FIELDING “NO”

January 1, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Horace Yates

An early visitor to manager John Carey at Goodison Park today will be Wally Fielding the veteran forward who remains happy and content as an Everton player, even though first team status is denied him these days.  During the last day or two Fielding has been thinking over an invitation to join the Northern Ireland club Ards, as player manager, and today is decision day.  When I spoke to Fielding last night he told me that he was not revealing what decision he had arrived at until he had first communicated it to Mr. Carey, but I think you can take it as definite that he will say “Thanks you very much for the confidence, but I have no wish to leave Goodison Park.”  Fielding showed earlier in the season that he can still be called upon in emergency for first team service, for he was holding his place until injury put him out.  In the meantime, Everton clicked into a winning rhythm and so far he has not climbed back.  I should think Everton will be delighted that Fielding is not severing his connection with the club, although had he wished to move no barrier would have been placed in his way. 

 

AN EVERTON CRITIC WHO WAS OFF-BEAM

January 1, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Besides being the most loyal of football followers, fans in this city are also the most ready writers on all sorts of topics.  Mostly their letters are pretty critical and when they are not righting wrongs connected with our clubs they are righting writers they consider wrong.  Away back in mid-October, as notable for its gloominess as for Everton’s low position in the table –it was about the time of their 10-4 defeat at Tottenham –a correspondent whose signature is indecipherable, but whose address is or was at 18 Stavordale Road, Lessowe, wrote decrying or disputing nearly every sentence I had written about Everton at that time.  This was his lay and lament-

“You have repeatedly stated that the Everton transformation started when Collins arrived.  With due respect to Collins, who obviously must be better than he has yet shown us be picked for Scotland, surely spectators who know the game would agree there has been no transformation but only that, the poor old blues have serape home against poor teams.  “Whilst you reported Bramwell as not playing well his first few games, you exaggerate out of all proportion when he plays a little better.  It surely has been obvious for some time that neither Sanders nr Bramwell are anything like good enough for First Division football.  Equally, you have exaggerated the performance of both King and B. Harris, not to mention the performances of that bone of contention –Hickson. 

“Your writing over the past weeks continually gives the impression that Everton are doing a lot better than they were and almost inters that they are pretty well coming out of the woods.  How you can watch them weekly with any real sense of satisfaction is beyond me – and many others.  How you can infer that some of their problems are solved I just don’t know. 

 

ARNELL SCORES THREE IN JUNIOR DERBY

January 2, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

Everton Reserves 4, Liverpool Reserves 4

By Horace Yates

Eight goals and as many efforts that might just as easily have produced goals were enough to give this Central League “derby” game an abundance of thrills and excitement, but highlights though the scores may have been, there was still enough sparkle left to make this a thoroughly entertaining match.  As cheering as anything to Everton must have been the way in which the pitch stood up to the weather.  With large areas covered with water at the start, the threat was that play would churn up the ground into a morass.  Far from this proving the case, the pitch played extremely well and actually improved as the match went on.  Despite the goal-storm, at no time was either side able to pull clear by more than a goal and after taking the first score Liverpool had to claim the last also to gain equality.  While it is dangerous to assess merit when reserves are playing reserves, several players showed the sort of skill that must be reassuring in the event of senior replacements becoming necessary.  Look at Arnell.  This centre forward, who was first choice after Liddell earlier in the season, only to be superseded by Bimpson, scored three of Liverpool’s goals.  Another heading effort hit the bar and a fifth was stopped on the line by O’Neill. 

Dashing Kirby

Similarly, Kirby full of dash and determination was charged with danger every time he moved in the direction of goal, which was by no means infrequent.  Twice he registered and for all Harburn’s energy expending runs and non-stop bustling enterprise, it was Kirby who impressed me as being the most powerful threat to Liverpool.  Fielding was an object lesson in showing just how much experience can save the legs for almost every time he was in possession he achieved something positive without careering about with the near parental motion of some of the younger players.  Billington enjoyed a rare tussle with Morrissey, with honours more or less even.  Both goalkeepers, O’Neill and Rudham beaten four times, succeeded in storing quite a bit away on the credit side while Campbell was always looking for an opportunity to turn defence into attack.  Arnell collected the opening goal in five minutes, when a less determined leader might not have been alive to possibilities after his first shot had been keep out.  Danger man Kirby received no more than his deserts when he collected a ball from Godfrey a late substitute for O’Hara and accepted his chance in the most convincing style.  Harburn almost from the corner flag sent the ball over most invitingly  from near the corner kick and Godfrey had it in the net almost before Rudham could move it.  Within five minutes Arnell had scored two further Liverpool goals to keep the lead changing in the most tantalizing fashion.  It was Temple who restored equality before Kirby seized on a Fielding offering to put Everton ahead for a second time, and then with Everton appealing for offside Murdoch went through coolly to beat O’Neill.  A more agreeable verdict would have been hard to imagine.  Everton Reserves; O’Neill; Billington, B. Griffiths; Rea, Labone, Ashworth; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, Godfrey.  Liverpool Reserves; Rudham; Parry, Fayer; Campbell, Hughes, Saunders; Twist, Murdoch, Arnell, Moss, Morrissey.  Referee; Mr. G. Ollerton (Preston). 

 

THAT MAN COLLINS

January 2, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Everton, too may start the year well at Newcatsle and I think that another victory of the Bolton kind is not beyond them if they take their chances.  The form of Bobby Collins, who has injected such life into the attack is such that he must be an almost automatic choice for the Scottish side which meets England at Wembley later in the season, and those who suggested that big transfer was the best Everton move since Dixie Dean came from Tranmere are being proved right week after week.  What impresses experts is not so much his ability to play brilliantly by using a brain which almost twinkles visibly as his little legs but willingness to undertaken all the other duties of the first-class club players –and a few others.  In short this little man is a personally a character.  And present day football needs every one of his kind.  An Everton win would virtually put them clear of trouble and he the most heartening thing for the start of their Cup run.  Whatever they may lack as a team Everton will not fall short tactically.  They have in John Carey a man who knew it all (and never even hints that he knows any of it) and one who has the knack of putting over his view in a way which ensures they sink in.  Newcastle; Harvey; Keith, McMicheal; Scoular, Stokoe, and Franks, half-backs; Hughes, Allchurch, White, McGrigan, and Eastham, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. 

 

HARBURN LIKELY TO GO TO SCUNTHORPE

January 2, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Never Settled At Goodison

Trial Decision.

By Leslie Edwards

Everton centre-forward Peter Harburn signed from Brighton last close season at a fee of about £8,000, is likely to join Scunthorpe United the Second Division club, which already has two former Liverpool players Jack Haigh and Mervyn Jones.  The club’s agreed terms after Scunthorpe had seen Harburn play in the Centre League match against Liverpool at Goodison Park, yesterday.  Harburn is 28-years-old six-footer, asked Manager John Carey for time to talk things over with his wife before making his decision.  The player and his wife are visiting Scunthorpe on Monday to inspect accommodation offered.  Harburn would do well in the slightly lower grade.  Willing and hard-working as he was, he never fitted the bill in First Division football and it was well for Everton that Dave Hickson, whom Plymouth Arygle were so anxious to sigh resolutely refused to leave.  Hickson’s belief that he would fight his way back to the first team place has been abundantly justified. 

Wing Switch

Harburn made his senior debut at Leicester and did badly.  In his first home game he nodded a spectacular goal but at Preston a few days later he was switched to the right wing and from that point he lost his place.  There is no more gentlemanly type in football; a keen, clean sporting player, but it has long been clear that he had little future at Goodison Park.  In his career with Brighton he scored a great number of goals and helped that club to promotion from the Third Division but oddly he did not command a first-team place in the vital end-of-season games of the successful season. 

Not Released

The decision by Everton in line with that already taken by Arsenal to respect of their players similarly involved that Scottish International Bobby Collins and Alex Parker will not be given release to play in the Scottish International trial in Glasgow on January 14 –the day of Everton’s proposed trip to Madrid for a charity match – is not surprising.  If the Scottish F.A do not know the capabilities of two of their most outstanding personalities without recourse to further trail they are not very discerning.  If Everton do not make the trip to Spain on January 14 it will be because they will be involved in a Cup replay of their tie a week tomorrow against Sunderland.  Everton have always been willing to release players for international duty but clearly they are not prepared to double the injury risk to their men and deny themselves of their services in important games merely because the Scottish F.A. name them for a trial. 

 

EYES ON COLLINS

January 3, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

Newcastle United may not be one of the easiest teams to beat on their own ground, but why should Everton worry?  United’s record is not so fearsome as was Bolton’s and that did not stop Everton.  In the home ranks will be Allchurch the man on whom Liverpool would have liked to expend something like £30,000 before he preferred Newcastle, but if it is any consolation to the Anfield camp, I am told that the form of Allchurch in the Welsh jersey and in the Newcastle colours, has not so far matched.  Incidentally he will be at inside-right instead of left for this game.  Newcastle will take a special interest in the appearance of Bobby Collins for if Jackie Milburn had been given his way, Everton would never have had the pleasure of signing the Scot.  Milburn’s was a voice crying in the wilderness and his heart-cry that Collins should be brought went unheeded.  Allchurch finds himself at inside right because McGuigan tried as an inside left last week at Nottingham did so well that he keeps the position while Eastham more accustomed to figuring as an inside left goes to the wing for the first time in his career.  Franks, back in the side after weeks of absence through injury had the misfortune while driving his car this week to figure in a road accident in which a boy was killed.  Despite his experience Franks has chosen to play.  We could have another Liverton double today, but if Everton fail by a point to bring it about they will still have reason to be content with their march of progress.  Newcastle United; Harvey; Keith, McMicheal; Scoular, Stokoe, Franks; Hughes, Allchurch, White, McGuigan, Eastham.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker,  Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.  

Harburn Moving?

With Everton and Scunthorpe having agreed terms for the transfer of Peter Harburn who cost £8,000 on his signing from Brighton, before the season started it seems reasonably certain that Harburn will be a Scunthorpe player, possibly on Monday.  I am told that the player is willing to move, and housing accommodation is apparently the only question outstanding.  Harburn has played only four games for Everton and has scored one goal.  There is little doubt that Harburn is well advised to think favouraly about such a move, for his play will probably be better suited to that in a lower sphere. 

 

EVERTON SLIP BADLY ON ICY TURF AT NEWCASTLE

January 3 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Newcastle 4, Everton 0

By Michael Charters

Newcastle United;- Harvey, goal; Keith and McMichael, backs; Scoular, Stokoe, and Frank, half-backs; Hughes, Allchurch, White, McGuigan, and Eastham, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards.  Referee; Mr. G. McCabe.  (Sheffield).  Everton faced almost “foreign” conditions at Newcastle where the ground was very hard and heavily sanded after days of keen frost.  In fact, the weather was so cold in this area that Middlesbrough’s home game with Grimsby was called off owing to the state of the pitch.  Despite the hardness of the ground the players found the top surface difficulties on which to get a grip and there was a sensational opening as Dunlop misfielded a bouncing ball and Eastham was presented with a gift chance, which be mulled by sending the ball across goal. 

Many A Slip

Football was a hazardous occupation on this fantastic surface where the ball bounced and the players slipped.  In the early stages Everton seemed unable to master them, whereas Newcastle did and they were much the more threatening side.  White’s shot was deflected off Jones, for a corner and from the kick McGuigan missed a sitter when Allchurch shot across the face of the goal.  Brian Harris with a 40-yard lob almost deceived Harvey who had to jump up and back to collect the ball with Jimmy Harris close by to take advantage of any slip.  When Brian Harris fell on the greasy top, Allchurch was able to go through at his leisure and should have done better than shoot wide. 

Lob Beats Dunlop

On this skating rink, of a pitch, Newcastle managed to play some impressive football whereas Everton could hardly keep their feet at times.  May be they were wrongly studded for this type of going, but whatever the cause, Newcastle might well have been three or four goals up in the first quarter of the match, but for some weak shooting.  Therefore, it came as no surprise when they did go ahead after 21 minutes.  The ball was headed in and out of the goal area like a ping pong ball, until McGuigan back headed to White who lobbed a beautifully judged shot over the heads of the intervening players to beat Dunlop.  Up to this point Everton had not succeeded in creating one attacking move of any note, whereas the menace of White and Allchurch in the Newcastle attack was obvious with every move. 

Double Trouble

Everton were really up against it when Newcastle went 3-up with a two-goal in a minute spell –both brilliant efforts.  The first followed at 31 minutes a foul by Collins on Allchurch.  From the free kick the ball was slipped out to White who had gone on the right wing and from his cross Allchurch went up to head it in Dean style past Dunlop.  From the kick off Sanders a little too causal in his approach to the move, kicked the ball against White, instead of beating him, and the Newcastle leader set off at full bore into the middle to finish with a glorious shot from the edge of the area which had Dunlop beaten from the moment it left his foot.  Everton’s best chance came a few minutes before the interval when a bouncing ball eluded the strong tackling Newcastle defence for the first time and Williams was able to cross the ball, but both Jimmy Harris and Thomas could not turn in time to snap up a good chance.  From the move however, they earned two corners in succession, but Newcastle cleared, the danger and there was White racing away down field after a long pass, only for Dunlop to take the ball practically off his toe.  Half-time; Newcastle United 3, Everton nil. 

The lights came on at half-time and Williams who had taken a knock on the face in the first half reappeared with bandage around his boots in an attempt to improve his footing.  But it had no apparent effect for along with the rest of the Everton team he only could stand transfixed statue like as the Newcastle players whipped past them as they wished.  The incredible thing was that Newcastle were able to play such attractive fast football, whereas Everton were never in the hunt. 

Causal Allchurch

If Everton were doing a little more in this half it was only because Newcastle seemed to be relaxing their grip a little, although Allchurch was almost insolent in his casual ball control set up many attractive Newcastle attacks.  It was left to Hickson to provide the first thrill from an Everton point of view when he ran on to a loose ball and hit it first time just over the angle of bar and upright.  A few minutes later he cleverly took advantage of a Newcastle defensive slip with a back flick which Harvey saved beautifully.  Scoular went off for a few moments with a limp and while he was there Everton gained a corner from which Jimmy Harris hit a fierce shot which Harvey again saved well.  For the moment Everton were back in the game in an attacking sense.  It remained to be seen whether they could keep it up but they had a very big lee-way to make up.  Then the Allchurch-White duel got wavering again to put Newcastle four up after 66 minutes.  A brilliant White run from halfway saw the Newcastle leader beat Brian Harris and Jones before pushing a pass across to the unmarked Allchurch who shot quickly just inside the upright.  The ball hit the woodwork and ran along the line to hit the other upright before going in.  Although there was a little luck in the way the ball finally entered the net it was brilliantly conceived and taken goal.  This was Everton in the deaths they by due answer to this never and fast moving Newcastle side who made light of the conditions as Everton made very heavy weather of them indeed. 

Skill Skidding

Hickson was Everton’s one threat in attack and he beat Harvey with one particularly good shot from an angle only to see it hit the upright.  But it remained the mixture as before with Newcastle playing the football and Everton skidding around on the ice rink.  Final; Newcastle United 4, Everton 0.  Official attendance 42,000. 

 

EVERTON “B” V BLACKBURN “B”

January 3, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Considering the conditions of the pitch the football standard was high.  During the last 15 minutes of the half, Blackburn took command and it took three Everton defenders to stop Jarvis when he put his head down and went through the middle like a bull.  Five minutes before the interval Blackburn took the lead through Jarvis.  Half-time; Everton “B” 0, Blackburn “B” 1.  Final; Everton “B” 4, Blackburn Rovers “B” 1.

 

EVERTON ALEX’S PARKER LOOKS BACK ON THE BOLTON DOUBLE

January 3, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Our Captain Was Great

All Set For The Cup

Well who would have thought it?  To think that before the Christmas games we hadn’t managed to prevent any side from scoring at least once, and yet we play the League leaders on successive days and score four goals without reply – and that with England’s centre forward in opposition.  I have played against Lofthouse in a representative game and know what a great header of a ball he is.  Boxing Day, at Goodison, he gave a great display, particular in the second half.  On two occasions it was lucky for us that Albert Dunlop is in such great form.  However, it was only when the ball was in the air that he looked like scoring, and in the return match at Bolton even that danger was snuffled out by Tommy Jones.  I thought he played well in the home game, but at Burden Park he was really great.  When I tell you that I cannot recall Lofthouse getting his head to one ball it will give those of you who weren’t there some idea of how well Tommy played; I read last week of what in Lofthouse’s opinion were the best performance by individual players he had seen so far this season.  He went through from goal to outside-left, but it was obviously written before the Christmas games.  He couldn’t possibly have left Bobby Collins out.  Bobby was really great last Saturday, particularly in view of the conditions.  Our on pitch at Goodison has received much criticism this season, but the one we played on at Bolton was far worse than anything I have experienced this season.  Although we were quite pleased with our win on Boxing Day the team’s performances was much better in the away game.  I only wish the 61,000 who saw the first match could have seen the return for we were all on form together.  The funny thing is that although we are not a big side we played one of our best games against what is probably the hardest tackling team in the league.  It just shows that there’s no substitute for good football.  It was quite dark when the game finished and as we were coming off I said to Bobby Collins; “It’s a good job they had the floodlights on in the second half.”   “Aye” he said.  “They should leave them on.  They’ll maybe help to dry the pitch.” 

Tired But Happy

Yes it as a very tired but happy part of Everton footballers that came home from Bolton last Saturday.  As a reward for our victories we got the day off on Monday, I think I speak for all the boys when I say we enjoy our training and nothing would have been said if we had been called in, but we certainly appreciated the thought behind this award.  Its little things like this which makes for good team spirit, and the comradeship it brings, probably do more for the side than the two hour’s training we missed.  Eddie O’Hara, Bobby Collins, and I could not help but notice the difference in the outlook towards Christmas and New Year that there is down here.  As you probably all know, in Scotland we make much more of New Year so I couldn’t help but be impressed by the friendliness showed to me over the Christmastide.  Neighbours called round to wish-Joan and I all the best and shake us by the hands.  That rather surprised me, for at home we only shake hands at Hogmanay.  As you read this you will know how we have fared at Newcastle today. I particularly hope we have won for I remember when I was in Cyprus reading about how the Magpies beat Everton early in the season, and on the only previous occasion I have played there, for the Scottish League we were beaten by England. 

Cup Days

Well next week is Cup-tie time again.  I see that one newspaper critic last week gave his four for the semi-finals.  He included Everton, but I’ll be even bolder and give the eventual winners Who? Need you ask?  Bolton won it last season and have been strongly tipped to regain it, but I think we at Goodison can be excused for not regarding them as exceptionally dangerous to our hopes.  One of my ambitions is to play at Wembley a ground on which your truly has yet to put in an appearance, and I think to do so in Everton’s colours would be as good an occasion as any.  The biggest dangers to those hopes I think Wolves and Manchester United.  Sunderland are our visitors and the odds are that I shall be facing Ernie Taylor, who has appeared in three post-war finals with Newcastle, Blackpool and Manchester United.  I’ll do my best to see that if he gets there this year it will be as a spectator only. 

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR DAY BESIDE THE SEA

January 3, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Tom Jones

As you will have heard earlier through the Press Mr. Carey, along with some promptings from the lads, though a few days rest away from the usual routine of training might act as a tonic for the boys n view o next week’s Cup tie against Sunderland.  Our venue from tomorrow until Wednesday will be Blackpool.  Whether we shall spend much time on the sands is something I wouldn’t like to prophecy.  What the majority are hoping for is some golf.  Golf is a fine relaxing game, providing plenty of exercise specially for those among us who walk endlessly ball-hunting giving one an immense appetite and also provided a means of competitive fun among the whole team.  The nineteenth hole has always provided great golfing stories but none more so than when a bunch of soccer players –come-golfers spend a day on a course.  We’ve literally burnt many a course in that manner.  It’s amazing over the years how soccer lads come and go.  A days relaxation at the seaside over the past years since the war is always termed of considered as special training.  We admit we don’t run true to form and follow a daily routine akin to our normal training but there is nothing special about our preparations for the coming events, whether for a Cup-tie or redemption of league status.  We are simply spending a few days away from home for a change of environment. 

Team Spirit

How often in the most every day type of job one gets into a humdrum existence doing the same things at the same time almost automatically.  The same applies to soccer training.  To be kept really on top of one’s job one has to be tuned to a fine pitch be on one’s toes mentally and physically really alive, we cannot afford to become dulled mentally or physically although we are as fit as the next team if not more so.  The success of any team’s is a combination of things.  Naturally ability is high on the list.  Team work comes next in my estimation, and with it team spirit.  Team spirit can make or break even the greatest of teams, and it is on trips or special training for use of a better word that one can foster team spirit.  The boys enter into the spirit of things with a will to do good, and if you can do that off the field you’ll find success will follow. 

Bramwell Wins

We had a couple of surprises in the players’ annual Christmas snooker handicap this year.  Apparently it’s the captain’s privilege along with backroom boy, Frank Blundell (our official in charge of law and order, rules &tc in the billiards room to draw up a handicap for each player.  This being my first experience of the job, I feel I was too lament on some of the lads and too harsh on others.  Should the opportunity avail itself again I believe I should really handicap the likes of John Bramwell who walked away with the competition.  Jack Keeley, who gave John a fight in the final, dark horse Albert Dunlop and on two occasions showing signs of a misspent youth.  However, it was a grand competition.  Nobody stood in the “D” wet cue tips or used any other questionable tactics.  Maybe a little abuse from the speckiest but it as all in the game as they say in the Cup.  There’s always next year.” 

That Pitch

After losing the coin with Nat Lofthouse the Bolton skipper on Boxing Day at Goodison, Nat commented on the state of the Goodison turf, or is it sand”  However turf or sand, Nat didn’t appear to be too appreciative of the conditions but judging on his play he had no need to look downhearted.  The following day at Burnden Park, it was my turn to taste a woeful eye at the conditions of the Bolton pitch, it was twice as bad as ours had ever been.  Little consolation for Ted Storey, our groundsman, I know but it’s the truth.  Apparently my look signified my thoughts as Nat made no comment apart from a whimsical “All the best Tom.” 

Some Ribbing

It was my turn for a ribbing one morning during the week when an article appeared in a national newspaper spot-lighting yours truly with a prediction the theme being choice as an understudy to Billy Wright.  As I hadn’t seen this one of the boys chose to read aloud a paragraph or two.  When he came to a piece about “his bad games come once in a blue moon” a wag cried “Aye maybe so, but there’s been a few blue moons lately.”  Thanks, lads for keeping my feet on the ground. 

 

WHY I JOINED VILLA

January 3, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Joe Mercer, Former Everton Star and Sheffield United Manager

It’s time to put my cards down on the table now the fanfares and headlines spotlighting my move from Sheffield United to Aston Villa have just about died down.  I’m gradually getting over my embarrassment.  No let’s get this straight I’ve no pretentions to being anything but an ordinary fellow trying to do the best I can in a job I like, I suppose the over dramatic is merely the modern demand in sports news.  Certainly I’ve seen all kinds of fancy stories in print about why I left a club well in the running for promotion for another facing the fight of its life.  One reason was supposed to be that I like a fight.  That’s nonsense.  Like most people I don’t go around looking for fights.  It just happens that like everyone I sometimes find myself involved in one.  No the real reasons Joe Mercer signed a five year contract to manage Aston Villa is the reason of…potential.  Potential WHAT, you may ask.  I can only say it is difficult to put it down in bold black, and white, maybe it’s a combination of many things a Villa team recapturing, I hope the glories of the past, the 50,000 or more regular fans such a victorious side would attract, and the feeling that with a club of such magnificent traditions and magnificent ground, the sky’s the limit.  Just over 16 months ago, the F.A Cup went to Villa Park.  A great honour, this Wembley defeat of Manchester United, but the greatest Villa Park fan cannot suggest that the 13 post-war years have brought the amount of honours a club of Villa’s standing deserves. 

Among The Greats

“To me, and to those in football, Aston Villa have come through the years as a great club.  Arsenal took the glamour spot in the 50’s Sunderland, Huddersfield, Newcastle and Everton also had their golden years.  And Aston Villa stood right there among the giants.  In 1930, when I saw an impressionable young player with Everton, a trip to Villa Park was almost a visit to Valhalla.  We had a saying.  When you arrive at the entrance you’re already one goal down by the time you’re past the commissionaire you’re another goal behind; by the time you get through the dressing room door you’re three down.  That’s the way the very thought of Aston Villa affected players.  Maybe after that you can begin to understand why I wanted to join the club.  Put it down to this; I want to be around when Aston Villa are again among the giants of the game.  I won’t kid you my directors or myself it’s going to be tough.  Everybody knows that.  It was obvious to me after those two losing games to Manchester over Christmas.  But it was mighty encouraging to discover two things.  First there’s loads of good will about for Villa.  It certainly has surprised me to see and hear folk genuinely expressing their hope well leave behind our fears of relegation with a quick rise in the First Division table.  Second though taking no points from Manchester United, the players showed me they can fight and Will fight for results.  Their spirit was good to see but there was something else in their play –tension – which is the first thing I’ll try to eradicate. 

No Big Stick

Maybe it’s to be expected in a team desperate for points.  Certainly it’s nothing that a couple of wins won’t cure.  But don’t expect me to go about Villa Park wielding a big stick.  I don’t work that way, I can be tough when it’s necessary, but I believe success in the game can only come about through sustained hard work –and it does take time.  All I ask from players is that they try to be as enthusiastic about the game as I am.  I’ve already explained my aims and ideals to the players at Villa Park as I did at Bramwell Lane.  Many people have asked me if I’m going to urge a spending spree for new players.  Of course not – not for the sake of buying big names.  But Aston Villa will always be willing to go for good players.  Players are not fools.  They know that every club in the land is looking for improvement and replacements.  When Wolves head the League manager Stan Cullis still looks about for new men.  That’s the right way, I believe.  And I don’t believe in trying to fool one’s own players that there’s not always a search on.  But what I guarantee players is this no expensive price tag buys a place in the team.  If I pay £25,000 for a new player he won’t be certain of his place.  If a £10 local signing proved he can do the job better than the expense import – the £10 man wins the place, and the big buy goes out.  No doubt I’ll be forced to make changes from time to time.  That I suppose is only natural with a new man, but they’ll be gradual changes.  When things are going wrong its usually because of fundamental mistakes.  So I’ll start looking fundamentals at my new job.  Certainly I’m hoping to be as happy as I was at Sheffield United.  I left many fine friends at Bramwell Lane.  I assure you I left no ill-will. 

 

SKATING RINK HAS EVERTON FLOUNDERING

January 5, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Michael Charters

Newcastle United 4, Everton 0

The story of Everton’s crashing defeat at Newcastle on Saturday is simply told –the match was practically decided in the dressing rooms before the players came on the pitch.  It was a matter of boots.  Newcastle wore the correct footwear to cope with a skating rink of a surface; Everton did not.  Newcastle players (probably used to such conditions in the cold. (North East) wore boots with a complete rubber sole and numerous small rubber studs.  Everton had their usual footwear, but with studs of a plastic rubber composition which failed to give them a grip on the treacherous pitch.  The ground was bone hard after days of keen frost, heavily sanded and the complete opposite of pitches to those on which both teams had been playing up to now.  It is to Newcastle’s credit that they correctly gauged the slippery nature of the conditions and came out suitably shod.  Where Everton players slipped and skidded often in humiliating fashion the sure-footed Newcastle men, ran, turned and dribbled.  Unless the ball came directly to the feet of an Everton player, he could not move to it without failing.  Everton were never in the game with a change because their boots never allowed them to get a grip of either the surface or the flow of play.  In possession, a Newcastle player could take the ball up to his opposite number and beat him with the merest suggestion of a body swerve because invariably the Everton man failed to get in a tackle as he fell.  At half time the Everton men removed their studs altogether (Williams wrapped tape around his boots to try to get a better footing) and it was significant that they moved better than they had done before the interval.  They threatened to retrieve something from their damaged reputations as they swept down on the Newcastle goal for the first time. 

Brilliant Saves

Harvey made three brilliant saves from shots by Hickson, Parker and Jimmy Harris and Newcastle recovered their poise to take their fourth goal and move on to complete victory as Everton skated, slid and slipped to unhappy oblivion.  It was an amazing match, in that I find it impossible to sum up individual performances by the Everton players as collectively, they were beaten by their own equipment rather than by the quality of the opposition.  I thought Hickson tried very hard and was the best of the forwards with the very limited chances which came his way Dunlop had no chance with the four which beat him and made some fine saves and Collins the only Everton man to wear rubber boots, kept his footing better than most and showed some good midfield touches without ever reaching his best form.  The rest will want to forget this match as quickly as possible.  On the Newcastle side, it was different.  They all played well, although they will be the first to admit that they can rarely have had an easier game.  The defence and half backs were in control throughout without extending themselves.  In attack the brilliance of White and Ivor Allchurch stood out in a series of swift moves which had Everton defenders scrambling and failing back.  White, with his rapid acceleration and nose for an opening, gave the best centre forward display I have seen this season, while Allchurch was almost impudently casual and masterful in his ball control and passing.  It was easy to see why Liverpool made such a determined bid for this most talented of inside forwards. 

Bundle Of Speed

Hughes a tiny bundle of speed and power on the right wing, carved great holes in Everton’s left defensive flank, while the clever Eastham on the other wing was almost as dangerous with his more skilful ball play.  Allchurch and White shared the four goals.  The first after twenty one minutes, was started initially by an Allchurch pass to the right wing.  When the ball was crossed, it was headed in and out by three or four players before McGuigan headed it back to White, who volleyed it instantly into the net from the edge of the penalty area.  A two goals-in-a-minute spell finished off Everton.  At thirty one minutes, Allchurch slipped a free kick to White on the right wing and was up to head a beautiful goal as White crossed perfectly.  From the kick-off, Sanders dallied with a clearance, White took the ball off him, swerved past Parker and Jones in a superb forty-yard run and hammered the ball past Dunlop with a great shot.  The fourth goal as White made, Allchurch-completed it came after 66 minutes as White slashed his way through the floundering defence passed to the unmarked Allchurch on the edge of the area, and the Welshman shot hit an upright before going into the net.  Four very good goals to hammer home United’s 100 per cent superiority.  Newcastle United;- Harvey, goal; Keith and McMichael, backs; Scoular, Stokoe, and Frank, half-backs; Hughes, Allchurch, White, McGuigan, and Eastham, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards.  Referee; Mr. G. McCabe.  (Sheffield).  Attendance 42,400. 

 

EVERTON SKID-KIDS SLIPPED UP

January 5, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Michael Charters

Everton’s crashing 4-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday (the heaviest since manager John Carey took over) is a story of 22 pairs of boots.  The eleven worn by the home side enabled them to tread triumphantly on a skating rink of a pitch; Everton’s set never gave them a chance as they fell and slipped to unhappy oblivion with their reputation in the North-East much tarnished.  It was a simple matter, with the issue decided in the dressing rooms before the match started.  Newcastle had the correct footwear for the conditions and Everton didn’t.  That sums it up.  The ground was concrete hard after days of severe frost and had been heavily sanded.  The ball bounced unpredictably and the surface of the pitch was icy.  Unpleasenant conditions indeed and a few miles down the coast they were sufficient for Middleborough’s game with Grimsby to be called off.  But one team conquered them at St. James Park –and that was Newcastle.  They wore boots with a complete rubber sole containing numerous small rubber studs.  Everton had their normal boots, but with plastic rubber composition studs which failed to give them a grip.  Where Newcastle stood firm and ran with almost normal freedom.  Everton fell and floundered around in humiliating fashion.  They were unable to move to a tackle of intercept a pass with any confidence.  Invariably they finished with their feet taking control of their body and depositing them ingloriously on portions of their anatomy which should have no part in football.  An Everton player expressed it rather neatly after the game.  He said “We don’t mind being beaten but we don’t like being made to look fools.”   That’s the way of it, for the Everton players could never often an effective challenges except for a brief spell after half-time when they removed the studs from their boots altogether.  Then they threatened to disturb Newcastle’s hold on the game but once the leather soles had worn slippery again, they were back to where they had started –on their backs.  Graham Williams took the double precaution of wrapping bandages around his studiless boots and certainly stayed on his feet more than he had done either, during which he had taken a nasty crack on the chin when he hit the deck face first in one spot of ice ballet.  The only other Everton casualty –and it was fortunate that more were not hurt by their falls –was John Bramwell who grazed his left elbow and side heavily in tackling right winger Hughes in full flight.  The value of Newcastle’s correct footwear was obvious.  They strolled through the game, rarely being tackled as they found that the merest suggestion of a body swerve was sufficient to send an Everton defender falling out of control of his reactions and the flow of play.  The marvel was that Newcastle did not win more easily.  They took four grand goals to be sure  but some rather weak finishing at other times kept the score down as they eased up with the game in their pocket.  It is difficult to comment on individual Everton performances remembering that their equipment let them down (literally).  But I thought Hickson was the best forward chasing hard after the limited chances which came his way while Dunlop had no chance with the four goals, and made many fine saves.  Collins was the only Everton player to wear suitable boots as he had taken the precaution of having his own rubber-type with him.  He kept his footing as well as the Newcastle players and showed many good midfield touches.  But his passes could not be gathered by his colleagues.  Harvey made three great saves from Hickson, Parker, and Jimmy Harris, during Everton’s bright spell-after half time.  The one from Hickson was a particularly good effort as the Everton leader cleverely hooked the bouncing ball over his head from close range and Harvey reacted quickly to turn it away. 

In Command

But, these apart, he had a very easy match.  In fact, the Newcastle defence and half backs were in command throughout without ever extending themselves.  In attack we were treated to some brilliant moves by an incisive, fast line in which centre forward White and inside right Ivor Allchurch were outstanding.  Those of you who saw the inter-League game at Anfield earlier in the season will remember White as stand in for the injured Nat Lofthouse and; how well he did then.  Against Everton, he was superb.  His speed off the mark, his acute sense of the narrowest of openings and the ease with which he sped through them, marked him as the most dangerous centre forward I’ve seen this season.  Allchurch was impudently casual in his ball play, brilliant in close control, and lethal in his passes.  It is easy to understand how Liverpool made such a determined, if fruitless, attempt to sign him from Swansea.  He returned after injury to a Newcastle side smarting under three successive defeats and made all the difference to their attacking style.  He strokes the ball around and cuddles it close like a master cueman at billards but he was given such room in which to work that Saturday afternoon became little more than a practice stroll for him.  Little Hughes on the right wing, is a compact, bundle of speed and directness in effective contrast to the more studied play of Eastham on the other flank.  Had inside left McGuigan, the weakest member of this power-studied line, taken his chance in the White manner, Newcastle could have been up three in the first ten minutes.  But Everton’s goal, which seemed to be hanging on a slender thread of luck for so long, fell eventually after 21 minutes when White, standing on the edge of the penalty area, volleyed home a back header from McGuigan with the pace and accuracy of a guided missile. 

Speed Run

Ten minutes later, Allchurch slipped a free kick to White who had moved to the right wing and ran forward to head White’s cross home-three in great style.  Two up, for Newcastle and within a minute it became three.  From the kick-off the ball came out to Alan Sanders, near the right touch line, and just inside his own half.  He dallied with his kicks finally; hit the ball against White who had come on to challenge and the Newcastle wizard was off with it on another of his high speed runs.  He swerved past Parker and Jones leaving them both prostrate as they fell in the tackle and then hit a power drive on the run past the helpless Dunlop for a memorable goal.  The fourth goal came after sixty-six minutes with White the leading figure in it.  He cut his way through for thirty yards before passing to the unmarked Allchurch on the edge of the area.  Allchurch beat Dunlop with a placed rather than a powerful shot and the ball struck the inside of one upright and ran along the line to touch the other upright before entering the net with Parker vainly trying to look it away.  He was just too late. 

Sunderland Watches

Sunderland Everton’s Cup opponents on Saturday, sent a director Colonel Turnbull to watch Everton.  I think he would be foolish if he assessed them on this performance, although it would be reasonable to assume that if this was Everton’s normal form, Sunderland could be regarded as in the fourth round now.  With the Goodison Park soil-warming apparatus in action after frost, Everton won’t face such skating rink conditions at home.  After their sparkling display in the mud-bath at Bolton, it is obvious that they’re at their best when there’s give in the ground.  Certainly the game at Newcastle is one which every Everton player will want to forget as quickly as possible. 

 

THOSE EVERTON CHEERS

January 7, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Mr. J. Melia a (good Anfield name, but no connection with the other Jimmy) wants to know the reason for certain happening at Goodison Park.   Writing from 32 Rossett Street, he says;

“For years now the announcement at Goodison Park of a reverse for Liverpool F.C., has been greeted with such a screaming and shouting as would make Mad Muliah and his dervishes appears as a group of old aged pensioners trying to revive the black bottom.  If Everton’s score is noticed at all at Anfield a Kopite might remark to his neighbor; Everton down again, old boy; and the other depending on the number of lemon squashes imbibed might reply ‘Poor show’ of Good show!  Or even “Whacko!”  Both would then return to the business of whitting their apple cores.   “The intelligent Evertonians I have met during the past ten years both say they have noticed this and by all that is broad in the Liverpool rear-guard I’d like to know the reason.” 

Some shrewd here, but I confess I had never noticed any special indiscrimination at either ground! 

He Makes Amends

Mr. G. Alexander, of Leasowe, writes;- “I think you probably enjoyed printing the text of my letter but I also think you should realise that it should have been read in mid-October and would have therefore not sounded quite such a testimony to your reporting as appears.  “Your article quoted me as an Everton critic, rather than a Leslie Edwards critic.  May I say I am and have been for many years an ardent Everton fan, rather more sad than angry at their earlier poor performance this season and poorer performances in recent seasons.  “I am honestly of opinion as are many with whom I have discussed your reporting of the Everton scene, that your superlatives were early.  “I saw Collins in his first or second home games, and compared with his present displays he was not out of the ordinary.  I have seen him on quite a few occasions since and I think he is wonderful.  I only hope he doesn’t have to run his heart out without the response he so well deserves.  “Bramwell is a very useful full back who has improved beyond all recognition in about two months.  I think he is good enough, for 1^st Division football because he is still improving.  “Sanders was properly displaced by Parker who was not on the scene when I wrote.  Everton have not thought him good enough until they wished to try Parker as a wing half.  He played well behind Parker against Bolton, King of course, has been dropped.  “On his day, Brian Harris is an average wing-half back.   “Over Hickson I swallowed hard; It appears to me he came to terms with himself about the time I wrote you and decided to cut out temperament, and get on with football.  He immediately improved more than 100 p.c and is now I think a very good centre forward.  “I imagine football reporting is a very difficult task indeed, and is probably at its toughest when the team one is reporting is doing badly.  “Finally, please don’t be too cock-a-hoop over your apparent success.  May I express a hope that Everton continue their improvement and best wishes to you and your columns during 1959.” 

 

EVERTON TURN ON THE HEAT

January 7, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Wiring System In Use

Clearing Snow

By Michael Charters

Everton are to switch on their ground-heating system tonight to harden the thawing of the snow or the Goodison Park pitch to get it fit for Saturday’s third round Cup tie with Sunderland.  In addition the ground staff have cleared as much of the snow as possible from the surface to today to avoid the ground being saturated when the thaw sets in.  The club will continue this work in the event of further snow.  Providing that it is not snowing on the day of the match it seems that their strenuous efforts plus the effect of the soil-warming apparatus will remove the ravages of snow and frost and make the pitch playable.  This will be the first since the electrical wiring system has been switched on after snow and its value should be apparent tomorrow morning after a night in use. 

Fielding Reconsiders

Wally Fielding Everton’s veteran inside forward, is reconsidering his decisions not to accept an offer from Ards the Irish League champions, to take over as their player manager.  Last week Fielding rejected the offer because he said he did not wish to leave Everton at present and disturb his roots on Merseyside.  In view of his ambition to enter management some time, however, he is now considering the move afresh following another approach by the Irish club.  He and his wife are going to Belfast on Friday night to visit the club.  The final decision may rest with Mrs. Fielding when they have seen the district discussed the shooting situation for their two children and looked at the house Ards have to offer. 

 

EVERTON HOPE FOR CLEAR PITCH TO-DAY

January 8, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

The time for theorizing about the effectiveness of the Everton ground heating system is past.  Here we are now, face to face with reality, for last night the electricity was switched on in earnest, a procedure which will be repeated tonight and Friday in an endeavour to combat frost and snow.  Yesterday as much snow as possible was removed from the pitch and by the time the ground staff report today, there should not e a sign of snow on the field.  At least that is the idea.  Previous experiments have shown that the ground temperature can be raised by as much as ten degrees so that it would appear the elimation of snow will not be so much of a problem as disposal of the water that is left behind.  Everton players yesterday return from their toning up holiday at Blackpool, suitably refreshed by the change of air.  Manager John Carey told me that he personally felt much better for the break and he was sure the effect on the players would be similar.  Sunderland, Everton’s Cup opponents on Saturday, for the first time this season have been unable to play a weekly practice game because of the frozen state of the training pitch.  Their activities yesterday were confined to gymnasium work in which they went through an exercise noteworthy for the number of different activities involved. 

Bircham Or Maltby

Like Everton they will probably not announce their team until today, but I understand that the side which opposed Liverpool last Saturday, the only problem position is likely to be outside right.  There it is a question of whether Bircham, who played at Anfield, or Malby will receive preference.  Bircham has played far more regularly than Maltby, who is serving in the Forces in Germany, but for whom arrangements have been made to fly him home in time for the game.  He has not figured in the first team since Boxing Day.  Bircham’s chances, are generally favoured for one reason because Sunderland believe they can hold Everton to a draw and in that event Malby would not be available for any mid-week replay.  When I ask if Sunderland could afford a long run in the Cup in view of their none too comfortable League position, I was told;  “They cannot afford not to have one.  They may need points, but they also need money, and it is the Cup that fills the coffers.”  Since Ernie Taylor joined them from Manchester United, Sunderland have won three and lost three, but they are convinced that here is one buy which seems certain to work out well.  He is their answer to Everton’s Bobby Collins.  Taylor who still trains with Manchester United is the most successful Cup fighter in the match, for he has a wonderful record of having appeared in three finals.   He was a member of the Newcastle side which defeated Blackpool in 1951 and went to Blackpool in time to figure in their Cup-winning team of 1953 against Bolton wanderers.  Last season found him in the Manchester United team defeated by Bolton Wanderers.

First Season

Experience such as that is countered by Sunderland and fielding three nineteen-years-olds- Nelson, Ashurst and Bircham – all in their first full season.  Their leading scorer is South African centre forward Kichenbrand with a record of 16 goals from 24 games, and a reputation for hostility and one hundred per cent endeavour that even Dave Hickson cannot better.  Everton are far from complacent in their approach to this test, for in Cup-ties complacency has no place at all, no matter what the pairing.  “We certainly have no intention of treating that as just another game,” Manager Carey told me.  “At the same time apart from our Blackpool trip, there will be nothing out of the way as regards training.”  Nothing Mr. Carey learned from club officials who saw Sunderland last week will give any false ideas of Sunderland’s threat for a team which can outplay Liverpool for nearly half an hour obviously demands attention.  The Sunderland team is expected to be; Wakeham; Nelson, Ashurst; Anderson, Hurley, Pearce; Bircham, or Maltby, Goodchild, Kirhenbrand, Taylor, Grainger. 

Fielding and Ards

Because both Wally Fielding of Everton and the officials of the Irish club Ards, who want him as player-manager thought that the player’s original refusal of the offer was possibly a little hasty, the parties have got together again to re-examine the position.  Fielding has agreed to visit the Irish club on Friday, and will take his wife with him.  Everton will certainly not stand in his way if after giving further thought to the offer he believes that this is the door to club management which he seeks. 

 

EVERTON UNCHANGED FOR CUP-TIE

January 8, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Everton manager John Carey has named an unchanged team to play Sunderland in the third round Cup-tie at Goodison Park on Saturday thus following the line of their Anfield neighbours for their tie at Worcester.  This is an expected vote of confidence for the Everton side which has done so well recently, apart from the display at Newcastle last week when they skidded to defeat on a frozen pitch – conditions they are not expected to have at Goodison.  Sunderland manager Alan Brown, makes one change in the team from that which impressed many with their skill against Liverpool last Saturday.  He drops Clive Bircham at outside right and brings in John Maltby, another youngster but one who has had more first team experience than Bircham.  Mr. Brown reckons this will be a strengthening move in his attack, which proved at Anfield that outside left Collin Grainger was the main threat.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (j), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.   Sunderland; Wakeham; Nelson, Ashurst; Anderson, Hurley, Pearce, Maltby, Goodchild, Kirchenbrand, Taylor, Grainger. 

Back From Seaside

The Everton players returned yesterday from their sojurn by the sea at Blackpool to meet the snow which they had missed to a large extent on the coast.  They have been refreshed by the change and manager Carey reports the players all fit and well.  He came back earlier then the rest of the party and was able to approve Wally Fielding’s request to go to Belfast tomorrow to see the Ard’s club about their offer to him to take over the Irish League champions as player-manager.  Whether Fielding decides to take the job or not –and Mrs. Fielding’s views on the domestic side of the arrangements will be the deciding factor – a man of his playing reputation and personal standing in the game should be able to find other fields in which to start a career on the managerial side.  That is his ambition naturally and all Everton followers will wish him well if he starts with Ards. 

One Foreigner

Everton and Liverpool provide 10 players in the Liverpool County F.A team to play West Riding F.A. in the third round of the County Youth Cup at Prescot Cables ground on Saturday (2.30 p.m) the only foreigner in the line-up is C. Fraser the Prescot Cables outside left who had a great game in his first appearance for the side in the second round tie.  Liverpool County; N. Bennett, W. Evans, (Liverpool), C. Green; A Peat (Everton), K. McCabe (Liverpool), J. Connor; A. Penman (Everton), L. Gallagher, L. Biers, W. Scholfield (Liverpool), C. Fraser (Prescot Cables). 

 

EVERTON’S HEAT SYSTEM SUCCESSFUL

January 8, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Snow Cleared From Pitch

Thaw Helps

By Michael Charters

Everton’s ground-healing system switched on under snow conditions for the first time last night to hasten the thaw, was a great success said Mr. Bill Dickinson, the club secretary today.  He said; “The heat has considerably reduced the volume of snow and frost from the pitch, and we have no reason to fear that the Cup tie with Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday is in any danger.”  The heat will be turned on again tonight and tomorrow night, with workman also in use during the day to clear the little remaining snow and also cope with any further facts there may be.  The wiring system, installed last close season at a cost of more than £15,000 along with the relaying of the pitch, has triumphed in its first real test.  The weather forecast, too, promising cold weather but little more snow, should help the club in its efforts to ensure the game being on.  It seems probable that the pitch will play heavy rather than hard as the combination of thaw and soil-heating has its effect. 

Everton Reserves

Everton Reserves have rearranged a Central League game against Manchester United Reserves at Old Trafford on Saturday and will field the following team.  O’Neill; Billington, Griffiths; Rea, Labone, Ashworth; Godfrey, Temple, Kirby, Meagan, O’Hara. 

Sunderland have returned some stand tickets and there are available now at the Everton club offices on application. 

Everton Trip Waits For F.A.

Everton’s proposal trip to play in Madrid next Wednesday awaits approval by the F.A. who have told the club that they cannot allow them to play a combined Madrid side –from the Real and Athletic clubs.  The F.A. will only sanction a game against an individual club on the continent.  The F.A is in touch with the Spanish F.A asking them to rearrange the date to comply with the English rulings, if the Spanish authorities can do this and provided Everton are not involved in a Cup replay with Sunderland the team will leave on Monday for Madrid and return to England for their game at Highbury a week on Saturday. 

 

EVERTON UNCHANGED

January 9, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

Obviously Everton manager Mr. John Carey, regards the upset at Newcastle last week as nothing more than a freak result for he is content to announce an unchanged team for the Sunderland match, while the visitors, apart from substituting Maltby at outside right for Bircham, will play the team that visited Anfield.  While Everton and Liverpool are living in hopes of entering the fourth round at the first time of asking, both clubs have announced arrangements for replays should they become necessary.  Both games will be on Wednesday, Liverpool’s with a 7.15 p.m kick-off at Anfield and Everton’s starting at 7.p.m. at Sunderland. 

 

MADRID TRIP OFF

January 9, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Everton’s proposed trip to Madrid to play a combined side from the Real and Athletic clubs next Wednesday is off.  The F.A. would not sanction a game against a combined team for charity and the Spanish F.A. have supported this ruling.  Efforts were made to rearrange the fixture to comply with the F.A. rule but there was insufficient time. 

 

SOFTER-AND HAPPIER

January, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Everton and Sunderland have been paired together so often in past draws that this tie is almost in the nature of a League fixture.  Highlights of course, is that never to be forgotten fourth round 6-4 replay 24 years ago at Goodison which the fortunate thousands who saw it will recall with happy nostalgia.  Everton manager, John Carey, ignoring the disastrous game at Newcastle last Saturday, has named an unchanged side, showing his confidence in the eleven which with so few changes has pulled the club from bottom place to a position where management and players can breathe more easily in the struggle for survival in the First Division. 

The pitch at Goodison under the influence of the warming rays of the sun, and the undercover heat of the electrical wiring system, should produce something like the conditions in which Everton have shown their best form, notably in the mud bath at Bolton.  They should be happier on the softer going than they, were on the frozen wastes of Newcastle and Sunderland could well meet an invigorating Everton side smarting under last week’s criticism and meaning to do something about returning to winning form with a bank.  The football world has watched Sunderland manager Alan Brown with a mixture of admiration and surprise in his attempts to stop the in creditable slide of his club from the First Division last season to the neither regions of Division 2.  He has plumped in the main for youth leavened with a sprinkling of experience and the fact that his insistence on this policy is paying off was shown at Anfield last Saturday when Sunderland impressed many watchers by their good football against a top-form Liverpool all out for promotion.  That they lost is no disgrace –better teams than the Roker Park outfit have felt the power and strength of Liverpool this season.  In an attempt to and more punch tomorrow to his attack, which depended in the main on the cleverness of outside left Colin Grainger, Mr. Brown has recalled solider John Maltby to the right wing in place of the youthful Bircham.  Ernie Taylor of Collins size and Collins cleverness has reached Roker Park after his days of stardom at Newcastle.  Blackpool and Manchester United.  Here is a Cup fighter in the true mould, and he and Grainger can prove the main threats to Everton.  But Taylor is inclined to tire in heavy going, and if Alex Parker can keep a grip on him in the first dangerous half hour.  Taylor could well be snuffed out of the game.  Much depends on this duel, as does the clash between Collins and Sunderland wing half Stan Anderson one of the finest in the country.  This could be the crux of the tie.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (j), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.   Sunderland; Wakeham; Nelson, Ashurst; Anderson, Hurley, Pearce, Maltby, Goodchild, Kirchenbrand, Taylor, Grainger. 

 

GOODISON PARK PITCH “WONDERFUL”

January 9, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Heat System Pays Off

Show Gone

By Michael Charters

Everton’s ground heating plant turned on again last might for the second time to combat the frost and snow, has produced a surface today which is described as “wonderful” by a club official (picture on Page one).  Secretary Bill Dickinson told me “Our working during the day to remove the snow, helped by the underground warmth during the night has been a complete success.  The heating system has done everything we ever hoped it would do under these conditions.  “This morning the pitch was to wonderful shape.  If the weather continues as it was in the past £4 hours.  Goodison Park tomorrow will be the finest playing surfaces in the country.  “All the snow has been removed and the heating has taken the bone out of the ground leaving the surface just soft.  In fact, it has produced perfect playing conditions and we are very pleased with the way the new soil warming process has worked.” No arrangement have therefore been made to have referee Arthur Ellis of Halifax inspect the ground before tomorrow third round cup tie with Sunderland.  Such a journey is considered really unnecessary. 

 

HOME ADVANTAGE

January 10, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

To be drawn at home is a tremendous advantage and yet no guarantee to further progress but against Sunderland a Second Division side.  I cannot think this is an offering which will find Everton unappreciative.  Nobody questions the marked improvement made by Sunderland this season but just as surely as they were worn down in the Anfield mud last Saturday, I believe they will again flag and fall on the heavy Goodison pitch.  I consider that the combined assault and marksmanship of Hickson, Jimmy Harris, Thomas, and Collins will prove more than the Sunderland defence can withstand.  Sunderland argue that Ernie Taylor is just as good as craftsman as Bobby Collins, but for a little man Collins is going more strongly as the game develops that most men of his size.  He will be prompting and probing long after Taylor has lost his terror and for all the fire and fury of Kichenbrand he will find that it is not every week he has to counter the sort of leechlike defence he will be asked to overcome in opposition to Tommy Jones.  If Maltby is in better form than Bircham, and Sunderland must believe this to be the case in view of their team selection then the speed of the wings with Grainger on top note, will keep the Everton backs occupied.  I think Everton carry the greater scoring punch and shall be surprised if they lack the opportunity to prove it.  It does not seem too much to hope to find Everton with a two goal advantage at the end.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (j), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.   Sunderland; Wakeham; Nelson, Ashurst; Anderson, Hurley, Pearce, Maltby, Goodchild, Kirchenbrand, Taylor, Grainger. 

IN CUP WINNING SIDE 58 YEARS AGO
Birmingham Daily Post - Saturday 10 January 1959
Jack Kirwan, the former Tottenham Hotspur outside-left, died in Edgware General Hospital yesterday. He was the only Tottenham's 1901 FA. Cup winning side. 

EVERTON FOR THE NEXT ROUND

January 10, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

So Much Depends On Collins and Parker

By Michael Charters

Although Everton’s Cup-tie with Sunderland at Goodison park this afternoon doers not bring together the quality of the star-packed sides of yester-year in recalling the thrills of the many memorable Cup clashes between these sides, the never-failing Call of the Cup is here again today with all it means in glamour, thrills, and excitement.  Everton and Sunderland of course, are old rivals in this greatest of British sporting competitions.  This will be the seventh time they have met and the history of these games are glistening parts of the whole Cup story.  The highlight was that tremendous fourth-round replay of 24 years ago at Goodison when Everton won 6-4 after extra time with the score 3-3 after 90 minutes.  The thousands who saw it will forever be grateful that they were privilege to see a match which contained in one pulsating afternoon all the ingredients which go to make the Cup the nail biting experience it is.  Few will expert today’s tie to reach such heights.  But there are enough personalities in both teams to make this a game out of the ordinary –in any case the more fact that it is a Cup tie promises thrills.  I believe the game will be won and lost in the duels between Collins and Anderson and Taylor and Parker, if Sunderland captain Stan Anderson one of the finest wing halves in the game can check the threat of Everton’s best wee Bobby Collins then he can put his side more than halfway on the road to victory.  But if the genius of Collins triumphs, there is no saying what Everton will do particularly if the pitch is soft.  Everton have proved beyond doubt that they give their best on yielding going –their experiences on the frozen turf at Newcastle last week showed them to be out of touch with such conditions.  Similarly, Everton’s Alex Parker must watch particularly early on the danger of Brian Taylor who matched Collins in his clearances and ball play, Taylor, now in the twilight of a great career with Newcastle, Blackpool. Manchester United and now Sunderland still has the ability to turn a game his side’s way with one brilliant move and thrust. 

He Can Tire

Taylor, however, can tire on heavy going as he showed at Anfield last week when he gradually became submerged in the mud.  But the threat is there in the first half hour before he becomes bogged down.  That is the time when Parker must be at his most definite in his tackling.  This will be the Scot’s most testing game in his new found position at wing half; Everton’s destiny today may depend on it.  Almost as intriguing in these personal clashes are those between the respective leaders and centre halves.  The tear-away Don Kiechenbrand, the South African and former Glasgow Ranger, will give Everton captain Tommy Jones quite a game, that is certain.  Jones well primed as to Kichennead’s ability by his own Scottish colleagues Collins and Parker who knew Don’s form in Scotland, has only to play as he did do against Nat Lofthouse at Bolton to turn the menace of Dashing Don into mediocrity.  On the other hand can Sunderland’s Charlie Hurley a big, strong player, put the damper on Dave Hickson who has struck fine form in recent weeks?  There are problems which will unravel themselves as the game wears on; the very solving of them will provide the pattern of this fascinating game. 

Grainger In Form

Much of Sunderland’s play last week at Anfield was impressive.  Manager Alan Brown has struggled hard to blend youth with experience and they succeeded up to a point against the power-packed play of Liverpool.  Outside left Colins Grainger is back near the form which won him England recognition to prove that crooning is not his only accomplishment, if he plays as well today as he did against Liverpool he will make right back Alan Sanders know he’s been in quite a match.  Grainger once the Taylor danger had died down was Liverpool’s principal worry last week.  To avoid this one-sided attack Manager Brown has made a change on the right wing.  He has brought back John Malthy in place of Clive Bircham who has not had as many first team experience as have the effect of putting punch on both wings.  Sunderland’s flew back from last week’s League game at Anfield, but have settled for a train trip tonight.  Manager Brown is cautious in his approach to this game.  He realizes too well that his young side are in a transition stage at present with the emphasis on climbing to a safe league position the all important factor.  This could well apply to Everton too.  Many of their fans believe their main consideration should be to strengthen their league place.  But the overwhelming desire is always for a good Cup run as well.  All very fine, as long as a club do not fall between the two ambitions.  I think Everton’s all-round ability will triumph today.  They should get through to the fourth round without resources to a replay Sunderland, in the League struggle ahead, may well be glad if they do so out first time. 

 

HICKSON LEADS EVERTON TO EASY CUP VICTORY

January 10, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Sunderland No trouble After Early Dash

Everton 4, Sunderland nil

Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and Williams, forwards.  Sunderland;- Wakeham, goal; Nelson and Ashurst, backs; Anderson, Hurley, and Anderson (captain), half-backs; Hurley, Pearce, Maltby, Goodchild, Kichenbrand, Taylor and Grainger, forwards.  Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax).   With so many matches called off due to the icy grip of winter, Goodison Park this afternoon presented almost a picture of spring.  The ground was completely cleared of snow and looked in perfect playing order – a credit to the club for their efforts to ensure that this tie at least would be on.  Both teams were as selected earlier in the week and there was a crowd of over 50,000 when the game began.  The presence of the two Liverpool boys Pearce and Ashurst in the Sunderland team added interest to this clash.  Everton won the toss and elected to kick towards the Stanley Park goal.  A very good pass from Thomas in the first minute sent Hickson away and the leader moved the ball on so Jimmy Harris who set off at full pace for goal but overran his dribble and pushed the ball too far for a goal kick.  Then Kirhenbrand showed a surprising turn of speed for a man of such size to race down the left wing and force Jones to concede a corner, which was cleared by Collins.  A faulty pass from Jones in the penalty area went straight to Grainger, instead of the intended recipient Jimmy Harris.  Grainger quickly whipped the ball across and Kirhenbrand with a neat deflection, was only just wide of the post. 

More Dash

In these early stages Sunderland were showing more dash than Everton and they earned another left wing corner when Jones had to put behind to halt the Kichenbrand menace.  From Gringer’s kick the ball came out to Pearce, who was very wild with his shot.  Sunderland quicker to the ball then Everton gained yet another left wing corner which was cleared comfortably by Parker.  Everton’s suddenly sprang into life when Hickson slipped Hurley and pushed a fine pass out to Jimmy Harris.  The winger twice beat Ashurst in the space of a few yards before crossing the ball left-footed and Collins shot quickly but found the ball bouncing off Pearce for a corner. 

Kichenbrand Again

Jones was finding Kinchenbrand both big and clever and the Sunderland leader beat him to put over a fine centre which Dunlop came out and collected before it could reach Goodchild.  Everton had a lucky escape when Maltby pushed through the perfect through ball to the unmarked Goodchild who taking his shot too quickly sent the ball wide with only Dunlop to beat.  Kichenbrand was certainly the liviest player on the field and once again he beat Jones to put across his centre, which escaped all heads with Goodchild’s being the nearest to connecting.  Parker tried to battle his way through following a left wing corner, but weight of numbers told and Sunderland cleared, but not without some difficulty. 

Hickson Scores

Hurley was hurt when he fell awkwardly after going up for a ball with Hickson when the Everton leader’s shot was deflected for a corner, Hurley recovered after attention.  From Jimmy Harris’ kick, Sunderland never properly cleared the ball and after Williams shot had been charged down the ball rebounded for Hickson to snap it up close in and ram it home with finality for a leading goal after 21 minutes.  I though Everton a little fortunate to be ahead at this stage, for Sunderland had looked the more impressive side, but Hickson took the chance well.  An astute pass from Parker to the quickly moving Collins saw Pearce put the ball for a corner.  From the kick Collins saw Pearce put the ball for a corner.  From the kick Hurley was wild with his clearance and sent it over for yet another flag kick, but Sunderland cleared this comfortably. 

Brilliant Parker

It was nearly two up for Everton when Parker, who had suddenly settled down to play brilliantly started another attack, but Hickson and Harris trying to push the ball through were crowded out and Wakeham saved the final shot quite comfortably.  Parker was inspiring most of Everton’s attacks and he put over a lob in the true Cliff Britton manner which Wakeham cleared with great difficulty for a corner.  Collins, by sheer tenacity, won a corner which he took himself and from the kick, Parker, in superb form now, cut inside Pearce and delivered a left foot shot which Wakeham saved high up.  Parker’s display was a revelation, for he looked and played like the wing half born.  The Everton pressure told after 42 minutes with a second goal from Jimmy Harris.  It started almost inevitably with a Parker-Collins mix-up and Collin’s lob into the goalmouth was beautifully judged for Hickson to head back to Harris (J) who caught it on the volley from close in and almost broke the back of the net.  Give Sunderland their due, however, they fought back and Kichenbrand gave Dunlop his most anxious moment of the half with a fine header from Malthy’s cross.   Half-time; Everton 2, goals, Sunderland nil.   Right from the kick-off Collins teed up a chance for Thomas who got his left foot under the ball and sent it high over the bar.  Anderson was keeping a tight check on Collins and he and Kichenbrand were certainly Sunderland’s best.  Up to now Grainger had not been the menace he was at Anfield last week, mainly due to the fine defensive play of Sanders.  Everton started where they had left off towards the end of the first half and built up a sustained a right wing attack in which a Collins shot going outside struck Hickson’s back and came out for Jimmy Harris to deliver a tremendous right footed shot from an angle which Wakeham had great difficulty in clearing for a corner.  Anderson brought Sunderland back with a chance when he chipped a very neat pass to Kichenbrand who beat Jones as the Everton captain slipped and hit a shot akin to Harris’s in the power which Dunlop saved brilliantly at the expense of a corner.  The game had slipped into much kick and rush football at this stage with both sides falling into the trap of hefty and hopeful kicking.  The game lacked colour and bite for quite a spell until Collins slipped the ball across to Hickson who was a little slow on gathering it and missed a golden opportunity.  We saw an isolated flash of the Taylor magic with a superb cross field pass to Grainger who for no apparent reason chose to shoot at Dunlop from fully 45 yards, which was not the slightest bit of good.  Parker was ever ready to move up in attack and gave Jimmy Harris a great chance of breaking away down the wing but Harris elected to pass back to Parker and only succeeded in pushing it straight to Nelson.  Then Sunderland fought back with their best move of the game, Grainger finally slipped past Sanders and crossed the ball quickly for Kichebrand to touch it on to Taylor.  The little man hit his shot truly enough, but the ball struck Bramwell’s back in flight and shot high over for a corner –a rather lucky one for Everton this.  But after this 25 minutes of second half kick and rush Everton went further ahead with a goal by Thomas after 70 minutes.  Williams took the successive corners and from the second Collins chipped the ball back to him.  The winger crossed it to Hickson, who headed it back into the goalmouth which was magically empty of everyone but Thomas and the goalkeeper.  Thomas moved the ball to his right and crashed it high into the net from close range, with Ashurst vainly trying to recover and get back in time to save it.  Everton deserved this season half goal because of their continuous pressure, but they had got there with some rather scrambled football and Sunderland had completely fallen away.  Parker was enjoying himself moving up so readily to make a sixth forward and he almost dribbled his way through from the edge of the penalty area to deliver a shot and possibly take a goal but the combine weight of Hurley and Anderson was too much.  Everton finally crushed Sunderland out of sight with a beautifully worked goal after 77 minutes.  It came again from a right wing move with Collins cutely pushing the final pass over to the unmarked Hickson who moved the ball across to his right foot, picked his place from the edge of the penalty area and shot past Wakeham’s right hand.  This had been a good match for Hickson, indeed, for he had also made the other two goals for Thomas and Jimmy Harris.  Williams had a good chance of completing a nap hand when Thomas put him in the clear with all the time in the world to take a shot, but the winger could do no better than hammer the ball into the side netting.  Thomas tried to barge his way through from Collin’s pass and his final shot hit Hurley and rebounded with such force into Thomas stomach that he was temporarily winded and had to have attention.  Sunderland now looked no better than a below-average Second Division side for Jones had finally conquered the menace of Kichenbrand and Collins was staying the pace much better than Anderson with the result that the majority of Everton’s attacks started from the feet of the wee Scot.  In an attempt to get Collins into the scoring records, Hickson turned the ball back for him after Wakeham had failed to gather a cross from Williams, but Collins shooting hurriedly, was wild in his placing.  The game had become so one-sided at this late hour that the crowd began to drift away.  Hickson almost got his hat-trick as the final touch to a scintillating Everton attack, which began deep in defence with Parker pushing the ball through to Jimmy Harris, who carried it on with a lovely overhead flick to Collins.  Final; Everton 4, Sunderland nil.  Officials attendance 58,788,  Receipts £8,400. 

Balance Sheet

Everton moved comfortably into the fourth round of the Cup with a clear cut win over their old rivals, Sunderland , whose tears I fear bears no resemblance to their great sides of the past.  After an excellent start, in which they might have been two up, Sunderland fell completely away against an Everton team which got the goals without playing really impressive football.  In fact, for long spells the game fell into mediocrity with much wild kicking and misplaced passes but Everton’s superior all round ability told in the end and they sailed serenely on to a comfortable win. 

 

GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL…

January 10, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Bury Took Over When We Moved Out

By Tom Jones

When it was decided that the boys should go to Blackpool for a few days pre-Cup-tie training, it was the general opinion that it would be a nice quiet break, away from the usual training routine, away from the fevour of Cup-tie fans, a chance for the boys to concentrate on the job at hand without outside interference.  Believe me, Blackpool, when we left for home last Wednesday, was all of that.  Blackpool on a bleak, snowy day with the wind and snow contributing to make this famous summer resort a wonderful picture for Christmas cards.  As the coach pulled away, I felt a little sorry for the Bury players who had arrived the day before.  After all, we had enjoyed the elements and done a nice spot of training along with an afternoon’s golf.  But Blackpool even allowing for the wonderful facilities at the hotel, is no place for a sun lover under five or six inches of snow.  To stay that teams like Manchester United, West Bromwich, Bolton, and Aston Villa have used this hotel as the perfect venue because of the facilities there, will give you an idea as to the value to us. 

Lived There

Someone once said that Manchester United almost lived there.  Talking to hotel masseur Joe Linden, he informed me that this was almost a fact.  Around his room he has a galaxy of photographs mostly of United players and also one or two photographs of the teams I have mentioned.  Every facility is available with dressing rooms, various baths, steam, soda, shower &c, sun ray, radiant heat tables for a rub down, swimming baths (heated), table-tennis, snooker and billiards a nine hole course, and the modern medium, television.  We spent a very pleasant three days at this hotel and we moved over to make room for Mr. Russell the Bury manager and his lads.  Incidentially John Willie Parker and Tony McNamara two well-remembered Evertonians, helped to make up the Bury party. 

Word With Dodds.

While in Blackpool a party of the lads and myself called out former clubmate Jock Dodds, now a night club secretary.  Jock was recalling the fact that Wally Fielding and myself are the only professionals left on Everton’s books who were there during his stay.  Made me feel quite old.  The Everton lads have always made it a habit to call on Jock when they were in Blackpool as he is always the most genial of hosts.  I happened to comment that the club appeared to have made changes in décor since our last visit.  He replied that since then the club had been on fire, and pointing up an almost inaccessible office in the corner said; “I was in there, lucky to get out.  As at matter of fact, I was almost the toast of the town.”   For such a big fellow as he was in his playing days, Jock, one would have thought, would have put on at least a stone or two.  But he said he keeps himself pretty fit, and the most he’d put on was seven pounds. 

Pity It’s Off

What a personally Soccer missed when Jock finally gave up the game…a great practical Joker whose pranks are still talked of round Goodison way.  It is a pity that the proposed trip to Madrid has not been sanctioned by the F.A. as the boys were very keen to make the journey.  Only Bobbie Collins has visited Spain and he told the boys all about it.  Apparently the stadium in Madrid will house 100,000 spectators, I’ve seen a photograph of the stadium and as Bobby will verify, they have double Decker stands which appear almost vertical.  It gives a player the awesome feeling of spectators breathing down their necks.  The scene from the air is something akin to a valley with the actual playing pitch right in the middle.  Personally I was hoping to make the trip and perhaps play against df. Stefanco, I know what a great player he is and probably at the end of ninety minutes I might wish the opposite but I maintain the only way to improve one’s game is to play against top class opposition and if C. Stefano isn’t top class, I don’t know what is. 

 

HOW I’D LIKE TO WIN AT ARSENAL

January 10, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Says Alex Parker, Everton’s Scottish International.

I Don’t think many people will argue with me when I say that all footballers like to be on the winning side, but if there’s one place we like to be victorious it is Highbury home of Arsenal and I hope to get my chance next week.  An added incentive is that the Gunners will probably have three Scots in their side in Henderson, Herd and a great pal of mine, Tommy Docherty.  In addition there is a chance that two Army colleagues in Petts and Barnwell may be playing.  You will undoubtedly have seen “The Doc” playing at Goodison either for Preston or Arsenal, and you won’t need me to tell you what a great wing-half he is.  He is a 90 minutes player and a great believer in the hard tackle, but I would defy anybody to say he was dirty.  In fact, Tommy has told me he has no time, for dirty players.  In addition to being a great player.  Doc is a great character, I have never known anybody keener on his football.  He talks and breathes the game and is a good man to have in a party for he is something of a comedian, which may surprise you as he appears so dour on the field.  I remember one instance when he introduced me to a young relation of his.  The first thing that struck me about the boy was that his ears protrude rather more than usual, and Doc said; “Yes, he was seven before we knew whether he would walk or fly.”   Another side of his character was shown when we went to Hungary with the Scotland team in 1951.  Outside our hotel in Budapest, Tommy noticed a boy of about 12 and without more ado gave the youngster a pair of his football boots.  Boots are a luxury to the average British lad, but in Hungary they are even more valued and it was a pleasure to see the look of delight on the boy’s face.  I believe he wrote to Doc after he returned to England.  You have seen some great hard-tackling Scottish wing-halves in English soccer since the war.  Players such as Alex Forbes, Archie Macauley, Tommy Docherty and just before them, the great Willie Shankily, the present Huddersfield manager.  I can see I’ve got quite a tradition to maintain.

Golfing Days

Incidentally, it is not generally known that the brother of the present Scottish right half and captain Davey Mackay, is with Everton.  His name is Frank and he is in the Army at present.  Tommy Jones told me that he was going to write about our trip to Blackpool, but there’s one incident he “forgot” to mention.  Along with Bobby Collins the challenged the two Harrises to a game of golf, but I think that in future he will pick his partner and opponents with a little more care, for Brian and Jimmy won.  A most “Harrising experience for Tommy and Bobby.  While on the subject of golf, I must mention that Dave Hickson and I played nine holes against John Bramwell and Eddie Thomas.  The match ended all square.  Trainer Gordon Watson came out with us, but left after we got to the fourth hole.  He said it was because of the cold, but we suspect he was fed up watching our efforts.  For those who could not brave the elements there were indoor games such as the table tennis-snooker match between Albert Dunlop and Bobby Collins.  Albert won at table tennis but Bobby maintained Scotland’s superiority with a win on the green baize.  Bury were staying at the hotel prior to their match with Arsenal and Tony McNamara and John Willie Parker, ex-Evertonians, were with them.  They ran a snooker competition and invited Dave Hickson to take part, but Dave reckons it was a carve-up.  He says Bury were only after his money.  Apparently he was knocked out in the first round, his excuse being that he was drawn against their best player.  That’s what he says! 

Newcastle Verdict

During the past week, many people have said to me; “What happened at Newcastle Alex?”  I wish all the

the questions were as easy to answer?  Two words will do it.  We Lost, It’s as simple as that.

Some days things go right for you, some days they don’t.  At Bolton everything came off.  At Newcastle it

didn’t.  It’s just that the pitch suited the home side better than it did us.  If the going had been soft the

result might have been reversed.  There’s no side in the world wins all its matches.  If that happened

football would lose half its attraction.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. 

Last week we lost, but just as there’s no reason to go into wild ecstasies of delight over one victory,

there’s no need to get despondent over one defeat.  We have a bad display out of our systems and we

must try to see it doesn’t happen again. 

It was hard luck for Bobby Collins that his father and brother should choose that match to come and see

us.  Mr. Collins, Senior, has seen Everton before, but not so brother Tommy, who is a very good outside

right with a Scottish Junior club, incidentally. 

 

HOW NICE –NO GOODISON ICE

January 12, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Everton 4, Sunderland 0

By Ian Hargraves

Everton’s elaborate soil-warming system on Saturday justified all the trouble it has caused, for 58,778 frozen fans splashed their way through a sea of slush to firid Goodison Park as smooth and green as My Lady’s back lawn.  Elsewhere players slipped and slid in a kind of frozen farce, but here at least the going was all that could be desired.  Perhaps the very spendour of the setting unnerved the visitors, or perhaps Everton found their task easier than they had expected.  But whatever the reason this was like no Cup-tie I have ever seen, with bouts of rather academic football, punctuated briefly with the odd round of polite applause.  Even the most pugnacious of gladiators, centre forward Dave Hickson, played with old fashioned courtesy and after one accidentally collision with Hurley appeared to be so solicitous of his opponent’s health one would have expected him to raise his hat had he been wearing one.  If Sunderland had succeeded in scoring during the first quarter of an hour we might have had a repeat of that blood-tinging tussle in the mud last year.  But Kichenbrand, much the most dangerous of a disjointed forward line, twice failed to profit from Jones’ uncertainty and Goodchild shot well wide from less than ten yards.  So they had nothing to show for all their pressure.  Goals by Hickson and J. Harris had virtually settled the issue by half time.  A superb save by Dunlop from Kichenbrand and a simple goal by Thomas qualled Sunderland’s second half rally before it had well begun and the latter stages were pure exhibition with Hickson scoring a fourth goal.

Marked Improvement

Everton have lost nothing of their old speed –or so it appeared on Saturday –but it is speed harnessed to a purpose.  Even the wingers seemed to have calmed down since last I saw them, though J. Harris is still inclined to lose, sight of colleagues moving up in support.  In defence the arrival of Bramwell and Parker has added weight where it was badly needed and Dunlop – newly elected captain of Liverpool Pirates –should be finding his task a good deal less thankless.  Forward the transformation obviously results from the acquisition of Bobby Collins, a priceless performer, who has in turn brought out the best in Hickson.  Sunderland’s renaissance has much further to go than Everton’s, but manager Alan Brown can derive comfort from the knowledge that it does seem to have begun.  As against Liverpool they failed to last the distance and a successor will soon have to be found for Ernie Taylor, whose skill for 30 minutes hardly compensated for his comparative inactivity during the 60.  The thrust and determination of Kirchenbrand and the skill of Grainger must have achieved something with better support, but the recall of Maltby in place of Bircham on the right wing produced nothing more dangerous than half a dozen long range centres.  Anderson, Hurley and Pearce form a most constructive line of half backs, but I wonder if they are not just a big too constructive.  The first job of a defender is to defend and if Sunderland cannot win the ball there is precious little point in being able to distribute it. 

How The Goals Came

Everton got the first goal after 22 minutes.  Following a right winger corner Wakeham could only half save a shot by Williams and Hickson rammed the ball home from close range.  Another goal followed in the 42^nd minute.  Collins slung a long ball into the Sunderland goalmouth, Hickson headed it forward and J. Harris was there to finish the move with a neat volley.  Early in the second half Kichenbrand and Taylor both went close for Sunderland but when Hickson’s header enabled Thomas to score it was all over-bar the shouting.  Though Hickson got a fourth goal from Collins’ perfectly judged square pass, Sunderland were lucky to escape so lightly.  Collins who had earlier hit the post, now almost shattered the crossbar, and Hickson was only foiled by Wakeshaw’s finger tips just before the final whistle sounded. 

Central Heating Now?

Everton can enter the fourth round full of confidence.  Weaknesses there certainly are which will be exploited by stronger opponents than Sunderland, but this new-look side has a good deal to commend it.  The construction of a team to match the turf, the stands and the floodlights may be completed much sooner than all but the wildest optimist could have thought possible six months ago.  Perhaps there will then follow the installation of centre heating in the stands.  As a frozen friend remarked “Why should the worms have all the comfort?  They don’t pay to come in.”  Fanciful?  So was the idea of heating the soil until Everton tried it.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and Williams, forwards.  Sunderland;- Wakeham, goal; Nelson and Ashurst, backs; Anderson, Hurley, and Anderson (captain), half-backs; Hurley, Pearce, Maltby, Goodchild, Kichenbrand, Taylor and Grainger, forwards.  Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis (Halifax).  

 

SOUTHPORT SEEK WALLY FIELDING

January 13, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

Southport, currently bottom of the Fourth Division are hoping to sign Wally Fielding, Everton’s London-born forward who is Everton’s senior professional.  Negotiation are in an advanced stage between Southport and Everton while Fielding is still considering a similar offer from the Irish League Clue Ards.  Although Fielding would certainly be a great acquisition –both as a tactician and as an inside forward –it is a little difficult to see quite how he would fit into the Southport scheme of things.  They already have a manager in Mr. Trevor Hitchens, and Fielding is unlikely to move into the Fourth Division unless some kind of managerial post is offered him.  Fielding has been noted as one of the cleverest ball players in the country since the war.  The brains of the Everton attack until the arrival of Bobby Collins has immense tactical skill and shortly after the start of the season was appointed official tactical adviser to the Everton team. 

 

EVERTON ARE UNCHANGED FOR SIXTH TIME

January 14, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Michael Charters

Everton will be unchanged at Arsenal on Saturday for the sixth successive match, managed John Carey decided today.  Teams; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.   The players were given a day off today after training indoors yesterday due to the fog.  Everton unlike many other clubs train on Monday and Wednesday is often a day for golf as Mr. Carey believes in a mid-week break rather than one on Monday.  The fog prevented any golf today of course.  Everton have come a long way since they struck rock bottom in crashing 6-1 to Arsenal at Goodison on September 6.  The game at Highbury on Saturday is one of their most vital in their fight to retain a respectable League position and the confidence of the unchanged team should be sufficient to make the result very different from that in the first meeting this season. 

 

FIELDING GOES TO SOUTHPORT

January 14, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Takes Over As Player-Manager

By Michael Charters

Wally Fielding architect of Everton’s attack for so many post-war years, has finally left Goodison Park.  As expected, he signed today for Southport as player-manager.   The signing in the Southport offices this morning was a formality after the successful negotiations of yesterday.  A small fee is involved and the deal would have been completed last night only that the fog held up Fielding’s car drive to Southport.  Most disappointed people will be Ards the Irish League champions, who first sought Fielding over a week ago.  Mr. and Mrs. Fielding were in Belfast last week-end talking over the move with Ards officials, but Wally’s expressed preference to stay in the Merseyside area prompted Southport to start negotiations.  Ards terms were generous but the chance to take over at Southport and stay in his home at Ormskirk decided Wally to sigh for them.  He is under no illusions over his task at Southport now at the bottom of the Fourth Division, with a small playing staff and working to a very limited budget. 

Encouraged

But Southport have secured a personality player in Fielding, one of the cleverest inside forwards in League football of the post-war era.  He hopes to play against Coventry on Saturday at home and should add a few thousands to the gate .  Everton manager John Carey encouraged Fielding to join Southport much as he appreciated Fielding’s value to Everton with the Central League side.  He said; “We are sorry to see him go, but we are not just dumping him off.  We have made sure that he will be well looked after, I am convinced this is a move to his betterment and think he is wise to take it.”  Mr. Trevor Hitchen who has been team manager at Southport this season will stay on as Fielding’s assistant.  He said; “Naturally the news has been a shock to me, but the directions have done what they thought best.”  Fielding born almost in the shadow of Tottenham’s ground at Edmonston, North London joined Everton in September 145, and he and his family have been very happy on Merseyside.  This is their home now and the move to Southport merely consolidates that feeling.  At 39 Wally is still fit and retains the football ability which made him a draw in top class football.  The wish of all supporters in this area is “Good luck” Wally, and good luck, Southport. “ 

 

EVERTON UNCHANGED V. ARSENAL

January 15, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By John Peel

Encouraged by their fine 4-0 F.A. Cup victory over Sunderland at Goodison Park last week-end, Everton can face Arsenal at Highbury in their return League fixture with some confidence.  Next Saturday, especially, as  Tom Jones and his team colleagues appear to have stuck their best form.  The Goodison side for the Arsenal game will be the same that has done fully in the last five matches namely;- Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams.   When Arsenal visited Goodison Park on September 6 last they trounced Everton 6-1 and the players will be keen to avenge this reverse.  If the Charlton v. Everton F.A Cup fourth round tie ends in a draw on January 24, the replay will take place under floodlights at Goodison Park on Wednesday, January 28. 

 

EVERTON SOIL WARMING

January 15, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Nothing could have vindicated Everton’s soil warming electrical system better than recent events.  Indeed people are saying that this and not a change in fixture lists is the answer to the frost problem which is playing havoc with League and Cup football.  Everton took more than a little ribbing at the outset of the season when wags suggested that their players and not the pitch should have been eclectically wired, and thus it is only fair to credit them now with having pioneered something which must be of inestimable benefit to all clubs that can afford the installation costs.  True, there are not many Saturdays when matches are postponed solely because of frost but Everton’s production of a good yielding pitch with the rest of the football world struggling on grounds scarcely playable should surely lead to others following their lead. 

Tried Once Before

It is not generally known that Everton tried years ago a soil warming system on their small practice ground.  It was reasonable successfully but it did not last, I asked Manager John Carey whether in view of the success of the new installation opportunity would be taken to go ahead with the wiring of this practice ground.  His reply was rather characteristic.  He thought the club would prefer to make a priority of the playing needs of the team.  When you consider that pitch reconstruction and electrical installation cost that best part of £17,000 has attitude is understandable.  Nevertheless excellent use is being made at Goodison Park of the considerable existing playing material. 

Cheers –For And Against

The light-hearted views of Mr. J. Melia a Liverpool supporter given in this column last week that Everton fans cheer the announcement of a Liverpool defeat while the Anfield crowd do not cheer an Everton reserve, has brought a storm of criticism from Evertonians much of it too vociferous to print.  But the following point raised by Mr. L. Davies, of 4 Lightwood Street, Liverpool 7 seems to put the matter into proper perspective.  He writes. 

“This question has been raised before.  The answer simply is that at Goodison the result of the Liverpool game is announced over the loudspeaker system so that everyone bears the score at the same time.  The more rabid Evertonians cheer immediately, whereas at Anfield the result is shown on the scoreboard and only noticed spasmodically by the crowd.  If Liverpool adopted Everton’s method of announcement, it would produce the same effect at Anfield.  I would like to say that I do not for one moment condone the action of these so-called sportsmen (either colour).  Incidentally have you noticed that when Liverpool win this is also greeted with a cheer at Goodison?” 

 

DEATH OF BOB BALMER

January 15, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Younger Of Framed Everton Brothers

By Leslie Edwards

The death has occurred at his home in Rossthwaite Road, West Derby, of Mr. Bobby Balmer younger of the famous Everton brotherhood of full backs in the early 1900’s.  He was 79.  He is survived by his elder brother Billy, who is 83 and who lives at Huddersfield.  The Balmer brothers were uncles of the famous Liverpool forward Jack Balmer, who retired a few seasons ago.  Mr. William Balmer was in the Everton Cup winning team of 1906 and when Everton reached the final for the second successive year his brother came in the partner him at back, Everton lost the game to Sheffield Wednesday. 

Season Ticket

One of the most remarkable things disclosed by the death of Mr. Balmer is the fact that throughout his many years of retirement from football, the Everton club always presented him with a season ticket in recognition of his fine service as a player. 

 

THE NEW ARSENAL ERA

January 16, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Everton face the first of two quick trips to London.  They are due at Highbury tomorrow and at Charlton’s Valley in the Cup a week hence.  Much, for them, depends on both fixtures since they are not quite out of the wood in respect of the League.  Arsenal, such a great force in the days when they were captained by the old Everton half-back, Joe Mercer, are the start of a new era.  George Swindin’s and by some shrewed buying and selling the former Arsenal goalkeeper (who deserved a cap but never received one) has done enough to suggest that they are coming back in a big way.  But so are Everton.  The success of clubs managed by men not long out of their playing careers indicates I think that the ideal manager is one who knows contemporary football well from the inside.  The game and its techniques have changed a good deal, if not obviously and the happy linking of such as Carey, Busby, Cullis, Mercer, Swindin, Britton, with the great clubs of the land indicates that many boards have learned this lesson – some of them the hard way. 

Still Not Satisfied

Swindin has put Arsenal back in the picture but he has told me himself that he is still not satisfied.  Everton’s progress, except for that Newcastle fiasco (more due to wrong footwear than to other causes) has been so steady, so heartening they cannot be ruled out tomorrow and with a team unchanged again there should be no lack of confidence.  Tom Jones will be returning to the scene of his Everton debut and one can only marvel at his splendid steadying influence since that far off day when a Highbury crowd gave him an ovation for his work before a knee injury caused him to leave the field.  The Arsenal eleven bristler with “names,” none more ominous than Docherty’s.  Docherty is the former Preston player who might well have been in Everton’s colours tomorrow if…but that is a long story.  The short sequel is that Everton spent on Bobby Collins the money which nearly went on Docherty.  They would probably have been right in either case!  Arsenal hoped to play an unchanged side. But there are serious doubts about McCulloch and Dodgin.  All going well it looks as though this will be one of the few Football league matches played.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. 

 

ARSENAL HOPEFUL

January 17, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

Arsenal are hopeful that they will be able to fulfill their fixture with Everton at Highbury.  With a 6-1 beating of Everton earlier in the season to their credit.  Arsenal will be seeking a double, which would put them at the head of Division 1, a point in front of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are without a match.  Dodgin will be missing from the centre half berth in the London side, because of leg trouble and in his position will be Tommy Docherty, the former Preston half-back who nearly became an Everton player.  Returning at inside right will by Vic Groves.  Arsenal; Keisey; Wills, Evans; Ward, Docherty, Bowen; Clapton, Groves, Herd, Bloomfield, Henderson.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. 

Farewell Wally

Mr. A. J. Higgins writes;- “As a great and vehement protagonist in these columns of Walter Fielding, alas no longer with us, may I be permitted to write his obituary.  Several tried to do so in the past but the wily one has always had to come back.  “Thank you Walter for many hours of sheer delight at Goodison.  A good servant indeed, you have been.   Notwithstanding the Britton Burlesgues of Potts for Fielding, Wainwright, for Fielding.  Uncle Tom Cobley an all for Fielding, you always had to come back this apart from the fact that you should never have been dropped.  “Please accept this, the only intimation and how sorry I and many others are that we could not see a bit more of you.  As a Londoner, had you joined Arsenal or Charlton.  I am sure you would have had well deserved honours in the international field.  “Alast I cannot wish that you may rest in peace as befits an obituary notice for you have certainly taken something on at Southport.  In fact I hope to come and regale myself anew with the Fielding arts and crafts now and then.  “The best of luck to you.  You are a brave man, indeed in your present well deserved post.” 

 

CHARLTON SEE EVERTON OUTPLAYED AT HIGHBURY

January 17, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Arsenal Inside Men Turn On Great Display

Arsenal 3 Everton 1

By Michael Charters

Arsenal; Standen, goal; Wills and Evans, backs; Ward, Docherty, and Bowen (captain), half-backs; Clapton, Groves, Herd, Bloomfield, and Henderson, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards.  Referee; Mr. J. Barradell (Barrow-on-Sea, Leicestershire).  Arsenal made a surprise late change when Welsh international goalkeeper Jack Kelsey reported unfit this morning through a thigh injury received in training yesterday and reserve Jim Standen substituted.  Charlton Everton’s fourth round Cup opponents next week were at Highbury in force with manager Jimmy Trotter as their game at Grimsby had been postponed.  Similarly, Colchester at home to Arsenal in the fourth round were also here – a coincidence which may not be repeated for many many years.  Just before the kick off a fine drizzle began to fall and the pitch, heavily sanded, looked as though it would be treacherous, slightly soft on top and hard at stud depth.  Everton won the toss and Jones elected to play with the advantage of a strong direct downfield wind.  Everton opened brightly and Collins took a quick shot from a pass by Brian Harris but his direction was well off. 

Bloomfield’s Bloomer

Bloomfield slipped up badly a moment later when he was able to move quickly past the skidding Jones with three of his colleagues begging for the ball he turned it back from the byline straight to the feet of Brian Harris, with Dunlop having been drawn out of goal.  Everton were moving the ball quickly and accurately on this difficult surface where the ball came skidding through at freakish angles ad heights.  The players were standing up well, although finding it awkward to turn quickly.  A long header out of defence by Docherty sent the ball out to Clapton and his 30 yards pass found Herd in the clear.  The leader took the ball on and delivered a tremendous shot from 20 yards which hit the upright and went out for a goal kick.  Parker appeared to twist his knee when he turned quickly and had to have the trainer’s attention and I feel that this slight injury was responable for Arsenal taking the lead after 12 minutes through Groves.  When Bramwell slipped in attempting to tackle Clapton the winger had a clear field to move on and pass the ball low across the face of goal, where Parker, limping slightly, failed to intercept and Groves swept in to lift the ball first time into the net.  Within a minute Bloomfield put the ball in Everton’s net from a pass by Henderson, but was signaled offside by the linesman –a let off for Everton as the decision must have been a close one.  Collins was the next Everton man to be injured when Bowen caught him on the leg in the run of play and the Scot, after attention limped on the right wing with Harris moving inside.  A faulty header by Docherty gave Hickson an angled chance.  He hit the ball on the run when off balance and sent it harmlessly across the face of goal.  Everton just couldn’t get going offensively as their own defenders were so hard pressed that they could not initiate attacking moves of their own.  Bloomfield was brilliant for Arsenal.  He had one electrifying 50 yards dribble, beating three or four Everton men on the way, before pushing a dangerous pass to Herd, whose quick shot was blocked by Jones for a corner when a second goal looked certain.  Arsenal were making it look easy, never more so than when they took an inevitable second goal after 31 minutes.  It began again with the clever Clapton slipping past Bramwell who could not turn quickly enough, and the winger’s cross beat the packed Everton goalmouth to go right to the feet of Bloomfield, who had a simple job of side-footing it into the net.  After this goal, Collins who seemed to be moving with his normal freedom again went back to inside left and Jimmy Harris went on the wing.  Groves was little behind Bloomfield in the power of his play and he laid on a glorious pass for Clapton, only for the winger to err for the first time in over-hitting his centre, which passed right across field to go out of play on the far side.  The danger was never properly cleared and Bowen moved up to hit a lovely shot which Dunlop finger-tipped over the bar.  There were far too many gaps in Everton’s defensive cover when Bloomfield and Groves got going whereas Arsenal were very quick to repel any Everton threat before it really got started.  Parker and Brian Harris were finding things very difficult against the menace of these two excellent inside men.  Half-time; Arsenal 2, Everton nil. 

Right from the restart Hickson and Bowen tell heavily on their backs and the game was held up for a moment until the Arsenal captain recovered.  The more the game went the more difficult the surface became.  On this going it was a wonder that more players were not hurt when Everton attacked both Hickson and Slanden went down as the Everton leader almost snatched a goal from a half chance created by Williams.  Both recovered, however, after the trainers’ attention.  Everton were being given a lesson in first-time shooting from any angle or range and Bloomfield pressed the point home firmly when he took a back heel pass from Groves on the run and hammered a tremendous shot only inches over the bar. 

A Good Move

Hickson was too often a lone raider for Everton to be effective, but he did once hold the ball well for Jimmy Harris to move into position, beat Evans and cross the ball only to see Standen flick it away from the incoming Thomas – easily Everton’s best move for an hour.  After 63 minutes Everton did manage to put the ball in the net when a combination of Collins and Thomas got the ball across to Williams standing only a yard from the line and the winger back –heeled it into the net, only to be called back for offside.  Arsenal showed that they were not going to be upset by this as they broke away immediately for Herd to race through.  His ground shot beat Dunlop, only to pass narrowly outside.  Dunlop had to produce his best save of the match to stop Bowen taking a goal.  The power of this very good Arsenal team undoubtedly came from the ball service of their wing halves.  It came as no surprise when Arsenal went further ahead after 68 minutes through Groves.  He took a pass from Clapton on the edge of the area and with Everton’s defence hesitating was able to hit a left foot shot which bounced and skidded pass Dunlop.  These Arsenal forwards were certainly in goal hungry mood, for within a minute Herd wheeled round from 25 yards and hit a shot which just flashed wide.  Bramwell was having a much better half than before the interval to keep Clapton reasonably quite.  In attack Hickson had too much to do on his own and the rest of the team were too busy in defence to help their forwards.  It was due to the persistence of Hickson that Everton at last reduced the defecit after 74 minutes.  He chased and worried his way down the left wing, beat Wills and crossed the ball quickly for Collins to turn it just inside the post.  Arsenal got an indirect free kick when Sanders obstructed Henderson and it almost led to Arsenal’s fourth when Groves flicked the kick wide of Dunlop only to see it pass outside.  At the other end Arsenal had a let-off when Standen dropped a long cross from Parker, but neither Collins nor Jimmy Harris could turn quickly enough to take advantage of the mistake. 

Thomas Offside

Everton kept plugging away to their credit and fashioned one brilliant move stemming from Collins as Hickson headed on a left wing centre to Thomas.  He headed very wide from an excellent position, but was off side in any case.  Ward came into the shooting picture with a power drive which must have scored had it not hit Sanders back and flashed away for a corner.  Top marks I think so to Jones and Hickson who never gave up when the going was of it’s worst for them.  Final; Arsenal 3, Everton 1.  Official attendance 39,474. 

Balance Sheet

Everton after a bright opening fell away against a powerful impressive Arsenal forward line which played almost as well as it did at Goodison when they won 4-1.  The brilliance of inside forwards Bloomfield and Groves backed by a superb and constant service from their half backs, was too much for Everton whose defence was often over-run.  The conditions were difficult with a greasy surface under a drizzle of rain making the going extremely treacherous Arsenal, whose dominance enabled them to be moving forward while Everton were so often in reverse were able to keep their footing better. 

 

MOVING WITH THE TIMES

January 17, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Express

Goodison A Model For Others

By Tom Jones

This week I feel I must hand out a bouquet to our directors.  So often the board gets all the brickbats, little of the glory, but last Saturday the Everton directors came to the forefront of the soccer world by proving to all that the soil-warming process which was installed under the Goodison pitch last summer is a hugh success.  When this idea was first formed of wiring a soccer ground, with Everton spending thousands of pounds installing this system, we were a little dubious.  The wags never had it so good, the cartoonists ran riot the players were ribbed but now it appears to be a case of “he who laughs last…”  Personally I never believed it would be as successful as it has been proved.  The Goodison turf for the Cup-tie against Sunderland was the best it has been for months.  Although the remainder of the country was ice and snow bound, causing a number of games to be postponed or abandoned the Goodison pitch was wonderful.  Indeed it only emphasizes the effect of the wiring when I mentioned the fact that the practice pitch behind the Stanley Park goal was ice-bound and unfit even for a kick about.  Referee Arthur Ellis looked astounded when I tossed the coin for Stan Anderson, the Sunderland skipper to call for choice of ends.  The coin actually stuck on its end necessitating another call.  This will give you some indication as to the state of the ground itself. 

Off The Pitch

Mind you, we have a minor complaint and Jimmy Harris will endorse me in this matter.  The wiring ends at the touch finesy the wires running lengthways.  This is all right providing you don’t run off the pitch through the course of the game, but on one occasion Jimmy chased a ball, and as it ran out of play he slipped on the turf outside the pitch, and wretched his knee.  As I say, the pitch is soft but once over the touchline you are back to the icebound concrete type of surface.  Undoubtedly the scheme of heating the pitch to that we shall have no game postponed through ice or snow, is a success.  Some time ago I like many other people, were advocating for a break of a month of six weeks during January and February, as I thought that was the only solution to the problem.  Now I believe that Everton have the solution and I think other clubs should follow suit.  It’s another case of moving with the times. 

At The Valley

Never have I known the players recreation room at Goodison to be so quiet as it was on Monday when the draw for the fourth round of the Cup was taking place.  When it became known that we were to play Charlton at the Valley, memories came flooding back.  Its peculiar when you picture a ground in your mind’s eye how you recollect different games played there, players you associate with the club.  Players like Stan Bartram, the present manager of York who once owned a sports shop near the ground.  Jimmy Gauld our former inside forward, John Revie, the big tall Scottish international who is a jack of all trades at Charlton, now playing inside forward; Stuart Leary, their quick silver South African centre forward who plays cricket in the summer for Kent, and hosts more.  I should say that the draw has been kind to us.  We are still in with a fighting chance although we don’t regard Charlton as easy meat.  Any team who can win 4-0 away in a Cup-tie must be a side to be reckoned with, especially on their own ground.  One thing I am certain of the boys won’t go down without a fight. 

A Personality

Mention of Charlton brings to mind a player who has been a grand servant to Everton who could just as easily have signed for Charlton but for the foresight of director Mr. Jack Sharp, I am referring to none other than the inimitable Wally Fielding.  Wally has ventured into the managership field this week, taking Southport under his reins. If he serves them half as well in this position, then Southport will never regret taking this step.  Wally was a personality in his own right; I shall always picture him with his sleeves down covering his hands, shorts down almost to his knees, chipping that favorite pass of his over the full-back’s head.  Perhaps on the field he was a little critical with the commends but back in the dressing-room it was all forgotten by a jocular remark.  You might call him a Cockney comedian, although his home town was Edmonston a stone’s throw from Tottenham Hotspur’s ground.  Lots of luck in your new sphere Wally. 

WE ARE CONDIDENT ON CHARLTON TIE

January 17, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Says Everton’s Alex Parker

So, we’re in the last 32 and playing Charlton for a place in the fifth round.  Well, I could be a lot worse, and added incentive for us, if any is needed, is that the draw means that quite a number of sides dangerous to our hopes at Goodison must go out this time.  I’ll explain what I mean.  You all probably remember that a couple of weeks ago I mentioned that the two sides I feared mostly were Wolves and Manchester United and at that time I think Bolton were favourities.  Well by the times the fifth round draw is made only one of these three will have any interest in it, Manchester United of course, went out last week, and one of the others must go out next time as they play each other at Molineux.  I should imagine Billy Wright and his boys are quite pleased about the draw as I remember that Wolves lost at Burnden Park in the Cup last season, and very unluckily in many people’s opinions.  Having played against both sides recently I must plump for Wolves although I hope it’s Bolton.  I reckon they’ll prove easier opposition if we have to meet the winners of this tie later on.  Another dangerous side must go out in the clash between the winners of the Newcastle or Chelsea v. Aston Villa match while the winners of the Blackburn v. Burnley match will be hard to beat.  If we had to meet the winners of this tie, I would prefer it to be Blackburn as it would give us a chance to avenge last season’s defeat and we would also have an advantage in that we should not be lacking in information about them.  If our manager, Mr. Carey, cannot tell us anything who can?  Yes, by and large, it would have been difficult to arrange the draw to suit Everton any better than it has done.  Now it’s up to us to pull it off at Charlton and while we are not under-estimating the London side, particularly as we have to play on their ground, I don’t think we can be blamed for feeling confident in view of our display against another Second Division side in Sunderland. 

All Did Well

Although the game was not as difficult as I had expected I thought we played quite well.  However, I did hear people say!  “Well they had nothing to beat Sunderland are only a Second Division side.”  Quite true, but players like Anderson, Pearce, Taylor and Grainger made their names in First Division soccer and there are few clubs who would turn them down now.  In addition Kichenbrand is far from being the most inexperienced centre forward in the game.  He didn’t play for Rangers for nothing.  No I thought the lads all did well and played their parts in our success, I hope I’m not accused of showing favouritism when I mention what a fine game Eddie Thomas had.  From what I have heard it is apparent that certain sections of the crowd don’t always appreciate Eddie’s finer points, but I should think his game against Sunderland would silence any of his critics I really appreciated his play, being right behind him, and he made things much easier for me.  I expected danger from Colin Grainger their outside left, for I had heard he had been playing well recently but anybody who saw the game will agree with me that Alan Sanders took more than good care of him.  At the Valley next week I will be meeting two old friends in goalkeeper Willie Duff, and play anywhere John Howie I have played with Wills for the Army team, and that John when we have been together with the Scottish party.  The lads tell me that a couple of years ago Wills had a good game at Goodison even though Everton won 5-0.  Well I’ll be a good sport and hope he has another good one next week providing he lets five in! 

Did It Justice

In view of the fact that only a few weeks ago Everton were being sniped at for the conditions of the pitch, I think it is only fair to mention what a great pleasure it was to see the state of it last Saturday, more so when one read about the rest of the Cup grounds.  It must have been the best piece of turf in Britain and I’m only glad that the team was able in produce a result which did it justice.  It was a credit to the Everton board and ground staff.  I read that one critic expressed the views that it was the duty of every club in the country to go to Goodison and see the state of the pitch I only hope that soon it will be the duty of every club in the county to come to see the team.  It looks as if yours truly is off on the travels again, for I am one to report back to my regiment next week. I left Liverpool for London yesterday and will arrive home today.  On Monday I leave for Edinburgh to join my battalion and on Thursday I hope to be back in Liverpool prior to leaving for London on Friday for the match at Charlton. On Saturday it will be back to Liverpool and off to Edinburgh on the Monday.  Despite my name, I don’t think I could ever be pinched for parking; I never seem to be in one place long enough.  Still things will be different after March 19. 

Fielding Move

The boys were all sorry to see Wally Fielding lave this week for he was a great character and a born comedian as are most Cockney.  Of course I have only seen him at the end of his career, but it is not difficult to see what a great player he has been.  There was nobody more popular at Goodison Park than Nobby as he was known to the lads, and I am sure that if good wishes ensure success those sent from the Everton club, staff, players and supporters will see the name Fielding as famous in the managerial chair as it was in football programmes up and down the country.  The lads will certainly miss his attempts at doing Mr. Carey’s exercises, I remember one day at Bellefield our manager introduced us to some new exercises.  Nobby was in front of me and he had the boys in stitches with his efforts.  He finished up on the ground more than once.  I’m prepared to take bets that I know exercise the Southport team will not be doing.  I’ve been getting a number of letters from supporters expressing satisfaction with the display of the team and my own form at right half.  On behalf of the lads I would like to express our gratitude for the thoughts behind the letters.  Football clubs are used to hearing from supporters when things aren’t going too well.  It’s nice to know that they also notice you when you are doing well.  

 

TROUBLE HITS EVERTON HARD AND OFTEN

January 19, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

Arsenal 3, Everton 1

By Michael Charters

The rain and thaw for which the whole country had been hoping last week finally arrived in London on Saturday and Everton may have wished it had delayed its presence for a few more hours.  The combination of the rise in temperature and a fine rain produced a Highbury surface of treachery and deception –the top half inch or so greasy and bone hard at stud depth.  On this going, Everton fell again to the might of an Arsenal side, which seems to have the Indian sign of them this season, having beaten them earlier 6-1 at Goodison.  The difference in the score suggests Everton have improved by three goals during this period but it would not have surprised me had Arsenal won again by a similar margin.  Such a result would not have flattered their superiority.  All the players found it difficult at times to keep their footing on the slippery surface.  The difference in the side lay in that Arsenal mastered the conditions more quickly and almost immediately took such a grip on the play that they were going forward for 75 per cent of the game, while Everton were back-pedaling furiously to disaster. 

Hard and Often

Under such circumstances the odds were always against the defending side.  It was possible to move forward with comparative security, but to turn to chase the ball or opponent was asking for trouble, and trouble struck Everton hard and often.  But all praise to Arsenal for establishing their hold on the game and the opposition rapidly and with such conviction.  They never gave Everton a chance and had their first-time shooting from any angle or range been more on the target, Everton would have been crushed even more than they were.  The basis of Arsenal’s success stemmed from their ability to move the ball quickly and accurately without interrupting the flow of the attack.  Two strong wing halves in Ward and Bowen dominated the midfield proceedings and provided a splendid and constant service to a forward line which switched positions in bewildering fashion as the Everton defenders backed away into trouble.  Inside forwards Bloomfield and Groves –the former fast elusive and clever and the latter as strong a player in possession as I’ve seen for ages –had a day to remember.  They cut great gaps in Everton’s defensive cover and Parker and Brian Harris had a most unenviable task trying to check them.  At times their dominance became so marked that it was a marvel Everton’s goal did not fall more often.  Only heroic work by Jones and Dunlop and to a lesser degree by Sanders and Bramwell kept the score to reasonable proportions.  Hickson was Everton’s best forward although for long periods he was taking on the whole of Arsenal’s defence by himself as the rest of the line were lending much needed being to their defenders.  Docherty playing his first game at centre half was like lightning in his tackling, but Hickson still managed to beat him a few times.  Collins too, although handicapped by the effect of receiving Bowen’s boot on his right knee (quite accidentally) was always trying to turn the tide Everton’s way, but a left wing weakness was most marked so that Arsenal could concentrate on shuffling out any threat which came their way –almost invariably on Jimmy Harris wing.  Everton only had two clear cut chances of fighting back.  When one down, Collins headed down to Williams who only half-hit his shot into the goalkeeper’s hands.  Then when they having their best spell midway through the second half a good move in which Collins, Hickson and Thomas took part ended in Thomas hitting a shot past Standen to find that Williams had run into an offside position to help the ball into the net when it was going there anyway.  Even though Arsenal were always the better side there was an element of luck in their first goal after twelve minutes when Clapton slipped past the falling Bramwell hit a ball hard across goal to beat everyone, but saw the ball strike Henderson as the left winger lay on the ground.  The ball rebounded to Groves – never a man to waste a split second with a half chance –and the inside man smashed a right foot shot into the net before Dunlop could move.  Within a minute Bloomfield had the ball in the net from an offside position, but at 31 minutes made no mistake with an easy chance as he side-footed a cross from Clapton into the net after the England winger had demoralized Everton’s left defensive flank.

Groves on Target

Groves quick fire shooting paid off again after 68 minutes as he took a throw-in from Clapton and with Everton hesitating, hit it with his left foot this time to leave Dunlop flat-footed as the ball skidded through seeming to gain extra speed as it struck the greasy surface.  Everton’s lone goal after 74 minutes was due entirely to Hickson’s persistence in following up anything that came his way.  He chased and worried the ball away from Wills, crossed it quickly and Collins turned it into the net.  Arsenal; Standen, goal; Wills and Evans, backs; Ward, Docherty, and Bowen (captain), half-backs; Clapton, Groves, Herd, Bloomfield, and Henderson, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards.  Referee; Mr. J. Barradell (Barrow-on-Sea, Leicestershire). Attendance 39,474.

 

ANDERSON HAT-TRICK AT GOODISON

January 19, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

Everton Reserves 1, Stoke City Reserves 3

A hat-trick by the Stoke City inside left Anderson, was the high-light of this game played on the Goodison Park pitch which was waterlogged before it started and worsened under almost continuous heavy rain in the second half.  Despite the shocking conditions of mud and water there were several periods of good football but Stoke adopted the right tactics by moving the ball about and Anderson’s goal were all good ones.  His first came after fifteen minutes when he headed in a centre from right winger Coleman and nineteen minutes later he took a centre from the other winger Wallace, and dribbled through the Everton defence before beating O’Neill with a low shot to the bottom corner of the net.  Anderson was the outstanding forward and he completed his hat-trick four minutes from time with another good shot, this time after he had cleverly controlled a knee high pass from centre forward King.  Everton’s goal was scored by Temple in the seventieth minute when his header from Godfrey’s centre beat goalkeeper Hickson, Everton did most of the second half attacking, but they were too often bogged down by their close passing, although Hickson did make good saves from Kirby and O’Hara.  Ashworth at left half and full back Billington did well for Everton, whose best forwards were Temple and Kirby, on the Stoke side King combined nicely with Anderson and centre half Ford was a strong defender. 

 

MR. TROTTER WAS PLEASED WITH THIS EVERTON SHOW

January 19, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Michael Charters

Charlton manager Jimmy Trotter took his team to Highbury on Saturday to see Everton, their fourth round cup opponents at the valley next Saturday, fell heavily to an impressive Arsenal.  He said afterwards that he was confident his team could beat this Everton side and he has a point there if the going is hard, for Charlton are known on better performers on such a surface.  But now the thaw really set in the Valley is likely to be heavy, and Everton are 100 per cent better in such conditions as they have shown so often at Goodison and other pitches.  So Mr. Trotter must not rest content that Everton’s display against Arsenal is typical of them.  Everton have struck an inconsistent patch – winning one week, losing the next.  They are so used to the heavier going they know so well at Goodison that they seem unable to adapt themselves quickly to changed going.  Arsenal succeeded on Saturday and went on smoothly to a complete victory which prompts the thought that Everton will hope to avoid them in the Cup if both get through the next round.  Certainly Arsenal seem to reserve their best form against Everton for their performance on Saturday was almost as good as that day four months ago at Goodison when they won 6-1.   The Highbury Highway could not have been more treacherous for the return game.  The thaw, combined with light rain which fell throughout the match produced a greasy surface for the top half inch or so, yet remained bone hard underneath.  On these conditions, it was possible to move forward with security yet to turn quickly was to court disaster.  Arsenal because they took such an early and strong grip on the game, were pressing on safely for 75 per cent of the play while Everton were in reverse back pedaling furiously to stem a constant pressure which threatened to overwhelm them at times.  Arsenal kept the ball moving quickly, accurately and ever forward.  Two passes would see the ball transferred from penalty area to penalty area and Everton’s goal was in danger so often from these rapid thrusts that it almost became monotonous. 

Super Service

As ever Arsenal’s dominance came from wing half superiority, where Ward and Bowen were able to control midfield play and provide a superb service to their forwards who reveled in the gaps created by the dazzling switching of the ball from wing to wing.  Inside forwards Bloomfield and Groves had a field day, Bloomfield who always seems to play well against Everton, was fast and elusive in the dribble and devastating in his passes inside the back, while Groves is a powerhouse of a player when in possession, difficult to tackle and very strong in his shooting.  They shared the three goals which all came from right wing moves in which that danger man Clapton figured.  The England winger has the ability to be in comparative obscurity for long spells, then suddenly come into the game with one incisive wing dash which creates chances.  Twice he went past the sliding Bramwell like a phantom, before crossing the ball low to make two goals.  Even if there was an element of luck in the first Arsenal had no need for fortune to be on their side, so complete was their hold on the game.  Their first time shooting from any angle or range, was a lesson to Everton who were inclined to make the one pass too many near goal.  Some excellent goalkeeping by Dunlop, allied to numerous near misses kept the score down to present 3-1 result which didn’t do justice to Arsenal’s superiority. 

Heroic Jones

Despite Clapton’s major part in the goals, I still thought Bramwell had a fair game, particularly in the second half but the strong man of the defence was captain Tom Jones, who performed some heroic work and could not be faultered in the air.  He kept Herd under reasonable subjection when you recall that the Arsenal leader had a four goal spree at Goodison.  Parker and Brian Harris kept dashing and turning after Bloomfield and Groves without a great deal of success, but theirs was an unenviable task in trying to keep tabs on excellent forwards, who found the ball running for them and took full advantage.  In attack Hickson strove mightily to turn the game Everton’s way but too often he was one man against three or four.  His inside men were too busy helping the defence to lend much support but despite lack of support he worried Docherty playing for the first time at centre half.  Docherty still like lightning in his tackling did not impress his personality on the proceedings as he does at wing half and I think he’ll be back in his old position soon.  Collins was handicapped by a kick on the right knee from Bowen, a pure accident, and limped for a time on the right wing.  His knee stiffened up after the game but he should be all right a day or so.  He did much good work in midfield but Everton’s left wing weaknesses caused Collins to direct most of his attacking passes down the right to Jimmy Harris.  Arsenal soon tumbled to this and concentrated their well-knit defences on that side most effectively.  Apart from their goal, for which the major, credit goes to Hickson.  Everton fashioned two good chances.  The first when they were one down, came when Collins headed down to Williams, who only half hit his shot into Standen’s arms.  Ten, two goals behind but having their best spell, a good move between Collins, Thomas, and Hickson ended with Thomas delivering a shot which beat the keeper and was bound for the net just inside the post only to find that Williams had run forward into an offside position to help the ball unnecessarily into the net.  I mention there incidents to show that Everton might have put a different complexion on the score but that is not to take away the glory from Arsenal, who were by far the better all-round team.  Their first goal was remarkable in that when Clapton fired the ball fast and low, across the goal face, it missed everyone only to hit Henderson, who had fallen when the ball was 20 yards from him.  It rebounded off the prostrate winger to Groves, who doesn’t need half a chance to snap one up and he smashed it instantly into the net for a beautifully taken goal.  Bloomfield’s goal was casualty taken after Clapton’s cross zipped straight to his feet only a couple of yards out, and Groves completed the picture when he took a throw in from Clapton to shoot without hesitation.  The ball skidded with seemingly additionally pace off the slippery top and beat Dunlop who looked a little flat-footed to this one.  Everton’s consolation goal came when Hickson chased the ball down the left wing worried it away from Wills and returned it into the middle for Collins to turn it past Standen.  This reserve goalkeeper, a very adequate (if you’ll excuse the pun) stand in for the injured Kelsey, looked a competent player indeed.  Another team watching the game was Colchester, who play Arsenal at home in the Cup.  By contrast to Charlton’s reaction, they must have gone home in mighty serious mood, thinking that if Arsenal can turn on this brand of football against them their Cup run is going to end next Saturday Charlton may have another think coming. 

 

TWO EVERTON CUP-TIE MEN HAVE COLDS

January 21, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Though Charlton manager Jimmy Trotter was quick to announce an unchanged team for the cup-tie against Everton in London on Saturday, there is no news from his vis-à-vis at Goodison Park, Johnny Carey.  One reason is that both Jimmy Harris and John Bramwell are suffering from colds; another might be that Mr. Carey is thinking hard, as is his won’t and saving nothing for the time being.  But he anticipates that both Harris and Bramwell will be recovered in time to take their places in the team. 

 

TACTICALLY, THE EVERTON TEAM HAS EVERYTHING

January 23, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Can the man who steered Blackburn Rovers to a Cup semi-final appearance a season ago, John Carey take his new club.  Everton a stage (or two!) further this time?  Such is my belief in the value of the man at the top I consider he can though he’s had little enough time to work on his team and luck of one sort or another plays such a part in whether it is your Cup year or not.  Tactically, Everton have in the Carey knowledge – he was a great Cup man in his playing days – everything they need; their marked improvement over the past three months plus their double victory over Christmas against Bolton Wanderers suggests that they are at the beginning of a new and more successful era.  Mr. Carey is the last man to base hopes on insecure foundation but he must face the Charlton Athletic hurdle of tomorrow fairly confidently.  He has certainly got the respect and enthusiasm of all ranks and that is a prerequisite of any success.  Everton are clearly not yet the complete football team, but the translation of Brian Harris and Alex Parker to the half-back line of John Bramwell to the full-back berth have been proved inspired.  The decision to bring John Carey to manage the side and the quick, enterprising move which ensured the signing of Bobby Collins have been even better achievements. 

Odds Would Be Halved

Thus after a shocking start, Everton have developed into a side that all must respect.  My late father, who did not often bet, joined others in Liverpool who could not resist the temptation to back Everton for the Cup at 40-1.  If they survive at Charlton as they may well, the odds against them would be halved.  As I see it Collin is the man on whom Everton will depend for the inspiring performance which sets a team alight.  There is no lack of experience in the team, either with such as Jones, Dunlop, Hickson, Jimmy Harris and Parker to enable it to maintain balance come what may.  Charlton a Second Division side whose style is well suited to the toughness of Cup football will ensure the match is a battling one and of their advantage is that they have size and strength in nearly all departments.  Yet I am hopeful that Everton will win or get a replay.  Except for their defeats on two difficult, frost-bitten grounds –at Newcastle and Highbury –they have scarcely put a foot wrong.  The prospects are that the Charlton pitch will be soft to the point of heaviness.  Charlton Athletic; Duff; Townsend, Lucas; Jago, Kiernan; White, Howie, Leary, Summers, Lawrie.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. 

The Neighbourly Thing

Liverpool F.C have done the neighborly thing by arranging for the Everton match score to be given at 15 minutes intervals during the friendly at Anfield in which the controversy-ridden Newcastle United will be opponents. 

 

EVERTON HAVE 60-40 CHANCE

January 23, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Carey’s Cup-Tie Forecast

Depends On Pitch

By Leslie Edwards

Everton manager, John Carey thinks his side have a 60-40 chance of winning the fourth round Cup-tie against Charlton in London tomorrow.  The fact that we are a First Division side is partly off-set by the fact that the game is at Charlton, but if the ground conditions are favourable to good football we should have the edge over them,” he says.  The Everton party left Liverpool early this afternoon all the players being fit.  Manager John Carey and Trainer Gordon Watson will probably divide the players into parties for a visit to a film tonight. 

 

JACK GRANT SIGNS FOR SOUTHPORT

January 24, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Ian Hargreaves

Southport’s new player-manager, Wally Fielding last night completed his first signing since joining the club, when he persuaded Rochdale to part with their hard tackling wing-half Jack Grant for a nominal fee.  Grant of course, a former colleague of Fielding at Goodison Park.  He joined Everton in 1942 a d made 130 appearances in their first team before leaving them for Rochdale in June 1956. 

 

EVERTON SKILL MAY BE TOO MUCH FOR CHARLTON

January 24, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

With the positions of both Charlton and Everton more comforting than exciting, it is obvious that if either are to make any sort of splash of in the soccer world this season, it must be in the Cup, not the League.  There is a popular theory that team have to fight their way out of Division 2.  If to be able to play football in Division 1, and while Everton’s visit to the Valley today is in no sense a promotion tussle, they will find Division 2 grit and determination a stubborn obstacle to Division 1 artistry.  The fourth round Cup tie derives most of its interest from the fact that the draw has imposed a travelling handicap on the supposedly superior side.  Charlton, away from home would probably have been sent on their mournful way with the same finality that was Sunderland’s lot in round three, but the London club hope that the advantage of playing before their own supporters –which in previous matches has inspired them to great deeds – will bridge any gap in playing ability and experience.  Remarkable things do happen in Cup tie football and even where a cold analysis points formidably in one direction, there is no guarantee that this route will be taken.   

Impressive Record

For all that and admitting that Charlton have an impressive home record against Everton (six wins and three defeats in the last nine home meetings) it is not easy to see bow Charlton can terminate Merseyside interest in this season’s competition.  While Charlton have an experienced half back line in Lucas, Jago and Kiernan, they do not impress me as being likely to subdue the spearhead of the Everton attack.  It is not often that Charlton are confronted with a player of the ability and artistry of a man like Bobby Collins, but if Lucas can subdue this effectiveness Scot it would be a major contribution towards upsetting the Everton plan of campaign.  For the second time in successive rounds Tommy Jones will be facing a South African born centre forward, and in Stuart Leary he is confronted with Charlton’s No 1 danger man in the scoring line.  Everton rest content in the knowledge that they could scarcely wish for a more effective reply to the Leary threat than the commanding clam and confidence of Tommy Jones.  Eight of today’s Charlton team were in the side beaten 3-0 by Liverpool at Anfield in mid-September.  Although Charlton are a Second Division side it is worth remembering that it was not until 1957, that they were relegated and that if they had drawn instead of being beaten in the final match of that season, they would be in Division 1 today.  Be that as it may I do not expect to see Charlton do more than perhaps compel Everton to replay before going on to round five.  Charlton; Duff; Sewell, Townsend; Lucas, Jago, Kiernan; White, Hewie, Leary, Summers, Lawrie.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, Williams. 

 

EVERTON’S GREAT RALLY EARNS THEM CUP REPLAY

January 24, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Thomas, Collins, Goals Then Duff Sent Off

Charlton 2, Everton 2

By Leslie Edwards

Charlton Athletic; Duff, goal; Sewell and Townsend, backs; Lucas, Jago and Kiernan, half-backs; White, Hewie, Leary, Summers, and Lawrie, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards.  Referee; Mr. J.W. Hunt (Portsmouth).  The hugh ground was not nearly filled at the kick-off but the spectators were still pouring in, Williams played despite having a head cold.  The pitch which looked good was plainly very soft indeed, especially at the river goal end.  Everton were first out to a great reception, it was a glorious day, with the sun so bright that the team facing it would be at a first half disadvantage.  The toss gave Everton the advantage.  Hewie found Lawrie with a first class pass in the opening moments and after bringing the ball back squarely the winger made the day’s first centre, but Dunlop fielded the ball competently and coolly.  A moment later Everton were in the midst of a barrage of Charlton pressure in more than one shot which happily did not get through against a tight defence.  The Dunlop brought off low sown at full stretch a glorious save from a hard shot by Leary after a first class Charlton right wing move.  The shooting chance was beautifully teed up for Leary by Summers.  Everton’s best thing to date was a long through pass from Brian Harris to Hickson on the left wing at as Hickson attempted to beat Jago he was brought down heavily in a foul tackle and needed attention.  He resumed in time to see Graham Williams take a free kick which cannoned to the inrushing Thomas who all but heading the ball over the line.  Everton’s first goal chance came from a Charlton blunder which presented Thomas with the ball.  It was ultimately slipped out to Williams to offer him a rather angled chance and while he hit the ball hard with his left foot he did not get on target. 

Just Over

Lawrie also from outside left, did better when bringing the ball back to his right foot and hitting a fast shot only a few inches from Dunlop’s bar.  Charlton’s attack was much more together than Everton’s but the fact that Jimmy Harris was going on the outside now to beat Townsend quite comfortable must have been a warning signal to the home side, the worst feature from Everton’s point of view being that Harris could not for once get the right length of trajectory on his centres.  Tom Jones and Bramwell collided heavily when preventing Summers from sliding the ball through and Everton were lucky to escape at the expense of a corner.  They escaped from the lethal through pass, but the corner produced the move which led up to the goal.  The ball was only half cleared to Summers standing just inside the penalty area and he brought it down quickly before hitting a glorious shot which left Dunlop little hope.  This goal came at 19 minutes.  Hickson, ploughing through alone, made a left foot shot which Graham Williams might well have contacted at point blank range but the ball just eluded him.  Charlton were playing confidently and it was as well Dunlop caught overhead a fast moving left wing centre by Summers and then brought off a staggering catch from a stinging 30 yards drive by full back Sewell.  So far Bobby Collins had been little seen, but from his general business at this moment it was obvious that he was going all out to put things right.  Duff was virtually out of work compared with the active Dunlop.  Parker was operating as much in midfield as on the right giving assistance as it was needed against the thrust of Summers and Leary.  Still Jimmy Harris could not finish effectively.  Hickson showed touches of class but with no support from either wind and with Collins and Thomas occupied in defence he was a rather lone figure.  Williams was almost completely blotted out by Sewell.  His save from a glancing header by Leary was another which brought down the house and there must have been 50,000 to 60,000 to recognize the merit of the performance.  Half-time; Charlton 1, Everton nil. 

A quick inter-change of passes between Hickson and Jimmy Harris led to Hickson driving the ball few feet wide, and Everton were having their beat innings. 

Charlton’s Second

Charlton must have been relieved to go up in 57 minutes when Everton were showing sights of a revival.  The goal came from a long distance free kick by full back Sewell who punched the ball from the vicinity of the half way line in a long looping punt with the result that Dunlop had difficulty in pulling the ball down from overhead when standing a yard or two in front of his line.  It was a heaven sent chance for any Charlton forward on the spot to bang the ball in and little Lawrie was there to accept it.  From the kick-off Everton should have made it 2-1, but after a penetrative move, in which Hickson finally back-heeled the ball on for Williams to slam it into the net, the winger’s shot was tentative and wide.  Certainly this move deserved a goal. 

An Improvement

Everton were unrecognizably good compared with the first half at this point and Parker with a difficult shot to make screwed the ball just too high but with plenty of power, Hickson also went close with a fine header from a lobbed centre, by Jimmy Harris.  Dunlop’s goalkeeping captivated everyone if not little Lawrie who almost tore his hair in rage in that the Everton player should deny arm with another stupendous save from a fine cross shot.  Sander’s came down as a right winger and centred so close-that Kiernan was glad to give a corner to save Jimmy Harris accepting a sitter.  One could not help admiring Everton spirit and there were rewarded at 77 minutes with a goal by Thomas.  Hickson at inside left made the header from which the centre volleyed the ball in from knee height with 13 minutes to play remaining. Indeed Collins, from nearly 25-yards out delivered a shot so full of power and well directed that Duff had to be sharp to the point just inside the far post to make a flying save at the expense of a corner.  The transformation scene worked by Everton’s goal and by their revival in general had the Everton contingent roaring but they missed yet one more wonderful chance this time when Hickson pulled the ball from the right wing and Thomas shot high over the bar from not more than three yards out.  Five minutes before the end Everton got the equalizer.  A high ball was put up from the right wing, Duff only managed to palm it upwards and it had barely dropped before little Bobby Collins seized on it and rammed it to the back of the net.  Some young Everton supporters in the excitement jumped the barriers on to the pitch.  In the warmth of welcome from his comrades, it seemed that Collins took a knock.  He needed treatment before the game could be resumed.  There was a nasty scene immediately after this in a goalmouth incident following a corner on the Everton left and although it was not clear what had happened it was clear that referee Hunt had ordered from the field the Charlton goalkeeper Duff.  His place was took by Hewie.  He took off his green Jersey and flung it away disgustedly and left the field.  That such a moment came up to three quarter time should end this way was a great pity.  Hickson was mobbed by a group of Everton fans as he left the field and it was with the greatest difficulty that the players of both sides reached dressing room with hundreds of spectators intent to congratulating an Everton side who had sent their following wild with excitement.  Final; Charlton 2, Everton 2. 

 

RETURN TO MY DEBUT GROUND WAS UNHAPPY

January 24, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Says Tom Jones, Everton Captain

Last Saturday I returned to the stadium where I made my debut for Everton some eight seasons back, It’s amazing how time flies.  At recently as this seems I had am old score to settle with the Arsenal team, as they fairly walloped us 6-1 at Goodison.  So you may guess that in more ways than one the visit to the famous Highbury stadium meant a lot to us.  The Arsenal ground has always been the ground as far as visiting players are concerned.  It has all the glamour –famous players of yesteryear have graced the entrance, a palatial dressing room (it didn’t take long for the lads to appreciate the warmth of the floor), an honours list as long as your arm, and the venue for all up-and-coming youngsters bent on making a name for themselves in the soccer world.  It appeared, a season or so ago, that at last the Arsenal star had waned.  But now, with new manager and former player, George Swindin, holding the reins they appear to be recapturing some of their former brightness.  Unfortunately as you all know, my return didn’t have a happy ending.  The Gunners fully deserved their victory over both us and the elements which brings up a point I’ve pondered over.  It appears that a hard surface isn’t the ideal as far as Everton players are concerned.  The team as it is constituted at the moment, favour wet or heavy pitches and seem to be all at sea in ice-bound conditions.  Perhaps our experience lately of the Goodison pitch has spoil our aptitude for adapting ourselves to different conditions something we shall have to rectify if we wish for success away from home. 

TV Bogy

Incidentally we are always looking for excuses when we lose two points.  It came as no surprise when Albert Dunlop found the solution.  The game had been televised.  According to Albert who has a keen brain for remembering such instances, we have yet to win a game which has been televised.  Afraid if this to be the case, them the boys will send in a petition to the B.B.C against these tactics.  It just isn’t playing the game! 

Doing Well

It’s always nice to hear that some of your former colleagues are doing well.  The two ex-Everton lads, Dickie Mayers, and Alec Farrell are turning in good games and getting goals regularly for Preston North End.  It was two such goals, one each from Dickie and Alec, that proved too much for Derby County in their third round replay last Monday evening.  Funnily enough these two lads almost grew up together in the soccer sense that is both joining Everton when young and graduating through the junior teams.  Alec’s progress was retarded unfortunately through two cartilage operations which seemed to take the edge off his game for a while, while Dickie, although a most go-ahead winger, never seemed to get the breaks his play deserved.  I remember he played outside left for Everton at Deepdale one time, and he had a wonderful game.  So much so, that when I happened to be speaking to Tom Finney some time later, Finney inquired as to what Dickie was doing then, as he wasn’t playing for our first eleven.  Finney thought he was very promising material on that display.  Wonder if Tom has taken Dickie under his wing.  A keen golfer is Dickie and every Sunday without fall you’ll find him on the knee, and Alec, too, is fond of a little relaxation in golfing form.  Maybe they aim to hit the high spots together.

A Character

Making an appearance before a television camera can be more nerve wracking than sleeping out in front of 70,000 soccer fans.  To me it certainly is but to Tommy Banks the England and Bolton left back, it’s nothing more than a canter round the track.  Quite a character this lad talking in the studious with his broad Lancashire ascent make-up and all.  He seemed more at home than some of the camera crew.  He told me that there’s nowt like winning the Cup, something I can well believe.  Although his pet hobby, or I should say career for the future is pig breeding, he has the disposition to make a success of almost anything.  Aye! Quite a character. 

 

BLOOMFIELD TOP BILLING IN TRIO

January 24, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express.

By Alex Parker

The longer I am in this game of football the more I realize that if you don’t have what we call the run of the ball “you just can’t win.  Last week’s game at Highbury proves my point, though I hasten to add the London side were full value for their victory in the end.  For the first quarter of an hour I thought we might pull it off, but first I was injured, then Bobby Collins was hurt and had to go to the wing and then came the first goal, Danny Clapton, the Arsenal outside-right crossed the ball and although outside-left Henderson dashed in, Alan Sanders and I could see that he would not get it.  It was obviously out of his reach and was going out to Jimmy Harris on the wing, but Henderson slipped, fell headlong, and the ball cannoned off his body right to feet of Groves and we were one down.   Arsenal went from strength to strength after this, and when little Graham Williams had the misfortune to run into a shot from Eddie Thomas and caused the referee to disallow the point for offside we were really in trouble.  Still that’s the way it goes.  The Gunners inside-forward trio of Groves, Herd and Bloomfield is by far the best I have met in English football.  You never know where any of them is going to pop up next.  I was told before the game that Bloomfield always plays well against Everton, and he didn’t disappoint me.  He is without doubt the best inside-right I have played against since being down here.  On the Friday night Tommy Docherty came round to see Bobby Collins and I.  The three of us along with Jimmy Harris and Albert Dunlop went for a stroll and Doc tells me is very happy in London.  I told him I was writing for the Echo and he asked me to send his best regards to all his many friends in Lancashire.  It was strange to see the Doc in a No. 5 shirt but beting the player he is, he gave his usual great display.  It was typical that when Bobby was hurt, Doc was shouting to his own players to kick the ball into touch.  I had heard a great deal about the Arsenal ground and although the facilities for the players are first-class I wouldn’t say that they are the best in Britain.  I prefer Ibrox, Glasgow Rangers ground.  They have a bath so big that it is possible to dive into it.  From the spectators point of view and the general overall impression of the ground, I don’t think Highbury is as good as our own Goodison Park. 

Film Star There

There was quite a stir in our hotel on the Saturday morning what with TV cameras and people buzzing around.  It turned out that Aldo Ray the American film star, was staying there.  One of the team commented; “I see he didn’t ask us for our autographs I’ll nor go to see any more of his films.”  By way of getting his own back, I don’t suppose Aldo Ray bothered to watch the Goodison Toppers on TV last Saturday when our game was shown.  Another person I met in London was Colonel Mitchell, Secretary of the Army F.A.  He went to see our game.  Everton stayed in the same hotel for today’s game I only hope it’s proved luckier.  Anyway I had a bit of good news when I arrived home for I had been granted a further week’s leave.  So all that travelling I wrote about last week has just about been halved.  I am looking forward to playing against Manchester City next week and having a close-up of Bert Trauntmann, I want to see.  If he is as great as I have heard. 

Memories

Playing against City will bring back memories to Bobby Collins form as you will probably remember, it was at Maine Road that Bobby made his debut for Everton last September and played a big part in their first victory of the season.  Let’s hope we can turn on a repeat performance.  I read in last week’s Football Echo that Joe Mercer suggested the money spent by Everton on wiring the pitch was not worth it as only one game per season might be saved.  I know that Mr. Mercer has been a lot longer in the game than I have but I would like to put my view on the subject.  It’s true that each club does not have many games postponed, but many matches are played on pitches which do not give the players a chance to show their skills and are not good value for the customers.  I am sure that you have all seem matches played on frozen pitches.  It’s unlikely you’ll see any more at Goodison.  Then again, as Mr. Mercer suggests, if the postponed matches are played in midweek later in the season what about the old injury bogey?  When a star player is hurt, one match a week is too much for a club trying to get him fit.  There are many complaints now about the early-season spell of three matches in eight days, I shouldn’t think any extension would be welcomed.  Of course although League games can be postponed until the end of the season it is not so easy with Cup ties, as well all know by this season’s glut of fixtures. 

 

13 MAGICAL MINUTES SAVE EVERTON

January 26, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

Charlton 2, Everton 2

By Horace Yates

Everton live to fight another day – Wednesday in fact (kick-off 7 p.m) –and although their game at Charlton did not become a Cup-tie in the real sense of the term until about seventy-seven minutes had gone, those last searing thirteen minutes were crowded so full of fire, incident and excitement that the rest of the time paled into insignificance.  It was almost as though someone had tossed a torch into a pool of petrol so great was the eruption when it came.  Charlton were coasting along smoothly and serenely two goals ahead with their only worry apparently, the identity of the fifth round opponents.  Everton had failed completely to take any sort of grip on the match and their opponents liveier, more methodical and more accurate could only look to Dunlop at the final barrier that refused to be knocked down.  This was one of Dunlop’s inspired days (despite one fatal error).  There saves at least went straight into the miraculous class and on other occasions his superb timing and certainly of handling were the sort of inspiration that would produce a flame if only a spark could be found.  Chances came and went with Collins, Williams, and Thomas favoured with gilt-edged offerings and the same sorry story continued of a goal-less Everton, inefficient and uninspiring giving their following only the opportunity for groans as an outlet for bottled up enthusiasm. 

Blistering Finale

Nobody in that 44,084 crowd could have foresee the blistering finale that produced first equality and then the dismissal of Duff he home goalkeeper three minutes from the end.  Everton had seen the deadlines of a ball drooped menacingly into the shadow of the goal many many times, for Leary and the Charlton backs were experts in the art.  It was a lesson seemingly lost on Everton, for there was no retaliation in kind until thirteen minutes from the end when with everything being thrown into attack.  Everton prised opened one of several chinks which had been created in the Charlton armour.  Collins more subdued than in any game in which I have seen him take part since he left Scotland to bring life, artistry and generous slice of football magic to the Everton field, lobbed the ball up and over to the ever willing head of Hickson.  With a football craft and intelligence given to few of our modern centre forwards.  Hickson sized up the situation in a flash.  A deft nod, which carried the ball only a few yards, put Thomas in possession and the inside forward forced the ball home.  Casting off the shackles of uncertainly that had bounded them, Everton roared into life and action.  There was no holding them.  Even though almost every Charlton player became a defender, Everton snatched the initiative, began to find colleagues with the ball in a way which had previously been foreign them, and the closing minutes began to sizzle with possibilities.  Duff effected a save worthy of Dunlop from a terrific Collins effort and a Brian Harris shot laden with power screamed over the bar. 

Everton Roar

All honour to that comparatively small band of Evertonians clustered as if by design for just such an onslaught behind the Charlton goal which was now the subject of incessant assault yelled with the fervor that became a frenzy, so that the illusion grew that here was the genuine Goodison roar transported from their own ground.  Hickson a galliant warrior who with Jimmy Harris had been the only Everton forward to register in an attacking sense, took the ball to the goal line, pulled it back two or three yards to Thomas, it was a glorious opportunity but one which afforded no time for thought.  Action immediate and spontaneous was called for and Thomas responded instead of bursting the back of the net with the fury of his three or four yards drive he cleared the cross bar by about the same distance.  It was unbelievable and yet there it was.  It could have been the last change to save the game, but Everton, with unquenchable spirit refused to let it be so, Bark they came, hammering and hammering against a defence which more than once showed signs of panic.  Duff snatched the ball down from Thomas head.  Brian Harris sent wide Williams a player with an unhappy record in this tie, almost became a hero as he forced Duff to another great save and with the ball sent back to him for a second attempt screwed the ball wide.  It was excitement that was almost unbearable.  Time was fleeting and yet incidents abounded so thick and fast that even the clock-watchers could find no time to check-up.  Not until the equalizing goal was in the net from the foot of Collins did I discover that there were precisely five minutes left for play.  The initial credit was Parker’s more a forward than a half-back in this siege of the Valley, for from thirty yards he lobbed the most agonizingly accurate ball towards the angle of goal and the irrepressible Hickson went up, high, challenging the goalkeeper every inch of the way.  Duff had no time to gather.  He was thankful indeed to bang the ball down from the menacing had of the Everton leader, but there lay Collins standing back as though awaiting the chance.  Collins blazed away and the ball went into the net.  Fantastic is the only word to describe what happened next.  Collins went down under his wildly elated colleagues like a scrum half under a collapsing Rugby scrum.  It seemed that he would be smothered by delight which knew no bounds.  Numbers of Everton followers leapt over the wall and hugged the players right back to the centre of the field and the more persistent had to be ordered off by the referee. Collins was down on the ground, with the trainer attending to him.  No time-washing ruse was this.  Collins had been trodden on by one of his colleagues and his ankle took the full force.  The game little Scot stood up and the game went on.  A draw was a miracle and yet Everton were not prepared to settle for that.  On and on they went hunting the match-winner that would have crowned this stupendous recovery. 

Charlton Stunned

Charlton were stunned, but belligerently determined that if draw it promised to be, certainly it would be nothing worse.  Three minutes from time as surprising as anything in this heart stirring period, came the final devastating thrill.  Right across the face of the Charlton goal came a high ball from the Everton left.  With almost a replica movement of the action which brought the Collins goal, Hickson jumped in an effort to make flying contact with Duff directly in his path.  Neither connected with the ball, but I distinctly saw a blow struck and Hickson reeled beyond the opposite post on all fours.  He remained there the soul of discretion, as the referee raced up and ordered Duff from the field.  This was drama at its peak.  The crowd roared their disapproval but off Duff had to go, and as I saw it, no other decision as possible.  Along went Sanders to take care of Hickson, but collapsed mysteriously as he got near him.  Not until after the game did we fine the solution –an ultra enthusiastic Everton supporters had parted company with his rattle and as it hurtled on to the field, Sanders knee was the target it found.  Summers in 19 minutes and Lawrie in 57 minutes, had claimed the Charlton goals, and if Everton reflect on that Thomas miss, spare a though for the home crowd.  With Charlton two up, they had been Leary and Summary clear of all defence except Dunlop.  The goalkeeper did the only thing possible.  He raced out of his goal to narrow the angle and with Leary trying to dribble round him for the opportunity to shoot into an empty net.  Dunlop flung himself on to the ball.  Charlton Athletic; Duff, goal; Sewell and Townsend, backs; Lucas, Jago and Kiernan, half-backs; White, Hewie, Leary, Summers, and Lawrie, forwards.  Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and Williams, forwards.  Referee; Mr. J.W. Hunt (Portsmouth). Attendance 44,094. 

 

NO DUFF GEN FROM HEADMASTER HUNT

January 26, 1959. The Liverpool Echo

By Leslie Edwards

Mr. J.W. Hunt, headmaster of a school at Havant, Portsmouth, will referee the fourth-round Cup replay between Everton and Charlton under lights at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.  He will do so willingly as fearlessly as he did at The Valley, Charlton on Saturday, when deputizing at short notice for Mr. Smith, of Monmouthshire who was ill.  It took courage –and Mr. Hunt had it – to order from the field a few minutes from the end the Charlton goalkeeper, Duff whose absence in those final moments might have cost his team a match in which they had led 2-0 thirteen minutes from the end.  It took courage to disallow, earlier in the game, a goal by Summers and it took courage to walk, as Mr. Hunt did straight out of the Charlton ground without the precaution of police protection.  But let Mr. Hunt tell the story of Duffs going – a sending off caused when the game suddenly erupted into tremendous excitement thirteen minutes from the end when Everton seized and held the initiative completely in one of the most thrilling rallies any Everton can ever have made.  It was a great pity such a fine sporting game should have to end like that, “Mr. Hunt told me.  “But I had no option.  I never saw a clearer case.  As the ball came over from the left Hickson pushed the goalkeeper, I whistled for a foul in Charlton’s favour but Duff then struck Hickson in the chest and knocked him off his feet.  That was something to which I could not close my eyes.  I could see Hickson was upset about it – indeed he said I didn’t want him sending 0ff’ –but I’m not a new boy among referees and I believe in being the boss.  After all I’m not a headmaster for nothing.  You must impose discipline.”   Apart from the intense drama of Everton’s two late goals (after one of which the pitch had to be cleared of Everton fans) and the sending-off of Duff there were other remarkable happenings, Sanders, coming upfield hotfoot to see what was going on in the melee caused by Duff offence was seen to limp, than fall, the explanation being that an Everton spectator’s rattle, which had literally flown out of hand struck him on the knee!  Hickson was mobbed by frenzied Everton followers as he left the field and this may have led to reports that Mr. Hunt was the man receiving police escort, which he wasn’t.  Both Charlton Manager, Jimmy Trotter, who took the game and its result with admirable philosophy, and Referee Hunt spoke of the value of Everton’s tremendous following.  It was lucky for Everton that most of them happened to form their own Kop immediately behind the goal Everton attacked in the critical minutes, London has never known a club to have such great support except on Cup final day. 

It Stayed Swung

What Everton who had played stodgily and disappointingly for three parts of the game should suddenly leap to life and show complete command of themselves and their opponents is one of soccer’s imponderables.  The Charlton Manager suggests that his side lacked a general to gather them together tactically when Everton took the initiative.  I think he is right.  Charlton also gave me the impression that they thought the game was well in hand.  It looked as though Everton only started to become decisly and urgent in their task once they realized the desperation of their position.  Once the pendulum swung it stayed swung and Everton hopes for the replay rest on the sure belief that if they start as they left off there can only be one end in the match on Wednesday.  To put the record straight let me say that but for Dunlop’s goalkeeping there would have been no salvaging replay in prospect.  This was his day.  He made three or four glorious saves, took all his catches cleanly; and was guilty that be the word, of only one semblance of a mistake.  That was when he did not deal effectively with the long free kick punched in by full-back Sewell.  The sequel was Lawrie’s goal.  With the earlier one from Summers, Charlton were riding easily; indeed it took a courageous save by Dunlop to stop Summers clinching the match beyond doubt when clean through as a result of an Everton blunder.  No doubt that Charlton were the better side until that cracking last thirteen minutes’ rally by a side which literally pulled itself up by its own bootlaces.  There was not a man in the Everton team who did not contribute something to this startling transformation, but until that point many had not produced their real game.  The longer the game went the more inevitable, it seemed, was Charlton’s command. 

The Day’s Heroes

Coupled with Dunlop as one of the day’s heroes was Hickson.  He showed class splendid sportsmanship which was reciprocated by Jago and the necessary fire to help the attack to function really well once Charlton were forced in the defensive.  It was Hickson’s nod which enabled Thomas to volley the ball in to make it 2-1; it was Hickson’s challenge to Duff which caused the goalkeeper to palm the ball upward.  Collins being on hand almost as the ball dropped to half-volley it into the net.  Jimmy Harris was the one Everton forward who never had any difficulty in piercing the defence, but once he had done so his centres were either short of ineffectively used.  Graham Williams might well have shot goals from splendid passes by Hickson, Collins and Harris (J), instead he came up with a performance which suggested that the big occasion was a little too much for him.  The steady unvarying defence of Tom Jones was a feature with help when it was needed from Alex Parker whose contribution to the Collins goal was the high lobbed ball which undid goalkeeper Duff.  Both Charlton wingers did well from some first-rate long-range passes by their inner men, but Charlton were not sufficiently punishing; otherwise they must have ruled out any hope of Everton recovery.  Thomas came into the picture in the period of revival; Sanders too had a fine match and Brian Harris with his forceful wing half-back play (and two fine shots) was one of the mainsprings of the all-out offensive which miraculously snatched a replay from almost certain defeat.  Charlton are likely to play the same team and a handsake between Duff and Hickson at the outset would probably be the best demonstration that there are no hard feelings on either hand.  Manager Trotter says; “We usually do well at Goodison Park.  It should be a fine, hard game and I think we still have a chance.”  Manager John Carey; typically, says nothing except that he anticipates that injury will not bother him in his choice of replay team. 

 

EVERTON’S CUP LUCK STILL HOLDS GOOD

January 27, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Ian Hargreaves

Everton’s good fortune in this year’s F.A Cup competition continued yesterday when they learned that the prize for beating Charlton at the second time of asking would be a home tie with Aston Villa.  Two Second Division clubs –neither of them in a very exaled position – and now the weakest side in the First Division are the kind of opponents everyone hopes to be matched against in the early rounds.  Immediate reaction to the draw was the cutting of Everton’s price at the Victoria call-over to 100-6 and no wonder for on current form at least they should have little trouble reaching the last eight.  First thing, must however, come first and Everton have still to overcome Charlton tomorrow.  The London team still smarting from their failure to drive home an apparently overwhelming advantage on Saturday will be unchanged which means that goalkeeper Duff will have to run the gauntlet of the massive Goodison crowd, I hope they manage to keep their feelings in check.  Everton manager John Carey must be wishing his first team resources were not so limited, for I understand neither winger was very impressive on Saturday.  There is always O’Hara of course but he was dropped himself only recently.  What a pity Everton could not have got their hands on Colchester’s powerful left winger Wright before he attracted so much attention.  In the event Everton will probably make few or no changes trusting to ground advantage and the genius of Bobby Collins to compensate for what deficiencies there may be elsewhere. 

 

O’HARA MAY COME IN FOR WILLIAMS

January 27, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

It is anticipated that Everton Manager John Carey will have one change for the Cup replay tomorrow against Charlton at Goodison Park – O’Hara for Williams at outside left.  The nature of it will not surprise those, who saw the first meeting of the teams, since it was clear, almost from the start, that young Graham Williams, who was suffering from a heavy cold, seemed a little over-awed by the occasion.  Certainly he has rarely played-less effectively.  Had he shot as we know he can, Everton might reasonably have spared themselves the risk of a replay.  Thus O’Hara who joined the club along with Alex Parker from Falkirk last close season is likely to get his first big Cup match this side of the border.  He started the season as first choice on the left and gave way to Williams for the match against Leicester on December 20, O’Hara has the greater experience and it would not have been unexpected if he had been preferred to Williams for the match at The valley.  The scot, I understand has been taking steps to vary his style.  In the past he was prone to hold the ball without exploring the possibility of the occasional prompt return pass. 

Brian Harris Doubt

There must be doubts unfortunately about the fitness of Brian Harris who has a bruised knee which forced him to limp home on Saturday.  Medical opinion is that he may well be fit but it is too early to be definite about it.  Incidentally, a famous Liverpool orthopedic specialist told me over the week-end that the great number of ankle injuries in professional football at this time are due in his opinion, to the wearing of continental-type boots which do not support the ankle as do the old and tougher, leather-type.  The number of players injured at Wembley, he feels may be due to the fact that the ground there is usually lush and yielding compared with firmer grounds on which late-season games are played.  Players accustomed to this firmness often find quick twisting and turning on softer turf more damaging.  My specialist informant also tells me that the swivel shoulder injuries such as those Alex Troup and the Arsenal goalkeeper.  Moss suffered are now dealt with more effectively.  In Moss’s day it meant the end of his career but not before he had scored, from outside left against Everton in a match in which his suspect shoulder “went.” 

Shareholders, Supporter

One of the great Goodison Park crowd who will (all going well) see the fifth-round tie between Everton and Villa on February 14 will be an Everton shareholder and Supporters Club Vice President who maintains that he is still an Evertonian at heart and always will be Name?  Joe Mercer.  Occupation; Manager of Everton’s opponents Say he “It will be nice to come back to Goodison Park again, I think it will be a great game on matter what happens.  But for us of course the Cup is light relief – and our side played like it at Chelsea.  It’s the first time I have seen them play on a light ground and I liked them!  Apparently Joe is in no doubt –nor are Everton –that Charlton will be beaten at the second attempt.  The nature of the last thirteen minutes on Saturday when down in The Valley something stirred must give Everton great confidence and one hopes that they will start as they left off.  This was one of the most astonishing Everton recoveries of all time and there have been some pretty dramatic ones in the past.  Difficult to get a word out of John Carey about the Villa match except that he feels it is an excellent tie, in prospect.  But I’m not concerned with it, for the moment.  What concerns me most is the business of beating Charlton Athletic.  That’s our priority.   How many contemporary Managers (or how few) I wonder would look at their Cup commitments from this sensible standpoint?   First things first is the Carey principle. 

Gate Arrangements

Everton secretary Bill Dickenson advises ground season-ticket holders that they may go in at any ground turnstile.  Paddock season-ticket holders will have a special gate in Bullens Road Gwladys Street end).  In the event of a capacity attendance there will be special gates for ground season ticket holders. 

In my Cup reviews last night I said that the father of Gordon Menham kept for Everton in the Cup Final of 1897 against Aston Villa.  This is incorrect.  It was his uncle Gordon still attends soccer and was at the Tower, New Brighton on Saturday to see a very good Northern Nomads side in which Wakefield in goal and Naylor at centre half were outstanding.  Gordon played for Nomads years ago on the same ground against the famous Scottish amateur side, Queen’s Park.  Most of the spectators he met last Saturday seemed to remember him and the match. 

 

EVERTON CAN WIN BY TWO CLEAR GOALS

January 28, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

By Horace Yates

For sheer excitement thrill and suspense I could wish the vast crowd which is certain to be at Goodison Park, this evening (kick-off 7 p.m), for the fourth round replay of the F.A. Cup-tie with Charlton, nothing better than a repeat finale of Saturday’s drawn game.  I don’t suppose the majority of them will want it and I for one do not believe they will get it for the simple reason that forewarned of the Charlton possibilities.  Everton will be forearmed and will start their match-winning effort much earlier than they did at the Valley.  It would be wrong to treat this match as just a necessary preliminary to the opportunity of getting to grips with Joe Mercer’s Aston Villa in round five.  Charlton will right but with the disadvantage that this time the vast roar of encouragement they received from the massed thousands of their supporters last time, will be missing and replacing it will be the full-throated vocal encouragement to Everton that could be almost frightening in its intensity.  Charlton maintain that it was the incessant cheering of the faithful few on Saturday that helped Everton to ride a storm that seems likely to sweep them out of the Cup competition.  Today that roar will be magnified many, many times over.  Everton are not the team to allow such support to go unheeled.” 

O’Hara Preferred

Manager John Carey, makes one change –the substitution of Eddie O’Hara for Graham Williams at outside left, and it is a move which everybody who saw the last Charlton-Everton clash will back to the hilt.  Williams did not do himself justice and this is O’Hara’s big opportunity to prove that he is the man for the left wing role.  Many there were who expected to see this move made last week and frankly the presence of O’Hara in the party prompted the thought right to the last minute that Mr. Carey was keeping the Scot up his sleeve for an eleventh-hour substitution.  O’Hara lost his place for the home game with Portsmouth on December 13 and has been a man with an embition to get back ever since.  Everton’s attack at Charlton was lop-sided because of the ineffectiveness of Williams, and the subjugation of Collins.  If Williams had been able to dance his way past Sewell as Jimmy Harris did against Townsend, the complacency of the defence might have been shattered much earlier than it was.  Charlton will play good football, with a style that will appeal to the crowd, but I imagine Everton will clamp down on the forward flow much earlier at the second time of asking. 

Dangerous Leary

They now know that centre forward Leary is not only a sharp-shooter, but a wanderer who creates opportunities for forwards like Summers and Lawrie in the most dangerous fashion.  It is my belief that if Everton settle down from the start they can sweep into the next round with at least two goals to spare, but if they dilly and dally and lose the ball to the opposition with ill-timed and badly directed passes as often as they did at the Valley, then they will sentence themselves to hard labour that will be as disheartening as it will be deserved.  Brian Harris has been receiving treatment for a brushed knee and that treatment will continue today in an effort to give firm foundation to the player’s confidence that he will be fit to play.  Mr. Carey told me last night “Harris assures me that he will be ready.”  The Everton team spent yesterday doing the normal pre-match day preparation of sprinting, physical training and ball practice. 

McParland Bubble

That McParland will be opposing them instead of assisting them against Aston Villa always providing there is no slip-up tonight is no fault of Everton’s.  Although Mr. Carey began his association with Everton with the warning that he would have to make and mend with existing material because purchases were out of the question for this season, it was no idle query that was made when the whisper went round that McParland might be moving.  Had the figure been reasonable I believe that Everton might have found ways and means of entering the market.  Mr. Mercer may believe that his assessment was reasonable but if the figure I have heard quoted was correct it is not surprising that Everton interest evaporated as rapidly as it was created.  Neither is it a matter for wonderment that such an able player still belongs to Aston Villa.  The figure? Prepare for a shock £40,000 is the sum I have hard mentioned in the most reliable circles.  And so, Everton go on their way, hoping that O’Hara will not fail them.  Charlton not the least bit worried by Everton’s closing ascendancy, announce an unchanged team.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.  Charlton; Duff; Sewell, Townsend; Lucas, Jago, Kiernan, White, Hewie, Leary, Summers, Lawrie. 

 

EVERTON, AT SIXTEENS, STILL A GOOD BET

January 28, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

Tonight’s the night.  The gate at Goodison Park may well be capacity, or near capacity and the fact that the club’s ground –warming apparatus makes the match certain suggests that, all going well, we are going to have Everton safely in the last 16 and teed up for that other excellent tie against Joe Mercer’s Aston Villa on February 14.  What with Everton’s early failure, and their subsequent recovery, and Liverpool’s bold effort to regain lost status it is proving a much more eventful season than at first seemed likely.  The fact that Everton, even prior to tonight’s game are quoted at sixteen for the Cup roves, I think, that people outside this city are now realizing that the Carey regime is already having its effect and the many who took advantage, weeks ago, of the offer of 40-1 against Everton reaching Wembley and winning must be feeling well satisfied about their belief in the team.  Everton would not be winning out of turn.  Apart from those Cup semi-finals in which the club were concerned post-war the club have not had a real Cup season since they beat Manchester City in 1933.  Matt Busby that day was in the losing side’s half-back line. 

Not A Matter Of Luck

When one remembers the number of times Bolton, Manchester United, Newcastle United, and company have graced Wembley we have had a pretty lean time.  But it is not so much a question of luck or of circles as of having the team to get you there, and with respect we have had those very often in the past 20 years.  No bad team ever wins the Cup, no poor team ever survives to reach the last eight.  Thus Cup teams down the years have proved themselves as having something not possessed by others, even when their League positions have shown them to be ordinary in other respects.  Everton should win at the second attempt tonight but we must not make the mistake of thinking that they will do so easily merely because they hammered Charlton so consistently during the final minutes of the game in London.  Manager John Carey is the first man to appreciate the folly of looking to the Villa tie before actually qualifying for the next round.  His decision to out in O’Hara on the left wing is a sound one in view of Graham Williams’ comparative inexperience and his inability to find form at Charlton.  The doubt about the fitness of Brian Harris is a nagging one; but even if they have to bring in a deputy, I shall fancy Everton’s chances.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.  Charlton; Duff; Sewell, Townsend; Lucas, Jago, Kiernan, White, Hewie, Leary, Summers, Lawrie. 

 

GOODISON WIRES BEAT JACK FROST AGAIN

January 28, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Pitch Perfect For Cup-Tie

Tonight’s Game

By Leslie Edwards

Everton’s soil warming electrical apparatus has beaten the frost again.  The fourth round Cup replay against Charlton Athletic this evening (7 o’clock) is definitely on.  The pitch, says Manager John Carey, is perfect.  All it needed this morning was a touch with the light roller.  It is anticipated that Brian Harris, the Everton half-back who has been suffering from a bruised knee, will be fit to take his place. 

 

EVERTON FLIT TO VICTORY IN FOG FARCE

January 29, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post

Everton 4, Charlton 1 (after extra time)

Attendance 74,482.

By Horace Yates

After the most fantastic frolics by phantoms in the fog that I have ever seen, or am ever likely to see.  Everton only qualified to receive Aston Villa in round five of the F.A Cup after a stubbornly heroic Charlton had taken them into extra time despite missing a penalty kick.  Conditions were appalling and players flitted to and fro in the gloom, with efforts at identification a constant strain.  The drama began an hour before play was due to start when the referee had to make a decision whether or not play was possible.  What a brave man he was to give the order for the gates to be opened for he was chancing his arm with such a decision as he has never chanced it before.  The fog drifted in banks as the game progressed and the question “When will he abandon it?” was never very far from anybodys lips.  Actually a minor demonstration broke out while the teams were still level in extra time but if the referee heard it, he ignored the suggestion that the spectators had had enough and on the game went. 

Suffered In Silence

Once Everton had taken the lead during this period, I think the spectators would have dared the referee to call an abandonment.  They were content to suffer in near silence as the fortunate few near enough to see what was going on gave some indication of which end was being attacked.  There were times when I could see no more than one player on the field, and at other moments of clarity the number rose to three.  This was the sort of farce that should never be repeated.  The referee may have been within the rules in keeping the game going but how utterly ridiculous it was that only the tiniest fraction of the vast crowd could see what was happening.  Possibly more appropriate than the “Sport as I see it” headline would be “Sport as I nearly saw it.”   The gate had to be closed before the kick-off with large crowds locked out of the ground.  Within five minutes of the start people who wanted to get out found this task even more difficult than it had been to get in.  Men, women and children were handed bodily over the heads of the spectators to a reception committee of policemen, who lifted them to the luxury of a deserted touch line – but them to the players entrance on their way out.  So it went on almost up to half time as individuals decided that with so little to see the comfort of the streets without was most desirable.  If only we could have seen the events on the field with any sort of clarity; I am certain we should have been charmed by the offering for there was movement enough and judging by the reactions of the crowd, the goalkeepers were no idle bystanders.  The match represented a complete swing round from the preceding game at Charlton, for in the first half Charlton were never in the hunt, and yet it was not until five minutes from half time that Everton were able to convert territorial ascendancy into a goal.  Jimmy Harris who had not been finding supremacy over Townsend anything like as easy at the second half of asking put the ball across to Hickson, who banged it home. 

What They Missed

What a roar there would have been had the whole vast throng been able to see for themselves that Hickson was paving the way to a meeting with Aston Villa.  As it was they could only jump to conclusions from the delighted reaction of more fortunately placed spectators.  After 43 minutes Collins should have put Everton two up; Jimmy Harris worked his way through to the goal line and pulled the ball back to Collins, but with plenty of time to direct his shot, Collins sent wide.  That was the state of affairs at half-time and thought I may be wrong I gained the impression Everton were not finding Charlton’s yielding foe.  Slowly but surely as time went on Charlton began to figure more and more in my notebook as they caused a flurry in Everton’s defensive ranks.  Everton’s territorial mastery disappeared.  We saw Charlton working wing switches, with both outside men able to make progress, if not exactly to order, then at least to Everton’s great discomfort.  Still, Charlton could not score, and that was most people’s main concern. 

Penalty Missed

There were Everton protests and half hearted disagreement from the crowd when Hewie went down in the penalty area under Sanders’ momentum.   Here was high-drama, fortunately at the Stanley Park end, which appeared to be slightly more fog-free, so that a sizeable slice of the spectators were able to follow.  Up came Lawrie the outside left with a scoring punch in his boot, even when not presented with such a golden opportunity as this.  Everton hoped for the best and feared the worst.  At first it was impossible to tell whether the cheer which followed the shot was an acknowledgment of a score or an expression of relief that penalties are not always fatal.  The absence of dancing prancing gesticulating Charlton players was the clue that the ball was wide and a goalkick confirmed it.  Lawrie must have been beside himself with misery.  We saw White take a crash-bang shot in the direction of goal, only to find his effort deflected and the sting taken out of it, as Dunlop moved over thankfully.  These Everton escapes were all very well but they were following an all too familiar pattern at least for those who went to Charlton last week.  The it was Everton in a peppery, blistering finale.  Now it was Charlton.  Kiernan had a point blank shot charged down but with only two minutes left for play, most people assumed that Charlton’s courage would not be enough. 

Sensational Goal

Indeed the trek from the ground was well under way, when BANG.  The ball was in the Everton net.  It was Lawrie who put it there, and what consolation this must have been to him following his tragic experience with the penalty kick.  Hugged caressed and back-slapped from goal to centre, Lawrie was obviously beside himself with delight.  It was the final fling in the opening gambit, for here we were faced with extra time which was just about the last thing anybody wanted, players or spectators.  Whether or not the crowd had been given their money’s worth I do not know, but certain I am that they would have been thankful at that stage if the referee had spared them further concentration.  But, having gone so far, there was no turning back by the referee now, and the unequal battle with the elements went on.  Charlton threatened to collect the first goal of extra time but for a magnificently anticipated intervention by Brian Harris who took the ball off Hewie’s foot as he was at the point of connecting.  Seven minutes after the beginning of the extra stint a great roar indicated that Everton had scored.  It was impossible from the Press Box to see anything of the movement leading up to it, let alone who scored it.  Not until after the game by inquiry at the dressing-room, did I learn that the goal had come from the foot of Collins. 

A Grand Finale

If anything conditions became worse than ever, but I did manage to see Hickson drive the ball into the net after Duff had failed to clear adequately with 21 minutes of added time gone.  With Everton now two goals up, I should have thought only an earthquake or a power cut could end the game prematurely.  In any event Charlton had shot their bolt.  They had given all they had, and even that was not enough though goodness knows it was close enough to cause Everton more anxiety than they appreciated.  Collins rounded off the score with a fourth Everton goal two minutes form the end.  What the feeling must have been of Mr. Joe Mercer, the Aston Villa manager, who had come to size up the power of his team’s next Cup foes, can only be left to the imagination.  We shall not forget this fog in a hurry, nor are we likely to forget the magnificent spirit, determination and refusal to be beaten of gallant Second Division Charlton Athletic.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones (captain), Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.  Charlton Athletic; Duff; Sewell, Townsend; Lucas, Jago, Kiernan; White, Hewie, Leary, Summers, Lawrie.  Referee; Mr. J.W. Hunt (Portsmouth).  Attendance 74,482.  Receipts £10,390. 

 

THE MOST FANTASTIC CUP-TIE NEVER SEEN              

January 29, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

The match that was missed in the mist –that was the most fantastic game never seen at Goodison Park last night, the fourth round Cup replay in which Everton beat Charlton Athletic by four goals to one after extra time.  Thousands of the jammed 75,000 who tried to see it left the ground minutes before the 90 minute stage satisfied that Everton had won 1-0; other thousands left then or earlier because they just could not stand the crush any longer.  Yet the countless thousands who stayed on to the triumphant end of extra time came out not sure of the score and certainly oblivious of the identity of most of the men who got the goals.  Indeed at the Gwladys Street end, where only one of the five goals came, people thought the score at 90 minutes was Everton 1, Charlton 2.  Only the dim outlines of the teams lining up for the start of extra time convinced them that all was well and that the score was still level!  This wonderful match ranks with Everton’s famous 6-4 tie against Sunderland at the same ground as one of the most freakish in the long history of Everton.  The odd thing is that when people come to recall it they will never be able to say they saw it but merely that they saw a little of it and heard the rest.  And I don’t mind confessing that too.  Under the brassy dull glare of floodlights which could not penetrate the fog except when it cleared momentarily it was not always possible to see the players much less the ball.  For the most part it was a question of folding one’s arms and resignedly trying to tie up sound with fleeting movement – almost like listening to a running commentary of a match without the sound of the commentator’s voice. 

Doubts From Start

There were doubts about visibility from the start but apparently they did not deter 75,000 people, and even before the teams came out the mood was eptimistic.  Just before Hickson scored that glorious first half goal, which seemed likely to pass his team through to the next round, the visibility for stand spectators was almost nil, but that referee Hunt and the players could still sight the ball at ground level there was no doubt.  Later the linesmen took to running two yards inside the pitch confines and that the 90 minute could be completed much less an additional 30 minutes, was little short of a miracle.  Behind-goal spectators could hardly see the goalkeeper nearest to them and they guessed at what was happening at the other end by the cheers and groans some of them cut short so dramatically that none could tell with certainly what they signalled.  Hickson’s goal with a classic brush-off of the defender who challenged him one could see as a brilliant effort, left-footed into the Park end goal.  Fifteen minutes from time when Everton seemed to be safely weathering the sort of revival which had kept them in the game at Charlton, Gwladys Street spectators had no means of knowing that Sanders had tackled Hewie in the penalty area, taking the ball but inadvertently bringing Hewie down.  The Charlton forward was hurt in the process and needed attention but there had been no doubt in the mind of the referee about the penalty award to meet the case. 

Side-Footed

It looked to me as though Lawrie tried to side-foot the ball to Dunlop’s left.  One can imagine Dunlop’s dilemma in the fog facing the shot he would scarcely see until the ball was well on its way.  In the event the penalty kick went wide, but what agony of suspense there was for us before we saw Dunlop go wide of goal to retrieve the ball!   There was little doubt then that the referee would contrive to finish a game which normally might have been called off long before.  The crowd settled down to see the dying moments.  Police by the dozen patrolled the sidelines and Everton it seemed had the match safely in the bag.  It was then after two quick corners that Lawrie produced devastatingly a hook shot almost of the kind Gurney of Sunderland used to discomfort Everton in that other never-forgotten Cup game at Goodison Park.  For Lawrie all but hooked the out-swinging corner from the right wing over his shoulder and fairly rocketed the ball in.  People at the other end knowing that Charlton had earlier been given a penalty told me they had the impression at this point that Charlton were leading 2-1.  Charlton elected to continue to play into the Park goal for the first fifteen minutes of extra time. Visibility then became even worse and many must have despaired of the possibility of extra time being completed, but Duff, as in the first match, misjudged a high ball, this time from Jimmy Harris and Collins pouncing on the ball as quickly as he had when scoring in the first match, shot Everton into the lead eight minutes after the start of the extra period.  When the teams turned round there were two clinching goals the first to Hickson, who scored after Duff had pushed the ball away as it arrived from the right the second to Collins whose lobbed shot struck the underside of the bar before it dropped over the line.  This was the end, and never can a club or team have been so relieved to be winners with the fog liable right up to the final seconds to deny them their rights. 

As Well At Anfield

To try to make assessment of play or players would be ludicrous in the circumstances since all the play which took place on the side furthest from the Press-box might just as well have gone on at far-off Anfield.  This looked to me like a first class game all but obliterated for spectators by a curtain of mist so think that, if conditions had been even one degree under those which existed the referee would assuredly have been forced to say.  “This is farcical.”  One can only be thankful that the journey of some 75,000 people was necessary though that would want some explaining to certain wives.  It was a clean game as far as one could see and one with no recriminations.  Considering the phenomenal conditions it also seemed a game of high standard.  In view of the swaying multitude on vast terracing one praises also the work of police and ambulance men whose job was the continuous yanking out of crushed spectators from the mass of humanity which enveloped them.  Through the gloom of Goodison Park –and freakishly the hugh enclosure was thick with mist while outside it seemed relatively clear- it was possible to see some, if not all, of the fine distributive work of Hickson the rescuing act when it was needed of Tom Jones and others. 

Thuds And Thumps

Dunlop, it seems, had only to peer into the fog for long periods.  At the other end thuds and thumps and the dim view of Duff picking himself up and clearing the ball from hand suggested that Everton produced plenty of shots even if it took them 120 minutes to polish off game opponents.  Happily there were no injuries worth mentioning on field though both trainer were called on and must have been equipped with compasses to lead them to where their service was required.  A fantastic game by any standard and remembering the immensity of the gate –worth £10,390 –and the dramatic way the goals came in the worst of visibility the most astonishing blindman’s buff of a match this city ever experienced or is likely to experience again.  Everton have hotted up their pitch and their team.  The only thing they can do now is to install fog dispersal fans and FIDO but before they think of that they must tackle an equally urgent threat –that of Joe Mercer’s Villians. 

 

THE FIRST PENALTY LAWRIE HAS MISSED

January 29, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Michael Charter

Charlton’s outside left Stan Lawrie, the man who missed a penalty but whose late-equaliser caused extra time in the Cup replay at fog-bound Goodison Park last night told me today before he left for London of the disappointment and joy he felt in the last 15 minutes of normal time.  He said; “I’ve never missed a penalty before in the dozen times I’ve taken them for Middleborough and Charlton – and I had to pick last night to do.  Dunlop dived the wrong way and I pushed the ball just wide of the right hand post.  I’ve scored three penalties in the last four weeks and usually take them this way.  “But I felt a million times better when I got that equalizer.  John Hewie, our inside right headed a corner across to me and I hooked it over my shoulder.  Guess my relief when I found it had beaten Dunlop.”  I ask him how the conditions affected the players.  He said;- “I thought the referee should have called the game off after 90 minutes.  I spoke to him and he replied “Yes it’s getting worse now.”   “I found it difficult to follow the ball until it was about 20 yards from me.  One of our regular moves is for the inside right to hit a long ball over to my wing.  When he did, all I could see was him moving to the ball and them had to wait to see what was happening to his pass.  “But I thought it was a great game –certainly better than the match at the Valley.  Everton too were fortunate to get three goals in extra time.  Defensive errors brought two of them.” 

He Half Saw

Charlton manager Jimmy Trotter who saw (or half saw) the match from the Goodison Road Stand, told me he was surprised the game had been completed under the circumstances.  He said; “If the crowd came for entertainment I’m sorry for them because there just wasn’t any.  “From my point of view, it was hopeless, I couldn’t see enough to be able to advise the team at half-time. I didn’t know who was playing well or badly.  I felt sorry for the crowd.  I was amazed at the size of the gate and Everton are certainly fortunate to have such enthusiastic support.  

Dave Hickson said; “These were the foggiest conditions in which I ever played, I enjoyed the match and I thought we played well enough to have scored three of four times in the first 90 minutes.  It wasn’t at all bad playing.  But from the 18 yards line it was not possible to see the goal at the other end.”  All the Charlton players are fit and the team will probably be unchanged against Liverpool at the Valley on Saturday. 

 

IS 75,000 TOO MANY AT NIGHT MATCH?

January 29, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Everton’s Problem Made Worse By Mist

By Leslie Edwards

Should 75,000 spectators be allowed to pack the Everton ground at Goodison Park for a night match?  This is the question everyone is asking after the fantastic fourth-round Cup replay last night in which Everton beat Charlton Athletic by four goals to one after extra time.  Never have I seen more ominous swaying on the hugh terracing immediately below the main stand.  Never have police and ambulance men had such difficulty in tugging –yes, literally tugging –to the touch lines unfortunate overcome or injured by the crush of bodies.  This despite Everton’s close season introduction of many more crush barriers placed at right angles to those which already existed.  Why did 75,000 spectators create so much difficulty for authority and for themselves?   The answer is force of circumstances. 

Late Rush

Because of the mist which nearly obliterated all sight of the match the gates were not opened until an hour and a quarter before kick-off at 7 p.m. many must have gone to this pay-at-the-turnstiles game convinced that the fog would have cut the attendance by 10,000 instead the whole of the football following public of Liverpool tried to get into the ground.  The ground has held 78,000 comfortably but the rush of people in the hour before the kick-off was so great that police had the utmost difficulty in controlling queues to the turnstiles.  An Everton official said; “These fans were fighting mad to see the match, and I fear some of them got a little out of hand.  Also, the fact that so little could be seen, from the rear terrace owing to mist mean that everyone was determined to get as near the pitch as possible.”  It is wrong to suggest, as has been suggested, that there was danger, last night of disaster but there might well have been serious trouble for many onlookers if barriers had not held.  Ironically if the game had been played in daylight yesterday visibility would have been perfect. 

Valuable Lesson

Normally when a ground holds 75,000 there are many crowd casualties.  Most of the people rescued from masses of swaying humanity last night were able to walk to the players’ subway and so out of the ground.  Many others fought their way out to the normal exits.  The work of the police under the personal control of Mr. J.W. T Smith (Chief Constable) and ambulance men was very valuable and the club and authority will have learned a valuable lesson for the future. The main conclusion I think may well be that the attendance at a night match should be confined to 70,000 at the outside.  Last night’s attendance was slightly fewer than that at the ground last season for the midweek night Cup game against Blackburn Rovers (75,818).  The record stands at 78,299 for the match against Liverpool in 1948.  Mr. J.W.T. Smith told me this morning that he thought some system of central registration of the number of spectators passing through various turnstiles was one of the answers to the capacity crowd problem.  He paid tribute to the good nature of the crowd at last nights game, and said that the work of the police and ambulance men was terrifically good in the circumstances.  The Chief Constable said that although other parts of the terracing seemed comfortably filled, the ground under the main stand was so crowded that lateral swaying could not be avoided.  “I think the introduction of further crush barriers might help,” he added.  “The extra ones put in during the close season had their effect and happily there is no evidence of any serious injuries.”  The whole of Liverpool’s mounted police were on duty “I do not know what we should have done without hem” said Mr. Smith.  But Everton’s dramatic 4-1 win, seen by so few heard by so many sent everyone home in good humour though some of the spectators at the Gwladys Street end did not even know the final score!  It has been suggested that Everton’s soil-warmed ground may have given off some of the mist which enveloped the pitch preventing the powerful floodlights from penetrating the gloom. 

Better Outside

This is not valid reasoning, I fancy, but that visibility was better outside Goodison Park was unmistakable.  The players too, at ground level, were at an advantage.  The two managers who sought to see their opponents of the near future – Phil Taylor of Liverpool whose team meet Charlton on Saturday and Joe Mercer whose Aston Villa side come to Goodison Park in a fifth round tie –might well have stayed at home for all they saw.  But that applied to us all.  The miracle was that the match went 90 minutes, much less than extra time also.  Seventy-five thousand Everton fans who could not blow away the Goodison mist had the last word.  “We’ve softened “up Charlton for Liverpool on Saturday,” they said. 

 

EVERTON’S NEED IS LEAGUE POINTS NOW

January 30, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

By Leslie Edwards

No dimming the enthusiasm for Everton.  Their memorable Cup games against Charlton; their rise from the depths in the League; the new order, new era partly created by the coming of such people as John Carey, Bobby Collins, and Alex Parker, and the possibility of a place in the last eight for the Cup have whipped up enormous enthusiasm.  Even tomorrow’s game against Manchester City becomes a must for those who might not otherwise have been interested.  The appearance of the side which scored Cup wins over both our senior clubs two seasons ago, plus the fact that the incomparable Bert Trauntmann will be keeping goal gives the match an air.  We haven’t forgotten, nor shall we, the Trauntmann peak game n the benefit match played to mark the end of Eddie Spicer’s shortened career.  Everton need League points.  Their Cup success should help them to this end, since nothing succeeds like success if they are destined to reach Wembley they will need to have secured their League position and for this reason they will treat tomorrow’s game as seriously as the Charlton replay, so much of which was invisible to 75,000.  City, managed by Leslie McDowell still have that fiery bundle of football acumen, Bobby Johnstone, whose spirit was one of the big factors of City’s successes two seasons ago.  But City today are not the side they were and Everton with Hickson playing brilliantly (and praise be qualifying for the honour of being sportsman of the year) are therefore likely to get the points which will keep them in safety.  Manager John Carey, like the rest of us, saw so little of his sides performance against Charlton he cannot fairly make any assessment of play or players.  He therefore leaves over selection of the team while saying fervent thanks to those who rescued two almost lost Cup causes.  For the benefit of those who are anxious to assess just how many crowded on to the terraces at Goodison Park on Wednesday here is the register of seating accommodation, in all, 14,692  Goodison Road, 3,185 Gwladys Street, 4,022 Bullens Road, 4,752; Stanley Park 2,596. The residue is made up of directors box seats.  Thus, nearly 60,000 were on their feet –or someone else’s.  It would seem therefore that the crowd under the main stand would be nearly 30,000. 

 

EVERTON ‘SAME AGAIN’ FOR TOMORROW

January 30, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

City’s Three Changes

By Leslie Edwards

Everton announced an unchanged team for their match tomorrow, at Goodison Park against Manchester City.  This means that Eddie O’Hara, brought into the Cup replay team in place of Graham Williams at outside left retains his place.  Manchester City have three changes.  Cliff Sear is out with an ankle injury and local boy Peter Horridge makes his third League appearance at left back while last Saturday’s home Cup defeat by Grimsby Town has brought the expected shake-up in the attack.  Out goes Joe Hayes for the first time this season.  His place at inside left is taken by Colin Barlow, who played on the right wing against Grimsby.  Sock selection is the choice of Liverpool-born George Hanhah at outside right.  Since his transfer from Lincoln City in September Hannah had a successful run at centre forward until McAdams took over at Christmas.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’;Hara.  Manchester City; Trauntmann; Leievrs, Horridge; Phoenix, Ewing, Barnes, Hannah, Johnstone, McAdams, Barlow, Sambrooks. 

News of special interest to Everton fans today is the signing of Joe Mercer newly appointed manager of Aston Villa of Jack Winton, the Burnley left back.  This is Mercer’s first big signing for his new club. 

Everton Reserves (away to Manchester City); O’Neill; Billington, Tansey; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Godrey, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, Williams. 

 

COLLINS SEEKS REPEAT OF DEBUT TRIUMPH

January 31, 1959. The Liverpool Daily Post b

By Horace Yates

After Wednesday’s experience when Everton could rightly boast a ground in as good condition as any in the country, it would be dangerous to assert that here at least one game is certain to be played, for with fog in the air, it could be dangerous to be dogmatic.  Everton have proved in really testing conditions that frost is no longer a Goodison kill-joy.  It has taken many years to arrive at this happy conclusion but how much longer will it take before we can laugh in the face of fog and defy it to do its worse? 

No Closed Gates Today

I do not anticipate there will be any closed gates with ambulance stations fully manned and active, for the visit of Manchester City to Goodison today, but there is no doubt that Everton’s Cup triumphs will be reflected in the size of the attendance.  City may not be the attraction these days that United are and yet it would not be surprising in the circumstances to find almost as many onlookers today as there were when United were here on October 18.  It will be nice to see Everton for ourselves instead of relying on crowd reaction to indicate events.  What of the O’Hara experiment?  It was impossible to judge any man on Wednesday evening and undoubtedly Manager John Carey is right to give the Scot a second chance to prove that he can lay a more legitimate claim to the outside left problem position than the displaced Williams.  The team earned the expression of confidence bestowed on it by a “no change” selection and the portents are favourable indeed for the recording of Everton’s second double of the season (Bolton was the first).  Not only that, but City were the team which gave Everton their first point in a September fixture noteworthy for the first appearance of Bobby Collins. 

Morale Booster

It was Collins’ genius more than anything else which at that time proved to Everton that they were nothing like as bad as results were painting them.  A repeat performance by Collins today would go a long way to ensuring another handsome victory and a morale booster for the trials that lie ahead.  City are still a struggling combination. With their problems accentuated by last week’s defeat by Grimsby Town and not surprising they make changes.  Horridge takes over at left back from Sear, who has an ankle injury, Hayes loses his inside left position to Barlow and Hannah finds himself at outside right.  Everton; Dunlop; Sanders, Bramwell; Parker, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’ Hara.  Manchester City; Trauntmann; Leievrs, Horridge; Phoenix, Ewing, Barnes, Hannah, Johnstone, McAdams, Barlow, Sambrooks. 

 

EVERTON’S EASY VICTORY DESPITE MISSED CHANCES

January 31, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Jones and Trauntmann In Penalty Coincidence

By Leslie Edwards

Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders, and Bramwell, backs; Parker, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards.  Manchester City; Trauntmann, goal; Leivers, and Horridge, backs; Phoneix, Ewing and Barnes, backs; Hannah, Johnstone, McAdams, Barlow, and Sambrook, forwards.  Referee; Mr. S.H. Gerrard (Preston).  Manchester City appeared in mustard coloured yellow.  City began surprisingly well with a sharp left wing move which ended with Dunlop making a timely pick up.  Trauntmann too was quickly in the picture with a catch from a Collins right wing centre.  He also fielded a low Jimmy Harris shot and was forced by Thomas to scramble along the goal line to the edge of the penalty box, where full back Horridge picked up the loose ball and slashed it to safely.  Everton had a tremendous escape when a through ball found McAdam clear and in possession before the out coming Dunlop but in trying to round the goalkeeper the centre forward gave Sanders a chance to make a deflection for a corner.  It might well have been a deflection into his own net. McAdams who played with a bandaged left arm was having a good innings but none did better than Leivers when collecting a through pass.  In spite of the attention of O’Hara he hooked the ball round to complete a magnificent piece of work.  Jimmy Harris centre at this point beat the outstretched arms of Trauntmann and found the head of the incoming Collins who got rather too far under the ball to direct it into the net.  The football was excellent and when Hannah completely missed two Everton defenders and crossed the ball to the head of Sambrook, who made a stronger header, only the merest deflection meant a corner rather than a goal.  The crowd was kept thrilled by some first-class stuff by both sides.  Jimmy Harris, working on a sixpenny piece of ground beat his man and crossed the ball for Thomas to make a full-blooded right-foot drive, which flew a foot or two wide of the upright.  An equally brilliant move came at the other end where Barlow nodded the ball out to Sambrook and then took up position to receive a short through pass with the result that although Barlow’s shot beat Dunlop, who had come out, the ball struck the netting.  Collins was here, there and everywhere digging up passes for all and sundry, but could not contrive to get to close range.  Everton should certainly have scored when O’Hara nipping in sharply to pick up a short reverse pass by Leivers rounded Trauntmann some 10 yards from goal and finding himself angled, slipped the ball Harris (J) to help himself to a shot into an empty net, but to everyone’s dismay including his on Harris shot wide.  Everton went ahead after 25 minutes with a headed goal by Jimmy Harris.  From a free kick for a foul on O’Hara, Collins slid the ball straight through for Brian Harris who had moved up fast, to pick up on the goal-line just outside the six yard area.  He turned the ball back with his left foot and Jimmy Harris glancing header must have been in the net before even Trauntmann could have moved to it.  Trauntmann, got a round of applause and quite rightly for immediately punching the ball into touch once he saw that Jimmy Harris lay injured just outside the field of play in front of the main stand.  He was back in action with a minute.  The Everton attack was now almost becoming a barrage with the City defence hard put to it to prevent then getting a second.  Rarely have Everton played better this season.  Thomas missed from point blank range when hitting the goalkeeper’s knee after picking up a Jimmy Harris centre, and one way and another City were fortunate to be only a goal behind.  Everton were lucky to survive a penalty appeal when Brian Harris brought down Sambrook.  Jimmy Harris had a word from referee Gerrard after a foul on Horridge, but broadly speaking it was good hard, clean football, with City unexpectedly better than their League position.  The referee also had a word with right back Leivers after a foul on Collins.  Half-time; Everton 1, Manchester City nil.  O’Hara crossed the ball only a few feet from the line and Hickson at the far post was only able to side-foot the ball into the side netting from a difficult angle.  City were inclined rather to overdo the short pass.  The laugh of the season was created by Trauntman who having picked up inside his box moved to the extreme edge of it, slowed down, and carefully bowled the ball out, meticulously keeping his feet just inside the area and giving a wave to the far linesman who had signalled his previous carrying offence.  Trauntmann went to the foot of the post to turn the ball round from a low Parker shot and he did gloriously when flicking the ball over a minute later from a header by Collins.

Hickson Makes It Two

Out of the blue Everton scored at 56 minutes through Hickson.  Jimmy Harris with little room to meanceurve worked hard to get the better of Horridge and crossed the ball fast.  Collins among others cleverly allowed it to pass him by and when it arrived slap in front of goal, Hickson with a storming right foot shot, hit the back of the net so hard there must have been danger of it cong adrift.  A Hickson nod following one from Thomas almost undid City a third time, though the ball was only travelling slowly towards the line as Trauntmann got down to it.  Collins raised the cheer of the day when picking up a tremendous crossfield pass by Jimmy Harris and swiveling in such short space that Horridge was completely beaten.  His pass on to which Thomas ran produced the game’s best shot and best save.  That Trauntmann was able to edge it for a corner showed him at his tremendous best. 

Trauntmann Winded

The force of Jimmy Harris’s shot from some 10 yards, which Trauntmann took on the body as it came down at a fine angle, appeared to wind the goalkeeper, but he played on and was on hand to watch a O’Hara header flash past the post from Jimmy Harris’s corner kick.  Everton got a penalty when Jimmy Harris was brought down by Horridge and the oddest thing was that now Trauntmann faced a spot kick by Tom Jones.  Jones had scored from the spot against Trauntmann when Trauntmann was a prisoner of war at a camp near Liverpool and the Everton captain was a member of a boys team in that area.  The goal came at 75 minutes and in the event Jones was fortunate to score since he got rather too much loft on his shot and it struck the underside of the bar before crossing the line, the spin then bringing it back into play.  There was a second penalty when Sanders handled a centre by Sambrook early in its flight and just inside the box.  Right back Leivers hit a tremendous shot which struck Dunlop and bounded 10 yards into the air.  As the ball came down both Leivers and Barlow rushed to it and Barlow nodded the ball past a helpless Dunlop.  O’Hara could taken a fourth if he had the power and direction to shoot the ball in from Collins’s offering.  It took a first class save by Dunlop to prevent Barlow making it 3-2 off a glorious pass by Hannah.  The crowd and Dunlop thought the goal had been dis-allowed and placed the ball for a goalkick but there was soon no doubt that Mr. Gerrard considered the score good.  Final; Everton 3, Manchester City 1. 

 

MANCHESTER CITY RES V EVERTON RES

January 31, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Manchester City Res; Fleet; Branagan, Howard; Warhurst, McTavish, Shawcross; Fagan, Kirkman, Lister, Haynes, Fider.  Everton Reserves; O’Neill; Billington, Tansey; Rea,. Labone, Meagan; Godfrey, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, Williams.  Referee; Mr. F. Smith (Derbyshire).   Manchester forced a corner, but Lister shot over the Everton crossbar.  Everton immediately went on to the attack through a fine passing movement between Godfrey, temple, and Meagan but McTavish checked this move.  Meagan next put Godfrey in possession to force a corner.  Wignall let drive with Fleet out of goal, but Branagan on the goal line kicked out to save what would have been a certain goal.  Wignall again was clean through but Fleet ran out and forced the inside man to fire wide.  After 50 minutes Manchester took the lead and it was a penalty goal by Fagan.  It was a harsh decision, for the ball seemed accidentally to touch Meagan’s hands.  The visitors might have equalized straight away, but Fleet made a daring save from Wignall.  Godfrey hit the Manchester woodwork with a scorching drive then full-back Tansey joined in the shooting, Fleet fisting over for safety.  With seconds to go, Wignall equalized for Everton.  Half-time; Manchester City Res 1, Everton Res 1. 

Everton “A” v. Preston “A”

Keeley dribbled the ball round the Preston goalkeeper but had it taken from him by right back Heyes before he could make his shot.  A powerful drive from Burns was saved by the Everton keeper.  After 23 minutes Preston took the lead from a penalty by Downey.  Half-time; Everton “A” nil, Preston North End “A” 1. 

 

MAGNIFICENT AT VALLEY

January 31, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

They Helped To Get Us Through

By Tommy Jones

There is an old saying in football; “There are no easy Cup-ties.” After playing Charlton Athletic twice within five days, with it’s trials, tribulations, not to mention heartaches, I can endorse this sentiment.  At the Valley last Saturday, I was proud of the team for the manner in which they refused to acknowledge defeat.  Two down; twenty minutes to play, goal chance thwarted often by ill luck, often by defenders bodies, Duff in goal making seemingly impossible saves, it just didn’t seem possible that the lads would score.  It just wasn’t our day.  At this point Brian Harris said to me “Looks as if well never score today Tom.”  But we both reckoned without the support given us by the hugh contingent of followers from Goodison.  These supporters were magnificent and I should like to thank them all for having such a belief in the team and for the encouragement through their roars of support.  It was their support which helped to pull us through.  When Eddie Thomas hooked in our first goal, the sands of time were running out.  But the lads threw everything into a last ditch attempt to force a replay and the fans went wild after Bobby Collin fairly crashed the ball home for the equalizer.  Personality, I’ve never known such excitement.  The referee told me there were three minutes to go, and yet the boys fought to get another goal, but it was not to be.  The excitement was such that one would have thought we had won the Cup. 

Step At A Time

Such are fortunes in the Cup.  Twenty minutes from time I was thinking; “Well perhaps nest year.”  But there we were replaying at Goodison on Wednesday.  Unfortunately with the Cup draw being on Monday I should think that 90 p, c of our supporters had us playing Aston Villa in the fifth round before we had settled our account with Charlton.  I’m no believer in omens but I like to take one step at a time and with the game against Charlton apparently a “walk over” I was a little worried.  It’s a bad tactics to approach a game with the feeling that the opposition are easy meat.  It lulls the mind into a false sense of security, and Charlton made us fight every inch of the way in the replay.  Just as it is not fun watching a match in foggy weather, it is even less furious to play in it.  Most of the lads spent the 10 minute interval coughing and spluttering which was diagnosed as “fog on the chest.”  Actually, it was not so bad for the players on the pitch itself.  Pity so many fans missed Bobby Collins first goal, Eddie Thomas, crossed the ball from the right Jimmy Harris leaped high to head in and goalkeeper Duff punched clear.  But unfortunately for him the ball went right to the oncoming Bobby Collins whose full blooded volley nearly broke the back of the net.  Incidentically, it was funny how the fans at the Stanley Park end learned of this great goal…for they couldn’t see it themselves.  Alan Sanders ran back to tell Albert Dunlop what had happened, and Albert turned to tell the crowd that Everton were in front again with a Collins goal.  Then, and only then did the fans cheer! 

Tickets Please

The Cup is everything to a professional footballer.  That is the main thing he dreams of, apart from being capped by his county.  Consequently if a team thinks they have a reasonable opportunity of getting further in the Cup, then they have to look to their laurels, rectify their mistakes beforehand and only then will they be able to give of their best.  There is only one real snag in making progress in the Cup-tickets.  It seems a question of knowing a person, who knows a person who is a relative of some long lost aunt, ands so the story goes.  We’ve all been through it before and now is the time when letters from forgotten pals start arriving.  Requests from all the family, friends, asking on behalf of a friend &tc, &c.  But please bear in mind the players and staff only get an allocation not a free hand.  It can have a very worrying effect on players as they like to please as many friends, relatives and acquaintances as possible.  But the line has to be drawn somewhere as the supply has a definite end and it isn’t elastic.  So for the lads or they’ll have to go into hibernation. 

 

I WAS AMAZED AT SIZE OF MID-WEEK CROWD

January 31, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Alex Parker, Looking Back at The Charlton Games, says…

I’D heard that Everton were fortunate in having among the most loyal supporters in the country, but it wasn’t until the past week that I realized just how many we have, how loyal they are, and what a difference they make  to the team.  After I had got used to the ideal that we had won on Wednesday night, the thing that stuck in my mind was that 74,000 people had attended.  I was going to say “watched,” but in view of the fog maybe that’s not the right word to use.  It’s a great pity that the game was spoiled for so many by the weather because I am sure you would all have enjoyed it.  From what I have heard from friends in the stands, it was not quite so bad at ground level as you have thought.  Once consolation was that the pitch was really terrific.  More than but Charlton player passed comment on it to me during the game.   It’s curious now the London side equalized with only minutes to go, just as we did at the Valley.  The difference was, of course, that we had the benefit of playing extra time on our own ground, and it’s history now we made full use of it.  It’s a pity that the spectators did not see the three goals we added, for they were well worth the admission money, particularly the one Bobby Collins scored to put us 2-1 in front.  He really hit it I believe the thud of his foot hitting the ball could be heard all over the ground.  It’s funny how Bobby seems to receive his goal-scoring ability for the big occasions.  He hasn’t scored a lot of League goals since coming to Goodison, but he got off on the right foot with one on his debut at Maine Road, and he’s found the net in each of his two international appearance since leaving Celtic.  There’s no need to stress the importance of the one he got at Charlton last Saturday and his effort in the early part of extra time was no less useful.  He showed there was no fluke about it by giving an encore later on but we were as good as home then.  Dave Hickson also had two good games against Charlton, I believe he is another who never fails to rise to the occasion in a Cup-tie. 

Fight Harder

To get back to the people who had so much to do with our success –our supporters, I’ll never forget the cheer we got when we ran on to the pitch on Wednesday.  It really was terrific, and if any footballer tells you he is immune to the shouts of his supporters, don’t believe him.  It makes you fight that little bit harder when you know you have thousands of fans behind you.  You know you are not alone, particularly in away games.  Mind you, I think we owed more to them at Charlton.  After that game I heard that there were only about 17,000 Evertonians present, I say “only” because by the noises they made I would have sworn there were more than 17,000 of the 44,000 crowd cheering for us.  However, I must say it was a magnificent turn-out.  When after Charlton’s second goal, our first attack was cheered, Bobby Collins shouted to me.  “Come on, we can’t let this crowd down.  They’ve come a long way.”   You may have noticed that Bobby was first off the pitch at the final whistle, I don’t think he fancied being mobbed again.  If you didn’t see the crowd’s reaction to his equalizing goal you will no doubt have heard about it, and how he needed attention as a result. 

Please Keep Off

Jokingly he said to me after the game;  “If that’s how-they greet an equalizer in the fourth round.  I’d have to score the winner at Wembley.”  Still, much as we all welcome the support and I have never heard anything like it at an away Cup-tie before, I would like to appeal to you not to run on to the pitch.”  

I can appreciate your enthusiasm but for obvious reasons it is much better to display it on your own side of the barriers.  Luckily, Bobby was not seriously hurt but he may well have been.  He’s not the biggest footballer in the country you know.  I have heard how Stan Bentham who is now on the training staff at Goodison once nearly had his eye poked out by a supporter’s umbrella as he was running onto the pitch for a Cup-tie against Wolves at Goodison.  So I ask you again, cheer for all you’re worth, but “keep off the grass.”   After the game on Wednesday I had to travel back to my unit in Edinburgh, getting the 12.45 a.m train.  Luckily I had booked a sleeper.  Believe me, after two hours in a Cup-tie I needed it.  The rest of the players were given Thursday off.  A thing that struck me about the reports of our Cup-ties, particularly the first one at Charlton, was that although some papers gave Albert Dunlop credit for a good display, some omitted to mention him.  I thought he played brilliantly, and those of you who were there will I am sure agree.  When I first saw him, I thought he was a little on the small side for a keeper, but it is no disadvantage to him.  Bobby said to me last week;’ “Alex, it there’s a better goalkeeper than Albert in English football I haven’t seen him.” I think the rest of the boys will agree.  Another member of the team who does not always get the credit he deserves is John Bramwell.  When I see him playing so well and think that only last season he was playing in non-League football it amazes me.  Having played full back for so long I think I am in a position to appreciate his play. 

My Debut

So now it’s the Villa.  Mention of the Midlands club reminds me that it was against them that I made my debut for Everton a match we won 4-2, so I think we can be excused for feeling confident.  When you get to this stage of the competition no match is easy, particularly a First Division side, but we have home advantage.  We realize that the Villa are a strong team who will be no pushover, but we think we can pull it off.  I’ve heard that they will be bringing a lot of supporters with them, but if I were a betting man I’d stake a lot, of money that they’ll be out-shouted by the Goodison fans.  I think I have mentioned before that the greatest honour I have had in football was the award of the Scottish Players of the Year trophy.  Well, on February 15 I have been invited to return to Scottish for the presentation to this year’s player of the year – Davey Mackay of Hearts.  He has had a good season so far, having been appointed captain of the Scottish team.  Still the trophy will not be severing all connection with Goodison for, as you probably know, Davey’s brother Frank is on our staff.  Soon after I arrived home from Cyprus I was invited to appear on TV in a sports programme and fir the last two Saturday our matches at Arsenal and Charlton have been televised.  A week last Wednesday Tommy Jones appeared and the night before the match at the Valley, Tommy, Dave Hickson and Bobby Collins were on the wireless.  This is naturally led to some ragging among the boys.  Those who have only appeared in the match reports have been told that they will have to graduate to speaking parts! 

 

EVERTON –AS SEEN BY JOE MERCER

January 31, 1959. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express

Now we know, Aston Villa will really have to go some to beat Everton in the fifth round of the F.A Cup.  At this stage I’m sure of only one thing.  Eighty thousand all-weather fans –that’s the Everton home crowd –will make it not only a thriller to remember, but probably the match of the round.  Last Wednesday I watched, whenever blankets of fog permitted, the Goodison Park epic in which Everton beat Charlton 4-1.  Though visibility we bad, I saw enough to realize these four factors will make Everton a tough nut. 

1. Bobby Collins is more than a good player.  He’s an inspiration.  We’ll have to do something about keeping him quiet. 
2. Dave Hickson is a better player now than he has ever been.  Frankly he surprised me by his shrewd switching and quick appreciation of goal chances.
3. Another Surprise to me –Brian Harris a winger of no more than so-so ability who has developed into a terrific left half when he goes on attack.  Those runs of his looked mighty dangerous to Charlton last Wednesday. 
4. Probably the most important factor of the lot – the pitch.  The heating system at Goodison ensures one thing –plenty of soft turf and probably mud.

That ‘s what makes Everton used to regular home conditions whereas at this time of the year most other players operate on hard grounds – and the sudden switch to Goodison puts them in unusual circumstances.   I know that after the match Charlton players said that if they but Everton on a hard ground they (Charlton) would have skated it.   Charlton might well have won but for Lawrie missing that vital penalty.  Yet, I always felt Everton were potential winners and realize triumph at Goodison Park in two weeks time will be no mean achievement.  But a warning to Everton fans, Villa surprised Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.  Be warned.