EVERTON WASTED THEIR CHANCES
Liverpool Daily Post, Monday March 2, 1964
LEEDS UNITED RES 0, EVERTON RES 0
Reduced to ten men for the last hour, Leeds were compelled to remain on the defensive for lengthy periods.  Everton mounted many raids promising so much in their approach work, only to waste their efforts by indifferent finishing.  Every forward was guilty of missing at least one sitter and it was left to Harris and Sharples, the wing halves, to put in two of the best shots of the match.  Leeds deserved to draw if only for their tenacity. 

PICKERING’S REQUEST
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express, Monday, March 2, 1964
IN THE POST, SAYS ROVERS’ LEADER
Fred Pickering, Blackburn Rovers and England under-23 centre forward, confirmed to-day that his written application for a transfer was in the post on its way to the club.  It will be there first post to-morrow,” he said.  Pickering’s reason for wanting a move is known to be financial.  He aims to better himself and believes he could command at least twice his present pay packet.  Everton’s name has been linked with Pickering because their manager Harry Catterick, watched him score two fine goals at Bolton on Saturday, but to-day Blackburn manager Jack Marshall said there had been no contact between the clubs.  Pickering’s application will come before the Blackburn board at their normal weekly meeting to-morrow night.  It is almost certain to be turned down.  The Blackburn view is that players, just as much as clubs, are bound by the terms of their contract to Blackburn until the end of June.
EVERTON’S KAY
Three Liverpool players, Milne, Hunt and Thompson along with Everton wing half Kay, are among the 22 players named to train under Alf Ramsey, team manager, in England’s last training session before the team is picked for the Hampden Park international with Scotland.  The players will meet for training at Sheffield University from March 9-11. 

VILLA ARE TO SEND STRONG NOTE TO LEAGUE
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express, Monday, March 2 1964
EVERTON COACH AS LINESMAN
NOT FIRST TIME
By Leslie Edwards
Aston Villa whom Everton beat 4-2 on Friday night are sending a strong note to the Football League pointing out that a member of the Everton staff, coach Ron Lewin, was permitted to act as substitute linesman when the referee became a casualty and one of the linesmen took his place.  “What made the position doubly unfortunate” said manager Joe Mercer to-day, “was that Lewin was set to give decisions in which his club’s forwards were concerned.  “We have pointed out to the League that this is not the first time Everton have used Mr. Lewin as linesman when a referee has been incapacitated at Goodison Park.  We want to ensure that it does not happen again.” 
THREE STITCHES
Sidebottom the Villa goalkeeper, who was taken to hospital at Broadgreen after receiving a kick on the chin in the same match, was taken home by the Villa manager at mid-day on Saturday.  He had three stitches in the wound and this morning looked as though he had five rounds with Cassius Clay. 
“He won’t be fit for the game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday,” Mr. Mercer said.  He added; “The great thing, from our point of view, was that Alex Young was the Everton player involved.  We know, therefore that it must have been an accident.” 

PICKERING WON’T BE ALLOWED TO GO TILL JUNE
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express, Tuesday, March 03, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
Blackburn Rovers received, this morning the request for transfer from their England centre-forward, Pickering, but whether he will be permitted to leave Ewood for Goodison or any other park this side of the end of June is open to grave doubt.  When the Blackburn board meet to-night to discuss Pickering’s application (and interviews he gave over the week-end) they will almost certainly rule that they expect him to honour his contract –as they are prepared to honour theirs- until June.  Then, they will almost certainly advise him to reapply for a move and the matter will be considered afresh.  Besides their contract argument, Blackburn are likely to say that they could not think, at the moment, of letting the player go.  They feel they have as good as chance as anyone of winning the League championship and consider that if they let a star player go attendances would drop alarmingly and the morale of the rest of the team would be impaired.  Thus is seems certain that Pickering’s request will result in impasse.  Everton have said nothing of their interest in the player, be he did have an outstanding good match against them at Goodison Park this season and it is clear, from Manager Harry Catterick’s trip to Blackburn on Saturday, that he was taking a long, considered look at a man whose go-ahead style would suit Everton central need.  Whether the wordly possessions of an Everton player who talked with Pickering when the England players met last week has had any bearing on Pickering’s dissatisfaction with Blackburn’s terms is anyone’s guess.  I do know that fellow Blackburn players are using all their influence with Pickering to persuade him to stay.  Pickering’s request and the repercussions it may bring in train could produce quite a serial story within the next few weeks.  Whatever happens I don’t see him being allowed to leave Ewood until June at the earliest. 
ON THE MARK…
J.R. Abbott, of 259 St. Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex, could not be more timely with this all-round review of current star centre-forwards;-
“Twelve months ago, Everton made it clear that they wanted a more forceful type of centre-forward than any on their books when they tried, unsuccessfully, to sign Gerry Hitchens.  Nothing has happened since to suggest that the need for such a signing has passed.  In fact, this season’s results- no more than four goals having been scored in any match –make it clear that the need, if anything, is greater, but no signing has been made.  What is obvious to the average fan is, of course, equally apparent to the club management and it is interesting to speculate on whether a particular player is in mind, and, of so, who he is.    “Unless someone has stolen a match on Everton- and no one connected with the club would admit such a slur- it may be assumed that no player in the following list is the wanted man since each of them has changed clubs since the Hitchens bid;-
“G. Baker (Ipswich), L. Brown (Spurs), R. Crawford (Wolves), R. Davies (Norwich), Dougan (Peterborough), Hately (Aston Villa), Kaye (West Brom), Kevan (Manchester City), Murray (Manchester City), and Peacock (Leeds). 
“In addition, Harley (Birmingham) and Wagstaffe (Mansfield) have been available for transfer for some time without Everton evidencing any interest and Mr. Catterick has denied reports of his interest in Layne (Sheffield Wednesday) and McIImoyle (Carlisle).  “Surveying what is left of the field, the only other contenders whom Everton might entertain hopes of prising away from their present clubs seem to be Gilzean (Dundee), Pickering (Blackburn), Pointer (Burnley), Ritchie (Stoke) and R. Smith (Spurs).  “Of these I should rule out Gilzean probably because Dundee are still interested in the Scottish Cup, but mainly because it has been demonstrated often enough that the scoring of goals in Scottish football does not necessarily imply the ability to do the same in England; Pointer, although he is the wholehearted sort of player known to appeal to Mr. Catterick, because he has been dogged by injury throughout the season and, at this stage, he would be an expensive gamble; Ritchie, who is inexperienced and has I believe lost his place in the Stoke side and Smith, whose form is suspect and who, at 31, would be a merely temporary expedient. 
“Thus I am left with Pickering and I shall be scanning our columns anxiously between now and the transfer deadline in the hope that I am right and, more important, that Blackburn can be persuaded that Everton’s need is greater than theirs! “ 

EVERTON HAVE NOT MADE PICKERING BID
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Tuesday, March 03 1964.
MANAGER’S STATEMENT
NO APPROACH
By Leslie Edwards
Manager Harry Catterick of Everton F.C., said to-day; “We have not been in contact with Blackburn Rovers, nor have we made any approach for their player, Fred Pickering.  “Because I attended the Bolton v. Blackburn match on Saturday I’m automatically said to be about to sign Pickering!  “I shall be at the Burnley v. West Ham match to-night.  It might be said with equal truth to-morrow that I am about to sign Johnny Byrne of West Ham.  “Tomorrow I’m hoping to be at the Stoke v. Chelsea game.  It would be just as absurd to say that I’m after Ritchie, the Stoke centre-forward or Bobby Tambling of Chelsea.  Pickering’s expected transfer request arrived by post at Ewood Park to-day.  It will be discussed by the Blackburn directors at their weekly meeting to-night.  A decision will be announced to-morrow, after it has been made known to the player. 

BLACKBURN AGREE TO PICKERING’S TRANSFER REQUEST
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express -Wednesday, March 4, 1964
EVERTON WATCHED HIM LAST WEEK-END
FINED BY CLUB
By Leslie Edwards
Fred Pickering the 23-year-old Blackburn Rovers and England centre-forward is available for transfer.  Making this statement to-day the Blackpool board gave their reasons for not refusing the players request for a move and announced that Pickering had been fined £25 for breach of club regulations in connection with Press interviews.  When Pickering letter asking for transfer was first discussed the Blackburn board said they expected him to honour his contract with the club which finished on June 30.  It was only when the player informed the board that he would not re-sign for them on June 30 that they made a polite face and decided to consider offers for him.  The fee Blackburn may receive for their star player is sure to be the larger they have ever received. 
EVERTON INTEREST
It is known that apart from Everton who meet Blackburn at Blackburn March 21 and who share League championship hopes.  Wolves, Tottenham and Manchester United are likely to be on the scent now the news of the Blackburn club’s decision is out.  It is quite possible that Blackburn in order now to weaken their own chances of taking the League title will demand the addition to money a player in exchange and the man concerned will have to be satisfactory in every way and fit in effectively with their style of play.  It is possible that what might amount to a tremendous addition for one of the most desirable players in football will take some weeks to negotiate.  On the other hand, if one of the four clubs named came up with tan offer far in advance of any other received it is just possible Pickering would move in a matter of days.  Everton have said that they have made no approach for the player nor have they been in contact with the Blackburn club over the possibility of Pickering transfer. 
WATCHED BY CATTERICK
Everton manager Mr. Harry Catterick has seen Pickering play several times this season, the last occasion being on Saturday when Blackburn beat Bolton wanderers 5-30.  In the Everton-Blackburn which at Goodison park earlier this season.  Pickering had a particularly good game.  He has scored 30 league and Cup goals this season and is almost certain to lead the England attack against Scotland next month.  The player has said that he wants to better himself financially and Blackburn whose gates are poor compared with their good league record this season clearly cannot afford to compete in wages with clubs whose players are on basic wages of between £50 and £80 plus bonuses. 
POWERFUL SHOT
Pickering is a Blackburn man.  He joined the staff at Ewood Park when he was 17 and was captain of the Youth team which won the F.A. Youth Cup competition in 1958.  Originally, he was tried at left back but did not make good there.  When he was switched to centre forward a position he has held with the Blackburn and Lancashire boys’ team he settled down slowly but in the past two seasons he has developed quickly into a great player- well-built powerful with a good shot, and good heading ability.  It is believed that he is anxious to come to Mersey side where he would be following the lead of Roy Vernon a star forward at Blackburn who came to Goodison Park in a deal which involved the present Swansea centre forward then at Everton Eddie Thomas.  If Pickering moves the fee might well be a record for a forward transferred between British Clubs.  West Ham paid Crystal place £58,000 for John Byrne in March 1962. 

TESTIMONIAL FOR DIXIE DEAN
Liverpool Daily Post- Thursday, March 5, 1964
Everton’s testimonial match for their great centre forward Dixie Dean will be played at Goodison Park on the evening of April 7.  The teams will be made up of Everton and Liverpool players and billed as England v. Scotland. 

GREAVES DOUBTFUL
Liverpool Echo-Thursday 05 March, 1964
MAY MISS VITAL MATCH AGAINST EERTON
Jimmy Greaves, Tottenham’s international inside left, may miss the important home championship game against Everton on Saturday.  Manager Billy Nicholson said today that Greaves was still under treatment for an ankle injury suffered last week-end, and a decision on his fitness would be made to-morrow.  Goalkeeper Johnny Hollowbread, who hurt a thumb last Saturday, is likely to be fit. 

EIRE REPLACE DUNNE WITH MICK MEAGAN
Liverpool Daily Post, Friday, March 6, 1964
A tribute to the wonderfully consistent form of Everton left back Mick Meagan is paid by Eire, who nominate him in place of Dunne, who is not being released by Manchester United in their team to oppose Spain at Seville next Wednesday. 

EVERTON’S ROY VERNON SAYS…
Liverpool Daily Post, Friday, March 6, 1964
RONNIE MORAN DESERVES VOTE OF SYMPATHY
The penalty of a penalty!  Such a discussion I should think is highly topical on Merseyside just now.  Let me make my belief quite clear that while most teams have what is regarded as their regular penalty king, I doubt if one of them would be other than highly relieved if one day the manager were to say; “We are trying somebody else out to-day.”  I have no idea how many of them are missed in a season, but if we could be given the figures, I believe quite a few people would have a shock.  I take ten or a dozen penalties every day in training and having done that, I promptly go into goal and let other’s fire at me to see them from the goalkeeper’s viewpoint.  What a difference viewing the position from the goal-line there seems far greater prospect of a goal than from the penalty spot.  Everyone assumes that a penalty should automatically be converted into a goal by a professional player.  If he scores everybody says he should have scored.  They say the same thing if he misses it.
DIFFERENT APPROACHES
From me, Liverpool’s Ronnie Moran deserves an outsized vote of sympathy for the position in which he found himself against Swansea Town.  By the time this kick was rewarded most people had come to the conclusion that only by a penalty would Liverpool equalise.  There, in front of Moran was the vast Kop crowd waiting to hail the goal.  He must have felt like everybody else- that this might be his side’s last hope of survival.  What a situation! I know from experience.  A similar sort of position faced me in the Cup game at Leeds.  I was fortunate enough to score and was acclaimed a hero.  Ronnie missed and, fortunately, most people have been big enough to concede that he was deserving more of sympathy than blame.  Everybody, I suppose, has a different approach to a penalty kick.  I prefer to place mine.  I try to send the goalkeeper the wrong way, applying just enough power to score.  Moran packs a punch like a mule and hits a penalty kick with everything he has got.  These either fly in or out.  They are seldom saved, but I think there is greater margin for error.  I admit to a feeling of relief when I discovered that in my absence from the first team Alex Scott had stepped into my shoes as penalty taker.  No one regrets his miss at Leeds as much as I for but for that he would probably have been taking them still.
TENSION MOUNTS
It is the sort of honour nobody willingly seeks, and yet, somebody has to do the job.  When there is delay over the taking of as a kick, the tension builds up.  That is why you will see players deliberately making it impossible for the kick to be taken.  How nice it would be if referees were empowered to say when there is deliberate interference.  “If this kick talks, I will order it to be retaken.” That would stop the nonsense.  I like to place the ball and hit it right away.  So do most others.  Alex Young and I had decided to visit the Aston Villa goalkeeper, Sidebottom, in hospital on Saturday.  We met at the ground and there learned he was being discharged.  Without tickets for the Cup-tie, we agreed on a walk round town.  Grinning Evertonians kept coming up for us to tell us that Liverpool were two down.
STAGGERING RESULT.
We were so sceptical about it all that we spent three good pennies on buying a newspaper, and there sure enough was the score.  Even though I know how cut-up are the Liverpool players about the Cup reverse, I can’t claim that I was heartbroken at the sight of the score- but I was staggered.  It is all very well saying these results are good for the game.  Maybe they are except when you are a member of the team that is on the losing end!  To revert to the Aston Villa game.  If it was equally unpleasant to play in, I will make only one comment -that concerning the injury to Sidebottom.  If ever there can be such a thing as a pure accident this was it.  Sidebottom flung himself at Alex Young, who was in the act of shooting.  It was a courageous thing to do and undoubtedly his action prevented a score, but injury of one sort or another was almost inevitable.  I think we would have beaten Villa in any case, and it would have been far more to our liking to have beaten them with a full complement. 

SHADES OF 10-4
Liverpool Echo-Friday, March 06, 1964
BY Leslie Edwards
When Everton and Tottenham last met, at Goodison Park last October, a goal by Temple won the points for his club.  Tomorrow at White Hart Lane the teams meet again in what could be a make or break match for both.  If they won Spurs would go six points ahead of their rivals; Everton can narrow the gap and do Liverpool a good turn by surprising the side which once figured in an amazing 10-4 verdict on the same ground.  In general Tottenham has not been a happy venue for Everton before or since, but with Young back in the centre and general confidence slowly returning to the team after defeat at Sunderland a draw or even better is not beyond them.  It was said yesterday that Spurs might have Pickering of Blackburn, in their attack in time for this match, but my information is that this is unlikely.  It would be ironic if after all the talk linking Pickering and Everton that that club’s London rivals should get the most sought leader of attack in England.  Whether he is the best is open to argument.  My opinion and that of one the greatest experts in the game is that Joe Baker, a son of this city is the best of them all in Britain, much less England.  Everton have had rather longer than usual to get over the bumps and bruises of a hard game against Aston Villa.  I don’t see them winning at Tottenham, but it is quite an open issue and even one point would be invaluable.  I should not be surprised if Mr. Catterick decided, as before, to play for a single-point and hope that another will come on his way.  Everton fans are still anxious to see full-back Brown given his chance in the attack and I am sure he has special aptitude for filling this position, but equally they are almost as one in that place should always be found in the line for a player of the genius of Alex Young.  One wonders what must be his feelings amid all this talk of Pickering coming our way…
DEAN “BENEFIT” DELIGHT
Everyone is delighted Everton have fixed a date for a Dean benefit match.  Mr. C.A. Carter is one of many who have written saying how pleased they are.  He goes on “I have never forgiven the club for letting Dean go, although he asked for his transfer.  I have always contended that he should have had a public testimonial and that Everton might have offered him a job on their staff.  “The report is one paper that he would be unable to attend the recent “Derby” match disturbed me and I am therefore overjoyed that the club are going to recognise him.  Is there any chance of a public testimonial in addition to the prosed match?” 
D.L. Evans, of Garth, Heswell Avenue, Higher Bebington, writes;-
“I wonder why there should be such bitter hostility to Everton in the National Press and some of the League clubs since they won the championship last year.  The winning of the championship, plus the best average gates in the country have obviously aroused the green eye of jealousy…because both Tottenham and Manchester United have spent more money on players and they are not criticised to same extent.  First Tottenham, then Chelsea and now Joe Mercer, of all people, have tried to get Everton in lumber. 
“Mr. Mercer should get his fact right.  Mr. Lewin has never acted as linesman before.  The last time the referee was hurt Jimmy Hill took over the linesman’s job.  Lewin only acted for a very short time anyway.
“Mr. Mercer cannot blink the fact that three of his players were booked.” 

EVERTON UNCHANGED
Liverpool Echo-Friday, March 06, 1964
SPURS DOUBTS
By Leslie Edwards
Everton are unchanged tomorrow; Everton; West; Brown, Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Young, Vernon, Temple.  Derek Possee, 17-years-old reserve right winger, could be a surprise choice against Everton.  He is named among seven forwards by manager Bill Nicholson.  Possee made his first team debut against Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 25 and scored Spurs first goal in a 3-1 win.  Jimmy Greaves is to have a late test on his injured right foot, but the signs are that he will keep his ever-present record this season.  Possee may deputise for Cliff Jones, who has a bruised right leg.  He too, will have a late fitness test.  Tottenham-Hollowbread; Baker, Hopkins; Beale, Norman, Marchi; (from) Jones, Possee, White, Brown, Greaves, Allen, Dyson. 

DENY SPURS A POINT FROM THESE THREE GAMES, AND….
Liverpool Daily Post, Saturday, March 7, 1964
IT COULD BE A MERSEYSIDE CHAMPIONSHIPS
EVERTON CERTAIN TO PUT UP FIGHT OF LIVES TO-DAY
By Horace Yates
Every match is important in the winning of a championship, but it is hard to resist the feeling that to-day we embark on the vital stages.  Everton are at Tottenham and defeat for either would be costly.  On Good Friday Liverpool make the trek to White Hart lane and Tottenham travel for the return on the following Monday.  Is it too much to hope that the London side can be defeated as much as a point from the three engagements?  By ant standards this is an optimistic assessment but if that became fact there might easily be a Merseyside battle for the title.  It is an intriguing possibility and it, these engagements at least there will be no split on Merseyside.  Everybody will be hoping for Everton and Liverpool victories.  I am expecting to see Everton put up the fight of their lives.  Tottenham have rallied from a threatened slip, but Everton’s come-back into the position of contenders- they have dropped only two League points this year -has been remarkable.  Tottenham omit Bobby Smith from the centre forward spot by choice and with only one goal to his name since December 7, and thirteen in the season, maybe Manager Bill Nicholson can see nothing surprising about that.  Yet if Smith could be switched to lead the Everton attack complaints of lack of punch in the middle might be fewer.  Alex Young is a much superior ball player and considered by many to be worthy of a place in any side, but if, in addition, Everton had Smith’s drive in the line, not only would they boast a defence sounder than Spurs but possibly an attack every bit as potent.  Brown, former Arsenal centre half who has supplanted Smith, is a player whop was watched in his amateur days as a centre forward by Liverpool and not thought impressive enough to merit a bid.  Last year Everton earned a goal-less draw at white Hart Lane and Spurs have not put a ball into the Everton net in the last three meetings.  If Everton can extend that sequence to four, they must have a wonderful chance of victory, for I doubt Tottenham will keep Everton goalless on this occasion.  With the playing of this match Stevens will have completed two years with Everton since joining them from Bolton Wanderers.  The remarkable feature is that in this period he has not missed a single game having played in eighty-five successive League fixtures.
HELPED CLINCH
The last title Vernon enjoyed a scoring sequence such as that at present -seven goals in eight games (Cup matches included- he helped to clinch the title for Everton.  I shall not be surprised to see Everton avoid defeat, even if Greaves and Jones are fit to play for Spurs.  They have fitness tests this morning.  Spurs; - Hollowbread; Baker, Hopkins; Beal, Norman, Marchi (from) Jones, Possee, White, Brown, Greaves, Allen, Dyson.  Everton; West; Brown, Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Young, Vernon, Temple. 

A SPUR TO MERSEYSIDE CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES
Liverpool Football Echo-March 7, 1964
EVERTON HAMMER LEAGUE LEADERS AT TOTTENHAM
TOTTENHAM 2, EVERTON 4
By Horace Yates

Tottenham Hotspur; Hollowbread; Baker, Hopkins; Beale, Norman, Marchi; Greaves, White, Brown (L.), Allan, Dyson.  Everton; West; Brown (A), Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Young, Vernon (Captain), Temple.  Referee-Mr. K.H. Burn (Worcester).  Jimmy Greaves passed a fitness test this morning on an injured ankle and was at outside right in the Spurs team against Everton at White Hart Lane.  Cliff Jones failed his test on an injured calf muscle.  Les Allen took over from Greaves at inside left.  From a Temple cross Young appeared to have fired too high, but the wind took a hand and his shot hung so deceptively that it only narrowly missed the post. 
SLOW TO SETTLE
Spurs were slow to settle and were causing Everton comparatively little trouble.  Labone seemed to have no great difficulty in out-heading Laurie Brown.  With the Tottenham attack seemingly so ineffective in mid-field, it seemed a waste to have a man like Greaves out on the wing.  He looked like a fish out of water.  Considering this was a top-of-the-table clash some of the passing was disappointingly inaccurate, and neither goalkeeper was extended in the first 15 minutes.
Everton’s composure was shattered dramatically in 19 minutes. With only his second kick in the game, Greaves centred beautifully from the corner flag and Dyson, running in, headed the ball wide of West into goal.  Immediately from the restart came a chance for Kay to retaliate but he mis-kick his shot wide of the post. 
OUT OF LUCK
Everton’s luck was dead out in 24 minutes when Temple found Vernon in front of goal.  Although Vernon found initial difficulty in controlling the ball he recovered quickly enough to shoot wide of Hollowbread.  With the Everton followers shrieking for a goal, the ball struck the inside of the post and rebounded into play.  Everton were fighting back magnificently and Scott, with a 50-yard run, brought Vernon into play.  From the narrowest of angles Vernon hit a fine ground shot which Hollowbread saved well.  Twice in rapid succession Vernon was spoken to by the referee for tripping.  Greaves’ contributions were rare but there was the stamp of quality about all he did.  Everton were on level terms in 34 minutes.  The opportunity emerged from an up-field excursion by Sandy Brown, who was fouled outside the angle of the penalty area.  Vernon lobbed the free kick for Gabriel in the middle.  All the half-back could do, was to steer the ball back to Vernon, who promptly crossed it right over the face of goal.  Young, racing in, managed to get his head to the ball and to snap up this opportunity brilliantly.  Less than two minutes later Temple rocketed Everton into the lead.  He danced inside from the touch line to win a position right in front of goal and picked his spot just inside the post.  Hollowbread never had a hope of reaching the ball.  This was a magnificent individual effort.
EXCITEMENT TOO MUCH
The excitement was too much for a jubilant Everton supporter behind the goal and he was carried from the ground by police.  Tottenham produced a show of fight which ended in West having to punch over the bar from White, and then came out of goal to clutch another high ball.  There was another narrow escape for Spurs when Vernon dispossessed Hopkins in the penalty area.  Out came Hollowbread, but Vernon again won possession and tapped the ball to Scott, whose shot was kicked off the line by Baker.  Beale was injured in this raid and had to receive attention.  Not for a long time have I seen a Tottenham side so devoid of combination and ideas.  Just as the half-time whistle sounded Vernon hit the post from a Temple corner, which was headed on by Young. 
Half-time; Tottenham Hotspur 1, Everton 2.
Two more Evertonians were dragged out of the crowd by the police and taken from the ground.  Everton were full value for their lead and looked a better side than the league leaders. 
SUPER SAVE
Only a superb save in the angle by Hollowbread from Stevens prevented Spurs going further into arrears.  Kay was felled by Baker less than a foot outside the penalty area and Meagan’s shot from the free kick was punched clear at the expense of an unproductive corner.  A Vernon rocket tested Hollowbread, but goalkeeper handled it safely.  In search of a clinching goal, Everton built up an attack promisingly and from just outside the penalty area Vernon hit the ball over the crossbar. Tottenham drew level on the hour with a scrambling sort of goal, which began with a lobbed pass into the middle by Greaves.  When West failed to kill the ball it bounced about menacingly in front of goal and Laurie Brown forced it over the line.  Everton were decidedly unlucky to lose the lead to a goal such as this.  It seemed justice when Everton regained the lead two minutes later through Vernon.  It was Sandy Brown who made the initial running on the right but Vernon deserved great credit for he took the ball from half way and to five yards outside the penalty area and hit one of his famous cannon-ball efforts which had Hollowbread completely beaten.  Stevens was doing a magnificent job for Everton, bolstering up their defence whenever aid was needed. 
AN ESCAPE
Tottenham had an escape when Temple raced away and tried to dribble round Hoillowbread.  The goalkeeper dived at his feet and won possession.  Baker almost presented Everton with a gift goal when he placed the ball at the feet of Vernon, who shot more quickly than he needed to have done and the ball went wide of the target.  Dyson got in Vernon’s way as he raced for a pass from Kay.  Vernon pushed the winger out of the way and was penalised with the crowd shouting “Off, off, off.”  Beale was playing at outside left following his injury, with Dyson at half back, so that the mystery of why Tottenham did not put Greaves into the middle, became even deeper.  At last Greaves was switched –but only to outside left.  Greaves, floating inside, missed a great chance after West had failed to grasp a cross and from Sandy Brown’s clearance Young put Vernon through and his shot from point-blank range was cleared by Hollowbread.  Everton were immeasurably superior as a team. 
SCOTT HARRIED
A Kay-Temple-Vernon approach left Scott in the shooting position but, harried by Hopkins, he scooped the ball high over the bar.  Seven minutes from the end Labone appeared to tread on Allen’s hand as he came down and the player went off.  Dyson floored Young in the penalty area and there could be only one decision.  The Referee immediately awarded a penalty kick from which Vernon scored.  This was at 85 minutes.  It was a resounding Everton triumph, well earned over a thoroughly disappointing Tottenham.  Final; Tottenham Hotspur 2, Everton 4.  Official attendance 41,643. 
Lancashire League
Everton A 1, Blackpool A 1
Everton B 3, Blackpool B nil

GOALKEEPER’S JOB NOT ONE I ENVY
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 7, 1964
By Alex Young
After looking forward last week and trying to anticipate which way the First Division championship race will go, you will forgive me taking a backwards glance at the fantastic Friday night match against Aston Villa at Goodison Park.  It was a remarkable evening not only for the unfortunate chapter of accidents and the dramatic way the fortunes of the game swung, but also because just over 50,000 turned up to watch a match played in chilly, misty conditions between Everton and a team occupying a low position in the First Division table.  On Merseyside we are inclined to take these things for granted, but where else in the country would you find such loyal support.  I had the misfortune to figure in the incident which was destined to reduce Villa to 10 men and so turn the game dramatically in our favour, but my collision with Geoff Sidebottom was a pure accident. 
NEVER SAW ‘KEEPER
In fact, I never saw the goalkeeper, I was running across the front of goal when the ball struck a Villa defender on the shoulder.  As the ball came my way I tried to turn and volley it into the net, and the first time I knew that Geoff was anywhere near was when my shin cracked against the chin.  From the force of the impact I could tell that Geoff was badly hurt, and I think it was an exceptionally brave act on his part to try and play on.  Five minutes or so later, however, he collapsed and had to be carried off on a stretcher.  A goalkeeper’s lot is one I wouldn’t have for all the tea in China.  When he takes a knock or makes a splendid save, it is just part of the job; when he makes a mistake, everyone is ready to let him know about it.  On Saturday, I rang the hospital to inquire about Geoff’s progress.  I planned to go and visit him later in the day, but he was discharged and went home to Birmingham.  The other stretcher case during the match was Referee Hollan.  He went down heavily right on the centre spot, and when I heard the crack I thought he had broken his leg.  As it turned out he had twisted a knee.  Only twice during my carer have I seen a referee carried from the field- and on both occasions it has been at Goodison Park. 
INCIDENT PACKED
Villa scored first in this incident-packed match, and I though the ball ran most unkindly for us when they did.  We missed a good chance and immediately Villa went down to the other end and scored.  They were helped on their way by a free kick against Jimmy Gabriel which I thought should never have been given.  Our equaliser provided yet another talking point, and once again yours truly was in the thick of things.  Villa claimed that I was offside when crossing the ball into the centre for Dennis Stevens’ goal, but I disagree. I ran back onside as the attack built up and as Roy Vernon passed the ball to me II checked my stride and turned goal-wards to collect it.  There was more controversy when we were awarded a penalty and Roy Vernon converted it for our second goal.  Roy was racing through and I am certain he would have scored had he not been tackled from behind in the penalty area, so far as I am concerned there was no doubt…it was a penalty.  I thought we might have been awarded another spot kick later too, for a Villa defender edged one of my shots into the upright with his arm.  In the end we ran out winners by 4-2 and collected two valuable points, but I am the first to admit that Villa played extremely well-both before and after Sidebottom’s injury- and if they had stayed at full strength we would have had our work cut out to win.  By the way, my record of never having seen Liverpool beaten at Anfield remains intact- I did not go along to see the Cup-tie against Swansea last Saturday.  Ron Yeats is explaining just what went wrong in his article, so I’ll say no more.
FOREST AGAIN
Next Saturday Nottingham Forest visit Goodison, and I am hoping that Everton have more luck than when we played at Nottingham earlier in the season.  This was the game we finished with only nine fit men, Brian Labone and Alex Parker both being injured.  Alex is home again and tells me he is most satisfied with his progress after the cartilage operation.  He should not be too long in getting fit again and is hoping that he may still be able to gain a place in the Everton party which will leave for a four-week tour of Australia in about seven weeks’ time.  A tour and a couple of games would seem to be a good way of ensuring a fully fit Parker for the beginning of next season. 

EVERTON RES V WOLVES RES
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 7, 1964
Everton Res; Rankin; Harcombe, Parnell; Harris (B.), Heslop, Sharples; Shaw, Harvey, Rees, Humphreys, Morrissey.  Wolves Res;- Barron; Harris (J.), Harris (G.); Goodwin, Hawkins, Knighton; Thompson, Knowles, Stobart, Kemp, Buckley.  Referee; Mr. D.W. Goddard (Preston).  Everton went straight into the attack and within two minutes had taken the lead.  A Rees shot was only parried by Barron and it went to HARVEY, standing about three yards out, who made no mistake.  Wolves were soon back into the attack and Kemp tried an overhead shot from a Stobart pass, but it was well wide of the goal.  Everton were faster and more the dangerous near goal.  Barron was lucky to stop a Humphreys shot on the line and then Shaw put across a dangerous centre which the wind carried out of play.  Little was seen of the Wolves’ forwards and Everton should have at least four goals up.  They were well on top and although Rees and Humphreys were shooting often they were inaccurate.  The most dangerous man on the field was young Shaw, who kept up a succession of centres, but nobody took advantage of them.  Half-time; Everton res 1, Wolves Res nil

EVERTON A V BLACKPOOL A
Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, March 7, 1964
Blackpool took the lead when a free kick by Kelly was headed in by Loyden.  The Blackpool goalkeeper, Jones and Everton centre forward, McLoughlin, both went off for a few minutes after a collision.  Half-time; Everton A nil, Blackpool A 1. 

EVERTON SERVE NOTICE- THIS TITLE IS OURS, KEEP-OFF!
Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, March 9, 1964
MERSEYSIDE MONOPOLY OF ENDS-OF-SEASON THRILLS
PENALTY KING ROY VERNON SCORES FOURTEENTH GOAL WITH SUCCESSIVE KICKS
TOTTENHAM HOTPSUR 2 EVERTON 4
By Horace Yates
Loud and clear like a clarion call thrills the Everton challenge- “The League title is ours.  Take it if you can.” Believe me, that is not likely to prove an whether the competitors be Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Tottenham or United.  Everton are playing like champions again, with confidence boosted to the skies, just at the moment when a powerful run-in can shatter all-comers.  Allowing for the fact that Spurs at White Hart Lane on Saturday were without Cliff Jones and played Jimmy Greaves in the wasteful wilderness of outside right, the champions boosted even greater superiority over the League leaders than their convincing margin indicated.  Everton power contrived to reduce this Spurs combination to the poorest looking Tottenham combination that has presented the London club for years. 
CATTERICK CONQUERORS.
The Catterick conquerors paced their game with an artistry that commended the utmost admiration, for as they first sounded out Spurs, they marshalled an almost immaculate defence and prodded with an attack which generated supreme confidence in a subsequent all-out take-over bid.  The pattern which carried Everton to their title is being reprinted.  Vernon is storming back to peak splendour, but as he did in the vital stage last season, ready and willing to underline his gift of leadership by example.  Young is livelier and more diligent, while the wingers are raiding with speed and menace.  Even plunged into despondency as they were by the stark realisation that Tottenham are slipping ominously, the London club’s supporters will remember for many a day one of the finest individual goals from temple.  Neither will they easily forget the power drive by Vernon from more than twenty-five yards range that almost tore away the net, for these are the sort of delights they have seen and enjoyed for so long from their own team.  This time they were wrecking their hopes, not creating them.  Stevens has seldom covered with greater effect and look where you will, it is not easy to point an accusing finger at any member of the Everton team.  True, West could only hit instead of gathering a cross that led to a colossal goalmouth mix-up that produced Tottenham’s second goal, but it was an isolated blemish. 
GREATEST TRIBUTE.
Kay was commanding, dominating the scene with sure defence and immaculate attack and Milne can never have a greater tribute than that he is keeping Kay out of the England side.  Gabriel was almost equally convincing and with Labone, so much master of Brown, that the former Arsenal player resembled a struggling novice in a role which can hardly be termed his best.  If Sours are to turn his signing into a paying proposition I doubt if it well be as a forward.  Dyson until his removed to half back following injury to Beal, caused Sandy brown far more trouble than Greaves did to Meagan, but this was only a shadow Greaves.  If he was fully fit his display hardly confirmed it.  It is said he only played after a pain-killing injection.  Certainly, he did not appear to be a player enjoying his game.  Norman and Dyson, a nonstop worker when filling in at half back, approached nearest to normal Tottenham standards and Beal was promising before his injury.  With Greaves back inside and Jones on the wing it is possible the power of the attack can be transformed but if Spurs are to be in at the death in the final stages of the Championship tussle, Saturday’s form will have to be stepped up considerably.  Everton demonstrated as clearly as could be that anxious days lie ahead for these once proud Spurs.  Not all Everton’s scoring chances were turned to account, but sufficient were to make a mockery of the way they have been written off so often as title contenders.  Providing there are no more worrying injury complications to blur the scene, plainly Everton are the team any would-be champions have to outstay.
GOAL DOWN.
Even when Everton went a goal down in 19 minutes from the one real contribution of Greaves, which permitted Dyson to head his centre into goal, so much against the run of play was it that nobody really looked on the score as the forerunner of an Everton reverse.  Two goals in two minutes, first with a brilliant Young header from close in and then a gem of a goal by Temple put the prospects in a more realistic netting.  Temple took the ball near halfway and after racing forward, skipped inside with that elusive loping run of his, beat man after man, created a shooting position and scored with a terrific drive of pin-point accuracy.  “It’s about time I did something like that,” Temple said when I congratulated him, but here were the signs for so long delayed that all is well with him again after that niggling ankle trouble.  Then came the surprise equaliser, variously credited to Brown, own goal and Allen.  Only a dressing room inquiry after the match confirmed the scorer as Allen, who incidentally retired a few minutes from the end with a torn hand after Labone accidentally trod on it.  The Vernon power drive in 62 minutes finally deflated Tottenham, and five minutes from the end the skipper scored his fourteenth successive penalty goal in senior games.
PENALTY ART.
If penalty taking is an art, surely here is one of the greatest artists in the game in that particular role.  Everton now join West Brom and Chelsea as the only teams to have taken two points from White Hart lane and as almost any supporter of the Goodison club would have rated a draw as a highly satisfactory performance, victory provided a welcome and well-earned bonus.  Quite conceivably there may be far more in this match than two points, for the triumph has accomplished more for Everton’s morale than almost anything else could.  From believing in their outside chance of retaining the title, Everton are now determined that it will not leave Goodison Park.  A terrific finish to the season is assured and we may yet see a Merseyside monopoly of the final thrills.  Tottenham Hotspur; Hollwbread; Baker, Hopkins; Beal, Norman, Marchi; Greaves, White, L. Brown, Allen, Dyson.  Everton; West; A. Brown, Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Young, Vernon, Temple.  Referee; Mr. K.H. Burns (Worcaster) Attendance; 41,643.

CENTRAL LEAGUE
Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, February 9, 1964
SHAW HAD A BRILLIANT OUTING
EVERTON RES 4, WOLVES RES 0
Everton Reserves were vastly superior and if their forwards had converted the chances given by outside-right Shaw, they could have reached double figures.  Supported by a polished Brian Harris, Shaw, though not among the scorers, had a brilliant game.  He outpaced the Wolves defence, and it was only lack of anticipation by his inside men that saw Everton reach the interval with a 1-0 lead- an opportunist goal by Harvey after two minutes.  After the turn-round, the home forwards improved and further goals came from Rees (63 minutes), Harvey (67) and Morrissey (83). 

EVERTON IN MOVE FOR PICKERING
Liverpool Echo-Monday 09 March 1964
By Leslie Edwards
I understand that Everton are about to make an offer for Blackburn Rovers centre-forward, Fred Pickering for whom the Lancashire club are said to want in the vicinity of £90,000.  When Pickering’s request for a move was granted last week, Blackburn said that they might want money and a player exchange, but it is now believed that they would accept a straight cash offer.  Manchester United and Tottenham, said to be among Everton’s rivals for Pickering, seem to have lost interest temporarily but indications to-day were that Everton’s enthusiasm for the player and his signature had increased.  Mr. Harry Catterick, the Everton manager, had left his office by mid-afternoon.  It was thought that he might have a secret venue in Lancashire with the Blackburn manager, Mr. Jack Marshall.  If Everton signed Pickering, they would be paying the biggest fee in their history. 

NO LONDON CHALLENGE TO EVERTON’S LEAGUE TITLE
Liverpool Echo-Monday, March 9, 1964
By Horace Yates
Tottenham Hotspur supporters are becoming accustomed to hearing of four-goal indignities being heaped on their favourites away from home this season, for Arsenal, Manchester United, West Brom and West Ham have all done it with Blackburn going three better with seven, but it was left to Everton on Saturday to hit the first four into the White Hart Lane goals.  It might have been less wounding if Everton's 4-2 triumph had been against the run of play, if Spurs couldhave claimed that this was not their day or something of that sort. In fact, they were decidedly fortunate to escape with four, for Everton were far and away superior in almost every position.  When you consider that this was the League leaders, the once-proud Tottenham, that Everton were subjecting to such a humbling process, the majesty and might of the Goodison team's triumph turned the London club's aspirations inside out.  Tottenham still lead Everton by two points, but unless the pointers were deliberately misleading the threat, if any, to Everton's title will not come from London this season.  Everton are soaring to peak power at almost the identical stage with which they swooped to the championship triumph last season. On Saturday there were ten League games left.  Last season they were unbeaten in the final 12 games and dropped only four points along the way. They may not finish the course quite so dramatically this time, but unless appearances are deceptive it would be hard indeed to find stronger finishers. 
MAIN OBSTACLE 
Manager Harry Catterick is convinced it may be Blackburn Rovers who will be the principal obstacles in the end.  Others may plump for Liverpool, but whoever their rivals may be Everton's display at White Hart Lane suggests that nothing short of a miraculous run by one or other of their opponentswill be good enough to deprive them of the goal on which they have set their hearts and ambitions.  Any team can only treat their opponents as they find them. Maybe Tottenham were below par, with Greaves miscast on the wing and Cliff Jones a spectator in the stand, but Everton simply took them as they found them and proceeded to annihilate them.  In no sense were they flattered by the margin, although it should be mentioned that wing half Beal was a passenger for a lengthy period. 
HALF BACK POWER
Even with Beale under full power, Everton’s superiority was undoubted.  The make-shift Tottenham attack was utterly destroyed by the sheer competency and strength of the Everton half backs.  Kay was the star because he was so seldom in the wings, always on the stage, but the old efficiency of both Gabriel and Labone was too obvious to be ignored.  Moreover the wandering of Stevens made him a cover man extraordinary and if Tottenham wondered where the Everton defence ended, it was hardly surprising.  Sandy Brown experienced moments of anxiety from the sharpest Spurs of them all, Dyson, but he coped well, on a ground where he was introduced to English football several years ago as a youth. Young was a live proposition again- and it showed for with some of the weight taken off Vernon, the skipper soared back into the limelight as a superb marksman and terribly dangerous raider.
SPECTACULAR GOAL 
His goal from fully 25 yards range was the result of a shot which would have beaten any goalkeeper, and it was rivalled only in precision and power by that with which Temple registered Everton’s second.  Accustomed as they are to winning glory at Tottenham, the Londoners will find it hard to recall a more spectacular goal from outside left than that provided by Temple.  His effort began around half way and his inward linkingrun, so familiar to Goodison Park fans, left man, after man out of contention as he won a shooting position directly in front of goal.  Then came the blast with the ball flying into the net like an explosive missile.  It was all against the run of play when Dyson splendidly headed home a peach of a centre by Greaves in nine minutes, but first Young restored equality after 34 minutes and Temple followed two minutes later with his power drive.  I would have been willing to swear that this would mark the end of a thoroughly dispirited Tottenham, but a flash of courage and a slice of luck brought them fleetingly back into the game. Everton players will never admit that when Allen wascredited with an equaliser (60 minutes) West was pulled back by the jersey and an opponent rolled on Meagan on the ground. 
PENALTY KING 
Be that as it may, the goal counted and yet fears were few that Everton would fail to reap where they had so freely sown. Vernon had gone close several times, never nearer than when he struck the inside the post and saw the ball rebound, but when he hit a terrific drive from 25 yards Hollowbread never had a hope of being able to do more than pick the ball from the back of the net.  It was a winner all the way, and so obviously a match winner at that.  With nearly ten minutes left Dyson conceded a penalty kick. Now he might do that against some teams I could name with a chance of getting away with it, but with Vernon behind the penalty spot, what chance was there?  Kay, as is his custom, turned his back on the kick, but it was so unnecessary for Vernon stroked the ball into goal like the expert he is- the 14th time he has scored from the spot with as many kicks.  Call Vernon the king of penalty takers and who will dispute it?  If Everton were in need of a fillip at such a vital stage this was it, but unless Tottenham belted their menace their hold on the leading position cannot long be maintained.  They were jittery at half back and full back and their forwards were hardly capable of extending a defence which is rapidly assuming all the tightness of last season. 

EVERTON ALL SET TO SIGN FRED PICKERING
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, March 10, 1964
CATTERICK MEETS PLAYER AND BLACKBURN MANAGER
RECORD FEE LIKELY
By Leslie Edwards
Everton are all set to sign Fred Pickering, of Blackburn Rovers in a deal which will cost them some £90,000-the highest transfer fee ever paid by one English club to another.  Manager Harry Catterick, with the full backing of his board, had a secret rendezvous at mid-day with the Blackburn manager, Mr. Jack Marshall, and the player, who had bene given special permission to leave the England party with whom he is training, at Sheffield.  Blackburn originally stated they might ask a player in exchange.  Yesterday it became clear that they were content to do a straight cash deal.  Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and other clubs said to be interested in Pickering were in touch with Blackburn and may well have been discouraged by the fee required. 
BIG FEES
Record fee for a forward transferred between British clubs was £58,000 for Johnny Byrne from Crystal Palace to West Ham.  Everton paid £35,000 for half-back Tony Kay from Sheffield in May, 1962; £30,000 for Alex Scott from Rangers in 1963 and £27,000 plus inside forward Eddie Thomas for Roy Vernon from Blackburn in 1960.  Pickering’s arrival in the Everton team might well lead to Alex Young, a great favourite with the crowd, asking for a move, in which case Aston Villa manager, Mr. Joe Mercer, would certain move into the transfer field hoping to sign Young as an outside right.  Everton, it is understood started bidding for Pickering by telephone yesterday.  Other clubs in the auction I believe dropped out when Blackburn indicated that they would require more than £80,000.  Everton interest in Pickering a concerted full-back who took a long time to develop as a forward, dated from the day he got three goals against them at Goodison Park this season- the day half-back Tony Kay was ordered off. 
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Everton have been looking for a long time for a player of size and weight to lead their attack.  It was felt that Young despite his artistry and his wonderful provision of chances for others, did not quite fill the bill so far as physique is concerned.  Young had a spell out of the first team during which Temple, Rees and Gabriel were all tried in the position with varying success.  Mr. Catterick was not abashed by the size of the fee Blackburn required.  He said; “More has been paid for players in this country; when you weigh money values to-day with those of pre-war seasons a free of between £80,000 and £90,000 is not unreasonable.  “There always room for improvement no matter how good your team is.  Our gates have been excellent.  The club have repaid all the money the chairman.  Mr. Moores, poured in when he became chairman and set out to make the team preeminent.  “We have also brought our training ground at Bellefield, so a bold policy has proved profitable.  We still have a very good chance of winning the League again and our games between now and the end of the season must produce lucrative receipts.” 
UNDER 23 HONOURS
Pickering, who already has England under 23 honours, is likely to be England’s centre forward against Scotland, in Scotland next month.  He has scored 31 League and Cup goals this season.  Blackburn fans, angry at first that the player should want to leave “to better himself,” are now more amenable to his going.  Many of them still think that he may have less success when not playing alongside Brian Douglas, the inside forward who has created so many openings for him at Blackburn.  Blackburn’s poor gates, despite their position in the League table, have never allowed them opportunity to give Pickering the fat basic wage he will certainly receive as an Everton player.  The club wanted to keep him until his contract ended in June, but when Pickering said that he would refuse to sign a further contract for them they announced that they would grant his request for transfer. 

SHADES OF YOUNG DEAN
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, March 10, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
Fredrick W. Hughes, of 35 Aigburth Hall Avenue, writes; “Appropos the forthcoming benefit game for Dixie Dean, I remember a conversation I had with a gentleman I knew who has made a great name for himself in business circles and who received a knighthood fairly recently.  In his early days he played for Northern Nomads, a very well-know amateur football club, but on this occasion he was associated temporarily with a team in the Wirral, and was playing, I think, at Hoylake, operating at centre half.  “After the game he felt fairly happy in his performance, except that a very young boy playing at centre forward for the opposing side whipped round him on two occasions, and like lighting the ball was in the back of the net.  He had no idea who the by was or from whence he came.  “Several years had passed when he met a friend who reminded him of the game, and their story was retold of the young centre forward whose brilliance he had never forgotten.  ‘Do you know who it was? Asked the friend, and on receiving a replay in the negative he said; ‘It was Dixie Dean!’ In the meantime Dixie had become famous not only in this land but further afield. 
“I was present at the match Everton v Arsenal when Dixie broke the record for the highest number of goals.  The applause which greeted the final goal was terrific and seemed to last for minutes.  But not a single spectator invaded the pitch.”  (A colleague of mine recollects a spectator running on to the field and kissing Dean). 

DOG STAR HAD BEEN ‘SENTENCED
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 11 March 1964
By George Harrison
I was delighted to see that a Border collie dog called Gipsy Chief had done so well as to finish third in the obedience test at cruft’s show, from a field of 24, all championship winners.  Trained magnificently by Bill Spencer, the Liverpool expert who now lives in Blackpool, the dog scored 295 ½ points out of a possible 300.  This is the collie about which I told you last July.  It had bitten someone and had been given what might be described as “suspended sentence” as a result.  In other words, either the dog mended his ways or he would have to be “put down.”  Danny, the kennel name by which they know Gipsy Chief was sent via kennels at Hoylake to Bill Spencer for training.  He made rapid and wonderful progress.  Within six weeks of winning his first certificate for obedience, Danny had become a champion and eligible for Cruft’s which is the world’s biggest dog show of stars.
Said Bill Spencer to me to-day; “He did well, but he will do better next time, although his ‘next time’ will be the year after next.  I have the honour of being the first Northern judge invited to judge this great event at cruft’s next year.  “And I shall also be the first man to officiate as judge who has been a winner of the test, I won it in 1955.  Bill was born in Liverpool and was a well-known amateur footballer before leaving in 1940 with the R.A.F.  He was on Everton F.C books in the early 1920’s. 

PICKERING DOES FIRST TRAINING AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo and Evening Express- Wednesday, March 11, 1964
Fred Pickering, Everton’s £75,000 centre forward buy from Blackburn Rovers, was at Goodison Park today, for his first training stint.  Pickering, with his wife Margaret was driven from Blackburn this morning having first been to Ewood Park to collect his boots. At Goodison, he met his new team-mates and the Everton training staff, and then joined in circuit training in the gymnasium with the rest of the senior players.  Later, he and his wife were looking at houses and they hope to move in quickly to avoid travelling from Blackburn.  He has no car- in fact, he cannot drive.  Pickering told me how pleased he was to have joined Everton in a transfer deal which set a new record between British clubs.  He is the costliest centre forward ever, although the fees that Spurs paid for Jimmy Greaves and Manchester United for Denis Law, both from Italian clubs, were greater.  Pickering added; “Everton are the club I wanted to join.  It could not have been better.”  Although Everton manager Harry Catterick has not named his team to play against Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Saturday it is certain Pickering will displace Alex Young to lead the line.  There is no indication yet whether Young will be switched to another forward position.  The picture shows Pickering (centre) being greeted by Jimmy Gabriel (third from right).  Others left to right, are Jimmy Hill, Brian Harris, Derek Temple and John Morrissey. 

PICKERING; LEAGUE MAY HOLD AN INQUIRY
Liverpool Echo and Evening Express- Thursday, March 12, 1964
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEET TOMORROW
EVERTON TRANSFER
By Leslie Edwards
The Football League are to consider whether to hold an inquiry into the transfer on Tuesday of Fred Pickering from Blackburn Rovers to Everton.  Mr. Alan Hardaker, League Secretary, stated to-day; “There will be a commission of the management committee held tomorrow to decide whether or not the registration of Pickering can be accepted for the Everton Football Club, without an inquiry into possible breaches of Football League regulations.”  If the management committee rule enquiry is necessary Pickering will not be able to make his debut for Everton until the commission have sat to decide whether to accept registration of the transfer.  The right to accept or refuse a transfer is vested in the League in every case. 
NO OBJECTIONS
That the two contracting clubs over the transfer have had no part in the initiation of a special League meeting to discuss the transfer is beyond doubt.  Everton manager Mr. Harry Catterick, who was advised of the League‘s action prior to the matter being made public, to-day said; “If it happens that our new player cannot appear for us on Saturday I shall be rather disappointed and I know thousands of our fans will be more than disappointed I cannot see that Everton or Blackburn Rovers have done any wrong.  If, as has been reported, Pickering has been fined £25 by Blackburn for breach of their regulations in respect of interviews with the Press, then he has been punished already.  Blackburn raised no objections when we saw them about Pickering’s transfer.  The deal went through amicably. 
PLAYER FINED
Mr. Catterick continued; “If Pickering is prevented from playing for us on Saturday, or even on the following Saturday we as a club would be punished.  This doesn’t seem right to me.”  The crux of the League action, as I see it, is not aimed at either club.   Think it may well be that Pickering’s reported statements to the Press, some days before his transfer request was made and granted, are likely to be considered.  Blackburn have fined Pickering for breach of regulations regarding the Press.  Now, it seems to me, the League have stepped in to ascertain for themselves the facts concerning the lead-up to Pickering’s move.
GREAVES CASE
In the great majority of cases there is never any hitch over a player’s registration being accepted but in the case of Jimmy Greaves, transferred from Milan to Tottenham in November 1961, the League refused to accept registration until requiry had been made into the circumstances of the transfer.  In that case Greaves had to wait for nearly two weeks before he became a registered Tottenham player.  Earlier he had been the star of the Chelsea forward line.  The transfer deadline of March 16-next Monday- cannot affect the Pickering issue one way or the other.  If a commission of enquiry were set up and finally accepted Pickering’s registration he could then play for Everton in all matches remaining, despite the registration going through after the deadline.
BLACKBURN VIEW
The world of football will be surprised by this sensational development to the payment of a record fee- reported to be around £80,000 –for a British player by a British club.  The question arises; “If Pickering were unable to play for Everton against Nottingham Forest will the man he was bought to replace Alex Young continue in his role as leader of the attack? Pickering cannot be other than upset that there is any question of his not being allowed to play for his new club straight away.  Blackburn Rovers manager, Mr. Jack Marshall, was as surprised as his Everton opposite number when the news reached him this morning.  He said; “It has come as a complete surprise.  Our hands are clean as they always have been in this business and we have no reason to worry about an enquiry or about what form it may take.”  Everton should know to-morrow whether Pickering will be able to play.  It could be that the League will decide only to caution the player, but, of course decision as to action will have to await the meeting. 

BLACKBURN FANS HAVE EWOOD FEARS
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Thursday, March 12, 1964
With Leslie Edwards
Monday Melia, Tuesday Pickering, Wednesday Yeats…what next?  Rarely in the space of three days has there been such football action and reaction in this city… People argue “Liverpool should not have let Melia go!”  They forget that the player himself probably wanted a move.  Blackburn fans could argue, with equal force, that Pickering should not have been allowed to go to Everton.  Players are not such slaves that they can be kept at a club against they will.  There is also a “Don’t let Alex Young go” faction which forgets that the player himself might prefer to move now that Pickering has taken over as leader.  The Blackburn club must be anxious about the first vital test of their old player at Ewood Park a week on Saturday.  If Pickering and Everton do well that day then the Blackburn board did the wrong thing; if Blackburn win then everything will be entitled to crow and say; “What did I tell you?” 
POST SCRIPTS
Now Everton have signed Pickering I hope they are not going to do a Melia with Alex Young, the most artistic player they’ve had for years.  When Mr. Catterick took over I wrote asking did he intend to turn Everton into a crash-bang team.  This has nearly been achieved.  If Young goes it will be complete –John Mace, Gorselands, Aigburth Vale, Liverpool 17.
A PLACE FOR ALEX?
A far-seeing club such as Everton should realise that f Pickering is to get the service he receives from Douglas, Alex Young, surely, is the man to give it to him.  There must be a place for a once-in-a-life-time ball artist like Alex.- Everton Addict, 94 Ponsoby Street, Princess Park. 

BRANWELL MAY MAKE DEBUT
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Thursday, October 12, 1964
FOREST VISIT TO GOODISON PARK
With manager Johnny Carey still on his way back from Spain withy the Eire international side, the Nottingham Forest team selection for Saturday’s match at Goodison Park is delayed.  Inside forward Johnny Barnwell signed from Arsenal at a club record fee of £30,000 is expected to make his debut with Forest and there is a possibility of Chris Crowe joining the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in time for the match.  In any case, Carey hopes to complete the deal before Monday’s transfer deadline.  So far in the last past six months he sold £80,000 worth of players including the £20,m00 paid to Everton for centre forward Frank Wignall, Forest have invested over £60,000 in new players this season.  In addition they have secured international winger Alan Hinton in an exchange deal, so that if the Crowe move matures two Wolves forwards will link up again. 

£290,000 EXPENDITURE ON PLAYERS IN THREE YEARS
Liverpool Daily Post- Wednesday, February 13, 1964
£75,000 CENTRE FORWARD WILL MAKE DEBUT AGAINST NOTTINGHAM FOREST
By Horace Yates
Fred Pickering……...£75,000
Tony Kay……………. £60,000
Alex Scott…………...£48,000
Alex Brown…………£28,000
Denis Stevens……£23,000
Gordon West……. £20,000
Jimmy Hill…………. £20,000
John Morrissey…. £15,000
Ray veall……………£5,000
Everton made their most spectacular plunge into the transfer market yesterday by paying £75,000 to Blackburn Rovers for England under-23 international centre forward, Fred Pickering, to bring the total outlay made by manager Harry Catterick since he took over at Goodison Park in April 1961, to about £290,000.  At least half that amount has been recouped by the sale of Everton’s players.  Mr. Catterick’s swoop beats the signing deadline to quality players to take part in all championship games this season by only six days.  Although there were various reports of other interested parties, Everton virtually had the field to themselves in the end.  Training at Goodison to-day, Pickering will be in the Everton side to receive Nottingham Forest on Saturday.  Ideally planned as they are for their effort to retain the championship, they won last season, this new enterprise will fill the ground to capacity.  The biggest difficulty for the rest of the season will be trying to find a place in Goodison Park, so that if all goes well, Pickering can pay off quite a slice of this expense fee in a matter of weeks.  After recovering from the excitements and thrill of Everton’s latest conquest the first question the supporters will say is “Whose place will Pickering take.”  In my view there will be only one answer -Alex Young’s despite the fine show he gave at White Hart Lane.  Mr. Catterick’s reaction to the question was “Everybody is trying to play up the position of Alex Young.  Remember he is under contract to Everton until June 1965, as indeed are almost all our players.  They are all under contract to the club and not to any particular length.  Asked if there was any substance in reported interest in Young by Aston Villa, Mr. Catterick replied; “That is the first I heard about Aston Villa being interested.  The position as I see it, is that Everton, and Mr. Catterick in particular, are entitled to the highest possible praise for their courage and enterprise to in refusing to be daunted by the size of the fee required for Pickering.
BEST IN COUNTRY.
My rating of Pickering is the best centre-forward in the country to-day and the man ideally suited to end the biggest weakness in the Everton side.  A big, strong, bustling leader, and a deadly finisher must confirm Everton in the role of favourities for the title.  With no disrespect to Liverpool’s chances, Everton have the easier programme and unless Pickering takes time to settle in, I look on the coup as the best insurance Everton could have made to further their immediate and future interests.  With a club as well supported as Everton, the fee is of comparatively little importance.  The questioning always was, not whether Everton could afford to pay, but whether they could afford to do anything else.  There have been suggestions that Pickering may have been prompted to ask for a move.  Whether or not there is any substance in such allegations Mr. Catterick has been able to reassure Blackburn Rovers’ manager Jack Marshall that Everton never made any approach, except through official channels.  I understand Mr. Marshall unreservedly accepts that assurance.  The position quite simply was that Pickering realised his worth and quite naturally wished to cash in on it by obtaining terms at Everton which may well give him an income double that he received from Blackburn.  In the exciting Football league set-up, who can criticise the player on the score?  Although the sighting is undoubtedly timely Mr. Catterick takes a longer view.  He told me; “This is a signing for six seasons, not six weeks.  This is not just a move to clinch the championship this season.  “It is the policy of our board to build up the strength of the club whenever a good player acceptable to our requirements becomes available.  This is what we have doze in this instance in signing a great player.  “I have conducted transfer negotiations both in and out on numerous occasions but never have there been more agreeable negotiation than I have had with the Blackburn club over Pickering.  He is a fine player.  I have watched him on several occasions, and it is my firm opinion that he will play for England in the not distant further.
THREE FINE GOALS.
Pickering will oppose his former club at Ewood Park on March 21, when Everton play the return game with Blackburn in the first match at Goodison Park.  Pickering, with three fine goals, was instrumental in defeating Everton.  If Mr. Catterick’s admiration for Pickering’s play required any corroboration, that was the day which provided it.  Now let me retrace the events step by step, as they occurred yesterday.
In the morning Pickering was in Sheffield as a member of the England training squad when he received a message that his presence was required at Ewood Park.  He was given a lift to Blackburn by another member of the party, David Wilson, the Preston North End outside right.  Before Pickering arrived Mr. Catterick and director Mr. Holland Hughes had reached Ewood Park.  They went straight into conference with chairman James Wilkinson, Secretary Derek Grimshaw and manager Jack Marshall.  The talks went on for about an hour before Pickering arrived and he was immediately called into conference.  Another hour elapsed with the parties still together.  Then Mrs Margaret Pickering, the player’s wife, appeared on the scene.  She had come straight from her work as a fuse inspector at a Royal Ordnance Factory in Blackburn.  About fifteen minutes later she was called in.  Not until after five o’clock was the news released that the transfer had been completed.  A smiling and obviously happy Pickering commented; “I am very pleased to be going to a club I always wanted to join.”  Mrs. Pickering’s comment was; “I would not have fancied a move to London or the North-East, but Everton suits us both.  It is near enough to our hometown, Blackburn for us to maintain close touch.”  Mr. Catterick’s immediate reaction was “Pickering has been brought to fit in with our long-term policy to keep Everton right at the top.  “I am certain he is going to play for England and just as certain he will be in the tradition of great Everton centre forwards of the past, men like Dixie Dean and Tommy Lawton.”  They have immediate plans to fill the breach and if the signing is made in time he will stay for Rovers at Birmingham on Friday.  If not Reg Blore formerly of Liverpool and Southport, will play his second Division One game.
FROM SCHOOL.
At Blackburn boy, Pickering us twenty-three.  He joined Rovers straight from school at fifteen.  Centre forward in schoolboy teams he captained the Blackburn side which won the F.A. Youth Cup from left back in 1959.  His first senior games were also at left back, but progress was slow, and he was dropped.  It was then that Mr. Marshall restored him to his school position of centre forward in the Central League team and his first senior game in that role was against Manchester City in March 1961.  He scored two goals and created a splendid impression.  At that time, he faced competition from Derek Dougan and Ian Lawther.  When Douglas joined Villa in 1961, Lawther moved to Scunthorpe, was one path clear for Pickering.  He soon established himself, scoring twenty-three goals in thirty-six matches.  This season he has scored twenty-three goals in thirty-four games and hit a hat-trick for young England.  Pickering is a much more accomplished ball player than some people are prepared to admit but it is his deadly shooting which most readily takes the eye.  His heading is improving, but to date can hardly be rated as the most accomplished part of his work.  A year ago, Pickering, dissatisfied with the club house he was offered, asked for a transfer.  This was refused and he was given a different house on one of Blackburn’s new estates.  The last deal in which Everton and Blackburn were involved was the transfer of Roy Vernon, the club’s present skipper, to Goodison Park, for a £35,000 fee, and Eddie Thomas now of Swansea Town, in part exchange.  These who are inclined to express disquiet about the payment of a £75,000 fee for Pickering have the example of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to console them.  Denis Law cost United over £100,000 when he came back from Italy, but the player whose three goals helped to push United into the semi-final of the F.A. Cup on Monday night, must have gone close to repaying that debut already, and with luck there are many more years of magic left in the Law boots.  Just imagine Spurs without Greaves.  He more than any other individual, has kept Tottenham in the top bracket.  Pickering may be a rung or so lower down the ladder than these great players but that he may play a vital part in Everton’s future greatness is undeniable. 

£75,000 SIGNING AWAITS PERMISSION TO PLAY TOMORROW
Liverpool Daily Post- Friday, March 13, 1964
COMMISSION TO PROBE PICKERING REGISTRATION
FOOTBALL LEAGUE DECIDE TO-DAY IOF THERE IS ANY CALL FOR INQUIRY
By Horace Yates
Fred Pickering for whom Everton paid £75,000 to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, and who was treating his debut against Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Saturday with almost the interest and excitement of a Cup Final, was jolted yesterday by a Football League announcement which places his appearance in some jeopardy.  The possibility of an inquiry into the transfer have been raised and until the League’s intentions are known later to-day, manager Harry Catterick cannot name his side.  The bombshell burst with the following statement by League Secretary Alan Hardaken yesterday morning; “There will be a Commission of the Management Committee held to-morrow to decide whether or not the registration of Pickering can be accepted for the Everton Football Club with an inquiry into possible breaches of Football League regulations.”  Both Everton and Blackburn express complete surprise as the turn of events.  When so many people are proving such sticklers for the observance of the strict letter of the law, it seems unusual, to say that least that Everton should not have been accorded the common courtesy of being informed of League intentions officially before learning of it from Press sources.  Neither club was able to throw the slightest light on what may have prompted the League to step in.
VAGUE INMURENDOES
Before Pickering left Blackburn there were some vague innuendoes about the alleged possibility of illegalities but no club was ever named.  Mr. Catterick took the first opportunity to assure Blackburn manager Jack Marshall that no approach of any shape or form had been made by anybody associated with Everton, an assurance which was unreservedly accepted.  It is not easy therefore, to attribute to the clubs any suspicious to the clubs any suspicious which would call for further action.  Blackburn, before granting Pickering’s request for a move, imposed a fine of £25 on the player for a breach of club rules, for allegedly communicating with the Press.  Many clubs now rigidly enforce a ban on their playing staff, giving interviews to club sanction.  Whether this is an angle which it may be thought calls for further inquiry nobody can say, in the absence of an official enlightenment.  I should have thought that if Blackburn were satisfied that their action met any possible complaint, that angle would have been disposed of quite effectively.  If further complaint had been considered warranted surely it should have been Blackburn who made it, but no! The Rovers are just as nonplussed as the rest.
CLUB STATEMENT.
Last night Mr. Catterick told me; “Everton Football Club are not worried about any Commission or inquiry but are concerned that our team sele3ction for the weekend has been held up.  “We have received no correspondence from the Football league appertaining to this matter.  All we know is what we were told by the Press.  “The whole transfer with Blackburn Rovers was carried through in the most agreeable manner and as far as we are concerned everything appertaining to the transfer has been completely above board and in strict accordance with the rules of the Football League and the Football Association.  “Were Pickering to be unable to play for Everton on Saturday it would punish the club and that hardly seems right to me.”  The Blackburn secretary, Mr. Derek Grimshaw, said; “This has nothing to do with us as a club.  It is purely a matter between the League and the player.”  Manager Jack Marshall’s comment was “This is a big surprise.  We have no reason to worry about any inquiries.”  Supposing that to-day’s meeting were to decide that the facts were such as to merit an official inquiry, then Pickering’s registration would remain in abeyance at least until the meeting was held and he would be barred from playing in the meantime. 
VITAL GAMES
Monday’s deadline for the signing of players involved in matches affecting either promotion or relegation would not apply however, in view of the fact that Everton’s application for registration was made before the closing date.  Any delay of course, would be most distressing from Everton’s point of view.  Between Saturday and the end of March Everton have to play five of their remaining nine League games.  The club’s enterprise in clinching a deal quickly would be largely offset by any protracted delay in any inquiry.  The Championship is poised on such a razor edge that it is quite conceivable that a single point could be decisive and Mr. Catterick would not have spent £75,000 on Pickering if he were not convinced that the player could make an effective contribution to club ambitions to keep the title.  If therefore, an inquiry is deemed necessary the League even it to Everton to set within days and to be in a position to give their verdict certainly before another match falls due.  One game would be bad enough.  Two or more unforgivable.  Incidentally after tomorrow, Everton’s next engagement is at Blackburn.  If the case of Jimmy Greaves on transfer to Tottenham from Milan offers any guide there was a fortnight’s hold up in his registration.  In common fairness this must not be allowed to happen in the Pickering case.  Imagine the League inquiry completely vindicating everyone parties have been made to suffer possibly because of nothing more substantial than an unfounded idea! 
VERNON HEARING
The Pickering worry is not the end of Everton’s immediate troubles, for on Monday the club skipper, Roy Vernon attends an F.A. committee meeting in Sheffield, following a caution issued to him in the home game with Birmingham City on February 18, after previous cautions.  Vernon has asked for a personal hearing. 

EVERTON’S ROY VERNON SAYS…
Liverpool Daily Post -Friday, March 13, 1964
PICKERING WILL SHINE BRIGHTLY AT GOODISON
Hats off to Everton!  The signing of Fred Pickering from Blackburn Rovers has been hailed at the greatest stroke of business pulled off by any club since Manchester United signed Denis Law and Tottenham Hotspur bought Jimmy Greaves.  These are star names which help to keep clubs great and keep their supporters satisfied.  Great as Pickering was with Blackburn, I feel convinced he will be greater still at Goodison Park.  I don’t know what you may think, and you may call me big-head if you wish, but I believe I am a far better player to-day than I was with Blackburn. A big club atmosphere does something for a player.  It will do it for Pickering, mark my words!  As the players are just as keen to win the Championship as the supporters are to see as do it, we welcome anybody who is likely to aid that cause.  We have seen enough of Pickering in opposition to convince us that he will bring strength and marksmanship where it mounts most. 
OLD PALS
Of course, Fred and I are old pals.  He was captain of the youth team at Blackburn when I was there.  By the way, Fred’s arrival means that we now have two players at Goodison who do not have a motorcar.  Guess who the other is.  Brian Labone! Brian says he likes walking.  Every man to his own choice.  As a matter of fact, neither Fred nor his wife, Margaret, can drive, but from what I can gather there may be a set of L plates outside Goodison Park soon.  Fred is really looking forward to his career at Goodison Park.  He tells me the transfer fee, variously estimated at anything from £75,000 to £90,000, will not worry him and he will be doing his best to settle in quickly.  I wish him back, but if he doesn’t score at hat-trick to-morrow give him a chance. I shall never forget my first few awkward matches when I joined Everton.  I thought I would never strike form-and I only cost £35,000, so the newspapers tell me.  You will not expect me to complete this article with some reference to our match at Tottenham last week.
LIVERPOOL BLW
We went into that game knowing that we had to avoid defeat, if we were to prosper, and quite honestly almost from the kick-off I know we wouldn’t lose.  For me Spurs are entitled to a vote of sympathy.  They caught us at absolutely peak form.  If it is any consolation to Tottenham, I can tell them that I believe we would have beaten anybody on that display and if we can only keep it up, there is no doubt about that.  Championship Shield staying at Goodison Park.  For all that, I felt this was not known for the last few seasons but that is their worry I believe that the championship would have been all over now bar the shouting but for the terrible run of injuries we had. 
SWANSEA UNDERATED.
It is a terrible blow to Liverpool to lose Ron Yeats just when every match is beginning to count, but if they feel themselves unlucky, what about us?  There were several matches in which we had to find substitutes and for one player, but three!  The next fortnight will show whether or not Liverpool can keep the race with us open.  What are the odds now, I wonder for a charity shield final between Everton and Manchester United being repeated as the curtain raiser to next season?  I had fancied West ham’s chances, but a team which can come from behind as often as United did against Sunderland, must have a great prospect of reaching Wembley.  Also, I have an idea this Swansea side may have been sadly under-rated.  It is not what they do in the League that counts when Cup competitions are being fought out, and if there is any side in the competition now with a better record than that of the Swans, I cannot think of it.  Despite anything Ian St. John may have to say, I think Swansea have a great chance.  My cheers are for them anyway.  It is a long time since the Cup went to Wales.  It may be wishful thinking to imagine it there this season, but what is wrong with that? What a sensation it would be if Swansea did pull it off. 

PICKERING TO MAKE EVERTON DEBUT TO-MORROW
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Friday, March 13, 1964
REGISTRATION ACCEPTED, BUT FURTHER INQUIRES
THREE TEAM CHANGES
Fred Pickering, Everton’s new £80,000 centre forward from Blackburn Rovers.  WILL make his debut for his new club against Nottingham Forest, at Goodison Park, tomorrow.  A three man commission of the Football League Management Committee to-day considered the circumstances surrounding Pickering’s transfer on Tuesday and stated afterwards that the transfer had been accepted.  Mr. Alan Hardaker, Football League secretary, said; “It is noted that Blackburn Rovers have voluntarily transferred Pickering and therefore the commission has decided to accept the registration for Everton.  “Having regard to all the circumstances, however, the commission feel that they must take further inquiries in the light of certain provisions of the regulations of the Football League.”  This further inquiry rests on the League’s interpretation of what Pickering is reported to have said some days before he made his request for transfer to Blackburn. 
THE REGULATION
The regulation governing this aspect of the affairs is Law 17, which reads;
“Clubs, officials or players shall not directly or indirectly induce or attempt to induce a registered player of another club who is not on the transfer list to leave for any purpose whatever the club for which he is registered, nor shall they permit any official or player to do so.  Any infringement of this regulation shall be dealt with by the Management Committee, who shall be entitled to take such action and impose such penalties against the club official or player of the club as they may in the circumstance think fit.”  The Commission, which met in Leeds, consisted of the League President Mr. Joe Richards, Mrs. Len Shipman, vice-president, and Mr. C. M. Banks, a member of the Management Committee, Mr. Hardaker was present.  Everton manager Harry Catterick was the first to be told of the Commission’s decision, which thus ended two days of uncertainty for Everton.  Immediately, he announced that Pickering would play centre forward to-morrow in place of Alex Young. 
RANKIN BACK
In addition, he has made two changes, in defence.  Goalkeeper Gordon West has been dropped and Bootle boy Andy Rankin returns after being out of the team since January 18.  He injured a shoulder in training, but has had several games in the reserves recently to prove his fitness.  Left back Mick Meagan, who played for Ireland against Spain on Wednesday, is rested and Brain Harris will replace him.  The appearance of Pickering will ensure a near 60,000 gate at Goodison.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Vernon, Temple.  John Barnwell signed by Forest this week from Arsenal for £30,000, expects to make his debut at Goodison.  No decision will be made until later, however, because he has been suffering from a slight back injury.  Out of action is inside-left John Quigley with an ankle injury and either Colin Addison, the former York City forward or Channel Islander Geoff Vowden will play at inside-left if Barnwell is included.  The Forest attack will be chosen from six forwards, but the defence is unchanged.  Nottingahm Forest; Grummitt; Hindley, Mochan; Newton, McKinlay, Whitefoot; Kear, Barnwell (or Addison), Wignall, Vowden, (or Addison), Hinton. 
EVERTON AND PICKERING
Harry Catterick, Everton manager said; “If Management Committee thinks there is any doubt about transfer of Pickering, Everton welcome investigation.  Everton have nothing to hide.” 

FOREST END TO A WEEK OF SENSATIONS
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Friday, March 13, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
A week of soccer sensations ends to-morrow at Goodison Park where Nottingham Forest, who have been doing a little delving into the transfer pool on their own account, make Everton’s opponents.  I don’t remember a time when the Liverpool and Everton fan was given so much to chew on or when our two teams were such close rivals for the First Division crown.  How things are going to work out is anyone’s guess, but you may depend on it that Spurs, Manchester United, and Blackburn Rovers, to name only three other clubs with chances of finishing top of the heap, will see fresh opportunity for themselves as a result of events of the past few days.  Nottingham Forest managed by the former Everton chief, Johnny Carey, will bring with them their built-in offside trap; their former Everton centre-forward, Frank Wignall, and sufficient football skill and strategy to ensure that Everton won’t have things all their own way.  Yet after that remarkable victory at Tottenham, everything points to Everton picking up two more points and remaining unbeaten in the League as they have been since the year started.  This in spite of contingencies which have worked against them, off-field, in the past few days.  Let us hope that we shall see more of to-morrow’s match than we did of the befogged Villa game a fortnight ago; let us hope that what we shall see will be more satisfying.  The fact that Forest and Carey-trained means that they will stand or fall on football ability.  The entertainment of fans is what the one-time Manchester United and Eire captain away maintained was what really mattered.  He is still so right. 

ALEX YOUNG AT INSIDE-RIGHT IN RESERVE TEAM AT STOKE
Liverpool Daily Post- Saturday, March 14, 1964
LEAGUE WISDOM PUTS PICKERING INTO GAME
THIRD ATTEMPT TO SCORE AGAINST NOTTINGHAM FOREST MATCHES THIS SEASON
By Horace Yates
Three rousing cheers for the Football League or at least that part of it represented by the president, Joe Richards L.T. Shipman, the vice-president, C.M. Banks and Secretary Alan Hardtaker, for the sound common sense they showed when deciding as a Commission in Leeds yesterday to accept the registration of Everton’s £75,000 centre forward, Fred Pickering.  Pickering,therefore, makes his debut at Goodison Park to-day against Nottingham Forest.  The Secretary’ statement after the meeting read; “It is noted that Blackburn Rovers have voluntarily transferred the player Pickering and therefore the Commission has decided to accept his registration for Everton.  Having regard to all the circumstances however, the Commission feels that they must make further inquiries in the light of certain provisions of the regulations of the Football League.”  Very wisely they have taken the view that with neither club apparently at fault in the transaction, any further enlightenment they require rests elsewhere.  Just as the clubs have shown that their actions have been free from suspicion, so too may the player, should his conduct be called into question.
YOUNG’S ROLE
How wrong, therefore, would it have been to penalise Everton by declining permission for Pickering to play until all inquiries have been completed.  The fact that Pickering if playing will in no way impede any further line of though they may wish to follow.  Last night Everton manager Harry Catterick told me; “If the management Committee thinks there is any doubt whatever about the transfer of Pickering, Everton Football Club welcome any investigation.  “Everton have nothing whatever to hide and would prefer that any lingering suspicious are removed forever.  I can only reiterate that the transfer was carried through in the best of spirit and in strict accord with regulations and ethics.”  There will almost certainly be a full house to see Pickering’s first appearance, for last week’s triumph at Tottenham has been the best possible advertisement the club could have had.  As anticipated, Young is the man to lose his place, but it would be entirely wrong to imagine that this marks the end of the road for him with Everton.  Far from it!  His inclusion in the reserves at Stoke as INSIDE RIGHT clearly shows that Mr. Catterick has not abandoned the prospect of putting Young’s services to further use.  Young is the most brilliant ball player at Goodison Park and many people have been of the opinion for some time that his talents might show to even better advantage in an inside forward position than as the buffeted leader of the attack, for which he is hardly ideally equipped physically.  I regard the experiment as being full of possibilities.  Mr. Catterick put his cards on the table last night by saying, “I am experimenting with Young in the reserves.  If he can make the grade as an inside forward, there is a future for him in the first tea.  That applies is all my reserves.  “If there is a loss of form by a player in the first team and there are consistently good reports of the reserve, then he goes in.”  Mr. Catterick has not hesitated to restore Andy Rankin after producing evidence that he has completely recovered from injury and he takes over in goal from West.  Brian Harris returns at left back; Meagan being rested.  Nottingham Forest had hoped to include Barnwell for whom they paid a £30,000 club record fee to Arsenal, but the back injury he received in training at Highbury is not completely better and he stands down.  Inside forward Quigley is unfit and if Addision passes a fitness test this morning he will be at inside-right with Vowden at inside left.  Forest’s attack will be led by former Everton player Frank Wignall, who is top marksman for the Nottingham team; here then is the opportunity to compare the old with the new.  Incidentally, Pickering has already opposed Nottingham twice this season-without scoring.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel, Labone, kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Vernon, temple.  Nottingham Forest; Grummitt; Hindley, Mochan; Newton, McKinlay, Whitefoot; (from) Kear, Addison, Chapman, Wignall, Vowden, Hinton. 

GOAL-GETTER PICKERING THE MAGNET
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express - March 14, 1964
GREAT DAY IN GOODISON PARK HISTORY
By Leslie Edwards
Mark the date…March 14.  It may well be a most important one in the history of Everton. The most expensive signing the club have ever made Fred Pickering, once of Blackburn Rovers makes his bow after what must be the most sensational football week Merseyside has known for years.   The good news that the Football League were prepared to accept his registration came yesterday shortly after midday and Everton and their thousands of fans, waiting on the decision, must have been very relieved that a notable occasion had not been denuded of the man of the moment. Even so in the light of all the excitement attending his transfer and the days which followed Pickering would have to be a very phlegmatic person not to be affected in some way by the suspense to which he has been subjected.  He will get a square deal from Everton fans including those who always enjoyed the artistry of the man. Alex Young, he replaced.  Pickering, a goal -getter, could be the man to make the Everton line as good as that famous five some of Spurs who helped to bring the London Club all sorts of football distinction. He has size and weight -something of which the Everton line has had all too little in recent seasons.
WIGNALL RETURNS
The occasion to-day will be notable for the reappearance against his old club of Frank Wignall, a centre forward who didn’t cost Forest a fortune, but who has been scoring pretty regularly and is sure to want to do well against his old club, Wignall’s prolonged spell in First Division football must have improved him considerably.  Oddly enough the goalkeeper Everton recall, Andy Rankin had his first First Division match against Forest, in Nottingham, and Wignall cracked a surprise shot which almost broke the bar in the opening minutes.  And he will be on the qui vive for such unexpected deliveries this afternoon.  Brian Harris is at left back in place of the rested Mick Meagan so there is quite a new look about this Everton and Goodison will be scarcely large enough to hold all who want to see the new boy in action.
INTERESTING DUEL
Forest had hopes of playing their newcomers Barnwell of Arsenal, but a back injury keeps him out.  The duel between Pickering and McKinlay one of the steadiest and best centre half-backs in the game should be a most interesting one.  It remains to be seen whether Forest introduce their customary offside trap which has entangled Everton forwards many times in the past.  It will be good to see Manager John Carey back at the ground where his dictum was; “I aim to give fans entertainment football and if it is winning football all the better.”  Now Everton have got the O’K, for their new centre forward the game is all-compelling.  It should pay off in one afternoon a nice percentage of the big fee Everton spent to bring the Blackburn player to Merseyside.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Vernon, Temple. Notts Forest; Grummitt; Hindley; Newton, McKinlay, Whitefoot; Kear, Addison, Wignall, Vowden, Hinton. 

PICKERING MAKES A WONDER DEBUT
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express, Saturday, March 14, 1964
THREE GREAT GOALS AND SOME NEAR MISSES
EVERTON 6, NOTTM FOREST 1
By Michael Charters

Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Vernon, Temple.  Nottingham Forest; Grummitt; Hindley, Machan; Newton, McKinlay, Whitefoot; Kear, Vowden, Wignall, Addison, Hinton.  Referee;- Mr. H. G. Wilson (Stockton).  The rain of the morning, with a slight drizzle when play started, had the effect of keeping the crowd down somewhat for the debut of Fred Pickering, the centre forward Everton brought from Blackburn Rovers this week for £80,000.  Two Liverpool directors, box.  First incident of any note was when Gabriel put his foot to a hard cross by Hinton and sent the ball spinning towards his own goal, but Rankin made an easy catch.  It was incredible that the first time Pickering took a part in the game he completely miskicked with a great chance of scoring within a few minutes of the start.  But Everton’s new man made everything right with the fans with a great goal after seven minutes.  From Temple’s cross, Pickering made a clever reverse pass to Scott, whose centre was headed out by Hindley.  Pickering was in the right spot to hit a tremendous volley into the roof of the net from 10 yards.  Two minutes after Pickering’s goal, Stevens put Everton two up.  This goal came from a corner which Vernon headed on to the unmarked Stevens, whose first shot was blocked on the line by Mochan, but the ball came out again to Stevens, who promptly rammed it back over the line. 
ACCURATE PASSES
Everton were playing with tremendous power and the Forest defence was being turned consistently by the accuracy of passes from the Everton half back.  Pickering nearly got another goal when he raced forward to a corner from Scott and headed the ball down out of Grummitt’s arms, but McKinlay was on the spot to clear.  Forest fought back with a good right wing move in which Addison cleverly lobbed the ball forward to Vowden but Gabriel made a splendid interception to save a dangerous situation.  Forest built their attacks up rather slowly, and Kay made a clever interception to bring the ball well up field before passing to Pickering whose ground shot almost beat Grummitt, the goalkeeper going full length to save.  Hinton was showing great speed and skill and had Brown beaten on several occasions.  From one of his crosses Rankin had to fling himself full length to make a good catch low down. 

PICKERING’S BOOK
Stevens sent Temple away with a glorious long pass, and from the winger’s low centre Pickering tried to hook the ball waist high, coming to him awkwardly, and he sent the ball wide.  Everton were attacking in fits and starts, and after Pickering had almost connected with a good pass from Temple, Grummitt made a weak clearance, the ball going out to Vernon.  From 30 yards, when he saw the goalkeeper struggling back to his goal, Vernon hit an instant shot which went just past the post with Grummitt still out of position.  After 32 minutes Pickering made it 3-0 for Everton with a superlative shot from all of 25 yards.  From a left wing move between Harris and Temple the winger switched the ball quickly through inside to Pickering who drifted the ball a few yards to his right and then hammered in his shot, which left Grummitt helpless.  Immediately afterwards a hard pressed Forest defence made a weak clearance to Vernon and from just outside the penalty area, the Everton captain, hit a fierce shot which struck Pickering in the small of the back.  It might well have gone in otherwise.  The first Forest shot for some time came from Whitefoot who was playing splendidly, but the ball went wide with Rankin racing across. 
SPLENDID HEADER
Pickering brought rounds of applause from the crowd with a splendid header from a free kick taken by Harris.  He was in a difficult position, but still got in his header which went just wide.  Altogether a remarkable 45 minutes for the new man during which he had scored two goals, one a superlative effort, and also missed two great chances.  Half-time; Everton 3, Nottingham Forest nil. 
Pickering got a great reception from the crowd when he left the pitch at half-time.  The rain was stronger now, and Everton were playing into nit, the rain being driven by a strong wind.  Forest did most of the attacking in the early stages of the second half, prompted mainly by the excellent Whitefoot whose passing was invariably accurate. 
FOREST HIT BACK
Rankin made a lucky save to prevent Forest getting a goal, Forest were moving the ball about slickly now, and from a good centre by Kear.  Wignall side-footed the ball just inside the post, but Rankin, flinging himself across, caught the ball on his body and turned it away for a corner.  Gabriel had not had a particularly happy match, but he came up for a free kick by Vernon and made a clever hook shot which just missed the post with Grummitt beaten. 
AND THEN IT WAS FOUR
Both Temple and Scott tended to try too much themselves and many powerful Everton attacks failed at the last second because of it.  After 59 minutes Everton increased their lead through Vernon.  Pickering brought the ball in cleverly from the left and slipped it across to Vernon just on the edge of the penalty area and Vernon’s first time shot was deflected off the wet turf past Grummitt.  Everton’s finishing had always been more punishing than Forest’s.  From a corner kick on the left McKinlay headed the ball out to Kay, who had a great game, and Kay hit it on the volley from 30 yards, the ball going through a crowd of players at great speed, but straight at Grummitt.  A perfect through pass from Whitefoot made an opening for Addison, who took the ball on too far so that his angled shot went straight to Rankin.
VERNON NEAR
Pickering made a fine deflecting header to send Vernon racing through and having beaten Newton, Vernon tried to place the ball over Grummitt’s head, but failed as the goalkeeper reached up to catch it.  At this stage Scott and Temple each produced their most dangerous run of the game to put a tired looking Forest defence into trouble.  A brilliant move between Scott, Gabriel and Pickering gave Scott a fine shooting chance, but he never got power on the ball and Grummitt made a simple save.  Ten minutes from the end Pickering made his day- and Everton’s day –with a splendid goal, the first time an Everton player has scored three in a match this season.
PERSONAL HAT-TRICK
From a long pass by Stevens, Pickering shrugged off a tackle by McKinlay, worked his way into the middle and then passed to the unmarked Scott who returned the ball to him, Pickering again evaded a tackle and hammered the ball into the corner of the net from 12 yards.  The crowd went into raptures over this goal and there could hardly have been a more dramatic of successful debut for the former Blackburn Rover.  With six minutes to go Stevens made certain of Everton’s biggest victory of the season with a splendid individual goal.  Temple sent him away with a fine pass from midfield and Stevens took the ball on before beating Grummitt with a first-class shot as the goalkeeper came out.  Four minutes from the end Rankin failed to hold a shot from Addison, the ball bouncing off his chest to allow Vowden an open goal.  In the closing minutes Rankin failed to hold a hot shot from Vowden, but this time recovered quickly and divide forward on to the ball.  All the Everton players stood back at the end and applauded Pickering off the pitch with the crowd joining in o give the new centre forward a great welcome to Goodison Park. 
Final; Everton 6, Notts Forest 1.  Official Attendance; 50,085. 
LANCSHIRE LEAGUE
Everton B 1, Bury B nil

BEST GAME OF THE SEASON BY EVERTON AT SPURS
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 14, 1964
By Alex Young
If Everton have a London bogey, then it was not around at White Hart Lane last Saturday when we threw the League championship race wide open again by beating the mightly Spurs on their own ground for more convincingly than any of us had dared hope.  Even the final score of 4-2 did not fully reflect the picture of our superiority in this victory, which in my mind rates as the finest exhibition of teamwork by an Everton side during the whole of the present season. Roy Vernon was in peak form, and I have never seen a more deadly exhibition of shooting from our inside left and captain since I joined Everton. He scored two goals, but his tally could easily have been half a down! Not only did he see the ball strike the woodwork several times, but there were also a couple of his shots which flew wide of the posts by the narrowest of margins. I commented last week about how some good work by goalkeepers often goes unnoticed and this happened again at White Hart Lane.  After we had fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, Tottenham put on the pressure and, eight times in about five minutes, Gordon West was called on to save tricky situations by snatching the ball from the air in front of goal.
DISAPPOINTING
He never faltered once after we had come through this period of pressure by Spurs, there was never any doubt in my mind that we would return to Merseyside with two most valuable points. Even when Spurs managed to equalise I was fully confident that we would score again. Taken all round. I found Tottenham's performance disappointing, for they seemed to have only method of attack. This was to punt the ball up the middle for Laurie Brown who found Brian Labone playing so well that he was able to make very little progress at all.  On previous visits to Tottenham, Everton have been accused of playing a defensive type of game. Maybe our attacking style caught them on the hop this time, I don’t know, but one thing is certain and that is that Tottenham are missing Scottish international wing half, Dave Mackay.  Incidentally, I spoke to Dave after the game and he told me that he is making a fine recovery from that broken leg.  Spurs and Scotland, especially, will be glad when he is fully fit again. 
FANS THANKED
This was a match we had to win if the First Division championship trophy is to stay at Goodison Park for another season and I would like to thank all the Everton fans who made the long journey south to give us encouragement.  How nice it was to hear the “Spurs come marching in” song replaced by a chant of the “Z Cars” theme long before the final whistle.  If Everton’s championship hopes received a boost on Saturday, then Liverpool’s took quite a knock on Wednesday when an F.A. Disciplinary Committee suspended Ron Yeats for 14 days.  I have said before just how much different I think the presence of Yeats makes to the Liverpool team, and it is a cruel blow for them to lose such a ley-man at this vital stage of the season.  While on the subject of Liverpool, I would like to wish the best of luck to inside forward Jimmy Melia who was due to play his first game for Wolves this afternoon. He should fit well, but I am sorry to see such a fine ball player leave Merseysde.  The big news at Goodison Park this week has, of course, been the arrival of England Under-23 international, Fred Pickering, from Blackburn Rovers, Roy Vernon's old club. Fred is going to find the packed-house atmosphere at Goodison Park vastly different from the half-empty Ewood Park, but he should settle down quickly.  Strangely, Everton’s next match is against Fred's old club, and there should be one of the season's best attendances at Ewood Park. This is a tough game for Everton. 
CONGRATULATIONS 
Other Goodison news, pushed out of the limelight somewhat by other events, is that Tony Kay has been chosen to play for the Football League against the Scottish League next Wednesday and that Mick Meagan turned out for Ireland  against Spain his week.  My congratulations to them both.  Mick played for Ireland at Left half Tony’s Everton position; while Tony, in turn is going to wear the No. 10 jersey when he appears in the Football League team.  Someone at Goodison commented that Wales might complete the circle by playing Roy Vernon at left back in their next match. There was another reminder this week that our close-season trip to Australia is not far away.  On Wednesday we were all measured for the smart, dark suits which will be the "uniform" during the tour. 

STOKE CITY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 14, 1964
Stoke City Res;- O’Neill; Marsh, Bentley; Bloor, Andrew, Clamp; Woodward, Bernard, Philipott, Mitchell, Morgan.  Everton Res; West; Harcombe, Parnell; Rees, Heslop, Sharples; Shaw, Young, Hill, Harvey, Morrissey.  Referee; Mr. R. Barker (Crewe).  Despite the atrocious conditions both sides played enterprising football and play moved quickly.  Hill had a good chance and his hard drive was only just too high but with an easier opportunity he shot wide.  The best chance came to Stoke when Mitchell tested West, and the goalkeeper tipped it around the post.  Morrissey was a source of danger and cut through on two occasions to send in pile-drivers but each time they were just too high.  After 16 minutes Stoke took the lead when Mitchell headed in from a corner giving West no chance.  Philpott increased Stoke’s lead after 22 minutes following good work by Clamp.  Stoke were now right on top and but for good work by Harcombe and Parnell would have increased the lead.  Young was switching positions to obtain opening, but the quick tackling gave him little scope.  He did, however, send Morrissey away and again the winger was just too high with his final effort. 
Half-time.- Stoke City Res 2, Everton Res nil.
EVERTON “B” V BURY B
Everton dominated the first half, and Mather went near on three occasions.  Five minutes before the interval right winger Wallace gave Everton the lead. Half-time; Everton B 1, Bury B nil
LIVERPOOL A V EVERTON A
Everton playing the more constructive football went ahead after 20 minutes when Hurst scored.  Liverpool tried hard to get on level terms and Mulhearn in the Everton goal, saved hard shots from Parsley and Sealey.  Half-time; Liverpool A nil, Everton A 1. 

FIRST PLAYER TO SCORE TWO TREBLES AT GOODISON SINCE 1960-61
Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, March 16, 1964
FRED PICKERING A BARGAIN AT THE PRICE
ONLY THAT VOWDEN GOAL KEEPS EVERTON OUT OF THE ELADING POSITION
EVERTON 6, NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1
By Horace Yates
Providing nothing happens to disturb the team formation Everton were able to field on Saturday it is my firm conviction they will retain their title of champions of Division One with points to spare.  I saw them subdue Tottenham last week ands annihilate Forest on Saturday and frankly on such form, I cannot see their equals anywhere, much less their superiors.  Liverpool may be their most dangerous challengers, but with a programme such as they have to face only a superhuman effort can now take the title to Anfield.  If Liverpool prove themselves capable of such an effort no man could begrudge them the honour, for never would it have been more richly earned.  That £75,000 fee Everton paid for Fred Pickering, far from assuming cheque book madness, yet another example of true managerial sagacity.  It is one thing to have money to spend and quite another to make sure it is invested in substances nor shadow.  I never entertained the slightest doubt that Pickering was other than the best available answer to Everton’s greatest need- the killer punch where it is most effective. 
BACK TO 1960-61
Those who did, and there were some who went to Goodison to bury Pickering, not to praise him, can only be chartered by the realisation that club welfare must always be paramount to individual idolatry.  Only Pickering has scored three goals at Goodison Park this season -and he has done it twice in as many opportunities.  This was the first treble by an Everton player since season 1960-61 and the certainty is, this is surely the first with more to come.  By the way can you recall who last had two Goodison trebles in a season to his name?  The answer to the poser, surprisingly enough is Bobby Collins.  When Pickering failed to score with a hook shot in front of goal in five minutes there were murmurings round the ground.  Even a “We want Young” shout was heard, and Pickering, trying so hard to by a success, held his head on his hands in sheer frustration.  Mercifully, little more than a minute later the opportunity came for him to strike again- and how he struck! He restored the ball into the roof of the net, after Scott’s cross had been headed out.  For many this meant immediate acceptance.  The more doubtful and less easily converted reserved judgement.  The fastidious will debit Pickering with another miss when he hooked Temple’s centre wide in twenty-six minutes, but the centre forward was universally accepted as a true blue just after the half-hour. 
THOROUGHBRED LEADER
Only a thoroughbred leader could have scored this.  He took the ball over to the right, across a well packed defence, flicked it sideways just a pace or two until he had produced a right of goal.  That was enough.  Then, wham!  From 23 or 24 yards range he hit such a power drive that no goalkeeper on earth would have had a chance of saving. That was it, the ground exposed and re-acknowledge to a man who will surely fill the gap left by the departure from fine shadow of Dean and Lawton as no man had ever plugged it in the interim.  Even when play had been restarted the hum and excited gratification continued, and if in forty-three minutes his impetuosity, as he grabbed at the prospect of a sensational third, caused him to squander the easiest chance of the match, the criticism had gone.  Pickering had arrived, and the crowd showed it with their chant of “Picker-ing, Picker-ing, Picker-ing.”  When Scott centred just to the rear of the penalty spot in eighty minutes, in went Pickering again, and the dream was complete with his third goal in the net.  Between these scores, Stevens had registered in eight minutes, Vernon with a magnificent drive in fifty-nine minutes, and Stevens completed the six in eighty-three minutes, his first double for Everton.
COSTLY GOAL
No one paid very much attention when Rankin, as he had threatened to do more than once, allowed a rebound to run forward dangerously and this time Vowden pushed it into the goal (85 minutes).  Not until the post-match reckoning was the significance of this score realised, for it allowed Tottenham to retain leading place on goa, average.  Without it, Everton to-day would be proud leaders of the League.  Inevitably the report of his match must be a report on Pickering, for in a most impressive all-round team show, with terrific displays from kay and Vernon his was the name in every conversation.  All the players made way for a triumphant exit and showed their feelings by joining in applause such as Pickering had never experienced in his football life.  This is only the start!  The perfect centre forward then?  Not on your life! I don’t quibble to the least with his acceptance of about fifty per cent, of his opportunities.  By modern standards that is efficiency of high order.  He is not in the same class as a ball player as Young neither does his heading compare with that of the deposed centre forward, but he has in rich abundance what so few of his calling can boast, both match-winning appreciation and realisation.  “What will he do without Bryan Douglas?” asked the doubters.  Pickering showed them.  He will score far more goals with Everton than he could ever have hoped to claim with Blackburn.  £75,000! Yes, and cheap at the price! If one had not seen the abundant merit in Pickering’s play over and over again, caution might have been advised before going overboard at this initial burst of glory with Everton.  Not so here! With ordinary luck Pickering can prove to be the link to make Everton as well known and feared in Europe as they are in England.  Jealousy there will be elsewhere will more than atone for that.
WHY DENY CREDIT?
His signing was achieved in the most business-like fashion, while potential competitors, equally able to pay the price held off doubtfully.  Why then deny Everton the credit for making their assessment at express speed and completing the deal with an urgency which backed their view that Pickering’s success was no more bubble of uncertainly!  Contrast Pickering for a moment with frank Wignall, the man for whom Everton accepted £20,000 from Forest.  Wignall, in this game, showed himself to be willing, hard-working and not without merit, but can the gulf between them be accurately assessed at £55,000? Not on your life!  In a nutshell, Harris will make a Meagan come-back difficult, and Brown, opposed by Forest’s best forward, winger Hinton, still earned a good credit rating.  Temple was a better winger than Scott, although both have fared better, and seemingly the threatened competition from Young can only make Stevens a more valuable player.  Whitefoot’s merit is as obvious as ever and Mochan was a full back of ability in a Nottingham team in the transition stage.  Strangely, they made more scoring opportunities than their single success implies – but then, they had no Pickering.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Vernon, Temple.  Nottingham Forest; Grummitt; Hindley, Mochan; Newton, McKinlay, Whitefoot; Kear, Vowden, Wignall, Addison, Hinton.  Referee; Mr. H.G. Wilson (Stocketon-on-Tent).  Attendance; 50,065. 

STOKE CITY RES 2 EVERTON RES 0
Liverpool Daily Post- Monday, March 16, 1964
Young, Morrissey, West…the array of talent in Everton’s second team on Saturday was formidable enough for a First Division championship game.  Yet for all their big-name line-up, Everton found the going tough and unrewarding in this rain-soaked Central League match at Stoke.  City’s enthusiastic youngers marshalled by old stager Clamp a wing half who has recently bene put on the transfer list at his own request, found the quagmire playing surface more to their liking than Everton’s talented performers.  Young was obviously a cut above his Central league company in class ands style, but too was baffled buy the conditions and Clamp’s quick-fire tackling when it came to finishing off promising approach work.  Mitchell scored Stoke’s first goal after sixteen minutes and six minutes later Phillpott chased Clamp’s through-pass to net the second goal. 

VERNON IS SUSPENDED FOR 14 DAYS 
Liverpool Echo - Monday 16 March 1964
Cautions Bring Sentence Starting To-day 
MISSES THREE GAMES 
By Leslie Edwards
The F.A. Disciplinary Committee, meeting in Sheffield to-day, suspended Everton captain and Welsh international inside forward, Roy Vernon, for 14 days, starting to-day.  Thus, at this most important stage of the season for both senior clubs in Liverpool, both captains are out of the game for a fortnight—an event which can never have happened before in the long history of the game in this City.  Like Ron Yeats, of Liverpool, Vernon must miss three games—those against Blackburn, his former club, on Saturday and West Bromwich, at home, on Good Friday, and  Blackpool at home on Easter Saturday.  Everton directors Cyril Balmforth and Fred Micklesteld accompanied Vernon to Sheffield for a personal hearling, which took 70 minutes. 
CAUTIONED 
Vernon had not been sent off. His punishment arises.  I understand, from the number of times he has been cautioned on the field.  He was last cautioned in the game against Birmingham at Goodison Park on February 18.  The secretary of the Disciplinary Committee, Mr. Douglas Hawes, said when announcing the suspension:—  " The committee decided they were satisfied that Vernon adopted an aggressive attitude towards an opponent after being tackled in the Birmingham v. Everton match on February 18 and that the referee was justified in administering a caution.  "In view of the misconduct on the field of play and the warning issued on February 1, the committee decided that Vernon should be suspended for 14 days from to-day. His previous conduct had been referred to the committee.  "Having asked for a personal hearing, Vernon was ordered to pay the costs of the commission."  Vernon refused to comment on the decision.  Immediately the hearing was over, the news was communicated by telephone to the Everton manager at Goodison Park.  With Everton running Spurs so close for the League title, which they hold, the loss of Vernon, who is playing brilliantly at the moment, could be a decisive blow.  The committee consisted of Mr. Noel Watson (chairman), Mr. Harold Shentall and Dr. Andrew Stephen.

YOUNG’S REQUEST HAS TO WAIT
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express, Monday, March 14, 1964
BOARD NOT MEETING
By Leslie Edwards
Alex Young, Everton and former Scottish international centre forward, deposed on Saturday by the club’s big signing from, Blackburn Rovers.  Fred Pickering has sent his club a written request for transfer. The club manager, Mr. Harry Catterick received the letter this morning.  Young’s reasons for wanting a move are that he has not been happy lately at Everton.  In view of this, and of the fact that he has lost his first-team place, he has asked the club to consider transferring him.  The letter will be discussed at the next board meeting, the date if which has not bene fixed.  It is clear, therefore, that Young is unlikely to be transferred before to-night’s deadline.
DISAPPOINTED 
Mr. Catterick said: "I was naturally very disappointed to hear in the first place about the possibility of a transfer request through the Press.  This may be in breach of Football League regulations.  "I cannot say what the Board's reaction to Young's request will be. After all, we are in the running for the Championship and Young is still under contract to us!'  Many Everton fans, while agreeing that the club needed more punch from the centre of their attack, are convinced that some place should be found, elsewhere, for a player of Young's calibre.  Other transfer news to-day:  Spurs have paid £30,000 for Jimmy Robertson. St.  Mirren's Scottish Under-23 outside left. He signed this afternoon.  George Kirby, former Everton and Sheffield Wednesday centre forward, has been signed by Coventry City from Southampton for £12,000.  Preston signed Barrow centre half. Mike Wearmouth, a local product.

LEGS-ELEVEN PICKERING CONVINCES
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express, March 16, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
Most Everton followers went with an open mind to see Fred Pickering and came away convinced he's worth whatever the club paid.  With three of his team's six goals—their best bag this season—the new boy paid an early dividend and with luck and more of his solid shooting he may collect a championship winner's medal within the next six weeks. But why credit him with a hat-trick on his debut ? Have we so far forgotten the fundamentals of sporting custom that a hat-trick is three goals whether they are scored successively or not? To score the last two goals in one match and the first in the next is more of a hat-trick than the one credited to Pickering, whose goals were interlarded with those by Stevens and Vernon.  It is difficult when a player has arrived at a new club to divorce him from the glamour and suspense of his transfer—and there was plenty of both.  For some of the 50,000 who came in the rain to see his first game for Everton he could do no wrong from the start. For others, and there were a few pro-Young partisans about he had to prove himself the hard way. The pro- Pickering brigade may have invested his play with quality it did not always possess; the contenders that Young "should be in the team somewhere" went away convinced, I imagine, that for effectiveness and punch Pickering has it every time.  What a world of difference there is between the two men physically if not temperamentally. Young is dainty, with no great physique and specialises in making goals;  Pickering, who must have the best pair of pins in soccer —they look like a couple of young oak trees—is palpably all power and drive for goal . There could not be more different types to lead a line and it depends on what you are after which you prefer. Everton plainly feel that they have sufficient bullet-makers and not enough firers of them in which event the big man is just the sort to fill a need and help take the club not only to the top in Britain but to a leading place Internationally.  Allowing that Pickering could not have made his bow in more unfortunate circumstances he could scarcely have done more. He needed those three goals to live down the early mistake which might well have shaken his confidence irreparably in the first few minutes.  With his back to goal and the need to swivel on to the ball and crack it in from a few yards, he executed the swivel and then kicked clean round the ball! It was not an easy chance, it is true, but one a great player should always take and it was well, I think, that only a few minutes had gone before he retrieved himself with a well-taken goal from a headed pass by Stevens.  Everton went two up almost immediately after from a goal taken at the second attempt by Stevens and Everton's and Pickering's day was made.  If I am right in my assessment Pickering, until his second goal did no more, no less than one would have expected from any average-to-good centre-forward. But this second goal really showed his power, his class as a centre-forward of the kind we used to see long before the War when the leader's job was solely to crack the goals and leave the provisioning to those better adapted to do it.  He made a quick opening and from almost a standing start hit a right-foot shot which struck the netting and dropped to the turf like a stunned bird.  This was a great shot in anyone's book; this was why he was worth between £80,000 and £90,000, this was the delivery which marked him as something special. 
Public congratulations 
Vernon made it 4-0, Pickering shot again dynamically for 5-0 and then Stevens got Everton's sixth Forest's goal by Vowden, a poor return for a great deal of expertise in mid-field, completed a memorable day with the man of the moment getting the public congratulations of his captain; of opponents and of 50,000 who may well have seen in his performance the beginnings of an Everton era taking in other distinctions than Cup and League competition in this country,  For a big man and on Saturday on a treacherously slippery pitch, Pickering moved competently and well.  One detected about his play, late in the second half, some weakness when he had the ball at his feet and McKinlaystood guard waiting to see whether the forward could send him the wrong way. The Forest centre-half, a good one admittedly, won most of these personal battles.  It was in the all-important business of chance taking with power and accuracy that Pickering demonstrated what a desirable force he is to have.  With six goals in two appearances at Goodison Park this season there should be no doubt as to which ground he considers his luckiest—particularly as in two previous games against Forest this season he had not scored at all. ..  There was much else to like about Everton—Stevens the crafty craftsman whose domain is the centre of the field: Vernon (who can never have played harder to make a colleague's debut day a success); Kay, Labone (one of his best games this season) and Harris. Rankin found the greasy ball escaping his grasp toe often and had a couple of streaky moments when his foot rather than his hands prevented a goal, but the result was right even if the margin may have flattered ...  Forest played as one expects any side managed by John Carey to play—ball on the turf, cleanly, cleverly, sportingly. Whitefoot, until he tired, was outstanding.  Forest have a very good one in left-back, Mochan and a speed merchant all too fast for Brown in Hinton, once of Wolves.  It was good to see Wignall again—and linking the flanks more expertly than he did when he was with Everton.  But his big shot was never unleashed. And there was one of the salient difference between the sides.  Forest had no finishers. Everton had Pickering, admirably aided by Stevens and Vernon. 

LEAGUE PROBE DELAY LIKELY
Liverpool Echo * Evening Express, March 16, 1964
AFTERMATH OF PICKERING DEAL
Asked to-day when the Football league’s proposed inquiry into the Pickering transfer deal to Everton would take place, Mr. Alan Hardaker, Secretary of the League, said; I have no comment whatever.”  My own view (Leslie Edwards) is that inquiry might take weeks, if not months, and that the League may have great difficulty in pinning down statements attributed to this man of that before the transfer took place.  Football authority has found in the past that it is easy for allegations to be made, a different matter for them to be substantiated. 

14 DAYS’ SUSPENSION
Liverpool Daily Post -Tuesday, March 17, 1963
VERNON TO MISS THREE MATCHES
Roy Vernon, the Everton captain and Welsh international, will miss Saturday’s game at Blackburn Rovers and the first two home games -against West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool-of the easter programme.  This follows the last 14 days suspension, which began yesterday, imposed on him by an F.A disciplinary Commission in Sheffield yesterday.  Vernon asked for a personal hearing which lasted for 70 minutes and afterwards the commission announced; “The Commission decided, from the evidence adduced that they were satisfied that Vernon adopted an aggressive attitude towards an opponent after being tackled and that the referee was justified in administering a caution. 
MUST PAY COSTS
“In view of his misconduct on the field of play and the warning issued on February 1, Vernon he suspended for 14 days from Monday, March 16.  His previous misconduct had been referred to the committee.  “Having asked for a personal hearing, Vernon is ordered to pay the costs of the commission.”  The commission comprised of G. Noel Watson (chairman), Dr. A. Stephen and H. Sherntall and the match considered was the Birmingham v. Everton fixture on February 18. 
Mr. Cliff Lloyd, secretary of the Professional Footballers’ Association said after the meeting.
“It is terrible that a player should not have a right to appeal.  This is something we have taken up with the F.A. before and in view of certain findings we shall have to consider taking up the matter again.  “I cannot comment on the decision.” 
Vernon was not sent off on February 18 and was called before the commission because of the caution he received in that game.  He would not comment on the decision and the next match he will be available for the return at West Bromwich Albion. 

MAIL UP-AND WHAT A MAIL!
Liverpool Echo % Evening Express- March 17, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
Mail up ! Rarely have I had such a postbag about two topics—the outgoing of Alex Young and the letter from a Mr. Easthope in which he said Manchester United fans were a lot of parrots. 
Read on. . 
I am delighted at the signing of Pickering. At long last Everton have a 'centre forward in the Lawton-Dean mould. But Young is much too good a player to be allowed to leave.—T. A. Wainwright, 102 Huyton Lane, Huyton. 
I wrote Mr. Catterick asking him to sign Pickering and so supply the forward line with punch, but why was Alex Young, the finest footballer on the books, dropped?  If Everton want to keep their gates they should keep Young.—M. F. Lowe. 5 Gorsewall Street, Liverpool. 
Why Mr. Catterick pays £90.000 and then drops a man worth twice as much is beyond us. We are not attending any more Everton games.—Tony, John. Fred. 95 Abbott Street, Liverpool 5. 
I approve the Pickering deal, but maintain that some place should be found for the man he displaced. As I see it, the only deficiency Young suffers from is height and weight. —C. T. Watson, 13 Fozcovers Road, Bebington. 
I am disgusted that the most brilliant footballer ever to wear an Everton jersey should be omitted. — R. E. C. Pye, 20 Warwick Street. St. Helens. 
The dropping of Young must be considered a blinder.  I applaud the signing of Pickering, but surely there is a spot somewhere for Young'.—J. Bohan. 22 Yew Tree Road.  Higher Bebington. 
I think many Evertonians will miss matches until Alex is back. He has helped us so much in the past. — Bill Brown. 3a Hopwood Street, Liverpool 5. 
Well, it has happened. Pickering for Young looks like substituting crash for class. — D. A. Moore, 26 Sandon Street, Waterloo. 
Those who write you screaming for Young not to be left out make me sick. Who should be left out if not Young?—P. de Basil, 5 The Crescent. Rhyl. 
How in the name of logic can Everton leave Alex out?  Surely he's the best and cleanest player on Merseyside. — John Mitchell, 2 Webster Avenue, Bootle.
SUPREME SOCCER SKILLS
Young, after scoring in both games after his injury, should have been found a place.  He is one of the cleverest players in Europe to-day-D. Jones, 36 Alderson Road, Wavertree.
I went to Goodison.  The main driving force was, of course, Pickering.  I said to the man next to me; “Take a good look at this fellow.  He’s the nearest approach to Dean I ever saw.” –Harry Blanken, 176 Walton Village, Liverpool.
Admittedly Mr. Catterick has a problem in deciding who to leave out; but it shouldn’t be Young, most skilful and entertaining player to tread Goodison Park in post-war years.  He’s the personification of supreme soccer skills.- David Corrin, 113 Hebden Road, West Derby. 
If Young ever leaves Goodison Park, Everton will lose a lot of support.- E. Edwards, 24 Huskisson Street, Liverpool.
You won’t find me at Goodison Park tomorrow (March 14).- F. Bond, 156 Queens Drive, Liverpool 13.
Pickering played schoolboy football as a forward.  It was only when he went to Blackburn that he was tried as a back.- A. Evans, Bath Street, Southport.
Old Trafford parrots were chanting United long before they got to Wembley.  Chanting didn’t start at Goodison Park, but in Brazil on the occasion of the World Cup.- G. Green, 60 Overleigh Road, Handbridge, Chester.
We sing our own songs to the Saints marching song; we also have a few misguided supporters who copy the “Off, off, off” and “Easy, easy, easy” cants which emanated from Glasgow and Merseyside.  United fans are a fair-minded lot, appreciating good football when they see it.- E. Wolfenden, H.M.S. Eagley, Salthouse Dock, Liverpool.
Mr. Easthope is correct in his criticism of Manchester United supporters, but why single them out for their adoption of the “Cha, cha, cha” battle cry? Nearly every club in the country uses this since we at Anfield started it in our promotion season.- A.M. Lindsay, 7 Sibford Road, Liverpool 12.
Manchester United fans have a half dozen different theme songs, most of them with words to match-John Jellicoe, 15 Palatine Road, Bromborough.
It was Liverpool fans, hearing their Brazilian counterparts, who started the football chant.  Where did Everton get their “Easy, easy, easy,” chant if not from Glasgow Rangers? True Red, Crosby Road, Waterloo. 
What a nerve Mr. Easthope has.  When Everton went to Sunderland they had to borrow our “Yeah, yeah, yeah” song, because Z-Cars conflicted with Sunderland’s customary theme.- S. Rule, Kirkby.
The awe-inspiring pomposity of Mr. Easthope’s letter brought me to a pop=eyed half.  That an Evertonian should call Manchester United, or any other supporters a parrott leaves me spluttering and speechless.  The phrase, ‘United, a battle cry made famous on the terraces of Goodison Park’ reduced me to a jabbering wreck. 
There is not one itsy witsy bit of the Goodison repertoire which is home grown.  The roots of nine-tenths of it are in consecrated ground i.e., the Kop. This leaves the “Easy, easy,” which was lifted unashamedly from those queit unassuming Ranger’s supporters who came to demonstrate the correct way to behave at away matches…
Liv-er-pool is the original chant performed by massed choirs at the first home game of the 1962-63 season and commented on in the Football Echo.- A.D. Hynes, Earlestown Road, Wallasey. 

THAT WAS THE DAY…
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- October 18, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
Recollections of Dean's sixtieth League goal in a season and the effect it had on some spectators comes from Morris Roberts, of 50 Barndale Road, Liverpool 18: "About the forthcoming benefit game for W. R. Dean, the greatest centre-forward of my time, and Mr. Frederick W. Hughes' letter recollecting Dean's record of 60 goals in League football during 1927-28 season.  "Harper of Blackburn Rovers held the record for the First Division with 43 goals, beating Freeman's previous record of 39 goals. Camsell, of Middlesborough, had scored 59 goals in the previous season in the Second Division and the incitement and excitement came when Dean needed three goals to beat Camsell's score, against Arsenal—the last match the late Charlie Buchan played for Arsenal. "The applause when Dean scored his third was terrific and it took some time to get the ball back to the centre line. I threw my hat in the air and lost it. I lost another one when Everton beat Sunderland in the Cup tie after extra time.  "Your colleague was correct when he stated that a spectator ran on the pitch. As Dean was bowing his head modestly in acknowledgement of the idolatrous storm a low-comedy looking chap evaded the police and stumbling up to Dixie managed to shake his hand. The game had be suspended until he had been helped off the ground by to a policeman.  "The first comedian's turn had been such a success a second was seen frantically rushing for Dixie's he got a shake and before Dean realised it the second man kissed him.  "The patience of the referee was exhausted; he seized the second man by the scruff of the neck and bundled him off the ground."  "As Everton's championship in 1927-28 had been assured before the Arsenal match, the League Championship Cup had been sent in advance to Goodison Park for presentation and it was presented to Warney Cresswell by Mr. J. McKenna, President of the League." 
CRI DE COEUR
H.H. Jones, from 8 Ffordd Gobaith, Mochdre, Colwyn Bay, says; “The latest stroke of genius in the buying Fred Pickering would be cancelled if Alex Young left.    “Should Everton retain the championship Young is the class of player they must have in their clashes with the top Continental teams.  To-day’s football demands brains and not brawn. 
“Please! Cannot nothing be done to prevent the suicide of selling Alex Young-if he is worth 50,000 pounds to some other team he must be worth that to Everton…who don’t need the money.” 
And W.V. Coalter, 85 Keir Hardle Drive, Bootle, 20, observes; “I wonder if the Everton team realise by allowing Notts Forest the cushy goal at the end of Saturday’s game they forfeited top position in the League.  Assuming Forest hadn’t scored, Everton goal average would have been 1,408 and the Spurs’ 1.389.” 

NEWCASTLE RESERVES 1, EVERTON RESERVES 0
Liverpool Daily Post- Thursday, March 19, 1964
Only 340 spectators turned up for Everton Reserves’ visit to Newcastle.  Considering that Newcastle fielded two Welsh internationals in Hollins and Burton, plus costly right winger Hockey, and Everton had West, Young and Morrissey in their line-up, it should have been a good game, but it was not.  West wasn’t doing too badly until he was hurt in a collision with home leader Guthrie, after thirty-one minutes, and he limped for the rest of the game.  Young never did a thing of note from start to finish, and the only forward who showed a few nice touches was Shaw.  But, as a whole, the tempo never got above walking pace and there were no thrills.  The goal which decided the issue came from Webster after seventy-four minute but if McLaughlin had accepted a second half chance, from Shaw, Everton would have hot a point, Bristol City manager Freddy Ford came up to watch Newcastle’s transfer listed right back McKinney, but he was declared unfit just before the game. 

EVERTON’S AUSTRALIAN TOUR PLANS
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Thursday, March 19, 1964
FIRST MATCH ON MAY 2
EIGHT GAMES
Everton will leave for their Australian tour the day after they complete their League programme with a home game against West Ham.  They meet the London side on April 25, and then fly from London Airport on Sunday, April 26.  A party of 23 will make the trip.  There will be three directors- Messrs Holland Hughes, Fred Micklesfield and Cyril Balmforth –manager Harry Catterick, chief coach Tom Eggleston and 18 players.  They arrive in Sydney on Tuesday, April 28 and start the return trip on May 30.  The eight matches planned are;- May 2 v New South Wales, at Sydney cricket ground; May 4; v. Queensland at Brisbane cricket ground; May 10; v Australia at St. Kilda, Melbourne; May 13 v South Australia at Norwood Oval, Adelaide; May 16; v Australia at Sydney Show-ground; May 20 v Western Australia at Perth cricket ground, May 24 v. Victoria at St. Kilda, Melbourne, May 27 v Newcastle at Newcastle N.S.W. 

EVERTON’S ROY VERNON SAY…
Liverpool Daily Post- Friday, March 20, 1964
EASTER WILL BE CRITICAL PERIOD
The season is alive again.  But for a friction of a goal, Everton would now be leading the First Division table for the first time this season.  Still, it is the team on top at the end which counts, no matter where it may have been for the rest of the journey.  From now to the end of Easter, I believe, may be the critical period in this battle to the death and my only regret is that I shall not be out in the middle assisting my club during these tremendously important games.  The captain of the other team across the park (his name eludes me for the moment…like me is sentenced to the role of onlooker for three matches, although how much looking I shall do is a doubtful point.  I don’t think I could stand looking on at a time when results are of much consequence, and yet I hate the thought of being away from it.
A REMINDER!
The first match I shall miss will be that against my old club, Blackburn Rovers, to-morrow, and if there is one team more than any other everybody wants to play against it is his former side, I know Fred Pickering is looking forward to it.  I have reminded him that when last he played for Rovers against us, he scored three times.  It is only fair he should balance the books by hitting three for us.  I thought he took his success against Nottingham Forest with remarkable composure.  He knew what the cost of failure would have cost of failure would have been in crowd reaction, but he just went out and showed what a tremendous finisher he is.  I have long held the belief that a player who scores a lot of goals will also miss a lot as well.  Any man who keeps on having a bang and scoring three out of every five or six chances is doing his job as far as I am concerned.  A centre forward who is reluctant to have a bang lays himself open to criticism.  The type of player who feels like crying when he is beaten is the sort of chap I would always have in my side.  Cry-babies? Not at all.  The lads who hate to lose appear least often on the beaten side. 
NO PASSING PHASE
I doubt very much if I could ever make a living out of football forecasting, but I really believe if Everton win at Blackburn (and my fingers are tightly crossed) the only question then remaining in the Championship race is -who will finish second?  That is how confident we are at Goodison.  The team played splendidly against Forest and this, following our display at Tottenham, suggests that this is no passing phase.  There were doubts in my mind of Spurs’ ability to stay the exacting course after I saw them last, but since then they have gone on a spending spree and have taken three new players to White Hart Lane.  If they all come off trumps together, they can still revolutionise Spurs’ prospects, but history is not without examples of large-scale reinforcements taking time to knit into the rest of the side.  This is a calculated risk that Spurs have to take.  Tomorrow’s game with Manchester United at white Hart Lane could be the yardstick by which their immediate prospects are to be judged.  United are not yet out of the chase, so that this game is very similar to our own at Blackburn.  If United win it may be a setback to Spurs’ but Manchester United would underline their determination to fight to the finish, but Manchester United would underline their determination to fight to the finish.  The pace we have set for our rivals this year has been a killer.  We have taken sixteen points out of the last eighteen in an unbeaten run of nine games, four of them away.  That is championship form with a vengeance.  Even by winning all our remaining matches we still could not equal our 61 points with which we won the Championship last season.  In fact, only Spurs and Liverpool have the opportunity of doing it and frankly I don’t believe either of them will.  If we can total 58 points, I am certain the Championship will be ours.  In fact, I think we can win it with a lower total than that.  Yes, it is likely to be pretty cut-throat about the table top from now to the end of the season. 

YOUNG INJURED
Liverpool Daily Post, Friday, March 20, 1964
The great guessing game indulged in all week by Everton supporters since the suspension of Roy Vernon, folded up last night, for no matter who manager Harry Catterick decides to play at inside left at Blackburn to-morrow it will not be Alex Young.  Mr. Catterick has announced that Young damaged an ankle while playing for the reserves at Newcastle on Wednesday night and has been ordered to rest.  He will not play in any game this weekend.  Blackburn Rovers will probably keep the side which drew 2-2 at Birmingham last week.  This means that George Jones, £35,000 signing from Bury as centre forward replacement for Fred Pickering, will play his first home game for his new club.  For Reg Blore, former Liverpool and Southport forward, this will be his third senior game since joining Rovers on November 5.  The stand-in for the injured McGrath is likely to be Joyce, the half-back Blackburn signed from Burnley.
AUSRALIAN TOUR
Everton will play eight matches in twenty-five days during their tour in May of Australia.  Eighteen players, in addition to directors, Holland Hughes, Fred Micklesfield and Cyril Balmforth, manager Harry Catterick and trainer Tom Eggleston, will fly from London on April 26, following the completion of their League programme the previous day, The playing itinerary is; -
May 3 v New South Wales at Sydney cricket ground; May 4 v. Queensland, at Brisbane cricket ground; May 10 v. Australia at St. Kilda, Melbourne; May 16 v. Australia at Sydney Showground; May 20 v. Western Australian, at Perth cricket ground; May 24 v Victoria, at St Kilda, Melbourne; May 27 v Newcastle at Newcastle, N.S.W. 

THIS IS PARAMOUNT IN PARRAMATTA
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Friday, March 20, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
What is paramount in Parramatta among scousers exiled in Australia? The visit in May of Everton, who will have circled the globe by plane and covered some 6,000 miles in Australian domestic flights before their busy down-under tour is over. Oddly, most of their games will be played on cricket grounds and one on a pitch usually reserved for Australian Rugby football. Meanwhile, B. Roberts, who lived in Maghull when he followed Everton at Goodison Park writes saying that 40 Evertonians now living near Sydney—at Parramatta, are busy making rosettes and rattles to give Everton the best welcome they have had since they came home from Wembley with the Cup.  And talking of Wembley on the day West Ham and  Preston meet there in May Everton will be in far off New South Wales starting their tour at Sydney cricket ground.  They play Queensland at Brisbane on May 4; Australia at Melbourne on May 10; South Australia at the Oval, Adelaide three days later and Australia again at Sydney cricket ground on May 16. There follows a match at Newcastle next day; a fixture against Western Australia at Perth cricket ground on May 20 and a final game against Victoria, at Melbourne, on May 24.  I can well imagine that by the time the team have flown back via Honolulu they will be more than ready for their first holiday of the close season.  They will go from one rainy season to another in that May is one of the wettest months in Australia.  From cuttings I have received over the past week or two the Aussies' reception of Everton may be mixed.  There have been some tremendously vicious adjectives applied to the Everton club and their following. Everton have made their protests about these in the appropriate quarter. 
More valid point 
The ankle injury to Alex Young after two games in the reserve team saves Manager Catterick the embarrassment of deciding whether or not to find a first team place at Blackburn to-morrow. It is possible that Colin Harvey, the young man "blooded" in Milan last autumn will get another senior chance.  At least one follower of Everton thinks that Young had done nothing in those two reserve games to justify his recall to the first team. Another told me: "Putting Young in a Central League game on mud before 250 people at Newcastle is like asking Sir Malcolm Sergeant to conduct a music ball orchestra or Sir Laurence Olivier to get inspiration from being asked to perform at a night club in Chorlton-cum-Hardy!  Maybe he has something... Fred Pickering's appearance at Ewood, where many fans were critical of him for leaving a potential championship side at a critical moment, will take many Everton fans to Blackburn.  It should be a hard interesting game, the crux of which will be “Can Blackburn fine dome means of keeping their old idol off the goal standard?” 

HARVEY DEPUTISES FOR VERNON 
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Friday, March 20, 1964
EVERTON AT BLACKBURN
YOUNG UNFIT
By Leslie Edwards
Alex Young, the Everton centre-forward who asked for transfer earlier this week, is not in the side chosen to play at Blackburn to-morrow. He damaged an ankle in the reserve match at Stoke last Saturday and the trouble re-occurred in the Central League game at Newcastle on Wednesday.  A specialist has ruled that the injury may keep him out of the game for a week or two.  Colin Harvey, the young Liverpool boy who played in the European Cup-tie against Internazionale in Milan, takes the inside-left vacancy caused by the suspension of Roy Vernon for 14 days, beginning last Monday. It will be Harvey's first League game. 
PITCH IS HEAVY 
The Blackburn pitch is very heavy and Mr. Catterick will not make up his mind until to-morrow whether to play Brian Harris or Mick Meagan at left-back. Blackburn Rovers are unchanged. Irish internationals McGrath and McEvoy, the League's top scorer, are still ruled out by injury though it is hoped they will be fit for the Easter programme.  Rovers expect their biggest crowd of the season, well over 40,000. All stand tickets have been sold. Gates open at 1.30 p.m. and the local police join with the Rovers in an appeal to spectators to get there as early as possible.  Blackburn;- Else; Bray, Sims; Clayton, England, Joyce; Ferguson, Jones, Blore, Douglas, Harrison.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Meagan or Harris; Gabriel, Labone, Kay, Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Harvey, Temple. 

TWO POINTS AT BLACKBURN AND EVERTON ARE WELL ON TITLE WAY
Liverpool Daily Post, Saturday, March 21, 1964
By Horace Yates
Blackburn Rovers may not be the end of the road in the Football League championship stakes, but Everton’s match against them at Ewood Park to-day might well be decisive in keeping the title on Merseyside.  If Everton capture two points, I know the players will feel they have safely surmounted their Bechers and that the rest of the race merely calls for stamina and dedication to duty.  It is unfortunate that neither team will be at full strength.  Everton are without their leading scorer and skipper, Roy Vernon, following his fourteen days’ suspension, while Blackburn have to find substitutes for their leading scorer Andy McEvoy and international half back Mick McGrath.  We shall now never know whether Mr. Harry Catterick the Everton manager, would have experimented with Alex Young in an inside forward role, for ankle injury rules him out.  In view of the fact that he has plumped for nineteen-year-old local youngsters Colin Harvey, tom make his League debut in Vernon’s place, appearances suggest that a fit Young would have played.  Harvey’s only previous outing with the seniors was in Italy against inter-Milan last September in the European Cup match, so that he has had to wait six months before finding his patience and ambitions rewarded.  Very often in the League race it is not the club which has been hovering around top place for most of the season which eventually carries off the championship, but one which comes up on the rails in a fighting finish along the final straights.  Of the contenders I cannot see any club, taking into account the remaining fixtures, capable of a more powerful finish than Everton, as they did it magnificently last season, and the odds against them staging a repeat performance have shrunk considerably with the signing of Pickering.  Rovers may easily pack in their biggest crowd of the season to see the Blackburn boy turn his shooting talents on his former colleagues.  Although his ability is well known at Blackburn, especially in Mike England who has had the task of opposing him frequently in practice matches, practise and the real thing are often quite different.  I believe England will learn to-day just how difficult a man Pickering is to subdue.  It is because he requires so little room in which to release his scoring drive that he is such a menace and of all the centre forwards playing today, I doubt if any can boast a more accurate shot.
HAS DONE MUCH
Pickering has done much to but Blackburn into their present challenging position.  Yet, I look to him, as the who most likely to end Rovers little ambitions for the season.  Everton have sometimes failed dismally when they have shot had the inspiration of Vernon’s lead and example but that was all in the pre-Pickering era.  They will miss Vernon to-day, for not only is he a finisher but a creator.  In the skipper’s absence Everton must see to it that Pickering’s fangs are not drawn by lack of opportunity.  Possibly every bit as dangerous a finisher from an inside position is McEvoy.  He rammed home the two goals by which Blackburn won at Anfield.  Still Everton have Liverpool’s example to encourage them.  The Anfield team, although losing at home, won at Blackburn.  Everton must do the same to serve notice of their intent to keep the title.  One point would be useful.  Two would be invaluable.  I don’t believe there will be invaluable.  I don’t believe there will be any half measures about Everton today.  I look to a clear-cut victory.  Mr. Catterick has not yet decided between Mick Meagan and Brian Harris for the left back position.  I should be surprised after his highly competent display last week if Harris did not gain preference. 
FIRST OPPORTUNITY
For Rovers supporters this will be their first opportunity of seeing youth international George Jones brought from Bury for £30,000 to compensate for the loss of Pickering.  He scored on his first outing at Birmingham last week.  If Everton Are to boost their chances of taking the lead not only must they win, but they must prevent Rovers from scoring.  That may be a difficult enough task, but infinitely easier than it would have been if there had been a Pickering and McEvoy in the opposing forward line.  Blackburn Rovers; Else; Bray, Sims; Clayton, England, Joyce; Ferguson, Jones, Blore, Douglas, Harrison.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris or Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Harvey, Temple. 

STRECHERS ON AT EWOOD
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 21, 1964
There were amazing scenes during the interval at the match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton, at Ewood Park, this afternoon when thousands of Everton supporters tried to move down the ground, via the terraces, to get behind the goal Everton would be attacking in the second half.  They came to a full stop opposite the half way line as the people already there refused to let them through.  The police had to bring out many spectators on to the running track round the ground to prevent them from being crushed, but finally the exodus from one end to the other was achieved by the police, who shepherded the Everton fans to the space behind the goal where they wanted to go.  The referee, with the players on the pitch, held up play while all this was going on, and a few people were taken off on stretchers. 

LATE GOAL GIVES BLUES TOP-OF-TABLE VICTORY
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 21, 1964
TEMPLE, SCOTT SCORE IN TOUGH EWOOD GAME
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1, EVERTON 2
By Michael Charters

Blackburn Rovers; Else; Bray, Sims; Clayton, England, Jones; Ferguson, Jones, Blore, Douglas, Harrison.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel (Captain), Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Harvey, Temple. Referee; Mr. W. Crossley, (Lancaster). 
Everton, with Gabriel captain in the absence of Vernon, came out in a new strip – yellow jerseys with black cuffs and black around the neck.  There must have been some 15,000 Everton supporters in the big crowd and the appearance of Pickering against his old club gave great interest to a match vital for both clubs in their challenge for the Championship.  Harvey, making his league debut, was prominent in Everton’s first attack which ended with Pickering heading the ball into the arms of Else.  Harvey and Sims had to have attention after a midfield crash of heads with Harvey making a plaster put on a cut above his left eye.  England won his first duel with Pickering and got the ball away and already there was some strong tackling from both sides.  The referee spoke to Ferguson after a foul on Kay and the tempo of the match was hard, fast and furious.
BRILLAINT SAVE
The first shot of the game came from Harrison –a quick left footer which Rankin saved brilliantly at full stretch, turning the ball round the post for a corner.  When Harris was beaten by Ferguson it led to a strong Rovers’ attack which almost brought a goal.  The ball was moved over to Harrison who cut past Brown and his fast shot hit Labone foot and was deflected on to the crossbar.  In a fierce goalmouth scramble it was Gabriel who brought the ball away to safely.  Stevens was the next man to be spoken to by the referee for a tackle on Douglas.  Rankin made another fine save from a deflection off Gabriel after Harrison had fired the ball in from a free kick ten yards outside the penalty area.  Pickering, coming back to help his defence, blundered with a back pass to Rankin, putting the ball straight to Douglas who had a great chance as Rankin came out quickly, but shot against the goalkeeper’s legs. 
STOPPED ON THE LINE
Everton got an indirect free kick in the Blackburn penalty area for obstruction on Scott and from the kick Harvey flicked the ball towards the goal only for Bray to stop it on the line.  So far, Harvey had shown some nice touches.  Stevens was spoken to again by the referee for a foul on Douglas and the tempo of the game was far too fierce in every way.  One of Everton’s best chances came when Pickering went out on to the right wing, from a pass by Harvey, and brought the ball into the penalty area before slipping it across to Scott who mistimed his shot completely.  Bray’s retaliation on Stevens brought a tickling-off by the referee, and with half-an-hour gone there must have bene the best part of 20 free-kicks so far.  Play was mainly centred in midfield with the game continuing to be as rugged as any match I have seen this season.  The tackling, first time and tough was strong with the defences on both sides hardly allowing the forwards any chance to create openings.
DEFENSIVE SLIPS
Everton were certainly lucky not to be a goal down after one or two defensive errors.  Brown slipped up in tackling Harrison and from the winger’s centre Ferguson hit the ball against Rankin’s body.  Harris should certainly have cleared the rebound but failed to do so, giving Ferguson another chance, but he hit the ball against the upright from no more than three yards range.  Joyce had his name taken for a foul on Stevens and then came one of the few pieces football so far as Temple weaved his way through in a long run.  He gave the ball to Harvey but the youngster lost possession after beating two men.  Pickering had his name taken for tripping England but it was Everton who gained the free kick.  It happened when Pickering was going through from a pass by Stevens, and England plainly pulled him back by the jersey.  As the ball ran on Pickering turned and tripped England which earned him the referee’s censure.  From the free kick Gabriel lobbed the ball forward and Else made a comfortable catch.  Pickering missed a great chance a moment later when he shot wide from an unmarked position.  Half-time; Blackburn Rovers nil, Everton nil.
In the opening move of the second half England made a fine interception from Kay’s accurate pass which was going straight to Pickering.  Pickering made a good header from Gabriel’s free kick with Else diving and holding the ball on the line.  Three minutes after half time Blackburn went into the lead through Douglas.  Ferguson made a splendid long run holding off a series of tackles before slipping the ball to Douglas who beat Rankin from ten yards as the goalkeeper came out.  Everton could not find any rhythm in attack- for that matter Blackburn did not have much either.  The game continued to be hard and unrelenting.  Jones got the ball in the Everton net but Rankin had been fouled by Douglas, and the result was a free kick to Everton.  Before the kick was taken Harvey had to have more attention for the cut over his eye which had opened again.  After 59 minutes Everton equalised through a wonderful shot by Scott.  Everton had been turning on the pressure for some minutes and Harris took the ball up the left wing before sending a square pass to Scott who caught it, first time, with his right foot and sent a swerving, powerful shot into the top of the net from 18 yards.  A couple of minutes later Scott almost did it again from a similar move.  This time his shot went straight to Else.  From a throw-in near the corner flag, Jones worked the ball cleverly into the penalty area and delivered a fine shot which Rankin turned round the post for yet another good save. 
PICKERING QUIET
Everton were beginning to play much better now with Scott and Temple coming more into the game.  Kay and Gabriel had been Everton’s best player with Clayton outstanding for Rovers and England also doing a fine job in keeping Pickering very quiet.  The second half had been much better than the first from the point of view of football and there were some god moves from both sides now.  Indecision by Everton’s defence on the left enabled Jones to go down the right wing and from his centre Blore headed the ball just past the post with a great opening.  Seven minutes from the end, with Blackburn doing all the attacking, Harrison put the ball in the net, but a linesman had flagged him offside.  Blackburn protested strongly that Harrison had been played on but the goal was disallowed.  Rankin saved from Blore and the Everton defence was taking something of a hammering towards the end.  Everton were hanging on desperately with only a few minutes left to play.  With only seconds left to play Temple made a magnificent 50 yards run, cutting in from the wing before beating Else with a superb right foot shot.  Temple’s brilliant individual goal had been the highlight of one of the hardest fought games I have seen this season.  Final; Blackburn Rovers 1, Everton 2. 
LANCASHIRE LEAGUE
Burnley A nil, Everton A 3

A PLAN FOR RESERVE FOOTBALL
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express –Saturday, March 21, 1964
By Alex Young
Playing before 350 people in a reserve game at Newcastle on Wednesday afternoon was a remarkable experience for me. It struck me that something could be done to produce more interest for the reserve teams of First Division clubs. Why not let the reserves from some of the wealthier  clubs replace the Fourth Division sides which seem certain to drop out of the Football League in the near future through lack of money?  In cities like Liverpool, Manchester. &c.. A clash with more attractive games could be avoided by playing on a suitable evening –say Friday.  Mid-week attendances at Goodison Park and Anfield indicate that there is a sizeable public not able to attend matches on a Saturday afternoon, but only too keen to watch evening matches.  If the first team had a bad season and the reserves. In Division Four, were engaged in an end-of-the-season flight for honours, any move to play better class men in the reserves could be stopped by a rule of preventing a player from appearing in the second team with 10 days or so of turning out with the first team.
PROBLEM
I think it has been proved now that a team which is to go places in top-class football must have on its  staff some 15 or 16 players of first team calibre, so when everyone is fit the task is to keep the other  four or five happy in the reserves.  If the competition in which the second team plays were made more interesting, then we would have gone a long way towards settling one of football's most tricky problems.  Back in the First Division, things seems to be going right at the right time for Everton, and if ere running a book on the Championship then they would certainly be my favourites.  Fred Pickering.
Note
Alex Young had hoped to give in his column the reasons which prompted him to ash for a transfer.  Unfortunately dub rules forbid publication by players of matters of this kind.

EVERTON RES V BURY RES
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 21, 1964
Everton Reserves; West; Parnell, Darcy; Rees, Heslop, Sharples; Shaw, Humphreys, Hurst, Hill, Morrissey.  Bury Reserves; Knowles; Gallagher, Butterfield (G); Leech, Stokoe, Morrin; Claxton, Simpson, Bartley, Beaumont, Durrant.  Referee; Mr. F.W. Gilbert (Wolverhampton).  There was only a handful of spectators to watch this Central league match but the players seemed to be full of enthusiasm.  For the first 10 minutes Everton Reserves were well in command with H8umphreys putting in a couple of first-class shots after runs down the middle, but goalkeeper Knowles was in a good form.  He beat Humphreys to the ball at the last minute on one occasion and from the resultant corner made an excellent save from Hurst’s header.  After 14 minutes Everton Reserves found themselves a goal down following one of Bury’s fare raids.  The ball came in from the left wing and as everybody dithered in front of the goal, BARTLEY tapped the ball from about three yards out and it went off a defender into net.  Encouraged by this Bury showed improvement and some of their movements, starting with centre half Stokoe had the Everton defence bamboozled.  Bury’s approach work was much superior to Everton’s but West was having little to do, whereas Knowles was being kept at full stretch.  Shaw put across one low centre which three Everton forwards never saw and Morrissey, with only Knowles to beat, missed the ball completely.  Half-time; Everton res nil, Bury Res 1. 

MERSEYSIDE CLUBS FIGHT FOR BTHE FIRST DIVISION TITLE
Liverpool Daily Post, Monday, March 23, 1964
EASTER WEEK-END GAMES MAY DECIDE
NO BETTER TIME TIO SCORE WINNER, SAYS HERO DEREK TEMPLE
BLACKBURN ROVERS 1, EVERTON 2
By Horace Yates
On and on go Everton! Ten successive matches, without a defeat and only two points lost, have swept them from the threat of comparative mediocrity to the glittering rule of League leaders.  The surge of power responsible for the transformation, fat from showing signs of weakening, is gathering strength all the way.  Everton are better placed for a Championship triumph this season than they were last.  The tide is with them and Everton are riding it like experts.  Only a finishing burst to match Everton’s recent example will be good enough to give any of the rivals a glimmer of hope of taking over at the top.  Are any of them capable?  Undoubtedly, Liverpool are best placed to stage a challenge, for if they can win their matches nobody, not even Everton can challenge them.  The question is, can they? It is a hard road along which they have to travel.  The effort required is tremendous, but the rewards offered are equally terrific, including as they do, an introduction to the riches of Europe.  The incentive to a grandstand finish in a true battle of Merseyside might could not be greater.  If the Easter games leave the title as precariously balanced as it is to-day the pressure on Everton will increase considerably, for the next week undoubtedly heaps on Liverpool their greatest testing time.
A TRAVESTY?
Everton will never come closer to defeat without actually going down than they did at Blackburn.  Yet, I feel they would resist most vehemently any suggestion that luck hastened to their aid in possibly the most difficult game remaining in their fixture list.  Blackburn supporters on the other hand, unhesitatingly labelled this a travesty possibly more by that clinching last minute Temple goal than by anything that had proceeded it.  Always there will be controversy over a verdict decided of no late a stage, but just as Everton from bitter experiences have learned to live with misfortune, equally they have learned to count their blessing.  Frankly, I admit any thought of an Everton triumph had been abandoned in my mind as Blackburn exerted tremendous pressure in the last quarter.  To that stage the exchanges had been even ought to justify a drawn game, both sides creating and missing offerings in turn.
NEAR DISINTEGRATION
When the pendulum swung Everton’s, packed defence suggested that their main objective was to preserve a point.  Even this comfort came within an see of disintegration, for Ferguson, who had emerged as the menace in chief following his positional switch with Douglas, put Harrison through.  The winger ran on to beat Rankin and the referee promptly awarded a goal- with only six minutes remaining.  Then it was the linesman’s upraised flag was observed and the score was disallowed on the grounds of offside.  Mr. Ron Suart, the Blackpool manager, in direct line with the incident told me after the game he considered it was a perfectly fair score.  My view, from a much less favourable angle, was that if the goal had been allowed, I could not have disagreed with it, verdict it was as close as that.  Even some of the Everton players were doubtful, but they had no doubt whatever that the first goal of the match, credited to Douglas (49 minutes) again following Ferguson’s triumphant raid from the wing was undoubtedly offside.  Scott, with a really superb shot from the line of the penalty area, produced equality in 59 minutes.  Despite occasional alarms a sharing of the spoils always appeared the most likely and most equitable result.  Then, with spectators leaving the ground, Temple struck with a heroic do-or-die effort.  He took up the ball near half-way, raced along touch, beat two players as he cut into goal and seemed hopelessly sandwiched between Bray and Joyce.
DANGEROUS WINGERS.
Indeed, I thought Bray had incurred a penalty kick as he pulled Temple back, but the winger tore free to hit a great shot into the top corner of goal.  This was almost a replica of the one he scored recently at white Hart lane to demonstrate conclusively what a thoroughly dangerous winger he can be.  That is the right time to score.” Temple told me after the game.  “It doesn’t give the other chaps any chance to hit back.” Of course, that in one way of looking at it, and a goal at any earlier stage could hardly have produced the thrill of the kill which struck Blackburn like a bludgeon blow.  Before the game, manager Harry Catterick was recalling that Ewood Park had hardly been one of the luckiest grounds.  One season he broke an arm there, another year he broke his nose, and last season, I suppose, he broke his heart as he saw Rovers gain a last-minute penalty goal triumph.  This entry on the opposite side of the ledger must help to restore the balance! Blackburn will point to their quota of bad luck when Blore, from directly in front of goal, somehow managed to head the ball inches wide of the post.  Then, of course there was the disallowed goal and a near miss when a fierce Ferguson drive hit the post.  Everton could easily retort -what about Pickering’s king of misses, when from the only time in the match he did not have England breathing down his neck, he sides footed wide with time enough to have scored at leisure?  Debutant Harvey beat Else only ton find Bray standing on the goal line to kick clear.  One other nasty moment for Everton came when Labone pushed out his foot and sent the ball crashing against the crossbar.  Ah yes, there were several nasty moments when Everton lived dangerously!
WEEK OF ARGUMENTS
The rival supporters possessed ammunition enough to argue for a week on what might have been, but Temple’s goal was the most effective last word possible.  Because of the importance of the result in the Championship race, the way in which the chips have been thrown together in recent times through the Pickering transfer and the fact that Everton had not forgotten the humiliation to which Blackburn had subjected them at Goodison Park, this clash clearly had more than an ordinary quota of rivalry.  Not surprisingly it showed in the play, with fouls occurring at the rate of one every two minutes.  Not all of them were trifling in nature and although Joyce and Pickering were booked by the referee, nobody would pretend that the most obvious offenders had been called to account.  A referee more demonstrative than decisive, must accept his share of the blame.  Not only was he too long in producing his book, but when he did, he came down heaviest on men who had scarcely erred, while the rest wrongdoers went merrily about their way.  Pickering accepted his complete blot-out, for that is what it was, by Mike England almost as inevitable.  These inseparable companions at Blackburn (England and Pickering’s best man at the wedding) were equally inseparable on the field and when it was all even, they left the ground still together.
“BEST IN BRITAIN”
On his way Pickering told me; “What could you expect? Mike is just about the best centre half in Britain to-day.  He is so much teller I had no chance in the air and he played me just as I don’t like being played.” Incidentally, it was for a trip on England, after the centre half had injured in some jersey-tugging that caused Pickering to be booked.  There will be these who with good reason will label England as the man of the match, for the way he blunted Everton’s central approach.  Others will recall the danger of Ferguson, the continuing ball play of Douglas, the unflagging endeavour of Clayton or the fine display of goalkeeping by Rankin the admirable spirit of Harvey, despite his head injury, the thrust from the Everton wings and the skilled all-round display of Gabriel.  For me Tony Kay stood head and shoulders above them all! If ever a has working wonders with a footballer, that three-weeks has been transformed Kay.  He was always a good player, but now that he concentrated exclusively on playing football, he is better than ever.   What a debt Everton owed to him both in attack and defence.  He accepted the most outrageous fouls, with no more than an appealing glance at the referee.  Moreover, not a lot of players in this clash can claim that never once did they come into conflict with the referee, but Kay can! The way in which he kept his head when there all around were losing there was as obvious as it was praiseworthy. 
NOT A BAD DAY
There were times when the need arose for a steadying influence in Everton’s ranks.  Kay provided it. I suppose by now Kay would wonder what had happened if he were not booed as he left opponents grounds.  Blackburn supporters did not disappoint him in this respect, but their demonstration could only here come from force of half rather than merit.  Kay accepted it all with a huge grin and a cheery wave of his hand.  He could afford to smile- especially as he was to discover later, he had booked first and second in the Grand national.  “Not a bad day all round,” said Kay.  How’s that for an understatement?  Blackburn Rovers; Else; Bray, Sims; Clayton, England, Joyce; Ferguson, Jones, Blore, Douglas, Harrison. Everton; Rankin; Brown, Harris; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Harvey, Temple.  Referee Mr. W. Crossey (Lancaster) attendance 35,142. 

EVERTON RES MET SOUND DEFENCE
Liverpool Daily Post, Monday, March 23, 1964
EVERTON RES 0, BURY RES 2
An excellent display by Bury reserves goalkeeper Knowles, their sound defence, and Everton Reserves failure to take own chances, gave the visitors both points from this Central League game at Goodison Park.  Everton maintained a constant attack for most of the game but could do little against the bigger Bury defence.  The usually dangerous Shaw was well contained by full back Butterfield and when he did escape the back’s attention, he had little luck.  Bartley got the first Bury goal at 14 minutes after a left-wing centre had the Everton defence in a tangle, and at 50 minutes Simpson scored when a shot by Durrant rebounded off the post. 

TEMPLE’S BRILLAINT GOAL MAY KEEP TITLE AT EVERTON
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express, Monday, October 23, 1964
By Michael Charters
If Derek Temple plays football for another 15 years he will not score a better or more valuable goal than the one with which he beat Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.  Immensely valuable because it could bring the First Division championship to Everton for the second successive year.  Immediately thrilling because it was one of these purely individual affairs which the Everton winger has specialised in this season.  And what a time to hit the winner.  There were seconds to go when Temple picked up a clearance on the half way line and set off on his long-striding way, jinking ever inside from the touch line with the ball under fine control.  He brushed off tackles from Clayton, Bray and Joyce- there was more than a suspicion that his jersey was held, but he still moved on through what seemed a wall of Blackburn defenders who came at him time and again.  It was only when he reached the edge of the penalty area that it was suddenly appreciated he could score; it hardly looked possible at the start of his run that he would have the stamina or drive to go through on his own after such a gruelling strength-snapping match.  Let Temple take up the story from there;- “I was on my last gasp by the time I’d got the ball inside the penalty box, but with the last bit of strength left I hit it with my right foot.”  Blackburn’s goalkeeper Else dived to his left but the ball was past him and swirling into the top netting before he had left the ground- a goal in a thousand, no ten thousand, not only a match winner but possibly a title-winner.
WHAT A CLIMAX
It was a fantastic climax to what had been one of the toughest, hardest-fought games of the season.  There were 38 free kicks -21 in the first half, which means a stoppage nearly every two minutes.  Tackling on both sides was instant, heavy and ruthless.  Referee Crossley was a busy man, ticking off players for retaliation and lunging body checks.  The first half was not football, it was almost a war of attrition and was indicative of what happens when two sides meet in such a vital game with so much a stake.  Fortunately the second half lost much of the earlier fiery tempo and there was some expert, entertaining football from both teams, making us wish that the whole game could have been played in the same way.  There was so little between the teams that I think a draw would have bene the fair result.  The first half is best forgotten because good moves were so rare.  No player could hope to hold the ball or work an opening before he was swept to the ground –if the first tackle failed, the second or third connected.  Afterwards the cut and thrust of the game became much more acceptable.  Blackburn took the lead just after half-time as right winger Ferguson, a fine, strong mover on the ball, swept into the middle in a relentless run and passed to Douglas, who scored from close range.  The Everton players thought he was offside.  Everton began to play top class football after that and when Scott equalised- another brilliant goal – justice was done and seen to be done. 
THE UNEXPECTED
The goal was made by Harris, who moved up on the left, passed across the edge of the penalty area and Scott scored by doing the unexpected expertly.  Instead of running on to the ball and hitting it with his left foot, which would have been the normal thing to do in the way he was positioned, he connected with the outside edge of his right foot and produced out of his bag of tricks a swerving, powerful shot which was in the net before Else moved.  Scott almost scored a few minutes later from a similar move, but after that Everton seemed to have settled for the draw and played a defensive game.  Blackburn put on tremendous pressure and Everton’s defenders, although remaining cool, were at full stretch trying to keep out the strong Jones, Ferguson and Harrison.  Centre forward Blore missed from close range with a header, Rankin made a magnificent save from Jones, and Labone produced his best in these hectic closing minutes.  Seven minutes from the end, Harrison hit the ball under Rankin into the net and the referee signalled a goal, then reversed his decision as a linesman had his flag up for offside.  It was a was based on whether Harrison had moved past Brown before jones passed the ball or whether he had gone past Brown so quickly that he was onside when the ball was last played.  It was Blackburn’s final fling, with Temple’s tremendous goal still to come which put Everton clear at the top.  The great performers of the day for Everton were their half backs.  Kay, with a superbly controlled display, was outstanding and did more than anyone else to keep Everton efficient when the going was at its toughest.  Gabriel and Labone were splendid. 
FINE SAVE
Rankin, with his startlingly quick reactions, made many fine saves, but Harris looked rather unhappy defensively, yet brilliant when he moved forward with the ball.  Brown, beaten early on by Harrison’s power, recovered for one of his best games.  Up front, Pickering was completely subdued by England, now being called the best centre half in the business.  The Welshman had a great game and only Hurley rates in the same class in my book.  Pickering only had one real chance (he obviously missed Vernon) and shot wide, with his worst moment being when he had his name taken for retaliation against England, who had pulled him back by his jersey. And this between best friends!  I thought young Harvey did exceptionally well on his League debut.  Early in the game, he had a bad graze above his left eye which needed a plaster to stop the bleeding, but he worked hard and effectively in the same way as Stevens.  Both were given a defensive type of role; both did their chores successfully.  Scott and Temple, the scorers were Everton’s most consistent forwards, however.  It was thought in Vernon’s absence that they could prove the match-winners and so it turned out.  For Blackburn, apart from the immaculate England, I give full marks to Clayton, Ferguson, Harrison and Douglas, top class performers in a grand side which may have lost their title hopes to Temple’s goal, but are one of the outstanding teams of the season. 

OMITTED FROM UNDER-23
Liverpool Daily Post, Wednesday, March 25, 1964
FIRST ENGLAND CAP LIKELY FOR PICKERING
Fred Pickering, Everton’s £75,000 centre forward signing from Blackburn Rovers will lead England’s attack against Scotland at Hampden park on April 11.  That, least, in my reading of the announcement yesterday of England’s Under-23 team to play France in Rousen, only three days prior to the full international encounter, with no mention of Pickering.  Pickering’s last appearance for the junior England side was against the Scots at Newcastle when he scored three goals.  In face of such a performance, his claims, Pickering surely would have been an automatic choice this time.
On April 11 Everton are at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers (and Jimmy Melia) so that an honour for Pickering would deprive the club of his services in the tense struggle for the League Championship. 
APPLICATION STANDS
Possibly it is with thoughts such as this in mind that Everton have been content to take no action on Young’s recent application for a transfer, a request which I understand has not been withdrawn. 

MORRISSEY IS THE STAR
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Wednesday, March 25, 1964
Left winger Johnny Morrissey was Everton’s star in last night’s 6-3 slamming of Manchester United before their own supporters in the semi-final of the Lancashire Senior Cup.  It was great stuff from Everton, despite the ground conditions with the pitch waterlogged, but they adopted the right tactics.  It brought them the goals they deserved while United floundered.  Everton went into a 2-0 lead with goals from Humphreys and Morrissey, and even when United, in a sudden burst, equallised through Quixall and Anderson, they were still superior near goal.  It brought them a deserving second goal to Morrissey to give them a 3-2 half-time lead, and Morrissey’s third goal following an indirect free kick was a model of timing.  Always Everton kept plugging away, with their defence sound and wing halves Barry Rees and George Sharples going forward into the attack.  But they were caught when United full back Cantwell fired in a shot which Barnett in goal, checked but could not prevent going over the line.  Stuart Shaw and centre forward John Hurst, however, made sure Everton got what they deserved by clinching victory with the fifth and six goals. 

EVERTON WAIT ON KAY
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Wednesday, March 25, 1964
Everton have delayed selection of their team to meet West Bromwich Albion, at Goodison Park on Friday because wing half Tony Kay has a sore throat.
WEST BROM PROBLEM
Former Scottish schoolboy international inside forward, Bobby Hope is set for a recall to West Bromwich Albion’s team.  Inside left Alex Jackson hurt his leg at Chelsea last week and is to have a fitness test to-morrow.  The other inside forward, Tony Brown, is not available because he is playing for England in a youth tournament in Holland over Easter.  Former Burnley inside forward, Ronnie Fenton, who was Jimmy McInroy’s deputy at Turf Moor for three seasons, has also been out of action for three weeks and will have a fitness test with Jackson.  Hope, who has himself been dogged by injury this term, has only had three first team outings.  He has been in sparkling form in the reserves recently and manager Jimmy Hagan will not hesitate to recall the young Scot if the occasion arises.  The defence will be unchanged from the Chelsea game. 

INCREASING STRIDE
Liverpool Daily Post, Thursday, March 26, 1964
Everton will surprise most people if they do not take West Bromwich Albion in their great and increasing stride at Goodison to-morrow.  While the championships, who so like the description that they atloath to let it go, have not lost a single League game this year.  West Brom have not won a match on an opponent’s ground since the turn of the year. In fact, their last away win was at Tottenham on December 23.  Maybe there is a warming in that, for the Midlanders took three points out of the Londoners over Christmas.  Just in case they may have similar ideas this Easter with Everton, there is the warning.  If they take notice of their manager, and all the evidence is that they do, Everton will not make the mistake of underestimating their opponents.  Vernon’s contribution and influence will be missing and just as it was felt at Blackburn its absence will leave some effect to-day.  But victory was won at Blackburn and not by any standard can the size of to-day’s task the likened to that against Fred Pickering’s old teammates.  Pickering was not at all happy about the blank he drew at Ewood Park and I shall be surprised if West Brom succeed in keeping him in similar subjection.  A disturbing note was the announcement that tony Kay was suffering during the week from a sore throat, but latest indications are that he will be fit to play.
SAME TEAM?
There is no hint Young has sufficiently recovered from the ankle injury to be considered for selection, so the odds are that last Saturday’s side will be retained.  West Brom are unable to choose their attacks until the outcome of fitness tests to-day are known. 

YOU, MR. FAN, MAKE THE CITY WHAT IT IS
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Thursday, March 26, 1964
By Leslie Edwards
What makes this city such a fine centre for football ? Not Everton, not Liverpool, but the man on the terraces; the man who must pay, in the long run, every penny our senior clubs spend on transfers and overheads. The voice on the telephone (and he's been watching soccer at Anfield and Goodison for 40 years and more) makes the further point that where Everton and Liverpool send between ten and fifteen-thousand to an away match other clubs find difficulty getting that number at their home games. He's right, of course. The strength of a club is measured not on what money it can afford to spend, but on what support it can command, week in, week out.  Isn't it strange though, that Everton are now being criticised for spending too much money and their neighbours for not spending enough?  If Merseyside is at last getting the best they have waited long enough for it. Even now considering the remarkable support they get neither club has not won as many titles as they should have. Indeed, good Liverpudlians, angry that no signing was made to counter the loss of Jim Melia, are going round saying: “I hope their money burns in the bank!"  To-morrow at Goodison Park and Tottenham we start the busy Easter burst of League games which will go far towards settling the championship. It will be a strange Easter if it does not produce surprises: a stranger one if it does not indicate much more clearly than the current League table the shape of things within the final few weeks.  Everton? Liverpool? Manchester United? Or Spurs? They are all there with a chance and three games in four of five days can sort out the situation in quick time.  Form and fixtures point to Everton; Manchester's United's preponderance of home games suggests that they may well finish second.  On the basis that the better the opposition the better they play the title is a CERTAINTY for Liverpool 
From eighth to top 
Assuming the weather stays kind the two games at Everton should produce tremendous attendances, with the aggregate well over 100,000. On the face of it they should have no trouble in beating West Bromwich Albion tomorrow and Blackpool on Saturday, but not all the "easy" teams have gone quietly at Goodison Park this season, Everton's rise from eighth in the table at Christmas to top of the table has come about through their taking 18 points of the 22 played for since then. In the same period Spurs have taken only 11 points.  It has not escaped the attention of Evertonians that Liverpool's last away victory in the League was, believe it or not, on December 21.  If memory serves, Albion came here and won (was it not Ronnie Allen's debut day?) seasons ago to put Everton in the Second Division.  It could be that Everton will use their rivals this time as a stepping stone to a further championship. If I were Harry Catterick I should be inclined to get the staff together to-day and ask for special all-out effort from everyone with a view to taking six points from three holiday games and virtually closing the door on all challengers.  Albion are a mixed-middling side whose morale wasnot improved by the rumpus not long ago when players "struck" against training minus track suit trews. They will also be without that remarkable young inside-forward, Tony Brown who played so well at Anfield and who is now otherwise engaged with the England Youth X 1 on their Continental tour.  All the world and his wife will want to see Pickering's third game with his new club. Roy Vernon must sit and watch, too, so it looks as though young Colin Harvey will be given yet another big chance.  Against Blackpool on Saturday Everton will be facing a side which is playing better than at any other stage this season. But even that should not be proof against a rampaging home side.  Arrangements for the Dixie Dean testimonial match are in hand and tickets (10s, 8s and 7s are available at the ground on personal application from Saturday onwards. The date: April 7. 
Finally, the inevitable. Yet one more man who does not like the relegation, even temporarily, of Alex Young to the Everton reserve side. Mr. G. Bowes, of 475 Princess  Drive, writes:  "This is not a ease for Alex Young but people might feel justified in reading deeper into Manager Catterick's statement about Young 'making the grade' as an inside  forward in the reserves.  "Alex Young made the grade as a Scottish International  inside-forward before joining Everton, and the  Press has acclaimed him as such ever since.  "Perhaps Mr. Catterick hadn't noticed but on Monday.  March 16, Roy Vernon was suspended for 14 days, and two days later, despite Everton's urgent need, Young was called upon to do another grade-making stint in the ' stiffs. "It would not seem an intelligent move to chance a top-class players being injured in a reserve game with important championship games on hand.  Whatever Mr. Catterick prefers to believe he cannot deny Young's natural ability or his contribution to the team's 1963 Championship win.  I may have quite the wrong impression but I can't help but feel that someone is trying to prove something and the ultimate result could make Everton F.C. a two time loser.  "They could lose not only a great player, but an even greater opportunity." Old Xaverians F.C. are again being visited over the week-end by Limerick Caledonians from Eire. Last year the same visitors came to see Everton clinch the League championship with a victory over Tottenham, and it is hoped that these distant Evertonians will be yet again a good omen.  During this tour two fixtures have been arranged—the  first against Old Xaverians on Saturday at the new ground  at Dingle: the second against the up-and-coming De La Salle 0.B.F.C. on Easter Monday at Gypsy Lane, Druids Cross, Woolton. 

KAY OUT OF EVERTON TEAM
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Thursday, March 26, 1964
HAS THROAT INFECTION
MEAGAN BACK
By Leslie Edwards
Everton to-day suffered a severe blow to their hopes of retaining the League championship.  Half-back Tony Kay misses to-morrow’s match at Goodison Park against West Bromwich Albion and is doubtful for the remaining two holiday games. Kay has a throat infection and because his wife and two of his children are also victims of a throat bug the Everton club have had Kay in a Liverpool nursing home for treatment.  “We can ill afford to be without Roy Vernon and now Tony Kay for the first two of the Easter games,” manager Catterick said.  “We had hoped Kay would respond to treatment, but I’m afraid he must be doubtful for Saturday and probably for the game at West Bromwich next Tuesday.”  Against West Bromwich tomorrow the attack remains as at Blackpool with Colin Harvey at inside left in place of Vernon.  Brian Harris moves up to left half to take Kay’s place and Mick Meagan returns to fill the vacancy at left back.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Harvey, Temple.  West Bromwich manager Jimmy Hagan has named seven forwards, Fenton and Jackson are to have fitness tests later to-day.  Standing by are inside-left Hope, who has played in only three first-team matches this season, and reserve left-half “Chuck” Drury.  West Bromwich Albion; Potter; Howe, Williams; Fraser, Jones, Simpson; Fogge, Fenton, (or Hope), Kaye, Jackson, (or Drury), Clark, 
GOODISON PARK SELECTED
IF CUP FINAL IS REPLAYED
If the Cup Final, at Wembley on May 2 between West Ham and Preston time the replay will take place at Everton ground on the following Thursday (7.30).  the only cup final replay at Goodison Park this century was in 1909-10 season, when Newcastle beat Barnsley 2-0 after a  1-1 draw at crystal Palace. 

ROY VERNON SAYS…
Liverpool Daily Post, Friday, March 27, 1964
NONSENSE TO CALLS US LUCKY EVERTON
Nothing riled more than the bleats after Everton’s wonderful victory at Blackburn last week than the cries of “Lucky Everton,” which went up from all sides.  No team has experienced anything like the bad luck Everton have had this season and I say without any fear of being proved wrong that no other club in the country could possibly have been in the position we occupy to-day had they had to contend with the sort if misfortunes that has come our way.  In the League title race it is common enough to hear and read of other interested clubs saying that if only some other club does this or does that to their chief rivals how far their hopes will be advanced.  If we retain the title, as I think we most certainly will, we will be able to please it on record that we have done it by our own efforts.  Look what has happened this year to bear out that statement,
HELPED OURSELVES.
Our principal rivals are Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday at one time seemed capable of putting up a challenge.  We have defeated Liverpool at Goodison, Spurs, Blackburn and Wednesday away from home.  Nobody has helped Everton as Everton have helped themselves!  Moreover, we believe we can see this thing through to a successful conclusion without aid from outside.  Our ambition is not only to remain unbeaten this year -and our run so far is quite remarkable -but to complete the fixtures without so much as another defeat.  A tall order? Maybe, but the only time I have known confidence of the type existing at Goodison Park to-day was this time last season- and it is history now how that season concluded.
TOUGH PROPOSITION.
We still have our trials of course for every club we play from now on will be doubly anxious to lower our colours and the visit to Chelsea could be an extremely tough proposition.  Thanks to the change in outlook suspended players are now able to keep in full training with their colleagues and I am hoping to come bounding back next week in the same confidence and form with which I left off.  Actually, I had never felt better all the season than in the last few weeks.  Everything seemed to be going my way.  No man, and I don’t care who he is or how good he is, can play 42 league games at peak form.  Everybody goes through an indifferent patch sooner or later.  My regret is that my suspension has to come now when I feel I could have done most for my club.  Had it come a earlier on when I was playing like a pudding, nobody would have worried unduly, myself included! By the time I write next week’s article I expect the position at the top of the table will be very much clearer and I am hoping that three spanking Everton victories will have made their contribution to a very happy state of affairs. 

PINCH, COHENSION MISSING
Liverpool Daily Post, Saturday, March 28, 1964
ROY VERNON SADLY MISSED BY EVERTON
EVERTON 1, WEST BROMWICH ALBION 1
By Jack Rowe
The value of Roy Vernon to the Everton attack was never better illustrated than in this match at Goodison Park yesterday.  He was missing because of suspension and so was the punch and, when you add to this the fact that there were precious few cohesive ideas, it does not take much to explain why a point was lost.  Everton produced so little of the form their supporters expect from them in this final drive for the championship that at the finish there was no surprise that section of them were calling, “We want football.”  Fred Pickering had a poor game, and it is ironic that the man who was brought to score goals never even had a shot worth the note, let alone look likely to get on the score sheet.  It is recognised that Pickering has limitations, but it was a surprise to me to see how easily and often he was beaten in the air by the Albion centre half Jones, who played so well that the challenge to his supremacy was meagre and ineffective.
DRIVE MISSING.
From Pickering’s point of view it must be said that he rarely received the sort of pass which a scoring centre forward needs, but for me a player of his reputed worth should have something else besides the ability to hit a ball hard.  Maybe Pickering has, and we have yet to see it, but it was certainly not in evidence yesterday, and unless temple could find one of his power runs -and they were infrequent -there was no drive or menace from the front line.  Harvey tried hard enough, and did not do too badly at times, but he is no substitute for Vernon and with Stevens making his effort and graft more in a defensive role, the attack was patchy and scrappy.  Indeed, they could not even score for the goal created to Everton was an own goal by centre half Jones when, in the 60th minute, he, Simpson and goalkeeper Potter could not deal with Scott’s low cross and it cannoned off the Albion man’s legs into the net.  Probably Everton just about deserved to be in front then because Albion, in spite of some good football midfield play, were equally punch less in front of goal and Rankin had not had a shot worthy of the name to handle.
TWO CHANCES
This was a game in which few chances were created, but two that were fell to Everton in the 21st and 29th minutes and should have been taken, the first was due entirely to temple’s brilliant in dribble and swerve and his shot was also good, so much so that Potter driving sideways could not hold it.  Out it went to the incoming temple who somehow drove it back against the fallen goalkeeper’s body from where it rebounded away.  Then, eight minutes later, the ball came across from the left and Stevens volleyed it inches over from little more than twelve yards out.  Albion performance in the second half was much improve.  Wingers Foggo and Clark began to make ground more readily and if Albion had their anxious times so did Everton, particularly when Rankin leapt to flick a Jackson shot over and when Gabriel and Labone made saving tackles when a goal seemed imminent.
LABONE, GABRIEL, BEST
With Everton unable to find a goal thurst -even Temple could not create a gap- it was always on the cards that Albion would grab a goal and sure enough they did, nine minutes from the end, when Foggo gained a corner on the right. He put it about head height towards the edge of the penalty area and when Harris failed to make headed connection Simpson did and the ball lobbed up and dropped over Rankin, who was a couple of yards from his line, and into the net.  From then until the finish, it was evident that Everton were not going to get more than a point and frankly I do not think they deserved any more.  Labone and Gabriel were the best in a defence which did not err very much, but one also has to wonder whether the drive and inspiration of Kay would have made a difference.  Harris did well enough, but with Vernon and Kay out of the side there is an important quality missing.  Let us hope Young can supply some of it to-day.  Howe also had a good outing in the Albion defence and besides Foggo and Clark, I thought centre-forward Kaye laid the ball about well in the second half, especially when he was able to move to the wings away from Labone.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Harris; Scott, Stevens, Pickering, Harvey, Temple.  West Bromwich Albion; - porter; Howe, Williams (G); Fraser, Jones, Simpson, Foggo, Fenton, Kaye, Jackson, Clark.  Referee Mr. G. McCabe (Sheffield). 

EVERTON FANS CALL FOR ALEX YOUNG
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express-Saturday, March 28, 1964
PICKERING BLOTTED OUT IN DISAPPOINTING GAME
By Leslie Edwards
The crowd in front of the directors’ box demonstrated as Everton and West Bromwich Albion players left the field at Goodison Park yesterday after drawing 1-1.  They chanted; “We want Young; we want Young!”  It was clear they thought Young’s presence in the attack yesterday would have produced more chances for Fred Pickering than he received.  It is no use having a great taker of goals if there is no one alongside to create openings, and if yesterday’s match proved anything it was that Pickering’s sole attribute is taking chances which others provide.  Rarely has an Everton centre forward suffered such complete eclipse.  The centre-half back he faced, Jones, has no special claim to fame, but he won the ball in the air every time and made the man who may lead England against Scotland next month seem one of the most innocuous players we have seen for a longlong time.  All might have been forgiven if Everton, minus Vernon and Kay through force of circumstance and Young, through choice, had held the lead they gained when Jones put through his own goal late in the first half, but nine minutes from time Simpson, a half back, headed a grand goal from Foggo’s corner and Everton were denied the point which may make the only margin between them and their Anfield neigbours at season’s end.  Neither Stevens nor young Harvey played well enough or even far enough upfield to make a close link with the new man.  Vernon’s value to the club and his ability to play defenders out of position was never better exampled.  Everton looked ordinary; certainly not like a championship team.  None could deny that an Albion who had made little of their chances before the interval, deserved a point for their much improved play afterwards.  It seemed that Harvey tired on fairly testing going, and that, except for Temple there was no one in the home attack likely to get a goal.  But for Jones’ inadvertent turning of the ball beyond his own goalkeeper from a mistimed centre by Scott, Everton would have gone goal-less.  It is true Temple was unlucky when Potter half saved his first shot and got his body in the way of the second shot the winger made as the ball rebounded to him, but one must not forget that Rankin made a great finger-tip save from Foggo and performed without fault in all his other work.  Fenton, a deputy inside right, missed a very good chance before Everton scored and an easier one immediately they took the lead at the 42nd minute. 
MANY MISTAKES
Conditions were not easy and it was a game of many mistakes.  There was no shot or header at goal from either side for more than 15 minutes Everton held the initiative once they scored, but Albion were close to an equaliser more than once before they finally obtained it with nine minutes remaining.  Gabriel captain and right half back was the outstanding Everton player for the quantity and quality of his work.  Labone dominated Kaye as Jones did Pickering but when the ball was on the turf the Albion centre forward used it accurately.  Brown’s play was as good as ever, but the rest, except for Temple look no more, no less than players belonging to a club holding a mid-table position.  Albion had good ideas, but both wingers, though clever, are small and easily brushed off the ball.  Howe showed himself to be far from spent after an indifferent beginning and the defence in general covered each other gallantly with Jones towering above his colleagues and, more important, above the very man Everton followers anticipated might have another joy day at Goodison Park. 

“SOLD SHIRT” –BUT WHAT COLOUR?
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 28, 1964
BLACKPOOL ARE FARING BETTER OF LATE
By Leslie Edwards
They are saying that this may prove “the championship of the sold shirt.”  The inference is that Everton, having brought Pickering from their Blackburn rivals, have brought success.  There was no necessity for Blackburn to sell if they didn’t want to; there was necessity for them to transfer the player to Everton if they didn’t want to.  It might well be that the championship will be recalled as the one of the sold shirt- but the question I would ask those who make this assertion is “Are you sure he colour of the shirt was blue-and-white and not red?  Blackpool, who come to Goodison Park to-day, will remember their last visit.  They were beaten 5-0.  They also lost to Everton at Bloomfield Road and when the teams met at Blackpool last November Everton got a point from a 1-1 draw.  Oddly Pickering was fated to play against Blackpool over Easter whether he left Ewood Park or not.  Blackpool have home and away fixtures with his old club during the holidays.  It is difficult, even at this stage, to realise that Blackburn and Matthews are not synonymous.  They said that when Stanley went Blackpool could never be Blackpool again, but the wise management of Ronnie Suart and careful husbandry –Blackpool gates would scarcely support Tranmere Rovers much less Everton or Liverpool –they are still battling in Division 1 and from reports I have heard of them in the past few weeks are doing better now than at any other stage in the season. 
EDGE IN DEFENCE
To have two England men in their defence-goalkeeper Waiters and full-back Jimmy Armfield –gives Blackpool the edge over most of their rivals defensively.  At left half the one time Tranmere Rovers inside forward.  John Green, who was sought by Liverpool before Blackpool took him, is making a success in a new sphere.  Young Alan Ball, at inside right, is one of the smallest but best prospects in the game.  He comes from the Farnworth area which has produced any number of good things for League clubs including the old Albion and England half back Tom Magee
SIDE TO WATCH
Normally half-time and final scores of rivals across the park are awaited with much impatience at Goodison Park or Anfield.  This holiday season the news will be received with even greater interest.  On the face of the Easter programme Everton could consolidate their position and make the title a near certainty.  This Blackpool side, however, is one they will have to watch carefully if my information is reliable –and I’m sure it is.
PEN PICTURE
ALAN BALL (inside-right)
One of the brightest features of the work of the Blackpool front line this season has been the progress shown by Ball. A native of Farnworth, he made his League debut at outside right against Liverpool at Anfield in the first match of last season.  This winter, however, he has settled down at inside right and has been earning high praise for his displays.  He signed professional at Bloomfield Road at the end of the 1961-62 campaign. 

EVERTON KEEP LEAD IN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 28, 1964
PICKERING (2) AND YOUNG EHAD GOALS
EVERTON 3, BLACKPOOL 1
By Michael Charters

Everton; Rankin; Brown, Meagan; Gabriel (Captain), Labone, Harris; Temple, Stevens, Pickering, Young, Morrissey.  Blackpool; Waiters; Armfield (Captain), Martin; Rowe, Gatrix, Green; Lee, McPhee, Charnley, Parry, Horne.  Referee; Mr. H. Richards (Oldham).  Everton made three forward changes from yesterday –one positional.  With Scott injured, Temple switched to the right wing with Morrissey on the left, and Young in place of Harvey (there was a great roar of appreciation from the crowd when Young’s incoming was announced over the loud-speakers).  Everton took the lead at the fifth minute.  From a Blackpool corner, Morrissey broke away down the wing, and this led to Everton’s goal- a brilliant header by Pickering.  Morrissey cleverly beat Armfield and took the ball almost to the goal line before making his centre.  Pickering flung himself at the ball and sent a bullet-like header past Waiters.  Pickering knocked himself out with the effort and the game was held up for a couple of minutes while he received attention.  Everton played better in the opening minutes than they had done for the whole of the game against West Brom yesterday.  Stevens sent Morrissey away with a fine Crossfield pass and the winger dragged the ball back to the incoming Harris, whose shot was saved at the foot of a post by Waiters.  Apart from Pickering’s fine goal, the centre forward was showing an adroitness of touch which few would have believed possible after yesterday’s exhibition.  He made a clever flick pass over Waiter’s head, which would have produced an open goal had any Everton forward been up for it.  After 16 minutes Everton went further ahead with another headed goal by Pickering and the crowd went wild.  Everton won three successive corners on the right, and from the last Pickering delivered a tremendous shot which beat Waiters but Martin headed clear from the goal line.  The ball went straight out to temple, whose fast centre was neatly headed home by Pickering.  Pickering who played so poorly yesterday, had the crowd in raptures to-day.  He beat three men before putting the ball out to Morrissey, whose centre was met by Young.  The Scot’s attempted flick struck Gratrix and went just over the bar, with Waiters beaten.  Everton’s domination at this stage, with the whole team moving well, was so complete that Blackpool’s defenders were putting the ball anywhere in attempt to get it out of danger. 
NAME TAKEN
Horne had his name taken for something he had said to the referee, and then Martin headed away for a corner as Pickering and Gabriel moved in four the kill.  Rowe, who formerly played in the Liverpool Zingari League, was Blackpool’s most prominent attacker.  He is over 6 feet, and he came up in most Blackpool raids and looked very dangerous.  Blackpool’s first serious threat, after 22 minutes, came from a left-wing corner which McPhee headed well, but Rankin flung himself full-length and clutched the ball safely.  Morrissey was doing particularly well on the left and he linked up neatly with Harris for the wing half to make a centre, which beat Waiters, Pickering and Young as they went up.  The ball went out to Temple who slammed in high and wide.  Morrissey was desperately unlucky not to increase Everton’s lead.  He started a move with the ball going from Young-Pickering-Temple and from the winger’s centre, Morrissey made a fine header which struck Waiters on the leg as the goalkeeper dived the other way. 
BACKS JOIN IN
Gabriel and Harris were moving up constantly to make a seven-man Everton attack, and one fine shot by Harris was touched at full length by Waiters for a corner. From Temple’s flag kick, Stevens moved the ball to the unmarked Young, who shot against Waiters as he came out.  Even Brown and Meagan were joining in the fun, with Brown moving up to try a shot which Waiters saved, and then Meagan being tackled deep in Blackpool’s half by Armfield.  Blackpool were making mistake after mistake with their passing.  Then came another escape for Blackpool. A delightful triangular move between Gabriel, Young and Pickering saw the centre forward head the ball across to Morrissey and it was only Waiters’ speed out of goal which prevented the winger getting a goal.  Blackpool came more into the game near half-time, but their finish was very poor.  Parry was spreading the ball about attractively, but little came of it.  Half-time; Everton 2, Blackpool nil.
At the start of the second half, Blackpool skipper Armfield, lined up at outside right, with McPhee at right back Armfield was limping.  Everton had lost some of their early power, and were not playing as well as they had done in the first half hour. 
MAKING MISTAKES
Everton were beginning to make mistakes in the same way as Blackpool –a good deal of inaccurate passing and little conclusion to their moves.  Morrissey was having bad luck with his shooting, although apart from that having one of his best games for the first team.  From a corner by Temple, Waiters misjudged his attempted catch and the ball dropped at Morrissey’s feet.  The winger had to shoot quickly and put the ball into the side netting.  Temple almost broke clear down the centre of the field, after a clever chip over Gratfix’s head.  He appeared to be obstructed by Green, but the referee waved play on.  Temple gave Young a good chance with a neat reverse pass, but Young shot right at Waiters.  Blackpool were now back to their original formation, and struggling hard to hold Everton, whose command of the game was still as complete even though not so satisfying as earlier.  Young tried to get Pickering away, but the centre forward, although putting the ball in the net, was offside Temple took a rebound off Martin and tried a shot but mistimed it, and Waiters had an easy save.  It was Morrissey’s turn for a shot next- both wingers were playing brilliantly –but he sent the ball swinging wide after he had beaten Armfield neatly.  Pickering suddenly set the crowd alight with a magnificent shot from 20 yards, following a corner, but Waiters produced an equally brilliant save.
POWERFUL SHOT
Brown produced his powerful shot to send a free-kick whistling over the bar from 25 yards.  Although Everton attacking incessantly they couldn’t break through the Blackpool defence with the ease as in the first half.  Temple was creating a lot of trouble by coming into the centre, and starting those long driving runs of his.  He and Morrissey almost engineered a goal between them, and it was from Temple’s pass shortly afterwards that Morrissey broke into the centre and hit a powerful low shot, which Waiters just turned round the post.  Everton’s defence had been so strong and the Blackpool forwards so weak, that Rankin had hardly touched the ball this half.  His first work for some 15 minutes, was to collect a simple header from Horne.  The play was quite quiet now and mainly centred in midfield, but it was Everton who had the stars of this game.  Their defence could not be faulted with Brown and Labone doing particularly well, and up front it was Temple and Morrissey who were doing most of the damage now.  Gabriel and Martin got at cross purposes near the touchline and the result was a free kick for Everton.  When Gabriel slipped up in midfield it allowed Lea a clear run through to goal, and Brown tripped him some 30 yards out.  From the free kick –after 80 minutes –Blackpool reduced the lead.  Green touched the ball to one side for Horne to hit a wonderful shot which flashed just inside the upright.  Pickering missed a chance of restoring Everton’s two-goal lead shortly afterwards.  He mistimed a header from Morrissey’s centre and sent it straight to Martin.  Green then missed an open goal for Blackpool after an Everton defensive mistake.  Three minutes from the end, Young got the greatest applause of the day when he headed in a cross from Morrissey, which Waiters completely missed as he came out.  It was remarkable that these Everton goals had all come from headers, and there was no doubt that they had been greatly superior to Blackpool, playing 100 per cent, better than they had done yesterday.  Everton 3, Blackpool 1. Attendance 49,504. 

EVERTON B V TRANMERE
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday March 28, 1964
The Everton defence was stretched by an aggressive Tranmere who mounted attack after attack, but most of their shots went wide until the 25th minute a cross shot from Parnell put Tranmere ahead.  Final Result Everton B nil, Tranmere R B 2. 

MATT PLAYS AGAINST US
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 28, 1964
By Alex Young
It is just six weeks until the first of three Australia-Everton "Tests," at Melbourne, but I am told that already a selected party of some 20 Australian footballers has started special training for these matches.  Mr. Ernie Batho, who formerly lived at Walton, sent me this information in a letter this week. He also says that the man who is taking charge of the Australian preparations is the former Blackpool wing half and captain. Jim Kelly. According to Mr. Batho, one of the members of Australia's defence will be a former Evertonian. Matt Woods. Matt is at present player  -manager of the Halioah club and, l am told, has a lovely home near Sydney, very close to the famous Bondi Beach. No doubt. Matt is looking forward to our visit, for he is a great pal of Roy Vernon and will obviously be pleased to see his former Blackburn Rovers team mate, Fred Pickering. Apart from the Melbourne match. Everton also play “Tests” at Adelaide and Sydney, and Mr. Batho assures me there will be a tremendous welcome for Everton from former Mersey-siders when they visit Sydney. He says there is a good chance of the “Everton cha-cha" chant ringing round the Sydney Show- ground when we play there on May 20. Australia seems to be taking her football very seriously these days, but when Hearts toured there some years ago. I recall that we had little difficulty winning the “Tests" and there seems no reason why Everton could not do likewise. 
VITAL RESULT 
Before Australia, however, there is the League Championship to be won, and I think that 2-1 Everton victory at Blackburn last Saturday might turn out to be one of the most vital results of the campaign.  But please, no cries of lucky Everton. May be Everton were a little fortunate to come away from Ewood Park with both points. I don't know for I was not able to get to the game, but after the way we have had to fight against injuries this season it would seem that we are entitled to what luck may be coming our way now. An appointment in Liverpool made it impossible for me to get through the traffic to watch the Everton match, so I did the next best thing and went to see the Grand National.  I was at Aintree on Friday afternoon also, but race-going proved an expensive pastime and the sooner I am fit enough to play football again and keep out of this kind of mischief the better.  My ankle Injury has improved greatly during the week, so it should not be long before I am back in action.
CAPS HOPE
International selection time is here again, for the Scotland-England and Wales-Ireland games all take places in the early part of next month.  I would not be surprised if there are Merseyside players in Scotland's team against England, for Alex Scott and Jimmy Gabriel obviously make very strong claims for inclusion, and if I were one of the selectors my vote for the centre half position would go unreservedly to Liverpool's Ron Yeats.  After the performance of a below-strength Scottish League team in holding the Football League to a draw recently. I am confident that Scotland can win this Hampden Park clash, but no doubt Fred Pickering and Tony Kay would disagree strongly with me, for both seem likely to be in the England team.  On present form,I cannot imagine the Welsh selectors even thinking about passing over Roy Vernon, while Ireland may call on Jimmy Hill to fill one of their forward positions.  Yes, there could be quite a collection of caps coming Goodison way in the next week or so.  Finally, congratulations to our reserves on their fine 6-3 Lancashire Senior Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United, at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.  The ball has been running unkindly for our second string in recent matches, but they found their real form at the right time and Johnny Morrissey claimed three of the goals.

MANCHESTER CITY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Football Echo & Evening Express- Saturday, March 28, 1964
Manchester City Res;- Ogley; Betts, Doyle; Denson, Leivers, Chadwick; Panter, Hodgkinson, Aimson, Shawcross, Cunliffe. Everton Res; Mulhearn; Parnell, D’Arcy; Jarvis, Helsop, Sharples; Shaw, Humphreys, Hurst, Hill, Veall.  Referee; Mr. G. Hartley (Wakefield).  Everton set off strongly forcing a corner straight from the kick-off and it was only a fine save by Ogley low down that prevented Humphreys giving them the lead.  Shaw was unlucky with two great drives which just went over, only a fine save by Ogley again prevented the winger scoring, with another effort.  Then, surprising, Manchester took the lead after 16 minutes when Parnell handled a shot from Hodgkinson as the ball was going in the net and the referee awarded a penalty.  Shawcross scored from the spot.  Everton were well on top in midfield, but they missed some good chances.  Ogley made fine saves from Hill and Humphreys.  Ten minutes before the interval Manchester got a second goal when a surprise shot from some w5 yards by BENSON completely deceived Mulhearn.  Half-time; Manchester City Res 2, Everton Res nil. 

VERNON MUST COME BACK- BUT WHERE?
Liverpool Daily Post, Monday, March 30, 1964
EVERTON 3 BLACKPOOL 1
Asks Jack Rowe
Two men and two moments made the match at Goodison park memorable.  The men- Fred Pickering, Everton’s newly acquired goal striker, and the man he deposed.  Scottish international and the player of the classical touch, Alex Young, who returned at inside left.  The moment …in the sixth minute when Pickering headed himself unconscious in scoring Everton’s first goal and the other four minutes from the end when Young rising majestically centre, to Morrissey’s beautiful centre, outjumped Waiters to nod the last goal. 
YOUNG’S RECEPTION
Pickering’s acclaim as he scored and then lay flat, having finished off another fine Morrissey cross with the top of his head instead of the forehead, was deserved, but the affection in which Young is held by a large section of the crowd was evident from the reception he got when the ball ended in the net and also at the finish.  Young’s presence undoubtedly helped in an improved Everton performance over that against West Bromwich on Good Friday, and even if he did not set Goodison Park completely alight the team reacted to the touch of quality his recall brought.  The chief reason Everton looked so much better was that there was much more directness from the wings.  Morrissey had a fine match at outside left and if he could find consistency, he could be one of the best wingers in the country.  Morrissey’s trouble has been one good game and then indifference, but his introduction gave the attack more menace and progression.  This in spite of the fact that he was opposed by England captain and full back, Jimmy Armfield.  With Morrissey on the left, temple was switched to the right and lost little of his effectiveness.  The display of both must give manager Harry Catterick no trouble when eh decides the side to go to West Bromwich to-morrow.
SCANT REWARD
Another amazing feature was that Everton won so narrowly.  In the first twenty minutes they plastered Blackpool and two goals -Pickering brilliantly glanced in another in eighteen minutes from Temple’s quick cross when the centre forward’s shot was kicked on the line by Martin -was scant reward.  Shots hit defenders on numerous occasions and waiters -who did not look a patch on Rankin on the showing -will never know how he managed to prevent a header from Morrissey from counting.  The ball struck between his legs on the line and he recovered as the winger stood looking on in wonderment.  So instead of a lead of five or six Everton were two ahead at half-time.  They only semblance of danger to their supremacy came in the eightieth minute when left wing Horne took a side-flicked free kick by Green, awarded when brown so palpably tripped McPhee to stop him going through that a finger warning seemed inadequate, and shot into the corner of the net from twenty-five yards out.  A couple of minutes later Green had a great chance of putting Blackpool on equality shot outside from twelve yards and almost straight away we had Young’s goal.  Blackpool sparkled often in midfield, but the final pass was inevitably inaccurate, and it was really remarkable that they were ever able to get within a goal of Everton. 
RARELY TROUBLED
Rankin had one save to make in the first half and this apart, was rarely troubled a fact which tells of the general grip and competence of the Everton defence.  The focus was on the forward line after the West Bromwich disappointment, and if Everton had scored four or five goals, as they might well have done, the answer would have been complete.  As it was, Pickering showed how to take the chances when they came, and he certainly did better than on the previous day, while Stevens did what he always does 0gives 100 per cent, plus.  It was on the wings where Everton had the strength and even Young’s popularity, combined with those delicate touches and his fine goal, cannot take away the overall attack merit award to Morrissey and Temple, particularly the left winger.  Roy Vernon’s suspension ended at midnight and I should think ninety-five per cent, of Goodison supporters believe he must come back …but where?  A tough problem, especially when Everton have taken five points out of the side and are still unbeaten in the league this year.  Blackpool manager Ronnie Suart had different problems.  His side moved the ball backwards more often than forward, and the attack has no thrust.  Defensively they have a good-looking young prospect at right half-he almost scored in the first few minutes -but fortune as much as anything else saved them from taking a real hammering.  Everton; Rankin; Meagan, Brown; Gabriel (Captain), Labone, Harris; Temple, Stevens, Pickering, Young, Morrissey.  Blackpool; Waiters; Armfield (captain), Martin; Rowe, Gratrix, Green; Lea, McPhee, Charnley, Parry, Horne.  Referee; Mr. H. Richards (Oldham) Attendance 49,504. 

MANCHESTER CITY RES 2 EVERTON RES 0
Liverpool Daily Post, Monday, March 30, 1964
Everton Reserves failed to produce the form they showed when they thrashed Manchester United Reserves 6-3 in the Lancashire Cup semi-final in this central League game at Maine Road.  Despite this they were a better balanced side against the City and deserved at least a point, but many chances were missed although at times it was only fine saves by the City goalkeeper that kept them at bay.  Manchester’s first goal in the 16th minute, was from the penalty spot, when Parnell fisted the ball out after Hodgkinson and beaten Mulhearn.  Showcross netted from the spot.  Ten minutes before the interval Benson, with a surprise 25-yards drive, got the second. 

TWO JACK-HEADERS – FROM RED-
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express-n Monday, October 30, 19264
By Leslie Edwards
When I wrote on Thursday, "On the basis that the better the opposition the better they play, the title is a certainty for Liverpool," I confess my belief that they couldn't win against their bogey team at Leicester.  Truly, Liverpool have not been dubbed the unpredictable for nothing. Providing they beat Spurs at Anfield to-day —and why shouldn't they?—they have chances second to none of winning the championship and silencing, for this season at least, those who criticised them for  moving into the transfer market too late after letting  Melia go to Wolverhampton.  The odd thing is that Liverpool have won their Easter games despite the handicap of being without their captain Yeats for whom young Lawler must surely have been a first-class deputy in every respect. It is possible, too, that Vernon's suspension has given Everton a better indication of their playing strength in that their attack, with Young brought back at inside left, was clearly so much more effective; more dangerous than it had been the day before against West Bromwich Albion. No wonder Young returned in triumph. Had not the crowd given the news of his recall a tumultuous reception and was not it clear that thousands in the crowd were delighted the club had bowed to their “We want Young!" demands of 24 hours earlier?  Young certainly helped to make the line tick. This self-effacing little man who has suffered with dignity relegation to the Central League side, straight away tried to tee up' goals for the man who displaced him. That endeared him all the more to his following.  He got more buffeting at inside-forward than he does when in the centre, but he stayed the pace well and came along with a timely third goal after Blackpool had made it 1-2 and had threatened to snatch a point. 
Jack headers 
There was more action; more Everton expertise in the first 15 minutes of this match than there had been in the 90 against Albion. Pickering, having suffered complete eclipse by Jones, now not only got two goals, but both with his head—and what goals! The first came at six minutes with almost explosive speed. It reminded me very much of the famous goal by Stubbins, at Anfield,when Liddell's free kick seemed to be swerving wide and Stubbins's head-long dive at the ball produced the finest non-shot goal ever seen at Anfield.  Oddly, Stubbins, too, was not a centre noted for his forehead ability. In Pickering's case, Morrissey, who first game after a spell in the reserves is invariably a stormed, provided the fast-moving centre after beating a tackle and keeping his feet when stumbling.  Pickering threw himself at the ball and clearly must have made contact with the crown of his head. The tremendous roar as the ball rocketed against the back of the net he cannot have heard—he was unconscious.  Team-mates ran to him to acclaim a spectacular goal, but Pickering did not hear or see them, either. He was  out for the count, and a good two minutes passed before  Gordon Watson (deputising for injured trainer Tom  Eggleston) could bring him round  The possibility of Pickering scoring early and being so concussed he could take no further part in the match must have been uppermost in many minds; it was certainly in mine. Fortunately, all was well.  Thirteen minutes later, in yet another enthralling bit of play, he had scored again, and this time even more worthily, more dramatically. Pickering took it with a right-foot shot which left back Martin took on the head unflinchingly as hestood on the goalline near the post: the ball rebounded, was flicked into the centre, and Pickering, with lightning reflexes, glanced it over the line off as good a header as Dean was ever capable of making in similar circumstances.
NEAR MISSES
Blackpool might well have gone further behind with Young stabbing the ball on to the bar from a Morrissey pass and Morrissey's flying header stopped literally on the line but somehow they survived and when Horne scored in the second-half they were shaping as though they might get another and so wreck completely Everton hopes of finishing ahead of their neighbours.  It was then Young, getting up very high, nodded the neatest of goals from Morrissey's centre and clinched the thing. Blackpool's goal had come, fittingly, from a free-kick ruse following a foul which prevented what might easily have been a scoring move. Green, the onetime Tranmere player tapped the ball a foot or two to one side and Horne had it in the net before the massed Everton defence could do anything.  If there is a more tantalisingly ineffective team than Blackpool in the First Division 1 have yet to see it.  They have talent; youth and fine defenders in Waiters and Armfield, but their two paces forward, three paces backwards "progression" got them nowhere fast!  In the skeleton on gilts, Rowe at right half-back, they have a great player in prospect. Maybe if Armfield had not been limping most of the second-half the defence would have been less panicked by the Everton forwards.  Waiters tipped over the bar Pickering's best drive and the one he must have thought would bring him a hat-trick.  If Young was less in the picture after the interval he certainly produced the decisive goal at the decisive moment.  Everton's strength was in their fine half-back line in which Gabriel, as captain, plays an ever-increasing part. With Temple switched to the right to accommodate Morrissey the wing situation was far better. There was striking ability on both flanks. Manager Catterick's problem for to-morrow is now not who to put in but whom to leave out. He's welcome to that headache. It is one few of us would want to share with him. 

EVERTON LOSE AND LIVERPOOL KEEP PLACE AT THE TOP OF DIVISION 1
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Tuesday, March 31, 1964
VERNON SCORES FINE GOAL BUT ALSO HAS NAME TAKEN
HAT-TRICK FOR FUDGE
By Horace Yates
West Bromwich Albion; Potter; Howe, Williams (G); Fraser, Jones, Simpson; Foggo., Fudge, Fenton, Jackson, Clark.  Everton; Rankin; Brown, Meagan; Gabriel, Labone, Kay; Young, Stevens, Pickering, Vernon (captain), Temple.  Referee-Mr. B.S. Setche; (Luton). 
Everton, for their vital championship game at the Hawthorns to-day, re-introduced Kay at left-half. Among the spectators was Mr. Alf Ramsey, the England manager.  In face of early Albion pressure. Everton had every man back in their half of the field. Labone twice came to the aid of his side when Foggo tried to give Fenton a heading opportunity. A Vernon centre, obviously intended to find Pickering, saw Stevens dash in and hit a great shot which Potter controlled only at the second attempt.  West Brom went ahead in seven minutes, following a kick against Brown for a foul, on Clark. Howe feinted to take the kick, ran over the ball to allow WILLIAMS to hit a terrific drive into the top corner of the net with Rankin completely beaten. 
BRILLIANT GOAL 
Everton were on terms again in 11 minutes, when VERNON took a pass from Temple near the halfway line.  He threaded his way past man after man, collected a rebound off Williams, and coolly placed the ball wide of Potter.  It was brilliant individual effort by the Everton skipper, playing his first game since, suspension.  This was a lively beginning to a fast, entertaining game, in which play swept from end to end in thrilling style.  Everton were employing twin striker tactics, with Vernon and Pickering chasing everything which offered the slightest encouragement.  Kay was booed by the crowd and spoken to by the referee for a foul on Fenton only yards outside the penalty area. This time Howe took the kick and only a brilliant save by Rankin prevented Everton going into arrears again.  Jackson found a way through for Clark, who over-kicked his centre and Rankin was able to clear easily.  Labone was winning all his heading duels with Fenton.  Stevens found Pickering unmarked, but the centre forward slashed the ball over the bar. In any event, the linesman signalled offside. 
KAY SHINES 
Kay's brilliance was obvious for all to see. Not only was his tackling supremely confident, but be also intercepted with an ease which took the sting out of several Albion raids.  The senseless booing of Kay persisted and he came near to turning the tables when he sent Vernon through.  The Everton skipper was crowded out.  Both sides reacted quickly to any sign of danger by employing the retreating defence plan.  Labone appeared to have dispossessed Fenton quite fairly, only to find an indirect free kick awarded against him inside the penalty area for obstruction. Vernon was ordered to move away by the referee and when he persisted in arguing and was booked.  The kick was charged down by the wall of defenders.  West Brom went into the lead right on the interval through a fine run and cross by Clark. Fenton headed this ball on and FUDGE drove it into goal.  
Half-time. West Brom 2, Everton 1. 
Three minutes after the Interval Foggo fired into the Everton net again. Fortunately for Everton, the referee had already indicated an indirect free kick for obstruction on the winger by Meagan. 
POOR REWARD 
When Temple looked likely to repeat one of his finking runs from the touchline into the penalty area he was badly fouled by Howe. An unproductive free kick was poor reward for what had seemed a promising situation.  Albion's keen tackling prevented Everton from getting into their stride. Little had been seen of Young, and Temple was forced to run into the middle to make an impression.   Everton's hopes took a deep dive when Jackson sent Foggo chasing down the wing.  He had too much speed for Meagan and crossed the ball to the feet of Fudge. Rankin chased out desperately but was unable to prevent FUDGE from directing the ball into the net in 62 minutes.  Labone possibly saved a fourth goal when a split second tackle took the ball from Fenton's foot as he shaped for a shot.  Pickering had had a lean time, but not through any fault of his. The service he had received had been almost non-existent. So attack-minded were Everton at this stage that Clark was flagged offside 40 yards out from goal.
FENTON'S MISS 
Clark chased a Jackson pass, caught it by the line and turned it back to present the perfect scoring chance for Fenton. The centre-forward blazed high over the crossbar.  He will never have a better scoring chance.  Pickering pulled the ball clear of Jones and only a diving save by Potter prevented an Everton score.  Pickering missed the chance of a lifetime when he miskicked after Brown's free-kick had dropped beautifully into the goal area.  West Brom, increased their lead to 4-1 with a beautiful goal by FUDGE from Simpson's pass. Fudge coolly lobbed the ball over Rankin's head as he came out of goal, with only 12 minutes left for play.  In 82 minutes Everton pulled a goal back through VERNON with the approach work laid on by Gabriel and Temple. It was a first-time shot by the Everton skipper that beat Potter.  Everton were now more dangerous than at any time in the game and Gabriel headed over the crossbar from Stevens' centre.  Final: — West Brom 4, Everton 2. 

F.A. TO SEE PICKERING
Liverpool Echo & Evening Express- Tuesday, March 31, 1964
Everton have been notified that centre forward Fred Pickering has to appear before an F.A. Disciplinary Commission after having his name taken by the referee during the Everton match at Blackburn on March 21.  Players receiving three cautions this season have been called before the commission and suspensions of up to 14 days have been imposed.  Everton are likely to ask for a personal hearing for Pickering.