RECORD FEE PLAYER OUT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Sheffield United leave out their club record transfer man, inside forward John Tudor, for their third round FA. Cup tie against Everton at Bramall Lane to-morrow. And it looks as though Everton will be unchanged from the side which lost at Leeds last Saturday. Everton manager Harry Catterick delayed selection until to-morrow. He named a party of 14 to travel, adding Sandy Brown, Jimmy Husband and young reserve centre forward Mick Lyons to the team which played at Leeds. Mr. Catterick has the straight choice between Alan Whittle and Jimmy Husband for the No. 7 position ... Whittle, the man in possession at the moment with a goal in each of three successive games, and Husband, who has played only one game in six weeks. Husband was clearly not 100 per cent when he came back for the match against Derby County with Whittle omitted.  Now it is a question of whether Husband is sufficiently fit to be brought back.  I think much will depend on Mr. Catterick’s view of the situation when he has had a chance of inspecting the Bramall Lane pitch tomorrow.  Conditions there today are excellent.  Any Everton supporters without tickets traveling to Bramell Lane for tomorrow’s cup-tie should not that two turnstiles will be open for payment at the gate-door “A” in Bramwell Lane and door “N” in Shoreham Street.  Tickets must be presented at all other turnstiles.  United;- Hodgkinson; Badger, Hemsley, Barlow, Colquohoun, Flynn; Woodward, Currie, Addison, Salmons, Reece, Sun-Tudor.  Everton; West; Wright, Newton; Kendall, Labone, Jackson; Whittle, or Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey. 

SPURS V EVERTON MATCH PLAN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 January 1970
Everton have arranged to play their postponed game at Tottenham next Wednesday night - providing they and 'Spurs are not involved in Cup replays (writes Mike Charters). And they have pushed through this new date despite opposition from 'Spurs, who would have preferred to have the game played later in the season. It needed the Football League's authority on their side before Everton's plea was accepted. Everton put forward this date to 'Spurs last Monday, but it was only to-day that the League intervened. 'Spurs claimed that they would not have time to have tickets printed, but the League overruled them.
World Cup Calls
Everton wanted the game played as quickly as possible.  If it had been put off to the end of the season, they might have had to field a weakened side with players called up for the England World Cup squad.  Spurs play Third Division Bradford City in the Cup at Bradford tomorrow.  The Everton fixture was postponed on November 29 through snow.  It was re-arranged for December 17 but after 30 minutes the floodlights failed at white Hart lane and the game had to be abandoned. 

EVERTON MAY NEED A REPLAY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton players took time out a week ago to watch their F.A Cup opponents, Sheffield United in a top-of-the-Second Division clash with Huddersfield.  United lost 2-1…but the Everton boys did not see the real United. 
Who says so? United manager John Harris, who told me this week that half his team were suffering from the after effects of flu when they dropped three points from their Christmas fixtures at Huddersfield and at home to Watford. Now they're healthy and happy again—and looking forward to one of the great Cup ties of the day against the League leaders tomorrow. United's home record is so good that any team going to Bramall Lane must appreciate the size of their task. Everton will be ready for the challenge as they set off again on the Wembley trail which they have graced over the past few years. - Their recent record is impressive . . . 1966: Cup winners against Sheffield Wednesday. 1967: Lost in quarter final at Forest. 1968: Lost in Final to West Bromwich. 1969: Lost in semi-final to Manchester City. I visualize Everton having another great Cup run. The big question is sustaining this as well as their lead in the League. So much depends on the luck of the draw. Everton may need a replay to dispose of their Sheffield opponents. United look worthy of a First Division place on their record but if tomorrow's match was a League fixture, I think most people would rate Everton capable of at least a draw, certainly not to lose.
Atmosphere of tension
Many forecasters hint that Everton could be in trouble at Bramall Lane, because the very nature of the Cup puts the onus on the big clubs when tackling someone from a lower division.  But most of Everton’s games this season have bene played in a Cup-tie atmosphere of tension and strain.  It has always been so as teams try to knock League leaders off their perch. So it will not be any great change when Everton turn to Cup football to-morrow. The strain will be on United to show that they are potential First Division material. Everton's full backs must dampen the scoring power of United wingers Alan Woodward and Gil Reece. Keith Newton will be marking the powerful Woodward, top scoring winger in the land with 16 goals, while Tommy Wright faces Welsh international Reece, also in double figures with ten.  It is on the flanks where United generate their attacking threats with striker Tony Currie the man in the middle with his physical strength and finishing ability. Everton's attack must improve from their indifferent showing at Leeds last week. I believe Joe Royle and company have the skill and talent to open a United defence which has only conceded five goals at home this season. But it is a vastly different proposition for United to cope with Second Division attacks than against 47-goal Everton, 17 of them scored away from Goodison. It is generally conceded that United could beat many First Division sides at Bramall Lane. But they are playing the leading First Division team to-morrow, and I bank on Everton's all-round superiority in skill and pace to get them through, As Alan Ball's threat of suspension looms closer. I imagine he will be pulling out something extra to help his team to make the best possible start in the Cup. United won't have faced anyone approaching his ability so far this season and he is the busy young man who could do more than most to put Everton into the fourth round.

THIS IS THE WAY TO BRAMALL LANE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 January 1970 
Everton supporters travelling by road to Sheffield for the FA. Cup third round clash against Sheffield United were to-day advised of routes and parking areas by the Sheffield and Rotherham Constabulary.
A special coach park for about 60 Vehicles will be provided at an off-street area at the junction of Clarence Street and Moore Street and further coach parking will be provided on Farm Road, Norfolk Park Road and East Rank Road. Motorists are advised that parking is allowed on most side roads near the ground except those indicated with signs. The police also advise fans to use one of the following three routes to the ground:
ROUTE A (via Hyde and Glossop): A 57 Hyde, Glossop, Snake Pass to Sheffield. The route will then be signposted by the A.A. along Manchester Road, Glossop Road, Upper Hanover Street, Clarence Street and St. Mary's Gate.
ROUTE B (via Macclesfield. Chapel en le Frith and Hathersage): A 57 Warrington. M 6 Knutsford. A 537 Macclesfield, A 5089 Whaley Bridge. A 625 Hope. Hathersage and Fox House. Then the route will be signposted by the A.A.
ROUTE C (via Woodhead): A 57 Hyde, A 628 Woodhead, A 616 Sheffield. Then the route will be Middlewood Road, Shalesmoor, West Bar, Bridge Street, Castle Gate. Sheaf Street and Suffolk Road or Shalesmoor. Netherthorpe Road. Upper Hanover Street and Clarence Street. This latter route passes close to Hillsborough where a Cup-tie is scheduled between Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion and motorists are strongly advised to avoid it to prevent clashing with Hillsborough traffic.
GOODISON PARK REPLAY PLANS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 02 January 1970
If a replay is needed in the Sheffield United- Everton F.A. Cup-tie, it will be at Goodison Park next Tuesday (7.30) and will not be all-ticket. Tickets will be available for the stands at 13/-, 11/- and 9-;  Paddock 6/6; ground 5/- and the boys pen 2/- will be cash at the turnstiles.  No postal application will be entertained.  Stand season tickets holders will be entitled to one stand ticket each at either 13/- 11/- 0r 9/- and will be given tickets in their usual stand as far as possible.  These must be applied for personally at the ground on Sunday from the turnstiles in Bullen Road between 10 a.m, and 1 p.m, by tendering spare voucher No 5 from the season ticket book. Or on Monday , 10 a.m to 12 noon from the official entrance in Gwladys Street, Stockholders holding stand season tickets should apply at the office in Goodison Road at the above times.  Cheques cannot be accepted.  Season ticket holders must obtain their tickets from the turnstiles in Bullens Road marked with their own section.  There will be no season ticket price distinction and tickets will be issued in rotation for each section irrespective of the price of season tickets.  As 25 per cent of all tickets are allocated to the visiting club, it will not be possible to allocate tickets to all season ticket holders in their usual section.  Any balance of tickets will be on sale to the general public on Monday from the turnstiles in Bullen Road from 6 p.m.  gates will close at 8 p.m unless all tickets are sold before them.  Ground and paddock season ticket holders can gain admission through their usual turnstiles by tendering spare voucher No. 5 and the appropriate admission money on the day of the match. 

BLUES OUT OF CUP
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 January 1970
UNITED HIT BACK WITH FINE GOALS AFTER PENALTY
SHEFFIELD UTD 2 EVERTON 1
By Mike Charters
Everton are out of the F.A Cup.  The League leaders, bidding to reach Wembley for the third time in four years, were knocked out at the first hurdle in their tie against second Division promotion candidates Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.  So, for the Blues, it’s back to the League…and concentration on winning the title.  Line Up; Sheffield United; Hodgkinson; Badger, Hemsley; Barlow, Colquhoun, Flynn; Woodward, Currie, Addison, Salmonds, Reece, Sub Tudor.  Everton; West; Wright, Newton; Kendall, Labone, Jackson; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey.  Sub Brown.  Referee; Mr. J.K. Taylor (Wolverhampton).  It was a cup-tie in true tradition.  A penalty by Ball gave Everton a first half lead, but Reece equalized shortly after the interval.  Ten minutes from the end Addison headed a great goal.  Whittle and Addison were just offside in quick succession as both teams opened up in lively fashion, with the ball bouncing unpredictably on the firm surface.  It was Everton’s goal which nearly fell after five minutes.  Addison brought the ball round Hurst and from his cross West could only push it on to the face of the cross-bar.  As it bounced down Reece got his foot to the ball and deflected it just wide.  United set up a tremendous assault on the Everton goal.  As Newton slipped Woodward raced through the Everton defence and hit a tremendous shot from 20 yards which beat West and hit the crossbar to bounce out.  Flynn who had been marking Ball closely turned his attention to Royle and fouled the Everton centre forward with a tackle which brought a warning from Referee Taylor.  From the free kick Everton set up a furious attack on the United goal, Hodgkinson punching clear from Ball’s centre just as Hurst was moving in to make his header.  Woodward’s pace was the major threat to Everton and he was giving Newton a testing time.  Ball was working even harder than usual to get the Everton attack moving and he almost succeeded in breaking through in a link up with Royal and Jackson.  United’s first time methods looked more effective, yet one of the best chances so far came to Whittle.  Colquhoun only partially cleared a Kendall centre and the ball came out to Whittle whose first time shot swung well wide.  After all the excitement in the Everton goalmouth the crunch came at the other end, Everton taking the lead after 17 minutes with from a penalty.  Badger mistimed a clearance straight to Morrissey, who broke clear, took the ball round Hodkinson who brought him down with a rugby tackle. After two successive penalty misses by Royle in recent games, it was Ball who took the spot kick. He sent Hodgkinson diving to his left and side-footed the ball into the opposite corner. Everton seemed to have taken some of the early sting out of the United attack. Ball was everywhere, putting on a dominating display as Everton began to take over the running Whittle came close to picking up a couple of flicked headers from Royle and United now seemed to have lost all their earlier rhythm and drive. After West had made a fine catch from a centre by Badger, Everton broke away and Ball sent a superb 40-yards crossfield pass to Royle, who took his shot a little too quickly and sent it across the goal-face. United came again thanks to Woodward, easily their most impressive forward. He took a short pass from Barlow, cut inside and hit a low left foot shot which West turned round the post with a full length dive. After 35 minutes Wright was carried off on a stretcher after clashing heads with Reece in which the Everton player suffered a bad gash over his right eye. Brown substituted immediately.  Reece only took a minor knock and played on. Brown went to left back and Newton to his best position on the right. Everton were saved by the bar crossbar for the third time so far, when a free kick by Badger, Curre prodded the ball over West but it hit the woodwork. After Whittle had been fouled by Hemsley, Ball nearly got a second goal from the free kick. It was a real banana effort but Hodgkinson moved quickly across the goalmouth and turned the ball over for a corner.  
Half-time Sheffield United nil, Everton 1. 

United resumed with the same sort of threat as they had done early in the game. West was twice fortunate within a minute to get a bounce of the ball in his favour.  Within five minutes of the restart United were level with a great headed goal by Reece.  Woodward flighted a centre across to the far side of the goal and Reece came in at top speed to bullet a header well away from West.  Everton survived a furious penalty appeal by United, when Kendall dispossessed Reece and the individual duels were highlighted by a constant clash between Whittle and Hemsley.  Royle, often going back in defence, headed over the bar to concede a corner in one United attack.  From the corner Colquhoun made a good header which West saved in spectacular style.  Referee Taylor had this far contented himself with verbal warnings after some of the crunching tackles, but now he booked Whittle for a foul on Reece.  Everton’s best effort this half came when Hurst put a 30-yard shot only inches wide and Kendall followed by shooting over from the edge of the area.  Ball was turning everything on in an attempt to find a way through the stern tackling United defence, but United’s first time tactics often had the Everton defence hard pressed.  It was reported from the dressing rooms that the Sheffield Club doctor had inserted several stitches into the cut above Wright’s right eye.  Brown had played splendidly since he had substituted for Wright.  He was the coolest person in the ground as he cleverly brought down a centre from Currie with West having been drawn out to the edge of the area.  Ball, the outstanding performer of the day, had taken tremendous physical punishment without murmur and had done more than his share to win this game for Everton.  United took the lead 10 minutes from the end with a carbon copy of their first goal.  Woodward brought the ball round Labone and from his perfect centre Addison put an unstoppable header past West.  Woodward had always caused trouble to the Everton defence with his speed and accurate centres and Currie almost increased United’s lead with a shot a foot wide after Woodward had again built up an attack.  Final Sheffield United 2, Everton 1. Official attendance 29,116. 

WE’RE STILL TOP-AND THAT’S REAL CONSISTENCY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 January 1970
It’s my View by Keith Newton
LEEDS manager Don Revie hit the nail right on the head when he said that last Saturday's game against Everton wasn't THE most important of the season. I'll go right along with him, in his assertion that the next 15 games or so are at least as important. Don Revie made the point that CONSISTENCY was the vital thing and I'm right with him, there. Where our opinions diverge is over his claim that Leeds are the most consistent team in the country. For although they have still lost only two games, as against the four defeats we have suffered, we have won considerably more matches than Leeds – and we are still top of Division 1. There cannot have been a more consistent team in the country than Everton, for except for a few hours we have headed the First Division for weeks and weeks. You don't stay in the top spot, unless you are consistent. At the same time, Don Revie and I don't fall out in our general opinion – that consistency over the remaining games is the key to the title. And we are at one, in dismissing talk of a championship run-in as rubbish. For it's still far too early to count chickens. Even before I arrived at Goodison, I had read that our manager Harry Catterick had expressed a tremendous regard for Chelsea. That was weeks and weeks ago. And just look how Chelsea have emerged as a threat to everyone. They are still some way behind Everton and Leeds, but they have been playing with such verve that they have been tacking on one victory after another. They went to Old Trafford and won: they picked up full points from the Christmas holiday games. Their confidence must be sky-high. But the Everton manager made another important point about Chelsea, when he said they had great strength in depth. Which meant, of course, that they had some fine players waiting in the wings, should injury or loss of form upset the balance of the first team. This is the time of the season when every manager looks at the strength of his playing staff, and assesses exactly how well it is geared for the possible demands of the future. For now the F.A. Cup-ties have begun and that means extra matches all along the line. Clubs can suddenly find themselves involved in three games in eight days—a Cup-tie, a replay, and then a grueling League match. Not to mention a fixture backlog. If you're in Europe, as clubs like Leeds, Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle and Southampton are, the pressures and the demands become even greater, So clubs to-day try to ensure that they have a pool of players equipped for such demands. And this has led to an entirely different kind of thinking from the days of not so long ago. Players have to be prepared—and able—to slot into the role required by the demands of the team pattern. And to be regarded as members of a first-team pool, rather than a specialized member of an 11-man squad.
Highly regarded
In the old days, they talked about "the stiffs" - which meant the reserves and a distinct separation from the elite corps of 11 who played in the first team. But today, the man capable of gaining recognition as a member of the first-team pool is highly regarded.  Indeed, clubs try to ensure that they have 16 or 17 players who can be relied upon for senior duty. And tactics dictate which player will come in, on occasion. Liverpool have done this with Ian Ross; Manchester City have played Dave Connor, in certain situations; Alan Whittle has come into the Everton team as a winger, but he could also be a valuable midfield man: and Sandy Brown has proved his immense value, in almost every position. The clubs with all-round strength and versatile players are the ones best-equipped for the stern battle for honours. You can rate Everton, Leeds and Chelsea among these. Everton, indeed, have long been trying to make provision for any possible contingencies by shrewd signings and judicious grooming of youngsters. In addition to the players I have mentioned, there are Tommy Jackson, Steve Melledew and Roger Kenyon, who can be called on.

SANDY SETTLES INTO HIS NEW TACTICAL ROLE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 January 1970
Mike Charters Looks at the Goodison Scene
Everton's play anywhere man Sandy Brown, an ever-present at left-back this season until the arrival of 80,000 Keith Newton from Blackburn, has now settled into an important tactical role for manager Harry Catterick. As the regular 12th man, he waits on the sidelines until the game has reached a stage where Mr. Catterick feels he can afford to strengthen his defence at the expense of a forward. Against Derby County, Brown went on for winger Jimmy Husband within seconds of Alan Ball scoring the winning goal; in the Manchester City match he took over from reserve winger Gerry Humphreys after Alan Whitte had scored. Brown would have been used in a similar fashion at Leeds last Saturday If Everton had managed to get In front at any stage. The safety-first tactics in the home games with Derby and City paid off because Everton held on to win. Even though some of the Blues' fans may have disliked the idea of bolstering the defence in a home game, the success of the tactic paid off with maximum points. I think the operation has much to commend it in away matches if Everton get their noses in front. But at home they have so much scoring ability that one ran understand the fans' dislike of an extra defender being used. But Mr. Catterick is such a shrewd operator in the tactical manoeuvres which play such a vital part these days that Everton fans must respect his judgment. I had a close-up view last Saturday of the excellent behaviour of Everton fans which has been such a feature of the Mersey scene this season. Because of fog, a change in travel plans meant that I made the journey back by train with thousands of Blues' supporters. Their conduct was exemplary from what I could see. Even though they must have been bitterly disappointed with the result and the team's performance, they moved out of Leeds afterwards with good humour and common sense.  A posse of police with dogs at Leeds City station were reduced to the role of onlookers as the Everton fans set a pattern of crowd behaviour which could be copied with advantage at other soccer centres. In addition, their comments on play and tactics when I was in the company of a group of them were sensible and sportsmanlike. They paid full tribute to Leeds and their deserved victory.

POST BAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 03 January 1970
One defeat
I agree with your experts choice of Everton for the League title (Football Echo, December 27) but I think Everton will only get 64 points and Leeds 59. I think the only match Everton will lose will be at Nottingham Forest, and I think Leeds will lose at Wolves, West Ham and Manchester United. Liverpool will be left well behind in the title race with 55 points and I think they will lose at West Ham and Chelsea. My final four for the F.A. Cup are Chelsea. Arsenal, Liverpool and Derby.—N .C. Smith, 39 Portico Lane, Whiston.
Marked man
 I think the next time Everton play Derby County someone like Sandy Brown must mark Mackay all the match. Mackay resented Brown marking him during the last few minutes and this is the answer.—E. Hodgson. 15 Tudor Avenue, Prestatyn.
Whip-round
I want to thank two Everton supporters who made it possible for me to get back to Derby after the Everton-Derby County game. I lost my return train ticket and as soon as they heard of it they had a whip-round for the money so that I could get back home.—Robert Rooney (aged 12), 27 Courtlands Drive, Alvaston, Derby.
No reflection
The score line of the Leeds-Everton game last Saturday bore no reflection to the match itself. Leeds battered Everton into the ground and left the crowd wondering how Everton had reached the top of the table. If Morrissey had scored from one of Everton's rare attacks they would have gone home with a point they never deserved. Leeds were supreme champions.— Graham Calverley, 4 Harcourt Street, Birkenhead.
Unbalanced
Everton lack fire power because their attack is unbalanced. Their wingers fail to score so the Job is left to Royle and Ball. Royle has done his job well so far this season; Ball cannot make goals and score them as well. I think Hurst should be moved to left half to give Everton another play anywhere 12th man in Jackson. Whittle should be at No.10 to help Royle. When Everton last won the championship, they had both Young and Vernon scoring goals . Since Leeds signed Clarke they have become the highest scorers in the four division.—K. Ellis, 20 Grays Road, Mynydd Isa, near Mold.
Whittle fan
I would make one adjustment to Gerald Hale’s Liverton team (Football Echo December 20).
I think Alan Whittle is a better player than Jimmy Husband and should get the No. 7 position. Whittle has played like Alan Ball and George Best rolled into one in recent performances. I am a staunch Liverpudlian but I agree that on present form only Hughes, Smith and Thompson are worth a place in a Liverton team. I only wish Everton would sell Whittle to Liverpool—he could be a future great if given the chance of permanent first team football.—John Milton, 6 Carter Road East, St. Helens.

THURSDAY IS THE DECISION DAY FOR EVERTON ACE ALAN BALL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 January 1970
By Mike Charters
The New Year has started badly for Everton, with their Cup defeat at Sheffield United. Now they are prepared for another blow, as their great star, Alan Ball, faces a lengthy period of suspension, The F.A. Disciplinary Committee will consider Ball's three bookings on Thursday, as exclusively forecast in the Football Echo nine days ago. Ball was booked at Wolves on October 4, at Crystal Palace four days later, and against Liverpool on December 4. Although Everton have not asked for a personal hearing, manager Harry Catterick will be in London on Wednesday to make a plea to the Disciplinary Commission on behalf of his player. He feels that Ball could be suspended for eight weeks; Ball himself is hopeful that the sentence will not be as heavy as that. But disciplinary decisions this season have been severe. Everton are reconciled to the fact that they will have to battle to keep above Leeds United in the title struggle for some weeks without their great driving force and inspiration. Ball's sentence will start next Monday which means that he will be able to play against Ipswich Town at Goodison on Saturday, and then sit and suffer while his team mates fight for vital points. Ball began this season with a seven day suspension. Mr. Catterick was hoping that he and Ball would have been able to attend Wednesday's hearing a few hours before Everton played their postponed game at Tottenham.
Wright blow
But Spurs have to replay against Bradford City in the Cup that night, so this ill-fated League fixture has had to be put off once again. Everton suffered another blow on Saturday with the injury to Tommy Wright, who had four stitches inserted in a gash just above his right eyebrow. Mr. Catterick thinks he will have to miss the Ipswich game because he will not be able to head the ball until the wound is healed. Alan Whittle is certain to take over Ball's role from next week. Jimmy Husband, who played in the A team on Saturday looks ready to return to first team action again; Mr. Catterick is hoping to re-arrange a game for the blank date on January 24 when the fourth round of the Cup will be played. The most likely fixtures are the home games against West Bromwich or Newcastle, both knocked out of the Cup on Saturday. They are due to play Albion on the Wednesday after Easter, and Newcastle in the last match of the season on April 14. Everton were in touch with both clubs to-day trying to reach a suitable agreement.

EVERTON FALL TO THAT OLD HIGH-CROSS TACTIC ONCE AGAIN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 05 January 1970
By Mike Charters
The shock of Everton's Cup defeat at Second Division Sheffield United on Saturday goes much deeper than the initial disappointment - and that was bitter enough. It exposed a fundamental failing in the Everton team which has been apparent at times this season, although their all-round skill has taken them to the top of the League. Six of the last seven goals they have conceded have come from one of the most elementary moves in football - a high centre into the goalmouth, with an opponent moving in quickly to make a header and brushing aside a half-hearted challenge. Two of Liverpool's goals In the " derby " match came this way, even though it was Brown's own goal which ended one move, both goals by Leeds, and now both the Cup goals which Sheffield United took with almost ridiculous ease. At Bramall Lane, United won more easily than the 2-1 score suggests. They played with more fire, more zest and more heart than Everton, who never looked like scoring except on the occasion when goalkeeper Hodgkinson brought down Morrissey and Ball scored from the penalty United who hit the bar three times in the first half with the Everton defence in tatters, slumped visibly for half an hour after the penalty. But the second half was all theirs as they deservedly swept through to the fourth round.
Danger
Playing direct, accurate football, based on a strong defensive display which kept Everton's attacking threats down to a minimum, United put tremendous pressure on the Everton defence. The impressive Woodward, always a danger with his speed and thrusting runs down the right, made both goals. He beat Brown, who substituted for the injured Wright, pulled the ball to his left foot and centred for left winger Reece to run 15 yards through a motionless Everton defence and bullet a header put West for the equaliser. Ten minutes from the end. Labone had to come far out to tackle Woodward, but the winger swept the ball around him, centred and Addison hardly had to move before putting his header well away from West. They were perfectly taken goals. For each goal. Newton and Hurst failed to challenge effectively. The crosses were too far out for West to come out to intercept, but both goals pin-pointed the indecision and lack of cohesion among Everton's back four
Because of this failing, Everton lost the vital League game at Leeds and now the Cup tie, beaten at the first hurdle for the first time since United knocked them out at Goodison nine years ago. Wright was badly missed. He went off after 35 minutes with a severe gash over his right eye. - Brown did well when he came on at left back, with Newton switching to the right. But Wright reads these situations so quickly, coming in to head clear, that I don't think Reece and Addison would have made their scoring headers in such unchallenged freedom had Wright been there.  However, nothing should detract from United performance.
More thrust

Their front runners, Woodward. Currie, Addison and Reece, showed infinitely more threat than the Everton attack which was reduced to Royle trying to achieve miracles on his own. At the back, United were rugged and ruthless in their tackling, which reached hair-raising proportions by both sides at times. But this was to be expected on a hard pitch with defenders determined to get the ball before an opponent had time to create danger. Whittle was so committed to a 90-minute running duel with left back Hemsley, ending with him being booked for a foul on Reece, that he did not make much impact, while Morrissey had a quiet game on the other flank. Whittle's offence was less serious. I thought, than many other fouls on both sides, so his booking was a little unfortunate. Kendall worked hard, but only Ball, with a magnificent display of effort and skill, touched hip best form. If some of the others had been able to raise their game as he did. Everton could have survived.
Hurst is having an off-form spell just now, and this puts additional pressure on Labone. Newton has not yet slotted into the defensive pattern against opponents who are all go and dash, like United. Everton's defensive slips were showing for all to see. This was a superbly thrilling Cup tie, as good as I've seen for years. If the tackling was ton tough at times, this is how Cup ties are fought. And it proved that United have a well-drilled hard-working combination which deserves to be in the First division. On this form, they looked a formidable Cup side as well.  For Everton, the lessons of defeat can be summed up in two parts-they must tighten their defensive strategy against high-flighted centres, they should provide more attacking power by putting another striker up with Royle. 

SEVEN FOR ENGLAND
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 January 1970
NEWTON, WRIGHT, LABONE, AND BALL CHOSEN FROM EVERTON
By Mike Charters
Although Everton's Alan Ball was named today in a squad of 30 players called up for England's game against Holland at Wembley a week to-morrow, his hopes of collecting what would be his 37th cap rest on the decision of the F.A. Disciplinary Committee on Thursday. If the disciplinary commission suspend Bail because of his three bookings this season, as expected, the sentence would start next Monday. But Ball will be permitted to train with the England party even if he is suspended from playing. England manager Sir Alf Ramsey has selected seven local players altogether four from Everton and three from Liverpool. In addition to Ball. Everton provide Brian Labone, Keith Newton, and Tommy Wright.  |Liverpool have Emlym Hughes, Tommy smith and Peter Thompson. 
Wright will be hoping that the injury he suffered against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday will not prevent him from joining in the England training session.  And one particularly delighted member of the party will by Keith Newton, back in the England reckoning after injury kept him out while with Blackburn. 
Two changes
The squad shows only two changes from that named for the international with Portugal.  Manchester United’s Nobby Stiles, who is injured, and Everton’s Colin Harvey out of the game with an eye infection, are replaced by Smith and a newcomer, Manchester city’s Alan Oakes. 
to have a game in the Central League side next Saturday as part of his buildup before returning to the senior side. Wright will be hoping that the injury he suffered against Sheffield United last Saturday will not prevent him from joining in the England training session. And one particularly delighted member of the party will be Keith Newton, back in the England reckoning after injury kept him out while with Blackburn.
The England party is: Astle (W.B.A.). Ball (Everton), Banks (Stoke), Bell (Man. City). Bonetti (Chelsea), J. Charlton (Leeds). R. Charlton (Man. Ltd.), Clarke (Leeds), Hughes (Liverpool), Hunter (Leeds), Hurst (West Ham), Jones (Leeds), Labone (Everton), Lee (Man. City), Madeley (Leeds), I. Moore (Nottm. For.). R. Moore (West Ham), Mullery (Spurs). H. Newton (Nottm. For.), K. Newton (Everton), Oakes (Man. City), Peters (West Ham). Heaney (Leeds), Shilton (Leicester), Simpson (Arsenal), Smith (Liverpool), Stepney (Man. Utd.), Thompson (Liverpool), Wright ( Everton ).

EVERTON TRY TO FILL BLANK SATURDAY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton are still trying to arrange a League match for their blank date on the day of the fourth round of the F.A. Cup -January 24. Secretary Bill Dickinson told me to-day that he had been in touch with both West Bromwich and Newcastle United in an attempt to bring forward one of those fixtures. There had been no decision yet, but he is hoping to reach agreement soon. The fact that Liverpool would be playing Wrexham at Anfield that day in the Cup if they get through against Coventry will not affect Everton’s plans. They are prepared to play at Goodison despite the possibility of big Cup attraction across the park.  With the game at Spurs still to be arranged, Everton are anxious not to waste a Saturday date. The last thing they want is fixture congestion at the end of the season when they could be without several players called up by England. I understand that Everton are hoping to receive to-morrow a further report by the specialist on Cohn Harvey's eye trouble. This follows exhaustive medical checks on the unfortunate Harvey, who has not been able to play since November 15. 

THE VALUE OF HUSBAND
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 07 January 1970
MIKE CHARTERS TALKING TO EVERTON MANAGER HARRY CATTERICK
The Everton manager Harry Catterick was talking to me over the week-end about the value of Jimmy Husband to his side - not particularly as a scorer but as a player whose talents are not always noticed by the spectator. He asked this pertinent question: "How many goals has Joe Royle scored since Husband was injured?" The answer, of course, is none. Royle scored against Burnley on November 22 before Husband pulled a hamstring muscle with only a few minutes to go. But since then the Everton centre forward has not found the net. When Husband did return to play against Derby County, he was clearly still feeling the effects of one of the most troublesome of football injuries.
Non-stop
Everton's goals since the Burnley match have come from Whittle (three) and Ball (two, one the penalty against Sheffield United last Saturday). Mr. Catterick made the point that Husband's qualities of skill, pace and non-stop action created chances for Royle and others. He has the highest possible regard for Husband's worth. Readers who have written to me asking when the Newcastle youngster is coming back to the side can rest assured that Husband will be in first team action just as soon as the Everton chief is convinced Husband's leg will stand the strain of a senior match.  Mr. Catterick said: "Probably The Hushand's best position is at inside left. He has never said a word about being asked to play on the right but just gone out and done a wonderful job for me. He is a professionals' player. The professionals in the game know what he can do. No defence can afford to relax for a moment when he gets the ball—and he can win it off defenders when they think they've got plenty of time to clear it.” 
Never "dropped"
One or two readers have asked why Husband was "dropped" for the games at Leeds and Sheffield. He has never a been "dropped". He was left out because Mr. Catterick did not think he was fit after his injury. The Everton manager said: “The trouble with a hamstring muscle pull is that a player can do everything asked of him in training, but the test the -only test—is to put him in a tough competitive game. "The danger then is that, if he is not absolutely over the injury, he can pull the muscle again and that would put him out for several more weeks." Husband played in the "A" team last Saturday; they best Rochdale "A" 5-0. Training this week will show if he has suffered any reaction from that.
Excellent job
Alan Whittle has done an excellent job as Husband's deputy. His goals against West Ham and Manchester City brought Everton four points, but it is clear that once Husband is fit, he will wear the No. 7 shirt again. Mr. Catterick has always thought that Whittle would eventually develop into a constructive midfield player. He will not be a Colin Harvey, because Harvey is one of the very few in the game who can defend brilliantly as well as create. Perhaps the only others in the top class who can do this with equal facility are Emlyn Hughes of Liverpool, Billy Bremner, of Leeds, and John Hollins. of Chelsea. But Whittle will have a vital role to play in the next few weeks as Alan Ball's deputy if the disciplinary decision at Derby goes as expected to-morrow.

BALL; 5 WEEKS BAN, £100 FINE
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 January 1970
Everton star Alan Ball was suspended for five weeks, and fined £100, by the F.A. Disciplinary Committee in Derby today. The suspension starts on Monday. Ball had been booked three times this season. The commission said that in reaching their decision they took into account the circumstances of his first booking, at Wolves on October 4, when he was cautioned for refusing to stand ten yards away from a free  Full story—Back page.

BALL BANNED
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 January 1970
HE GETS 5 WEEKS-AND £100 FINE
By Mike Charters
Everton and England forward Alan Ball was suspended for five weeks, starting from Monday, and was fined £100 by an F.A. Disciplinary Commission sitting in Derby this afternoon. A commission spokesman said that in reaching their decision the members took into account the circumstances of one of the previous bookings, that against Wolves on October 4, when he was cautioned for refusing to stand 10 yards away from a free kick. Ball was accompanied at the hearing by Everton manager Harry Catterick and director Cyril Balmforth who both gave evidence on his behalf. Ball hurried from the meeting before the decision was announced and told waiting reporters: “I have nothing to say at all." He travelled in a hired car back to Merseyside. Mr. Catterick said: "We can make no comment at all.”  Ball is now ruled out for the England v. Holland game on January 14.  Ball will miss the League games against Southampton, Wolves, Sunderland and Arsenal, and also the fixture Everton are trying to rearrange on January 24, the date of the fourth round of the F.A Cup. 

THIN COVERING OF FROZEN SNOW AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 08 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Although the Goodison Park pitch has a thin covering of frozen snow, Everton have made no arrangements yet for an early warning inspection before their game against Ipswich Town on Saturday. But Liverpool have already postponed their Central League game due on Saturday against Bury because of the condition of the Anfield pitch. Ipswich plan to leave at noon to-morrow, by train to London and then from Euston to Lime Street. If there is any doubt about Saturday’s match Everton will have to arrange an inspection of their pitch by a local referee in time to prevent Ipswich from making an unnecessary journey.  But there is a forecast of slightly warmer weather in the next day or so.  Everything depends on to-night’s weather and its effect on the pitch.  Goodison Park was not used last Saturday so the pitch is level and rolled under the snow. 

MIKE CHARTERS ANALYSES THOSE BALL-FREE GAMES AND FORECASTS THAT…
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 January 1970
EVERTON WILL STAY IN THE LEAD
Everton
Played 26 -41 Points
LEEDS
Played 27 —40 Points
The position at the top of the First Division to-day ...
THE ABSENCE of Alan Ball for the next five weeks will hit Everton hard—but I believe that by the time he returns for the home game against Coventry City on February 21, Everton could still be two points ahead of Leeds in the two-club battle for the championship-51 to 49. Both Everton and Leeds will play five League games during Ball's temporary departure from the game. I reckon that Everton could collect eight points from those fixtures—Southampton (a), Wolves (h), Sunderland (a), Arsenal (h)', and the re-arranged home game against Newcastle on January 24. Leeds have three away dates in that same period, at Manchester United, Stoke City and Spurs. Their home games are against Coventry and West Bromwich. Allowing them a nine-point return from those -and that will be a mighty tough proposition even for a team of Leeds' quality—l still maintain that Everton can keep clear of the champions as they race for the title. But this is working on the assumption that Everton open a three-point lead by to-morrow night. This is the crux of situation. 
With Ball playing his last game for five weeks, Everton MUST beat Ipswich Town at Goodison to-morrow because Leeds, playing one of their hardest matches of the season at Chelsea, could lose. If so, Everton would be three points clear with a game in hand of Leeds. They would then be in the happy position of being able to drop a couple of points in the next five weeks and defy all Leeds' efforts to catch them. Everton will be as anxious for Chelsea to triumph to-morrow as they will be to win themselves. This could prove the turning point of the season as they prepare themselves for a run of fixtures without their greatest star.
Everton
Played 31 -51 Points
LEEDS Played 32 -49 Points
How It may look, when Ball returns on February 21.
Many people in the game thought that Ball would get either six or eight weeks' suspension slapped on him by the F.A. Disciplinary Commission yesterday. Mr. Vernon Stokes, commission chairman, made it clear that the severity of Ball's three offences had been taken into account a sensible approach not always used in the past. Ball's first caution this season was for the technical offence of not standing 10 yards away before a free kick could be taken. The other two cautions were for fouls. Presumably, had his three bookings followed fouls, Ball would have had a heavier sentence. And it so happens that Everton will be without his aid during a period when Leeds face a tough sequence of games and Everton's two away fixtures are against clubs in the bottom four—Southampton and Sunderland. It has turned out more leniently for Everton than most people imagined.

WRIGHT THE BIG DOUBT –NOT PITCH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 January 1970
BY Mike Charters
The thaw has arrived in time to save Everton's match against Ipswich Town at Goodison Park to-morrow—providing the weather does not deteriorate to-night. Secretary Bill Dickinson told me: “We are not having an early warning inspection by a referee. We don't think it's necessary because of the big improvement in the pitch. “There is a little snow on the ground along one side. but it is going rapidly." Even though there is frost in the ground, the surface is softening all the time. Providing there is no freeze to-night, we are confident the game will be on." Everton's big doubt is full back Tommy Wright, who has four stitches in a cut above his right eyebrow. The stitches had not been removed this morning. There are fears that the wound could be reopened by heading a ball. 
Decision delay
Manager Harry Catterick delays a decision on Wright until to-morrow, and could bring back Jimmy Husband. Husband has only played one game since he was injured against Burnley on November 22, and is now ready for a return. Billy Brindle is-added to the list to make a party of 14 from whom the team will be selected to-morrow. Ipswich were given the all-clear to travel to-day and they are bringing 13 players, with the emphasis on defence. Full back Mills will wear the No. 7 shirt, but centre half and captain Bill Baxter drops out because of a knee injury from the Cup-tie against Manchester United. Derek Jefferson, who has not played in the first team for 10 weeks after a cartilage operation, takes over. EVERTON: West; (from) Wright. Newton, Brown: Kendall, Labone, Jackson; Husband, Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Brindle. IPSWICH: Best; Carroll, Harper; Morris, Jefferson, McNeil; Mills, Wigg, Hill, Viljoen, Brogan, Sub. Woods.

EVERTON NEED DECISIVE WIN
Liverpool Echo - Friday 09 January 1970
BY Mike Charters
While Leeds United face one of their toughest games of the season at Chelsea to-morrow, Everton must throw off the disappointment of their F.A. Cup defeat and get down to the business of the League title with a convincing victory over Ipswich Town at Goodison Park to-morrow. I should imagine Leeds would be very happy with a point at Stamford Bridge. I think Chelsea, who have won their last four games, will beat them. If so, Everton would be in a position of opening a three-point lead over the champions, with a game in hand, providing they can return to form with a win over Ipswich.
The struggling Ipswich team, fifth from bottom, should not provide the sort of opposition capable of halting a championship-seeking side. But the situation is similar to last season—and Everton fans won't forget for a long time how Ipswich “pinched “a point with that highly debatable Ray Crawford goal. The stage is set for Everton having to battle once again to break down a team whose principal aim is to defend. When Everton turned on a classic display to beat Ipswich 3-0 last September, Ipswich were without four regular first team men. Manager Bobby Robson expects them to be at full strength to-morrow, with the exception of Ian Collard, who joined them from West Bromwich in a part exchange deal for Danny Regan. Collard has been out for three weeks with a knee injury. Mr. Robson makes it clear that resolute defence will be the order of the day for his men at Goodison, and the Everton attack will have to be much sharper than in recent games to beat a defence in which veteran Bill Baxter is still the kingpin. Supported by Eire international Tommy Carroll, local-born Colin Harper, and former Middlesbrough full back Mick McNeil, Baxter has the vast experience needed to control a defensive plan aimed at shutting out Joe Royle, Alan Ball and the rest. Their South African-born midfield player Colin Viljoen is a key figure in the Ipswich set-up, and is likely to have the job of marking Ball, playing his last game for five weeks before his suspension starts on Monday. Ball lost " him at Ipswich and I can visualize the Everton dynamo producing a repeat performance of extra quality to mark his temporary departure from the game. As he did at Bramall Lane, Ball is likely to give a vintage display as he drives the team on. He had a personal success in the Cup although the team failed, but that was not his fault. Everton fans, in letters this week, have been critical of the team's current performances with particular reference to the shortage of goals. If Everton can return to that bright attacking form of the first half of the season, with the emphasis on quicker build-up and more forwards in the firing line, then their supporters will have their worries removed. It is not easy to come back in top trim after a Cup shock. It will need a big mental effort from the Everton players to get into the swing of the League again with the knowledge that Leeds are so close to them in this two-club battle for the title. They cannot afford to slip at home. Ipswich must be beaten convincingly.

HARVEY TO PLAY AGAIN TODAY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
BY Mike Charters
Everton midfield star Colin Harvey is playing again ! He took the first step on the way back to first team action by turning out for the “A " team against Fleetwood Reserves, at Bellefield, this afternoon, and if all goes well he could be in League football once more in three weeks. A close friend of Harvey told me: "Colin has improved so much in the last few weeks that he is able to play this afternoon. I think he could be back in the first team in three weeks. “It’s wonderful news. Everyone has been terribly worried about Colin, but the latest medical report has given fresh hope that the trouble will be over very soon."
Harvey his not played since the game at Chelsea on November 15. An eye infection which developed behind his right eye became so serious that it was believed he would not be able to play again this season. “The reports indicate that the infection is not to a nerve behind the eye, which was first feared.  Apparently it is to the side if the nerve,” I was told.  Everton manager Harry Catterick stated a fortnight ago that Harvey had improved greatly, and that he had been able to step up his training. For many weeks, immediately after the infection was diagnosed, Harvey had been reduced to walking exercises. I understand that he has been having injections daily to cure the infection.
Everton arranged the finest possible specialist attention for Harvey, regardless of cost. He has seen a London specialist and I understand that he is travelling to London next Thursday for what he hopes will be the final visit. It is believed that the specialist will be able to order the daily injections to cease. If so, this would be the signal for Harvey to anticipate being back in the first team very soon and in good time to help Everton in their bid for the League Championship. Apart from missing seven League games so far, plus last week's F.A. Cup tie, Harvey's illness has kept him out of the reckoning for the England World Cup squad. He was on the fringe of winning senior recognition by Sir Alf Ramsey when he had to drop out of the game. It may be too late for him to get back into the England swim -but I believe Harvey will bounce back into the big time soon and could still go to Mexico. Harvey's improvement has come at the right time for Everton because they will be without the suspended Alan Ball for the next five weeks. Everton need the skill of a fit Harvey just as soon as he is available.

HUSBAND BACK FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
Jimmy Husband returned to the Everton team this afternoon for the game against Ipswich Town at Goodison Park. Alan Whittle, the 20- years-old Liverpool lad who will be doing Alan Ball's job from next week, dropped out to make way for Husband's return. Husband has only played one game since being injured against Burnley on November 22. Whittle has replaced him and has scored three goals in the last four games. After playing in the "A" team last Saturday Husband has shown in training this week that he has fully recovered from his hamstring muscle injury.

HARVEY’S BACK-AND AIMING FOR FIRST TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
SET TO SAY HELLO AGAIN
HELLO. Colin ... welcome back Everton's midfield star, Colin Harvey had that blue shirt on again this afternoon, in his first step back to League football. He played for the 'A" team against Fleetwood Reserves at Bellefield, thanks to a rapid improvement in the eye infection trouble which was once feared to have ruled him out of action for the rest of this season. Everton had taken a 5-0 lead over Fleetwood by half-time and much of their effectiveness was due to Harvey.  He was never at full stretch, which was understandable, but appeared to be in trim. He was moving the ball well, and even at half-speed stood out for Everton. A close friend of Harvey told me: "It’s wonderful new.  Colin has improved so much that I believe he will be in the first team in three weeks. "The eye infection was thought to have affected a nerve behind the right eye. But the latest medical report shims that the trouble is to the side of the nerve. "He has been in hard training for a fortnight, and played to-day to see how he felt after a competitive match." Harvey has missed seven League games and one F.A. Cup tie since he became ill in mid- November. He has been under the care of a London specialist, and I understand he is to see him next Thursday, when he hopes to get the all-clear. Harvey should be back in Everton's first team in good time to play a vital part in the bid for the championship. Everton need a fit Harvey with his creative skill, just as quickly as he can get back into the League battle, particularly now that they will be without their other midfield dynamo, Alan Ball, for the next five weeks through suspension. Ball will be back for the home game against Coventry on February 21 - Harvey even sooner than that, providing, he comes through a couple of warm-up matches.  Ball played against Ipswich at Goodison this afternoon, knowing that he will be missing in the critical weeks ahead, as champions Leeds United go all out to knock Everton off their leading position. 

OUT WITH A BANG…THAT’S ALAN BALL’S AIM BEFORE HIS SUSPENSION STARTS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
HE’LL WANT TWO MORE POINTS FOR BLUES
By Mike Charters
Everton's dynamo. Alan Ball, now out of the game for five weeks, will be all out against Ipswich Town, this after-noon, to make his temporary departure with a bang.  And that means bad news for struggling Ipswich, who are as anxious for points at Everton are, but for reasons divided by the length of the First Division table.   Ball never gives less than 100 per cent. But there are occasions when he can raise his game as well—as he showed in the Cup shock at Sheffield United last week (writes Mike Charters). His outstanding display then showed just why manager Harry Catterick rates him the finest inside forward in the game, and why England chief Sir Alf Ramsey regards him as one of the most valuable, and vital members of the national side. I'm sure that Ball will want to make just as big an impression against Ipswich as he did at Sheffield. He'll want Everton to collect two points with a convincing win—and his part in it could be spectacular, Ball has only missed two games this season-the opening fixture at Arsenal when he was under a seven-day suspension, and at Manchester City in the League Cup through injury.
Greatest enemy
He has scored seven League goals, plus one in the League Cup and last week's penalty in the F.A. Cup. But this is only a minor part of his matchless contribution in helping to put Everton on top of the table in their ambition to win the championship for the seventh time in the club's history. Ball’s greatest enemy has been that side of his personality which has put him in trouble with authority frequently during his career. This is his third period of suspension while with Everton, plus a fine and censure on another occasion. It is his competitive flair, his desire to be in the thick of things, which has been his undoing in a disciplinary sense. But it is also this flair which make him a world class footballer and a priceless Everton possession.  As Ball steps on to the Goodison pitch this afternoon, he will appreciate that two points for his team as Leeds United have to battle at Chelsea could push Everton clear again in the race for the title. Leeds would be happy with a point against Chelsea, the great success side of the moment -but I think Chelsea will beat them.  If so, and Everton win this afternoon, the Blues would then be three points ahead with a game in hand. This would be the position they will be hoping for as they buckle down to the task of staying on top without Ball’s services for the next few weeks. 
It would not surprise me if Ball playing an all-out Everton attacking show this afternoon, was in a goal-hungry mood.  He will be closely marked-inevitably.  The man doing this role for Ipswich is their South African youngster Colin Viljoen, one of their best players, who has taken on this job before. Ball "lost" him in the game at Ipswich last September when Everton were immensely impressive in their 3-0 win.  I think Ball, more keen than ever to succeed, will be too good for Viljoen again I believe Everton can repeat the score over Ipswich… with Ball the dominating figure. 

 

ROYLE BREAKS GOAL FAMINE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
Everton 3, Ipswich Town 0
By Mike Charters
Line-up;- Everton; West; Wright, Kendall, Labone, Jackson; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub; Brown.  Ipswich Town; Best; Carroll, Harper; Morris, Jefferson, McNeil; Mills, Wigg, Hill, Vijoen, Brogan, Sun; Woods.  Referee; Mr. C Thomas, (Treorchy). 
Two headed goals by Royle in the second half -his first since November 22—completed Everton's domination. Their early attacking display was as good as any this season, but Ipswich defended bravely, after pulling nine men back. Kendall scored a magnificent goal.  Everton had Husband back in place of Whittle, and Wright, with a heavy plaster over his right eye was in his usual spot. Everton opened briskly and brightly. Their football was impressive on the heavy pitch as they switched the ball about From a fine centre by Morrissey, Royle flicked the ball on to Ball, but Viljoen, back marking the Everton star, got the ball away. In Ipswich's first attack Mills shot straight at West. Harper obstructed Husband near the corner flag, disputed the referee's decision by throwing the ball away and was promptly booked. The first goal was not long arriving—a brilliant effort from Kendall at the 11th minute.  Wright lobbed the ball down the middle, Royle headed it across to Kendall, who, coming in at top speed, drove a great shot well from Best from the edge of the area. Ipswich were being panicked into defensive mistakes -and little wonder considering the way Everton were attacking. Morris almost gave Husband a gift chance with a faulty back-pass, but Best came out to divert the ball. Morrissey was enjoying himself and with Newton lending support, most of Everton's attacks built up down the left. Best made a miraculous double save to prevent Everton going two up. He punched the ball up from a Royle header, recovered to clutch it again as Hurst moved in for the “kill ".  Royle, dominant in the air against Jefferson, had had bad luck near goal. Another header from Ball's free kick just slipped wide. Morris showed his power of shot following a free kick, causing West to dive full length to save, but the Ipswich raids were few. Everton had a let-off when Hurst put the hall straight into the path of Wigg, who took his shot too quickly and drove over the bar.  A brilliant move between Jackson, Ball and Kendall ended with Mills deflecting Kendall's shot into the side netting when another goal looked likely. Everton's attacking play was so incisive that it would have beaten most teams. A couple of mistakes by Newton put West in trouble. He had to come out of his penalty area to dribble the ball away and then to save from Brogan.
Half-time: Everton 1, Ipswich Town nil.

Royle was doing particularly well with his constructive headers. He put one great pass through for Husband, who moved on to it at top speed but Jefferson stepped in with a last second tackle. Everton were not playing as they had done in the opening 20 minutes when they blitzed Ipswich almost out of sight. But they still had 90 per cent, of the play, with Ipswich pulling nine men back and defending resolutely. Only a few inches separated us form a rare sight—a headed goal by Ball. Husband cleverly beat Harper, centred to the unmarked Ball, who took deliberate aim but headed just over the bar. Everton badly needed another goal to clinch their superiority. They almost got one when Husband, showing no signs of his injury, made a fine midfield run. Morrissey's final centre was cut off by McNeil. Greater danger
Ipswich substituted Woods for Brogan after 62 minutes, and were playing more dangerously now, putting high centres over for Wigg and Hill to challenge. Hill made one good header from a corner, but it was just wide. The mist was getting thicker and Everton's first strike for some minutes was a Royle header, wide from Ball's corner. Considering the amount of play Everton had had it was remarkable that they weren't three or four up. Royle finally managed to get a header on target—and a brilliant one at that—when he scored after 73 minutes, flashing the ball home from Ball's free kick. This was Royle's first goal since November 22 and it couldn't have been more timely. Everton kept up their incessant pressure and the Ipswich defence, well though it had played, was fortunate to be only two down. Royle made the score look more in keeping with the play with another headed goal seven minutes from the end from a Morrissey centre. It followed a goal-line save by McNeil from a shot by Ball, but Morrissey collected the ball, centred to the far post for Royle to nod it in. Everton were hungry for more, while Ipswich hadn't made an attack worthy of the name in the second half. Official attendance: 42,510.

EVERTON STAR KEITH NEWTON TALKS ABOUT…
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
RAGS TO RICHES-AND I DON’T MEAN THE MONEY
IT'S BEEN like going from rags to riches . . . that's how I can best sum up my comparatively short experience of being an Everton player. And I'm not referring to the fact that I left Second Division Blackburn Rovers for a glamour club. True, Blackburn have lost the greatness they once used to have. But the rags-to-riches reference has nothing to do with that, or with money. No. I mean the atmosphere, and the crowds. This is what makes such a difference to your anticipation of a match. And it puts spice into your play.
Miserable gates
Blackburn's average gate this season has been around 13,000—and this for a club at the top of the Second Division. No matter how you try, you find it difficult to feel that you're in the big-time, or even on the verge of it, when your club is getting such miserable gates. Blackburn are ambitious: they have speculated heavily: and they deserve better gates than 13,000. But they haven't been getting them: and they don t look likely to do so. In show business, they talk about the smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowd- Well, it's a bit like that in football, too. I had in my appetite whetted for the big time, through playing for England in front of crowds of up to 100,000. You anticipate such an occasion eagerly: you want to prove that you're one of the best. And when you go back to play in front of sparsely -populated terraces, you feel a sense of let-down. After the lord mayor's show, and all that. You begin to feel complacent, too. That after the heady business of pitting your wits and your skills against world-class player’s, you can cope with bread-and-butter Second division fare well enough. I really believe that, sub-consciously, you tend to take things more easily, and that you lose the fine edge from your play. But ever since I joined Everton, I have had that tingle of excitement, before every game.  The crowd at Goodison is terrific, and you realize, even when you're playing away, that the fans look upon your team as something extra special. So you have the incentive, every time, to show you are in the top class, as a professional footballer.  And it's the sort of incentive which can only improve your game, instead of seeing you gradually slip backwards. Blackburn have my gratitude, because it was with them that I became an international.  But I honestly believe that Everton offer me so much more opportunity to become a better player.
Battle of Wits
In a small way, I achieved one ambition within a week or two of arriving at Goodison-I came up against Mike Summberbee, of Manchester City . A top-class player, whom I have always admired. And one I shall always enjoy pitting my wits against, now that we're both First Division men. There are other players of similar calibre and not just wingers, either. When you take the field against a team like West Ham, with Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters in opposition, you have an immediate spur to succeed in such distinguished company.

‘HAVE A DRINK ON ME, DIXIE’
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
ENGLAND duty prevents Everton captain Brian Labone from attending Tranmere Rovers' celebrity dinner next Tuesday. Rovers hoped he would complete a "hat-trick" of Everton captains, with Bill Dean and Jo Mercer, the Manchester City manager, as the principal guests. But the emphasis is not entirely on Everton -Liverpool's Bill Liddell, and former goalkeeper Kenny Campbell have also been invited. And television may be at Prenton, to capture Dean's nostalgic return to his old club the first time he has been there since he was transferred to Everton 45 years ago.
We have a letter from Mr. J. E. Gleave, of 170 Reginald Road, Sutton. Who used to cycle to Goodison from St. Helens to watch Dean, in his 60- goal, record-breaking season of 1927.28. Mr. Gleave enclosed 10s, and says. "Please pass this on to Dean, to have a drink on me for all the pleasure he gave me, for one. "You can't describe to anyone, and make them believe it, how the great Dixie could score goals facing the net or with his back to it. "For his weight, he was as agile as a panther when going up for the ball. What heights he could reach! It does my heart good to see his photograph keep coming up in the Echo Mr. Gleave. your 10s will be given to Bill Dean, on Tuesday
A MAN with a name famous in EVerton history had a football promotion. He is Jimmy Dunn, whose late father was in Everton's 1933 Cup-winning side played in that great forward line led by Bill Dean, and was one of Scotland's blue Devils " who thrashed England 5-1 at Wembley more than 40 years ago. Jimmy junior was made first-team coach and trainer at West Brom, after some years as youth-team trainer. He was best known in his playing days with Wolves. Born in Scotland, he was brought up in Liverpool and lived in Goodison Avenue.  He ask, to be remembered to the many friends of his family still living here.

POST-BAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
BLUES HAVE NO REAL ATTACK WITHOUT BALL
Like so many Evertonians, I returned from Sheffield sad and disillusioned but I would like to say how much I appreciated the never say die spirit of Alan Ball. He never gave up. Many of the other stars in the team haven't given their best for weeks. Everton's forward line without Ball does not exist and the overworked defence is shaky and jittery. We have not seen them in real championship form for weeks.-G. Jones. Deiniols Road. Mancot, Flints.
Everton's defeat at Sheffield United was expected by Evertonians like myself who have watched them scrape home by the odd goal in the last three games. When Husband is fit. Whittle should be at inside right. Hurst at left half and Mr. Catterick should go out of his way to get a player like Osgood or Toshack to play alongside Royle. Everton can be great again but they have got to learn to go forwards and not sideways.—L. Tague, 22 Princes Way, Wallasey.
I suggest that Mr. Catterick should move into the transfer market again for a big inside forward to assist Royle.  The players I have in mind is Henry Hall, inside right of St. Johnstone.  He is a six-footer, good in the air and on the ground.  Another player they could go for is Collins, of Burnley, who nearly went to Newcastle recently for £45.000.—F. E. Tait. Blissworth Street, Liverpool 21.
I think you should point out some of Everton's weak points. They are only top of the League through having Ball. I think they will do well to finish in the first six. Three of their players are vastly overrated and the sooner they are replaced the better -Alan Ross, Arden House, Arden Street, Liverpool 3.
I would like to see Everton field the following team: Rankin: Newton, Brown: Kendall, Labone, Hurst: Husband, Melledew,  Royle. Whittle, Morrissey. I would put Hurst in the No. 6 shirt so that the forward line could play with five forwards and let Hurst stay in the defensive position. - With Ball suspended, I would give Melledew a chance to add more weight and striking power alongside Royle -Peter Mooney, 2 Kirkby Row, Westvale, Kirkby.
If Everton had five forwards against United they would have scored four or more.  Attack is always the best form of defence, but it is obvious where Everton’s weaknesses are.   They need two new forwards.  They rely on Ball and Husband all the time-D. Thomson, 45 Prestbury Road, Liverpool L11 3du.
You are right in saying that Everton need another striker to help Royle, but I think they need wingers as well.  Sheffield United’s wingers made Everton's defence look poor, and the present Everton forward line, without Ball, is the poorest I've seen in the blue shirts. Royle seems afraid to shoot. When Dean and Lawton were his age, they were banging them in right, left and centre. But if Mr. Catterick will go out and buy the wingers needed, we may see the best of Royle.— W. Doyle. 36 Fountains Road, Liverpool.
What a disappointing team Everton are when it comes to the crunch! They never seem to have the flair to rise to the occasion when the vital matches come along.  Mr. Catterick must be a very disappointing man after all the work he has put in over the years to build a winning team.  With ball out for some time, Mr. Catterick will have to try to unearth a forward who can score goals.  In a television interview after the Leeds game the Leeds captain Bremner said he though Everton were a much over-rated team, I cannot see them winning the championship the way they are playing-D.L. Evans, 8 Heswall Avenue, Bebington. 

EVERTON SOON ON THE MARK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 10 January 1970
Bolton Reserves;- Clarke; Roberts, farrimond; Williams, McAllister, Waldron; Jones (Garry), Phillips, Fletcher, Redfern, Duffrey, Sub; Lucas.  Everton reserves; Rankin; Turner, Darcy; Smith, Kenyon, Bennett; Melledew, Whittle, Lyons, Darracott, Humphreys, Sub; Styles.  Referee T. Carter (Padiham).   Everton were a goal up in the second minute, a centre from Turner finding Humphreys unmarked at close range. Another promising attack featuring Lyons Melledew and Humphreys was spoiled by the left winger centring too strongly. Melledew was only just wide with a spectacular shot before Rankin was brought into action for the first time to clear a Phillips header. Bolton livened up and might have scored twice when Fletcher had a header tipped over the bar and Roberts grazed the outside of a post. Everton came back in the 37th minute to increase their lead through Melledew. Half-time.—Bolton Res. 0, Everton Res. 2.

FLU PUTS WRIGHT OUT OF ENGLAND SQUAD; NEWTON MAY WIN A RECALL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Although all the Everton players came through Saturday's game against Ipswich without injury, full-back Tommy Wright Is out of the England party for this week's international because of 'flu. The other three Everton players called up by Sir Alf Ramsey—Brian Labone, Alan Ball, and Keith Newton travel to London to-day to join the England party preparing for Wednesday's game against Holland at Wembley. The absence of Wright could mean that Newton will be recalled to the England team, possibly as full-back partner to Liverpool's Emlyn Hughes. England now know the difficult World Cup task ahead of them in Mexico in June, after having been drawn in a group with Brazil, Czechoslovakia and Rumania. And success against Holland who were beaten by a rather lucky goal from Cohn Bell in Amsterdam in November -could be a morale-booster for England. As well as Wright, forward Allan Clarke (Leeds), who bruised a shin on Saturday, and goalkeeper Peter Bonetti (Chelsea) missed the England get-together. Bonetti has flu. England have five more internationals before leaving for Mexico on May 4. After Holland they meet fellow world Cup qualifiers Belgium in Brussels next month, before the three British championship matches.

MIKE CHARTERS REPORTS ON THE GREAT DISPLAY AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 January 1970
CLASSY EVERTON FIND THAT TITLE-CHASING FORM ONCE AGAIN
Everton turned on their best display for weeks in crushing a gallant but outclassed Ipswich Town on Saturday at Goodison —and what a good job they did In view of the astonishing Leeds performance at Chelsea.  I understand that manager Harry Catterick delivered a blistering “roasting “to his boys following their Cup defeat at Sheffield. And the result was plain to see with a greatly improved all-round performance, in which the ineffectiveness of the previous few games disappeared and they really looked like a championship hunting outfit. Ipswich made no pretence of attacking. They don't have the players of sufficient ability to copy with a top class team. But I think they earned great credit, and respect, for the way they achieved what they set out to do—defend in depth. Carroll, Harper, Morris and Mills did their best but it was not good enough as Everton dominated for 90 per cent of the game.  In the first 20 minutes, Everton turned on a display of such incisive attacking power that it as a wonder Ipswich were not overwhelmed Everton started with a marvelous goal from Kendall, taken in full stride and struck perfectly just inside the post after Royle had nodded the ball down to him. Then Ipswich held out for an hour, gallantly, sometimes miraculously, until they cracked wide open. Up stepped Royle with two headed goals-the first one of his best—to end his goal famine which had stretched from November 22. Mr. Catterick pointed out earlier in the week that Royle had not scored while Husband was out of the side, and Husband's return put more drive and determination into an Everton attack which has been misfiring for a few weeks. Royle rarely missed the ball in the air all afternoon. His headed flicks to his co-forwards were impressive but his finishing had not been on the same level until he scored. Then he climbed high to meet Ball's free kick and flashed it into the net for as good a headed goal as one could see. His other effort from Morrissey was a simple affair but his power in the air had always been the greatest threat to Ipswich, hard though they tried to pin him down.  Ball, on his personal temporary farewell -and what a reception he received at the end -came close to scoring three times. Harper turned one shot off the line, a header went just over, and a last-ditch tackle by Jefferson prevented another. He gave his usual inspiring display as though to say to his teammates: "There it is, lads. Now it's up to you for the next five weeks." Apart from the individual stars, the Everton team-work looked much tighter, more determined, more accurate than of late. There were a couple of defensive errors in the first half when Wigg and Hill might have snatched a goal against the run of play. But, that apart, Everton's domination kept an outplayed Ipswich pinned back in defence. Everton could have won by double their 3-0 score. Ipswich had several escapes in the goalmouth, with Best making some fine saves. Yet they could not hold out against Morrissey's non-stop stream of accurate centres, the power of Royle, the fine running of Husband. Behind this trio, it was all Everton, thanks to Ball and Kendall, and with West not having a difficult save to make. Ipswich were finally put firmly in their place. What a day it was for the Everton club. Their four teams won with a 24-2 aggregate. The reserves won 4.1, A team 9-0 (Harvey and all), the B team 8-1.

NEXT STEP MAY BE RESERVES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 January 1970
Having come through the gentle exercise of a one-sided "A" team game on Saturday. Everton's midfield star, Cohn Harvey, awaits medical clearance to enable him to step up the tempo of his return to the big-time. Harvey came through the game against Fleetwood Reserves at Bellefield without any problems. Manager Harry Catterick said: "I am told everything went well, and if he can get through one game, he can get through more." Harvey sees a London specialist on Thursday, and the improvement concerning his eye trouble has been so marked it is felt the medical report will be good. I expect him to have a game in the Central League team next Saturday, though Mr. Catterick emphasized that Harvey's progress rested entirely on the specialist's advice.

COLIN’S GIRL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 January 1970
Colin Harvey the Everton midfield star, who started his comeback last week after a long spell out with an eye infection, that threatened his career, is getting married—next week.
Colin's closely - guarded secret—he has been engaged since before Christmas—leaked out to-day with an announcement that he is marrying 20-years-old, blonde, Maureen Murray, a clerical officer at Mill Road Hospital, Everton.
Colin, aged 25, met Maureen two years ago in North Wales and their marriage will take place in Prestatyn. Maureen's parents live at 30 Trevor Road, Prestatyn. Said Mr. Murray: "We weren't surprised about the wedding as Maureen and Colin have been going steady now for about two years." The wedding will take place on Wednesday afternoon at the Catholic Church. Plas Avenue at 2.30.

MIKE CHARTERS SPOTLIGHTS A LANDMARK IN CAREER OF EVERTON SKIPPER
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 14 January 1970
LABONE’S 500TH
Everton captain, Brian Labone, is duo to make his 500th first team appearance on Saturday in the game at Southampton. But even this notable achievement pales in comparison with other long-serving characters in the game whose awe-inspiring records total hundreds more. The 39-years-old Port Vale centre half Roy Sproson looks like setting an all-time record of League appearances for one club.  At present this is held by Jimmy Dickinson, the former England wing half, with his only club, Portsmouth, Dickinson, now the Portsmouth secretary, turned out in 764 League games for Pompey.  Spronson will be making his 733rd League appearance for Port Vale next Saturday.  If he plays in every match to the end of this season- and his form indicates that he could- he will only need another 11 next season to beat Dickinson’s record.  But even so he is a long way from the highest number of appearances all told.  This is held by the legendary Welsh winger Billy Meredith, who played in 857 League games for the two Manchester clubs.  Meredith’s career lasted for 30 years and the only man to compare with that is Sir Stanley Matthews who totaled 701 League games for Stoke and Blackpool during a magnificent playing career f 33 years. 
SAGAR’S RECORD
Labone’s 500 is made up of 423 League games (including next Saturday) the other 75 coming in various cup competitions.  Everton’s record is held by goalkeeper Ted Sagar with 465 League games alone, so Labone will have to wait until next season to crack that one, with only 15 more League fixtures to complete this season.  Liverpool’s record appearance man of course, is Billy Liddell, who totted up 492 League appearances before his retirement.  But the top man on Merseyside is the Tranmere Rovers centre half Harold Bell, who made 595 League appearances including a record 401 consecutive matches between 1946 and 1955.  Bell’s record was established with his only club, and the nearest local to him is Eire international winger Tommy Eglington, who made 566 League appearances for Everton and Tranmere. 

HARVEY MAY PLAY –AGAINST SAINTS!
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 January 1970
By Mike Charters
 COLI N HARVEY could make a dramatic return to Everton's first team, for the game at Southampton to-morrow. That was the shock news to-day. Harvey travelled in the party to Southampton—and as Everton go into the first of five games without Alan Ball, he could be the man they plunge into the deep end, after weeks of enforced absence.  He came through his 'A' team test last Saturday so well that he has taken part in full training this week, including ,two or three hard practice games at Bellefield, said manager Harry Catterick. So the midfield star, who looked as though he was out for the rest of the season with eye infection, may come back, sensationally—just when the team needs him most. Mr. Catterick could give him the No. 8 shirt as a straight swop for Ball ... or bring in Sandy Brown for a general utility role. Brown has the versatile ability to do a job which requires him to switch from defence to midfield. There is another course open to the Everton manager he could make a straight substitution for Ball, by recalling 29-year-old Alan Whittle. Whittle did well as the right wing stand-in for Jimmy Husband—twice he proved to be Everton's match winner, but the odds are against him playing to-morrow. I BELIEVE Harvey will play and this will be the line-up: West; Wright, Newton; Kendall. Labour, Jackson; Husband, Harvey, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey. If Harvey tired, or Everton forged ahead. Brown could substitute, as the Blues closed up the game. Mr. Catterick's choice will be dictated by his tactical approach—and the knowledge that Southampton, knocked out of the Fairs Cup by Newcastle, the holders, will be as anxious for points to get out of relegation trouble as Everton are to keep ahead of Leeds. The Saints' great Welsh centre forward, Ron Davies, is now fit after groin strain which has troubled him most of this season. And former Everton wing half Jimmy Gabriel keeps the centre half spot. The regular in that position, John McGrath, has only just recovered from a fractured cheek bone, and will not be risked. Southampton have won only twice in the League this season the last time being as far back as August 27. So Everton will be prepared for the Saints to react smartly from their Fairs Cup dismissal. And the Blues will show championship quality, if they can win to-morrow without Ball. SOUTHAMPTON: Martin, Kirkup, Byrne: Fisher, Gabriel, Walker; Jenkins, Channon, Davies. Paine, Sydenham. Sub: Stokes or Kemp.

THE VITAL SPELL WITHOUT ALAN BALL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 16 January 1970
TESTING-BUT BLUES CAN’T AFFORD SLIPS
By Mick Charters
The loss of their great centre forward Ron Davies through injury for so many games this season has had a near disastrous effect on the League fortunes of struggling Southampton, Everton's opponents at The Dell, to-morrow. Davies has suffered groin strain so often this season that he has only been able to play a dozen games for his side. And results show for it.  Southampton suffered a Liverpool-type fate in their Fairs Cup ‘venture by going out this week to the holders, Newcastle United, in the last sixteen of the competition. Although the aggregate score over the two legs was 1-1, Newcastle went through on the away goal counting double.
Must be favourites
But in spite of doing well in this competition, and beating Newcastle in the F.A. Cup, Southampton have only won TWICE in the League this season. In fact, their last win goes as far back as August 27 when they beat Ipswich 4-2. Previously Davies scored all four goals in their remarkable 4-1 success at Old Trafford. But since their Ipswich success, nothing has gone right for the Saints in the League. They have drawn nine times at home and a confident Everton must be favourites on a ground where they have won twice on their three visits since Southampton gained promotion. Southampton will probably be suffering some reaction from their Fairs Cup battle with Newcastle—and this should be in Everton's favour. Of course. The great feature for Evertonians will be to see how the team shapes without Alan Ball. - These next few weeks until the return of Ball will be the testing time. They cannot afford to slip with Leeds
Playing so well an picking up maximum points. That Leeds' success at Chelsea last Saturday was the crunch, but Everton appreciate the size of their task and must go all out for a win to-morrow. Everton's away games while Ball missing are against two of the bottom four clubs. Southampton and Sunderland. These are the sort of fixtures Everton must reckon on winning if they are not to slip in the title race. Everton's one-time wing half Jimmy Gabriel is likely to be wearing the No.5 shirt against them to-morrow. Regular centre half. John McGrath, was injured in the Fairs Cup tie at Newcastle, fracturing a cheekbone, and Gabriel has been a splendid substitute. Manager Ted Bates is not expected to bring McGrath back for a match where Southampton need the points as much as Everton do. Bob Davies will play.
Fast and direct
And another interesting angle is the personal duel between the man who refused to sign for Southampton—Keith Newton—and the man who did, winger Tom Jenkins. Newton would not travel south after the Saints and Blackburn had agreed terms. Southampton paid 60,000 to Reading for Jenkins a month ago and I'm told he is worth every penny. He is fast and direct, rather like Sheffield United's Alan Woodward. Of course, Everton's all-round superiority should enable them to beat a team fourth from bottom. But Gabriel invariably does well against his old side and if he can inspire his co-defenders, Everton could have their problems. In attack. Southampton have given the No. 10 shirt to the former England winger. Terry Paine, who now operates permanently in midfield.

HARVEY STEPS IN FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton midfield star Colin Harvey played his first senior game for two months at Southampton this afternoon but manager Harry Catterick would not reveal his team line-up until shortly before the kick-off. The Everton manager had the problem of deciding whether Harvey should replace the suspended Alan Ball and wear the No. 8 shirt or make another change by bringing Sandy Brown into the side in place of Tommy' Jackson. Brown has the ability to play a midfield role, where he could link with Harvey and Howard Kendall to restore Everton's strength in midfield. Everton had a party of 13 for the Southampton match, with Roger Kenyon included in the squad. Reserve Alan Whittle, whom many thought would take over in midfield in the absence of Ball, did not travel and was due to play for the Central League team at Goodison this afternoon. Harvey has thus made a sensational return to the First Division after missing eight League games and an F.A. Cup tie. It was thought at one time that his eye infection would keep him out of the game for the rest of the season, but a rapid improvement and an all-clear from the specialist has brought him back into the game just at the right time for the team in view of Ball's absence.

CHANNON STRIKES AND BLUES LOSE THAT TOP SPOT
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 January 1970
COME BACK DAY FOR COLIN HARVEY
MIKE CHARTERS REPORTS ON THE VITAL GAME AT THE DELL
SOUTHAMPTON 2 EVERTON 1
Lineup;- Southampton; Martin; Kirkup, Byrne; Fisher, Gabriel, Walker; Paine, Channon, Davies, Stokes, Jenkins, Stokes, Jenkins, Sub; Kemp.  Everton; West; Wright, Newton; Kendall, Labone, Harvey, Husband, Hurst, Royle, Brown, Morrissey, Sub Jackson.  Referee; Mr. W.S Castle (Sedgley). 
Mike Channon, Southampton's best forward, put Everton on the collar with a 74th minute goal at The Dell. Two minutes earlier Colin Harvey, who had made a fine return after his long layoff, went off after receiving attention for a leg injury. The great feature for Everton was the return of Harvey after missing eight League games and one F.A. Cup-tie. There was also a tactical change, with Brown, wearing the No. 10 shirt, and playing in front of the back four. There was an early escape for Everton when Newton misplaced a free kick straight to Fisher. The ball was slipped through quickly to Channon, but West made a full length save. Then another Channon shot struck West on the back. Kendall and Harvey played an important part in Everton's first attack. It ended when Kendall fire just wide from .the edge of the area. The speed of Jenkins was a constant menace to Everton lie broke through cleverly linking up with Channon, but Harvey, moving with all his old zest and pace, made a good tackle. Kendall, playing brilliantly, broke out of a double tackle by Stokes and placed a centre to the far side of goal where Royle, slightly off balance, saw a good header saved by Martin. After 20 minutes West had to make this third save from Channon, after Kirkup had put the ball through. Everton were playing with a lot of class and skill and no one was doing better than Royle. But he suffered from a rugged tackle by Paine, which resulted in the Southampton captain being booked. West wasn't often in action, but when he was he was producing some brilliant saves. Everton were always the superior side with their skillful constructive play, but there was always a danger from the thrusts of Davies and Channon. Wright now seemed to have got a grip on the dangerous Jenkins, and most of the threat to Everton was coming down the right. Husband was taking a strikes and lose that top spot lot of "stick" from the Southampton defence, but brave as always, kept on going. With Brown as an additional midfield man Everton were dominating in the centre spaces, with an outstanding performance from Kendall. Half-time Southampton 0, Everton 0. Although impressing as the more skilful side, Everton were not creating many dangerous attacks. The good feature was Harvey's fine form although, short of match practice, he was not so much in the game now as in the early stages.
Just Wide

Brown was doing a good job in his unusual position, but despite Royle's efficient constructive touches Everton were not getting in many shots. Harvey started a neat move with an accurate pass to Morrissey, whose cross was met by Kendall. He headed across to Husband, who placed the ball just wide. Labone had done well to contain the heading power of Davies, but the Saints' centre forward beat him to a Gabriel free kick and West saved from point-blank range from Channon. Newton had had yet another unhappy game and he almost put through his own goal when Davies headed down into the goals south. But split second reaction from West, who stopped the ball literally on the line, saved Everton. Southampton were doing most of the attacking now, but West was in faultless form. He came far out of goal to push away a centre by Paine as Davies moved in, but it was Channon who was producing most of the goal threats. England manager Sir Alf Ramsey was at the game and must have been heartened by Harvey's form after such a long layoff but the most impressive performer was West. After 72 minutes Jackson substituted for Harvey, who had taken a leg knock in the second half and had had to have attention. A long clearance to Paine saw him nip around Labone and as West came out he lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper's head, but it dropped on the top of the netting. Jenkins had always been a threat and a great cross from him led to Southampton taking the lead through Channon after 74 minutes. Davies started the move with a fine cross field pass to the winger who took the ball to the goal line before making such an accurate centre that Channon had an easy job to head it over the line. Everton rallied instantly and in a strong attack Brown hit a great shot which Martin pushed away.  The Southampton players and their fans were incensed after an incident involving Martin and Brown. There were chants of "Off, off, off " as the referee gave Southampton a free kick. For minutes from time Morrissey got a vital equaliser for Everton. As a Newton's free kick floated into the goalmouth. Morrissey ran in and slid the ball past Martin. With the game just moving into injury time Channon put Southampton a head again with a header from Kirkup' centre. This was Southampton's first league win in 21 fixtures. Attendance 27,156.

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND £100,000 AS A MANAGER?
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 January 1970
SAY Keith Newton
The transfer market looks like hotting up again. Alan Birchenall, of Chelsea, looks set to make another £100,000 move, and Tony Hateley, of Birmingham, may become the magnet for other clubs once more. Birchenall was the other half of that formidable Sheffield United twin spearhead which netted the Braman Lane club a total of £200.000. United first sold Mick Jones to Leeds, then Birchenall departed for Chelsea. In the past few months, his luck has been out, for he was injured, and has since failed to claim back his first team spot. Tony Hateley, too, has been having his problems, for the fans at Birmingham have been subjecting him to some barracking. The dark-haired giant who made a name as a goal scorer with Notts. County and Aston Villa has had mixed fortunes, indeed, in football.
Personal 'cut'
He joined Chelsea, was transferred to Liverpool, was the target for a swift —and successful bid by Coventry, and then landed at Birmingham. Overall, transfer deals concerning him have totalled around £350,000. Two moves for Alan Birchenall, at £100,000 a time, mean that he can collect £10,000 altogether, as his personal share of the deals: and it has been estimated that Tony Hateley's "Cut " of transfer moves comes to something near £20,000. These are big pay-days for players, by any standards. But what about the managers who venture into the £100,000 transfer market?—I sometimes wonder if they have sleepless nights . . A manager is in business to run a club successfully—which means getting results.  And to do that, he has to be constantly seeking ways of improving his team. For no team is ever perfect. To improve a team, you have to venture into the transfer market"—l often than not--but when you think about spending £100,000 of someone else's money, it must make you ponder a bit. Every manager has to back his judgment, when he enters the transfer market. Whether it's a Fourth Division team chief spending a couple of thousand, or a First Division manager plunging £100,000. Every signing must be a bit of a gamble, too; for there are no cast-iron certainties in football. A manager has many problems which the fans never hear about. But his big-money signing goes on public display, as it were, if the player makes good, it's great; but if he doesn't click straight away, the fans begin to say hard things. It takes courage to splash £100,000 on one player—it must take courage, for a manager is telling the world that he thinks the player is great. And the watching world of soccer EXPECTS the player to be great. Anything less than great—and the critics start sniping. Yet just ask yourself: if YOU were handed £100,000, and told you could spend it on a player, would you be able to do just that, and still not have a care in the world?-I doubt it.  Managers are often misunderstood men. So, now and again. I think the fans should try to appreciate some of the problems a manager faces, every working day of his life. And spending money is just one of them.

POSTBAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 January 1970
Worst Should Now Be Over For Everton
It is surprising that Everton fans are criticizing their team when there have been so many opportunities for praise this season. It must be very discouraging for manager Harry Catterick and his players. Everton's performance in winning 20 of their 27 League games must be virtually without precedent and can only be considered outstanding when the standard of the competition is as high as it is at present. Their recent record has, admittedly, been less good than that of the first three months of the season but this was obviously going to be the most testing part of the League programme and has been faced without two of the three most intuitive footballers in the team. The worst should now be over and Everton must still be favourites for the title barring either a very serious decline in standards, which is not likely or an outstanding effort by Leeds, which is perhaps more likely. Success in the League has never been achieved without setbacks. The test for supporters, no less than for the team itself, is that they should be able to accept and overcome these setbacks. —David Cottee, 7 Wiergate Way, St. Boswells. Roxburghshire.
When they were untouched by injury problems, Everton were invincible. But now, with the memory of an early Cup defeat, they need a resurgence. They will have to tackle the insidious problem of complacency because Everton players do not have to play for their places, unlike Leeds, who have a large first team pool. This has been obvious in recent displays. Players are apt to let complacency creep in and take the edge off their game. The threat of being dropped prompts greater effort.—A. E. Seatle, 499 Woodchurch Road, Bir
We are concerned with Everton's failure to score more than one goal in some of their recent games. Harvey's absence has obviously had its effect and Jackson, although an able player is too defensive in style to fill the gap adequately. When both Ball and Husband are available would it not be better to switch Whittle to left half to play an attacking game and employ Kendall in a rather deeper role, as in his Preston days? –M. Williams, and E.G Hughes, Formby high School, Formby. 
I cannot understand why so many people say Everton haven't a chance without Ball. They are not a one-man team; they are a club with a first team pool and some good reserves. Why write them off when they have courageous players like Whittle, Kendall and Newton, a defensive back-bone like Hurst and Labone, the stamina of Morrissey and Wright and the teamwork of Husband and Royle.—P. Nicholson 35 Ivydal,  Road, Mossley Hill, Liverpool 18.
For those who are serious students of the affairs of Everton F.C., the Leeds United game provided evidence of the classic Catterick touch in the shape of Alan Whittle. While appreciating Whittle's own determination and application, it is impossible not to wonder if he would be at this stage now without the guidance of his manager. The foresight and patience shown in the development of Tommy Wright, John Hurst, Jimmy Husband, Colin Harvey, Joe Royle and Tommy Jackson have once again shown dividends. The combination of Harry Catterick and the young professional he has nurtured is formidable. They are well worthy of the Championship. — Michael Durkin, 135 a Picton road, Liverpool. 
DID BREMNER FORGET GOODISON DRUBBLING?
In stating Everton were overrated, Billy Bremner, must have forgotten the drubbing Leeds were given earlier in the season at Goodison Park, a far bigger drubbing than the score indicated, and a far bigger drubbing than Leeds gave an Everton side minus Harvey and Husband at Elland Road. In the absence of Ball and Harvey, Newton should revert to his normal right back position with Wright going to right half and Kendall moving up to fill Ball's place. Royle has often beaten opposing defences with headers only to find no one in support to turn the chances into goals. Everton need - someone up with Royle to accept these offerings, such as when White, Johnson or Dunn were in support of Dean.—R. J. Higgins. 3 Kaigh Avenue, Liverpool 23.
Liverpool were four points ahead of Leeds last season and Bill Shankly said the League was in the bag. But Liverpool finished six points behind Leeds. Now Everton are in the same position. Some weeks ago some critics told us Everton had already won the championship as they had an eight point lead which has gradually been whittled away. Everton may miss Ball but Leeds never miss a player even though they have such stars as Mick Jones and Allan Clarke. I think Leeds will win the League and the far bigger prize of the European Cup as well- B. Watson. 44 Serpentine Road, Wallasey.
As a life-long Everton fan I hope they win the Championship but wonder if they have got what it takes to become champions. I doubt it. I have not forgotten how badly they played against West Bromwich in the Cup Final which was put down to inexperience, then a year later came that pathetic display against Manchester City in the semifinal. I forget what that was put down to. It appears to me that too many competitive games are not Everton's cup of tea.—Joys Meade. Gorselands. Aigbusth Vale, Liverpool.

EVERTON’S LACK OF PUNCH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 January 1970
Everton Reserves; Rankin; Turner , Darcy; Darrocott, Bennett, Seargeant; Kenny, Melledew, Lyons, Whittle, Humphreys (G), Sub; Brindle.  Aston Villa; Reserves;- Crudgington; Bradley, Aitkens; Tiler, Rilch, Chatterley, McMahon, Mwila, Simmons, Hamilton, Kapengwe. Sub; Hughes.  Referee; Mr. B. Johnson, (Smethwick). 
Darracott put a long ball just over the bar and then Whittle missed a good chance from 10 yards. A Humphreys centre gave Lyons a chance, but after beating Crudgington to the ball put his shot wide. At the other end Rankin had to be sharp to deal with a shot from Simmons and then saw a move started by Kepengwe produce a neat Simmons header which went just over. Everton had much more of the play and with Whittle in a feeding role Villa were finding the Everton forwards a problem. Lyons. Melledew and Kenny all brought good saves from Crudgington but the final bite was just not there. Half-time. Everton Res. 0, Aston Villa Res. 0.

THE WEST AFFAIR
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 January 1970
SHOWDOWN?- IT’S NOT TRUE…HARRY CATEERICK
By Mike Charters
A showndown today between Everton manager Harry Catterick and England international goalkeeper Gordon West was NOT the sequel to a dressing-room scene which followed the team's defeat at Southampton on Saturday. So said Everton manager Harry Catterick. Mr. Catterick said: "In view of the reports that have appeared in the Press today, I wish to state that there is no question of a ' showdown ' with any players, either after the match, or subsequently.” Gordon West reported normally this morning for training, along with the other players, and my only concern is to get the team into a winning vein." West said: "With reference to the statements which have appeared in the Press to-day, these, as far as I am concerned, are false and misleading.” I wish to deny emphatically that I have ever considered asking for a transfer, and there is no question of a ' showdown ' or any difference of opinion with the manager or anyone else. “I hope to remain with Everton for many years to come, and am making this statement to make my position quite clear." So what WAS it all about?
In the post-match Inquest, after the injury time goal which brought Southampton victory and cost Everton their leading place, I understand West and Everton captain Brian Labone were mentioned. West dressed and left the ground 10 minutes before the other players. He made his own way to the local station. He travelled with the party to Waterloo, but again did not go with them by coach across London to Euston. He went alone, by taxi. On the journey from Euston to Crewe. West did not have a meal with the others, but sat alone in a compartment. Everton's team coach was at Crewe to take the players to Bellefield, and West went with them. The week-end gave him time to consider his approach more fully, but apparently yesterday he was determined to see Mr. Catterick to-day and discuss his position. – West, who completes eight years' service at Everton in March -he joined them from Blackpool at a then record fee for a goalkeeper of £27,500—was white-faced and clearly angry during the journey from Southampton. But he made no approach to the Everton manager during the trip, and Mr. Catterick made no comment on the situation at that time. West, who has played 263 League games for Everton, was a probable for this year’s World Cup, until he told England team manager, Alf Ramsey he did not wish to be considered for further selection.  Up to then, he had won three full caps and under-23 caps. 

MIKE CHARTERS SUMS-UP COLIN’S COMEBACK
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 January 1970
HARVEY SHOWED ALL HIS CLASS AND SKILL
One bright feature of a disappointing day for Everton at Southampton on Saturday was the encouraging form of Colin Harvey, playing his first senior game for two months. The midfield star who looked at one time as though he was out for the rest of the season, slipped smoothly into the right rhythm. He tired and came off for substitute Tommy Jackson after 72 minutes but that was understandable. In the first half particularly, he showed the class and skill, plus sharpness on the ball, which are his trademarks.  Manager Harry Catteriek said: “Colin did very well. I anticipated that he would tire, because he was so short of match practice, and that is why I had Jackson as substitute to replace him." Harvey told me: "My legs began to go in the second half when I really began to feel the pace. But I had no trouble from my eye and generally I felt great. I got a couple of kicks around the ankle but they didn't really bother me. I was pleased with the way things went." The hard-running stint on a heavy ground will have brought Harvey to near 100 per cent, fitness. Although he had been able to train with the others in a previous fortnight, there is no substitute for actual match play and in a two-month lay-off the competitive edge can go. England manager Sir Alf Ramsey was at the game. And I believe he went particularly to see Harvey, who is just the type of creative, inventive midfield player England needs alongside Alan Ball. He must have been pleased to see Harvey strike form with zest and eagerness. Give the Everton player a couple of weeks, and he should be right back at his best.

ALAMRMING SECOND-HALF SLUMP LET SAINTS IN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 19 January 1970
IT WAS SHEFFIELD ALL OVER AGAIN FOR EVERTON
By Mike Charters
It was Just like the Cup tie at Sheffield all over again. Everton's alarming slump in the second half allowed Southampton to take control and come through for a 2-1 win at The Dell which delighted them and shocked the Everton contingent. Southampton had the joy of their first League win since August 27; Everton the bitterness of losing the League leadership they have held since mid-September. At half-time, I thought Everton had taken the sting out of Southampton and had played with sufficient skill to be getting a grip of the game. With Harvey slipping smoothly into the groove, and Kendall in bubbling form as though he was prepared to do his own job and fill in for Ball as well. Everton were showing superior class. But the second half turned out quite differently. Everton lost command in midfield, with Kendall dropping right out of it and Harvey tiring understandably, to be pulled of: after 72 minutes. The attack was never seen except for the persistent and brave efforts of Morrissey. Southampton who must have feared the worst during the interval, found Everton's challenge fading so rapidly it was almost unbelievable. How Everton missed the inspiration of Ball! And when defensive indecision was added to Everton's other problems, it was Southampton who cashed in for a deserved victory in a sensational finish. Both their goals were via the aerial route which has proved Everton's downfall so often this season—eight of the last nine goals they have conceded have come this way. The excellent strong running Channon, an effective striker alongside the power of Davies, took both goals with neat headers. He scored his first two minutes after Harvey's departure. Davies won the ball in midfield despite a double challenge by Brown and Kendall, and turned a fine pass to the exciting newcomer, Jenkins. The winger took the ball to the goal-line, chased all the way by Wright, but managed to put over a brilliant centre under pressure and Channon did the rest. Four minutes from the end. Morrissey brightened the scene by sliding home the ball from Newton's free kick —and it looked as though Everton had grabbed a very hard-earned point. But just as the game was moving into injury time, Everton's defence cracked as Newton failed to cut out a cross from the left, and the limping right back Kirkup collected it. He had ample time to direct a centre on to Channon's head and that was that. Southampton deserve praise for the excellence of their first goal—and Channon had shown his threat in the first half when only West had saved Everton. Three times Channon strode past Hurst into the clear but West saved brilliantly. He also saved a cracking shot from Stokes, so he had done his full share to keep Everton in with a chance. Everton lost because they collapsed in midfield in the second half. And with Newton still out of touch, the Everton defence was under pressure which Southampton eventually turned into goals. Royle was unlucky with a header which hit the bar. Kendall made several fine shots in Everton's best spell in the first half, but there was no real penetration up front, despite the fact that Royle beat Gabriel regularly in the air. I rated Brown Everton's top man with his all-out effort, determination and drive in a position which placed him in front of the back four to roam around midfield. He led Everton's rally after Channon's first goal with the best shot of the game which Martin saved well. Labone marked Davies so well that the great Welsh centre forward never looked like scoring, but the real threat came from the other striker, Channon.  And until Everton can tighten their defensive grip in the middle opponents are likely to cash in. 

DIXIE SAYS ‘THANKS’
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 20 January 1970
…AND G.P.O PROVE THEY REMEMBER
The Post Office has proved that it has a heart -and a good memory—at least as far as Bill (Dixie) Dean, the former Everton, Notts County and Tranmere soccer wizard is concerned. After Bill had paid a visit to Prenton Park last week for the first time in 45 years he has had so many letters as the result of the Echo story that he has asked us to thank the writers on his behalf.  One item in his mail-bag came from Warrington-the envelope is shown here-and such is Bill’s fame that it took no time before the postman delivered it to his Bebington home.  Bill told the Echo; “I have been very moved by the comments in these letters.  It was very kind of these people to write to me.  “I was amazed with the one from Warrington-the postman had no difficulty in finding me. 

BLUES MAY MAKE TACTICAL SWITCH
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 20 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick may change his team's tactical set-up for the vital home games ahead. That is my view, after the defeat at Southampton. Sandy Brown, that great club-man who gives all for Everton, no matter in what position he plays, had a personal success against the Saints last Saturday. It was no fault of his that the team lost. Brown played as the middle man of the midfield trio, flanked by Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, so that he was nominally in the position usually occupied by Alan Ball. But his role was as an additional defender, aiming to halt Southampton in front of the defensive four. He was NOT expected to initiate attacks in the Ball manner, and he carried out his instructions to the complete satisfaction of his manager. The only time he moved up was when Everton were trailing to a first goal from Mike Channon. Then he led his team’s rally and made the best shot of the match.  Yet it was as a “sweeper” helping the defence, that he did his finest work.  For the three home games during Ball’s temporary absence, I feel that Mr. Catterick may elect for a more positive approach from his midfield men. 
Priority
He said yesterday, in commenting on the West affair; “My only concern is to get the team back into a winning vein,” And every supporter will agree with his priority –Everton have lost three of their last four games.  I notice that Alan Whittle played a midfield role for the reserves last Saturday.  This may well have been designed to give him a taste of what Mr. Catterick will want him to do in the League side, particularly after his recent five-match run as a winger in Jimmy Husband’s place.  Brown will not complain if the Everton boss leaves him out on Saturday against Newcastle United for someone whose job will be to create, rather than destroy. 
The Type
In a bid to go all out for home goals-and points to get back on top –Everton may decide to use an additional midfield player, who can construct and move up into attack.  Whittle is the type who can do this when on form.  Everton’s home games in the next month are against Newcastle, Wolves, and Arsenal-all tough opponents who are capable of throwing up a defensive wall which will test Everton’s forwards to the utmost. 
EVERTON WILL NEED ALL ALL-OUT ATTACKING SHOW TO SUCCEED
Without Ball to provide the inspiration and the drive. Everton's task is so much harder. I don't think they would have lost at Southampton if Ball had been playing -he would not have allowed the Saints to take command in midfield in the second half, which was the turning point.
Problem
Mr. Catterick’s problem is to fill in during Ball’s absence with a tactical switch.  He did it with Brown as an extra defender last Saturday; he may use an extra attacker this week.  The return of Harvey is an ace in Everton’s favour which looked out of the question a few weeks ago.  His 72 minutes’ effort at Southampton will have helped him to regain his match fitness and I expect him to play a major part in boosting Everton during the critical weeks before Ball is back in action. 

EVERTON STILL LOOK BEST BET, SAYS REVIE
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 January 1970
Everton to-day received backing as favourites to take the title, from an unexpected source—Don Revie, manager of the current League champions, Leeds United. Revie said: “Although we are now on top of the First Division, I must admit that Everton still seem to be the favourites for the title. “On paper, they have an easier run-in than ourselves. And, of course, they can concentrate on the League, whereas we are still going for the European Cup, the F.A. Cup AND the championship. "We have more games to play away than at home. And there is always the danger than you will miss out on everything, when you are going for a treble, as Leeds are." Typically honest, Revie sums up the situation In a nutshell. But, just as typically, he adds: " No one can take us for granted though—we've made a habit of doing just as well away from home as we have done at Elland Road." Revie concedes that he would sacrifice the title, if he could be sure of winning the European Cup— That's the No. 1 objective," he says. “But we're doing as we always have done taking each game as it comes. And while people might say that we stand to lose the lot, we must go for everything in our sights...and that includes the League."

OUCH!
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 22 January 1970
…BUT I STILL THINK EVERTON WILL WIN TITLE
By Mike Charters
A rabid Evertonian asked me this week if I still though; Everton would win the League. I replied that I believed they would because they have an easier programme. His comment: “Maybe.  ... but Leeds have the better team!” ouch! Current results back up his view. Leeds have won eight of their last nine games, Everton have won five of the last nine. Leeds are thus at the peak of their form Everton have been slipping for some weeks from the standard they set early in the season Everton fans fear that while the team is without Alan Ball, they will drop points as Leeds look like beating everything in sight. And it is clear from readers' letters this week that many of them have written off Everton's title hopes already. I think that is over pessimistic.  Assuming freedom from injury. Everton will have their trump cards in Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey and Ball playing together for the last ten games of the season—Ball coming back for the match against Coventry on February 21. The influence of the three of them on the side is obvious to every supporter. Statistics prove the point, too.
After Kendall returned on September 6 following injury. Everton moved from second place to an eight-point lead during a 13-match spell.  Those 13 games are the only time this season that the midfield trio have played together. First it was Kendall injured early in the season: then Harvey was forced to drop out through eye infection; now Ball is out through suspension as Harvey comes back.
So I make that sequence of 10 games to the end of the season the critical time tor Everton, back at full strength.  Everton cannot afford, however, to let Leeds get clear in the race for the title while Ball is out. Readers believe they can hold on by going all-out on attack rather than by adopting a defensive approach. The defence is not playing soundly enough at the moment to reassure fans. Performances at Leeds, Sheffield, Southampton and against Liverpool particularly are the reasons for this. No one expected Everton to maintain an eight-point lead.  But they were expected to keep their lead, perhaps by two or three points, and not to drop to second, a point behind Leeds in such a short time. 
Could it be that the pressures of being on top are too much to take for some of the players? The tension, have been great and there may be some who cannot cope with them. They may be better if they are in the position when Ball comes back in having to overhaul Leeds who, by that time, could have F.A. Cup and European Cup commitments as additional strain which they may not be able to take. Even Leeds could falter if they attempt too much in a three-pronged drive for honours. It sounds over critical for fans to condemn Everton when they have led the league for so long. Yet they are entitled to express their views … because all they want is for Everton to succeed. But they are worried men at present.

MIKE CHARTERS TALKS TO JOE HARVEY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 January 1970
WARNING FOR EVERTON FROM NEWCASTLE
Newcastle United manager Joe Harvey, happy with the best defensive record in the League (23 goals in 27 games), sends this message to Everton 24 hour‘s before the game at Goodison to-morrow: " Everton had better play well if they hope for anything, because we are playing really well now." He went on: " We don't play a particularly defensive game—we should have won both our away matches at Wolves and Arsenal when we got draws. But Bobby Moncur is a great character in our back four and I’m delighted with the way the team is shaping. "I don't attempt to forecast results, but obviously Everton will miss Alan Ball. But they're a hard team to beat, and we'll be showing them what we can do. " They beat us 2-1 up here but I think we're playing better now. Jim Smith has settled down. I'm very pleased with the way Dave Ford has come into the side after buying him from Sheffield Wednesday,
Big problem
One of Everton's big problems will be the heading danger of Welsh international Wyn Davies. They coped last week with Southampton's Ron Davies, but it was twin striker Mike Channon who broke clear for the victory goals. Now the other Davies will be laying on chances for Newcastle’s top scorer “Pop" Robson -and Everton's vulnerability to the high cross will be tested again. It looks likely that Alan Whittle will come in for the suspended Ball and his ability to go through with the ball should give Everton the more positive attacking approach needed to beat a team of Newcastle’s defensive power.  Everton’s 14-strong party includes Whittle, Tommy Jackson and Roger Kenyon, in addition to last Saturday’s team.  With the exception of Whittle, this is the squad which travelled to Southampton.  Everton; West (from) Wright, Newton, Brown, Kendall, Labone, Harvey, Husband, Whittle, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Jackson, Kenyon.  Newcastle; McFaul; Craig, Clark; Gibb, McNamee, Moncur, Robson, Smith, Davies, Guthrie, Ford. 

ALL-OUT ATATCK COULD PUT BLUES BACK ON TOP
Liverpool Echo - Friday 23 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Every Everton fan going to Goodison Park to-morrow for the game against Newcastle United will be hoping to see an all-out attacking approach ... and I believe the Blues will provide it. If my post-bag is a fair guide to supporters' reactions—and it invariably is—they were not happy to see another defender brought in last week against the team fourth front bottom. And that could rate as the understatement of the season.  Manager Harry Catterick will not name his side until to-morrow so it has to be conjecture what the line-up will be against a Newcastle team which is having a good run in the League at the moment. They have only lost one of their last six, having beaten Leeds and Ipswich at home and Stoke away, with draws at Wolves and Arsenal. Their only defeat in this spell has been at Derby …and this Indicates that they are in smooth form, even though they lost in, the F.A. Cup at Southampton. Formidable
They can set up a formidable defensive wall with Craig Clark, McNamee and Moncur a hard and powerful back four which gives little away. In addition, they can use Guthrie as an additional defender. So it is clear that Everton's emphasis must be on skill and variation to get through this little lot. 
Everton gave one of their best displays of the season in their 2-1 win at Newcastle last September which came in the middle of a five-win sequence. Jimmy Husband, playing at " home”, - scored both goals and is due to get back in the scoring act—his last goal was at Chelsea on November 15. He usually does well against Newcastle and Everton need him at his best if they are to pick up both points to put them ahead of Leeds again. There is no doubt that Newcastle will be well briefed on Everton's sequence of conceding goals from high crosses into the goalmouth. And in Wyn Davies they have one of the finest headers in the game to test the Everton defence, plus the pace and thrust of “pop” Robson who operates as the twin striker. After the shock of last week's defeat at Southampton, Everton need a competent, convincing victory over Newcastle to reaffirm their championship drive. They have Colin Harvey back at Goodison for the first time since November 1 to what I'm sure will be a big welcome -particularly after his wedding on Wednesday -and his creative skill in midfield will be a major compensation for the absence of Alan Ball. Most Evertontans will be hoping to see Alan Whittle given a chance to show what he can do in the Ball role. While he was deputising for Husband before Ball’s  suspension. Whittle scored the winning goals which brought them the points against West Ham and Manchester City. Whether Whittle will indeed be entrusted with this critical midfield job only Mr. Catterick knows at the moment. What is certain is that Everton cannot afford to drop points at home and it will need a much improved performance from last Saturday if they are to beat the strong, no. nonsense Newcastle outfit.

IT’S ALL EVERTON, EXCEPT FOR THAT VITAL GOAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
EVERTON 0, NEWCASTLE 0
MIKE CHARTERS REPORTING ON THE VITAL LEAGUE GAME AT GOODISON
Line-up;- Everton; West; Wright, Newton; Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Whittle, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub; brown.  Newcastle; McFaul; Craig, Clark; Gibb, McNamee, Moncur; Robson, Smith, Davies, Guthrie, Ford.  Sub; Arentoft.  Referee; Mr. D. Turner (Rugeley). 
Alan Whittle brought increased attacking zest to Everton against Newcastle at Goodison this afternoon. But the Newcastle defence, although looking casual at times, showed why they have the best record in the league and held out against dominating Everton pressure. Everton had Whittle taking over for the suspended Alan Ball, with Hurst wearing his usual No. 10 jersey. Everton began in businesslike style, keeping up a persistent attack, but the big Newcastle defence looked calm and capable. Harvey soon showed his fitness with a brilliant piece of midfield work before sending Kendall away, but from the cross Royle fouled the goalkeeper.
Revelation

After 11 minutes Husband missed an open goal. A great move between Royle and Harvey, saw Harvey slot the ball through to the unmarked Husband, who pushed it wide of the post with only McFaul to beat. The first real threat from Newcastle came when Davies hit a long range shot over the bar, but the visitors were mainly occupied in defence Newton pushed the ball through to Whittle who hit a fine shot which glanced on the bar and over, and Robson showed his speed when Newton made a mistake only to shoot just wide. Everton's display was a revelation compared to last Saturday, but when Whittle broke through cleverly Moncur, a great figure at the back for Newcastle, stepped in to take the ball away from Husband and Royle, Whittle was bringing a lot of dash in to the Everton attacks. He delighted the crowd with a dazzling run which earned a corner from which Hurst headed wide. Whittle had the crowd on their feet again with another great run in which he held off two tackles and shot just wide from 20 yards. With more than 35 minutes gone, West had not had a save to make. Everton's all-out attacking plan was working well in every direction bar goals. They had the Newcastle defence under persistent pressure. Whittle was playing a leading part in practically every Everton attack. He nodded the ball across to Royle whose shot was deflected for a corner, but the big Newcastle defence cleared. Everton's general display had been heartening, with the emphasis on a positive attacking approach. There were appeals for a penalty when Morrissey went down as he and Craig raced for the ball, but the referee waved them aside. McFaul confidently caught a shot from Royle and Davies headed the ball wide trying to nod it across to Robson. Half-time.—Everton 0, Newcastle 0.
Whittle was having a great day. He beat Gibb with an overhead flick and passed to Kendall, who was challenged out of it by Clark. United's casual approach in attack meant that Davies had to carry the whole burden by himself and obviously could create nothing. The crowd were on their feet again screaming for a penalty when McNamee brushed Royle to one side in going for a long cross by Wright. Hurst was having his best game for weeks and the Everton defence looked much stronger because of it. After 58 minutes United substituted Arentoft for Guthrie. United put in a brief spell of attacking but Everton's defence was sound and West was not troubled. McFaul made a magnicent catch under pressure as Royle came charging in for a free kick by Wright. The United goalkeeper, injured in the incident, had played faultlessly in a defence which kept cool under constant pressure. West was forced to make his first save after 70 minutes and a great one it was. Davies beat Labone in the air to head the ball down to Robson, whose close range shot was blocked by West when a goal looked certain. It was the first time in the game that the heading ability of Davies had produced an opening, and except for goal all credit to West for his quick reactions. Everton were not attacking with the same drive as in the first half, but almost got the goal their superiority deserved when Morrissey hit the ball across the goalmouth and Royle just failed to make contact. Husband, Royle and Morrissey kept plunging through in the hope of finding a gap, but the big Newcastle men stood firm. For minutes on end Everton were in the Newcastle half but they couldn't create a clear cut chance against the United's dominating cover. Everton were beginning to make some mistakes and the hard working Robson was just wide with his shot after a defensive error had enabled Newcastle to build up an attack. A minute later there was another escape for Everton as Labone failed to gather the ball and Davies swept away to make a cross to Ford, who shot wide. I made Hurst Everton's outstanding player. He put in a great 40-yard run before he was brought down by Arentoft just outside the area. And from the free kick Hurst nearly scored. Harvey touched the ball to one side and McFaul only half caved Hurst's shot but Moncur banged the ball away for a corner. With six minutes left Wright limped off injured and Brown substituted. With two minutes to go Davies should have scored from Ford's pass, but failed to make contact right in front of goal. At the other end Morrissey headed over from an equally easy chance. Right on the whistle Labone nearly scored from a corner. McFaul pushing the ball over the bar. EVERTON 0 NEWCASTLE 0 Official attendance 45.345

COLIN HARVEY –BACK IN ACTION AGAIN FOR EVERTON…GIVING HIS VIEWS FOR THE ECHO
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
WHAT A WEEK FOR ME-MARRIED AND BACK FROM THE SOCCER WILDERNESS
Have you ever had the feeling that life was really good?- if you have, then you’ll know exactly how I’ve been feeling this past week or so.   All in a week, I've made my comeback to first-team football, got married—and I can now look forward to a career in soccer again. After 10 weeks in the wilderness, so to speak, life has become worth living again. And believe me; I really had my moments of doubt and fear, during the past 10 weeks. One minute I was a First Division footballer, in a peak of physical condition; the next, I was trying to tell myself that the eye infection from which I was suffering was nothing to bother about really . . . Although, as I walked around the training headquarters at Bellefield, I felt almost in another world. The rest of the Everton lads were able to run, to kick a ball, to get stuck in. I even envied any player who couldn't take part in the training sessions because he had a troublesome leg injury-at least, he knew that treatment and rest would clear it up. I must say that my team-mates were great-they were always taking the trouble to ask how I was feeling, and they did their best to cheer me up. And I would like to thank all those kind-hearted fans, too, who expressed their best wishes and wrote to me saying they hoped I would soon be fit again. Believe me, for someone who is used to taking physical fitness almost as a matter of course, the kind of inactivity to which I was suddenly subjected was torture. I seemed to spend my waking hours going to the treatment room for injections, walking round the track, or setting off for the specialist's consulting rooms. I could find my way blindfold to Harley Street! Everton certainly gave me the V.I.P.treatment -they had me in hospital for a week, and made sure that the best possible medical advice was obtained. I'm thankful that everything worked out well, in the end. I'll admit I felt a bit rusty, when I came back for the game at Southampton, after just one run out with the A team. But I have been training exceptionally hard, during the past couple of weeks, and while that doesn’t give you match fitness, I'm hoping that by the time I've played in another game, I'll be 100 per cent.. and taking the strain without any trouble. This week has been hectic enough, for on Wednesday I got married —and the following day I was back at Bellefield, training again in preparation for to-day's match as Goodison against Newcastle. I went down to Prestatyn on Tuesday night, was married there on Wednesday afternoon …and I can tell you that I was more nervous in church than I am playing soccer in front of 50.000 people. This afternoon it was back to Goodison, for a first team game there for the first time since mid- November. And I really appreciated those cheers, when I ran out on the park. What's more, despite the recent setbacks that Everton have had, I am firmly convinced that we can still finish up as the League champions. Time is NOT running out for us: and, as the pressures begin to buildup, come March, I feel that Leeds will bear the brunt of them. Especially with their European Cup commitments. So here's hoping ...

SOCCER ROUNDABOUTS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
By Stan Liversedge, Mike Charters and Chris James
Planning pays off in football.  Everton and Burnley traveleld from Everton on the same train last Saturday-Burnley had played at Ipswich-but the Burnley party went without a meal, because they thought there was no dinning car on the train.  Everton had arranged a special restaurant service…and the Burnley players weren’t exactly overjoyed, when they saw the Everton boys being served. 

EVERTON STEP UP CHECKS ON MAY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
Reports that Everton are interested in the giant Wrexham centre-half Eddie May, are not new Manager Harry Catterick checked on him personally as far back as August 27 at Workington. 
But with May a kingpin in the successful Welsh team, Everton have stepped up their checks on the former Southend pivot, who was once an amateur with Dagenham. Wrexham manager John Neal says: " I am surprised there have been no inquires for Eddie, and some of our other players, from First Division clubs."
FOR nearly a year, a Liverpool home for the elderly has been receiving a stand ticket for Everton's matches from an unknown donor, for the use of one of its residents. We can reveal that the donor is former professional footballer Harry Stott, now 84, of Park Road, Prescot. He played for Bury and Accrington Stanley and still goes to every Everton home game. He told us: “I read in the Echo how you had sent a Cup-tie ticket to a Liverpool home for the elderly. It had been sent to you by a Bristol supporter. "It was such a nice gesture, I decided to do the same. I am a season ticket holder, but I buy another stand ticket, and let the home have it. I like to think I'm helping someone perhaps my own age—to see a game."

STRAIN MAY TELL AS TITLE RACE GETS HOTTER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
By Mike Charters
When Everton last won the championship seven years ago, they did not go to the top until there were only five matches to play. This season they have gone the opposite way about it. They went into the lead after only three games, dropped to third in the next few weeks, but with 31 games still to go they moved to the top and stayed there until last Saturday The strain of holding on to the lead, with every opponent trying that little bit harder to topple the No 1 club, has clearly told on Everton since December. They are nothing like as confident or assured as they were when building up that eight-point gap. Confidence could be the key, apart from the obvious factors of having to play without Cohn Harvey for seven League games and now without Alan Ball for five. Players like Ball revel in the extra pressures of hanging onto a championship lead.  He enjoys the cup-tie atmosphere of every match; it acts as a spur to even his matchless endeavor.  But several Everton players seem to find this strain an intolerable burden and lose their form as a result.  How else can you account for their recent slump. 
Could Crumble
Every player has his off-days but, so far as Everton are concerned, too many of them have lost their form too often .. and it has all happened since Liverpool thrashed them 3-0 at Goodison.  That was a clear-cut example of how the team could crumble when pressure and tension were highest. Readers have put forward the view that Everton's first teamers are under no pressure from reserves fighting for a senior place. There is a lot of truth in this because no member of the Central League side at present has shown enough to be knocking on the first team door consistently. Manager Harry Catterick has supported this view by his often expressed wish to sign four players to add to his first team squad.

TRAINING WITHOUT AN END PRODUCT
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
By Stan Liversedge
ALAN BALL has been training harder than ever, since he began his five-week suspension. “I’ve put in a full day at Bellefield Monday to Friday—and gone back for a Saturday-morning stint," he says. Last Saturday, the Everton star completed training at Bellefield . . . then hared off to Halifax, to watch the team his dad manages thrash Bournemouth 4-1. To-day he planned to be at Goodison…. hoping to watch Everton thrash Newcastle, and regain their top spot in the First Division. “I’m confident we shall win the title," he says. “We’ve got a good run-in, when you look at the fixtures" Ball will bounce back against Coventry at Goodison on February 21. Then come games against Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Tottenham (twice), Liverpool, Chelsea, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion, and Sheffield Wednesday. Ball admits "It's murder, knowing I can't play on Saturdays. The first week wasn't so bad, when I was down training with the England squad. "And I was too busy training and dashing across to Halifax on the Saturday to feel lost at not having gone to Southampton for Everton's game there"_ " But I've felt the impact more this week. I've trained really hard… but I know there's no end-product and playing on a Saturday is really what it's all about." Alan Ball's father, I know, feels it would be better if a suspended player were allowed to play for the reserves . . and think of the extra fans such a game would pull in. with a character like 'Ballie' turning out. Young Alan says: “It’s hard, training even more than usual, yet knowing you won't be playing. Yet, you know, too, that you must train harder than ever—because it's the nearest substitute there is for match practice. "And I intend to be 100 per cent ready for action when I'm free to play for Everton again." In the meantime, he will see three of Everton's home games—and probably spend the Saturday they are at Sunderland doing a bit of scouting. For his dad. "At the start of the season, when I was out, I did a match report for him," says Alan. "He may want me to do another job when Everton are at Sunderland. It’s not the same, watching a match . . . but it's better than doing nothing, except mope. 

NO TRAVELLING FOR ME, UNLESS I KNOW THE TEAM
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 24 January 1970
ANY EVERTONIAN who remembers the F.A. Cup defeat at Nottingham three years ago would have known, as soon as the team was announced on Saturday, that Everton had no chance of winning. It must have been galling for Everton fans who travelled to Southampton to find the League leaders playing an extra full-back, to contain the side with the worst home record in Division 1. I will never travel again to see Everton play away until we see a return to the old system of announcing the team on Friday at the latest. I have reservations about entering Goodison without knowing the team, as I have a sneaking dread that one day we will see Wilf Dixon in goal, and a twin spearhead of West and Rankin!
Saturday's defeat meant the end of Everton's title hopes. We have completed a unique treble, as we have already thrown away the League Cup and the F.A. Cup. I paid Everton £22 for season tickets this season, and I do not feel I have had value for money —R. S. Shaw, 32 Edgemoor Drive, Liverpool. EVERTONS drop in form can be attributed to tactics in away games, and poor form of the defensive four. Everton are renowned as a fine attacking team. But 50,000 Evertonians have known for seasons that Everton do not look such an effective force, when they play defensively. At Southampton, they had two defenders in attack. How can they expect to win, with this formation? Whittle virtually gained six points for Everton, when he deputised for Husband so why didn't he play last Saturday, in place of Ball? Leeds play open, attacking football home and away. Can you imagine Everton winning 5-2 at Chelsea? Unless Everton start to believe in themselves, and play as an attacking force, the Championship will again go to Leeds. — J. G. Nelson, 18 Green Heys Drive. Maghull.
THE LOSS of two points at Southampton can be attributed to team selection. Harvey was put in too soon, as events proved. Melledew should have been brought in at No. 8 in view of the recent lack of scoring. My team: West (goal): Wright, Kenyon, Labone, Jackson (back four): Whittle, Newton, Husband (midfield): Melledew, Royle, Morrissey (strikers).—A. Ostrim, 10b Salisbury Road, New Brighton.
WHITTLE THE MAN TO TAKE BALL’S ROLE
I WAS disgusted to see the selected Everton team at Southampton. For a manager who has gone on record as saying: We play attractive, attacking football.”  Mr. Catterick must have seen with eight defensive players in his line-up, something which has eluded me and fellow supporters.  The policy appears to be to allow the opposition to have midfield for 20 minutes, then hopes to counter-attack.  Surely any team, home or away against the First Division leaders, would be a little fearful of the outcome?  But to be presented with the ball and the park to play on their confidence and ability in magnified 10-fold.  Joe Royle wins the ball in the air consistently but to no avail as he has no-one backing him up (except witness Kendall’s goal against Ipswich).  More goals and positive play could be achieved by going forward.  Whittle would provide the attacking spirit needed in Balls absence. While Everton display a cautious approach, they will not win anything.— R. A. Evans, 46 Grampian Way, Eastham.
It seems almost certain Everton will not win the championship.  They lack ability to fight back.  In only seven matches have opponents scored first-and Everton have lost six.  No team can hope to win anything, if they are incapable of pulling back a goal.  They also lack big-match temperament- P. N. Bradshaw, 46 MariRoad, Old Roan, Bootle.
How can Everton lead a Second Division team, then fail?  How can they lead in important Cup and League matches until the last few minutes then fail?  It cannot all be bad luck.  Are they going to throw away the Championship because they lack ball?  I thought Whittle too light and small, but his first team games have proved me wrong.  He should get a chance in ball’s place.- H. Gibbens, 30 Edinburgh Road, Liverpool 7.
Tension at the top is obviously too much for Everton.  Desperation and panic have been apparent.  Too many players have lost form at the same time, and the championship which was gift-wrapped for Everton supporters, is becoming a mirage.  Leeds would have stuck like leeches to an eight-point lead- L. Jones, 12 Mond Road, Liverpool.
An Exiled Evertonian, I have read Football echo letters on Everton’s recent disappointing form, I thought the comments true, after seeing the game at Southampton.  Harvey made a big difference, especially in the first half, but the rest of the team did not give any indication how they had reached the top of Division 1.  The forwards were ineffective in front of goal, the defence was caught out in various ways, mainly Hurst and Newton.  The attack should have had Whittle somewhere and on this Everton showing, Leeds should have no fear of being caught-K. Adams, 30 Jubliee Road, Kingswood, Bristol. 
I am astonished at the criticism levelled at West, over the last five matches.  There has also been criticism of Labone.  But in my view, the weak link has been Hurst.  A spell in the reserves may help him to regain confidence.- M. Small, 362 Mill lane, Liverpool. 
It was a mistake not to play Whittle at Southampton.  Playing Brown, a defender, does not allow much spirit of adventure.  Whittle has proved he is good enough-J. Phillips, Old Roan Inn, Aintree. 

EVERTON ARE FOILED BY THE MAGNIFICENT McFAUL…
Liverpool Echo - Monday 26 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton ran up against the best defence in the League at Goodison on Saturday and it cost them a point from their first home draw of the season. They had their chances to beat Newcastle, missed them, and then survived three near misses as United, after being on the defensive collar for so much of the game, opened up in the second half as Everton lost their rhythm. Everton's first half display had been a revelation by comparison with their off-form show at Southampton a week earlier. With Whittle adding enthusiasm, pace and skill to the attack, they played with a spirit and dash which could have broken many a side. But Newcastle's defenders—tall, calm and commanding—took it all with McFaul magnificent in goal.
Gift opening
Yet he should have been beaten early on when Husband shot wide from a gift opening, and also a couple of minutes from the end as Morrissey headed over when, for once, Newcastle had been spread-eagled. Whittle hit the bar with one shot, shot just wide from another, in Everton's best spell before the interval, and be certainly deserves a vote of confidence as Ball's deputy. Yet even he fell away like the rest of Everton's attack in the second half. Despite all the Everton pressure, the effort and drive of Harvey and Hurst, there was little to remember from Everton's efforts after half-time. Labone went desperately close to his first goal for seasons when he made a fine header in the last minute which McFaul tipped on to the bar and over. Everton's problem, on the evidence of this game, is to be able to sustain their penetration for 90 minutes. But in the absence of Ball, they have no one to lift them, no one to drive or inspire them when they fail to take an early goal. Hurst had an outstanding game and the Everton defence played much better as a result. But even so Newcastle might have won when Robson hit a close range shot against West's body -the only time West was in difficulties and when Ford shot Just wide after Davies had moved down the right unchallenged. In addition. Robson hit another wide so, on the balance of scoring chances, there was little in it even though Everton had had so much of the play. In that fine first half, I thought Everton had regained their touch. They seemed to have thrown off the indecision of recent weeks and with Harvey back into best vein, it looked as though the points were there for the taking. This made their second half mediocrity all the more disappointing, will though Newcastle played defensively. Moncur was a dominating figure in this competent set-up. He and the others can afford to look a little casual with a goalkeeper of McFaul’s quality to rely on. He war faultless.

SWIM TWINS AMONG THE GOLD
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 28 January 1970
Everton star Johnny Morrissey last night presented gold medal awards of the Amateur Skimming Association to members of the swimming section of the 19th Aintree Scout Group. Two recipients were the 15-vears-old Swift twins, Paul (left) and Phillip, seen here receiving their awards.

BLUES MISS BALL –AND HOW!
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 29 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Two down, three to play. That golfing phrase sums up the Alan Ball situation for Everton as they face three more games without the England star who makes them tick. And as they have dropped three points from the games he has missed at the start of his five-week suspension, no one in the game is in any doubt about his value to the side. While he is away, it looks as though the lineup which drew with Newcastle last Saturday is Everton's strongest. It seems certain that it will be on duty again for the Wolves game on Saturday at Goodison, which sets another great test for Everton. Since the return of Derek Dougan after his eight-week ban, Wolves have been in consistent form and Everton cannot afford to drop another home point now that Leeds have taken a one point lead at the top. Everton's major asset in the absence of Ball is the return to form of Colin Harvey. I think it will take three games for Harvey to find complete competitive fitness.. And the Wolves date should see him at his best, filling in the gaps in midfield.
Kendall edge
His 70-minute stint at Southampton was the warm-up, his 90 minutes against Newcastle the next stage when he showed how close he was to fitness, and now he should be able to carry the additional responsibility with Ball out of action. It is unfortunate for Everton that Howard Kendall has lost some of his edge in recent games and it would be a tremendous boost for the team if he could return to his best to help Harvey and Alan Whittle to create the sort of moves which sent a dazzling Everton to the top in the early part of the season. The whole of Everton's tactical pattern is based on the Kendall-Ball-Harvey power in midfield. The absence of one can be carried in part if the other two are in top form, anything less is reflected in the overall team performance. So it needs Kendall and Harvey in control of the middle spaces, enabling Whittle to play a more striking role as he did against Newcastle, for Everton to put on the convincing performances needed to prevent Leeds getting clear away at the top. The second half decline in the Newcastle match has been the major talking point among Everton fans this week . The absence of Ball has to be countered by the others pulling out something extra. They did so in the first half last Saturday but then slumped later. They cannot afford a repetition against this strong Wolves outfit.
Gimmick ago
No date has yet been arranged for the outstanding Spurs- Everton game. Everton have put forward their ideas and Spurs are considering them. The League have asked clubs to rearrange matches as quickly as possible, and if Spurs had not been engaged in Cup replays, this ill-fated fixture could have been played by now.

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR WHITTLE AS DEPUTY FOR ALAN BALL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton's up-and-coming Alan Whittle gets another chance to-morrow to show what he can do as Alan Ball's deputy. He can play a vital role in the game against Wolves at Goodison as Everton try to knock Leeds United off top place again. Whittle's individual display against Newcastle last Saturday ran along the same lines as the general team performance-good in the first half and then a loss of form afterwards.   
Wright fit again
But he brought a lot of urgency and drive to Everton's first-half attacking ideas which showed that, young though he is, he can have a big influence on the side's play. If he can pace his game and sustain his efforts over the 90 minutes, he could be among the goals Everton urgently need. With full-back Tommy Wright having recovered from the thigh strain which he suffered on Saturday, Everton look certain to be unchanged against a Wolves team which has maintained a high place in the League this season. Wolves bring with them the powerful twin striking partnership of Derek Dougan and Hugh Curran, but in defence they don't look as sound as that stonewall Newcastle outfit.
Whittle and the front runners, Joe Royle and Jimmy Husband, could find greater opportunity of scoring than a week ago, even though Wolves will still establish the routine defensive wall.
Similar system
Wolves play a similar 4-3-3 system to Everton, relying on left winger. Dave Wagstaffe to provide the centres for the two big men, Dougan and Curran. Their attacking pattern is to get the ball to Dougan, who can lay it off for Curran to use his goal-taking touch. Curran scored both goals against Everton last October when the Blues had one of their best away wins of the season, Everton announced a party of 14 players this afternoon, adding sandy Brown, Tommy Jackson, and young reserve full back David Turner to last week’s team.  Wolves bring a party of 13 players, adding Paul Walker and Les Wilson to the team which beat Ipswich last Saturday.  As expected, former Leeds and England winger Mike O’Grady has not recovered from injury, so it seems certain they will be unchanged.  Everton; West; (from) Wright, Newton, Brown, Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Whittle, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Jackson, Turner.  Wolves; Oldfield; Taylor, Parkin, Bailey, Holsgrove, Woodfield, Lutton, McCalliog, Dougan, Curran, Wagstaff, Sub Walker or Wilson.
EVERTON TICKETS
Everton announce that ground and paddock season ticket holders and those with Gwladys Street stand tickets should use match coupon No. 15 for the match against Wolves at Goodison to-morrow. There has been some confusion owing to the Newcastle match being brought forward from the end of the season.

WHY THE WOLVES ARE HUGARY FOR POINTS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 30 January 1970
By Mike Charters
Why Wolves, the club who pioneered games in this country against famous Continental sides in the great Stan Cullis era of the fifties, are going all out to get into the money-spinning world of European competition again. Knocked out of the F.A. Cup at Burnley in the third round, they aim to make sure of a Fairs Cup place next season by finishing close on the heels of the top clubs. They are now lying fifth with the same number of points as Liverpool and manager Bill McGarry has made no secret of his Fairs Cup ambition as he drives on his talented side to maintain their high place. They come to Goodison to-morrow with a consistent run behind them apart from their Cup defeat. Unbeaten in the League since they went down to Nottingham Forest in mid-December, they will be another tough test for an Everton fighting desperately to get back on the top. I don't think they will pose as many defensive problems to Everton as Newcastle did last Saturday. That McFaul-inspired set-up is much stronger than anything wolves, can show, and Everton should find it easier to find the way to goal. But Wolves have a talented attack, headed by the twin striking partnership of Derek Dougan and Hugh Curran, which could cause Everton's defence a lot of trouble.
Expensive outfit
Wolves have spent over half a million pounds on assembling their current first team squad, and most of that has gone on forwards. Two of their big money men— Francis Munro (£60,000 from Aberdeen) Mike O'Grady (£80,000 from Leeds) -are not likely to play to-morrow but Wolves can still field one of the most expensive outfits in the League. Dougan and Curran will post the greatest threat to Everton, with Dougan laying them on for his partners. The duel between them and Everton's Brian Labone and John Hurst could be the key. If Labone and Hurst can keep them quiet, I cannot see Wolves having sufficient attacking threat elsewhere to disturb Everton.  
Attacking rhythm
That clever winger, David Wagstaffe, has the ability to dazzle but Tommy Wright invariably plays him well and gave him no scope at all in that fine Everton win at Molineux last October.
Everton must maintain their attacking rhythm over the whole game to get the victory they so urgently need after getting only one point from their last two games. They cannot afford to lose their grip in the second half, which has been the most disturbing feature of their play recently. It all revolves around midfield control. If Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey get command and keep it, then they can push Everton on to win. But if they let Mike Bailey and Jim McCalliog have any freedom there, then the game can swing Wolves' way. With Alan Ball out of action, every game is critical for Everton with the pressures as high as any Cup-tie. Home points must not be lost, and they must avoid a repeat of last Saturday.

GIANT COMBINED OPERATION
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 January 1970
CLUBS WILL JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT FAIR’S RULING
By Chris James
Liverpool and Everton will Join forces in the next few months in a mammoth operation to canvass more than 100 clubs throughout Europe. Their aim—to scrap the European Fairs Cup rule that bars two teams from one city from entering the Cup in the same season.  In the last few seasons this rule has hit Merseyside very hard with Everton being kept out of Europe for the past two seasons because of it. This season it could well operate in reverse with Everton, if they fail in their championship bid, slamming the European door in Liverpool's face. And the clubs are optimistic that they may be successful this time in getting the rule changed at the annual meeting at the end of the season. 
Failed by two votes
When they proposed the change at last Year's annual meeting they failed by only two votes to gain the necessary two-thirds majority. But the meeting was held in Budapest with many of the clubs not attending. This year the Mersey pair will be contacting the hundreds of clubs all over Europe and getting their opinions beforehand in a bid to be sure of reaching the necessary majority. They could gain the two votes from as close as London for neither Arsenal nor Chelsea were at last year's meeting. And both these clubs would be sure to vote for the resolution because they are in the same position as the Mersey pair. Last season Liverpool, as League runners-up, qualified for this year's Fairs Cup while Everton who were third, were barred. Chelsea, Spurs, and West Ham fifth, sixth and eighth, were kept out by Arsenal who finished fourth. This allowed Southampton (seventh) and Newcastle (ninth) the previous year's winners, although there is no automatic re-entry for winners to compete this season. The season before the same thing happened with Newcastle qualifying although they finished tenth. Everton were fifth, but Liverpool (third) qualified from Merseyside. If the rule isn't changed and neither Everton nor Liverpool win the League or the Cup then Everton would seem favourites to qualify for the Fairs Cup. Liverpool were nine points behind them this morning and to be out of Europe would be a bad blow after six consecutive years abroad.

THE DOOG TALKS ABOUT HIMSELF, WOLVES-AND EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 January 1970
CATTERICK PATTERN IS RIGHT FOR EVERTON-THE MOST ATTRACTIVE TEAM’
By Mike Charters
That great Irish international star and character, Derek Dougan, who will be leading Wolves at Goodison Park this is afternoon, is an authority on the twin striker tactic - and he believes that more and more clubs will use it as a means of beating the intricate defensive walls of modern football. He should know all about it because he has formed, with former Norwich City centre forward Hugh Curran, one of the  most effective scoring partnerships in the top class. Curran, with 16 goals already this season, has slotted into the increased demands of First Division football as though he was born for the job.
In-built knack
Dougan told me: “Hugh is only 25 and I reckon he is going to be one of the greatest scorers in the business over the next few years. “He has that in-built in the right place at the right time. I like to think I help him by taking some of the pressure off him. “I’m more tightly marked-I always have been-and this gives him a bit of space which he uses so well. “But I've played with other twin strikers in this sort of tactical pattern, and some of them have not been in the right place at the right time. But Hugh has this gift for getting into good scoring positions, and he doesn’t often miss.  I can see more clubs going for this twin striker set-up because it can be so effective "in the right line-up.  And yet, I know that Everton don’t use this idea, and I can understand why.  Their great strength is in midfield and you can’t have your cake and eat it.  “I have the greatest respect and  admiration for Everton.  I rate them the most attractive team in the country, and the pattern Harry Catterick has established has been right for them.  “He plays these great midfield players and he can’t suddenly turn one into another striker to operate alongside Joe Royle.  He plays the best way for the players he has, and he has made them into this team of individual brilliance. “At the same time, I have great admiration for young Joe. I think he will develop into a really great centre forward. He has a tremendous future.  "He is a natural centre forward and has great strength." The articulate Dougan, always happy to talk about the game with such good sense, went on to discuss Everton in more general terms. 
He said; “I think Everton have been very unfortunate this season, with injuries to Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey and now Alan Ball’s suspension.  “I think Harvey is the best all-round wing half in the game.  He can defend and attack and has so much skill.” When I said that I thought Harvey should make England’s World Cup squad he laughed and said; “Well I wouldn’t dream of trying to do Alf Ramsey’s job.  But Harvey would be in my side.”  He went on; You can talk about twin strikers, midfield workers and the rest and it seems to me that the game is changing all the time.  The number of your back is more irrelevant than ever before.  “Pattern of play are developing all the time.  We play twin strikers at Wolves because it suits our manager, other clubs don’t.  It all rests with the manager’s approach and the players he has, and I’m not going to tell other clubs what they should do.  But I do believe that the twin striker set-up can be effective and with the right men.  I think more clubs should use it.  “Hugh and I will be doing our best at Everton today to show how it can work for Wolves.  “This will be my fourth game since coming back from suspension and we’re playing well.  We would have beaten Newcastle a fortnight ago, but for an out-of-the-world display by their goalkeeper, Ian McFaul.  “And as Newcastle drew at Goodison last Saturday you can see that we fancy our chances quietly today.” 

EVERTON ON TOP-BUT ONLY 1 GOAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 January 1970
EVERTON 1, WOLVES 0
EVERTON ON TOP BUT ONLY 1 GOAL
By Mike Charters
Line-up;- Everton; West; Wright, Newton; Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Whittle, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub; Brown.  Wolves; - Oldfield; Taylor, Parkin; Bailey, Holsgrove, Wilson; McCalloig, Lutton, Dougan, Curran, Wagstaffe, Sub; Woodfield.  Referee; Mr. M. Kerkhot (Bicester).
Everton dominated Wolves at , Goodison this afternoon, even before Wolves were reduced to 10 men when Dougan was carried off injured with half an hour to go. The match was firmly in Everton's hands although all they had to show for 90 per cent. pressure was a first-half goal by Royle. This was Royle's 18th goal of the season—and a vital one, at that. Everton opened with series of fluid attacks and Bailey twice cleared in desperate situations. But the first major incident was when Dougan moved on to Curran's pass although looking in a clear offside position and it took a fine tackle by Newton to clear just as Dougan was about to shoot. Whenever WoIves attacked, they were running into an offside trap —an unusual tactic for Everton but effective so far. Royle went up well for a Husband free-kick to nod the ball on to Whittle whose deflected header went wide. Wolves survived in a goalmouth scramble after a hard shot from Hurst rebounded in the air Whittle and Husband challenged the ball spun across to Royle, but Holsgrove cleared. 
Drive Blocked
It looked as though Oldfield had been fouled in going up for a cross by Hurst but the referee waved play on and it led to another Wolves escape.  Whittle missed his attempted shot but the ball came out to Husband whose first time drive was cleared off the line by Parkin.  West’s first save came with more than 20 minutes gone.  From a corner Taylor moved up to plant the ball in the goalmouth and Dougan's close range shot was knocked down by West. Oldfield made a spectacular dive and save from a shot by Husband.  Oldfield-was being kept busy without being in any real danger. He had ample time to collect a header from Royle after a free-kick. Everton took the lead after 31 minutes, thanks to Royle’s determination and a mistake by Oldfield.  From Morrissey’s cross Royle made a header which Oldfield seemed to have taken comfortably but he dropped the ball right on the line and Royle followed up to force it into the net- Everton deserved to be in front because they had so much more of the play but their overall performance was nothing like as good as it has been at Goodison. Yet they kept driving on for goal and the Wolves' defence was frequently at full stretch.  In the 10 minutes after Royle's goal Everton had hammered Wolves almost into the ground. Oldfield made a magnificent save from Morrissey's shot and play seemed to be permanently in the Wolves' penalty area.
Half-time.—Everton 1, Wolves 0.

Wolves substituted Woodfield for Bailey at the start of the second half. Husband made a clever break and shot which seemed to swerve in the air but Oldfield still held it well. Everton were yards faster than Wolves, who could create little in attack with Dougan kept quiet by a fine display from Labone. Everton's sharpness in the penalty area, particularly Husband and Whittle, often had the big Wolves defenders backpedaling furiously. Oldfield was inclined to turn every save into a spectacular effort but he had to produce one out of the blue to save from a grand shot by Kendall. Newton and Dougan both went down from a sickening mid-air collision and Dougan was carried off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious facial injury. This came after 60 minutes which meant that Wolves were reduced to 10 men for the last half hour, having already used their substitute. Everton produced the best move of the match which deserved a goal but didn't get it. Harvey began it all with a great crossfield pass to Husband who streaked through a leaden-footed Wolves defence, slotted the ball across to Kendall whose shot swung wide of the far post. Everton were now turning on a most exciting attacking display. The next in the act was Wright who brought the ball 40 yards, before hitting a tremendous shot over the bar. Everton's outstanding players had been Labone and Husband with Morrissey little behind.  In Wolves' first attack since half-time Wilson appeared from nowhere to get a foot to Curran's centre and turn it just wide. The persistence of Everton's attacks now had the Wolves defenders almost bemused. They stood as though transfixed to enable Hurst to get in a back header from a corner which Oldfield saved brilliantly. Newton went close to his first goal for Everton with a strong header from Husband's cross and it was indicative of Everton's domination that both full backs were able to move up in attack without worrying about their defensive chores. It was unbelievable that Everton weren't at least six goals up by now. 'With eight minutes to go Brown substituted for Harvey who had had attention for an injury. West had to scramble to save a long range shot from Parkin -he must have been frozen with so little to do—and then, throwing the ball out, he hit Labone with it. The ball bounced to Curran who shot wildly over the bar.  Official attendance: 45,881. 

£200,000
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 January 1970
NEW TRANSFER MILESTONE IS IN SIGHT-BUT VERY FEW QUALIFY FOR THE PRICE TAG  SAYS EVERTON STAR COLIN HARVEY
GLASGOW Celtic manager Jock Stein isn't a man who shouts out his views because he likes the sound of his voice. He's like our manager, Harry Catterick—he prefers to be judged on results. When Jock Stein has something to say, it's usually worth noting. And so I was more than interested, when I saw his assessment of the transfer situation. The Celtic manager reckons that this year could see the first £200,000 transfer in British football . . . and I am convinced he could well be right. A few years ago, it was headline news when Manchester United signed Denis Law from Italy for £116,000. Alan Ball's £110,000 transfer to Everton made big news; and so did the departure of Mick Jones and Alan Birchenall from Sheffield United, for £100,000 each. Alan Evans became the first £100,000 teenager, when he joined Liverpool from Wolves: and that story made a splash. Now Peter Marinello has become a £100,000 player, with Arsenal, and that was headline news, too. I feel that there was a reason for this. though Marinello was virtually an unknown in Scottish football one minute, a big-money signing by Arsenal the next.
Ready-made
Not only that; with his George Best image, he was ready-made material for the headlines. Although it is fair to point out that the player himself insists that he ISN'T a second George Best—he wants to be Marinello the First. However, when Alan Birchenall was the target for Ipswich recently, the fact that he might be moving again for £100,000 didn't cause a great stir And I feel that people —who, in the past, gasped and said. “Ridiculous!" when they heard the fee—have now come to accept the fact that £100,000 is just another transfer fee. In other words, they have become familiar with such a price tag, and it doesn't surprise them anymore.  Even when Allan Clarke joined Leeds at a new record of £185,000, there wasn't as much of a stir as when the first £100,000 deal went through. And now I suspect succeeding transfers will be merely ripples until the first £200,000 player causes a big splash. THEN we shall see big, black headlines again. It is irrelevant, as to whether or not professional footballers are worth such fees. The players don't fix the price. It is the old question of supply and demand. Any day now, it seems that Terry Hennessey, of Nottingham Forest, will become a £150,000 player. And that will be just another chapter in the soccer saga. It is a fact that the first £200.000 transfer deal would have gone through a year or more ago ... had West Ham been prepared to sell Geoff Hurst to Manchester United. But a brief No sale" answer ended that episode. Who to-day would fetch £200.000 then? Clearly, only a handful of players. George Best, I believe, would rata even higher say half a million. And I don't think it's ridiculous to suggest that some club would pay that sort of money for him. I believe, too, that Alan Ball would be a £200.000- plus player, if he ever left Everton; and so would Ron Davies., if he were to leave Southampton Bobby Moore, of West Ham, could be in that bracket, too. Chelsea's Peter Osgood might well rate a £200,000 valuation before 1970 is out; and Allan Clarke, if he moved on from Leeds. Possibly Francis Lee (Manchester City) and Brian Kidd (Manchester United) will come into this category, inside the next 12 months, as well. If you doubt what I say, think about the player of whom Don Revie, the Leeds manager, said: "I wouldn't part with him, not even for £200.000." That was around THREE years ago, and the player was a Leeds RESERVE. His name: Paul Madeley. We've come a long way since February, 1906, when Alf Common left Sunderland for Middleborough, for £1,000. 

MOTORWAY SOIL FOR GOODISON?
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 31 January 1970
By Mike Charters
FROM the Wirral motorway may be used on the Goodison Park pitch next summer to complete the work which has already greatly improved the playing surface this season. A Turf Research Institute expert advised last year that soil to a depth of several inches should be replaced to enable water to drain more readily. But there was not sufficient time in the brief close season to obtain the top quality soil needed. The experiment of moving a couple of inches of top soil and mixing it with sand was adopted—and it has produced the best Goodison pitch for 10 years, in my view.
But the club decided to earmark sufficient soil to carry out the expert's recommendation this year. Test borings were carried out along the length of the Wirral motorway excavations and soil of the right quality was found. The contractors are now storing more than 2,000 tons of soil for Everton's use.
The turf expert will be visiting Goodison in the next week or so and is bound to be impressed by the improved surface. External work on the first section of Everton's new stand is now completed, but there is plenty of activity out of sight of spectators. The dressing rooms are expected to be completed by the end of February, and the escalators from the first floor to the top level should also be installed at the same time. Seats are being fitted in the top tier but this will not be used this season because all entrances and exits will not be completed in time to satisfy safety regulations. The centre section of the old stand at ground level, where the current dressing rooms are situated, will probably be the site of a shop and pools offices when the rest of the stand is completed by 1971.