Everton Independent Research Data
TRANMERE DRAW A THRILLER
May 2, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Tranmere Rovers 1, Everton 1
An extra half hour’s play which meant that the game finished in semi-darkness failed to provide any definite result in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup between Tranmere Rovers and Everton at Prenton Park, last night. Far from being an end of season game this was a real thriller, spoilt only by the fact that the forwards on both sides were lacking in the vital matter of finish Tranmere held a definite territorial advantage and created sufficient chances to have won with something to spare. Had they done so it would have been no reflection on the solid work put in by Everton defence. Molyneux was the greatest offender for he missed three gilt-edged chances, twice heading wide when unmarked and only a few yards from goal and in the period of extra time he had a wide open chance from a centre by Davies but allowed the ball to rebound from his legs.
Davies at His Best
Outstanding in Tranmere’s attack was Ray Davies, who showed something of the form that he used to regularly serve up before his long lay off through illness. On this showing there is every indication that next season he will again be a real force for Tranmere. Everton went ahead after 13 minutes when Thomas cleverly headed through from a well placed corner by Mayers. It was not until five minutes after the interval –that the long expected Tranmere equalizer matured a Fleming corner which swung away from goal being headed in by Heydon for Dodd, with a brilliant back header, to lob the ball over O’Neill into the net. The replay is subject to a definite being reached in the F.A Cup final between Manchester United and Aston Villa on Saturday. If this game is drawn the re-play of the Tranmere and Everton game will be on Tuesday at Prenton Park, again but if not the re-play will be on the same night at Goodison Park.
SENIOR CUP GAME
May 2, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Tranmere Rovers and Everton provided a most exciting display in the semi-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Prenton Park. This was no tame end-of-the-season offering but a hard-fought game which each team was obviously keen to win. Everton took the lead through Thomas after 13 minutes, Dodd equalized at the 50th minute, after much Tranmere pressure and though an extra half-hour was played, neither side could force a winner.
Cestrians Benefit
Following their victory over Liverpool, Chester hope to make it a double tonight, when Everton are their visitors in a benefit match for Morris Whitlock, and Hughes who between them have given 22 years service to the Sealand Road club. The kick off is 6-30 and the teams are
Chester; Jones; Hughes, Gill; Whitlock, Lee, Davies; Williams, Foulkes, Fiddle, Hassell, Bullock.
Everton; O’Neill; Sutherland, Leeder; Rea, Sanders, Meagan; Payne, Thomas, Harris (J), MacKay, Eglington.
EVERTON LOSE
May 2, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Everton’s senior side lost their game with Liegeois, the Belgium First Division team, at Liege last night by the only goal of the match scored by the home team in the first half.
No Everton Election
No admination for the Everton board had been lodged with the club when the time limit expired last night. This means that the three retiring directors –Messrs T.C. Nuttall, C.E. Balmforth and N.W. Coffey will be returned unopposed.
YOUNG EVERTON HAD A GOOD RUN-IN
May 4, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
By Peter Farrell
In the case of most professional footballers the season finishes today. For some others there will be exhibition games, tours and for the lucky few, international appearances. For some players it has been a season to be remembered while others will readily want to forget it as quickly as possible. Most fans look back on a season with their thoughts on the entertainment and thrills it has provided, not forgetting of course the disappointments. The fans are mostly concerned with how their own, favourite sides have fared. I suppose from an Everton viewpoint we have done nothing to shout about. Following our disastrous start to the present campaign the pessimists constantly reminded us that our eventual destination at the season’s end was the Second Division. Like most of our really loyal supporters I had confidence in our lads to pull that little extra out, which was urgently needed to lift the Blues from our perilous position at the foot of the League table. As the months wore on and the League points tally kept mounting the outlook became much brighter for all Evertonians until eventually the storm clouds lifted and the Blues had landed themselves in a reasonably safe position long before the season ended. Our final position in the League table wasn’t a notable performance by any means, some of our performances also were not satisfactory, to the fans, but don’t forget that a large number of youngsters were “blooded” into the side during the season. Dunlop, Birch, Rea, Thomas, Temple, Haughey, and Graham Willimas all proved when they got their chance, that they have the ability to make a big bid to really establish themselves next season. Perhaps this is not a great consolation to their section of our followers who are not satisfied unless their favourities are in the running for honours. Nevertheless if the experience these youngsters have gained this season stands them in good stead in the future and they all, or most of them make the grade, them season 1956-57 will not have been as gloomy as some of the pessimists make out. Despite everything, the season also had quite a few highlights and outstanding memories for all of us connected with Everton. Top of the list, of course comes that memorable and never to be forgotten performance at Old Trafford in the League when the Blues caused the upset of the season by trouncing the champions to the tune of 5-2. It is not the score in this game that makes it stand out so much in my memory rather it is the manner in which the Blues played on that day. It was one of the greatest displays of football I have ever seen from an Everton side. Another thrilling memory for me was our cup tie against West Ham at Goodison when I was lucky enough to score the winner near, the end of the game. There were also many disappointing games throughout the season. I well remember the look of disappointment on the faces of the lads, as we trooped off Old Trafford having been beaten 1-0 in the Cup by Manchester United. We weren’t disgraced by any means but this was poor consolation for the fact that yet another chance of a Wembley appearance had gone.
My Greatest Thrill
One of my greatest thrills of the season was last Sunday morning when I picked up the paper and learned that I had been chosen to captain Eire at Wembley next Wednesday. Nearly all footballers have an ambition to play at Wembley and believe me, I am no exception. You can imagine my feeling when I learned that I was not only to achieve my great ambition, but also to captain my country on one of the most famous stadiums in the world. I only wish that Tommy Eglington were trotting out next Wednesday with Don Donovan and myself to get that much desired Shamrock for his twenty-fifth appearance. So here’s wishing all football enthusiasts all the best for the close season with a special word of thanks to those loyal supporters of the Blues who follow us through thick and thin, and especially to those diehards who rarely miss an away game irrespective of how the side is faring. We all certainly appreciate your great support and loyality.
STRONG EVERTON X1 FOR REPLAY
May 6, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
The replayed Senior Cup semi-final between Everton and Tranmere Rovers at Goodison Park (7 p.m.) tomorrow should be interesting if the teams repeat their form of the first meeting last week. Everton have selected a strong side against a Tranmere Rovers team, which seemed to play well above normal form in the first game. The victors meet Southport in the final; Everton; Dunlop; Sutherland, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea; Harris (J), Gauld, Temple, Haughey, Eglington.
Everton Colts and Rankin Boys meet in the final of the Liverpool Minor Cup at Goodison Park (7 o’clock) tonight. These players are all under 18 years of age and represented the best young players in the Liverpool district.
EVERTON SIGN ON FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL FORMS ASHWORTH
May 7, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton today signed on full time professional forms, Alec Ashworth the 17-years-old inside left who formerly played for Southport schoolboys. He joined Everton on leaving school and was taken on the ground staff. This season he has been a member of the Liverpool County Youth team and the Everton Youth team and shows great promise.
• Don Donovan and Peter Farrell who captain’s Ireland to play against England at Wembley on Wednesday.
TRANMERE BEATEN BY SINGLE GOAL
May 8, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 2, Tranmere Rovers 1
A goal by Haughey in the 64th minute, put Everton into the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup when they entertained Tranmere Rovers in the semi-final replay at Goodison Park last night. They now meet Southport at Anfield on Saturday (K.O. 3.15). Everton fielded a strong side, eight of their players having had first team experience, but although they did not appear to be going all out they had to fight hard. The Rovers were on top in the opening minutes but could not produce a shot to test Dunlop and after 16 minutes a move between Eglington, Gauld and Meagan laid on a chance for J. Harris to hit the ball home from the edge of the penalty area. Tranmere’s best effort came five minutes before the interval when a Kieran-Williams-Dodds move saw the latter hit a strong shot from the 18 yards line which brought a good save from Dunlop. After 55 minutes Tranmere equalized in unusual fashion. There seemed little danger when DcDevitt chased a high ball down the middle, but Sutherland, in trying to head clear only succeeded in deflecting the ball on to McDevitt’s leg from whence it rebounded into the net.
Jones Injured
Nine minutes later, however, Haughey restored Everton’s lead, when he headed through a cross from Hood. He could not have scored at a more opportune moment from the home side’s point of view, for six minutes later they were reduced to ten men when centre-half Jones had to leave the field with a leg injury. The Tranmere defence came through the game with no reputations marred and centre-half. Millington and full backs Bell and Jones played exceedingly well, so much so that Everton’s wingers were rarely in the game, Davies was the pick of the forwards, having quite a good first half. Gauld was Everton most consistent attacker and Haughey delighted the crowd with some ball jugglery. Although the defence made a few mistakes they were not really extended.
LAWTON’S NEW POST
May 8, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Speculation over the vacant manager’s post with Notts County was ended last night when Mr. Leonard Machin, the club’s chairman announced that Tommy Lawton has been offered the position and has accepted it. Mr. Machin also announced that Mr. Frank Broome has been offered the post of assistant manager and will give his decision today.
EVERTON IN THE FINAL
May 8, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
By beating Tranmere Rovers 2-1 in last night’s replay at Goodison Park, Everton qualified to meet Southport in the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup at Anfield on Saturday (3-15). The home side included eight players with first team experience and some appeared at half speed. They did not win without a struggle, several players taking exception to the visitors’ strong tackling. Everton had more of the play territorially and were not loath to shoot, but Payne was not unduly extended by wild finishing. Tranmere opened brightly enough without causing Dunlop any undue concern, but the home side soon, gained the ascendancy and in the 16th minute Harris put them ahead with a grand shot from the corner of the box following a move by Eglington, Gauld and Meagan. In the 55th minute McDevitt equalized when he chased a long ball down the centre, and ran straight into Sutherland’s attempted headed pass to Leeder. The ball hit the Tranmere forward on the leg and bounced into the net.
Jones Injured
Nine minutes later Haughey scored what proved to be the winner, when he headed through from Hood’s centre, six minutes later the home team lost Tommy Jones who had to go off with a leg injury. The Rovers’ defence took most of the honours, particularly full backs Bell and Jones, who kept a tight grip on Harris and Eglington, while Millington was a tower of strength in the centre. Outside right Davies was their best forwards, although he faded after a bright first half through lack of service. Everton’s young Scottish centre forward, Hood, while having some clever touches, is still rather slow. It was Gauld with some typical runs, who caused most trouble. There were quite a number of clubs managers present including Joe Mercer (Sheffield Utd), Maurice Lindley (Crewe) and Bob Brocklebank (Hull City), but Everton displayed only two of the 16 men they recently placed on the transfer list-Eglington and Sutherland.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP SHOULD BE AN ATTRACTION
May 10, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Officially the football season is over, but there are still many finals to be worked off before we can say adieu to soccer until next August. At Anfield tomorrow, the die-hards will welcome the final tie for the Liverpool Senior Cup between Everton and Southport. At one time the final for this handsome trophy was usually fought out between the two premier Merseyside clubs Liverpool and Everton, but this season the Anfielders fell by the wayside to Southport to prevent a local derby. A few years ago this final between the Reds and Blues attracted a crowd of 52,000 to Goodison Park and produced one of the best games seen between the two clubs. On paper, I suppose this looks a “good thing” for Everton, who make four changes from the team which disposed of Tranmere Rovers to the semi-final at Goodison Park on Wednesday night but it does not always work out that way, for these Third Division sides have a habit of pulling out a little extra in these games. It took Everton three and a half hours to get the better of the Rovers who ultimately went down by the odd goal. It will not be forgotten that Southport knocked out Liverpool and with Stan Mortensen leading the attack, the Everton defence will have to be on guard, for the former Blackpool star is still a danger near goal.
Local Touch
He may not be the electrifying player he was, but you cannot afford to give him any rope. Tommy Jones the most consistent centre half back in the country, will not be in action, owing to injury, so Sanders, who has been playing well in the Central League side, will be at centre half, with Sutherland at left back in place of the injured Tansey while Donovan returns at right back. It will be interesting to see George Rankin against his former colleagues and another local touch about the match is that the Southport goalkeeper, Richardson, is a Birkenhead lad. Everton; Dunlop; Donovan, Sutherland; Birch, Sanders, Rea; Harris (J), Gauld, Hood, Haughey, Eglington. Southport; Richardson; Parkinson, Rankin; Hunter, Taylor, Charlton; McDermott, Mortensen, Bromilow, Mcllvenny, Mitchell.
After the match a party of 14 Everton players will leave Liverpool for a two match tour of Ireland. The fourteen are; Dunlop; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Birch, Meagan; McNamara, Gauld, Temple, Haughey, Fielding and Eglington. On Monday they play Shamrock Rovers in Dunlop and on Wednesday they will meet Glentorvan in Belfast.
MORTENSEN’S 4-MINUTE SHOCK GOAL
May 11, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Penalty Cancels Out Quick Southport Senior Cup Lead
By Stork
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Donovan and Sutherland, backs; Birch, Sanders and Rea, half-backs; Harris (J), Gauld, Hood, Haughey, and Eglington, forwards. Southport; Richardson, goal; Parkinson and Rankin, backs; Hughes, Taylor, and Charlton, half-backs; McDervitt, Mortensen, G, Bromilow, McLLveney, and Mitchell, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Mitchell (Prescot). It had not been a very promising morning and this no doubt had its effect upon the attendance for the Liverpool Senior Cup final at Anfield today. Everton straight away went for goal and when Gauld brushed his way through there seemed possibilities but his final pass went astray. Southport replied with a fast attack on their right wing, but Everton were soon back. When Richardson, having fielded a back pass, tried to bounce the ball, he found that it dropped –dead, which gives you an idea in to the state of the ground, in front of the Southport goal. Another left wing spurt by Eglington looked as though it might culminate in something, but all that Richardson had to do was field a long job by Hood. Then came a shock for Everton, for at the fourth minute their goal fell to a brilliant Mortensen header. Southport won a corner and McDermott placed this right to the head of the former English international and Mortensen’s header, which was of a gliding type, had Dunlop beaten to pieces. Southport’s were anxious when Everton made their next advance for Richardson had to field a centre from near the goal-line to prevent the ball squeezing under the bar. Harris tried to produce an equalizer but was off the target. Birch who was running in to make a sixth forward for Everton had taken up good position, for the expected pass, but Taylor had also read the play so well that he was there at the same time as the Everton man and the ball was cleared. So far the exchanges had been exceptionally fast, but Dunlop had to save a hard hit shot by Bromilow and Richardson watched a Hood header pass just outside. Southport may not have been having quite as much territorial right as Everton, but when they got near goal they were not afraid to have a go.
Cleared Off Line
Another corner came their way, but this time Mortensen allowed McDermott’s flag kick to pass him by so that Bromilow would have the chance. The Southport centre forward scooped the ball up into the Everton goal and Dunlop was beaten, but Donovan had dropped back on to the line and headed clear. Haughey had showed a penchant for breaking through and the next time he tried the trick he gave Richardson an anxious moment when he shot fiercely but the Southport goalkeeper was well placed. A free kick to Southport for a foul on Mortensen almost put Southport two goals up. It would have done had not Dunlop brought off a brilliant last second save. McLlvenny had shaped to take the kick, but ran over the ball so that Mortensen could quickly follow up. His shot was a splendid one, but Dunlop sighted it as the last second and made a grand save. Southport were playing progressive football and Dunlop had to watch carefully a long shot, that sped just over the angle of the woodwork. Southport’s speed was a bit disconcerting to Everton and when Birch put a ball through the middle he was disappointed to find that it was not taken up in the manner he expected. A Birch pass to Harris saw Everton on the rampage and when the winger put across at fast centre, Eglington booked it back to Hood who accepted it up. It looked a certainty that the equalizer was on the way but the Southport goalkeeper managed to turn the ball over the bar for a corner. This was cleared successfully but for a time Everton stayed in Southport quarters until a quick breakaway saw McLlvenay put the ball well wide. It had been an interesting match up to now, quite as good as many League game I saw last season’s and when McDermott centred to Mitchell there was a possibility of another Southport goal but Donovan saved the day with a sound tackle.
Chance Missed
Parkinson was keeping a watchful eye on Eglington who got very few chances to use his speed, but when Birch found him there were possibilities particularly when the Irishman pulled the ball back wisely for Hood. Unfortunately for Everton centre forward pushed the ball a little too far so that a good chance went astray. Hood made an opening for Gauld, but the inside forward was so anxious that he overran the ball and before he could do anything about it had slipped and lost his foothold. A free kick to Everton was take by Donovan, who put the ball straight into Richardson’s hands. This was followed by a clearance which put Mortensen out on his own but he was harassed by Sanders and ultimately lost possession. Birch was having a particularly happy game because his passes, were so good and accurate. It was mainly through him that Everton won a corner, but Hood, who took it, put the ball straight to Mortensen who had fallen back to assist his defence. Everton had been promising a goal for some minutes and it came in the form of a penalty taken by full back Sutherland. Parkinson conceded the through when he was tripped from behind. Sutherland making no mistake from the spot at the 38th minute. Sanders who was deputizing for the injured Jones, was also having a good game but I thought that Southport up to now had been slightly the better side. McDermott was a dangerous raider and most times he had the support of Mortensen but to his next run he winger failed to find his partner for Sanders in to intercept. Eglington was rather surprised to see Hunter come up from behind him and take the ball from him just as he was considering where to put a pass.
Half-time; Everton 1, Southport 1.
Everton should have taken the lead in the first minute of the second half when Hood pushed the ball up for Rae. The Everton half back was out on his own and Richardson did the only thing possible in the circumstances and that was to come out in an effort to cut down Rea’s shooting space. He was successful in this for Rea shot straight at him. In the next minute Gauld went racing through but his final act was to put the ball tamely in the Southport goalkeeper, who later stopped an angle shot by Harris.
AN OLD MASTER STEALS THE HONOURS
May 13, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 2, Southport 1
If you hang an Old Master in the midst of a collection of contemporary work it may look a trifle out of place but its quality will still be unmistakable. As in art so in football. Age cannot erase the hallmark of genius, and the great player will always be able to make his presence felt. One such player, Stanley Mortensen, graced the Liverpool Senior Cup final between Everton and Southport at Anfield on Saturday and even the passage of the years could not dim the splendor of his performance. Husbanding his energy with thrifty care, he wasted no time in dashing in pursuit of the loose ball but commanded its presence with the authority of a general accustomed to obedience. Passes flowed with easy fluency from his nimble feet as the ball sped to do his bidding and his effortless reading of the play and continual striving for the possible opening frequently made the other twenty-one players seem mentally slothful. His Southport colleagues gave him commendable support, and for a time looked likely to cause a major upset, but in the end Everton’s greater stamina and all-round efficiency saw them through.
Poor Finishing
Indeed they should have made certain long before Rea tapped home the ball in the sixty-fourth minute after Parkinson had parried two shots from Gauld, but as in so many other matches their finishing was simply atrocious. All five forwards from the fast but artful Harris to the former Goodison idol Eglington missed reasonable chances, and it is significant that their first goal cancelling out a glorious Mortensen header in the fourth minute came from a Sutherland penalty. Much the most dangerous Everton forward was Gauld, who though spending an inordinate length of time on the ground, carved out half a dozen perfect chances with his rhinoceros runs. Hood did several good things but seemed slow to sense an opportunity and Haughey never really got the better of the tiny but tenacious Hunter. Southport’s performance was most encouraging as an augury for next season. McLlvenny found the sodden turf too much for him but McDermott and Bromilow fitted in well with Mortensen and Mitchell did well enough at outside left to make one wonder why he is on the transfer list when there seems no obvious replacement. Richardson played quite brilliantly in goal, and Rankin vied with Donovan as the outstanding defender. But it was Mortensen’s match.
PLAYED FOR EVERTON IN THEIR FIRST FINAL
May 13, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Sir- It may be of interest to readers to know that my father Mr. P. Gordon, died at his daughter’s residence in Maghull on the 20th April, aged 86. He was, I should think the solo survivor of the Everton F.A team which was beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Fallowfield in Everton’s first Cup Final appearance. It was he who scored the winning goal in the third replayed semi-final against Preston North End at Ewood Park, Blackburn the goal being scored four minutes from time making the score 2-1. He also played with Liverpool the season they went through the Second Division without defeat. To the end, he could remember what most of the grounds were like and also the teams. He was born in a little place called Renton, Dumbartonshire. This same Renton, he always declared were football champions of the world, having in the year, beaten the English League winners and the English Cup winners. He told a good story about the late Fred Geary. Fred had a wonderful turn of speed, and wanted the ball putting forward to him to run on to. At half-time in one match he complained bitterly about not getting the ball properly. Just before going on for the second half, one of the inside forwards said to Geary, “Freedy, put your vest on. “What for” asked Freddy. “So that I can put the ball in your pocket in the next half,” said the other. There must have been a lot of fun in football those days.
L.F. Gordon, 6 Rudston Road.
EVERTON YOUNG LADS SHOWED PROMISE IN CUP GAME
May 13, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Apart from a few odds and ends football has finished for the season, but whether you have enjoyed your football is a matter of opinion, I saw some good games and some rank bad ones, but I suppose that is the natural order of things. No trophies came to Merseyside although Liverpool just missed promotion by a narrow margin. The loss of some “silly” points was mainly responsible but that is true to tradition so far as the Anfielders are concerned. However, we can only hope that there are better times ahead, but whether it can be accomplished with the present playing staff is another question. Across the park, Everton have introduced to League football more youngsters than ever before, and while some have given distinct promise that they will ultimately make the grade, one or two others have fallen by the wayside. The directors realized that last season was going to be a testing one, for they had to do a great deal of building and I think they took the right lines in bringing in the young players who had been languishing in the junior sides. There is only one way to finding out if a lad has really got it in him. He must be “blooded” in the senior side. A youngster can look, a world beater in the juniors, but the big test is in the first team. I cannot say off hand how many youngsters have had a trial in the first eleven but it is quite a number and one or two of them look the “business.”
Fill The Bill
I saw four in the Liverpool Senior Cup against Southport at Anfield on Saturday who I think are going to fill the bill, Haughey, Hood, Sanders, and Rea, while there are Thomas, Llewellyn and Williams to call on when needed. I don’t think they will let the side down. They must have benefitted considerably from their experience in League football for they now know the requirements needed to hold a place in top-class football. Most clubs are pinning their faith in youth, none more than Manchester United, who made history last season even though the treble which they set out to win eluded them; in fact they won only one of the three prizes –the hardest one to win of the lot –the League championship. The Liverpool Senior Cup is one of the most handsome trophies o the game, and Saturday’s game between Everton and Southport at Anfield provided quite an attractive match. For a time it looked as though Southport would hold it not beat the Goodison Parkers for they snipped up a four minute goal through Mortensen and played with such purpose that they were the better side in the first half.
Mortensen’s Touches
Third Division teams seem to make a habit of pulling out a little extra when they are called upon to meet their seniors and this was no exception. Southport rather surprised me by their football and I say quite frankly that the game was much better than many a First League match I have seen this season. The touches of Stan Mortensen, the former Blackpool and England star were often in evidence. His goal was the work of an artist. It reminded me of Dean for when McDermott put over his short corner kick. Mortensen glided the ball right away from Dunlop. It was a similar sort of goal which Jackie Milburn scored against Manchester City at Wembley two years ago. A flick of the head and no goalkeeper could have saved. Everton had to battle hard against that early goal and it took a penalty shot by full back Sutherland to level matters. Eglington was heading straight for goal when Parkinson brought him down. If there was one man I felt sorry for it was Hood, the young Everton centre forward. He missed the simplest of chances early on the second half and never seemed to get over it. He simply went to pieces, his confidence having completely left him. He should have had three goals but his nerves played havoc with him. Otherwise I thought he produced some nice touches but he must not allow himself to become so upset when things are not going right I can well imagine his disappointment at missing such simple chances for he must have felt that he was letting down his colleagues.
Surprised Spell
Rea also should have scored in the first few minutes of the second session, but Everton were soon in command and eventually they played Southport out of the game. Gauld who had enjoyed little success in the first half, hit an inspired spell and laid on enough chances for Everton to have won a much more handsome victory. He did not score, but has fast bursts played such havoc with the Southport defence that had it not been for Richardson, Southport’s Birkenhead goalkeeper there would have been a steady flow of goals. Gauld had bad luck when he hit the post. Everton’s second goal was of his making, for he split the Southport defence wide open and had the misfortune to see his first shot blocked. He tried again from the rebound and the ball seemed to e going in when Rea got up to tap it into the net. Rea told me afterwards that the ball would not have gone in without that final touch. Rea had a great game and Birch’s passing was better than ever before. In fact it was not until the two Everton wing halves got their teeth into the game that Everton looked like winning. They backed up splendidly and Sanders impressed me as a worthy substitute for Tommy Jones, Eglington was nicely held by Parkinson in the first half but eventually the whole of the Southport side faded out of the picture under Everton’s second half pressure.
EVERTON’S SIGNING
May 13, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Goalscorer From The North-East
Everton today signed what they consider one of the best young prospects in the North-East in Bennett Steele from the amateur club, Seaton Denval. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland, and Nottingham Forest were all greatly interested in this goal-scoring outside left who played his last game as an amateur in the Northumberland Cup final on Saturday. Steele has scored 43 goals in League and Cup games this season and is a sprinter of note. An apprentice electricians he has played for the South Northberland schoolboys, Northumber and Youth X1 and North East. Northumber and League. He is not yet 18, but is built on nice lines, standing 5ft 11ins and turns the scale at 10st 8lbs. He will join the Everton touring party in Belfast on Wednesday and will make his debut for his new club against Glentoran on Wednesday.
SHAMROCK SHAKE-UP EVERTON
May 14, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Shamrock Rovers 4, Everton 2
Everton became the latest victims of the all-conquering League of Ireland champions, Shamrock Rovers, who are gradually establishing a reputation as giant killers. At Dalymount Park, Dublin last night before 25,000 spectators. Rovers defeated Everton by four goals to two to add the Liverpool club’s scalp to that of Chelsea, beaten by the Rovers two years ago. Everton were most disappointing. A shaky defence contributed to their defeat, but the inside forwards, Gauld and Haughley, never fended sufficiently for a lively leader in Temple, who replied solely on his wingers and the men behind for support. McNamara was the next most dangerous forward, for Eglington was well held by right back Burks, behind O’Neill could not be faulted for any of the goals, but Donovan and Sanders both had particularly unhappy games. The home side’s outstanding player was right half Nolan who staked a strong claim for his recall to the Irish side on Sunday. Darcy in goal came through with flying colours and up in front all five Rovers forwards knew how to advance towards goal.
McNamara Goal
Rovers went ahead after 29 minutes when a long curling, down-the-middle pass by Coad was breasted towards the left by centre forward Ambrose although challenged by Sanders and Tuchy, smacked the ball past O’Neill. Three minutes later Everton were on terms thanks to outside right McNamara, Eglington worked well on the left and when Temple failed to connect with the wingers centre McNamara was on hand to hit a right footed drive to the far corner of the net. Tuchy missed a great chance for Rovers when the Everton defenders found themselves in a rare tangle, but the purposeful efforts of the home side were rewarded in the 43rd minute when Hamilton headed home a precision cross from right winger McCann. Worse was to follow for Everton a minute later when McCann passed to Peyton whose cross was muffed by Donovan in attempting to pass back to O’Neill, Hamilton poked the ball home. Temple gained Everton’s second goal in the 76th minute Farrell foraged and Temple took Haughey’s pass to give Darcy no chance. But Rovers had not finished. Coad moved from left half to centre forward and he foxed the Everton defenders cleverly six minutes from time to shove the ball through for Peyton to beat a harassed Donovan and score.
Everton Players Dropped by Eire
The Republic of Ireland team to meet England in the second leg of the World Cup at Dalymount Park, Dublin, on Sunday was chosen last night Donovan and Farrell have been left out.
EVERTON DEFEATED
May 14, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’sNotes
Before a crowd of 25,000 Everton were defeated 4-2 by Shamrock Rovers in Dublin yesterday evening. The Blues never revealed the form of which they are capable and the faster home side were well worth their success. Temple was a lively Everton leader and the wingers gave him useful support, but the inside men were below par and the defence had an unusual number of shaky moments. A neat cross shot by McNamara cancelled an early goal by Tuchy for Rovers but two by Hamilton in quick succession near the interval left Everton with an uphill task they never looked like accomplishing. Temple did manage to reduce the arrears but Peyton completed the scoring near time.
EVERTON MOVE ONE OF THEIR OFFICE FIXTURES
May 16, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
First surprise of the soccer close season concerns Mr. Harold Pickering, an Everton F.C servant from as far back as 1935. I understand that he no longer occupies the newly-created position of Administrative Offer (Playing Staff), though that is not to say that his link with Everton is completely severed. Twelve months ago, following Mr. Cliff Britton’s departure from Everton, Mr. Pickering was appointed to the job of liaising between the players and the team coach and the board. Previously he had been mostly concerned with finding and developing young players. Many of the players now in the Everton first and second teams were nursed in their earlier days, in Mr. Pickering’s several junior sides. Mr. Pickering, who is 46, was an office fixture at Everton through the reigns of Theo Kelly, Cliff Britton and more recently in association with Ian Buchan, the club’s coach. He joined Everton in 1935; served in the Middle East for four years with the Corps of Signals and returned to Everton after the war. Within the last few months he has been away from his job, occasionally; through malaria. Everton’s latest move, coupled with the transfer listing of many young players suggests that they are changing –or at least modifying –their slavish desire to build a team on a long-term plan of developing young players. What makes their latest move the more surprising is that when Jimmy Gauld was signed from Charlton Athletic last season in a period of crisis Mr. Pickering who went down to London to carry the deal through was given much credit for bringing back his man.
EVERTON GET THE VITAL GOAL
May 16, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
Glentoran 0, Everton 1
Everton were rather lucky to defeat Irish League club Glentoran by the only goal of the match at Belfast last night. The all-important goal came 25 minutes after the interval and was due to the clever ball control of Jimmy Gauld, the old Waterford forward. He got command of the ball almost on the goalline cleverly dribbled it midway between the flag and the posts then centred for Haughey to nod into the net past Uprichard, the Irish international who was on duty for the occasion. It was not a thrilling encounter but a most entertaining one. Some of the football reaching a high standard, but in all honesty it must be said Glentoran who had only three of their own side on duty were the better footballing combination. One of the stars of the game was Stewart of Ballamena playing at outside left for Glentoran, and others on the home side who gave impressive displays were Mulholland of Middleborough a former Glentoran player and Jackie Milburn, of Newcastle United.
Dunlop Stands Out
Outstanding in the Everton ranks was goalkeeper Dunlop. But for him in the second half, when Glentoran were well on top, Everton would have finished the losing side. Peter Farrell, Meagan, and Fielding were all noteworthy. Everton, who are always welcome visitors to Belfast were rather disappointing on this occasion. Some of their football was quite good, but not as exquisite as that displayed by them on most occasions when they visit Northern Ireland. Nevertheless they gave quite a good display and were warmly welcomed by Irish fans.
EVERTON MOVE
May 16, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Change In Office Staff
Another link has been broken at Goodison Park for Mr. Harold Pickering is no longer Administration Officer (Playing Staff) a newly created position on the departure of Mr. Cliff Britton. I understand however, that he has not served his connections with the club and that he will continue in some other capacity. Mr. Pickering joined the Everton staff in 1935 and served under Mr. Theo Kelly, Mr. Cliff Britton and more recently Mr. Ian Buchan the club’s coach. He has not been in good health recently and is at present on holiday. Mr. Pickering has been a real backroom boy. A tremendous worker for the club, he was responsible for many of the young players who are now in the first team. He had an eye for a diamond in the rough and there was not a young player in the distinct who was not well tabbed by Mr. Pickering. He told me he could have had Bert Trauntmann before he went to Manchester City. The juniors were his speciality and he watched many whom he had nursed through the lower ranks rise to Division 1 players. He played a big part in the signing of Jimmy Gauld from Charlton Athletic. It was his persuasive power which eventually influenced Gauld to throw in his lot with Everton. Mr. Pickering who is in his forties served in the Middle East during the war.
EVERTON VICTORY
May 16, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Everton beat Glentoran by the only goal of an entertaining match at Belfast last night, a match which would have provided even better fare for the spectators had clever approach work been rounded off with more shooting. The visitors had to thank Dunlop for retaining their lead, the goalkeeper bringing off several excellent saves, notably from Newcastle’s Jackie Milburn one of the many guests in the home elevens. Fielding and Farrell also stood out in the Everton team with Meagan doing quite well, Middlesbrough’s Mullholland was Glentoran’s star. The only goal was a header by Haughey after 70 minutes following Gauld’s best work of the evening.
TRANMERE SIGN A. HARRIS
May 18, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Former Everton Goalkeeper
By Ranger
Albert Harris Everton’s reserve goalkeeper who was one of the sixteen players put on the transfer list by the Goodison park club last month has been signed by Tranmere Rovers. Harris first joined the Everton staff as an amateur, turning part-time professional in 1955. Previously he was with Maghull. He made his senior debut in March 1955 against Aston Villa when he displaced Jimmy O’Neill. He played in the last five senior matches that season but has not since appeared in the first team. Last season he was third choice to Dunlop and O’Neill and had only two Central league outings. He had the makings of a first class custodian had he been prepared to give his full time to the game. He preferred however, to continue with his normal employment with a Crosby firm, and to make football only a part time occupation. Harris who is no relation to the two other Everton players of the same name is a native of Bootle standing 5ft 10 ½ ins and weighting 11st 10lbs.
EVERTON PLAYER FOR TRANSFER
May 21 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Keith Williams who was on Everton’s retained list, has been placed on the transfer list at his own request. An inside forward, Williams stands 5ft 10 ½ ins, weights 12st and has just been demobilized after doing his National service with the R.A.F. While with the R.A.F in Cyprus Williams played a lot of football and was a member of an R.A.F team who toured Turkey. He is a brother of the well known Tranmere Rovers player, Ray Williams.
LELLO’S FUTURE
May 21, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
I had a visit on Saturday from Cyril Lello the former Everton wing half, who spent last season with Rochdale. Cyril has refused the terms offered him by Rochdale and though he is on their retained list his old friend and Everton clubmate Harry Catterick, Rochdale’s manager, has indicated that if he can get fixed up elsewhere Rochdale will not stand in his way. Although nothing has been arranged about a transfer fee it has been more or less indicated this would be purely nominal probably sufficient only to cover Lello’s six months accrued share of benefit. Less than eighteen months ago Lello was a regular in Everton’s first team, and playing most consistency. He still has two or three good service in him and could be a useful help to some Third Division or non league club in need of a sound wing half who can be relied upon to pull out his last ounce. Rochdale were well off for wing halves last season, which was why Lello was mainly utilized in the forward line. He prefers the intermediate berth however. Anybody interested should contact Manager Harry Catterick at Rochdale.
PRESTON SIGN EVERTON PLAYERS
May 22, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Farrell and Mayers
About £4,000
By Ranger
Mr. Cliff Britton manager of Preston North End and former manager of Everton today signed Derek Mayers and Alec Farrell, two Everton reserve team players who were put on the transfer list by the Goodison Park club last month. Although the fees have not been disclosed, I understand that Preston have paid in the neighborhood of £4,000 for the two of them. Both were originally signed by Everton while Mr. Britton was the Goodison manager. Mayers being recommended to him by Albert Dunlop the present senior Everton goalkeeper. It is obvious from these two signings that Mr. Britton still has faith in the football ability and future of Mayers and Farrell. It will be interesting to see how they fare under his management at Deepdale. Farrell, a former Cheshire and England schoolboy international has been dogged by injuries of recent seasons including two cartilage operations and in five years as a professional made only five first team appearances. He can play in either inside forward position. Mayers who is a native of Liverpool, is a agility forward who has occupied four of the five attacking positions while with Everton. He made his senior debut four years ago and has appeared in 19 senior games in all scoring seven goals. With the departure of Albert Harris to Tranmere and Colin Vizard to Rochdale, Everton have now transferred four of the 16 players they put on the list on April 17. Inquires have also been received for nearly all the remaining 12, and in two instances at least there is a strong possibility of negotiations being completed in the next few days.
TWO EVERTON PLAYERS GO TO PRESTON
May 23, 1957. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Two Everton players Derek Mayers and Alec Farrell, who were placed on the transfer list last month were yesterday transferred to Preston North End. Farrell, a former Cheshire and England schoolboys international, has been dogged by injuries of recent seasons including two cartilage operations, and in five years as a professional made only five first team appearances. He can play in either inside-forward position. Mayers who is a native of Liverpool, is a utility forward who has occupied four of the five attacking positions while with Everton. He made his senior debut four years ago, and has appeared in 19 senior games in all scoring seven goals.
EVERTON; NO BIG CHANGES
May 23, 1957. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
No matter what you may have read or heard about impending alterations in the Everton set-up for next season, you can take it from me that no vital changes are contemplated by the board. Harry Wright will still be first team trainer and assist Mr. Ian Buchan with coaching duties. Gordon Watson will continue tin charge of the second team as he has been for some years past Stan Bentham will carry on his coaching duties and be in charge of one of the junior teams, as is previous season’s. Part-time therapist and masseur Bill Story will also remain at the service of the club. As for the possibility that the club may appoint a manager in the near future that has cropped up several times in the past few months. Mr. Dick Searle the chairman assures me again as he has several times in the past that such a move has never been contemplated much less discussed by the board.
May 1957