EVERTON’S DEBUTANTS
September 1, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Danny Cameron, Everton’s 6ft player from Shelborne, and Harry McCormick, secured from Derby County will make their debut for the Toffees in the match against Portsmouth at Goodison park tonight. Humphreys, like Tommy Jones is on the injured list, and thus Cameron gets his chance. Secretary Manager Theo Kelly played Cameron at centre-half against Sheffield Wednesday Reserves on Monday night and was greatly impressed by display. McCormick displaces a fellow Irishman Eglington. The only doubt in the team affects the attack, where six players are named. There is a possibility that Eddie Wainwright who recently suffered bereavement, will play. Portsmouth will be without their skipper Reg Flewin. He slightly damaged a muscle under his right ribs on Saturday’s and although it is not serious, it was decided not to take any chances. Flewin will travel with the Portsmouth team, but his place at centre-half will be taken by Gerry Bowler, who joined the club from Belfast Distillery in 1946. Bowler was originally signed as a full-back, but has played a consistent game in all defence positions except goal, both for the first team and the reserves. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Grant, Cameron, Farrell; forwards (from); Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Dodds, Fielding, Lello, McCormick. Portsmouth; Butler; Rookes, Ferrier; Scoular, Bowler, Dickinson; Harris, Barlow, Reid, Phillips, Froggart.
Mr. Theo Kelly states Everton have stated a price to Notts County for Tommy Jones. Whether Mr. Barnes the County’s chairman and his directors will meet the demand remains to be seen. I had a long talk with Mr. Barnes last week with regard to Jones and a move to Nottingham, and it was then by no means certain that the County would go through with the perfect. Tommy Lawton, Country’s skipper certainty fancies Jones behind him. It is a year ago side County first took an interest in Jones.

EVERTON’S NEW MEN
September 1, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton have a number of changes for their match with Portsmouth at Goodison Park tonight (6.30), but what the actual side will be will not be made known until just before the start of the game. Cameron the Shelborne, half-back, and McCormick the former Derby County winger are included in the dozen players from which the team will finally be selected. Cameron made a fine impression in the Central League game at Sheffield on Monday and will take over the centre half position, while McCormick who can operation either wing is among the six months along with Wainwright. Everton’s great need is striking power in the front rank. Portsmouth have a go-ahead side with a fast-moving attack, and if Everton are to bring off their first win of the season they will have to put more power into their shooting, which has been anything but encouraging in their last two games. Here is the Everton team; Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Grant, Cameron, Farrell; forwards (from); Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Dodds, Fielding, Lello, McCormick.

EVERTON LACK CONFIDENCE
September 2, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton, with the football season only ten days old, are in a position which is giving great concern to their followers. Thrashed at Goodison Park 5-0 last night by Portsmouth –a potential championship – Everton will be going all out for additional playing strength. In this latest showing it is needed. The Toffees have gained only one of eight points played for, and for the last three matches have not only failed to score, but have been entirely lacking in penetrative power and enterprise in front of goal. Obviously the main reason for the indifferent showing is not so much lack of ability on the part of the majority, but a complete lack of confidence. For the most part against Portsmouth it was as if some were offering up the wish “Don’t give the ball to me.” To be honest I am disappointed but certainty not worried. I know the club is trying to strengthen weaknesses, and will not be afraid to meet the heaviest transfer demands, but the trouble is where to find not the players but the clubs prepared to part. Everton never looked like a competent team against Portsmouth, who had no need to play half as well as they did at Fratton last week to win with half speed canvas. Pompey walked home confidently and effectively and had they kept up their first half speed and punch later on goodness knows what would have happened. It would be helping neither club, the players, nor the supporters to rub “salt” into the Everton “wounds” at this stage although the display was so discouraging. Everton looked a beaten force from the moment Harris took advantage of Cameron’s nervous to score in four minutes, but even after Froggart had headed No 2 Dodds had a golden chance yet ballooned it over from three yards. That knocked out what heart was left in Everton, who stood gaping when in 41 minutes Froggart shot actually from the touchline and the ball dropped into the net. It was not until the 61st minute the Ernie Butler, the Portsmouth goalkeeper had a shot to stop, and all through he had only three shots to save. Hand a word of sympathy to Wainwright and McCormick for striving so hard to turn the tide. While Everton attacked more late on it was simply because Portsmouth rested on their oars, although Reid and Barlow headed goals from centres by that ever-present danger man, Jack Froggart. Portsmouth played with a verve and command which stamped them as a grand team. They had ideas where Everton had none, and it was tantalising to see the labourers Everton attempts to end the open spaces with ball or body. The Everton half backs never compared with the Portsmouth line, although Farrell and Grant worked hard enough. Dugdale was sound, but Saunders could not hold Froggart. As a matter of fact I do not think many full-backs will hold this great player, who can make them and take them. The ball often ran unkindly for Everton, but they had neither the ideas nor the conviction to make it run kindly for them in a match too one-sided to be really good, and one which Everton will be keen to forget. And keep your eyes glued on Pompey for a great title bid, I like this side. The Everton team to entertain Birmingham at Goodison Park on Saturday will not be selected until just before the game.
At the moment there is no news of any additions to the playing staff. When I spoke to Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly about Juliussen, he replied. “At the moment the matter is not being taken further.

A LAMENTABLE DISPLAY
September 2, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Goodison Debacle
Pompey Made Blues Look Little Better Than Third Division Class
With every desire to be as charitable as possible, and after making full allowance for enforced changes in the side, I must still label Everton’s display last night against Portsmouth as one of the most lamentable and inept exhibitions I have seen for a long time. I don’t want to rub salt into the sore wounds, which Pompey inflicted on our pride. On the contrary the state of affairs at Goodison calls for encouragement almost as much as criticism –but where o look to derive encouragement beats me. It would not be so disheartening if the present position had come upon the club suddenly and unexpectedly. Unfortunately apart from the injuries of last week, the opposite is the case. Not only last season, but the season before, I draw attention so often to obvious weaknesses that I got tired of my own reiteration. Everton’s injured list, of course, has been exceptionally heavy. Of the first-teamers, Lindley, Jones (T.G), Humphreys and Powell are still under treatment as well as Catterick, Pinchbeck, Burnett, Clinton, and Corr. Players reported fit, this morning were Watson, Greenhalgh, Lewis, Cookson and Jones (J.A.). George Jackson is still in hospital and quite well in himself but his ligament injury is so severe that it will be a long time, before he is able to play again. There is even some fear that it may possibly and his active career. Last winter we had the slender consolation that no matter blow the Blues disappointed there were other teams who were worse. At the present moment it seems we may not have even that cold comfort. Still the season is young yet. There is plenty of time and abundance of room for improvement. I sincerely hope it will be forthcoming. If not the future looks grim. When the playing staff is back to strength the position may ease itself. Last night Portsmouth made the Blues look little better than a Third Division side. The old Everton spirit, that used to take almost a delight in being a goal and then fighting with their backs to the wall, was never in evidence, The team crumpled up almost from the moment that Barlow gave Pompey the lead in the three minutes, and though there was a brief time in the second half when Everton showed up to better advantage, that was more because Portsmouth were easing up than anything else. Froggart got two further goals for the visitors before half-time, Reid headed in a Froggart centre for the fourth just after the interval and Barlow –again from Froggart -got the fifth a minute before the end. Clear to see that this Froggart man was the big danger. Sagar had little chance with any of the shots bar the third when he advanced too far from goal. The few bouquet possible to hand to the home side go to Gordon Dugdale, the best of the backs, to Peter Farrell for his heroic efforts in face of heavy odds, to Eddie Wainwright for equally courageous attempts to infuse some fight and fire into the attack, and McCormick.
No Plan Or Co-Ordination
McCormick made a fair debut. Some of his centres were excellent. But anybody of his midget statures has to be a superlative player to hold his own. That also applies to Jackie Grant. Circumstances dictated that Cameron was forced into the first team much earlier than otherwise would have been the case. Though he had a heartbreaking task, which would have severely tested a much more experienced player, he showed some nice touches at times, and must not be discouraged. Considering that he is really an inside forward his was not at all a bad show. Mcllhatton and Dodds each put in one good shot late on, which was about the sum total of their contribution. I can certainly remember no other occasion on which they shone. Dodds was right out of touch. On the only two occasions he escaped the clutches of reserve centre half Bowler in the Pompey middle he missed two very sample chances. Everton had neither plan, understanding, or co-ordination and made the fatal mistake of booting the ball too much in the air against a side which had the advantage of height in nearly every portion. It is difficult to assess Pompey’s real worth on this showing. The weakness of the opposition may have flattered them, but against that was the ease and accuracy with which they found their men, the facility with which they ran into the open success, and the fact that never at any time did they seem to be unduly exerting themselves. By comparison Everton were always making heavy weather of it, and their forwards in particular seemed to tackle the easy things in the most difficult way, never letting the ball do the work of them. Everton have not yet given up hopes of signing Juliussen. They expect to know definitely in the next 24 hours. Meantime Lincoln City were watching Dodds last night and have made tentative inquires about him.
Heaviest Defeat
So far as quick glace through my records indicates this is the heaviest Football League defeat Everton have suffered at Goodison since Newcastle United beat them 6-0 in October 26, 1912. Newcastle defeated them 7-3 in 1933, and Manchester City 6-2 in 1928, a margin of four goals. Sandwiched between these were the 6-0 cup-tie victory of Crystal Palace in 1922.

EVERTON SEEK FIRST WIN
September 3, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s bid for their first victory of the season, and Everton hang out the re-welcome signs at Goodison Park to newly promoted Birmingham City, last season’s second Division champions. So far Birmingham are unbeaten, having drawn with Wolves and Middlesbrough (twice) and defeated Chelsea 1-0. Only three goals have been scored against them –the same number scored by Everton in four games. The City have visited Goodison 25 times in league games, and their meagre “bag” is three wins and three draws, so that Everton have retained 41 of the 50 points at stake. Not very encouraging for the City, whose last visit to Merseyside was to Anfield two seasons ago in the Cup, when Liverpool won 4-1. Still, the Midlanders who were relegated in 1939, will take heart from Portsmouth’s runaway success. Everton will not select their team until just before the game, and I am hopeful that Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly and his directors can solve satisfactorily the, many problems. Much depends on the progress of injured men, Everton are due for a win for, whereas in 1938-39 they won their first six games, they have failed to win any of the first five games this season. With two successive home games –Stoke City are here on Wednesday –Everton must seize the chances to make up leeway and get away from position No. 22. Birmingham City (probable). Merrick; Green, Jennings; Harris, Duckhouse, Badham, Stewart, Dougall, Trigg, Garrett, Hughes.
• Everton “A” v Formby tomorrow, at Bellefield

BIRMINGHAM AT GOODISON
September 8, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Must Show Greater Team Spirit
Ranger’s Notes
Everton still seeking their first win of the season, and without a goal in their last three outings during which ten have been scored against them, hope that the visit of Birmingham City to Goodison Park tomorrow will be the turning point. They will have to show a very big improvement over recent displays, however, to get even a draw. There will have to be far more method about them, with greater willingness not only to shoot, but the ability to shoot straight. As I haven’t seen Birmingham since they were at Anfield in the F.A. Cup-tie two seasons ago, when Liverpool defeated them very easily I cannot express any personal opinion of their present, strength, though the side is pretty much the same today. The only newcomer is Jackie Stewart, the former Raith Rovers outside right, whom Liverpool thought was booked for Anfield last January. Manager George Kay spent nearly a week on the Raith doorstep and seemingly had everything tied up but at the last minute Harry Storer persuaded the player to go to St. Andrews’s. The convincing manner in which Birmingham won promotion last season shows they must have improved considerably since they were at Anfield. They have also made a promising start up the higher sphere, being still undefeated. They have drawn away with Wolves and Middlesbrough, both useful performances shared the points at home in the return with Middlesbrough, and defeated Chelsea. They have not been prolific scorers having found the net only four times, with three goals against. Wednesday’s game against Portsmouth was the first view I have had of Everton this season. Unfortunately it did nothing to lull the tears I have had about them for a long time. On that showing one can be excused the absence of any feeling of confidence over tomorrow’s test. But football is a funny game. Form can go all haywire without any apparent reason and though on Wednesday’s display the prudent punter would hesitate to back Everton even for a draw. I should not be surprised if they win. Mind, I don’t say I expect them to, but it’s just one of those things which may happen to prove once again that nothing about this game is certain except its uncertainty. But if they are to get even a point Everton must show better understanding, greater team spirit, and above all, more effectiveness in the front line. The defence may be able to hold Birmingham’s attack, but victory cannot come unless goals are scored. Here’s wishing them well. Spectators can also help by giving the side good vocal support. Everton’s team will not be chosen until later. There are good hopes that both Jack Humphreys and Aubrey Powell will be fit, Tommy Jones is still doubtful. Birmingham City (probable). Merrick; Green, Jennings; Harris, Duckhouse, Badham, Stewart, Dougall, Trigg, Garrett, Hughes.

EVERTON SIGN JULIUSSEN
September 4, 1948. The Evening Express
Plays Today
By Radar
Albert Juliussen, the Portsmouth centre-forward, was today signed by Everton, and led the attack against Birmingham City at Goodison Park this afternoon. Thus ends successfully efforts by Everton to secure Juliussen which, in actual fact, began two years ago. Northumberland born, but of Scandinavian descent, Juliussen is the former Dundee centre-forward who “guested” for Huddersfield Town during war-time football. He scored 60 goals in two post-war seasons for Dundee, netted another 17 before being transferred to Portsmouth last March, and scored four goals in his seven matches for “Pompey” last season. Strongly built, with a powerful shot, he is just under 6ft in height. Everton reopened negotiations for Juliussen when they visited Portsmouth last week. The player together with his wife, and Manager Mr. Bob Jackson, of Portsmouth, travelled to Liverpool yesterday. Terms were agreed between the two clubs –I understand a five –figure fee is involved –but Juliussen informed Everton’s secretary-manager Mr. Theo Kelly, he would like to think the matter over. The transfer was finally completed at Goodison Park this morning. Juliussen cost Portsmouth £11,000 when he was secured from Dundee.

BIRMINGHAM SCORE 2 IN 4 MINUTES
September 4, 1948. The Evening Express
Fielding Fails With Penalty For Everton
By Radar
Fielding blunders paved the way for yet another Everton defeat against Birmingham City at Goodison Park today. Everton fought hard against a side which showed greater ability at taking chances, and which went to a 2-0 lead at half-time through goals by Trigg and Stewart, in both cases the consequence of blunders on the part of the Everton defenders. Trig added a third for Birmingham early in the second half, and even a penalty award did not produce an Everton goal, Fielding striking the bar from the spot. Making his first appearance in Everton colours was centre-forward Albert Juliussen from Portsmouth. The signing of Juliussen was completed only a few hours before the kick-off. The Everton official programme contained a hint of further signings in a reference to the fact that another well-known player may soon join Juliussen at Goodison. The Everton attack was almost entirely compared with that which faced Portsmouth in mid-week. Only McCormick has retained his place –on the left wing –Higgins coming in at outside-right, with Fielding and Alec Stevenson as inside partners to Juliussen. Everton also had Jack Humphreys back at centre-half on his recovery from injury. He took Cameron’s place. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Grant, Humphreys and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Higgins, Stevenson, Juliussen, Fielding and McCormick, forwards. Birmingham City;- Birmingham City; Merrick, goal; Green and Jennings, backs; Harris, Duckhouse, and McKee, half-backs; Stewart, Dougall, Trigg, Garrett, and Hughes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.W. Richards (Cheadle). Birmingham had an English League football debutant in Frank McKee, a young inside-forward signed from Dundee United last February, brought in at left-half because two of Birmingham’s regular half-backs were on the casualty list,. With Bodle, Welsh and Edwards still unfit, Birmingham’s left-wing comprising Hughes and Garrett. I hear that Eddie Wainwright is suffering from a stomach muscle injury, and Wainwright told me before the game that it may be some weeks before he recovers.
First On Move
Everton were first on the move, but the lanky Duckhouse took charge of Grant’s centre and sent Triggs away it was only a nicely-timed tackle by Humphreys which prevented him from getting within shooting range. Away went Everton and Higgins veered right over to the opposite wing, to be placed in position by a square Fielding pass. Footer which heat Merrick all the way, but the ball struck the post and was scrambled clear as Juliussen moved forward to apply the touch which was all that was needed. This was wretched luck, Everton came again and there was a roar of “Goal” as Higgins came flying into the middle to head in from Fielding’s cross, but the ball flashed wide of the far upright. This was certainly a more hopeful opening for Everton, and much to the liking of the 50,000 crowd. After several brief Birmingham skirmishes had been repulsed, Stevenson and Grant linked up menacingly, but Grant placed his centre straight into Merrick’s hands. Then Dugdale went upfield to try one from long range, but his shot screwed well wide of the mark. Away went Birmingham, and Sagar had to be on the alert to prevent Trigg from making contact as he raced in to Jenning’s choicely placed clearance.
Misplaced Passes
A quiet spell, characterised by a succession of misplaced passes by both sides, was enlivened when Green completely mistimed his clearances, leaving McCormick with an open avenue, but the little Irishman was slow to size up his chance and all he earned was an unprofitable corner. Birmingham were producing some nice combined ideas without revealing any marked degree of thrust. Fielding had to receive attention for a leg injury, following a solo run aimed at sending McCormick away, but he was soon able to resume. Then Juliussen wandered out to the left and almost took Merrick by surprise with a deceptive angular shot. With the game 26 minutes old Birmingham went away to take the lead, Stewart slipping the ball inside to Garrett who in turn transferred to Hughes. The Birmingham left winger lobbed the ball towards the far post where Dugdale was unable to complete the clearance, and Triggs sped in and drove into the roof of the net from point-blank range. Thus encouraged, Birmingham again caught the Everton defence in two minds and almost increased their lead, but this time Sagar managed to turn Trigg’s oblique shot over the top for a corner which brought no further reward to Birmingham. Within four minutes however, Birmingham had made it two, Stewart doing the damage this time. Stewart in whom Liverpool were interested before he went to St. Andrews, moved into the middle to take over from Hughes, and by his very persistence eluded tackles from Humphreys and Saunders and moved forward to give Sagar no chance with a short range shot all along the ground.
Fought Back
There were certainly body blows for Everton and it just seemed as if nothing would go right for the “Toffee.” Everton fought back willingly and Fielding and Farrell co-operated to provide an opening for Stevenson but the ball ran unkindly for little Alec. Juliussen had few chances to show his worth so far, and when he did take control of Stevenson’s forward pass and beat Duckhouse he ran the ball too far and lost possession to Jennings. Try as they might Everton could not get that goal which would have provided them with a much needed hope, and when Juliussen bore out to the right and centred accurately, Stevenson was unfortunately to see his gilded header flash a foot or so wide of the post. After receiving treatment for a knock on the head, Higgins was still dazed some minutes afterwards and had to go to the touchline for further attention from Trainer Harry Cooke.
Half-time; Everton 0, Birmingham City 2. Sagar was soon called into action to deal with Hughes’ low cross after the Birmingham man had rounded Saunders. Just previously Higgins had hung his head in disgust when he wasted a chance of centring by screwing the ball over the line for a goal kick. Birmingham continued to look the most dangerous whenever they went on the attack and after Stewart had shot ball wide, Trigg always an enterprising leader, brought McKee who brought Sagar to his knees with a 25 yard drive. Two corners to Everton in rapid succession produced nothing to trouble the solid Birmingham defensive set up. In the 53rd minute the clever Birmingham forwards went to work again to drive another nail into the Everton coffin. Garrett transferred to Stewart, who was still “wandering” to confuse the Everton defence, and Stewart completely spilt the Everton defence with a cute side flick to Trigg, who raced forward, with Farrell chasing him, to give Sagar no chance with a perfectly placed drive. Even the disappointing crowd gave Birmingham a great ovation for what was a splendidly conceived goal. Everton retaliated with spirit, and after Merrick had turned one round the post from Stevenson, Farrell drove just over the top from the edge of the penalty area. Certainty one could not accuse Everton of not fighting back, and in the 60th minute they were awarded a penalty for a handling offence as Stevenson went in the tackle. But even then Everton could not score, Fielding driving the spot kick against the crossbar, from where it bounced behind. It was still a question of nothing going right for Everton as witness the occasion when Fielding cleverly “sold the dummy” to Jennings and then feebly hooked the ball straight to the waiting Duckhouse. It was not long before Birmingham were back on the attack and a corner on the left was the prelude to their fourth goal. Garrett headed in from Hughes corner and Dugdale breasted the ball off the line but could only put it straight back to Garrett, who drove well side of Sagar’s reach. Time 76 minute.
Hard Shooting
Whenever Birmingham went away the Everton defence were at sixtes and sevens, whereas Everton in attack just chance after chance to the wind. The Birmingham attack is not normally noted for its sharp shooting ability, but all five forwards in this game were shooting hard and often and almost every Birmingham attack produced a shot capable of testing Sagar. Trigg almost made it five for the Birmingham when he let go on the volley and Sagar had only managed to save partially, with Garrett in after it. In fact Birmingham were a way faster to the ball. With three minutes to go Birmingham made it five, McKee sending Hughes away and Stewart netted from Hughes cross. Final; Everton 0, Birmingham 5. Officially attendance; 49,199
• Everton “A” 2, Formby 2

NEWCASTLE RESERVES V EVERTON RESERVES
September 4, 1948. The Evening Express
At Newcastle. Owing to an early kick-off there would only be about 12,000 at the start. Newcastle went straight on the offensive with Sibley, the outside right playing especially well. Even so, Everton scored first through Lello, who missed a golden opportunity of putting them further ahead when after taking the ball past everyone, including Garbut, in the Newcastle goal, he shot wide.
Half-time; Newcastle Res 0, Everton Res 1. On the resumption play was scrappy but Everton added a second goal through Johnson. After good work by Eglington, who was always a danger. Jones in goal for Everton made three outstanding saves. Full time; Newcastle Reserves 0, Everton 2.

GLOOM OVER GOODISON PARK DEEPENED TODAY
September 4, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
New Everton Centre Had No Chance To Shine
Birmingham Go “Nap”
Everton 0, Birmingham 5
By Stork
Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Grant, Humphreys and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Higgins, Stevenson, Juliussen, Fielding and McCormick, forwards. Birmingham City;- Birmingham City; Merrick, goal; Green and Jennings, backs; Harris, Duckhouse, and McKee, half-backs; Stewart, Dougall, Trigg, Garrett, and Hughes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.W. Richards (Cheadle). A new face acts like a magnet on the football people, so it was not surprising to see a big crowd at Goodison today to watch the new Everton leader Juliussen, whom Mr. Theo Kelly, the secretary-manager signed this morning. When I saw him this morning he looked as fit as a fiddle. He has a big task on hand and I am sure we all wish him well. The Everton attack in general showed considerable change, one of the most starting being the recall of Alex Stevenson, the club coach to the second team. Well, Stevenson is just the man to supply the bullets for Julissen to first Higgins replaced Mcllhatton and Fielding returned to the line.
A Brighter Start
Everton started off on the right note, which was encouraging when one remembers what happened on Wednesday night, and in the first couple of minutes Higgins had hit the post and headed wide. In fact, he had four efforts to bring an early lead and the Birmingham defence was in dire trouble for a time. Juliussen had been keenly watching the turn of events and when his chance came he took a ball from Grant very cleverly, only to find it run too far ahead of him. There was plenty of life in the Everton attack at this stage, but gradually Birmingham got the grip of the game.
Visitors Threatening
For some time play was more or less confined to midfield, but one could readily see why the Midlanders were so high up the table. They had ideas, pace and an understanding, and for a time they were indeed very threatening. Stewart once tricked Dugdale and matters looked awkward, but in the main the defence kept a good hold on the opposition in attacks. Dugdale tried a long shot which finished well off the mark, and then Fielding from a scorable position slashed his shot high over the bar.
Albert Juliussen
Nevertheless it is something to see a shot from the Everton forward, for we have seen so few. Stevenson, with a cute back-heel sent Everton on the move, and it was only quick intervention on the part of the Birmingham defenders which prevented Juliussen from gaining possession and forcing a way through the gap. There was cause for excitement when a long punt up the field by Saunders was misjudged by full back Green, and had McCormick been a shade faster he would certainly have had a go, but he hesitated a trifle and his chance was gone. Garrett once gave a perfect dummy, and it looked like proving disastrous, but he did not finish as well as he had started, the shot going wide of the mark.
Home Defence Cracks
Juliussen put across two excellent centres from the left wing, but neither produced anything of consequence. Birmingham at this point were soundly testing the Everton defence and ultimately it broke down. It had a shaky five minutes and during that period Birmingham took a two goal lead. The first one was a close range shot by Trigg after Dugdale had slipped and the Birmingham centre forward hit the ball with all his might and Sagar had no chance. This was at 25 minutes. Five minutes later the Everton defence fell again, Farrell failed to clear, and Stewart, from close range, crashed home another unsaveable shot. This was a severe blow to Everton who had opened with such promise.
Missed His Chance
Juliussen got one opportunity and he looked as though he might do something with it, but he allowed the ball to run far ahead of him and lost possession. McCormick had one shot saved by Merrick in capital style, and then Stevenson ballooned one over the bar. Then Birmingham got in charge again and had Trigg taken the chances he would have had further goals, but he tried to bring the ball over to his good foot, and while he was doing that the Everton defence gathered in forces and closed the way to goal.
Half-time; Everton 0, Birmingham City 2
Birmingham were soon on the hunt for further goals in the second half and Sagar had to make a save, and then Garrett looked all over a certain scorer, but failed to get in his shot. He did, however, get the ball over to Stewart, who came dashing in to make a header, but went wide of the target over the bar.
Another For Trigg
Everton then showed a fighting quality and some good moves in their effort to wipe out the arrears but the Birmingham defence was very solid, if at times a shade fortunate. Then the picture changed completely, and Garrett and Stewart got together to make a perfect opening for Trigg, who, with his right foot, slammed the ball into the net, giving Sagar no chance. It was a beautifully made goal and Stewart’s final pass to Trigg split the Everton defence wide open. Time 52 minutes.
Stevenson’s Effort
Everton did not give up fighting and Stevenson after suffering a light injury, put a grand shot in his effort to reduce the arrears, but Merrick dashed across his goal to edge the ball outside the upright. A minute or two later Farrell came along with a fast rising shot that sped like greased lightning six inches over the cross-bar. There was no doubt that Everton were trying desperately hard to turn the tide, but even when they got a penalty they could not find the net, for Fielding’s spot kick dashed up against the cross-bar. Personally I did not consider it a good penalty when McKee handled the ball, for it seemed more of a case of ball to hand rather than hand to bell when he was being challenged by Stevenson.
Stolid Defence
For some minutes Everton were clustered round the Birmingham goal but try how they would they could not penetrate the Birmingham defence. Everton were still applying intense pressure and goals might have come at any moment, but without the shots here is little hope of success. The Birmingham defence as so quick, however, in its intervention that the Everton forwards were never allowed to rest with the ball.
Garrett Makes It Four
After being penned in their own half a quite time Birmingham broke away by their left winger, Hughes, who ultimately centred so well that Garrett, was able to get his head to the ball and steer it away from Sagar. Saunders, who had fallen back on the line, headed the ball out. It only went back to Garrett, however, who this time shot with power to the back of the net. This was indeed the last straw, and for a time Birmingham got, on top again, and Sagar had to save from Dougall and Harris. At the other end there was a chance of an Everton goal, but Julissen lost sight of the ball, and by the time he had found it there was no chance. Everton’s goal against column at this point made bad reading, to of the four games played fourteen goals have been credited against them without replay.
Dugdale Injured
There was a long stoppage for an injury on Dugdale and when the game was restarted Birmingham went off like a lot of harassed and Trigg tried a bow at the venture to find his slashing drive just going behind, and this with Sagar out of his goal. With five minutes to go Birmingham with a glorious pass which was missed by Trigg, but the ball went to Stewart who moved in and he sent it to far corner of the net. Final; Everton 0, Birmingham 5. Official attendance; 49,199.

ALBERT JULIUSSEN
September 4, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Albert Juliussen, former Portsmouth centre forward, who has this morning signed by Everton, and he made his debut at Goodison Park against Birmingham. The fee is to believe to be well in excess of the £11,000 which Portsmouth paid when they signed him from Dundee last March (writes Rangers). Juliussen scored 77 goals for Dundee in three post war seasons. He stands 6ft, weights 12 ½ stone, and is about 26 years of age. Everton first made a bid for him two years ago, when he was with Dundee, but it was turned down. Juliussen scored four goals in seven games for Portsmouth last spring but this season has not been in their senior side.

ADVERT OF JULIUSSEN
September 4, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
May Start Everton On Recovery Trail
Ranger’s Weekly Gossip
Let us hope that the signing by Everton this morning of Albert Juliussen, Portsmouth’s six-foot, 26-years-old centre forward, will make the first stage in the revival of Everton to form more in keeping with their great tradition. At least it shows the commendable desire of the board to lose no time remedying obvious weaknessed in the side. Unfortunately, there are several other positions which need strengthening Juliussen alone will not be able to put Everton back on the pedestal they once held, and the club, despite having the largest professional staff in its history –there are over 40 paid men –needs still more proven players of the top class before supporters can breathe easily again. Everton have made a most dismal and depressing start and this department has already been bombarded with letters from disgruntled supporters. Normally, any reader who wants to let off steam can do so here, if his letter is fair and reasoned. At the present juncture though I feel it would do no good, and perhaps harm, to let readers have their fling. As I said during the week, the players need all the encouragement we can give them. To “knock” them when they are down is neither sporting not helpful. One way in which Everton followers can help is to give the side plenty of vocal support. The difference between the volume of cheering at Anfield against Sheffield United and last Wednesday’s match against Portsmouth was most noticeable. At Anfield the Liverpool followers inspired the Reds to an almost superhuman effort. At Goodison there was hardly a whisper. I admit that the Blues showing against Pompey was more calculated to make supporters weep than cheer, and that the side never showed the same fighting spirit that we saw from Liverpool. Yet, even so, the crowd could have been more helpful than they were. Perhaps they were too stunned. It gives me no pleasure to recall the many times I have been a voice crying in the wilderness about the writing on the wall at Goodison. To those with eyes to see, it has been obvious that the present state of affairs has been gradually creeping up on Everton or two It gives me no pleasure to recall the many times I have been a voice crying in the wilderness about the writing on the wall at Goodison. To those with eyes to see, it has been obvious that the present state of affairs has been gradually creeping up on Everton or two seasons.

EVERTON’S RUN OF FOUR DEFEATS
September 6, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s run of four defeats, culminating in the 5-0 reverse at Goodison on Saturday at the hands of Birmingham. While Everton have been playing so poorly let us make no mention of relegation and such things. Goodness gracious, the season is only two weeks old and to the pessimists I say that one season Liverpool were at the bottom the League in December –not September, remember –and won the championship. Come, this is no time for despondency or spontaneous outbursts of criticism. These are varying ideas of matters affecting Everton’s team, but no good purpose can be served by forcing individual views, and I prefer to appeal to the vast Everton following to encourage and not criticise the players, who to my mind are suffering not so much from lack of ability, as from lack of confidence, I guarantee that one victory will restore that confidence and bring back the old spirit which has been a characteristic of those in the blue jersey.
Colleague Radar emphasises that for ten minutes, Everton, encouraged the belief that he would be reporting their first win and that had Higgins shot gone in instead of striking a post, this might have eventuated. Radar, who rated Birmingham a better side than Portsmouth, continues “Birmingham celebrated their good fortune with two goals in four minutes and Everton never recovered, although no one could accuse him of not fighting back hard, for twenty minutes in the second half they had more of the game than the Midlanders. Still there no denying that the re-committed attack did not succeed, lacking both pace and punch. One cannot be hyper-criticism about Juliussen after one game, but Duckhouse saw to it that we did not see much of him. The line failed to function despite the effort of the industrious Stevenson –easily the best forward to infuse some degree of fire. Everton simply cannot strike his fine form and even guilty of missing a penalty. Higgins opened exceptionally well and then never recovered from a knock on the head which left him partially dazed. Everton’s need for wingers remains still after the last two games, while the Birmingham attack seemed to mesmerise the Everton half-backs and backs. Humphreys had an unhappy outing, while Farrell is another who has not hit his real form. Grant worked hard with little effect, and neither back, inspired confidence. Sagar is exempt from all criticism for he just had no chance.

OPEN LETTER TO EVERTON
September 4, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Blues Prestige Never Lower
And Money Won’t Guarantee Success.
To the Directors of Everton F.C., Gentlemen
If I were to say that the prestige of Everton today is lower than it has ever been before, and that the club is in its most serious plight, for nearly 20 years, I could not be accused of exaggeration. When you were relegated in 1930 the side was decidedly unlucky. It was still playing class football and proved its worth by topping the Second Division the following year, winning the First Division Championship the year after, and then the F.A Cup in the following season. Today you are either unlucky not playing good football. True you, have had a fair number of injuries, but that is a weak accuse. A club of your standing and immense wealth with the biggest professional staff in the country and which for three seasons has been running five sides. Should have ample reserve capable of filling any emergency. In fact, your programme has often assured us that this is the case. We have been told that positions have been carefully duplicated-even triplicated. Evidence of that, however, has not yet been produced. The last two shattering home defeats have been the most humiliating in the club’s long history. They have also brought to a head the strong feeling of dissatisfaction felt by your supporters. This feeling is not one of recent growth. It would be different if you could plead that the present position has come upon without warning. It has not. For the past two years I have been doing my best to emphasise the writing on the wall. During that time you have been a struggling and an aging side. The red light has been clearly visible for anybody to see. Please don’t dig into your seats and tell me that you finished that past two seasons in a “comfortable position.” That was only because of the dire falling of others, not through any brilliance of your own. An occasional good performance and welcome victory seems to have lulled you into a false feeling of security. The past, however, concerns us little, it is the present which is so alarming. After burying your heads in the sand far too long I trust you are going to sit up and take notice. The chickens are coming home to roost with a vengeances. Now it is up to you.
The more signing of big cheques does not necessarily constitute successful team-building, as many have found before. You cannot guarantee success that way. Just buying a player because he is expense is not good directorship, though that may be the only course open to you at this juncture. Successful team building demands the knowledge and shrewdness to spot embryo and to bring them on by sufficient coaching, it also increases the ability to spot when a player who has been given reasonable chance and is not going to make the grade which is just as important. It is obvious that a first-class coach is one of many requirements at Goodison. The appointment of Alex Stevenson was a step in the right direction, even if belated. According to your own announcement, however, he is to devote himself only to the second team. Is anything being done about the first team? Manchester United owed their outstanding success last season in the painstaking first team coaching of Matt Busby. Old Trafford was a stern football academy with an execting task master who got the best out of his material. The same applies to several other clubs. The only consolation is that the present depressing position has occurred right at the start. It certainty gives you plenty of time to remedy things. If the recent devastating defeats lead in more determination on your part to put Everton back on the pedestal which is rightly theirs, then they will have served a sound purpose. If they do not, then I am afraid your supporters will lose the little faith they have left in you. You have been trying their patience recently, you know. Sentiment in football these days is not what it was. While most of your followers are intensity loyal, and long to see the old type of football at Goodison, your raise will suffer severely if there is not a quick and appreciable improvement. It’s not defeat they mind so much as poor and plan-less football. My sympathies are with the players. They must feel their position keenly. They have been doing their best and can do no more. I am sorry also for newcomer Juliussen. Coming into the side at such a juncture and almost entirely minus support, it was no wonder even apart from the knock he got late on that he did not shine. But we cannot judge him on one display. I wish you well in your efforts, gentleman, it gives me no pleasant to write in this strain, but if it helps to give you a more realistic view of the outlooker and enlightened you as to the feeling of your supporters then it will have been worthwhile –Yours faithfully. Ranger.

BLUES’ CHANCES V. STOKE
September 7, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
New Spirit of Enterprise May Turn The Tide
What of Everton’s chance? In meeting Stoke they are up against a side whose record hardly indicates that they are of the calibre of Portsmouth and Birmingham through from all accounts the Potters gave a good display against Pompey on Saturday and but for their own over-eagerness might have won. If Everton cannot beat Stoke at Goodison them their outlook, already dismal enough will become still more depressing. Can they do it? After the last two devastating home defeats not even the staunchest loyalists can have much confidence but football is always providing surprises. To ensure victory, though Everton will have to have more plan and method about their work than we have seen hitherto. Their attack will have to more upwards in five-point fashion and now leave two or three to bear the brunt of attack against a strong defence, for the latter is Stoke’s most reliable feature. Juliussen will require more support than he got against Birmingham. He had a heart-breaking task for his debut, and few players would have shone under such circumstances. It would be decidedly unfair to judge him on that display. This time he is up against a great centre half in Neil Franklin. I am not surprised that at last Everton’s defence has temporarily caved in. It has borne a heavy burden. Sagar and company won many points almost off their own bat last season. They cannot go on doing it definitely. All I hope is that the recent heavy crop of goals against has not undermined their confidence. It will need a long and a strong pull to get Everton back on an even goal, but they can do it if the players will endeavour to forget the last disastrous ten days and tackle tomorrow’s task with fresh heart and now inspiration. Give them all the encouragement you can. Just now that means a tremendous lot. Stoke’s weakness this season has been mainly in the forward line, which has scored only two goals, in five games, the other having come from half-back Mountford. Freddie Steele still leads the attack and on his day needs careful watching. Stoke’s defensive record, however, compared very favourably with Everton. They have had only six goals against three of them in one match with Arsenal, they have beaten Arsenal at Stoke and drawn with Charlton (home) and with Manchester City (away) their defeats being by Arsenal (away) and Portsmouth (home).

MID-WEEK SOCCER
September 7, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton directors meet this evening to select the team to face Stoke City at Goodison Park, when they hope to break their run of non-success and record their first victory. The Blues have been hard-hit by injuries but full details will not be available until after today’s medical reports. Secretary-manager Theo Kelly has brighter news regarding Gordon Watson, Norman Greenhalgh, Tommy Jones, and Aubrey Powell, while Higgins and Juliussen, who were injured against Birmingham City, should be fit. However, it is mainly conjective at the moment. Naturally a difficult task faces the club in its choice for Stoke’s visit, but I am convinced that it is as much a question of confidence as ability. Stoke have not so far proved themselves one of the real danger sides of the league, although they did defeat Arsenal by the only goal last week. The Potters have gained four points in five matches, gaining two draws in addition to that success over Arsenal. In 28 visits to Goodison Park the City have recorded only four wins, the latest being last season when they won 1-0. There are plenty of familiar faces in the Stoke ranks, and the side revolves around the strong hub of Neil Franklin, the England centre-half. Much as Everton are in the doldrums I have plenty of faith in the players. They have ability, and I think they will record the win to set them on the way up the league ladder. Stoke City (probable); Herod; Mould, McQue; Mountford (F.), Franklin, Sellars; Mountford (G.), McAlinden, Steele, Baker, Ormston.

EVERTON’S MANY CHANGES
September 8, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stiffening Up The Defence
Everton’s Seven Changes
Stork’s Notes
Everton in search of their first victory of the season, have made seven alterations in their team to meet Stoke City at Goodison Park tonight (6 o’clock). They have brought in a new defence Greenhalgh and Hedley coming in for Dugdale and Saunders respectedly. It is hoped that the change will bring stiffening up in the defence, which has yielded ten goals in two consecutive home games, which must be something of a record at Goodison Park. In the middle line Jones reappears with Farrell on his right and Grant switching over to the left. The Welsh international Powell, comes back after his injury, so Stevenson has to move across to inside left to partner McCormick. Greenhalgh last played against Burnley at Goodison Park on November 15, 1947. Hedley played regularly in the last dozen or so games last season, when he came in at left back in place of Digdale who was injured. The list of injured players increase, fifteen reported to the doctor yesterday. Dugdale and Saunders being the latest additions to the list. Stoke will have a new reserve right wing in 21-year-old John Makin, and the regular reserve inside right Bowyer. George Mountford is very heavy, however, Mountford may retain his place. Everton; Sagar; Hedley, Greenhalgh; Farrell, Jones, Grant; Higgins, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson, McCormick. Stoke City; Herod; Mould, McQue, Mountford (F.), Franklin, Sellar, Makin, Bowyer, Steele, Baker, Ormston.

VICTORY!
September 9, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Victory at last came Everton’s way after a desperately hard fight against Stoke City at Goodison, but the hopes that success produced were tempered by the fact that three more names have to be added to the list of 18 players already on the injured list. Higgins had to be escorted from the field five minutes before the end with a cut near the eye. Powell injured a leg and score the victory goal from the outside right position ten minutes from the end and Norman Greenhalgh was also damaged is not certain to be fit for Saturday’s visit to Chelsea. The outstanding points against them this game were the easy in which Tommy Jones commanded the centre of the field –his was an impeccable display –and the terrific second half display of Jackie Grant. Steele was always an alert Stoke leader but could never escape from Jones’s glance and when the Potteries side were throwing everything into an effort to force an equaliser in the closing minutes it was Jones who confined them time after time. Incidentally former Evertonian Tommy Lawton accompanied by Notts County directors watched the game and I understand the County interested in Jones has intensified (writes Radar). One cannot say that the Everton attack was a methodical force, however but factor that stood out was the apparent wiliness of the Everton men compared with Stoke, not by any means an outstanding force, although Bowyer’s header in the 39th minute to equaliser Juliussen’s opening goal (25 minutes) was a brilliant effort. Twice in succession games Everton have missed penalties –it might have made all the difference in this game – for Stevenson drove wide from the spot-kick when Higgins was uprooted in the second half. Still this was indeed a victory and one which will undoubtedly give Everton some confidence for the future.

THANKS MAINLY TO JONES
September 9, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
But Stoke Had More Method
Ranger’s Notes
Well, thank goodness for that! Never were two points more warmly welcome than those which rewarded Everton’s rather laborious and desperate efforts last night against Stoke City. While Everton were a trifle fortunate to get them, we cannot look askance at a bit of good luck which helps to balance the toll of injuries the club has suffered. The victory should put more heart into the players, and so long as it doesn’t lull those in authority into the impression that after all there’s nothing much to worry about, then it can do nothing but good. Up to ten minutes from the end it was anybody’s game, and Stoke might easily have snatched the points. They were the better side in the first half, when only the brilliant defence of Tommy Jones aided by Sagar, Hedley and Greenhalgh, enabled Everton to weather the storm. The Blues certainly had bad luck when Powell hit the bar, and again when a header by Higgins flashed just the wrong side of the post. It was not bad luck when Stevenson completely missed the goal from the penalty spot, the second time the Blues have failed to convert a penalty in two games. Somebody should be deputed to take penalties –nobody has been anxious on these two occasions –and then he should practise them. I wonder why Jones was not asked to do the needful? Everton were more in the picture in the second half, and it was good to hear the crowd cheer them to encouraged when they were on the attack. Even so, their approach work rarely matched that of Stoke. The Stoke halves and forwards served up some brilliant moves, keeping the ball on the ground and finding their men confidently and accurately, but all their effort broke down against the classic play of Jones. He stood like the rock of Gibraltar in the middle, frustrating all Stoke’s good work with a timely tackle, a split second header o a brilliantly judged interception. Without wishing to detract in any degree from the credit one to the other defenders, Jones stood out head and shoulders as the architect of victory. Apart from what he did himself, he imbued everybody around him with confidence and utilised nearly every clearance to good advantage in setting up a counter-attack. While his value to the side has rarely been more clearly shown, apparently –judging from the programme –Everton are still prepared to part with him. If they do I hope they will not rue it when too late. Jones is not as keen to leave Goodison as no ones was. As long as his future is secure I think he would be prepared to stay, I feel certain the board can keep him at Goodison if they wish. I trust that they so desire. His departure would be a tragedy in the present state of affairs. Directors of Notts County, accompanied by Tommy Lawton were at the match last night. Notts would dearly like to take Jones to their fold. But what good would the money be to Everton? It can’t buy another like Jones. I asked Dr. Cecil Baxter, the Everton chairman, whether the club had changed its view on letting Jones go. He declined to make any statement, however, beyond saying that the board had not discussed the matter. Everton took the lead through Juliussen at the 25th minute, when he glided in a Powell pass very calmly. A grand header by Bowyer put Stoke level before half-time, and ten minutes from the end Herod who had been very shake all through, made a bloomer and let in a shot-cum-centre by Powell which he should have had well covered. Jones, Greenhalgh, Sagar and Farrell took main defensive honours, with Hedley doing well until be allowed Ormston too much rope late on. The attack, however, was still a thing of shreds and patches. I have never seen Aubrey Powell so much off the game. Nothing would go right for him, and another injury which necessitated him going outside right did not help, though it was after that he got the winning goal. Everton still haven’t learned that with their small men the ball should be kept on the carpet. It is folly to boot it so much in the air. McCormick and Higgins were good in parts but Juliussen rarely got out of the clutches of Franklin, who too often was allowed to come round him and take the ball on his foot. The former Portsmouth man has not yet had a fair chance to justify himself, however, judgement must be suspended until he has. It was heartening win, even with its streak of fortune, for it showed that Everton have not lost all their spirit. But there is a tough programme ahead and one swallow doesn’t make a summer. Five of the next eight matches are away from home. We shall have a better idea what the future holds when these are over.
Dodds Deal Off
Oldham Athletics’ bid for Jock Dodds is not being taken any further. Oldham had agreed to pay Everton £6,500 and last night interviewed Dodds at Blackpool, but a snag developed which could not be surmounted and after a later interview with Mr. Theo Kelly at Preston where Everton Reserves were playing the Oldham officials decided to call the deal off.
Theo Kelly in Car Accident
Trouble never come singly. On top of their big crop of injuries Everton have now suffered a mishap to their secretary manager, Mr. Theo Kelly, who was in a motor accident on his way home after last night’s reserve game. His car was involved in a collision with another vehicle at the junction at Northway and Hall Lane Mughull. Mr. Kelly’s car was fairly badly damaged but fortunately he himself, though sustaining minor cuts and bruises was not seriously hurt.

THE TONIC
September 10, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton travel to Chelsea armed with the joyous tonic of the opening won –over Stoke City. Even if the success was not exactly convincing, I am certain that the players will feel inspired by it and fight hard against a none-too-consistent Chelsea to gain their first away points. Everton’s toll of injuries continues, but although several players are still feeling the effects of Wednesday’s game with Stoke they will be all right, and an unchanged team faces a Chelsea ho have a doubt about Williams. The inspiration of the opening win may enable the Toffees to gain a point but it’s going to be tough going. Everton; Sagar; Hedley, Greenhalgh; Farrell, Tommy Jones, Grant; Higgins, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson, McCormick.
• Everton Reserves v Bury tomorrow
• Everton “B” v Runcorn Athletic at Bellefield

JONES THE BULWARK
September 10, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are away to Chelsea, always a mercurial team. The Blues will now move confident after their mid-week win over Stoke and though the manner of that victory left something to be desired I have a feeling that with Tommy Jones in the side they may manage to spilt the points. The team will be unchanged. Despite all the difference there have been between Jones and the club he is a great Everton loyalist, still ready to give his last ounce for them. He played harder on Wednesday then I ever remember him doing, for his normal game is rather a nonchalant one. Another display of that kind tomorrow and Chelsea are not likely to find the back of the net very often. That means that once again the onus will be largely on the attack, which must really try this time to keep the ball on the ground. In recent home games they have played into the hands of the opposing defence by too much air-ball which means their small forwards are badly handicapped. Everton; Sagar; Hedley, Greenhalgh; Farrell, Tommy Jones, Grant; Higgins, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson, McCormick. Chelsea;- Medhurst; Winter, Hughes; Gouldson, Harris, Macauley; Campbell, Bowie, Bentley, Walker, Jones.
The reserve side home to Bury will be chosen from Burnett; Clinton, Doyle; Bentham, Falder, Watson; Corr, Cameron, Pinchbeck, Lello, Hampson, Eglington.
Everton to Appoint Full Time Manager
Everton’s decision to appoint a full-time team manager brings them into line with the vast majority of Football League sides. There will be much speculation now as to who will get this financially attractive post.

EVERTON’S HEAVIEST LOSS OF SEASON
September 11, 1948. The Evening Express
Macaulay ‘Bolt From Blue’ Goal Starts Rot
Toffees Poorest Display For Many A Long Day
By Pilot.
A wonder goal by half-back Macauley sent Everton tobogganing to their fifth defeat today when Chelsea whipped them 6-0 at Stamford Bridge. Apart from about 15 minutes of the game Everton were never in the hunt against a cleverer and two yards faster Chelsea who in the second half, literally did what they liked. The score really flattered Everton, whose display was the poorest I have ever seen from a First Division team in my life. The 42,376 spectators often laughed at the ease with which the Toffees were overcome, even the defence did not redeem Everton and Sagar was not blameless in a tragic exhibition. Although Tommy Jones had stomach trouble which necessitated treatment last night the side was unchanged from that which defeated Stoke City. Jimmy Jones, the Everton reserve goalkeeper, has been operated on for cartilage so will be unable to compete in the footballers’ golf championship on Monday fortnight. Chelsea underwent a reshuffle because of the injury to Williams, and Len Goulden was tried at right half. Chelsea;- Medhurst, goal; Winter and Hughes, backs; Goulden, Harris, and Macauley, half-backs; Campbell, Bowie, Bentley, Walker, and Jones, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Hedley and Greenhalgh, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Grant, half-backs; Higgins, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson and McCormick, forwards. Referee; Mr. R.L. Wilride, Sutton Coldfield. There was a touching ceremony before the game when the players of both teams wearing black armless and the officials along with the 45,000 spectators stood in silence as a tribute to Mr. Jack Boyer, the Chelsea director who died suddenly yesterday. The silence ended with the playing of “Abide With Me.” Chelsea had Bowie on duty for the first time this season and it was good to see the ex-Tranmere Rovers winger Benny Jones at outside-left. Jones dealt effectively with Bentley’s opening thrust and then Higgins and Juliussen changed places neatly, Juliussen his centre over the top. Next Juliussen went away to the left to pick up Stevenson’s pass but his centre was too close to Medhurst. Winter handled on the edge of the penalty area and Powell side passed the free kick for Stevenson to drive against Harris’s leg. Chelsea failed to clear and even Greenhalgh joined in the attack as the ball passed to and fro across the Chelsea goal with no one quick enough to stab the ball home. Eventually Stevenson shot across goal, and Campbell came to “pick up the ball” at his own corner flag and send Chelsea away.
Chelsea Score
Bowie forced a corner after appearing to be fouled by Tommy Jones and this brought the opening goal to Chelsea in eight minutes. The corner itself was actually cleared but the ball dropped back to Macauley, us outside the penalty area, and he hit the ball on the half volley to rocket it at terrific pace into the top corner, Sagar not even moving to save a wonder shot. The goal came like a bolt from the blue and was one of those which happen only once in a season. It knocked some heart out of Everton, who had to defend desperately. Farrell saved a certainty by baulking Benny Jones and Greenhalgh, then defied Tommy Walker. Everton stopped appealing for off-side and so Bentley was able to go unchallenged to let go a shot which Sagar turned around the post by flinging himself across goal. With Chelsea two yards faster on the ball the game developed itself into almost a shooting match with Chelsea forwards firing it at Sagar. Luckily for Everton Sagar was in sparkling form, saves from Walker, Bentley and Bowie bringing “Ohs” from the crowd. Juliussen was pulled back after he had broken clear of Harris, but the penalty line free kick produced no shot, and when Higgins broke away he delayed his shot so long that Hughes was able to intercept. At times it was just as if Everton were standing still, so fast and accurate were Chelsea. Even when Everton did get away they were so cumbersome that the defenders could overtake them. Powell got clear on the right from Farrell’s pass but shot too hastily and over the top. Take it from me this had been a poor and tragic first half-hour for the Toffees.
Goal No 2
In 36 minutes Bentley increased Chelsea’s lead, and no one will deny that they deserved it –and more. Bowie made the goal with a picture of a pass from Reilly Jones to pick up as he swung inwards, Jones kicked the ball hard along the ground, but Sagar dived to beat the ball away. Bentley followed up and lobbed the ball against the far post and into the net. The unlucky man in the incident was Sagar. Grant’s last second tackle prevented a third goal when Bowie was skating through to ram home a Benny Jones pass. Everton were seen only in odd moments, and even they were unconvincing. Medhurst took charge of a Grant centre, and then Sagar leapt up to turn over a header from Walker. It was right on the interval before Everton gained their first corner.
Half-time; Chelsea 2, Everton 0.
Everton’s wingers switched on resuming and although they attacked immediately Medhurst was merely an interested spectator. Everton seemed to have sharpened up a little and a nice through pass by Tommy Jones saw Juliussen hit one first time with his right, the ball hitting Hughes on the knee and bounding to safety. When Stevenson flicked the ball forward, Higgins tried a right-footer on the turn but Medhurst was bang in position. A wry pass by McCormick put Chelsea on the attack and Campbell was racing through to take a goal from Bentley’s pass when he was brought down by the Greenhalgh tackle. So Chelsea took a penalty goal in 54 minute, Sagar just failing to contact Walker’a fiery shot. In 57 minutes Everton were four down, and not in history have I seen a Chelsea team receive such a reception at their own ground. Bowie clipped the ball across to Bentley who had wandered to outside left, and Bentley coolly moved inwards and flicked the ball behind Sagar to the net. This was the 13th goal I have seen scored against Everton this season, and I have yet to see an Everton goal. Chelsea proceeded to do what they liked with Everton, moving the ball where they liked, how they liked and when they liked, with Everton chasing them like dogs trying to catch their own tails. The crowd laughed at the almost pathetic efforts of Everton, who were mere toys. Chelsea did not stop at four, and as a matter of fact, at the 70th minute Bowie ran through almost to the goal-line and slipped the ball home –again behind Sagar, who had moved too far out. In 73 minutes a corner on the left saw the ball drop invitingly to Campbell whose stab shot slipped away from Sagar’s hands and rolled into the net for No.6.
Ah me!
A limping Greenhalgh went to outside left, and was there to head in, but the ball went just over, and so in 80 minutes of football Medhurst had not one real shot to save. Everton have conceded 28 goals in seven matches, which must be the worst run in the club’s history. Yet in Everton’s tragic hour let us not forget to pay due tribute to a brilliant Chelsea. Final; Chelsea 6, Everton 0.

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
September 11, 1948. The Evening Express
Everton played Cameron at inside-right, Pinchbeck leading the attack. Everton quickly took the initiative with Cameron giving the Bury keeper a rare handful from a delightful pass by Corr. Crosbie profiting from a mistake by Doyle, went through to get in a powerful shot for Bury, Burnett saving well. The visitors grew more dangerous by the game progressed, Crosbie, centre-forward, causing many anxious movements. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Bury Res 0.

ONLY 1 CHELSEA FORWARD FAILED TO SCORE
September 11, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton’s Lack of Verve made Opponents Look Good
Nothing Went Right
Chelsea 6, Everton 0
This was too true to be good. Chelsea;- Medhurst, goal; Winter and Hughes, backs; Goulden, Harris, and Macauley, half-backs; Campbell, Bowie, Bentley, Walker, and Jones, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Hedley and Greenhalgh, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Grant, half-backs; Higgins, Powell, Juliussen, Stevenson and McCormick, forwards. Referee; Mr. R.L. Wilride, Sutton Coldfield. Everton, at Chelsea, played the team which got them off the mark against Stoke at Goodison on Wednesday. Chelsea played, Bowie for Williams, who played only one game after a long absence through injury. Both teams came out, and lined up while the crowd stood silent for a moment as a tribute to Mr. Jack Boyer the Chelsea director, who died two days ago. Everton played in while and Chelsea in Blues, and there were about 35,000 spectators, Higgins, going inside and reaching Juliussen with a nice pass was Everton’s first worthwhile movement and the centre forward went on to make a halt-hit shot when more deadly finishing might have meant a goal.
Unexciting Start
It was an unexciting start. When Winter brought the ball down with his arm there was more than a suspicion that the movement occurred inside the penalty box, but the verdict was that it was a yard outside. The free kick led to a fierce Stevenson drive being blocked out and there followed some Everton pressure which did everything but produce a goal. Eight minutes had gone when Macauley the half-back volleyed in a half clearance with a perfect a shot as one could wish, but it was a bow at a venture goal which would have arisen once, only a hundred attempts. Although the shot was from some distance, Sagar was completely taken by surprise, and I think Macauley was probably as surprised (and delighted) as anyone to find himself opening Chelsea’s account.
Early Knocks
Harris suffered a knock which held up play, Farrell took a kick to the thigh in stopping Benny Jones connecting fully with a shot and Greenhalgh was in the wars in a Chelsea attack, which ended in the ball being blazed over the bar. Sagar’s best save came from a Bentley shot. The goalkeeper put the ball over from one of many Chelsea corner kicks. Another shot which Sagar stopped with some difficulty was from Walker. Chelsea’s defence seemed to hold the opposition with absurd ease, and the Chelsea attack came through frequently in combined style. Benny Jones, ex-Tranmere making good use of the ball by direct contrast to the Everton men, who on the few occasions on which they had chances, used them indifferently.
Pinned Down
Bentley, challenged by Jones, and Greenhalgh when a fast Benny Jones centre passed across goal succeeded in outheating both, put the ball was a foot or two wide of the post. Chelsea at this stage had Everton pinned down in a series of attacks. Chelsea went to 2-0 at 36 minutes with a lovely goal. Bowie, the best forward on the field, started it with a feinting dribble and a pass to Jones as the winger bored in. Sagar made a grand save from Jones shot, but Bentley, sailing in took a rather difficult chance well, and that was that. Chelsea were playing so well that it was surprising their lead was only two. Tommy walker with a header which threatened to squeeze just under the bar, caused Sagar to make yet another fine save. Half-time; Chelsea 2, Everton 0.
Chelsea received an ovation at the interval, but perhaps their football was good only relatively. People were saying it was the poorest Everton they had seen. They played without verve. Everton switched Higgins and McCormick and although Everton were bothered by the sun, Chelsea were less prominent than in the first half. Yet within nine minutes of the start Walker had put Chelsea three up from the penalty spot. Campbell, cutting in across Greenhalgh, fell when tackled from behind and a penalty decision was the only one the referee could give, it seemed as though Campbell could have stood up and scored if he wished but preferred the certainty of a penalty decision. Tommy Walker rammed the ball home from the spot. Everton’s trouble were by no means over, Chelsea piled on the pressure. Within three minutes Bentley made it 4-0 with an angled shot that Sagar seemed to have covered Hedley and Jones worked unceasingly against the tide of Chelsea attacking, and it was as much as they could do to act as stoppers much less think of using the ball constructively. Chelsea were literally playing draught with the Everton defence at this point, and one’s sympathies were wholly with an Everton X1, which with all the best intent in the world was totally incapable of doing the right thing. It approached a shooting-in-match at times. With Greenhalgh limping the position was aggravated to the last degree. He went outside left, with Stevenson left half and the earnest Grant full-back. Bowie hung the ball from right angle of the goal-line when Tom Jones seemed to have ball and player completely covered somehow to contrive to turn it beyond Sagar to make it the inevitable five at 76 minutes. Campbell made it six when standing not three yards out, and Everton tackling him so tenderly it was possible for him to score with a shot which Sagar fumbled. Bowie with a deflected shot, hit the post, Chelsea finished up playing as though on the other team was not there. Final; Chelsea 6, Everton 0. The Official attendance was 42,000.

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
September 11, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton monopolised the play in the early stages, Cameron and Corr displaying good work on the right. Burnett later saved a grand shot from Crosbie from 5 yards range. Bury were more dangerous as the game progressed. Burnett did grand work with Clinton and Doyle proving good defence. Half-time; Everton Res 0, Bury Res 0.
Bury took the initiative in the second half, and Burnett had to save good shots from Crosbie and Daniel. Everton did their utmost to gain the lead and Bentham, right winger, was outstanding. Full time; Everton Res 1, Bury Res 0.

RUSH FOR EVERTON POST
September 13, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
There will be a rush of star football managers for the post of team Manager to Everton, and I shall be surprised if there are not many with Everton in their blood among them. With a gigantic task facing him “local knowledge” would be a tremendous asset. Everton’s decision to appoint a team Manager is causing as much discussion in the football world as in the unaccountable and puzzling decline of the team. In the South I was pestered with the question, “Who’ll get the job? My reply was to exercise a little patience –only a little because Chairman Dr. Cecil Baxter and his colleagues will not take long to fill the post –with the right man – knowing the urgency in these unhappy days, and with Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly hors de combat following a motoring accident, I have in mind one or two splendid men for the job and no doubt so have Everton. There is much work to be done by the right manager, but where he will start after, seeing Everton’s poor showing in their 6-0 defeat at Chelsea I just do not know. I have unshakable faith in those who rule the destinies of the club and who must be having sleepless nights. They will stick firmly to their task. In the hope of finding a combination capable of beating Stoke City at the Victoria ground this evening, and so completing a “double” the directors make eight changes, two of which are positional and two enforced – because of injuries to Stevenson and Greenhalgh. Only Sagar, Hedley, Farrell, Jones and Higgins remain of the side beaten at Chelsea, and Higgins goes centre-forward in place of flew star Juliussen. Peter Corr make his debut at outside-left. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Farrell, Tommy Jones, Watson; Corr, Fielding, Higgins, Lello, Eglington.
So far as Chelsea’s win is concerned, I think it best to let the past bury it’s dead. This was Everton at the lowest level as everyone in the party admitted and, the consoling thought is that the team simply must be better in future games. Apart from good work by Hedley, Stevenson and first-half defence by Tommy Jones and Ted Sagar who, however, made mistakes later, there is little I can say in favour of the Toffees. Except to emphasise that Everton should have scored early on, and that Chelsea’s opening goal was a 1,000 to 1 chance which came off, let us turn our backs on the gloomy game, and look to the future determined to do all we can to help the club to rehabilitate itself.

BLUES’ DESPERATE PLIGHT
September 13, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Wholesale Changes For To-Nights
Powell and Juliussen Out
Ranger’s Notes
It isn’t often I’m short of words, but as I sit ay my typewriter this depressing morning I’m just bout stumped as to what to say about Everton’s match to-night against Stoke City. On the eve of Stoke’s visit to Goodison last week I said that confidence had gone, and all we had left was hope. Now even the last shred of hope is almost extinguished. One can only await the verdict in fear and trembling dreading the worst, but still clinging desperately to the wish that something unexpected may turn up to lighten the dark clouds. Even Grimsby last season had more points and an infinitely better goal average at this stage than Everton. It is not the mere fact that Everton are being beaten which is causing such waves of concern among their supporters. All clubs have had spells, not excluding the best. What, they are perturbed about is that Everton are being so hopelessly unsuccessful match after match and that a club with such great traditions is being made such a laughing stock. I didn’t see the game at Chelsea, of which contact writes below. But the critics seem unanimous that this was the most pitiable display by any First Division side for years. One even goes so far as to say that they are the safest relegation bet for years. A rash statement maybe, at this stage, but indicative of the general feeling. The position is tragic. The good name of Everton is being dragged in the mud. A butt for music-hall comedians and for various jokes. It is all the more distressing to those of us who for the past two years have been vainly endeavouring to awake the board to the peril confronting it. But I don’t want to talk about that now. It is too late to shed tears over what might have been done. The question is what’s going to be done? I don’t envy the new manager his job particularly if he is hamstrung from the start by not having a free hand. Drastic discusses needs frantic remedies. The only cure for Everton’s destiny is to asserted the best man available and give him complete freedom. Prominent shareholders have considered requisitioning an extraordinary general meeting of members in order, not to further embarrassing the board, at this critical juncture, however, they have decided to hold the matter over temporarily.
Eight Changes at Stoke
Meantime for tonight’s game against Stoke City at Stoke, the board have made wholesale changes. Of the side which lost to Chelsea only Sagar, Farrell and Jones retain their positions. Hedley and Higgins are still in, but the former crosses to left back and Higgins leads the forwards. In choosing the team the board were not able to consider Greenhalgh and Stevenson, both of which received injuries on Saturday which kept them out of the reckoning. Elsewhere, however, there been alterations and both Powell and Juliussen recent expensive signings, do not figure in the side. Altogether no fewer than six of Saturday’s eleven are missing and Gordon Watson, one of the club’s oldest servants, to recalled to take Grant’s place at left half. The forward line has been reshuffered from stem to stern. Corr, signed during the summer from Preston North End, makes his debut at outside right. Higgins moving from that position to take over the leadership from Juliussen. Fielding replaces Powell. Lello comes in for the injured Stevenson, and Eglington displaces McCormick. The team thus reads;- Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Farrell, Jones, Watson; Corr, Fielding, Higgins, Lello, Eglington.
Melangholy Story
It is difficult to deal with a defeat such as Everton’s at Stamford Bridge (writes Contact). One is torn between sympathy for players who tried and failed, and one’s duty to the football public of this city. I will say this. Two Chelsea goals were of the kind which happens once in a season –Macauley’s full-blooded volleying of a wonderful shot, for the first, and Bowrie’s centre from the goal-line which appealed to have the remotes chance of passing first Tom Jones and then Sagar. Let us pay tribute to Everton players who succeeded in showing something near their normal form –Sagar, Jones, Hedley and Grant. Jones did great work as a stopper; too much to expect him to be able to bear the heaviest burden in defence and have time and opportunity to generate forward movements. As I saw in McCormick’s smalliness created insuperable barriers. Alex Stevenson and Aubrey Powell, both players with a great record were made to appear slow, and Juliussen appeared little faster. There is no joy in spinning out the melancholy story. It was a dismal performance quite out to keeping with the name of football London expects from normal Everton.

EIGHTY SECONDS
September 14, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s form against Stoke City at the Victoria Ground last night might not have been entirely satisfactory, but we saw definite signs that the corner has been turned, and they went within 80 seconds –80 seconds only –of gaining their first away point of the season. Hesitancy in clearing gave Steele that one good opening, which he accepted avidly, giving the Solent Ted Sagar no chance. My first sympathies were with Sagar who had defended so well and made wonder saves off George Mountford’s hook from the goal-line around Watson and from Ormston’s point-blank shot which he turned over. The save from Ormston was so good that Ted’s colleagues ran up and patted him on the back. But to the goal which never should have been scored. There was tantalising delay in a clearance so that the City were able to double and re-double their persistence; Jack Hedley booted the ball on to the roof of the stand. The ball dropped back and from the throw-in Tommy Jones just could not get the ball. Tommy knows why Steele half turned and it was in the net. It was the greater fighting spirit and endeavour of Everton which delighted me almost as much as the remarkable goalkeeping of Sagar in the second half and the finest centre-half display I have seen from Tommy Jones in a couple of seasons –maybe more. This was a virile, fighting, tenacious, relentless Jones. A repetition of this football from Jones in future games and Everton can laugh at the world just as you can at stories that Tommy is going to Notts County. Chairman Dr. Cecil S. Baxter gives me the lowdown on that story. “We as directors have never discussed it, Said the chairman. Come Tommy give us more of this. I think the return of Gordon Watson was timely and satisfying; in fact, Jack Hedley behind him has never played better in his life. George Saunders may have been outwitted by Ormston, but his move to defensive positions and thrilling last-minute interventions made his fine contribution. But –to Saunders and Hedley I would give a hint that when Sagar comes out it is the duty of one to drop back on the goalline. That makes for safety. Fielding easily was the star forward. The Irish international selectors were there to watch Farrell, Eglington and Corr. Suffice to say that Farrell and Eglington were not at their best and that no assessment could be made of Corr who was seen little in this rather scrambling game. And what of Higgins? A great wholehearted trier who worried the life out of England’s Neil Franklin –and who seized his few shooting chances well.

HOPE FOR EVERTON
September 14, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
There is hope for Everton (writes Contact), though by common consent the game at Stoke last night was one of the most indifferent ever seen there. The Everton side, unlucky enough to be beaten by a goal 80 seconds from the end, showed five of six players played well enough to produce results if only their club can fill the remaining vacancies. Everton took the most aggravating blow by Steele with splendid grace both on and off the field, and there is no denying that if they had snatched a half, as seemed so likely, it would have been a triumph compared with their work in the immediate past. The story of the game needs little talking because it was plain Stoke were the better side, had all the chances and should have won it long before they did. But looking at it from the standpoint of an Everton player; one could sense the enormous disappointment in losing after so much hard battling. Everton appeared to know from the start that a draw was the best they could hope for. What of the successes? These played sp outstanding in a moderate side as to be marked out with uncommon clarity. There was Sagar, who not only was a good goalkeeper from end to end, but was a superb saver of two shots, notably one from Steele immediately before the game’s only goal. How many times Tom Jones stood between Stoke and further thrusts at Sagar’s charge one lost count. He was admirably calm in a defence which had every reason to become jittery and was the binding influence on the few Everton defensive units how played adequately. Hedley can rarely have played better. He was never outmanoeuvred by Mountford, his kicking was good, and he used the ball to advantage. Gordon Watson, too, had a fine match, and so did Fielding, the only Everton forward to hold the ball to draw the Stoke defence out of position and to use it wisely. Higgins tried hard, but with little success against England’s centre half, and Lello opened up well and could not be said to have failed. Of the rest, I’m afraid one say very little to their favour. Farrell, and Saunders were completely outclassed and seemed to be without a plan. Corr, making his debut, gave some promise and then faded completely. Eglington was far below normal standard. Having made decisive changes after the Chelsea defeat –it must be remembered that Juliussen has scarcely been here a week –and are now faced with further difficult moves in team selection and it is still obvious that these will have to be made if the side is to score goals. They have failed completely in this respect in six of their matches altogether on this occasion at Stoke there was the ghost of a chance that such splendid might serve to create one snap chance which could have been taken by the front line.

EVERTON’S FIVE CHANGES
September 15, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Team V. Reds Includes Six of the Pre-War Championship Side
Ranger’s Notes
In a desperate endeavour to strike a winning combination Everton have made further wholesale alterations in their side for the home game against Liverpool at Goodison Park on Saturday and have dropped five of the men who played in Monday’s game against Stoke. Peter Farrell, the captain gives way to Stan Bentham, at right half, which is the only change in the defensive section of the team. In the forward line, however, Fielding is the only survivor after the Stoke defeat. Aubrey Powell takes the place of Corr at outside right, Stevenson and Boyes form the left wing in preference to Lello and Eglington, and Jock Dodds is recalled to take over at centre forward. Just over a week ago Everton agreed to transferred Dodds to Oldham Athletic, but an unexpected snag which cropped up when Oldham interviewed the player prevented the deal going through. This will be the first senior outing this season for both Boyes and Bentham. The former made only four first team appearances last winter and has played in two central League games this term. Bentham made ten senior appearances last season. With the return of these two players the team includes no fewer than six of the 1938-39 championship side, so that there is at least plenty of experience which should be a steadying factor. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson, Boyes.
Everton Reserves meet Preston Reserves in a Central league game at Goodison Park this evening (5-45) when the team will be;- Burnett; Clinton, Doyle; A.N. Other, Falder, Tansey; McCormick, Cameran, Catterick, Hampton, McNamara.

EVERTON CALL ‘OLD BRIGADE’
September 15, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton call up the “Old Brigade” for next Saturday’s “Derby” match with Liverpool at Goodison. No fewer than six of the 1939 championship side will be on duty. Everton, besides being badly hit by injuries and illness, are still seeking a side capable of ‘turning the tide, following a series of reverses. The team has the defence unchanged, compared with the side that lost at Stoke but in the half-back line the club’s captain Peter Farrell, is omitted and his place will be taken by Stan Bentham, who led the cup team last season. Fielding is the only man in the forward line which at Stoke to retain his position. Fielding will be at inside right and has as his partner Aubrey Powell, the Welsh international, who hitherto has been playing at inside forward, but who was originally a winger. The famous wing of Alex Stevenson and Wally Boyes forms the left flank, and leading the line will be Scottish international Jock Dodds. The recall of Boyes is timely, for Wally remains one of the moist effective wingers, and the years have not dimmed his speed of versatility. I expect big things of the Watson-Boyes-Stevenson triangle, while Dodds will obviously be the best man to challenge the power of Bill Jones. The move by the Everton directors may be thought of as bold, but it certainly is wise, and shows their earnestness, while awaiting the appointment of the new team manager. There have been dozens of applications for the post, and that the selection will be made soon, is shown by the fact that no more applications can be received after Monday. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, T.G. Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson, Boyes.
Everton Res (v. Preston North End, at Goodison Park 5.45 tonight); Burnett; Clinton, Doyle; A.N. Other; Falder, Tansey, McCormick, Cameron, Catterick, Hampson, McNamara.

THE EVERTON VACANCY
September 16, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Gordon Hodgson whose name has been publicly coupled with the team manager’s job at Goodison is only one of many former players who have been mentioned to me privately as strong candidates. As many of these, however, are already in good positions –not all football appointments –I have no intention of naming them here. Some I know do not wish their willingness to switch jobs to be broadcast at this stage. Actually though the applications are numerous. I should be surprised if the number of those with any chance exceeds a dozen.

TOMORROW’S DERBY GAME
September 17, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Pin Their Faith on Championship Stewarts
Ranger’s Notes
Despite Everton’s disappointing performance there won’t be far short of a record crowd at Goodison tomorrow for the visit of Liverpool. This will be the 81st time their pair have met in Football League warfare. On recent form, and particularly in view of Liverpool’s sparkling display against Arsenal, Everton’s would hardly seen to have much hope of victory, but one can never tell boy a local Derby will go. Though Liverpool look likely winners, it would be no greater surprise than many of this season’s results if the Blues confounded their critics by bagging both points. To achieve such an encouraging culmination however, Everton will have to do much better than in any previous games this season, and Liverpool will have to fall much below their standard of Wednesday. The Goodison board having made numerous experiments, is now pinning its faith to experience. Six of the pre-war championship side will be on view, and if the older players can last out what may be a gruelling test, than we should see an Everton much more poised and precise in attack. Powell may prove the answer to the outside right problem, which has been sticking out like a sore thumb so long, and if Boyes can serve up the sort of stiff he did a few years back, he and Stevenson strengthened by the prompting of Watson, should make a good left wing. The combined ages of this Everton eleven must be somewhere near a record for any club. By pre-war standards half the players are well on the veteran stage but football today is giving a new issue of life to men who a generation ago would have been regarded as well past their prime. In any case with some of the younger professionals having proved not yet ripe for senior duty. Everton have had little option over the changes. This latest effort to strike a winning combination will be watched with keen interest. Liverpool were in sparkling form against Arsenal. Another display like that will give Everton’s defence a warm afternoon. Payne has come to stay and Shannan is improving every match through this time he comes up against a superlative pivot in Tommy Jones. Man for man there does seen a great deal to choose between the sides. Where Liverpool may have the advantage is in their great fighting spirit, which often enables them to pull victory out of seeming defeat. Everton’s spirit has not been greatly in evidence, hitherto but with so many changes in the side, and players of such long experience, there should be an improvement. So long as the game is fought out in the fine clean and sporting spirit which has characterised the majority of “Derby” matches in recent years. I don’t care two straws who begs the points. If they go to the superior side on or the day’ play so much the better. Should that happen to be Everton, than never will two points have been more welcome. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson, Boyes. Liverpool; Sidlow; Shepherds, Lambert; Taylor, Jones, Paisley; Payne, Balmer, Shannon, Fagan, Liddells.
The junior Game
Don’t forget that the junior “Derby” at Anfield between the reserve sides is timed for an eleven o’clock. The central League side rarely get the support they deserve. Here is a chance for you to watch the reserves strengths of both sides in a game promising to be well worth watching. Everton Reserves; (from); Burnett; Clinton, Doyle; Humphreys, Falder, Tansey; Corr, McCormick, Cameron, Catterick, Lello, A. Hampson, Eglington.

TOMORROW’S DERBY
September 17, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton in their bid to get away from the bottom of the table, are recalling 1939 stars, in Boyes and Bentham, to link up with the championship colleagues Sagar, Tommy Jones, Watson and Stevenson who have played previously this season, while Jock Dodds returns to lead the forwards. Maybe the most interesting Everton move in the playing of Welsh international, Aubrey Powell, at outside left as partner to Stevenson, Powell was originally a winger, and I have a feeling that he may solve one of the Toffee’s most-pressing problems, Everton have secured only three out of 16 points played for, whereas Liverpool have gained seven from a similar number of games. Taking a line through Liverpool’s brilliance against Arsenal on Wednesday indications are that this will bring another Red victory. Everton’s recent run of six out of eight games without scoring a goal is easily the worst in the history of the club, but the “new look” team promises much at least on paper. Liverpool’s main worry is lack of “weight” when it comes to rounding off attacks, but Jimmy Payne is a definite “find” at outside right, and the side has the advantage of a magnificent half-back line and powerful defence. Everything points to a Liverpool win, but this is a “Derby” game, and it would be typical of Everton to go out there and pull off a sensation. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson, Boyes. Liverpool; Sidlow; Shepherds, Lambert; Taylor, Jones, Paisley; Payne, Balmer, Shannon, Fagan, Liddells.
The Reserves “Derby” is due to start at Anfield at 11 o’clock and this will give everyone a chance to see the young professionals – an opportunity no one should miss.

RECORD CROWD SEE ‘DERBY’ THRILLS
September 18, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Sagar Makes Dramatic Saves For Everton
Fagan Goal in 80th Minute
Dodds’ Penalty Equaliser
By Pilot
Two goals were scored in the space of six minutes near the finish of the Goodison Derby this afternoon. Fagan scored a scrambling goal for Liverpool after 80 minutes, and at 86 minutes Dodds equalised for Everton from a penalty. It had been a game of thrills. A record crowd of 76,599 saw the game. The result was a tribute to both teams, and in common justice there could have been no other. Everton had out six of the 1939 championship team. Liverpool were seeking “the daily double” their reserves having beaten Everton Reserves at Anfield earlier in the day. Bentham and Boyes, in the Blues team were making their first appearance of the season and in the absence of Farrell, Alex Stevenson the only Irishman in the game, skippered Everton. Bill Jones, Liverpool centre-half who is due to play for the Football League against the Irish league at Anfield on Monday, arrived with his head bandaged, following a cut over the left eye, received in Wednesday’s game against Arsenal. The bandage was merely protective and Bill will be there all right on Monday. Liverpool have not given up hope for an amicable settlement of the Stubbins impasse, and I think it very probable the talks will be resumed shortly. There were indications of a near record crowd. Ambulance men were kept busy, but as they always are on Derby days. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones (Tommy), and Watson, half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson (captain), and Boyes, forwards. Liverpool; Sidlow, goal; Shepherd and Lambert, backs; Taylor, Jones (Bill), and Paisley, half-backs; Payne, Balmer, Shannon, Fagan, and Liddell, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Thurman, of Preston. Jones played with a patch over his eye, and after he had repelled Everton’s opening thrust he touched this gingerly, but seemed content. Liddell robbed Jones, who recovered from his hesitancy and then, when Liddell got the better of Saunders, Everton were relieved by Shannon running into an offside position.
Lovely Pass
A lovely through pass by Stevenson to Fielding made the Evertonians sit up and take notice, but after colliding with Jones, Fielding’s quick shot passed across the face of the goal. Everton showed, for a moment, that they had not lost their football craft and after a Boyes “made” move, in which all five forwards took part, it needed three stout-hearted Reds to prevent Dodds from getting in his shot. Balmer picked up a loose ball in characteristic style and set Liverpool attacking in open order. Hedley after repelling Taylor and Payne, kicked behind for the first corner of the day. Everton were having rather the better of the argument, with their close style of progress, but Liverpool looked more dangerous when Shannon slipped the ball inside for the inrunning Liddell, who, however, failed to withstand the intrepid intervention of Hedley. Away went Everton for Stevenson and Boyes to change places cleverly, the Stevenson centre being a little too awkward for Fielding. Liddell’s curling centre from the touchline dipped just when it seemed it was going over, and Sagar had to scrape the face of the bar with one hand to prevent a goal. Everton’s first shot came when Bentham followed up a right wing move, but although he had power his elevation was a little faulty.
Balmer’s Try
Bill Jones and Shepherd twice held up attempted breakthroughs by Dodds, who just afterwards could not get hold of an acute centre by Powell. Balmer tried a shot on the turn, but did if far too quickly, and it flashed over. Then the inward run of Boyes got Liverpool running all the wrong way, as did his quick pass to Stevenson at outside left, which saw Alex step in with a right foot shot which Sidlow turned around the post at full length. Sagar, not for the first time, had to run out of his goal to drive on a pass back which went astray. Stevenson and Boyes proved, in the first 25 minutes that their re-union was a wise move, for again Stevenson got, Liverpool moving all the wrong way with his scissors pass to Boyes whose centre found Fielding by the far post. Fielding’s header was headed away by Bill Jones, but Boyes got it again and this time Sidlow saved low down from Dodds. Definitely this was a much brighter and more confident Everton, but there was a gasp when Tommy Jones completely missed the ball, to let in Shannon, who raced to the line, attended by Saunders.
Watson Hurt
Shannon got his centre in, but Sagar’s anticipation was excellent, and he dived out to catch the ball from the feet of the in-running Balmer. Watson was injured, and was unable to intercept Taylor’s quick throw-in when play was resumed. Payne got away, to turn the ball back inside for the enterprising Balmer, who let go with his right foot. The ball crashed against the post, and bounded back to Hedley who, just as Fielding had done previously to hold up Liddell, conceded a corner for safely. Liverpool were coming more into the game as the interval approached, and after Liddell’s shot had been charged down Payne drove inches over. Balmer’s wide pass seemed to put Liddell on good ground, but Saunders was there, just as he had been throughout the game against the Scottish international. Once again Everton’s five forwards moved in rhythm, but Shepherd made a splendid recovery to hold up Boyes on the goal line.
Half-time; Everton 0, Liverpool 0.
Liverpool resumed where they had left off by Liddell having two efforts blocked, before Dodds was ruled off-side after Stevenson’s headed pass had outwitted Liverpool. Shannon and Payne got the Toffees on the run, and when Fagan flicked it home he was yards offside. Liverpool had a glorious chance of taking the lead in the 50th minute, when Payne’s centre streaked across the face of the Everton goal to Liddell and Fagan, but there was a fatal hesitancy in shooting, giving Saunders that spilt second needed to clear. A long free kick by Shepherd dropped awkwardly, and Sagar had to turn it over the top as Liverpool piled on the pressure, but without showing as quickly as usual. Certainly Everton were packing well and presenting few loopholes, Sagar was right in position to hold Fagan’s 18 yarder, and Shepherd stepped in smartly when Stevenson and Fielding promising to break down the solid Liverpool resistance.
Sagar’s Leap
Shannon’s first shot was neatly made, but Sagar was the man who took command. Shepherd jarred a leg, but carried on, and when he handled the ball Stevenson shot from 25 yards, Sidlow driving to turn the ball around the post for a corner. Liverpool hit back immediately and when Paisley lobbed the ball in, Fagan, standing just inside the penalty area, hit the ball on the volley with his right foot. It was going like a bullet just inside the post when Sagar leapt on it, and actually held it on the goal-line –the most dramatic moment of the game so far. Dodds thrilled the crowd with a grand runaway to the right, in which he beat four men without being able to get the ball away to a colleague. And, after Liverpool has wasted a close-up free kick, Dodds ran past Bill Jones, but Sidlow came out and managed to tap the ball away from him. Sagar made a thrilling save from Shannon before Liddell, when favourably placed, shot straight across the face of the goal, with the all-time record attendance of 78,599 spectators yearning for a goal. The previous record, for the Liverpool-Manchester United cup-tie was 74,721. At the 79th minute Tommy Jones went off the field to receive attention on the touchline for a knock on the leg. While he was off the field –at the 8oth minute –Fagan gave Liverpool the lead, with a scrambled goal –something typical of how things are running against Everton this season. The ball broke loose to the feet of Liddell standing just outside the goal area, and although he shot promptly along the floor the ball rebounded off Bentham’s legs to Fagan, who promptly turned it into the net off the foot of the post. It was rather unfair that either side should be ahead but at the 86th minute, Everton drew level, thanks to a penalty by Dodds, which incidentally was the first goal I have seen Everton score this season. Liverpool had all their work cut out to prevent Everton cashing in on another corner. Only sheer weight of numbers keeping Dodds at bay. Final; Everton 1, Liverpool 1.
• Liverpool Reserves 3, Everton Reserves 1
• Everton “A” 4, Prescot B.I. 0
• Everton Colts 8, Knowsley Youth 0

RECORD (78,599) CROWD SEE “OLD FIRM” HOLD RAMPANT REDS FOR 80 MINUTES
September 18, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Then Came The Goals –Fagan First-And A Dodds Penalty
Grand Fighting Finish
Everton 1, Liverpool 1
By Stork.
Everton confounded the critics. Not only had they played grand football but the “old guard” lasted it out to the bitter end. Perhaps not as good as some “Derby” games we have seen, because mainly the defences were in command. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Jones (Tommy), and Watson, half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson (captain), and Boyes, forwards. Liverpool; Sidlow, goal; Shepherd and Lambert, backs; Taylor, Jones (Bill), and Paisley, half-backs; Payne, Balmer, Shannon, Fagan, and Liddell, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Thurman, of Preston. Record for the ground is 74,721 in last season’s fourth round F.A. Cup tie between Manchester United and Liverpool, but it was quite possible that these figures would go by the board today, as each section of the ground looked to be well and truly packed, and there were many thousands outside. There were many casualties and some swaying in parts of the paddock. As is usual in “Derby” games, the players came out in pairs, and it was seen that Stevenson was the Everton captain. There was great cheering as the players made their appearance. Stevenson won the toss, and elected to kick towards Gwlady’s Street goal.
Opening Moves
Liverpool entrusted their opening move to their left wing and Liddell looked somewhat dangerous, but the Everton defence were soon out of trouble and Everton then went on, Dodds making a header to his right wing, but this attack was also cut short by the quick interventions of Lambert. Stevenson and Powell indulged in a nice spot of inter-passing, with the Irishman finally pushing the ball through to Fielding, who was challenged and “lost” the ball. He recovered in time to make a shot, the only thing wrong with it being that it was off the mark. Thus far the Everton side had produced some good rounds of passing and another link-up saw Dodds in possession, but in trying to find an opening he ran into trouble rather than out of it. There was a tense moment when Hedley failed to see T.G. Jones’s intention and ran inside not expecting that his colleagues would head to where he should be which opened a way to goal, but for some reason the whole action fizzled out.
Mounting Excitement
The excitement was mounting and Fagan should have done better with one opportunity which his colleagues made for him, but in his endeavour to find an opening in the Everton defence he made a feeble sort of through pass which went to an Everton man, which was anything but what he had defended. Stevenson supplied Powell with a beautiful wide and wise pass, but to the disappointment of the Everton supporters the outside right allowed the ball to go into touch. Payne was finding Hedley a difficult proposition, and when Shannon put Payne through just a little later Tommy Jones came across to dispossess the youthful winger. Everton’s football had been top class. Experience was highly developed even although the attacks did not reach the opposition goalkeeper.
Improved Everton
Shannon, after neatly killing the ball, held it until Liddell had run into the centre forward position, and was preparing for one of his big drives but he was never allowed to get it in. The Everton defence saw to that. There was no doubt that the old heads in the Everton side had improved the team’s football, and not only did they keep the ball to the ground but they also parted with it at the right moment, and to the right place. So far they had looked superior to Liverpool. Liverpool, however, while not yet having reached their Arsenal form, could not be given any latitude. Liddell for instance made a splendid centre from just inside the touchline, and Sagar had to save just under the bar.
Sidlow Unconcerned
Bentham from long range tried a shot which passed well over the Liverpool crossbar with Sidlow watching its flight with an unconcerned air. The Anfielders took a leaf out of Everton’s book and produced a round of passing which delighted everyone, friend and foe alike. But once again it fell down at the vital point –when a shot was needed. A long sweeping pass out to Powell saw the ball safely returned into the middle, but Dodds seemed to get the ball on to face and not on the forehead. Then we saw Shannon give Payne another nice pass which the Bootle boy centred to the far side of the Everton goal.
Few Goal Incidents
At this point Liverpool were showing a little more aggression, and Payne gave Sagar a shot to deal with. Actually there had not been many goals incidents, at least the goalkeepers could not have been said to have been busy thus far. But when Liddell tried a shot which was cannoned out the rebound came to Balmer who turned quickly, but lifted the ball too high for it to be of any scoring value. Boyes and Stevenson between them almost broke down the Liverpool defence. Boyes picked the ball up close to the line, worked his way to the middle of the field, and then parried to Stevenson who had come over to the left, and his shot was saved by Sidlow at the cost of a corner.
Jones –The Solid Man
Stevenson took a corner himself but it was speedily cleared, and Liverpool were soon down in Everton territory, where they found Jones solid as a rock. Not only that, he was as cool as a cucumber, extricating himself from any difficulties with a classical touch to a better-placed colleague. Liddlell from the goal line scooped a ball into the Everton goalmouth the ball just soaring too high for Jones to make contact, and also travelling over the head of Payne, and so to safety. Stevenson was delivering some gorgeous passes, and he and Boyes got together again to cause the Liverpool defence any amount of anxiety. Boyes beat his man and then centred right across the goalmouth to Fielding, who headed back into the middle, and Sidlow had to save from Boyes. A slip by Tommy Jones let in Shannon, but the were centre forward had to take the ball over to the left away from goal. He did, however, manage to get across a centre, but the Everton defence consolidated itself.
Everton’s Best
This was the best football I have seen Everton play this season. A free kick taken against Liverpool for a foul on Dodds enabled Boyes to beta Shepherd but then he fell a victim to Taylor when trying to get the ball through to Dodds. Liddell was not having an easy passage against Bentham and Saunders. There was not the excitement about the game that there was about the Anfield game last Wednesday but there was some superlative football. Most of it came from Everton, yet the crowd was yearning for a goal. Liddell with his burst of speed and strong thrust, was always a danger man, and it was he who forced a corner which Sagar disposed of.
Half-time; Everton 0, Liverpool 0.
Liverpool opened in a fashion which promised some heavy weather for the Everton defence, and Shannon, who was collecting balls with a masterly touch, made way for Liddell who, however, shot wide. But Liverpool were still hovering round the Everton defence, and Shannon was again prominent, when he sent the ball out to Payne for the latter to lob into the goal area, and Sagar had to save from Shannon. Actually there was no need to have made that save for the whistle had sounded for an infringement.
A “Possible” missed
Shepherd from far out gave Sagar a long shot which the Everton goalkeeper safely put away and then the Everton goal had a let off when several Liverpool forwards were close in to goal, but Liddell could not get the ball to his liking, and a “possible” was missed. Payne was the general provider for the inside colleagues at this point, and Sagar had to save from Fagan, and Shannon in quick succession. He took both balls in cricket fashion. Bill Jones, still wearing the plaster to cover the scar of last Wednesday, kept a watchful eye on Dodds, but Liverpool gave the impression that they would be scorers in this half, for there was much more bite in their forward line than in the first session.
Stevenson “Bamboozler.” Stevenson was still capable of beating a man on the space of a sixpence and he once bamboozled two rivals with a feint of the body and out his forwards on the attack. But it did not reach Sidlow’s domain. Payne and Shannon again showed what clever young footballer’s they and by the way they got the better of their opposition numbers, and offered inside colleagues rare opportunities, which, however, were refused. It was a good “Derby” game, not perhaps up to the standard of some we have seen, perhaps because it needed a goal to bring it to real life. The football in my opinion, had been uncommonly good. But the supporters wants something more than that.
Biggest Thrill
When Everton were given a free-kick for hands, Stevenson took it and Sidlow only parried the ball, and gave away a corner. Boyes pulled his flag kick too far for it to be useful. Then came one of the most thrilling moments of the match, Fagan took a ball which came across field without allowing it to touch mother earth. He hooked it with terrific power, and it seemed the ball would just go inside the upright, but Sagar pounced down on it as it was passing over the line near the upright. It was a glorious shot and an equally fine save. Almost straight from this Everton went down and another corner came their way but once again it proved of no value. When Everton came down the next time I though the offside decision against Powell was rather harsh. Liverpool had been dominant for the first 15 minutes of this half, but they lost their grip and Everton took over and, still producing nice football, they were often stationed in the Liverpool goal area, but shooting was not a strong point with either side today. Payne once overdid his dribble and Liddell was brought down by Bentham just outside the penalty area. Everton called all their forces together, leaving only Dodds upfield. With Liddell standing out on the left it was a thousand to one that Fagan would put the ball out to him. He did, but even so the Everton defence was not seriously troubled. Dodds was only just a fraction of a second too late to get to a ball that was passed back to Sidlow, and the goalkeeper could only just punch it away and then go on and complete the clearance. Fagan showed excellent anticipation when he moved across to take a Shannon header.
Off The Mark
Liddell was well off the mark when he had a reasonably good scoring chance, Sidlow saved a long one from Fielding, and Liddell and Shannon opened the way when the centre forward side-flicked with his head the ball to a spot somewhat near the penalty spot, but Balmer could only get a toe-ender to the ball, and it trickled safely to Sagar. Liddell took the ball from under Fielding’s very nose, and pushed it through for Shannon who, however, was offside, and when Jones successfully tackled Payne the was a call for a foul- for no just reason.
Jones Injured
The game was stopped while Tommy Jones came over to speak to Harry Cooke, the Everton trainer, no doubt to explain that he was injured. Cooke later came up to the touch-line, with a bandage, and Jones left the field and had his injury bandaged. He was off a few minutes but during those few minutes Liverpool had scored a goal, Payne and Shannon were the schemers-in-chief, for when Payne made his run he flanked the ball out to Shannon, who was at outside right, and he made an excellent centre, which Liddell tried to crash to the back of then net. It failed to get their but Fagan was right in the spot, and he shot hard and true to the far side of the goal.
Penalty Goal For Dodds
A corner against Liverpool proved fatal. Boyes swung the ball into the Liverpool’s goalmouth where it was bandled about for a time until it finally came out to Boyes who shot with all the power at his command and with Sidlow well and truly beaten Shepherd took over the role of goalkeeper, and tipped the ball over the bar with his hand. Dodds took the spot-kick and although Sidlow got his hands to the fierce drive he could not keep it out of his net. Time 84 minutes. Everton were now showing a fighting quality, and the Liverpool defence was greatly perturbed when another corner was given against them. Final; Everton 1, Liverpool 1. Attendance, 78,599 (ground record).

EVERTON F.C.’S NEW MANAGER
September 20, 1948. The Evening Express
Mr. Cliff Britton, Ex-Goodison Star
By Pilot
Mr. Clifford S. Britton, manager of Burnley F.C., has been appointed manager of the Everton Football Club, and will be taking over his new duties shortly. The appointment is great news for Everton followers, for Mr. Britton is one of the greatest of all post-war managers and as wholehearted an Evertonian as one could find anywhere. That he will serve the club as well as a manager as he did as a player, I have no doubt. It is now expecting too much of the man who, in the short space of two seasons, made Burnley into the most-talked-of-club in the land. What Cliff did for Burnley I think he can for Everton, for he has a keen knowledge of football coaching and training and is a master of tactics. There is nothing he asks of his players that he cannot go out on the field and demonstrate. He always works and trains with his players, and although a disciplinarian, has that golden knack of being able to get the very best out of his men and keep them team-minded.
In Cup-Winning Team
Mr. Britton was secured by Everton from Bristol Rovers in 1930, when Everton made a bid for both Cliff and Ronnie Dix. He was the right-half in Everton’s F.A. Cup-winning team of 1933 and made the second goal. Britton continued a regular member of the league side until the end of the 1937-38 season, for the 1938-39 he made only one first team appearance. However, Cliff remained an Everton player during the war in which he served with the A.P.T.C. It was while serving in Italy that he confirmed reports sent home by now-director Mr. Jack Sharp about Wally Fielding. After the war Mr. Britton applied for the Burnley vacancy, and there is no doubt that the recommendation of the Everton club did much to make Burnley select him. They could not have chosen a better, for he built up a team for less than £2,000 which, in the first full season, not only finished runners-up to Manchester City to ain promotion to the First Division, but reached Wembley (Liverpool know it only to week), only to be beaten in the F.A. Cup by Charlton Athletic 1-0 in extra time. Mr. Britton’s managerial triumphs did not end there, for last season he steered Burnley into third place of the First Division, Manchester United piping them for runners-up only by superior goal average.
England Caps
Cliff was first capped by England in 1935 when he played against all three countries, and in 1937 he played against Scotland and Ireland. In addition the new Everton official played against Italy, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and South Africa (three times in 1939). Honoured by the Football league several times, Cliff captained England in my unofficially internationals during the war and also represented the British Army on many occasions-a great career. We shall welcome him to Goodison Park, for here is the ideal personality –a gentleman on and off the field and one who knows his job thoroughly. Congratulations to Mr. Britton and congratulations to the Everton club on a splendid selection.

EVERTON F.C. MANAGER
September 20, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Cliff Britton Coming?
Ex-Goodison Star
The Echo understands that Mr. Clifford S. Britton, a former Everton F.C., star player, may be appointed, manager of the Everton football club. He would take over his duties almost immediately. The appointment will be considered by the directors at their meeting tomorrow night, and it will probably be confirmed. Britton was one of the greatest half-backs Everton have had on their books, and since he went to Turf Moor has brought the Burnley club many Triumphs. Britton is a student of football. He knows what he wants and, what is more, how to impart his knowledge to his player. He joined Everton in 1930 from Bristol Rovers, and gained his first international honour in 1935.
On To Wembley
Cliff Britton brought Burnley up from the second Division, and then took the club to Wembley after they had beaten Liverpool in the semi-final at Manchester. The chapter of triumphant was spoiled by Charlton’s 1-0 victory in extra time. Mr. Britton will not have to ask a player to do something he cannot do himself, for even now he takes the field with his colleagues in training. There is no more popular figure in football than this quietly spoken but very efficient manager.
The Britton Lob
Britton was in Everton’s cup-winning team in 1933, and many will recall his lob which enabled Dixie Dean to score the second goal against Manchester City. The Britton lob became traditional and many of Dean’s goals came from that source. Britton had to rely on football skill rather than brawn, for he was rather on the slim side, but there can be no aspect of the game, in play or management he does not know.

FOOTBALL PAYS DIVIDENDS
September 20, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Football always will succeed where everything else fails. That is the major lesson of the latest Merseyside “Derby” when Everton and Liverpool played a glorious 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, before the all-time record crowd of 78,599. The future success of the clubs lies obviously in the persistent pursuits of football’s arts. While Liverpool are not so rich in points that they can be entirely free from worry, more acute has been the position of Everton, and maybe the Reds will forgive me for dealing with Everton first, as seen in a game in which Liverpool’ s second-half dominance looked more likely to produce goals than did Everton’s in the first portion. Everton’s timely return to the men who are first and foremost footballers gives a new hope to everyone, and makes the task of the new team manager not quite as exciting as we feared. While Everton served up football which tasted like crusted port, it was Liverpool who had the vital incisiveness and striking power so that Ted Sagar was far busier than Cyril Sidlow, one save off Fagan being as great as anything he ever has done. All the 1939 championship players did grandly, and none more so than the inimical Wally Boyes, who always seemed to have a new trick up his sleeve and who kept Liverpool’s defence bewildered by his speed and ball masterly. Only Bill Shepherd’s two-handed save, with Sidlow beaten (he did the same at Villa Park) deprived Boyes of the goal he deserved to crown his return, but Boyes was just as pleased when Dodds duly converted the penalty.
Closing Thrills
The thrills of the game were reserved for the closing stages, when we had almost become resigned to a goalless encounter. Then Tommy Jones went to the touchline to have a groin “taped” and while he was away the opportunists Fagan scored off the foot of the post after Shannon and Payne had made the opening. The fact that the Reds so quickly eased in on the absence of Jones is high tribute to his skill and value. Curiously enough another Welshman, Sidlow had something to do with the equaliser. Sidlow allowed the ball to cross the goal-line for what he honestly believed was a goal kick. Unfortunately for Cyril it was a corner, and this led to the Boyes shot, that Shepherd save and the Dodds winner to save the point. Sidlow made a great effort to save a penalty and actually got his hands to Jock’s shot, but the power was too much for him. The match was generally controlled by the half-backs, with the Joneses (Bill and Tommy) masters of the middle’ Watson and Taylor, the delicate users of the ball; and Paisley and Bentham, the intrepid relentless interveners I though Everton had a slight pull a back, for Saunders and Hedley drew the teeth of the deadly Liddell and Payne although Liddell always was a potential danger, and Payne again showed us his fertility of ideas and neatness of control back of the post, but Fagan was generally the chief danger to Everton security, and I was delighted that he became more of the striker leaving Balmer and Shannon to create. The size of Dodds was of material help to the Toffees in drawing attention from smaller men, although he got few shooting chances. Fielding and Powell showed in the later stages that they can secure a working understanding and be a success. However, it was the Boyes and Stevenson “reunion” which so delighted everyone –Red and Blue alike –in grand sporting encounter with only 15 fouls (mostly for obstruction), nine against Everton, and six against Liverpool. The tell-table of pressure is reflected in the fact that Liverpool had six corners to Everton’s four, and nine real shots to five. Now a word to Mr. F. Thurman the referee from Preston who was the perfect match controller. I hope to see more of this excellent official. A tribute too to the Everton ground staff under the Ted Storey direction and with complete police co-operation in handling the record crowd just as if it were “no bother at all” Yes, a grand example of crowd-handling with more praise for the city transport authorities in their hard task. There may have been more exciting “Derbies” but for complete satisfaction this took a lot of beating, and that Everton have broken their non-scoring spell should give them fresh heart.

OLD GUARD TRIUMPH
September 20, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton’s football this season has been decidedly moderate. Had the team played well and been beaten, as was the case when they dropped to the Second Division, there would have been no grumbling. Something drastic had to be done and it was done when the team for the “Derby” game was selected last week. When it was announced their followers shook their heads in doubt, for it included no fewer than six of their 1939 championship team. All good footballers admittedly but with a big streak of age. Yet it was these heroes of 1939 –Sagar, Bentham, T.G. Jones, Watson, Stevenson and Boyes –who provided football, the like of which has not been seen from an Everton side this season. Few I doubt gave Everton am chance against Liverpool after the way the Anfielders had played against the Arsenal four days previously but they not only held their own in a drawn game, but played better football; football that was a joy to behold. As a “derby” game it perhaps fell short of some of its predecessors, yet I would think that the result was satisfying to both teams. Everton undoubtedly surprised the majority by their grand display; but the big surprise was the staying power of the “old guard.” They were up and doing right to the end, playing so well is any of the younger members. There was method about them, and some of the movements were of the highest order; even though there was no great punch near goal. The Watson, Boyes, and Stevenson wing cut and carved their way by new and old tricks and their passing was a delight. The right wing was not so good, although it had its chances with cross passes that should have been utilised to better effect. It was football on the turf; throughout and wise, and gave Evertonians heart for the future. It was not an electrying game, but full of good football fare, and a draw was a fair result. Liverpool were not the dashing cavaliers they were against the Arsenal, for they did not deliver the shots, but they introduced many fine movements in their endeavour to break down the Everton defence, and none did better than the two youngsters making their debuts in “Derby” games –Shannon and Payne. It struck me that they might make up into a right wing pair, for they often got together on the right to bring trouble for Hedley and others. Those who claim that Payne is another Matthews are being too optimistic but I will say that he is a player with a future, for he plays with his head as well as his feet. Some of his movements are Matthews-like, and if he keeps a level head high honours are in the offing. If only Shannon had more inches and pounds –he had everything else and that against the brilliant “T.G.” He killed a ball perfectly; passed with judgement and took up nice position, but those lack of inches, were against him against the six-foot of Jones. The Liverpool forwards were not nearly so deadly as they were against Arsenal but Balmer was unfortunate in seeing his best shot beat up against the upright. Fagan also saw Sagar foil him with a miraculous save from his rocket shot. Some people asked me if Liverpool would have scored had not Jones been off the ground at the time. Who can tell? Suffice it to say that they did through Fagan, the ball going in off the upright. With only ten minutes left it appeared that Liverpool would win, but Everton were still battling along gallantly; and four minutes later Shepherd took over a goalkeeper’s role when tipping a Boyes shot over the bar. Of course, it was a penalty. Everton had missed two this season. This was a most vital one. What would happen to it? Dodds supplied the answer with a pile-driver that Sidlow got his hand to that’s all.

GOODISON RE-UNION
September 21, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
There is joy on Merseyside at the news that there is to be an early re-union between the Everton club and the new manager, Mr. Cliff Britton. A wave of supreme optimism is sweeping through the Everton followers. In my opinion , Everton could not have made a better selection, for in Cliff they have an Evertonian through and through, and one who will work zealously and in complete harmony. I have every faith in Cliff’s ability to do for Everton what he did for Burnley – create one of the finest teams in the country. Take it from me, Cliff will be given every possible help and encouragement from the chairman, Dr. Cecil S. Baxter, and his colleagues on the directorate.
Merseyside enters the Lancashire Senior Cup competition tomorrow, when Everton go to Sealand-road Stadium to oppose Chester in the first round. This should prove a splendid attraction for the Cestrians, for rest assured that the Everton directors when they meet this evening for team selection purposes will select a side containing mainly first team players. Clubs are not bound to play their best available teams, but are asked to field sides in keeping with the high standard of the competition. Well, Everton, as far as possible always select their best available team, so Chester will see quite a parade of stars.
George Burnett of Everton, has been selected to represented Central league against the Champions.

EVERTON AT CHESTER
September 21, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Chester will include Beaumont, the former South Liverpool and Northwich Victoria half-back in their team to meet Everton in a Lancashire Senior Cup match at sealand Road tomorrow (5-45). Team; Scales; Butcher, McNeill; Beaumont, E.G. Lee, Mansley; Foulkes, Astbury, Best, Westwood, Davies or Forsyth.

EVERTON SATISFIED
September 22, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
As was to be expected after their improved showing in last Saturday’s “Derby” game Everton have chosen the same team to meet Preston at Goodison Park on Saturday. Preston North End will be without their match winner, Finney. He was called to Denmark for England’s match at Copenhagen on Sunday. His deputy will be the St. Helens youth Harry Anders who preformed that “hat-trick” in five minutes at Chesterfield on Saturday and frequently played in Finney’s absence. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds. Stevenson, Boyes
Preston North End; Newlands; Walton, Scott; Horton, Waters, Davies; Anders, McLaren, McIntosh, Beattie, A.N. Other.

HELD BY TEN MEN
September 23, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
It was a struggling and rather crude Everton that was seen against a keen and improved Chester team in the Lancashire Senior Cup tie at the Stadium. Everton had to be content with a draw, and Chester could feel well satisfied with the result in view of the fact that they played with ten men for three quarters of the game, Best the centre forward, was carried off after a collision with Sagar, but fears that he had dislocated his shoulder were fortunately unfounded. Chester showed far more spirit than Everton who were not the superior force, anticipated. It was rather surprising to find fouls given against them, whereas Chester were almost blameless in this respect. The wet weather kept the crowd down to 5,000 but the game on the whole was entertaining for the home spectators.

CHESTER 1 EVERTON 1
September 23, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The scouts were out in force at sealand road last night to see Chester, deprived of the services of centre forward Tommy Best with a dislocated shoulder after 10 minutes, fight gallantly to force a 1-1 draw against a strong Everton side in the first round of the Lancashire Senior Cup at sealand-road, Chester and Everton officials went into a huddle to fix the replay immediately after the game and decided on Wednesday next at Goodison park, Kick-off 5.20 p.m.
The strong Everton contingent of directors –they included Ernest green, W. Gibbins, W.R. Williams, Jack Sharp, R. Searle, and Harold Williams –must have been impressed by the display of Chester right half Allan Beaumont 21-year-old Liverpool born produce, who was signed early this season from South Liverpool. Beaumont although tiring late on, showed splendid possibilities, is a tenacious tackler and knows how to use the ball. It was a sad disappointment for Chester to find the weather ruining what would have been a bumper gate, but the 3,000 or so spectators who braved the conditions were rewarded with as plucky a display imaginable from the Chester men. Best gave the Cestrian the lead after 14 minutes but a few minutes later had to be carried off on a stretcher after an accidental collision with Ted Sagar. A displaced shoulder bone was immediately put back by the club doctor and Best wanted to return, but was rightly advised not to do so. I understand there is a good chance he will be fit for the New Brighton game at Sealand on Saturday. Despite the handicap Chester held their lead until the 61 minute when Lello took over from Grant to gave Scales no chance with a nicely placed cross-drive. This was one of the few occasions when Lello managed to elude the vigilant Chester amateur centre-half, Eric Lee, who shows improvement every time I see him. Chester’s others stars in a hard if far from classic game were right back Butcher and inside right Tommy Astbury, although all deserve credit for the grand fighting spirit. This was again an apathetic Everton who rarely hit their game.

LANCS DERBY
September 24, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
League clubs are affected by the call to Copenhagan of stars to play for England against Denmark, and it is perhaps, good fortune that the Toffees and Reds have to oppose clubs who are hit by the country’s call. At least, Preston have to travel without their two star wingmen –Tom Finney (injured) and Bobby Langton (in England team) who, between them are worth £50,000. No one was surprised when Everton decided not to change the team which held Liverpool to a draw last week and which played such delightfully constructive football, particularly in the first half. The return of the industrious Boyes has lent extra strength to the attack and there seems to be a greater liveliness and joy in playing then we have seen before this season. Preston are switching centre forward McIntosh to outside right and bringing in ex-Manchester City player Jackson to lead their line. Preston have won only once in four away games, and seeing that their record at Goodison is not good, I think we may see Everton cashing in on their second win of the season and so easy the tension. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds. Stevenson, Boyes
Preston North End; Newlands; Walton, Scott; Horton, Waters, Davies; McIntosh, McLaren, Jackson, Beattie, and Anders.
• Earle v Everton “A” tomorrow
• Everton “B” v. Burscough

PINCHBECK’S REQUEST
September 24, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Asks Everton To Be Listed
Clifford Pinchbeck, the Everton centre-forward, has asked to be placed on the transfer-list. He feels that there is little prospect for him at Goodison Park. Pinchbeck joined Everton from Scunthorpe United in November, 1947, and made his senior debut six weeks later against Derby County, at Goodison Park, and had a good game. Pinchbeck has all the physical attributes for the centre forward position, for he stands 6ft 1in, and weighs 13st. He is a former schoolboy international.
Derby County have signed on professional forms Gordon Boyes a 20-year-old right half who is a brother of the famous Everton international.
Everton’s “Old Guard.”
Everton are lucky to catch Preston North End the visitors to Goodison Park tomorrow, minus their two brilliant wingers, Finney and Langton, both away on international duty. This does not mean to say that Everton can look upon this match as an easy couple of points, for the North End have capable reserves from which to draw. It does, however, enhance they prospect. It was an eye-opener to see the “old guard” produce football of such standard in the “derby” game against Liverpool. For the first time this season it was worth watching, for there was some semblance of method about it; in fact it made Liverpool’s effort look distinctly moderate, and I say here and now that it was the best team have put out this season. If they could last the full 90 minutes I had no doubt about their football capabilities. Six of them had a hand in winning Everton’s last championship. Is it any wonder that the same side has been selected en bloc for the game with Preston? Injuries aside no one expected a chance, but I would like to see the forwards doing a little more shooting. Despite all their good field play there was still a dearth of shots, and it is shots that win matches. Here’s wishing you well Everton. I will not be there to see you, but will be greatly interested to know what happens. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Hedley; Bentham, Jones, Watson; Powell, Fielding, Dodds. Stevenson, Boyes
Preston North End; Newlands; Walton, Scott; Horton, Waters, Davies; McIntosh, McLaren, Jackson, Beattie, and Anders.

DODDS DOES HAT-TRICK FOR EVERTON
September 25, 1948. The Evening Express
Toffees’ Dash delights The Goodison Crowd
Poor Finishing Spoils Strong Challenge by Preston
By Radar
A great hat-trick by Jock Dodds paved the way for a clear-cut Everton victory –their second home success of the season –against Preston North End at Goodison Park today. It required an opening goal by Preston in the 25th minute to bring the Everton attack to life, and Dodds, who led the line with great skill and opportunism, replied with three goals, supplemented by a Stevenson header. This was a new and more confident Everton, showing chance-taking ability which has hitherto been conspicuous by its absence. Preston North End lacked the services of international wingmen Tom Finney –who is injured and likely to be out of action for a month –and Bobby Langton, on duty with the F.A. team in Denmark. Everton had to make a late change, for Tommy Jones, who injured his thigh in the Derby game last week was found unfit and Humphreys deputised. I hear that Norman Greenhalgh is to have an operation next week for the removal of an ankle bone. Everton’s annual match against the Army at Aldershot has been arranged for Monday, November 22, following the game at Villa Park. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Humphreys and Watson, half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson (captain), and Boyes, forwards. Preston North End;- Newlands, goal; Walton and Scott, backs; Horton, Waters and Davies, half-backs; McIntosh, McLaren, Jackson, Beattie and Anders, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Briggs, Cheadle (Cheshire). There was an early thrill for the 45,000 crowd when Fielding forced Scott to concede a corner. Fielding took the kick himself and Newlands fumbled the ball as Stevenson went in to challenge him and he could only push it out to Powell, who drove in fiercely from an acute angle, but Newlands made amends by saving valiantly at full length.
A Dodds Effort
Then Dodds and Fielding interpassed cleverly, but Dodds’ final effort to burst through solo was easily repulsed. A badly placed back pass by Bentham might have caused trouble had not Hedley sensed the danger and moved across quickly, to prevent the fast moving Jackson from gaining possession. Everton had looked the more effective force so far, and when Powell had turned the ball inside, Fielding hooked in a deceptive shot, which Newlands did well to punt out by the angle of the woodwork. Preston showed nice constructive ideas when they did move to the attack, especially by their insistence on keeping the ball on the ground, and they should have taken the lead when Beattie and McLaren combined to provide a glorious opening for McIntosh. With only Sagar to beat from 12 yards, however, McIntosh hooked the ball high over the top. A much better effort was McLaren’s angular shot following a corner, which Sagar only just managed to beat away at the last second. The ball hovered round the Everton goalmouth for some seconds before Humphries finally took safety first measures and headed behind for a corner, which came to nothing.
Sagar To Rescue
It was definitely Preston’s turn now and by dint of accurate, speedy passing, the North End forwards several times had the Everton defence in trouble. Twice Sagar came to the rescue, and then Humphries just succeeded in dispossessing Jackson before he could take his shot from close in. Then Sagar had to go down low to deal with a Beattie grounder, which was partially deflected by an Everton defender. After a bright opening, Everton seemed to have lost confidence, and persisted in working the ball too closely and were not finding their men accurately. Preston continued to be the more progressive force, and it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 25th minute. The goal was the direct outcome of a corner, which was turned back to McIntosh by Stevenson. McIntosh crossed the ball, and Sagar left his goal to try and punch clear, but failed to make connection. Anders eventually gained possession and lobbed the ball into the middle for McLaren to head into the roof of the net, with Sagar still out of his goal. Within 90 seconds however, Everton were on level terms. Stevenson and Boyes between them carved out a path for Powell, whose accurate centre Dodds deflected wide of Newlands, with a brilliant header. This put some life into what had been a curiously lifeless game in the first half, and Horton brought out the best in Sagar with a powerful free kick, which would have beaten a less able keeper. An offside decision against Powell after Stevenson’s diagonal pass had caught the North End defence on one foot, was by no means to the liking of the crowd, and Stevenson himself protested vehemently to the referee. But Mr. Briggs adhered to his original decision. Then McIntosh was allowed to continue when he seemed to be well offside, and Anders cracked the ball against the foot of the post from McIntosh’s centre. Hedley and Watson were having an uncomfortable time against the quick moving North End right wing pair and Sagar was relieved to see a scorching low drive from McLaren flash into the side netting. At times the Everton forwards were showing something like their real brand of football and on one occasion Boyes, Dodds and Stevenson produced a delightful triangular movement from which Stevenson forced Newlands to have a well directed drive low down. Goalkeeper Newlands came in for a word of admonishment from the referee for pulling down the bar when he went up to deal with a Powell cross. A long run by Anders, which produced a corner, almost proved disastrous for Everton, for Sagar only just managed to win a scramble for possession with McLaren.
Half-time; Everton 1, Preston N.E. 1.
Within three minutes of the restart, Everton delighted everyone by taking the lead. It was an astute move on the part of Gordon Watson which paved the way. Watson took a throw-in quickly in his own half, by throwing it against Boyes’ back and then hooking it up field, where Dodds got the better of big Irishman Waters took the ball to within three yards of goal, and despite the fact that Newlands had narrowed the shooting angle drove low into the net and with all the aplomb in the world. Time 48 minutes. Everton maintained the good work, and there was another close call for Preston, following brilliant creative work by Fielding, who transferred to Boyes and Newlands had to look sharp to prevent Stevenson connecting with his head. At the other end, Beattie found himself unchallenged and decided to try a first timer, but it was not of such a calibre as was likely to beat Sagar. When Preston again made tracks, Sagar was right on the spot to deal confidently with a McLaren shot which was always going away from him. It was not long before Everton were back in the Preston area again, and in the 56th minute they increased their lead, and once again it was Jock Dodds who did the trick to complete a magnificent “hat-trick.” Half-way in the Preston half. Bentham just managed to edge the ball forward for Powell to level a glorious centre which found Dodds ready, willing and able to glance another header well out of reach of Newlands. It might have been four in the next raid, when Fielding slipped a choice pass through for Boyes, who, however, decided to return the pass instead of carrying on himself. But Preston were by no means done with, and for five minutes the Everton defence had all its work cut out to keep the North End forwards out of shooting range. They did so successfully, and the next time Everton went away they took yet another goal. In the 62nd minute, Fielding bore out to the right, apparently thought he was off-side, but receiving the signal to carry on, delivered a chest high centre, at which Stevenson flung himself and beat Newlands all over the place with a glorious header. Still Preston refused to give in and for another prolonged period all the work came Sagar’s way. He was equal to all calls, however, while Humphreys and Saunders continued to contribute staunch defensive service. It was strange and pleasing to see, for the first time this season, Everton in the role of effective opportunists for, as it happened, Preston had as much, if not more, of the game than Everton. Generally speaking, however, North End’s finishing was as poor as Everton’s had been on so many previous occasions. Pretson continued to force the pace, but they still could not produce anything capable of really testing Sagar. There was a brief halt while Humphreys received attention for a knock on the face.
Dangerous Move
When Everton came again, Stevenson was slow to take advantage of a perfect, through ball pass from Fielding. A dangerous move, in which four Everton forwards played a part, seemed likely to produce a fifth goal, but Dodds was brought down outside penalty area, and Powell made but poor use of it. Then Bentham and Stevenson linked up for Stevenson to offer Boyes a great chance, but Boyes drove into the side netting as he was tackled by Walton. Preston’s best scoring effort in this half was a quickly taken left footer by Jackson, which was only inches off the target. Final; Everton 4, Preston North End 1. Official Attendance, 48,674.
• Earle 3, Everton “A” 1

THE “G.O.M.” OF EVERTON GO GAY AT EVERTON
September 25, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Hat-Trick For Dodds And A Stevenson “Special”
Proud Preston Humbled
Everton 4, Preston North End 1
By Contact
Eph Dodds was rarely in the game, but of three chances he chalked up a hat-trick. Newlands the Preston goalkeeper, performed indifferently, otherwise three goals may not have arisen. Everton will derive confidence from this unexpectedly decisive win, but it must be remembered Preston were without Finney and Langton and played well enough only up to the point where good shots were called for. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Hedley, backs; Bentham, Humphreys and Watson, half-backs; Powell, Fielding, Dodds, Stevenson (captain), and Boyes, forwards. Preston North End;- Newlands, goal; Walton and Scott, backs; Horton, Waters and Davies, half-backs; McIntosh, McLaren, Jackson, Beattie and Anders, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Briggs, Cheadle (Cheshire). At the last moment it was found that Tom Jones’s groin injury prevented him from playing, and the 40,000 crowd greeted this news with a groan. Jack Humphreys of course, came in. Preston were minus their star wingers, Finney and Langton. Everton got a right-wing corner in the first minute. Fielding took it and the Preston goalkeeper, Newlands made only a half a catch. The result was Stevenson was able to offer a very fine angle shot to Fielding, whose shot was rather fortuitously put away for a further corner. This was a first rate escape for Preston.
Spectacular Saves
So far it was an unusually unexciting beginning, punctuated in nearly every minute by an infringement of one sort or another. Sagar made a high up catch off a free kick, and the Preston goalkeeper was even more spectacular, and probably a little less safe, when catching a lob to the angle by Fielding. A pity the Fielding-Dodds move which occurred immediately afterwards ended dismally in Dodds preferring to attempt to beat three defenders rather than slip the ball inside of Fielding. A lovely curling pass by Fielding travelled out to play when Powell made a timid challenge for it. Preston’s best move was a down-the-middle one in which every forward, except the outside left, had a part. McIntosh poked the ball rather tentatively over the crossbar to end it all, and we then found that the referee had given him offside. Preston were unlucky not to score when Beattie flicked in a McIntosh corner and Sagar pushed the ball on to the post, from which it rebounded for another quick centre which Humphreys plodded over the top, Jackson made a first-rate hook shot over the angle off the second corner. For the first time Preston began to make holes in the Everton defence –an inevitable happening when one considered the wide open spaces in the centre of the field, left in the sole charge of the Preston half-backs. Sagar enlivened the duller moments with a double header” save off a high ball, first pushing it away and then making secure his grip almost on the edge of the penalty area.
Dodds in the Wilderness
Preston were now beginning to do what most other clubs have done here, and considering they had reserve wingers their attack looked solid and well balanced. Between some good Preston defence and some Everton clearances far too strong to be useful. Dodds looked like a lost soul in the wilderness. Boyes, after giving the dummy to two of the opposition, delayed his pass fatally. It was at this stage at about 20 minutes, that the long-suffering Everton crowd began to be rather vocal about the one-sided play. Dodds’s “three penny-bit” dribbling in which he almost played the referee as well, appeased them temporarily, but we were soon back with the Preston right wing getting yet one more reasonable scoring chance. Twenty-five minutes had gone when McIntosh delivered a low corner kick which Stevenson could only return in the direction of the taker. McIntosh centred beyond the far post, Sagar only managed to half-arrest the flight of the ball, and Anders promptly returned it high in front of goal for McLaren to head into a wide open goal. Everton equalised in the next breath as it were, in almost carbon copy of the Preston goal. Powell produced the centre, Newlands half came out to make a challenge, and Jock Dodds attended by the lanky waters guided the ball with uncommon sureness over the line. It was a nicely placed header, and once the goalkeeper left his goal and then stood immovable there was no hope for him.
“Jack-Knife” Save.
Sagar’s best save so far came from a first-rate shot by Jackson, the goalkeeper making a “jack-knife” save high up. When the referee gave Powell off-side from a Stevenson pass, Stevenson explained that the ball had made contact with a Preston head en route, putting the Everton winger onside, but the erroneous verdict stood. Horton was easily the best half back on the field, and it was from his prompting that Anders came in to hit a fierce shot against the post.
Feeling The Effects
In the heat of the day –and it was pretty close –Everton old stagers must have been feeling the effects of the Preston pace. Humphreys and his two wing half-backs had to do some valiant last-minute tackling to prevent Preston from taking a leading goal. Preston goalkeeper Newlands a punch-away from a Saunders free kick, and Walton who had played extraordinarily well lashed the ball to the sky in relief at the escape. A half-heel touch by Boyes in midfield, a Dodd’s pass to Stevenson, and the way was opened up to Alex to chance a shot ten yards outside the penalty area. Newlands treated this with contempt.
Newlands Warned
A Powell centre coming in sharply sailed just over the top and the referee warned Newland’s that hanging on the crossbar as he did reduced the target are considerably. Little had been seen of Anders, but he brought the ball to his liking with a Phil Taylor flick of the foot, and went on to get a corner, from which Sagar had to pick up at the feet of McLaren. Right on the interval, after the ball had bobbed up and down like one on a shooting range stream of water, Jackson made a splendid shot on the half-turn for which Sagar had to be alert.
Half-time; Everton 1, Preston North End 1.
The second half opened with Fielding trying to make use of a free-kick and succeeded in doing only exactly the reverse. The weather was as close as the score, but within four minutes of re-starting Everton had taken the lead through Dodds. In all began with Boyes making a back for Watson to throw at from a throw-in. As a result of this the ball was placed up field to Dodds, and it was left to him to chase through alone, with Newlands again not knowing whether to stay at home or come out. Dodds might have shot from the edge of the goal area. Instead he preferred to move the ball across to his right foot before ramming it home at his leisure. Better positioning and better judgement by Newlands would have made it impossible for him to find a way through. The Everton team openly applauded this joyful occasion –the first on which Everton had led in a match since the home game against Stoke. Stevenson falling back in defence was putting in 200 per cent, effort to maintain the side’s status quo. Incredibly Everton went to 3-1 at 55 minutes, Dodds scoring with a header, and thus recording his hat-trick. It began by Bentham giving Powell the opening to centre across goal to the point at which Dodd’s head connected a split second before Newlands’ outstretched arms. Again the goalkeeper could be said to be at fault. Hedley next poked the ball for a corner, from which McIntosh all-but picked up a gift offering as the ball was put over the line. Everton made it 4-1 at 60 minutes with a glorious headed goal by Stevenson from Fielding’s centre. The little man flung himself full length and was almost horizontal with the ground as he guilded the ball beyond Newlands. All five goals, excepting Dodd’s second had been from headers. Preston’s finishing was so poor there seemed only the remotest chance of them beating Sagar.
New Life For Everton
Fielding came to life with a solo run, ending with him centring the ball as he lay on the ground. There was new life in Everton and four goals had certainty given them a lot of confidence, but one could not help remembering that goalkeeper Newlands had been a great material assistance in the building up of this lead. Jack Humphreys suffered a knock to the head in one of Preston’s many movements which took the ball up to, but never into goal. Stevenson and Boyes were the most notable Everton forwards, and from one of their moves there arose a free kick in Dodds’ favour, which Powell lobbed over the wall of defenders as a surprise packet, but also unfortunately, over the bar. Sagar had to make a full volley in an attempt to save a corner, but the ball was already over the line. He made a good catch from a header from McIntosh’s corner kick, and Jackson was close, too, hitting the post high up immediately afterwards. Final; Everton 4, Preston North End 1. Attendance -48,674.

STOKE CITY RES V EVERTON RES
September 25, 1948. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton opened well, but Brown cleared from Pinchbeck. Stoke took the offensive and opened the score through Barker in ten minutes. Giblin increased the lead five minutes later. Everton were playing good football, but their finishing was poor. McAlinden and Barker further increased Stoke’s lead in the 26th and 30th minute. Half-time; Stoke Reserves 4, Everton Reserves 0. McCormick was brought down in the penalty area and Lello scored from the kick after 25 minutes play in the second half. Final; Stoke Reserves 5, Everton Reserves 1
Earle v Everton “A”
Defence were on top to the first half. Chapman was conspicuous for Earle and Moore for Everton. Half-time; Earle 0, Everton “A” 0. Final Earle 3, Everton “A” 1.

STOKE RES V EVERTON RES
September 25, 1948. Evening Express
The visitors were aggressive but Pinchbeck failed when close in. Stoke took up the running and Barker opened the score from Makin’s pass after ten minutes. Five minutes later Giblin took advantage of a goalkeeping slip to increase the lead. Stoke were constantly on the attack but Burnett brought off some good saves. Stoke went further ahead through McAlindan after 25 minutes and four minutes later Barker netted. Poor finishing spoiled Everton efforts. Half-time; Stoke Res 4, Everton Res 0.
Earle v Everton “A”
Baker went near for Earle, Moore was conspicuous in the Everton defence. Parker narrowly, missed opening the score for the “A” team. Half-time; Earle 0, Everton “A” 0.

DODDS TOO VALUABLE
September 27, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log
Neither Everton nor Liverpool are likely to fall to the temping offers being received for some of their players, and far from there being departures from Merseyside it is more than probable that there will be additions to the playing staff. The main lesson of the week-end is that Everton would be seeking trouble to allow Jock Dodds to sever his connection with the club. What Everton have in mind regarding comings and goings is their business, but seeing that they are awaiting the arrival of the new manager, Mr. Cliff Britton, I doubt whether they will make any change in the present order. Anyway do not treat too seriously the persistent stories that Everton are to sign Dick, the Blackpool inside-forward. Dodds might have gone to two clubs quite recently but his hat-trick in the 4-1 triumph over Preston North End emphasises his extreme value to the Everton revival side.
Jock’s Trio
Colleague Radar, agrees with me that Everton will err if their allow Dodds to depart, emphasising that this stood out a mile in Everton’s win over North End. “Dodds” was given a few loopholes say the strong-built Paddy . writes Radar. “but every chance which came his way he took confidently to be rewarded with a hat-trick against a Preston whose forwards finished as weakly as Everton have done in previous games at Goodison. It was a rare and encouraging sight to Preston –they so often dictator the course of events –throwing away chances, in what time Everton were taking theirs. It was a moody Everton needing by McLaren to rouse them, but they right back to equality within the minute when Stevenson –his headed goal was a magnificent effort –dashed the hopes of Preston. Vital factor in Everton’s win were the accuracy with which Boyes and Powell crossed the ball for Dodds and the improved full-back display by Saunders, the big hearted stoppage of Humphreys the creative industry of Bentham and Watson; and the wise scheming of Stevenson. I would still like to see the inside-forwards moving up more quickly and often to support Dodds, however, Everton truly are heading the right way.”

EVERTON’S VICTORY, THOUGH FLATTERING SHOULD RESTORE CONFIDENCE
September 27, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Joy At Goodison
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s 4-1 victory over Preston while it is true the result flattered them, it is time they had a bit of good fortune. Dodds hat-trick was doubly welcome, and if the Preston goalkeeper was sadly remiss with two of the goals that was not Everton’s fault. Dodds again proved himself a great opportunist and a player who at the moment at any time, Everton just cannot do without. He has now scored six of their ten goals. Terrorially Preston had as much of the game as their opponents, and were the better side in the first half. All their bonny approach work, however was ruffled by over finesse and the absence of a marksman who could apply the right finishing touch. Their defence which had looked good up to the interval, caved in when Everton hammered at it hard in the first 20 minutes of the second half. The Everton hurricane however, blew itself out at four goals, and Preston, still playing nice on the carpet football deserved to reduce the deficit in the closing stages. This win should do Everton a heap of good. It matters not that it was against a side which hardly produced a shot of note all day, and whom goalkeeper sometimes looked a variable power –psychological value to Everton is still great. The Blues have a long way to go to get out of the wood, particularly as five of their next eight matches are away and I am not hailing Saturday’s result as a heaven sent sign that all is now well in the best of Evertonians worlds.

GOODISON REPLAY
September 28, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
There is a doubt about Chester’s team for the replayed Lancashire Cup tie tomorrow against Everton at Goodison. If Best is fit he will probably be included, if not, Coffin will continued. Team from; Scales; Butcher, McNeill; Beaumont, Lee, Mansley; Booth, Foukes, Astbury, Goffin, Best, Westwood, Davies. Everton will not definitely decide on their team until tonight, but it is expected to be; Sagar, Saunders, Dugdale; Cookson, Cameron, Grant; Powell, Fielding, Lello, Farrell, Eglington.

CHESTER’S VISIT TO GOODISON
September 28, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Merseyside midweek football fans get extra rations this week. The midweek season is over for the time being so tomorrow, at Goodison Park, Everton will receive Chester in the replay of their Lancashire Senior Cup tie. Last Wednesday Everton went to Chester and were, I understand a shade fortunate to force a 1-1 draw, despite the fact that Chester played for the most part with only ten men. That could not have been the real Everton, and it is with some measure of confidence that I look to better things tomorrow. It would not be fatuous to suggest that Chester have no real chance for they are a more than useful side, and even allowing for the fact that the Everton directors, when they meet this evening for team selection purposes will include plenty of players with first team experience, this is a game which will take some winning. It is impossible that Everton newly appointed manager, Mr. Cliff Britton, will seize this chance to have a look at some of Everton’s talent in a series match, but only if he has no commitments with Burnley for the day. However, I know he will not lose any opportunity of taking a peep at the men over whom he will, have control. Everton fielded a particularly strong side at Chester last week and will do so tomorrow, for the Toffees always treat this county competition with maximum seriousness. And believe me Chester are not the side with which any chances can be taken.

CHESTER’S PROMISING TALENT
September 29, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton supporters who see Chester in action at Goodison Park this evening will be able to judge the strength of the Cestrians, who, despite their comparative lack of success so far, have some very promising material on their books. Their centre-forward Best, had already been under the observation of scouts from several clubs. He comes from South Wales, and Cardiff City have been particularly interested in him, although there has yet been to definite approach. Mr. Cyril Spiers, Cardiff’s manager, watched him against Everton at Chester last week. A Liverpool youth, Beaumont, will be playing his second game with Chester’s senior team, following experience with South Liverpool and Northwich. He shows considerable promise, as also does Booth, an old boy of Chester City Grammer School, who will be making his first appearance in the senior eleven this season. Booth’s football career was interrupted by Army duty, but he is still young enough to give several years of good service to the club. A young Welsh player, Eatyn Griffths from Llay Main, although he has not yet reached the first team, is beginning to take the eye. He has been playing well at outside right and is equally useful as a half-back. Everton will be; Sagar; Saunders, Doyle; Grant, Cameron, Farrell; forwards from; Powell, Wainwright, Juliussen, Lello, Eglington, Fielding.

GOODISON CUP-TIE
September 29, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton for their Lancs Cup-tie with Chester at Goodison Park tonight, will select from 12 players. The doubt affects the attack. No fewer than four of the players who helped to beat Preston North End are included – Sagar, Saunders, Powell and Fielding. An interesting part of the team selection is that Eddie Wainwright who has been indisposed is included among the possible. If he plays it will be his first game for some weeks. Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly announced today that the team to visit Burnley on Saturday will not be announced until after this evening game. Team to meet Chester, from, Sagar; Saunders, Doyle; Grant, Cameron, Farrell; forwards from; Powell, Wainwright, Juliussen, Lello, Eglington, Fielding.

EVERTON’S CUP VICTORY
September 30, 1948. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Chester’s defeat of 4-0 in the replayed Lancashire Senior Cup-tie at Goodison last night was aggravating, since they were unfortunate not to score in the opening minute, but even this defeat had its compensation. The game had not long been under way when it was seen that in Beaumont at right half, Chester have as promising a player as I have seen in Third Division football, since the war. He is lightly built, but his tackling is good and his use of the ball suggests that he will soon be playing in higher class (writes Contact). Everton would derives some joy from Wainwright’s reappearance in his old style and he and Juliussen provided each other with goals in the first five minutes, by which time Chester were as good as out of the competition. Lello and Eglington –with a wonderful hot –completed the foursome of scorers.

NEW MANAGER’S VISIT
September 30, 1948. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Mr. Cliff Britton, new manger of Everton who is expected to take over his new office in a few days, spent yesterday house-hunting in Liverpool, and afterwards went to Goodison Park to see Everton enter the Lancashire Cup second round with a 4-0 win over Chester. The game was one-sided, but Chester had their chances had they shown the same aptitude for shooting as did Tommy Bets late on. Best was under special review by Mr. Cyril Spiers, Secretary-Manager of Cardiff City, who has been trailing the Milford Haven lad for some time. On player in the Chester side who must have taken the eye of everyone was Allan Beaumont, the right-half who, despite being a little right-footed, was splendid in intervention and tackling, and used the ball well. Amateur Eric Lee had to be good to hold the Everton inside-forward among whom Eddie Wainwright made a splendid “come-back” showing few signs of recent indisposition despite an early blow on the nose. Wainwright again demonstrated his incisiveness, and had a neat understanding with Powell. I liked many of the Juliussen touches, and it was he who scored in five minutes after Wainwright had done the “donkey work.” Wainwright scored another within the minute, and Lello obliged in 27 minutes. The last goal at 78th minute, was the pick for Eglington who had been far from happy with the ball on his right foot suddenly hit a terrific left-foot cross shot which Scales did well to touch, let alone save. What pleased me as such as anything was the high promise of Danny Cameron at centre-half for Everton. Cameron was masterful in the air, and while inclined to move too far forward was at times the essence of delicacy and perfection in his use of the short pass. Danny looks like making the grade. Farrell was another good constructionists while Grant typified industry, and Saunders was easily the best back on the field. Chester’s need is striking power, but in that respect they are like most clubs. So far as Everton are concerned, Mr. Britton must have gone away confident that he has plenty of good material on which to work. There were 6,674 spectators, including Secretary Manager Ernie Blackburn and companions from Tranmere Rovers, while Councillors S. Ronald Williams led the Liverpool party and ever cheerful Mr. Harry Mansley was leading the Cestrians.
Jock Dodds said to me during the match that he was still anxious to leave Everton and had come from Blackpool especially for a chat wit, Dr. Cecil Baxter the chairman. This took place but nothing was decided although Mr. Billy Anderson manager of Lincoln City was at Goodison Park sadly to sign Dodds. Dodds said “I just feel that I need to get away.” Dodds has been desirous to meeting Everton for some time.