EVERTON IN U.S.
Wednesday, August 2, 1961 The Liverpool Daily Post
CATTERICK CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
The New York weather is the only thing worrying the Everton team, who meet the Czechoslovakian club, Dukla, in the two-game final of the American International Soccer League in New York.  The first game will be played at the Polo grounds tonight and the players are keeping their fingers crossed that yesterday pleasant weather conditions will continue.  Mr. Harry Catterick, Everton’s manager said; “The humidity here is tough.  It could have some effect on our men, especially if it’s as bad as it was last week-end.  Mr. Catterick reported that his side was in “top condition,” and said he was confident that Everton would win.  Dukla, who won Section 2 of the League to qualify for the final with an unbeaten run, are rated slight favorites to win.  Everton lost one game-to last year’s American Cup winners Bangu of Brazil-in winning their section of the league.  The second game will be played on Sunday afternoon and the title will be decided on goal average with extra time in the second game if necessary.  Everton’s team for tonight’s is; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bingham, Vernon, Young, Collins, Fell. 

EVERTON WILL BE AT FULL STRENGTH
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 August 1961
New York Final
FIRST LEG
New York, Wednesday. Everton and Dukla (Czechoslovakia) began a two-game play-off to-night to determine the winner of the New York International Soccer League. Everton winners of the first section of the league competition will be at full strength for the first game. The 16 players arrived in New York yesterday. Dukla are one of the most powerful, aggressive European teams. They swept through the second section of league play without a defeat. It was agreed that total goals for the two games will decide the winner. If this results in a tie, there will be three 15-minute play off periods. If a tie still continues, the teams will be declared co-winners. Lines ups; Dukla; Kouba; Safranke, Vadek; Novak, Pluska, Masopust; Brumovsky, Vaconovsky, Borovicka, Kucere, Jolinek.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bingham, Vernon, Young, Collins, Fell. 

EVERTON SLUMP 7-2 IN NEW YORK
Thursday, August 3, 1961 The Liverpool Daily Post
By Joseph O’Day
New York, Wednesday.  Everton ran into a five goal storm in 38 minutes in the first leg of the International Soccer League Final against the Czech side, Dukla, here tonight.  But in the second half the English side rallied scoring two quick goals, only for Dukla to add two late scores, to make them 7-2 winners.  It was Everton who were first into the attack and they forced a corner, after one minute but Young missed Fell’s cross.  Bobby Collins missed a penalty kick after seven minutes and suddenly the play swung in favour of the Czechs.  Kucera dribbled in on the left wing and lobbed a shot over Dunlop’s head.  Time nine minutes.  Five minutes later Jelinek converted a difficult angle shot.  The Czechs broke through again as Borovicka beat Dunlop on a cross from Vacenovsky.  Everton were now toiling and Dukla resorting to the long passing game were in command. 
TWO GOALS IN A MINUTE
Two scoring sorties within a minute brought the score 5-0.  Brumovsky hit the first after a pass from Vacenovsky at the 37-minute mark, and Kucera notched his second goal of the game a minute later from a rebound from Vacenovsky.  Half-time Everton 0, Dukla 5.
After the interval Everton followed the pattern of the first half, racing into the attack.  This time however, it paid off with two goals thanks to their dash and sharp passing.  After 49 minutes Bingham laid on a pass for Vernon to crash home a 15-yard drive.  In the 63rd minute Bingham put Collins through.  Kauba could only push the inside-left’s shot back into play and the waiting Young slammed it into the net. 
BRILLAINT SAVE FROM FELL SHOT
Still attacking Everton almost added another goal a minute later but Kouba made a brilliant save from Fell.  There was little to choose between the two teams for the next 15 minutes when suddenly Dukla struck again this time with left-half Masopust slamming home a point blank shot from a Kucera pass.  Leading 6-2 Dukla seemed content to play time out until Kucera got his third goal of the game 2 minutes from the end.  The crowd was a disappointing 12,890.  The second leg will be played on Sunday.  EVERTON: Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bingham, Vernon, Young, Collins, Fell. DUKLA: Kouba; Safranek, Cadek; Novak, Pluskal, Masopust; Bromovsky, Vacanovsky, Borovicka, Kucora, Jelinek. 

EVERTON TROUNCED 7-2 IN U.S. BY DULKA
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 August 1961
From A Special Correspondent
A listless Everton side were over-run 7-2 by the Czech club Dukla in New York last night in the first leg of the final of the International Soccer League. The Czech victory, assured seven minutes before the first half ended when they drove in their fifth goal, was accomplished with the same precision tactics used to despatch Shamrock Rovers 10-0 last Saturday. Everton were outclassed for most of the game, although in, the opening minutes they dominated to such an extent that, their full backs were playing in Dukla goal area. George Thomson, the left back, was fouled just outside the Czech goal and Everton were awarded a penalty. Bobby Collins, however, put the kick straight into the waiting arms of Kouba, the Dukla goalkeeper. "I changed my mind at the last minute: Collins said afterwards. "I wish I hadn't because we could have done with a goal then.
YOUNG HURT
Shortly after Kucera, Dukla's leading goalscorer drove in the Czechs first goal in the ninth minute. Alex Young, Everton’s centre-forward, was kicked on the leg and limped heavily for the rest of the game. In the 14th minute the Czechs made the score 2-0 when inside, right Jelenik, taking a perfect pass from inside-right Vacenovsky, drove in a shot which left Dunlop in the Everton goal helpless. In the 32nd minutes the crowd of 12,890 saw centre forward Borovicka slam in Dukla's third goal. Within six minutes the score was 5-0. Bromovsky (outside right) and Kucera were the marksmen. At the start of the second half Everton again displayed a flash of their best form. Bingham, who played a great game, intercepted a Dukla pass and laid on a chance for Roy Vernon. The Welshman made no mistake from 15 yards. BINGHAM PLAYS WELL
Bingham made the opening for the second goal, again intercepting a Czech pass. He nudged the ball across to Collins, who shot. Kouba could only parry the drive, and the ball fell at the feet of Young. The centre forward put the ball in the net before the goalkeeper had a chance to move again. This was a brief flash of glory for Everton and before long they were on the defensive' again. -Dukla forced their advantage by scoring in the 80th minute through left-half Masopust and again in the 88th minute through Bromovsky. Several times Everton showed the spirit and skill which led than to victory in their division of the League, but badly-placed passes and faulty shooting prevented them from scoring more than two goals.
OFF BALANCE
Billy Bingham said afterward, "We were caught off balance. Next time we meet them well be a bit more wary. I think we'll stand a better chance." The teams meet again in the second leg on Sunday, and Everton will have to completely reverse the form if they are to win the trophy. EVERTON: Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bingham, Vernon, Young, Collins, Fell. DUKLA: Kouba; Safranek, Cadek; Novak, Pluskal, Masopust; Bromovsky, Vacanovsky, Borovicka, Kucora, Jelinek. 

BIG SEASON TICKET SALES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 August 1961
Everton Take Over £25,000
By Leslie Edwards
Everton F.C. who play the second of their New York Cup final against Dukla (Czechoslovakia) in New York on Sunday, have had unprecedented demand for season tickets for the season which begins a fortnight tomorrow. The money they have taken for stand “seasons" is in excess of £25,000. This, in spite of an increased charge of one guinea on all seats. All the £8 8s seats have been disposed of and only some at £7 7s remain

EVERTON “VERY HOPEFUL “OF VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 August 1961
Alex Young Injured
New York, Saturday. Everton five goals down, are still "very hopeful” of victory when they meet the Czechoslovak team, Dukla, in the second leg of the International Soccer League final here tomorrow. The English club may be with-out centre-forward Alex Young, who was injured in the first game on Wednesday night when the Czechoslovaks thrashed Everton 7-2. Harry Catterick, Everton's manager, said Young's selection "must be considered very doubtful." Apart from injuries, Everton have also been hampered by lack of training apace because of New York Park regulations. Park grounds cannot be used by professional athletes during the week-end. Trainer Gordon Watson said; "We had an extra round of training yesterday, but we have been forced to take it easy to -day because of the Park regulations.” Both Watson and Mr. Catterick were optimistic of the result to-morrow. Mr. Catterick believed the first game was “just one of those things." "I don't really think there is anything we can learn from Dukla,” Mr. Catterick said. "I don’t want to detract from the Czechoslovak’s magnificent performance, but I must say I've seen our boys play a better game.  Young who was injured in the first ten minutes, was a passenger throughout most of the match. Despite Everton's determination to wipe out the defeat. Broadway bookmakers held long odds on an English victory. A crowd of about 20,000 is expected to watch the match, which is being played in the New York Polo grounds Stadium, which seats 55,000. 

EVERTON’S TEN MEN BEATEN 2-0 BY DUKLA
Monday, August 7, 1961 The Liverpool Daily Post
FRANK WIGNALL INJURED EARLY IN FIRST HALF
EVERTON 0, DUKLA 2
By Joseph O’Day
Everton who played the second half without centre-forward Frank Wignall, were beaten 2-0 by the Czechslovakian team Dukla in the second leg of the International Soccer League championship final at the Polo Grounds, New York, yesterday.  Dulka won the first leg 7-2 last Wednesday night and win the title with a 9-2 aggregate.  The match yesterday was watched by a crowd of 20,000.  Wignall was injured early in the opening half and was taken to New York Presbyteran Hospital with a jarred ankle after badly stubbing his toes.  Everton went on the attack from the outset as the Czechs were content to play on defence.  The Goodison Park men used their speed to good advantage but the Czechs covered well and there were few chances of shooting.  Dukla’s Rudi Kucera who netted the hat-trick in the first game last Wednesday tested Dunlop, the Everton goalkeeper early and often.
ACROBATIC DUNLOP
The acrobatic Dunlop made five brilliant saves within the first fifteen minutes, as Everton tried in vain to offset the powerful Czechs with their speed and long passing game.  Wignall deputizing for the injured Alex Young then jarred his left ankle and the hard driving Czechs were constantly battering away at Dunlop.  Jaroslav Vacenovsky dribbled through the Everton defence, but Kucera failed to convert his pass as Dunlop again made a tumbling save.  Jaroslav Borovicks hit a shot into the net in the 30th minute, but it was disallowed as Thomson the Everton left back, fouled the Czech before the shot.  Borocicka missed the penalty kick as Dunlop grabbed the hard shot and three times within the last five minutes of the first half, the Czechs missed easy chances.  Josef Masopust hit the post, Kucera shot over, and Maspust again forced Dunlop to make a brilliant save.  Half-time; Everton 0, Dukla 0.
In the second half Dukla were content to play a deliberate short passing game, and they out-played Everton who were hampered by the loss of Wignall. 
LOST THEIR SPEED
Everton lost their speed, but they offset this with hard tackling until the Czechs suddently went on the attack and scored two goals within a period of 11 minutes.  Jan Brumovsky started the first goal with a pass from midfield to the right where Vacenovsky outpaced Brian Harris and crossed to beat Dunlop with a sharp shot.  Everton tried to fight back and they almost succeeded, Billy Bingham came from the right wing and passed in Roy Vernon who failed to control the pass.  The Czechs hot another goal in the 34th minute when Brumovsky converted a pass from Vacenovsky and again it came from the right which was the chink in the Everton defence. 

EVERTON BEATEN, WIGNALL HURT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 August 1961
An Everton side weakened by a first-half injury to centre-forward Frank Wignall fought gallantly before going down 2-9 to the Prague club, Dukla, in the second leg of the final of International Soccer League in New York last night. There was no score at half-time. Dukla won the championship trophy with a goals aggregate of 9-2. They won the first leg, last Wednesday. 7-2. Wignall injured his left foot and had to go off for attention in the first half. He returned limping, and did not resume for the second half. Everton exerted early pressure, but before long Dukla were on the offensive, and Everton were defending desperately. Albert Dunlop was, however, in great form in goal. He made three magnificent mid-air saves that brought the crowd to their feet. The pressure was particularly intense towards the close of the first half. In the 35th minute, during an all-out Dukla attack, left-half Masupost shot from 15 yards. It hit the crossbar and rebounded to outside - right Bromovsky, who shot immediately for the top right-hand corner of the goal. Dunlop flung himself across, and just managed to finger-tip the ball over the bar.    The Merseysider's defence held out until the interval, and when play was resumed their ten men came storming into the attack. They surged round the Dukla goal but could not break through.
HOPES DASHED
 Five goals down after the first leg. Everton needed a supreme effort if they were to stay in the game with a chance. They did their best, but after 68 minutes their hopes were dashed when Dukla scored. Outside right Vacenovsky sent Kucera, the club's leading scorer, away and the inside left put the ball past Dunlop from inside the penalty area. Dukla continued to attack and after 79 minutes Bromovsky. moving into the centre forward position, nudged the ball into the net after taking a pass from Vacenovsky.  Dukla maintained constant attacks on the Everton goal using the same precision tactics that swept them through to their sweeping victory in the first leg.  To-day, Everton's defence was much sounder
INJURY BLAMED
Everton thought that the injury to Wignall, which came after only four minutes, lost them to-day's game. Manager Harry Catterick said afterwards: "You can never play against a team like Dukla with only ten men. As far as we were concerned Wignall was out of the game from the minute he was kicked, even though he played on in the first half." Bobby Collins, the inside-right and captain, expressed the same opinion—" Once we lost Wignall it was all over. We tried very hard but the strain of playing with only ten men was too much."
But the loss of Wignall was clearly not the only factor in the defeat. Everton's forwards were frequently out of position and valuable opportunities were missed when half-backs sent the ball upfield and no one was waiting to move on to the ball. Everton.—DunIop: Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Bingham, Collins, Wignall, Vernon, Fell. Dukla; Kouba; Safranek, Cadek; Novak, Plushal, Masopust; Bromovsky, Vacanovsky, Borovicka, Kucera, Jelenik. 

ILL-STARRED NEW YORK TRIP NOT WORTH WHILE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Everton will not forget their first—and probably only—venture in the New York International tourney. Everything that happened to them when winning their section some weeks ago tended to convince them that Burnley were not exaggerating when they came back twelve months ago and said some harsh things of their treatment. From the American promoters' standpoint the tourney is a strictly business matter which must be made to pay. I doubt whether Everton will come out of this year's tournament showing a profit. The risk to their players, all of whom are wanted for the start of the English season a week next Saturday, is not commensurate with the rewards and when one takes into account considerable travelling and hotel expenses, plus considerable insurance to cover the team and officials the New York trip would seem to be a luxury few clubs in Britain could afford. Trainer in charge for the tour which finished yesterday was Gordon Watson, first team trainer since Harry Wright departed. It was stressed at the time of the arrival at Goodison Park of the new trainer-coach from Sheffield Wednesday. Tom Eggleston, that he would take his place with no special seniority among the existing staff. But I understand that it is more than likely that he will accompany the first-team on their away Journeys and that he will be in effect the principal trainer-coach. Thus the Everton pattern changes again. Stanley Bentham has gone and so has Harry Cooke. A further change in Everton arrangements is, I believe, of the printers of the official programme.
Timely complaint
MR. C. BEASLEY, of Aigburth Road, Liverpool 17, comes up with a timely complaint about which, he hopes, the club will take action "A friend informs me that Everton have ruled that boys will not be admitted to the shareholders stand on ladies' tickets, as has been customary." he says. “This prompts me to bring to the notice of the behavior of a gang of boys who regularly appear to be allowed up into the Gwladys Street and Stanley Park goal stands some 30 minutes prior to the end of the match. "Their behavior and language is disgusting and any remark to them brings a foul-mouthed retort that must embarrass any self-respecting person within earshot. I have seen ministers of religion sneered at, paper cups half-full of tea thrown about the seats, club property and newspapers thrown over the front of the stands on to the heads of those below on the terraces. I must point out that this criticism is not directed at individual boys but at gangs of lads, sometimes as many as six and seven in number. "Should these gangs ever fight among themselves the result would at least be another heading ' Everton hooliganism. Surely it the club cannot afford to pay stewards to make some effort to stop this nonsense the Supporters' Federation would willingly supply voluntary stewards to try to retain the good name of the club "
Harry Cooke has had some delightful letters from old football friends following news of his retirement after 58 years' service with Everton FC. One of the most touching came from a former goalkeeper Tom Fern, who is now living at The Bungalow, Blundelsands , Hotel, Liverpool 23. He wrote: " As one of your old boy s from way back I am writing to wish you long life and happiness in your well-earned retirement, and to thank you for all the courtesy shown to me, both as a player in your charge and also since my playing days ended. I am proud to have been a friend of yours and I am sure that all the old players of my time will echo the sentiments I am trying to express in this letter. I hope you will get the same courtesy and consideration that you generously extended to all who have been fortunate enough to have served under you." Another follower of Everton. Bill Pritchard, says in his letter to the most famous football trainer of all time: " Be happy in the knowledge that you have done your best and that your best was always first class."

EVERTON CENTRE FORWARD DILEMMA
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 August 1961
WIGNALL ON CRUTCHES
HOME AGAIN
By Leslie Edwards
Autograph-hunting fans who awaited Everton’s arrival from New York today, via Prestwick and Manchester airports, posed a pertinent question when the players arrived back at Goodison Park at mid-day.  One said; “Can you tell me who will be playing centre-forward against Aston Villa in the first match of the season?”  The answer is anyone’s guess, since Alex Young, the club’s famous Scottish international damaged a thigh in the first game against Dukla, in New York, last Wednesday and deputy Frank Wignall missed all the second half of the second leg against the same opponents last night through a severe blow to the left instep.  Wignall, damaged in a tackle, was taken to hospital in New York last night while the match was still on, but returned having been assured that the plate showed no break. 
FELT PAIN
On the flight to Prestwick which took just six hours, he felt pain from the injury, which swelled, and when he left Goodison Park for his home he was on crutches.  Mr. Holland Hughes, a director, said; “I think if Wignall had remained fit we should have won all right.  Dukla are a very fine side.  They had the advantage of being in New York for the second section of the tourney and were therefore better acclimatized.  I am a little disappointed, of course, but we did well to reach the final. 

YOUNG IS BACK IN FULL TRAINING
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 09 August 1961
WIGNALL; NO FRACTURE
EVERTON LEADERS
By Leslie Edwards
There is good news of Everton’s two injured centre forwards.  Alex Young, who damaged a thigh muscle in America, has progressed so well he was in full training today.  Frank Wignall, who has an instep injury, was X-rayed in Liverpool on his return and the plate shows no sign of a fracture.  The foot is still painful, but Wignall is able to walk without crutches.  Manager Harry Catterick anticipates that Young will be fit for the opening game against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday week.  The club’s young reserve goalkeeper, pat Dunne, an Irish boy, will miss some of the opening games.  He badly lacerated his arms in an accident a fortnight ago and has been in Hospital in Dublin ever since. 

• 8.29 p.m B.C.C 1  Sportsview Special.  Featuring a recording of Everton’s match with Dukla in New York. 

IT MUST BE THE WEATHER…
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 10 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Everyone seems full of complaints. Maybe it's the weather. H. B., of Weardale Road. Liverpool 15, moans: "Once again we come to the opening of another season and once again the price of admission has gone up. I suppose it will go up again next season. And what extra does the spectator get for his money? Nothing.  “Everton will kick off with the team Mr. Carey got together and trust to luck.  “Ten seasons ago I paid 4 pounds for my season ticket in Bullen Roads stand.  Of course the clubs had to pay entertainment tax in those days.  Tickets went up to 5 guineas; then 6 quineas and now 7 guineas in spite of the fact that entertainment tax has been taken off.  “If clubs went more money why don’t they charge everyone who goes to the match and stop giving away free tickets?  “Everton have well-appointed offices and directors rooms which cost a good deal of money, but spectators who pay to sit in the Stanley Park stand find they are seated only on forms with the people who sit behind them pushing their knees into your back.  The Goodison stand was built in 1909 and that isn’t fitted up yet with tip-up seats.  There is a need for entertainment before the game and during intervals.  Why can’t we have a good bass band of the old days with loud speakers so that everybody can hear?  Everton must be the only First Division team in Lancashire without a band in spite of the fact that the club’s motto is Only the best is good enough. 
NOT ON THE PITCH, PLEASE!
Eric McDonald makes a plea for our clubs to stop boys running on the pitch. He suggests that all players should be instructed, home and away, that they must not sign autographs on the field. Reader H. Gibbens (30 Edinburgh Road, Kensington. Liverpool 7) writes: “How do you stand such insults as your Gatescre correspondent throws at you? The great majority of football spectators certainly agree with you. Tommy Trinder of Fulham spoiled the market when he offered a round £100 per week to Haynes. The players now partically rule the roost “At the start of a new season cannot more No. 19 buses be put on after Everton matches? I leave ten minutes before the end and there are five buses waiting-two 44's and three 19's—to take thousands of spectators away. The Transport Authority lose a great deal of money by not having sufficient buses ready for crowds. "I suggest to them that they should run a shuttle service to Everton Road (Grant's Gardens) or Moss Street and so help many who now have to walk. I have waited for more than 30 minutes along with many others and then have been forced to walk home. With bigger crowds expected this season at Goodison Park the position looks like being even worse."
Everton supporters in Southport have formed their own club and number 70. They meet to-night at 8 at their Shakespeare Hotel headquarters and invite others so minded to join them.

EVERTON TARGET WAS NOT BRYCELAND
Liverpool Echo - Monday 14 August 1961
INTEREST IN GOALKEEPER
“TUBBY” OGSTON
By Leslie Edwards
When Everton Manager Harry Catterick arrived in Glasgow on Saturday morning, his target was reported to be Tommy Bryceland, the St. Mirren inside forward.  Mr. Catterick went, instead, to the Dunferline v. Aberdeen match, where his interest was almost assuredly in 6ft 1 ½ in., 12 ½ stone John (Tubby) Ogston the Aberdeen goalkeeper, who has played for Scotland’s under-23 team, and who has played many representative matches for the Army, for which he was recently demobilized.  Ogston joined Aberdeen from the local Banks o’Dee club about five seasons ago when he was 17. 
OTHERS INTERESTED
A number of other clubs have been interested in him, but the Aberdeen chairman, Mr. Forbes, said at the annual meeting a few days ago that with a view to seeing how support improves, no offers for any players would be entertained.  Everton’s chief scout Mr. Harry Cooke, attended the Patrick Thistle v. Celtic match at Firhill. 

WIGNALL WILL NOT BE READY FOR START
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 15 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
FRANK WIGNALL, the up-and-coming Everton centre-forward will be unfit for the start of the season. The injury he received in New York is progressing, but is still so sore Manager Harry Catterick has already ruled out the possibility of the player being ready in time. Of two other Everton players who suffered even more serious injury last season, Micky Lill and Tom Ring, there is news also. Lill, still a bit despondent at the inaction which followed the removal of cartilage, will probably be ready for play, but Ring, who still has a slight limp as a result of a leg broken at Stamford Bridge last season will want further time before he can be considered. Mr. Catterick assured me that his trip to Scotland over the week-end was only a routine one and that he had made no contact with any of the managers of teams watched by him and Everton's chief scout. It has been the custom of Mr. Catterick for some seasons to see in the Scottish season as one method of making his own assessment of Scottish players recommended by their scouts. So it would seem that there is no imminent move at Goodison Park. The time Mr. Catterick would have liked to spend here in the close season was taken up by the double tour in America, so many players available for much of the close season had gone by the time the new Everton chief returned. Everton open against Joe Mercer's Aston Villa reinforced after the transfer of Gerry Hitchens by Dougan, once of Portsmouth and Blackburn Rovers.

EVERTON CONTINGENT IN SCOTLAND
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 16 August 1961
WILL WATCH McPARLAND
By Leslie Edwards
A big contingent of Everton emissaries, including manager Harry Catterick and chairman John Moores, arrived in Scotland to-day to see one to-night's Scottish League Cup games. I understand that the man they will be watching will be David McParland, of Partick Thistle, an outside left or inside forward for whom his club wanted £40,000 last season when Manchester City were interested. An Everton scout saw McParland play on Saturday when Mr. Catterick and others attended the Dunfermline v. Aberdeen match where the target was reported to be goalkeeper "Tubby” Ogston. Mr. Catterick had had no contact with managers of any Scottish clubs when I talked with him on Tuesday. Nor did he anticipate that his club would make any big signing before the start of the English League season on Saturday. The quick change of plans and the fact that a party of three or four directors are also in Scotland for to-night's matches suggests that there is some hope of a big signing before the match against Aston Villa. McParland, who comes from Alloa, is a part-time player (like all the other Partick Thistle players) and is said to believe that his best future lies in England.
 Villa Team For Goodison
No Surprise Selections
Though Aston Villa manage: Joe Mercer was impressed by the form shown by his yours reserves in the public practice match last Saturday, he has made no surprise selection for the same with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.  Basically the side is the one which represented Villa for most of last season. The duel between goalkeeper, Nigel Sims and Geoff Sidebottom has tended with Sidebottom being preferred to his close friend Sims.  The Goodison Park fans will also be the first to see Derek Dougan, Villa's 15,000 replacements for Jerry Hitchens, making his debut complete with a Yul Brynner hair-do.  Dougan was “cropped" on 'Monday and has since been training in a cap "If we don't want headers going astray we shall have to get some billiards chalk." cracked Manager Mercer this morning, when the Villa players had a full scale practice match at Villa Park in order to get the feel of the turf.  Aston Villa; Sidebottom; Neal, Lee; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; MacEwan, Thomson, Dougan, Wylie, McParland. 

WHY SHOULD SOCCER BE BETTER?
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 17 August 1961
BY Leslie Edwards
WILL football be better in 1961-62 season? The question is occupying a lot of minds, not least those of spectators who pay footballers' wages. It is more than likely that if no improvement is shown men on the field will hear a few things to their disadvantage. I know one expert in football matters in this city who answers the question posed with a categorical " No!" and adds " If football is better than it was last season then there is only one conclusion to be drawn—that the players were giving less than their best a year ago!" One cannot help wondering - what stars of other days think of the rates paid to-day compared with the measly wage packets they received. No wonder they are almost purple with envy. They didn't need managers and masseurs and coaches. They learned the game the hard way, the right way and made themselves good enough to command first-team places, despite claims of almost equally good deputies in the reserves. Two great old Evertonians, the one and only Sam Chedgzoy and co-forward Ernie Gault, met recently in Canada. Here is Gault's story of football there and his explanation for being away from his native Liverpool for a 12 months spell: — “This will probably be a shock to you coming from this side of the Atlantic. I had been playing with the idea of coming to Canada for some time, but I had to have an operation first. I am afraid I won't be seeing you at Goodison Park this season, as I won't be home until 1962 all being well. I contacted Sam Chedgzoy here and he wishes to he wishes to be remembered to you all.  "It is 57 years since Sam and I Joined Everton, yet here we are both in Canada in 1961. He thinks Everton the best team he has seen this side in 30 years. We have discussed Haynes. Matthews. &c., but he has never seen Stan. “Players who have been here during the summer have done very well, both as to football ability and manners on the field. They found it a bit tough at times for there are a lot of Europeans here who can also play football. One evening players had to contend with the heat, 75-80 degrees—and that's no joke. There is one thing in their favour. You can play substitutes any part of 90 minutes. Ted Purden, ex-Sunderland, has a two-year contract, but wants to come home although the money here is really good. They give earnings of stars of any sport over the radio. Matthews only came for six weeks, but stayed three months. He played in 14-15 matches and received 10.000 dollars, somewhere in the region of £3,000. He spent some time coaching in schools, which is neglected here. Until they start in the schools they won't make much headway. Baseball is their national game, as soccer is ours." I had opportunity a day or two ago of having a long talk with the new Everton manager, Mr. Harry Catterick. He was good enough to answer frankly questions put to him about his aims and hopes for Everton. Many of his replies were illuminating. They form the basis of a special article which will be the feature of the Echo Soccer Special on Saturday. Mr. Catterick has something to say on many facets of his job at Goodison Park; of the players under his command and of the Everton soccer-loving public which he rates as the most enthusiastic he knows In Britain. A full-page action picture of Alex Young, the centre forward who has brought lustre to the Everton attack, is another compelling feature of the Soccer Sports Special.
EVERTON WAIT
Everton F.C. representatives were reported still in Scotland this morning after their trip to see McFarland, the Partick Thistle inside forward. McFarland played on the left wing when Everton watched him on Saturday. Last night he appeared at inside right. The change is thought to be significant. Unhappily for Partick. McFarland had a very ordinary game. Everton's team for the opening match against Aston Villa on Saturday at Goodison Park, expected to be announced on Wednesday, is still not available, an indication that some last minute development may take place.
Roy Turner, who is on the Everton books, will play for Marine on Saturday. 

PROBATION IS OVER-NOW FOR SOME HONOURS
Friday, August 18, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
SAYS EVERTON’S ROY VERNON
If we are to accept our experience at the hands of Dukla in America as a yardstick for the new season, it might be difficult to sustain the rosy picture that has been built up for the Goodison Park following, but without making excuses I don’t think there is any evidence to suggest that our ambitions will be confounded.  This will be an Everton season.  Of that all the boys are confident.  We have got to succeed-and we all realize that.  Our period of probation is over.  Allowance which were made while we were being moulded into a new side, cannot be stretched into this season, for we have played together long enough now to have settled down to a sort of rhythm expected of us.  We know each other’s day and we equally realize that in these days of golden opportunity players will reap an abundant harvest by playing quality football and winning our matches.  I would ask only one thing –that the injury bug which played havoc last term does us the favour of keeping clear.  Then the rest is up to our selves.  There are some very good sides in the First Division, but there are also some poor ones and I make hold to prophesy that the honours will be cornered by five clubs-Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley, Manchester United and Wolves- Sheffield Wednesday will pardon the presumption. 
SPURS MUST DO WELL
Spurs, of course must do well again, for they have a great side, still Young enough to stand the strain which is certain to be cruel, the season through.  Encouraging odds might have been obtained against them doing the double at the start of last season I think the prospect of them doing it a second time is most unlikely.  What a sensation it would provide if they were. A Herd-reinforced Manchester United will be a different proposition from the disjointed them they were for much of the last campaign and Wolves are always a problem, not quite so great as they used to be possibly, but still a tough nut to crack.  Burnley untouched by the raids of the Italian lire eiders, are certain to give a good account of themselves, but for all that I believe the time has come for Everton, who finished last season in their highest League position for years, to put their name on the honours list.  It is in our favour that we may not be quite such a popular target as Tottenham for everybody will set out with the intention of ensuring there is no double-double for them, but the glare of publicity which has labeled us the quarter of a million team, must put us high on the list of teams which must be beaten.
4-2-4 HAVOC
I think we can handle such a situation, because Dukla beat us so handsomely by employing the 4-2-4 system, that is not to say that any English team attempting to employ that method for our discomfiture will be equally successful.  Dukla were ideally sulted to the plan.  They had just the men to make it work, but it is not new to us and it is not new to our manager, Mr. Harry Catterick.  He quickly showed us the error of our ways in America and Dukla found us a different proposition afterwards.  Also remember that in the first game we had Alex Young injured and in the second match Frank Wignall could not play an effective part for more than four of five minutes.  The reward of success could hardly be higher than is offered to us at Goodison and however acceptable that thought may be, it was to be realized that the price of failure can be equally distasteful.  We can do no more than our best.  The fact that rewards have soared should not be taken to imply that individual and team ability must soar accordingly to keep pace, but I think it will mean that there will be even greater awareness of responsibilities.  Even the most critical, I believe, will start by conceding that Everton must be among the top few teams in the country and on our day, when everybody clicks together, I have little doubt we can match and beat any opposition.  We have got to hit that peak standard right from the start and must develop the sort of consistency without which achievement is not possible.
MERSEYSIDE’S YEAR
This could be the finest year for football that Merseyside has known since the war.  We have confidence in our ability to play our part, and now that Liverpool have taken steps to remedy what they considered to be their weaknesses, expectations in the Anfield camp must be sky high.  I know they don’t like to be tipped as favourites for promotion and for that reason I will not embarrass them, but I will say that the Everton boys wish them all the luck in the world.  We would be delighted to welcome them back to Division One, even more so if we could do it gracefully either as champions or Cup-winners or might I go the whole hog and say both. 

EVERTON NOT EXPECTING ANY EARLY SIGNING
Friday, August 18 1961.  The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton’s supporters, keyed up into a state of expectancy by reports of the activities of their club representatives in Scotland last week-end and again this week, can relax.  When the team to receive Aston Villa tomorrow is announced I feel confident it will be composed of established and familiar players.  I understand there is no new signing in the offing-for the time at any rate.  Chairman John Moores, manager Harry Catterick and directors returned from Scotland yesterday.  Last night Mr. Catterick told me; “We went to Scotland to gain knowledge of players with the idea of adding to our reserve strength.  The many different stories about the object of our interest are entirely wrong.  “It has always been my practice and judging from the number of other managers I have seen in Scotland around this time to seize the opportunity before our own season begins of looking around the Scottish fields.”  “Did you have any particular player in view? I asked Mr. Catterick.  “We had nobody especially in mind,” was the reply.  He explained that the reason for the delay in the announcement of the Everton team was simply that due to his Scotland visit he had not had opportunity of studying the trainers’ reports regarding fitness.  Mr. Catterick said he would announce the side today. 

THOROUGH TESTING FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Off we go again to-morrow! It doesn't seem five minutes since last season finished. For the Everton players who face Aston Villa at Goodison Park the interval has been almost infinitesimal. They have scarcely broken training. Manager Catterick is not sure how the American tour will react on his men. It could be that they will be quicker than usual into their stride: it could be that they will feel a bit jaded from the heat and turmoil of two trips to the other side. One thing is certain. Their opening matches will test them fully, Joe Mercer's Aston Villa are tough opponents. The trip next Saturday to Fulham (where Haynes will be doing his utmost to justify Trinder's faith in him) and to West Bromwich, on Wednesday, will give us a quick shape of things to come. If I read Harry Catterick's aims correctly Everton will show more fight, more vigour this season. They will be after effective football rather than pretty-pretty stuff. Their new manager must stand or fall by results. He has always got them in the past. There seems no reason why he should fail now. The new season must be a momentous one. Referees will need to be stern. You can't have vastly increased rates of reward without intensifying the desire of everyone to win, win and win again. And this is manifestly an impossible goal for the majority. It will be a case of all-out all the time and the devil take the hindmost. We have in this city two managers capable of getting the best from their teams and the incoming of such great players as Young. St. John, Yeats, allied to the considerable pool of talent which was already there, suggests that there will be success both at Goodison Park and Anfield.
A little "needle"
Everton interest is white-hot. With Villa one of the division's most attractive sides as opponents, the attendance at Goodison Park to-morrow may well put crowd-pulling bonus into the pockets of Everton players. It is not so long since Villa, aided by Hitchens, the centre who has now departed for Italy came to Goodison and stunned us with a first-rate performance and victory. The fact that Joe Mercer's men will be opposed to those now controlled by one of his old team-mates, Harry Catterick, gives the game a little needle.' Don't forget that Everton have not lost a game in England since last Easter when they broke their spell of unaccountable mediocrity and then went on to show us the best, most entertaining soccer we've seen since Dixie and company used to delight us. The Villa chief has filled the Hitchens berth by taking that remarkable Northern Irishman, Dougan, who had some Dixie Dean traits when he was at Portsmouth and who impresses everyone by his speed and skill if not always by his theatrical gestures on getting a goal. Dougan, believe it or not, is the fastest thing on two feet in soccer. His long, rangy stride gives the impression that he is coasting. Centre halves who face him soon begin to realise that he is coasting past them ... Sidebottom, who gets the goalkeeping position in place of Nigel Sims must be a good 'un to keep out such a consistent rival. The great menace to the Everton defence, which Mr. Catterick has endeavoured to knit more closely, tactically, is the inevitable McParland, the finest and most effective winger in Britain and one fit, I submit, to rank with such as Gento. Like Liddell, McParland, once on the move, has a surge of power which gives a back the impression he is trying to hold back a human steam roller. With Dougan and this tremendous winger in the same line and Wylie engineering things from inside-forward. I don't see how Villa can fail to get a lot of goals this season. Let's hope there aren't any against Everton.
Not entirely satisfied
Everton’s business in Scotland suggests they are not entirely satisfied with the legacy left by John Carey. Nevertheless, I believe the side which performed so well last back-end should get its chance to confirm that form. With greater punch demanded by their new chief they should be even more effective. Aston Villa; Sidebottom; Neal, Lee; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin, MacEwan, Thompson, Dougan, Wylie, McParland.

MEAGAN AT LEFT HALF FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 August 1961
RING AND LILL IN RESERVES
GOODISON MATCH
By Leslie Edwards
Everton start the season tomorrow against Villa with precisely the same team has played the last match last season-with Mick Meagan at left half.  Meagan came into the side about Easter after a long period of non-success by the team, and was never on the losing side from that moment.  In Everton’s last match in the United State, Brian Harris held the left half-back place.  Tom Ring and Mickey Lill, both casualties for a long spell last season, fill the wing berths in the reserve side at Derby.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins, Young, Vernon, Fell. 
Everton Reserves; (at derby) Mailey; Parnell, Green; Gannon, Jones, Sharples; Lill, Tyrer, Webber, Temple, Ring. 

EVERTON FACE PROMISING SEASON
Saturday, August 19, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton have gone so far now that there is no danger of them spoiling their ship for the sake of splash of tar.  The realization that only results will count, is bound to be a constant spur to the players, whose rousing finale to last season showed they had both the will and the ability to smash their rivals.  Alec Young of course, is their key man in an attack bristling with possibilities.  He seemed to have taken over the role from Bonny Collins last season, and if he can resume in the same form in which he left off, with that lighting acceleration from a standing start and the happy gift of sending defenders away on the wrong foot followed by precise and purposeful spraying of passes, Everton should not lack goal.  Manager Harry Catterick quickly produced a tightening in defence last season, and though it was ripped open in New York by Dukla, I don’t expect to find English sides trifling with it in the same manner.  Roy Vernon is resolved to make this his best season so far and he could easily be the top-scoring forward again.  George Thomson has caught up with the increased tempo in English League Football and he looks like making an excellent partner for Alex Parker whose aim is not only a rip-roaring club season, but also to convince the hard-to-please Scottish selectors that he is the best right back in Britain.  I expect great things of Parker.  Today’s visitors-Aston Villa in charge of Joe Mercer-make a habit of doing better at Goodison Park than almost any team in the League, but I suspect they will surprise themselves if they do not retire with their proud record besmirched.  While others hesitated to take a chance with the mercurial Derek Dougan when he was offered for sale, by Blackburn Rovers, Villa stepped in and if, for £15,000 they have successfully filled the gap left by the departure of Gerry Hitchens to Italy, it will mark an astute bit of business by Mr. Mercer.  On his day Dougan is a man to be feared and respected, and with McParland not packing quite the same punch that used to make him the terror of all defences, Dougan could well be the biggest threat.  Even more certain than the result is that the Everton players will open with a massive crowd bonus, for if there are not more than 60,000 present to see the new season in football will indeed be losing its grip.  Tommy Ring, who broke a leg on October 1 plays in the Central league match against Derby County. Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins, Young, Vernon, Fell.  Aston Villa; Sidebottom; Neal, Lee; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; Rankin, MacEwan, Thomson, Dougan, Wylie, McParland. 

HARRY CATTERICK'S BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 August 1961
EFFECTIVE FOOTBALL IS THE AIM AT GOODISON
By Leslie Edwards Interviews The Everton F.C manager
Many Everton fans knew Mr. Harry Catterick as a player; his managerial performance is something they can only gauge from what they have read in the papers. Crewe, Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday…he managed them all in turn and had such success his standing and stature grew to the point where he was on the " wanted" list at Goodison Park. At Sheffield he did two jobs one—for not a lot of money! He was his own chief scout; he managed; he built a team from few resources; got them playing consistently and brilliantly, gained promotion and then took them to such triumphs in League and Cup there could be no doubt that, as a manager, he had arrived. I put him among the country's best half-dozen. I know him to be a forth- right. Shrewd, hard-working man more anxious than ever to give the club which gave him a long and happy career the success their followers have yearned for too long.  know (and I suspect he does) that he now tackles a job which will give greater opportunity than he has ever had, but, equally responsibility he must shoulder alone It is no secret that the criterion by which he will be judged will be SUCCESS.  He is determined to get it. In an exclusive interview this week. Mr. Catterick told me of his methods; his aims, his ambitions, his the hopes. Every follower of club will weigh his statements carefully.  They will find, as I did, that he is so boaster: that he knows what a big task he has undertaken, that he prefers to let his team's performance speak for Itself.
Here, in question and answer form, are the points I raised.
Are you satisfied with the team you took over when your predecessor left?
Not entirely, I think it could be made a little better. But perhaps I had better explain that I'm probably the most difficult man in the business to satisfy, so far as the performance of a team is concerned
Do you think Everton can win anything this season?
 Well, that is my hope. To be properly successful any team must lift a major trophy. And to do that they must have team spirit of the first order—and method. I plan to improve the side in both respects. If we strike a happy blend of team spirit and method we are liable to topple any club in Britain. That Everton can play brilliantly I know from what I saw at the back end of last season. I am to get them playing well consistently.
What are your aims for Everton fans? R
To give them attractive effective football. One is not much use without the other. I shall make every effort, and I know the Board supports me in this, to give the club success. After all I rate our supporters as the finest in the country. Some hard things have been said of the behavior of a few of them, but the majority are very loyal, and love their football. They are less severe on players than some Yorkshire spectators, some of whom barracked Wednesday when they had gone 16 matches without defeat and were “in front " in the game in which fans hammered them.
Do you expect your U-S. tour to prove advantageous or not at the season's outset?
It could prove helpful: It could prove otherwise. Only time will tell. Naturally I am hoping that they will start extra sharp having hardly been out of training.
Have you changed training methods?
Only slightly. I have tried to bring our system up to date. The set-up is more modern. One of the big differences will be that we shall now concentrate much more than in the past on work with the ball.
 What are your views Your reserve strength?
 We have a number of good young players , but some of them are not quite ready yet, in my opinion, for slipping into the first team. This is a matter which causes me a little concern. We are not as well off numerically for players in certain positions as I would like.
How far have you been able to get to know the men under command?
I’ve been lucky in this respect.  Not every new manager has opportunity to live and work with his team for six weeks on end as I did when we were in the United States.  I have got to know them pretty well. Contrary to some stories I had heard that I would find a lot of “temperament” at Goodison Park, I found nothing of the sort.  The evidence to prove my opinion came when they resigned almost en bloc. Players of few other clubs did that. I find them a sound bunch of fellows all trying to do their best for the club. That's what I aim to get from all my staff.
What differences will the new pay rates make?
Considerable. Football competition will intensify. It is only natural. All our players have special incentive. The potential they can work at in pulling in the crowds and benefiting themselves is tremendous.
What, if anything, is lacking in your side?
Well, we haven't yet got the ideal blend. Perhaps that is not unusual since the side is one so recently built. Maybe that is the reason it has not shaken down to get what I want—consistent success. Brilliance is all very well, but it doesn't win anything,
What are your ideas on discipline on and off field?
 I believe you must have it in all things. I've had little difficulty on that score so far. The players have accepted readily what I have laid down. I believe every player is entitled to his grouse; every player is entitled to lodge complaint if he feels it. My door is always open. They are entitled to a square deal and will get it. I keep an open mind and judge players on their effort and performance.
What's required of a successful team in season 1961-62?
There are going to be more good sides in Division I than for some years. The competition will be terrific. If any club falls below the half- way mark in the table they'll be found to be struggling financially. We shall want all-out effort all the time. No more, no less. I have able staff: we want a good start.  There are 21 other clubs all needing the same thing.
Who's for the honours?
Tottenham, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday are exceptional sides with Wednesday particularly effective. Everton's aim has always been to play attractively. I want that to continue, but I want plenty of punch and the end of it.
What do you expect front supporters?
Their attendance. They can grouse as much as they like so long as they come and see us! They are entitled to grouse at players, managers and directors as they please. I don't like supporters who stay at home and grouse. I've nothing but admiration for the Everton soccer-loving public. Their vocal support, and we hope to earn it. Is the best I know anywhere in the country.

EVERTON FIND IT TOUGH GOING FOR THE TOP
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 August 1961
GOOD MOVES SPOILED BY ULTRA-KEEN TACKLING
By Leslie Edwards
Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins, Young, Vernon, Fell.  Aston Villa; Sidebottom; Neal, Lees; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; MacEwan, Thomson, Dougan, Wylie, McParland.  Referee; Mr. N.N. Hough (Macclesfield). 
It was fitting that Villa, managed by the old Everton half back Joe Mercer, should provide the opposition with the former Blackburn centre, Dougan, favouring a Yul Brynner hair-do. Villa won the toss and set Everton to defend for the Park end. Everton were precisely as they finished the season, with Meagan at left half-back.
IRONIC CHEER
There was an ironic cheer when Villa got going, and Dougan came into the picture for the first time, but the move led to a good centre by MacEwan with Parker stepping in cleverly and completing a clearance to the crowd's great joy. Everton went close to scoring in their real attack with Collins crossing the ball dangerously and both Young and Vernon missing a chance to convert at almost point blank range.  It was a tough opening which proved that the players realized the implications of the new pay rates. The swirling wind seemed to be preventing either side early on to getting a move with some continuity. GREAT TACKLE
A great tackle by Deakin on Vernon prevented that player from finding a shooting chance close in. but the ball was not wholly cleared and Bingham came in to take a knock and a corner-kick for his pertinacity. It was just one mistake after another by both sides at the moment, and the unrelenting tackling was probably the shape of thing is to come for the entire season, with everyone bustling in for all they were worth. Gabriel took the full force of a Deakin Volley on his head, the ball being deflected for a corner when it might otherwise have tested Dunlop to the utmost.
TWO GOOD MOVES
A lovely pass by Dougan found Thompson in the inside-left position and dragging the ball back he beat two men and then fired in a stunning cross shot which Dunlop did well to put away for a corner. A great cross-field pass from Fell to Bingham was the lead up to a fierce Collins drive which Sidebottom palmed over the bar spectacularly when he seemed likely to lose sight of the ball in the glare of the sun. Sidebottom made a very good catch of a Collins shot after Vernon had characteristically opened up the way with some feints, this time on the right wing. Then fellow Welshmen, Vernon and Crowe, received a mild lecture from the referee after a free kick awarded against Crowe for a foul on Vernon.
NOT CLICKING
The big Dougan found it, difficult to kill the ball when commanded to hold it, and it was McFarland, as ever, who was the main threat in a Villa attack which was only just now starting to move with any convinction.  Dugdale, the Wallasey boy, did his work neatly and effectively at centre half, but this so far was a far below average game with Everton not clicking as they had done in the final few matches last season.
THE CROWD WONDERS
Everton seemed to be attempting to punch the ball about in long passes rather than use methods which might have made their moves more certain, and thus at the moment the issue remained very open with the huge crowd wondering which way the balance would come down.  Meagan got his face in front of a stinging volley from Wylie and the danger to Everton was not removed until the quick moving Dougan had juggled the ball and fired wide as he tell backwards.
TRAINERS CALLED
When Wylie was damaged when getting under Dunlop as 'the goalkeeper punched away, both trainers came on, and Everton's proved to be Tom Eggleston, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday and now making his Goodison Park bow. Sidebottom collected the ball at the second attempt from the feet of Bingham but the game went on its rather tiresome way, and when one wondered whether the crowd would start asking for more entertainment from these highly paid performers.  Everton took the lead two minutes from the interval when the theatrical Dougan was adjudged to have fouled Thomson.  Thomson drifted the free kick into the penalty box, where it was nodded out to Bingham who was none too well-angled, but who took a difficult chance well.  The temper of the match Increased and Thomson was guilty of a bad foul on MacEwan. Half-time.—Everton 1, Aston Villa nil.
Young started the second halt exceptionally well with two very astute passes, the second to Collins who must only have been fractional offside. The big man of the match if there was one was the dark-haired Dugdale, not a typical centre-half in build or physique, but a magnificent reader of opponents' play. Bingham found the corner flag an embarrassment as he, tried to keep in play a good pass from Labone, but Everton were slightly in command, and so far, apart from Thomson's cross-shot, Dunlop had singularly little to do.
DANGEROUS DOUGAN
Dougan for the moment, had not fitted snugly into the Villa line, but one always felt the potential was there if the ball had been given to him properly. Wylie now made a solid header just over the bar, flinging himself to rocket in a centre by MacEwan. McParland burst through in characteristic style beating Parker to begin with and then forcing a corner, from which the rangy Dougan got up well and made a header that Dunlop fielded just under the bar. The Villa attack was now beginning to shape a bit with Everton enduring for the moment a spate of mis-placed passes.
FOUL ON VERNON
Fell was inclined to keep the ball too close and although he succeeded a fair number of times there were a number of times when he was caught badly in possession. Thomson, of Villa, was spoken to for a foul on Vernon, and the offender caused the free kick to be taken a second time because he was too close to the ball when the whistle blew. Dougan got an ironic cheer when he jumped over Dunlop as he fielded MacEwan's low centre. Although Everton were in the lead it was the Villa who looked the more impressive at the moment.
YOUNG TO THE FORE
Young made a typically brilliant run on the left and edged the ball forward just a bare foot or two too much so, that Sidebottom came out more in hope than anything else and smothered the ball away though it was a rather fluky save. Young was taking a lot of buffeting and escaping a lot more and one way and another was now beginning to touch his best form. Collins, Bingham and Vernon now produced one of the really good moves of the match with Vernon's glancing header finishing wide. For the first time now, little more than ten minutes from the end, Everton seemed to have Villa's measure.  Bingham tooling up an opening at his leisure, shot across the face of the goal, and there was Young at the far post to jab it home for the second goal at the 81st minute.  Villa appealed in vain for an offside verdict, but unless Young moved up quickly it is a desperately close thing, as he was standing only a yard from the line when he rammed the ball In. Final; Everton 2, Villa nil. 

DERBY RES V EVERTON RES
Saturday, August 19 1961 The Liverpool Echo and Evening Express
Derby County Res; Adlington; Daykin, Richmond; Webster, Moore, Hopkinson; Stephenson, Hall, Thompson, Bowers, Powell.  Everton Res; Mailey; Parnell, Green; Gannon, Jones, Sharples; Lill, Tyrer, Webber, Temple, Ring.  Referee; Mr. W.S Castle (Dudley).  The more experienced Everton side got an early shock when Bowers, played through by Powell, hit the base of the upright despite the attention of two defenders.  In the eight minute County had better luck, to go ahead.  Green mishandled an intended back pass to Mailey, and Thompson ran in to volley the ball past the advancing keeper.  Webber missed a good chance when Lill found him clear but in the 16th minute he made amends by side footing an accurate Temple cross past Adlington.  Mailey went full length to save from Powell and Adlington made a magnificent save from the dangerous wing.  In the 38th minute a mistake by Daykin allowed Ring to pinpoint a cross which Webber headed home. A minute before the interval a mix-up in the County defence saw temple accept a simple chance to put the visitors ahead.  Half-time; Derby County Res 1, Everton Res 3.  Second half scores for Derby County, Powell, Bowers.  For Everton Res Webber (2), Tyrer. 

EVERTON? THEY COULD DO VERY WELL…SAY PARKER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 August 1961

Here we go again! It's a funny thing that no matter how fed up with football people are round about April and May (yes, some players as well) everybody is keyed up and rarin' to go come the following August—the players most of all! There has been much said and written on what this season holds for soccer. Many believe that it will be more eventful than most. The players, of course, are on more money; some critics think by next May we will be another season nearer a Super League; can England again play the kind of football they produced last season and do well in the World Cup in Chile? And can Spurs lift either League or Cup again—or both? That last point raises matters which are very much on the minds of people who read this column (although I do believe there are a few Liverpool fans who find time to have a look at it). After the way Everton finished last season and our results in America. Everton fans are naturally wondering what this season holds for us. Well, if you expect me to give you the answer I’m afraid you are in for a disappointment. Frankly I wouldn't and couldn't say…I could make out a good argument why we should win either Cup or League, but so could practically every other club in the Football League. This game is far from being the easiest to forecast, as pools fans know. There is no denying that on paper we have a good team, and from the talk among the team it is obvious that the players s expect to do well. I feel that with average luck and freedom from the injuries which dogged us last reason we should do well. With above-average luck we could do very well.  But here I must make a confession. If I had the choice of a League championship medal of a F.A. Cup winners medal, I would plump for the Cup medal.
VIRTUALLY INTERNATIONALS
I feel there's more glamour about a Wembley win, even though it may take only a few games to get there as against 42 ln the League. I think you will find most players feel the same way. So if I could be granted a wish for the coming season it would be for a good run in the Cup. But I'm not against a League win either! Both would do fine. Unlike most sides we have had very little break from football, what with normal training and our American trip on which we did very well despite losing to Dukla in the final. Without trying to make excuses for our defeats by the Czechoslovakian side it must be remembered that in both games we played the greeter part with only 10 men. Alex Young and Frank Wignall being hurt. Whether we would have won at full strength I can't say, but we would certainly have put on a better show. Dukla are a really fine side, but I don't think English fans realize they are virtually an international team. They are an Army XI and all the finest footballers in the land are called into the Army so as to form this team. The American tour was quite an experience, although I'm afraid it will be a very long time before the game catches on over there -if ever. We had to be on the pitch about 15 minutes before the kick-off in each game, for the pre -start goings -on are quite something The teams come out side by side and after the usual kick-in line up on the touchline either side of the halfway line. Then an announcer introduces them to the crowd.  He win say "Everton of England." (We Scotsmen had no objections).  The announcer then says: "NO. 1. goalkeeper Albert Dunlop; No. 2. Right back Alex Parker No. 3 left back George Thomson." And so on. Then they play the national anthem before introducing the other team. Then their country's national anthem is played. The announcer keeps pretty busy during the game. If the whistle goes for a foul against you it's no use trying to pretend to the fans that you are not to blame.
That announcer chap won't allow that. He tell, everybody: "Foul for pushing against the No. 2. - Then everybody knows.  After a goal he will say: "Goal by Collins with assistance from Young."
MET LILL'S FOLKS
While we were over there Mickey Lill took Gordon Watson, Frank Wignall, Jimmy Gabriel and myself to visit his aunt and uncle who live about 50 miles outside New York. The local paper gave us quite a show with a full story of why we were there and an account of our record in the First Division last season. Since last May there have been a few comings and goings on the Merseyside soccer front.  The biggest change at Goodison, of course, is the retirement of Harry Cooke after 58 years as player and trainer. I can't think of anybody who was more popular in the game than Harry, and can honestly say that in the three years I was under him I never heard anybody say anything against him. Players he trained years ago still popped in to Goodison to see him, and there is no doubt he will be very much missed. Still Everton is such a part of him (and he's certainly a part of Everton) that he will certainly keep in touch and I can assure him we will always be glad to see him. We also have a new trainer in Tom Eggleston who has been looking after our preseason preparations and certainly knows his Job But despite making sure we keep busy he is very popular with the boys and has come up with some new and interesting Ideas. Another newcomer, only this time across the park and across this page is centre half Ron Yeats, yet another Scotsman. I haven't seen him play but I was up in Scotland last Saturday to see the Falkirk - Cowdenbeath match and was repeatedly asked how he was settling down. The one thing they all impressed on me was that he was a “great guy." So that's what they think of him up there. Of course, he has also been “signed" by the Football Echo and, like me, will be doing his best to keep you posted on what is going on at Goodison and Anfield this season. Here's hoping he helps Liverpool to promotion.

THE NEW DEAL SOCCER MUST GET BETTER
Monday, August 21, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON 2, ASTON VILLA 0
By Leslie Edwards

Judged by the most material considerations Everton got off to the best of starts with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa at Goodison Park, but the game left many of the spectators dissatisfied.  Two teams containing so much talent battled rather pedestrianly, with Everton deserving winners in the end, but new deal soccer must be better than this if it is to win back lost supporters and repay the spectators for the extra he is paying to see it.  The pitch was perfect.  The chances of a great game undoubted, but the weather, a blustery wind and a warm sun, made it anything but a good day for the start of a new season and there were all too many mistakes in attempted placements of simple passes.  The intensification of effort all round was noticeable but this served only to cut into what little continuity the game had.  There were many more reckless and foul tackles than is customary.  The emphasis was on destruction rather than construction and Everton by playing so often into their opponents off-side-trap, were held up vexatiously just when one expected them to go on and complete a well-founded movement.
LIVELY BINGHAM
Bingham, lively and courageous as ever had his part in both goals. Close on the interval he volleyed the ball beyond Sidebottom at no great speed and late in the second half he crossed the ball from which Young standing near the far post, jabbed the ball home for the score which clinched victory.  Villa appealed in vain that Young had been offside when the ball last been played.  There was no hint for a long time which course the game would take but it must be said that Everton were always the more dangerous on attack.  Once Young got his goal and the issue was clearly resolved he settled down for the final minutes to show what a great player he can be.  For once, in this late spell, Everton looked really impressive.  Before that Collins with a great shot and Vernon with a less fierce one cleverly placed had come closest to beating the man who is keeping Nigel Sims of his first team place.  Villa’s new centre forward, Dougan is a gangling, awkward type, who shows touches of unexpected genius with head and feet but he was usually playing a lone role and many of his clever headers went for nothing because there was none with him to pick them up.  Dougan, with his closely cropped head and aquiline nose looked more like an Indian chief than a first-class centre forward, and the crowd were now slow to rib him, but it was a good-natured leg-pull and Dougan not only impressed everyone by his occasional telling touches, but showed himself to be a good sportsman, too. 
DISAPPOINTING STANDARD
For many fans the standard of play must have been a great disappointment.  Many left the ground long before the end.  The tackling from both teams was unremitting and without inhibitions.  Young, whose build is not suited to rough stuff, avoided much of the trouble but still managed to show his artistry.  Vernon was never quite at his best, but like Collins who got nearer to his true form, he had his moments.  Even McParland, who was won so many matches almost single-handed, was hardly seen in a Villa line which moved haphazardly and which scarcely troubled Dunlop, except when Thomson went to inside left to make his side’s only real strike- a cross shot brilliantly saved.  It was a game of little pattern with the half backs usually in charge and personalities rarely putting their stamp on the game or a movement.  A Scottish selector made a special visit to see the many Anglo-Scots on view.  He would be impressed by Young and by Collins, but by few, if any others.  Possibly the Scots are now prepared to forget their differences with players with clubs on the side of the border, in which case some Everton players could find a place in their national team on September 36 against the Czechs.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins, Young, Vernon, Fell.  Aston Villa; Sidebottom; Neal, Lees; Crowe, Dugdale, Deakin; MacEwan, Thomson, Dougan, Wylie, McParland.  Referee; Mr. N.N. Hough (Macclesfield).  Attendance 52,293. 

WEBBER ON THE TARGET FOR EVERTON
Monday, August 21, 1961 The Liverpool Daily Post
DERBY RES 3, EVERTON RES 6
Everton Reserves centre forward Keith Webber-a likely looking prospect-took full toll of some slack defensive work by Derby County Reserves to score four goals in a runaway 6-3 victory in this Central League game at the baseball ground on Saturday.  On a greasy surface there was bound to be defensive errors and the lively Everton attack, firing on all five cylinders, did not miss any opportunities.  Right back Parnell did not have too happy a time against the experienced Tommy Powell, but Jones was solid at centre half and goalkeeper Mailey made up for his lack of inches with his anticipation and agility.  Scorers for Derby were Thompson, Powell and Bower; and for Everton Webber (4), Temple and Tyrer. 

HARRIS ASKS EVERTON FOR MOVE
Monday, August 21, 1961, The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Before the opening of the season Brian Harris, Everton’s left half back, disappointed at being left out of the side for the Aston Villa game, made a verbal request for a transfer and later followed it up with a written request, which will be considered by the board this week.  When I spoke to manager Harry Catterick last night, he said; “This is a purely domestic matter between Harris and Everton, on which I cannot comment.”  Harris was out of the team at the start of last season, losing his place to Mick Meagan for the first tour games, and he was omitted again for the last seven games, his last outing being at right half at West Brom.  He played in thirty League games and scored three goals.  He took part in all the matches in New York during the summer.  Although Meagan was a member of the touring party, there was a slight doubt about his fitness.  Harris has fought back to the first team on previous occasions and I should have thought he might have been prepared to do the same again, especially at such an early stage. 

IF THIS IS IT, NEW DEAL IS MISDEAL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
The most satisfactory thing about the Everton match was the score. To beat Aston Villa 2-0 was a solid start to the season. Yet the play of both teams was below standard until about fifteen minutes from the end, when Everton, with Young finding his real game for the first time, began to move as impressively as they had in most of their games at the back-end of last season. By this time a number of the 50,000 present were on the way out. Like me, presumably, they were disappointed with the standard of this the first game at Goodison Park since the new pay rates. I will say this for the players—there was a blustery half-gale of wind. The kind of conditions which make doing common-place football chores difficult and the difficult things almost impossible. Tucked away in the stands and shielded from the blast it is all too easy to be hypercritical. The effect of so much more money being at stake seemed to cause both teams to do more "spoiling" than usual. The man in possession was chased and chivvied unceasingly. Only the players of real class found time and space to show their capabilities. As I saw it, there was nothing much in it until Bingham shot Everton into the lead close on the interval. Afterwards a Villa side which appeared slow almost to the point of lethargy went back still further in our estimation and Everton's second goal, disputed by Villa on the grounds that Young was offside when he converted Bingham's shot near the far post, clinched things. At least Everton did contrive a few sustained attacks of merit. Villa's front line, with the newcomer Dougan in the centre, never worked properly. I doubt if Dunlop will enjoy an easier game all season. No doubt about it, Everton were the better side. But equally without doubt is the fact that the game was one of the poorest we have seen for months .
A subtle difference
Are we unreasonable to expect better football from better-paid players? I think so. Pay rates in the theatre have increased considerably in the past twenty years, but who expects a higher standard of performance? The difference between the theatre and football is that football provides opportunity for one side to negative, as hard as they can, the efforts of their opponents trying to be artistic? Villa's propensity for hard tackling and their ability to catch their opponents off-side contributed to the game's lack of continuity. Many Everton fans blame Villa for setting offside traps so frequently; I blame Everton for falling for them.  They are as easily countered as they are pre-arranged. I will admit that some offside decisions —and not merely those affecting Everton—had an air of mystery about them. This was a match in which scarcely a personality impressed himself. Dougan scored no goal and played, for him, indifferently, but he put his stamp on proceedings. A week ago Manager Joe Mercer insisted that Dougan wore shin guards and stockings with a tape to keep them up. Dougan agreed this. Next day he went to the barber's and said: "If a haircut is three-bob how murk is a shave?" The answer was 9d. Dougan said he'd be shaved—all over the top of his head! The Mercer reaction was "If you want to be different score goals!" It took one typically astute Liverpudlian (not in the football sense) to make capital of Dougan's cropped head and aquiline nose which made him look more like an Indian chief than a first-class centre-forward. The crowd put up Indian war whoops whenever Dougan touched the ball. If he'd scored, and he had more than one chance. I felt sure he would face his taunters with a return whoop from behind his own lingers. But Dougan's clowning was essentially good natured. I did not see why the crowd should greet his careful leap over the prostrate Dunlop with ironic jeers
The extra tanner
I Liked Dougan's flicking of the ball with his head, but Villa were unprepared for many of these nods in the "Dixie" Dean mould. In this rather drab match from which so much was expected the final fifteen minutes' brilliance by Young and the unspectacular, but always effective, handling of the situation by Dugdale, a Wallasey boy, were outstanding. Collins was always working hard and so was Vernon but the line never functioned really well Bingham for his contribution of the first goal and his part in the second was perhaps he most consistent member of the line. Even McFarland, usually capable of winning a match off his own bat when things are going wrong, was rarely seen, and the fiery Mc Ewan, on the other wing, even less noticed. Everton, fresh from their U.S. trip, seemed quicker on the ball, but the tackling on both sides was unyielding, and I fear we may get an even greater number of broken limbs this season. The position of all clubs is that they just cannot afford to lose and if this match is any guide they are prepared to throw themselves into any tackle which has the remotest chance of getting the ball. Mr. Hough's refereeing, for me, was not firm enough. Everton players will pick up an extra £10 each on their attendance bonus, so one way and another they will be £50 a week men for a good few weeks at the beginning of the season. But the play, on Saturday, was never comparable with football we got, as a right, when players were paid £8 apiece.  Everton's many Scots may pick up more money by being chosen to play for Scotland in the World Cup game against Czechoslovakia, at Hampden, on September 26. A Scottish selector was present at Goodison Park and it would seem that Scotland have put behind them, for the time being, their antipathy towards Scots who happen to play with clubs on the “wrong” side of the border.

HARRIS MOVE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Everton half-back, Brian Harris, has asked for a move following his being left out of the side for the first match.  Manager Harry Catterick will not comment on the matter, but it is certain that Harris’s appeal will be discussed at the club’s next Board meeting. 
EVERTON TEAM
For Wednesday’s visit to West Bromwich Albion, Everton will field the team which beat Aston Villa 2-nil on Saturday.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins, Young, Vernon, Fell. 
Albert Harris, the former goalkeeper, loses his place in Southport’s team to play Stockport County tomorrow. 

MATCH TO FORGET
Wednesday, August 23, 1961 The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
Everton will need no reminding of the fact that it was at West Brom last March that they really plumbed the depths and retired with a 3-0 thrashing.  Still, it was a game which marked the turn of the tide, for Everton were unbeaten from that game to the end of the season.  If Everton started this season not quite in the rhythm expected of them, this is their opportunity to win back the golden opinions.  On paper there is no question which is the better side.  Now Everton must convert that into fact.  That manager Harry Catterick has also named an unchanged side shows that he has confidence in the belief that this represents the best available team, no matter how some may choose to regard a comparison of Mick Meagan with Brian Harris.  Everton travel without knowing the constitution of the West Brom side, although I am told it is likely to be the same as that which opened with a 2-0 defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.  The only doubtful starter is Stan Jones their centre half who had to have two stitches inserted in an eye wound received on Saturday.  Although considerable improvement has been made a late decision has been left, to make sure that the discoloration in no way affects his vision.  If he passes the test, he will play.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins, Young, Vernon, Fell. 

INJURIES CUT EVERTON TO ONLY NINE MEN
Thursday, August 24, 1961, The Liverpool Daily Post
WEST BROMWICH ALBION 2, EVERTON 0
By Michael Charters
Everton were not only decisively beaten last night, but had both Collins and Young injured for most of the game- a sad legacy of a match in which they were always struggling against a strong Albion side, which showed the better footballing methods all through, but considering that Everton only had three effective forwards and their scoring attempts were limited to three, the courageous defence came out of the game with great credit.  Collins was hurt in the eighth minute and returned just in time to see Robson score Albion’s first goal.  The England half, Albion’s outstanding player was thirty yards out when he collected a Gabriel clearance and volleyed a fantastic shot which swerved a yard in the air to hit the net over Dunlop’s head.  To rub salt into Everton’s wounds, Collins was hurt a minute later, again in a tackle by Kevan, although he returned as a passenger on the left wing.  Young was also limping after a tackle midway through the first half and re-started on the right wing.  The re-shuffle of the Everton forward line achieved little against a strong Albion defence, so competent against Everton’s three struggling forwards that Wallace can never have had an easier match. 
MAGNIFICENT BINGHAM
Bingham played magnificently, but could not succeed against overwhelming odds, but once he headed just over the bar and later gave Wallace his only difficult save.  The other Everton chance fell to Vernon who snapped up a bad pass by Williams, but slashed his shot wide.  The story at the other end was different.  Robson and Drury, first class halves, dominated so much that Albion were frequently playing with seven forwards.  The longer the game went the more Albion were on top, and it was remarkable Everton did not concede another goal until Kevan connecting with Clark’s centre after seventy-eight minutes made a bullet-like header past Dunlop.  Previously Dunlop had saved magnificently from Burnside and then produced the best effort of the night to punch away a fierce shot from Robson, who almost succeeded with a replica of his first goal, but this went just wide with Dunlop beaten.  Five minutes from the end, Dunlop was beaten again by Jackson, but Gabriel cleared off the line, so that a 2-0 defeat was a better result than Everton might have expected, with the injury bogey going against them.  Gabriel against the dangerous Kevan, was Everton’s best player with Bingham and when one remembers that on his debut for Everton a year ago on this ground, Kevan scored five goals, the Scot’s progress has been remarkable.  Thomson, Labone, and Parker played particularly well, with Thomson showing a tightening up of his defensive marking.  He played Jackson out of the game and Parker with a more difficult task against Clark, won his personal duel.  Albion’s football was several stages better than Everton’s, they moved quickly and well, and showed much better combination, although the fact that Everton were playing with only nine effective men must not be forgotten.  West Bromwich; Wallace; Howe, Williams; Robson, Jones, Drury; Jackson, Burnside, Lovatt, Kevan, Clark.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Collins (captain), Young, Vernon, Fell.  Referee; Mr. C.W. Kingston (Newport, Monmouthshire).  Attendance 22,900.

DEFEAT WAS THE LEAST OF EVERTONS MISFORTUNES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 24 August 1961
By Michael Charters
Everton not only came back pointless from the game at West Bromwich last night, but with a list of injuries as heavy their dressing room looked like a casualty clearance station.  This was the unhappy post-match story: Collins (damaged ligaments of the right knee), Young (blistered feet), Parker (injured ankle). Bingham (injured ankle, Dunlop (bruised face). Collins and Young will miss Saturdays game at Fulham, Parker and Bingham will need intensive treatment to be fit in time, but Dunlop should be all right. The injury to Collins was so serious it was thought advisable to send him straight back to Liverpool instead of spending the night with the rest of the team in Birmingham. He left in director Fred Micklesfield's car immediately after the game with his knee heavily bandaged so that he could have treatment first thing this morning.   Manager Harry Catterick told me: "I don't think Bobby will be playing again in less than six weeks. This is a serious blow to our hopes for a good start of the season, as Bobby is the mainstay of the forward line. It is an unfortunate business for we still have Frank Wignall on the injured list and he will not be fit for a couple of weeks or so. Young, it appears, has very thin skin on the soles of his feet, and although he bathes them twice a day in spirit to toughen them, he still suffers from blisters when the ground is firm. Midway through the first half last night he began to limp so much that I thought he must have pulled a leg muscle and his feet were very sore by the end of the game.
TWICE INJURED
Collins was injured twice in the first few minutes, the second time, in a tackle by Kevan when the Albion inside- forward came to the right-back position to clash with them Everton skipper came after 11 minutes,. Collins went off for attention and it was only his fighting heart which enabled him to come back and play on the left wing as a brave passenger. Young was at outside-right after the interval and thus Everton, reduced to nine effective men, were never in the game with a chance. Collins' injury was clearly the turning point for the game had quickly developed into a tough unrelenting struggle which is obviously going to be the pattern for the rest of the season, with the winning of points even more essential than it has ever been. One can visualise a long and unfortunate procession of injured players. Some of the tackling last night made you whistle with apprehension and it seems that only the teams who can take it as well as give it will be successful. It is a pity but it seems that artistic football may take second place.  All things considered Everton's defeat by two goals was a good performance by a team so much on the defensive and reduced to three forwards and of those three it was mainly Bingham who carried on a magnificent and courageous one-man struggle to overcome the odds. He has never given a more heart-warming display. He was often left to take on the Albion defence by himself and of the three Everton scoring attempts worthy of the name he was responsible for two.
GABRIEL PLAYS DEEP
All the credit for Everton must go to the defence which could hardly be faulted. They limited Albion to one rather lucky goal for 78 minutes by strong confident tackling. Gabriel played a deep defensive role, often standing behind Labone with the obvious plan to halt the dangerous Kevan. He succeeded to such an extent that Albion's ace goal-scorer was only effective twice-  when he tackled Collins out of the game and when he flashed a bullet-like header past Dunlop for a second goal. When one recalls that in this corresponding match two years ago Kevan scored five goals in direct opposition to Gabriel, it is remarkable how the young Scot has progressed from that day. Last night he showed defensive qualities of highest order and carried out his manager's instructions to the letter. Thomson and Labone also played excellently. The full-back kept Jackson under complete subjection, while Labone almost reduced newcomer Lovett to nonentity with his fine covering and excellent work in the air. Dunlop made first-class saves from Robson and Burnside when Albion were completely on top towards the end and received a nasty blow to the face in saving a certain goal from Jackson just after the interval.
Parker had a tough proposition in the smart under-23 winger Clark, but was commanding and dominant. There's very little wrong with Everton's defence on this showing for Meagan also got through much effective work in his usual quiet way.
NEED MORE THRUST
But the forwards, I fear, need a lot more thrust and dash to beat defences which give them not one spilt second to develop their classy, clever, touches. 
They are likely to be tackled out of the game almost before they started and this is manager Catterick's major headache this season -to infuse some power into a forward line which has no equal in the country for pure artistry. I must pay credit to Albion who were always the best side last night. They showed the better football ideas than Everton, passed the ball more accurately and quickly, although in the final assessment one must not forget Everton's injury problems. I particularly liked Robson, their international wing half, who was very much their master mind. He scored the first goal after 10 minutes with a fantastic swerving shot from fully 30 yards which moved into and over Dunlop like the fastest off-break of all time. He almost repeated it 15 minutes later with a similar “banana" shot which shaved a post. Clark too looks like being one of the season's successes and their defence with Howe looking to be as good as ever at right back, could prove one of the best in the country.

COLLINS AND YOUNG MISS FULHAM GAME
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 24 August 1961
BIG EVERTON INJURY LIST
PARKER DOUBT
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have struck trouble within a few days of the season's start. With the League match against Fulham in London, only three days away the casualty list at Goodison Park following last nights defeat at West Bromwich is: Bobby Collins: Damaged :ligaments. Likely to be out for six weeks. Alex Parker: Damaged ankle: not certain to be fit for Saturday. Alex Young: Blistered feet. Will not play against Fulham. Billy Bingham: Damaged ankle: may not play on Saturday. Frank Wignall: Injured instep on American tour still not ready to train. Albert Dunlop: Bruised face. Pat Dunne (a reserve goalkeeper): Lacerated arms in accident in Ireland and has not yet reported for new season. No wonder manager Harry Catterick looked glum to-day as he returned with the remainder of his walking wounded - Collins was brought back last night in order to get treatment first thing this morning -from Birmingham, where the team had spent the night. It looks as though it will be mid-day to-morrow before he will be able to even start to get down to the business of selecting a side for Saturday. The composition of the attack with Young, Collins and Wignall all definitely not available will pose special problems.
FULHAM HIT
Fulham are almost as badly hit by injuries as Everton. Johnny Haynes, £100 per week Fulham and England 'captain, has no idea who will be the wingers in attack with him against Everton. Neither has team manager Bedford Jezzard. After last night's 3-4 defeat against Manchester City, Fulham haven't one fit winger —and the season is only six days old! Scottish International outside right Graham Leggat will be out for a month with an ankle injury received last Saturday, and last nights deputy John Key and outside left Trevor Chamberlain both suffered badly bruised ankles. The club doctor gives them little chance of being fit by Saturday. Fulham with their smallest professional staff (23) since the war, are certain to find a place somewhere in the forward line for Bobby Brown, Great Britain, and England amateur, who played five First Division games for them last season.

WEST BROM IS PROVING A HOODOO PITCH
Friday, August 25, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Roy Vernon (Wales and Everton)
West Brom can hardly be counted one of Everton’s luckiest grounds.  Not only have results been disappointing, but the tale of woe with injuries has been most marked.  Our skipper Bobby Collins was the most serious victim on Wednesday with strained ligaments but Alex Young, Alex Parker, Billy Bingham and Mick Meagan all retired somewhat the worse for wear.  Last year, you may remember, it was the young winger, Peter Cavanagh, who limped through most of the match.  Injuries, of course, are an ever-present risk in a footballer’s life, but it is a fortunate club, which can take them in its stride and press, on towards its goal undeterred.  We all know what a blow, it was to us when Tommy Ring was put out of action last season, and we had hoped for better luck this time.  Although Everton naturally, would have liked to travel to Fulham tomorrow with an unbeaten record, we are still two points better off than we were after the corresponding games of last season.  Remember, we were beaten at home by Aston Villa and also went down at West Brom.  If we can keep on getting two points where we lost four last term and at least maintain the results in our other matches our championship ambitious could be realized. 
NO TRAIL BLAZING
I think competition this season will be keener than ever for most of the way and that being so-I doubt very much if Tottenham, or any other team for that matter, will be able to blaze the trail points and points ahead of their nearest competitor.  Tottenham, who were all-conquering at this stage, have already dropped a home point to West Ham and this quite likely, is a pattern which will become more familiar to them as the season wears on.  It is early yet to state categorically whether or not the new deal won by the players has resulted in any notable increase or effort and awareness or responsibilities.  I always rate the opening and possibly the closing weeks among the most difficult in a player’s season.  There is the glut of fixtures, often accompanied by long distance travel, with less time between games for minor knocks and bruises to be treated and yet the importance of the results cannot be denied.  It is a happy side which can reach the end of the two games a week spell well placed for the more composed weeks which follow.  I have heard it said that more or less established players will take a chance on the score of fitness and declare themselves ready for play when commonsense might dictate a more realistic approach, simply because of the danger of a reserve responding to the situation so well that places are in jeopardy.  This, I believe is more a theory than a fact, for such is the stress and tempo of modern soccer that only a fully fit man has the slightest chance of doing either himself, or possibly even more important his club the justice warranted.  It is never an excuse for a poor show that a player was handicapped because he started not quite 100 per cent, fit and I think the vast majority are fully aware of this.  Over and over again, it has been said that a fully fit reserve is better from a team point of view than a half fit regular, and there are few who will quarrel with it. 
WELCOME BONUSES
Most players will confess to a sense of deep disappointment that attendances at last Saturday’s game were in the main so poor.  This is an important season, for we have to prove that we are not only worthy of the new deal, but also to make the people who pay for admission realize it too.  Consequently the much healthier position reflected in Wednesday’s attendances has made everyone very much more optimistic.  When new ideas are introduced they are always viewed with a certain amount of suspicious and that is why possibly many were somewhat concerned over the idea of their wage packet being dependent on the crowds passing through the turnstiles.  Already there are grounds for believing that this system, adopted my own club among others, will not only prove completely acceptable but may be an idea taken up universally before very long.  While a player has to look after himself during his peak earning years none of them is so short-sighted to expect outside salaries out of all proportion to the ability of the club to pay.  We at Goodison have already tasted the promising possibilities and we realize that acceptable though the rewards were for four match against Aston Villa, that is only the beginning and that we can do much better yet.  There is nothing wrong with our fighting spirit.  We know we have the ability.  If all our bad luck has come at once, so that when the present injuries are cleared up we can concentrate on our tasks ahead, I don’t think our supporters will be disappointed.  In the meantime, those of us who are left sound in wind and limb, will redouble our efforts to ensure that no ground is lost.  It was only a late goal at West Brom that increased the gap and made our efforts less rewarding, but I am confident that anyone who saw the match will give us credit for a satisfactory show in difficult circumstances. 

A FINE POINT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 25 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
When is a penalty goal not a penalty goal? When it is a penalty converted at the second attempt, says Arthur Best, from 127 St. Michaels Road, Great Crosby. He writes: "Asa lifelong soccer man (born 1900 in Sunderland) I always follow your articles and generally agree with what you say. But I'm afraid I cannot do so to-day. The question about the penalty kick is, for me, easily answered. It was a penalty miss. There is no second chance at a penalty. The ball is in play immediately it touches the goalkeeper and any player may then play it either to shoot at goal or make a clearance. In the case quoted when Liddell scored he was not scoring from a penalty, he was scoring from a clearance by the goalkeeper. Consider, if you are still unconvinced, the position at the end of a half; time must be extended to permit of a penalty kick being taken, but in the quoted case if the kick had been taken in extended time the referee would have blown his whistle as soon as the goalkeeper saved. I'm sure I'm right. Two other points (a) I know half-way flags are not compulsory, but why don't Everton and Liverpool use them? I believe most clubs do and (b) could you suggest to Everton that their programme should show the teams on one page instead of spreading them across two? I like to know both teams, not just the home one, but cannot memories the names of the visitors in the short while before the game. So I and myself referring quite often to the programme in the first half hour. It's easy at Anfield, but not so easy at Goodison Park... I hope you see my point." How Manager Catterick of Everton will overcome the dilemma created by injuries to so many players at West Bromwich is anyone's guess. To be deprived of such players as Collins, Young and Wignall less than a week after the season's start is desperate misfortune, the only consolation being that Fulham, the club's opponents to-morrow in London, are in almost equally bad shape following their mid-week match against Manchester City. There is no point in trying to review a match between two sides both incapable, until the last minute, of naming much changed sides. Key, the Fulham right winger, went into hospital yesterday for X-ray examination of his ankle; Chamberlain on the other wing was injured in the City match and will also be unavailable. The club's Scottish international Leggat, also has an ankle injury, but is recovering quickly. It is possible that he could be fit within ten days, but not in time for the game to-morrow.

EVERTON’S CHANGES AT FULHAM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 25 August 1961
BINGHAM MAY LEAD ATTACK
By Leslie Edwards
First teamers who are not available for Everton at Fulham tomorrow are Bobby Collins, Alex Young, and Alex Parker.  Billy Bingham, though still doubtful owing to the ankle injury he sustained at West Bromwich, is chosen to lead the attack.  If he is not fit, twelfth-man Gannon from the Youth eleven, would make his League debut.  Bingham played in the centre in some matches during the American tour.  Manager Harry Catterick worried by the spate of injuries and by reserve weakness which he has always maintained existed from the day he arrived, is playing Roy Parnell at right back in place of Parker, and brings in Derek Temple for Collins and Mickey Lill, on the right, to fill the gap caused by the move of Bingham to the centre.  Lill will be starting his first-team career almost where he left off.  It was at Fulham last season that his long standing cartilage trouble asserted itself and caused him to have two operations on the same knee.  Parnell has played occasionally for the first team, but has been conspicuous chiefly for his work in the Everton Youth team.  He is a local boy.  Collins’ injury will keep him out of the game for some weeks.  Parker and Young are not so badly hurt and could, all going well, he available for the Albion return match at Goodison Park next Wednesday or the game against Mr. Catterick’s former club, Sheffield Wednesday, tomorrow week at Goodison Park.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Lill, Temple, Bingham, Vernon, Fell. 
Injury –hit Fulham have solved their winger problems by putting Cook on the right wing and Johnson on the left.  Doherty, who missed Wednesday’s game against Manchester City, returns to lead the attack.  Fulham; Macedo; Cohen, Langley; Mullery, Dodgin, Lowe; Cook, O’Connell, Doherty, Haynes, Johnson. 

ROY VERNON WILL SKIPPER RESHUFFLED EVERTON SIDE AT FULAH TODAY
Saturday, August 26, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
If any evidence were required that no sort of ill-feeling exists between Everton manager Harry Catterick and the club inside left Roy Vernon, as an aftermath of the incident in New York in the summer, when Vernon was sent home as “a disciplinary measure,” it was forthcoming yesterday when Mr. Catterick announced that Vernon would skipper the side at Fulham.  Both manager and player have all along maintained that the American incident was a domestic matter and no light has ever been shed on what took place.  With the captain, Bobby Collins out of the side, and Alex Parker also injured, the choice of Vernon, I think, was a very wise one.  It is the first time the Welshman has carried this distinction and I am confident he will give everything he has to make a success of the role, although the weakened side is bound to find the going difficult at Fulham.  Still, the challenge makes the opportunity.  With Alex Young resting his blistered feet, manager Catterick had an outside head-ache in naming his forward line.  He has tackled it by playing the versatile scoring winger, Billy Bingham, who is almost certain to report fit, as leader of the attack, with Derek Temple at inside left, and Mickey Lill resuming in the outside right position.  It is a coincidence that Lill’s last appearance in the first team was also at Fulham last October –but them as outside left.  Roy Parnell is entrusted with the task of deputizing for Parker.  He has only once previously appeared in first team football-at Wolves on January 21. 
LESSON NOT LOST
The present lesson will not be lost on Everton.  No team of their standing should be as hard-pressed for deputies as has proved the case this time.  It is all very well for the side to be knee-deep in stars, but no manager can be happy until most of the positions are reasonably duplicated.  Everton’s youngsters are talented enough but until they are richer in experience, it is not easy to have the courage to make them automatic deputise for first team causalities.  I can foreseen increased Everton activity in the transfer market whenever men of adequate standing become available.  Already they have made sounding for more than one position, without success, and actually covered ground which Liverpool had trodden before them, and received the same negative reply.  Mr. Catterick is noted for his theory of never playing men on their reputation, but only on current form, and until he is able to recruit the reinforcement he would like, he will not be happy.  Everton won 3-2 at Fulham last season and a repeat of that nature would prove most acceptable.  Fulham play Cook at outside right and Johnson on the left wing, with Doherty leading the attack.  Fulham; Macedo; Cohen, Langley; Mullery, Dodgin, Lowe, Cook, O’Connell, Doherty, Haynes, Johnson. Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Lill, Temple, Bingham, Vernon, Fell. 

FULHAM HOLD EVERTON AT BAY WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 August 1961
FULHAM 2, EVERTON 1
By Leslie Edwards
Fulham; Macedo; Cohen, Langley; Mullery, Dodgin, Lowe; Cook, O’Connell, Doherty, Haynes, Johnson.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Lill, Temple, Bingham, Vernon, Fell.  Referee; Mr. A.E Moore (Stuffolk).
Everton manager Harry Catterick dropped off in the Midlands en route to London yesterday in order to see the Coventry City match last night.  Everton were without Young, Collins and Parker.  Lill came back at outside right at the ground where his cartilage trouble reasserted itself last season.  Parnell took over the right back position, and Derek Temple came in at inside right with Billy Bingham the elader of the attack.  Roy Vernon was given the captaincy. Everton nearly scored in their first attack.  Vernon picked up a half-clearance from Cohen and put Lill through with a glorious pass.  The winger did not quite get sufficient power on his shot but even so Mecado had to make a good save.  Then only a daring save by Dunlop at the feet of Cook prevented Fulham from going ahead.  Labone and Thomson had blundered-and allowed the right winger a clear run.  Bingham was already showing himself to be a little too lively for Dodgin.
MOVES FIZZLED OUT
Everton were doing well up to a point but then allowed reasonably good moves to fizzle out through inexperience or haste. The Everton defences bore a charmed are the ball went bobbing about from one side to the other before Langley came up to deliver a shot which struck Dunlop on the heel and passed for a corner. Fell weaved his way to a shooting chance after good work by Bingham and Temple and hit a strong cross shot with plenty of power but Macedo saved splendidly.   A foul against Thomson led to the free-kick from which Fulham took the lead at 13 minutes. Mullery took the award, and hit the ball towards the far post where Cook had moved almost to the outside left position, to make a great header which passed between Dunlop and the post. It was a magnificently taken chance and Dunlop seemed completely surprised it its unexpectedness. Vernon was a, much occupied in defence as in attack, but despite everything Haynes seemed to have plenty of time and room in which to work his wiles.
SEARING SHOT
Cook, with a searing shot from Haynes, went perilously close to getting a second goal and for the time being it was all Fulham. Everton's goal after 20 minutes came out of the blue. Meagan, trying hard to find an opening after much weaving could only tap the ball to Lill, but the winger found Temple in the centre and the inside right taking the ball a few yards slipped it just inside the post with the out-coming Macedo beaten. Everton found new life from this unexpected success and Vernon, who was always making the astute forward pass, more than once looked like setting up a further goal. Thomson was having a pretty thin time against Cook, but Parnell was keeping a cool head and keeping Johnson reasonably quiet. Gabriel was working exceptionally hard and now Vernon started to take a more offensive role, with the result that Fulham's defence had moments of stress. Bingham and Temple contrived a first rate right wing move but when Bingham tried to get the ball across to the left wing with long centre Maredo came out and took possession. Dunlop collected a difficult free kick from Langley who came up a moment later to hit a first rate left foot shot which swung just over the far angle with Dunlop desperately trying to cover it.  Thomson was spoken to for one of several foul tackles on Cook.  The Fulham crowd demanded a penalty when Labone brought down O’Connell in the box, but the referee waved play on, and I think he was right to do so.  Some of Haynes’ passes were magnificently laid; one of them, which brought a corner, almost led to Doherty scoring.  Thomson fortunately being in position, to nod the ball away when standing near the line.  Fulham went ahead three minutes before the interval following a corner by Cook.  The ball was put out to Doherty on the left, and though Everton claimed he was offside, there was no doubt he was yards in the clear.  His left foot lobbed shot sailed over Dunlop’s head and into the far corner of the net.  Johnson all but made it 3-1 a moment later with a shot which flashed across the face of the goal almost parallel with the bye-line.  Half-time-Fulham 2, Everton 1. 
GABRIEL HARD WORKER
Fell had been rarely seen but in the first minutes of the second half a deflected shot from him almost produced a corner. Haynes was having a brilliant match and the wonder was that Fulham were not far ahead. Everton seemed to fade further into the background with at best a three-pronged, attack which functioned uncertainly. No one worked harder than Gabriel, Lill, after one of the few really good Everton attacks so far, caused Macedo save low down. Everton did not look impressive and were not playing impressively, and were, in fact, hanging on like grim death in the hope of being able to avoid further Fulham goal, much less get one themselves!  A fine tackle by Langley on Vernon saved a desperate situation, then Gabriel, tiring of seeing so few shots from the men ahead, went close with a right foot shot which beat the upright by a yard or two. A difficult headed chance to Fell from a long pass by Temple came to nothing as the winger steered the ball wide. All through the match Labone's commanding assurance in the air was evident. In Everton's best spell of attacking Macedo saved gloriously within minute from Lill and then Bingham. The save from Bingham was almost at point-blank range.  Cohen got a knock from Vernon and while lying on the ground suffered a further blow on the head from shot by Bingham and the trainer's services were called upon. Everton improved out of all recognition after this great burst of attacking, and for a time it looked as if they might met the goal which would give them a point. Haynes slowed down the tempo of the game and Fulham were now looking almost as ragged as Everton. Fulham were now getting plenty of the ball but were doing precious little with it until Mullery on the right wing caused Dunlop to palm a centre over for a corner. The goalkeeper slipped the ball away one-handed from a centre by Cook and Johnson, on the other wing picked it up and fired wide. Temple, Lill and young Parnell had their moments at this point, and backed by the willing half-back play of Gabriel, the Everton attack moved with promise if not fulfilment. Final Fulham 2, Everton 1. 

ALBION NEVER A LUCKY GROUND FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 August 1961
By Alex Parker
Well, the first two matches are over. One home, one away, both against Midland teams with a 2-0 win and a 2-0 defeat. A fairly evenly balanced start, although at West Bromwich on Wednesday we realized that the injury bogey I was talking about lost week is still with us. As you well know, West Brom have not' been among the easiest teams we have played over the last few seasons. We have never done really well against them and they don't give much away on their home ground. So as we finished the match with only seven fit men it is not really surprising that we lost.  Perhaps it is more of a surprise that we kept the score to 2-0. Bobby Collins was hurt early on, Alex Young soon afterwards and then Billy Bingham and I joined what is now a far from exclusive club at Goodison. In addition, Albert Dunlop received a kick on the head and was out for a couple of minutes. I suppose my injury was my own fault, for I had the ball at my feet and was about to clear when I saw Clive Clark, the West Brom winger, coming in. Instead of hitting the ball right away I hesitated and by the time I decided to clear the ball Clark was tackling me I felt my right foot go under me and although I fell over to try and lessen the strain on my ankle it was too late. No fault of the West Brom player and next time I won't wait so long. 
KEVAN GOAL
You will have noticed that big Derek Kevan grabbed another goal. He seems to do that every time he plays against Everton. Somebody was telling me he made his League debut against Everton, scored twice and has been doing it ever since. I think it's about time he gave it a rest. Although we didn't play as well as we know we can when we beat Aston Villa last Saturday, the victory was satisfying. Although I have nothing personal against the Villa boys I must admit that I get a big kick out of beating them. One of the biggest disappointments I have had since I came to Everton was the Cup defeat by Villa two and a half years ago, I remember they beat us 4-1 (although I have been trying to forget it ever since) and I always enjoy getting one over on them now. Some of the Villa team appealed against our second goal by Alex Young on the grounds of offside but there was no doubt in our minds that the score should be allowed. Alex is deceptively fast and he told me afterwards that he was well onside when Billy Bingham crossed the ball.  Alex added he meant to head the ball to but mistimed it and eventually had to hit it in with his thigh. Still, they all count.  I notice the reserves have won their two games against Derby and Manchester City. I went to see them beat City last Monday night and it was good to see Mickey Lill playing so well. As he also scored a good goal it looks as if he, for one, might have left his injury bug behind. Their 2-0 win was quite a good one for City had some very experienced players out like Sear. Plenderleith, Hannah, Sambrook and Colbridge who have all played many times for the first team. This week I must do something I couldn't do last week because of shortage of space, and that is to thank the "scousers" on the three ships. Empress of Britain, Empress of Canada and the Sylvania, for the wonderful time they gave us on our tour of America and Canada. We were invited on board the two Empress ships when we were in Montreal and we couldn't hate been made more welcome. There was a cocktail party on one of them and I'm afraid the Everton boys were given all the attention, which must have left the other guests feeling a little out of it. Even the Liverpool fans made a fuss of us and when we played Concordia they all turned up to cheer.  Before the game two of the crew dressed up in blue and white and went round the ground waving rattles.  We beat Concordia 1-0 and when the Canadian team were pressing for an equalizer their supporters were roaring them on. 
APPRECIATED
This prompted one Evertonian present to stand up and shout to the opposition fans. "You can shout all you want but we're winning." It was a really great experience meeting them all and I have been asked to as, on behalf of the team how much we appreciated it. Before I close I would like to mention that we had some visitors in our dressing room after Wednesday's match. Jimmy Harris and Stan Edwards called round and so did Villa manager Joe Mercer. They had a few words with us and sympathized with us over the injuries. Apparently once an Evertonian, always an Evertonian.

EVERTON RES V SHEFF WED RES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 26 August 1961
Everton Res;- Mailey; Green, Jones; Jarvis, Gorrie, Harris; J. Shaw, Tyrer, Webber, Morton, Ring.  Sheffield Wednesday Res; McLaren; Martin, Birks; Hardy, O’Donnell, McGeough; Quinn, Froggatt, Young, Fry, Dobson.  Referee; Mr. D. Pritchard (Blackpool).  Everton opened with a determined attack which ended with Webber heading wide from Shaw’s corner kick.  The Wednesday soon settled down and the constant switching of their forwards unsettled the Everton defence.  A powerful drive by Frogatt was just off target while Green kicked off the goal-line from the same player with Mailey well beaten.  Everton survived two further efforts from Dobson before MacLaren conceded a corner in making a one-handed save from Morton’s hooked shot.  In the 16th minute Tyrer was put through by Ring to give Everton the lead.  Despite having Froggatt off the field from the 25th minute onwards the Wednesday were still dangerous and both Quinn and Young came near to equalizing.  Despite the absence of Froggatt the Wednesday forwards were fighting hard for the equalizer, and it was fortunate for Everton that Fry and Qiunn hung on too long from good positions.  Everton were also fortunate when Mailey made a brilliant save from Wednesday right half Hardy.  Half-time-Everton Res 1, Sheffield Wed Res nil. 

EVERTON MAY HAVE TO GO OUT AND BUY
Monday, August 28, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
FULAHM 2, EVERTON 1
By Leslie Edwards
Everton, who had anticipated no further big buying at the start of the season and who said they would try their young players in the senior team whenever necessary, may have to think again.  Their defeat at Craven Cottage confirmed manager Harry Catterick’s opinion that a team is only as good as its reserve strength or weakness permits.  He was not satisfied before the season began.  He is less satisfied now.  My only comment is that having missed opportunity during the close season, through being twice in America the transfer market could not be more difficult with time quite clearly not on his side.  You cannot conjure up first-class players or even adequate reserves in five weeks or even five months.  At West Bromwich Everton lost Young, Collins, and Parker.  No team can be denuded of three such players and still be expected to function properly.  At Fulham he brought in Parnell a back who had played only once before in the first team.  Temple at inside right and Lill, who had last appeared in the first team ten months ago and has since had two cartilage operations. 
INSUFFICIENT MOVEMENT
Parnell had insufficient movement and was tactically out of the picture Temple came into the game only when he got his goal and in characteristic bursts.  Lill, never touched his real form.  Shortcomings in these three positions would have been serious enough, but there were others.  I name only Labone, Gabriel and Bingham as real successes.  Labone was as outstanding in his role ads Haynes of Fulham was in attack.  The weight of work he was given, with so little support, was enormous.  If he had not shouldered it willingly, competently and courageously Everton could never have got within a goal.  Gabriel made no attempt to stop at source the flow of passes from the feet of Haynes who can rarely have played better.  He just roamed the field, making a contribution wherever he could.  In the sultry heat and on a pitch, of grass of which was left long, it was tough going but Gabriel never flagged.  In his unaccustomed position in the centre Bingham moved the ball cleverly and worked with tremendous enthusiasm.  The line moved all too spasmodically with Fell on the left completely unable to touch the form which made him such a success with Grimsby.  Fulham were not a great side-they too, were without both their first team wingers –but they commanded Everton from the start.  It was only in the last ten minutes that the youngster side got the initiative for the first time and went close to getting the draw they hardly deserved.  Macedo, produced the saves of the match, first against Lill, then against Bingham, to prevent a second goal.  Right at the end Temple hit a shot into the side netting when the better chance of scoring would have come from a pass into the centre.  Fulham were unlucky not to score before Cook, moving unmarked to the left wing, headed home a free kick after thirteen minutes.  Dunlop left a space of a couple of feet between him and post as the ball came across and Cook found this unerringly.  At twenty minutes Meagan, having worked himself into a difficult position, tapped the ball back to Lill, whose good through pass found Temple and allowed Everton to get level.  A lob from Doherty, with Dunlop some yards from his line, dropped over the goalkeeper’s head and Fulham led 2-1 at the interval.  Thomson had an unhappy time against cook, a centre-forward pressed into service on the left. 
WORTH NEAT £200
With Haynes proving himself to be worthy nearer £200 than £100 per week, Fulham were jolted into action time and again and only Labone, aided by Gabriel and Meagan saved the Everton position from becoming critical.  Another thing with prevented Fulham from capitalizing their command was the fact that Vernon, wisely as events proved, elected to play deep and almost in a defensive role from the start.  He did his job well and made some telling long distance passes but he was never seen at his best as an attacker and the front line, therefore, was almost completely devoid of the qualities we have come to expect of it.  With the West Bromwich and Sheffield Wednesday fixtures looming this week Everton’s need for full strength could not be more urgent.  It is certain they will continue to be without Collins and it could be that Parker and Young will also be forced to miss one or other of these home games.  Everton; Dunlop; Parnell, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Lill, Temple, Bingham, Vernon, Fell.  Fulham; Macedo; Cohen, Langley; Mullery, Dodgin, Lowe; Cook, O’Connell, Doherty, Haynes, Johnson.  Referee; Mr. A.E Moore (Stuffolk).  Attendance 23,037. 

EVERTON RESERVES 1, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RES 1
Monday, August 28, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
One point was rather more than Everton deserved to take from a clean hard fought game.  The Wednesday would probably have won if inside right Froggatt had not been carried off midway through the first half.  Resuming after the interval, Froggatt no longer threatened Everton as he did when full-back Green cleared his shot beneath the bar.  This happened just before Tyrer unexpectedly put Everton ahead in the sixteenth minute.  The brilliance of Jarvis and to a lesser degree, Green and Mailey, kept Everton’s goal intact until Dobson equalized fifteen minutes from the finish.  All the Everton forwards worked tirelessly but only Webber and Tyrer offered much threat to a solid visiting defence. 

NO PANIC BUYING BY EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 28 August 1961
MR. CATTERICK STATEMENT
INJURY POSITION
By Leslie Edwards
Everton are not going to indulge themselves in panic buying, nor are they aiming to sign players as stop gaps while three of their stars. Bobby Collins, Alex Young and Alex Parker are out of the game through injury. Manager Harry Catterick said this to-day when I asked what moves he was likely to make to counter the weakness of his side in readiness for the matches against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday and Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday—both at Goodison Park. Mr. Catterick told me that he had been busy all morning enquiring of other cubs about the possibility of certain' players joining Everton, but in all cases be had drawn blank. At this stage of the season it was hardly likely that his enquiries could have had any other result.
WIGNALL'S PROGRESS
"It looks as though we shall be forced to face the possibility of further non-success while we are without certain of our key men," the Everton manager said. "Wignall is progressing, but is not ready, Young will not be fit for Wednesday, nor will Bobby Coins, although he can now put his foot to the ground and walk a little. Happily there is a reasonable chance of Alex Parker being available for the Albion match." Thus it seems clear that any big buys Everton make—and that possibility is remote at the moment—will be taken only as long term policy. It looks as though followers of the club must be patient and endure, as their club must, the misfortune, of having three first-class players damaged in a single match.

TOUGH WEEK AHEAD OF EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 28 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Manager Harry Catterick of Everton returned from Fulham irritated by a foreign body in an eye and by the lack of "get up and go” in some of his team.  He can see an oculist about one complaint, but at this stage asking, not even when a monied club is asking. My counsel to Mr. Catterick is not to be pessimistic; not to be disheartened; not to be impatient. He said soon after the finish of the American tour that his team was not what he would like it to be and that the reserve pool was not as adequate as he would like, but you cannot take three great players like Young, Collins and Parker out of a side without impairing it almost irrevocably, and if the men who took over for the Fulham game did not play impressively, they were at least members of a side which went within inches of getting a draw, even if the team's performance hardly merited one. There was a time last season when Everton endured a spell when nothing would go right, largely because players like Ring, Lill, and for a long time Young, were not available. Yet in the end the team broke - through to play brilliantly and most entertainingly. It cannot be that these players have suddenly become ineffective for no good reason. It is rank misfortune that the club should lose, at a time when their programme is one of two matches per week, the three players whose knowledge and experience makes the whole side tick.
NOT THE FIRST-OR LAST
Everton are not the first, nor will they be the last, club to be bedeviled by Injury on the grand scale. They are not the only club possessing what is considered inadequate reserve strength. No new manager can sort out a playing staff within months, much less weeks. And there are young players at Goodison Park whose development and value as potential first-teamers will come-given time. Parnell may be one.  On Saturday, though, he was not sufficiently experienced tactically to be successful. Temple, while getting the goal and doing many other brilliant things besides, was all too mercurial. Lill, I thought, did well enough for a man having his first League game for 10 months after two operations on the same knee. It was never a great game and Fulham, except for the great defence of Labone and Gabriel, must have won much more readily. I never saw Labone play with such mastery of himself and the opposition. With Haynes proving worth every penny of his £100 wage packet and spreading the ball about him accurately and easily the weight of work for Labone was phenomenal. He shouldered it willingly and did more in these 90 minutes than all last season to convince me that he will wear the England colours-and soon. His play has now that " devil' it lacked. I daresay Mr. Catterick would wish the same amount of “bite" guts to be demonstrated elsewhere. Certainly Bingham, always willing, always looking for work and always moving to the right places, could not have done more to see that the patchwork line got success. But Fell was out of the picture, and Vernon, because he felt it policy to play “deep "-and he was right-left the front line moving erratically, and only late in the game when Macedo saved stupendously from Lill and Bingham, and when Temple got through cleverly only to shoot into side netting did Everton really look good.
NOT THE BEST ROLE
Vernon made many telling through passes, but the defensive role is not one in which he is seen at his best. Fulham thus had a side of little weight to beat, and that they took so long about it and that the margin was still Only a goal, was more their own fault than Everton's. The Fulham goals, nevertheless, were ones which might well not have been conceded. Dunlop left a space of little more than a foot or two between him and a post when Cook rammed in the header which gave his side the lead; after
Temple had scored from Lill's fine pass, Doherty, with a calculated lob (or it would have been a mis-cued centre) beat Dunlop completely after the goalkeeper had moved out off his line. Dunlop's best work was the save at the feet of Cook, a converted winger who had picked up the ball from a defensive blunder and who must have scored if Dunlop had been any less quick, less gallant in sizing of the situation. Parnell may have been over-awed by his first big game in London; Thomson, for the first time this season, reverted to his form of his earlier matches with Everton, being rather slow to move to the tackle and not very successful when he did. But towards the end he got going well used the ball as well as ever. Gabriel, without ever attempting close marking of Haynes, got through an enormous amount of work in putting a stop to moves generated by the England player. But one shuddered to think what Everton's fate might have been if he and Labone had not done their job with such unrelenting enthusiasm and spirit. Everton have a tough week ahead, with testing games on Wednesday against Albion, and Mr. Catterick's old side, Wednesday, on Saturday. I doubt whether any new players can be bought in time for these matches, but there will be changes in the side. The return of Young and Parker would be invaluable at such a time.

TWO MORE BLOWS FOR INJURY-HIT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 29 August 1961
SHARPLES OUT FOR A MONTH WITH GLANDULAR FEVER
TEMPLE ALSO ILL
By Leslie Edwards
On the eve of the return match against West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park tomorrow two more blows have befallen injury-plagued Everton.  Reserve forward Derek Temple, after reporting for training today, was sent home suffering from a throat infection, and reserve wing half-back, George Sharples, will be out of the game for at least a month owing to glandular fever.  Sharples felt unwell last Friday and was sent home to see his doctor.  To today Mr. Catterick advised that his trouble was glandular fever that he would not be fit for at least a month.  As if all these troubles and injuries to Parker, Young, Collins, and Wignall were not enough, the Everton manager himself is bothered by eye trouble which developed when he was travelling to London for the Fulham match.  He visited a hospital at his parents' home town, Stockport, on Sunday, and afterwards the Royal Eye Hospital in Manchester.  But the trouble persists. He saw a Liverpool eve specialist this afternoon
PARKER MAY BE FIT
Mr. Catterick will frame his attack from six players: Bingham. Lill, Vernon, Tyrer, Webber and Fell. Parker, he hopes, will play but even that is not certain. The Everton manager said: to -day: Having all these injuries and illnesses is bad enough, but what is worse is the prospect of our having further injuries from the tough Programme we have ahead of us. We can't rule out the possibility of losing other Players."

PARKER IS FIT AND BOTH YOUNG AND WIGNALL MAY BE READY FOR SATURDAY
Wednesday, August 30, 1961. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Horace Yates
When Everton trooped off the field beaten at Fulham on Saturday, at least they had the consolation of knowing that the crippling injury-list had not been added to, and that was quite a crumb of comfort in these unfortunate and disturbing times.  It was not until I yesterday that it was discovered their rejoicing was premature, for George Sharples was found to be suffering from glandular fever and Derek Temple from laryngitis.  The first real ray of hope comes from the announcement that Alex Parker is back for tonight’s return match with West Brom at Goodison Park.  This means that however unusual the forward line may appear, at least the back division will wear a solid and familiar look.  Manager Harry Catterick has not yet stated how the attack will be composed but the fact that it will be chosen from Webber, Tyrer, Bingham, Lill, Vernon and Fell leaves everyone to try their own selecting.  I would say that Keith Webber, the seventeen-years-old Welsh boy, will be called on to make his second League appearance as leader of the attack.  This would mean the release of Billy Bingham to revert to his more usual outside right position with Alan Tyrer as his inside partner.  Whether Vernon will have Mickey Lill or Jimmy Fell on his outside is problematical.  At moments like these any scrap of good news is welcome and into that category goes the fact that Frank Wignall and Alex Young are so near fitness that it may be possible to consider both for selection for the important game with Mr. Catterick’s old club, Sheffield Wednesday, on Saturday.  Young has had a foam rubber sole made for the foot which blistered and as it has been shaped specially to prevent a recurrence of the trouble, no doubt Young is very hopeful that this inconvenience will not be repeated. 
COLLINS’ PROGRESS
Bobby Collins is undoubtedly making progress and though I could not find anyone who would hazard a forecast as to when he can be expected back, I do believe there are reasons for hope that the original six weeks estimate will be cut substantially.  All we can hope is that the future is kind to Everton and they will be able to achieve normally very quickly.  West Brom are giving away few secrets as to how their forward line may appear.  The two goals by which they beat Everton are the only scores they have made in three matches (and one of them came from Robson-a half back) and it may be a pointer to the concern which this forward failure has caused that this week reserve inside forwards Smith who has played in only five League games, and Hope, whose record last season was two goals in 12 games, have been training with the regulars.  Does this mean that Derek Kevan or David Burnside may be in danger of being asked to stand down?  Clark the outside left who suffered a slight groin injury, is expected to be fit.  Everton (from) Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Tyrer, Webber, Vernon, Fell, Lill. 

EVERTON NEWS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 30 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Everton who may have lost six or seven points (not two) when the game at West Bromwich caused injury to Collins, Young and Parker. To add to Everton's troubles Derek Temple (sore throat) and George Sharpies (glandular fever) must be non-starters. The forces from which Mr. Catterick can frame an attack are therefore pretty thin. They number Bingham. Lill, Vernon, Tyrer, Webber and Fell. Albion are something of a bogey team at Goodison and at The Hawthorns and many old Evertonians have not forgotten how they once beat Everton at Old Trafford with a bouncing header from the wing by Tom Glidden, who may well be among those present this evening since he is now an Albion director. Albion are a big, strong side with Everton so weakened the chances are that they will win again We can only hope for the best and cross our fingers and trust that Mr. Catterick's fears of further injuries (he's basing it on premises) do not materialize. It isn't easy to be patient at these times, but I am sure Mr. Catterick has the sympathy of all fans who appreciate his predicament.

PARKER IN EVERTON TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 30 August 1961
BACK AFTER INJURY
GOODISON GAME
By Leslie Edwards
Alex Parker, who missed the game at Fulham owing to injury, has been chosen to play at right-back in the Everton team tonight against West Bromwich Albion, at Goodison Park (7.30).  Choice of the attack will be made from six players- Bingham, Lill, Vernon, Tyrer, Webber and Fell—and the line will not be announced until just before kick-off. West Brom make their first team change of the season. Seventeen-years-old Scot Bobby Hope replaces Davy Burnside at inside right. Otherwise the team is that which beat Everton 2-0 last Wednesday. West Bromwich Albion; Wallace; Howe, Williams (S); Robson, Jones, Drury ; Jackson, Hope, Lovett, Koran, Clark.

ALEX YOUNG JOINS THE ECHO
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 30 August 1961
HAS ANYONE A CURE FOR BLISTERED FEET?
I was hoping that when I wrote my first article for the "Echo" it would not be from the treatment table at Goodison Park. But here I am, suffering from the old problem of sore feet and the season has thus started rather unhappily for me. When I was released from National Service in the close season and settled in at Everton to full-time training, I was hopeful that would be able to take my part in the team’s progress after their fine finish to last season, I was looking forward to it, for we all felt at Everton that, without being over-confident, we had a good chance of doing as well if not better than last season.  But things have gone against us even at this early stage, and last week’s match at West Bromwich really hit us hard from the injury view-point.   The injury to Bobby Collins was the most serious, for we shall be without our Inspiring skipper for some weeks yet, and with Alex Parker also on the injured list, the club has suffered enough of these troubles to last us the rest of the season. For myself, it proved a repetition of an old problem which I have suffered often in the past. Whenever the ground is firm, or anything other than holding, I find that the soles of my feet blister easily and that as what happened at Albion last Wednesday. My feet had been very sore after the opening match against Aston Villa the previous Saturday, but with-in half an hour last Wednesday night, my feet started to cripple me and I could hardly put them to the ground without pain.
HAPPENED BEFORE
Blisters formed on both feet, and I could hardly run long before the game ended. This has happened before in Scotland and although I bathe my feet twice a day in methylated spirit to try to harden them. I don't seem to be able to toughen them. I have tried all I know to prevent these blisters forming, but so far I have not been successful, so if anyone reading this should know of any treatment I could try, please let me know and I’ll be eternally grateful if it helps.  It seems that it does not matter how much padding or protection I put in my boots, I still get trouble if the ground is at all firm. 
HARDEST YET
Anyway, enough of my problems which I hope will soon be solved with more intensive treatment and that I will be back in the team.  In the two matches in which I have played this season, my impression has been-like the rest of the team-that this is going to be the hardest season yet.  The game seems to have quickened, the tackling is fast and razor-sharp and you don’t get much time to think about what you’re going to do with the ball when you get it.  You have to act quickly before you find some opponent roaring in to the tackle you.  I’ve no doubt this will provide some thrilling games for the fans and my only hope is to get back into the game as quickly as I can.  As you probably know, I was married in the close season and my wife, an Edinburgh girl, has settled down very well on Merseyside and likes the place and the people very much.  At the moment, we are living with Roy Vernon and family at Maghull before our own home at Aintree is ready. We shall be moving in within a fortnight and that will be the last of the settling-down processes over. Naturally, we are looking forward to our first home.
LET ME HELP
It seems to me that there are Probably a number of young footballers on Merseyside who may have playing problems, and I hope to be able to help them. Each week, on this page, I will answer any questions you may have on 'tactics, training, kit and equipment, of anything else designed to help the enthusiastic youngster develop his game. Let me say that it is not the purpose to answer statistical questions, but rather anything on playing matters generally. If have any problems, write to me c/o The Liverpool Echo, Victoria Street, Liverpool 1, and I will do my best to answer them. Finally, I hope when I write my article next week I shall be playing again. I'll one of the few who loves the rain to make the football grounds soft!

EVERTON REVIVE
Thursday, August 31, 1961. Liverpool Daily Post
SOLIDITY FIRST AND THEN SKILL AT GOODISON
EVERTON 3, WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1
By Horace Yates
Everton rehabilitated themselves in the eyes of their supporters at Goodison Park last night by avenging last week’s defeat at West Brom, in as confident a style as one could desire.  It was not only Everton who missed scoring chances, but they did it oftener than West Brom and rather than exaggerate the home team’s ascendancy the score line does not do it justice.  It was not the sort of match that could be underlined in the cuttings book of the purists for until there was no doubt which way the verdict was going the emphasis was on courage and endeavour, with no quarter asked or gives, rather than football skill.  Seemingly what the players new deal failed to produce in higher quality play, was made up for by an enthusiasm and fire, sustained only by the superb fitness of both sides.  Those who argue that it is a mistake for return games to be played so close to each other fouled ready ammunition in the opening stages.  The atmosphere was not helped by the demonstration of part of the crowd as West Brom took the field, and repeated almost every time Kevan touched the ball. 
NO LACK OF EFFORT
When Everton fought back so spiritedly in every move, it was clear that no one would be able to accuse any of them of lack of effort.  Every player gave his all and West Brom undoubtedly found this make shift Everton a far different proposition from the team of last week.  Confidence grew with progress made and gradually Everton settled into the sort of game we more readily associate with them.  That the victory will stand Everton confidence soaring there is no doubt for a wonderful defence took almost everything West Brom could offer in the way of attack, most reassuringly.  Not a man could be faulted and the sight of Thomson viding with Parker for attacking quality, and losing nothing by comparison in defence, was a tonic in itself.  It is never an easy task to subdue the rangy Kevan, but Gabriel was in no nonsense mood and the forward who has so often caused so much trouble to Everton was always struggling to break free without succeeding.  To beat West Brom at Goodison was in itself something of a feat for it had been done only previously in the last seven games, with the four most recent meetings ending in draws.  Manager Harry Catterick’s face gave no clue of the joy he must have felt at the success of the reconstituted forward line.  He must be something of a psychologists too, for it was a master stroke to allow Vernon to retain the captaincy despite the reappearance of Alex Parker. 
MAGNIFICENT VERNON
Vernon playing deep, responded with a magnificent display.  He set the example and he urged others to follow.  The response he received was a credit to all.  With Vernon in this mood Everton are revitalized.  No one expecting that by putting a No 9 jersey on Tyrer he could be converted into a Bobby Collins.  The lad did his best and some of his work was promising, but with a Collins operating there, a thrilling display might have been turned into a feast.  Still, for the moment Everton have to try to rise superior to their handicaps with the material available –and all credit to them last night for doing so well.  It was not an easy match to win but it was won handsomely.  Bingham gave signs of breaking into the form that won him an international reputation.  He fought for the ball won it oftener than not and crossed his centres beautifully in addition he produced fire power that scored one goal and might have brought two or three more.  Lill must be a more confident man after this outing.  As plainly as anything could, ninety minutes at such a pace must have convinced him that his injury worries of last season are a thing of the past.  He can now go all out on the task of making a safe place for himself.  Last season I said that if Keith Webber could only acquire another yard or two in speed, the future must be bright for both him and Everton.  Last night, suggested that he now has the speed, and it was one of the most thrilling moments in the match when he outpaced Jones and was cutting in for what might easily have been the goal of the evening, only to have his legs taken from under him.  It was penalty obviously and Vernon smashed home the kick, but how much more satisfying for player and crowd if the youngster had been given fair play and allowed to go on to apply the scoring finish it so richly merited. 
REFEREE KNOCKED OUT
The match ended with a linesman in control the referee having been his and knocked out when he stopped a ball with his body.  Gallantly he tried to carry on but had to retire about ten minutes from the end.  We had to wait twenty-nine minutes for the opening goal and it came through the beautiful exploitation by Vernon of the devastating long ball through the middle.  Lill found himself with ample room to move and finished off the chance very creditably.  Just a minute before the interval came the Jones’ foul on Webber and Vernon’s penalty goal.  One minute after the restart Vernon contrived a beautiful opening for Lill whose shot was beaten out but Bingham joined in and with a glorious drive from the right made Everton’s tally-three.  This was something like the Everton of old and the crowd reveled in the cheering comeback.  Robson eventually scored for West Brom in 81 minutes but no one had suffered greater misfortune than Tyrer, who beat Wallace and saw his shot rebound from the underside of the bar into play.  Everton; Dunlop; Parker, Thomson; Gabriel, Labone, Meagan; Bingham, Tyrer, Webber, Vernon (captain), Lill.  West Brom;- Wallace; Howe, Williams; Robson, Jones, Drury; Jackson, Hope, Lovatt, Kevan, Clarke.  Referee; Mr. R.H Windle (Chesterfield).  Attendance 36,586

A SIGHT FOR MR. CATTERICK’S SORE EYES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 31 August 1961
By Leslie Edwards
Literally a sight for sore eyes. That was the makeshift Everton side, last night, when they surprised themselves and their manager, Harry Catterick (whose eyes these past few days have been more than sore), by beating West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in one of the most memorable eventful games for months. Whenever has a “scratch ' Everton played with such guts? Whenever has the attack produced so many fine shots? Whenever did you hear a referee applauded, sympathetically, for getting himself knocked-out? Yes, and applauded when he came back having recovered from the effect of a blow amidships from the ball? No wonder Bobby Collins beamed as he offered the team his congratulations and he wasn't even playing! No wonder he was so pleased at the certainty that he will be in training early next week. For the Everton manager victory must have been as delighting as it was surprising. He felt his reserves were inadequate. If I know him he will now re-assess that verdict. Some of them were very good indeed, notably Lill, who had a cracking game and young Webber from South Wales, who showed speed and drive and ability and was unlucky not to have a goal for his endeavour. Considering Lill was out of position on the left and that Tyrer and Webber are members of that excellent Youth team Leslie Shannon is moulding, the Everton attack was sketchy "on paper." In the event it proved itself too lively; too spirited for an Albion defence which became more and more fallible as their hold was shaken. It was a tremendous match in every way with Albion close to goals too often in the later stages for our comfort, but solidly beaten nevertheless and making their considerable contribution to a game that could scarcely have been bettered.
No developments
MERCIFULLY then, were no developments arising from the injury to three Everton players in the corresponding game a week ago, Kevan, a man Everton fans remember, treated the ball like a very hot potato! He was not going to risk being caught in possession. Gabriel set himself to stay with this big, clever, but sometimes clumsy. Yorkshireman and perhaps for that reason Everton got the breathing space at the outset their apprehensive, patchwork side wanted. Once they found their feet the smooth Albion progression was cut into time and again. It became a great game of thrust and counter and Everton went, amid tremendous enthusiasm, to a lead of 3-0 before Albion, having endured some tantalizing near misses, made the anal tally equitable. The thrills of a splendid game are worth a chapter in themselves. Lill, with a right foot shot, started them by making Wallace save at the second attempt. Then Robson, the Albion captain, was “booked " harshly because the ball be attempted to throw back, for a free-kick, tangled in his legs and did not reach its mark! Thirty minutes of fast, entertaining football had gone when Vernon, with a peach of a through pass, opened the way for Lill to get there first in a race against the goalkeeper and score when the odds seemed heavily against him. Webber's charge of a goalkeeper in possession immediately afterwards was hard and damaging and he, too, was spoken to. Happily. Wallace recovered and was soon chasing to a post to try to cover a Vernon shot, low and true, which hew past the upright inches on the wrong side. Lill missed from a fine angle (having kicked round the ball at the first attempt) and then Wallace was saving brilliantly from a lovely glancing header by Bingham; the goalkeeper did equally well when saving from Bingham again, this time from point-blank-range .On the interval Jones, whom Webber had rounded just outside the penalty box, was brought down. Vernon scored from the penalty kick with Wallace touching the ball, but not preventing it from shooting up into the ton netting.
Crowd rose to them
NO wonder the crowd rose to Everton as they left the field. Vernon had no sooner weaved through and left Lill to " help himself " (Wallace saved one-handed) than Bingham set the seal on a great night's work by hitting goal number three off the sort of cross-shot for which he is famous. For the first time Dunlop came into the picture with a save from Robson. Wallace now found himself menaced by full-back Parker who added his weight to the storming Everton attack. Kevan had time hereabouts, to quiten his detractors with a header which beat Dunlop, but which Thomson edged from the line, acrobatically, with the flick of a foot. Webber sailed through from a glorious pass by Thomson and, when everyone was satisfied he was a scorer, swept the ball over the bar for a miss of the sort Kevan made, from an equally easy position, a moment later Clark, the winger on Everton's "wanted" list a season ago headed the ball against the bar from a free-kick and Thomson, upfleld again, drove it fast and narrowly wide before Referee Windle, of Chesterfield got a clearance in precisely the spot where it is most painful. He fell like a log. He received attention; the game continued and then he had to give his injury best. He was helped off and linesman Haslam took watch and whistle. The volunteer linesman who took over, in mufti, was cheered. Little did the crowd appreciate that he was the reserve Albion goalkeeper, Tony Millington! His stint on the line was short. Mr. Windle came back to applause, after the game had pulsed on and Robson with a magnificent shot uncorked unexpectedly, had beaten Dunlop from long range. It was left to Tyrer to ring down the curtain with a fine header, from a Lill centre, which bounded against the bar and stayed out.
No praise too high
No praise is too high for Everton. Bingham was almost an attack in himself; Lill, strange as he is to the left, was hardly less inspiring. These were the men who sparked the line, though Vernon, with many runs (and not always with his usual accurate pass to finish) had his best game this season. Webber showed courage and spirit. In the air he was beaten; on the ground he made speed count. Tyrer started well, but is not quite up to Division I physically yet. His passes were not sufficiently hard-hit to get through. The defence as a whole backed this unexpectedly successful front line splendidly. Parker's reappearance was a big factor. So was yet another masterful game by Labone. It was a match in which it was difficult to be critical of anyone, even of Albion. They are a good side, with excellent wingers, Kevan and his team seemed to appreciate that they were at Goodison Park to go through the mill. They went through the mill of Everton's superior effort on the night. On Saturday at Fulham Everton's effort was lacking. Last night it was there in abundance. If it had not been they would have been beaten. They get a vote of thanks from me; they got one from the crowd and I don't doubt there will be another heartfelt one this morning from Harry Catterick. It is not long odds against Everton beating their manager's old team at Goodison Park on Saturday. And there will be some further pounds for them from the over-40.000 crowd bonus, there was. Ironically, nothing from that source last night.