EVERTON MERIT ONE, TOO
May 2, 1952, The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Liverpool 1
Attendance 44,420
The Liverpool County F.A should mint another Liverpool Senior Cup, so that Everton can have one too. They lost Meryn Jones goal in the 89th minute at Goodison Park, but goals and winning and losing were almost things of secondary importance here. The game had everything the good match should have and nothing to which one could take the slightest exception. Players came on to the field, traditionally, two by two they were still on speaking terms as they left to the wonderful ovation they all deserved. What made the result deeply ironical for Everton was that not until the 89th minute did O’Neill have a shot to save. Then Baron closed in the gloaming acrobatic the white ball at his feet and shot at the space to O’Neill’s right. The goalkeeper saved, but the ball spun from him and Stubbins shot. This one was crowded out early in its life and little Mervyn Jones from Bangor sized and sleazed his rebound chance in the same action. The ball was recentred and it was all over. Liverpool won more through Ashcroft’s magnificent goalkeeping including a penalty save from Lello than they did by the goal because had Ashcroft been less inspired Liverpool would have been beaten “out of sight.” Before the end.
“Penalty Handling.”
Heydon’s penalty handling occurred at 15 minutes but the Everton penalty king Clinton was sitting in the stands. Lello’s first shot was too straight to be effective against a player of such a size and reach as Ashcroft when the goalkeeper had turned the ball away Lello took over long to realize his second chance. He shot against the goalkeeper’s legs from the rebound. The followed a back breaking over the bar save by Ashcroft of Parker’s head a double rebound save with the ball literally on the line at one stage from a McNamara header, a wonderful save from Hickson, another clever flick of a McNamara centre a save with the ball spinning away from his hands from yet another shot by McNamara and finally McNamara’s header found Jones body and when as by design Ashcroft’s hands. For twenty minutes Liverpool seemed on top with Baron and Payne functioning extraordinarily well, but thereafter it was Everton in command with Liverpool never allowed to develop their attacks to the danger point. Looking back it is incredible that Ashcroft should remain unbeaten and O’Neill whose one menacing shot came in the eighty-ninth minute, should be on the losing side. But it happened.
Nothing But Praise
From me there will be nothing but praise for both sides. For their football, for their sportsmanship in a match admirably handled by W. H.E. Evans for their desire to do the right thing in this long awaited meeting of neighbours. If only we could see this sort of stuff weekly. Who would care about Divisions or points? Or complain that present day football is unattractive? In a match which calls for no individual credits, but praise for everyone, it is only necessary to give names in connection with dramatic incidents. Williams acrobatic clearance when he showed himself to be the man of India rubber; Lambert’s rescue of Jones when tackling the clean through Hickson; Stubbing crack-shot which surprised everyone as much as O’Neill when he heard it smack the post and sound along but not over the line to be sent to safely; Fielding’s post-hitting shot in the next phase of play; Fielding’s stream of astutely thought and beautifully judged passes; Ashcroft save upon save and the way he plucked that fast Parker centre out of the darkness as though he knew this was his night and this was the easiest thing a goalkeeper had to do. These were memories the moments in a game which could scarcely have been bettered in any count, though the Everton following will doubtless feel sore that their side should do so much for so little. I confess there was no obvious difference in class; indeed those Everton half-backs once they got their teeth in the game, compared more than favourably with Liverpool and the attacking was far more practical than the line led by Stubbins, though Smith added defensive worth to his attacking merit. The Jones-Hickson battle went mostly Jones way, but there were moments when Hickson slipped the handcuffs and then he was dangerous indeed. Both Lambert and Jones had one major tactical blunder to admit but at other times they were excellent. In the absence of both their full backs Everton brought back Moore and Rankin. Both distinguished themselves. Liverpool were without Paisley and Parr for whom Brierley and Brian Williams were most able deputies so on the score of strength it was fifty-fifty. There will be many more Liverpool v. Everton matches in the playing none will give greater satisfaction. A pity in a sense, it did not remain goalless so that both clubs could have shared the prize as their players share our gratitude for providing the perfect game in the perfect setting. O’Neill, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Lello, half-backs; McNamara, Fielding, Hickson, Parker, and Eglington, forwards. Liverpool; Ashcroft, goal; Williams, Lambert, backs; Heydon, Jones (WH), and Brierley, half-backs; Payne, Baron, Stubbins, Smith, Jones (M), forwards.

THRILL-PACKED FINAL
May 1, 1952. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Unlucky to Lose The Senior Cup By Last Minute Goal
Ranger’s Notes
Few of the 44,000 people who saw Everton unlucky beaten by an 89th minute goal in the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Goodison last night will disagree when I mark this game down as one of the most entertaining seen in the City all season. It had nearly everything that makes soccer most attractive. Plenty of good shooting (nearly all from Everton until the last 20 minutes), some miraculous saves (nearly all by Ashcroft), a lot of excellent combination, any amount of narrow escapes (mainly at the Liverpool end), and an abundance of thrills to keep the crowd on tenterhooks to the very last second. Many a game at both Goodison and Anfield has been so bereft of outstanding incidents that one has almost had to dig out the “nuggets” with pick and shovel. Last night’s game produced such abundance that I can give only a brief recital of the most outstanding. It is impossible to deal with them all. First and foremost were the many brilliant saves by Ashcroft, who was in international form in Liverpool’s goal. There were his double saves of Lello’s penalty and rebound effort, two amazing tips over the bar in quick succession, and several others of splendid merit. By comparison O’Neill had an easy time, with barely a “stinger” to trouble him all night. Charlie Ashcroft had been advised by manager Don Welsh only a few minutes before the start that the Liverpool board will apply to the League for permission to pay him a full benefit of £750. No wonder he felt on top of the world as he came off. Other incidents which will long remain in the memory were two shots in less than two minutes at either end which came back off a post with the goalkeeper beaten. The first was a Stubbins effort from 25 yards out and the other by Fielding.
The Highlights
Then there were two goal-line saves by Bill Jones and Rankin. Brian William’s acrobatic clearance with both feet off the ground and his body almost horizontal. Hickson’s harassing of Bill Jones, who had to pick himself up off the floor oftener than I have seen him do before in any one game. Mervyn Jones’s accurate corner kicks in the first half hour and his almost complete starvation afterwards and finally the deciding goal. The latter was ill-luck for Everton, for O’Neill had made a splendid save from Baron, and after from Stubbins off the rebound and then lost his footing as midget Mervyn Jones dashed up to aim the ball home from close range. All the 22 players did not cover themselves with glory by any means, but for an entertaining display in which the interest never flagged for a solitary moment, this game will long be remembered. It was also a remarkably clean exhibition in the best tradition of “Liverton” tussles well handled by Referee Bill Evans so far as technical offences were concerned, but causing him no bother otherwise. The penalty was a simple handling affair by Heydon, who succumbed to the temptation to palm the ball away when no particular danger threatened. Everton were the more forceful and virile lot in attack and but for Ashcroft there would have been no doubt about the outcome long before the 89th minute. Everton would have had it well won by half-time. Referee Evans told me afterwards that this was one of the fastest and finest games he has ever handled, and one of the cleanest. “The sportsmanship of both sets of players was marvelous” he said Thanks for the memory.
Minor Cup Final
Tomorrow (Friday) at Goodison Park (7 O’clock) the final of the Liverpool Minor Cup brings together two very grand young sides in Everton and Longview Rovers. They have met several times this season and usually the result has been very close. Everton are the present holders of the trophy but will have to fight hard to retain it.

EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
May 3, 1952. The Liverpool Football Echo
Everton Res;- Dunlop, goal; Moore and Rankin, backs; Grant, Woods, and Melville, half-backs; Harris, Lewis, Cronin, T. Cummins, and Kearsley, forwards. Burnley Res; McNulty, goal; Woodruff and Goodman, backs; Corr, Binns, and Mather, half-backs; Stephenson, Hapgood, Chew, Shannon, and Pilkington, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.J. Silvester (Wolverhampton). The visitors were now doing all the attacking and only for Dunlop’s fine keeping would certainly have scored on at least four occasions, Half-time; Everton Reserves 1, Burnley Reserves nil. Everton who are now sure of being runners-up completed their fixtures at Goodison Park today with Croinin, the “A” team player leading their attack. Everton were early aggressive and Kearsley when well positioned shot over the bar. The home goal had a lucky escape when Leslie Shannon drove in a beauty which hit the foot of the post. At the 30th minute Everton took the lead through Lewis after Harris had paved the way.

EVERTON HOPES
May 3, 1952. The Liverpool Football Echo
By Rangers
Everton’s season has been one of contrasting periods. A bad start was retrieved to such an extent that there was one brief period when the Blues just entered on the fringe of promotion hopes. It was so lender that it was hardly ever there in a practical sense, but at least it was a pleasant change to the earlier anxieties. Their final position is encouraging, and next season, if they can get off to a better beginning they should make a close fight of it. Without entering into discussion regarding individuals or positions it has been apparent to most Everton supporters that the side, though vastly improved in the second half of the season is still lacking in some positions just that little extra touch of class, forcefulness and experiences which would have made so much difference. Apart from those occasional off days which come to all sides, the defence has acquitted itself well particularly since O’Neill and Clinton were recalled and Cyril Lello, at long last, got over his troublesome knee injury and regained his old form. The attack has been rather in-and-out, the bigger weakness being the failure to take full toll from the chance so often carved out by artistic approach work. On some occasions the shooting has been strong and accurate but the days of remissness have outnumbered them.

FINISHED ON A WINNING NOTE
May 5, 1952. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Res 1, Burnley Res 0
Everton wound up their Central League programme at Goodison Park on Saturday with a narrow win through a solitary goal scored be Lewis in the thirteenth minute. It was a typical end-of-the-season game with both sets of forwards missing many chances. Dunlop in the home goal gave a good display as also did McNulty in the Burnley goal both of whom made many fine saves. Moore the Everton right back gave a glimpse of his old form in breaking up many dangerous attacks. Shannon the former Liverpool player, was a hard worker in the Burnley forward line.
• Liverpool Colts 1, Everton Colts 1, LBA Challenge Match

EVERTON “WARFARE”
May 5, 1952. The Liverpool Echo
Another Contested Election For Seats on the Goodison Board
Simultaneously with the lowering of the curtain on another soccer season, the first shots have been fired this week-end in what promises to be a long and bitter struggle for places on the Everton board. The difference between the domestic affairs of our two city clubs has been most marked for many years. While Liverpool pursue their way placidly –there has been only one contested election, and that a very lukewarm affair, in the last 17 years – Everton’s annual meetings have been preceded by much acrimonious discussion and intensive canvassing. Even the war years were not exempt. Returning from Wembley I found three circulars awaiting me from Messrs W.H. Sawyer, R.A. Joynson, and R.E. Scarle, who are to oppose the retiring directors Messrs E. Green (chairman), Dr. Baxter, and Jack Sharp. Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Joynson are respectively president and vice president of the recently formed Everton shareholders and Supporters Federation, which is also supporting Mr. Searle a former director who is described on a folder issued by the Federation at an independent candidate. Mr. W.H. Sawyer is the son of the late Mr. Bill Sawyer, a former Everton director and later manager of New Brighton. In his appeal for support he says, as do the other two candidates that his aim is to see Everton back in the First Division and adds; “A revival can be achieved by the adoption of a progressive policy and the united goodwill of shareholders supporters, players and directors.” He advocates full directorial control, and deprecates the practice of co-option to the board maintaining that it is the democratic right of shareholders to decide who shall govern the club.
“Not Strong Enough.”
Mr. R.A Joynson, for 17 years honary Secretary of South Liverpool, bases his appeal for support on much the same lines as his Federation colleagues, but adds that he is “not satisfied that the present playing strength is good enough to win promotion. Mr. Searle outlines his reasons for taking up the attitude he did when he was defeated at last year’s annual meeting, and quotes the subsequent letter of resignation of Mr. Harold Williams as conformation of his stand. The “trust to luck” policy stills appears to be the rule,” says Mr. Searle. To reinforce the candidature of these three directorial aspirants the Everton Shareholders’ and Supporters Federation is issuing a periodical bulletin, and has arranged a dance and social gathering for May 13 and a meeting in the Walton area for May 21. The issue for places on the Everton board this summer promises to be more keen than any of recent years for the old Shareholders Association and the existing directors are not letting the grass grow beneath their feet. The fight is on with a vengeance.

EVERTON ELECTION
May 7, 1952. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton announce an additional nomination for their board, making seven candidates now for three vacancies. The new name is that of Mr. John Taylor, of Caithness Drive, Great Crosby, who is chairman of the original Everton shareholders Association. The retiring directors and Messrs E. Green (Chairman) Dr. Baxter and J.C. Sharp, who seek re-election and opposing them are Messrs W.H. Sawyer, R.A. Joynson and R.E. Searle who are being supported by the newly –formed Everton Shareholders and Supporters Federation. The date of the annual meeting has not yet announced, but is expected to be towards the end of next month.

EVERTON F.C. ELECTION
May 10, 1952. The Liverpool Echo
Board’s Circular to Shareholders
Signed by eight of the nine directors of Everton F.C –Mr. W.C. Gibbins is the only one whose name does not appear –the following circular letter has today been received by Everton shareholders in relation to the forthcoming election for seats on the board. “The retiring directors this year are Mr. E. Green (chairman), Dr. C.S. Baxter, and Mr. J.C. Sharp who, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. It is felt unnecessary to eulogies the service freely given to the club, over many years, by each of these gentlemen. “In conjunction with their colleagues they have not hesitated to adopt and operate a policy which in the near future will restore to the Everton club all its past glories without recourse to the necessity of paying inflated transfer fees, indeed, it cannot be denied that the success of the present policy is now becoming apparent as is evident by the outstanding promise and performance of many young players on our books. “There are some who would advocate paying large sums to acquire new players but the board is resolute in its determination not to be stampeded into following this course, even if were financially possible. Whilst success on the field must always be the primary object and endeavour of both the directorate and management, the future sound financial structure of the Everton club is also a matter of importance requiring the constant and earnest consideration of the board.
“A Grave Mistake.”
“Your directors firmly believe that vast expenditure in return for problematical results would be a grave mistake in policy at the present time, bearing in mind that irresponsible or unfortunate ventures into the transfer market could cause serious financial difficulties even in the affairs of the Everton club. “In the existing national economic crisis it is incumbent on your directors to exercise the utmost caution in all matters of finance, especially in view of the Treasury edict to all banks that overdrafts must be reduced and that under no circumstances can overdrafts be granted for the purpose of buying players, regardless of the guarantees available as collateral security. “In consequence of the foregoing factors it will be appreciated that there devolves on every shareholder of this club a duty to support by their votes those who as a result of their experience, are fully quipped and able to handle the affairs of the club in a manner that will safeguard its future stability and progress.
Seven Candidates
In addition to three retiring directors who seek re-election nominations have been received on behalf of Mr. J. Taylor, chairman of the original Shareholders’ Association and Messrs W. Sawyer, R. A. Joynson and R.E. Searle (a former director. The last-named three nominees are being supported by the recently formed Shareholders and Supporters Federation.

EVERTON F.C. ELECTION
May 14, 1952. The Liverpool Daily Post
Mr. J. Taylor (chairman of Everton F.C Shareholders’ Association) asks the Daily Post to state that although he has been nominated as a candidate he is supporting the re-election of the retiring directors –Messrs Green, Baxter and Sharp –and that in due time he will withdraw his candidature. Mr. Taylor adds that meantime the shareholders Association Executive Committee strongly recommend all shareholders to support the retiring directors. The association will exert all their influence to ensure their return to the board with a substantial majority. Proxy cards signed in favour of Mr. E. Green (Chairman Everton F.C.) will give assurance of support for Messrs Green, Baxter and Sharp.

IRELAND CAP FOR O’NEILL
May 17, 1952. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s young goalkeeper, O’Neill joins the ranks of players capped for their country for he has been selected to play for Ireland against Spain, at Madrid, on June 1. He is the only newcomer. Two other Everton players Farrell and Eglington are also in the team, while the fourth, full back Clinton, is chosen as reserve.

EVERTON F.C.’S PROFIT
May 30, 1952. The Liverpool Echo
Gross Surplus of £8,655 On Last Season’s Goodison Park Accounts
Ranger’s Notes
Everton F.C., made a gross profit on last season’s working of £8,655, compared with a loss of £9,967 the previous year, while their aggregate gross gate receipts were £4,000 up to the proceedings’ twelve months. The balance now standing to the credit of the profit and loss account to be carried forward to the coming season, is £28,493 compared with £21,115 a year ago. Among the current liabilities, however, there is an item of £17,455 due to the bank, secured by a charge on certain of the property owned by the club. On the income side of the accounts the gross gate receipts total £88,363 (against £94,398 the previous year). Gate division to visitors absorbed £12,554 (against £9,072) League percentage £5,694 (against £3,505) and entertainments tax £8,000 (against £7,370). This leaves a net gate income of £72,104 (against £74,449). There is also an increase of £1,000 in income from sub-lets programme, &tc, and an item of £4,000 for out-going players transfer fees.
Expenditure Items
On the Expenditure side of the balance sheet the main items, with those for the previous year in parenthesis were;- players wages and benefits £25,424 (£30,826). Match expenses, including travelling and gate expenses £17,344 (£15,594). Training expenses and wages £3,945 (£3,130). Rents, rates, taxes and office expenses, £11,467 (£11,529). There is nothing in the outgoing items for transfer fees, compared with an expenditure of £12,635 the previous season. Depreciation written off stands &tc, amounts to £1,418 (£1,586). Payment of dividend to shareholders at the maximum 7 ½ per cent, permitted by the League takes only £76 (£80). Provision for taxation on current profits absorbs £3,610, leaving a balance to be carried forward in the profits and loss account of £28,493 (£21,115). Provision for deferred repairs is made to the extent of £13,113, and provision for future taxation £3,610.
Property and Assets
The fixed assets of the club, including freehold land and properly and an expenditure of £6,000 incurred last season total £53,814. Stands , boarding’s and erections at Goodison Park, after depreciation has been written off over the years, now figure in the balance sheet at the extreme low total of £11,956. Additional items of assets including amplifying equipment and sundry debtors, bring the combined book value of the club’s property and assets of £70,936. The annual meeting of shareholders is fixed for Thursday, June 26, at 7-30 p.m. at the Law Association Rooms, Cook Street. The retiring directors are Messrs E. Green (chairman) C.S. Baxter and J.C. Sharp who offer themselves for re-election. Nominations have been received on behalf of Messrs R.A. Joynson, W.H. Sawyer and ex-director R.E. Searle who are being supported by the recently formed Shareholders and Supporters’ Federation and also on behalf of Mr. J. Taylor, an official of the original Shareholders’ Association.