LILL READY FOR EVERTON’S CUP GAME?
Monday, January 2, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
LECIESTER CITY 4, EVERTON 1
By Jack Rowe
Micky Lill, the Everton winger will return to the first team for next Saturday’s F.A Cup game against Sheffield United at Goodison Park.  It will be his first big match since the cartilage operation and the only bar to him turning out is if there has been any reaction from his reserve side outing against Barnsley on Saturday.  His position in the Cup-tie will be at outside left for apart from the fact that Temple sustained an injury at Leicester he cannot keep a fit Lill out and after two successive defeats Everton will want to lay the fears that’s a slide has started.  Brian Harris was another casualty of the Leicester game after a collision with Dunlop.  Harris and Temple were hurt in the first half at Leicester and both spent some time hobbling on the wings with consequent disorganisation to the side, but in this handicap does not lie the true reason for the crash at Filbert Street.  Everton amazed me in that at the time did they appreciate that you cannot play classy football on a mud heap and this is the only way to describe that Filbert Street pitch.  Conditions like these call for the long ball and the follow up and it was this method which paid off for Leicester.  They were two up in four minutes so Everton can find no excuse in the injuries which came later.  They certainly told against a successful fight back but the story of the game was one of Leicester pace and ball movement against the dilly-dallying tactics of Everton who repeatedly bogged themselves down in the middle of the field mud and in the finish deserved the thrashing they received.  For me Everton have not played as badly all season and while one must accept defeat occasionally this instance calls for criticism of the utter failure to adapt themselves to the needs of the days and to pin-point also the fact that experts like Collins and Vernon did not see the way.  Collins as usually battled hard but there was no inspiration from him as captain and never could I see Everton making a recovery from those early goals.  Vernon’s persistence in holding the ball and making the short pass was another frustrating feature and there were at least half a dozen occasions when the hope of breaking down a hard tackling and enthusiastic Leicester defence was there and was ruined by his failure to move the ball quickly enough.  Leicester probably played at little above themselves, but they made one pass do where Everton were using four and then utilisation of the wings, this the response from Riley and Wills often made the Everton defence look rocky and ill-positioned.  Inevitably the players slipped and fell when the tackling was strong and this caused one or two upsets which brought the referee’s admonition but in spite of the occasional testiness I would not call it a rough match.  Indeed the incidents helped to provide entertainment and the Leicester crowd went home happy at their team’s showing especial as they must have feared the visit of the powerful Everton.  I think Everton are capable of coming back and wiping out the memory of these two defeats but there is no complacency that the side is the complete answer Thomson has yet to lay claim to a permanent place at full back.  He did not have a happy time and was too easily beaten by Riley.  He was not the only one to get little credit for I feel that Gabriel has fallen away from the standard he set when he first came here.  Parker had a reasonably good game in the circumstances and Labone covered a lot of ground covering efforts while Dunlop made his saves, but cannot escape some reasonability for two of the goals.  Bingham was my choice as Everton’s top man.  He had a go at left half during the injury period, but all the time was fighting hard and his endeavour was not always copied in other positions.  Riley scored Leicester’s first goal when he shot home after a centre from Wills had found him unmarked and three minutes later the Everton defence failed to challenge effectively when Appleton’s free kick floated in and Walsh was able to glance it home.  Everton had one or two chances but were never as dangerous as Leicester, who got their third in thirty-nine minutes when Dunlop could not keep complete grip on Riley’s cross and Leek prodded it into the net.  Harris at outside left headed Everton’s goal in seventy-six minutes and seven minutes from the end Leek made it 4-1 with a header from riley’s cross.  Leicester City; Banks; Chalmers, Norman; McLintock, King, Appleton; Riley, Walsh, Leek, Keyworth’s Wilis.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bingham, Collins (captain), Wignall, Vernon, Temple.  Referee; Mr. J. Bellwood, (Liversedge).  Attendance 23,515. 

EVERTON RES WERE FORTUNATE
Monday, January 2, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton Reserve 1, Barnsley Res 0
Everton were a shade fortunate to win a dull game by a lucky sixty-fifth minute goal from a breakaway.  Bentley, however made no mistake upon fortuitously receiving a second chance after bungling his first attempt.  Barnsley’s accurate and open football fully extended the Everton defence, in which Parnell and Jones were outstanding with sustain second half pressure.  During this period the Everton attack was disorganised through injury forcing Webber to go on the wings, while Lill naturally took no risks.  Even at full strength the Everton forwards of whom Tyrer and Bentley came out best, persisted in close passing which made little impression on a compact Barnsley defence. 
Everton Youth have been drawn away at Middlesbrough. 

EVERTON APOLOGISE FOR OVERCROWDING
Monday, January 1, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
MR. MOORES VIEW ON SCENES AT BURNLEY MATCH
REMEDIAL MEASURES
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have issued an official statement on the overcrowding of their ground last Tuesday when the season’s biggest club attendance of 75,000 was present.  The Board regret the overcrowding in some parts of the ground by the uneven distribution of spectators on the occasion of the match against Burnley and have under consideration remedied measures in contract any repetition of it.  Mr. Moore revealed some of the possibilities for the better packing of the ground at matches of which there could be several between now and the end of the season.  He said “We shall consider the penning of the terrace and the establishing of mechanical counting machines to record the entrance of every spectator in each entrance.  When a turnstile is near of its capacity a warning red light could show to queue outside the ground, so that they could move off to another here there was greater room. 
EXPERTS VIEW
In this way spectators would help to pack themselves effectively.  We should be guided on this and on any other aspects by experts in the crowd management whom we should call in on advice.  We don’t want near capacity or capacity crowds to see matches in discomfort.  It will take some weeks to put our plans into operation but mean time if there is a possibility of overcrowding we shall limit the big attendance by two, three or even four thousand.  That Everton are taking steps to help pack their spectators comfortably that they regret the discomfort some endured in the Burnley match is news that will be received with satisfaction by all their followers. 

TIP-TAPPING EVERTON MADE IT EASY FOR LEICESTER
Monday, January 2, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Jack Rowe
Everton’s 4-1 crash against Leicester City in the Filbert Street mud could not be accounted for by the injuries which beset them in the first half and caused team alterations which inevitably weakened attack and defence.  The chief cause was their own inability to appreciate that in ankle deep mud persistence in trying to develop the close-passing game has little chance of succeeding.  This mistake was not made by Leicester and even if though the injuries must have had an effect the fact is that Everton were two goals down before any of them occurred so that in any event their task would have been a pretty hearty one.  Yet rarely did they show signals of facing up to it in the only way likely to bring reward.  Time after time the ball was held close in the mud in the middle of the field and when and progress was made the same dallying near the penalty area meant that few shots were delivered at the Leicester goalkeeper Banks.  With only a minute gone Everton were a goal down-a goal made and taken with speed and precision and by means of the far-flung pass, for right winger Riley was out on his own when the cross from Willis left the Everton defence flat footed.  Three minutes after, inside right Walsh was allowed to take a header unchallenged from an Appleton free kick and Everton had their backs to the wall before they had time to settle down. 
Deserved Lead
Leicester deserved their lead for they moved speedily and what was more important kept the ball on the move and utilised their wingers so that Thomson was given a most unhappy time by Riley and on this display is not finding the form Everton hoped he would.  Then came the injuries first to Harris and them to Temple that to Harris caused by a collision with Dunlop in desperately retrieving a dangerous situation and for the rest of the first half they were on the wings with Bingham and Collins trying to work in defence and attack.  While this was tough on Everton, I do not think it made any difference to the result.  Leicester deserved to win and even in the second half, when the team formation was back to normal and they did more of the attacking, Everton’s prospects of an goal were rare.  Still they persistence in trying to walk the ball through the mud and although Leicester were not as dominating or as fiery as they had been in the first half their quick flung passes gave the impression that Leicester’s defence was far more solid than Everton’s.  Leicester’s third goal in 39 minutes was a piece of opportunism by centre forward Leek, for when Dunlop grabbled a centre from Riley’s and lost his grip for the briefest second Leek’s foot had the ball in the net.  With players sliding and falling in the quagmire contention was inevitable and one or two peculiar decisions by Referee Bellwood of Liversedge did not help matters.  But no matter how Everton strived they were but a shadow of the team we expect them to be and a superior side.  When Harris playing at outside left headed a goal in the 75th minute the hope was that this should be a spur to an Everton battle to salvage a cause which on the face of it appeared to be lost.  But still that tip-tapping on and sure enough it led to Leicester’s fourth goal seven minutes from the end when Thomson was out of reach of a short pass from Harris and Riley had ample time to centre with Leek heading in which no one near enough to challenge.  For once Bobby Collins made little impact on a match.  He fough hard but his passes were far from the precision once he usually provides while Vernon had one shot and that a poor one.  He took too much time in moving the ball and when he did would usually get bogged down in the mud.  Everton’s best I thought was Bingham, if only for his endeavour in attack, and defence but he suffered because of lack of service for Gabriel did not have a good match and Harris’s injury obviously told against him. 
DEFENSIVE FAULTS
Parker was clearly the better of the full backs and Labone had to do so much covering that the gap down the middle was often there and Dunlop in spite of making several good saves was at fault, I thought in not challenging for the second goal and the fact that he could not retain Riley’s centre tells its own story with the third.  All-round this was a poor performance from Everton mainly because they adopted the wrong tactics.  Leicester’s had a defence which tackled sharply and covered well, another reason why the ball should have been moved about and in attack the Filbert Street a side made progress the easy way and might have scored more than the four they did. 

BIG EVERTON INTEREST IN LEFT WINGER
January 3, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton have watched Clive Clark the young Queens Park Rangers left winger in recent weeks, the last time at Bradford City on Saturday, and are ready with an offer (writes Jack Rowe).  They have opposition from Fulham and West Bromwich Albion, and the Craven Cottage club have already offered £17,500 the price Rangers want, but Everton will match that figure and it could be that the final decision will rest with the player.  Clark is Cup-tied, but his value to Everton could be in the future and I understand that he would not mind moving North. 

FANS’ REACTIONS TO THE 75,000 ATTENDANCE
January 3, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
My surprise at the initial lack of correspondences following Everton 75,000 attendance at the Everton.  Surely match was premature.  There has been plenty since.  Only (given below) suggests that in one part of the ground at least there was room and to spare.  Everton themselves must have had complaints at over-crowding and also of a situation which does not allow a spectator to leave the ground when he wishes.  For example W. Sturgeon 97 Braithwaite Crescent, West Derby says;- consider Everton should return 4,000 half-crowns to those supporters who were forced to stand at the tea stalls all afternoon having had no chance of seeing the game.  Scenes at the ground, the same day are described by T. Carter, 47 Tinkle Peg Lane Knowsley, Prescott, as disgraceful.  He goes on “I have never witnessed anything like them; I paid my 2s 6d at Gwladys Street twenty five minutes before kick-off time and all the passage ways were crammed tight.  Nobody could move one way or the other.  I tried every possible place behind the Gwladys Street end, but everywhere was packed.  Along with hundreds of others, I tried to get out of the ground and the disgraceful part was that they were still letting people through the turnstiles.  Everyone shouted to men all the turnstiles to close them.  Their answer was that they would close then when they were ordered to by the ground staff.  Quite a number of Burnley supporters went home and the occasion must have left a nasty taste in their months.  “There must be hundreds of fans who can confirm my statement.  I suggest Mr. Moore never let anything like this happen again. 
“Doubtful “wants to comment on the so-called crush at Goodison Park.  There was no need he says for the crowd to encroach on the sidelines.  The trouble was started by people at the back who used exciting phrases of the game as a pretext to push forward and create swaying and over-crowding.  He continues.  “The same thing is done on the Kop at Anfield.  The real cause of the break at Everton was due to the fact that these were only two policemen at our end.  They did their best but were completely overwhelmed.  Boys should not be allowed to jump the barriers.  “It is impossible to get out of the ground until nearly full time at the Gwladys Street end.  There is a lock on the gate and so if people had to make a hasty exit there could well be serious trouble.  In the Members and Shareholders stand the same situation exists.  Spectators should be able to leave the ground whenever they wish.”
ROOM AND TO SPARE
Kenneth Ferguson of 2 York Avenue, Sefton Park, Liverpool 17 writes;-
“You say you should have been in the crowd at Goodison Park on Tuesday for £10 –what a lot of fun you are missing (as perforce you must) in the security, and exclusion of the Press Box for those in the stands can scarcely absorb the real atmosphere of the game this is to be found on the terraces where the spectators have the advantage of being so much nearer the field of play and of almost feeling as if they were participating in the game itself.  “You may be surprised to hear that standing under the Gwladys Street stand at a distance no less than the length of a cricket pitch from the back of the net, where the crowd flowed over the barriers (viewed the game in comfort.  “I am over six-feet tall and directly behind me was a man five inches shorter than myself so we exchanged places and in our immediate vicinity where we were all strangers to one another similar real justment of position took place to the benefit of all in a seasonal spirit of good-will and so making for a most pleasant afternoon may be I was lucky!.  This prompt me to make suggestion, it has often been said that a system of pens similar to those installed at Hampden Park might be the solution to Everton’s congestion problem, but I would go a step further.  Why not have separate pens for the six feet, 5ft 10ins, 5ft 8ins spectators and so on?  Admittedly this might almost mean employing tailors with tape measures at the gates at the end would surely justify the means! 
“To be more serious, however the main trouble in the Burnley match in my view was the bad packing.  At Maine-Road on big match days I have seen club stewards clearing spectators away from the entrances to the terraces which always tend to get blocked and marshalling with megaphones spectators from some densely packed areas to others not so full.  All this of course requires skill, tact and patience in abundance to get essential co-operation from the crowd.  But I believe could be accomplished successfully at Goodison Park and then I am convinced 75,000 spectators or perhaps more could view a match in reasonable comfort. 
SHOVED FROM PILLAR TO POST
The other side of the medal is shown by Tony Gabler (16 Maxton road, Liverpool 6)- “I don’t suppose I shall be the first to complain about the conditions we spectators had to put-up with on Tuesday but never in the whole experience of watching football have I been so glad to leave the ground (regardless of the defeat).  “After entering at a reasonable time to obtain a place in the ground, I was eventually shoved from pillar to post-and trodden on until my feet ached.  I also heard of spectators after entering the ground early leaving just after the start without even seeing a ball kicked.  This is just not good enough.  “Surely something must be done to stop this, and I personally would like to see (a) small boy prohibited except in their own pen when big games are out.  (b) the gates closed before kick-off-so that people who have been in early to get a good view, should not be crushed and shouted just because some alcoholics must have a drink before the match.  With the backing Everton have now they can become one of the greatest clubs in Europe and if they are to entertain such clubs as Real Madrid-Barcelona &c., they must make some amendments to the ground to ensure the safely at their loyal supporters. 

EVERTON MAY STILL WIN RACE FOR WINGER CLIVE CLARK LIKELY TO TURN DOWN WEST BROM TODAY
Tuesday, January 4, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton may still pip West Browwich Albion on the post for the signature of Clive Clark, Queen’s Park Rangers twenty-years-old outside left although the Midlands club have agreed terms and are expecting to complete the signing today.  Clark I was told last night “is not at all sure about going to West Bromwich.  He is to talk things over with his father before deciding.  The player’s father travel from Leeds today.  The fee agreed is £17,500, but Everton have intimed that the size of Queen’s Park’s demand is no worry to them.  The fact that there is a strickly “no comment” reaction from Everton should not be taken as meaning there is no interest for such would not be true.  Although Clark would not be eligible against Sheffield United on Saturday, Everton cannot be blamed if they feel that they must move towards reinforcement for event’s still to come.  West Brom it will be remembered came to terms with Everton for the transfer of Jimmy Harris, but it did not get them the player, Birmingham stepping in successfully.  History could be repeated with Clark, with the substution of Everton for Birmingham in this case, for my information is that Clark is likely to turn down West Brom’s overtures. 
GLAMOUR OF EVERTON
There is not even an approximate date named for the return to football of Tommy Ring, Mickey Lill seems to be running out at one misfortune into another, and Derek Temple’s has not seized his opportunity as well as was hoped.  Everton have no intention of standing idly by and watching the side slide to further defeat while players recover from injury and I gather there will be genuine disappointment if Clark eludes the Goodison net.  It is not easy to imagine how West Brom can match the glamour of Everton in its appeal to a young player and Clark cannot afford to turn down the opportunity without the most serious thought wanted.  Everton are now one of the magnetite attractions for players ability.  Lill yesterday went along to see a special list for advice about a boil which has appeared on the ankle which was accidentally spiked in the training but at the same time I understand some anxiety was expressed about tenderness, in the knee on which a cartilage operation was performed.  It is believed the official view was taken that there was nothing wrong with the knee that a course of massage could not put right this is the treatment prescribed.  Calling the roll at Goodison Park today was rather cheering occupation, for it produced a favourable report on Parker, Temple, Brian Harris, and Wignall.  All of them are confidently expected to be available for selection.  Whether manager John Carey may decide this is the appropriate time for change of changes is something which quite naturally he will not discuss. 
TIME FOR CHANGE?
If I were in his position, I would be considering quite seriously whether or not George Sharples might be utilised despite his lack of experience and with Tom Jones playing very well in recent outings with the reserves the temptation to introduce greater stability at left back while Thomson becomes more familiar with the English style is not easily resisted.  Naturally I am not suggesting that the savaging of Everton’s defence in recent matches has been wholly attributable to Thomson’s inexperience of football in this county, but it is true that in the last seven games (from Thomson’s debut) eighteen goals have been conceded.  In the previous eighteen matches the total was twenty-six, I know full well that those seven games may have been against opponents as formidable as Burnley (twice) Tottenham, Sheffield Wednesday and Arsenal but it is a goal leakage the like of which Everton cannot afford if their Cup ambitions are as well founded as some of the players say.  What a coincidence it would be if Everton restored the club skipper to left back after an absence of seven games and Liverpool did the same with captain Ronnie Moran, after missing nearly twice as many matches not that the latter seems likely to happen in view of the news from Anfield yesterday. 

EVERTON MISS CLARK
Wednesday, January 5, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
The signal for Everton to step in and sign Clive Clark, Queen’s Park Rangers’ twenty-years-old outside left expected yesterday never came.  The explanation was that Clark decided after consultation with his father, to go to West Brom a move which has taken quite a number of people by surprise.  This is the beginning rather than the end of Everton’s search to add even further strength to their side. 
Everton’s F.A Cup opponents Sheffield United were heartened yesterday by the appearance at the ground for training of their captain and eight back, Cecil Coldwell, on recovery from a cold.  Wing half Summers and Richardson who are being treated for leg injuries are improving and it is anticipated that both will be selection.  Everton’s Collins, Young and Thomson returned from Scotland yesterday and will train today.  Treatment on Young’s knee has continued but there is no indication of his prospects of being fit. 

EVERTON HAVE LEARNED THEIR MUD LESSON
Friday, January 6, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
FOOTBALL CANNOT WIN ALL THE TIME-PLAY MUST SUIT OCCASION
Says Roy Vernon
A happy New Year indeed; Everton begin it with a record of defeat in three of our last four games, our worse sequence of the season, and if we had been seriously contending for the League championship what a dismal look it would have brought to the faces of the supporters and players but because this seems to be season in which we can start on the last leg of the championship knowing the names of the ultimate champions, our fall from grace, however, temporary is not attended by disastrous consequences.  Don’t think we are complacent about developments.  Players, thrive on success every bit as much as their supporters but it has produced despondency, and we are resolved to strive to the limit of our ability to give the crowd something to remember Everton by in this noteworthy season.  How much better that these defeats should have occurred in the past fortnight instead of the next!  It is only a personal opinion but I believe the mud caught us unprepared we though the old doctrine or playing football and keeping on playing football, would produce the goals.  We knew differently now!  Because Goodison Park was as big and deep a mud-bath at any ground in the country, readers may be surprised at the admission but remember when the Everton ground was at its worse two seasons ago, the team bore little resemblances to that of today and so our heavy-weather men are no longer in force in the side.  Our pitch in the meantime has become transformed, until today, it is the best in the League.  I know two of those defeat were sustained on our own pitch and that bad weather is not the whole of the explanation but to be defeated by Spurs and Burnley is no disgrace-even at home.  We were far less worried by those reverses than we were at Leicester for I am convinced that we could beat Leicester City nine times out of ten.  A good team, it is said, should be able to play under any conditions and I cannot disagree but we learned our lesson too, late.  Down the middle stuff with a desperate chase and preparedness for mistakes in the mud, were far more likely to get results.  I don’t think we shall make the same mistake again.  Football remained our game, but there is more than one way of playing it.  I have been asked if the Everton bubble has burst if other teams have go wise to us and have learned by adopting certain tactics they can put the Everton machine out of gear.  I don’t believe that for a moments.  It has not taken clubs half a season to weigh us up, and until recently they have not been able to halt our progress.  We have learned to play at a team but now we see that there must be elasticity to every plan, I don’t expect to be bogged down by close-marking defences.  What we have done before we can do again-and better.  At present our normal plan meant that the ball is coming too slowly into the scoring positions.  The gaps created are closed before we can start to exploit, them.  Although it may sound slightly sacrilegious to the purists, we must learn to use the big boot when necessary.
EARLY GOALS COSTLY
It is all very well saying it is football that counts and not results but nobody likes to lose and go on losing.  That could soon sap enthusiasm which had reached the greatest pitch in my experience.  We must preserve that at all costs and to do that we must have result as well as football.  Football is quite in order in any conditions so long as you are a goal or two up, but when it is your opponents who get the early goals then it seems we are flirting with danger not to realise the folly of playing football for the sake of football.  It has been advanced on our behalf that injuries put victory out of the question for is at Leicester.  I think we would have been defeated in an impossible pitch.  I realise fully that it should have been just as impossible for Leicester hit us amidships and we were left without rescue craft in sight.  The arm-chair critics, as supporters are sometimes dubbed spend more fine than many appreciate on arriving at their own conclusion for failure.  One of them approached me this week with a suggestion that it was unfair to saddle Bobby Collins with the task of skippering the side because the extra responsibility might interfere with the work of our key player. 
NEVER COMPLAINED
He pointed out Bobby had been his normal brilliant self recently and thought he had hit on the solution but I was able to tell him that Bobby has not only just taken over the reins of captaincy.  The club skipper Tommy Jones has been in charge only once during the last thirteen games and of those we have lost four games, won seven and drawn two.  I have never heard Bobby complain about the captaincy weighting him down and preventing him giving of his best.  So far as I am concerned he has made an excellent deputy skipper for Tommy.  What I believe is being over-looked is that Collins is such a wonderful player, such a consistent player that he has only to slip slightly for the discrepancy to be noticed.  I have known occasion when Bobby has been written down as having had a “below par” game when he has still played really well.  That class of play from almost any other player would have earned him star rating, but because Bobby has fed crowd on achievement and scintillating performance only that is good enough.  It is true that the cares of captaincy affect some players far more than others, but Collins is not the type to shy at responsibility.  No we should not be looking for scapegoats.  The whole side willingly accepts its share of responsibility for failure but worry not all is well with Everton. 

EVERTON DROP GEORGE THOMSON
Friday, January 6, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
SCOT MISSES CUP-TIE
JONES RETURNS
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have made sensational changes for their Cup-tie against Sheffield United at Goodison Park tomorrow.  George Thomson their new signing from Hearts has been dropped, outside right Bingham goes to the left wing where Temple has been figuring and young Alan Tyrer an 18-years-old local makes his F.A Cup debut on the right as the partner of Bobby Collins.  Tom Jones not Colin Green the man Thomson displaced when he came from Hearts seven weeks ago, gets the left-back position.  Thomson was signed with Scottish international centre-forward Alex Young for a combined fee of £53,000 late in November.  He made his debut at Highbury on November 26.  Four League games since then have been lost.  Young played in a trial yesterday and seemed fit, but it is clear the club are not prepared to take the chance of his breaking down. 
BINGHAM ON LEFT
The experiment of trying Bingham on the left wing and young Tyrer on the right was also tried at Bellefield yesterday.  I am told Bingham did very well in his unaccustomed place.  Tyrer made is League debut at Fulham last season and has played for the first team several times this season.  He is really an inside forward but is quite at home on the wing.  Tom Jones captained the side at the outset of the season.  He lost his place through injury to Colin Green from Wrexham and never regained it.  Then the signing of Thomson put further in the back ground.  Sheffield manager John Harris will not make up his mind about inside left position in his team until just before the kick-off.  He has named three players for the berth Kettleborough, Hartle and Hodgkinson.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Harris (B); Tyrer, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Bingham.  Sheffield United;- Hodgknosn; Caldwell, Shaw (G); Richardson, Shaw (J), Summers, Mason, Russell, Pace, Kettleborough, or Hartre, or Hodgson, Simonson. 

EVERTON CHOSE CUP DAY TO MAKE CHANGES
Saturday, January 7, 1961. The Liverpool, Daily Post
THOMSON GIVES WAY TO JONES-PROMISES TO FIGHT BACK
By Horace Yates
F.A Cup day is hardly the ideal moment for a club to chop and change its teams and yet I doubt if there will be any criticism of manager John Carey’s action in disturbing the recent order of things at Everton.  Plainly changes were necessary and the fact that they have coincided with the opening of the battle for Wembley is comparatively unimportant.  Scottish left back George Thomson goes out and the much more experienced Tom Jones returns after having played only one senior game in the last thirteen, while Alan Tyrer will be at outside right.  Sheffield United today visitor Goodison, may have lost some of their invincible appearance in recent weeks, but obviously the potential is still there and it is important that the Everton defence should be watertight as existing strength can make it.  That is where Jones comes in, for his last appearance with the seniors, in the League Cup match with Bury on the day Thomson and Young were signed, showed him to be a player right in form.  It seemed desperately hard on Jones to be dropped after a showing of the highest calibre.  Out he went to make room for Thomson and the Scot cannot complain that he has not been given a fair chance to show his ability for he has taken part in seven successive League games.  At times there have been signs that he was mastering the challenge of increased tempo but his defence has hardly matched the security of that of Jones.  Thomson may have made the mistake of attempting too much in a constructive sense before making himself thoroughly efficient in the art of destruction.  It is no tragedy for him to be left out.  His career is still ahead of him and although obviously disappointed to have his acquaintance with F.A Cup football postponed he is absolutely right in initial that his turn will come and that he will fight and win back his position.  That is the sort of fighting talk I like to hear from any deposed player and with time on his side it is the only attitude. 
BINGHAM MOVED OVER
Everton have tried various permutations to cope with the outside left problem and now the most experienced winger available.  Billy Bingham, is asked to cross from right to left to enable Alan Tyrer who made his debut at outside right almost exactly a year ago at Fulham to take part in his seventh senior match.  During the week, when the vacancy was being plainly advertised Tyrer took the opportunity to slam home a couple of goals in a practice outing, golden goals so far as he was concerned.  I don’t think it will be Everton’s fault if Bingham has to play out of position very long, for with no reliable estimate yet available as to when Lill will be back, it is my hunch that eyes and ears will be wide open for word of a more permanent sort of replacement.  Everton have now reached the position where they must maintain progress and not merely mark time hopefully.  Sheffield United will not finalise their team until today.  Although Kettleborough passed a fitness test yesterday, after missing three games, Hartle and Hodgson stand by as alternative inside left, availing a definite verdict.  Obviously United’s reputation is too great for Everton to approach the meeting with any degree of over-confidence, although there is more recent than a 1925 clash to suggest how Cup results might go.  The four Cup meetings which began in 1896 show that success has favoured the home team, with two wins each.  The pattern is likely to be followed again today.  Despite recent heavy rain.  Goodison Park last night boasted a pitch that was firm and dry, conditions all in favour of Everton.  Probably the best form of Bingham’s career was in Luton F.A Cup run of two seasons ago when he scored in every round to the final.  Nobody will be trying harder than Billy to start an equally praiseworthy sequence with Everton.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Tyrer, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Bingham.  Sheffield United; Hodgkinson; Caldwell, G. Shaw; Richardson, J. Shaw, Summers, Mason, Russell, Pace, Kettleborough (or Hartle or Hodgkinson), Simpson. 

SHEFFIELD UNITED WILL BE WORTHY OPPONENTS
Saturday, January 7, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
EVERTON DEFENCE HAS A MORE SOLID LOOK
By Leslie Edwards
Sheffield United make worthy opponents, for Everton.  True, they have slipped a little bite in their promotion bid in recent weeks, but that may well have been more due to ill-luck with injured players than anything else.  One thing is certain.  When they played Liverpool at Anfield a few weeks ago they helped to produce one of the finest games seen at the ground for years.  They looked more like a first-class First Division club than challengers for a place in the top class.  John Harris their manager who followed Joe Mercer in the managerial chair at Bramell Lane, was a great and gentlemanly player-and so was his father-so he knows just what is required to effort and skill and to my mind his team would be an acquisition to Division 1.  One of John Harris’s ideals is the former Everton and Tranmere half-backs Archie Clarke who was “Nobby” to the crowd’s at Goodison Park long before Wally Fielding arrived after the war to take over that famous nick-name Archie was of course manager at Gillingham for many years before he linked with Sheffield.  Like their neighbours, Everton have had a lean period during the last four weeks; like Liverpool they are seeking to get back to winning at this crucial time.  A cup defeat for either could be damaging to morale.  I don’t agree that Cup and League success running concurrently is too great a commitment.  The position in respect of a team running well in the Cup and trying to avoid relegation in the League is a vastly different one. 
PREMATURE
When you consider that two of three recent defeats of Everton came from Burnley and Spurs and that Everton were not able to play their strongest eleven in either match talk of Everton going off the boil as they say, is all too premature.  Burnley and Spurs were the very sides they would have had difficulty in beating even if the Everton eleven had been at full strength.  I hope there is no official fringe of pessimism at Goodison Park and that players who have proved that they can get results will be given freedom to work out their own salvation in their own way.  Everton have decided wisely I think not to gamble on the fitness of Young.  He did not look fit when he played against Spurs and to have played him in this vital tie after such a long absence from full match practice would have been an unwarrantable gamble.  Cup ties with all their intensity and speed are well calculated to undo players about whom there are fitness doubts and eleven fit men with almost invariably be too good for a team a man short.  Wignall’s size and weigh will be useful.  It must not be forgotten that he has appeared nearly all Everton’s successful forward combination this season.  The sensational dropping of George Thomson, who will be twelfth man and the switching of Bingham to the extreme left and the introduction of Alan Tyrer as partner on the right to Bobby Collins will all the be he talking points for fans as they assemble on the terraces this afternoon.  The club’s defensive record since Thomson took over from Colin Green in the match against Arsenal at Highbury last November has not been good and maybe Thomson needs more time to acclimatise himself to the pace of the game on this side of the border.  Tom Jones return will give the defence a more solid and dependable look.  I have no doubt that Bingham will be adequate in his new position or that Tyrer will continue to show his good and most practice football sense, wherever he is played. 

MORRISSEY WANTS TO LEAVE ANFIELD
Saturday, January 7, 1961, The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
THIRD REQUEST FOR TRANSFER
EVERTON BID?
John Morrissey the 21-years-old Liverpool winger yesterday made his third application for a transfer (write Michael Charters).  His previous two requests –also in writing-have been turned down because Liverpool manager Bill Shankley is reluctant to let any player go who can be of any help to the club in their bid for promotion.  Liverpool believe that Morrissey as a two-footed player who has had many first team games is too good an asset to let go at present.  Mr. Shankly told Morrissey that his request would go before the Board at their meeting next week.  Morrissey, however, has left Mr. Shankly in no doubt of his determination to leave, even threatening I understand to give up football altogether if he cannot find another club.  He help in the flourishing family grocery business in Liverpool.  I know that Everton have told Liverpool they would be interested in Morrissey if the Anfield club were prepared to transfer him.  The player would be delighted to make the switch across the park for he feels that with A’Court and Lewis holding a regular first team places there is no future for him at Anfield. 
First In
If Liverpool do relent this time and put Morrissey on the transfer list you can expect Everton to be first in with a bid for him.  Morrissey was educated at St. Sylvesters School, Liverpool and played for Liverpool, Lancashire and England Schoolboys five years ago.  He had a few games in Liverpool senior team last winter and this season took over A’Court on the left wing.  A’Court switching to the right.  Morrissey played brilliantly but fractured a cheekbone in the game against Portsmouth at Anfield on October 15 and has not played in the League team since.  There is no doubt that other First Division clubs notably Aston Villa and Preston would be interested in him if the chance came but Everton would be favourites.  Morrissey is stocky, fast and clever and would suit Everton to fill their problem position of outside left. 

EVERTON FIND ‘BLADES’ TOO SHARP FOR THEM
Saturday, January 7, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
KEEN TACKLING BLUNTS BLUES ATATCK
EVERTON 0, SHEFFIELD UNITED 1
By Leslie Edwards
Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Tyrer, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Bingham.  Sheffield United; Hodginson; Caldwell (captain); Shaw (G), Richardson, Shaw (J); Summers, Mason, Russell, Pace, Hudson, Simpson.  Referee Mr. E.T Jennings.  There would be no more than 40,000 present at the start, but they were still coming in great numbers.  Everton won the toss and chose to defend the Gwladys Street goal.  The first five minutes showed that United planned an offside trap and when all their defenders came up-field Tyrer found himself wrongly in my estimation the victim of an offside verdict.  Bingham found himself out numbered more than once and at this point was fouled and from the free kick Vernon made Hopkinson took high curled in a right foot centre overhead.  A lovely through pass by Simpson to Hodgson might have been very much more dangerous if Hodgson had finished stronger.  Everton and the crowd claimed a penalty when Caldwell and Collins clashed in the penalty area and Collins went down but the referee waved the appeal aside.  
FIERCE TACKLING
There was a lot of misplacement of the ball on both sides but Everton got going through Collins, Wignall and Bingham and Hodkinson did well to field the wingers high centre when quite severely challenged.  Vernon was given no time to manoeuvre and seemed to be frustrated after the referee would not penalise some of the tackle made on him. 
BLOW BY RUSSELL
United went ahead at 20 minutes with a goal by Russell.  He picked up a short through pass from Hodgson when in the inside left position and despite the challenge Jones kept his foot and possession and then nudged the ball passed the oncoming Dunlop, rounded the goalkeeper and followed tap the ball slowly trickle over the line a feet or two inside the post.  Pace came close to making it 2-0 immediately afterwards with a header, and Everton’s new earnestness to wipe out this deficit led to more than one free kick against them. 
TWO GOOD SAVES
Vernon had got at cross purposes with Summers but the referee appeared to be keeping a keen eye on both of them.  Dunlop finding himself to the right at full stretch now to being off a first-rated save from Mason and then-Hodgkinson fell up a low shot by Vernon from 25 yards out.  United must have gone two up if Simpson switching to inside right had done better with a gorgeous pass from Pace,  with a right foot shot he was hopelessly wide of the mark when Dunlop seemed almost certain to be beaten.  Wignall made a gigantic leap to get his head to Bingham’s first really good centre, and out-jumped the goalkeeper, but unfortunately cleared the ball just over the top.  The whole essence of the difference between the teams was that Sheffield were so quick in all things to the extent of making Everton look not one yard slow, but two. 
KEEPER FLATTERED
Hodgkinson fisted away one handed a clever fighted free kick by Vernon and then when Hodgkinson was picking up a back pass, Wignall flattered him with a charge although the goalkeeper still maintained his grasp on the ball right to the time that the trainer came to give him attention.  It was good to see Wignall come back and offer his apologies as Hodgkinson recovered and the game resumed.  The swerve of the ball in the wind was very better illustrated than when Simpson curled one in from the touchline and Dunlop found that he had to get back to his touchline quickly to make the catch. 
ALMOST OWN GOAL
There was nothing coming from the Everton wings and with Collins dropping back as a defender and unavailingly trying to stop Simpson; Labone almost put the ball through his own goal.  Summers with a header immediately afterwards put the ball on to the top of the bar from which it rebounded out of play.  In no match this season have Everton looked so thoroughly out of gear.  Dunlop had to slide almost to the edge of the box to pick up the ball in face of the challenge of Russell to that one way and another the prospects were that United would go further in front and not that Everton would get the goal they needed so desperately at this stage of the game.  Snow started to fall now and with it came one of few good Everton attacks ending with Wignall shooting wide from a standing start just inside the penalty box.  Half-time; Everton 0, Sheffield United 1.
Fortunately the snow ceased and turned to light rain during the interval when the lights went on for what would be for Everton a most critical forty-five minutes.  Everton were bringing down opponents fast and furiously to the discomfort of those concerned and of the Sheffield Utd section of the spectators in the stand.  Yorkshire spectators on the terraces were chanting “Ulka Moor Ba”-at when Collins was uprooted.  Vernon dug up the free kick and Collins was quick to move up on it, causing Hodgson to lose possession and a co-defender to give a corner without further ado. 
OVER THE TOP
For the first time Everton sustained their challenge sufficiently longer the crowd rearing Collins, Gabriel, Harris all had part in a straight down the centre combined operation which ended with Wignall shooting viciously as ever, but wide as ever-this time over the top.  Bingham and Tyrer now came into the picture for the first time and nothing was better than the way Bingham contrived to get a foot round Caldwell and edge it in front of the goal where Hodkinson took possession the instant before Wignall arrived.  But all the excitement of this narrow escape went for nothing when it was realised the whistle had gone giving Bingham offside in the first place.  Bingham now went to outside right and from there made a tentative shot which Hodgkinson fielded at the second attempt.  Tyrer often dribbled himself into trouble but the reversion of Bingham to the right wing was a good move.
BINGHAM NEAR

A first class right-foot shot by Bingham low nearly got past Hodgkinson at the near post, but this goalkeeper is an England class man and was certainly showing today.  Wignall hit the bar with a header from a Bingham centre and thus in the space of a minute we saw hope where there appeared to be none for the first 25 minutes of the second half. 
BID FOR REPLAY
Both sides now appeared to be stiring and it was just a question of whether the United could clinch the game or whether Everton could get that much desired goal which would give them a reply.  A centre by Wignall led to a shooting chance for Tyrer on the other wing, but Sheffield crowned this one out and Collins try as he would could not make the move any further.  Bingham spared no effort to pull the game round for Everton and took some heavy tumbles in his process-but what brief spell of initiative they had enjoyed Everton had by now lost, and thousands of the people were leaving the ground with 10 minutes play remaining.  Everton were not taking their medicine graciously and the game was punctuated by a great number of fouled mostly in favour of the United. 
KICKED OFF LINE
Hodgkinson, in covering a high shot by Tyrer touched the ball, and gave away a corner from this Caldwell kicked off the line though his goalkeeper was close behind him if he had not done so.  Dunlop brought off a brave and excellent save at the feet of Russell to prevent United clinching it at 2-0 and Hodgson tricked the ball wide of the same post from six yards out with Dunlop nowhere in sight after Everton had wrongly thorough that the United had fallen into an offside-trap which did not exist.  It had never been a great game.  How it became a ragged one with the terraces emptying by thousands every minute.  Sheffield United won with all credit, Everton lost and with some discredited.  Final; Everton 0, Sheffield United 1, Official Attendance 48,595.  Receipts £10,866. 

THE KNOCKERS HAVE STARTED ALREADY
Saturday, January 7, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
BUT TAKE A CLOSER LOOK, ASKS ALEX PARKER
Well the knockers have started already.  We have lost three games out of four and the cry goes up.  “Everton are slipping,” I suppose on the result of those four matches the critics could be justified, but I feel that closer examination of those games shows rather a difference picture.  I don’t feel our defeat by Spurs was any real disgrace for the London team is reckoned to be one of the best in the world and their record this season certainly learns strength to the argument.  Their only defeat was by Sheffield Wednesday and we beat them 4-2.  Burnley another of Europe top sides beat us 3-0 but again that we won at turf Moor the previous day.  People may argue that while Spurs and Burnley are top teams aren’t Everton also supposed to be one of the best? And we should be able to hold our own with the rest.  That is perfectly true, off course, but we Everton players have not been playing together as long as the others. 
PLAYING TOGETHER
The present Tottenham side has taken the best part of two fears to build and mould into their present style, and Burnley too have been playing together a long time, added to which they have had experience of playing in the New York competition and the European Cup.  I feel that in two years or maybe a lot least we will be more than able to match these two very good teams.  Last Saturday’s defeat at Leicester.  Admittedly we played badly, as even the best sides do every so often.  Even Real Madrid have been known to close.  We used the wrong tactics on the heavy pitch and paid the penalty.  Added to which of course, Leicester were two up in four minutes and that takes some getting back.  As with everybody else, habits are hard to break for footballers.  Those of you who have watched us regularly this season will have noticed that our style is to more the ball with short, accurate passes the accent being on speed. 
PAID OFF
Our manager’s motto is “Nobody stops he ball except the goalkeeper.”  The advantages of this are obvious and it has paid off for us this season.  It’s not the easiest thing in the world to suddenly abandon a winning system, especially in the heat of a First division game in which you are two down so quickly.  One can have all sorts of good intentions, but out there on the pitch things don’t always come off as planned.  Mr. Carey’s style of play was illustrated in our recent match against Newcastle which we won 5-0.  Near the end of the game, when we were well on top, Albert Dunlop threw the ball to me, I immediately slipped it to Billy Bingham and he flashed it across to Jimmy Gabriel.  We did that once or twice and from the shouts of some our fans it did not go down too well.  But as we were so much on top we could afford to do this, it is good practice building confidence and showed just how helpless the opposing side is against these tactics when done properly.  Last Monday night the Everton directors, manager, players, training and ground staff accompanied by their wives met in am hotel in town at 5.30 p.m for cocktails after which we had dinner.  We were guests of the club and as Mr. Moores said, in his speech it was to show “appreciation for the efforts of everybody on the staff during the first half of the season.  Afterwards we were taken to a pantomime where comedian Al Read gave us a very warm welcome.  It was a most enjoyable evening and one that I knew all the players very much appreciated.  It’s been a busy week for trainer’s Gordon Watson, Stan Bentham and Frank Blundell for in addition to the “old firm” of Tommy Ring, Mick Lill and Alex Young they have had to deal with Brian Harris, Derek Temple and I, plus one or two others of the team who have composed of stiff legs.  I can illustrate just how-hard they have had to work by relating my own experience with a kick on the foot.  I was on the treatment table all day Monday, all day Tuesday, In 6 till 6 but Tuesday night a day Wednesday, Thursday, morning, noon and night-and all day Friday.  I often think the fans don’t realise how hard our trainers have in work or the hours they have to put in.  They are greatly respected men in the game. 

BARNSLEY RES V EVERTON RES
Saturday, January 7, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Barnsley Res;- Williams; Green, Sawyer; Gregory, Hopkins, Lander; White, Kerr, Smith, Steele, Lunn.  Everton Res;- Mailey; Parnel, Gannon; Jarvis, Gorrie, Sharples; Bentley, Harland, Temple, Meagan, Edwards.  Referee-Mr. L. Rouse (Leeds).  Temple cleverly beat Sawyer and put the ball across for Meagan whose shot went weakly wide.  At the other end Mailey had to race out of his goal and dive at the feet of the incoming Kerr in Barnsley’s first raid of the game.  Temple who was proving to be a very lively leader raced down the middle but then shot straight at Williams from point blank range.  Mailey failed to hold a high ball from the right but Steele was too slow to take advantage of an open goal.  At the other end Temple put a good shot just wide of the target.  Half-time-Barnsley Res nil, Everton Res nil. 

EVERTON’S CUP OF SORROW OVERFLOWS
Monday, January 9, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
MOST IMPORTANT GAME-LEAST EFFECTIVE SHOW
Everton 0, Sheffield United 1
By Horace Yates
Everton, cup dreamers of 1961 had their illusions shattered in the third round at Goodison Park on Saturday by Sheffield United, who probably rate their promotion goal even more desirable than any Wembley celebration.  Four times in the last five games Everton have gone down to defeat this time with no mud for an alibi, and not even First Division opponents.  They went out to their Sheffield foes, not because the Second Division were a side of supermen, efficient and determined though they were but simply because their attack, as at present constituted, is just not equal to the sort of challenge they must expect.  Injury has hit them hard and has plainly revealed they have no defence in depth against the accepted wear, and tear of fierce modern competition.  When every possible allowance is made the conclusion is inescapable that Sheffield United were their masters, superior in tactics and execution and deservedly go forward to Round Four.  Their approach to what after all must have seemed to most people a considerable task, may not have been conducted on classical lines.  There were times even, when pursuit of the objective produced a zeal which was questionable in the extreme.  Determined tackling, converted the Sheffield “Blades” into scythes, but it was not the spirit to fight back that Everton lacked, so much as skill, ability and resource.  More and more teams are discovering to their advantage that to reduce Everton to ordinary levels, it is necessary only to take care of Collins and Vernon, and these days there is nothing else in the line to make such a concentration of effort in any degree dangerous. 
TOO VULNERABLE
Everton are too vulnerable to be victorious when the stakes are highest.  Neither Collins nor Vernon possessed sufficient of the superman qualities to pull Everton through this latest ordeal and with neither the championship nor-the Cup left as desirable prizes, Everton’s concentration must now be to marshall strength and resources for another day, -unless League Cup achievement can be regarded as some degree of atonement.  Much has been achieved but much still remains to be done.  If we were to look for glittering stars in the Sheffield United forward line it would not be the easiest as tasks to find them.  Russell gave them their nearest approach to artistry, but there was soundness, if not brilliances in the other links and this was a quality denied to Everton.  It took far too long for the home team to realise that willingness was no substitute for performances so far as Tyrer was concerned, or at least to take positive steps about it.  What a waste it was when outside right failure was so patiently obvious to leave Bingham floundering almost equally helplessly in a position not of his choosing not to his inclination.  As soon as it was realized that Tyrer, was out of his depth and Everton were virtually wingless in consequence Everton should have cut their losers and restored Bingham in the right to leave Tyrer to do the best he could on the left.  Not until the second half was under way was the necessity for the switch officially realised and the improvement which followed, noticeable rather than striking spotlighted the danger of disturbing two positions to try and make one good.  Few centre forwards regard an afternoon in opposition to Joe Shaw as the easiest way of making a reputation but whatever else Wignall lacked it was not courage or effort.  He tilted with his talented adversary quite gamely and if his reaction to opportunity had been speedier he might have had something more than hard luck to show for his endeavour.  Possibly his greatest lapse was to disregard Vernon on what must have been the only time in the match he was unattended.  One Vernon cannon ball might just have been the topic a depressed Everton needed.  It was no fault of Wignall’s however, the Everton did not find themselves on terms, or at least to have been afforded the chance of equalising in 37 minutes for Wignall was plainly upset by Shaw as he was going through with only Hodgsinson to beat.  Had Wignall gone down in a crumpled heap, with the sort of play acting so prevalent nowadays I fall to see how any referee could have avoided pointing to the penalty spot out full of determination Wignall staggered and recovered too late to have any chance of scoring.  There was no penalty award and in my view this was one of the few moment of the game when Everton could have rallied. 
A MAN’S GAME
Referee Jenning at various stages proved himself a great believer in the idea that football is a man’s game and in consequence allowed far greater latitude than we often see, but there are limits to the amount of pugnacious freedom that is good for the game.  An excessively generous approach resulted in retaliations which were not a pretty sight and some Everton players did not enhance their sporting reputations.  Everton were plainly worried and unsettled by tackling which was knife-edge keen without always being outside the spirit of the rules, and were helpless to devise a counter.  The necessity to do everything first time and at top speed, throw Everton completely of balances.  Team work was under-minded, and some of the most elementary principles of soccer appeared beyond them.  Control of the ball was far below expected standards and if Everton have given a more disappointing share than this during the present not unimpressive season, I have been lucky enough to have been spared it.  If there was any real Everton satisfaction it must have been in the triumphant return of Tom Jones to left back, opposing it is true, a player of his own position converted to the emergency outside right role.  For all that Jones defensive work was impression and while he can maintain such standards there is nothing lost in allowing Thomson to gain further experience of the English style of play elsewhere.  Parker gave the impression of playing at full stretch with nothing in reserve but Simpson was not the easiest of forwards to control and even the normally safe and sure Brian Labone suffered moments which had his side tottering on the brink of further disaster.  Both Harris and Gabriel employed themselves frequently on attack to such an extent that they took risks no doubt in the belief the dismissal from the Cup was just as final with one goal against them as with two or three.  I do not blame Dunlop for the goal which did the damage.  Not until Hodgson’s most astute through pass had beaten the cover could Dunlop afford to advance and he lost the race with Russell for possession only by the barest fraction.  Russell’s match-winner which came after twenty minutes resulted from the merest flick with me of his boot, designed I feel sure, to carry the ball barely beyond Dunlop ready for the scoring shot.  As events turned out the flick had just sufficient pace to send it trickling over the line without further intervention from Russell who was by then unopposed, ready to apply any redirection that may have been necessary.  For sheer defensive solidity the Sheffield half back line of Richardson, Joe Shaw and Summers would have been hard to beat in any company.  Never for a moment did they relax the grip they took from the first minute.  Sheffield waited until the day of the game in the hope that Kettlethorough might have been declared fit to play.  I wonder how much more effective he could have been than his substitute Hodgson, who revelled in the closely fought exchanges and fitted into a defensive pattern as if moulded for the occasion. 
VICTORY CHANT
Whether it was a mark of encouragement to the Sheffield players or merely an indication of their belief that Everton would never wide out Russell’s goal.  United’s supporters have voice to their likely Moor Baht ‘an” victory song half an hour before time ran out on a disconsolate Everton, and even then it did not seem at all premature or out of place.  Divisions in English League football can be so misleading.  There was nothing second class about Sheffield United’s treatment of this task.  It would be idle to pretend that this reverse has not been completely upset Everton’s schedule or ambitions, for in a season in which has been so much to enter on the credit side they end their Cup run where they ended it last season-at the first hurdle, and although there remains the League Cup to go for as a consolation prize, this will be very much a skimmed-milk affair after the glittering horizons that had been built up.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Tyrer, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Bingham.  Sheffield United; Hodgkinson; Caldwell, G. Shaw; Richardson, J, Shaw, Summers; Mason, Russell, Pace, Hodgson, Simpson.  Referee; Mr. E.T. Jenning (Norton Stourbridge).  Attendance 48,595.  Receipts £10,866. 

TEMPLE PROVIDED BRIGHT SPOT
Monday, January 9, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Barnsley Res 1, Everton Res 1
Everton Reserves salvaged a point from the Central League game at Barnsley with a goal two minutes from time, and in a scrappy uninteresting match they just about deserved to share the points.  One bright spot was the lively trustful play of centre forward Temple, who went close with a couple of efforts before he finally scored the equaliser with a grand left-foot shot.  Barnsley had been on top in the first half but these were unable to break through the Everton defence.  Their goal came in the seventy-fifth minute through inside left Steele. 

LEAGUE CUP
Monday, January 9, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON TO PLAY AT SHREWSBURY
Everton visit Shrewsbury in the quarter final round of the League Cup, but as Shrewsbury face a replay with Aldershot in the third round of the F.A Cup this week, much will depend on future events as to the date of the game writes Horace Yates.  Such has been Everton’s fortune in the League Cup competition that with only the semi-final and final remaining they have been Called upon to play against Fourth Division Accrington and Third Division Walsall, Bury, Tranmere and now Shrewsbury. 

FROM SO GOOD TO SO BAD...WHY?
Monday, January 9, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Automatic reaction to defeat in the Cup used to be “Now we can concentrate on the League.”  Variation or the old theme for Everton this season is “Now we can concentrate on the League Cup.” This is the only consoling aim after the surprise and shock of that 1-0 defeat at the hands (for feet) of Sheffield United.  This jolting disappointment ended pityingly with Everton and their followers sent out into the cold, cold sleet and snow.  The Everton section of the 48,000 who saw the match were silent and sullen as they hurried away through the sleet to ponder at leisure the mystery of how a team which did everything right until just before Christmas should lose status and confidence so markedly and do everything wrong in subsequent matches.  This is a puzzle I cannot solve.  It is one the answer to which may become evidence only when we have seen whether the spell of failure is going to persist.  Aston Villa, who will have had a replay in mid-week will be here next Saturday and that match may give us further clues.  The irony of the victory of Sheffield United was that the man who scored the only goal, Billy Russell and who outshone both Collins and Vernon, was a player Everton might well I have had on the staff for next to nothing three season ago.  The son of the former Rhyl manager, he played two trial games for them when he was at Loughborough Collegue.  He would have signed the forms too, but did not because they asked him to come down and play a third trial.  Since them he has twice broken a leg.  His penetration and general play were of the highest class.  The goal which he did the trick came from a pass by Hogdson.  Russell held off Jones’s challenge and beat the goalkeeper all he advanced.  The ball merely trickled in just inside the post, but the scorer build have “broken the net” with a shot if he wanted.  He merely followed up and stood over the ball as it rolled slowly over the line. 
TOO MANY FOULS
Sheffield United won with credit.  Everton lost discreditably because when they found they couldn’t beat their opponent’s at football they tried to bounce them out of it.  There were too many fouls by the losers.  The United fans who attended the ground were not slow to condemn them, and rightly Referee Jennings would have been justified I think in taking stronger action.  Goalkeeper Hodgkinson game in for a buffeting from Wignall.  If Dunlop had received similar treatment Iron Pace the crowd would have been incensed.  I suggest Wignall was a little reckless in his attempt to get in square charge.  There were other times when Everton’s players behaved, badly yet it was clear to everyone that Sheffield United were better side and on the day.  If they had not found Dunlop so safe they would have won by a longer margin.  Everton never settled to their best game because Sheffield United gave them a minimum of time and space.  From the start the Sheffield players looked a good yard the faster.  Their break-neck beginning was so furious it seemed to react against them which they had developed in attack to the stage when steadiness was a paramount consideration.  Their gain and some other near misses so shook and Everton hopes of an equaliser were not substantial for ten minutes mid-way through the Second half, when Bingham reverted to this true position on the right.  Everton ever got the crowd roaring, Hodginson then had a lucky break when a Wignall header struck the bar and saved brilliantly the fierce low shot which seemed certain to give Bingham the levelling score. 
DEADENED AND DENTED
We knew from Anfield experiences that Sheffield United were a fine side.  We did not know that they would follow such a devastating tactics policy that both Vernon and Collins were largely played out of the game.  Vernon who usually makes time and to spare for whatever he want to do now found himself pounced on by eager half-backs who never let him get away with a thing.  With so little coming from the wing and Wignall gripped so tightly by Joe Shaw the most part Everton’s front line was deadened and dented.  United moved with greater urgency.  Time and again Everton’s lethargic movement was shown in.  Even Bobby Collins, give the sort of chance he usually convert was found disastrously leaden-footed.  Except that Ring, Lill and Young were missing there are no excuses for Everton.  Brian Harris can rarely have mis-directed so many passes; ever Alex Parker, generally such a fine deliver of passes seemed incapable of finding his man.  Conditions were not easy, but they were the same on both and United although playing as smoothly as they did against Liverpool still worked and were the better team.  They were solidly, wielded for offence and defences and with Hodgkinson daring and brilliant offence and defence and with Hodgson darting and brilliant the times when he seemed likely to be beaten were few.  Little Alan Tyrer was one of the few men who did use the ball to some practical good, but he is rather small and at times was rudely bushed out of possession.  I am sorry for Everton players and for their manager and for spectators who had thought with me, that this might have been Everton’s Cup year.  But this defeat we must take philosophically.  The better side won.  I wish they had been spared ‘stick’ from Everton before they walked off well deserving their place in the draw today. 

POST MORTEM ON A CUP-TIE DEFEAT
Wednesday, January 11, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
With Leslie Edwards
The kerne of Everton’s trouble- they have lost four of their last five matches, three of them at home-as been the failure of the attack.  The front line, have scored only one goal other than a penalty in this period.  Coming after a long spell of free scoring this failure is as inexplicable as it is disappointing.  People are blaming the wing half backs Jimmy Gabriel and Brian Harris, for being too venturesome and leaving co-defenders too much to do, but if a front line is not succeeding it is only natural that half backs will go-ahead and add their weight to that of those up front.  When such moves were coming off no one ever suggested this policy was wrong.  Most of Everton’s failures in the last month has been due to the realisation by the opponents that the men who make Everton are Vernon and Collins.  Put the stopper on them you have gone far towards stopping Everton has used the dictum- and it was well carried out by Burnley.  Tottenham and Sheffield United.  In these circumstances one would have thought that others in the line would have had the freedom of Goodison Park, but it was not worked out that way.  Perhaps Everton have not devised a system for changing their tactics quickly and making them it the occasion.  The reversion of Bingham to his proper place on the right was rather belated on Saturday.  The crux of Everton’s fall was due, initially for the injuries to Ring and Lill.  They were a great side before this and they have never quite been the same since.  I don’t think the club and the team realised just how good Ring was until he was lost to them.  Unhappily, it does not seen likely that he will fit for First Division football until March or thereabouts.  Poor Micky Lill whose heart is so much in the game is having a worrying spell, too.  Like Liverpool, Everton have had to hold their hand over possible signings in view of the uncertainty about the future.  If the players agree the League’s proposals the gulf in standards between clubs at either end of the table will be more marked.  But managers and scouts with can discern talent, and who can build an unknown boy into a player of the first-class will still be worth the weight in gold- though they won’t get that sort of money. 
THEY DON’T WANY HIM!
One man Everton can well do without at Goodison is my correspondent, J.H. Roberts, of 14 Ash Grove, Wallasey.  The only games he has watched at Everton, this season were those against Spurs, Burnley, and Sheffield United and the confesses that not once during the last ten years have any of his trips given him the pleasure of an Everton win there.  Mr. Roberts incidentally, was “shocked by the rough tactics of several Everton players on Saturday.”  Everton should pay him in keep away.  He promises to be at the Villa game on Saturday. 
Incorrigible Evertonian, W. Macaulay, of 7 St. Brinde’s Road, Wallasey, gives his reason for Everton’s lapses-  2I disagree with your suggestion that Russell is a better player than Collins or Vernon; the yard-stick of any player is his standing in international football and Russell’s appearances for his country are nonexistent.  “The reason that Russell looked a better player on the day are worthy of a little thought.  Collins and Vernon were very closely marked, in fact the Sheffield wing halves never left their own half of the field.  In the case of Russell he was allowed the freedom of the field by Harris and any ordinary player can look very good if no one is marking him.  If Russell had been as closely marked as Everton’s inside forwards he would have been even less effective than they were.  “The cause of some of Everton’s present troubles are of their own making.  Harris pays so little attention to defence the opposing inside forwards cannot help but have a good game.  The result is that Labone is often left playing the three inside-forwards.  If anyone should doubt this they should check on the number of goals scored against Everton by inside forwards.  “As the Everton wing half-halves are not in the Blanchflower, Mackay class at passing the ball, they should not go any further up field than their ability to recover from making a bad pass.  “It is obvious from the last few matches that opposing teams have set their plans on stopping Collins and Vernon, so Everton must set about breaking the hammer hold that is being put on these great players, if the team is to thrive again.  They will never do it with their present style of play.  The ball must be got out to the wings and kept on the wings to make the opposing defenders come out and so relieve the pressure on Collins and Vernon.  “With regard to Saturday’s result let’s face it, it was a bitter pill and the reaction of many was well that’s the lot for the season.  But in their disappointment I ask spectators to spare a thought for the directors and especially the chairman Mr. Moores as to how they must have felt after the great endeavour and enterprise shown by them to provide Merseyside with a team we could be proud off.  The continued to the end of the season will I am sure further their determination to make the team worthy of the great support.” 

FOOTBALL WILL NOT STOP ON MERSEYSIDE
Thursday, January 12, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON AND LIVERPOOL TO VOTE AGAINST ANY CALL FOR STRIKE ACTION
By Horace Yates
Whatever players in the rest of the country may decide, the vast majority of the Everton and Liverpool will not strike on January 21.  Both clubs would be almost fully represented if the League had to bring an emergency programme into being, and with Middlesbrough also expressing themselves against a strike the first decisive chink in the armour could provide when the Northern players assemble in Manchester this afternoon.  The South followed by the Midlands yesterday have rejected the new Football League proposals, almost entirely on the retain and transfer system.  There is little doubt that the players, almost to a man are worried about the retain and transfer proposal and I know there are those who will seek elucidation of a suggestion that acceptance of the agreement as it now stands means there is nothing more they can do in the future about the vexed question.  If they get an assurance that this can still be a matter of future negotiation other waverers will go over to the side of the non-strikers.  From conversations, I have had with various Everton players, I gather that there is a marked majority of the professional playing staff dead-set against a strike, others are not so sure, while a minority believe they should support strike action.  I gather that no vote has yet been taken but that there will be a special meeting of the players this morning, at which the position will be thrashed out in the light of all information available.  It is expected that most of the players will travel to the Manchester meeting by private car. 

VILLA MAY BE WITHOUT NIGEL SIMS
Thursday, January 12, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Aston Villa, managed by former Everton and Arsenal international Joe Mercer have announced an unchanged team to visit Goodison Park on Saturday, although goalkeeper Nigel Simms may have to stand down.  He has been troubled by a bruised hip and some swelling and yesterday visited a Wolverhampton specialist, writes Horace Yates.  Villa’s physiotherapist has already advised that the injury needs rest and it would not be at all surprising if Villa called on either Keelan or 19-years-old Fred Potter to replace him.  Aston Villa 9from); Sims; Keelan or Potter; Neal, Winton; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; MacEwan, Thomson, Hitchens, Wylie, McParland. 
Leeds United and Everton will help each other drown their Cup sorrows by engaging in a friendly match on January 28 when fourth round ties are being played. 

THOSE 24 EVERTON FORWARD CHANGES...
Thursday, January 12, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
The mystery of Everton’s non-success is no mystery to M. Shankland from Walton Breck Road.  He has been busy reckoning the many changes the club have made this season.  The break-down is as follows; Three left backs, five outside rights, four inside rights, three centre forwards, three inside lefts, and six outside lefts.  “Name and team in the Football League that has made 24 changes and which has done as well as Everton, I think you will have great difficulty,” adds my reader who earlier has harsh things to say of my criticisms of the way Everton took defeat from Sheffield United.  “Everton’s tackles were certainly too severe at times, but Sheffield United had given a very good lead.  Twice in the first half Everton players were ruthlessly cut-down in the penalty area.  Vernon was deliberately kicked in the back, Gabriel was almost provoked into striking (an opponent) and Bingham narrowly escaped injury in two heavy second-half tackles.  So much for the poor defenceless Sheffield side so heartlessly brutalised by vicious Everton.  Excuse the strong wording, but Everton were bad but not all that bad.” 
I can I can only repeat, Mr. Shankland that Everton not only played badly, but reacted unworthily when defeat seemed assured.  The first can always be excused the second never.  Most of their changes have been due to injury on injury. 
“RATHER DISGRACEFUL.”
The topic is take further by J.D Pritchard from 16 Lunedale Road, Mossley Hill.  First let me point out that I am an Evertonian and concede conclusively that Sheffield United deserved to go forward.  However, I presume your red-and-white spectacies obscured your vision at the outset of the game when the stick was unceremoniously given to Vernon in particular.  Everton’s rather disgraceful retaliation was brought about by the referee’s lack of control.  This of course, does not condone Everton’s behaviour, I doubt whether you in all honestly could say that two penalties should not have been awarded to Everton.” 
A less complaining, but equally disturbed Everton fan, Mr. J.D. Newton of 67 Victoria Road, Wallasey;- “Everton not only lost a Cup-tie last Saturday they lost the F.A. Cup.  Many followers though this would be their year, I have no grizzles nor do I fault the team, all I and many others would like to know is the answer to three questions. 
“1, Who put a one kicking-foot outside right in the outside left berth.”
“2 who put an immature boy of about 17 in the team for a highly-changed Cup-tie to face a known robust second Division team.” 
“3 who close an obviously not quite fit left half-back when an excellent reserve was available?  “The can played as well as they were permitted to” 

YOUNG OUT?
Friday, Friday, January 13, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Manager John Carey will not announce Everton’s team to receive Aston Villa until today and I understand it is unlikely that Alex Young will figure in it.  The attitude being taken at Goodison Park is that Young will not be played again until he has been passed 100 per cent fit.  No chances of a further breakdown will be risked and disappointing though I may be to have to wait or Young, obviously Mr. Carey caution is amply justified.  It will be interesting to see how Mr. Carey tackles the outside left problem this week.  He could recall Derek Temple, but on the other hand could prompt for a selection which would surprise most people. 

EVERTON REVERSE SHOWS NEED TO SPEED UP OUR GAME
Friday, January 13, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Says Roy Vernon
(Welsh International and Everton Forward)
The verdict, gentlemen is-accidental death!  The end of Everton’s Cup ambitions for 1961 has stunned the club’s followers, but despite suggestions to the contrary there will be no black border round today’s article.  To say we are shattered is putting it mildly.  All of us appreciate that on the day’s play the worthier team has gone forward and we wish Sheffield United well.  How different I had expected this article to be, but such is fate.  It would be wrong to assume that our exit from the Cup has dealt the hardest blow to the supporters.  I have never known a team more shocked by a single result.  If we had re-entered our dressing room at the end of the game to be met by the sternest dressing down any of us had known, there would not have been a peep out of any of us.  The fact that we were spared the experience possibly added to our discomfiture, for we realised that as failures such a fate would have been just.  There are no scapegoats so far as the lads re concerned.  We play as a team. That is the way we have played the game throughout our good spell, and in adversity it must be a team defeat.  Possibly we were unlucky that our disappointing spell has not run itself out before the Cup competition began, but if anyone told me a team gets the sort of luck it deserves I will not have the heart to argue. 
NOT THE END
Unlike some of our followers who seem to think the bottom has dropped out of the Everton world, I would say that this is not the end.  Rather it is the beginning.  Ours is still a team of great potential.  It is a young side, which has not nearly reached its best.  Look at Tottenham, and Burnley.  Their players have been playing together for quite a time.  Certainly for longer than Everton.  Possibly because we succeeded so well for a time we were misled into believing we had done the near impossible-dictated right away.  Now we are sadder, and wisely although I maintain Sheffield’s greatest fortune was in finding us so much below par.  Every club in history in the course of a season hits a bad spell.  Tottenham’s may be still com come!  Ours could not have come at a worse time.  Our chairman Mr. John Moores, put his finger on the right spot when he said we are not yet fully mature.  Alex Young might have been nicely settled in had it not been for injury.  George Thomson found himself left out of the match in which he most wanted to play, but nobody doubts George’s qualities.  Anyone with half an eye can see what a great footballer he is, and it could be that there two Scots will help materially in the reshaping of our history. 
LOT TO LEARN
There is great achievement in score, and if I had to make a forecast it would be that the results to come will more than compensate for disappointments.  If the Sheffield defeat shows anything it is that while we may have improved quite a lot we have still a lot to learn.  With youth on our side we can take advantage of realisation.  If I were to be asked what we had learned from this reverse I would say it is imperative that we speed up our game.  Don’t think I am criticising our training I am not.  There is not a fitter side in the land and all our preparation had speedy, controlled football as its goal.  What I mean is that Sheffield appeared to b yards faster than us, yet yard for yard I guarantee they were slower.  We have not been moving the ball fast enough in recent weeks.  We have been employing six passes to do the work of three, and the braking action must be obvious.  Sheffield’s Billy Russell was captain of my school side.  He played inside forward or half-back and we were good pals.  I never thought the day would come when he would do this on me!  His potential has always been great for in schoolboy football he was always outstanding but I had lost track of him to some extent when my club moved out of Second Division football.  He deserves a load of good luck, for if memory serves me correctly he has twice suffered broken legs but has fought back with results we all know.
CHERRY HARRY MISSING
Cherry Harry Cook was missing from his place in the dressing room on Saturday, for is a bit off-colour these days.  We missed him and we all wish him a speedy recovery but whether even Harry could have found anything to smile about last week is doubtful.  I suppose it is the usual-thing to do to wish opponents who have conquered you a successful passage to Wembley, with triumph at the end of the road, but that is one wish I cannot make for though it may get me in bad with our supporters.  I say that now we are out Liverpool is the team I should like to see carry off the trophy this season.  Apparently relations between Everton and Liverpool players are far friendly than that between the rival sets of supporters.  We are all good pals, but that will do, nothing to save Liverpool from what they visit Goodison Park in the second leg of the Floodlit Cup.  I don’t think I have ever known such intense rivalry between supporters of two clubs as which exists in Liverpool.  When first I was told that a Liverpool supporter would walk a mile out of his way rather than pass Goodison Park I laughed at what was obviously a joke.  Now I am not so sure, for I have met Everton supporters who have said they would never go to a game at Anfield even if Everton were playing.  I expect that is also true in reverse.  I had not been in Liverpool very long before I discovered that our butcher was a Liverpool supporter and our grocer followed Everton.  My wife and |I have worked out a little plan of campaign to keep the peace.  She does the shopping at the butcher’s and I go along to the grocer’s. 

EVERTON MAKE SHOCK CHANGES AGAINST VILLA
Friday, January 13, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
BRING IN SHARPLES AND APRNELL, BOTH 17
HARRIS ON LEFT WING
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have made starting changes for the home game tomorrow against Aston Villa.  The introduce to the first team for the first time, 17-years-old Roy Parnell at right back in place of the injured Alex Parker, give the outside left position to Brian Harris who has not played as a forward for nearly two season’s and bring in to left half for the second time this season George Sharples who was 17 last October.  Billy Bingham, tried a week ago, in the left wing reverts to his usual place as Bobby Collin’s partner.  Parnell a member of the club’ youth eleven (whose next Youth Cup tie at Middlesbrough, has been put back to January 25th) is a Birkenhead boy.  He joined the club straight from School as a centre forward.  That was his position in the England youth team, which also had Sharples at left half.  Mr. Carey has converted Parnell into a right back with a fin potential. 
HARRIS OFFER
Sharples comes from Ellesmere Port.  His only previous First Division appearance was in November 5 at right half against West Bromwich, at Goodison Park.  I understand that Brian Harris offered to help the club as a forward when it was known that filling the outside left berth was a problem.  Parker’s foot injury which keeps him out dates from the game at Leicester a fortnight ago.  He felt he was not able to do himself justice in the Cup-tie against Sheffield United.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris. 

GALA DAY TEST FOR A CHANGED EVERTON
Friday, January 13, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
Any visit of Aston Villa to the city is a gala occasion.  The one tomorrow is something more because it offers opportunity to Everton to snap out of their indifferent spell.  Villa, too had an anything but happy Christmas but they are still in the Cup and the signs are that they are about to start a long winning sequence again, any belief that they are going to be easier to beat than say Spurs, Burnley of Sheffield United had better be cast aide now.  We have seen enough in the past four seasons of Joe Mercers men to know that they are never easily beaten.  Unhappily it seems that Everton still pestered by injuries old and new, may have to make far-reaching changes of the sort which must be taken on thrust until they are proved in the event.  Villa badly need a couple of points.  From the previous five League matches they have collected only three points.  This following an unbeaten spell of the matches.  Joe Mercer almost concerned unduly with recent results.  He says.  Too many people take too much notice of statistics.”  Following Monday’s 4-1 romp over Bristol Rovers in the F.A Cup third round replay the side appears to have turned. 
O’NEILL’S VALUE
Main reason for the mysterious slump is the enforced absence of inside right Alan O’Neill, who was signed from Sunderland in October.  Now recovered from a broken toe, sustained at a League Cup match against Plymouth Argyle.  He is not to play at Goodison Park.  Never admits “We have missed-Alan’s scheming.  He has become more-important to the us than many people realise.”  While O’Neill is regaining match fitness in the reserves an unchanged side will be in action against Everton.  This means that 19-years-old Alan Deakin, brother of Nottingham’s centre forward, retains the left half spot.  Last Saturday he was the outstanding defender at Bristol.  Another good point from the Cup clashes with Bristol is the return to form of centre forward Gerry Hitchens.  With some of his team-mates finding the heavy going of late a little too much, it has also affected the former Cardiff City leader, who on Monday broke the club’s post-war individual scoring record when he obtained his 7th goal to pip Johnny Dixon.  Villa’s defence suspect for a spell earlier in the season, has now tightened considerably.  This is mainly due to the energetic play of skipper and right half Crowe, captain of Wales.  Aston Villa; - Sims; Neal, Winton; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin, MacEwan, Thompson, Hutchins, Wylie, McParland. 

GOODISON PARK DEBUT
Saturday, January 14, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON BRING IN YOUNGSTERS AGAINST VILLA
By Horace Yates
Roy Parnell, has seventeen-year-old full-back, makes his First Division debut for Everton against Aston Villa at Goodison Park today in a side which also includes another seventeen-year-old George Sharples, at left-back.  Sharples is there because Brian Harris who offered to fill the position goes to outside left with Bingham moving over to the right.  Parnell’s who plays instead of the injured Parker, joined Everton as a centre forward, but manager John Carey has converted him to a full back and he has the chance of revealing his promise today.  Sharples has, had one first team match, against West Bromwich Albion on November 5.  Nigel Sims the Aston Villa goalkeeper misses the match because of a hip injury, and Fred Petter, aged 19 formerly an inside-forward deputises. 
NEW LANDMAK
Before the disasters of recent weeks, in which four games have been lost out of five including the Cup-tie, Everton appeared to be sailing along brightly towards the attainment of a new landmark in their history-an aggregate attendance for the season of more than one million spectators at League games only.  Now the achievement of these fantastic figures depends on the reaction of their followers to enthusiasm-sapping reverses.  Today’s meeting with Villa could provide a pointer to the future.  The average attendance for the season is 39,453 the twelve home games, having attracted 593,506 spectators compared with 417,247 at the corresponding stage last season.  Had Everton stayed in the Cup competition the million target might well have been achieved, but in view of the fact that Tottenham, Manchester United, Wolves, Burnley, and Sheffield Wednesday, current biggest crowd-pullers, have already visited Goodison, the road ahead could be difficult.  Everton ought to return to winning ways today for Villa while still remaining in the Cup, have little to boast about in their record over the last five League matches, for they have produced only three points.  Although those games have included two fixtures with Wolves.  Everton matches against Spurs and Burnley (twice) scarcely appear to have been any easier and at least Everton have collected four points.  The worrying feature about Everton is not so much the disappointing sequence as the possibility that the forward line is still not good enough.  Obviously Everton did not pay £40,000 for Alex Young without believing he could make all important impact, and it has been sheer bad luck that injury has prevented them putting their judgement to the test.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris.  Aston Villa; Potter; Neal, Winton; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; MacEwan, Thompson, Hitchens, Wylie, McParland. 

VILLA FIND GOALKEEPERS-AMONG THE FORWARDS
Saturday, January 14, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
BIG DAY FOR EVERTON SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLDS
By Leslie Edwards
Arsenal F.C, used to have a dictum that the good footballer can play anywhere.  To prove it they once put the injured goalkeeper Moss on the wing at Goodison Park and he came along with a goal which helped them to victory.  Aston Villa, Everton’s opponents today have never said much about good players performing well out of position, but they must think so, too, otherwise why would they have “discovered two goalkeepers from men who can never have thought of playing between the sticks.”  First there was Con martin a centre half who not only kept goal to Villa he also for his imitative Eire.  Today at Goodison Park Fred Potter, who figured as an inside forward a year-ago, deputises for Nigel Sims and if Joe Mercer’s rating of his skill is any criterion will certainly not let the side down.  Mercer said “The first time I saw him keeping goal in training I knew he was a natural.  He had one shaky match to begin with, but in all other he has played exceptionally well.  Everton’s changes some enforced, some of choice, means that Villa must be considered likely winners.  The match is a vital one to both clubs.  Both went adrift at Christmas after long unbeaten runs, both are poised in the talent money are and both want victory urgently as proof that their pre-Christmas form was not false.  McParland, the man who will be faced by 17-years-old Payne the Everton debutant is about the hottest wing in the game, so the now boy could not have been given a harder test, if he comes out of it as well as Colin Green did from his duel earlier in the season with Stanley Matthews, Everton will be more than satisfied.  It will be a big day also for George Sharples on his second appearance in the first team, against West Browmich Albion in November was not a happy one.  This time, however, he plays in his true position on the left flank.  Brian Harris great experience should enable him to make a success in a position he has not occurred for so long.  Everton are likely to start today with more zap than they did a week ago when Sheffield United swept them off their feet by their zest and speed and determined tackling Villa and a side well versed in dictating the speed of the game in the way Mercer did when he was the Arsenal skipper.  It was be interesting to see who comes off (better) in the vital first 15 minutes when Everton will be going flat out and Villa will be countering by trying to bring the pace down to the one they want.  This is a most important match for Everton and the pity is that they have such players as Young, parker, Thompson, Ring and Lill out of action as for them the most critical stage of the season.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris.  Aston Villa; Potter; Neal, Winton; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; MacEwan, Thompson, Hitchens, Wylie, McParland. 

EVERTON MATCH OFF
Saturday, January 14, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
THICK FOG AT GOODISON
2 P.M. DECISION
By Michael Charters
The Everton v. Aston Villa game due at Goodison Park this afternoon was called off at 2 p.m, because of heavy fog by Referee Arthur Howcroft of Rotherham.  Mr. Howcroft arrived at the ground before 1 p.m, and as the fog was lifting slightly he delayed his decision for an hour in the hope that conditions would improve still further.  But at 2 o’clock the fog had thickened again appreciably and there was never any chance that the game could go on.  Visibility was down to less than 20 yards and from a position in the stand it was impossible to see the neat touchline.  There were more police and commissionaires outside the ground than people wanting to see the match and when the official decision was made known they few people that were there quickly left for home and the roadsides.  This only the first Everton match postponed through weather conditions this season and the cancellation was aggravating even more because fans were hoping to see now the Everton team with the 17-years-old boys Parnell and Sharples shaped against the strong Aston Villa side.  Everton were unable to prevent the Aston Villa party from travelling as the decision came only an hour before the scheduled kick-off.  In fact Villa-drove up in their coach some 10 minutes after referee postponed the match.  They were met by a crowd of autograph hunters who stayed to the bitter end in the hope that they could get signatures if they could not see a game.  No decision was made regarding a new date for the game. 

CUP HOPES GONE AND NO EXCUSES
Saturday, January 14, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
WE’RE MORE SHOCKED THAN FANS, SAY ALEX PARKER
Well that’s that.  Our F.A Cup dreams are over for another year and to say it is a big blow to the players and everybody connected with the club is putting the position mildly.  This week our fans have left us in doubt just how disappointed they are but you can take my word for it that they are no-where near as disappointed as we players.  Sheffield United are a good side with their strong point in the half back line.  Their wing halves are great workers-and Joe Shaw must be one of the finest pivots in the game.  I have no excuse to offer for the defeat.  We were expected to win, but I’m afraid it was just one of those days.   During our training this week the match has naturally been the main topic of conversation, and the old argument among players has cropped up again.  It is better to be knocked out early in the competition, for have your hopes built up and then see them smashed later on.”  Somebody suggested that if you have to go out at all it must be best to do so in the Final, for then you have had the consolation of playing at Wembley.  But Billy Bingham had an answer to that, he was in the Luton Ton team beaten by Nottingham Forest in 1959 and he said it is just as disappointing to lose then as any other.  Roy Vernon believes the worst round to suffer defeat is the semi-final.  He had that experience with Blackburn Rovers and say that after all the effort of winning your way to that stage you suddenly realise you are only 90 minutes away from every players ambitions.  When you are beaten you realise that is actual fact you were no nearer to that dream than any side that went out in the third round-or even the first.  I agree with Roy, but Alex Young and Bobby Collins claim to have had a more disappointing Cup experience than that.  They have both missed Scottish Cup finals through injury, Bobby with Celtic and Alex with Hearts.  Tommy ring has been in two Scottish finals with Clyde.  His team won once and lost once.  He says it’s more disappointing being on the losing side.  This was one of the few moment in the debate when everybody agreed.  I repelled that-as I had only been in one Scottish final with Falkirk, I could not draw any comparison like Tommy did, but I do recall that I was glad we won.  George Thomson was rather out of the conversation, I’m afraid.  He has been in three finals with Hearts –two League Cup and one Scottish Cup-and said that much as he would like to join in the debate he felt he couldn’t as the had been on the winning side every time.  I chant tell you what answer he got. 
FITNESS HUNT
Incidentally Tommy Ring has the lasted off his leg.  He ears only a crepe bandage now and does exercises twice a day to strength his leg.  We were all pleased to see Mickey Lill running about again too.  He has had terrible luck since his cartilage injury but will be playing with one of our teams next Saturday-probably the reserves.  More good news about Alex Young, I needn’t repeat the run of bad luck he has had since his transfer but he has been talking part in practice matches this week and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him playing next Saturday as well.  Maybe our luck with injuries is changing.  I missed today’s match against Aston Villa with a foot injury but I too hope to be fit next week although I have my doubts about the news being as welcome with the fans as that about Lill and Young.  It is the first game I have missed this season, I was out four times last season, although obviously not missed very much.  The team won two of the matches, and draw the other two.  The two draws gave us two of the eight points we took from away games. 
ON THE SCREEN
Incidentally a few days before the Sheffield United match I had the novel experience of seeing myself on television.  The cameras had been at Bellefield to film us in training and it is certainly strange to see yourself on the screen.  Still television is a wonderful thing, especially for recoding history.  The cameras really captured one of those rare incidents in sport-years truly kicking with his left foot.  I believed the B.B.C are going to keep that shot for future generations to settle those arguments about Alex Parker using one foot for kicking and the other to balance on.  Oh, yes I have heard that criticism. 

ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
Saturday, January 14, 1961 The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Aston Villa Res;- Keelan; Lynn, Lee; McMoran, Morrall, Fawaed; Kenning, Tindall, Dixon, Burrows, Jones.  Everton Res; Mailey; Gannon, Thomson; Peat, Gorrie, Meagan, Bentley, Tyrer, Webber, Harland, Edwards.  Referee Mr. D. W. G. Brady (Sheffield).  Everton were much the livier side and only bad finishing and offside decisions prevented them taking an early lead.  Against the run of play Villa went ahead after 20 minutes, a shot from Dixon rebounding from the post for Burrows to net easily.  The visitors were not long in arrears for eight minutes later Bentley, who had been in good form on the right wing, deceived Keean in the Villa goal with a dropping shot to equalise.  Half-time-Aston Villa R 1, Everton R 1. 

EVERTON IN PURSUIT OF WINGER
Monday, January 16, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s outside-left predicament is so acute that when manager John Carey, and director Fred Mickelsfield are seen at Pittodrie with Aberdeen and Celtic in opposition, it requires no great powers of deduction to place the spotlights squarely on George Mulhall (Aberdeen) and Bertie Auld (Celtic) both internationals, at the men under observation writes Horace Yates.
Beyond confirming that he was at the game Mr. Carey will commit no further, but from Scotland I understand that Everton have so far made no offer for either man.  Everton of course, have been interested in Auld before but at the time Celtic were unwilling to part.  Now Auld can move, but if Everton were to decide that Mulhall was the man they fancied they would have to use their best persuasive powers on Aberdeen.  As one would expect of internationals both are very accomplished players, although Auld has been rather unlucky this season with a leg injury, I am assured however, that he is now perfectly fit.  This was not the only Everton scouting expedition on Saturday and I should imagine there will be a comparison of notes before it is decided which player appears to be the better prospect.  One thing is obvious Everton are on the move and if they run true to form it should not be very long before there is another new face at Goodison Park.  My guest?  It could be Mulhall. 

EVERTON MATCH POSTPONED
Monday, January 16, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
Because of fog in the North-West six soccer matches were postponed and three others were abandoned on Saturday. 

EVERTON RES BETTER IN FIRST HALF
Monday, January 16, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
ASTON VILLA RES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 2
In the first half of the Central League game at Villa Park the visitors were definitely the better side.  Those forwards moved smoothly with accurate, intelligent passing but only one goal from Bentley resulted.  This was due to a combination of bad luck, poor shooting and frequent offside decisions.  Villa opened the scoring through Burnley’s with practically their only real attack of the first half.  After the interval were just as much on top as their rivals had been earlier.  The Everton defence witted under continuous pressure and it was little short of amazing that their goal only fell once, again to Burrow.  Although lacking support this half the visiting forwards were always dangerous and just before the close Harland got a deserved equaliser.  Bentley and Tyrer were stars of the lively forward line but only Meagan shone in a shaky defence. 

FRIDAY FOOTBALL
Monday, January 16, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
LEAGUE MOVE TO BEAT STRIKE THREAT
TELEGRAMS SENT TO 92 CLUBS
In a bid to carry through Saturday’s strike-threatened football programme, the Foot League this afternoon ordered the matches to be brought forward to Friday.  League Secretary Mr. Alan Hardaker sent this telegram to all 92 clubs arranged for Saturday, January 21 should now be tentative arranged for Friday January 20.  Further communication will be sent after meeting on Wednesday.  This was the League’s dramatic reply to the professional’s decision to begin their long-threatened strike on Saturday.  Although the management committee of the Professional Footballers Association have not had a chance to consider the League move, the secretary, Mr. Cliff Lloyd said this afterwards; “I personally feel we would b justified in telling all our members not to take part in matches brought forward.  Yet we should be reluctant to take the step as we have always conducted our case with patience and tolerate and this is what we intend to continue to do.” 

DECISION TAKEN TOO EARLY, SAY ASTON VILLA
Monday, January 16, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Leslie Edwards
The most surprised man in Liverpool on Saturday was Aston Villa chief, Joe Mercer.  Not because the game against Everton was called off owing to fog, but because the decision was taken an hour and a quarter before kick-off time.  He told me; When we arrived at Goodison Park and found Mr. Howcroft had made his decision, we were flabbergasted.  The Everton players had left.  Suppose the fog had lifted as it often does within the space of a few minutes.  At Blackpool the visibility was fit for football at kick-off time and the fog came down within ten minutes.  The reverse could have happened in our case.  We feel that the referee was much too hasty in making his decision.  We shall protest to the Football League.  If there is no rule to cover the situation one should be formulated and put in the book.  Many times I have sat in the dressing room until say half an hour, before the kick-off time waiting to see whether the fog would lift or not.  In some cases play has been possible hen an hour before the chance of the match being played was almost nil.  Fog is a difference hazard from all others.  Referees can rule a pitch until hours before a game, but even when they have meteorological advice they cannot be certain an hour and a quarter in advance that visibility will rule out a fixture.  Villa disappointment was two-fold.  They have a replayed League Cup game against Plymouth to fit into their programme and a Cup tie against Peterborough a week next Saturday.  They wanted Everton to agree that the match should be played this evening but that was not possible.  The Everton Board meet today to consider Villa’s further plea to have the game on Wednesday.  Everton too face a probable glut of fixtures.  They have League Cup tie at Shrewsbury to fit in and if they win they may well have a two-legged semi-final and final to play.  While on Merseyside Joe Mercer attended the funeral at Landican of his uncle the former British Polo Vault champion. 

EVERTON’S SCOUTING TRIP TO SCOTLAND
Monday, January 16, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
NO MOVE LIKELY YET
VILLA GAME
By Leslie Edwards
No development are likely for some days out of the trip to Aberdeen on Saturday by Everton manager John Carey and director Fred Micklesfield.  Under their notice at Aberdeen Celtic match were left winger Bertie Auld (Celtic) and George Mulhall (Aberdeen).  Auld is a Scottish international who was playing his first senior game for about six weeks.  His name has been linked with Everton’s more than once in the past few months.  Mr. Carey said today.  “I having nothing to say about my trip to Scotland.  As you know I never discussed players of other clubs who are not for transfer.  Mr. Carey and Mr. Micklesfield travelled from Aberdeen to Perth after the match with the Celtic party.  It is reported that an Everton bid for Mulhall was turned down.  The postponed Everton-Villa match will not be played on Wednesday because the television of the Burnley v Hamburg match is such a great counter attraction.  Villa wanted the match tonight or on Wednesday, but when it was pointed out that the Burnley match would affect the gate they agreed to leave the fixture over until later in the season. 

ALEX YOUNG MUCH BETTER
Tuesday, January 17, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
PLAYED WELL IN PRACTICE GAME
Alex Young the Everton centre-forward who has played only one game for his club since he joined them last November “could be nearly ready” for action again, writes Leslie Edwards. 
The Everton manager John Carey, was delighted with his progress when he returned this week from his Army unit in Aldershot. He is a lot better and played very well indeed in one our practices.” 

EVERTON’S ROY VERNON SAYS
Friday, January 20, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
DON’T EXPECT MIRACLES PLAYERS ARE ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL
Make no mistake the players would definitely have stuck to their gums and honoured their stroke obligations if a reasonable compromise has not been reached, but at the same time I can tell you that most of us breathed a huge sigh of relief that this extreme step did not become necessary.  We are not indifferent to the welfare of the game.  What fools we would be if were when our livelihood is at stake, but at the same time you can never get the best out of employees who are smarting under some sense of injustice.  By and large we have achieved our goal and now it is our job to get the goals and make our supporters happy.  There is no doubt that our fans will be expecting us to pull out a little bit extra.  Whether that is possible remains to be seen.  Some unkindly souls have suggested that Everton and Liverpool jumped the gun and have been on strike for three weeks.  Obviously this is just a slander.  I know that any lack of success we have experienced has not been for lack of effort and I am equally sure the Liverpool players would tell you the same thing.  I would not like to make any hard and fast forecasts about the trend of events from now on.  It may take twelve months or two years for the new rules to settle down.  Some people have alleged against professional footballers that they could hardly await the dismissal from training to get over to their part-time jobs.  There is a lot of truth in the story that many of the players do have these sidelines, but who could blame them?  Nothing short of a financial wizard could save very much from a footballers earnings for the time when he is declared redundant and any man caught without another arrow for his blow would be considered foolish. 
CAN ONLY GUESS
How much our position is likely to be improved under the new charter we can only guess.  I have seen it stated that many players will not be a penny piece better off, I hope that is not true.  I think it right that every player should be able to negotiate his own terms with his club, rather than that an increased wage should be allocated to each man, with everybody on the same footing.  If you were to ask me just what I expected to get out of it, I honestly could not tell you.  My attitude will be to wait for a summons from the boss, then go in and talk things over.  If I am playing well at the time and scoring a lot of goals, I should expect liberal treatment but if I am doing so well then how can I afford to wield the big stick?  I have every confidence and that goes for most of the players that we will get fair treatment at Goodison.  Always they have had the reputation of giving to players every penny possible according to the rules but not one penny more.  Now that the rules allow them to be more generous I am certain they will not suddenly become purse-conscious.  The point has been discussed whether or not the star players would prefer to be paid at the rate of so much per game, instead of so much per match, I can only say that if the point were to be put to me, I should plump for the weekly system.  The security of that appeals to me.  If clubs pay well enough they may be entitled to say to the players-no more part-time jobs, while it is true they have time on their hands, they may b bringing about their shoulders a lot of worries that they could well do without and a worried player cannot give of his best.  Not for one moment do I believe that clubs will stay to their players.  “So far you have been part-timers.  Now you become full-timers.”  It is said that a footballer’s life is easy but it is not without its problems.  The ideal is to be building up a peak all the time. 
A STRAIN
If extra training were to be imposed the risk of resuming staleness would be great indeed.  Remember that during the heavy weather of mid-winter playing football for an hour or two each day on the muddy grounds is quite a strain on the legs.  A leg-weary footballer is the last thing in the world anybody wants.  It may be said that a labourer has to work all day every day, but I wonder if pushing a barrow or that sort of thing takes more out of a man than the conditions under which we operate.  You see, at the end of his work the labourer can relax and enjoy himself.  At the end of our training our work begins and it is not easy to play football with 40,000 or 50,000 people looking on.  There is a mental strain as well as physical and for the reason I do not believe for one moment that clubs will ask more of their players became they have to pay out a little more steeply.  After all clubs must be satisfied that their players are as near perfect fitness now as possible.  Otherwise steps would have been taken long ago to exert greater pressure.  I would say to supporters- don’t expect miracles.  We will all do our best to please, but after all we are only human.  My belief is that football is bound to benefit from the new charter.  Take for example a lad who is clever at school and a brilliant footballer into the bargain in the past there has been no real competition from football to make a lad decide that there is where his career lies.  He has contented himself with a game on Saturday afternoons for the fun of it and concentrated on making a more secure and profitable livelihood elsewhere.  I should say that the average first-class footballer at present can earn about £1,200 a year.  Under the new arrangements £2,000 or more should be within his accomplishment.  Now there is a world of difference provided by those two figures. 
OVERCROWDED MARKET?
Players are not unreasonable.  They know that if £20 is coming in as club receipts than £40 cannot be paid out.  Clubs may have to find ways and means of paying their stars according to worth, otherwise the temptation to move on to a club which can give his legitimate salary is obvious.  A lot of those with less affluent clubs may find themselves in a difficult position.  Their problem will be to find places in clubs able to pay better terms.  There may be a slightly overcrowded market.  I believe a two year contract is reasonable.  Few players want to be tearing up their roots every five minutes.  The average player stays with one club at least three years.  Obviously clubs for their own protection are likely to state when making terms, that top-rates apply, only while members of the first team.  That in itself will be an incentive and an encouragement to better standards.  I have often heard the criticism made that the modern players does not stand to lose sufficient if his team is beaten to make him strain to the limit to effect a recovery.  Now if there were to be the threat of reserve team pay instead of first team money the incentive could scarcely be more marked.  For the more gifted player, I am convinced the new deal is the best thing that has happened in my playing life-time and probably for a long time before that.  Who will be the best paid player in the game? I would not like to say.  Similarly I should not like to guess how much he will receive, but if there is one player above all others who is presenting the fact that he was born ten years too soon, I would say it is Stanley Matthews.  Imagine –and yet I have never heard Matthews complain that the game has been unkind to him monetarily. 

EVERTON UNCHANGED IF PARNELL IS FIT
Friday, January 20, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
RIGHT BACK DOUBT
AT WOLVES
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have chosen the same team as last week, in their match against Villa at Goodison Park was not played owing to fog-for the fixture against Wolves tomorrow.  The one doubt however is 17-years-old Roy Parnell, who has a touch of fibrositis in his neck.  It’s expected that he will be fit, but if he is not George Thomson at left back will be switched to the other flank as partner to Tom Jones.  Cliff Durandt has recovered from a  thigh injury and returns to the Wolves left wing.  This means that Norman Deeley switches to the right and is the only change from the side which played nine minutes football against Blackpool last Saturday.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Thomson, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris.  Wolves; Finlayson; Stuart, Showell; Kirkham, Slater, Clamp; Deeley, Murray, Farmer, Broadbent, Durandt. 

MERCILESS MOLINEUX
Saturday, January 21, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
A record of four defeats in the last five games is hardly the sort of recommendation to sent Everton to Wolverhampton with hopes of bringing back two points, where the only team to win this season have been Tottenham Hotspur.  If Everton had been able to field a truly representative side, the picture might not have appeared quite so bleak, but the good fortune which hit them in the shape of a fog-blanketed ground, which caused last week’s Aston Villa game to be postponed has availed them little, for the same experimental line up has had to be announced again.  If Roy Parnell is to make his League debut for his and Everton’s sake we must hope that the fibrositis he has suffered in the neck will have completely cleared, for his task will be considerable, if he is unable to play, George Thomson will be at right back.  I was not alone in expecting that Alex Parker’s ankle trouble had so much improved that he might have been declared fit, but while there is any threat of a break down, obviously it is better not to risk playing him.  Brian Harris stays at outside left, the position in which he would have played last week so that seventeen-years-old George Sharples has his second taste of First Division football.  The wait for Young continues but his reappearance cannot be much longer delayed.  With only one defeat in nine successive League engagements confidence at Molineux is tremendous and Everton have little to encourage them from past visits there, for only once since they were promoted have Everton confounding the Wolves in their own lair.  Not only have Everton gone down on their last five trips to Molineux but in that time they have scored only one goal.  One point would represent a wonderful fighting performance by the depleted Everton team.  Wolverhampton; Finlayson; Stuart, Kirkham, Slater, Clamp; Deeley, Murray, Farmer, Broadhurst, Durandt.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, (or Thomson), Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris. 

EXPERIENCED WOLVES WIN GREAT GAME AT MOLYNEUX
Saturday, January 21, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
WOLVES 4, EVERTON 1
By Michael Charters
Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Finlayson; Stuart, Showell; Kirkham, Slater, Clamp; Deeley, Murray, Farmer, Broadbent, Durandt.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris.  Referee; Mr. G.W Pullen (Bristol). 
Roy Parnell the 17-years-old Birkenhead boy was fit after his attack of neck Fibrositis and made his debut for Everton at Molineux.  With the other 17-years-old boy, Sharples at left half making his second League appearance, and Brian Harris at outside left the Everton team had rather a strange look about it.  Two directors –Mr. Dick Searle and Mr. Cyril Balmforth –were in charge of the party.  Everton chairman, Mr. John Moores, and Manager John Carey checked on the Huddersfield-Leeds United Second Division game, but Huddersfield manager Eddy Boot anticipated their visit and said before setting out to watch his club’s F.A Cup 4th round opponents Barnsley.  “None of our players is for sale.  We have stated so repeatedly.”  They were believed to be watching Ray Wilson.  After Wolves had made a couple of tentative attacks in the first two minutes.  Everton took a sensational lead three minutes after the kick-off.  Sharples was instrumental in starting the attack by moving the ball up to Wignall who flicked it out to Harris on the wing.  The winger’s cross was misheaded by Slater to the feet of Bingham, who hit a fine ground shot into the corner of the net.  Wolves were back on level terms in eight minutes through a particularly well taken goal by Farmer.  He got the ball after Parnell and Labone had failed to make an effective clearance between them, Broadbent pushing it through for him to break into the open and beat Dunlop with a fine shot from 10 yards.  It was Farmer’s 21st goal of the season, and it came on his 21st birthday.  When Bingham moved out to the left wing the exposed a gap in the Wolves defence as Harris moved inside and Everton were rather unlucky when the wingers shot cannoned off Stuart.  The game was fast, furious and entertaining.  Parnell got Vernon away with a particularly good pass and the inside left took the ball 20 yards before hitting a fierce shot just wide of the far upright. 
SUPER SAVE
Both Parnell and Sharples were getting through much good work, although the whole of Everton’s defence at times was a little bewildered by the speed and interchanging of position by the Wolves forwards.  When Deeley took a quick free-kick he lobbed the ball right on to the head of the unmarked Murray and it took a superb one-handed save from Dunlop to turn the ball up, Labone completed the clearance.  Everton came very close to scoring in the next minute when Vernon swept a wonderful pass out to the right wing for Wignall in chase and the centre forward just turned it back just inches from the line to Vernon, running in, but the Welshman, connected with the ball the first time and swept it a foot over the bar.  Another fine Everton move starting from deep in defence saw Wignall put in possession by Vernon and dribble through brilliantly withstand a tackle from Slater and shot just over the bar. 
INEXPERIENCED
Wolves went ahead after 26 minutes through a goal by Murray.  Once again it was inexperience on the bar of an Everton youngster which created the chance.  This time Sharples trying to flick the ball over his head only managed to give Deelay possession and he quickly put the ball forward to the unmarked Murray who hit an unstoppable volley into the top corner of the net.  Although there was much to admire in some of the touches of the two Everton 17-years-olds there was no doubt that Everton was an indirect free kick in the Wolves penalty area when Collins was obstructed by Showell but Wolves quickly cleared Bingham’s kick.  Clamp got involved when Parnell beat him in a good tackle and was even more disturbed when the referee gave a free kick against him.  From the kick Everton missed a wonderful chance of equalising for Vernon receiving the kick from Gabriel slipped through the Wolves defence brilliantly and when everyone was expecting him to shoot, pushed the ball across to Wignall.  The centre forward could only of the ball against the body of Finlayson and it ran lose into the in running Harris who made a fierce shot high and wide when a more surely effort could have succeed with the goalkeeper out of position.  Everton had the better of things for some ten minutes put there was always menace when the Wolves forwards got cracking.  They made one darting raid when Dunlop coming out intelligently punch away Broadbents centre with Durandt and Farmer waiting for the ball. 
FEW TRICKS
Wolves with another raids, and in one such move Gabriel kicked the ball out of Dunlop’s hands to give away a corner when it looked odds on Wolves scoring further ahead.  Just before half-time Dunlop who always seem to do well here, made a superb save from Murray’s header, flashing the ball out for a corner when it almost seemed the ball had gone past him.  I thought Wignall was a little slow to take advantage of a good centre from Collins standing back for Finlayson to come out and make a punch away to safely.  Although Everton were behind they had some wonderful chances of getting on level terms and of evening going ahead.  Half-time; Wolves 2, Everton 1. 
Wolves reopened with an attack down the right wing, Kirkham flashing the ball across from the bye-line for Gabriel to clear desperately has Dunlop dived out for the ball and missed.  Then Harris with a cute lob almost got Vernon away, but Slater made a particularly cool clearance on the edge of the area, pushing the ball back to Finlayson.  Wolves went to 3-1 after 55 minutes through Murray.  Broadbent made the opening by working his way down the left wing, collecting a rebound off Parnell’s foot and centring over Dunlop’s head for Murray to head the ball just inside the post from no more than a yard out.  Wolverhampton had a free kick on the edge of Everton’s area as Parnell brought down Durandt and Gabriel who was getting through a great deal of hard work defensively cleared the ball as Clamp chipped it forward.  Then Harris who looked out of sorts of his unusual position tried a low shot from twenty yards which went straight to Finlayson.  Broadbent the arch schemer for Wolves made the fourth goal after 65 minutes.  In his own half, Broadbent slipped around Jones beautifully and crossed the ball to Deeley who moved forward ten yards and placed a lobbed shot just inside the upright from 25 yards out.  It looked to me as through Dunlop had not anticipated this one.  Wolves were now of course in control and seemed even more that Everton had missed their way in the first half with those glorious chances which went begging.  The Wolves wing halves were able to gone forward to help their attack at will now and this threw a heavy burden on Everton’s defence.  Bingham limped off the field a few minutes from the end after tackle by Clamp’s very strong character indeed.  Parnell saved what looked a certain goal by whipping the ball off Durandt’s foot when Broadbent centre had beaten the rest of the defence.  Wolves 4, Everton 1.  Estimated attendance 36,000. 
EVERTON C V LIVERPOOL C
Liverpool’s main danger came from Sanchez on the Everton right wing.  Wallace volleyed the ball into the Everton goal after 28 minutes to give Liverpool the lead. 
Half-time; Everton C nil, Liverpool C 1. 

PLAYERS NEVER WANTED STRIKE
Saturday, January 21, 1961, The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
NOW LET’S GET ON WITH THE GAME, SAYS ALEX PARKER
A long with every professional in the country, I was delighted when I heard the news on Wednesday night that proposed soccer strike was off.  You can take it from me that no player wanted the strike and I, for one, could never really imagine it coming off.  I found it difficult to imagine not playing on a Saturday afternoon, and although I had no idea of how it would be settled I was always convinced that a strike would not take place.  Speaking for myself I am pleased with the new deal, it was the main topic of conversation before and after training on Thursday morning and I think my opinion is shared by most of the other players.  Now that little lot is over-let’s get on with the game.  On Wednesday night I watched Burnley v Hamburg match on television and I thought the English team were good value for their win.  They played really well although the Germans were a little unlucky at times because I don’t know how the Burnley boys managed to keep some of the shots out of the net.  It was the sort of game which Hamburg might have won 3-1 or Burnley could have increased their lead to 5-1. 
Terrific
I thought the heavy pitch affected the Germans more than the home team, but with a two-goal lead our champions should get through to the European Cup Semi-Final. A repeat of Wednesday’s form would be good enough in my opinion.  Speaking from experience I don’t think it matters much to Burnley whether they play home or away.  They are certainly a very good side and I thought Pilkington’s goal that made the score 2-0 was terrific.  Of course our game against Aston Villa last week was postponed.  I would not have played any way, but had to report to the ground all the same.  I was just leaving home when I heard the news of the postponement on TV, I rang the club to check and spent the afternoon in front of the fire.  While Liverpool are playing Sunderland in next week’s Cup-tie at Anfield we shall be at Elland Road for a friendly match with Leeds United.  While we are there I shall be meeting two old Falkirk colleagues in centre forward John McCole and outside right Tommy Murray, and Bobby Collins will be able to have a chat with his ex-Celtic pal, Eric Smith.  They have almost as many Scotsmen at Leeds as we have at Goodison. 
Treatment
Along with Mickey Lill, Tommy Ring and Alex Young.  I have been at Newcastle Hospital every afternoon this week for Treatment to my foot injury.  The place is beginning to look more likely the Goodison treatment room, every day.  It’s no reflection on the wonderful attention we get there when I say I hope we won’t have to be going there much money.  Alex has played in a number of practice matches at Bellefield this week and we were all delighted to see that his form and fitness showed that he appeared to have lost his injury bug.  If he reproduced the same form in the first team, I think our supporters will find that their wait and his was worthwhile.  Speaking of fans, I discovered recently that we have quite a number at Blackburne House Girl’s School.  Yes, I said girls.  I received a letter the other day from Ann Thomas, of 7 Redvers Drive, Orrell Park Liverpool and she tells me that some of the girls at the school would like to form an Everton F.C fan club.  Well it would certainly be something new, I have heard of many Everton fan clubs in different parts of the world, but never an all-girls one.  Ann says; “You may not think that girls are interested in football but we can shout as loud as any boys at the matches. 
Boner Goes
I have no doubt that there are many husbands reading this who would take that statement further and say that females can generally shout louder than males.  Incidentically Ann, I’m sorry to have to tell you that I can’t let you have any photographs for the simple reason that I don’t have any.  One of the Scottish colony left us this week when David Bone signed for Dundee United.  He should be quite at home up there for Andy Penman and Andy Gearie, also former Evertonians are with Dundee the neighbouring club.  If you think Goodison and Anfield are close you should see the two Dundee grounds.  They are on opposite sides of the street only 30 yards apart. 

EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES
Saturday, January 21, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Everton Res;- Dunne; Green, Gannon; Peat, Gorrie, Harland; Bentley, Temple, Webber, Tyrer, Edwards.  Bolton Res; Bollands; Threlfall, Sanky; Rimmer, Hennin, Wilkinson; Bannister (N), Jones, Phythian, Deakin, Hender.  Referee; Mr. G. Ollerton (Preston).  After cleverly checking a right wing move Gannon went up field to take the ball, with Webber’s help into the Bolton penalty area where Threlfall finally dispossessed Edwards.  In the sixth minute Webber beat two Bolton defenders with a body swerve before running from the half-way line and slipping a square pass for Tyrer to net off the upright.  When Harland conceded a corner to stop Phythian from equalising Dunne recovered quickly after dropping the flags kick.  After from this the Everton defence never looked in danger with Harland and Gannon the star performers.  Everton were well on top and Bolland’s turned round the post gone efforts from Bentley and Temple.  Everton’s lead was increased rather luckily on the 10th minute.  Bolton left half Wilkinson attempted to pass back to his goalkeeper but the ball found his own net. Although Everton were full value for their lead it was reduced two minutes later by Deakin who beat Dunne from an acute angle.  Half-time; Everton Res 2, Bolton Wanderers Res 1. 

MISTAKES DID NOT UPSET YOUNGSTERS
Monday, January 23, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 4, EVERTON 1
By Michael Charters
Although Everton lost their fourth successive game and finished a well beaten side at Wolverhampton, they might well have established a first-half lead which even the powerful, all action Wolves could not have overtaken.  It must be remembered this was a scratch Everton side, with seventeen-year-old boys Parnell and Sharples, and Harris out of position on the left wing, so that there was considerable merit in their first-half display when I made them slightly the better team.  Later it was a different story for Wolves took the attacking edge and Everton never managed to make one attack likely to trouble Finlayson, except for one excellent free kick from Collins, which the Wolves goalkeeper turned over the bar.  I thought both Parnell and Sharples came out of this tough, uncompromising struggle with a good deal of credit.  It was unfortunate that mistakes by each led to the first two Wolves’ goals, but I give them full marks for not allowing this to upset their play.  They revealed touches which indicate that the high regard in which they are held at Everton is not misplaced.  Everton’s defence got through a lot of good work against a side famous for the speed and sheer power of their attacking play.  Where Everton failed mainly was in attack where Harris played like a man out of possession and Collins usually so vivacious, had a strangely quiet game for him.
BINGHAM’S BEST
The best was Bingham, who scored a lovely goal after only three minutes, while Vernon had a good first half, but faded later.  Wignall was held by Slater playing in his most commanding vein, so that Everton’s attack only worked on two cylinders at best.  Labone had an excellent match against the lively Farmer and there was no doubt that the longer the game went the more his powers of recovery and excellent tackling were needed.  After Farmer had equalised in eight minutes, getting the ball after Parnell had missed a tackle and going through to score brilliantly, came Everton’s best spell.  Vernon missed two excellent chances, shooting over from one when only five yards out after Bingham had put the ball right on his toes.  Then Wignall showing a surprising burst of dribbling, got clean through only to put the ball over the bar and Murray (26 minutes) scored a brilliant goal for Wolves, volleyed the ball past Dunlop with an unstoppable shot.  The built-up to this goal came when Sharples failed with what would have been a clever overhead flick, with Deeley intercepting and putting Murray away. 
MISS OF MATCH
Then came the miss of the match when Harris was presented with an open goal after Wignall had shot against Finlayson, the winger slamming the ball high and wide when a placed shot must have given Everton a deserved equaliser.  Just before half time Dunlop made a superb save from Murray to equal one he had pulled out earlier against the same player and Everton went in 2-1 down when they should have been 4-2 in front.  The second half was all Wolves and goals from Murray and Deeley in the 55th and 65th minute gave Wolves dominance.  The great strength of this final Wolves side is at wing half where Kirkham and Clamp were able to dominate midfield and come through to make seven forwards against whom Everton’s defence was at full stretch.  The Wolves forward line, all fast and incisive types of players, had the brainy Broadbent behind them to lay on the chances and the move with which he gave Deeley the chance for his goal was superb, sidestepping and swerving past Jones like the international he is.  Bingham was off the field for the last ten minutes with a leg injury, caused in a tackle by Clamp, while Parnell was also injured in the closing minutes.  Wolves are in their rightful place, second in the League on this display, for although they are a little suspect at full back the rest of the team move with a directness and drive which makes them one of the most difficult teams to beat.  Wolves; Finlyson; Stuart, Showell; Kirkham, Slater, Clamp; Deeley, Murray, Farmer, Broadbent, Durandt.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Jones; Gabriel, Labone, Sharples; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Harris.  Referee Mr. G.W Pullin (Bristol) Attendance 31,110. 

EVERTON’SOFFER FOR O’GRADY?
Monday, January 23, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
So manager John Carey and his chairman, Mr. John Moores, had a wasted journey to Huddersfield on Saturday!  That is what we are told because Huddersfield said quite firmly; that none of their first team players are for sale.  My reply is- don’t you believe it!  The Everton officials watched outside left O’Grady, and left back Wilson, but I think it is O’Grady who is the magnet.  Naturally, Huddersfield will not talk business so long as they are interested in the Cup, but once they are out of it, it will be a different story.  To my question, “Is it true you have made an offer for O’Grady?” manager Carey, replied simply, “No comment.”  That does not convince me that my information that Everton are already in with an offer is wipe of the mark.  We have known Mr. Carey long enough now to realise that he is never over-talkative, but he is always least talkable when he has most to talk about.  If you can sort that out it produces the solution, that Mr. Carey is at present guarding a confidential approach for O’Grady.  This young left winger, who was captured the imagination of three or four First Division clubs, might have been a LIverpool player now had manager Bill Shankly not been such a straight shooter.  Mr. Shankly spent severe weeks chasing backwards and forwards to Leeds before he succeeded in tempting O’Grady to Leeds Road and it was after he had a very good idea that he was about to be appointed manager at Anfield that Mr. Shankly signed as professional for Huddersfield Town.  I can imagine the forthright Mr. Shankly saying, “Much as I would like to take this boy, along with me, I am still employed by Huddersfield Town and that being so I must do my duty by them.”  He did just that.  Everton’s need of wingers became even more urgent on Saturday for Billy Bingham strained his groin at Wolverhampton.  The leg was very sore yesterday morning and I was told that it could prove fairly extensive injury. 

WHISTLE WAS RELIEF FOR EVERTON RES
Monday, January 23, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON RES 2, BOLTON W RES 1
The final whistle came as a welcome relief to Everton Reserves who were hanging on apprehensively to their slender lead towards the finish of this Central League game at Goodison Park.  During the goalless though absorbing second half, the Wanderers became more and more menacing only to flounder helplessly in the Everton penalty area.  Everton deserved to win however despite Wilkinson’s 40th minute own goal putting them two up just before Deakin reduced Bolton’s arrears.  Previously bad luck and inspired goalkeeping kept Everton from augmenting Tyrer’s sixth-minute goal.  Webber led Everton’s attack superbly with Temple also having a good day while Harland a tireless and constructive left half, and left back Gannon took the defensive honour. 

EVERTON’S DEFEAT NOT AS CRUSHING AS IT SEEMS
Monday, January 23, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By Michael Charters
Although Everton finished a well beaten side at wolves on Saturday, the score of 4-1 against them tends to give a rather false impression of the way they played.  I felt there was much-more merit about their form than there had been against Burnley, Leicester City and Sheffield United.  The first half performance was the best since they won at Burnley on Boxing Day.  Had good chances been accepted they could well have ended the half in front instead of trailing 2-1.  No side can miss such gifts as Everton did and expect to get away with it at Molyneux of all players.  Wolves play with such force and directness with a superb half-back line as an engineer room of great power, that Everton were always struggling in the second half.  In fact the longer the game lasted the more Wolves became dominant until in the closing stages they toyed almost impudently with an Everton devoid of attacking rhythm.  Bet let us examine the good features from Everton’s view-point.  The 17 years-old boys Parnell and Sharples the former making his debut, made mistakes understandably so, and so happened two of the slips led to the first two Wolves goals.  Apart from that, however, I thought both played remarkably well on a ground where few teams succeed.  Parnell in particular revealed great promise and the coolness of both of them in the face of the fury of Wolves attacking method was admirable.  They always tried to use the ball wisely and well always tried to play football and I give them full marks. 
ATTACK FAILED
Everton’s defence was the best part of the side, for Labone and Gabriel both played brilliantly.  There was an element of good fortune in all four Wolves goals but Labone and company struck manfully to their unenviable task against a fast-moving line which struck with such suddenness that a less capable defence could have been over run.  It was in attack that Everton failed, Vernon (twice), Wignall and Harris missed wonderful chances of giving their side such an early lead, that even a team as good as Wolves would have been hard pressed to overtake it.  Only Bingham, sustained a constant threat and he was easily Everton’s best forward.  Now he has joined the long injured list at Goodison for he limped off ten minutes from the end with a badly strained groin muscle which will keep him out of action for a fortnight or more.  Collins rarely made his usual impact on the game and a below his best at present,  Harris played like a man out of position on the left wing.  Vernon apart from a couple of vintage runs in the first half faded against the strong tacking of Kirkham and Clamp and Wignall’s limitations were exposed by a masterly compelling display by Bill Slater, who strolled through the game as the dominating Wolves figure.
LOP-SIDED
Everton, therefore could not hope to score with such a lop-sided attack, although there were times in the first half when they moved well enough to expose the weaknesses of Wolves at full back.  They started brightly with Bingham slamming in a cross shot after three minutes, but five minutes later Wolves were level.  Parnell failed to get a short pass to Labone the ball spinning the mud between them for Farmer to celebrate his 21st birthday by nipping through and shooting past Dunlop for his 21st goal in 17 games.  Then Sharples trying an overhead flick which would have been brilliant had it succeeded found Murray anticipating the trick and pushing the ball across to Deeley racing forward for the return pass and volleying it into the top corner with an unstoppable shot.  Before and after this goal Everton blundered their chances away and with Dunlop making, two excellent saves from Murray headers to level things a little.  The difference here was that Everton did not cause Finlayson any trouble with their efforts, blazing high and wide when calmer shots would have paid off. 
DIPPING SHOT
The skill of Broadbent brought Wolves’ second half goals for he made a perfect centre for Murray to head the third from only a yard out and then broke clear past Jones with a breath-taking swerve and dummy to pass to Deeley, who scored from 25 yards with a dipping shot which Dunlop appeared to anticipate too late.  In retrospect it must be remembered that Everton had rather a “scratch” team out against the second best” team in the land.  In that light they played some commendably good football until they reached the Wolves’ penalty area. 

HARRIS IS UNHAPPY AT GOODISON
January 23, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
MAY ASK FOR TRANSFER
WINGER SEARCH
By Leslie Edwards
Goodison Park boiled up again over the week-end.  I understand that he would like a move and that he will ask for one. Everton manager John Carey had heard nothing of his intention when I spoke to him today.  The Board have a meeting tonight and if Harris were to implement his reported intention to ask for a transfer it is probable that the matter would be discussed this evening.  Harris a Bebington boy, started as a winger, but developed into a well-class half back.  He volunteered to play at outside left in the team beaten 4-1 at Wolverhampton on Saturday. Everton emissaries covered several matches on Saturday Manager Carey and chairman John Moores saw the Huddersfield v Leeds United game Jack Sharp was at Tranmere v. Halifax former chairman Fred Micklesfield was at Crewe for the match against York City.  Only Messers Dick Searle and Cyril Balmforth travelled with the first team to Wolverhampton. 
AT HUDDERSFIELD
The attraction at Huddersfield was undoubtedly left winger, Michael O’Grady, an 18-years-old Leeds boy who has taken over the Dennis Law mantle as idol at Leeds Road.  He had an indifferent game, and the Everton contingent left 15 minutes before the game ended.  Even if O’Grady were prepared to give any other club the thumbs up sign, his club would not transfer him.  Secretary Tony Galvin said this morning; “No approaches were made; and if they had been, they would have been turned down.  We haven’t enough players so let even one go.  Nor have we a good enough league position to let one go.”  The last time Huddersfield were adamant about not letting a player go was when Everton made a £40,000 effort to try to sign Law.  He was subsequently transferred Manchester City for £55,000 and Huddersfield whose home gates are usually round the 13,000 mark seem unlikely to make the same mistake again, if they let O’Grady go and finished their Cup run gates would slump disastrously. 

EVERTON’S YOUTH X1 MARCH ON
Thursday, January 26, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
MIDDLESBROUGH 1, EVERTON 2
Everton’s Youth team advanced to the quarter finals of the F.A Youth Cup with a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park last night.  Their football was far better than their opponents, and they won despite being a goal in arrears early in the game and failing with a penalty.  Horner headed Middlesbrough into the lead in the seventh minute when the Everton defence took a dummy after a free kick awarded when Gorrie stopped a runaway chase for goal by ‘Boro leader Simpson just outside the penalty area.  Everton were nearly two goals in arrears as Mailey fumbled and dropped a high cross from the left wing, but Gannon came in with a rescue act on the line as the ball headed for the net.  Chester on the right wing was Everton’s star forward but boldiness on the part of goalkeeper Emerson kept Webber from turning Chester’s work into goals. 
SUPRISED EQUALISER
When Everton equalised in the 40th minute it seemed there was little danger to Middlesbrough.  A cross from Chester was cleared out of the goal area but Edwards swung a hopeful foot at the ball to send it flashing into the net.  Middlesbrough’s centre half a minute later sent Chester sprawling in the penalty area, but Everton anticipated the direction of Sharples’ spot kick so bring off a fine save.  Everton did not have long to wait for another goal, for a minute before half-time Jarvis sent in a long range shot which completely deceived Emerson by its flight.  The attacking role adopted by Everton wing halves Sharples and Jarvis provided ample ammunition for the forwards and it was touch and go for Middlesbrough, as Chester sent a shot against an upright and Emerson finger-tipped a Morton shot over the bar.  Everton completely dominated the second half and only some outstanding work by Emerson in the home goal prevented a rout for Middlesbrough.  Middlesbrough; Emerson; McDonagh, Jones; Walker, Gates, Bryan; Proctor, Povey, Simpson, Horne, Hetherington.  Everton; Mailey; Parnell, Gannon; Jarvis, Gorrie, Sharples; Chester, Tyrer, Webber, Morton, Edwards. 

TOTTENHAM CAN BREAK THROUGH DOUBLE BARRIER
Friday, January 27, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Roy Vernon (Wales and Everton)
I found it hard to suppress a smile the other day when I saw staring at me in my newspaper, following Tottenham’s defeat by Manchester United the headline; “Is this the start of the slide?”  At the very least it seemed a little premature to see in one reverse the cracking of so mighty a force which has swept through its fixture list this season with the power and efficiency of a machine.  Every side, it is said has its breaking point and that once it is reached it is not easy to arrest the drift.  That is true, I believe only where a side is playing flat out to the limit of its resources, where reserve strength is paper-thin and one injury can have the effect of a spanner being thrown into the workings of a delicate instrument.  Everton have been doubly and trebly unfortunate in regard to injuries and because much of our reserve strength is youthful rather than mature, we have felt the draught.  Not so Tottenham.  They have been able to coast along from strength to strength safe in the power of their reserves.  I expect more than one club has been waiting hopefully for the day when Tottenham would have to begin a little unloading but that day has not yet dawned and so Spurs win yet another bouquet for their ability to keep talented reserves content to be in reserve.  It is not an easy task, for even if club treatment is as generous as rules permit a player does not like to be long out of the limelight and out of top class soccer.  Tottenham have managed to hold on and there seems no reason at this stage to believe that loyalties will crack and the demands will start to flow.  Largely because Tottenham are not only a great side, but are backed by their reserve power, I believe it lies within their compass to achieve what has almost become regarded as an impossibility-the Cup and League double.   For 54 years this mammoth feat has been beyond the ability of any side.  Last season it looked as though Wolves would lay the bogy, but while they carried off the F.A Cup in triumph, one point gave Burnley the Championship. 
BUBBLE BURST
In 1957 Manchester United swept the League honours board just as clean as Spurs promise to do this season.  They were home and dry by eight points and in the final of the Cup as well.  Alas Wembley punctured that bubble of hope.  West Brom took the Cup in 1954 but two points separated them from the champions.  In 1938 Preston took the Cup but lost the title by three points and so it goes on, a chain of wonderful achievement, high expectation and failure by the narrowest of margins.  It seems that only an earthquake can upset the rhythm of this superb side.  The League title is within their grasp and Crewe will forgive me I hope for suggesting that Tottenham can start thinking in terms of round five of the F.A Cup.  One has only to suggest that Tottenham are one of the greatest side of all time to be guaranteed an argument.  Some there are who maintain that present-day football does not compare with the great days of the past and that Spurs only look a formidable side today because opposition in general is much below par.  The pre-Munich Manchester United team, I have heard it argued was the superior of Tottenham and I must admit that United side was probably the finest I have seen.  Unfortunately there is no way of comparing the merits of teams of different years.  The only fair way is to put them into opposition with each other.  I know Everton beat Burnley in one of the two holiday games, while Tottenham have a double to their credit over us, but in my opinion Burnley could be a tougher side to beat than Spurs.  It is my opinion that the greatest danger to Tottenham’s hopes of lifting the Cup is the possibility of their path crossing with that of Burnley.  Burnley are just the side to shake Tottenham, particularly if such a meeting should take place at Turf Moor.  That terrier-like Burnley defence in a Cup-tie especially would give the League leaders plenty to think about.  One’ thing Burnley never suffer from is an interiority complex! 
TWO MISSES...
In case it may be said that the reason I have gone on a tour of the League in this week’s article is to draw a discreet veil over Everton’s latest disappointment at Wolves.  I should like to say that here again we were not as bad as the score painted us.  I plead guilty to missing two chances.  Don’t ask me why.  It was just one of those things or rather two of them.  Sometimes, instead of the ball doing as you direct it, it is most unco-operative.  In my estimation we had better scoring chances than Wolves, but they finished theirs in the grand manner, while we squandered ours.  What a pity, for victory at Molineux-where not one in a hundred gave us any hope of success-could have steered us back into the winging groove.  One of our most disappointed players is Mickey Lill, if spirit had been sufficient he would have made a return to the game in record time-after his operation for cartilage trouble, but he has been desperately unlucky.  We have missed Lill and he cannot come back too quickly. 

YOUNG FIT AGAIN, PLAYS AT LEEDS
Friday, January 27, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
EVERTON MAKE CHANGES
THOMASON BACK
By Leslie Edwards
Alex Young the Scottish international centre-forward, signed by Everton last November at a fee of £40,000 makes his second appearance for the club in the friendly match at Leeds tomorrow.  He made his debut against Tottenham just before Christmas but broke down again with knee trouble when playing for the Army in Scotland a few days afterwards.  Young has been showing excellent form in practice matches following his long spell of inaction but he was not chosen for the match tomorrow before being seen by the club specialist.  The other famous Scot signed with Young, full-back George Thomson also returns to the first team after missing several games.  He gets his place at left back and Tom Jones takes over at right back from young Parnell who played in Everton’s Youth team at Middlesbrough on Wednesday.  Brian Harris reverts to his customary position at left-half back and John Bentley an 18-years-old Liverpool lady gets his first senior chance on the right wing with Collins as his partner.  Derek Temple comes in again on the left.  Everton; Dunlop; Jones, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bentley, Collins, Young, Vernon, Temple. 

EVERTON TURN THE TABLES
Saturday, January 28, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
LEEDS UNITED 2, EVERTON 3
Leeds United; Humphreys; Jones, Hair; Cameron, McCugan, Goodwin; Francis, Smith, McCole, Bremner, Grainger.  Everton; Dunlop; Jones, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bentley, Collins, Young, Vernon, Temple.  Referee; Mr. HP Hackney (Barnsley).  A quick start on the water-logged Elland Road ground saw Everton a goal down in 90 seconds in their friendly match with Leeds United.  Striking strong on the right Francis played the way for McCole to dart through and leave Dunlop with no chance to save a low drive.  Smith and Bremner showed up well as Leeds tried to increase their advantage, but the Everton defence steadied the many chances were denied to the home forwards.  Blues on the play was farcical as the pace of passes could not be estimated.  This was shown when temple came away on the Everton left, after a rebound from a defender had put him in possession.  Taylor completely miskicked in losing his balance, and Leeds threatened again Everton’s best effort came from neat to-operation between –Harris and Temple, which cut out an opening for Vernon.  The inside left was well-positioned but covering defences crowded him out before he could get in a shot.  Not much was being seen of Alex Young against-McGugan, the Leeds Reserve centre half, who was admirably supported by Goodwin and Cameron.  Gradually Everton came more into the attacking picture. A right flank raid ended with Collins forcing a way through only to be fouled by a daring dive by Humphreys.  Then with 18 minutes gone, Everton found themselves two goals down.  Smith and Francis combined effectively to draw the visiting defence out of position and when the ball was crossed Grainger was unmarked and he fired home wide of the advancing Dunlop.  Leeds seemed far more dangerous at close quarters than Everton, who had yet to settle down in the treacherous going. 
INEXPERIENCE
Young Bentley was quite prominent and Everton tried gamely to hit back.  But his inexperience was evident on one occasion when he unexpectedly had a chance to cut in as the ball bounced back to him.  Dunlop was having to work overtime in the Everton goal as Leeds continued to call the pace.  The goalkeeper tipped over the bar a free kick from Cameron and then foiled another dangerous shooting raid.  When Vernon got a chance at the other end McGugan dispossessed him before he could get in a shot.  Half-time; Leeds United 2, Everton 0.
Everton showed marked improvement in the second half and after 51 minutes they deservedly knocked a goal off the arrears.  Vernon and Collins promoted repeated raids before McGugan saw an attempted pass-back stick in the mud. 
ON THE SPOT
Collins was on the spot to lob the ball home as goalkeeper Humphreys came out.  When Leeds hit back, McCole showed he could be a menace at close quarters by the way he brought out a fine save from Dundee.  Next it was Francis who tested the Everton defence but his shot went harmlessly wide.  As Everton sought to get on level terms none worked harder than Collins but Young had yet to produce his £42,000 form.  Bentley scored for Everton after 63 minutes, and Gabriel after 82 minutes.  Attendance 3,200. 

NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN A WOLVES GAME
Saturday, September 28, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
EVEN FROM THE STAND, SAYS ALEX PARKER
There’s always one thing about playing against the Wolves-it is never a dull game,.  Every time I have played against them, win, lose or draw, there have always been plenty of incidents.  Last week’s match at Molneux was no exception even though I was only a spectator.  I saw the match from the back of the stand with Tommy Ring, and Mickey Lill, and I can tell you that I was far and away the best player on the ground.  You get a totally different impression of the game as a spectator and I could see all the things the players should have done and I would have done, I didn’t put a foot wrong.  I found I could see moves developing earlier than I do when I am playing and can understand the fans disappointment following a mistake for, to them it must look so easy.  I only wish I could play on the pitch with the view I get from the stand.  Despite the score, I thought Everton played well, particularly in the first 20 minutes when they did better than they have done for weeks.  Billy Bingham gave us an early lead and we could easily have had another four before half time Roy Vernon, Brian Harris and Frank Wignall all went close from good chances and a Wolves defender was only an inch away from giving us an own goal. 
GOOD DEFENDER
I thought our two 17-years-old George Sharples and Roy Parnell did exceptionally well against such a good side.  For me Roy was as good a defender as there was on the pitch- and English internationals Eddie Clamp and Bill Slater were playing.  I also thought Jimmy Gabriel did well against peter Broadbent.  The Wolves inside man is regarded as one of the best in the country and it says much for Jimmy that the star of the Wolves attack had a quiet game.  Incidentally it may not be generous known that Roy Parnell was a schoolboy international outside right when he came to Goodison and then asked for a run-out at right back.  He was given the chance and there is no mistaking that he has made a great job of it.  Because of my foot injury, I have been doing a lot of training lately.  I was at the ground Sunday morning and first thing on Monday.  This promoted some of the players to say that I was making an extra effort to get fit because young Roy played so well. 
YOUNG SUCCESS
Roy and George were both in the team that beat Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening to reach the quarter final of the F.A Youth Cup.  This was a particular good performance as the Middlesbrough side is regarded as one of the best they have had for years and recently gave the promising Newcastle boys a beating.  Although the score was only 2-1, I gather from reports it did not go up to Middlesbrough that it might have been 10-1 but for a great goalkeeping display.  And George Sharples missed a penalty.  It’s a sore point with the youth side at the moment as Alan Tyrer missed one in the previous round. 
PEN PALS
I have been reviewing a number of letters lately from Everton fans mainly from Liverpool, but also from different parts of the world.  For instance the following have taken the trouble to write; Joe Latham of the Empress of England, Kenneth Lang, 37 Maple Drive, New Hyde Park.  New York, USA, private Peter Roscoe, stationed with the A.C.C in Germany, R.A Smith, 36 Michigan Avenue Ontario, Canada, S.A.C Tony Sayle of Room 104, Devil’s Tower.  I don’t much fancy that name for a billet, R.A.F Gibraltar Mr. G. Oakes 81 East Coast Road, Milford Auckland, New Zealand, plus numerous from Merseyside.  I have even had one from a Tranmere Rovers fan, Mr. J. Kirwan, 40 Spenser Avenue, Rock Ferry.  I would like to say how much I enjoy reading these letters especially from people aboard but I must point out that much as I would like to do so, I cannot send photographs of either myself or other players in the team.  The only pictures I have are a few I particularly want.  I’m afraid we players do not get issued with hundreds to distribute among fans, unfortunately I would certainly need hundreds to satisfy everybody.  I also get asked a great deal of questions about past results and various statistics of soccer not only Everton.  Then again I’m afraid I don’t keep such records but I can certainly recommend the Echo files which seem to be able to answer practically every sports question the readers want. 

COLLINS LEADS A TIMELY REVIVAL BY EVERTON
Monday, January 30, 1961.  The Liverpool Daily Post
By our Special Correspondent
LEEDS UNITED 2, EVERTON 3
As Everton were without such forwards as Bingham, Ring and Lill their performance at Leeds in turning the scales after looking a well-beaten side was highly commendable.  Even if the game was a friendly, there was plenty of bite, with Everton emerging as the stronger and more accomplished team.  The Everton revival dated from the time Gabriel, Harris, Vernon and Collins, began to dominate the midfield play on a waterlogged ground.  It was no accident that the two inside forwards had a hand in all three second half goals, Collins scored the first and payed the way for the second by Bentley with a precision pass which split the Leeds defence.  Vernon’s free kick later enabled Collins to try his luck again, and when his low cross drive rebounded from the post, Gabriel was on the spot to turn the ball in for the deciding goal.  In defence Everton owed much to the coolness and courage of Dunlop in goal.  Dunlop defied efforts by McCole and Bremner the most conspicuous Leeds marksman to beat him and made the save of the day when he turned over a fierce 20 yards free kick by Cameron. 
GOLA FOR BENTLEY
He was considerably sounder than Humphreys, the Leeds goalkeeper, who could be faulted when the second Everton goal was scored by Bentley.  Humphreys advanced and then stopped when a dive might have foiled Bentley.  As it was Bentley crowned his debut at outside right with a well judged lob-his most effective piece of work in this entertaining struggle.  In bad conditions it was unfair to expect too much of Young as the Everton spearhead on the return to action after injury.  He was not in evidence as a sharpshooter and found McGugan his immediate opponent in commanding form at centre half.  When Leeds were on top in the first half, McCole and Francis presented many problems to the Everton defence.  McCole now back to his best form scored after only 90 seconds’ play.  The second Leeds goal was by Grainger, unmarked at outside left when a swiftly executed raid opened the way for his accurate cross shot.  Attendance, 3,900. 

BENTLEY SHOWED THE TOUCH OF A VETERAN
Monday, January 30, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
By A Special Correspondent
Everton displayed commendable spirit in the Elland Road friendly game against Leeds United.  Perhaps a draw would have been justice to the home side, but nevertheless Everton are to be complemented for the way in which they turned impending defeat into a creditable success.  They were two goals down at the interval after having seemed bit at ease on the slippery muddy turf against opponents who though themselves into the fray with determination –and plenty of well.  It was Scottish international Bobby Collins who inspired Everton second half comeback.  He took full advantage of a slip and work in the home rearguard –when snatching Everton’s first goal after 51 minutes.  Then he made the equaliser for 17-years-old debutant Bentley, and had a hand in the winning goal-by wing half Gabriel-eight minutes from the close.  Alex Young rarely sparkle on his return to the side following injury.  It must be added however that he was opposed in a commanding centre half in fellow Scot McGugan and could hardly have had more atrocious conditions on which to have a comeback. 
BOGGED DOWN
On the few occasions that he found himself with chance Young was bogged down in the mud.  But his precise passes proved that under more favourable conditions Young should be capable of giving many a First Division goalkeeper a troublesome time.  One who will not want to forget this friendly affair is outside right Bentley, Everton’s 17-years-old debutant.  Although he never proved as troublesome as Temple on the opposite flank, this youngster displayed a veteran touch when snatching the equalising goal.  A though ball from Collins gave Bentley his chance in despite the advancing home goalkeeper, Humphreys, the youngster found the net with a cool and calculated lob. 
CLASS TOLD
Big men in the Everton rear-guard were wing halves Harris and Gabriel.  They got through an enormous amount of work when Leeds United held the whip hand in the opening half and took a two goal lead through McCole and Grainger.  When, as the game wore on and Everton’s superior class began to prove decisive Harris and Gabriel prompted repeated assaults with some storming attacking work.  And Gabriel was on the spot to snatch the winner.  Goalkeeper Dunlop served Everton well early on for it was then that the best was seen on an improving Leeds side.  The Yorkshire team, unbeaten in their last eight league games, blended skilfully to most of their two-goal average.  All credit therefore to Everton for their fight back which showed they have the right spirit to reach the top. 

EVERTON FOR NEW YORK TOURNEY
Monday, January 30, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
NOMINATED BY THE LEAGUE
By Leslie Edwards
The Football League have nominated Everton as their choice for the international football tourney in New York during the close season of the game in Britain.  The secretary of the League Mr. Alan Hardaker told me last week.  “We must decide which club is best fitted to represented us in the United States so the decision to invite Everton to go by a special distinction.  All the clubs in the First and Second Division were circularised by the League a few weeks ago asking them whether they were prepared to go to America if invited.  Spurs and one or two others are believed to have replied negatively.  Though Everton manager John Carey had news today of the Football League decision to send his club as good will emissaries- and was delighted at the news- he could give no details as –so when the party would be travelling or how long they would be away.  The international tourney includes Scottish clubs and clubs from mainly other countries and is likely to keep Everton in America for a spell of some weeks.
CHAIRMAN PLEASED
Everton chairman Mr. John Moore said; I am pleased that Everton have been given this distinction, I am pleased also for the sake of the boys who will enjoy the trip.  I hope all our injured men will be on deck in time for us to field our strongest team.  I hope to travel with the party, though New York in June is liable to be very hot for me.  “We should be away for some two or three weeks and maybe a little longer.  “We decided to have a match or two elsewhere than New York. 

LABONE IN UNDER-23 SIDE
Monday, January 30, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
FACE WALES AT GOODISON APRK
By Leslie Edwards
Brian Labone, Everton’s centre half is in the England Under-23 team which faces Wales Under-23 at Goodison Park a week on Wednesday, 
LOOKS THE PART
Brian Labone who looks the part of an England pivot is clearly being groomed for a full cap.  He has fully deserved this further recognition despite his club’s lean spell just before Christmas.  It is just possible take Alan Jarvis who is only 17 may get a place in the Welsh side and if he did that would give the match further point for fans in this city. 
EVERTON INTEREST
Another Liverpool player under review on Saturday at Anfield was Johnny Morrissey who has twice asked for transfer in the past.  Everton directors present-though Alex Young was in the team at Leeds –were chairman John Moores and Messrs Holland Hughes, Dick Searle and Fred Micklesfield.  Young came through the test at Leeds well and contributed to Everton’s 3-2 win though he did not score.  Mickey Lill’s knee injury and the trouble set up when he was accidentally spiked in training have meant he has had a particularly unhappy spell. 

JIMMY HARRIS GETS 14 DAYS
Tuesday, January 31, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
The Football Association Disciplinary Committee announced yesterday that Jimmy Harris, the Birmingham centre-forward (formerly of Everton has been suspended for 14 days starting yesterday.  Harris’s previous conduct was taken into account.  He was sent off during the game with Newcastle on Boxing Day, Billy Thompson the Newcastle centre-forward who was sent off during the same match was suspended for seven days. 

WHY AN EXILE SAYS ‘STAYHOME EVERTON!’
Tuesday, January 31, 1961. The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Leslie Edwards Notes
There is only one man who isn’t pleased about Everton’s trip next close season, to the United States.  Before the League close Everton as emissaries of goodwill and good football he wrote to me from 54 Hillsdale Avenue West Toronto Ontario, saying Everton stay home!  “It isn’t particularly that Mr. W. Harford has anything against the club but just that he thinks that most teams from Britain who have played in Canada and the United States have nothing to offer those countries in the matter of football skills, manners o even reputation.  He flatly refuses to believe that there are any wonder teams as reputed playing in Britain or that any British team is the equal of the Continental or South American teams who have toured the new world.  Mr. Hartford an exiled Briton though you would hardly think so.  He says Poor British touring teams of far more harm than good and the steady loss of prestige some of which lingers on, will damage the country’s reputation in such a way as to make it irreparable Teams which have passed through here on tour have made us shudder before our local Italian populace.  You know the stuff-kicking the ball out of play or from the place of an infringement, rough stuff on the field.  Yet these are supposed to be exhibition games. 
“Are you,” asks my correspondent ‘old enough to remember the phrase gentlemanly play?  The game can still be played with discipline and courtesy, as is proved by teams from other countries-Russia, Italy, and Peru.  What a Peruvian team we saw.  A dream match without a dirty incident throughout, one of the finest matches have ever seen. 
‘BIGGEST SINGLE FACTOR”
The inside right of Hearts had to change feet ten feet from the goal-mouth before he could risk a shot.  The Peruvians used the inside of the outside of either foot.  They would wait for the tackle and the ball was gone to an open space, hence no body checking.  To remove that would be a start for better.  British football.  Let’s start with no-charging of the goalkeeper.  I still whinge, when I hear on our local field the cry of an English voice “Get stuck in to him.”   I other in all seriousness, a suggestion for the restoration of good football in UK.  The bigger single factor for its poverty is my mind the state of most pitches.  The game cannot be played well under the general conditions which prevails through most of the season.  Good ball players need a true even turf, a reasonable free from all of those things which dog British players.  “Change the season?  Now what good would that do.  No cover the grounds completely.  I mean just that.  I should not be impossible to devise some type of plastic covering with which to enclose the entice ground pitch, stands and all.  In such enclosures it would possible to attract lady supporters who now refuse to stand in the cold and rain.  “If they began to attend you might even get back some of the millions who have strayed away.  It may seem farfetched but football is big business and of any business wants to keep going and look to the future.  The use of such enclosures need not be continued put it to John Moore and EVERTON STAY HOME.”