N.J.ROSS
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 03 August 1888
N.J. Ross. who for some time has been dissatisfied, early this week intimated his desire to join the ranks of the Everton team. He was at once informed that if he could improve his position the North End would not stand in his way. Accordingly he made the journey to Everton, and signed an agreement to play with that club, attaching only the proviso that North End would cancel the registration form he had signed with them some time previous. This Mr. Sudell and his committee are quite willing to do, so that it may now be taken for granted that Nicholas John has played his last game at Deepdale, except as a visitor. There is no foundation for the rumour that Jimmy Ross is also about to join the Everton ranks.
JACK ROSS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 04 August 1888
That Jack Ross will not play for North End again; that "this is a fact, as he has been granted his discharge by their North End, and has gone over to Everton; that the grievance is that Jack has not been set up in business," as promised when he left Edinburgh; that if he has not had this promise fulfilled he has had a "right good wage;" that on all hands sorrow is expressed that Jack should have made up his mind to take the steps he has, but it is equally generally added that the committee cannot be expected to let the players get the upper hand and do just as they please; that without doubt Ross will find out that he will not be treated as well at Everton as he has been at Deepdale; that not a few declare that he will not stick to his intention to leave North End; that Jack is, however, fully determined in the course he has taken, and says that before he will again appear in the ranks of the North End he will return to Scotland.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 04 August 1888
BOOTLE FOOTBALL CLUB
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 04 August 1888
Sir- I fully agree with the remarks of “T.T” in last Saturday’s Field re above club, with one exception, viz, about Holt. When a club like Everton can offer Holt 45sw per week for two matches a week and 20s per week during the summer, how could a club like Bootle secure Holt at such a figure? Does “TT” expect the committee to pay players out of their own pockets-Your obedient servant, William Jackson, 13 Hawthorn-road, July 31, 1888.
EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Tuesday 07 August 1888
It is widely rumoured that Willie Lewis, the Welsh international, a member of the Bangor Football club, has signed articles to play for Everton during the forthcoming season. Should such be the fact, we may mentioned that Lewis will be a great acquisition. He has played for Wales against Scotland, Ireland, and England for five or six years in succession, having been engaged in about fifteen internationals encounters. He plays extreme left, and is a perfect demon on the ball. He is also an athlete of no mean ability.
The event in East Lancashire football circles during the past week was the transfer of N. J. Ross to Everton and most people will admit that one club has been very much strengthened and the other materially weakened, though North End can bear the loss of the great back better than most clubs could, seeing that they have a worthy pupil of Jack in Bob Holmes.
I don’t think the members of the team regard Ross’s departure with much concern, for, although he was a good player, he was not a success as captain, and moreover, is in possession of a vile temper, which many times made matters uncomfortable for his companions. All the same, few clubs would refuse his services, including the temper. From what I can hear the North End people once afforded to start him in business. This is a long time ago, and since then Ross has been in receipt of a good round sum, summer and winter and not only wanted the cash for the business, but also his wages.
Had he taken the refusal to do this in a proper light not much would have been said, for every man has a right to improve himself; but when he went out of his way to abuse Mr. Sudell in not over choice language, that gentlemen thought it was about time to complain.
Ross was thereupon promised his release on condition that he repaid his retaining fees, and he signed for Everton subject to his release being granted, of which there is very little doubt, though a good many men, treated as Mr. Sudell was, would have made an example of Ross by not granting his release and suspending him.
It was said that. Ross, jun., would follow his brother that Sam Thompson would go home; that Sandy Robertson would not be engaged ; and that, in short, the great North End would take a buck seat generally. Ross, jun., and Thompson will both play, and it is very probable that Robertson will also do so, though Mr. Sudell has been promised the services of a good amateur half-back.
There appears to be an impression abroad that members of the Football League have undertaken not to interfere with each other's players, and in some quarters Everton are catching it hot for breaking this supposed arrangement. The Football League was formed for the purpose of making it imperative to play home-and-home matches, and nothing else, and consequently Everton have had no rules to break. At the same time, when professionals have once attached their signatures, we think other clubs should let them alone, for a better offer would, of course, make them dissatisfied, and ought to be avoided. In the case of Ross, though, he went to the Everton Club and told them he was at liberty, and they naturally jumped at such an acquisition to their team. He will captain the Anfield-road lot, and George Dobson, the former captain, will probably have to stand down unless he proves his worth as a half back. Dobson belongs to Bolton, and was the first pro. Everton indulged in.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 11 August 1888
N.J. ROSS
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald - Saturday 11 August 1888
A friend who iS behind the scenes in matters pertaining to football tells me that N.J. Ross, of Preston North End has thought fit to sever his connection with his old club and joins Everton. It is said that the Liverpool organization offered him £100 to start business, and no one can blame the best back in the kingdom for accepting it or the least club in the kingdom at drawing gates for making the bargain.
A LOOK AHEAD.
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 18 August 1888
By Richard Samuel
Out at Belmont-road, the practice ground of the Everton Football club, the first Crumbling of the Everton roar were heard last Saturday, when N. J. Ross turned out in a practice game with his new club, and when many of the new faces in the Everton team looked first upon their future supporters. The crowd that collected on Wednesday evening at Hawthorne-road, did not come to see the cricket match, and regarded with unfeigned disgust the fine cricket shown by “Jimmy" Simm and Butler in their innings against Chorlton. This was abundantly testified when the big ball replaced: the small, and the crowd lined-up, quite in the old sweet way, to follow the doings Tom Veitch and his merry man. The Park keeper rigidly suppresses the ardour of the denizens the city lungs, who would feign lay aside the bat and ball to “chase the leather," whilst those rare patches of open space on the outskirts of the borough, are nightly crowded with youths, all madly rushing about and raising the eager cry, “To the goals ! So, Mr. Editor, your old Richard girds up his loins, and acknowledging with thanks the courtesy of our leading club officials in assisting him thereto, “sets out on his “ Liverpool Football” journey, with the Prospects of the Season.”
Everton
At this period last year, the Everton prospects were a matter of speculation upon which not a gleam of official light was ever shed. The new Executive hare adopted a new departure. The secretary is of opinion that he should take the members of the club into his confidence, and has already issued a statement which has been gladly welcomed. It will be followed by a shortly second, detailing the results of the labours of the Executive in the interest of the club, which have been crowned with very great success. Few clubs will be able to show a greater range of talent in the forth- coming season; for it has been recognised that the heavy fixture list would be far too trying for a single eleven, so that a most powerful reserve has been laid by. The wages sheet will be a heavy one, but Evertonians will rally round Mr. Barclay and his committee to an extent which will make this heavy tax on the club’s resources but lightly felt. The ground has been placed in the hands Mr. Rowlands, of West Derby, who appears to have put in some splendid work upon it, and, a practice ground having been secured, it will have some chance of maintaining its consistency to the close of the season, and of not on occasions being reduced to the condition of a swamp. There is splendid stand accommodation, but ere Christmas the committee hopes to be in the position of launching forth into the expenditure of grand structure at the Anfield-road end similar to that at the opposite end of the ground. The object aimed at is to provide real accommodation for 12,000 spectators; not mere standing room, but facility for obtaining a good view of the play.
THE PLAYERS
The names of the new players are pretty generally known, but the list is not yet complete. The committee in treaty for several forwards, whose names, for obvious reasons, they are not in a position to divulge. It may be taken as certain that Jimmy Ross will not join his brother, that is definite, and the rumour that he was likely to do so arose from the mere surmise of what was a probability. So far, the committee at their disposal the following: Goalkeepers, Gillam (not Gwyllm, please) and Joliffe. Smalley is still undecided, but may yet added to this list. Backs, Ross, Dick, Dobson, Chadwick. Half-backs, Wharmby, Holt, Jones, Higgins, Gibson, Weir, the suspend," will probably be reinstated and reinforce the advance guard. Forwards, Farmer, Chadwick, Waugh, Watson, Fleming, Costley, Briscoe. Keys, of Derby County, has created a big reputation in the practice matches, but has not yet been definitely retained. From this list a grand team can be formed, the only difficulty being as to the best selection. The defence may be taken as the following;—Goal, Gillam; backs, Ross, Dick; half-backs, Wharmby, Dobson, Weir; as for the forwards there will be some difficulty. With the forces at command I should say the five would be: Left, Farmer and Chadwick; centre, Keys; right, Watson and Fleming. The club have already scratched in the English Cup Competition, but it is a mistake to suppose that they have not a good eligible team. They have probably a stronger list of eligible than that which overthrew Bolton Wanderers in the most stubbornly contested Cup tie on record. It is purely in deference to the wish to preserve a reliable fixture card that the English Cup ties have been abandoned, and, this consideration will most probably induce the club to take similar action with regard to the Lancashire Cup. Mr. Barclay is anxious that it should be known that hit committee is actuated by no hostile feelings either to the Lancashire or Liverpool Association in the notion they have taken or may take; but that they are acting solely with the object mentioned above.
JACK ROSS
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 18 August 1888
That Jack Ross packed up his traps and left the Proud Town last Monday, and on Tuesday took up his residence near the Everton football ground; that he played his first practice game on Wednesday night, fully 4,000 spectators turning out to see the “champion back of the world” disport himself; that Jack does not as yet feel thoroughly at home, but intends to make himself so; that there is not one of the North End ex-skipper’s Preston friends but who wish him joy with his new lover, but many of them are afraid he will soon find cause to regret his change; that Jack has promised to do wonderful things when he meets the North End up there are those in Preston who are willing to take odds that he does not play against the North End at all; that Jack is to be captain of the Everton boat, and says he can steer it to victory, as he did the North End craft; that one who knows say that Ross is to be played centre forward as often as anywhere else; that if this is true, there can be no doubt that Mr. Sudell’s prophesy “that Ross had made his tame at Preston and would bury it at Everton, will come true sooner than the “Ross” anticipated. That before leaving Preston, Ross stated that his reason for leaving was that he had not received his money regularly, and this having come to Mr. Sudell’s knowledge, he has written to Ross for his denial of the statement; that Ross never missed getting his money regularly, winter and summer, except the week previous to his strong language to Mr. Sudell; that this is proved by the fact that the Everton club have signed a cheque for £ 17 10s, in repayment of Ross’s wages since the game he played in against Renton for the Championship of the World –a period of seven weeks. That Ross has not yet received his formal discharge from the North End, but will do in due course; that N.J’s better-half did not relish the idea of going to Liverpool to reside; that Jack was, however, bent on going, as life in Preston was “too slow: for him; that the question has frequently been asked –Where did Ross enjoy any “life” except on the North End football ground, kicking the ball, or at home?
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 18 August 1888
ROSS AND SMALLEY
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 25 August 1888
That Jack RosS has not yet got permission to play with the Everton team ; that since his departure from Preston it has been pointed out to the Everton committee that the permission will have to come from the Council of the Football Association; that one of the rules of the Football Association says that no player shall sign a second registration paper in one season without the consent of the Council; that Ross has done this, and may be called upon for an explanation ; that the Everton committee and Ross may, however, rely upon the North End committee and officials putting no obstacle in “Old Nick’s” way—in fact, they will all in their power to secure to him the transfer. That Bob Smalley is in great request at the present time; that prior last Sunday he had partly given his word to play for the North End, hut on that day a couple of Evertonians visited Preston in disguise, and, in an interview with Bob, made him magnificent offer; that Bob will foolish if leaves the North End, as inclusion their ranks opens the door to football fame —when successful—while inclusion the team means maintenance only of the reputation already achieved; that even if Bob does play for Everton in ordinary matches, he will do duty under the North End flag cup ties, as he thinks that the more local talent there is engaged in pot hunting, the greater likelihood there is of success.
NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 25 August 1888
R. SMALLEY
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 25 August 1888
R. Smalley, who last season kept goal for Everton is somewhat unsettled as to with whom to throw in his lot during the ensuing season. Everton are after him and though the North End will not make a fuss about him, they would like to have him attached to Deepdale. He has made his name in the Everton ranks, and it is not to be wondered at if he has a liking for the "Toffy-men." Still, he should weigh well the advantage to be rained by connection with the North End over Everton. He is a good custodian and a connection with a club of influence like the North End is much more likely to bring promotion than Everton. Bob is to make his selection today, and it is sincerely to be hoped he will choose wisely.
JACK ROSS AND BOB SMALLEY
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 25 August 1888
That Jack Ross has not yet got permission to play with the Everton team; that since he departure from Preston it has been pointed out to the Everton committee that the permission will have come from the Council of the Football Association; that one of the rules of the Football Association says that no player shall sign a second registration paper in one season without the consent of the Council; that Ross has done this, and may be called upon for an explanation; that the Everton committee and Ross may, however, rely upon the North End committee and officials putting no obstacles in "old Nick's" way -in fact, they will do all in their power to secure to him the transfer.
That Bob Smalley is in great request at the present time; that prior to last Sunday he had partly given his word to play for the North End, but on that day a couple of Evertonians visited Preston in disguise, and, in an interview with Bob, made him a magnificent offer; that Bob will be foolish if he leaves the North End, as inclusion in their ranks opens the door to football fame -when successful-while inclusion in the Everton team means maintence only of the reputation already achieved; that even if Bob does play for Everton in ordinary matches, he will do duty under the North End flag in Cup-ties, as he thinks that the more local talent there is engaged in pot hunting, the greater likelihood there is of success.
EVERTON NOTES
Athletic News - Tuesday 28 August 1888
Though Everton have such a large number of men they want more, and it appears to me that if they want them they do their best to get them. Last week Bob Smalley, who made his reputation as a goalkeeper with Everton was secured and registered as a pro., so that he is fast. They now have three goalkeepers, but of course Smalley will be the boss.
They were short of a good centre, and though Jamieson would fill the position very well, but Jamieson wouldn’t have any, and now Jack Ross has been asked to take it. Ross is a back, and the best in the world, but as a centre forward he will not shine, nor allow the others to do so.
The Everton team must cost a vast amount of money, but I should fancy Mr. Barclay will have fully considered the matter. Still it will take all the big gates for which Everton are so noted, to pay the expenses.
Everton F.C. hope to issue the complete list of the season's matches this week. They will practically have two first teams, though one will he distinguished as the reserve, and as Cup ties are going to be let slide, and there is a certainty of a good game being seen at home, the result should be a success both in a playing and financial sense. The available men are:—Smalley, Gillam, and Joliffe, goal; Dick, Dobson, N. J. Ross, Chadwick, and Houldsworth, backs; Warmby, Holt. R. Jones, Higgins, Gibson, W.H. Jones, and F. Parry, half-backs; E. Chadwick, Farmer, Fleming, Waugh, Briscoe, Costley, Harper, Harbour, &c., forwards. Probably Keys (forward) and J. Weir (half-hack) will be available, and the club expect to have the services of a well-known centre forward.
I am not at all surprised to hear that with such prospects of sport the membership of the club has largely increased. The ground has been re-laid, and is excellent condition, while what has already been the experience of Everton will doubtless be the fortune of the other League teams, supposing that they do their utmost to show the best football.
Everton have been setting their house in order with a vengeance and it will not be the fault of the executive if they have not one of the best teams in the country. First and foremost is the great N.J. Ross, and then follows Waugh, of Burnley, Chadwick, of the Rovers, Wharmby, of Derby and several others of lesser note, whilst Smalley has been re-engaged as goalkeeper.