WHAT “MICKEY FREE” SAYS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 02 June 1888
High Water Mark and so Gammon
By the powers but namesake, commonly called owld Mike, although he not so by the same token he is not so old after all, had a rasping benefit on Saturday, an' wasn't I as plazed as punch to see it. Hail, rain, or snow Mike was seldom absent from his post, and always able to give a good account of himself. I remember his first start at football well, when the club used to meet at Stanley Park, in the days when Bargery, Evans, Provan. McGill, Richards and Company were the shining lights, and Higgins practiced with such an amount of perseverance and application that success was bound to come. He has hung on well to the old club and is the last playing member of the old school. Taking this into consideration he well deserved the benefit and the manner in which the public responded was ample testimony of their appreciation of his services. I have not heard the amount realized up to the present, but it ought to be something substantial.
MR. SUDELL’S TEAM
Faix, it was very little there was Mr. Mr. Sudell about the team. There was the goalkeeper figuring in the Old North End colors, so that was sufficient to swear by. The team was none the less a good one, with eight players of note from Turfmoor, and last, but not least, the burly Bob from Bolton as centre, with Cromble of Halliwell. They played well together, but were not quite equal to the task of upsetting the strong combination against them. Hastings sad Farmer worked together as if they had been side by side all the season, and as for Jamieson he seemed quite in touch with the wing men, and always ready for a final shy, and his cleverness was very marked by the masterly way he met the ball on each occasion from the wings, especially in the two cases where a score resulted.
WATSON REDIVIVUS
The feature of the business was the entrance of R. Watson on the field after having been buried so long by order of the Association! This was his first chance of playing since the order for reinstatement was issued, and the cheers which rang out as he came on to the ground must have been very gratifying to Bobby, who is very popular. He played dashing game, and would have appeared to greater advantage if his partner had understood his style a little better. Nevertheless Wilson performed very creditably, and it was from his pass that Jamieson made the first score. A win of two goals to nil was very creditable, and, taking the game all round, it was a very pleasant one. Still it was apparent that the men were getting fagged out before the whistle blew, and little wonder, considering the heat of the day.
MARK HIGGIN’S BENEFIT MATCH AT EVERTON
There was a splendid turn out at Everton last Saturday, and when the takings are totaled and the receipts from the sale of tickets totted up, it will be found that to be a popular footballer at Everton means something when the time comes for an appeal for a recognition of long service. The match was one between a local side made up of six Evertonians, four players from Bootle and one Stanley representative, and team brought together by Mr. Sudell, consisting mainly of Burnley players with Ferguson in goal. The evening was cool, and play was possible under more comfortable circumstances than has lately been the case, that the game throughout was of a highly interesting character. The local side had a strong forward contingent, and Watson received an enthusiastic reception on taking his place on the right wing in partnership with Wilson. The re-instatement of the old Glasgow Thistle player along with Goudie will mean a considerable accession of strength to the Everton forces. The best play was shown by the left wing and centre, Jamieson being in especially good form, and he scored both goals for the local side. Play in the first portion was in favour of Higgins’ lot, but the visitors held their own afterwards, and were beaten by two goals to nil.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 02 June 1888
A FRIVOLOUS OBJECTION AT SOUTHPORT
Athletic News - Tuesday 05 June 1888
To the Editor of the Athletic News
Dear sir; l I entered and competed in the 120 yards Flat Race at the Southport Sports last Saturday, and being successful in my heat, I was very much surprised at being objected to by F. Davies of the Manchester Central, A.C., on the grounds of being a professional. I am a member of the “Everton Football Club” and the “Aigburth C.C” Liverpool and competed at various sports in the Liverpool district last year, and no later than last Good Friday I obtained a prize at the Liverpool A.C., and notwithstanding the assurance of a numerous lot of Liverpool gentlemen who knew me, Davies would not withdraw his objection. The reason I am told, was that Davies’s Friends had a large sum of money at stake, and, by his objecting to me, the committee did not exhibit any numbers on the telegraph board, which was what the Davies party wanted, so that they should get their money back. After I was successful in obtaining third place in the final the prize was withheld from me. I think the committee of the N.C.A.A should see into the matter, and have Davies reasons for objecting to me, because if he or his friends object to everyone that they do not happen to know, it would become very disagreeable and also meet their own ends from a monetary point of view-Yours &c., A. Gelder, Everton F.C., and Aigburth C.C. Eaton-place, Liverpool, June 3.
NOTES
This meeting takes place next Tuesday, and threatens to be of the lively sort. Mr. Marriott has had enough of the Treasury, and declines to be First Lord any longer. This will be a distinct loss to the Everton Club, for Mr. Marriott has proved himself a regular trump.
The bone of the contention appears to be Mr. Nisbet, and some people seem very anxious to get rid of him. Of course, I am not acquainted with the inner workings of the club, but I know as much of Mr. Nisbet as I do of any other secretary; and for personal experience I can say that there are none more shrewd, and none who work harder in the interests of the club.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 09 June 1888
CHARITY MATCH
June 9, 1888. The Liverpool Mercury
A match in aid of the St. Helens-Colliery Explosion Fund and local charities will take place at the Everton Club Ground (kindly lent for the occasion by the committee) this day (Saturday). Kick off at five p.m. The following are the teams; Everton and Bootle- R Smalley (Everton), goal; T. Vietch (Bootle), and A. Dick (Everton), backs; F. Woods (Bootle), G. Dobson (Everton), and A. Allsopp (Bootle), half-backs; R. Watson and G. Fleming (Everton), right wing; R. Jamieson (Bootle), (centre); G. Farmer (Everton) and W. Hasting (Bootle), left wing; reserves J. Wilding and T. Morris (Bootle). Remainder of District –J. Jackson (Bootle), goal; A. Goodall and W.M. Wilson (Stanley), backs; L. Roberts (Stanley), J. McLaran (Police Athletic), and J. Campbell (Bootle), half-backs; R. Jones (Stanley) and R. Tasker (Southport High Park), right wing; S. Stephens (Police Athletic), centre; J. Shaw and A. Shaw (Earlestown), left wing; reserves, W. Briscoe (Everton) and W. Morgan (Tranmere Rovers).
NOTES ON EVERTON
Athletic News - Tuesday 12 June 1888
It is understood that at the annual meeting of the Everton F.C., about to be held the proceedings are likely to be of a lively character. A rumour is current as to negotiations for a new ground, which is supposed to have reference to this club, but time will show. A couple of “hundreds” would certainly be a big price even for the Anfield enclosure.
The ballot for matches had its humorous features, Everton in particular getting some of its return matches played on a couple of Saturdays. Stoke and West Bromwich Albion, as usual, met in the first draw, and singular to state, on a date that had been mutually fixed. By-the-bye, a word of caution to the members of the Everton Club, who are to have a general meeting this week. It is a risky thing to try and swop horses crossing a stream.
Somebody has given a medal for the most consistent player in the Everton football team, and it has been awarded to Dick. Had I been on the selection committee my vote would have gone to Mike Higgins. There is a wide difference between being the best player and the most consistent.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 June 1888
THE EVERTON A.G.M
June 16th 1888. Football Field.
Income, £2,251 1s. 6d; Balance, £17 3s. 11d.
A new Secretary.
The long-looked for meeting of the Everton Football Club has now been a matter of history. The rumours of changes and alterations which were flying about conveyed the idea at once that the feeling of the members generally were in a state of ferment, and that an excited meeting was bound to be the upshot. In short, if only half of what was talked about came to pass there would be hardly an old name left amongst the executive. There was to be a new committee, a new secretary, and heaven only knows what else. Dry bones were to be made shake, the most secret doings of the past season were to be dragged forth, and altogether we were promised as nice a little field –night as the most fastidious in such matters could desire. Well, sir, the members gathered to the number of 111, so that the large dining room of the Sandon was well filled if one might judge by the beads of perspiration which stood out on the foreheads of some of the more portly individuals present. The chair was taken by the Worthy President (Mr. Houlding). After a short opening statement a spirited debate took place as to the right of professional members to vote. Mr. Barclay laid down the law on the point very concisely and the “pros.” Were muzzled. The accounts were then proceeded with in the shape of a most formidable balance-sheet, of which I append a summary; -
Receipts £ s. d. Expendures. £ s. d.
Balance from last share of Gate
Year 41 12 6 to visiting
Gate receipts 2111 8 4 clubs 697 14 9
Hire of Ground 36 18 8 Grounds Improvements
Subscriptions 61 2 0 Rent, players, wages, Travelling Expenses
Gate Expenses, Referees’ Expenses’,
Insurances Grounds men, Printing,
Posting, Stationery, Taxes, etc, Subs to Associations,
Costs 1536 2 10
Balance 17 3 11
Total £2251 1 6 Total £2251 1 6
During the reading of the above it became evident from the ominous lowering of brows that a small storm was brewing, and at the close it burst in the shape of a number of queries anent certain travelling expenses which it was alleged had been incurred before the authority of the Committee had been obtained. One or two members showed great pertinacity in this matter and it was thoroughly settled before any other business was done. Then the question of expending £370 on building stands and others improvements was brought up and a doubt was expressed as to whether the right course had been pursued in not having the work done by contract or asking for tenders, etc. This brought the President to his feet, and in language concise and telling he made it perfectly clear that the building of the stand could not possibly have been done cheaper than what it was and challenged any of the builders or architects in the room to refute his statement. Mr. Martin gracefully acknowledged the explanation furnished, and the President went on by comparison between the popularity of the game six or seven years ago when a big match in Stanley Park was intended to be one of the features of the Fancy Fair, and yet not more than 50 or 100 people paused to look at the game. He then carried their minds back to the time when an effort was being made to secure an enclosed ground in Prior-road, Anfield. This was obtained but their success was of such a negative character that they had to leave at the end of the season minus goal posts, ropes, stakes, etc. A deputation then waited on him and he was induced to use his influence in securing their present ground on certain conditions, one of which was that a benefit match be played for Stanley Hospital. Still the gate money was a mere nothing, although under the management of Messrs. Barclay, Jackson, Co. the club began to make some headway. Just, then, however, another difficulty loomed up in the fact that the owner of the ground decided to put in the market, and he (the President) was again prevailed on to step in to their assistance, and, after some preliminaries, he agreed to buy the field, which, with law costs, etc., accounted £6,000. Two thousand of this amount was paid by him, and the remaining portion left as a mortgage or loan, upon which three per cent, interest was paid. Thus it would be seen that he had to pay £120 per annum for this concession, whilst the club only paid him £100 a year, and not £200 as stated, whilst he received nothing for his £2,000, which at the lowest computation ought to be bringing him in £60 a year. He mentioned this fact because some of the members appeared to think that he was receiving a fair remuneration for the field, and that consequently there was no necessity for his having a nominee on the committee. But he thought that all fair-minded men would agree that under the circumstances it was not too much to ask, seeing that owing to his having so many important duties to fulfil he could not attend himself. The £370 paid for erecting stands Etc., was paid out of his money, as the club had no funds, and consequently he wished to be informed of what was going on, and Mr. Ramsey was the only one who could do it, otherwise what security had he for such expenditure if things were mismanaged? However, he did not wish to cripple the club in any way; far from it, and he thought he had shown that he took as great an interest in the club as any of them. He was quite willing to allow things to go on as before, with the exception that he must certainly ask for at least 2 and half per cent, on his money, and if the club could afford any more at the end of the season he would expect that amount to be increased by 1 or 1 and half per cent. But not otherwise. This explanation was well received, and the increase asked for promptly voted. The rules were then brought up for consideration, and at the instigation of Mr. Howarth, several changes were made, one especially as regards payments by the treasurer being of a rather important character. At a very late hour the election of officers was proceeded with. The president and treasurer were unanimously re-elected, and then came the event of the evening –viz., the election of secretary. No sooner had the president sat down than up jumped men from different points of the room, but Mr. Galbraith I think it was who caught the Speaker’s eye presumed in most eulogistic terms Mr. Barclay for the position. This was seconded by Vice President Jackson, who in fiery speech denounced Mr. Nesbit in no measured terms. An uncomfortable pause ensued, and then the President raised his voice on behalf of Mr. Nesbit, who he considered had worked hard and well for the club, and he attributed a great deal of its late success to his efforts in securing fixtures with first class clubs. Furthermore, he drew a comparison with their position in 1883-84, when the receipts were only £50 or £60, whereas last year they amounted to £1,456 and this to £2,111. This appeal, powerful though it was, did not even bring up a seconded, and Mr. Barclay, amidst great cheering was announced as being elected. Mr. R. Stockton was elected assistant secretary, but as there were no less than 13 names for eight places on the Committee this business was postponed for a week.
THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL MEETING
Athletic News - Tuesday 19 June 1888
For some months past it was plain to anyone that there would be a bit of a scene when the annual meeting of the Everton Football Club came round. The principal offender in the eyes of the Everton people was Mr. Nisbet, the secretary, who was blamed for the disgrace and the cost of the suspension at Christmas. There was a large attendance at the Sandon Hotel, including the players, but a motion was brought forward and passed that no player who had not paid his subscription should be allowed to vote, and only one remained—Fleming. The accounts were then submitted, and the storm gathered. The members were very inquisitive, and were not satisfied with a balance of £17 out of receipts amounting to £2,210, besides last year's surplus of £41. The money taken at the gates amounted to £2,111 8s. 4d.—a formidable item -but to show how clubs enjoy a visit to Everton, on half-gate terms, the credit side gave £697 as paid to opposing clubs. Mr. Nisbet was asked to explain certain travelling expenses to London, where he had been five times, and also as to how he came to spend £10 in a journey to Kilmarnock. Mr. Nisbet did his best to explain matters, but despite the fact that they had a Councillor in the chair and a popular Councillor, too- the behaviour would almost disgrace the honorable gentlemen who constitute the House of commons. Mr. Nisbet could hardly get in a word without being hissed and hooted., and it was lively. Mr. Ramsey was called upon to give his reasons why he had charged £5 for travelling expenses. Mr. Ramsey is not as cool as his friend Nisbet, and made a very rambling sort of statement, which nobody seemed or cared to understand. The meeting did not give them a fair hearing. Several other items were criticized, and then Mr. Houlding gave the excited members a few home truths as to how the game had been popularized by the men they were hissing down, and how he had purchased the ground for £6,000, when It was put up for Sale, and for which the club paid him £100 per annum—not very good interest. The president and treasurer were then re-elected, and Mr. Marriot must have been gratified with the hearty cheering with which his nomination was received. Now came the expected tug of war—the election of secretary. Mr. Barclay, an old vice-president, was proposed and seconded, the seconder having a fly at Mr. Nisbet. There were no other nominations, and no one seemed to care about proposing Mr. Nisbet, but at length the president did so. There was, however, no one to second it, and Mr. Barclay was elected amidst great rejoicing. It was now getting late, and the election of thy committee was postponed. The Everton people think they have got a good man in Mr. Barclay, who is a thorough gentleman. He has certainly had a lot of experience in football, and has been connected with the Everton club for a long time. The idea was to get rid of Mr. Nisbet at any cost and it must be admitted they succeeded admirably. All the same, Mr. Nisbet deserved better treatment than he received, and will now have lots of time to ruminate on the flickeness of the British football public.
NOTES
The principal charge against Mr. Nisbet, of Everton was for getting the club into trouble by not being sufficiently clever to successfully evade the professional laws. The Everton Club has to thank its own members for betraying its secrets.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 23 June 1888
NOTES ON EVERTON
Athletic News - Tuesday 26 June 1888
The Everton F.C., had another meeting last week, and though not as lively as the previous one, it was rather unpleasant, and at least one valuable member was thrown over-board by being at the bottom of the poll. He had charge of the balls, &c., and saved the club a lot of money by his carelessness. He probably aroused the ire of several young members by not allowing them to have a ball whenever they wanted it.
“I hear,” writes a correspondent, “that next season’s team will be Smalley, goal; Dick and Dobson, backs; Jones, R. Jones, and Pollock, half-backs; Waugh, Farmer, Goudie, Watson and Fleming, forwards Gibson and Briscoe are to be drafted into the reserve and the old war-horse, Mike, is expected to be a player for the second string next season. Costley is to be the centre-forward.”