ASHAMN WARNS; ‘EVERTON WILL HAVE TO FIGHT’
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 01 April 1970
ALL SET FOR THE BIG CLINCHER!
GOODISON PARK WILL BE AN EMOTIONAL CAULDRON TO-NIGHT
By Mike Charters
Everton go into the title-clinching game at Goodison to-night with the team which has been unchanged for the last four in their run of six successive wins. From his overnight headquarters in the country, manager Harry Catterick announced that he would have a squad of 15 players available. He has added Jimmy Husband, Tommy Jackson,  Andy Rankin and substitute Frank D Arcy to the team, who were on duty at Stoke on Monday.  But apart from this brief statement, there was no news of Howard Kendall and John Morrissey, who have been receiving treatment for knocks. But I am certain from the way they finished the game at Stoke that they will be playing to-night against West Bromwich. The players who have done such invaluable work in steering Everton to the brink of the title with the sequence of victories deserve the chance to receive the fans' acclamation, as well as the personal satisfaction of beating one of the five teams who have defeated them in the League this season. For West Bromwich, the game has little significance; apart from being closely involved in should be one of the really great nights in the history of Goodison. Manager Alan Ashman has been trying some of his youngsters in recent weeks. He has had John Kaye out of action because of a cartilage operation, plus the experienced Doug Fraser and John Talbut injured with leg strains. Alan Merrick, a local boy aged 20, has been deputizing for Kaye, with 17-years-old Alistair Robertson at centre half and 18-years-old Lyndon Hughes at right back.  In addition to these young men, Len Cantello (17), Cohn Suggett (20) and Asa Hartford (18) have been operating in attack. It will be remarkable if these boys can settle to their best form in the emotional cauldron which will be Goodison to-night. They could be overwhelmed by the importance of the occasion. But Mr. Ashman to-day sounded a warning to Everton. He said: “You can be sure we are not going just to act as extras on Everton's big night. It would be marvelous if we could win and we will be all out to do so. I have to instill in the players the fact that we are not at Goodison just to make up the numbers." I think that Everton, piling on immense pressure in what should be the last major hurdle in the title race, will win in commanding style. Then they will be relieved of the tension for their last two games at Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland. They will be able to enjoy themselves instead of having to play under the tremendous mental and physical burden of their surge to the championship. EVERTON: West: (from) Wright, Brown: Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey: Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, D'Arcy, Husband, Jackson, Rankin.
No pitch problems
Winter's late fling with overnight snow in the Merseyside area will not affect the Goodison Park pitch. Everton secretary Bill Dickinson said: "There has been a very light covering of snow on the ground, but we expect it to disappear during the day. There are no pitch problems at all." There is no question of asking the referee to make an early inspection. And the referee is, by coincidence, Mr. Leo Callaghan, of Merthyr Tydfil, who was in charge of the 1968 Cup Final between Everton and Albion.  Albion's Fraser and Talbut both passed fitness tests today. Fraser,  normally a full back, returns as defensive wing half, with Tony Brown moving up to wear the No. 10 shirt. Talbut will only play if the conditions are heavy. Mr. Ashman said that Robertson had done so well that he would like him to play, but as this would be his third game in five days, he would only play his 17- years-old starlet out if the pitch was right for him. ALBION: Osborne: Hughes, Wilson; Fraser, Robertson or Talbut, Merrick; Cantello, Suggett, Astle, Brown, Hope, substitute: Hartford.

JUST TWO POINTS AWAY FROM GLORY!
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 01 April 1970
BY Mike Charters
Two points away from glory . . . and I believe Everton will make sure of the title by firmly putting West Bromwich in their place at Goodison to-night. Then, it will not matter what Leeds do in their remaining four League games and there should be scenes of celebration to-night which will rival those of seven years ago when Fulham were beaten to clinch the championship. Just in case things go wrong to-night and Everton lose, it would not matter if Leeds also lost at West Ham to-morrow night -which looks extremely probable in view of their European Cup semi-final against Celtic to-night.  But Everton should not have to wait those 24 hours By 9.15 p.m. I expect to see the players on a lap of honour to receive their due reception from a capacity crowd. The atmosphere will be electric, the excitement intense, and if Everton chalk up their seventh successive win, they will have moved to their title triumph in the grand
manner to silence those critics who lean Leeds' way. Everton have come through this great winning sequence despite immense tension in which every game has been like a cup-tie.  They have achieved it by mixing high skill with dedicated defensive work. 
Superb display
The team has operated as a unit which refused to even think about defeat. The highlight has been that superb display against Chelsea, which the fans greeted with a standing ovation at half time and full time. Now they face one of the five teams who have beaten them in the League this season. West Bromwich will be no pushover, even though they themselves have nothing at stake to-night.  But if Everton can maintain their early goal habit, they can establish a stranglehold on Albion and make sure of another victory night at Goodison. Skipper Brian Labone will have to sit out this great occasion because he has not fully recovered from his back injury. As he played in the first 34 games, and led the side to the threshold of the title, it should be the right gesture if he joined the players on their lap of honour. And as this is the last home game of the season, I think the players should come out to take their plaudits, whatever to tonight’s result. Albion bring a talented side which has not produced the results expected of them, apart from reaching the final of the League Cup. Mr. Catterick, for one, believed at the start of the season that they would be one of the top clubs, but they have had an indifferent time in the League.
But a team with players like Jeff Astle, an England World Cup man (the country's leading scorer, with Peter Osgood), Tony Brown. £100.000 Colin Suggett, Bobby Hope, a great midfield performer, and John Talbut, can stretch them all when they're on song.
Sheer emotion .
They beat Chelsea on Monday, but I think they could be overwhelmed by the sheer emotion and drama of the occasion to- night.  I anticipate a commanding Everton win-- particularly if they can reproduce their Chelsea form—and then they could go on to win the League by a margin of 10 points or more, as Leeds take things easily. Such a final tally would have been unthinkable less than a month ago when Leeds led Everton by a point. But football always has produced the dramatic turn of events.

THE MAN ON A WINNING STREAK
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 April 1970
Everton's Alan Ball the man on a winning streak was among the personalities at Aintree to-day Last night at Goodison Park, Alan was "on” the biggest winner of the soccer season—the Football League championship—and recently he was chosen for Sir Alf Ramsey's World Cup “string. No wonder Alan had a smile on his face, even though when this picture was taken the runners were only on their way to the post. Aintree spectators had their first view of some of this year's Grand National entries when they exercised at the course early to-day. Despite overnight frost the experts still predict that the going for Saturday's big race will be -' perfect " Everton won the League—and there s a page of pictures in Page 20 to-night to show you how.

WHAT A NIGHT- AND WHAT A TEAM!
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 April 1970
By Mike Charters

What a night! What an emotional joyous, captivating night!  There was only one place to be in Liverpool last night and that was Goodison Park.  The lucky ones were the 58,523 spectators (biggest crowd of the season) who were there to see Everton win the seventh League Championship in their history, their second in seven years…and win it with impressive authority and superb football.  The result –a 2-0 win over West Bromwich –was never in doubt because of the play.  And this helped to ease any possible strain from the fans who created an atmosphere of happy anticipation and adulation for their team much greater than seven years ago.  It was not only the Gwladys Street fans who roared their team on to triumph.  This was total, unreserved acclaim of the champions from every section of the crowd. 
Big roar

Everton sparkled in their play to the sparkle of their fans' applause. They clinched the title to a non-stop roar of chants, including "Ev-er-ton." " We are the champions." " We're on the way to Europe." Send our team to Mexico “and even a couple of choruses of “When you're smiling." And one of the greatest roars of the night came during half-time when it was announced that manager Harry Catterick, watching with pride and joy the team he has built as it displayed football of high quality, had won the Manager of the Month award for March—the second time he has received it this season.  Poor Albion! They could have been excused for wilting in an atmosphere of such emotion. This was Everton's night and they were there, indeed, just to make up the numbers.  The crowd awarded every throw-in, every corner, and every free kick, before referee Leo Callaghan could blow his whistle. They took over Goodison completely. And when it was all over—and how the players heard the final whistle midst such a din I’II never know—Harry Catterick was first on the pitch to greet his boys, throwing his arms around each one as they went off for a couple of minutes.

Lap of honour
Back they came for a lap of honour. And how good it was to see skipper Brian Labone, who missed the climax to the title through injury, take his place with the others. The fans gave him their special ovation as the ' chanted every player’s name in turn.   The lap of honour began with decorum, but ended in a wild display of enthusiasm as of fans spilled on to the pitch, despite appeals to keep off. Then came the touch which completed this wonderful night. Mr. Louis Edwards, chairman of Manchester United and a member of the League Management Committee, was there to present the trophy which had been collected in secret from Leeds a couple of days ago. The players appeared in the directors' box one by one, each to be greeted with individual roars of acclamation. Alan Ball, captain in Labone's absence, received the trophy from Mr. Edwards, who also handed the players their medals. `

WE’VE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE OUR PEAK’ –HARRY CATTERICK
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 April 1970
By Chris James
Last night’s fantastic scenes at Goodison Park, as Everton swept to their seventh League Championship triumph were only the start of possibly greater things coming the Blues way. That was the implications in manager Harry Catterick's words as he discussed his side's triumph after their title-clinching win over West Bromwich.  "This side can improve an awful lot," he said. "It's a question of the side growing up a bit, a question of maturity. I think they've got a long way to go before they their peak." Everton's win plunged them back into the Continent's top competition- the European Cup. But although Mr. Catterick would not make an outright prediction of Everton's chances, he did say. "Sides have won the European Cup who could not have won the English First Division. “We have won 28 matches in the hardest competition in the world this season. The youngster who put Everton on the victory trial last night was Alan Whittle and Mr. Catterick said of him: "His run of goals has been a phenomenal one and I said three years ago that he would be the idol of Goodison Park. “He is one of a number of these lads that I took from school -John Hurst, Tommy Wright, Roger Kenyon, Joe Royle, Colin Harvey and Jimmy Husband." That Everton's future is a bright one was echoed by Alan Ball, captain in place of the injured Brian Labone, and the man who received the championship trophy last night. "I can see five great years ahead. All the players work hard for each other and with this behind us how cam we fail?" he demanded. Club captain Brian Labone, added. “We won it, we lost it and then we won it again."

SPECIAL BIG BONUS EDITION TOMORROW
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 April 1970
Everton are the League champions –and tomorrow the Liverpool Echo presents a special SOUVENIR EDITION. Saulte to the Champions.  There are colour pictures and stories of the players who took Everton to the title.  And not forgetting the man who steered them to success.  This eight-page souvenir edition is a must, for every Everton supporter-and, as there is sure to be a tremendous demand it’s up to you to get your copy straight away.  Otherwise you may be disappointed.  The price is 6d-terrific value, for there is so much in this souvenir edition for the fans.  A colour picture of the Everton players; colour pictures of them in action; stories telling how team work won the day. 

EVERTON’S TITLE-CLINCHERS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 02 April 1970
CHAMPIONS, AND THEY PLAYED LIKE IT
By Mike Charters
Champions ... and they played like it. Everton's performance against West Bromwich at Goodison last night was full of the brilliance which has established them as a superb footballing side, a side which plays the game with a skill and speed as fine as anything we have seen for many years. I consider them a better team than that which won the title seven years ago. The championship is harder to win these days, but Everton thrilled and entertained crowds up and down the country with football of the highest quality. It was fitting that they should delight their own deliriously happy fans in their last home game of the season with a title-clinching display which contained all the joys and delights of their skills in one smooth, effective package. One could only feel sorry for Albion -or indeed any team- which had to try to make a game of it in the emotion-charged atmosphere of Goodison last night. They were on a hiding to nothing, and accepted their football lesson with the best of sportsmanship. They were lucky not to be beaten by more than two goals… Everton were unlucky that they did not settle the championship issue with a grand slam of goals. Osborne, in the Albion goal, had a magnificent match. And it was a good job for his team that he was in such form. His handling was faultless and he was kept very busy.   After a 15-minute spell of settling-in, when they were clearly feeling the tension, of the occasion, Everton moved into overdrive. Albion were never in the game with the slightest chance of creating a surprise: they never looked like scoring. Indeed, they were allowed very little of the ball at all. The slightest hesitation invited an Everton tackle and, inevitably, loss of possession. Everton's urgency was such that they looked twice as quick, twice as sharp, on and off the ban. Everton's complete domination stemmed rightly, from the department which has been their greatest asset all season -the midfield trio. Ball, Harvey and Kendall were tremendous and they will be the backbone of a side which I expect to improve over the next few years.  With total control in midfield, Everton set up a series of attacks which had Albion defending desperately for 90 per cent, of the game. Morrissey ripped them to shreds with one of his finest displays of the season. Whittle strengthened his place as the new idol of the crowd. Royle played his full part. Behind them was a cast-iron defence in which Kenyon played a commanding role. Hurst was steady as a rock. Wright and Brown comfortably in control on the rare occasions Albion were able to stir out of defence. And West? Well, he only had to save to a little in mid-season when the team was hit by injuries, and finished in the manner of a great championship outfit. Seven successive wins have confirmed that the title has been won utterly on merit...no team in history can have moved to a nine-point lead with such authority. The game itself was played to the background of a continuous roar of applause and acclamation from the fans. It was too one-sided to be a contest in the true sense of the word, but Everton's classical exhibition of flowing, accurate, speedy football could hardly have been bettered. They were as sharp as knives and, but for Osborne, would have proved just as damaging in a scoring sense. They began with a top-pace thrust which almost brought Harvey a goal in the opening minutes, but Osborne made the first of his many fine saves by turning the ball over the bar. It was Whittle's goal after 20 minutes his 11th in 14 League games which really set them on the path of victory with joyous exhibition football. When Harvey mishit an attempted shot from the edge of the area, Whittle gathered the ball under control and seemed to stand with it for ages probably a couple of seconds before unleashing a fierce shot which struck an Albion defender before hitting the roof of the net. Whittle has now scored in six successive games. Can there have been such a run by a 20-years-old when pressure of a title run has been so great? Osborne saved well from Morrissey's header, superbly from Wright's shot after the full back had joined in the attacking fun and taken the ball 30 yards in a brilliant run. But the Albion 'keeper was beaten by Whittle's overhead kick which slid over the bar, and a near miss by Royle, who deflected Whittle's pass on to the post. Kendall, always thrusting forward, hit two over the bar before Harvey settled it all midway through the second half with one of the great goals of the season. He collected the ball way out, took it down the left, turned back in his tracks, and lost two of his shadowers at the same time, brought the ball into the middle and cracked a right foot shot from 25 yards which left the airborne Osborne helpless. What a goal to clinch the title that was it, of course. Royle headed against an upright, but it didn't really matter. This was the style of champions, won in the truly grand manner.

NOW EVERTON ENTER THAT OTHER BATTLE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 03 April 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton Champions Everton plunge from the dramatic and exciting heights of title-chasing into the grim battle of relegation for their last two games of the season. It will be a far cry from the emotion and glory of Goodison Park last Wednesday to the grim atmosphere of Hillsborough to-morrow, when Sheffield Wednesday will be playing as hard for points to avoid a drop into the Second Division as Everton were to clinch the title against Albion. And, next Wednesday, Everton will have to go through a similar expert- once when they face Sunderland at Roker Park. But the strain will be on their opponents now -the Everton players can relax. Having been crowned the new kings of English football, they have two achievements of academic interest they can still go for—to equal Leeds record points total of 67; to win 30 League games in a season, and only Spurs have beaten that To do so, they need to win both remaining games and, obviously, both Wednesday and Sunderland will be hoping that Everton will not be chasing these feats. They will anticipate meeting an Everton in benevolent mood; that remains to be been Manager Harry Catterick takes his champions to his old stamping ground at Hillsborough and the sweet words of congratulations will sound even sweeter to him to-morrow.
Scramble
Wednesday, with three games still to play, are a point above Sunderland. But Southampton, Ipswich and Crystal Palace are still involved in the depths to make this a five-club scramble to avoid relegation which may not be sorted out until the end of the season. If Everton hadn't had the pressure eased, and they needed the points. I would rate them a banker to-morrow. They have too much class in every way for a Wednesday team which works hard but lacks ability. But Wednesday must have breathed a mighty sigh of relief when Everton clinched the title on Wednesday. They will now believe they have a chance of a point tomorrow.
Out for win
They will be facing an unchanged Everton, Manager Harry Catterick said: "Anyone wanting to take points from us will have to earn them winning our matches is our target." He has added Frank D'Arcy and Jimmy Husband to the team which beat Albion but Wednesday will have to face the combination which has won the last five in their run of seven successive victories. Mr. Catterick is giving skipper Brian Labone another run with the reserves to give him some match practice in the last Goodison game of the season. They play Sheffield Wednesday Reserves, but still have two away fixtures to complete their programme. Everton; West, Wright, Brown; Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey (from) Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, D’Arcy, Husband.  Sheffield Wednesday; Grummitt; Wilcockson, Smith; Ellis, Prophett, Craig, Sinclair, Young, Warboys, Whitham, Coleman, Sub Burton or Prendergast.
Everton reserves; Rankin; Turner, Westburgh, Brindle, Labone, Jackson, Kenney, Wilson, Lyons, Bennett, Jones (G.)

A RIGHT ROYLE OCCASION…AS JOE ROYLE –AND GETS THE V.I.P TREATMENT
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 April 1970
AVERGAE –A GOAL IN EVERY OTHER GAME
By Mike Charters
JOE ROYLE, now within a week of his 21st birthday, has averaged a goal every two games since his Everton first-team career began in 1966, when he was only 16. This is good going, for a youngster who is still learning his craft. But I reckon that he has developed a more professional approach to the game this season. And he has established himself as among the top scorers, and put himself on the fringe of the England World Cup squad. For he was named among the 40 players in Sir Alf Ramsey's party.
Two years
Big Joe has taken a couple of years to change from a rather gangling, raw kid to the performer who looks more polished and mature with every game. Now, in 120 League games, he has scored 64 goals, plus 11 in the F.A. Cup and League Cup. I rate the performances this season which really showed how much he has developed in six months were against Liverpool at Anfield, and the home game against Chelsea. To beat Ron Yeats in the air with the regularity he achieved was the mark of class. He repeated it in the Chelsea match, with an equally sound display. Not only did he score twice his ability on the ground to link with the other forwards was outstanding. He has scored the majority of his goals with his head. Yet he possesses a tremendous shot in either foot, which he reveals in training, but seems reluctant to unleash in League games. I believe this to - be a sign of inexperience. He tends to let fly from long range, when he has the chance to work the ball closer to goal before shooting. He is working on this at Bellefield, where training emphasis is laid on improving his shooting “eye." He has the power, now it becomes a question of when to shoot. Hoyle looks a certainty for an England senior appearance before very long. He may not get a Mexico chance, because he is only among the reserves, but to be included in the World Cup 40 indicates what Sir Alt Ramsey thinks of him.

BLUES PROVE THAT TITLE ARE WON AWAY FROM HOME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 April 1970
AVERGAE –A GOAL IN EVERY OTHER GAME
By Mike Charters
THE SPURS GO DOWN…TWICE INSIDE A WEEK
Away performances win championships and Everton, with the best away record in the First division, have proved one of football’s oldest theories.  Their wins at Ipswich on September 20 and Anfield on March 21, were their best of the season while their triumphant at spurs on March 11, was described by Manager Harry Catterick as “tremendous.” He also included the win at Old Trafford, the second away game of the season, as high on his own list.  The football they showed at Ipswich deserved the highest praise.  It was a classic display of the arts and crafts of the game.  The Anfield win was on a similarly high pedestal because of the importance of the occasion.  This is one they just had to win- to avenge their derby defeat at Goodison, to hold off Leads’ threat.  They made no mistake in a tremendous performance in which individual talent was allied to team work of the highest level.  There was one other extremely important away game-that 1-0 win at West ham which came a week after their 3-0 home defeat by Liverpool.  Everton had an eight-point lead over Leeds United and Liverpool on November 1.  On December 6, they were only one ahead of Leeds.  That five-week spell reduced Everton fans to the nail-biting fear that the championship chance had disappeared. 
February was the only month when Leeds really looked as though they had put the Indian sign on Everton.  They were two points ahead on the last day of that month, when Everton gave their poorest League performance of the season, at Nottingham Forest, but still managed to draw.
Win sequence
But then came the transformation and Everton's gradual return to form. They won at Burnley to set them off on a title-winning sequence of consecutive victories. As Leeds became Involved in that Cup semi-final marathon with Manchester United and their European Cup-ties with Celtic, Everton moved smoothly into a three-point lead…and that was that. Leeds could never cut back that gap.  The brilliance of many of Everton's players this season has brought its reward in another way.  For Sir Alf Ramsey, the England team chief, has named six of them in his World Cup party of forty, with four in the twenty- eight who will travel to Mexico.  They are Ball, Wright, Labone and Newton with Joe Royle and Colin Harvey in the additional twelve. Indeed, there’s no shortage of caps at  Everton these days.  And they provide national proof of the quality of the senior playing staff.  Only John Morrissey and Alan Whittle have not won caps at senior or Under-23 level. But even these two have worn England's white as Liverpool Schoolboys. 
Great credit
It reflects the greatest credit on manager Harry Catterick, his coaches and scouting staff. Most of these players have been found as boys, nurtured and developed in the Everton tradition with skill as their first attribute until now they, are among the finest in the game. Wright, Labone, Harvey, Husband, Royle, Hurst, Whittle and Humphreys came to Bellefield on leaving school and are impressive evidence of the club's successful youth policy.  Ball and Newton won some of their caps before they moved to Everton: Brown made his Under 23 appearances while with Particle Thistle. But West, Kendall and Jackson had to wait until they had joined Everton from Blackpool, Preston and Glentoran, respectively, before they made their international debuts. Their Bellefield and Goodison background helped them on their way. The club, and their fans, should be proud of them. 

CATTERICK –THE MAN WHO HAS STEERED THEM TO SUCCESS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 April 1970
By Mike Charters
Although Harry Catterick steered Everton to a championship win within two years of coming to Goodison from Sheffield Wednesday, the team of seven years ago had been created, in the main, by his predecessor, John Carey.  But this season’s triumph has been gained by the team which Harry built.” For this reason alone, the Everton chief can look back with pride, and a complete sense of achievement that years of work have borne fruit with the most difficult prize of all-the Football League championship.  And, on the way, he has taken Everton to two Cup Finals-in 1966 and 1968 –a high place, year after year, and five successive seasons of European football.  It is a managerial record which can stand comparison with any in the game…and the best part of it, so far as he is concerned is that so many of his plyers are Bellefield produced.  Only Brian Labone, Gordon West and John Morrissey of the first team squad are left of the outfit which won the title in 1963.  Catterick brought Gordon West, Sandy Brown, Keith Newton, Howard Kendall, Alan Ball and John Morrissey –but Tommy Wright, Colin Harvey, Jimmy Husband, Alan Whittle, Joe Royle, John Hurst, and Roger Kenyon are outstanding examples of the success of his youth policy.  In the eyes of the Everton board of directors, Caterrick is; - Mr. Everton” They are happy to leave all playing affairs in his care.  They showed their regard for his ability by renewing his contract long before his old one had expired.  It was renewed from last December for seven years, at a salary which I estimate to be in the #10,000 bracket.  During Catterick’s nine years at Goodison, other clubs have made tentative approaches to obtain his services.  He has turned them all down….from Wolves, Leicester, Nottingham Forest, and from Italy.  As a former Everton player, he was brought up in the Everton tradition of skillful football.  This is what he demands from his players –skill, attractive football, and personality, plus the need for strength and power when required.  One of his greatest assets is his business acumen; he has spent a lot of money in creating his team, but has sold so well that he has balanced his budget.  He is one of the most astute operators in the transfer market.  I believe he is more pleased with the title success than anything else he has achieved in his career.  And clearly he will guide Everton to further honours. 

MORRISSEY GETS LATE WINNER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 April 1970
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0, EVERTON 1
By Mike Charters

Line-Up; Sheffield Wednesday; Grummitt; Wilsocockson, Smith; Ellis, Prophett, Craig; Sinclair, Young, Warboys, Whitham, Colean, Sub; Prendergast.  Everton; West; Wright, Brown; Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub Darcy.  Referee; Mr. G.A. Corbett (Wolverhampton). 
Everton, with the championship safely tucked away, played a relaxed half-paced game at Hillsborough today. Sheffield Wednesday, needing at least a point to give them a chance of staying in the First Division, played hard and worked hard but the difference in class was remarkable. The Wednesday players came out first and lined up to applaud the new champions. The pitch was heavily sanded. It was difficult to gauge the strength of passes on the sand, but Everton quickly slipped into gear with a lovely right wing move between Kendall and Ball, but Grummitt made a good catch from Kendall's centre as Royle went up. Smith ploughed through and made a good opening, but hit his forward pass too hard and West saved comfortable. Wednesday looked very nervous and tentative. The importance of this game was clearly a big strain to them, and Everton, playing calmly, looked yards faster and better in every department. Morrissey carved his way through again and from his goal line cross Whittle touched the ball back to Ball, but Propett just managed to intercept.
Great chance

Everton were quite casual in building up attacks, but were far too good for Wednesday, Whittle and Ball went through cleverly in a one-two move, but Ball tried to head it inside to Kendall when he had a great chance of going through to score himself. Craig was working hard to bring some life into his forwards but these teams were divisions apart in class. Wednesday were all effort, Everton stroked the ball around with certainty and precision. The difference was shown in a penalty area incident. Amid a crowd of players, Ball calmly dribbled the ball back towards his own coal and touched it to West as Wednesday put eight men up for a corner kick. Wednesday's best effort came when Coleman centred to the far side of goal for Sinclair to gain possession, but his low centre was well picked up by West. Wednesday were playing with a strong wind in their favour and it helped to create a chance for Whitham, who gained a corner. From the corner, Warboys went up well and got in a good header which beat West, but Harvey headed off the line. Everton were under siege, at this point, and Wednesday won three corners in quick succession. From the last, Prophett got in a header, but straight at West. Rain was now driving hard into the faces of the Everton players, who were hardly straining themselves but still showed classic touches in mid -field. The pitch, under the heavy rain, was now a morass. Everton had slowed their pace, just allowing their defence to absorb the Wednesday attacks and then launch out on an occasional one themselves. Warboys was only inches away from connecting with a pass by Whitham, but Wednesday, despite having much of the play, could not create anything really clear cut.
Half-time. Sheffield Wednesday 0. Everton 0.

Wednesday were desperately unlucky not to score within a minute of the restart. From Wilcockson's centre Warboys moved the ball on to Whitham, whose header struck the bar. From the rebound he made another good header which beat West, but Hurst headed off the line. A couple of minutes later Whitham had the ball in the net but was clearly offside. As Kenyon lay injured in the middle of the pitch, Wright burst down the wing, passed inside to Ball whose centre was met by Royle's head, but Grummitt made his best save so far. Wednesday were playing better than at any stage in the game, with Whitham a livewire. He slipped past Kenyon and Brown neatly, but Wright moved across to make a brilliant tackle. Occasionally Everton burst into top gear and whipped their way through the Wednesday defence. But apart from the header from Royle, they'd never given Grummitt any concern. Whitham had a clear chance when he broke away from a header by Warboys but shot straight at West. Wednesday were chasing everything and it needed great stamina to keep going under these very heavy conditions. Royle took Kendall's pass to move down the right, cut inside and hit a shot from 25 yards which Grumnutt turned over the bar. For the third time Everton escaped with a goal line clearance—this time from Kendall, who turned away Prophett's header after a corner.  Then Wednesday had their first real escape when Smith headed the ball off the line from Ball's shot. With eight minutes to go Darcy substituted for Kendall, who was limping. A minute later Prendergast substituted for Coleman . With five minutes left Everton quite casually took the lead through Morrissey. Darcy crossed the ball to Harvey who turned it on to Morrissey and with Wednesday defence anticipating an offside decision, Morrissey leisurely drove the ball past Grummitt.  West made a great save from an Ellis header and then Propett hit the bar from the rebound. Final; Sheffield Wednesday 0, Everton 1. 

ALAN BALL WAS OUR INSPIRATION WHEN PRESSURE WAS ON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 April 1970
Says Johnny Morrissey
EIGHTEEN months after I joined Everton from Liverpool, I collected a League-championship medal. So for me, as for Brian Labone and Gordon West, this week has made it the second time around. Few players are fortunate enough to win even one championship medal. So I have been doubly lucky. And, of course, I am proud. Proud to be a member of such a great team as Everton, and proud that in an era which has seen many changes in the personnel at Goodison. I have been rated as good enough to hold my first team place. I joined Everton midway through the 1961-62 season, and played 28 League games during the 1962-63 championship campaign.   This season, I have missed only one League match, and one League Cup-tie. So I can be thankful that I have stayed free of injury, in a grueling season. Other Everton players have not been so lucky. Brian Labone, Jimmy Husband, Keith Newton, Colin Harvey… they have been out, at various times. Colin Harvey overcame a worrying time, when he had that mystery eye infection: to-day, he is very much a force in football again -and one of the champions. Brian Labone has missed some of the final games of the season, and so has Keith Newton. This must have been a tremendous disappointment to them, as we surged towards the title. Jimmy Husband, I know, must have felt it, as he became an onlooker, so far as first team football was concerned, these past few weeks. But he, too, is very much one of the champions. Many people have said many things about Everton, this season. Some have been critical, while handing out grudging praise. We started off like a bomb -13 points out of the first 14, and then we struck a bad patch.  Yet
On Lookers
We never lost contact with Leeds United. We toiled perhaps... but we stayed the pace. And one fact which has too often been forgotten—throughout the season, we have had our share of injury problems. We kicked off without Alan Ball, for a start. He was under suspension. We lost him again for five weeks, at a critical period. We were without Colin Harvey and Jimmy Husband for weeks, and we finished up without Brian Labone and Keith Newton.  Blows such as these can be serious to a team with title aspirations. But we overcame them. And we paraded new First Division talent in Alan Whittle and Roger Kenyon.
Farewell medal
We also called for-and received yeoman service from Sandy Brown, Everton's " Mr. Dependable" Was there ever a club man to beat him" Sandy came in just after we had won the title last time, he says farewell to this season with a medal. The final shots in the title race came when it was suggested that Leeds had "given” us the championship. I say that's rubbish—and the facts prove it. Sure, Leeds were committed to the European Cup and the F.A. Cup as well as the League race. But in the final sprint, we were racing ahead ... on points. We started at Burnley and reeled off a string of victories. So Leeds could not have caught us, had they won their games.  No one at Everton believes that we didn't take the title on merit. And if I single out one player, it must be Alan Ball. For he was the man who refused to think the title would go anywhere but Goodison. I know that if I ever began to wonder, one glance at “Bally " dispelled doubts. He never wavered ... and his attitude was an inspiration to the rest. Especially in these final weeks, when we were without Brian Labone. As stand-in skipper, "Bally" really played his part.

EVERTON A LITTLE UNLUCKY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 04 April 1970
Everton Res;- Rankin; Turner, Westburgh; Brindle, Labone, Jackson; Kenny, Wilson, Lyons, Bennett, Jones (G), Substitute; Humphreys; Sheffield Wednesday Res; Springett; Latham, Dolby; Thompson, Garthwaite, Lymer; Potts, Johnson (K.), Downes, Sunley, Lawson, Substitute; Smith.  Referee; Mr. P. Cogan (Blackpool).  Everton should have had this game sewn up in the first half, but found the Wednesday defence and Springett on their toes.  Even so, they were rarely out of the Wednesday half and had ample opportunities to shoot.  They were a little unlucky with both G. Jones and Wilson beat Springett to find Latham kicking off the line.  Wednesday came into the game more after about half an hour and Rankin made two good saves from Lawson and Downes.  Labone was doing all that was needed but he had little to really contend with and had a quiet half.  Half-time; Everton Res 0, Sheff Wed Res 0. 

EVERTON FACE A DESPERATE SUNDERLAND
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 April 1970
67 POINTS AIM AND WIN NUMBER 30
By Mike Charters
Everton become interested observers of the relegation scene once again when they end the most successful League season in their history at Sunderland to-morrow night. Although there was a doubt yesterday that Howard Kendall might have to miss this last match, he has recovered from an ankle injury. He is included in a party of 14 to travel. Everton have the academic interest of needing to win to equal Leeds' record of 67 points in a season. I think they will pace their game at Roker in similar fashion to that at Hillsborough, but for Sunderland it will be as important a match as any they've played for years. Their win at Maine Road on Saturday lifted them off the bottom for the first time for six weeks. With. Crystal Palace also beating City last night. Sunderland and fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday now know their target—it looks certain that one of them will go down. They both have two games left to play. Sunderland are two points behind Palace, Wednesday three points, and Sunderland's recent record indicates that they are playing better than Sheffield in these tense relegation battles. They have won once and drawn three times in their last four matches… and for a team that has never been out of the bottom two all season, that is greatly improved form. I believe Everton would like to finish with 67 points and the magnificent record of 30 wins in the season. But they won't go flat out to do so. No one would expect them to tackle this like a Cup tie. If they find they can win by playing the relaxed sort of football they showed at Sheffield, they have the superior craft and finesse to do so. All the pressure will be on Sunderland and I expect Roker to have a 40.000 crowd to-morrow, not only to greet the champions, but to see what their team can do to stay in the First Division. Everton's party includes Keith Newton, Frank D'Arcy and Jimmy Husband, added to the team which has been unchanged for the last six games. But Kendall was the only doubt after being hurt at Hillsborough, and I expect to see them face Sunderland with the combination which has swept to the title in such convincing style. Sunderland will be at full strength. They secured the release from England's Under- 23 squad of their brilliant young captain, Colin Todd, and will field the side which beat City and has taken eight points from the last 14 at stake. Sunderland; Montgomery; Irwin, Harvey; Todd, Heslop, McGiven, Park, Kerr, Hughes, Harris, Tueart, Substitute; Symm.  Everton; West; Wright, Brown; Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey, (from) Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, D’Arcy, Newton, Husband. 

NOW FOR THE BATTLE OF EUROPE; BUT I’M NOT CRAZY ABOUT IT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 April 1970
HARRY CATTERICK

WE'LL be In Europe next season for the sixth time and our second go at the European Cup. But I'm not one who goes over-board about European football . . . I look on it as a financial arrangement. It enables both sets of Supporters to see their teams in action, but I'm not fond of these two legged affairs, My idea of the game is that it is played over 90 minutes but European ties change the whole idea of tactics and system of play. Inevitably, you get more defensive play—you go away not to Iose. It changes my concept of the game.
Experience
We have had a lot of experience in Europe but I don't think it is particularly helpful to look back on our matches with Inter Milan. Real Zaragoza or Nuremburg. You could get a German referee for one match and that doesn't help you if you get an Italian official for the next. But most of my players have had European experience and also internationals in Europe. They know what to expect, to appreciate that referees interpret the laws of the game differently from League football. They have to accept these different interpretations.  One of the side effects is that once the draw is made, a battle of words starts between clubs which can go on for weeks before the game is played. You lime to accept this, to adjust your arrangements accordingly. Travel and hotel plans are not as simple as they are at home. But we've had plenty of experience of all this; we know what to expert and how to cope. I said, after our title clinching game with Albion, that I was convinced this Everton team would get better. And we are looking ahead to next season with every confidence. Looking at it logically, young players should improve… but this game of football is full of uncertainty. We base a young side, Only Brian Labone, John Morrissey and Sands Brown are around the 30- mark. I always believe that players are at their best from their mid-20’s to around 28. And 90 per cent, of my players have not reached that stage yet.
FOOLISH
I’m going on record to say that what we’ll win next season.  That would be foolish, at this stage, just when we’ve won the championship.  But I would like to say something about the big treble which Leeds tried to achieve this season… and failed. After Spurs won the double in 1961, I think anything is possible in football, providing that things go right for you.  Obviously, you've got to have a great team, to be free of injuries, and not to suffer a pile-up of fixtures. Next season will be normal in length; it will not be shortened like this one to help England in their World Cup preparations. But I must add, when looking ahead, that Everton have provided more players at full and under-23 level for England than any other club over the past two or three season. I must anticipate that it will happen again next season, and this must always be taken into account when seeking honours. I'm sure my directors will consider the possibility of withdrawing from the League Cup next season to ease our fixture burden. That is for them to say.   I think it is folly to say that this or that club is strong or weak in reserve strength. This is a myth. The only time you know that your reserves are good enough is when you bring them into the first team for a spell and they show THEN that they can play well before 50.000 people. You know then that they have moved out of the reserve class.  Before that, while they're in the reserves, you know about their potential. It is only when the get to the big-time and succeeded under pressure that you realize they’ve arrived. It has been a great season for us because Alan Whittle and Roger Kennon have achieved this distinction. Last August, they were reserves with only a handful of isolated first team games behind them. But now, they have come in at the crunch, when the title strain was at its height, and they have shown themselves First Division players in every way.  It is a wonderful thing when you see youngsters achieve this distinction.  But people should never forget that it can work both ways.  Young men in the reserve that you think can make it are given a chance and fail.  The only way to find out is to put them in the first team.  It is the only test.  These two youngsters have made it; I said 12 months ago that I needed four more players to provide more experience to my first team squad because I thought the squad was too young on average.  Whittle and Kenyon have made the grade.  They’ve eased my problems to that extent.  They’re no longer on the fringe…they’re there.  It is the most satisfying thing for a manger when that happens, when you’ve seen boys develop from school kids to this stage. 

THE GOLDEN SHOT
THE TOE-ENDER THAT BEAT DERBY
Alan Ball reckons to score quite a few goals, every season-double figures, certainly, and just ending was the one nudging the 20 mark.  But the goal he rates at the golden shot of the season just ending was the one he scored against Derby County at Goodison.  It was Derby who inflicted upon Everton their first defeat of the season, after they had taken 13 points from 14; and the Goodison return was hard graft.  Derby were determined not to yield.  And time was swiftly running out for Everton…10 minutes or so to go, and enter Ball.  “There were Dave Mackay and Roy McFarland…there was the ball…I went for it, got an accident kick and fell.  “I got up, as Mackay and McFarland left the ball to each other, and collected the ball again.  Then I toe-ended it into the net.  “Up to then, it had been statement between the teams.  That goal clinched two much-needed point for us.” 

CATTERICK TAKES LEAD IN MANAGER OF YEAR
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 April 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick is well placed in the current points table to be named Manager of the year, which could bring him 1,000 and a trophy.  His award as manager of the month for March was announced on the night FA Everton clinched the title beating West Bromwich last week.  Now it is revealed that he has gone to the top of the aggregate points awarded each month, replacing Leeds United manager Dun Revie, current holder of the annual award. Mr. Catterick has 190 points, Mr. Revie 178, Ian Greaves, manager of promoted Huddersfield Town third with 148, and Dave Sexton, who has taken Chelsea to the Cup Final, is fourth with 146. Bell's Whisksy sponsors of the scheme, state that one of this four will be named manager of the year at a luncheon in Glasgow on April 24. Although Mr. Catterick, who has won two of the monthly awards this season, looks favourite for the honour, the Leeds manager could win the award again if his team beats Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday and reaches the final of the European Cup.

BIG DAY FOR BIG JOE ROYLE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 April 1970
By Mike Charters
It’s big day for big Joe Royle, Everton's top scorer. He is 21 today and when he plays at Sunderland to-night in Everton's last game of the season, he will complete his ever-present record this season.  His parents, and fiancée, Janet Hughes, drove to Sunderland today to watch him.  But a celebration party has had to be delayed, I understand. It is not the end of the season for Joe, because he will remain in training at the request of England manager Sir Alf Ramsey -he is a reserve in the 40 named for the World Cup squad. Joe s father told me that they will be having a family party later. The Everton players travelled to the North- East yesterday and with injuries cleared from last Saturday's game at Hillsborough will be unchanged. Sunderland are expecting one of their biggest gates of the season as they fight to escape relegation against the champions. Sunderland will be unchanged. Colin Todd has been released from the England Under-23 party and Gordon Harris has recovered from the Injuries which he received against Manchester City on Saturday. SUNDERLAND: Montgomery: Irwin, Harvey; Todd, Heslop,  McGiven, Park, Kerr, Hughes, Harris, Tueart, Sub; Symm. 

BUILD-A-STAR FIVE YEAR PLAN -HARRY CATTERICK
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 April 1970
OUR HUGE NET-WORK LOOKS FOR £100,000 PLAYERS WHEN THEY’RE 14 OR 15
By Mike Charters
I WORK on five-year plans in creating Everton teams of the future. When I go to see a youngster play in his school team, I try to think of what he could be like in five year' time. In other words, would he develop into a first teamer by the time he is 19 or 20?  I don't look at him and think: “Well, he might be all right at Everton." No. I want to be as certain in my mind as I can be that he is showing the potential as a schoolboy which could be created into an Everton player . . . and that means a £100,000 player. For when you win championships, all your players are £100,000 men. So you could say, in effect, that I'm looking for £100,000 players when they're 14 or 15 years of age. Of course, side by side with our youth policy-and I like to think it is as good as any in the business-I am prepared to go into the transfer market when necessary. But let’s face it, there are very few players available who are of good enough standard to get into the Everton first team.  There are players of course, but they’re not available. 
Growing trend
This means, therefore, that I put my youth development plans on a much more important level than buying players readymade. It is a growing trend in the game: it has been growing for years. You get them young and you can teach them your style. The Everton style is to put skill first and… it always will be while I ‘am manager. Creating a youth development system as I have at Everton is not a one-man Job. There are many people and factors involved. First of all, you have to have a Board of Directors with patience to wait for teams to be created. It takes years to build a great team: nothing can be achieved overnight. I like to think my directors have that patience and understanding of what I am trying to
do. Without their backing, nothing could be achieved. Then we have the big scouting staff, under chief scout Harry Cooke. He does a fine job organizing this huge network. They are the ones who start the recruitment process with their reports And at the club itself want to pay a big tribute to the coaching staff under chief coach Wilf Dixon. He has Arthur Proudler, Tommy Cases, and Stuart Imlach as his aides
These are the men who tale boys when they’ve left school and make them into Everton players, of Everton standards in the Everton style of play.  It is a long slow process.  Many things can go wrong along the way.  A boy’s physical development has to be watched very carefully; boys can go up and down from month to month, certainly year to year. A boy of 16 who looks like coming right can be no use at 17, and the opposite can be the case. Its' not exactly a gamble, but you have to be prepared for disappointments, for being patient, for waiting for boys to mature in a football sense. I don’t want to pick out too many of our youngsters at this stage, but there are two boys who I think will be names to watch in the next few years.  They are both midfield players-Mike Buckley and John Smith.  Both played for England boys, Buckley comes from Manchester, Smith from Liverpool.  Keep these names in your memory.  And I want to reassure all Everton supporters that I am happy with the quality of our young staff at present. They're developing in the right lines, they're coming along steadily as I want them to do. The future of the club, in a playing sense, looks to be in capable hands, or feet.  But you have to be patient and I ask our fans to be patient with these youngsters. As I said, you have to see them in the first team, under pressure, before you know their true worth. I know that some supporters have been critical of me in the past. That is their right. But they should appreciate that they cannot be aware of all the facts when I make some decision which they see translated onto the field. I would not think of judging the actions of a politician or some big-name administrator in any business unless I was in possession of all the facts.  Fans should realise that it is not always possible for me to give all the facts in certain cases. But, at this stage would like to thank the many thousands who supported us at Goodison this season. We are deeply appreciative of their support and we like to think that we've provided the sort of football which entertains.

THE GOLDEN SHOT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 April 1970
MISCUED-BUT IT WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO DOWN FOREST
THE GOLDEN SWOT
TOMMY WRIGHT has made his name stopping goals. In fact, so successful has he been at this as a full back that he has earned him- self a trip to Mexico with the England World Cup party this summer. Tommy has never been known for his goal-scoring feats. Hardly surprising for in his career so far he has oily scored twice, the first time at Southampton last season and the second this season. Yet so vital was his goal against Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on November 1 that it definitely rated as one of the Golden Shots of the season. Miscued was good to down Tommy reflected on the game "Forest were playing it very defensively and after about an hour's play we still had not scored and we were getting a little frustrated. "Then it happened. The move started in my position at right back as I passed the ball up to Jimmy Husband. He went on a diagonal run and carried on the move with a pass out to Johnny Morrissey. but it enough Forest Both Jimmy and I kept running into the penalty area and as Johnny's cross came over Jimmy tried a shot but nus-hit it and the ball dropped down to me. I went to blast it but I miscued it too, and it just trickled into the net. "It felt great especially as it was the only goal of the game and gave us two points No matter how they go in, they're all good goals."

HARRY CATTERICK WHAT I’M REALLY LIKE
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 April 1970
A FINAL MESSAGE TO FOOTBALL FANS; GET MORE FUN OUT OF THE GAME
By Mike Charters

I KNOW that I could create a more popular image for myself with the public and Press ... but I feel it would be at the expense of the efficiency of the Everton club. I am an introspective man and I don't make friends easily. When first moved into football management at Crewe, an old hand in the game told me: "You'll have hundreds of acquaintances but few friends.” He has been proved right, I have a circle of genuine friends however, with whom I can discuss topics outside football and that's how I want it to be.
I have always been a strong believer in discipline, both for myself and the staff of clubs where I have been manager.
Allegiance
I believe that I owe my time and allegiance to Everton Football Club. And I expect my players and staff to do the same. My refuge from the stresses of being a manager of a top and successful club is my family and my home. When I’m away from the club, or free of the club's business, I spend my time with my wife and daughter at our home in Ainsdale.  My wife Nancy doesn't come to matches—but she did go to our two Cup Finals. When our games are on, during Saturday afternoons, she leaves the house and takes the dog for a walk. Somehow she feels she has to be out in the open because she feels the strain of what is going on at Goodison or some ground we're visiting. I love to take the dog out for a walk too I can relax in walks along the beach, get away from the football pressure for a time. I'm also very fond of a game of golf. I'm a member at Southport and Ainsdale, although for years I've only been able to play a few games each year. I hope to get my handicap down this year, play a bit more. I used to play down to five when I was a player . . . I would like to get that back. Each summer, a few friends join me in a golfing holiday fur a few days. I enjoy that We’ve been to Ireland and Scotland and we usually have a good time. After Saturday matches, my wife and I usually join friends and have dinner out. I rather enjoy picking out the best places for a meal in good company…I’ve got quite a list of restaurants and hotels that we visit.
Leisure
Those are my leisure pursuits. At work, at the job of running the playing affairs at Everton, I realize that I have crested this image of being rather detached. It does not bother me, particularly. I am conscious that I have not been in the public eye, as much as other managers. I don't seek that sort of publicity; it’s not in my character to do so.  But I am recognised by my directors, and that's what matters most. That is the only sort of recognition which means anything to me rather than notice in the Press. When I go to check on players, I very rarely sit in the directors' box I don a cloth cap and go on the terraces I find the fans very knowledgeable —I listen to their comments on players and take note. I can wander around a ground and watch the player I’m interested in from close range. You can't do that from the directors' box. I suppose this has become part of my public image as well. But I do this for a purpose…it's all part of my work. I have strong views on future developments in the game. I think summer football would help everybody concerned, not the least the fans. It's a terrible thing when you know that thousands of them can travel hundreds of miles to see their team, only to find that the game is off because of snow, or fog, or the pitch being waterlogged.  The difficulty would be in starting a season from March to November. But it could be overcome by having a gap, and then starting afresh.
I also think there is too much football. There should be fewer clubs in the First Division, to allow some breathing space, and avoid the annual congestion of fixtures which bedevils so many clubs' chances. It would also help the national side to prepare and free the players' clubs from the strain of losing their men in the vital days just before an important League game.  
More protection
I want to see stronger refereeing, with more protection in the ball players in the game. I have seen placers like George Best, Charlie Cooke, Alan Ball and Peter Thompson take a clogging from opponents, and the men responsible get away with it. I believe there should be a directive to referees to pay special attention to this ugly trend in the game. Highly skilled players should be protected. I want to end this series of articles with a message to all football fans. It is this: "GET MORE FUN OUT OF THE GAME." Learn how to lose. Somebody must win, somebody must lose—it is the essence of all games. Nowadays fans of losing teams are morose and utterly down. They must be prepared to accept defeat in a sporting way. They'll enjoy it more if they do if they have been entertained by the Quality of the contest that should be the great feature. THEY' MIST LEARN HOW TO ACCEPT DEFEAT-IN THE RIGHT WAY.

MERSEY FIVE IN ENGLAND SQUAD
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 April 1970
By Chris James
Four of Everton’s championship winning side were to-day named by England manager Sir Alf Ramsey in his squad of 16 for the first of the Home internationals against Wales at Cardiff on Saturday week. The Goodison quartet Alan Ball, Brian Labone, Tommy Wright and Keith Newton, and they are joined by one of Liverpool's stars, Emlyn Hughes.  All the 16 named are from among the 28 player, - Sir Alf has named in his Mexico squad and he ha, named the entire 28 for the other two internationals against Ireland and Scotland. For the match against Wales, however, Sir Alf has named only Terry Cooper from Leeds. The other three Leeds' men named for Mexico, Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and Allan Clarke, have only been named for the last two internationals This is to give them a much-needed break after playing the Cup Final and the second leg of their European Cup semi-final with Celtic in the week before the international against Wales.

EVERTON JUST MISS LEEDS RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 April 1970
By Mike Charters
So its 66 points and 29 wins for Everton.  But, after the goalless draw at Sunderland last night to close the most successful League season in the club’s history, manager Harry Catterick was unconcerned that his team had just failed to equal Leeds' record of 67 points. As he said: “There are no trophies for that. But I was pleased with the way the boys played, on a heavy pitch unsuited to our style. You couldn't call it a typical end-of-season game.  And he can say that again. This was thrill-a-minute entertainment, with Everton dominating the first half and Sunderland, fighting like furies to stay in the First Division, taking command after the interval with what locals described as their best display for months. With superb displays from Harvey and Kendall, backed by Ball's accurate distribution, Everton pinned Sunderland back on defence for long spells. Royle went close twice in the early minutes to getting a 21st birthday goal, Kendall hit the post with a terrific shot from 25 yards. Husband shot inches wide, and Kendall volleyed another Just over the top after a great move down the right. The effort both teams were putting into it disturbed the referee several times as he lectured players. And the first half ended with Irwin and Cohn Harvey being booked for over vigorous tackles. In the second half, with the wind behind them, Sunderland came out to show that they can still steer themselves clear of relegation. Harris produced a power-shot which tested West, who also saved well from Hughes and McGiven.
Strong defence
Sunderland were all thrust and energy, driven on by the enthusiasm of the 28,700 crowd. But Everton's defence was too strong for them. Wright had an outstanding game with Kenyon playing so soundly that he 'looked as though he had been in the side all season. Hurst and Brown were excellent. Everton's best scoring effort was limited to a fine shot from Darcy, who came on after an hour when Kendall limped off with a leg strain. Darcy moved up the middle to hit a shot which struck Montgomery rather than the goalkeeper making the save. With the game split neatly into two halves dominated by each team in turn, a draw was a fair result. It gave Sunderland fresh hope that if they can beat Liverpool next Wednesday they have a good chance of avoiding relegation. Husband replaced Whittle, who had to drop out with a sore foot, for Everton's first change in seven games.  He showed at times that he was short of match practice, but made one brilliant late run which almost brought the winner for Darcy. Todd, McGiven and Park were best for a Sunderland well below Everton's class. But they were not short on effort. 

CATTERICK PRAISES THE MAN WHO FILELD THE BREACH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 April 1970
‘ALAN BALL WAS NATURAL FOR CAPTAIN-AND DID GREAT JOB’
By Mike Charters
EVERTON manager Harry Catterick, now able to relax a little after the heady excitement of clinching the League Championship, talked this week about Alan Ball as captain of the team. He said: “I never had any doubt that when Brian Labone had to drop out through injury, Alan was the man to lead the side. He was a natural for the position and he has done a grand job. “Everyone in football know, about his ability as a player but I think he has also shown in the last eight games of the season that he has the temperament to act as captain as well "He can inspire the others: he is respected by them.  “I appreciate that over the years he has had brushes with authority because of his playing temperament. But people should always remember that he has to withstand an immense amount of provocation, that he is one of the most tightly marked men in the game. "I have been asked to compare him with Billy Bremner and the job he does for Leeds as captain. I'm not prepared to do that yet. “But I must point out that Bremner is a player who comes forward in his rule for Leeds. It is an easier task than Ball does for Everton. Ball moves forward and back for us: he is more critically involved in every aspect of the game. "Of course, Bremner does a magnificent job for Leeds. I admire him greatly—and the same comment goes for Ball and Everton so far as I'm concerned." Because so many of their players are involved in England's World Cup preparations, and the home international championship, Everton have not made any plans to reward them with a group holiday or anything of that nature. Mr. Catterick said: - They are very well looked after by the club. But I plan to hold a private celebration for the lads and their wives. I don't want to make any fuss about it. It's just between ourselves.
WHILE the major project of completing the new stand at Goodison Park has got under way this week, there is other work in progress at job' Everton's training ground, Bellefield. Ditch-digging machines moved in a few days ago to construct new drains around the perimeter of the ground—the pitches themselves look in such good shape that it is difficult to believe they are used five days a week for training, plus Saturday matches for the junior teams.

SHOOT FIRST AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 April 1970
Says Johnny Morrissey
A GOAL is a goal, no matter how you score it. And I cannot honestly say that I wish I hadn't scored the one which sank Sheffield Wednesday last week. Even if it does help to send them into Division 2. I have sympathy for them, of course; especially after the way they stood up to us at Hillsborough. But I was still glad to score the goal that won us the points. I For one thing, it was a long time since I had got the ball into the net— January 17, to be precise, against Southampton. And it didn't give me much joy then, because we lost. I like to think I can crack home a few goals every season, but when you start to go weeks without finding the net, you get a bit worried.
Cracked two
Early in the season, I scored in three successive matches—against Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Manchester City. Eight more games went by, before I netted again—against Wolves. Two games later, I scored against Sunderland, and in the following match, I cracked home two against Stoke. That was on October 18. 1969 . . . and I didn't score again until the Southampton game. I will admit that I wondered if the goal I scored against Sheffield Wednesday might be offside—but, as a professional, I have learned to shoot first and ask questions afterwards. And so, even while my mind was niggling away and wondering whether I was offside, I went on and picked my spot to score. In short, I played to the whistle ... and, as the whistle didn't go, I kept right on going, until I had finished the move. But there is no doubt about one thing—l DIDN'T handle the ball, when I brought down Colin Harvey's pass. And as the referee was satisfied that I WASNT offside, then I was happy to be credited with my ninth League goal of the season. But I will say that the one which stands out as MY golden shot was of the brace which I scored when we sank Stoke, 6-2, at Goodison. It was our first, so it really set us off on the track for goal. It happened when dispossessed Peter Dobing, just outside the Stoke penalty box. I took the ball on a yard or so, then I fairly hammered it into the net. And when you really let fly, and see a rocket shot go in, you feel good, take it from me. My second goal came just after half-time, when Tommy Wright put the ball across, and I nodded it home, just inside the near post. Two games later, Tommy himself got his name on the scoresheet, for the first and only time this season. He scored the goal which gave us victory at Goodison over Nottingham Forest. All told, there have been some valuable lone goals scored by the lads this season—John Hurst at Highbury, for the winner which started us off on the championship trail last August: Joe Royle's winner at Coventry: Jimmy Husband's point saver at Chelsea.
Ball's winner
Then came Alan Whittle, with winners against West Ham, Manchester City, Tottenham and Stoke—and two equalisers against Arsenal. Alan Ball chipped in with a winner against Derby County, and Joe Royle had a winner against Wolves and one which earned a point at Nottingham Forest. It’s interesting to look back through the season, and to speculate what might have happened, if…But all the ifs and buts are ended now. We're champions—and I believe we have earned the title. I'm sure all fair minded fans will agree, too.

STATISTICS TELL THE EVERTON SUCCESS STORY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 11 April 1970
By Mike Charters
EVERTON ended the most successful League season in their history this week .. and statistics tell the story with sufficient clarity to prove, once and for all, that they won the League Championship for the seventh time on merit and without help from anyone. They beat every team in the First Division—the sort of consistency which counts in winning titles. They took maximum points from Manchester United, Ipswich, Wolves, Spurs, Burnley, West Ham, Stoke city and Sheffield Wednesday. And, in addition, they only dropped one point from their games with Manchester City, Newcastle, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Coventry City, Forest, Chelsea and Sunderland. They lost only once at home—to Liverpool--but drew with Arsenal, Newcastle and Coventry. Only, five points were lost at Goodison. Away, they lost to Derby County, West Bromwich, Leeds and Southampton. They won 12 away games—a superb performance in itself. Their total of 66 points was the highest in their history. Their tally in six previous championships. 1963, 61 points; 1939, 59; 1932, 56: 1928, 53: 1915, 46 (maximum possible 76); 1891, 29 (maximum 44). Goal scorers this season: Joe Royle 23 (five penalties), Alan Whittle 11, Alan Ball 10 (one penalty), John Morrissey 9. Jimmy Husband 6, John Hurst 5,  Howard Kendall 4, Colin Harvey 3, Tommy Wright one. Their goal average was 72-34. In addition, Ball and Kendall scored in the League Cup, Ball once (penalty) in the F.A. Cup. Ever-presents in the League were West, Wright, Royle and Hurst. Other appearances: Morrissey 41, Ball 37, Kendall 36, Harvey 35, Labone 34, Brown 31, Husband 30, Whittle 15, Jackson 14, Newton 12, Kenyon 8, Humphreys one. They called on 16 players in League games. Several players passed landmarks in their careers during the season. Labone went well beyond the 400-mark for League appearances: West completed 250: Wright 200, Brown 150; Kendall 100, Harvey 200: Husband 100, Ball 150; Royle 100: Hurst 150: Morrissey 200. These are appearances for Everton. In the goal-scoring line. Royle completed his half-century of League goals, while Ball reached his 100th, including his goals for Blackpool. They have been watched by 1,038,931 people at Goodison—an average of 49.472. It is the highest since the last championship year in 1963.

DIXIE IS INVITED TO IRISH CUP FINAL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 13 April 1970
By Chris James
Alongside his England caps, his F.A. Cup winners medal, his championship medal and his Second Division championship medal, Bill “Dixie “Dean. Everton's legendary goal hero, has two more medals. Dean, the 60-goala-in-a season scoring record holder, says of them: “They’re pretty little things and I treasure them." They were both won in one season when his team —Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland—almost did the double. It was wartime. 1940, and Dean was invited to play for them. Sligo were runners-up in the League to Shamrock Rovers, and lost to the Irish Cup final to Shelbourne, but only 1-0 in a replay after a 1-1 draw at Dalymount Park. That was Sligo's best ever season, but now, 30 years later they are back in the Cup Final next Sunday at Tolker Park, Dublin, against Bohemians.  And Bill Dean will be there as the guest of honour. Said Bill. "I remember that season as if it was only yesterday. I really enjoyed playing over there and I'll never forget that Cup Final. It was ' Sacky ' Glenn, the oldest man on the field, who scored the only goal in the replay for Bohemians when we were having most of the play I'm really looking forward to the trip over next weekend, You never know, they might even let me lead the team out. But anyway, it will be a chance to compare what the medals are like these days with what they were when I won two. - If Sligo win they will go into the European Cup Winners' Cup next season. It would be great if they get into Europe." said Bill. “They might even invite me along.”

GOODISON NEW LOOK
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 16 April 1970
A NEW look on the Everton sky-line. Demolition work on the Goodison Road Stand at Goodison Park has progressed so well in the past 10 days that this photograph, taken across the pitch from Bullens Road, shows what a giant's bite has done to the centre of the old stand. Work will start soon on building the remaining two-thirds of the new stand to link with the completed section on the right.

MERSEY MEN LINK UP WITH RAMSEY PARTY
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 16 April 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton's f our England men—Alan Ball, Brian Labone, Keith Newton and Tommy Wright—left Bellefield to-day to link with the party of 16 gathering in London for the first of the home internationals against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.  And their England colleagues, Liverpool’s Emlyn Hughes, travelled to join them direct from the North-East, after playing at Sunderland last night.  I expect four locals to play against wales.  Sir Alf Ramsey will have Hughes at left back instead of the midfield role which he was expected to fill in the World Cup plans.  Ball, Labone and Wright look certain to face Wales, leaving Newton the only local on the sidelines but ready to get his England call for the match against Northern Ireland at Wembley next Tuesday night.  The Everton pair, Colin Harvey and Joe Royle, who are reserves for World Cup party, have been asked by Sir Alf to keep in training in case of injuries to any members of the 28-strong squad who will travel to Mexico early in May.  Everton manager Harry Catterick told me they have been resting this week after the strain of the League season, but can come to Bellefield any day they wish to keep in trim. Another trophy is likely to reach Everton’s boardroom this week. If the "A - team win at Oldham to-night, they will clinch the championship of the first division of the Lancashire League.

WALES 1 ENGLAND 1
April 18, 1970. 
Wright, Ball, and Labone played against wales at Wembley today, at Ninian Park, Cardiff.  Lee scored with a magnificent shot from 25 yards, equalized after 70 minutes, after Krzywicki (Huddersfield) had open the scoring for Wales after 39 minutes, during an Home International match. 

JOHNNY MORRISEY LOOKS BACK AT THE FUTURE OF A UNITED STAR
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 April 1970
MARK MY WORDS-DENIS LAW WON’T BE OUT OF A JOB NEXT AUGUST
TIME IS the enemy of every footballer. And time has run out for Denis Law, at Old Trafford.  The one-time "king" of the Stretford End has been transfer listed by Manchester United, at £60,000. Denis admits that he was shaken, to be told the news: but, in characteristic fashion, and realistic as ever, he said that football is his job, and so he would go where his job took him. There has been plenty of speculation about his eventual destination, and about the price that Manchester United have put upon his head. Denis cost United £115,000 then a record fee when he was signed from Torino. It has been worked out how much he has cost United, per game, how much he has cost, per goal, and so on. That is the business of football. But there is a human side of the game, as well ... as United have demonstrated. True. By announcing that Denis Law is for sale, United have given the player and themselves a breathing space. By naming a price, they have cut out an auction. I cannot see Denis Law being an unemployed footballer come next August ...
A realist
Yet, of course, it is common sense to raise the point about cost. Is £60,000 a realistic valuation of the player? And what about the salary he has commanded, in his seasons with United? I’ll take the second point first. Denis will certainly try to get the best possible terms for himself.  Only a fool wouldn't. But he is a realist, and he will undoubtedly accept that he may have to lose a little in the weekly pay packets. At the same time, he would collect five per cent of the transfer fee, as consolation. And that comes to £3,000. In these days of big money deals, £60,000 is not a fortune; but it is a lot of money to consider investing in a player who, clearly, is nearer the end of his career than the start. What would a buyer get for his money? - Well Denis had a long spell out of action, this season, through injury.  And so his tally of goals has been well down on previous seasons. A buyer would be gambling that Law's appetite for goals was unimpaired; that a change of club would renew the zest he has always put into his game. I recall an occasion when someone questioned United's wisdom in having paid £115,000 for Denis. Sir Matt Busby’s answer was prompt he HAD been worth the cash. Indeed, Sir Matt pointed out that Denis Law had helped to pay for the impressive new stand which adorns one side of the Old Trafford ground.  Law had helped to take United to the League champions, to the F A. Cup, and into Europe. He had been a drawing card, a character -and his contribution to United's on-the-field success had been reflected in receipts through the turnstiles.  Therefore, Law had helped to pay for the new stand. Denis Law, it seems to me, could help another club -maybe not to buy a new stand, but to gain promotion. Or to boost the power of a First Division club which was short of just one player of fire. 

NEW TROPHY BRINGS OUT OLD STARS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 April 1970
AS the home internationals get under way, a new annual challenge trophy has been introduced to give former internationals a chance to show what they can do today. And one-time Everton and Liverpool players will be playing. Teams representing the cream of England and Scottish internationals over the past few seasons will play at Birmingham on Tuesday night. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Tommy Younger has selected the Scottish side, and gill play in goal. He has Ian St. John and ex-Everton favourite Alex Young in his team. England's team, chosen by Jimmy Hill, has Blackpool and former Everton centre-forward Fred Pickering to lead the attack, with two of his one-time Blackburn team-mates In Bryan Douglas and Ronnie Clayton also in the side.

SUSPENDED 4-WEEK BAN ON JACKSON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 20 April 1970
Everton wing half Tommy Jackson has been given a suspended sentence of 28 days after receiving three cautions. The decision, reached after a meeting of the F.A. disciplinary committee in London on Tuesday, was announced to-day. Irish Under-23 international Jackson, who cost Everton £10,000 when he joined them from Glentoran last season, has also been fined £50. The ban is suspended for 12 months.

EVERTON OPEN TO OFFERS FOR HUMPHREYS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 April 1970
Everton are prepared to listen to offers for former Welsh Under-23 forward Gerry Humphreys who figured in their successful title chase this season. Although Humphreys, who played one League game, is included in Everton's 33-strong retained list, Everton are prepared to sell him and the same applies to Terry Owen a young centre forward. There are no surprises in Everton's list but two players are given free transfers. Bryn Jones, an inside forward, and David Turner, a full back recruited from Derby Schoolboys. Harry Bennett, who has been named in Everton's first team squad on occasions could be amen a free transfer.  He is retained but Manager Harry Catterick is prepared to give him a “free" if any club shows interest.

LABONE INJURY DELAYS SELECTION
Liverpool Echo - Friday 24 April 1970
By Mike Charters
England’s team choice to play Scotland at Hampden Park tomorrow is held up because of the heavy bruise on the right shin of Everton captain Brian Labone.  But if he passes a fitness test, I expect England chief Sir Alf Ramsey to name the same team which began the international championship at Cardiff –with the exception of Manchester United’s Brian Kidd for Francis Lee, who has been released because of the club’s European Cup winner’s Cup final, next Wednesday.  This would mean that Liverpool’s Emlyn Hughes teams up at full-back with Tommy Wright of Everton again, plus the return of Alan Ball for his 39th cap.  Labone has had a worrying week trying to get his injury healed.  It started with a knock he received playing or Everton Reserves, ten days ago.  It was aggravated by a further blow in the game against wales, and this, added to a severe attack of cramp, put him out of action for Tuesday night’s game against Northern Ireland. 

SCOTLAND 0 ENGLAND 0
April 25, 1970
Everton’s Keith Newton, Brain Labone and Alan ball played for England against Scotland at Hampdens Park today. 

CATTERICK MISSES AWARD –BY TWO VOTES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 April 1970
By Mike Charters
A remarkable break from tradition was revealed when Leeds United chief Don Revie received the Manager of the Year award of £1,000 in Glasgow yesterday. Since it began in 1966, the managerial accolade has always gone to the manager of an honours-winning team—either a League championship or the European Cup.  It started with Bill Shankly and Celtic's Jock Stain and then included Stein again, Sir Matt Busby and Revie last year when Leeds won the League. But this year Mr. Revie won again. Although, as he admitted himself, "Leeds have not won anything yet." Everton manager Harry Catterick, who has steered his team to the title by nine clear point, from Leeds, failed to win the award and the considerable cash prizes by what I understand be only two votes.
Interest
The voting for the annual award is separate from the aggregate total prepared after each monthly award, so the fact that Mr. Catterick led Mr. Revie by 12 votes on aggregate at the end of March did not affect the voting for the major Prize. The sponsors, Bell's Whisky would not reveal the final voting figures. No mention was made at the presentation of how close the voting had been—a fact which thought would have been of considerable public interest after publishing the monthly aggregate figures throughout the season. The voting panel is made up of 24 British sports writers.
Worthy
In naming Mr. Revie, the majority must have thought that Leeds' attempt to win three honours—but falling so far—was more worthy of recognition than Everton's solid achievement of winning the League title, regarded throughout the world as the most difficult honour to win in club football. It must be assumed, therefore, that sentiment counted more in the final analysis. Mr. Cattenck told me: "Of course. I am disappointed. In fact, it is one of the disappointing things ever to happen to me in football. "The voting shows that you don't have to win something to take the award."
Surprised
Most of the football personalities at the presentation luncheon, particularly the managers, were surprised that Mr. Catterick had not won it—and said so, afterwards. In his “Thank you “speech. Mr. Revie said that Mr. Stein would obviously have won the award this year but for the fact that the Scottish F.A. had banned Scottish managers from accepting these awards. Mr. Catterick agreed that Mr. Stein would have been the logical choice because of his club's achievements this season in the European Cup, as well as in Scottish football. But Mr. Catterick and his team have received one major recognition of their success. He has been invited to be guest of honour at the Anglo-American Sporting Club Dinner, in Manchester, on May 11, and has been asked to take as many of his players with him as possible. Some will be in Mexico with the England World Cup team, others on holiday, but those available will join Mr. Catterick on this great sporting occasion.

CATTERICK EYES SCOT STARLETS
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 April 1970
Everton manager Harry Catterick sets off to-morrow on a four-day tour of Scotland, during which he will check on leading Scottish junior players, writes Mike Charters. He told me: "This gives me the chance to make a concentrated business trip to look at most of the youngsters on whom our Scottish scouts have reported favourably "At this time of the year. Scottish junior football is busy—there are cup finals and important games on both coasts every night. I shall take in games in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas." Chief scout Harry Cooke, who is also going, has drawn up a list of promising lads that the Everton chief wants to cheek personally. It becomes increasingly difficult for English clubs to “raid " Scottish junior clubs for talent, as they used to do. The Scottish League has introduced a scheme similar to the associated schoolboy system operating in England. The top Scottish clubs have reacted quickly and have taken a large number of promising boys on to their books under this scheme.

EVERTON WATCH TEENAGER
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 28 April 1970
Everton are taking a keen interest in Ken Norton, an 18-years-old inside forward with Warley, the Midland League club. The club saw Norton in action twice over the week-end. Tommy Jones, the former Everton player, saw Norton play in the Midland League Cup Final against Heanor, and stayed overnight in Birmingham to watch the young inside forward play against Boston, On Saturday afternoon. If Everton are to make serous offer for Norton, they will have to move quickly, because he is already lined up to join Ipswich Town. The player has provisionally accepted terms offered to him by Ipswich manager, Bobby Robson.