Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON MUST NOT ‘DALLY’ IN CAREY ‘PRESENT V.PASTS’
November 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Blackburn Rovers are well remembered in this city not so much because they provided Everton with their new Manager, Mr. Carey, but because they beat both our clubs a season ago in the F.A. Cup. They have not fulfilled expectations that they would be as successful in the First Division to which they were promoted last back-end, as they were in the Second, but they are not doing at all badly for a promoted team and the fact that they can boast such internationals as Clayton, Douglas, Eckersley, and Roy Vernon suggests they are likely to remain in top-class football for many years. They are now managed by the astute Dally Duncan once at Luton Town, who was conspicuously successful at that club on a shoe-string budget which would have, made most other managers weep from frustration. It was because Mr. Carey could not resist the temptation to accept the challenge of making Everton Britain’s No 1 club that he desired to move from Ewood Park, where he had been perfectly happy contriving a new team out of the rather aged one there when he took over. In both Cup games against our sides last season Blackburn plugged away playing good football in the belief that the policy would justify itself. And it did, though the game at Blackburn against Liverpool was a close-run one. It was Carey’s football intuition which caused him to take from his present club (and at no great cost) two players who have fitted into the Blackburn scheme with great success –goalkeeper Harry Leyland and centre half back, Matt Woods.
Vernon Stays
Each has maintained his place and the giant Woods whose play is often unexpectedly dainty has become one of the great figures of a side which has more talent than any other Blackburn side since the great days of Crompton and company. Vernon, a Welsh international was said a week or two ago to be dissatisfied and he want to go on transfer, but nothing more has been heard from him and one suspects that Daily Duncan has rid himself of this his first headache, by convincing the Ryhl boy that he is much too good a proposition to be allowed to go on any transfer list. Blackburn have solid defence and attractive go-ahead forwards with Douglas, Matthews successors in the England eleven a match-winner when he’s in the mood, Eckersley who played a Cup replay against Liverpool at Anfield at the outset of his career, looked an international in the making and it was not long before he confirmed in the best of ways the view I held then. Although many have followed him at left back in the England team few have done so with equivalent success. Clayton too, is proving himself to be an England’s great, the merit of his play being its sustained brilliance. I have not seen him play badly in an international. Mr. Carey will be torn between confliction loyalties and whichever side wins be will have cause for pleasure but what a great thing it would be for him if his new charges showed the way. I think they may, but they will have to battle very hard. Blackburn are sure to want to show their old chief they have lost nothing since he left them.
Roy Vernon (Inside left)
Another Carey discovery. Joined the Rovers straight from school at Rhyl –after an unsuccessful trial with Everton –and has soon made the grade, Welsh International against all three countries. Fast, clever and a dangerous shot.
EVERTON SHOW CAREY THEIR BEST FORM
November 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Great Goal By Jimmy Harris v. Blackburn
Everton 2, Blackburn 2
By Michael Charters
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain) and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and O’Hara, forwards. Blackburn Rovers; Leyland, goal; Taylor and Eckersley, backs; Clayton, Woods, and McGrath, half-backs; Douglas, Dobing, Johnston, Vernon, and McLeod, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.J. Husband (London). Everton made a bright opening before a crowd of more than 40,000. Thomas tackled Eckersley and put over a centre which Leyland, the former Everton keeper, just reached before Collins stepped in. Collins took up a clearance at the edge of the penalty area and raced 50 yards before sending out a superb cross-field pass to Jimmy Harris. The winger rounded Eckersley but the full back recovered to pull him down from behind. The free kick was cleared by Taylor. Douglas showed his paces with a tantalizing dribble down the wing in which he beat both King and Bramwell but Vernon’s final pass to the winger ran out of play. Brian Harris and Collins combined in a lovely move which ended with Woods pushing the ball back for a corner. From O’Hara’s kick, Jimmy Harris collected the ball and linked up with Sanders who had come far up-field. The full back crossed the ball from the by-line and O’Hara’s shot from 10 yards was blocked by Taylor. Everton were playing very well and kept up the pressure. Brian Harris took a leaf out of the Collins book with another grand cross-field ball to Jimmy Harris and the winger’s centre was just snatched from the head of Hickson by Leyland.
A Near Thing
Hickson and Collins then combined in a move which ended with a near miss. Hickson’s final pass to the encroaching Collins was stopped by Leyland with a desperate dive and as Collins fell Leyland lost the ball which was finally cleared by Taylor. Everton’s wing halves were coming up to add their weight to the forward line and for Blackburn it was just a question of desperate defence against an Everton attack in which Collins was outstanding. Bramwell earned the biggest cheer of the game when he lost the ball to Douglas but followed up and finally hooked the ball away from the winger’s foot after a 30 yard dash. Bramwell had obviously been told of the Douglas danger by Manager Carey and whenever Douglas went Bramwell was sure to go –and the young back was playing the England winger superbly.
Hickson Slow
Hickson was slow to gather a lovely through pass from Thomas. Everton were playing better than they had done all season. A goal just had to come and it arrived after 25 minutes. It was typical that Brian Harris, whose display far outshone that of England’s Clayton, took a leading part in the goal. Thomas pushed the ball through as Harris ran forward, and his fierce left foot shot was only partially saved by Leyland. The ball ran clear for Hickson to snap up a simple chance and push the ball home. Jimmy Harris finally unleashed one of the shots the crowd had been waiting for, but it went wide of the post after a brilliant movement when Jones sent a long pass through to Collins. Every Everton man was playing up to his best form, Blackburn were keeping them out by fortune rather than skill.
Dunlop in Action
Dunlop had his first save in 25 minutes when Douglas went over to the left to pick up a short corner but his cross drive was well fielded by the goalkeeper. Immediately afterwards Johnston had Blackburn’s best chance when Brian Harris failed to snap up the ball on the edge of the area, but the Blackburn leaders shot went straight to Dunlop. Blackburn came more into the game after Everton’s goal surprisingly enough, but back came Everton and Leyland desperately saved a head from Hickson close to the line. Bramwell was having a great game against Douglas and at one point beat him with a dribble and flick which even Matthews would have been proud of, Douglas had a chance of equalizing but his shot was poorly directed and Dunlop drive on it.
Half-time; Everton 1, Blackburn Rovers nil.
The lights came on at half-time and it was a signal for Everton to maintain their pressure.
Hickson Again
Thomas tricked a couple of Blackburn defenders and sent Hickson away for the Everton leader to shoo hard against the legs of Taylor. The ball rebounded to him and he crossed it invitingly in front of the goal but Eckersley stepped in calmly to push it back to Leyland. Thomas and Hickson, combined to give Jimmy Harris a chance, but he shot too early and the ball cannoned off Wood’s legs to safely. Bramwell was not only keeping Douglas in check but was finding time to initiate attacks. Hickson rounded Woods in a tussle on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a fierce left foot shot across the face of the goal when a pass might have brought better results.
The Equaliser
Then Blackburn against the run of play, equalized through Douglas after 56 minutes. A long through pass by McLeod found Douglas drifting into the centre. He collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and despite a tackle by Brian Harris shot passed Dunlop from 12 yards. Everton regained the lead with a magnificent goal by Jimmy Harris after 64 minutes. Harris started and finished the move. He collected the ball in midfield, cut inside Eckersley and McGrath and raced to the penalty line before slipping the ball out to Thomas. Thomas returned it to the middle and Harris took the ball round Leyland before slamming it into the net from a narrow angle. After Jimmy Harris had beaten McGrath and Eckersley in another thrilling run down the line he was fouled by Vernon, and the referee had a word with Eckersley before play resumed. Douglas beat Bramwell and Brian Harris and pushed the ball back for Clayton to try a shot but the ball glanced off an Everton defender on a corner. From the kick Dunlop brilliantly tipped over a header from Johnston. Collins took the ball of Douglas toe to start a brilliant dribble which took him fully 60 yards down field before he parted to Jimmy Harris. The ball finally ran through towards Hickson but Woods stepped in and pushed it back to Leyland. Johnston and Vernon inter-passed a yard outside the penalty box for fully a minute with Everton defender striving desperately to get the ball away. Finally Brian Harris cleared with a kick which brought almost the biggest cheer of the match.
Inches Wide
Blackburn were putting tremendous pressure in bursts and Dobing was only inches wide when he shot from a Johnston pass. Everton had a wonderful chance of making the game safe after 78 minutes when Woods pulled down Hickson just inside the area and Everton were awarded a penalty. Jones hit a fierce shot just wide of the post. At the other end Collins intercepted a pass with his hands only inches outside the area and Vernon flashed a tremendous shot into the net for the equalizer after 80 minutes. Dobing’s header flashed across the face of goal with two or three despairing Blackburn boots trying to turn it into the net. Final; Everton 2, Blackburn 2.
THINGS ARE LOOKING UP AT EVERTON
November 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Captain Tommy Jones Says Parker’s Tan Put Them All To Shame
By Tommy Jones
Skies are getting bluer around Goodison way. Last week was Mr. Carey’s first full control of the playing staff. It also coincided with full back Alec Parker’s homecoming from Cyprus and Jimmy O’Neill’s return from 10 days in hospital recuperating from a cartilage operation. On Parker’s return he threw all the boys to shame sporting a wonderful tan it was rather reminiscent of Jimmy Harris’s when he returned from his holiday on the Continent. Never saw so many puaemic looking fellows by comparison in all my life. Out in Cyprus, Alec had very little chance to train and only played the occasional game for his company. Consequently he’s breathing rather heavily doing the rounds of the track. It wouldn’t be fair to pitch him into League battle until he’s found his Goodison legs and knows the players thoroughly. A couple of weeks will make all the difference. Jimmy O’Neill has responded well after his cartilage operation just three weeks ago. Old campaigner Harry Cooke is impressed with Jimmy’s improvement, particularly with his thigh muscles which is the main bugbear of this operation apart from the mental attitude of course. Jimmy is keen to get back into his jersey again and has been wondering whether he could manage to equal the record by Wilf McGuinness the Manchester United wing half who accomplished this feat in four weeks. Here’s wishing you luck Jim.
Deal Of Thought
To say that Liverpool dropped a bombshell when omitting the name of Liddell from the team sheet its putting it mildly. The Liverpool manager Mr. Phil Taylor will I’m sure have given this a great deal of thought. As I mentioned two weeks ago when planning a successful team you have to build your tactics round the players on hand. Liddell, by his play over the past years, has dominated the Anfield scene so it’s only natural that the manager must produce tactics in order to get the best from Liddell and company. But Liddell is not getting younger and the players around him are still; loath to take any of the weight from Liddell’s shoulders as that is his style of play. Without Liddell in the eleven it’s only natural that other tactics should be adopted and that the forward line in particularly should start firing on more cylinders. Personally I hate to see star players passing their peak. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to play against the like of Liddell, Ford, Bentley, Milburn. Allen and Swinbourne and their like when they were in their prime. To play against these players is to learn and to learn in the object lesson in soccer.
THEY ALL SEARCH FOR NEW TALENT
November 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Albert Dunlop Says Spirit Can Do Better Than Buying New Men
By Albert Dunlop
Everton and Liverpool supporters, at the start of the season were worried about the playing strength of their sides. Indeed the points gained from the first few encounters, along with the general standard of play seemed to justify their fears. Nearly everyone cried out for new signings to strengthen certain positions. Both clubs stated that if the right player came on the market they would do their utmost to obtained him, whatever the cost might be. Our club alone must have done quite a bit of bidding for certain players and it was not until the signing of Bobby Collins that we met with any success. There are many reasons why players will sign for one club and not another but I can assure you that our clubs in Liverpool are not the only ones struggling in this quest for talent. Playing against Blackpool last Saturday at Bloomfield Road, I had a long talk with Eric Hayward, their old centre half. Apparently Blackpool also find themselves in this position. In fact Ronnie Suart the manager was away looking for players last Saturday and did not see the game. Eric said that when you went scouting for a player now, you always had plenty of company because there were more scouts and managers there than home, and visiting directors.
The Old Master
For years Blackpool had a side full of personalities. I should imagine they have to because their gates are not very high, and if the side is not doing well then they take a tumble. Even with the old master Stanley Matthews they could only muster 19,000 and quite a few of our faithful supporters made up that number. I would like to say how well John Bramwell played Matthews – as well as anybody I have seen, I am sure, however, that John will admit that without the aid of Bobby Collins and Brian Harris at times he would have found Stan more than a handful even at 43. Talking about clubs buying players, it only seems to have but Sunderland in trouble. Manager Alan Brown seems to have his hands full there trying to keep them out of more, but if he is to meet with success then the right blend has to come fairly quickly. I think Sunderland’s case is a typical one of buying “anybody” but not the right body.”
A trier
The majority opinion in the football world seems to be that the side of so much potential will pull themselves together to avoid the drop into the Third Division. If triers can keep them out, then they have a first-class one in Don Kirchenbrand, nicknamed the Rhine. Liverpool can certainly expect fireworks from Don when he comes down here. Not being a clever ball player he believes that the quickest way to goal is the shortest and that is the way he goes. So it seems that with one signing a few positional changes and the right spirit within the club you can do what thousands of pounds could not do. Talking of money the Bank of England could not have brought the talent that will be on view at Tranmere’s ground on Monday evening. Such former stars as Sam Bartram, Charlie Mitten and many others will be playing in a floodlit game that should be worth seeing. I know most of the local footballers will be there and we will be picking up points that these old experienced players can still pass on to us by just watching them.
PARKER SHOWS HIS CLASS AT BURY
November 1, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Bury Reserves;- Heath, goal; Howcroft and Gallagher, backs; Turner, Eastham and Wilson, half-backs; McNamara, McIntosh, Pollitt, J. Birkett, and Lawman, forwards. Everton Reserves; Griffiths, goal; Parker and Hillsdon, backs; Rea, Labone and Meagan, half-backs; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Ashworth, and Williams, forwards. Referee; Mr. D.W. Goddard (Leyland). Everton were a goal down in two minutes at Bury through Turner, but the Blues soon got on top and Harburn got an equalizer. Three minutes after the restart Harburn put Everton ahead. Playing his first ever game in the Everton colours, Alec Parker, the Scottish international full-back very quickly revealed his class. His excellent use of the ball and clever positioning brought him under notice and it was from one of his down-the-line passes that Fielding got away and from his centre Harburn equalized. There were occasions when Parker found the lively Lawman a troublesome winger, especially when he moved inside and the Scot is obviously not yet in top gear. At times he seemed to be strolling through the game. But this was due to his excellent positional play. The game was not really a serious test for the Scot yet there was enough evidence to reveal his undoubtedly high abilities.
PENALTY MISS COST EVERTON SECOND POINT
November 3, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Posy
Everton 2, Blackburn Rovers 2
By Jack Rowe
Everton followers have suffered frustration for the second week in succession. Those who went to Blackpool know that a point was lost because chances were missed and at Goodison Park on Saturday they went through the agonies once more of seeing their side sacrifice another point because the greatest opportunity of all-a penalty –was thrown away. In this match of noble football and notable incidents the unforgettable drama was packed into the small space of two minutes of the second half when Everton were poised for victory and then found themselves on the brink of defeat. With 12 minutes left for play Everton were leading 2-1, and, it must be conceded, were fighting to hold on to it. They moved swiftly towards the Blackburn goal and when Hickson went sprawling in the penalty area under tackle by Rovers full back Taylor, the Everton section of the crowd were unanimous in their demand for a penalty. Referee Husband agreed and in that moment the game could have been won for Everton, and lost for Blackburn. Tommy Jones came up for the kick. His run was short but the shot was powerful. What was wrong was the direction and as the all whizzed outside the post one could sense the uplift in Blackburn. They three everything into attack, and two minutes later Jones put a clearance right to the foot of Vernon and when the inside left flashed the ball into the middle Bobby Collins handed on the edge of the penalty area. Somehow Vernon found a gap in the barrier of lined-up players and his rocket –like drive from the free-kick flew into the top corner of the net and Blackburn were level. If anyone looked like winning after that it was not Everton.
Old and New
If there is any consolation is that this meeting of the Carey old and new gave us a grand game with Everton starting superbly and fully meriting the goal lead which came to them in 25 minutes when Hickson pushed the ball into the net after Leyland had edged away a shot from Brian Harris. In midfield Everton’s football was lovely to watch with Bobby Collins fetching controlling and dribbling magnificently. It was not his fault that Everton were not more than a goal to the good at half-time because one has to make criticism of the lack of shooting desire on the part of the other forwards. A fantastic feature was that Harry Leyland in the Rovers goal had little or nothing direct to deal with but when Rovers started to make an impact on the match towards the interval Dunlop saved gloriously from Johnston, Dobing and Douglas and later made a backward leap to turn over a head from Johnston, so breathtaking that the Rovers centre forward led the crowd’s ovation. Everton went in at half-time deserving their lead after 45 minutes which had given us the sight of Bramwell putting a stop on the menace of Douglas and wing-halves, Brian Harris and King, looking far better than either Clayton or McGrath. Douglas did even more wandering, so that Bramwell could not maintain his superiority and as Clayton and McGrath began to get a grip so did Rovers take over the initiative.
Hickson’s Failure
Never did the entertainment slacken, for Collins still schemed Everton attacks and it was ironical that Rovers should have equalized almost immediately after Hickson had failed to make the most of a chance when he beat Woods near goal. Straight from this McLeod slipped the ball through the middle to Douglas who swerved past Jones and beat Dunlop as he came out. Seven minutes later Everton were in front again when Jimmy Harris and Thomas danced through the defence, with the winger finally dribbling round Leyland and shooting into the roof of the net from an angle which made clam accurately essential. Dunlop had a grand game in the Everton goal and I should imagine that on this display. Mr. Carey would have the greatest difficulty in deciding that of the full backs Bramwell must go to make way for Parker when he is fit, while King and Brian Harris, if facing a little towards the end, cannot have done anything else but impress him. Eckersley may be slowing up but he is still a clever full-back and his steadying influence was apparent when Everton were storming through in the first twenty-five minutes. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain) and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and O’Hara, forwards. Blackburn Rovers; Leyland, goal; Taylor and Eckersley, backs; Clayton, Woods, and McGrath, half-backs; Douglas, Dobing, Johnston, Vernon, and McLeod, forwards. Referee; Mr. H.J. Husband (London).
PARKER SHINES IN USE OF BALL
November 3, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Bury Res 3, Everton Res 2
Struggling against the handicap of a limping Ashworth for 70 minutes at Bury, Everton were only beaten by two late goals due mainly to a lack of cover in defence for when Pollitt the Bury leader headed his two goals, he was left almost unchallenged. Despite their handicap, Everton played much lively and appealing football, with Williams a challenging winger and Harburn who got both Everton goals a-go-ahead leader. On his first appearance Alex Parker, the Scottish International right back, played neatly though never really dominating the Bury left flank. He shone more in the way he used the ball than in his destructive power. Everton team was; Griffiths; Parker, Hillsdon; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Ashworth, Williams.
THE PARKER DEBUT SHOWS THAT HE IS READY
November 3, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Alec Parker’s debut in Everton colours in the Central league side at Bury, satisfactory as it was for him, could scarcely have come on a more unfortunate day. With Parker showing his class, especially in the use of the ball, and his side leading 2-1, first Ashworth and then Rea suffered injuries with the result that a nine-man team eventually lost 3-2. Due to the two passengers had to carry-Everton found use for Fielding as a half-back. Ironically, it was McNamara, once of Everton, who produced two-centres which cost Everton goals. Peter Harburn that most enthusiastic and gentlemanly of players, helped himself to two goals. Parker fitted into English football so smoothly that there must be hope of his quick appearance in the senior team. He must find soccer in England pleasant indeed after being cribbed rabined and confined so long with other British troops serving in Cyprus.
That Goodison Mud
Everton whose Board are disturbed at the way mud seeps to the top of their newly-surfaced pitch –an expert from the Bingley Research station was recently down to give his opinion on it –might well have beaten Blackburn Rovers but a penalty miss, mid-way through the second half of Tom Jones. They were then leading 2-1 and if the penalty had been converted that would have been the end. I think instead, within a minute Blackburn had equalized the oddity of the award being that Collins was the man who handled inches outside the area. Thus, where Jones had failed from twelve yards (and his shot did not even cause Leyland to handle), the Rhyl boy Vernon, scored from more than eighteen yards with as good a right-foot shot as we saw all afternoon. From that point it was a toss-up whether Blackburn would snatch a third and if they had none could complained. Everton who led 1-0 and 2-1 had been on top all through a first half in which Collins showed brilliant control and unsuspected power of acceleration. Not surprising he tended to tire a little ongoing which took a lot of stamina.
Little-And Good
It was a match of two little men –Collins and Douglas Collins was superb in the first half, Douglas saved his splendid best for the second. For most of the early part of the game he found Bramwell (aided by others) an insurmountable barrier and it was not surprising that he moved inside for greater freedom of action and more room. Collins, small as he is, is full of energy and varies his pace to such an extent, he is liable to leave the best of then standing by his runs. Douglas is not so fast, but he insinuates himself through a defence almost as though it did not exist. One second-half run in which he served the ball on a platter to be put into the net was genius. Only deflection saved Everton. But Bramwell who has faced Matthews and his England successor in successive weeks, did well enough except for those moments when Douglas was unbeatable. I was characteristic of Douglas that he should drift into the centre (just after Hickson had failed with a shot from an almost impossible angle) to pick up McLeod’s fine through pass and equalize the goal Hickson had taken so easily after Leyland had only half stopped a low, and pulled cross-shot by Brian Harris. Jimmy Harris’ goal which came initially from a pass by Thomas, was not easily gained. He remained very cool while rounding Leyland and slipping the ball high into an empty net.
On The Collar
It was a splendid match even Blackburn for so long looked to be far below the side they were, and the finish was dramatic enough to satisfy the most captious. No doubt that Hickson must have scored, when he was brought down inside the box; no doubt unfortunately, that Tom Jones’ penalty was one of the few he has bungled; no doubt either that Blackburn’s immediate strike through Vernon’s free-kick, rather shattered Everton and caused them to finish the match hard on the collar. If Douglas was outstanding, Vernon’s contribution was little less satisfying. His method of strolling with the ball making his pass and moving at great speed to pick up the return stamped him as one of the finest inside forwards in the game. On the other hand, McLeod was not so commanding as had been in the Cup-tie on this ground last season, Johnston too, seemed less dangerous than usual. Everton’s first half success stemmed I think from special measures which had been taken to stop Douglas. Collins and Thomas both left useful hands in defence and for half-an-hour at least there seemed no reason to anticipate that Blackburn would get other than defeat. Eckersley with his long legs and short body, is rather slower than he used to be but he is still a very useful back and only when Jimmy Harris moved inside and bored in using his speed did Eckersley become discomfited. It was good to see Woods and Leyland both Everton old boys, playing well, Leyland has brushed up his skill in taking the ball in the air; he was rivallied by a Dunlop who made no mistake with a greasy ball which became ever worse once persistent rain put further polish on it. Woods and Hickson fought an admirably clean, almost brotherly battle and it must be said that the honours went to Woods. Also, it was one of those rare Hickson days when many passes went astray.
HE WANTS EVERTON SIGNATURE TUNE
November 4, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Reader N. Wilkinson , of 10 Coniston Street, Everton, asks for some Everton signature tune or cheer slogan such as the famous Pompey chimes which are heard at Fratton Park, home of Portsmouth. There must be many Everton fans, he says who cannot shout loudly enough at the right times. I wonder what visiting defences would say of my correspondent’s plea. I imagine they think the spine-chilling fury of shouting at Goodison Park and Anfield louder, and more heartening to the home team than any experienced anywhere else in Britain. And certainly very off putting to visiting defences. The odd thing is that Everton had a jingle of their own before Pompey used there. In the day’s of Sandy Young, Everton fans sang “Heigh ho, Sandy scored a goal; heigh ho Sandy scored a goal and that’s the way we won the English Cup.” Birmingham have made “The end of the road,” their Wembley theme song and Newcastle United did not need to go far for their appropriate musical honours –Blaydon races. It has always surprised me that Liverpool have not used as their signature tune, the famous song of the Red Shadow in the Desert Song – a rousing march tune which finishes, “On on to victory.”
PARKER DEBUT
November 5, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton supporters are naturally wondering if Alex Parker their Scottish international full back will be considered ready for the English League debut after one Central league game which Manager Johnny Carey did not see, but about which he has been given the fullest report. Mr. Carey has watched Parker in training and in practice –and the decision is his. Not until today will he reveal what that is. All the indications are that Parker will play at Villa Park.
John Collins will play tonight at Hampton Park for Scotland against Ireland.
PARKER PLAYS
November 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton Manager John Carey took a difficult decision this morning. He disturbed a team which has been changeless except for those forced by injury or international calls by selecting Alec Parker at right back in place of Sanders for the match on Saturday at Villa Park. Parker’s unexpected move to Cyprus in the close season prevented the club from starting the season as they would have wished with him installed at full-back. Hence the long run of Sanders in a place he was really only keeping warm until such time as Parker returned. Team; Dunlop, Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.
Sanders can hardly be other than disappointed, but Everton must keep faith with Parker who would never have agreed to come to Goodison Park if the circumstances suggested that he would have to fight his way into the team. Manager Carey has had little opportunity to see Parker play, his main concern has been the physical fitness of the player for first class football after Army duty which allowed him little football scope. I gather that though Parker may not be wholly match fit he is at least fit enough to warrant his inclusion in the team. His class and ability to use the ball should be yet one more telling factor in Everton’s gradual rise from an almost hopeless position. The Everton Manager is holding up selection of his Reserve team because sanders, Rea, and Ashworth are doubtful. Ironically Sanders received a knock in yesterday’s practice match in which Tansey appeared and came through satisfactorily.
TED TAYLOR
November 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Two readers Mr. Taylor T. Dempseter, of 110 Vienna Street, and Mr. Bill Evans, of 76 Rosslyn Drive, Moreton, challenged the answer by my predecessor Ranger that Ted Taylor the former Everton, Huddersfield, and England goalkeeper is about 56 years old. Mr. Dempster says he played against Ted (who was then with Marlborough or Balmoral) in the Zingari League. He also says “I m 77, so if Ted is only 76 I’m still a kid. Mr. Evans also played against Taylor as far back as the 1905-06 season when Taylor was 17, so that would make him about 69. My pet recollection of Taylor was of him in the Huddersfield Town Reserves team the day Dixie Dean played for the first time after fracturing his skill an breaking both jaws in a motor accident. The ball that day was leaden, but the gale was such that Taylor more than once kicked the full length of the field, Dean’s every header on such a day was purgatory for the late Jack Fare and company but Dean survived the match and went on to a record bag of 60 goals in a season.
Signature Tunes
Other followers of Liverpool and Everton than the one who wrote asking that each club should have a signature tune have written me on the point. Mr. and Mrs. Doreen Monaghan of 203 Rose Lane, weigh in with a good parody of the Red Shadow’s Desert Song. Mr. Fred Fyffe recalls the jingle Everton used to have one verse of which ran. –Sandy, he belongs to the mill, the mill, belongs to Sandy Still, Everton won by one goal to nil and the goal was scored Sandy.” -This was the Everton rally song of about 1906, when Sandy Young scored their F.A Cup Final goal.
Mr. R. Hale of 38 Dovecot Place, says that Liverpool had a signature tune, Irish Molly-O –broadcast in recent years –long before any other club thought of one.
EVERTON FAN FROM WAY OUT WEST
November 6, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Michael Charters
Everton are the only Football League club with an “Oversea” section of their Supporters Club –the flourishing organization in Dublin –and I have news today that there is a one-man band cheering them on from much further West than that. He is a Liverpool born Norman Hepple, of Van Nuys, California, who watches the fortunes of the club with the closet interest. Mr. Hepple follows the match reports through the Echo and writes from background news of the club. Although he is so many thousands of rallies away, no local fan could be keener no one could have greater enthusiasm for Everton in their struggle to return to greatness. He went to the United of States from Liverpool as a boy with his family, but his early education was at Anfield Road Council School where he says “my teacher though me quite good at football. “ One of his first jobs when he obeyed the famous dictum “Go West Young Man” was in Hollywood films, as an extra but he found time to play centre forward for some of the finest American soccer teams in that country. After his work in pictures he started a dog-breeding kennels in Van Nuys which he has built up into a thriving business. He adds “One day I have the idea of selling the kennels and coming back home to Liverpool to watch my team head for the top –EVERTON (the capital letters are his). He goes on; “With Parker and Collins in the team, and a few more men or artistry and a clear analytical mind of the game Everton will be as a name alongside that of Manchester United.
A Dynasty
“Being an athlete myself, I can understand why many British people are worried about the condition of football in British today in comparison with the European and South American style. “They could take a page out of the book of the fabulous New York Yankees baseball team. “It is a dynasty The guiding genius behind them are the field manager and the general manager. They do the buying and selling of players. “New ideas in football are conductive to success – tremendous success, which I am sure Everton are going to have. “You see I have loved Everton since I was a boy. Don’t ask me why, Maybe I have had in mind the names of Dixie Dean, Tommy Lawton, Joe Mercer, Warney Cresswell, not forgetting Sam Chedgzoy with whom I once played along with Jock Martin of Middleborough.
Thus speaks a true Evertonian and I would suggest to officials of Everton Supporters club that they could well errol Mr. Hepple as a member. They might even ask him to form a branch out in California. It would only have a membership of one at present but from what he tells me in his fascinating letter I believe he could find other s also interested in British football to join him. A branch in Van Huys, California would certainly be an achievement.
PLAYERS ARE GETTING A KICK OUT OF CAREY
November 9, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton players are getting a great kick out of their new manager John Carey. In the nicest way! Like maestro Matt Busby, he joins their practice matches and does his teaching practically and this is tuition everyone understands…and appreciates. His position? At right half back. In a Bellefield game this week he demonstrated that smashing a free kick shot through a wall of defenders is not the only way of getting a goal. With the defence set and ready for a big shot he walked to the ball, dug it up as though with an mshie-niblick and called on Peter Harburn to come in and take the chance provided. Result a fine headed goal. The things John Carey does with (and to) a football greatly impress the men in his charge. The odd thing is that in wearing Everton blue at Bellefield the Everton manager was not doing so for the first time. He’s played for Everton twice. You could win bets over this. The first time was in February 1943 when he helped them to win 8-3 at Southport; the second was in return match at Goodison Park where Everton won 10-2. At the time he was stationed as a recruit at Formby. His later Army service I am told took him to North African and Italy.
Parker’s Debut
Alec Parker long-awaited debut for Everton against Villa in Birmingham tomorrow brings him into opposition with one of the biggest; and best outside lefts in contemporary soccer, McParland. They’ve met three times before; in internationals, so some of the anxiety of playing top-class league football in England for the first time will be lessened. One layer of odds quotes Everton at 400-1 for the League championship, but they are only eight points behind the leaders and if they continue their form of the past five weeks that margin should be much narrowed by Christmas. Liverpool seven points behind Sheffield Wednesday are in fifth position and are being talked of again as potential champions or runners-up. For Dave Hickson it will be a chance to show his old club what they missed when they let him go to Huddersfield. I don’t forget his wonderful Cup game at Villa Park which helped Everton to one of their two post-war Cup semi-finals. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.
TWIN DUELS
November 9, 1958, The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton for their trip to Aston Villa have almost agreeable sequence of performances away from home to cheer them on, for in their last four excursions they have been beaten only once. True, they did it in the grand manner at Tottenham but a team which can collect points with such facility on their opponents’ ground surely should have no place among the minnows at the foot of the table. The truth of course, is that Everton are a much better proposition than their League position indicates and the remarkable improvement which began with the advent of Collins, has shown no suggestion of being past the peak. Villa are one of the two teams with a point-collecting record inferior to Everton’s and eight of the 11 so far have come from Villa Park matches. Two duels will be of particular interest, Parker, in his first outing, has the task of tackling the Villa power-house, McParland, and if the Scot can mark his debut with a convincing success story, this could make a material contribution to yet another Everton away triumph. The other battle-royal concerns two Liverpool-born players, Hickson and Dugdale who was educated at Liverpool Collegue School. Not only is this is a struggle between fellow townspeople but Hickson has the additional, incentive of showing Villa just how mistaken they were in allowing him to move on to Huddersfield so quickly after joining them from Everton. Everton have the consolation that at least they realized their mistake in time and got him back. Villa on the other hand may be left with only regrets. Aston Villa; Sims; Lynn, Sharples; Lee, Dugdale, Crowe; Smith, Hitchens, Myerscough, Sewell, McParland. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.
I NEVER EXPECTED TO BE PLAYING SO SOON
November 8, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Now I Hope To Regain My Scotland Place
By Alec Parker
When I looked at the notice board at Goodison last Wednesday and saw I was down to play against Aston Villa today, I can quite honestly say I was the happiest footballer in the world. Little did I think when I was in Cyprus three weeks ago that I would be playing for Everton in a First Division match so soon afterwards. Naturally I was looking forward to getting back into top-class soccer again, but as I hadn’t expected to be back in England quite so soon I had hold myself that I would be quite satisfied if I was playing by Christmas. I hope nobody will think I’m big headed when I say that my next ambition is to regain my place in the Scotland side, although I realize that with the way the team has been playing that is going to be no easy task. But to go back nearly six months to the end of May when I first heard that Everton were interested in signing me from Falkirk. One day Mr. Smith, the Falkirk manager, told me that Everton and two other clubs were interested in signing me. Naturally I was very proud to think that a club of Everton’s standing wanted me to play for them, and as they seemed the keenest of the three it was not long before I was an Everton player. I was even more pleased when I heard that Eddie O’Hara my club mate was to travel south with me. Soon after the transfer I was selected to go to Poland and they on to Sweden with the Scottish party for the World Cup. Believe me it was funny experience seeing Parker (Everton) on the team sheet when I haven’t even played for them. Little did I realize then that it would be a lot longer than I hoped before I would wear the famous Everton blue. Mind you, I had played at Goodison Park but had never seen the ground. I was in an under-23 international last January against England. Alan A’Court the Liverpool left winger was my opponent. The reason I didn’t see the ground. I was awfully agily, vital fright. It got so bad at times that I could hardly see the turf let alone the big double deckers stands, I had heard so much about.
Off To Cyprus
Anyway to pick up my story again. When I landed at Preswick Airport from Sweden with the Scottish team my wife Jean (I had only been married four months) met me and we went to Dairy in Ayreshire. However, when I got there, there was a telegram from my unit, the Royal Scots Fusiliers telling me to report to Holkestone right away. I thought it was probably to play in an Army match and I told Jean I would see her at the week-end. I saw her five months later – I was told I was on my way to Cyprus and all my hopes of playing in the First Division went up in smoke. Out in Cyprus there was not a lot of opportunity to play football. We would be out on patrol for maybe a week and have a game when we got back but after playing on the lush grass in Sweden I found sand pitches a bit inconvenient to say the least. When the sand was kicked up it was difficult enough to find the ball let alone the man you were supposed to be marking. I played mostly right half to gave myself something to do. In our team we had Willie Ritchie, the Rangers goalkeeper, and Bobbie Stevenson, the Ayr United forward, so we were not entirely a team of novices. Without doubt the most pleasant surprise I had out there was when I picked up the local paper one Saturday morning and read that Everton had signed Bobbie Collins of Celtic. When I heard the same night that Everton had ended their losing sequence with a win at Manchester City it made my day. I had played with Bobbie for Scotland and against him in League matches and knew what a great player he was.
Back Home
Apart from the football there was not a lot to break the monotony of guards and patrols and if we wanted to go out of camp we had to move in fours and be armed. It was a great day when I heard I was coming home. I reached home on Wednesday, October 22, and reported to Goodison on the Friday, where I was met by my new manager Mr. Carey and Mr. Micklesfield the vice-chairman. Mr. Carey’s first words to me were “Welcome to Everton, Alec. We’re glad to see you.” Although I had never met Mr. Carey before I had naturally heard a great deal about his ability both as a player and a manager and he immediately made me feel at home. I was introduced to my new team mates although I was not a complete stranger, for in addition to Eddie O’Hara and Bobbie Collins, I had played for the Army with Brian Harris and Derek Temple. At the end of all that I was convinced I had done the right thing in joining Everton. There followed a week’s training and my first game in an Everton jersey at Bury in a Central League match which we only lost 3-2, despite playing with only nine fit men. I have seen Everton play twice since I came back – at Blackpool and against Liverpool. Before the derby game I met two old friends in Tommy Younger a Scottish colleague, and Jimmy Melia another old Army pal. Considering I had only just arrived I seemed to know an awful lot of people. The one thing that puzzled me after seeing the lads in action was now they came to have such a bad start. Still I think it all behind us now. As you read this you will know how we got on in today’s game at Villa and whether I have suffered from my long lay-off. I hope the boys in general and me in particular haven’t disappointed. Before I close I would like to thank everybody on Merseyside for being so kind to my wife and I since we arrived. Excuse me If I have not thanked you all personally but we have both been very impressed and made to feel at home right away. We’re looking forward to many happy years here both on and off the pitch. Next week I will tell you of my first impression of English First Division football.
WHAT A LESSON WE HAD FROM THESE OLD STARS
November 8, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Tommy Jones, Everton Captain
I thought it would be an occasion last Monday evening to visit Tranmere Rovers ground, not only to see some of my old buddies in action in Tranmere’s colours, but also to watch the Old Stars showing their tricks. With such Old Stars on view as Sam Bartram, Wally Barnes, Alf Sherwood, Ivor Powell, Tim Ward, Jimmy Hagan, Wally Fielding and Billy Liddell, one was assured of football of quality if not as fast as 1958 vintage. I was not disappointed. Perhaps some of the Stars were little more portly than at the height of their careers but their soccer and use of the ball had not diminished. It was grand to see the thoroughness, no haste, type of play their tender” ages warranted. Playing the ball from man to man, showing great individual ball control, it was a lesson to the younger players in the Tranmere team. Before the evening was over they were almost emulating these stars in their control of the ball almost creating attitude of whatever you can do I can do too. It appears manager Peter Farrerll has a star in the making in Green, his teenage inside men. It may seem absurd in comparing him with Jimmy Hagan, the former Sheffield United player, but on this showing he proved almost his equal regarding ball control. Whether he can acquire Hagan’s generalship is another matter, but the material is there.
Wonderful Display
The Tranmere board, in arranging this game provided a wonderful display for their fans. It’s not every day that one can watch these old-timers showing their paces and craft, but not only that it gives some of the up and coming youngsters am idea as to what they have to do to hit the high-sports in soccer. Should a manager take it into his head to parade these stars of their like before his youngsters either in match practice against them on purely as a coaching lesson I consider it would do a world of good. The youngsters can learn valuable soccer lessons playing against these players, lessons that may take years under normal coaching. Individual ability reading the play movement, passing and varlous other aspects which all add up to a player of class are subjects which aren’t earn-overnight. But to watch a team perfecting play of this type couldn’t fail to impress and leave its mark on a youngster. To play against them would create a lasting impression. Let’s see more of these games.
That Penalty
That Penalty against Blackburn Rovers last Saturday! How can I ignore it? Points are hard enough to come by, without passing up penalties. Without a doubt a goal at that stage of the game would have wound up the match in our favour. It’s been a pet theory of mine to forget entirely all the mistakes I make during a match my theory being that what has been done cannot be redeemed but next time make sure that the same mistake isn’t repeated. But penalties are few and far between so who knows it may be a job entrusted to another member of the team the next time one comes around. Friends in my absence have been making all manner of excuses on my behalf. The ground was wet, my foot slipped I had practiced against Harry Leyland hundreds of times and being friend of mine it put me off – all manner of excuses but none correct. Although Harry and I are friends I have practiced penalties against him the simple fact is that I forgot the golden rule of all ball games and took my eye off the ball at the vital second. That miss losing that point, could have made a vast difference to our League position putting us on the thirteen point mark and sixth from bottom. Believe me, I have thought about quite a lot.
EVERTON RES V. BARNSLEY RES
November 8, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Everton Res; Griffiths (G); Griffiths (B), Tansey; Clayton, Labone, Meagan; A. Penman, Temple, Harburn, Kirby, Williams. From a Barnsley corner Tansey started an Everton attack, Williams collected Clayton’s long pass before slipping the ball to Harburn who fired over the bar. The Everton goal almost fell when goalkeeper Griffiths did well to dispossess Anderson the former Liverpool forward while Beaumont and McDonald both went close. Everton replied with Temple released a full blooded drive which Leeson knocked up and caught. Apart from this, the Barnsley defence seemed to have the measure of Everton’s forwards who repeatedly got offside. After 31 minutes play Beaumont gave Barnsley the lead. Half-time; Everton Res nil, Barnsley Res 1.
EASING UP IS SERIOUS WORRY
November 10, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Michael Charters
Aston Villa 2, Everton 4
Everton duly won their third away match of the season at Villa Park on Saturday, but not before they had given their officials and several hundred supporters a mild case of heart failure in almost throwing the points away in the second half. Three up at half-time, and coasting along to a comfortable victory, they allowed an Aston Villa side, stricken by injuries, to take control by easing up themselves. Villa by more force than skill snatched two goals in 15 minutes and only two brilliant saved by Dunlop stopped them going ahead to win which would have been a travesty of a result. Everton finally made the game safe six minutes from the end when O’Hara’s free kick was grabbed by the missed Sims only after it had crossed the line in mid-air. Everton’s alarming habit of slacking when in front –it happened against Blackburn and Blackpool in the two preceding games –is manager John Carey’s principal worry at the moment. There can be little complaint about the side’s general play. They are moving with rhythm and plan, thanks to the effervescent scheming and generalship of Collins at inside-left.
East Target
They carried their superiority through to the first 20 minutes of the second half, but kept the ball too close near the shooting zone and rarely troubled Sims, whose chest injury sustained in trying to prevent the second goal made him an easy target to beat. Had not Thomas slipped in going for two each chances in the first five minutes, Everton’s first half dominance would have been marked by more than three goals. Villa’s attack in this period was rarely seen, whereas Everton, alternating the sweeping pass with close, decisive moves, ripped open the ragged home defence at will. Jimmy Harris had them at panic stations every time he got the ball. His speed and control demoralized Sharples to such an extent that it was from a wild pass back by the left back which gave Thomas the second goal after sixteen minutes. Hickson back to something like his top form had a fine game against Dugdale, Villa’s best and deserved two goals in the incidents which brought Everton penalties, both converted by Jones. Hickson had rounded Sims after a thirty-yard dash before the goalkeeper brought him down. Jones, with memories of the power shot with which he missed from the spot against Blackburn the previous Saturday side-footed the ball wide of Sims. McParland went in goal after Sims had gone off for treatment –an incredible move on Villa’s part as he had been the only forward who looked like beating Dunlop. McParland was beaten by Hickson’s header which was just going under the bar when Lynn punched the ball clear. Jones repeated his side-footed placement and although McParland got his hands to the ball he only succeeded in pushing it up into the roof of the net. Villa looked –and indeed were –a well beaten side until indecision after sixty-nine minutes by Jones and Brian Harris, in going for a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, allowed Sewell to nip through the gap and hammer home a shot which gave Dunlop no chance.
Paying Tactics
Villa, sensing they had a chance, flung the ball high and long deep into Everton’s half in the hope that McParland now at centre forward for the second half, could run on to it and score. These tactics, the antithesis of football as I understand it, had Everton’s defenders running around in ever decreasing circles. But they paid off for Villa when Hitchens pushed the ball through from close range after a barrage of shots had been beaten off in a hectic attack. O’Hara’s late goal finally allowed Everton, and their fans, to breathe more easily. Everton fully deserved the win which brought them 14 points from the last ten games –a fine record. Scottish back Parker, making his League debut, impressed friend and foe alike with his skilful use of the ball and fine positional sense. His composure and control stamped him as a class player and when he is fully match fit, I can see the Scottish selectors calling him back into their team. His international colleague, Collins had Villa baffled by his skill and his canny changes of direction before slinging out slide-rule passes, set up Everton attacks which were delightful to watch. In defence, apart from the 20 minutes of Villa pressure Jones and Bramwell also played very well, while Dunlop was at his best when Everton needed it most. Aston Villa; Sims, goal; Lynn and Sharples, backs; Lee, Dugdale, and Crowe, half-backs; Smith, Hitchen, Myerscough, Sewell, and McParland, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Moore (Lowestoft).
TANSEY PLAYS A SOUND GAME
November 10, 1958, The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Res 1, Barnsley Res 1
Everton had a hard struggle to salvage a point from bottom of the table Barnsley, who showed more method and skill. Obviously Everton relished neither the sloppy conditions nor Barnsley’s keen tackling.. All the Everton forwards except Penman missed at least one simple chance, before Kirby replied to Beaumont’s 31st minute goal only eight minutes from time. The neglected Penman was the best of a ragged Everton attack, while in defence Tansey played soundly and constructively, but the half-backs never subdued the clever visiting forwards.
INTER-LEAGUE GAME AT ANFIELD
November 11, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Charlton Out; Harris Comes In
By John Peel.
Injuries to Nat Lofthouse the Bolton Wanderers centre forward and Bobby Charlton, the Manchester United inside right, have caused two changes in the Football League team to meet the Irish League at Anfield, Liverpool tomorrow (7-30). Lofthouse who bruised a shine-bone in Saturday’s League game against Tottenham Hotspur, at White Hart Lane is replaced by Len White of Newcastle United and Charlton who failed a fitness test on his injured ankle yesterday gives way to Jimmy Harris of Everton. Harris named as reserve when the side was originally chosen, was the expected replacement for Charlton. Harris has been playing brilliantly on Everton’s right wing this season, but he no stranger to the inside position.
A PROPER PENALTY WITH ACCENT ON THE PROP
November 11, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Among many remarkable penalty incidents none in recent times, has been unusual than the one which happened at Villa Park in the Everton game. To put the thing shortly, Tom Jones, converting the first of his side’s two from the spot; scored despite the fact that Villa full-back Lynn was learning against one of the posts like a prop when the ball went into the net! The law, says that when a penalty is being taken all players with the exception of the player taking the kick and the opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty area and at least ten yards from the penalty mark. Colleague Michael Charters and Everton Manager John Carey, both noted Lynn’s position and cocked an Inquiring eye. The referee –who had such an excellent match –A.E. Moore, of Lowestoft, also appreciated that Lynn was at the post. He told me; Lynn had followed through in the incident which created the penalty, and had not had time to regain his place on the field before the ball was put on the spot. I warned him that if he batted an eyelid or moved I would order the kick to be re-taken. I am a great believe in maintaining the continuity of the game and this was purely a matter of expediency. If the kicked had failed I should have ordered it to be re-taken.” What did Jones think about it? He didn’t even notice that Lynn was in his sights. Most soccer fans fail to appreciate that full-backs would be in order to take up positions on either side of the confines of the penalty box, inside the field of play near the goal-line. From this position they would be better placed to deal with a rebound from bar or goalkeeper. But I have never seen them take advantage of the law.
Facts and Figures Dept
George Hughes an amateur, who kept goal for Everton reserves in the match in which Dixie Dean played for the first time after car crash injuries, says that I was wrong in thinking that Ted Taylor was in goal at the other end that day. He maintains that Taylor signed for Everton that week and played against Huddersfield in the first team match at Goodison Park. The fact is that Mercer played in the Huddersfield first team that day (October 9, 1926) and Taylor appeared as I thought in the Huddersfield Reserve team goal. Taylor did not join Everton until February 1, 1927. All this arose out of a question of Taylor’s age. It is established that he is 74 and I am grateful to Messrs Percy Roscoe, A.V. Edwards and J.V. Whiteside for confirming this. Mr. Edwards knew him well as a youngster (they were both the youngest of four brothers) and recalls that J.A H Caton voted Taylor the greatest goalkeeper he had seen. Mr. Whiteside schooled with Taylor saw him save one of Chedgzoy’s snorters that no other goalkeeper could have touched? Mr. Roscoe detailed some of the fine players there were in local football about the time Taylor was playing for Balmoral and Marlborough –B. Howard Baker (then a centre half-back) with Marlborough O.B. Sam Chedgzoy (at Ellesmere Port) and Walter Wadsworth (Wirral Railway F.C)
EVERTON-MEMORIES
November 12, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Tom Muldenan of 43, Mill Lane Wallsaey, writes I as far as 1907 –the year Everton left George (smiler) Wilson out of the Cup Final team and did not announce it until an hour before the kick-off. To say that Everton fans were surprised is putting it very mildly. The football world was astounded. You see, Wilson was as popular with Everton as Liddell and I say it with all respect to Billy is to Liverpool fans today. What I would like to point out is this difference. Although nobody liked it, there was not talk of staying away in those days we went to see 22 players not one or two; of course, we liked to see our team win.
FOOTBALL LEAGUE X1 5, IRISH LEAGUE X1 2
November 13, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Brian Harris played at for the Football league against The Irish League at Anfield in front of 30,747 spectators. White of Newcastle scored a hat-trick in seven minutes A’Court and Haynes, for the Football league and Russell and Thomson for the Irish.
EVERTON HAVE TEAM DOUBT
November 14, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton await word from John Bramwell, their left back who is recovering from a cold and Manager John Carey will be notified today, whether or not progress is sufficiently complete for him, to be included in the team, from which he has not been marked absent since he made his debut at Burnley early in September. Bramwell has enjoyed a run of eleven successive games. Both Jimmy Tansey and Alan Sanders are available if medical opinion should go against Bramwell. With Alec Parker fit and recovering form rapidly, finding a full back replacement provides nothing like the headache there might have been earlier in the season. West Ham’s worry is over their right back John Bond who like Bramwell is shaking off the effects of a cold. As Bond was able to put in a spell of training yesterday, West Ham are very hopeful that they will not have to disturb their nominated side.
Temple Leads
In the days of fierce senior competition, it is seldom that the deeds of the reserves catch the public eye, but I think it is interesting to examine some of their activities. For example 28 players have been called upon a figure in Everton’s Central league team, compared with 23 in the senior side. The reserves leading marksman is “Solider” Derek Temple with seven goals from his nine outings in which he has occupied at one time or another, all three inside forward berths. In addition, he is credited one goal from his two senior team appearances. Wing positions have shown little sign of scoring flourish, in fact, not since August has a reserve winger figured in the scoring lists at all. Outside left has produced only one goal in 17 matches and that by Williams in the second game. Andy Penman, who promised so much in his introduction to the first “derby” game is still awaiting his first goal from nine reserve team appearances, which is rather surprising for the fifteen-year-old suggested there was plenty of power in his shot when he tried conclusions with Liverpool. Not still the last day of August have goals been credited to an occupant of the reserves outside right berth when Brian Harris registered twice against Liverpool at Anfield.
TWO FROM WALES
November 14, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
An Abergete reader, Tom Leigh, reminds me that Phil Woosham, who signed for West Ham a week ago, is from Caersws, in Montgomery, not Bangor. But it was at Bangor that Woosnam, now a full Welsh cap and a full-time professional learned his football and if his present form is any criterion, learned it very well. They say he will play for Wales for years, they say that the other boy who started his football at Bangor, Merlyn Jones, now at Skuthorpe is doing well enough to justify consideration for what would be his first senior Welsh cap. Woosnam seemed likely to play a week ago at Anfield for Leyton Orient but West Ham’s big cheque intervened and he now comes to Goodison Park with a side which will give him greater scope. The occasion will be notable not only for first sight of Woosnam in top-grade football but for the fact that Alec Parker fresh from a triumph in the Army team which played the Scottish F.A. mid-week will make his home debut. Everton’s marked improvement pass this first look at parker in action in the first team will ensure a tremendous attendance. Manager Ted Fenton reports that his back Bond, has made a good recovery from his cold, but that if, by chance he is unfit Kirkup a former youth team international would take his place and make his First Division debut. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; (Or Tansey); King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara. West Ham –Gregory; Bond (or Kirkup), Cantwell; Malcolm, Brown, Nelson; Grice, Woosnam, Keeble, Dick, Musgrove.
NOT IN THE LIDDLELL CLASS
November 14, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Mr. R. Graham of 2, Flat, 6 Park Terrace, says Mr. Tom Muldebab’s letter appears to be another effort of the self-righteous Evertonians to have a dig at Liverpool supporters but to say George Wilson was just as popular with Everton fans as Liddell is to Liverpool is not at all respectful, as there is no comparison as the following facts will show. George Wilson’s loyalty and popularity was for not more than two or three years and Billy’s twenty. The position of George Wilson was this. The Football League had fixed the maximum transfer fee at £350 and Everton drove holes through the rule by buying G. Wilson and his brother David, together for £1,050 David Wilson and the other player were certainly not of Everton standard and were only makeweights to enable Woolwich Arsenal to obtain £1,050. The result was that after two years Everton refused to sign David Wilson and George refused to sign unless his brother was signed with the consequence he was left out of the Cup Final eleven. The final was played next to the last Saturday of the season and as Wilson never kicked another ball for Everton after that date there was a good reason why Evertonians did not talk of staying away. The Wilson signed for an Irish club free from transfer fee to Everton, although George signed later in the same season for Newcastle from whom Everton received a transfer fee.
EVERTON UNCHANGED
November 15, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Bramwell is fit and Everton will be able to field their strongest side nor the tough home game that the visit of West Ham seems certain to provide and Alex Parker will be showing his potentialities for the first time to the Goodison crowd. If Everton are free to playing worries for the moment there is not the same freedom from anxiety about the condition of their ground, a worry that has been becoming more and more real as the season has advanced. It was expected that the turf would cut up fairly considerably as the season advanced because of the complete over-haul the playing surface received during the close season to allow for the installation of the electrical heating system under the pitch. The deterioration however, has been much more rapid and more marked than expected, because water has not been getting away as efficiently as w-hoped, and as a precautionary measure negotiations are well advanced for the playing for reserve team fixtures at the ground belonged to Earle, the Lancashire Combination club. It is hoped that the rest which the ground would receive from this arrangement will relieve the problem sufficiently to ensure that there will be no interference with League games. When I spoke to Mr. Ted Fenton, the West Ham manager last night he told me he would be taking a look at the Goodison pitch first thing this morning. Mr. Fenton added that West Ham will not be worried even if the ground is usually heavy, since they are quite at home on that kind of surface. Now that Bond has reported fit, West Ham will bring with them their regular formation including Woosnam, the North Wales lad, who joined them last week from Leyton Orient. West Ham have been beaten once only on their own ground but away from home their record is not so inspiring, for they have lost five times. A West Ham win at Bolton a fortnight ago is warning enough that statistics are nor necessarily a reliable guide but I shall be disappointed if this should be Everton’s first blank in their last five fixtures. A point at least for the Goodison team seems a likely outcome. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, B. Harris; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara. West Ham; Gregory; Bond, Cantwell; Malcolm, Brown, Nelson; Grice, Woosnam, Keeble, Dick, Musgrove.
PARKER MAKES HOME DEBUT
November 15, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Everton Continue Their Upward Trend
By Leslie Edwards
West Ham’s appearance at Goodison Park today is notable for the first home appearance in the Everton first team of Alec Parker a Scottish international back whose misfortune soon after he signed forms for the club was to be posted with his unit for service in Cyprus. Everton fans have waited a long time to see him in action, but his first appearance at Goodison Park is propitiously timed since Everton are so much on the up-and-up and West Ham their opponents, include their £30,000 but from Leyton Orient, Phil Woosnam a full Welsh cap whose only lack, in a football sense, is his boyish slimness. Everton Manager John Carey has wisely refrained from making any upheavals since he joined us from Blackburn Rovers. He has allowed things to run as they were running preferring to make baste slowly as it were and introduce his own ideas on and off field as the light of experience. His only real move so far as the team is concerned, has been the introduction of Parker a week ago in the match against Villa in Birmingham and happily all went well. You cannot have a player of Parker’s class about the place without making room for him in the first team to do otherwise would sour a man keep out of football in England from the start of the season merely because he had the misfortune to be posted overseas. Parker should be in pretty good fettle after a run in the Reserves, a game at Birmingham and another top-class match for the Army in midweek in Scotland. Not only did he get a good Press in that match, Mr. Carey who went up for the match said that he was delighted with Parker’s play and such praise from a guvnor of his standing is rare.
BATTLE OF GOODISON PARK MUD BATH
November 15, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Goals By Thomas and Harris (J) v. West Ham
Everton 2, West Ham 2
By Leslie Edwards
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards. West Ham United;- Gregory, goal; Bond and Cantwell, backs; Malcolm, Brown, and Nelson, half-backs; Grice, Woosnam, Keeble, Dick and Musgrove, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis, of Halifax. The lights were switched on from the first minute and this must have been the first afternoon game ever in the city to require artificial lighting from the beginning. Hickson could not get direction on a header from a centre by Thomas and when the ball came over again from the same wing his timing for a volley taken on the turn, was also, faulty.
Parker In Action
Parker’s opening gambit was a good one, and the crowd showed their appreciation of it, but unhappily his pass down the wing found touch. It was left to Bramwell from 15 yards inside his opponent’s half, to produce the first Everton shot, but it flew low and wide. The ball sometimes stuck like a pudding in the badly drained portion of the pitch, but the match came to life when a long run almost half the length of the field by Parker before he made the cross shot which Gregory went down to at full stretch in the vicinity of the far post. West Ham a big side took the lead at eight minutes. Cantwell hit the ball into the goalmouth, Woosnam carefully nodded it back 10 yards straight to Dick, who fairly lashed in a swerving shot against which Dunlop had only the remotest hope. It was mostly Everton on top but West Ham were –always dangerous as Grice showed when rounding Bramwell hitting the ball accurately down a fine angle to cause Dunlop to finger-tip the ball over the top for a corner. Everton’s shooting was unimpressive. Everton were unlucky when Collins broke into a full gallop when the defence anticipated he might pass, and bored right in to deliver a shot which Gregory could only turn away to the feet of Harris (J), but before Harris could make a move the goalkeeper had regained possession from a lucky rebound from Harris legs and so a wonderful chance went for nothing. Everton’s equalizer at 22 minutes was remarkable. Dunlop cleared from hand to the half-way line. Thomas collected it, took it through, and was about to shoot when Nelson stuck out a long leg and turned the ball to his own goalkeeper, but Gregory lost his grip on the ball in going down and Thomas did exceptionally well to recover his feet, regain possession and slide the ball just inside the far post though outnumbered and badly angled. This was truly Thomas’s goal from start to finish. A ground pass in the vast area of mud, down the centre was largely a matter of luck as the ball occasionally stuck as though pulled up by four wheel brakes.
Added Class Parker, who is very stockily built and has good thighs –he strips much bigger than one would imagine –was adding class to the Everton defence, from but this was a difficult day on which to judge his propensity for using the ball. Collins was working tremendously hard to try to get the Everton line working, but it was a mud scramble of a match as stamina testing as any we have had on the ground this season. When right half back Malcolm found a clear opening and went right through he was so tired at the end of his journey he could only turn the ball out to Grice who squared his shooting angle and then hit a vicious shot Dunlop did well to put away for a corner.
Penalty
From this Dunlop made a punch away to the feet of Woosnam who returned the ball from the shortiest range in a tremendous shot. It appeared to me that the ball was deflected into the net by Dunlop but in fact it was an Everton defender –Parker – who had used his hands. Bond duly scored from the penalty mark at the 43rd minute. Half-time; Everton 1, West Ham United 2.
Rain which had started to fall just as the first half ended, now continued with the result that the pitch became even more gluey. Jones was in an awful predicament with Grice in possession, Dick taking up position and nobody else of the Everton defence to help. Jones was caught between two fires and Grice duly found his club mate whose side footed shot skidded only a foot or two wide. If this was a lucky escape for Everton, West Ham were to enjoy similar fortune a moment later. Harris on the left rounded Gregory who had come out and then crossed the ball to Hickson’s head only for that player to nod it high over the bar. Thomas was wide with a left lob shot from a perfect position after little O’Hara had gone up high to glance the ball to his feet. As I anticipated West Ham were proving the stronger side Hickson made more of his share of mistakes and was now involved in collision with Cantwell, both suffering mirror injury. Everton were in the middle of an sustained attack when they equalized for a second time (60) minutes. Collins with a peach of a through pass, found Hickson and although embarrassed by a defender on either side the centre forward hit his shot full bore with the result that Gregory had to make a low two handed punch away to keep it out. The ball rebounded straight to Jimmy Harris, who hit it back into the net viciously although the angle was quite a difficult one. Parker who had not been seem much in this half, now showed finesse and Everton enlivened by the enthusiasm of Collins, went all out for victory. They were two desperately tired teams at the moment and Thomas, whose main contribution had been his solo goal looked as though he would welcome firmer going. But it was Thomas who profited from a West Ham blunder and made the cross shot that Gregory did well to fist away. West Ham now up against it, were panicking a little giving corners away left, right and centre. The standard of football in the conditions were remarkably good.
Mud In Your Eye
The oddest thing of an odd game came when referee Ellis slipped up, as they say on the racecourse and got such a mud bath on his back and in his eye that he had to come to the touch line for Gordon Watson to sponge his face down. Dunlop and company survived yet another prolonged West Ham attack, at one stage of which Parker going down after a tackle, made a back-side slide of some ten yards. Grice having made the most perfect chance for Dick, found his partner lofting the ball while any reasonably low shot must have put West Ham 3-2 in front. Everton had more than one desperate moment in the closing minutes in which trainer Watson was called on for an injury to King. King stayed the pace in the second half as well as anyone. Hickson must have given O’Hara a goal after bursting down the right wing if he had crossed the ball, but instead he elected to try and fox Gregory and that was that. Collins with a glancing header from a Hickson centre on the right made a much more dangerous effort, the ball just beating the bar. Official attendance 40,919. Final; Everton 2, West Ham 2.
Balance Sheet
Referee Ellis at one stage blinded by mud in his eye got a handshake from West Ham back Cantwell as the game finished, and Alec Parker, making his home debut got handshakes all round at the end of a mud plugging 90 minutes, in which Everton and West Ham with two goals each, just about got their deserved rewards. Not until today did Everton fans have opportunity to appreciate just how great is the danger of the new Everton pitch becoming unplayable through being churned into a mass of glutinous mud from end to end in its central areas, In the conditions it was a magnificent game.
JOY IN STORE FOR EVERTON SUPPORTERS
November 15, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Says Tommy Jones, club captain.
Last week I wrote on the ability of Peter Farrell’s protégé at Prenton Park, inside forward Johnny Green. Since then I have had the pleasure of taking to former colleague Tommy Eglington who, as Tommy himself but it, has had the benefit of young Green’s football. In fact, all I could get out of Tommy regarding this lad’s ability was “I wish I could have played with him 10 years ago.” Tommy was most sincere in these sentiments and his knowledge of inside forward play should be good. A winger relies so much from the service of his inside man. To think that Green was once on a month’s trial with Everton. The only fly in the ointment for Tranmere is that shortly Green will be eligible for call-up. After the comments of Tommy Eglington and other Prenton Park associates, it appears that Green has a wonderful future. On this page colleague Alex Parker is writing his comments on English football, a fair contingent of supporters travelled with us to Birmingham on Saturday, mainly I think to see what soccer joys this lad has in store. As Alec will readily admit, he wasn’t as fit as he would really like to be. After all, he’d only been in training for less than a fortnight prior to this game. But what he lacked in breath he made up for with brilliant hard tackling, wonderful use of the ball, and a reading of the play that saved his legs on more than one occasion. A Canny Scot this using his brain very intelligently. He will be a power of English football once he has regained his full fitness and knows his team mates a little more. Please don’t be top skeptical as first impressions can be misleading but I don’t think Alec will let you down –he’s not the type.
A Golf Break
Midweek the lad had a pleasant break from our usual training routine West Derby Golf Club was our venue for the day, and although the course record wasn’t in any danger, we all enjoyed their change of air. Bobby Collins and Eddie O’Hara had challenged George Kirby and myself but apparently George’s handicap came to the ears of the Scots boys. Instead they played Wally Fielding and Dave Hickson and as usual when lads from North of the Border play for shekels, they won on the 17th green. Bobby enthralled by his success and with the opinion of having Wally as a partner has challenged George and I on our next golf visit. I’ll let you know how it goes. Travelling by train on Saturday morning can bring some racy comments by the younger elements among our supporters. The best I’ve heard lately was when a couple of knee high nasal-tored youngsters bedecked in blue and white met me. Feeling the necessity to make conversation to keep in their good books I asked one why he smoked. The reason for my question was that it was aimed at a youngster of whom Bobby Collins would have made two physically. His pal, on his behalf stated that usually he chain smoked. Upon my look of amazement and query regarding the need for this he said “Well wouldn’t you chain smoke supporting a team like this.” What more can I say?
Favourite Goal
Receiving a letter from A True Blue, this week set me thinking. The gist of the letter was an inquiry into which goal the Blues preferred to kick during the second half of the game. On this subject I spoke to ex-Everton captain Peter Farrell, Peter often prior to the kick-off asked my preference but I also noted that my opinions didn’t make the slightest difference to Peter. He simply chose to kick into the same goal as always. Peter told me that if possible, coin permitting he liked to kick into the Gwlady’s Street goal in the second half. Over the years of his captaincy, supporters had noticed this and consequently could choose their goal, knowing that if the luck of the loss was in our favour they would be able to cheer us on a la Anfield Kop, second half.
EVERTON’S ALEC PARKER SUMS UP HIS FIRST LEAGUE GAME
November 15, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
English Game No Faster Than Scots
But I Had To Watch All The Villa Forwards For Crossfield Pass
By Alec Parker
It’s great to be back. And very encouraging to restart in a winning team, I thoroughly enjoyed my come back at Villa Park last Saturday and naturally I hope that by the time you read this I have made my debut in a winning team at Goodison Park. A week ago I promised that I would give my impressions of English football compared with that in Scotland, so here goes. I do not think that English football is faster than that played north of the border, despite what the Scots fed up with so many defeats from England in recent years, think I. Warnings about that super-speed at which English football is played had me slightly worried when my transfer went through. I had visions of having to sprint around Goodison Park, 12 hours a day so that I would be able to get in a tackle on jet propelled wingers but I was relieved –and grateful –to find that Peter McParland, who represents the best among left-wingers in England, despite his fine turn of speed was not a blurred vision going past me to create havoc among my colleagues. Perhaps of course my knowledge of Peter’s style of play helped me, I have played against him about six times, in full internationals and in matches for the British Army. First impressions could be wrong, but I think that the English game looks faster than it really is. That is due to the speed with which the pass is made. In Scotland the forwards inclined to hold on to the ball and beat a few men before they get around to looking for someone to pass to. That’s why I think, Scotland has more ball-players than England. It may be of course that too many ball-players become a hindrance. Certainly from the point of view of team-work, and keeping every player’s mind on the game, the English style of first time passing very often over long distances a more likely to produce results.
No More Energy
I found at Villa Park that I did not use up any more energy than I used to do in 90 minutes with Falkirk because the opposition swing the ball about so much. There was no haring 40 yards up the wing to try to catch the winger from getting in his cross or shot at goal. As soon as he beat you or even before, he would dispatch a pass way out of my zone and the responsibility of checking the attack switched quite dramatically to one of my colleagues. By the same token though it was necessary for me to keep a sharp lookout for the sudden crossfield pass. I couldn’t depend on the player on the far side of the field holding on the ball for any length of time. One distinct advantage of that was that I had to watch the play carefully all the time and there was no chance of mental release or such at was possible in Scotland, on odd occasions. The game is definitely more colorful in England and that is one to the enthusiasm of spectators. I was amazed at the number of supporters we had at Birmingham. There seemed to be blue and white everywhere on the terracing and I must admit that I was buckled to find such a strong support at an away game. Their encouragement was tremendous and certainly a great incentive to go flat out for a win.
Refreshing
A feature of the large following was the number of boys who made the trip. Apart from an international at Hampden I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many boys supporting their team and wearing there colours so far from home. You may not hear many professional players say so, but at heart all of us enjoy the refreshing all-out support of the schoolboys and have many a good laugh at their inquisitive minds. As autograph hunters they may at times be a oft a nuisance with their persistence but life wouldn’t be quite the same without them. Up in Scotland this week for the Scotland British Army match at Hearts ground Tyecastle in Edinburgh, I me many old friends. During a visit to my old club at Falkirk, I was introduce to Willie Haughley who joined Falkirk in part exchange for me. Willie who sends his regards to all his friends in and around Liverpool has made a few first team appearances for Falkirk and seems to be enjoying his football with his new club. Incidentally manager Reggie Smith’s first words to me were “When you’re posted up to Scotland for the last stages of your service (January to March) come and train with us at Falkirk.”
Smith Promise
A nice gesture, I thought, and one which proves that there is sentiment in football. I told him that I would be pleased to accept his invitation if suitable arrangements could be made. The name Smith cropped up later in the day when I met 19-years-old Johnny, inside right in West Ham’s promotion –winning team last season and who has played in nearly all games in the present campaign. He was only five days in uniform when he was called on to play for the British Army side against a strong Scottish team. Although he is out of the Hammers’ side following the signing of Welsh international Phil Woosnam it would not surprise me that his strong penetrative play will soon earn him a recall.
HUDDERSFIELD RES V EVERTON RES
November 15, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Huddersfield Town Res; Fearnley, goal; Gibson and Caldwell, backs; Atkins, Holt, and Connor, half-backs; Smith (M.), Balderstone, Hepton, France and Ledger, forwards. Everton Res;- Griffiths, goal; Sanders, and Tansey, backs; Clayton, Labone, and Meagan, half-backs; Fielding, Temple, Harburn, Kirby and Godfrey, forwards. Referee; Mr. A. D. Hurst (Kerford). Everton were shocked by a Town goal within two minutes Balderstone was the scorer with a glorious header from Smith’s centre. Kirby found Fielding with a good pass but goalkeeper Fearnley won the race for the wingman’s low centre. Another dangerous cross from the Town left flank threatened but Meagan was on the spot to prevent Bladerstone getting his head to the ball. Town almost had another goal when Balderstone slipped the ball through to France who made vain attempts to lob the ball over the head of Griffiths. Griffiths collided with France and was laid out. He recovered but later explained of dizziness and temporarily left the field, Harburn taking over in goal. Temple celebrated Griffiths return (at outside left) by scoring a fine equalizer but just before half-time Everton were once again reduced to 10 men, Griffiths leaving the field. Half-time; Huddersfield Town Res 1, Everton Res 1.
PARKER IS LACKING IN SPEED ONLY
November 17, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton 2, West Ham United 2
Ladies and gentleman, I give you a toast –Everton and West Ham! All twenty-two players earned our most grateful thanks and admiration for a grand display of football in some of the most trying conditions imaginable. The glutinous mud, ankle deep and more in places, must have been almost as wearying and stamina destroying as a cham-and-ball movement deterrent and yet there was him full flowing endeavour, no mean measure of football finesse and flourish and no lack on excitement to convince the crowd that the armchair by the fireside is not the best way to spend Saturday afternoon. Naturally all the players did not respond similarly to the ordeal, for ordeal it must have been and while it may be unfair to talk of failures, some were more successful, than others. This season stubbornly refuses to run freely for Everton. They have moved along, if not exactly from crisis to crisis than at least from problem to problem and the ground, which began the season as their pride and joy, is now the biggest blot on the Goodison horizon. It is a saddening thought that unless some major miracle is wrought with the playing pitch in the weeks to come, Everton’s best football may be reserved exclusively for crowd’s on grounds other than Goodison Park. Despite the risk to the electric wiring below the ground’s surface obviously the only immediate remedy is forking deep and thorough to get the surface water away to the drains. I am told that as the sand, liberally applied, works through the soil the pitch must improve and instead of going from bad to worse the process should be the other way.
Sponge For Referee
What an effort it was for players to lift the ball out of the morass and give it anything like the direction and requisite distance to find an intended player. On one occasion O’Hara hit the ball with all the power he could command and there was a groan as it travelled only ten, or twelve yards. It was no good blaming O’Hara. Unluckily, he had struck the ruddiest of mud patches as was shown by the fact that the lift he applied to the ball coated the referee’s face with reud, so disconcertingly that only the trainer’s sponge restored both comfort and vision. If Everton erred at all it will in their continued faith in the application of dry-weather football the short passing technique that made interception easy and combination fraught with danger., all in all they did uncommonly well in the process particularly as the bigger and heavien West Ham were much more suitably equipped for the day’s trails. Twice Everton found themselves in arrears, probably unluckily so in each case but the spirit of retaliation was there in such abundant measure that twice they fought back to equality and if West Ham could claim that fortune played them as scurvy trick or two in preventing further scores, Everton’s near misses were no less numerous. It required no more than five minutes for the crowd to take Scottish full back Parker flight to their hearts for a fifty yards’ run and shot, plus cleverly placed passes, stamped him as being rich in the sort of class in which Everton believe. Not always did he match the pace of the flying Musgrove successfully, but his tackling was for the most part, neat clean and effective. Parker normally is not laggard so that lack of training opportunity rather than anything else may hold the solution. Unfortunately this week he reports back once again to the Army. His promise will only cause his absence to make the Goodison heart grow fonder. Hickson will remember Saturday not so much for the mud as for the attentions of Brown, which held him prisoner far more effectively than the state of the pitch. For such a small man Collins made light of the trials and proved what a superb natural footballer he is. Thomas looked more like a goal scorer than any of his colleagues. If O’Hara improves as much in his next three months as he has done in his first three months in English League football, what a pleasure and delight he will be. His approach is good and getting better. Only the finish is worrying. I credited King with his best showing for a long time. As Jimmy O’Neill sat and watched Dunlop’s dexterity between the posts, he could not have failed to be impressed by the tasks which lie ahead of him. O’Neill resumes training this week after his cartilage operation and he sets next Saturday as the start of his active come back climb, but this is an estimate which is by no means certain to prove accurate. In the first half particularly Woosnam played as though he could live up to his £30,000 price tag for he never wasted a ball. He it was who enabled Dick to open the scoring in eight minutes, but Thomas restored equality with a score at the second attempt, after Gregory had only partially done his lob in the first place.
Parker Penalty
West Ham went in at the interval with a goal lead, through a score they had to make twice, I was among those who thought the referee would have been justified in awarding a goal when Grice’s shot reached the net, despite Parker’s line-branding. Bond made no mistake with the penalty and had scarcely raced back to his own line before Hickson nodded the ball to his feet, for him to kick clear. A King-Collins link up gave Thomas a shooting chance and when Gregory knocked out the ball, Jimmy Harris equalized in 62 minutes with a magnificent shot from a most difficult angle. Although on balance, Everton had the lion’s share of play, I believe it would be a jaundiced view that a sharing of the most equitable verdict possible. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards. West Ham United;- Gregory, goal; Bond and Cantwell, backs; Malcolm, Brown, and Nelson, half-backs; Grice, Woosnam, Keeble, Dick and Musgrove, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.E. Ellis, of Halifax.
HARBURN A STAR IN GOAL
November 17, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Huddersfield Town Res 1, Everton Res 2
The hero of Everton’s Reserves surprise win was centre-forward Harburn –as a stand-in-goalkeeper, when Griffiths went off with a rib injury in the 23rd minute, Harburn took over, and his side’s success was due mainly to his fine performance. Despite the shock of a second minute goal by Balderstone, Everton hit back well for Temple to equalize, and in a second half breakaway Kirby scored the winner. Labone was outstanding in the Everton defence. He contained Hepton, the home centre forward and also found time to cut out many dangerous centres from the Hiddersfield wingers.
THIS REFEREE WAS ‘BLIND’
November 17, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Bu Leslie Edwards
The ref, you must be blind!” How often the allegation has been made, justify or unjustly, and here at Goodison Park we knew Referee Ellis was blind because at one stage, after sprawling on his back in glutinous mud, he had to feel his way to the touchline to have his mud –closed eyes sponged clean by Trainer Gordon Watson. Another oddity came when the crowd whistled impatiently at Referee Ellis because Hickson was seen to be down on one knee apparently injured. The game went on because the referee appreciated what spectators didn’t –that Hickson was merely trying muddled boots. Oddity number three was the fact that the lights were on for the whole of the “daylight” match because mist threatened to make it a November Handicap and because, from the interval onwards, there was a drizzle to impair viability still further. The treat of mist; of football not being possible on a pitch, the condition of which is furrowing many brows in and around Goodison Park, and the cover, on Television of race meetings all contributed to the gate being 40,000 where we had expected 60,000. But the verdict of four of Her Majesty’s Judges and their jury of 40,000 was that this was an excellent match in the most difficult conditions with honours shared equitably. All twenty-two players, and three officials might well consider that they did their sentence of 90 minutes’ hard labour to our satisfaction if not to their own. It was sporting, mud-plugging football on a surface of pudding consistency, despite the fact that some 70 tons of sand had been hurriedly spread over the pitch in an endeavour to kill the silly rumour that football would be out of the question.
Not At Anfield!
There is not happily, truth in the fear that if things go worse Everton will have to transfer First Division fixtures to Anfield. It is felt that whatever weather comes next the pitch cannot be worse than it was for this match. Everton (who spent £70,000 on their warming wires and about £10,000 on the reconstruction of the pitch) are in the hands of the experts and the experts are at the mercy of unpredictable weather. What many do not realize is that although warming apparatus can raise the temperature of the soil by ten degrees (this has already been done) that degree of heat is sufficient only to melt snow. It cannot dispel surface water. It is all very difficult especially since those electric wires might be disturbed if deep forking of the kind required was done. The experts are baffled and so are the club and the fact that snow can be melted as it arrives on the ground does not suggest that the problem of draining is going to be eased rather the contrary. The caking of a layer of earth somewhere above the electric wiring is the snag. I understand that some wiring in front of either goalmouth was lifted so that area could be forked. The water could be heard disappeared into the earth.
Twice Behind
Everton were twice a goal behind before they settled for a draw in a game in which West Ham appeared to have all the physical advantages. They are a tremendously big team and there were times when the Everton’s little fellows were too easily swept aside. But Everton are full of fight and stayed on well and if West Ham missed more than one chance to make the match theirs the same was true of Everton, notably when Hickson did not sense that a square pass to O’Hara would have almost certainly given that player the easiest of chances to give his side the extra point. West Ham’s goal at eight minutes was a fine one with the ball turned back cutely for Dick to run on it and hammer it home with an excellent shot. Thomas’ highly individual equalizer which he gained after losing his first chance was a most creditable one too, but the going was most unsuitable to this rather lightly-built man and his goal was his main contribution. Bond scored from the penalty spot when Parker handled, just on the interval and it was left to Collins to begin the game’s fourth final and best goal. He found Hickson with a peach of a through pass; Hickson’s shot was punched away, double-fisted by Gregory and Jimmy Harris promptly slammed the ball into the back of the net.
Lends Class
This was our first view of Parker and except for the fact that Musgrove surprised him for speed once or twice, he did splendidly. He strips well kicks well and lends class to an Everton department which has often lacked it. But what a day for a home debut! The best player of them all, I thought was the Welsh man, Woosnam, during the first half. True, he tired, but what football skill he demonstrated. Collins was inspiring in the Everton attack and one marveled at his capacity for fetching and carrying on such a leg-weaving surface. Hickson had one of those days when he failed to judge his passes well, but when the ball struck off one pass and flew from another who can be critical? I liked West Ham’s size and competence and their attack was particularly well together with strong wingers and a giant of a man Dick at inside-left to give them striking power. But it was Dick who failed with one easy chance near the end. The Everton build-up of points continues. Their form suggests that there will be no braking them even if their pitch has become the most wearying of any in the four Divisions.
LETTERS
November 18, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Several readers have taken up Mr. P. Graham about his recent letter on the Wilson brothers of a past Everton. Mr. J.J. Purcell of 4 Jamieson Road, Liverpool 15, points out that the Wilsons did not come from Woolwich Arsenal to Everton. The men concerned in the transfer Mr. Graham talks about says Mr. Purcell “were Tim Coleman, Rowe and another at £1,060.”
FROM Mr. S. Felibwes, of 13 Waltham Road, Anfield, comes the following. While not disputing Liddell’s popularity (and my memory goes back 60 years, not 50) I submit that Mr. Graham has committed a clanger. The Wilson brothers were not transferred from Woolwich Arsenal, but from a Scottish club. The players involved to break the £350 transfer limit were Coleman and a man named Crews from Woolwich Arsenal. Bert Freeman was also transferred from the latter club, but as the passing of time is apt to fog the memory. I rather doubt if Freeman was involved in the three-player transfer. The whole trouble with the pitch at Goodison is that it should have been laid with turf instead of being seeded (says Mr. J. A. Williams, if 15 Regent Way Crosby). Anyone, with elegientary knowledge of gardening knows that one cannot seed virgin soil and expect to give it any sort of rough use for at least two years or until enough fibre has developed to knit into the bottom soil.
Mr. John Derrick of 80 Edge Lane says;- Mr. R. Graham should not rush into print in reminiscences of fifty years ago unless he is sure of the facts. He is all at sea regarding the maximum transfer fee if £350 fixed by the Football league. The brothers Wilson had nothing at all to do with it and never played for Woolwich Arsenal. Here are the facts of the fixed transfer fee. In January 1906 the Football league put a limit of £350 for the transfer fees and Everton were the first team to drive a coach and four between the rules. They wanted Tim Coleman star inside right from Woolwich Arsenal so they paid £700 for him and an outside-left named Crews who was presumably thrown in as makeweight. Everton profited by the deal for Coleman turned out to be a fine investment. Regarding George and David Wilson both players came from Hearts after they had beaten Third Lanark in the Scottish Cup Final. George Wilson scoring the only goal. Make no mistake about it George Wilson despite his short stay at Goodison was an Everton idol, and was just as popular as Liddell. When he was dropped an hour before the Cup Final it caused a sensation. He never kicked another ball for Everton and went to Belfast Distillery and after a short stay signed for Newcastle and collected a few more Scottish caps.
DELIBERATE HANDLING
November 19, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Can the deliberate handling of the ball be considered ungentlementary conduct. I’m thinking of the deliberate handling of the ball off a pass that puts a forward clean through and almost certainly means a goal. There was such a case at Goodison Park on Saturday when the West Ham back Cantwell, fielded high overhead, a right wing Everton pass that would have put Jimmy Harris through with every chance. Spectators noticed that Referee A.E. Ellis of Halifax had a word with the offender and seemed to warm him, but the mystery was not solved until Mr. Ellis explained the position to me a day or two ago. He said “I consider such offences bring the game into disrepute and therefore are unwarranted. It is a form of gamesmanship. After all when a defender has been beaten by a perfectly good pass. It is wrong that he should escape by handling deliberately. Many players excuse themselves by saying they slipped, but that doesn’t wash. I let them know my views and if it happens a second time they are in real trouble.” The worst thing about such handling is that when the home side gets out of trouble in this way the crowd look upon it as legitimate, it is only when the visiting teams use the gambit that the unfairness of it really registers on people on the terraces. Mr. Ellis says of the Everton ground –much improved after two or three rainless days. “I think ant referee officiating at Goodison Park would be well advised to arrive in Liverpool in very good time, lest he is wanted to decide whether football is practicable or not.”
KIRBY HAT-TRICK IN EVERTON CUP WIN
November 20, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Chester 1, Everton 4
Chester had only four recognized first team players in the side for the Lancashire Senior Cup first round game at the Stadium yesterday, and hard though they tried they were no match for an Everton reserve side who played cultured football. It was Kirby who opened the score for Everton in five minutes with a hard left-foot shot from just inside the penalty area and it was, be again who made it 2-0 in 20 minutes with a split second header from Sanders free kick. Kirby looked in-sight of a first half hat-trick when his speed carried him past Spruce and two other home defenders but Biggins courageous dived at his feet to prevent a goal. There was one brilliant save by Jarques from Bullock but it was not until a minute from the interval that Chester got their only goal. The scorer was full back Ronnie Hughes with a 30-yarder hit so unexpectedly as to leave Jacques unsigned. Chester resumed with such spirit that for the first five minutes of the second half it looked as if their young forwards might earn an equalizer but Sanders and Tansey refused to panic and with Labone a commanding figure at centre half, Jacques had nothing serious to bother about. That perfectionist in distribution, Wally Fielding, soon had Everton pulling together again, and Harburn and Kirby teamed up in a delighted midfield move which ended with an inside pass for Kirby to notch his third goal eight minutes after the restart.
Great save
By this time Graham Williams was in perky mood on the Everton left wing and once squared a perfect ball which looked certain to provide. Harburn with a goal, but Biggins brought off the save of the afternoon. Williams stuck again after 60 minutes and this time the in running Kirby saw to it that the centre was not wasted and made it 4-1 in Everton’s favour. Second best forward to Fielding was the tall Kirby, whose speed down the middle at all times disconcerted the home defence and Chester manager John Harris must have through how well he could use players like Kirby and Meagan. The crowd was 1,414 and receipts £157.
SWANSEA WILL HAVE TO BID BIG FOR SANDERS
November 20, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Swansea Town interested in Everton full-back Alan Sanders, saw him play in the Everton team which beat Chester 4-1 in a Lancashire Senior Cup-tie yesterday and then sounded Everton manager John Carey, about the possibility of his being transferred. Everton’s answer was “Sorry but we are not really interested in parting with any of our players.” If an offer were made we should of course consider it.” So Swansea Town manager Trevor Morris, one of the shrewdest men in the business, went home to report progress and if Swansea come along with an offer which tempts Everton to change their mind it will not be surprising. After all, Swansea took a sizeable fee from Newcastle United when Allchurch went and despite the fact that they paid a big fee for Webster of Manchester United there must still be a considerable sum in the kitty. Having not long extricated themselves from a desperate League position, Everton’s attitude is understandable. They are building not breaking down, and the fact that Sanders was in the first team at right back when the side turned the corner makes them a useful player to have about the place indeed the fact that the club were bound to play Alex Parker immediately he returned from service in Cyprus forced Sanders out of the team. Everton may well have to consider Sanders standpoint if Swansea produce an offer too big to be ignored. Sanders broad-shouldered, strong and 22, made his debut for Everton in November, 1957 against Tottenham in London. He is a Manchester boy. The Everton team to meet Notts Forest at Nottingham on Saturday, is unchanged from that which drew with West Ham; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins and O’Hara. Forest have one doubt, Scottish inside right Quigley who scored a hat-trick in the last home game against Manchester City, has been having treatment all week for a bruised foot sustained in the game against Arsenal. Forest have hopes that by Saturday he will be completely fit in which case the team will be unchanged; Thomson; Whare, McDonald; Whitefoot, McKinlay, Birkett; Dwight, Quigley, Wilson, Gray, Imlach.
EVERTON PLANS FOR GAMES AT EARLE
November 20, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Players Strip At Goodison
Coach Journey
By Leslie Edwards
The dressing and bathing accommodation of the Earle (Liverpool County Combination) club, who are renting their ground for the use of home Everton Central League matches, will not be used when Everton Reserves play their first fixture there on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves. Players of both teams will strip at Goodison Park and will be taken by coach to the Earle ground about 15 minutes journey away. Both teams will return to Goodison Park by coach immediately the match is over. Years ago Liverpool players stripped at the nearby Sandon Hotel and made way on foot to Anfield. Mr. Derek Blake, the Earle secretary who negotiated the arrangement by which Everton use the Earle pitch so as to give the Goodison Park ground time to recover from the rain of the past few weeks told me.; “We have only a small bath capable of taking three or four players at a time. Changing at Goodison Park is much the best way out of the difficulty. Everton are giving Earle a donation match by match and if the arrangement continues to the end of the season the reward for the junior club will be a big help to their finances. Mr. Blake tells me there is covered seating accommodation for between 350 and 400 people and a ground cover which will take between 750 and 1,000 spectators.
O’Neill In Action
Jimmy O’Neill is keen to play on Saturday and all going well will make his return to football almost six weeks to the day following his cartilage operation –a remarkably quick recovery. He was injured when playing for the Republic of Ireland against Poland in Dublin early in October and the cartilage went a few days later just before the interval of Everton’s match against the South Africa tourists. Manager Carey is running Peter Harburn in the outside right position for the first time. He played there for a while in the first team match against Preston at Deepdale. Everton Res;- O’Neill; Sanders, Tansey; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Harburn, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, Williams.
NO EVERTON STAFF CHANGES LIKELY YET
November 21, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
No confirmation was forthcoming last night for reports that staffing changes at Goodison Park might not be much longer delayed and Manager Johnny Carey told me. “As far as I am concerned I do not know of any staff changes likely to take place in the foreseeable future.” Obviously the man whose name springs most readily to mind when discussing possibilities of this sort, is that of Mr. Ian Buchan, who was chief coach until the arrival of Mr. Carey. Normally he retains that title, although Mr. Carey has now undertaken complete direction and control of the first and reserve teams. Mr. Buchan’s energies are concentrated on the younger players on the staff. He is handling the activities of the youth side, most members of which were his signings. “Mr. Buchan is showing a great enthusiasm for the task allocated to him.” Said Mr. Carey” and as far as I am concerned personal relationships could not be better.” Of course “foressable future” might mean anything or nothing,” it is no guarantee that the present situation will continue indefinitely. From an expense point of view for example the Everton wages bill just now must be approaching record proportion. Mr. Buchan has not suffered financially from his change of status. It seems unlikely that Mr. Buchan will continue to remain contended in the role which he is occupying and it is fair to assume that if the so, of opportunity were to present itself for a move else where with the prospect of attaining responsibilities more in keeping with his qualifications and talents then he would not hesitate to accept. When I asked Mr. Buchan if he cared to comment on the present situation he replied “I would prefer to say nothing at all.” My view is that sooner or later a compromise settlement may afford the most equitable and satisfactory solution to both parties.
Sanders Sought
Swansea Town have developed quite an interest in Everton’s reserve back Alan Sanders the man who was in command of the right back position in the senior team until the arrival of Alex Parker a fortnight ago. Although Manager Carey has told Swansea’s manager, Mr. Trevor Morris that he is not disposed towards parting with any of the present Everton playing staff, Mr. Morris has proved most persistent being unwilling to take that line of argument as Everton’s final word. The position is that although Everton refuse point blank to open up the way towards a transfer deal by suggesting a figure at which they might be prepared to do business, if Swansea were to make a firm suggestion. Everton would at least consider it. Mr. Morris last night reported on the negotiations with Mr. Carey to his board and there may be further developments today. Sanders is quite happy at Goodison Park, but if he were to be offered the prospect of first team football, he might not find it easy to refuse. Parker, back again in the Army on termination of his leave, is expected to be available for Saturday’s visit to Notingham Forest, and indeed for most of the fixtures during the remaining months of his service. With no injury worries Mr. Carey is able to announce the following unchanged team ; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara.
The enthusiasm of Jimmy O’Neill, the Everton goalkeeper is winning through. When I spoke to him last Saturday he blithely forecast that he would be playing in the reserve team this week although his operation for cartilage trouble did not take place until after the friendly game with the South Africans on October 8 and although he had not undertaken any sort of training. It was no idle forecast for he is inclined in the reserve side to play against Wolves.
ANOTHER SEVERE TEST
November 21, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton are changeless for their match against Forest in Nottingham. This will be as severe a test as the game a week ago against West Ham and if Forest are not a big side physically, they are big in football ideas. Manager Billy Walker who must be the most long-serving chief in the game has always insisted on his side getting through by football skill and Everton know from their last experiences on the same ground a season ago just what this means. Alex Parker will travel straight to Nottingham from his unit at Folkestone and with a few Football League matches under his belt he should not be long in touching the form which gained him Scottish caps. Everton will welcome the firmer Nottingham going after their mud bath of a week ago and, all going well, should get a point. The Reserve side which meets Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves at the Earle ground contains identical back and half-back divisions which were played in two First Division matches last season –against Spurs and Birmingham; Sanders, Tansey; Rea, Labone, and Meagan. It will be interesting to see what attendance is attracted to the new Everton venue. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara. Nottingham Forest; Thompson; Whare, MacDonald; Whitefoot, McKinlay, Burkitt, Dwight, Quigley, Wilson, Gray, Imlach. Everton reserves; -O’Neill; Sanders, Tansey; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Harburn, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, Williams.
DRAW SEQUENCE
November 22, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
When Everton drew at Blackburn towards the end of October, it marked the end of a sequence of 26 games without a division. From one extreme to the other, they have shared points in three of their last four games and I should not be in the least surprised if their visit to Nottingham Forest produced yet another draw. Everton are not playing like a team which has been anchored from the beginning of the season, so close to the bottom of the First Division. Much more representative of their ability has been their capture of 13 points from the last 18 at stake. Not surprisingly, in view of the results they have been producing, the team has taken on a settled appearance. Not only will today’s game see them unchanged for the third match in succession, but only thirteen players will have been employed in the last six matches. A settled formation is half the battle in cultivating the sort of spirit that is required to pull a club round from the depressingly barren start of the Goodison team. Nottingham Forest have fallen before their own crowd only twice, this season and like Everton prefer the artistic approach to the bludgeon blow. With ground conditions certain to be infinitely more to their liking than was Goodison Park last week, Everton will be only too ready to switch on the exhibition tactics with their ace prompter Bobby Collins, now in peak form. A goal would be a great encouragement to Dave Hickson who has now gone so near on several occasions and yet is left with a record which shows only one success in six outings. Not once has the Everton defence come through a game completely unscathed but it will be very important that they should be at their best at Nottingham whose forwards may be a trifle more shot-shy than most but only Wolves and Blackpool can compare with their defensive home return. Six goals from eight games are figures which need no embroidery, visiting goals are scarce at Nottingham. Against that the cheering note is that only West Brom and Newcastle have scored more goals on opponents grounds than Everton. Two Everton points would be a most welcome product of this clash, but indications I believe point more strongly to a draw. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara. Nottingham Forest; Thompson; Whare, MacDonald; Whitefoot, McKinlay, Burkitt, Dwight, Quigley, Wilson, Gray, Imlach.
EVERTON FOUND FOREST WITH TIMBER AS DEFENCE
November 22, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Nottm Forest 2, Everton 1
By Leslie Edwards
Nottingham Forest; Thompson, goal; Whare and McDonald, backs; Whitefoot, McKinley, and Birkett, half-backs; Dwlight, Baily, Wilson, Barrett, and Grey, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker, Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain) and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Tirebuck (Halifax). Notts Forest had late changes due to Imlach developing flu and Quigley failing a fitness test. Gray was switch to outside-left with Barrett as his partner and Bally came in at inside right in place of Quigley. Hickson and Harris (J) tried to lure Thompson out of his box and the situation was so tricks the goalkeeper was forced to foot a pass to Birkett who was creating a Forest record by appearing in his 410th League game. Everton’s best effort so far was a left wing move in which Brian Harris went far upfield and worked the chance from which Thomas shot hard but wildly over the top. Everton opened well and were on top quite convincingly after Forest’s initial short spell of supremacy. Bramwell never did better than going up to outside left and crossing a ball which Thompson succeeded in grasping only at the second attempt with Hickson close at hand. Baily and Barrett changed places and Dwlight often drifted into the middle. Everton took the lead in 18 minutes when Harris (J) pushed the ball up the wing for Thomas whose way was made clearer by the fact that Birkett slipped a little. Thomas took the ball to the goalline near the edge of the goal area, turned it back with his right foot and first appeared likely to shoot with his left. But the defence had covered up. Hickson was covered and all Thomas could do was cross the ball to O’Hara, who was unable to bring it under control. It ran free to Collins, who volleyed it into the net with a most adequate shot. Forest came into the picture for the first time and old man Baily, with a deflected cross-shot, had Dunlop more than a little worried, but the ball travelled for a corner. Parker kicked an excellent length and used the ball well but nothing could have saved Everton when a cross by Birkett found Dwlight at the far side of goal. Fortunately he slammed the ball high over the bar. A tragic miss.
Chance Missed
Harris (J) bursting through harassed Barrett and McDonald crossed the ball but it past both Hickson and O’Hara and a first class chance went for nought. Straight from that Wilson put the ball down to Gray whose through pass found Dwlight challenged only by Brian Harris, in vain did Dunlop come out to meet the shooter, who glided the ball left footed inside the far post for a well-worked equalizer. Dwlight had drifted into the inside left position to get his goal. A good pass from O’Hara to Hickson and a sharp burst by the centre forward enabled him to deliver a shot which, beat Thompson but struck the foot of the upright and returned into play. The game had toughened up considerably. Only a great tackle by Whare on Jimmy Harris prevented the winger going through off a lovely Hickson pass after he had cleverly beaten the offside rule. Forest started with a second half burst which took them into the lead and but for some great goalkeeping by Dunlop might well have clinched the match. Within three minutes he had turned the ball away brilliantly from a Dwlight right foot shot and then saved from Wilson and grasped the ball at the second attempt at the edge of the six-yard line when challenged by Barrett.
A Wonder Save
He also took a bump from his own player King when making a catch. It was certainly not Dunlop’s fault at the 49 minutes when Wilson pounced on the ball after it had come free from a clinch between Barrett and Jones and scored after reacting quickly and taking the half chance with admirable skill and promptness. Everton’s troubles did not end here, since Dwlight crossed the ball most menacingly without finding anyone to accept a gift chance and Wilson was through on his own and only a wonder save at point blank range by Dunlop saved the day. Everton were inclined to over elaborate down their right wing and get nowhere after rounds of passing and it took an Everton deflection of a flicked shot by Barrett to prevent Forest going further ahead. Everton were at the receiving end of some delayed action and rather fine offside verdicts and when chances came their way they used them only indifferently.
Parkers Class
Parker showed his class in this game and Bramwell too, had moments of brilliance with one overhead flick clearance that astonished the crowd. But Everton were still getting impaired on Forest’s offside tactics and it was only when Harris (J) got hold of a high Hickson centre and swung the ball a foot or two side of the upright that Everton really began to get penetrating. One or two moves down the centre all but succeeded and Hickson did exceptionally well to burst through and hit a glorious drive which Thompson tucked to his body in a magnificent save. Parker, to whom Collins flicked the ball from a far-out free kick got plenty of weight into his shot, but this was one Thompson did not need to handle. Everton never solved the offside guzzle Forest set and there was hope in the Everton front line to make the individual burst through which kills such traps and makes them not worthwhile. It was a most frustrating business for an onlooker to see them held up so frequently. Tom Jones got a blow to the face close on time, but recovered after attention –the first time either trainer had been on –and Everton struggled on pulling out all the stops but never looking terribly impressive in their effort to get the draw they might well have obtained if they had not been so luckless.
“Barred” Again
Forty instance at this stage O’Hara from five yards but side the penalty box produced a “clever” lob which beat Thompson and struck the bar to picked up by a Forest defender. Thus all told Everton had “touched wood” three times. McDonald was injured in tackling O’Hara as he shot and resumed limping. Next McKinlay was damaged when O’Hara forced a corner, and he too required attention. But he was so neat the touch-line he was assisted off and the game continued. Harris (J) from a pass by Hickson of goalkeeper Thompson and at point-blank range and the ball rebounded onto the shooter’s hand an all Everton got was a free kick against them when they might easily have got a goal. This was definitely not Everton’s day. Harris was now operating more in the centre of the field and Forest were hard up to it to hold their lead in face of Everton’s desperate efforts to equalize. Final; Nottingham Forest 2, Everton 1.
Balance Sheet
It was not Everton’s day at Nottingham. Twice they hit the bar, once they hit an upright and 10 minutes from time Jimmy Harris hit goalkeeper Thompson from two yards range and found the ball rebounding back on to his hand for Referee Tirebuck to give Forest a free kick. Admitted that Everton were inclined to move two laterally they did contrive these many chances, the taking of which must have given them two points. Dunlop had a great day and Thompson in the other goal had a charmed existence with those three wood-striking shots which might have made all the difference.
EVERTON RES IN TROUBL AT EARLE
November 22, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Everton res; O’Neill, goal; Sanders and Tansey, backs; Rea, Labone, and Meagan, half-backs; Harburn, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, and Williams, forwards. Wolves Res;- Dwyer, goal; Kelly, and Jones, backs; Howells, Showell, and Thomson, half-backs; Lill, Durant, Mursey, Booth, and Horne, forwards. Referee; Mr. L. Stone (Sheffield). Everton had the advantage of the slope at Earle and Temple shot into the side netting from Rea’s pass almost straight from the kick-off. A free kick led to Wolves being put ahead by Howell’s after five minutes play, the wing-half’s bouncing shot going through a ruck of players beyond the unsighted O’Neill. When Williams sent across a low centre, Dwyer caught Kirby’s swerving shot while another William’s centre was hit on the volley by Harburn but Jones charged down the drive and cleared. A mis-kick by Labone left Lill with an open goal but the winger’s shot hit the far upright and returned to Lill whose second attempt struck O’Neill’s outstretched leg. When Everton retaliated Kirby headed over an open goal. Wolves were the more impressive side and went further ahead in the 32nd minute when Lill took Murray’s pass in his stride to leave O’Neill helpless with a low cross shot. Everton fought back but two promising moves were spoiled through their forwards getting offside. Half-time; Everton res nil, Wolves Res 2.
ALEX PARKER PAYS A TRIBUTE TO BOBBY COLLINS
November 22, 1958. The Liverpool Echo
He’s Better Than He Was In Scotland
By Alex Parker
This has been another busy week for me. One thing about being a professional footballer-cum-soldier, you certainly move around. Last Tuesday I left Liverpool to report back to my unit at Folkestone and thus Alex Parker, of Everton, become 23380512 Fusilier Parker, A, of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. However, it wasn’t for long, for yesterday I left the barracks to meet the Everton party in Nottingham for today’s game. Incidentally, while I am on the subject I may as well clear up a question as to when I get released from National Service. Many people have asked me about it lately and I have seen about six different dates in various newspapers, It is March 19 next year and needless to say, that’s one date I’m pretty certain of. I shall be stationed at Folkestone until about December 10, when I am due to come on leave until early January. Then I shall report back to the regiment’s depot in Ayr and will be there until release. Of course, I am hopeful of being able to play for Everton during the time I’m with the regiment.
Well, I’ve now had two games for Everton, one home and one away and as somebody said to me the other day. Five yet to figure on the losing side I couldn’t hope for a better start than that could I?
I only hope it has been continued today. Since I’ve been down here I’ve received quite a bit of praise from different people, for which I’m very grateful and I only hope that I deserve it and can warrant some more but I would like to give a by myself how. While I was in Scotland along with everybody else who follows football I knew what a grand player Bobby Collins was, but there were many who thought he would find English soccer a bit fast for him to display all his talents. However, in the two games I’ve played with him I think he is playing better than ever and his form would surprise those who doubted his ability to do well, I only hope I can be as big a success. Naturally I was looking forward to playing my first game at Goodison and I wasn’t disappointed, although I didn’t bank on giving away a penalty. I’ll let you into a secret actually I thought the ball was over the line when I handled it, but according to the pictures in last Monday’s Daily Post it looks as though I might have been mistaken anyway, it would certainly have gone in if I hadn’t touched it.
Crowds Different
In view of last week’s game being fast, despite the heavy going people have been asking me if I have changed my mind about English soccer being no faster than Scottish. My answer is not, I still say it’s no quicker. One thing that has impressed me about English crowds is that unlike those north of the border, they will cheer good defensive play as well as goals. And not only that of their own team, I’ve heard them applaud the visitors as well. It would like to say how lucky we are at Goodison to have a training ground like Bellefield, I don’t know whether all English clubs have such places but it certainly is an asset. The pitches are better than most of those of Scottish junior clubs. Incidentally Eddie O’Hara had played there long before he came to Everton. It was for a youth side and the goalkeeper for the home club was –Albert Dunlop. Little did they realize then that only a few years later they would be playing together for Everton in the First Division.
The Clogs
Here is an amusing story to close. Last year when I was in Holland playing for Scotland’s Under-23 team, I brought a little pair of wooden clogs. They are only about three inches long from heel to toe, and Jean, my wife keeps them at the bottom of the stairs at home. A couple of day’s after I got back from Cyprus, Tommy Docherty, who was in this part of the world with Arsenal called to see us. When he saw the clogs he said; “I knew Bobby Collins was in Liverpool, but I didn’t know he was staying with you. He’s got his slippest everywhere.”
EVERTON CAPTAIN TOMMY JONES SAYS GOALKEEPER MUST BE HAYWIRE!
November 22, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Nothing Must Pass The Last Line
By Tommy Jones
The famous treatment room at Goodison Park housed four goalkeepers this week- something I have never known there before. They were all suffering ailments peculiar to goalkeepers. Albert Dunlop’s complaint was a sore back (memories of White Hart Lane?); Jimmy O’Neill was exercising his muscles on the bicycle machine after his cartilage operation; Graham Griffiths injured his ribs in the Reserves at Huddersfield last Saturday; and finally, our young Scottish keeper, Mailey had a twisted knee during the Youth Cup game against Manchester United on Monday. Reflecting on these made me think of the hazards a goalkeeper faces in the “run of the mill” games. Goalkeeping is worlds apart from any other position on the field. I believe that keeping goal is a profession on its own. Not only that with all due respect to friends in the goalkeeping world I also believe he has to be slightly hav-wire to play the game properly. Consider the angles. The most dangerous part of his game is to throw himself at an opponent’s feet when he is about to shoot. Not every player hits the ball. At high crosses in the goal area he must be out clutching or punching the ball away. With opponents jumping or rushing in, invariably there are clashes. Who comes off worse? Who has to go for the ball every time? The goalkeeper, I wouldn’t have his job for all the tea in China. Another aspect of his game which to some may go unnoticed is that he cannot afford to make a mistake if he does it’s fatal. Any other player can make a mistake but there is always someone behind him to rectify it. Not in the goalkeeper’s place, he’s the last line of defence.
Nothing Must Pass
In crowded goalmouths, often he’s unsighted. Defenders’ deflect shots at goal, his place pass-backs. Some pass backs are short, giving the other team the opportunity of an open goal, except for the keeper. Some are hit too hard, forcing the keeper to dive or deflect. Some are well wide. All these a goalkeeper has to correct for nothing must pass him. A goalkeeper has only one part of his play which is snared by the other ten players in front of him –kicking a “dead” ball. On all other aspects he differs entirely. It seems hard to believe considering that he’s only one of eleven in a team and that soccer is a team game. Incidentally it came to light during the reserve game last week that centre forward Peter Harburn proved more than useful standing in for injured Graham Griffiths. He got rave notices from his colleagues and it was no kidology.
Golf Again
We are lucky fellows without a doubt. Where else is one assured of a weekly pay packet change of bonuses and also the prospects of a day’s golf in Lieu of a day’s work. Those fortunate, among us who didn’t have to play at Chester in the Lancashire Cup on Wednesday spent another very pleasant day on West Derby golf course. I am in rather a jubilant mood about this. It’s not every day one can take a few bob, off a Scotsman, legimately. Last week you may remember I forecast having George Kirby as my partner and Bobby Collins having”qur Wally,” but due to soccer committeemen’s, Bobby was assisted by Eddie O’Hara (blood is thicker than water) and Jimmy Harris consented to take me in tow. Due to a wonderful 15-yard putt by Jimmy at the sixth which literally broke our Scottish friends hearts, and some bad luck in Eddie’s driving, we Merseysiders finished the game at the seventeenth. Prior to this caddy and scorer Albert Dunlop almost won the game for Bobby and Eddie by giving strokes which weren’t even on the card, I told you these lads needed watching.
EVERTON PAY FOR THEIR WEAKINESSES
November 24, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Nottingham Forest 2, Everton 1
This was Everton’s first defeat since their new manager Mr. John Carey, joined them from Blackburn. Indeed it was the first Everton set-back since they lost 10-4 at Tottenham and it would be idle to pretend that the Everton eleven, as constituted is what authority would like it to be. Nevertheless there were some extenuating circumstances and if the beaten eleven had demonstrable weaknesses they also had the vilest of luck with some of their shots. Hickson, for example hit the foot of an upright; J. Harris struck the bar with a swinging centre (and late struck the goalkeeper with a shot from two yards); O’Hara with what seemed to be a calculated lob over goalkeeper Thomson, found the ball hitting the bar and rebounding back to play. Add the game’s best save- by Thomson from a hard-hit left-foot shot by J. Harris –and some narrowly-margined off-side verdicts by Referee Tirebuck – and you have some indication of Everton’s frustration. But having been held up so often by Forests –carefully – planned offside tactics Everton had only themselves to blame for not taking avoiding action. A defence deployed to put others offside is necessarily a vulnerable one of the man in possession will hold the ball and go straight through whether he is n the wing or in the centre. Ordinarily one would not have expected Everton to get better than a point against a side so full of football as Nottingham Forest but their chances were much improved by the announcement that neither Imach nor Quigley was fit to play.
Half-Back Disparity
The great difference between the teams was at half back. Here Forest, had two very strong commanding men in Burkitt (playing his 410th League match) and Whitefoot. There were times when they dominated Everton notably in the early part of the second half and it was then the match was won, Wilson bouncing on the ball as it came from a clinch between Jones and Barrett to but hi side into the lead. In the first half Dwright who had moved into the inside left position had wiped out the goal by which Collins gave Everton the lead after eight minutes. Everton’s lightly-built wing half-backs show no lack of effort –on the contrary –and they worked unceasingly in the last twenty minutes to help their side to the point they deserved but they were often brushed off the ball rather easily and their service and domination never matched that of Burkitt and Whitefoot. Everton’s progress was thus rather patch-work and laboured and it says much for their enthusiasm that they were able to create so many scoring chances. But they were never moving smoothly and in those early minutes of the second half, their defence was too open to some cute through passes. But Dunlop who made some great and courageous saves in this spell the game would have been clinched long before the end. It was a hard game, spoiled only by Everton’s inability to counter the offside trap, and in retrospect one wonders just how Forest survived those moments when Hickson. J. Harris and O’Hara were rapping the goal frame. The narrowest shave of all of course was the Harris miss from the closest range. He hit Thompson with his first shot and the ball rebounded back on to the shooter’s hand so quickly one could not but disagree with Referee Tirebuck’s free kick for handling. By this time the chance –and the ball – had gone.
Collins Prompts
All though the piece the excellence of Dunlop; of Collins and Parker was unmistakable. Collins is a little man who accept willingly all the defensive chores to which the good inside forward is heir. A pity some of his promptings came to so little. Parker is tremendously strong kicks beautifully and has the propensity for delivering the ball accurately to unexpected forward positions. Bramwell had a good match too, but the defence as a whole was not sufficiently close knit at critical times. The space and time allowed Dwright when he picked up the ball preparatory to his goal proved this point allowing for the excellence of the pass which found him all alone. Hickson had a variable match, making two bursts and producing a good shot on each occasion at his best and being outgeneraled, in the air and on the ground for most of the time in opposition to the tall McKinley. O’Hara was full of life, but he would be more successful, I think if he varied his style a little and did not invariably hold the ball. Thomas like everyone else in the Everton side followed the managerial instructions in attempting to give Forest no time to Settle down to play football but he too is lightly-built. Manager Carey is suffering no lack of effort from his players but it is clear that Everton are not so complete as their recent record suggests they are. If they had been up to it they would have avoided defeat in this match and that is making full allowance for the lucklessness of their shooting. Nottingham Forest; Thompson, goal; Whare and McDonald, backs; Whitefoot, McKinley, and Birkett, half-backs; Dwlight, Baily, Wilson, Barrett, and Grey, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker, Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain) and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards. Referee; Mr. J. Tirebuck (Halifax).
EVERTON RES 2 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS RES 2
November 24, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
After turning round two goals down Everton almost defeated the Central League leaders, but Harburn was adjudged to be offside when Williams netted late on. A draw however, was a just result with Wolves carrying slightly more punch in a hard tought game. Both sides fared better against the pronounced slope of Earle’s ground on which apparently most goals are scored at “top” end. Labone apart from one glaring miskick, and Sanders were outstanding in Everton’s defence, but Tansey found outside right Lill a rare handful. Temple and Wignall repelled to first half goals by Howells and Lill. Everton’s team was O’Neill; Sanders, Tansey; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Harburn, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, Williams.
NOTHING TIRED ABOUT INSPECTOR TIREBUCK
November 24, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Truly, our police are wonderful –and never more so than when they happen to be Football League referees. Take the case of Sergeant (sorry Inspector) J.L. Tirebuck, of Halifax, the man who took the Nottingham Forest-Everton match. He left the Forest ground in uniform –campaign medals and all –and was back on duty by nine o’clock on Saturday evening and ready for all-night duty. This after having only three hours sleep between 6 and 9 a.m, after all night-duty immediately prior to the match. “And they say we referee for what we get out of it” was his apt comment on the journey home. Inspector Tireuck the tireless, was the man whose whistle sounded time and again on Saturday to signal Everton’s failure to beat a carefully-laid Forest offside plan. True, some of these decisions came rather late when the Everton forward in possession was thinking he was getting away with it, but they all counted and were part of Everton’s failure besides interfering markedly with the continuity of a hard, fast game. A pity, because Forest were sufficiently weakened by the absence of Imlach and Quigley to allow their opponents a good chance of both points. Instead Everton lost for the first time in the Carey regime and for the first time since the 10-4 massacre at Tottenham –and they lost rather unluckily after producing a leading goal and hitting the woodwork three times with the ball always coming out and never conveniently rebounding over the goal line between the posts.
Worked For A While
I spent some of the waiting moments before kick-off time with Mr. Carey, a manager who believes that over-loading players with instructions immediately before a match far from having good results is likely to have just the reverse effect. It is betraying no secret to say that his plan was for his team to be so quick to the ball that Forest, always a good footballing side, would not have the opportunity to bed down to their normal game. The policy worked in the first-half; it was only when Forest began the second half so strongly that Everton lost their defensive grip –and the match. It was in this period that Wilson clinched the match with Forest’s second goal. Dwlight having countered –from an almost unmarked position –the goal with which Collins had given Everton the lead after eight minutes. Everton rallied well and were on top at the end but you cannot miss chances such as Jimmy Harris did, from two yards out and survive, and Everton didn’t, hard as their wing half-backs tried to emulate the strong, commanding Forest men, Burkitt, and Whitefoot.
Manager Missed It
Manager Billy Walker who had been away ill with sciatica for more than a fortnight missed the victory which may well have surprised him a little since Baily is fast reaching the end of his career and Barrett had not played in the first team since breaking his leg last season. On the other hand Manager Carey saw it all and may well have been a trifle dismayed that some of his men do not carry the height weight and ability which would have allowed them to be less easily brushed off the ball. Thomas, except for his part in the lead to the Collins goal, was not often seen and this wing half-backs’ ability to chase and fight for the ball did not cover their failure to make the shrewd, long passes which make so much effort unnecessary. I thought Collins had a particularly good match and so did Parker and Bramwell but Hickson was mercurial doing brilliant and not-so-brilliant things by turn and Jimmy Harris certainly did not make the most of his chances though his best left-foot after he had drifted inside produced the best save of the match by Thomson. But for Dunlop’s courage and ability in the Forest barrage immediately the second-half began. Everton would never have survived to finish the match strongly and only a goal behind.
Not More Than Adequate
Everton cannot be more than an adequate First Division side until they have introduced more size and power into at least one of their lines. They have done wonderfully well to remove themselves from last place in the table but they are still to my way of thinking short of dominating players who could transform the team into a really good one. They are having to work too hard for what success they gain and there is not solidity about the team as a whole, I say this after making full allowance for their lucklessness with shots on this occasion.
A GLIMPSE AT MOTHER CAREY’S CHICKS
November 25, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
John Carey, the new Everton chief whose pipe of peace and ready eye-twinkle are reminiscent of that other great Everton figure. Warney Cresswell has still lively memories of the Anfield Kop which is praised or blamed so often. He once played for United in a tough match at Anfield in which United defended the Kop end after gaining a two goals’ lead. And there among the thousands on the terraces could be seen (and heard) two solitary United fans whose voiced encouragement to Carey and his full back partner at least took some of the edge off the Kop roar for the other side. But Liverpool scored and scored again and on looking back into the Kop expecting to hear, further encouragement from those two odd fellows in 20,000 all Mr. Carey heard was “OK Carey, you’re on your own now. They’ve gone! Through reader R.J. Benson of Croxteth Road Sefton Park, I have passed to the Everton manager news of the footballing younger brother of the Everton and Scottish International forward Bobby Collins. They say in Scotland where Tommy Collins aged 22 wings it with Pollok juniors that this younger member of the Collins family has many characteristics of his famous brother in which case Everton’s prompt proposal to have the boy watched may have a sequel. The most famous footballing brotherhood in this city was, of course the late Walter Wadsworth and his kid brother, a winger, Harold, at Anfield.
Not Always Paying
It is no use these days dismissing youth or boys football as kid stuff. The fact that manager Busby has refilled his depleted ranks largely from boys who came up through the Youth side proves that first-class teams can produce their own players but one must never forget that only a few Managers are sufficiently discarding to make the long term plan of nursing young players pay, indeed when the cost of developing teams of young players over several seasons is weighted against success produced it is possible that little has been gained compared with a policy which aims at buying established players as and when they are required. It is surprisingly considering the countless thousands of boys who get their places in City schoolboys teams, how few emerge as players of top-class. There are notable exceptions but they represent a minute proportion of those honoured while still in their teens. Tomorrow at Anfield (7-30) one of the most attractive Youth matches ever put on in this city brings the Everton Youth X1 in opposing with the Youth team of Manchester United in a replay of the Youth Cup match drawn 2-2 at Old Trafford recently. The young men of United – as promising a bunch as any club could get together –have won this competition five times in the last six years and if Everton can beat them they would automatically become favorites for the trophy. Mr. Carey expects that both teams will be substantially as in the first match. He feels that the interest in this game might well attract an attendance to compare with the 15,000 who saw the game at Old Trafford. He knows well the potential of such boys as Giles an inside left from Dublin, of Stiles a half-back from Manchester and of inside-forward Spratt from Northumberland, but he is hopeful his own lads will pull out that little extra as they did in the first match. In which case Mother, Carey’s Everton chicks team say with pride; “OK, Mr. Carey, You’re on your own now They’ve gone.” Everton; Malley; Bentham, Green; Jarvis, Watson, Connor; Penman, Peat, Gearle, Boner, and Duffy.
YOUTH CUP REPLAY
November 27, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s Gallant Failure
Everton Youth 1, Man United Youth 2
At Anfield. After twenty minutes United’s left full back Ackerley injured his leg and moved to the left wing. Everton moving faster to the ball got right on top and an interchange between peat and Penman saw the Everton winger placed Everton ahead five minutes from the interval, right on half time Green kicked off the Everton line. United staged a great rally in the second half and though Ackerley was still on the wing they were really out of the Everton half and it came as no surprise when Spratt took a pass from Giles to equalize in sixty three minutes. United continued their pressure and four minutes from time Poole deservedly put them in front. Everton strove gallantly for the equalizer but United packed their goal and survived. Attendance 4,716.
EVERTON UNCHANGED
November 27, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Everton manager John Carey has made yet another wise move – he’s playing against Chelsea at Goodison Park, on Saturday, the side which lost 2-1 against Forest at Nottingham a week ago. Most managers, I think would have been inclined to make changes. The Carey belief apparently, is that the team which has done so well for so long deserve a further chance. And so they get it. Their spirit is exceptional taking all the chances they made they must have won. They’ll go better, I hope, against Chelsea. The Goodison Park pitch, their say is immeasurably better than it was a fortnight ago. The resting it has had, and the forking have brought it back to near normality. Fog is now the only threat. Wally Fielding who celebrated a birthday this week – don’t ask pertinent questions, but he’s three or four years older than Peter Farrell –has had the misfortune to suffer injury in training. He pulled a muscle and will be out of action for a week or two. A fit Fielding about the place would be invaluable to Everton over the Christmas and New Year rush of fixtures –and the Cup-ties (note the plural) which follow. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, Harris (B); Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara. Everton Reserves; (at Villa);- O’Neill; Sanders, Billington; Rea, Labone, Meagan; Harburn, Temple, Kirby, Ashworth, Williams.
BLUNSTONE PLAYS AT GOODISON
November 27, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Two years Lay Off
Chelsea Visit
Frank Blunstone the England International who has twice broken a leg will play in Chelsea’s League team for the first time for nearly two years against Everton on Saturday. Ted Drake the Chelsea manager said today that he will take 12 players so that Blunstone would definitely play. He has shown good form and fitness in several reserve games,” said Drake. Chelsea include two players who are still under treatment , they are Tindall centre forward and Casey wing half who have leg injuries.
Silette Out
Five others are out through injury. They are Peter Sillette right back, (injured muscles), Saunders left-half (ankle injury), Nicholls inside-left recovering from concussion. Mortimore right half (influenza) and Allen centre forward (eye injury). Chelsea; Matthews; Whittaker, Bellett; Hoxford, Scott, Casey; (from), Brambrook, Tindall, Gibbs, Greaves, Blunstone, Giles.
EVERTON SHOULD WIN
November 29, 1958. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Only one win in five games sounds very much like the bad old days from an Everton point of view until we realize that there have also been three draws. Even so, an Everton win is overdue and while Chelsea will be no ready victims at Goodison Park I believe the home players will show their appreciation of manager Carey’s vote of confidence by taking both points. One goal in seven matches marks Hickson’s most unsuccessful run, even during the time when matches were being lost, but bad luck as much as anything else has prevented the centre forward from scoring. Probably via change of luck for him would also bring a change of luck for his club. Injuries reduce Chelsea’s strength but if Blunstone has made the recovery everyone hopes for he may give punch to the attack which has collected only one goal in the last two games, both of which were lost. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Bramwell; King, Jones, B. Harris; J. Harris, Thomas, Hickson, Collins, O’Hara. Chelsea; Matthews; (or Smart); Whittaker, Bellett; Huxford, Scott, Casey, Tindall, Brabrook, Gibbs, Greaves, Blunstone.
LATE GOALS BY HICKSON PENSION CHELSEA OFF
November 29, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Great Collins Effort In A Thrilling Game
Everton 3, Chelsea 1
By Jack Rowe
Everton; Dunlop, goal; Parker and Bramwell, backs; King, Jones (captain), and Harris (B), half-backs; Harris (J), Thomas, Hickson, Collins, and O’Hara, forwards. Chelsea;- Matthews, goal; Whittaker, and Bellett, backs; Huxford, Scott, and Casey, half-backs; Tindall, Brabrook, Gibbs, Greaves and Blunstone (captain) , forwards. Referee; Mr. W.E. Bradbury (Burton-on-Trent). Bert Matthews was fit to play so the Football League debut of 17-years-0old youth international goalkeeper Barrie Smart was delayed. Blunstone made his first appearance for nearly two years, following his twice broken leg in a match which played with the floodlights on because conditions were so hairy. The pitch was well sanded and during the preliminary stages it was notable that the ball dropped “dead” instead of bouncing. Blunstone was soon forcing Parker to concede a corner then Jones made a hasty clearance at the cost of another corner. The Chelsea danger from the kick was ended by a foul on an Everton defender and away went the home side to miss a chance of taking the lead, Hickson raced on to a right wing pass and pulled the ball back so accurately that Thomas instead of shooting over from about eight yards, should have scored. Hickson’s crossfield pass skidded off the sand to O’Hara. The left-winger ad Collins found a way to get the ball over to the Everton centre forward but he was penalized for a change on Matthews. The incident ended with the players touching hands.
Parker’s Touches
Parker produced one or two delightful passes but it was Chelsea who in these early stages were looking the more dangerous. Brabrooks alertness in hitting a first-time shot was equalled only by the speedy intervention of Jones which enabled him to deflect the ball away for a corner, otherwise Dunlop must have been seriously troubled. Thomas was often slow in moving to the ball and at this point Everton were not marching a more incisive Chelsea. Tindall from the centre forward position, made a fine header which struck the angle of the bar and post with Dunlop motionless and it bounced down for Parker to kick away. Suddenly Everton burst into the attacking scene with a Parker inspired attack and Matthews went down quickly to push Hickson’s powerful shot round the post.
Goalmouth Scrimmage
From the corner there was quite a scrimmage in the Chelsea goal area during which Matthews and Hickson once more renewed charging acquaintance, with the goalkeeper coming clear with the ball. Blunstone put Gibbs through and the centre forward with offside appeals ignored made a deliberate shot with his right foot which screwed beyond the far post. Seconds later the Londoners were again within inches of a goal, for Brabrook outpaced Jones and with Dunlop coming out drove across the face of the goal. There was rarely a moment without one or other goal being under pressure and with the crowd roaring O’Hara first made Matthews make a great save at the cost of a corner and almost immediately the Chelsea goalkeeper made a back-bending leap to pull out a glorious header by Hickson from Jimmy Harris’s centre. That Hickson had thought the ball over the line was illustrated by his vain-appeals to the referee. There was plenty of haze but it was not stopping the players enjoyment or a thrilling and exciting match. There was also some excitement in the stand behind the Press box and a policeman was called before it subsided completely. I am convinced the goalkeeper knew little or nothing about it. Dunlop then saved magnificently at the feet of Blunstone who was one of a Chelsea attack which was playing really well. Indeed a lone bid by Jimmy Harris to get through the middle was the only Everton attacking instance in a spell of sustained Chelsea pressure. Everton went ahead in 38 minutes with a wonderful goal by Collins. The little Scot took over from Brian Harris well outside the Chelsea penalty area and his cross field dribble brought him to the right hand edge of the penalty area. Then he shot with his right foot and the ball went like a rocket into the roof of the net with Matthews desperately, but unavailingly, leaping. In quick succession Everton nearly went further ahead for Jimmy Harris actually beat Matthews in a race for the ball but somehow Bellet put out a foot and stopped his pass reaching the unmarked Hickson. Then Collins tried to do just that bit too much when a first time shot would probably have been the answer. Half-time; Everton 1, Chelsea nil.
Blunstone continued to show his class when the second half began in worsening visibility, and he initiated an attack which was finished by Gibbs being offside. Straight from this Collins, whose goal was the first he had scored in a League match at Goodison Park started an attack which brought Matthews from his goal and Thomas this time was a little unlucky in finding his shot striking the goalkeeper.
Busy Bobby
Nothing was too much for Collins to do and he once popped up near his own goal line to fight a winning duel with Tindall. The next moment he was making a clever hooked pass to O’Hara which brought a corner and a shot from Brian Harris which missed the post by inches. At this point Everton were doing most of the attacking, but the game was not quite as sparkling as it had been. The passing of Collins was most precise and when he chipped one up over the Chelsea defence to King there must have been some reward if the right half had moved the ball quicker to Jimmy Harris, instead of holding it. When he did make his pass the winger was covered. In the 62nd minute Chelsea got on terms when Tindall scored almost unchallenged after Everton appeals –justified I thought for offside against Gibbs were rejected. Tindall ran on to Gibb’s pass and began a dribble from the penalty line edge which took him right through and with no Everton player attempting to make an effective tackle hit the ball to Dunlop’s left, and it crossed the line after striking the foot of the post. Hickson teed up a chance for Collins off a Jimmy Harris centre but this time the Everton man could get neither direction or power and the ball went swerving well outside. Hickson had another mix-up with Matthews in which Whittaker joined the net result being a free kick to Chelsea. Everton started to pile on the pressure and O’Hara did the right thing in attempting to chip the ball for the top angle after Matthews and come out for a corner but unfortunately there was too much “pull” on ball and it drifted outside.
Thomas On Wing
Thomas had now gone to the right wing and one presumed that it was a switch because there was no sign of injury. It was Thomas who made the centre from which Hickson made a close range shot which Matthews saved. Straight from this Chelsea moved in and the Everton goal had yet one more miraculous escape for Bramwell apparently trying to put the ball over his own bar for safely put it against the bar and when it dropped down there was Gibbs with all the time and all the goal to shoot at. He put it outside. Everton went ahead again in 82 minutes through Hickson, Collins and Thomas forced a corner and Thomas placed it well. Jimmy Harris headed the ball forward and Hickson was there to make a deliberate header between Matthews and Whittaker. Two minutes later Hickson scored a third when O’Hara put the ball through to him. He raced no to draw Matthews from goal and calmly place it past the goalkeeper inside the far post. Final; Everton 3, Chelsea 1. Official attendance 30,638.
ALEX PARKER SAYS HIS REGIMENT WAS IN ARMY CUP
November 29, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Army Sentence Me To More Training
By Alex Parker
Now I’m back with my regiment in Folkestone, many people have asked me how I would keep up with my training. Well the problem hasn’t arisen because, much to the surprise of the regiment despite our service in Cyprus, we were still in the Army Cup until Thursday and so I was in full time training with the battalion team. To some people the idea of training from 8-30 a.m till 4 p.m might not be the best idea of spending one’s National Service but you can take it from me that I’d much prefer it to doing guard duties and square bashing. In addition of course, I realize that it is for my own good as am anxious to lose the bit of weight I put on in Cyprus. The Army Cup is competed for by teams in Germany and Britain and although there is a fair sprinkling of professionals in the Army, each side is only allowed three in its team. Last Thursday we played The Royal Artillery in the second round at Woolwich and before the game were not given much chance. Actually we were very unlucky to lose 3-2 for we had a goal disallowed for offside, had what we thought was an offside goal given against us, and then missed a penalty 10 seconds from time. No I didn’t take it. So that’s the end of Fusilier Parker’s hopes of getting an Army Cup medal to go with his Scottish one. Still with the F.A Cup starting in January, as far as Everton is concerned, I’m hoping the Scottish one won’t be lonely for too long. I met the Everton boys, in Nottingham a week ago yesterday for the game with the Forest. The lads were not too despondent about this defeat as well all realize that even the greatest sides cannot go unbeaten for ever and if you don’t have that run of the ball and we certainly didn’t you just cannot win. Anyway, we didn’t play badly, and there’s no reason to think we have lost form. Funnily enough, Nottingham Forest were rivals with Everton for my signature when I was at Falkirk and although it seems quite a happy club I have no regrets about coming to Goodison. The thing that has impressed me more than the ground the training facilities and everything else, is the spirit among the boys. It really is terrific and I can honestly say I have never been happier in my football career, I am not only speaking for myself for I know Eddie O’Hara and Bobby Collins feel the same.
Loss of Form
While I was in Nottingham I met a boy I went to school with and had not seen for three and a half years. He is Bryce Fulton, who was playing for Plymouth Res at Notts County. He was in Manchester United’s youth team when they had such players as Duncan Edwards, David Pegg, and Bobby Charlton in the side. However, he could not see much future at Old Trafford with players like Foulkes, Byrne, Bent, &c, and moved to Plymouth where he played in the first team last season. Another player I met was Alex Govan, Argyle’s left winger. Surely he is a case which illustrates the ups and downs of a footballer’s life. It’s not so long ago that he was banging in goals galore for Birmingham and was well in the running for a Scottish cap. He went to Portsmouth from Brum but was not there long and is now playing for Plymouth’s second string. This loss of form is a funny thing. It takes us all in turn and often there is no apparent reason for it. At such a time the harder you try the worse things seem to go for you. The only thing to do is tell yourself that it is a natural hazard of your profession and it will end in its own good time. Another player I was talking to after the game was Joe McDonald the Forest left-back. He joined the Nottingham club from Sunderland and before that he was with Falkirk. Although he has made his name in English football as a left-back he played on the oppose flank for Falkirk. When he left to join Sunderland his place was taken over by a 19-years-old boy by the name of –Alex Parker. We travelled back to Liverpool via Sheffield on the Saturday night and on the station I met an old friend and rival in Don Kichen brand. The last time I saw Don was a couple of years ago when he was playing for Rangers. He was in a very good mood last Saturday for he had just scored a hat-trick in Sunderland’s win at Rotherham.
world Class
On the Friday night before the match we went to the pictures. On the screen flashed the words “World Class” I turned to Albert Dunlop and said, Reminds me of the World Cup.” Sure enough what followed dealt with football. It was about Bobby Charlton, who was advertising a well known beverage; it showed Bobby in training and finished with his scoring a goal against Scotland at Hampden. That was all right but it also showed the lead up to the goal which was a cross from Finnay who was being vainly chased by yours truly. The shots were from last Aprils clash and is a game I was hoping to forget for England won 4-0 but no, I go to the pictures in Nottingham and see it all again. Bobby received much praise for that goal, but although I played in the match I have only seen it on the pictures. It was too busy watching Finney. A thing I have noticed since I have been in Liverpool is the number of young amateur detectives you have here. Don’t worry I haven’t been in trouble with the law. It’s just that practically every Sunday afternoon there are knocks at the front door from groups of small boys wanting autographs. How they find out where I live I don’t know. Mind you, I don’t mind signing I’ll start to worry when they stop knocking. They’re one type of knockers to which I have no objection.
TOMMY JONES, EVERTON CAPTAIN, DISCUSSES THE OFFSIDE TRAP
November 29, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
It Cuts Out Soccer Moves of Promise
By Tommy Jones
Last week’s game at Nottingham proved to be the first the Blues have lost in the League since the advent of Mr. Carey. Along with the “Boss” I don’t think we’ll be losing any sleep over this. The thing to do now is to see it doesn’t occur again for another five games at least. Allowing for slips and misses by both teams, I thought a draw would have been a fair result although I will admit our forwards were more perplexed by Forest’s defensive play than Forest’s forwards were of ours. Time without number we fell for the offside trap, a defensive strategy which I fail to recognize as good soccer. This could be sour graphs on my part because it was aggravating watching our boys all for this type of defence but any footballer or team really worth their salt should be able to overcome this small, and sometimes fatal, obstacle I say fatal because I have seen this form of defence collapse against a quick thanking forward line. Soccer is primarily an entertainment and anything which tends to cut that out cannot be classed as such. It ends many promising moves by simple regimentation which is disheartening to watch. Fortunately for Forest their tactics were 100 p,c. perfect. One day they will slip up the law of average will see to that. Watching the international on Wednesday and Broadbent, the England and Wolves inside right, in particular I noticed that with his striking type of play he often ran himself into an offside position. But on one occasion, at least the ruse didn’t pay off for the Welsh defence, and he had the opportunity of snatching a goal –only the daring of Welsh goalkeeper Kelsey saved a certainly. We play the Wolves next Saturday so we will have to keep an eye on Broadbent. I thought the 2 p.m. kick-off at Villa Park had the effect of keeping the crowd down. Although Birmingham is the largest industrial city in Great Britain containing three First Division sides, the international couldn’t attract the number expected. For years fans have been crying for an international to be held in the provinces. The purpose? Why not give the midweek soccer fans a chance to prove their loyalty to the game? A number of First Division grounds could accommodate large attendance under their lights. Wembley has held too many premier games over the last few years. Bring the international teams to the province more often, but give the fans a real opportunity of supporting their country.
That Birthday Cake
Wally Fielding the ageless inside forward who has seen em come and seen en go at Goodison, notched another birthday during the week. This may not have come to light but for the fact that he received a telegram at Nottingham where he was 12th man wishing him “Many Happy Returns.” The telegram was a little premature, as Wally’s birthday wasn’t until last Wednesday. Not to be outdone the kitchen staff in our hotel baked Wally a cake beautifully iced in the club’s colours and left it on the lunch table. As cake is a forbidden fruit before a game, Wally took it with him and we all participated in a few bars of “Happy Birthday” and a portion of cake apiece on the train home. Here’s to the next time, Wally, and may we celebrate with a win!
Happy At Earle
Our reserve game last week on Earle’s ground was approached with some conjecture. However, I must report that our lads brought back some glowing reports. Apart from the slope, something a small club can never hope to eradicate, the ground is good. It is a little on the small side, perhaps which led to some amusement and confusion. In order that the game should not be held up should the ball be kicked out of the ground a supply of balls were kept hands by the trainer. Harry Cooke. Unfortunately on more than one occasion, there were two balls being played on the pitch. A case of too many Cooks spoiling the broth? Pardon the pun.
ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
November 29, 1958. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Aston Villa Res; Beaton, goal; Jones and Page, backs; Lee, Ashfield and Saward, half-backs; Wilts, Bamford, Myrescough, Burrows, and Barrett, forwards. Everton Res; O’Neill, goal; Sanders and Billington, backs; Rea, Labone, and Meagan, half-backs; Penman, Temple, Kirby, Wignall, and Williams, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Lockers (Stoke-on-Trent). Everton forced the first corner but Williams’s attempt at a short one was a failure. A well-placed free kick by Meagan gave Wignall the opportunity to give the Blues the lead after six minutes. Everton’s tactics of swinging the ball about was keeping Villa defence at full stretch. Williams got across a couple of good centres but he inside men were slow to take advantage of them. Everton continued the more dangerous side and following one or two narrow escapes the Villa goal fell again this time to Kirby who took full advantage of a defensive error after 22 minutes. Bamforth reduced the lead after 41 minutes. Half-time; Aston Villa Res 1, Everton Res 2.
November 1958