in brilliant fashion just now, and seen to have come to their best with the advent of the heavier grounds, plus the introduction of Bogan into the attack. Much as I would like to visualize an Everton victory current form indicates that it is extremely unlikely, even allowing for the good work of the Blues at the Hawthornes last week. Manchester United’s defence has not had a goal against it in the last four games which have included such stiff tests as Portsmouth and Wolverhampton, while their attack has been incisive and penetrating. Still, there is consolation in the fact that football is ever providing shocks, and while it would be the surprise of the day if Everton won, the possibility is there if they can only translate some of their promising approach work into goals. A draw against such opposition as the Mancunians represent would not come amiss, however, though Everton need to do more than divide the spoils in home matches if they are to start climbing the table. Mr. Cliff Britton will not announce his team until tomorrow. There may be some interesting news at the same time. At present I cannot say more. Manchester United have Crompton and Warmer back in their side after recent injuries, the visiting team reading; Crompton; Carey, Aston; Warner, Chilton, Cockburn; Delaney, Bogan, Rowley, Pearson, Mitten.
EVERTON TO BREAK NON-WIN SPELL
November 11, 1949. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton’s endeavour to break their long run without a win, and Manchester United, one of the best football combinations in the country, come to Goodison Park to face an Everton who have not recorded a victory since Huddersfield Town came here on September 3. And Huddersfield were beaten 6-0 by United last Saturday. Everton’s task is gigantic for the United despite injuries, have struck their brightest form again, with each individual and department linking up perfectly and each forward joining in the goal-scoring. The introduction of the Scottish international, Bogan has proved a winning move for Bogan has found form which simply not come to him while he was at Preston. Everton will match the United as far as the leading-up football is concerned, for in matter what are the shortcoming of the Blues, they can still play good football in midfield. It is when it comes to the combination of effort that Everton fail and there must be a greater willingness to shoot.
• Everton “B” v. British Sidac, at Bellefield
BUCKLE, MAN.UTD. FOR EVERTON
November 12, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Manager Cliff Britton of Everton late last night announced the signing of Edward Buckle, the Manchester United forward at a fee which he would not disclose, but which he described as reasonable. What adds piquancy to the transfer is the fact Everton today play Manchester United at Goodison Park. And it is quite possible that Buckle will make his Everton debut against his team of yesterday. There is little doubt that Manchester United manager Matt Busby who was contemporary with Manager Britton in his playing days in this city, has done Everton a good turn. That Buckle was to leave United was a secret to most people in football, but Mr. Britton had an idea it was coming off.” Buckle who is about twenty four and who started his football in London junior football, can play in almost any forward position but has appeared in the United side mostly on the right flank. He made a great impression at Anfield two seasons ago when deputizing for Delaney.
Busby’s First Signing
Buckle was Mr. Busby’s first signing when he took over at Manchester in 1945. He was first spotted by the eagle eye of Louis Rocco the United chief scout. Buckle learned much of his football in the Navy during the war. He got a goal at Leeds in an impressive debut for United. In appearance Buckle who is 5ft 10 ½ inches and 10 stone 8lbs resembles Joe Mercer the Arsenal captain. He is slightly taller of course, and is therefore more frail looking, but like Mercer, he goes into the game sternly and with vigour. When I asked Mr. Britton whether this was the only Everton signing we could expect over the week-end, he was non-commital. At least Buckle’s signing is a start was the way he put it. Everton followers will take great heart from the move and will hope for further information of a similar kind. The Everton team could hardly face stiffer opposition than that likely to be offered by Manchester United, especially as the news last night was that Matt Busby’s side was back to full strength by the return of Welsh international half-back Warner, and goalkeeper Crompton, McGlen and Feechan re the players replaced.
Powell Capped Again
Wales make two changes one positional for the match at Cardiff on November 23 against Belgium. Aubrey Powell, of Everton gets his seventh post-war cap as partner to Clarke, Manchester City. T.G. Jones is also playing for Wales.
EVERTON’S NEW FORWARD
November 12, 1949. The Evening Express
Buckle Played At Goodison Today
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Teddy Buckle the versatile Manchester United forward, last night was signed for Everton by Manager Cliff Britton, who thus made his second major signing since he took over at Goodison Park. The first was Jim McIntosh from Blackpool last season for £5,500. The signing of Buckle is a master stroke by Everton for Ted was on the “wanted list” by practically every team in the First Division. The fee is considerable enough, but by no means exorbitant. Everton have secured a player who should infuse that “Life” into the attack which has been lacking in several matches. Buckle played against his old club Manchester United, at Goodison Park today. Team; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Lello; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, Buckle. Everton’s midfield play has been good enough for anything, but the liveliness such as Buckle’s always brings to an attack, should go a long way towards enabling Everton to find the striking power. Buckle, who was one of manager Matt Busby’s early signings for United, actually played at Goodison Park last Saturday for the United Central League team. Buckle is a Londoner who learned the game in junior circles and served in the Royal Navy during the war. His is slim, but tall and wiry, is clever with either foot and can shoot. But maybe his greatest asset is his speed and control. Ted prefers playing on either wing, but United have utilized him this season as inside forward; in fact, he partnered Mitten earlier this season in the game against Liverpool. At Anfield which was drawn. Buckle has made seven team appearances for United this season. I am certain he will prove a fine investment.
MANCHESTER UNITED MEET THE BUCKLE IN EVERTON SIDE
November 12, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 0, Manchester United 0
By Contact
A fair draw in Buckle’s debut match. The newcomers began very well, and then became rather timid. Everton did extraordinary well to hold a side which had scored 13 goals in their last four matches. There were many mistakes but that was only to be expected in such a gale. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Humphreys and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, and Buckle, forwards. Manchester United; Crompton, goal; Carey and Aston, backs; Warner, Chilton and Cockburn, half-backs; Delaney, Logan, Rowley, Pearson and Mitton, forwards. Referee; Mr. M.H.P. Hartley (Burnley). Ordinarily there would have been 50,000 to 60,000 people at Goodison Park to welcome the new Everton signing Ted Buckle, whose first game for his new club was against the club to which he belonged yesterday. But this was no ordinary day. A full gale eddied between the stands, and although it was not actually raining, the prospects of rain was very evident. On such a day a footballer could be excused any mistake, and as for the goalkeepers, well, dealing with high centres would be like trying to catch a balloon. It seemed at the last minutes Jones found a leg knock which he had suffered at Hampden Park prevented his playing and Humphreys was the substitute. Farrell captained Everton. A fine bit of tackling by Humphreys against Rowley cu short United’s first minute down-the middle move, and thus early it was plain that the game, through the conditions would be 90 minutes of freakishness. United, by winning the toss, had taken the big advantage of having the swirling wind behind them, and Sagar’s first goal-kick scarcely reached the near side of the centre circle. Buckle’s first real work showed him to be practical, although when he went forward to take a return pass and go on to centre, the movement broke down.
Sagar There First
United were best when Pearson delivered a rangey pass and Rowley got the better of Saunders and went on to centre a fast ball across the face of the goal. There were no other United players up to make contact, though Sagar, timing his outgoing well, just got there first against little Delaney, who was moving to the ball purposefully. Again Buckle came into the picture when he unselfishly led to McIntosh going outside left to deliver a square centre which Cockburn headed away when there seemed every chance of Everton getting a goal. Saunders was having a thin time against Rowley, who continually went to the wing, and once Rowley won a sharp battle against the Everton full back and swung across to the far side of the field one of those spread-eagling passes one so rarely sees. It was hard, unrelenting football with the ball nearly always master. Farrell boring through persistently offered the choicest of passes to Higgins, whose centre Buckle could not quite reach with his head. United’s versatility was never better demonstrated than when Mitten changed over with Delaney, at outside right, to win a corner. Then the crowd criticized McIntosh for his short pass to Powell but the Everton centre forward’s timing was proved to be perfectly correct, and the attack went on to end in Crompton taking a grand catch from Higgins, with McIntosh missing with his charge ad ending up in the back of the net. Carey already had almost earned his bonus by judging the swerving ball admirably, both with head and foot. In view of the fact that they faced the gale, Everton’s first 20 minutes had been unexpectedly good. Buckle got the better of Carey by use of the feint, one of the few times I have seen Carey beaten at close quarters. The game at this point was one chapter of mistakes. Nor was it surprising. All things considered the football had been good considering the tremendous handicap of the gale. McIntosh with a lovely through pass to Powell and Powell by almost teeing it up for Buckle offered the debutant the chance of a goal, but Buckle hit the ball wide. It was not the easiest of chances, Farrell who had performed valiantly all along now hooked the ball over head from a Mitton centre, with all the finesse in the world. Rowley, standing ten yards outside the penalty box, literally lashed in a swerving shot for which Sagar went over to the right to take the ball nicely to his body.
Fierce Effort
Powell, with Wainwright racing through and calling for the ball, made a forward pass to perfection, but Crompton came out and virtually closed the door, although Wainwright, by getting his toe to the ball, cannoned a shot against the goalkeeper’s body. Crompton was lucky to escape injury with Wainwright coming in so fiercely. McIntosh bamboozling Chilton contrived to get across his centre, but Crompton was there for the catch. The United attack, and its half back support, was a one-piece affair, and it was obvious that if the conditions had been more, normal the Everton defensive load would have been much heavier. Buckle was not now nearly so sharp as he had been in the opening moments, and Carey had measured him. Pearson should definitely have scored with his head from a right-wing centre which left him little to do, but in trying to glance the ball wide of Sagar he also put it wide of the post. Everton were the luckiest side in the world to escape a penalty when Humphrey’s leg tangled with Pearson’s as Pearson was in full cry for a Rowley’s pass, but no penalty was awarded.
Injury Stoppages
The first stoppage was for a head injury to Lello, who, when the game continued dabbed his bleeding forehead with a handkerchief. Bogan was damaged on the goalline, and there was a further stoppage and Humphreys also suffered a head blow in the same incident, but both were able to resume. From the corner, which Bogan had won, Sagar made a fine save from a Pearson header. Rowley had three Everton defenders tangled up on the right wing, but duly produced a hanging centre which Sagar punched away one-handed. One of the new penalty box free kicks were arose when Humphreys obstructed Rowley, and the referee lined up Everton only a yard or two in front of Sagar. Sagar, of course, insisted on not being unsighted and therefore the situation was really that the United taker had a fair chance of snaffling a goal, Delaney side-footed the ball to Rowley, but before Rowley’s foot could swing down on the ball a mass of blue was on him, and the opening was closed. Buckle appeared to rap his ankle and limped for a moment or two, and United, right on the interval, were forestalled of a goal by the flying feet of Lello, who cut out Mitten’s stinging shot when all seemed lost.
Half-time; Everton 0, Manchester United 0.
Everton’s chances of getting a win, after holding out in the first half, were far from negligible, if they could produce more shots than United had when things were in their favour.
Honours to Dugdale
Neither Everton winger, however, was much in the picture, and it was left to Dugdale to continue to take honours for some fine full back work against Delaney – a difficult man to play at any time. Saunders paid the penalty of trying to beat Mitten at close quarters, and Mitton left him floundering and pulled the ball back square for Rowley. Fortunately for Sagar, Rowley’s shot went off at half-cock, and Sagar by getting down to it, pushed it away with no special difficulty. Carey did brilliantly to dispossess Buckle, after Powell had put his partner through, and to go on to complete his clearance. Carey does this sort of thing supremely well and in the unhurried way which marks the true artists. The United defence, trying to connect with a ball which swung and swirled like a ping-pong ball were having anything but a happy innings and made mistakes after mistakes. Everton deserved a goal when Powell delieverd an angled shot which hung badly and caused Crompton to make a last minute save at the angle. He punched the ball out, but only to where Higgins was standing, and Higgins might well have scored himself from such a position. Instead he tried to make it a certainty for McIntosh and before that player could do anything about it he was successfully tackled.
Higgins Too Slow
Higgins was slow with several good chances, but the Everton spirit was such that the crowd sensed a possible win, and roared joyously for it. Farrell “courting” the ball on the whitewash of the touchline, was superb, and set the seal on a first rate day’s work. Everton were at their most penetrative when Dugdale got Higgins going, and Wainwright hit his partner’s pass wide of goal in a fiercely drive shot –just the kind of thing which could lead to a goal in the conditions. The crowd showed its displeasure when Higgins was plainly misjudging a header, in a duel with Aston but Higgins was damaged and needed attention. Then Dugdale came across Mitten to prevent an almost certain goal, and Sagar picked the ball from Pearson’s toes, almost as the winger was about to shoot. That escape was nothing to the one Everton had when Rowley, with a characteristic left foot shot, disturbed the side goal netting and many, for a moment through the ball was in, and not outside. Humphreys was having a good game, and Saunders now made a match-winning tackle Sagar took the ball from Rowley’s toes when Mitton once again put the ball squarely into the goalmouth in a most acceptable way. Bogan and Delaney changed places but United although on top for a while, could not make anything of their advantage. Sagar had to be very determined when pulling the ball down in a splendid catch after Brogan centred and Pearson came in, challenged vigorously. Higgins held his head in shame when missing the easiest centring chances, but it is easy to be critical on a day like this, and a different thing altogether doing the job. Higgins was unfortunate to find a through pass which Wainwright hanging so badly that he could not make anything of it. United appealed for an offside decision but in this case there was no basic for them.
Chances Missed
Wainwright’s persistency in following up again produced a possible scoring chance for Buckle but he elected to centre and that was that. Then Pearson missed the best chance of the match, misconnecting with his left foot when not more than seven yards out. Sagar, I dare say could scarcely believe his eyes and Pearson certainly couldn’t. the crowd claimed for a penalty against United in the rather desperate closing moments but if there was an appeal it was turned down, and at the other end after Farrell had headed the ball for a corner and was preparing to take up position for this the decision was “goal-kick.” Lello’s stern tackling was paying and he offered a gorgeous pass to McIntosh whose low centre Higgins could not quite reach. The crowd were snaring encouragement for Everton to finish of some surging attacks and in this season at least Everton have rarely fought so well. Aston came in for much booing when crashed into Higgins, and laid the Everton winger flat at the touch-line. Higgins was off the field being attended to when the free kick was taken. Dugdale came up at outside left in a heavy bid to get a goal but misjudged his centre by yards. Higgins came back two minutes before the end and the crowd were still booing Aston. Final; Everton 0, Manchester United 0. Attendance; 46,672.
W. BROM RES V EVERTON RES
November 12, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
From the start Lewis and Hampson went close. Albion forwards were dangerous near goal. Burnett was fortunate to clear while Clinton and Rankin each cleared off the line. From a Carter centre Lewis caused Heath to drop the ball but Benton put over. Few chances came Everton’s way Hampson caused Heath to go full length to save. Half-time; West Bromwich Albion Res nil, Everton Res 0. Everton improved in the second half and swarmed around the West Bromwich goal. Hampson worked the ball down but Parker fired wildly over the open goal. Benton and Lewis both had chances but were wide. Falder and his backs supplied their forwards with opportunities. In 73 minutes Betteridge broke through and scored. Full time; West Brom Res 1, Everton Res nil.
IT WOULD PAY EVERTON BOARD TO TAKE THE PUBLIC INTO THEIR CONFIDENCE
November 12, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Ranger’s Weekly Commentary
May Do Some Good
If the move of the Everton Shareholders’ Association to call an extraordinary meeting of members does no more than induce the board to take shareholders and supporters into their confidence, it will have achieved something worthwhile. At various times over the years I have pleaded for clubs to do just this. Obviously, there are many occasions, such as when actual negotiation are pending, when secrecy is essential. But when many months have passed and all we have had has been constant reiteration of the assurance that the club is doing its best to make strengthening signings, but nothing concrete has happened, it is small wonder that supporters begin to lose patience and wonder whether they are just being led up the garden path. There is no mistaken feeling of complacency at Everton. The manager and board are just as concerned about the position as the most loyal supporter. What have they to lose by taking their followers into their confidence? True, they wish to keep the present players happy and contented and to obtain from them their utmost endeavours by any player of common sense knows that when a club of Everton’s tradition and financial standing finds itself, season after season, threatened with possible relegation, it is bound to be looking for new players. Even clubs comfortably placed cannot afford to shut their eyes to the future. How much less can a club in Everton’s position ignore the obvious.
Candour Would Pay
My sympathies are with the playing staff as well as with Manager Cliff Britton in his very difficult task. I cannot conceive however, that a public statement by the board as to what has been attempted during the past three months or so would make the present Everton players any less keen to put forth their best efforts. Rather the contrary. It might spur them on to added effort in the knowledge that they will have to play their places. I feel confident that candour would pay Everton well. It would kill the rumours that are rife it would dispel much of the dissatisfaction felt by supporters that the board has been burying its head in the sand, and relieve the manager, whose acumen and knowledge is beyond question from a somewhat invidious position. Failure to take shareholders and supporters into their confidence in the past has led to much unfounded criticism, to say nothing of encouraging and perpetuating harmful rumours, of which far too many are in circulation at the present moment. The public provides the money which keeps the club going. It has some right to consideration. What about it, gentlemen? Let us have greater co-operation between the board, shareholders and the man-in-the-street. Take the people into your confidence and you will find them rallying round loyally. Will you do it?
LETTER-BOX
November 12, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Liverpool Supporters Deny Evertonian Allegation
Not Guilty
Liverpool enthusiasts shouldn’t be condoned for the sins of a mere handful. It may be true that a few Liverpoolians go to Goodison to jeer instead of cheers, but the vast majority of decent sportsmanlike among Liverpool spectators are sorry to see Everton in their present plight and wish them well. So long as Liverpool are in front we don’t mind how well Everton do –Sportsman (West Derby).
Appeal To Koppites
I noticed at the Everton shareholders meeting a suggestion that Liverpool supporters crossed the park to “boo” the Everton team when at home. As a 30 years Liverpool supporter I most strongly refuse this although irresponsible youngsters may jeer both teams at times. Why not appeal to the “Reds” supporters to attend Goodison and cheer for the Blues. If you could only induce the “Spion Kop Roarers” to help dispirited Everton to win, wouldn’t it help Liverpool too.” After all, the majority of us don’t want a local team to go down. –Liverpoolian Leopold Street Wallasey.
Plea For Open Letter
As a reader of your notes, I wish to know why don’t make outstanding remarks regarding Everton’s failure this season. Last season when Liverpool only won five home games you wrote an open letter to their directors. Why don’t you write an open letter to Everton.” When Everton and Liverpool meet you tell us you don’t care who wins, but the other 40 matches you are Red all over. Look through your files and you will find this season Liverpool have never played or beaten a full team, Sunderland, Stoke, Bolton, Manchester United, West Brom, and Blackpool all had weakened teams through injury and international calls. Tell your public that Ranger. I now come to Liddell who is overrated. Surely you could not compare him with stars like Alan Morton, Dally Duncan, Troup, Caskie, or even Mitchell of Newcastle. We have two teams in Liverpool. Be fair in your judgment and write that open letter to Everton directors and state them like you did Liverpool – Fairplay, Everton Avenue.
“Good for you Fairplay” I like to get letters with a kick in them. But where have you been all these weeks? True I’ve not yet written an Open Letter to Everton but if you’d read my notes regularly during the week and in Saturday morning’s Soccer specials, and the Football Edition, you’d realize I’ve not been defending or whitewashing them. You say I’m Red all over, yet that I “slated” Liverpool. One seems to cancel out the other. You ask for “fair play” but you yourself although mentioning the alleged weakness through injury of sides. Liverpool have played, don’t point out that Liverpool themselves have been without regulars such as Shepherd, Bill Jones, Paisley, Balmer, and Payne, some for long periods. And Liverpool also were without two players on the only international game played on a Saturday. Still stick to my opinion of Liddell. We’ll agree to differ, but write again any time you want to let off steam. Best wishes.
Constructive Suggestion
I am pleased to see Everton shareholders are at last raising their voices, not as an association but as members of the company, and intend asking the board for an account of their stewardship. At the same time it would appear that an unnamed shareholder was the only one to put forward a constructive suggestion, which is worthy of further examination. We should be glad of a shareholders who is prepared to approach the matter in a non-blased manner, and was just as ready to protect the directors as to condemn his fellow shareholders –P.L. Caulfield, 17 Scargreen Avenue, West Derby.
Second Thoughts Best
I wrote you recently saying I would never watch Everton again but I and two mates went by Ribble coach to West Brom, I think we three roared the Blues on loudly than all Goodison put together. It was worth it. We came out of the ground as if they had won. What football. Even Albion supporters had to admit Everton were the best team seen in the Midlands this season. Who said Everton had no fighting spirit? Coming home we gave the Everton team a cheer as they passed us in the tunnel, and the acknowledged with big smiles. Here’s hoping for a big roar on Saturday –Spitts Blue of Swan.
“Good for you, pal, You’re a very loyal Evertonian and a sportsman. More like you, trying to lift the rock off the stand would put new hear into the side. Keep on with the good work.
A GOOD POINT
November 14, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Manchester United 0
By Leslie Edwards
Everton’s point from the Manchester United match may be a turning point. The very fact that a new player is in the side can have a psychological effect and although Buckle’s debut was pitched in minor key the side as a whole has rarely played better this season. Buckle began almost too well. He first got the better of Carey at close quarters and in several other movements showed up well and unselfishly and gave the impression that he will be a fit at outside left. Obviously his first match, on such a day, was a more than usually testing one – the ball spun and veered in the gale disconcertingly and even a master like Carey frequently mistimed his clearances. United, with first use of the gale, should have scored, but Humphreys was in they shall not pass mood and had a fine game and Dugdale reveling in keeping the mercurial Delaney in check has never played better in my experience. Farrell too was outstandingly good.
Crompton Save
United were all smooth effectiveness and their half-back line is almost part of their attack, but there were times when Everton might have got away with what must have been, the most unexpected win of them all Crompton made one wonderful save from a Powell shot taken as he pivoted and Buckle had at least two chances off which he might have gone on to score. United rely so much on pure football it was aggravating to find Aston in the crowd’s bad books for a foul on Higgins, who had a luckless day; yet near the end came into the centre to surprise Crompton by taking the ball almost from his grasp. Everton still need further infections of ability and fighting spirit, but no one can critical of them for their work in this match.
• West Brom Res 1, Everton Res 0
• Runcorn Res 4, Everton “A” 2
EVERTON RECAPTURE FIGHTING SPIRIT
November 14, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton are recapturing that great fighting-spirit which in many pre-war season’s made the most-feared side in the county. This was demonstrated beyond doubt on Saturday, when by their great performance against Manchester United at Goodison Park, they threw the words back into the teeth of their critics. The Blues had the urge and ability for fighting for which Liverpool have become fainted, and somehow the crowd – the best in the First Division –became infect with the new spirit. As Everton battered away at the United goal in the last quarter the Goodison “roar” was as highly encouraging as the “Kop roar” has been to the Reds over the years. It was a gay, lighter-hearted team and band of spectators who seemed to be working in unison to bring about the downfall of the United. It showed a new belief in Everton –a belief that this new spirit will enable Everton to live down the immediate past and rebuild for a splendid future. As the Blues gained a precious and unexpected point, the Reds were striding to yet another triumph, while yesterday Everton players Farrell and Corr were losing their interest in the world cup for Eire lost 3-1 at Dalymount Park to Sweden who become the group winners.
Great Show
Everton’s display is holding the brilliant United scoring machine to a goal-less draw – Everton’s fifth of the season –was most encouraging. It was not so much the achievement as the manner of its achievement that delighted. Take it from me the United were pretty pleased when the final whistle sounded. The Blues had luck when one gilt-edged chance was missed, but they also had tremendous ill-luck when Powell shot to the right spit in an unexpected way but Crompton just managed to pull the ball down. That was the save of a game completely dominated by the Everton half-backs, with Humphreys really great against the roaming, electric-footed Rowley, and Farrell and Lello the complete masters of Pearson and Bogan. There was a now intensity about the Everton tackling, with all ready to follow Dugdale’s early example when he let Delaney know who was to be “boss.” And throughout Dugdale was right on top of the Scots, supplementing his fine tackling and intervention with delightful use of the ball. This was the complete defender who did not take second place even to Carey against whom Ted Buckle had his moments which point conclusively to the fact that he is going to prove an Everton asset. Saunders had the sense to learn that it was fatal to try tricks with the quick United forwards, while Powell and Wainwright outshone the United inside men, Powell being the epitome of quick thought and action, and Wainwright touching the form that made him one of the most-feared inside men in the country. Buckle suited me, and McIntosh was excellent in midfield, without ever trying a shot because too often an opponent was allowed to get between him and the goal. That lack of shot from Everton was still there, but Powell , Buckle and Fielding showed the way it should be done, and there was a move towards improvement. Billy Higgins was not happy at outside-right for he took so long to get the ball across, but Sagar did his little extremely well, his best saves coming from Pearson and Bogan’s quick centre. Generally speaking, this was a hope-giving battling display by men who so obviously are trying by sheer grit and spirit to break the shackles of ill-luck which bind them. Thanks Everton, for a great show and the point and for the pre-view of the better things which are to come.
WALES 1 SWEDEN 3
November 14, 1949.
Notes only.
Peter Farrell and Peter Corr played for Wales in the World Cup at Dublin, yesterday afternoon, the Swedes qualified for the competition proper in Brazil.
BUCKLE STARTS WELL
November 14, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, by getting a draw against the Manchester United team which had scored 13 goals in its previous four matches, did much better than most of us anticipated (writes Contact). The debut of Buckle seemed to have a good effect on the whole Everton team and they fought splendidly to earn splendidly to earn a point, which may well give them new heart. Buckle began magnificently, perhaps too well, because when Carey got him measured as the game progressed he seemed not nearly so lively. That he is a talented player with feinting propensity, and that he is more a team man that individualist was proved beyond doubt long before the end. Owing to a leg knock Tom Jones suffered in the international last Wednesday the way was made clear for another appearance as substitute of Jack Humphreys. This was one of his really good games, though the outstanding Everton defenders was Dugdale. Delaney is not often kept so quiet as Dugdale kept him on this occasion. Farrell, too, has rarely played better. Trying to play good football in a full gale was something even United, with all their stars could not wholly succeed in. The great Carey like all others was guilty of not hitting the ball truly in clearances, and no wonder; the ball swerved and wavered like a table tennis ball. Having survived Manchester United and the gale in a hectic first half. Everton had every chance of creating the day’s surprise, but Crompton made a brilliant save from Powell and Everton failed to use what other chances came their way. All told it was a good draw. The only contentious point was Aston’s foul on Higgins late on which caused him to be booed almost continually for the last ten minutes. Powell, McIntosh and Wainwright contributed some forward play which should have led to goals and only Higgins, who was completely out of luck and Saunders who found Mitten too much of a handful, could be said to have fallen below normal form.
EVERTON’S BID FOR FIRST SOUTH POINT
November 18, 1949, The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Everton set out for Stamford Bridge, where they face Chelsea in the hope of gaining their first point of the season from a southern trip. So far the Blues have crashed at Arsenal and Portsmouth, but taking a line through their renewed spirit and endeavour against Manchester United last week, I shall not be surprised if they record their first win since September 3. It is certain that Chelsea are far from being convincing at home, in fact, they have lost their last three matches there – to Burnley, Aston Villa, and Portsmouth. The only thing Everton have been lacking is striking power. The reluctance to take a chance has been rather tantalizing, but if that fault can be cured there should be due reward, for Everton’s good midfield play.
• Everton Res v Barnsley Res at Goodison Park
• Everton “B” v. Distillers at Bellefield
UNFANCIED EVERTON GO TO TOWN BUT CHELSEA WIN
November 19, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Chelsea 3, Everton 2
A harsh verdict, Everton have units whose studious and able along the floor moves cannot do other than help them out of their difficulty, but in other respects the side is without luck, without confidence, and apparently without the desire to keep the ball on the floor. Chelsea; Medhurst, goal; Bathgate and Hughes, backs; Armstrong, Harris, and Macauley, half-backs; Gray, Bowie, Bentley, Billington and Jones (B.), forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Humphreys, and Lello, half-backs; Higgins, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, and Buckle, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Trenholm (Stoke). The new Everton forward, Ted Buckle, played today with plaster over a cut below his right eye. He collided with Jackie Grant in a practice match during the week and Grant’s damage was even worse, necessitating a stitch. Chelsea started well, with a lot of speed, and Humphreys and Lello both had to make good tackles and Sagar found a Bowie volley coming to him fast out of the mist. He made a half volley save but could not hold the ball which went on for a corner. As an opening it was as dull and without drama as any I have seen for a long time. Everton had moments when a little more thoughtful forward play would have paid better than the hasty and rather haphazard endeavour which charactereised most of their attacks. Even the crowd became restive at Chelsea’s inability to get going in a sustained way. McIntosh outnumbered and not finding opportunity to get rid of the ball, got a corner, and from this Buckle headed in quite well, but Medhurst tackled his first real work adequately. Everton’s only forwards so far were McIntosh and Higgins. When McIntosh went outside left and centred a fast low ball, Powell shot it instantaneously, and got much pace on it, and Medhurst did really well to escape at the cost of a corner. As a side Everton were not playing anything like as well as they did against Manchester United. For a long time the only danger from Everton was a move in which Farrell’s determination led to Wainwright making a venture shot which flew wide. The ball was slashed about the field at great speed by both sides, but as for studded football, there just wasn’t any. Chelsea kept coming up with a big shot –we had one now from Bowie – but all of them were off the target. The only really good attack that had so far deserved a goal, but Bowie from a squarely pulled centre by Grey, blasted the ball wide. Buckle tried hard to get some speed on a header his chance arising from a deflected Farrell centre, but it was an easy catch for the goalkeeper. Higgins at this stage received a nasty blow to the head, and needed attention and then Aubrey Powell, surely the most luckless of shooters hit a storming right-foot shot against the outer side of the upright.
More Ill-Luck
Everton continued their out-of-luck story when Buckle won the ball from Bathgate turned it across to McIntosh and must have been more than mortified to see McIntosh’s shot strike Hughes, standing two yards from goal and rebound to safety. Chelsea then bombarded an Everton goal, which did a little goal-packing on its own account. In this five minutes’ spell the game had burst into life, and the Everton side had come back at a stroke to the kind of stuff they put up last week. Hereabouts the visibility was obscured almost as if by a blanket. McIntosh had worked tremendously hard. Chelsea all but scored twice just on the interval, Sagar in each case getting to the ball when the odds seemed against him. Hughes was damaged, and had to receive attention.
Half-time; Chelsea nil, Everton nil.
The second half opened almost identically with the first, except that even more passes went higher and more inaccurately. Saunders and Dugdale were having a good innings, and Farrell was doing his best to put some inspiration into his side, but there was not a lot of response. Chelsea should have led when Sagar punched Gray’s centre away to where Billington stood ready to ram the ball into goal, but the chance was missed. The shot slewed right across the face of goal. Buckle was keeping the ball in play with wonderful artistry, beat Bathgate and offered an along-the-floor pass which no partner accepted. For a spell Everton got on top and a back heel stab by Buckle off a centre from the right was yet another bit of first-class football ability. An Everton phalanx stood between Gray and a goal when Sagar was not at home, and again the game seemed to come to life. At 20 minutes after the resumption Chelsea scored through Billington. The ball ran kindly for him when he was 25 yards out, and his drive was so fierce there was little Sagar could do about it. The decision too, was right – in the goal angle. Everton equalized within three minutes through Buckle –his first goal for his new club. Higgins forced a corner, and the scorer lurked at the fringe of the ruck as though he could not care less what happened to Higgins’ corner. Then, running in and timing his header beautifully, he edged the ball safely out of Medhurst’s reach. Wainwright was too individualistic to be effective, and at times ploughed on and on ignoring others who could have helped him out of difficulty, Buckle was most practical and unselfish in all he did. Benny Jones ex-Tranmere, got a special cheer when he at last beat Saunders. Chelsea were knocking at the door again and the Everton defence had nothing in hand in a long spell of hard work. Another fine Buckle dribble and a pass to McIntosh was worth a goal but McIntosh did not get hold of his shot properly. Gray should have scored with a shot which strangely was mit-hit. Dugdale dropping back, hooked the ball off the line. After Sagar had made a good punch away, despite slipping Chelsea scored again at 82 minutes through Jones. No a great goal, but a very vital one at this stage. When Billington hit another truly glorious shot two minutes later Chelsea went to 3-1. Billington’s two were from chackajack shots. The Everton defence in these last few minutes just wilted under Chelsea pressure. Higgins scored a second for Everton right on time. Final; Chelsea 3, Everton 2.
EVERTON RES V BARNSLEY RES
November 19, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res; Burnett, goal; Clinton and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Falder, and Rankin, half-backs; Corr, Bentham (captain), Moore, Hampson and Parker, forwards. Barnsley Res; Kelly, goal; Swallow, and March, backs; Blanchflower, Scattergood, and Narkey, half-backs; Bonnar, Menzie, Norminton, Hamilton, Deakin, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.S. L. Ramsden (North Staffs). Everton had the better of the play in the initial stages, Corr and Bentham gave the Barnsley defence a worrying time. Barnsley were a well-combined side, but Hedley was capable of dealing with Bonner. Barnsley’s most dangerous forward. Just before the interval Corr and Moore had hard lines infirst time efforts. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Barnsley Res 0. Final; Everton Res 1, Barnsley Res 1.
EVERTONIANS DO THEIR STUFF IN GREAT STYLE
November 19, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Letter-Box
This Was More Like It
Thanks to your various appeals, the vocal encouragement given to Everton last week by Goodison supporters was a big improvement on anything we have heard before this season. Keep on with the good work. The board should pass you a vote of thanks for the way you have tried to stimulate enthusiasm and loyalty –Hopeful Blue” Medlick Street, Kirkdale.
“Thanks friend, Whether improvement was due to my remarks or Everton’s better play is a moot point. As for a vote of thanks by the board – you Are an optimist!
Roll Away, Clouds
After last Saturday’s game, never again decry the encouragement given to the Blues. Always’s remember was Evertonians have been used only the best. You know what we’ve had to put up with these last three seasons. Another thing is your song of praise for the “Kop.” Admittedly it is a good roar, and is there even when things look black, but then the cheers turn to jeers and slow handclapping a thing we don’t have at Goodison. More power to your pen in informing the directors of the anxieties of most “under the clockers.” The signing of Buckle is a start. This team would held its own with the best (A.N. Other denoting player to be brought;) ;- Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Farrell, Jones, Lello; A.N.Other, Wainwright, A.N. Other, Powell, Buckle. Just two men would do the trick –Blue Bias,” June Street, Bootle.
“Because one swallow doesn’t make a summer, I hope the crowd will continue its good work. Didn’t see last week’s Goodison game, but apparently the folks had plenty to make them cheer. Let’s hope the team continues to give them the opportunity, and spectators will respond all right. It’s a “happy circle” business. The crowd can help the players and the players can help the crowd. Let the board also take the people into their confidence and we shall have a happier atmosphere all round.
From Another “Exile”
As an Evertonian now domiciled in the Midlands, I would like to endorse “Spitts Blues” remarks (Echo, 12 November) regarding Everton’s display at West Brom. For 80 minutes they gave the finest display of real football I’ve seen for several seasons. Beautiful to watch – until they reached the penalty area. If only “Dixie” of Lawton had been in the middle. With a bit more “devil” in the attack I think they are capable of better things. Good luck to you and the beloved Football Echo –Born Blue, Shirley, Birmingham.
“Heartbreaking”
I have been a supporter of Everton for 50 years. When I look back and think of the class of football they served up in the past and what we are getting today, it is disgraceful. It must be heartbreaking for the good men in the team, who are only few. It’s time some money was spent on new blood to give the supporters value. They have pulled the spectators leg long enough. If they don’t they will go down to Division 2 and with the same team I doubt if they will even stay there. True Blue, Moscow Drive, Liverpool 13.
Matter of Opinion
First I wish to apologise for my sharp words to you last week, I just got wild. Everton are still playing beautiful football in approach but more trustful forwards are needed. Mr. Britton has a thankless job with the material he has got. I suggest giving Farrell a run at centre forward, and Tommy Jones at inside right; his height would be useful. Dugdale would also put speed into the line. Birmingham tried full back Trigg at centre forward and he scored a bagful of goals. Everton must either experiment or pay fancy prices. Hoping the ball runs more kindly for them in future –Old-timer Edinburgh Road, Liverpool 7.
“Don’t apalogise, Old Timer, You are entitled to your view as much as I am and I don’t mind-if you get wild. If you bottle it up you’ll only get high blood pressure! Your idea of bringing defenders into the attack might strengthen the latter, but who would fill the gaps in the defence? Sounds rather a desperate sort of experiment. A settled period without changes might be more helpful in effecting improvement. It’s all a matter of opinion.
Good Affairs
The letter from “Fairplay” departs from the point. He is evidently an Everton supporter who is not pleased with the Blues record but I cannot see the connection with this and Liddell being over rated. He mentions five players as being superior to Liddell. I have no hesitation in saying that Liddell is equal to Duncan and Mitchell. As for Troup and Caskie, they were not in the same street. The Blues are having a bad spell but I think they will recover. I would suggest that supporters give the players more vocal encouragement no matter how badly things are going. I would also suggest that they drop that well-worn phrase “We play better football than Liverpool.” Assuming this to be true, where has it got them.” Surely it is obvious their type of football is not winning games. Would it not be better to emulate other clubs and get away from the bottom of the League, unless of course, the result does not count as long as the team play good football without getting the goals. If this is so, then Evertonians have nothing to complain about. Don’t despair Everton supporters, go to Goodison and shout as if you were at the top of the league and your team were three up. Take no notice of the bloke standing next to you who has so much “information” about what is happening and why the club are doing badly. He knows no more than you do –G.F. Bell, 11 Selby Road, Liverpool 9.
There’s a Catch in It
Has any Everton player ever missed two penalties in succession in the same game in post-war football “Doubtful” Myers Road, East Great Crosby.
“Yes and no, according to how you interpret the question. Walter Boyes ,missed twice in succession from the spot against Aston Villa at Goodison on New Years Day, 1947 but Everton were not awarded two penalties. The original one was retaken because of an infringement. Now you can sort it out for yourself .
TOO RARELY
November 21, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Chelsea 3, Everton 2
By Leslie Edwards
Everton can scarcely do right. In spite of the thousands of critics who have their own idea, of what is wrong I suggest that the team could do much better if they would only allow themselves to. Everton, at Stamford Bridge, did what so many desperate teams do, tried to do everything in undue haste. The result was that the ball speeded about the field freely and with abandon but only occasionally in the right direction and in the right way. If Everton could be persuaded on rest the ball on the floor and keep it there, and aim at building up constructively. I am sure the policy would pay. It could not pay less than the one they appear to have now.
Too Rarely
There were a few occasions on which Powell, McIntosh, and Buckle got together and moved sweetly as a trinity, but too rarely for an average Chelsea to be much perturbed. Chelsea missed good chances, and still won 3-2 even through Higgins got a last minute goal. It is in the Everton defences favour that they held their opponents to a goal until late in the game and also that the two goals scored by Billington came from the great open spaces, far out with no particular lead to them. They were two snorters and though I heard it mentioned that Sagar might have saved the first I think he had no chance with either. Powell had a good match, too, and so did the full backs and half-backs but that forward line is really a headache I made McIntosh a hard-working and successful leader of the line. The trouble is that it rarely plays as a line and individualistic effort, well intentioned though it may be can be ruinous. Powell is a luckless shooter, Medhurst made one terrific save from him and when he was beaten the post intervened McIntosh, too, was unlucky not to score on the first half. It is useless Everton pointing out their misfortunes –of which they seem to have more than must clubs – while results go all one way. If only it were possible for the side to go on determined to play football, ball on the floor, and leave the results to take care of itself I am convinced they would prove they are not nearly so indifferent as their record makes them out to be.
BUCKLE’S PROMISE
November 21, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton were well worth a point at Chelsea according to colleague Radar, who comments; The brightest feature of Everton’s display at Stamford Bridge where they were a shade unlucky, was the encouraging work of both Buckle, who proved that he is likely to be quite an acquisition. Buckle pleased not only by the manner in which he took his goal, but by his judicious use of the ball and progressive ideas. Pity that for long periods of the game –too long –Buckle was starved of service, but right well did he respond when the calls were made on him. “Another pleasing feature was Everton’s greater willingness to shoot, and right up to Billington’s opening goal they more than held their own. Powell and McIntosh were unlucky in the first half, and indications are that goals will soon be coming. The defence did well until, as at West Bromwich, it cracked in the closing minutes, Saunders completely bottled up Jones, and Dugdale stood up well to the speedy Gray, while Sagar had not the slightest chance with the scoring shots. Humphreys refused to be lured out of position by the roaming Bentley and I though Farrell rather the more effective wing half-back. McIntosh worked hard and Higgins took his chance well without having an impressive game. Powell and Wainwright spoiled a deal of good work by at times not knowing whether to part or hold. “
BLUES TO HASTY
November 21, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are still disturbing their followers and although they were beaten only 3-2 at Chelsea they did not play anything like as well as they had against Manchester United (writes Contact). As I see it their position makes them desperately hasty in most of their moves, and until they begin to play more considered stuff it seems likely they will go on losing. There is no lack of effort, the players fight hard and with spirit, but they do themselves less than justice because they are so wrapped up in doing the right thing and doing it over-quickly. How I wonder would they fare if they concentrated less on speed and more on getting the ball under control and then aiming at something more constructive than the long pass, too often hit too high in the air to be useful against Chelsea? It is easy to be critical, but I am sure that if the team were encouraged to move in a more concerned way there would be less haste and a more practical approach to the game. It is still obvious that the Everton defence is good enough if the forward line can find some method of getting a reasonable number of goals. In this game Aubrey Powell (twice) and McIntosh were unlucky with good shots. Powell hit the post and was prevented from scoring only by a magnificent Medhurst save and McIntosh found a defender’s legs between his shot and the back of the net, after a move which deserved a better reward. As for Buckle he fitted the left wing perfectly. He is both unselfish and artistic which is something that cannot be said for everyone and his headed goal was a nice piece of opportunism Higgins, who at least gets the occasional goal was earnest and hard-working without having great success. It is truly observed that nothing succeeds like success and it is certainly equally true that failure works in the reverse way. That being so Everton whose recent record is so poor will tend to be less and the less confident unless they can be injected with some belief in themselves. One cannot help but sympathies with players who are obviously doing their utmost.
EVERTON MEET THE ARMY
November 21, 1949. The Evening Express
Wainwright, Buckle, McIntosh Goals
Everton brought in Higgins at inside-left for their annual match against the Army at Aldershot today. Aubrey Powell, the Welsh international, is being rested. Buckle, Everton’s most recent signing was at outside-right, and Eglington came in at outside-left. Army; Lance-Corporal R.G. Simpson (Queen’s Park); goal; Captain J.A. Tillard (Oxford Universary Pegasus), and S.Q.M.S, R. Andrews (York City), backs; Private R. Stoke (Newcastle United), Seargeant Wilkins (Brighton), and Sign J.R. Neilson (Queen’s of the South), half-backs; Corporal J. Frame (Glasgow Rangers), Private K. Whitfield (Wolves), Corporal F. Jackson (Guildford City), Private W. Monkhouse (Millwall), Private M Clewes (Wolves), forwards. Everton; Sagar (t), goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Humphreys, and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, McIntosh, Higgins, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.S.M. T.G. Pounder (from the R.A.V.C, of Aldershot). Everton opened their score after three minutes Wainwright received a close pass from Buckle, and shot at close range, Simpson stopped the ball and knocked it down, but could not prevent Wainwright from tapping it in as the goalkeeper lay on the ground. McIntosh went out to the wing in another Everton attack, but Wainwright’s shot was wide. The Army inside forwards beat the Everton half backs and Clewes tried Sagar with a shot. Higgins put over a fine centre which Andrews turned for a corner. Put through by Wainwright, Higgins sent over a fine cross but Eglington was not fast enough to meet it. Tillard put in fine work in the Army’s defence, but the Army forwards were no match for the Everton defence. Buckle scored Everton’s second goal following a solo run, after 23 minutes, and Simpson made a magnificent save from Wainwright a minute later. Sagar was there when Clewes shot through a defensive gap. The Army failed from the first corner, after half an hour, but they strengthened their attack. McIntosh added Everton’s third goal in 37 minutes, after Simpson had run out.
Half-time; Army 0, Everton 3.
Whitfield scored for the Army in the 50th minute, after Wilkins had cleared in the goalmouth from Buckle. Higgins replied for Everton in 57 minutes, and Wainwright added another a minute later. Both were from centres by Buckle.
BUCKLE IN GRAND FORM FOR EVERTON
November 22, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
Army 2, Everton 7
Everton were always masters of the situation in their game with the Army at Aldershot yesterday where the Army played only as well as Everton let them. All the Everton forwards scored, Wainwright and McIntosh getting two apiece. Most f the scoring openings were worked by Buckle, switched to outside right. He gave an outstanding display combining speed with accurate centres and deadly shooting. The Army rearguard gave a dogged display, had found the visiting forwards too fast and clever to hold effectively. Stokoe and Neilson were hard working wing halves but through the Army fielded an all-professional side, they were nothing like as convincing as Everton for team work and understanding. Sagar kept out several shots brilliantly late in the game, notably when he threw himself across the goal and turned a shot by Stokoe round the post.
Sagar’s Save
On the whole however, there was little sting in the Army attacks, and apart from one or two other really good saves. Sagar had little to worry about. One of the best of his few saves was made early in the second half when he saved at point blank range from Whitfield but was unable to recover in time to stop a quick return from the same player. Everton’s scorers were Wainwright (3 and 58 minutes), Buckle (23); McIntosh (37 and 83); Higgins (57), and Eglington (70); Whitfield (50) and Neilson (88), replying for the Army.
FLOODLIGHT NOVELTY
November 24, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
South Have Good Idea
Proposed Match Between Former Liverpool and Everton Stars
Ranger’s Notes
Providing arrangements pan out as hoped, a novel match will be staged, under floodlight conditions, at South Liverpool’s ground at Holly Park, between former players of Everton and Liverpool. The idea was first mooted by Bill Dean to a South Liverpool official as a means of augmenting the funds of south-end club. Taken up enthusiastically by Secretary Arthur Joynson and South’s board, permission has been obtained from Liverpool County F.A. and former players of our two seniors clubs are being approached for their co-operation. Those who have already indicated their willingness to turn out include manager Cliff Britton (Everton), Matt Busby (Manchester United), and Ted Savage (South Liverpool), Bill Dean, having suggested the idea, is regarded as a “certainty.” Others who are being asked include Alec Stevenson, Gordon Watson, Wally Boyes, Tiny Bradshaw, Billy Cook, Alf Hanson, Charlie Gee, Lance Carr, Jimmy McInnes, and Tom Bush. A special invitation will be extended to at least one non-Liverpoolian, namely Frank Swift while Tommy Lawton will be asked to take the referee’s whistle. In some cases, where ex-players are acting as coaches, the permission of their club will be also be sought, and it is hoped that this will be forthcoming. The match will be all-ticket one, and South anticipate a sell-out. The date is not fixed. It will probably be early in the New Year. The idea is an excellent one and should attract a big crowd. The chance of seeing old favourities in action again is one not to be missed.
EVERTON SWITCH AGAINST STOKE
November 25, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s switch of the extreme wingmen for their league match with Stoke City at Goodison Park. Everton have Ted Sagar doubtful for the match with Stoke, for he received a knock at Aldershot on Monday. If Ted cannot turn out, Burnett will play in goal, in a side which will have newcomer Ted Buckle at outside right and Tommy Eglington at outside-left. Stoke’s doubt affects centre forward whether either Godwin or Peppitt will play, in a game to which Everton hope to end their non-victory spell which has lasted since September 3, and taken them 12 matches without a win. The City are two points better off than the Blues for a match more played, and like the Blues have lacked penetrative power. Everton may take encouragement from that seven against the Army which proved that quick shooting pays dividends, but main barrier to Everton’s progress in England’s Neil Franklin. Everton; Sagar or Burnett); Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, Eglington. Stoke; Herod; Watkin, McCue; Mountford (F.); Franklin, Sellars, Mountford (G), Bowyer, Peppitt, or Godwin, Johnston, Makin.
• Everton “A” v. Runcorn Res, at Bellefield
STOKE AT GOODISON
November 25, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton, who meet Stoke City, must go all out to get both points. If they can reproduce the good football that they have shown in some of their recent game and strengthen that with first-timer accurate shooting, the issue should not be in doubt. Stoke are a struggling side, with only one away win to their credit. They are, however, not a particularly easy team to overcome. They have drawn five of their nine away games, and have actually a better goal average away than at home. Everton’s victory against the Army though only a friendly game, should at least have proved to the Blues attackers the virtue and value of taking advantage of every chance and half chance which presents itself when they are within shooting distance. Buckle has started well, and if Powell and McIntosh have a little more luck with their shooting. Everton’s long run without a win may come to an end. Their supporters gave the side excellent vocal encouragement in the game against Manchester United. Let us have a repeat of this tomorrow, please. It means so much to the players. There is still a doubt about Sagar. While it is hoped he will be fit, Burnett’s will deputise if needed. Humphreys continues at centre half although Jones is now all right again. Buckle crosses to outside right in place of Higgins, with Eglington returning at outside left. Teams; Everton; Sagar or Burnett); Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Lello; Buckle, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, Eglington. Hedley has his second run with the Central League side away to Derby viz; O’Neill; Clinton, Hedley; Lindley, Falder, Grant; Corr, Higgins, Moore, Hampson, Parker. Stoke may have Peppitt at centre forward in place of Godwin. Peppitt has not played, owing to injury, since he first two games of the season. Team from; Stoke; Herod; Watkin, McCue; Mountford (F.); Franklin, Sellars, Mountford (G), Bowyer, Peppitt, or Godwin, Johnston, Makin.
EVERTON WERE TWO UP IN FIRST 20 MINUTES IN GOODISON GAME
November 26, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton 2, Stoke City 1
By Stork
It’s a long lane that has no turning. Everton have waited since September 3 for this victory which was accomplished because there was more shooting by the forwards, Everton’s one black spot this season. Stoke had their chances but failed to take them. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell (captain), Humphreys, and Lello, half-backs; Buckle, Wainwright, McIntosh, Powell, and Eglington, forwards. Stoke City; Herod, goal; Watkin and McCue, backs; Mountford (F.), Franklin and Sellars, half-backs; Mountford (G.), Bowyer, Pebbitt, Johnstone, and Makin, forwards. Referee; Mr. B. J. Flanagan (Sheffield). Conditions were not enticing at Goodison Park today, and this no doubt was responsible for the small attendance. Sagar was found to be fit, and was in charge of the Everton goal. Stoke City made a forward chance, Peppitt came in at centre forward in place of Godwin. This was Peppitt’s first game with the senior side since he was injured against Liverpool on August 22. Everton were hopeful that the tide would turn today. Stoke, however, were soon to show that they were not going to be easy foemen, for in the first few minutes they broke through, and the danger was only cleared in the last fraction of a second. It was more by good luck than good management that Herod had not more to do. Lello came along with a long drive which was well off the mark, and Buckle, with a strong centre, had the Stoke defenders struggling. For some minutes Stoke were fastened down to an all-out defence, yet were able to survive until the Stoke right flank broke away and won a corner. This was well placed, and Sagar had to utilize the old form of save, the punch, because there were several Stoke in the vicinity. It was now Stoke’s turn to be attackers in chief, and Sagar had to save a header from Makin. A corner given away proved fatal to Stoke City’s goal. Powell decided to take the flag kick and he placed it high across the Stoke goalmouth. Herod went up for it, but failed to make contact, and the ball went to Buckle, who had gone up in anticipation and the Everton outside right safely nodded the ball into the net. This goal came at 16 minutes. Stoke saw the need to go all out for the equalizer, and it was not many minutes before they were sounding the Everton defence, and Sagar in particular, for the Everton goalkeeper had to make a magnificent save from Bowyer. There was plenty of meat in this game, for it was a fluctuating type of match, with Stoke having their moments but being rather remiss near goal. Everton were undoubtedly right on their toes, and Buckle showed his link up with McIntosh when he pushed the ball forward to the outside right position, where McIntosh was stationed.
And Another –
The Everton centre forward beat McCue, moved in, and then with his left foot slammed the ball into the back of the net and the upright. Time 20 minutes. This sent the Everton spectators mad with joy, for they had not seen so many goals at Goodison this season. For my part, I had seen more shooting from the Everton forwards in this game than in any game in which they have participated which I have witnessed. Wainwright had a long shot off the mark, and then some thought that Powell was elbowed off as he was brushing through the Stoke defence. It was now taking Stoke all their time to keep Everton from adding to their total. Hereabouts there was a spell of midfield play and not very good play at that. Things seemed to be done rather too quickly, and as a consequence inaccurately, Johnstone had a shot well of the target. As against that Sagar had to be wary of a centre by George Mountford which would have been a goal had Sagar made the slightest slip. He did not make that slip. A third goal nearly came Everton’s way when another Buckle header appeared to be squeezing just inside the Stoke upright, but Herod got his hands to it.
Nippy Forwards
Humphreys cut into the workings of a fast and promising forward movement by Stoke. He had to be very firm in his handling of the Stoke forwards, who were exceptionally nippy. McIntosh was here, there and everywhere, and he again beat Watkin and delivered a centre which came rather surprisingly to Wainwright, who shot immediately, but got too much lift to the ball, which passed over. “Mac” did not get his full power behind the shot, otherwise I think Herod would have been a beaten man. Just on the interval the Everton goal had an escape when Bowyer shot with Sagar in an advanced position, but like several other efforts by the Stoke forwards, Bowyer failed when he should by right have scored. He shot straight at Sagar. Humphreys gave is goalkeeper a pat on the back for that save.
Half-time; Everton 2, Stoke City 0.
Stoke opened the second half with a rush, without, however, causing Sagar any anxiety. This was due to the Everton defence, in which Humphreys was more dominating than Franklin. The light was not too good, but one could plainly see Buckle being beaten by McCue. The first stoppage was for an injury to Dugdale. He recovered in time to take his place in the line-up against a Stoke corner kick which George Mountford lobbed into the goalmouth so that brother Frank could come along with a header which Sagar saved smartly. Stoke should have reduced their arrears when Bowyer received a ball well inside the area and had only Sagar in front of him. Naturally the Stoke people said to themselves. “Here’s a goal,” but Bowyer shot straight at Sagar, who was glad of the opportunity to make the save. There had been plenty of midfield play, but nothing really to excite. Makin made one long run, which fizzled out, and straight from this Everton won the corner, and Powell sent one over the right flank, but what happened to the ball it was hard to see. It was safely disposed of, but Stoke’s anxiety was not at an end, for Eglington, well piled by Powell, was moving ahead, but again it was difficult to see what happened to the ball. Herod, in the gloom, dived on a ball from the Everton right wing and later he came tearing out of his goal to a ball that had no real danger attached to t, but Herod thought it advisable to cut out any risk at the source. Farrell came in with a shot that Herod turned round the post for a corner. The Stoke goalkeeper had to move fast to keep that shot out of his goal.
Arrears Reduced
At the 78th minute Stoke reduced the arrears through Peppitt, who picked up a lob from the rear which left him in an unassailable position. It was F. Mountford who provided the opportunity for Peppitt. Everton hit back and Herod had to save from Wainwright, while a flash ball across the Stoke goal was missed by one and all. Stoke were now on the trail for that equalizer and George Mountford, from close in tried to squeeze the ball home but without success. Final; Everton 2, Stoke City 1.
DERBY COUNTY RES V EVERTON RES
November 26, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Derby County Res; Webster, goal; Pallett, and Bell, backs; Mays, Cushlow, and Thompson, half-backs; Wraggs, Oliver, Harrison, Knight, and Mynard, forwards. Everton Res; O’Neill, goal; Clinton and Hedley, backs; Lindley, Falder, and Grant, half-backs; Corr, Higgins, Moore, Hampson, and Parker, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Pruce (Stockport). Everton had a narrow escape when, in the opening minutes, Derby’s centre forward, Harrison, blazed inches over the crossbar from 20 yards. Hampson had two shot well held by Derby’s goalkeeper . Webster, Higgins headed over the Derby bar from three yards range. Webster held a shot from Moore on the goal line. Derby’s outside left, Mynard, received a thigh injury early in the first half, and went off. Half-time; Derby County Reserves nil, Everton Reserves nil. Higgins scored for Everton in the 46th minutes when Webster failed to get to the ball in time. A minute later Hampson from four yards got Everton’s second goal. Higgins almost scored again when he received a pin-point pass from Parker, but Webster threw himself on top of the ball. When Derby rushed the Everton goal, O’Neill received an injury and recovered after treatment.
LETTER-BOX
November 26, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Supporters Are Not Downhearted
Plea For White Ball
Cheer up the Blues
Everton’s needs at present are a scoring centre forward, and a reorganized right wing, not hullabaloo from the spectators. In the past the Blues have served us well. They have been winners of the F.A. Cup on two occasions, finalists five times and have held the League Cup longer than any other team. Everton are down, but not out. Cheer up; our team will rise again. Meanwhile let us not withhold praise from our Anfield friends for placing our city on the football map again. Long may they continue their run of successes. _Red Rose,” Aigburth.
White Ball Suggestion
Now that darkness fall very early, may I suggest a white ball be used? Anybody who has seen a flood-lit match will agree on the benefits of a white ball in the twilight, which descends round about the last quarter of an hour of matches at this time of the year. Red and Blue, Harlech Street, Liverpool 4.
Old Time Memory
In your recent reference to the late Steve Bloomer playing in his first international game at Goodison Park in 1895 against Scotland, you also referred to the Scottish left back, Dan Doyle as a Glasgow Celtic player who afterwards became an Everton player. That is a mistake. Dan Doyle left Everton when they were at Anfield, in the late eighties, and never played for them at Goodison Park. Everton started playing there in September 1892, I remember the game when England won 3-0, but I can’t remember the incident where Steve had his shirt ripped. Dan Doyle was a real rough-and-tough one. – 73 years-old Liverpoolian, Walton.
Don’t be Jealous
I have been a follower of both our local teams for over 40 years. I was disguised at the recent letter by “Fairplay.” It is a poor thing to be jealous of local rivals. It is a great credit to Liverpool to have played so long without defeat, especially as they have fielded so many reserves. Reading through the lines I don’t think Fairplay ever sees a first class match. He cannot judge Liddell out of the newspapers. He has got to see him in action and then he will see the greatest winning winger in football today. I hope Everton soon start a winning sequence and then Fairplay can read all about it. Wishing, Liverpool, Everton and yourself all the luck. –Liverton. South Hill House, Dingle.
TED SAGAR IS OVERHAULING ELISHA SCOTT’S RECORD
November 26, 1949. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton ‘Keeper was Only Three Behind This Morning
Ranger’s Commentary
I am devoting most of my space today to honour one of the finest footballers who ever pulled a jersey over his shoulders; a great club man, a loyalist to the core and one of the outstanding goalkeepers of his generation. His name? Surely, it isn’t necessary! I refer of course, to Ted Sagar, who, a fortnight today, assuming he receives no injury in the meantime will have equallied the attendance record set up by Elisha Scott for Liverpool. On that day Everton will be at home to Sunderland. Ted makes no secret of his age. Why should he? Some players who know in their hearts that they are on the down-grade try to keep the date of their birth a dark-secret. Sagar has no need to hide it. He is playing to-day as well as ever he did at any period of his career. He would not let England down, any more than he has ever let Everton down, though obviously, much as some selectors would like to pay tribute to his great record, they must build for the future. Sagar was born in February, 1910, which means that in another three months he will celebrate his 40th birthday. Very few players ever kept going in first class football to such an age. Ted started his working life as a coal miner at the age of 14. He was he eldest of a family of five, his mother was a widow, and Ted was the chief breadwinner. So, when the chance came to supplement his earnings in the pit by playing football, Ted had no hesitation. He started with Thorne Colliery, in the Doncaster Senior League, and while there was spotted by a Hull City Scout.
Hull Lost Him
He came to join Everton instead of Hull, however, by a very lucky stroke. He had a trial with Hull, but heard nothing more about it – until many years later. Billy McCracken, then manager of the Yorkshire club, told Ted the reason he had heard nothing was that Hull lost his address. Apparently they had not been greatly impressed, for it would have been easy enough to trace him had they wanted to do so. However, Hull’s loss was Everton’s gain. Hearing nothing from Hull folk, Ted later got the choice of joining three clubs –either Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County, of Everton. He picked Everton, and in his own words “has been thankful ever since to the kindly providence that directed my steps to Goodison Park.”
Lucky Everton
Everton also can be thankful that the raw youth who came to them twenty years ago has turned out such a wise investment. Sagar has been one of the finest and most loyal servants the club has ever had. It is impossible in the scope of one article to detail all the ups and downs of Sagar’s career. Suffice it to say that he has won a cup Final medal, First and Second Division championship medals, and he has also been honoured with caps by England.
EVERTON TIDE MAY HAVE TURNED
November 28, 1949. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Everton 2, Stoke City 1
Has the tide turned? Many people will be asking that question after Everton’s victory over Stoke City; a victory which was long overdue. Not since September 3, when Huddersfield fell at Goodison Park, have Everton supporters tasted complete success. Was Everton’s win over Stoke satisfying apart from its value in the League table? Did it show promise of better things and can we look forward to an upward trend? In part I think can say yes, but only in part, for the City were undeniably the better side in the second half when they should have had goals. What happened to Everton in that second half? Where they had been dominant they allowed their rivals to take over initiative and had to fight hard to hold their lead. Having hit the Stoke defence for two goals in 20 minutes the game looked tied up for Everton, but a change of tactics enabled Stoke to come into the game as challenge. It was only because Stoke were as remiss in front of goal that Everton survived, and it took stern defensive measures to prevent the City from drawing level.
Goods Shooting
Good Everton approach work has been nullified for want of a marksman, but on Saturday there was some hefty shooting, worthy heading and a heroines about the forwards which was gratifying, Stoke defenders had to do a lot of chasing to keep the tally down to goals by Buckle and McIntosh. Even the England centre had Franklin was drawn out of position by the interchanging Everton forward line which had thrills and dash. Stoke had misfortune when Dugdale kicked of the line a canny flick by Peppitt in the first few minutes. They had simple chances but could not take them, owing to Sagar’s good positioning and their own ineptitude. Stoke are not too well placed but they have a nice side full of possibilities. They were slow to start against Everton, who took command after the first minute and held it until the interval. Buckle scored with a header at 15 minutes and McIntosh at 20 minutes and were playing with such determination that other goals appeared likely to follow. Having scored two goals, Everton were anxious to preserve them, and preserve them they did by great-hearted defence. Peppitt scored at 78 minutes –to my mind from an offside position –and gave the City the incentive to go all out for the equalizer. They came near to getting it.
• Everton “A” 5, Runcorn Res 1
SUPPORTERS PLAY THEIR PARTS
November 28, 1949. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s defence did not look like cracking, for shooting gaps were closed by willing bodies and when a ball did get through there was Ted Sagar so perfectly positioned that it was easy for him. The only time that barrier was pierced was when the Everton lads through, as I did, that Peppitt was offside. They hesitated. Peppitt did so, too for a spilt-second, but scored, and the referee unhesitatingly ruled “goal.” Everton made this task harder by allowing Stoke to secure the early second-half initiative, so losing their position as dictators, a position which had enabled them to govern the first half and get a two-goals lead through Buckle and McIntosh. And despite heavy Stoke pressure, I still thought Everton the more likely success when they raided. This was quite a good Everton show, with the attack moving freely and with ideas in the opening half, and the defence playing later as Liverpool’s must have done.
The United Touch
There is no doubt that Manager Cliff Britton made a wise signing when he took Ted Buckle from Manchester United at low cost, for Buckle brought life and activity to the whole attack. He scored one goal, he made another he forced Herod to one of the saves of the day, and fitted ideally into subtle scheming. This was far from being a one-man affair but Buckle repaid his fee, believe me, and he must have felt quite at home at the Everton forwards exploited inter-change of positions moves with a frequency and efficiency which brought up vivid memories of Manchester United’s forward fair. It was not confined to one forward but to each of them. They sought and found, the open spaces and completely bewildered Neil Franklin. At one point in the game the Everton attack read “McIntosh” Powell, Eglington, Wainwright, Buckle.” No wonder the City defenders never could settle down. This mobility and the willingness by players to play any role is a happy augury. Powell was the main spring exploiting the raiding Buckle, Eglington, and Wainwright, while McIntosh was too much of a problem for –Franklin, Tactically, I thought Eglington should have had more of the ball later on, for here was an “Eggy” who considered his every move, before doing it, and who did everything well. A great half-back line of Farrell (right-back to his greatest form), Humphreys (the epitome of sheer doggedness and fighting command), and attack, while Dugdale again had a grand game, saving one certainty and covering well, while Saunders was settling down against Stoke’s best forward, Makin. And laughing defiantly at the City from the goalline was the magical Sagar. Maybe not the perfect Everton display by any means but a sure indication that things are going the right way, and to my mind highly satisfying.
BLUES HAD TO FIGHT
November 28, 1949. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Hats off to the Everton defence should have been the order after the final whistle at Goodison Park on Saturday evening, for it was the rear lines which enabled Everton to win their first match for over two months. Everton held a two goals lead at the interval and had shown such progression that the idea of a rearguard battle was never contemplated, but something went wrong with the home side in the second half, for they handed over the initiative to Stoke City and instead or riding to a comfortable victory, had to defend stubbornly to assure themselves of victory. Stoke saw the Everton flame dying out as it has done so often this season, and they took over the torch and almost forced a draw. They might easily have won their forwards, Bowyers in particularly been more accurate in his shooting or had not Sagar’s positional play been so uncanny. Everton’s win was gladdening, but they put a nervous strain on their supporters by their sudden fall-away. They had played so well in the first half when they shot frequently and scored two goals –Buckle and McIntosh –that a Stoke revival was never entertained, but these lads from Staffordshire, slow to start, finished with a flourish that had our hearts in our mouths. They were undoubtedly the better side in the last 45 minutes. In this win of Everton’s going to be the fore-runner or others? It will if they can maintain their first half display throughout the second stanza. This fade-out by Everton is becoming all too common. Look through their record and see how many games have been lost in the last fifteen minutes –too many you will have to admit. It nearly happened again and would have done if Stoke’s shocking had been in line with their approach work writes Stork. It would have been an injustice if Stoke had woo, for Everton had put more spirit into their play in the first half when near goal than I have seen in any other of the matches this season. The attack, which has been kindness itself to opposing defences hit Stoke hard enough and shot with such frequency that the City must have been glad of the interval respite, although I am not unmindful of Dudale’s clearance on the goal line when Peppitt cunningly flicked the ball away from Sagar in the first few minutes. A goal then and anything might have happened. It told the Everton defence that this Stoke attack could not be trifled with, for it was fast, skilful but wasteful when an opening –and there were several –presented itself. Buckle’s goal at 16 minutes changed the scene completely, for it set Everton on the goal trail and after several shots had been cannoned down McIntosh chalked up No 2. Buckle nearly made it three before we reached the half stage. Franklin had a worrying time against the Everton inside forwards, who switched and draw him out of position, but what a different tale had to be told in the second half. Everton became spasmodic in their advances whereas Stoke improved as time went on, and had the bit between their teeth in every respect bar one –shooting. Last season Bowyer was deadly given half a chance; on Saturday he was slow to accept gift –edged chances. He was once six yards out but hesitated in his delivery and Sagar was able to position himself for the shot. Peppitt did score at 78 minutes, went though I thought he was offside when Mountford booked the ball forward. It was then that the Everton defence showed up so well. It had to to dour, for circumstances dictated that it must be if this victory was to be obtained, for the city were battling valiantly for the equalizer. It was a tense finish, and the final whistle as a happy released. Farrell, Humphreys, and Lello were excellent and Saunders, Dugdale and Sagar equally so, and the forwards first half display good enough to win matches, but only if they keep it going throughout the second half and not hand over the initiative to the opposition.
November 1949