DAN DOYLE
Falkirk Herald - Saturday 01 August 1891
Doyle, of Everton and who once played with East Stirlingshire, has applied for reinstatement to the Scottish Association.
DAN DOYLE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 01 August 1891
Doyle (of Everton) will probably be seen in the ranks of the Celtic. Hannah, Doyle’s partner at full back, has also returned over the Border line, and Brady, another Evertonian, has decided to join the Celts. As the Sporting Chronicle aptly puts it, the only cause for surprise is how the Celtic Football Club, an “amateur” organization, can induce men like Doyle and Brady-who were in receipts of over £3 per week from the Everton Club-to play for nothing.
EVERTON NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 03 August 1891
From this list it will be seen that Doyle and Brady, of the Everton club, have applied and been accepted as pure amateurs. This was done so that they might play for the Celtic, who apparently have some peculiar means of inducing footballers to leave good situations of £3 a week, summer and winter, in order to play for the love the game. At least, this is what the Scottish F. A. would have us believe; but I dare say they are not greatly astonished if Englishmen refuse to swallow it. I do not know that either Doyle or Brady has any reason to be particularly fond of the Celtic club, for they have never been members. However, since he was reinstated, Doyle has again entered the professional ranks, and has been induced to return to Liverpool. After the way he has enjoyed himself at the expense of. several clubs during the past three years one cannot blamed for not relying upon everything that Doyle says, but on Saturday afternoon received the following telegram, which presume shows the latest whim the Everton back:—“ Kindly insert I intend playing for Everton, certain.— Doyle.”
For the sake the club we are pleased to hear that Doyle is returning to Everton, for without him they would have been in a bad way, and, for that matter, so would Doyle, for Everton have an agreement extending over a period of two years, and it is not likely they would have allowed the matter to pass quietly by. I suppose, however, that the Celtic would have attended to what cash differences there were—it wouldn't be the first time in similar cases.
EVERTON NOTES
Burnley Express - Wednesday 05 August 1891
Joe Marsden, in view of their new position in the Football League are stated to have commenced practicing already in order that they may be in good order immediately the football season opens. The team attach much importance to their first year’s connection with the League. It is reported that the committee have security Carty, a left winger from East Stirling and are on the look-out for two others. It is noticeable that even if Everton lose Doyle (who, however, will almost without doubt keep to his allegiance) at back, they still have Marsden, formerly of Darwen, Mclean, and A. Chadwick, whilst negotiation are being entered into for another very capable full back at present in Scotland. The other fresh faces in the team include Kelso, late of the Preston North end, and Thompson, who last season played for Wolverhampton Wanderers. With such men as Latta, Geary, E. Chadwick, Milward, Wylie, McMillian, Elliott and Robertson to choose from the committee need not fear the defection of Brady, which, however, the Everton secretary denies.
GREENNOCK MORTON V CELTIC
Glasgow Evening Post - Wednesday 05 August 1891
The Celts opened the Greenock Morton’s football season last night, Doyle and Brady were expected to have assisted the Celts but neither of these individuals put in an appearance. Both have either returned to Everton, or intend doing so, and the Celts are not now counting on the services of either.
EVERTON NOTES
South Bucks Standard - Friday 07 August 1891
Milward, the international football player, who has been spending a few days in his native town of Marlow, has signed a two year’s engagement with the Everton F.C., at a salary of £3 a week winter and summer. G.H. Creswell, another Marlow man, who joined the professional ranks of leather hunters, has also signed on again with Everton Club for the ensuing season.
JOHN AUGUS
Edinburgh Evening News - Monday 10 August 1891
The death is announced of John Augus, goalkeeper of the Everton Football Club, at Dennyloanhead, on Saturday. Mr. Angus was at home on his customary holiday, and was struck down by typhoid fever, from which he gradually sank, dying on Saturday evening. He began his football career in the King’s Park club, Stirling, where his great abilities as a custodian asserted themselves, and the Sunderland Albion club brought him over to professionalism some three or four years ago. Last season he transferred his services to the Everton combination.
DEATH OF JOHN ANGUS, THE EVERTON GOALKEEPER.
Sheffield Evening Telegraph - Monday 10 August 1891
John Angus, the Everton Football Club custodian, died at his father's residence, Denny Loanhead, Denny, Scotland, on Saturday. Angus, who was spending the close season at home, was struck by typhoid fever, and gradually growing worse expired at ten o'clock on Saturday night. The deceased began his career in King's Park F.C., but his great fame reaching England he was engaged by Sunderland Albion, with whom he remained for three seasons, when he signed, for Everton, In whose team was last year. He was 24 years of age, unmarried, and was a plumber by trade.
DEATH OF GOALKEEPER ANGUS.
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Monday 10 August 1891
Footballers on Wearside will learn with deep regret that John Angus, the famous goalkeeper, died at his father's residence, Dennyloanhead, Denny, on Saturday night, from typhoid fever, Angus was a plumber by trade. He began his football career in the King's Park team at Stirling four years ago. His reputation as a goalkeeper soon spread to England, and he was secured by Sunderland Albion for whom he played during the seasons of 1888-9 and 1889-90. Largely through his instrumentality to became one of the best teams in the North of England. He took a prominent part the two matches which Albion played with Sunderland at Newcastle-road, and which caused much excitement in the town. At the end of the season of 1890 he severed his connection with Albion, and joined Everton, the champion League club of England. The last occasion on which he appeared at the Newcastle-road ground was January, when he kept goal for Everton against Sunderland in the first round of the competition proper for the English Cup. On that occasion Everton were beaten, but their defeat would have been much more serious had it not been for Angus, who displayed magnificent defence. He had been again selected to play for Everton during the approaching season and his death will be almost irreparable loss to them. Although only 24 years of age, Angus was a player of ripe experience, and as a goalkeeper he had few superiors. He rarely allowed high shots to pass him if he had a weakness it was for low sheets, which sometimes puzzled him. Tall and strong, Angus was in appearance a model goalkeeper, and his genial disposition won for him lots of friends in Sunderland, among whom there have been many expressions of regret at his demise. He was unmarried.
LIVERPOOL DISTRICT AND NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 10 August 1891
Mr. Molyneux, the Everton secretary has been on a successful journey to Scotland, for he has brought both Doyle and Brady back, and both men will play in the Everton ranks next season. So far as I can make out, the available men are Jardine and Angus, goal; Doyle, Mclean, Marsden, and A. Chadwick, backs; Kelso, Parry, Kirkwood, Holt, Lockhead, and Campbell, half-backs; Wylie, Latta, Brady, Geary, Thompson, Chadwick and Milward, forwards. This is a good lot, and besides there are several others who, it is hoped, will be able to take their places in the first team when required. Thompson will, U fancy turn out a useful man, for he can play anywhere in the forward ranks, and should relieve Geary very much.
EVERTON NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 10 August 1891
So Daniel Doyle has again shown us what a mean-spirited professional footballer is capable of doing, and the Celts have now two brilliant specimens in Doyle and McCullam. I have heard of the elasticity of the professional football player’s conscience, but I should imagine Doyle and McCullam are about the worst samples we could find, and I should not think their reception on any English ground would be very cordial. When Doyle sent us a telegram a fortnight ago saying that he intended to play for Everton “certain” we did not feel too confident about it, and openly stated so, and it turns out we were right, for in the shabbiest manner possible he left Everton and played for the Celtic last Monday. And this, mind you, after he had again and again promised the Everton Club to fulfil his engagement with them.
I do not blame the Celtic Club for a single moment, for they have as much right to rob an English club as an English club has to prowl after Scotch players; but one cannot but express disgust at the pitiful meanness of Doyle in treating his employers in the manner he has., and on the account alone ought to have felt in honour bound to play for Everton, but honour is something which Doyle does not carry about with him as a regular thing, and two years ago, when he was engaged by Everton, he treated the Bolton Wanderers in an exactly similar manner. Of course the Celts are paying Doyle, and paying him well, for the big back has a due appreciation of the shekels, and does not willingly throw away a matter of £3 per week. During the past few days I have been told by a gentleman who knows that payments is now openly made by Scotch clubs, and that the League intend to force the Association to legalize professionalism. A particular friend of mine writes; - “We are rapidly moving in you direction. It is getting very hot.” One or two of the returned and whitewasted professionals make no secret of it. I suppose the most we can expect the Scottish Association to do is to have another examination of the clubs’ books and decide that professionalism does not exist on the “testimony of the books produced.”
Everton have not lost much time in securing a successor to the absent Doyle, and last Wednesday signed on Collins, of Cambuslang at a salary of £2 10s per week, a present of £30, and 10s for each match won. These are, I believe the same terms Donald Gow received from Sunderland. They are big enough, but Everton were in a bad way, and last week J. Marsden’s leg gave way. Collins is a very fair man, and as he is young he should do well at Everton.
OUR SCOTTISH LETTERS
By Jonathan Oldbuck
Those who were at the match between Cowlairs and Celts last Monday night did not know where to look when Doyle and Brady, of the Everton, stepped out arrayed in Celtic colours. They have played and are now of no use to Everton, who must feel very small after all their exertions to keep these men. Of course, I have no sympathy with Everton or any English club who get left in this way. Retribution they deserve and retribution they are getting, but I have not words strong enough with which to condemn men like Doyle and Brady; they have acted a most unprincipled part all through, and really I am ashamed of the contemptible part which many of my countrymen are playing at present. It is a lesson to Englishmen to leave Scots alone, and it is a lesson to Englishmen to begin at once and rear players from among themselves.
Collins, a promising young player belonging to Cambuslang, has been picked up by Everton. He will take Doyle’s place at back. I am told he was shaping well in practice games. The Cambuslang Committee are in a sultry mood over the departure of Collins. After their experience of Doyle and Brady, I thought Everton would have left Scotland severely alone.
SCOTTISH LEAGUE NOTES
Cambuslang suffered a severe loss in Collins, who deserted this week for Everton, where he is said to be the new man to take Dan Doyle’s shoe. He is a sturdy back, has youth on his side, and is in the improving stage- but not a Doyle. Players of the latter stamp are not to be had for the picking every day. Collins is reputed to have signed for £50 down, £2 10s a week, and an extra 10s for every win. There was no trouble I understand in booing him. He played a good game for Cambuslang last Tuesday against Rutherglen, and was caught thereafter. Maxwell is another loss. He was the gentleman Everton almost landed last season, but is on the peg until the 3rd Lanark secure the permission of the League to play him.
FOOTBALL'S DEATH
August 10, 1891.
The Glasgow Herald
The Death is announced at Denny Loanhead of John Augus, the well known goalkeeper of the Everton Football Club. Mr. Angus came North on his customary holiday, and while at his father's at Dennyloanhead he took ill of typhoid fever, dying about 10 o'clock on Saturday night. angus began his football career in King's Park F.C. at Stirling, where his abilities as a custodian asserted themselves, and resulted in his going over to the Sunderland Albion club as a professional some three or four years ago. Last season he transferred his services to the Everton. Mr. Augus, who continued to follow his calling as a plumber, was 24 years of age and unmarried.
Death of John Angus. The Everton Goalkeeper
Aug 10 1891 (Monday) Liverpool Mercury
john Angus the Everton custodian, died at his father's residence, Denny Loauhead, Denny, scotland on Saturday (17 Aug) angus, who was spending the close season at home, was struck by typhoid fever and gradually growing worse expired at ten o'clock on Saturday night. the deceased began his career in King's Park F.C. but his great frame reaching England he was engaged by Sunderland Albion, were he remained for 3 seasons, when he signed for Everton, in whose team he was last year. He was 24 years of age, unmarried, and was a plumber by trade
JOHN AUGUS
Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Tuesday 11 August 1891
Everton have lost a treasure in the death of John Angus. What a genial companion he was personally ! Few football players in Sunderland gained more real respect than he did during his stay, for he was always pleasant and kind in his demeanour. ‘Tis sad to think that so fine and stalwart a young man should have been stricken to death so soon. Seeing his manly bearing between the sticks, one could have taken a lease of his life. However, as a moralist pithily expresses it, there is nothing more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the time of death, and we cannot fathom the mysterious nature of the call which carries away the able and strong and leaves behind the weak and sickly.
It was said that Doyle and Brady would play for Celtic; then that Everton had secured them. However, they played for Celtic last night. They prefer oatmeal to toffee.
THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB AND THEIR SCOTCH PLAYERS.
Derby Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 11 August 1891
Something like a sensation will be caused in English professional circles, arid especially in Liverpool, by the fact that Doyle and Brady, two of the most prominent Scotch players in England, have committed themselves to the Celtic last night by playing for that club in a match against Cowlairs. The Everton officials were cognisant that endeavours had been made in Scotland to induce these players to remain at home; but a recent visit of one of their committee seemed to put matters right. In playing for the Celtic both Doyle and Brady are debarred from assisting Everton in English Cup tie 3.
THE EVERTON CLUB AND ITS PLAYERS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 11 August 1891
The Sporting Chronicle says:—" Something like a sensation will caused in English Association football circles, and especially in Liverpool, by the fact that Doyle and Brady, two very prominent Scottish players employed by Everton F.C., have committed themselves to the Celtic F.C., last night, by playing for that club in a match against Cowlairs at Glasgow. The Everton officials were cognisant that endeavours had been made in Scotland to induce these players remain at home, but a recent visit of one of their committee seemed to put matters right. Through playing for the Celtic, both Doyle and Brady will be debarred from assisting Everton in English Cup
THE EVERTON AND THEIR SCOTCH PLAYERS
August 11, 1891. The Birmingham Daily Post
Something like a sensation will be caused in English professional circles, and especially in Liverpool, by the fact that Doyle and Brady, two of the most prominent Scotch players in England, have committed themselves to the Celtic last night by playing for that club in a match against Cowlairs. The Everton officials were cognisant that endeavours had been made in Scotland to induce these players to remain at home; but a recent visit of one of their committee seemed to put matters right in playing for Celtic, both Doyle and Brady are debarred from assisting Everton in English Cup Ties.
NOTES OF FOOTBALL
August 14, 1891. The Birmingham Daily Post
That latest experiences in regard to English professional football and Scottish amateurism is distinctly favourable to the former, and the arguments that have been advanced for the past two years in these columns are receiving stronger confirmation everyday. Already the most unmistakeable charges are being made concerning the payment of players in Scotland, and there is no doubt that most of the big clubs are honeycombed with hypocrisy, and association humbugged by false accounts and prepared balance-sheets. The migration of men from mediocre to strong clubs is commoner even than in England, and it is a matter of ordinary gossip that players are being paid for their services. The case of Doyle and Brady is an example of the kind of thing that goes on, and though one cannot blame the Celtic club for engaging two such capable men, it is idle to talk of amateurism where footballers of that stamp are concerned. Both men have been in the habit of drifting.
EVERTON NEWS
Dundee Courier - Friday 14 August 1891
Collins, the popular Cambuslang back, was reported to have left Glasgow by the two o'clock train yesterday for Everton, there to fill the place vacated by Doyle, now committed to the Celtic. The terms are said to be the same as those given to Donald Gow — £50 down and £3 a week, with a gratuity for every win. Cambuslang are in a great funk over his departure with reference to the composition of their team to-morrow.
JOHN AUGUS DEATH
August 15 1891. The Preston Guardian
The goalkeeper of the Everton, John Augus, died at home in Scotland last week from an attack of Typhoid fever. He was 24-years of age, and after leaving Scotland joined the Sunderland Albion Club. The Everton club have two goalkeepers, R. Smalley of Preston, and Jardine.
EVERTON NOTES
Preston Chronicle - Saturday 15 August 1891
The goalkeeper of the Everton F.C., John Angus, died at home in Scotland last week, from an attack of typhoid fever. He was 24 years of age, and after leaving Scotland, joined the Sunderland Albion Club. The Everton Club have two goalkeepers, R. Smalley, of Preston, and Jardine.
EVERTON NOTES
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 15 August 1891
That the football sensation of the week has been the securing of Doyle and Brady, of Everton, by the Celtic Glasgow; that the Everotnians knew the player named had been conquering with the Glasgow Irishmen, but Mr. Molyneux went over to Glasgow and induced them to go back to Liverpool; that they did not remain long, however Doyle alleging that he was bound to go back to play in a quoiting handicap for which he had been entered; that he promised to return to Everton at an early date, but he was waylaid and persuaded to play in a game with the Celtic at Glasgow; that both men are now practically useless to Everton, as they cannot play without being dealt with by the Football Association for playing in the close season under the jurisdiction of another Association; that the shock was a rude one to Everton, but it provides another link in the chain of circumstances which go to prove what kind of amateurs they play in Scotland, and it was mistake not the S.F.A have by their amnesty killed Scottish amateurism, and will before long have to recognize the payment of players; that with so many well-paid amateurs about someone will be sure to let the cat out of the bag.
EVERTON NOTES
Preston Herald - Wednesday 19 August 1891
Yes, Evertonians breathed a sigh of relief when Doyle returned to Liverpool, and they were not prepared for the thunderclap which followed. The matter of Doyle and Brady playing for the Celtic, thus practically severing their connection with Everton, now almost threadbare. The Celts were intensely jubilant, and I came across the following in a Scotch contemporary, which gives a pretty fair indication as to the general feeling amongst the Celts supporters. At the same time it would very interesting to know what really has induced both the men to throw up a big salary to play for nothing- ahem I—“I can't remember when I saw so much jubilation among the Celtic officials as was evidenced on Monday night. On entering the Cowlairs’ enclosure, Mr. O’Hara buttonholed me, and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he quietly whispered—I’m sorry you’re too late for the names of the team, but perhaps you can distinguish the men for yourself. There was something in his manner which I did not quite comprehend, but glancing over his shoulder in the direction the players, I was astonished to behold the Everton cracks, Doyle and Brady, in the Celtic ranks. I felt Inclined to shout hurroo! and in the excitement I almost extinguished the light of day from Mr. McLaughlin’s left optic with a lighted Caporal.’ The latter tried hard not grin, but there was an itching around the corners of his mouth which betrayed his ill-concealed attempts to puff on complacently. Mr. Curtis wrung my hand. He was too full of emotion to give utterance to the great joy he was experiencing. A voice behind him ejaculated, ‘Everton, Molyneux, Athletic News,' and then the individual dropped down in a fit of spasmodic coughing. He came round all right, but for a full hour and half that party could do nothing but grin—and such a grinning! You never know what a day may bring forth,’ I said, ‘or a night either,’ some other fellow chimed in. Then at intervals between the play I was told something about a drive, in which the names Doyle and Brady occurred. Can't you get a stop-press edition out ? ‘Wire to Mark-lane!’ Send a message consolation to Mr. Molyneux!’ and other similar suggestions were literally poured into my ears, while a running fire of good-humored banter prevailed all round. I could not help ruminating on Everton, and contrasting the situation there when the gloomy tidings were made at Anfleld-road, The Celts have triumphed in this matter, and Scotchmen are delighted that English clubs are being left in the lurch— that some measure of retribution is bring meted out them. Bravo, Celts !”
CRESSWELL
Burnley Express - Saturday 22 August 1891
Nelson a few days Cresswell of Everton was also secured by the committee.
LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 24 August 1891
By the Loiterer
The activity shown by our two senior organiastions foreshadows that the season is near. To say the least, Everton are discomforted. And what is the cause thereof? It may be taken for granted that the supporters of the club were fairly well satisfied with the performances of the team last season, although the only scalp they could claim was the League Cup. But then the team was equal to doing still greater things. And the committee had leisure to discuss the purchase of the adjoining land and erection of dressing-rooms and even had time to watch the grass that has grown profusely on this land, when, behold! The sporting Chronicle cast consternation amongst them by opening their eyes to the fact that were traitors in the camp, and straightway two eloquent members journeyed forth to the North to interview the men, with the result, after much equivocation, that the report was only too true. Whereat there was much gnashing of teeth and a terrible row of vengeance. But which, up to the present, hath been vowed in vain. There it is both the vengeance and the calamity. And, in my opinion, both will end in the same way.
Legal authorities hitherto have not taken kindly to football matters, and as regards the effect of Doyle’s secession, I don’t anticipate anything amounting to a disaster. I could never look upon Doyle’s as a regard back. He has improved considerable since joining Everton, but before he could be classed as a great player he would have to drop some of his antic; and these peculiarities have occasionally result in goals. That is quite enough of Doyle. Brady is nowhere.
Doyle’s successor is highly spoken of, but I am afraid the defence will be rather shaky. By the inclusion of Kelso, the halves will be strengthened and may be depended upon to give a good account of themselves. The forwards are practically the same as last year. The last line of defence is the place which will cause the most anxiety, as Jardine has peculiar notions of conducting himself and seeing that Marsden’s leg has given way, the outlook is not so promising.
EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
August 24 1891. The Liverpool Mercury
In face of the continued rainy season, tickets for the Everton Football Club's annual picnic and sports were not in request, as usual, until the last day. On Thursday, at noon, the committee had completed all the arrangements, but only five tickets had been sold! Then the hesitancy broke down, and caterer received orders for at least eighty, and on Saturday afternoon a party of about a hundred, animated by the spirit of Mark Tapley, left Liverpool, under a lowering sky, in waggonnetts for Formby. The start was late, as the programme could not be curtailed; the sports had to be cut in two, one section of events being run off before tea and the other after. Happily no rain fell, and the sky cleared, so that the evening was very pleasant. All arrived in merry moon on Mr. Henry Howarth's field in Paradise-lane, and pending the making up of the entries, which took place on the ground, two footballs were par in play, and the kicking, combinations, and tactics witnessed promised treats in store for Everton's patron when next they gather round the goalposts. The members of the team were present save, Latta, Jardine, Smalley, and Williams (the new goalkeeper), some of the absentees filling cricket engagements. The club's president (Mr. John Houlding) was at Llandudno, and sent an apology. Among those on the ground were Dr. Flinn (Medical offer to the club), Councillor E. Walker, Mr. W. Jackson (assistant treasurer), Mr. R.E. Lythgoe (secretary Liverpool Distrist Football Association), Mr. J.J. Ramsay, Mr. T. Howarthm Mr. F. Currier, Mr. A. Nisbet, Mr. R. Stockton, and Mr. R. Molyneux (secretary). The men who entered for the competition mainly did so for the fun of the thing, and it by no means followed, because a player or a veteran put his name down to compete, that he did not afterwards prefer to figure as a spectator. Equally, if a man felt inclined to run or leap he was welcomed, and it would be a libel to say that the Evertonians took their pleasure sadly. The photographing of a large group was proceed by the punning announcement –"Now, gentlemen, your four toes will be taken," but the camera proved obdurate, and the crescent of faces echoed with laughter during a wait of ten minutes. The free and easy conduct of the sports, however, did not prevent the conscientious starter(Mr. Blackmere) from being severe and even penalising with the restive, and there were some galliant finishes. In the dribbling competition the professional spirit evoked scientific display which was much enjoyed. On the other hand the tug of war was downright amusement, and the team which had the aid of three extra men went "into the air" amid general rejoicing. Tea was served at the Grapes Hotel, under the presidency of Mr. Jackson, the senior member of the club, who also distributed the prizes a capital collection provided by the club according to the following list:-
120 yards Handicap; 1, Geary, 2, W. Campbell, 3 R. Jones, vetreran's Race; 1, W. Jackson, 2 J. Crosthwaite. 440 yards handicap; 1 Hope Robertson, 2, R. Jones, 3 Lochhead. Long Jump; 1, Milward, 2 Campbell; Half-mile handicap; 1, Currier; 2, McMillan; 3, Campbell; Throwing Cricket ball; 1 Geary,; 2, Campball, Tug of war (ten a side); MaClean's team. Dribbling; 1, Edgar Chadwick, 2 Milward. Mile Handicap; 1 Lochhead; Pewtriell; 3, Currier.
DANIEL DOYLE
August 31 1891. Birmingham Daily Post
It is stated that the Everton have not done with Doyle, their late full back, who after drawing maintenance money during the summer months threw the over got there Glasgow Celtic Club. The Everton people have given proof more than once that they are not trifled with, and Doyle may have cause for repentance.
LIVERPOOL DISTRICT AND NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 31 August 1891
By the Loiterer
Our two senior teams have put in good work this last week or two, and the initial game of the season should be interesting. It is a capital idea spending the season with a match between the two clubs, and, doubtless, despite some grumbling about the charge of admission, there will be a good muster spectators. The Everton team have been practicing in private, but the trainer’s report is satisfactory. The doctor is pretty confident Marsden will be all right in a week or two. There is nothing of a serious nature in Marsden’s injury, as it is only when kicking that he feels anything. It appears the damage is to one of the muscles of the leg, and happened in February last, but beyond not punting so strongly I don’t think his play will be elected in the least. Whether he will take part in the near League games depends on how stands Tuesday’s match with Bootle. Parry will also resume for the first time, after his accident, in the international match. With the exception of Kelso the rest will be last year’s players.
Another trouble has fallen upon the Everton club. I pointed out at the close of last season that the land adjoining the old stand might be Iet at any time for building purposes, and then it would be all with the present ground, as about eight yards would have to be taken for street purposes. Mr. Jackson has had the matter in hand, but at the time the idea was ridiculed, and one member the committee wanted to wager that Mr. Jackson dare not speak to owner, never mind mentioning land. Nevertheless have now got so far that the scheme for purchasing the land will be submitted to the committee of the club at
An early date. It is proposed to float the club, and £12,000 will be required and that’s a lot of money; but things have reached that pitch that something will have to be done. Apart from this little matter, there is no news of any moment in connection with the game in Liverpool, and Tuesday the first is patiently looked forward to.
Holt will captain the team this season, with Latta as his lieutenant. Whether the little man will be a success or not remains to be seen, but there is one thing certain-if he fulfils the post as well as he plays centre half he will give satisfaction. Geary will not play on Tuesday, as he is training for a special and pleasant event which comes off on Wednesday.
THE EVE OF THE ASSOCIATION CAMPAIGN
August 31, 1891. The Liverpool Mercury
Tomorrow the armistice expires, and after a four months' cessation of hostilities the battle will be renew with its wonted vigour and enthusiasm. Metaphorically the cry is heard, "Arm, arm! It is –it is –the cannon's opening roar!" To arms, not as Lord Byrom declaimed, for a Napoleonic overthrow, but to maintain the honourable position of Liverpool in the football world against the attack impending of fair opponents and insidious foes. In the earlier period of the recess all was calm, plain sailing –everything in an administrative sense, to again borrow the words of Byrom, "went merry as a marriage bell." Everton were confident that their forces were capable of sustaining or even advancing the status of the club, and Bootle were effecting an almost entire transformation in their team, only too well aware that nothing but a radical; change would enable the club to recover the prestige lost during the last ill-fated season. The outlook locally, then until August was ushered in appeared reassuring, and may yet suffer nothing more depressing than that of being temporally overcast. It is no use disguising the fact that the defection of Doyle and Brady came as a calamity on the Everton camp. Both players, in their respective departments, had fulfilled an important part n building up the high standard attained by Everton in the League during the past two seasons; and for the service they rendered to their club on the field they will be remembered with pleasurable feelings. Their secession is regrettable, a regret exciting a natural feeling of resentment at the unsportsmanlike manner in which the severance was affected. Being a voluntary party to a contract, they respect their bond so long as it is convenient, and then, when they are expected to return service for pay, they at the eleventh hour indicate a determination not to observe their agreement, and place their employers on the horns of a dilemma. The head and front of Doyle and Brady's offending is not that they have elected to return home to their native land, but that they have chosen the wrong mode and time of doing so –that they did not return their portfolics until it was probably too late to secure as capable, or, it may be, more skilful successors. But after all there is little ground for surprise at the tickleness of these professionals. They had each proved "little" importations, restless and unsettled. Brady had been associated with Sunderland and Burnley, and Doyle with Grimsby and Bolton Wanderers, before they found such liberal employers as the Everton club, and so instability was always a characteristic to the borne in mind. Since conscience has not held them to the bargain, a civil action should lay for losses actually and prospectively sustained or else of what value are these signed agreements? Speaking from a spectator's point of view, Brady never seemed to appreciate the difference between a playing amateur membership of a club and an employee, and he did not take kindly to the restraint of professionalism. He, moreover, was absent so frequently last season that his position is readily to be found on the left defence, ever impressing one by his energy, pluck, and enthusiasm, that he had the interest of Everton at heart as much as any player, and though he was not an ideal back –he was muscular rather than scientific –for safety he will be hard to surpass or even equal. There has been a breach of contract, however, and he has placed himself outside the pale of possibilities as a useful Evertonian by playing for Celtic in the close season. The liabilities of Doyle's intrepid action have been referred to Mr. A.C. Steel and whilst the case, is subjudice we turn to a more profitable and genial subject –the prospects of the season now opening. Holt has been appointed captain and Latte sub-captain. To retain the League championship will, of course, be Everton's chief object. It is a herculean task. Preston North End achieved this feat as the result of the two first seasons of the League, but they were pioneers of ready-made teams, and for a brief time were ahead of their rivals. The marvellous superiority of North End's play quickly excited a spirit of emulation, and quickly excited a spirit of emulation, and not it is easy to name a dozen clubs which have bevelled up until reaching a uniformly high-water mark. To attain the premiership of the League now is a much more difficult performance than in the halcyon days of Preston North End; and although Everton may fail to repeat the precedent set by Mr. Sudell's team –it is not a certainty that they will succumb –they will yet do well if their finish within a reasonable distance of winners. The team is somewhat of an unknown quantity, inasmuch as neither of those two sterling backs Hannah and Doyle will assist in defence. It may be that either McLean, Marsden, Collins, A. Chadwick or others with whom negotiations are pending, will rise to the occasion, and make this department as sound as ever it was. If so all will be well, for the resources of the half-back and forward departments are greater than ever, the attack being reinforced by S. Thomson, and the middle line by Kelso. The sad death of Angus from typhoid fever has removed a popular and skilful custodian; but R. Williams, of Bromborough Pool, who has been secured to assist Jardine and Smalley, has shown great promise whilst at practice. Murray also has again offered his services and despite the more exacting duties of goalkeeper consequent on the amended rules, no uneasiness need to entertained as to the reliability of those in charge of goal. Altogether there are the elements that make up a powerful team, one which, if a fair immunity from accident or illness is enjoyed, will make a star as great as anything that has gone before in the life of the Everton Club.
Everton's new colours are ruby jerseys trimmed with blue and dark blue breeches. The team chosen for the opening game as follows; D. Jardine, goal; J Marsden and D. McLean, backs; R. Kelso, J. Holt, and C. Parry, half-backs; A. Latta, P Gordon, S. Thomson, E. Chadwick, and A. Milward. Reserves; R. Williams, and J. Collins.
It will be noticed Jardine and Marsden, about whom disqueitng rumours have found circulation, are announced to play. These rumours contrary to general custom were not altogether void of foundation. Jardine's return from Scotland is certainly dilatory, but it seems that he injured one of his hands when competing at athletic sports, ad was advised to keep quite for a few day's. A doctor certificate being forwared to the Everton executive in proof of the necessity of desisting in practise until the not very serious damage was repaired. Marsden has had an injured leg, but it is not clear that he will suffer inconvenience from the cause. His opinion is that he is sound and fit, but medical testimony is not so reassuring, and so the question of Marsden's reliability is to be put to a practical test against Bootle. Parry is in much the same predicament as Marsden. He also will be put through the crucible, and if both present sterling metal their positions in one or other of the two teams is assured.
NOTES ON SPORT
AUGUST 31, 1891. The Birmingham Daily Post
It is stated that the Everton have not done with Doyle, the late full-back, who after drawing maintenance money during the summer months, them signed for the Glasgow Celtic club. The Everton people have gave proof more than once that they are not be fritted with and Doyle may have cause for repentance.