BRITTON’S DILEMMA
October 1, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
A scouting expenditure may prevent Cliff Britton being at Turf Moor to see his present club come up against the side which he is shortly to take over, but if he is present he will be in a bit of a dilemma. Burnley need the points almost as badly as Everton, but if they get them it will not make Cliff’s task any easier when he handles the reins at Goodison. Whoever wins his joy must be tinged with some regret. Burnley’s problem has been the same as Everton’s. The Turf Moor side has scored only four goals in five home games, and nine altogether this season, while they once cast-iron defence has begin to show signs of cracking under the strain. Everton will face this game with much improved confidence. Thanks to last week’s victory over Preston. This time, however, they are not likely to find a goalkeeping so helpful to the cause as Preston’s was, and improved in all departments though the side is they will have to get down to business quicker than they did last week if they are to make much headway. This may be Jock Dodds, last appearance for Everton. By next week he may be a Lincoln City player. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson, Boyes.

TURF MOOR VISIT
October 1, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s three points from the last two games has brought a much brighter outlook, and having got over the bad run, they may start collecting away points, which so far have eluded them, against Burnley at Turf Moor tomorrow. Tommy Jones returns to centre-half following injury, and the players who have responded so galliantly to their club’s call continues on duty. Burnley’s record is not impressive, but they have lost only one home game –against Newcastle Utd, whom Everton held to a draw. Improvement in wing half play has helped Everton materially and I am optimistic enough to think I shall see them win for the first time this season. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson, Boyes.
Peter Farrell and Tommy Eglington, of Everton, have been selected to play for Ireland against England tomorrow week.
• Everton Reserves v Burnley tomorrow
• Everton “C” v Picton Rangers, tomorrow
• Marines v Everton “B” at Crosby.
• Everton “A” v. Crompton Recs at Bellefield

BURNLEY’S LATE GOAL AT TURF MOOR
October 2, 1948. The Evening Express
Toffee’s Ground Passing Bore The Cliff Britton Stamp
By Pilot
Constructive football of the richest Everton vintage delighted the heart of new manager Cliff Britton at Turf Moor today. He saw the ball always on the floor, but chances were missed by both sides. This was a most encouraging Everton display, with Dodds (playing his last game for the club) a fine leader, and Saunders and Jones grand in defence. Stevenson’s was the worst miss of the day. Important news broke before the match, when it was announced that Cliff Britton will take up his duties at Goodison Park within a few days. The question of Cliff’s successor at Turf Moor has not yet been settled, and there may be considerable delay in the appointment, because the application received are not suitable. Another news item is that Jock Dodds will be transferred to Lincoln City on Monday, thus fulfilling a promise to the player made by the club some days ago. This, therefore was Dodd’s last game with the Toffee’s –but parting may not be exactly popular with Everton fans, but the club’s word is their bond. There was also a distinct possibility that Wilf Mannion of Middlesbrough would be transferred to Burnley immediately after today’s game. Messrs Jack Wilson, and Gibson of Middlesbrough, were at the match and were in earnest conversation with the Burnley chairman (Mr. E. D. Kay), before the kick-off. Cliff Britton had intended going on a scouting trip, but changed his plans because of “the business on hand.” Everton were forced to make a change. Powell cried off yesterday with stomach trouble, and Jackie Grant came in at outside right. Burnley; Strong, goal; Loughran, and Mather, backs; Attwell, Brown, and Bray, half-backs; Chew, Morris, Billingham, Potts, and Wilson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders, and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.), and Watson, half-backs; Grant, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson (captain), and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Houston, (Blackpool).
Burnley Miss
Burnley should have been in the lead in six minutes, when Hedley erred. Not knowing whether to pass back to Sagar or not, he suddenly passed square, as if to Jones Billingham was right there, but he as surprised as anyone, failed to get hold of the ball, and Sagar came out and save. Everton then progressed by some perfect all-along-the-line football – some of the best I have seen this season. After Boyes had darted past Loughran, Dodds and Fielding had shots charged down. Saunders and Jones held up the counter-thrusts of Billingham and Wilson coolly and completely, after which Brown had to race across to concede a corner in another Everton all-along-the-floor raid. The first shot of the day was Stevenson’s 18-yarder, which brought an “ooh” from the crowd as it passed narrowly over. The first corner of the game –to Everton –brought no thrills, but when Wilson broke clear and slipped the ball forward to Potts we had plenty of excitement. Potts placed the ball low across the Everton goal, but Saunders got there first and rushed it behind for the first of two corners to Burnley.
A Joy To See
Everton’s positional play was a joy to see, and repeatedly enabled them to make light of hard tasks. Intricate passing on the left flank, and a link-up on the right, gave Dodds a chance from Grant’s short pass. Although he appeared to be fouled, he bore through to get in a low shot, which Strong held comfortably. So far Everton had been the better side, playing as well –if not better – as against Liverpool in the first half at Goodison. Stevenson had the chance of a life time to give Everton the lead after half an hour. Saunders lobbed the ball into the goalmouth, where Dodds headed it back to the feet of the unmarked Stevenson, not a dozen yards from goal. Stevenson hit the ball too quickly with his right foot, and it skidded wide. Boyes, and Stevenson then, combined delightfully, and from Stevenson’s centre flicked the ball in, Strong making a confident catch. Burnley retaliated and only stern covering prevented all five forwards from shooting. Everton were on the collar, and Sagar had to fist away a tricky centre from Attwell with three forwards racing in. Attwell was Burnley’s most potent attackers and when he shot from 30 yards the ball flashed just past the post. Nar the interval, Dodds flicked the ball forward and, although hampered got in his shot, which sneaked the wrong side of the post. Then Dodds headed in grandly from Saunder’s centre, Strong diving to tip it round the post.
Half-time; Burnley 0, Everton 0
Opening Thrill
Billingham provided an opening thrill to the second half, leaping in to shoot from just outside the penalty area when the ball ran loose from a tackle. It was a speculative effort which struck the net support, but might easily have shown a dividends. Dodds was boring his way through when he was brought down just outside the penalty area. Boyes’ free kick to Stevenson brought Dodds into the picture, but Brown got the ball away. A fine drizzle started to fall, and made the ball move fast over the turf. Everton were lucky to escape a penalty when Jones seemed to push Morris, who was winning a race for the ball. Sagar saved low down from Billingham and Chew, and Burnley were now on top. Burnley took the lead in 67 minutes through Wilson, who had hardly been seen in the game, and there is no doubt that on second half showing they deserved a goal. Potts made it possible by a sinuous run at inside-right, and a cross shot to which Sagar dived to turn away. The goalkeeper touched the ball, but Wilson came racing in to ram it home. Burnley kept it up, and Sagar was knocked in the face in saving from Morris. This did not prevent him saving a bouncing ball from the same player but, having saved, he had to have attention. Burnley attacked incessantly with the Everton defence never able to get the ball away. Final; Burnley 1, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
October 2, 1948. The Evening Express
Everton had the better of play, but faulty shooting nullified their chances. In the 40th minute Burnley took the lead. Harrison giving Leyland no chance. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Burnley Res 1.
Marine Res v Everton “B”
A fast, even first half with no goals, but Evans and Thompson went near to scoring for Marine. Half-time; Marine Res 0, Everton “B” 0. Final; Marine Res 1, Everton “B” 2.
• Everton “A” 7, Cronton Recs

EVERTON’S NEW ERA
October 2, 1948. The Liverpool Evening Express
Will Be One Of Club’s Greatest
By Pilot
The spirit of Everton Football club is to shine with greater intensity than ever before. In a matter of days this great club which has existed since 1878, will embark on a new era, which, I believe will be one of the greatest in its long and glorious history. Two men who have been friends and colleagues for 18-years of the last 20 years, will be there to implement the wishes of the directors and their own wishes at the same time –Theo Kelly and Cliff Britton. These are men whose one desire and aim is to bring success to the Everton club. The club is part and parcel of their very lives, for even though Manager Cliff Britton has been ruling the destinations of Burnley for the past two seasons –and ruling them with amazing success, -he is –and deep down always was –an Evertonian. “You cannot lose your love for Everton, no matter how long you are away,” said Cliff to me this week. Hundreds have said these self-same words before. It seems as if the old club gets right into the veins of those who work it and live with it. Cliff promises no miracles. He is far too level-headed for that, but he’s views his return to his old stamping ground with an earnest optimism that becomes almost infectious. Personally, I cannot see anything but success for the Kelly-Britton combination with the full support of the directorate, and the team-work of the players. Mr. Kelly has been with Everton for 20 years and there is no task too small or too big for him. It is my opinion –and of most of those more closely connected with the club –that Everton never have had a better or more conscientious servant. From being one of the assistant secretaries, Mr. Kelly rose to be the first ever Secretary-Manager and has done the job splendidly. Mr. Britton will have many players points to sort out in the efficient way he showed at Burnley. It may take a long time, but the methods Cliff employed at Turf Moor are certain to show dividends at Goodison Park. You can rest assured that there is nothing he will ask of his players that he cannot do himself on the training fields. It is one of the delights of Cliff to go out and work out schemes actually on the field of play. “I always have wanted to come back to Goodison,” said Cliff,” and carry on where I left off –working for the benefit of the club. I know it is going to be hard work, but that I like. If I can help to bring success to Everton then I shall be happy. I have been exceptionally happy with Burnley and shall be sorry to leave them.”
Free Hand
What Mr. Britton’s duties will be. It is for the Everton club to announce. Until Dr. Cecil S. Baxter who guides the destinies of the club so well, and his colleagues deem it wise to tell the world, I shall not attempt any guesses. Mr. Britton will look after the players and all to do with them. This Everton have told the world. I know Everton well enough to believe that this means Cliff will be given every opportunity to put his own ideas and methods into operation. There will be none to retard the progress of the reconditioned Everton engine to which the Board. Theo and Cliff will provide the motive power, Here’s wishing good luck to the new Everton.

INTEREST IN EVERTON MEN
October 2, 1948. The Evening Express
By Radar
In recent weeks every one of the local Northern Section clubs have displayed more than passing interest in one or other of Everton’s professional players, but it is clear that there will be no departures from Goodison as yet. Apart from Jock Dodds –it is almost a certainty that he will join Lincoln City on Monday at a fee in the region of £6,000 by the way –he names of Harry Catterick, Billy Higgins, Ted Falder, and Harry McCormick, among others, have been considered variously by representatives of New Brighton, Tranmere Rovers, Chester, Southport, and Wrexham.

EVERTON GO GOAL-SHY AGAIN
October 2, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Fade Out After Classic Start
Wilson’s First
Burnley 1, Everton 0
By Stork.
Burnley; Strong, goal; Loughran, and Mather, backs; Attwell, Brown, and Bray, half-backs; Chew, Morris, Billingham, Potts, and Wilson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders, and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones (T.G.), and Watson, half-backs; Grant, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson (captain), and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Houston, (Blackpool). Everton had to make a last minute change for their game at Burnley owing to Powell developing slight stomach trouble, and Grant came in at outside right. Cliff Britton Everton’s new manager, was present to watch his old and new clubs at grips. In all probability he will take over at Goodison Park next week. The first few minutes brought some neat football but no real threats. Off-side decisions held up both sides, the last one against Billingham, being a very fine one. Boyes control of the ball was excellent, and Loughan was never quite sure how to deal with him. A header by Dodds did not reach Boyes, but a Burnley through pass to Billingham required stern measures on the part of Jones to stop Billingham turning this for a simple goal.
Desperate Tackle.
There was an appeal for a trip which the referee rightly ignored. The Everton goal had an escape when Hedley made a pass to Jones not knowing that Bllingham was there waiting for such a happening. Jones, however, saved the situation by a desperate tackle. Everton’s football was of quality in fact, there were some excellent movements by both teams, even though it did not produce effective finishing. The first real shot came from Stevenson, who from 15 yards out, shot wide. Both sides were keeping the ball to turf, so there were some nice bouts of passing. Chew was responsible for one centre, which passed in front of the Everton goal, but Saunders nipped into head away. Dodds called for a pass from Grant, and the little fellow made it, but Mather stepped in.
Brown Dominates
Brown was dominating the Burnley penalty area. A corner taken by Fielding saw Grant out-headed by Brown. Burnley then formed a perfect movement in which Wilson, Billingham, and Potts linked up. The final effort was left to Potts, who shot across the Everton goal. For some minutes afterwards Burnley attacked with power. Dodds made a tame shot which trickled to the goalkeeper and later shot from close in, Strong making a save.
Missed Chance
At the half hour, Everton had a glorious opportunity. Dodds nodded the ball down to Stevenson well inside the penalty area, but the little Irishman only half hit the ball which passed outside. Stevenson repaid Dodds the compliment and the big Scot banged in a shot, which Strong saved. A combined move almost brought down the Everton defence, but after a few anxious moments the danger was cleared at the expense of a corner. Burnley gave the impression that they wanted to walk the ball through for they would not take a chance with a shot until half-back. Attwell tried a drive from 30 yards out, and the ball flew at tremendous speed just over the bar. Sagar saved from Potts, and then Dodds followed with a header which Strong turned outside.
Half-time; Burnley nil, Everton nil.
Burnley were the first to get into their stride and Potts took the ball forward, fell, and Billingham coming up behind, hit a tremendous shot which struck the goal support. It was too close to be nice. Dodds was tripped just outside the penalty area, but the free kick brought no result. Burnley were battling strongly, and another corner came their way. Wilson was given a “possible” but he shot wildly over Billington, when on the half-turn made a worthy effort, the ball going over.
Lively Winger
Chew and Morris were mainly responsible for the Burnley advances. The winter was particularly lively. There seemed a case for a penalty when Jones pushed Morris in the back, but the referee had other views.
Everton Under Pressure
Everton had been chiefly on the defensive this half, Chew moved into the inside right position to shoot with power and direction, but Sagar took the ball confidently. Such pressure as Burnley had brought to bear was bound to bear fruit and at 67 minutes they got their reward. Pott’s shot was covered by Sagar, who touched the ball, but Wilson nipped in to score his first goal for his club. Half a minute later Sagar prevented him recording a second goal by making a grand save. It was all Burnley now, and the Everton defence was having a testing time. Potts headed in for Burnley but the whistle had sounded off-side against Billingham. Everton at last broke away, but poor passing was their undoing, and back came Burnley with a shot by Morris which Sagar “lost” and a corner was the result. Wilson put across a nice centre which ended in Potts having a shot charged down. Fielding dribbled his way through to offer Grant a chance to make the equaliser and Strong had to dash out of his goal and get his body in the line of fire. Stevenson next tried a long shot and Sagar fielded a grand drive from Chew. Final; Burnley 1, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
October 2, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Reserves;- Leyland (H.), goal; Jones (T.E.) and Clinton, backs; Tansey, Cameron and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Corr, Higgins, Juliussen, Lello and Parker (J.W.), forwards. Burnley Reserves;- Meadows, goal; Butlerfield, and Kirkham, backs; Hays, Cummins, and Martindale, half-backs; Henderson, Haign, Harrison, Knight, and Hornby, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.L. White (Bolton). Burnley were early aggressive and after pretty play by Hornby and Knight, Harrison got possession and gave Leyland a rare handful. Everton made frequent raids, and one shot by Corr hit the upright. Burnley were the more constructive side and deservedly took the lead in the 40th minute, Harrison giving Leyland no chance. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Burnley Res 1. The second half saw Everton in merry mood, but despite their persistent efforts Kirkham and Butlerfield proved sound defenders. Burnley were keen, however, and made several hot attacks. Harrison once was unlucky in not increasing the lead. Final; Everton Res 0, Burnley Res 2.

EVERTON FADED AFTER GOOD FIRST HALF
October 4, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Burnley 1, Everton 0
I have seen such a lot of poor quality football this season that it was a pleasant to sit for forty-five minutes at Turf Moor where Everton “old boys” showed how football should be played. There was no manic running around in the first half by Burnley or Everton. It was studious football, played on the ground –where it is intended and not in the air –and players made the ball do the work, so we enjoyed a football spectacle for at least half the game. Even though there were no goals during the first half, there was general satisfaction at the standard of play. If there was a fault it was the inability of the players to turn entrancing forward movement into goals. There should have been some, but we had to wait over an hour, for the first and only one of the game. Actually there was no great finish to the cleverly conceived methods of approach. Had there been it would have been a match noted and acuter for its all-round perfection. The crowd, however, want gaols but for myself I was perfectly satisfied to see football of such quality even minus a goal. There should not have been one for the goal Burnley scored was a simple looking affair and would not have been scored once in a dozen games. Potts had made an oblique shot which Sagar seemed to have covered, but instead of grabbling the ball accurately, fingered it out to Wilson who had moved in and he picked up Sagar’s return and placed the ball into the net -64 minutes.
Openings Missed
Twice in the first half, when Everton were in their most attractive mood, there were openings which should have been turned to account, Stevenson was perfectly placed by Dodds –who goes to Lincoln tomorrow –but the Irishman made a hurried shot, only half hit the ball, and it was went outside. Later Strong by a bewildering leap across his goal kept out a Dodds header. Near the end Brown who had been dominating, made the first error to let in Dodds, but Strong again averted disaster. He rushed out of goal and cut own Dodds shooting space so that the only thing he could do was fire the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Everton’s lustre went with the half-time whistle and Burnley took command, and speeding up things had Everton pinned to defensive measures. True, the football was not so good but it had the effect of preventing Everton from continuing where they had left off, and apart from a snap attack here and there they faded out, whereas Burnley gained in strength. Their right wing Chew, Morris and Attwell were a source of trouble, but the Everton defence stood to its guns with Jones and Saunders, particularly the former, standing out in bright relief. Naturally with Burnley crowding on all pressure, the Everton attack had little or no chance, for all were needed to stem the tide which was running against them. It was only the odd ball, which found its way into the Burnley half, in the second portion when Burnley should have taken more than one goal. Everton were a shade unfortunate to be beaten by such a simple goal. Attendance 31,000.

BRILLIANT, THEN –
October 4, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
I had word that Burnley’s negative football was losing easie with the Turf Moor spectators, and that attendances were dwindling as a result. There could be no such complaint about their game on Saturday, for Burnley along with Everton provided the best football I have seen this year (writes Stork). True, it lasted only for half the game for after the interval Everton’s polish left them, due in the main to the speed up of Burnley which caused Everton to become a defensive unit. Modern football is at a low ebb; at least that is my opinion and were it not for the “old gentlemen” of the game there would be little to commend it. Gone are the days when progress was made by clockwork passing –the only known method of approach and in its place comes crashing bashing dashing soccer. Can you wonder than that the 31,000 spectators at Turf Moor were higher delighted with what they saw for 45 minutes. A goalless half has got to be good to satisfy. This was good, for it was the essence of football skill football with thought behind it and not just football of the brainy type, so prevalent today. What is more it was produced by the veteran of the game; players who are at the tail-end of their careers. They showed that brains could be of much greater value than speed and flurry. The one blot was that it did not produce goals; it should have done and would have done had the chances been taken. The pity was that such intelligent football was not maintained throughout, for it had been a joy to watch and an education to the younger element of football spectators. Burnley decided to speed up things, and they brought such pressure to bear that Everton had to turn over the defence to prevent them running riot, for in the second half Burnley went hot on the trail of goals. Of course, the football was not so good, but it caused an Everton fadeout so far as attack was concerned, and it became a battle between the Burnley attack and Everton’s defence, which held out for 24 minutes. Burnley had been calling the time for some time, and a shot by Potts did not seem to have the goal look about it, for Sagar moved across to it and got his hands to the ball. Now, when that happens it can usually be taken for granted take all is well, but in this case Sagar pushed the ball out, and Wilson came it to crack it back into the net. A simple-looking goal, the like of which, would not be scored against Sagar in a dozen matches. But let me tell you of Everton’s lost chances. Stevenson near the penalty spot and only Strong there to defy him. This must be a goal –who could save it? It needed no saving, for Stevenson in his anxiety shot wide. Then there was a header by Dodds, who was so sure that it was out of Strong’s reach that he turned away to walk to the centre spot and was the most surprised man on the field to learn that Strong had made a marvellous save. Near the end Dodds was through again, but Strong came out to narrow down the shooting a goal, and all that Dodds could do was shoot straight at him. Potts netted for Burnley but the whistle had sounded. Billingham “offside.” The Everton defence had a testing time during Burnley’s high-pressure period, and proved itself a tight defensive power with Jones a great form. Saunders was excellent but Hedley found the Chew-Morris-Attwell wing a bit of a handful. Sagar made several grand saves. If only the Everton attack could have kept going their first exhibition –but “if” and “buts” play no part in this football game.
Mr. Bill Anderson, manager of Lincoln City arrives in Liverpool early this evening to complete the transfer of Jock Dodds.

T.G.’ORDERS’ ANOTHER ‘CUP’
October 4, 1948. The Evening Express.
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Tommy Jones, Everton’s centre-half, can be booked as a certain section by Wales for the International match with Scotland at Ninian Park on October 23. Jones under the gaze of Mr. Herbert Powell, secretary of the Football Association of Wales, gave one of the first exhibitions when playing against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday’s show which will be his passport to the Welsh side. The transfer market continues on an active note while Everton and Liverpool continue their goalless days. Mannion news changes hourly, and the proposed exchange with Burnley’s Morris and Potts looks to have fallen through although Potts, despite a tendency to right-footedness, had a good game against Everton when watched by the Borough directors. Everton had some good chances to secure their first away goal, and after a brilliant first-half of constructive endeavour were eventually flattered by having only Wilson’s lone goal against them. When Burnley turned on their second-half “heat” Everton’s wing-halves Bentham and Watson found the pace rather too much for them and, as they had to forsake attack for defence, the forwards were left to languish too long without a working ball. Jones and George Saunders were the two men who so valiantly defied the Burnley attack with Hedley backing them up well and Sagar showing uncanny anticipation. I would not hold Sagar, entirely blameless in the scoring of the goal, for Potts cross shot lacked pace and yet Ted was a shade slow in going down. However, Sagar’s other saves more than balanced this semi-lapse. The forwards were a delight in the first half, with the ball always on the floor and with each man having a complete command over positional arts. Dodds in his last game made the bets opening of all when he showed “Alex” and nodded the ball down to the feet of Stevenson standing with only Strong to beat. A considered shot would have brought the goal, but Alex lashed at it too quickly and outside, Everton pleased me with their football, and, having football, there is the basis for the Manager Cliff Britton’s building-up work which will start this week. My optimism remains unshaken, although I have still to see an Everton League victory. The largest directorial partly of the season made the journey –Chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter with messrs, Ernest Green, Dick Searle, Jack Sharp, Harold Williams and Norman Coffey, not forgetting Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly, Norman Greenhalgh has come through the manipulative operation on his right ankle okay and should soon be fit again.

DODDS LEAVES GOODISON
October 5, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Dodds Departs
Ranger’s Notes
Jock Dodds, Everton’s centre forward and former Scottish international was last night transferred to Lincoln City. During his association with Everton, Dodds had scored 36 goals in 55 Football League games and it the opinion of many good judges will still continue a successful marksman if given the right support. Many Everton supporters have expressed surprise that the club should be prepared to part. The fact is that Dodds was promised his release for personal reasons, as soon as Everton were able to replace him. The Board has now kept its promise. While one must admire them for that, in the present state of Goodison affairs it seems a risky thing to do. Even should Juliussen fill the bit, what about injuries? But perhaps Everton have another move up their sleeve.

JULIUSSEN LEADS
October 6, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
As anticipated Albert Juliussen secured from Portsmouth some weeks ago, takes over the leadership of the Everton attack against Blackpool, and as Stevenson is injured. Lello was partner Boyes on the left-wing. Either Powell or Grant will be at outside-right. The half-backs and defence are unchanged. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones (TG), Watson; Powell or Grant, Fielding, Juliussen, Lello, Boyes.
Everton Res (v. Bolton Res at Goodison Park); Burnett; Clinton, Greenhalgh; Cookson, Humphreys, Lindley; Mcllhatton, Pinchbeck, Catterick, Lewis, McCormick.
Mr. Cliff Britton, Everton’s new manager last night transferred Alan Brown, the Burnley captain, to Notts County at a particularly high fee. This ends the County’s long search for an experienced centre half. There is one other item which Mr. Britton will wish to clear up before coming to Goodison and that is the question of Mannion signing for Burnley.

CLIFF REPORTS ON MONDAY
October 7, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Mr. Cliff Britton will complete his contract as manager of Burnley this evening, and will start his duties as manager at Goodison Park next Monday. He will use tomorrow clearing up little domestic matters for Burnley and on Saturday will join Everton at Preston on their way through to Blackpool for the Football League game at Bloomfield-road. Mr. Britton will then go back to Burnley and travel to Liverpool on Monday. Aubrey Powell and Alex Stevenson today reported fit, and definitely play outside right and inside left respectively at Blackpool.
Tribute To Sagar
Ted Sagar, Everton’s English international goalkeeper, is to be honoured by fellow sportsmen next week, when there will be a public representation to him as a tribute to his contribution to the glory of Merseyside sport. The effort is being sponsored by a committee of St. Brigid’s Church, of which Alderman Luke Hogan is chairman and Mr. P. J. Gannon hon, secretary. The presentation will be made at a dance to be held at the Grafton Rooms, and another great local sportsman, Nel Tarleton, undefeated British and Empire featherweight champion, will make the presentation supported by Ernie Roderick, British welterweight champion, Johnny Molley, No 1 contender for Tarleton’s old titles and members of the Everton Football Club. This tribute to Sagar is a happy thought for Ted is now in the 20th season with Everton, and is playing as well, if not better than at any time in his career. There has been no more popular footballer in the city and that public tribute is to be paid to him will give general satisfaction. Curiously enough the last public presentation to a local sportsman here was to Nel Tarleton himself and now Nel says; “Well done and thanks” to another.

EVERTON’S HOPES
October 8, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Blackpool will be minus Matthews and Mortensen for the visit of Everton, which impressed the Blues hopes of getting at least a half-share. Everton have yet to score their first away goal while Blackpool have netted on only four occasions in five home games. Juliussen has now had more time to settle down with his new club, and his display will be watched with special interest in view of the departure of Dodds. Juliussen was never at his fittest while the Portsmouth as the relaxing southern air did not suit him. He should be in better trim by now. The defence has completely mastered its earlier shaky period, having been debited with only four goals in the last four outings, so that the results largely depends on the forwards. If they can rise to the occasion Everton may even delight us with a victory though I am hardly so optimistic as that. A draw would be a good performance all things considered. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, Boyes.
• Everton Reserves v. Bolton Reserves at Goodison Park
• Everton “A” v Newton Y.M.C.A at Bellefield
• Everton “C” v. Florance Melly B.C

TOFFEES CHANCE
October 8, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Make no mistakes about it, Everton have a grand chance of gaining their first away point of the season when they go to Blackpool, for they are catching the Pool without internationals Matthews and Mortensen. That, in itself is a boon to any opposition although Everton must rely on their own abilities rather than the shortcomings of their rivals. Liverpool failed to “cash in” on the absence of stars two weeks ago at Blackpool, but if Everton can reproduce their sound football shown during the first half at Burnley and add the vital finishing touches they should break this unfortunate away spell which has brought five defeats. Albert Juliussen returns to take over the leadership of the attack, and should soon be among the goals, while Stevenson and Powell have now reported fit, so the outlook is pretty rosy. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, Boyes.
Only two Merseysides players figure in the Belfast international between Ireland and England –Peter Farrell and Tommy Eglington, of Everton.

BLACKPOOL GIVE EVERTON SHOCK
October 9, 1948. The Evening Express
Penalty Reverse in 2nd Minute Leads to 6th Away Defeat
By Pilot
Everton suffered the sixth successive away defeat when they were easily overcome by Blackpool at Bloomfield road today, and so remain pointless away from home. The match was watched by new manager Cliff Britton, but he could not have been impressed by the disappointing work of the forwards, among whom Juliussen had a grand but luckless match. Centre-forward, definitely on this display, is one position which will give Everton no worries. A doubtful penalty after two minutes sent Everton on their way to defeat, for even Blackpool agreed that it was a “harsh sentence.” Everton had to make a last minute change, Watson reporting unfit with a leg injury, Grant who was at outside right last week, played at left-half. Cliff Britton’s, Everton’s new manager, who takes up residence at Goodison Park on Monday, met the party at Preston and was introduced to the players by chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter, who was accompanied by Messrs, Jack Sharp, Harold Williams, and Norman Coffey. Mr. W. R. Williams joined the party at Blackpool. Mr. Britton had a chat with the players in private after being given a warm welcome. Blackpool were without Matthews and Mortensen, who were on duty for England in Ireland. The Everton club sent a good luck telegram to Farrell and Eglington playing for Ireland. There were large numbers of Everton supporters present. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Stuart and Wright, backs; Johnston, Hayward, and Kelly, half-backs; Ricketts, Munro, McIntosh, McCall and Wardle, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Tommy Jones and Grant, half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Howarth, Blackburn. Everton had an early shock, for in two minutes Blackpool were awarded a penalty from which Wardle gave them the lead.
McIntosh Falls.
McIntosh had taken a bouncing ball past Tommy Jones, and was in the act of shouting when Hedley dashed across and booted the ball to touch, but in so doing bumped into McIntosh, who fell on his face. The referee decided to give a penalty, but to my mind id did not merit such an award. Wardle took the kick and placed a slow shot to Sagar’s right hand. This was Wardle’s first goal for Blackpool since joining them from Grimsby, but some spectators shouted “shame” when the penalty was given. Blackpool tried to cash in on their good luck, but Tommy Jones and Sagar prevented them getting to real business, and then Juliussen came to the left, and with Boyes’ help, got Blackpool more than worried. Boyes final centre went far beyond Powell and then McIntosh broke through, but Jones chased into the dead line and got the ball away. This was pretty poor football, with Everton forwards completely out of tune, apart from Juliussen, who was working exceptionally hard and quite the master of Hayward. Fielding ran past three opponents, but his final pass went astray, just as did most of Everton’s constructive ideas. It was left to defence to take the honours, and this they did against eager, if not too accurate, Blackpool attackers.
Sagar’s Dive
Sagar had to go down to save a fast pass-back by Saunders and then drive on the ball to prevent McCall getting to work. McCall was the most eager marksman of the game, but twice he was well off the mark. Everton failed to profit by a close up free kick, but then Stevenson was put through, but Farm saved his shot low down. The main difference between the tams was that Everton were seconds slower in thinking and acting although Bentham and Grant shone with some splendid interventions. Sagar made a glorious catch off Munro’s centre and then leapt through a bunch of players to fist away from McIntosh. At last Juliussen got the line working and the ball was slipped square to Boyes, whose shot, however, cannoned against Suart’s legs. The crowd shouted at the referee when he pulled up Everton, indicating that the ball had crossed the touch line. This was hard luck, for Boyes was in a good position to score. Blackpool hit back hard, as Sagar making a flying save off a cute shot by Rickett, and then earned applause by a save which was the highlights of the day. McIntosh wheeled round quickly to shoot through a crowd of players, but Sagar, who had appeared to be unsighted, flung himself to the ground push the ball away with one hand. Everton defence was splendid. Half-time; Everton 1, Blackpool 0.
Just as Everton had been shocked at the opening of the game, they were shocked again on resuming, for within four minutes McIntosh had increased Blackpool’s lead. Wardle appeared from the stand to have allowed the ball to run over the dead line before he centred, and there was hesitancy in intervention, which enabled McIntosh to leap and head down into the net. Blackpool then crowded on all sail and the Everton defence was sorely worried. Juliussen tried like a hero to get Everton moving, but with ascent support, and it was good to see Bentham so often go forward to try and put pen into the attack. McCall shot over, and then in a brief Everton raid Stevenson lobbed the ball tamely into the hands of Farm.
Brilliant Goal
The 58th minute saw Everton three down, with a brilliant goal by Rickett, who raced ahead in the style of Mortensen, to hold off three challenges and then hooked the ball back into the net from an acute angle, after Sagar had come across to the neat post. Julissen had beaten Hayward when he was brought down on the edge of the penalty area, but Jones free kick was well off the mark. Sagar made a glorious flying save off McIntosh’s cross-shot, and then Everton seemed to liven up, Juliussen beating three men on the goalline and then flashing across a centre which Powell hit on volley, but Farm saved high up. Everton kept up pressure and from Powell’s centre Boyes dashed in with a magnificent header, which Farm saved low down. Next, Juliussen hit one first time, but it made a hole in the crowd. McIntosh shot under difficulties but Sagar dived across to save again. Blackpool were trying to ease up, and this contributed to Everton coming more into the game. There is no doubt Juliussen might have won this game with better support. Another outstanding contribution was that of Bentham, who were often a useful sixth forward. Boyes gained a corner and after using the short ball with Powell jumped through with a grand shot, which Farm just managed to turn over the top. Final; Blackpool 5, Everton 0
• Everton “A” 5, Newton Y.M.C.A 0.

EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES
OCTOBER 9, 1948. The Evening Express
Everton were early dangerous, Mcllhatton doing excellent work, but his accurate centres were not taken advantage of. The Blues missed a golden opportunity when Parker, from a Mcllhatton centre, missed a sitter. Bolton next made headway and Jackson was lucky with a shot which just grazed the crossbar. A notable feature was the fine play of Pinchbeck who was playing in the inside berth. After 32 minutes Parker made amends by scoring a fine goal from Mcllhatton’s pass. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Bolton Res 0. Final, Everton Res 1, Bolton Res 0

BLACKPOOL OPENED SCORE IN TWO MINUTES
October 9, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton’s Grim Struggle After Wardle’s Surprise Penalty
Sagar’s Wonderful Save
Blackpool 3, Everton 0
By Stork
The Old Everton story. Feeble attack. Juliussen had a good game and that without support. Blackpool; Farm, goal; Stuart and Wright, backs; Johnston, Hayward, and Kelly, half-backs; Ricketts, Munro, McIntosh, McCall and Wardle, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Tommy Jones and Grant, half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. H. Howarth, Blackburn. Everton were in search of points at Bloomfield Road, and with the absence of Blackpool’s two Stanley’s there was a hope that they would collect a couple. Cliff Britton, Everton’s new manager, linked up with the team at Preston, where a tactic talk was held. He officially takes over on Monday. Everton had to make a change in the half back line owing to Watson having an injured knee. Utility man Grant took over. Blackpool are nicely placed in the table but are keen to add to their register. There was a sensational start for in two minutes Blackpool had scored via the penalty spot. McIntosh was brought down by Hedley and Everton were as much hocked as Blackpool were surprised to find it was a penalty. Mac had actually lost the ball and therefore had no chance of scoring. When asked to take the kick McIntosh refused, so Wardle was called up and put the ball wide of Sagar’s right. For some minutes Blackpool pestered the Everton defence without troubling Sagar. Juliussen surprised Suart by nipping round him and taking the ball from his toes and passing to Boyes, and then running into the centre. Boyes tricked two opponents and then tried to find Powell, but Wright took the pass. Blackpool were persistent attackers but found Jones in a most dominating mood, and the way he beat McIntosh by sound football methods was good to see. Everton eventually got over their shock and Juliussen from well outside the penalty area, fired in a left-foot shot which brought Farm to his knees to save. Juliussen produced some clever moves and brought in his colleagues with wise passes. Munro was robbed in time and McIntosh on the turn made a shot of merit, Sagar catching the ball confidently. Offside ruined a number of promising Everton attacks, Fielding outsmarted two rivals and got the ball through to Stevenson, whose intended pass failed to reach Powell. McCall tried a long drive which passed outside.
Wrong Goal
Wardle made the mistake of passing to McCall when he had every right to have tried a shot from a better position. There was no great subtlety in their forward line to trouble Sagar, whose next work was a save from his own player, Saunders. Wardle offered McCall a good chance, but the inside forward shot outside, Everton found it difficult to beat the Blackpool defence and Sagar had to make a good catch from Rickett. So far Everton had two shots at the Blackpool goal, the second being made by Stevenson. Boyes had a shot charged down and Powell only half hit a shot when all but through. McIntosh worked like a Trojan. He shot against Jones and from the rebound swung the ball outside. Mac and Jones were engaged in some thrilling action, with the half-back taking the greatest share. Rickett at inside right, nearly squeezed in goal number two, but Sagar, at the last second turned the ball. A wonderful save by Sagar just before the interval brought the crowd to its feet. How he ever got to McIntosh’s shot was bewildering. It was almost the impossible.
Half-time; Blackpool 1, Everton 0
The talk during the interval was Sagar’s save. People were still wondering how he did it, for he must have been unsighted. Blackpool started the second half strongly but there was an occasion when Juliussen from the left, attempted to put a short pass to inside. A Blackpool defenders took it.
And Another
Four minutes after the restart Blackpool marked up their second goal. McIntosh used his height to nod Wardle’s centre into the Everton goal. Some contended that the ball had gone over the dead ball line before Wardle centred. Juliussen was wrongly pulled up for offside, but one of Everton’s troubles was mispassing. Time and again the ball went to a Blackpool man. The Everton attack was easily held and Blackpool were billeted in the Everton penalty area most of the time. The best goal of the match was recorded by Rickett, who took up a pass from McCall, carried the ball through, drew Sagar from his lair, and cleverly hooked the ball into the empty net. Juliussen was the one Everton forward with a shot in the locker, and two of his efforts went close. But Blackpool were still in command and dictators of a one-sided game. Juliussen was brought down just outside the penalty area, Jones took the free kick and lobbed it outside. Blackpool were more dominant than brilliant. McCall shot close to the upright and McIntosh from the left, drove fiercely for the Everton goal. Sagar got his knuckles to the shot and turned it out. Everton’s shots were few and far between, when one came from Powell there was a cheer from the Merseysiders present. Juliussen made the opening, Farm made the save. Sagar saved from McIntosh and Boyes with a header made Farm move quickly, but a shot which looked more like scoring was made by Juliussen. The Scot had a good game despite his lack of support. Final; Blackpool 3, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V. BOLTON RES
October 9, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Mcllhatton and Pinchbeck constructed a fine wing, especially Pinchbeck, who did splendid work in his new position. In the 32nd minute Parker gave Everton the lead after good work by Pinchbeck and Mcllhatton. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Bolton Wanderers Res 0.
In the second half Everton attacked vigoursly, the Bolton defenders having a grim test in preventing further disaster from a fast moving line. Only good work by Burnett prevented Bolton drawing level. Final; Everton Res 1, Bolton Res 0.

CLIFF BRITTON TASK
October 11, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Weaknesses
By Stork
Blackpool 3, Everton 0
Everton’s new manager, Mr. Cliff Britton, cannot be happy over what he saw at Blackpool. Had it not been for Sagar, Blackpool’s win would have been more handsome. I admit the early penalty shook Everton; knocked out of them whatever heart they may have had. When Hedley crossed McIntosh’s path and cleared there was no penalty look about the incident, and Blackpool were actually surprised to find they had a spot kick. Everton seemed unable to get together; passes went astray with announcing persistence, and their scoring efforts were left to the last few moments, when Blackpool had the game in the bag. Blackpool were aggressive; moved with power if not subtly and delivered the shots; these three factors were foreign to Everton. I felt sorry for Juliussen who had to plough a lone furrow with no help; yet he played well; made openings and got in shots. Blackpool’s second and third goals came shortly after the interval, via McIntosh (a header) and Ricketts, who scored the best goal of the day –a Mortensen effort –powering in his shot from an angled position. Just before the interval Sagar had staggered the Blackpool people by the save of the century; although unsighted he flung himself sideways and thumped the ball out with his fist. He made other saves but that was the greatest. Sagar was one of the successes, Jones was another, the Welshman is putting more “bite” into his play above stars and is more dominating.
• England beat Ireland 6-2 at Cardiff, City, Peter Farrell and Tommy Eglington playing for Ireland.

EVERTON’S NEW ERA OPEN’S
October 11, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s new ear –and we hope brighter era –dawned today with new manager Cliff Britton took over at Goodison Park. Soon after 10 o’clock Mr. Britton officially set out on his task of rebuilding Everton –a mammoth job, but one which I am convinced he will handle to the satisfaction of everyone. Preliminary work was done at Blackpool on Saturday, where Everton lost 3-0 in disappointing style. Cliff sat in the stand watching and writing, making notes of errors faulty tactics; why goals were given away and why goals were missed. Actually Mr. Britton drew up the first “blue print” for the new structure he will erect, for the directors hand over the job in entirely to the manager. The directors and Mr. Kelly have had worrying weeks; anxious weeks, but now comes the new stimulant. Maybe Mr. Britton will want a complete overhaul of team, training, coaching and other things, and I know Dr. Cecil S. Baxter and his colleagues will be keen to give Cliff his head and all the help they can. There will be no obstacles to the free exploitation of Cliff’s own ideas, and I am sure all readers will join me in wishing him “Good Luck.” Let me warn you not to expect miracles all at once. The process will be long and extreme patience necessary, but that we shall soon be living in happier days I am convinced.
Brighter Side
There was a brighter side to Everton’s defeat at Blackpool, although the whole affair was tantalisingly unencouraging. Brightesr thing of all was the grand display by Albert Juliussen at centre-forward. Albert is regaining his speed slowly but surely, and he showed good shooting with both feet; control; ideas; and sound heading. The new attack can, definitely, be built around him. With the right support Juliussen will be an immense success. Tommy Jones had another grand day, so grand, in fact, that one shudders to think what would have happened had he faltered. Sagar made some glorious saves, and yet was not entirely blameless in regard to the goals. The second by McIntosh, I thought he should have saved, but maybe he like me, thought the ball had run dead before the vital centre was made. Some good work by Bentham and Saunders, and you have about the sum of the virtues, except to add that Everton fought stronger near the end than at any time. Had they shown that form early on they might have won despite their cruel luck to have a penalty against them after two minutes I was mystified why a penalty was given.

NEW EVERTON REGIME
October 11, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Cliff Britton Takes Over
But Don’ Expect “Miracles”
100 Per Cent Effort Needed
Ranger’s Notes
Mr. Cliff Britton, the quiet spoken man with the big job, officially took over his position as team-manager of Everton this morning. After being welcomed by Mr. Theo Kelly and Trainer Harry Cooke, he expressed his pleasure at becoming associated with his old club again, but wisely refrained from committing himself to anything beyond a general statement, plus a warning that we must not expect miracles to happen at once. The directors have placed their faith in me to tackle the clubs problems. I shall do my utmost to justify that faith,” he said. “The position demands a 100 per cent effort by all concerned and the loyal backing of supporters. I shall probably try various experiments, I am sure the club’s followers will be patient during this period and I ask them to give the side their full backing at all times. “If the players feel that their supporters are behind them to the last man it will give them the vital spirit which is needed to make the effort required. Encouraged them all you can. If you have any criticism-leave it until after the match. “My association with Everton as a player was an extremely happy one,” added Mr. Britton. “I thrust that as manager it will be likewise.” And with that Mr. Britton got down to business in real earnest. He does not under-estimate his task but the acumen and foresight which he brought to hear to put Burnley on so solid a foundation should bring results at Goodison so long as we don’t expect them in five minutes.
Sagar’s Best Ever
Travelling home with the Boys pen from Blackpool on Saturday night, I asked one young man what he thought about his team after he had seen them beaten by Blackpool. He said; “There played like a lot of school kids.” Well the war hardly that, but I must say they played to the standard of their League position (writes Stork). I wonder what Mr. Cliff Britton thought about it all? He must be concerned to see his old club in such low water, and how he is going to improve the standard of play of Everton is something which is beyond me. He has got a lot on his plate during the next few months, but perhaps he has plans. He had the power to weld Burnley into a First Division side. Let us hope he can remodel Everton and save them from relegation, for they are assuredly heading for the lower regions. It is all very well to say it’s early to talk about relegation but one must face up to the fact that the strain of fighting losing battles become greater as time goes on. Confidence is impaired to such a degree that a team enters the fray with fear and trembling in their hearts. That part has not yet been reached by Everton, but the players cannot look upon any match with a light heart. When matters are going bad unforeseen things creep in to add to the normal worries such as Blackpool’s penalty in two minutes. Without being prejudiced I could not see any penalty in Hedley’s tackle on McIntosh and Blackpool were just as surprised to find themselves the recipient of a “gift goal”. That goal was a blow; but It was not entirely responsible for Everton’s feeble endeavour to wipe it out. Blackpool were not “unbeatable” or would not have been had there been any forward strength in the Everton attack, which was easily handled by the Blackpool defence. A week previously Everton had produced some clever football. At Bloomfield Road they did not produce anything (defence excepted) to bring Blackpool to their knees. The winners won because they had thrust –no great subtlety –the ability to put the ball in the net, and the fact that Everton were never a threat. There would have been more than three goals had it not been for Sagar and Jones the two mighty men of the team. It was practically Blackpool versus Sagar, Jones and one or two others. The Everton defence is getting little or no respite these days, for the forwards are not taking any of the load from their shoulders. Attack, they say is the best form of defence. Well, Everton’s attack was threadbare, and only Juliussen showed up with any prominent. Without any help at all he did uncommonly well, but one forward was not enough. He made good shots and “spread” the ball nicely, but was without support. I have not seen to many passes go wrong by an Everton side for a long time, and it was not until the final minute that they gave goalkeeper Farm anything to do, but the game was won, and lost by then. I have seen most of Sagar’s saves over the years but never has he made a better one –and we still talk of his Wolverhampton penalty save to this day – than when he prevented McIntosh scoring just before the interval. He had one side of his goal covered, the other side was open to the four winds, and McIntosh shot for what point. Sagar with cat-like agility, flung himself across goal and fisted out a “certainty” although he must have been unsighted. A miraculous effort to say the least. He made many other saves but that one stands out in letters of gold. Everton’s wing halves were all too busy defending their goal to have any time to give to their forwards; forwards who had no power of penetration.

FIRST MOVES
October 12, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The re-moulding of Everton under the new regime will be a slow and steady process. New Manager Cliff Britton had to tackle things from a psychological point of view to provide a structure on which to build. That is why he devoted all yesterday morning to discussing a hundred and one items with Mr. Theo Kelly, gaining knowledge of the whole of the playing staff, so that he was well-prepared for today’s work, he held a morning conference with the entire playing staff. In the afternoon field work began at Goodison Park. Today’s work may produce some little things for which Mr. Britton is seeking, but although the directors meet this evening it is doubtful whether he will present his first-ever team. There is no hurry anyway, and any new manager must know his men before he can arrive at a decision. Let us be patient. Manager Britton will note take up permanent residence on Merseyside for a few days because his house is not quite ready, but he will stay overnight whenever necessary.
Everton player Tommy Jones is included in the Welsh team for the October 23 to meet Scotland at Ninian Park.

MANAGER JOINS IN TRIALS
October 14, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Manager Cliff Britton in the process of constructing the Everton side he expects to bring the vital, pre-Christmas points today, opened his intensive coaching and training campaign, and wear stripped and went out working with the players at Bellefield. Work so far this week –Mr. Britton’s first week in his new capacity –has been devoted to tactics talks with the players, and he has stressed exactly what he wants and what he expects of them. It has taken some days for him to meet all of the 42 professionals on the club’s books – the largest playing staff in Everton’s history –but now he knows them, and can concentrate on sorting out his personnel to the best advantage. Yesterday a full dress practice was held at Bellefield which satisfied Cliff more than somewhat. Yesterday he held a watching brief to see how the lads responded to his requirement, but today he stripped and went out on the field to help in the perfecting of ideas. It is interesting to note that among Everton’s junior ranks are two of the outstanding players of last season’s Liverpool schoolboys team, which became joint English champions with Stockport –Atherton, the goalkeeper, and Threfall, the outside-left. They play for the “C” team at present.
Everton “B” (v. I.C.I at Widnes); (from); G. Leyland; Hunter, Fletcher; Barker, Doran, W.V. Burnett, Cross, Gibson, Eccleston, Lawton, Dobson, Rushton.
Everton “C” (v. English Martyrs, at Bellefield) ; Atherton; McDonough, Gore; Griffiths, Downs, Tutte; McShaw, R. Powell, Martindale, J. Wainwright, Threllfall.

UNBEATEN DERBY’S VISIT
October 15, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s first Britton-moulded team will set out at Goodison Park tomorrow, in an endeavour to record their third win of the season and to smash the unbeaten record of Derby County. We must not expect sensations, for Manager Britton has had only one week with the club, but I do expect the Goodison habitnes will see a newly-inspired Everton. Make no mistake about it, the players have been striving tremendously hard. We have seen flashes of golden brilliance, but a lack of incisiveness in front of goal, I am confident of improvement and while I appreciate the soundness of Derby, who stand second to Portsmouth, this is a game which Everton might easily win. There are no surprises in the Everton team, and Mr. Britton is wise in building his side on that which has been showing promise of better things. The return of the two Irish internationals, Peter Farrell and Tommy Eglington in place of Grant and Boyes are the only alterations in a team which may get a point. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Tommy Jones, Farrell; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, Eglington. Derby; Townsend; Mozley, Howe; Ward, Leuty, Musson, Harrison, Powell, Stamps, Steel, Broome.
• Everton “A” v. Liverpool Police, at Bellefield
• Everton “C” v. English Martyrs at Bellefield

DERBY AT GOODISON
October 15, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
For their first game since Mr. Cliff Britton took over the team management, Everton will be home to Derby County, who are still unbeaten this season. When they forced a goalless draw at Anfield a fortnight ago, Derby hardly gave the impressive show one expects from a side next to the top. Their defence was very solid, but though some of their approach moves had the stamp of class about them, there were definite short-comings in front of goal. There are changes in the Derby side compared with that which opposed Liverpool. Mazley is now back in action which means the disappearing of Peppitt who played such a splendid game despite injurys. Thompson the former Sunderland centre forward is laid up with a soar throat, so that Jack Stamp leads the attack and Tom Powell a 25-year-old local boy comes in at inside-right. Everton make two changes in their side compared with last weeks eleven at Blackpool, Farrell resumes at left half and Eglington comes in at outside left as partner to Stevenson. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Tommy Jones, Farrell; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, Eglington. Derby; Townsend; Mozley, Howe; Ward, Leuty, Musson, Harrison, Powell, Stamps, Steel, Broome.

DERBY TAKE QUICK GOODISON GOAL
October 16, 1948. The Evening Express
Everton Fling all Into The Attack But Have No Luck
By Radar
Luckless Everton again found themselves a goal to the bad within a few minutes from the start against Derby County at Goodison. Stamps gave Derby the lead in the third minute, a shot which Burnett might have saved. Everton fought back strongly, particularly after the interval, but found the Derby defence solid and hard in its tackling. There were Everton claims for a penalty, when Juliussen was brought down twenty minutes from the end, but the referee awarded a free kick. The Everton finishing still lacked conviction. Everton’s new team manager, Mr. Cliff Britton, found it necessary to make an eleventh hour change. Goalkeeper Ted Sagar fell a victim to influenza and although he turned up at the ground he was unfit to play. His place was taken by George Burnett. The position was aggravated by the fact that Burnett himself was not completely fit and Everton’s other goalkeeper Jones, was down with an injured arm. Burnett had of necessity to take over. This was the first game Sagar had missed since the 1946-47 season. Everton; Burnett, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, and Eglington, forwards. Derby County; Townsend, goal; Mozley, and Parr, backs; Ward, Leuty, and Musson, half-backs; Harrison, Powell (T.), Stamps, Steel and Broome, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.P. Womersley (Stockport). There was almost a first minute blow for Everton when Ward tricked Juliussen cleverly and slipped the ball through for Stamps to turn it inside for the in-running Steel. The Scottish international’s first-timer slewed narrowly wide of the target –too close for the scrambling Burnett’s liking. Away went Everton for Juliussen and Fielding to carve out an opening. Powell who cut in and forced Townsend to field a powerful oblique drive near the post. Then Eglington slung a centre right across the face of the Derby goal but with no-one on hand to make contact. But in the third minute Derby were in front. The County’s Powell slipped the ball forward for Harrison to cross square. Stamps gained possession and beat Burnett with a not over-powerful shot which Burnett appeared to have covered. For some minutes the Everton defence was in a state of jitters, but Burnett was not called on –thanks mainly to solid work by Jones. When Everton made progress Eglington did well to keep the ball in play and turn across a low centre which Juliussen just failed to connect. Aubrey Powell, however, gained possession and forced a corner.
A Derby Escape
Townsend left his goal to deal with this but misjudged the flight of the ball and Juliussen’s header from an awkward angle was headed from underneath the bar by Parr, Townsend eventually completing the clearance. The Derby forwards, backed up by clever constructive wing halves, were moving the ball along quickly and finding their men with such accuracy that the Everton defence was having all its work cut out. At the same time the Everton attack had shown up quite promisingly and might easily have scored a couple of goals had Powell’s finishing been more effective. Off side neutralised several Everton raids which gave promise and then Juliussen booked one over the top with immense power from an awkward angle. Derby continued to exploit an exaggerated off side plan which constantly held up Everton a few yards inside the Derby half. It was pleasing to see the Everton inside-forwards playing further up field than they have been so that Juliussen was being accorded stronger support in the middle. Derby were always dangerous when they swung into action and a neat link up between Powell, Steel and Harrison enabled Harrison to cut in diagonally and drive narrowly over the bar as Burnett advanced. Everton’s nearest to date came when Fielding sent Aubrey Powell away and he was allowed to carry on although apparently off side. Juliussen came racing in at top speed, but handled as he put the ball into the net and the cheers of the 43,000 crowd were premature. Successive corners to Derby produced nothing to test Burnett although there was a tendency on the part of the Everton defenders to hold off from the tackle which more than once looked likely to prove fatal. Burnett did well to deal high up with a beautifully-placed Harrison centre to the far post, and there could be no denying that Derby were the more trustful force. There was a great chance for Everton when a sweeping up-field clearance saw Juliussen take possession. Juliussen clearly thought he was offside but was waved on by the referee.
A Bad Miss
With only Townsend to beat, however, he slashed the ball yards over the top. A bad miss this. Everton came more into the picture as the game progressed but Juliussen being kept in check by Leuty. On one occasion Stevenson and Fielding had the Derby defence in trouble, but first Stevenson and then Powell had pile drivers charged down. The ball eventually bounced clear to Fielding, whose first time effort carried too much loft.
Half-time; Everton 0, Derby County 1
Straight from the restart there was almost another quick shock for Everton as Burnett completely missed the ball as Powell (T.) moved in, to finish off the work begun by Harrison and Broome. This was indeed a let-off for Everton, Jones turning the ball around the post before Powell could reach it. Everton were fighting with all the grit in the world, but there was no semblance of good fortune to favour them. Juliussen was rather unceremoniously dealt with when he tried to force a way through down the middle. Derby went away and Broome finally drove in obliquely, Burnett no doubt being relieved to see the ball flash wide of the post. Everton came again and Fielding who was showing vastly improved form, opened up a clear route for Eglington with a superb cross pass. Eglington elected to centre, and Stevenson’s lack of inches just prevented him from connecting. There was a brief stoppage, while Aubrey Powell received attention for a minor hurt. There was a close call for Everton when Stamps, always an alert leader, let go first time from Broome’s square cross, and Burnett did exceptionally well to save a full length. Derby had their narrow squeaks when Farrell and Stevenson combined to provide Eglington with a scoring chance. Eglington cut in but his left footer travelled over the top. Everton provided one of the best moves of the game, Fielding offering Powell the right of way, Townend’s anticipation, however, enabled him to beat Juliussen’s head to possession by a fraction of a second. After Townsend had saved Stevenson’s long ranger at the second attempt, Fielding forced a corner. From this Jones, who had moved up-field headed in. Townsend was beaten but Mozley, standing on the goal-line, managed to scramble the ball clear –a miraculous escape for Derby. Everton were flinging everything into attack, and Derby were forced to pack their goal to keep fighting Everton at bay. Everton continued to attack fiercely and 20 minutes from the end, Juliussen was going through when he was uprooted heavily. From the free kick, Juliussen appeared to be a clear yard inside the area, but referee Wolmsley awarded a free kick just outside the area, despite the appeals of Everton. This did not bring grist to the mill and Juliussen was limping badly after the incident. Final; Everton 0, Derby County 1.

ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
October 16, 1948. The Evening Express
Villa opened strongly, and Goffin scored in two minutes after combining with Howarth. Villa continued to have the better of things, and Craddock scored a second after 33 minutes. Everton spend most of the first half on the defensive. It was rarely that they developed an attack which troubled the Villa defence. Half-time; Aston Villa Res 2, Everton Res 0. Final; Aston Villa Res 2, Everton Res 1.

EVERTON SHOWED GLIMPSE OF THE OLD FIRE
October 16, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
But Derby County Were Always The Complete Team
Simple Goal Gave Rams Early Lead
By Stork.
Everton; Burnett, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Juliussen, Stevenson, and Eglington, forwards. Derby County; Townsend, goal; Mozley, and Parr, backs; Ward, Leuty, and Musson, half-backs; Harrison, Powell (T.), Stamps, Steel and Broome, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.P. Womersley (Stockport). Both sides were forced to make changes, Ted Sagar who had been laid up with a touch of flu during the week, was well enough to be present at Goodison Park but not well enough to play. Thus a long sequence was broken for the Everton goalkeeper did not miss a single match last season and this was his first absence in the present campaign. Derby were without their international full back Howe, whose place at left-back was taken by Parr. Stamps the former New Brighton player, was brought in to lead the attack. Everton, in the hope of striking a winning game, brought back their two Irish internationals Farrell and Eglington. Everton were greatly in need of points and they had great hopes of bringing about the first fall of the County who have not yet lost a match. It was a glorious day and another magnificent crowd saw the game. Derby had to face the brilliant sun, yet in the very first moment they had delivered a shot which just passed wide of the Everton upright. It happened in this way, Steel and Powell got together and after some nice-by-play, Powell managed to get home his shot, to which Burnett seemed to move rather slowly. Everton replied in kind, and when Eglington put a ball across the Derby goal face Julissen was only a trifle late in making contact. Had the touched that ball I feel certain if would have landed in the net. Tommy Jones extricated himself from an awkward position by the process of a simple back-pass to Burnett. But in three minutes the Everton goal had fallen. Harrison and Ward with some intricate passing, finally brought the ball to Stamps and the big centre forward scooped it towards the goal. There was no great power behind it, and Burnett seemed to have it well covered, but the ball seemed to strike him in the chest before entering the net. It was a big blow to Everton’s cause for Burnett seemed to dive over the ball. The Derby forwards were a very sprightly lot, and often had the Everton defence nonplussed, but it was the Everton attack which was prominent during the next few minutes.
Spectacular Townsend.
Eglington showed fine speed and raced after the ball and beat Mozley in the process and centred. Townsend dived at the feet of an oncoming forward and pushed the ball, but it was then sent over to the Everton right flank and it seemed a certainty that Powell would equalise. Townsend, however, had dashed across his goal and once again dived successfully at an opponent’s feet to make a spectacular save. Derby’s trouble were not yet over for in the next minute goalkeeper Townsend was beaten, but Leuty who was standing on the goal line headed out to prevented the equaliser. Steel slapped one over the Everton crossbar. Juliussen was able to get in a shot despite the attention of Leuty but the ball went out over the bar. The Derby left wing was being well fed, and was the main factor in many of the County’s promising advances. Jones made a misclearance but his throughout football got him out of his troubles and he received a special ovation for his recovery.
Flash From Harrison
The Derby forwards had a lot to thank their wing halves, Musson and Ward, for some perfect “feeding.” Powell and Steel were equally adaptable, and offered the ball to the best-placed colleague. Steele was responsible for Harrison being offered a scoring chance. The winger took up the challenge and moving in he delivered a shot of power but his shot went flashing over the bar. Everton were very often caught in the Derby offside trap. Townsend once came out and made a risky clearance with a flying kick at the ball, but only put it out to Everton’s Powell.
Derby Had Everything
The Everton winger was beaten by Parr. Derby County were a complete team. They had everything. Yet Everton have a chance when Powell slipped down the wing and delivered a centre which Juliussen and Fielding went for but it was Juliussen who “handed” it past the Derby goalkeeper and a good chance was lost. Despite all the grand play by Derby it could not be said that they gave Burnett much anxiety. Jones kept a watchful eye over the mid-section of the penalty area. Everton got a corner, but it was soon cleared and Harrison scooped in a lobbing centre which Burnett caught and cleared. Everton were battling galliantly, but they had the method about them that Derby had.
Sure Defence
When Juliussen received a ball in an offside position he was allowed to go on, but once again he had applied too much loft to his shot which whizzled over the bar. The County defence was very sure of itself and an Eglington shot which bore no sting did not cause Townsend any real anxiety, though he went to his knees to make the save. Three times Everton had shots blocked out two by Stevenson and one by Powell, and when Fielding made a fourth he shot wide. Everton had the greater number of shots, but there was no denying the power of the County defence, which was very solid.
Half-time; Everton 0, Derby County 1.
Everton had shown some improvement, but there was still the old failing of poor finishing. They were not alone in this respect for Derby had their chances, which were not accepted. In the first minute of the second half the Everton goal escaped by good fortune rather than good management.
Against The Rocks
Everton found the Derby defence Gibraltar-like in its structure. Stamps tried a low shot, and Burnett had to throw himself sideways to prevent the ball passing just inside the upright. With a little more security when it came to shooting Everton had their chances, and their Irish wing, Farrell, Stevenson and Eglington almost produced the equaliser for there was little more than a hair’s breadth between the ball and the crossbar when Eglington finished off the action with a grand shot. At this point Everton were showing Derby the way, and they earned a corner, from which Townsend leaped up very high to punch the ball off Juliussen’s head.
Everton’s Fire
If Derby thought that the one goal was sufficient to carry then to success they were taking a risky for Everton were showing a fire hereabouts that might very easily bring about their downfall. Stevenson was engineering some nice movements and he went on to have a spot at goal. Everton won yet another corner and this time it almost produced that longed for equaliser. Tommy Jones came up for this one, and the move almost succeeded for his downward header was only half saved by Townsend and Mozley was left to complete the clearance. Jones claimed the ball had been over the line, but the referee was right on the spot and so “no goal,” and that was the end of that.
Jones Was Watched
Derby were not nearly so effective this half and it was Everton who were calling the tune. Up came Jones a second time, but Townsend saw the danger light, and pale special attention to the Welsh international, jumping high to punch the ball away just as Jones was about to make contact. Juliussen was rather ruthlessly brought down by Leuty, and a penalty seemed to be the only award for the incident took place well inside the penalty area. The referee apparently did not think so and gave the free kick a yard outside. There was much booing about the decision which is considered a bad one. If it was a free kick it should have been taken from the penalty spot. Everton took corner after corner but they got no award for them. Derby’s Powell made a tame header from a Stamps centre. One can ready understand why Derby have drawn five games away from home in succession. Their defence is magnificent. If their forwards had any shooting ability they would be a great power in football today.

ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
October 16, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Villa Res;- Wakemith, goal; Matty and Vinall, backs; F. Moss, A. Moss, and Ivensen, half-backs; Craddock, Martin, Howarth, Graham, and Goffin, forwards. Everton Res;- Leyland, goal; Clinton and Dugdale, backs; Grant, Humphreys and Lindley, half-backs; Corr, Pinchbecks, Cameron, Lello and Higgins, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.W. Handford, (Crewe). From the kick-off Everton attacked Villa, however, were the first to score. Goffin netting in five minutes owing to a defensive blunder. The Villa were now keeping up a sustained attack, in which Goffin-Craddock, and Howarth, were prominent. Leyland made some grand saves and Clinton and Grant were both playing a good defensive game. In 35 minutes Craddock beat the Everton defence to score a second. Half-time; Aston Villa Res 2, Everton Res 0.
• Everton “A” 2, Liverpool Police 1

EVERTON HAVE LIFE
October 18, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Under New management
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Everton 0, Derby County 1 (Stamp)
Some 53,000 spectators went to show willing and to will Everton to win for their new manager. They saw the team play in a manner far removed from anything seen from then this season. They had life, they became “furiouser and furiouser” and never a man spared himself. Hope rises because already the spirit of the side has been improved and some tactics notably with throws-in, were indicative of the practical man with the theoretical brain bringing a scheme into play. Playing against Derby was a splendid test because although many vow Derby are not worth top-rungs of the ladder, they climb through collective security and by means of a defence which is icy-cool. Half-back strength is the key of all success and here it is abundant that Ward and in minor degree Musson and Leuty, are forbidden to waste the ball, while the backs are prepared to accept as a foregone conclusion that a pass to the half-backs will be “carried forward,” with the surety of a Comptometer. Oddly enough, the attack broke down when placed for easy goals and much as one might claim to the 80th minute that Everton deserved a draw, let us not bind ourselves to the shocking escape when Derby’s Powell failed to take up a golden gift. On balance Everton were unfortunate, yet the other side, with Broome in anything like his known form, they would have been well beaten. Local people will talk of a penalty kick they would have granted to the home side when out outstanding leader, Juliussen went to earth. It’s is never my policy to “referee” the game for that official –I do not forget’s recent match when Everton conceded what I thought was a penalty award and did not receive the punishment. Fate is a great leveller in these debatable matters.
Burnett’s Handicap.
Stamp would delight in getting the only goal. The former New Brighton centre suffers the Derby barrackers, but continues to produce goals. A fit Burnett would have saved this shot. Sagar looked on through “flue eyes and Burnett played in spite of being ordered three weeks rest as recently as last Wednesday (thigh-muscle trouble). Everton’s links were more constructively engaged than for two months and much of the first half of Stevenson and Fielding helped to mould the home attack. Juliussen was a feast of endeavour yet finding no one up to accept his headed offering. He out-headed the smart Leuty and challenged the backs. Eglington with the pace he commands, should be providing and reaping goals, but the Everton attack has not yet found contact one with the other, and this is due, in part, to the lack of tackle by their half-backs. Farrell gave Harrison much scoope and if Tom Jones had flattered more than once he had his escapism incident early on the defence would have been swamped. The backs were resolute and sound except in delivery to the upfield places where a Derby man often received the kick and proceeded to find Steel one of the most captivating player of the game, a man who goes away up streets marked “No Entry.”
Steel Unselfish Worker
Steel is the uncommon blend of a great worker with the touch of genius and the selflessness that should provide many goals for the partners in attack. It must be a privilege to play besides him. Fielding started many similar missions of attack only to find the response was not quite what was wanted. A word for Powell’s corner kicks, which are ideal, and one may suggest that he would serve his side better by the return pass, without delay, to the man who has sent him on his way. There were times when a forward line the touch-area begging for a pass which could be made whereas the passer was covered up by delayed action. Everton will function better in weeks to come, and though the road is hard on the form displayed against Derby they are entitled to believe they can reach the safety-catch margin.

TWO FAULTS
October 18, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Colleague Radar sums up Everton’s ninth death as follows; “When you are down everything seems to conspire against you. That must have been the view of the Everton players and manager after the Derby County defeat. Certainty luck never ran Everton’s way although this does not excuse the lapses in front of goal and by the wingers in particular. However I must say that this display gave justifiable cause for optimism. Down they may be but they are not out. Before the game there was the added fact for manager Britton when Sagar reported unfit. Goalkeeper Jones was injured and Leyland was away with the Reserves and he had to call on Burnett, despite the fact that Burnett had been ordered to rest for three weeks. Burnett played only after being especially strapped up and it was doubly unfortunate for him when in the third minute he failed to stop Stamps shot –a shot which proved fatal to Everton hopes for they were again fighting an uphill battle from the start. But fight they did against one of the toughest defences in the League, for Leuty and company did not stand on the slightest ceremony and Juliussen in particular suffered a severe buffeting. Juliussen was soon limping and so his effectiveness was reduced and it was only another example of the way things are running for Everton when Juliussen was pulled down, as everyone thought inside the penalty area, but their only reward was a free kick outside the area. Everton had faults were defensive indecisions and the obvious unwillingness on the part of the forwards to bear the responsibility of another Fielding revealed glimpses of the really and Farrell showed a return of confidence, Jones dominating midfield, and Bentham’s grand constructive idea deserved greater, effectiveness, Powell and Eglington did not find well, while Saunders was the better of the backs and Burnett made some fine saves.

BLUES’ BLOOD WAS UP
October 18, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
But Misfortunate’s Baleful Train Continues
Ranger’s Notes
Although “misfortunate’s baleful train” is still crippling Everton’s recovery efforts their latest display provided grounds for optimism for this was a different Everton –an Everton with its blood up putting forth its last ounce of desperate if somewhat disjointed endeavour. While admitting that the more cultured football came from Derby, Everton’s spirited display deserved a point. That defeat should again be their portion was just another instance of the perverse ill-luck which so often does those most in need of fortune’s favours. Burnett should not be too harshly blamed for letting in Stamps’s “dolly” shot for he was far from fit. With Sagar suffering a touch of flu and Jones on the injured list, Burnett had to fill the breach. It was sheer bad fortune that he should let in a shot which normally would never have given him a moments concern. While it would be unfair to Derby to minimise their victory and foolishly optimistic to pretend that success for Everton is only around the corner, at least this display showed the side has some fighting spirit and “guts” which at one period we were beginning to doubt. The fact that some of their efforts were more notable for sheer determination than polished skill is attributable to their present lowly position. Greater poise and fluency will come when the position is less desperately. The future is still fraught with anxiety, but on this showing is not so black as it once was. There is still weakness on the extreme wings. Greater force there would have lightened Juliussen’s had in the middle. As it was he worked hard and lucklessly, Alex Stevenson was good until age began to tell its tale, and Fielding forged well without ever hitting his best form. I rated Saunders the better bark and Bentham the best wing half back for Farrell is not yet his old effective self. Tommy Jones despite a couple of risky escapes, played a hero’s part in stemming numerous Derby advances. But for his galliant work the margin might have been greater. It should go on record that Everton had far more shots than Derby. Even though most were off the mark, as least it is better to have able and missed than never to have shot at all. Derby’s defenders impressed by their cool as cucumber attitude under pressure and the way their rearguard found a colleague with nearly every clearance. Their attack combined smoothly and confidently but frittered away many reasonable chances. Steel was brilliant the star of the line. How the referee could so mistake the “scene of the crime” when Leuty brought down Juliussen, was amazing, for not only was he only a few yards behind the incident but Juliussen marked the spot by dropping like a log. There should have been no doubt where the offence took place. From Everton’s viewpoint it was a tragic decision.

TOMMY JONES’S REQUEST
October 21, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Asks To Go off “Open To Transfer”
Ranger’s Notes
Tommy Jones, Everton’s Welsh International centre half, today intimated to Mr. Cliff Britton the club manager that he is now willing to have his name removed from the open-to-transfer list. After repeated requests last season, Everton eventually agreed to consider offers for Jones. Although several clubs made inquires, Everton showed no anxiety to part with him. Then very sportingly agreed, however to let him go to Italy providing the transfer fee was paid in this country because the offer was so much his own advantage. Although Jones since then had not pressed the point he still regarded himself as “on the list” His imitation today to Manager Britton will be welcomed by the club’s supporters with whom he is extremely popular. Unfortunately Jones hip injury as I indicated yesterday, keeps him out of the Wales side to meet Scotland at Cardiff on Saturday. Humphreys takes his place in the Everton side against Arsenal, which shows three other changes compared with last week. Sagar, returns in goal, Higgins supplants Powell, and Catterick comes in for the injured Juliussen. Team; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Humphreys, Farrell; Higgins, Fielding, Catterick, Stevenson, Eglington.
Everton Reserves (v. Wolves home); Leyland; Clinton, Rankin; Lindley, Cameron, Grant; Corr, Pinchbeck, Lewis, Lello, and Boyes.

STILL SEEKING
October 22, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton, with the season more than a quarter over, an still seeking their first away goal and point, and form does not hold out much for them when opposing Arsenal at Highbury, where the Gunners have yet to be beaten. However, Manager Cliff Britton has had two weeks hard work with his new charges, and there is certain to be more improvement in Everton than even that shown against Derby County last week. Everton were no better last season when they visited Highbury, but they brought away a point. Another point tomorrow will delight everyone, and I have a feeling that this may be the outcome, for the new defensive plan should be good enough to defy a not-t00-deadly Arsenal attack. The Blues will have Harry Catterick leading the attack for the first times this season, while Higgins, Humphreys and Sagar are back as compared with last week. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Humphreys, Farrell; Higgins, Fieldings, Catterick, Stevenson, Eglington.
• Everton “B” v. Castner Kellner, at Bellefield

BLUES AT HIGHBURY
October 22, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Everton on The Mend, But Arsenal Take is Severe
Ranger’s Notes
I wish I could feel the same about Everton. They visit to Highbury is a tough assignment particularly without Tommy Jones and I am afraid it will not bring any points grist to the mill. But before long we can look for improvement. Indeed apart from the results it was there against Derby. If anybody can pull Everton out of the plight they are in Cliff Britton is the man. He has tackled his herculean task vigorously right at the foundation. He is coaching the players invidially and collectively he is working to get them to the peak of physical condition and to imbue them with fresh confidence. All this takes time so don’t be impatient. I think the Everton outlook, three months from now will prove the wisdom of the board’s managerial choice. They couldn’t have made a better one. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Humphreys, Farrell; Higgins, Fieldings, Catterick, Stevenson, Eglington.

AWAY GOAL STILL ELUDES EVERTON
October 23, 1948. The Evening Express
Galliant Fight Against Tough Arsenal Defence
By Pilot.
The new Everton, the team with a plan, surprised Arsenal and the London fans by the high standard of their play at Highbury today, where only desperation defence by Arsenal kept the rampant Blues at bay. Dow to two snap goals at half-time Everton, swinging the ball about in refreshing style, had 80 per cent, of the game in the second half, yet a goal in a breakaway by Arsenal filled the Everton cup to overflowing. It was lamentable luck, but on this showing Everton need no despair. The tide is turning, and the new attack, functioned finely, with Catterick a versatile leader. Everton had a bit of a scare this morning, when Jack Hedley complained of a sore throat. Fortunately the trouble was cleared up and he was able to play. This was manager Cliff Britton’s first away match in his new capacity and Catterick, Higgins and Humphreys came into the team. Those travelling with Everton besides the manager and Secretary Theo Kelly were directors W.C. Gibbins, W.R. Williams, R.E. Searle, W. Lake, J.C. Sharp, H. Williams, and Norman Coffey, but Mr. Lake did not see the match. He was travelling to East London to watch a Third Division match. Everton’s intensive search for players may bring early development. The Burnley chairman, Mr. Kay and Director Hopkinson were at the game, and Mr. Dally Duncan, manager of Luton Town, was also there. Everton were still seeking their first away goal and point. The weather was crisp and really football-like. Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Scott and Smith backs; Macauley, Compton (L.), and Mercer, half-backs; Roper, Logie, Rooke, Forbes, and McPherson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Humphreys and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Higgins, Fielding, Catterick, Stevenson and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.C. Green (Wolverhampton). Of this Everton team only three cost the club any real fee in transfer, Farrell, Stevenson and Eglington, a tribute to finding their own stars scheme, as five were products of the junior teams. It was refreshing to see Everton adopting first time attacking methods, with Fielding using the cross-field passed delightfully, so that Eglington could cut in to force Swindin into action low down. The Arsenal replied with a characteristic Rooke effort which Sagar saved comfortably, and then Higgins burst through the centre, before giving Stevenson the chance for a shot which swerved outside.
Back passing
There was good vintage football from the Blues in their opening passengers, although once the defence tied itself up into knots through faulty back passing, so that Sagar had to dive on the ball at the feet of Humphreys and Hedley. Yes, two of his own players! However the old interchange of position brought Arsenal worry, and eventually Catterick’s centre went to the far post, where Swindin fisted away. There was action plus, and after Sagar had fisted away Roper blazed over, Smith just intervened to prevent Higgins turning through a yard-high centre by Eglington and then Everton had a wee bit of luck when Roper slipped the ball back to the unmarked Rooke. Rooke hit it first time, but Saunders dashed across just contrived to deflect it. In ten minutes Everton had a shock when Forbes gave Arsenal the lead with an unstoppable shot. Rooke muffed his attempt to trap the ball which skidded away to Roper who hit it in hard along the floor. The ball skidded past Hedley and Humphreys, and Forbes standing only five yards out, cracked it into the roof of the net. Fielding manoeuvred cleverly to get a through ball to Stevenson, whose first timer was well of the mark. Rooke tied Everton into knots to gain a corner, from which McPherson headed on to the bar and over. Fielding was inclined to hold the ball too long, and on this fault broke down two promising Everton raids while Rooke was having attention on the touch line. Sagar made a good save off McPherson’s header, following a Macauley free-kick as Rooke resumed. Eglington forced Everton’s first corner, from which Catterick gained a second, but Arsenal were not the least worried.
Playing Well
Swindin saved a bouncing shot from Fielding, but after a grand Higgins centre he would never have seen Eglington’s first-timer, which, however bounced off Macauley. Take it from me the Blues although once again forced to fight an uphill battle, this is becoming the fashion –were giving just as much as they took; in fact playing much the better standard football. Caterrick drew Compton and Smith before slipping the ball back for Higgins to drive over. Catterick certainly was heading the line with enterprise and virility, and Everton showed every willingness to shoot, as witness a clever hook effort by Fielding which, however, found one of those Arsenal bodies which generally seen to get in the way somehow. A clever back heel by Higgins failed to take Swindin by surprise, but this definitely was some of the best work I have seen from the Toffees. It was only a superb last second dive by Sagar –and a goodly share of luck –which prevented a second Arsenal goal in 38 minutes. Rooke pivoted to hit a Mercer pass from 18 yards and Sagar dived across to just touch the ball with his finger nails and deflect it against the inside of the post. The crowd yelled “goal” but by some freak the ball bounced back across goal instead of in. What an escape. In 42 minutes Rooke got his reward with a goal which should have been saved. Rooke was fouled just outside the penalty area. Everton formed a barrier which, however, left Sagar a clear vision. Rooke’s brilliant hook shot took Sagar by surprise and he could only touch the ball into the top of the net. Everton from the restart almost reduced the arrears, Stevenson being held by Smith two yards from goal.
Half-time; Arsenal 2, Everton 0.
Two goals down, and I was delighted with Everton. This may sound paradoxical, but it is a fact. This was a vastly improved display of fast, impressive, and planned football from the Blues, which in due time must meet with its just reward. Close up free kicks by Rooke and Farrell failed to bring any tangible reward. This was a fighting Everton, who had ill luck when Stevenson’s winner was deflected past the post. From the corner Catterick headed only inches over. Eglington ran close in to start a thrilling Everton rally, but his centre was far too strong, and when Higgins after grand work, by Bentham, returned it, Eglington failed hopelessly, with his headed effort. The Blues battled on, and Swindin had to come out and fist away from Stevenson’s centre as Catterick looked a scorer, but was rewarded only with a knock in the face. Eglington’s cross-field run had Arsenal gasping, and when Fielding lobbed the ball in Swindin leapt out with a perfect catch. Everton were dominating the attack without forcing any shooting openings against this solid Arsenal defensive make-up. Eglington made a grand effort with a diagonal shot which, in the luckless Everton way, rose just over the top. This was not the form of a bottom of the League club. Higgins got the ball inside to Stevenson, whose winner struck the body of the desperate Swindin, who hurtled himself through the air. Stevenson shot again but this time in struck Compton’s leg and ran to safety. Arsenal were rightly in the doldrums, yet as so often happens with them, they broke away to take a third goal when Logie said “Thank you” to Rooke, and whipped the ball low into the net at the 65th minute. This goal was a brief interlude only, for immediately Everton were back hammering away again, only for Swindin to say them “nay.” Each of the 53,000 spectators sympathised when Everton conceded another goal in the 76th minute. Logie tried a centre but the ball swerved in suddenly to goal, and Sagar helped into the net with his fist. This meant Everton had now conceded 11 goals in London this season without reply. This game was a complete paradox. Ah me! This luck is heartbreaking. It was more ill-luck than poor football which brought the total of Everton’s defeats into double figures. A little of the Arsenal opportunisms was all that was missing the opportune which induced Rooke to veer to the right to take Roper’s low inside pass and flash it into the net for Arsenal’s fifth goal in 85 minutes. Final; Arsenal 5, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V WOLVES RES
October 23, 1948. The Evening Express
The Wolves played Parsons in goal in place of Elliott, while Lewis led the home attack. Wolves attacked grimly, and Leyland was called upon to save from Reid and Dunn. Everton, however, took the lead in the 16th minute through Corr. The visitors replied strongly, and in the 20th minute Dunn equalised with a lovely header. Wolverhampton were the superior side, and in the 35th minute Dunne scored. Mynard increased the lead. Half-time; Everton Res 1, Wolves Res 3. After the resumption Wolves were the more active. From a breakaway, Corr put in a fine centre, but Lewis in the act of shooting, was dispossessed by Simpson. Full Time; Everton Res 1, Wolves Res 3.

ARSENAL BIG GUNS GAVE SHARP-SHOOTING DISPLAY
October 23, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Had Few Breaks Against An iron Curtain
3-Goal Sell In Second Half
Arsenal 5, Everton nil
By Stork
Everton still on the upward grade but Arsenal were the masters. Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Scott and Smith backs; Macauley, Compton (L.), and Mercer, half-backs; Roper, Logie, Rooke, Forbes, and McPherson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Humphreys and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Higgins, Fielding, Catterick, Stevenson and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Captain F.C. Green (Wolverhampton). Both teams had to make changes for this game at Highbury Arsenal were without Barnes, on international duty, whereas Everton were without Juliussen injured last week and Jones, also injured. Catterick made his first appearance since the Cup-tie with Fulham last season and Powell gave way to Higgins. There was doubt about Hedley this morning. He was suffering from a sore throat, but was well enough to play. Last year Everton surprised the Arsenal by forcing a draw. It was a grand day and there was a big crowd. Everton opened the game with some neat rounds of passing. In fact it had the Arsenal wondering how a team at the foot of the table could produce such canny moves to outwit so powerful a defence. Everton’s form was certainly encouraging, for it had method and football wisdom, and if Eglington could have got a crack at the ball with his left and not his right foot, Swindon would have had a much more difficult task. The first time Arsenal advanced meant danger, but the Everton defence is more tightly packed these days. Arsenal struck again and Sagar had to do a cut-crawl to pounce on the ball which Humphreys tried to get over to Hedley. Everton’s passing and positioning was something we had not seen for a long time, and by these methods the Arsenal defence was forced open and Stevenson had a shot, which passed outside. Arsenal were not having an “easy” and when Higgins centre, Swindin had to sweep the ball away. At last Arsenal got moving in more concerted fashion, and once or twice the Everton defence escaped by good fortune as, for instance when McPherson moved into the goalmouth and shot outside when it was easier to shoot into the net. A goal to the Londoners was not long delayed, for when Roper shot hard across the Everton goal, Forbes stepped up to hit the ball on the underside of the crossbar, which entered the net. It was an exceptionally quick movement of the Arsenal vintage but Everton hit back and Swindin had to make a sure catch. Arsenal were the more dangerous side near goal, and they almost scored again when Rooke tried to hook in a shot which struck Humphreys and when he tried a second time Everton conceded a corner.
Eglington’s Effort
From the corner kick McPherson scraped the whitewash off the top of the Everton crossbar with a header. It had been an interesting game with Everton showing considerable improvement. Stevenson and Fielding kept their wingers supplied and the response was there. The next few minutes were Everton’s and Eglington had a fast drive charged down.
Shooting Star
Catterick twice tried to beat his way through and once, when he found himself covered he slipped the ball back to Higgins who hit it first time –outside. Roper was a demon to shoot and he sent two whizz-bang’s speeding well outside the far Everton post. Everton, however, were having a fair innings, and Fielding had a shot plucked out and Swindin had to cut out a cross shot which had him worried, for he was challenged as he took the ball. The Arsenal defence was not always in charge by any means, for Everton were testing its soundness. Bentham twice nipped in to check McPherson. McPherson was always on the alert, and from one of his centres Rooke put the ball to what seemed a position which had Sagar helpless but the Everton goalkeeper slipped across the goalmouth to save. Everton exploited a triangular movement which broke through the Arsenal iron curtain, and there was no finish to it. Everton escaped when Mercer pushed the ball through to Rooke, who hit it with immense power and a goal seemed a certainty. The ball however, seemed to hit the upright, creep up on the inside of the crossbar, and come back into play. It was cause many arguments, for days to come. Arsenal were shooting well and often, and when the half had a minute to run they were awarded a free kick, and Rooke sent the ball smashing against the crossbar and into the net.
Half-time; Arsenal 2, Everton 0
Everton had been well worth a goal on their display, although no one could deny Arsenal ‘s a danger near goal. Everton were almost involved in a penalty award, for Logie was brought down inches outside the line. Catterick tried to connect with a Farrell free kick, and the ball soared high over. Arsenal with no worries played with greater freedom.
Out of Luck
Farrell, Stevenson, and Eglington got together to provide Catterick with a chance, but his shot was blocked, and when Stevenson took up the challenge his shot was turned for a corner. Everton were no having the best of luck, for they had several shots cannoned out, and when Eglington offered a centre he put it too far across-field. Swindin, in saving, crashed into Catterick, who was injured slightly. Everton for some minutes had the Arsenal clamped down to defend and Swindin had to save from Fielding. An attack by the Merseysiders showed that a side up against it has few breaks.
Fateful Spell
Fielding put Stevenson through and the little Irishman shot, but Swindin had rushed out to smother the effort. “Stevie” tried a second time, but again his shot was beaten down. The 66th minute proved fatal to Everton. A long clearance by Scott landed in the goal area and Logie moved in to score a third goal for Arsenal. A three-goal deficit was a burden yet Everton fought against it with galliantly, and Humphreys twice cleared, but only temporarily. At 75 minutes Logie lobbed the ball over Sagar’s head. The ball seemed to curl in, and no one was more surprised than Logie. McPherson did a slip dance to force a corner, of Saunders, but that was all he got. Both McPherson and Roper shot from impossible angles, and Arsenal were inclined to become showy. Five minutes from the end the Arsenal took a “nap” lead with a fifth goal, Rookes finishing off a Forbes-Roper link up with a shot which sped to the far side of the goal. Just on time Eglington banged a shot against Swindin, who had come out of goal. Final; Arsenal 5, Everton 0.

MATCH OF TWO PHASES
October 25, 1948. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Fall Away
Arsenal 5, Everton 0
The game at Highbury was one of two phases. Although Everton were eventually beaten by a convincing margin that produced football in the first half which had much to command it. Make no mistake, the Arsenal defenders in the first half had to cover up repeatedly, and being their full force line play to prevent Everton making what would have been their first away goal this season. Without trying to make accuses the “rub of the green” was against Everton. A team doing badly finds that nothing is going right. Anxiety is often the cause for the players are burden with that though that they must not make mistakes. I have every admiration for the Arsenal methods – safety first one which may not always place but which always produce dividends. At times the Everton defence looked as wide open as the desert, particularly in the second half when the Londoners did almost as they liked. Arsenal at Highbury are an attacking force. They were not the negative side we saw at Anfield and they made scoring look easy. The first goal, scooped in by Forbes was from an angular shot by Roper. The ball he put across was too fast to be considered as a pass.
More Aggressive
For the second goal Rooke, who can shoot with rocket-like power, saw an opening and sent the ball into it, Sagar had moved one way but the ball pulled to the other side and he could not get back again. The fourth goal was a gift to Logie for Sagar allowed the ball to pass over his shoulder. A few minutes earlier Logie had beaten Sagar for Arsenal’s third goal. Rooke scored the fifth after a glorious movement. Everton’s first half display looked good, and those who have been watching the fortunes for unfortunates of the team were satisfied with what they saw. Their football brought openings, but they could not break down the final barrier, Swindin. Stevenson had bad luck when he cracked a shot on to Swindin –a very confident goalkeeper –and with a second attempt find Thompson barring his way. In everything but shooting, the Everton forwards were good and were nicely supported from behind, but the second half was a complete reversal. Everton lost their rhythm, the defence, which had stood solidity, began to falter and finally the Arsenal cracked it wide open to run up three goals in just under 15 minutes.
• Crompton Rec 0, Everton “A” 4, George Mahon Cup

GOOD NEWS OF WAINWRIGHT
October 25, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Eddie Wainwright, Everton dashing inside-right may be playing again shortly. This is the best news from Goodison Park for some time for Wainwright’s punch has been a missed quality up to now. Wainwright has been indisposed for most of the season, and although he played in the Lancashire Cup-tie against Chester at Goodison he was taken ill again after the match. Since then Eddie has been under a specialist, but the welcome report is that there is nothing seriously wrong with him so it should not be long before the striking power returns to aid the struggling Blues whose only real fault is lacking of shooting ability and shooting fortune. That was marked at Highbury on Saturday when Everton were beaten 5-0 by Arsenal, but ....the score was a travesty. Everton will play much worse and yet win. Let us hope they start winning soon for the position is now deadly –serious. However, I can see patches of blue sky. Everton’s defeat was an amazing affair for the had more of the pressure than Arsenal without having any of the Gunners’ directness. Everton took more time to progress and this reduced shooting latitude. However, we had good, planned football from the attack, and Harry Catterick made a notable return to a line still lacking height and confidence in shooting. Make no mistake it this was a game in which the Blues shot hard and willingly, but there was a lot of the old Arsenal luck to thwart them – the desperate throwing of the body in front of the marksman. Fully six shots were kept out that way, Arsenal always were the more dangerous, and Rooke made the life of Humphreys far the happy. As a matter of fact Rooke often gave the Everton defence the jitters, Saunders was outstanding in the defence with Bentham and Farrell also better at destruction than construction, Catterick was the best forward with much skill and cross field passing coming from Stevenson and Fielding. Eglington had the best game I have seen from him this season, and Higgins made up in endeavour, anything he lacked in control. There was no doubting the fighting abilities of Everton, but their luck is unbelievably bad. Honestly, it just cannot go on. Let Everton win a game, and they will go on winning as the lads get used to the new ideas. Today, incidentally the players are forgetting football and having a spot of golf.

EVERTON STILL GOALLESS AWAY
October 25, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Good and Not so Good
Ranger’s Notes
It is hard to reconcile a 5-0 defeat with good football by the losers, yet Everton’s first half display was the best I have seen this season. That may not be saying a lot, but it was encouraging that it was against the best defence in the land (writes Stork). How come, then, that they should be beaten by such a margin? The answer is the Londoners’ cast-iron defences, and the fact that Everton could not keep it going for the full 90 minutes. Maybe it was Rookes first goal which some though should have been prevented, turned the game inside out, enabled Arsenal to become striking force and not just a defensive collection. While this was a sound Arsenal victory, I gleaned much from Everton’s first half display which had the Highbury people saying. “This is not, a bottom of the table team,” and let me say that Everton did not look it, for they played with sound methods so much so that the Arsenal defence had to keep covering up. Only those who have seen some of Everton’s previous games could see the improvements, which were apparent. It was concerted action, players running into position, making the pass at the right moment and to the right place – some of the things we have not been seeing of late. It must not be overlooked that this Arsenal defence, is the best in the land, yet it was at times prised open, perhaps not fully, but opened so that us, of Liverpool had visions of a first away goal after ten and a half hours football without one. Everton did not deserve to be two goals down at the interval, but that was their fate which only goes to show that a team battling against the odds is not the one to get the breaks. For weeks now we have been decrying the Everton forwards. Well, they played their part at Highbury but this was one occasion when the defence let them down. Arsenal forwards hit them hard, and although, towards the end, they seemed to be travelling at half speed, they found gaps which they utilised to the full. It was a curious game to weight up so far, as Everton were concerned. It was like the curate’s egg –good in parts. Nevertheless I saw much that was satisfying and unfortunately, some things that were not.

EVERTON CHANCES
October 29, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Win Would Cut Two Ways
Onus Mainly on the Forwards
Ranger’ Notes
Everton have a great chance tomorrow to narrow the margin between themselves and the other clubs which are struggling to get away from the bottom rungs of the ladder. As both Sheffield United and Aston Villa are away, and neither look likely to win by defeatening Huddersfield at Goodison Park, Everton might at last get away from the bottom place, at Sheffield’s expense, and but themselves only a point behind Villa and two behind Huddersfield. True they are a fair number of its and buts about this. Villa and Sheffield United may win or Huddersfield, who have won two and drawn one of their seven away matches may upset calculations at Goodison. Everton’s need of points is desperate. It they fail to beat Huddersfield, their plight already sombre, will become still more dismal. Again the onus of bring victory will rest on the attack, which had failed to score a goal in the last four matches. Until the forwards start to find the net the most we can hope for is a goalless draw and half leaves in home games at the present juncture is not enough. Bearing my judgement on the improved showing against Derby County, however, when the Blues were decidedly unlucky to lose, I have a felling Everton can pull it of tomorrow. Manager Cliff Britton’s experiment of playing Juliussen at inside left will be watched with interest. If the former Pompey man strike up the right understanding with the colleagues alongside him it may add much needed punch to the front line. Jones is fit and well again and returns to centre half in place of Humphreys. Huddersfield will have Peter Doherty back in their side, for the first time for five weeks and chosen from; Mills; Hayes, Stewart; Hunter, Hepplewhite, Hassell, Boot, McKenna, Smith, Nightingale, Doherty, Metcalfe. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Farrell; Powell, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, Eglington.
• Everton “A” v. Earlestown, at Bellefield
• Everton “C” v Bootle St James at Bellefield

TOFFEES’ THIRD WIN BID
October 29, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s bid for their third win of the season, in what virtually will be a “four points” match with Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park. Everton, bottom of the First Division, face a side just as worried about current form and position, so that a victory becomes of double value to either club. My view is that Everton will treat their supporters to a good victory, if one accepts as a criterion their excellent midfield play against Arsenal and their willingness to shoot. Everton have only to keep on trying as they have done in their last two matches to strike the goals standard and once they can break the ice in the scoring line I think they will go on scoring. Everton have men playing with tremendous heart and determination which must in time reap its own reward. Huddersfield have rather a liking for Lancashire visits, for in three visits so far they have won at Bolton and Burnley and lost at Manchester United. Peter Doherty is fit to resume for Town, so Everton’s task will be much the harder, but in any case, one anger man to Everton success is Metcalfe the outside left Everton sought some time ago. Everton make the interesting experiment of playing Albert Juliussen, their £10,000 centre-forward at inside-left to Catterick in an endeavour to bring more height and punch to the line. Stevenson and Powell constitute the right wing. The decision regarding Jones will be made today. If he is fir he resumes at centre-half, but if not Jack Humphreys continues. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones of Humphreys, Farrell; Powell, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, Eglington.

EVERTON BREAK LONG SPELL OF ILL-LUCK
October 30, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Catterick’s Double in a Scrappy Goodison Game
Everton 2, Huddersfield 0
By Stork
All-one can say is that Everton scored two valuable points. The game as a whole was of a very ordinary standard, particularly in the second half. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Powell, Stevenson, Catterick, Juliussen, and Eglington, forwards. Huddersfield Town; Mills, goal; Hayes and Stewart, backs; Hunter, Hepplewhite, and Boot, half-backs; McKenna, Smith, Nightingale, Doherty, and Metcalfe, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.C. Denham (Preston). Everton were the first to get into their stride, but they were soon sent back, and McKenna won a corner which, however, proved fruitless. The Town attack had a liveliness about it which promised some heavy work for the Everton defence. Juliussen, Eglington, and Farrell got together to form a threesome which was more than a little trouble to the Huddersfield right defensive flank. Juliussen showed he had the right ideas and ability to beat a man and make a pass of worth, even though the action was short-lived. It was Huddersfield who next came into the picture with a fast-moving forward attack which Nightingale concluded with a shot outside. Huddersfield persisted and when Farrell rushed back to lend his aid close to the goalmouth he hooked the ball out to Nightingale, who shot wide from a scoreable position. When Hepplewhite was injured lying on the ground, Sagar showed his sportsmanship by putting the ball out of play into the crowd.
First During October
Eventually a corner came to Everton. This was safely negotiated by the Town defence and in the next minute Sagar had to act swiftly to pick up a ball as Nightingale pounced down upon him. This was the forerunner to an Everton attack and at ten minutes Stevenson squared the ball safely to Catterick who moved to his right to clear himself of interference and Mills in the Town goal dived as Catterick shot but he went down a hade too early. Furthermore the ball struck Boot in transit and this helped to puzzle and perplex the Town goalkeeper, the ball passing over him and into the net at 10 minutes. This by the way, was the first goal Everton had scored during October. So far Everton had a slight advantage in attack and when Powell from an offside position offered Catterick the ball, the Everton leader shot one over.
Doherty’s Miss
Everton were keeping the ball nicely on the turf, and Catterick made a good pass to Eglington who however had run offside. The Irishman returned the compliment but Catterick was safely dealt with by Hayes. Everton were unfortunate not to chalk up a second goal when Eglington who had returned darted into the middle and pushed the ball for Powell who without hesitation hit the ball hard and true and it went crashing against the Huddersfield crossbar. An inch lower and half a dozen Mills could not have saved it. Injuries were common. Hepplewhite had got over his and it became the turn of Metcalfe who suffered a leg injury, but he was soon in the game apart, to see Everton launch an attack, and Catterick deliver a shot which was cannoned out and Mills make a save from a rebound.
Doherty’s Disgust
Huddersfield in one of their fast-moving breakaways, almost produced the equaliser, and the man who refused the gift offering was Doherty. He lifted the ball over the bar, much to his own disgust, and Everton’s delight. Catterick by his persistency was able to ply Stevenson, who in turn pushed the ball through for Juliussen and Mills had to drop down the ball smartly to prevent Catterick who had come rushing forward making contact.
Double For Catterick
With five minutes remaining Everton scored a second goal. It was the outcome of a cross by Powell which Mills went down to but on being challenged by Eglington he lost possession and Catterick came along to apply the finishing touch. The Everton crowd were now full of enthusiasm. Everton were showing more spirit and ability than for some time. Doherty only half hit a shot behind when he should have had a real go.
Half-time; Everton 2, Huddersfield nil.
Huddersfield were the first to come to grips with the goalkeeper when McKenna made a fiery shot which passed outside. Jones and Nightingale were injured when they both went up for a ball and fell awkwardly. They soon resumed and Catterick put Eglington on the move, and the Irish winger went on to pull a slashing drive into the side netting. Under pressure Jones showed the utmost calmness when he slowly turned round and pushed the ball back to Sagar. When Huddersfield were awarded a free kick Doherty signalled to Hayes to put the ball well into the goalmouth, but before Doherty could contact it Sagar had cut out the free kick. Juliussen and goalkeeper Mills came into collision and the Huddersfield man came out of it rather badly. He was laid out for some minutes and when he returned he looked rather shaky. However, he showed no fear when he had to step out and save a bouncing ball from Juliussen.
Spectacular Save
Jones watched a Smith shot from reaching Sagar, who later watched a shot by Nightingale pass outside. Everton broke through, and Mills had to come out and make a daring and rather spectators save as Stevenson and Eglington bounded down on him. There was a tense moment when a ling ball came down through the Everton centre and Jones either failed to get his head to it or deliberately allowed it to pass over him. At all events the ball ultimately found its way to Sagar who was challenged by Nightingale, lost possession, but regained it in a twinkling of an eye. The Everton goal had another near squeak, and it was only some concentrated effort by the Everton defence which prevented a goal. Actually Sagar had to dive on a ball almost on his goal-line with Doherty standing close at hand.
A Novel Decision
A free kick against the Town saw Stevenson try to work a fast one. He took the kick almost immediately the ball was spotted. The referee called for the ball to be returned and to the surprise of everyone ordered the kick to be taken the other way. That was a new one on me. Catterick finding his way barred to goal pushed the ball out to Powell, whose left foot drive struck Hepplewhite and almost knocked him out. The corner which resulted was of no value, as so many of them are today. Juliussen with a lovely pass, sent Eglington away and the winger sprinted beyond his challengers and then passed squarely. Mills went full length to turn the ball with no other Everton man in sight to make use of the opening created by the goalkeeper. There might have been a goal as the concluding item of the day, for the ball was rolling around the Everton goalmouth with no one to clear or put the ball in the net until Jones swept across the field. Final; Everton 2, Huddersfield Town 0. Official attendance, 46,332.

BARNSLEY RES V EVERTON RES
October 30, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton initiated several movements that endangered the Barnsley goal, Lello came very near. Richardson scored a great goal for Barnsley, while Malcolm was off the field injured. Later Lello equalised. Half-time; Barnsley Res 1, Everton Res 1. Final Result; Barnsley Res 2, Everton Res 1.

COME ON THE BLUES!
October 30, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
A Long Pull, A Strong Pull, And a Pull Together May save Everton
Ranger’s Weekly Gossip
With one-third of the season’s fixtures already completed this is an opportune time to cast a contemplative glance over the past and endeavour to pierce the veil which covers the future. Having already express on the disappointing standard play and the reasons for it. I shall not harp on that again. Given the right attitude to the game, which is the key to the whole problem, manager and coaches could soon ensure that we get entertainment of the highest class. Instead of concerning ourselves with deals, however, let us deal with the hard facts, which have emerged from the games of the past two months. Some clubs which were expected to do well have disappointed their followers badly. Others which were not regarded as having much hope are riding high in the league table. It was always thus.
The Lift
Starting at home, we find Everton deep in the doldrums. Never before in history have the Blues started so badly or been in such danger as they are today. Seven away games and not a goal to show for them is a depressing state of affairs. Only six points from seven home matches is almost as sombre. Happily, however, there are signs that the clouds are lifting slightly. Despite that heavily Arsenal defeat, their football has been better in the past fortnight. Though the task before them is tremendous, hope is not yet dead. Nobody knows better than Manager Cliff Britton the magnitude of the job. Wisely, he has made no promises beyond saying that he will do his darnedest to keep the old club on its present sphere. He is working like a Trojan to that end. He trains with the players, returns at fresh as a daisy after a gruelling day’s work, coaches them continuously, and has already imbued them with the determination to pull out their last ounce.
The Pull
But even a Britton cannot make bricks without straw and there are weaknesses in the side which may not be solved without new faces. That aspect of the problem is engaging his attention just as much as any other and money will not stand in his way if he can get the men he thinks will fill the bill. But the existing staff will get every chance to prove their worth and all possible encouragement. Tommy Jones withdrawal of his transfer request was another hopeful sign. Come on the Blues. A long and a strong pull –and our flickering hopes may again be fanned to greater heights.