Everton Independent Research Data
THE EVERTON OF TODAY
May 2, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Sir –Everton’s virtual collapse in recent weeks may prove a blessing in disguise if it leads in the realization that the side as a present constituted is in no sense a championship team, it is in fact (as sound judges have known for a long time) nothing more than a useful side and does not bear comparison with the great Everton teams in pre-war years. Enthusiastic supporters have been rather misled by the winning of promotion (by the skin of their teeth) last season and some excellent away wins this season notably at Chelsea, Burnley and Wolverhampton. “Unhappily the team suffers from the absence of players of distinction and English international class. Team work is excellent but it is not enough when opposed to team work plus players of international standard and experience. The lack of such players that led to the several heavy defeats 0-4 has starting with the cup-tie become rather too familiar a result. These defeats while rather suggesting breakdown in the defensive system are probably more due to absence of international players capable of controlling and rallying the side in time of stress. “It is significant that since the war, the Selection Committee have ignored Goodison Park when picking the sides to represented not only England but Young England too. The development of home-made talent has so far not proved a success. It is true that the nonpayment of transfer fees has helped to produce profitable balance-sheets but after all, the Everton club was not formed to make large profits or pay high dividends but to provide football of the highest class for the Liverpool public. Wheeler, Tranmere Rovers now with Bolton Wanderers and Bunstone (Crewe now with Chelsea) are examples of the real talent in the Liverpool area, and it seems a pity that these fine players were allowed to go elsewhere at moderate transfer fees. Everton undoubtedly justified in their attitude to fantastic fees but it is quite another question when fees involved are not excessive. The problem is to strengthen the side in time for next season’s campaign. The three main requirements seen to be;-
1. A first class left back of character and experience
2. An outside right of the Chedgzoy or Jack Sharp class
3. A centre forward who would recall the cultured football of masters like Southworth, Young, Dean, or Lawton (Busting centres may succeed in Second Division football but are out of their class in higher ciricles).
EVERTON FINISH WITH A FLOURISH
May 2, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Res 4, Chesterfield Res 0
Everton wound up their Central league programme at Goodison Park on Saturday with a handsome win over Chesterfield. J. Parkes the nineteen-years-old amateur made an auspicious debut while Saunders and Keeley were Everton’s best forwards. Burn in goal for the visitors, saved his side from a heavier defeat. Saunders (2), Canavan and Thomas scored for Everton.
O’NEILL EXCELS
May 2, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
The Sunderland football spectators have been patiently waiting to see some of those cannon-ball shots for which Fleming was renowned when he was in Scotland but they had to wait for the last match of the season before the Sunderland inside right proved that he was entitled to the mom-de-plume. He scored only one goal but had not Jimmy O’Neill been at his brightest and best Fleming’s name would have appeared in the score sheet a few more times. I have seen the Irish goalkeeper make some wonder saves since he came to Goodison Park, but two he made from Fleming will never be bettered by any goalkeeper in the land. It is not a habit of mine to bolster up a side unless it has done something to warrant it, but I have to confess that Everton’s football in the first half was academic. Even the two former Everton players now with Sunderland, Jackie Jones and Jack Hedley had to agree with me. But there was greater praise for the Blues from Hughie Gallacher, one of the cleverest centre-forwards who ever donned a jersey. What tickled his fancy most was Wainwright’s cheeky back-heeler which nearly beat the Sunderland goalkeeper.
“Shack” Missed
Sunderland missed the ball playing Shackleton, with his tricks and pin-point passes, for there was not a lot of subtedly about the Roker men’s play. It was straightforward football in the second half which won them the points which up to half-time appeared to be booked for Everton for they were by far the superior force in the matter of football artistry. On top of that goalkeeper Fraser was a lucky man to see an Eglington shot smash up against his legs when he knew little or nothing about it, and when he edged another shot by the Irishman away for a corner there was an element of luck about it, for the ball seemed to strike his shoulder which helped divert it round the post. I think that was the turning point of the game although Hickson, Lewis and Wainwright had other chances but none worse than the one Purdon missed when he was clean through. If anything the Everton attack was inclined to overdo things at times instead of striking at goal more often. They looked so good in the first half hour hat they made Sunderland look very ordinary and Chrisholms goal was all against the run of the play. This sort of thing often happens, but even then I could visualize an Everton victory of they carried on as they left off with the addition of more shooting. But don’t forget Sunderland were playing for talent money –a win means an additional £20 in their wage packet –a big incentive at a time when most teams are content to let the season peter out. They became more aggressive and with Everton consequently losing some of their preinterval rhythm they were sound winners in the end. With the conditions prevailing bone hard and dusty ground and a wind full of “pockets” what might otherwise have been a classic ended up in just another game. I wondered why the Sunderland club did not water the ground, for I am sure they would have benefit just as Everton would and the smallest crowd of the season would have seen a much better game.
EVERTON’S LAST GAME
May 3, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Victory Over Villa Would Enable Them to Finish in 8th Position
Ranger’s Notes
Everton wind up the season’s programme tomorrow evening with a visit from Aston Villa and though nothing of importance rides on the result, there is likely to be a good crowd at Goodison to ring the curtain down. Although this season will see a new aggregate attendance record established at Goodison it is unlikely as once seemed possible that the total of paying customers attending the 22 home League games will exceed the million mark. So far the official aggregate of paying patrons at Goodison for 21 matches is 955,778, so that a gate of close on 47,000 would be needed tomorrow to pass the six figure mark, and that is extremely unlikely. Aston Villa have been a side of strange contrasts this season. At times they have played like champions, such as when they defeated Wolves, Chelsea and other leading sides. On other occasions they have disappointed even their most loyal fans. That is football however, it’s fluctuations of form are never predictable.
Some Queer Lapses
Among the Villa queer lapses this season have been some heavy defeats by lowly sides. Leicester City, for instance took four points from then, scoring nine goals to four in the process. Sheffield Wednesday defeated then 6-3 at Hillsborough and Charlton 6- at the Valley. In spite of these occasional shocks however, the Midland club will finish the season in a much more respectable position that at once seemed likely, thanks to their much improved performances over the past couple of months. They have taken 21 points for the last 28 at stake, which is a good enough average to give any team the championship if they can maintain it throughout the season. Villa, however made a very ordinary start, and at the half-way stage were fourth from bottom. Taking that into account they have done extremely well to climb to their present position of seventh which would be improved to sixth if they win tomorrow as they would then jump a place over Manchester City. A victory to Everton would give the Blues an even greater lift for Newcastle, Arsenal and Burnley have all completed their fixtures are only a point better off than the Goodison club at the moment. Should Everton win as they can if they reproduce something like their earlier form and don’t waste so many scoring opportunities they would finish the season in eight position which all things considered would be extremely satisfactory. Everton make one change from Saturday’s game at Sunderland, Fielding resuming at inside-left in place of Lewis, Parker is still unfit. Everton; O’Neill; Moore, Donovan; Farrell, Jones, Lello; McNamara, Wainwright, Hickson, Fielding, Eglington. Aston Villa;- Jones; Lynn, Sldis; Crowe, Martin, Moss (A), Roberts (KO), Thompson, Dixon, Folan, Lockhart.
Everton’s Tour
The following players will comprise the Everton party for their tour of Denmark, Germany, and Holland;-
O’Neill; Moore, Donovan, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Lello, Grant; McNamara, Wainwright, Fielding, Hickson, Parker, Eglington, Potts and Lewis.
EVERTON’S RETAINED
May 4, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton are retaining all their players for next season with the exception of two of the lesser known youngsters, Eric Rabone, and Gerry Tansey, who have been given free transfers. Rabone has had eleven outings this winter at outside left in the Central League side. Tansy who is a brother of Jimmy Tansey has not yet been in the reserve side. Already all the first team men have re-signed for another year and the process of completing contacts with the other professionals is being continued today and tomorrow. Assuming everybody’s accepts the terms as anticipated this means that Everton will have a professional staff of 49 next season, made up of 32 full-time players, four part-timers, and 13 who are still in the Forces. The full retained list reads;-
Full-Time;- Birch, Buckle, Clayton, Donovan, Eglington, Farrell, Fielding, Grant, Hickson, Harris (J), Jones (B), Jones (TE), Keeley, Leeder, Lello, Lewis, Leyland, Lindsay, Meagan, Melville, Moore, Molyneux, McNamara, O’Neill, Parker, Potts, Rankin, Saunders, Sutherland, Tansey (J), Wainwright, Woods.
Part-Timers;- Harris (AE), Harris (B), Hillsdon, Tomlinson.
In The Forces;- Caldwell, Capper, Dunlop, Farrell, Fitzsimmons, Forshaw, Heyes, Kirby, Mayers, Rea, Thomas, Vizard, Williams.
SIGNS OF THE VILLA OF OLD
May 5, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Aston Villa 1 (attendance 20,403)
By Leslie Edwards
Everton’s final performance this season was enlivened by the excellence of Villa’s work in all departments. They took first use of a gale of wind which swirled the ball severely (on a ground which had yielding going only at its green corners) and thoroughly deserved the points. Some of their combined operations which started at defence and finished many passes later in well-constricted attack, were of Continental merit. And the difficult conditions called for expert ball control at every stage. The goal –these might well have been half a dozen others all told –came after twenty-five minutes. McNamara conceded a free kick near the touch line for an offence which was not obvious. Aldis’s free kick was headed across to Thompson who was standing, with his back to goal but he flicked the ball overhead brilliantly and if found the net at the furthest point from O’Neill. Dixon skimmed the bat having burst through the Everton defence and Eglington with a centre which deceived Jones in the Villa goal, also touched wood” in the wrong sense. In a first half in which Villa were nearly always in command once they scored, Everton’s chances were scarce and what few there were, were badly used.
Goal Line Help
Twice in the second half O’Neill was saved by the goal line help of others. First Donovan kneed the ball away when Southern’s corner kick flew straight to the waiting head of Lockhart on the other wing. On the second occasion Thompson had won a clinch for the ball against O’Neill near the edge of the penalty area and only Moores covering on the line prevented Thompson from scoring. Everton did not satisfy their following in a match which began as though it would be no better or worse than any 2nd game of the season and developed onto a spirited entertaining match in which most of the football arts came from Villa. This Villa side appears to be the best the club have had for years. The only small man in defence is goalkeeper Jones. With the ball bouncing and doing tricks tall men like Amos Moss and Con Martin were at an advantage. They made good use of it. Perhaps the best Villa defender was Lynn who soon came far upfield to deliver two fine shots, first from right foot, then from left to demonstrate how he gets on the scoring list so often. Hickson had no sort of innings against this defence and did best with centres when he veered to the wing McNamara after a fine beginning caught the Everton vogue for shaking the fatal move too many. Fielding tried hard when things were going badly to get the line moving but with no success Villa’s defence was undeniable.
His Best Save
Jones made the best save when he careered from one side of the goal to the other to turn for a corner a looping shot by Fielding. Considering Villa’s superiority O’Neill was rarely in the picture yet there is no denying that he might well have been beaten on two other occasions. Lello, strong on the ball and always the man willing to take extra work, was Everton’s best half-back. Jones did well in the air against Dixon but the Villa line with both wingers dangerous was so well-knit Everton found the greatest difficulty in breaking their chains of passing. Villa were as confident and cheeky as Arsenal in their great day. Everton’s final fling –I am thinking more of the last tour weeks than last night –has been disappointing. The side needs strengthening. The players to do it do not appear up be on present Everton staff.
TRANMERE ROVERS NOW IN TWO FINALS
May 6, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Tranmere Rovers 2, Everton Reserves 0
By their well merited victory over Everton’s Central League side at Prenton Park last evening Tranmere Rovers qualified for their second final of the season. They are already in the last stage of the Cheshire Bowl and this win enables them to meet Southport in the Liverpool Senior Cup final at Haig Avenue on May 11. There can be no denying that Tranmere were worth victory. What is more gained it by revealing better football and did not rely on kick-and-rush tactics Everton tried hard and were sound defensively but their forwards were prone to make one pass too many when a shot was needed and their methods of lateral progression played into the hands of the quick-tackling home side. even though Jones was injured early in the second half and had to move to the wing, Tranmere rarely looked in danger of losing the lead given them by Fleming after twenty-seven minutes and Jones did well in his new position added the second goal after sixty-seven minutes Fleming was a trifle lucky with his effort which dipped in under the bar at the last second, but Jones scored with a splendid shot after a fifty-yard move had spilt the Everton defence. He also came close with a diving header which Sutherland headed off the line with Harris beaten. Birch was far and away Everton’s outstanding performer. Woods was a solid pivot and Saunders with little support was a lively leader. For Tranmere William at right half was in excellent form and the hard working Fleming was the outstanding forward.
EVERTON DID BETTER THAN EXPECTED
May 7, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Review
Everton did far better for a time than some pessimistic folk through possible at this time last year but they have slipped badly during the past two months. At one time they looked to have a reasonable chance of pulling off the championship which was something I never thought would come within the realm of practicability. Curiously enough those who were doubtful of Everton’s ability to hold their own in the higher sphere were most concerned about the defence. As things have turned out this has been the most reliable department of the team. The attack has been the least satisfactory and latterly most disappointing. The comparative freedom from serious injuries enjoyed by the rearguard has helped towards the understanding and confidence which it has developed. Another reason has been the steady improvement by Moore and Jones both of whom now rank among the top flight in their positions. Farrell and Lello too have worn amazingly well considering that they are now getting towards the veteran stage, Lello’s recovery from the serious knee injury which threatened to end his career three seasons back has been excellent. Everton’s total of goals on the credit side is one of the lowest in the First Division. For various reasons many chances worked out by good approach football have been thrown away. It is difficult to pin-point the reason. Perhaps it was over-anxiety. Whatever the cause, however the fact remains that many more goals should have been scored on the basic of the team’s frequent territorial superiority.
Forward Failings
Hickson has enjoyed comparatively little success. With only the odd exception he forsook his old rampageous and sometimes deplorable tactics and obviously tried to play football in keeping with the club’s tradition. He did reasonably well, however and with a little more steadiness would have considerably increased his goals tally. Some folk strongly maintain it is a centre forward’s main job to score goals and that if he does not do so he is not doing it properly. That is a matter of opinion but it should be borne in mind that Hickson is not the only forward whose “bag” has not been as high as last winter. Parker has not been on the target often, though he still remains the leading marksman. The small section of followers who could at one time see little eight with McNamara have left him alone this term, with the result that he now has more confidence in his ability. With further experience and a little more spirit McNamara might yet become a satisfactory winger. He has all the physical advantage on his side but he has a good way to go yet. Fielding and Eglington the two oldest members of the line, keep going strongly. Eglington can still show a wonderful turn of speed, and that the beating of most full backs while Fielding continued to be the main scheme and provider. It has also been noticeable that Wally has shown more willingness to shoot this term. On a number of occasions he has been the side’s most persistent marksman, but he has not always had the best of luck. On the subject of Everton’s younger men, Saunders, Tansey, and the two Harrises all had senior outings during the campaign and shaped quite promisingly, though further opportunities still would have stood them in good stead in the future. Indeed I would have liked to see more younger professionals given first team experience with an eye to building for the future. There are however, limits to this, and one reader who wrote me recently suggesting half a dozen names for “experimental purposes should remember that there is a Football League rule that clubs must always play their strongest team. In spite of this, however, and remembering how much we have been told of Everton’s plans for producing their own talent and not paying into the market, one would have thought that recent games could have been utilized more than they have in this direction. On the evidence of the last two months Everton have some forward problems ahead of them next season.
A TOUR OF DENMARK
May 7, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
By Peter Farrell
By the time you read this the Everton party will be on their way to Denmark to start our close season tour. With pleasant memories of our last tour still fresh in our minds the lads are looking forward to our return visit to Copenhagen where we hope to meet and renew our friendship with acquaintances made last summer. Most folk envy football going on tour and generally regard it as one long holiday for the lads sightseeing and themselves. To some extent I suppose this is true, as there are very few jobs nowadays where the employee are taken in such luxury tip different countries at the expense of their employers as in football. However, tours on the Continent by footballers have a very serious side as well. We realize that we are ambassadors and that our opponents and spectators are watching our behavior both on or off the field, and very often the prestige of a country is either enhance or degraded by the conduct of its sportsmen abroad. With this in mind all clubs apart from fulfilling their various fixtures spread quite a lot of time training and practicing while on tour in order to be in the best possible condition for the games. I hope you won” get the wrong impression and think that tours are all hard graft. No indeed, all of us look forward to them as part from the football angle there is always the educational interest in visiting strange places and meeting foreigners. We are lucky at Everton also as I can honestly say that all the lads are good “mixers” which is a very important factor if a tour is going to be a success from a social point of view as well as from a playing one.
Waiting Game
The four Evertonians who played against Holland at Dublin had quite an experience before reaching our destination last week-end. We hurried from Roker Park to Newcastle Airport, where a charted plane was to convey us to Dublin. After about an hour’s wait, we were informed that the plane had developed slight engine trouble at Manchester and would be unable to convey us. About 6 o’clock we were told that another plane was coming from Birmingham for us. We had visions of spending the night in Newcastle when at last the plane arrived and we finally took off at 10 o’clock. It was a beautiful night for flying which was just as well as the plane was a very small six-seater in which I would not like to have travelled in bad weather. We arrived at Dublin Airport about half-past twelve and home to bed for a good sleep before the international. The Cup Final today winds up yet another soccer season. From an Everton viewpoint it was a season which opened in great style but finished very disappointingly. Although there was nothing at stake last Wednesday night in our game against Aston Villa, we were very anxious to get the points as a win would have meant the Blues finishing in eight position in their first season back in the First Division. However we suffered yet another tantalizing defeat after having a greater territorial advantage particularly in the second half, than the Villa. The biggest disappointment to all of us this season has been the number of games in which we have held the upper hand and yet lost through not accepting our chances or through conceding goals which should not have been. I hope we can recapture some of our early season form while on tour and get back on a winning vein, although I should imagine all the games will be hard ones. Then following a couple of months rest we should be eagerly looking forward in next season, which I hope will be a happier one for all of us.
In conclusion I would like to thank those loyal Evertonians for a grand support they have given us all throughout the seasons both at Goodison and at away games. Here’s hoping you all have a very happy close season.
EVERTON BEATEN
May 9, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Aarhus, Denmark, Sunday;- Everton were beaten 5-1 by a picked Jutland team here today in a match at the Aarhus Stadium. Half-time score was 2-0. Everton’s goal was scored by outside right McNamara two minutes before time. –Association Press.
EVERTON BOARD
May 9, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Although four nominations have been received for the vacancy on the Everton board caused by the death of Dr. C. Baxter only one name is expected to go forward for election that of Mr. Colin Askham. The other nominees are Messrs A. Joynson, the former honorary secretary of South Liverpool, J. Taylor, of the Shareholders Association and W. Sawyer of the Supporters Federation. I understand that these three in order to avoid a contest will withdraw their names in due course so that Mr. Askham will be automatically elected at the annual meeting. In addition to the one vacancy Messrs Ernest Green and Jack Sharp two existing directors come up for re-election and will also be automatically returned. Mr. Askham who is well known in Merseyside and national business circles has been a keen Everton supporter for over 30 years. His sound knowledge of the game and business capabilities should be of considerable service to that club.
EVERTON DEFEATED
May 9, 1955 The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s recent run of non-success was carried a stage further at Aarhus (Denmark) yesterday when they were defeated 5-1 by a representative Jutland team. The Blues hopes of repeating last year’s unbeaten record on tour has thus gone west at the first hurdle. Their consolation goal was scored by McNamara in the last few minutes.
EVERTON RECEIPTS
May 12 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton F.C playing in League 1 last season after promotion gained record gate receipts taking £104,206 from League matches alone. Yet the profit at £14,982 showed a drop of nearly £7,000 because receipts from transfers were lower. Ted Buckle the Everton winger has refusal terms offered to him for next season and has been placed on the transfer list.
EVERTON C TAKE W.CHESHIRE CUP
May 12, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton “C” 3, Liverpool “C” 2
Everton “C” beat Liverpool “C” 3-2 in a thrilling final in the West Cheshire League Benevolent Cup at Hoylake last night. Everton had most of the play and held a two goal interval lad but Liverpool hit back to net twice despite playing a man short for most of the second half. Harris with a thirty-yard drive and Thomas (2) score for Everton, Melia and Phillips replied.
EVERTON VACANCY
May 12, 1955. The Liverpool, Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Mr. G.G. Thompson, former secretary of Everton Supporters Federation, referring to the paragraph here on Monday stating the Mr. W. H. Sawyer of the Supporters Federation had been nominated for the Everton Board;- writes;-
“Are your readers to suppose that Mr. Sawyer was nominated by the Supporters Federation with the support of the Council. Whilst my personal opinion is that the Everton shareholders finding a more suitable candidate than Mr. Sawyer my experience is that it is against the feelings of the majority of Federation members to interfere in the domestic affairs of the Everton club. “The Federation has lived up to the motto. To help not hinder and I cannot see the council departing from that policy. If your statement simply meant that Mr. Sawyer’s candidature was purely a private and personnel matter I suggest in all fairness to the council of the Federation that this should be made clear. Mr. Thompson is right in the assumption to the last paragraph. Mr. Sawyer was not nominated by the Supporters Federation but by the shareholders who know his capabilities and his 35 years as a supporter and shareholder. As indicated on Monday however, Mr. Sawyer intends to withdraw his candidature later as also do two other nominees so that Mr. Colin Askham another staunch Evertonian will be return unopposed. Many Everton annual meetings have been the subject of bitter electioneering’s. It is pleasing that the recent trend towards peace is maintained. While that alone is something to be thankful for I am sure also that the addition of Mr. Askham to the board will be good for Everton which is the main thing. I have known him for many years as a man unusually modest and averse to publicity, but one whose progressive outlook and business acumen should be of much benefit to the club.
EVERTON DRAW
May 16, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton drew 1-1 with Schweinfurt F.C after a goalless first half, at Schweinfurt, West Germany, yesterday.
EVERTON BEATEN
May 23, 1955. The Liverpool Daily Post
Cologne, Sunday. The football club of Cologne beat Everton 1-0 here today. Centre forward Brever scored the only goal in the sixty-sixth minute.
AN EVERTON VICTORY
May 25, 1955, The Liverpool Daily Post
Gelleen Holland, Tuesday;- Everton beat Fortune F.C 2-1 before 30,000 spectators here tonight. Half-time score was 1-1, Everton’s goals were scored by Parker who was playing centre forward –Associated.
EVERTON’S VICTORY
May 25, 1955 The Liverpool Echo
Everton won the last game of their Contintial tour when they defeated Fortune a Dutch team 2-1 last Evening. The players are back in Liverpool tomorrow evening.
EVERTON PROFITS £14,982
May 30, 1955. The Liverpool Echo
Gate Receipts and Season Ticket Income A Club Record
Ranger’s Notes
On a gross gate income for last season of £150,639 which is a record for the club. Everton’s balance sheet discloses a profit on the year’s working of £14,982. Although this is £6,382 less than the previous winter the difference is due to the non receipts last season of any transfer fees of note. Only £550 appeared under the heading whereas the previous year the £12,000 received from Luton Town for George Cummins came into the reckoning. This is the fourth time in post-war seasons that the club has made a substantial profit in 1945-46 there was one of £21,537, two years later it had jumped to £25,780 and last season was £21,374. The following are the main items of income with the corresponding figure for the previous seasons given in parentese;-
Gross gate receipts from League games £104,206 (£100.67 receipts from Cup ties, £25,000 (£20,510) percentage from away matches £8,844 (£7,587) sales of season tickets £13,690 (£8,244); transfer fees received £550 (£12,550); sub lets and programmes £1,715 (£1,985).
Match Expenses Up
On the expenditure side the following are the main entires players wages, and bonuses £25,628 (£24,742) (benefits) £3,500 (£7,325) gate divisions to visitors £13,983 (£12,750) percentages to League, £8,997 (£7,543) F.A and visitors share of Cup gates £6,310 (£4,745) travel and match expenses £14,954 (£10,595). Ground and maintences expenses absorbed £8,300 (£6,945) training expenses £6,136 (£4,178) gate expenses £4,466 (£3,732) advertising printing &tc, £1,656 (£1,136) rates and waters £3,950 (£3,955) and then the biggest item of all entertainment tax which took no less than £26,398 (£25,318). Office expenses were £6,198 (£5,551). Last years balance of £43,123 was brought forward in the profit and loss account. After adding the current profit and income from properties and allowing £5,000 for taxation there is a credit balance of £52,568 carried forward to next season. Dividends to shareholders at the full permitted 7 ½ per cent take only the insignificant sum of £83.
Club’s Asset
The club’s asset of freehold land and property stand in the balance sheet at £56,739 and stands at Goodison Park at the low book value after depreciation of £8,715 –which would not be sufficient to paint them at today’s prices.
The annual meeting of shareholders is at Central Hall on Friday June 24 (7p.m.) when there will be one vacancy to fill on the Board apart from the two retiring directors Messrs Green and Sharp who offer themselves for re-election. For the vacancy nominations as previously announced have been received on behalf of Messrs Colin Askham, R.A. Joynson and W.H. Sawyer and J. Taylor. It is unlikely however, that there will be a contested election. The three last named gentleman are expected to with draw their names in order that Mr. Askham may go forward unopposed.
May 1955