REDS, BLUES AT CRICKET

July 22, 1952. The Evening Express

Radar's Log

Liverpool and Everton footballers will demonstrate their prowess on the cricket field, when they combine to meet Bootle C.C. in the annual fixture at Wadham-road, Bootle, during the last week in July. No definite date has yet been arranged for this pro-evenings fixture, but should be arrive in this country in time, there is a good chance that Hugh Herhards, Liverpool's new half-back from South Africa will make his Merseyside debut. The Liverpool-Everton team will be made up of six players from each club. The Everton names are not available yet, but Liverpool can call on talented crickers like Bill Jones, who could have become a professional with Derbyshire C.C had he not turned to football, Phil Taylor, Kevin Baron, Charlie Ashcroft and manger Don Welsh.

 

EVERTON REPORT

July 22, 1952. The Liverpool Echo

Ranger's Notes

“I am feeling very optimistic about the coming season” said Mr. Ernest Green F.C, chairman, when welcoming the club's 32 full time professionals back to Goodison Park today for the start of training. Recalling that on the only previous occasion he had been chairman 14 years ago, Everton had won the First Division championship, he said he wished “to keep up his average” and was hoping for another championship this winter. “Eleven good club men will always best eleven stars who are not all good club-men” continued Mr. Green. “The good team-man is one who always keeps fit, gives every ounce of his stamina and skill on the field, and above all, never grouses, even if out of both first and second teams. He waits for his chance, which is sure to come.” The spirit of a side on the field was an important point, added the chairmen. It was that which won matches and if Everton played next season like they did in the Senior Cup final against Liverpool they would be successful. The first team intended going after talent money. They were after the maximum amount which came the way of a championship side. He wished all the players a happy season and freedom from injuries.

Sagar Leads The Way

Mr. Cliff Britton (manager) added a few words of welcome, and then it was a case of down to business which started with a gentle “breaking in” run of four miles. Among the 32 full time professionals reporting today were goalkeeper Leyfield who, though he has not yet re-signed, is expected to do so within the next 24 hours. Eddie Wainwright told me he is feeling completely fit again, and Harry Potts who has been resting following his operation last April is now able to resume full normal training. Ted Sagar, starting his 24 th season with Everton was the first to “sign on” this morning. He has had that distinction for many seasons up to last year, when he was pipped on the post by Tommy Clinton. The only flew new full time professional compared with the end of the last season is Ken Rea, a 17-year old wing half and former Liverpool Schoolboy and County Youth player, but Ken Fletcher is now back in civilian life after doing his National Service and was among those reporting. A third Ken, in young Birch also turned up being on leave from the Forces. Apart from the 32 full time professionals, Everton have eight available part-timers and 11 other part-timers doing their National Service.

 

EVERTON'S AMBITION

July 28, 1952. The Liverpool Echo

Ranger's Notes

Manager Cliff Britton has made his aim and hopes in this direction clear on many occasions. The most recent was at Everton shareholders annual meeting when he outlined the difficulties of signing experienced players as well as the folly of taking unwarranted financial “gamble.” Everton intend to pursue their policy of glooming the best of their large list of amateur players for eventual first team duty with renewed vigour. During the past couple of seasons they have introduced many promising players to senior football. Amongt those whose names springs to mind are O'Neill, Clinton, Donovan, Rankin, Jones, McNamara, Gibson, Hickson, Lewis, Parker, Cummins and Hampson. Not all these achieved regular first team selection but many did, and on several occasions last season Everton turned out teams with seven or eight of their own fee-less products on view. I have frequently expressed the view that in due course Everton will not only weld together a side capable of taking them back-up to the First Division, but one which, once there, will keep them well up among the top flight. We shall have to walk and see, however, whether promotion is a likely possibility this season, I shall have opportunity to go into this aspect of their affairs more fully later.