EVERTON’S SQUAD FOR YOUTH TIE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 01 December 1970
Although Everton will take a party of 16 In with them for to-night's F.A. Youth Cup second round tie at Manchester City, the players likely to form the team came through Saturday's junior games without injury (writes Mike Charters). The team is likely to be Williams: Armstrong, Graham, Smith, Scott, Pritchard: McEwan, Bacon, Wilson, Buckley, Goodlass.  Two of this season's apprentices. Jimmy Burns and George Telfer, are in the squad, plus three amateurs—Gem Bennett, Jimmy Williams and Frank Gorman. Bennett is the younger brother of Everton's reserve defender Harry Bennett. Williams was the deputy for Goodlass in the Liverpool Boys team of his year, while Gorman is reserve goalkeeper to Keith Williams.
Note
Tranmere Rovers lost to Scunthorpe 1-0 at Goodison Park in front of 7,235 spectators. 

YOUNG TALENT UNDER THE MICOSCOPE
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick will be at Wrexham to for the Under-23 game between Wales and England, not only to see his winger Alan Whittle playing in his first international but to check on the young stars who will attract most senior managers to the In Racecourse.  In fact, this will be a benefit night for managers. Although they know all about the English talent, there are a number of comparatively unknown youngsters in the Welsh team who will come under the closest scrutiny. With the scouting activities of senior clubs so extensive these days, young potential comes under the microscope so quickly that it is rare for anyone to be discovered in an international. There have been reports of Everton interest in the Swansea City midfield player Geoff Thomas, who is playing to-night. Catterick says: "The reports are wrong, I'm not interested in him-it’s just someone flying a kite to get Thomas noticed." The Everton chief looks like having a full strength squad available for next Saturday's game at Huddersfield.  John Morrissey and Henry Newton, who missed the match against Spurs, are improving.

NO MORE PENALTY CLIFF-HANGERS AT GOODISON PARK THIS SEASON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 December 1970
DRAWN TIES GO TO THIRD GAME
By Mike Charters
There will be no repetition at Goodison -this season at least -of that cliff-hanging drama when ten penalties were needed to decide Everton's European Cup tie against Moenchen Gladbach when the teams were level after extra time in the second leg. The penalty method is used for the first two rounds of the competition. The quarter finals and semi-finals will have to go to a third game on a neutral ground if the teams are tied after the second leg. Only if there is still no decision after extra time of the third game will the penalty system be used again. This possibility is remote because the teams will have played for 330 minutes by then.
Wembley final
The final, at Wembley on June 3, is a one-leg match. A replay would be needed, as in our F.A. Cup Final, if it is a draw after extra time. Venue and date for any third game needed in the quarter finals and semi- finals have to be decided between the competing clubs BEFORE the first leg is played. U.E.F.A., the controlling authority, name the ground and dates if a replay 'ls needed in the final.  Everton have not yet discussed the third game possibility with their quarter final opponents, Panathinaikos of Athens. But they have asked the Greeks if they would be prepared to play the first leg at Goodison on Tuesday, March 9, instead of the scheduled date the following day. They have not yet had a reply. The second leg will be in Athens on Wednesday, March 24, and Everton look certain make similar travel arrangements as for their matches in Iceland and West Germany for the first two rounds. They will charter their own Jet to permit them to return immediately after the game in Athens on the Wednesday night. The third game decision for the late stages of the European Cup will please those who regard the ten-penalty method as something of a circus to settle such vital ties. Even though the penalties are much better than the old system of tossing a coin, the only fair way to both sides is for another game to be held. The disadvantage of an additional game is that if creates further fixture congestion for British clubs. The programme in other European countries is flexible enough for clubs to fit in additional games without any problems because they do not have the same heavy League schedules as we have.

WHITTLE GETS CHANCE TO STAKE CLAIM
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 02 December 1970
By Chris James
Alan Whittle, Everton’s blond bomb-shell, get his first taste of top level international football tonight in the England Under-23 side against Young Wales at Wrexham.  Whittle whose goal-scoring powers at the end of last season boosted Everton to the League title has fully earned the recognition Sir Alt Ramsey, the England supreme has given him. For although Whittle is not scoring as many goals this season he is playing a different role for Everton.   He is now playing more as an orthodox winger instead of lurking round the penalty area using his speed, anticipation and superb positioning to convert half chances. Yet it was Whittle's uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time that might have earned him tonight's chance, for Sir Alf saw him swoop to score Everton's first goal in the derby game against Liverpool.

HUDDERSFIELD PIN HOPES ON LOCAL STARS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 03 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick toys with the problem of team selection for the game at Huddersfield Town on Saturday now that John Morrissey and Henry Newton are likely to be fit again, the Huddersfield chief, Ian Greaves, will be happy to name an unchanged side after their draw at Old Trafford last Saturday. I think that Morrissey, probably the most consistent Everton forward this season, will be back in his familiar No. 11 shirt. This means that Jimmy Husband could be out of the side—providing Alan Whittle came through last night's Under23 game without injury. Everton need the experience, skill and inspiring presence of Morrissey on the left to give the attack more balance than it had against Spurs. Struggling
Any decision about Henry Newton will be delayed. He has had a hamstring muscle strain which may need a little more time, although Catterick was confident his £150,000 midfield man would be all right.  He could take over from his namesake at left back, Huddersfield, who now seem to be settling to the First Division pressures after a shaky start, cost only £58,000 in transfer fees. But that does not worry Greaves or his team. The Town manager said: “I know there's a fantastic amount of talent in the Everton side and no doubt they are worth every penny of a million pounds.” But they've been struggling lately, and if we can reproduce the form we showed against Manchester United last week, we shall do well." Huddersfield are pinning their hopes on two of their home-grown players—right winger Bobby Hoy, 19-years-old former England youth international, and Steve Smith, leading scorer as a winger but now operating in midfield.

CROWD BONANZA EXPECTED FOR BLUES’ VISIT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Huddersfield Town are expecting their biggest gate of the season for the visit of Everton to-morrow. Even though Everton's League results have been disappointing, Huddersfield officials believe the attraction of the big-name players will pack 'em in at Leeds Road. Highest attendance there so far is 27,997 for the game against Derby County. Huddersfield are hoping Everton's travelling contingent of fans will swell the gate to more than 30,000. Huddersfield's team is beginning to shape well and this, too, will entice the Yorkshire folk to have a look at them. They have taken five points form the last six after a lean spell pushed them down to third from bottom. They have an unchanged side while Everton manager Harry Catterick will delay choice until to-morrow. I think we shall see John Morrissey back after injury on the left wing, with Henry Newton at left back. But final decision will be made when Catterick has had a look at the Huddersfield pitch, which is certain to be heavy.
No Plans
Huddestield manager Ian Greaves said: "We haven't made any plans to watch any particular Everton player. Last season, we tended to cater for other teams and closely marked any we thought would be particularly dangerous. "But if you do that you can't get on with playing your own game. We are now playing so well we want Everton to worry about us." Huddersfield have made switches up front and in midfield which have led to their current good spell. Playing alongside centre forward Frank Worthington is one-time Preston forward Brian Greenhalgh, who was brought up in Southport. Greenhalgh moved to Aston Villa and Leicester before joining Huddersfield. Earlier this season, he seemed to have little future there and they were prepared to let him go. But he has taken his first team chance well. Huddersfield; Poole; Clarke, Hutt; Smith, Ellam, Cheery; Hoy, Greenhalgh, Worthington, McGill, Lawson, Sub Kryzwicki.  Everton; Rankin; (from); Wright, Newton (H.), Newton (K.); Brown; Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Husband. 

TIME EVERTON HIT THEIR WINNING FORM
Liverpool Echo - Friday 04 December 1970
By Mike Charters
It is 14 years since Everton last played at Huddersfiled Town . . . they lost 1-0. And Huddersfield's scorer was Dave Hickson, transferred from Goodison earlier in that 55-56 season to Aston Villa, moving on to Huddersfield six weeks later. Hickson's goal that day brought Huddersfield precious points but it could not save them from relegation. Since then, they have battled along in the Second Division until manager Ian Greaves steered them to a runaway championship success last season. Inevitably, they have found the switch to the infinitely harder pressures of the First Division something of a trial. The going has been tough and four weeks ago they were in trouble, third from bottom. But successive victories aver Burnley and West Bromwich, and last week's creditable draw at Old Trafford, have given them breathing space as Burnley and Blackpool slump deeper into the relegation mire.
Last win
Now Everton go to Leeds Road to-morrow to face again one of the most famous clubs in the land, even though their great days were more than 40 years ago. Everton last win was a month ago against Forest at home. It is time they hit a winning streak again and, in a straight comparison of their class with Huddersfield's rasher home-spun outfit, to-morrow should be the day. Huddersfield are fighting hard to stay in the top class, and there is no question of their relying on the failures of other clubs like Burnley and Blackpool to keep them there. They will test Everton all the way, but with Harvey, Ball and Kendall now showing that their collective touch of midfield command. Everton have the overall skill to control this game.   It is typical of the irony of football that the man who did more than most to get Huddersfield into the First Division—their captain and midfield player, Jimmy Nicholson —is now out of the side and struggling to regain his form. He has been replaced by winger Steve Smith, who has been switched to midfield and is doing a good job.
Attention
Also in midfield is a player admired by Harry Cattenck for his hardworking talents. Jimmy McGill. Everton watched him several times last season but interest never went beyond that level. Local - boy Bobby Hoy, only 19 and attracting a lot of attention on the right wing, is a little player with a lot of skill, rather like Willie Carlin. He has clever bail control but it needs exceptional talent to flourish in the hard world of quick-tackling and highly competent First Division defenders. Frank Worthington, a centre forward in the Hickson mould, scored 22 goals in their promotion season. He has found the way to goal much more difficult this scan but can be a handful to control.
Goal act
Everton will be looking to Joe Royle and his attacking partners to get into the goal act as they did at Anfield a fortnight ago. If you could be sure that there would be more instant thrust near goal, Everton would be away bankers tomorrow. But while they fail to add accurate finish to their build-up, there must always be a question mark about their away chances. Yet their all-round performance against Spurs reached such a high Ievel that I think they will beat Huddersfield. A draw would be satisfactory-defeat a shock. 

BALL BLASTS HIS FIRST LEAGUE GOAL OF SEASON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1970
HUDDERSFIELD 1, EVERTON 1
By Mike Charters
Line-Up;- Poole; Clarke, Hutt; Smith, Ellam, Cheery; Hoy, Greenhalgh, Worthington, McGill, Lawson.  Sub Dobson.  Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub Brown.  Referee; Mr. B.H. Daniels (Rainham). 
A brave save by Rankin at the feet Huddersfield Town centre forward Worthington saved Everton from going one down at Huddersfield this afternoon. Then Ball made up for earlier misses by beating Poole with a good shot for his first League goal of the season. Henry Newton came in at left back in place of his namesake Keith who was ordered into a nursing home over the weekend after he had strained his back in training yesterday. John Morrissey, as expected, returned after missing last week's game.  Ball turned Kendall's centre into Poole's arms in an early Everton attack and then the game became a midfield struggle for possession. Hoy put his defence into a rare tangle with badly edged back pass which Whittle was on to in a flash. He turned the ball back to Henry Newton who had to make a quick shot and the ball went across the empty goalmouth to be cleared by Hutt.
Scramble
The sharpness of Harvey in the centre circle gained Everton an opening as he pushed the ball through to Whittle. The winger turned a pass across to Royle who failed to get the ball.   Royle, however, was proving the master of Ellam in the air. He went up perfectly to a centre by Newton, headed it back into the goalmouth where Ball, searching for his first League goal of the season, drove it wide. From a free kick Hutt's shot was blocked, rebounded back to him and there was something of a scramble in the Everton goalmouth before Rankin dived on to the ball and completed the clearance. Labone and Hurst failed to cut out a long clearance by Ellam and Worthington raced between them at top speed. Rankin came bravely out of goal and collided with the Huddersfield centre forward just outside the area. His effort prevented what looked a certain goal but gave Huddersfield a free kick which Worthington drove over the bar. Huddersfield were attacking with a good deal of fire now. Worthington was causing the Everton defence plenty of problem, pith his dash and Greenhalgh headed wide from a chance created by Worthington. The Huddersfield defenders didn't look too happy, either, when Everton put on some pressure. From a free kick taken by Newton there was no challenge to Hurst as he raced in and headed wide The Royle-Ball link was seen again when Royle went up well for a left wing centre, nodded it across to Ball whose volley had far too much height and sailed yards over the bar.  With 21 minutes gone. Whittle was booked for a late tackle on Hutt. The tackling was quite desperate at times with both sides conceding free kicks regularly. The 27th minute signaled a major event for Everton first League goal of the season. Royle gave him possession 30 yards out with a neat pass and Ball took the ball on to beat the diving Poole with a fine shot from the edge of the area. Hudderseld set up a tremendous attack, refusing to lose possession as Everton made tackle after tackle. When Hoy slid the ball through to Greenalgh, it was Morrissey, only a few yards away from Rankin, who saved the situation with a desperate tackle and managed to get the ball away.
Half-time: Huddersfield 0. Everton 1.
 It was reported during half time that Hurst had also been booked at the time of the incident when Rankin came out to save from Worthington.  Sis minutes after the restart Huddersfield were level through Worthington. Hoy who had done little on the right moved over to the left and made a fine centre which the Everton defence failed to cut out and Worthington had time to pick his spot before driving the ball into the net. Everton fought back furiously, Ball shot well wide after Royle had nodded the ball down to him and shortly afterwards Royle got in a header from Whittle's cross but it went straight to Poole. The game continued to be over-physical. There had been 29 free kicks in the first half alone 15 against Everton, 14 against Huddersfield. Whittle had taken some tremendous punishment and Cherry was booked for the worst foul of the match on him. The midfield struggle —and not a very edifying one at that—was maintained. Both teams were so determined to gain possession that every ball was fought for as though it was a Crown Jewel. Kendall had been injured near his mouth and played on gripping a pad between his teeth. If the football content of this match was not very high, there was no shortage of effort, sometimes ill-placed. Worthington was back helping his defence and cleared off the line in a goalmouth scramble and when Royle returned the ball into the middle, Hurst deflected the ball into the net with his hand. Harvey missed a great opening when Ball sent him away with a perfect pass. Instead of passing to the unmarked Royle on the left, he allowed himself to be overtaken by Ellam and the chance had gone. The referee stopped play with Everton on the attack to speak to Whittle and Hutt. The talk developed into a conference with about ten players involved before Everton were given a free kick. A foul by Ball on Hoy had the Huddersfield fans screaming but it was Ball who created the next Everton attack which brought a corner. From it Wright moved fast to head Ball's corner just wide of the far post. Ball hit another shot over the top when badly angled. He had done more shooting in this match than in the previous half dozen. Attendance: 27.658.
BLUE’ VERDICT
Three players were booked-Whittle, Hurst and Cheery-in an over-physical battle at Huddersfield this afternoon.  Both teams fought so hard for possession and midfield command that the game seemed to be stopped every minute or so for a free kick.  Ball, Everton’s best player, scored his first League goal of the season, but Worthington, who caused Everton’s defence considerable problems, equalized.  The game was so intense and physical that the skill content suffered as a result.  Everton have not had a harder match all season, but it was not an entertaining one. 

BLUES IN DEFENSIVE BATTLE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1970
In the early stages Huddersfield looked the more dangerous in front of goal while Everton’s forward rarely outwitted the visiting defence.  West had to be sharp to deal with a Barry drive went for an unproductive corner and Mahoney made it more a bit quickly on two occasions. The Blues were moving forward reasonably well but only G. Jones was causing any trouble. Kenny got through once but Lawson handled competently. Generally the defences were on top but occasionally Everton forced their way through but Lawson was much too quick. A Styles free kick and then a Jones corner was neatly picked out of the air before any damage could be done. Huddersfield always looked more likely to do some damage and Lyons saved the day more than once either by quick anticipation or a pass back to clear the danger. Half-time: Everton Res. 0. Huddersfield T Res 0.
Everton Res;- West; Westburg, Styles; Seargeant, Kenyon, Lyons; Melledew, Kenny,  Johnson, Darcy, Jones (G.), Sub Darracott.  Huddersfield Town Res;- Lawson; Jones, Brook; Nicholson, Mielczarek, Doland; Brown, Barry, Mahoney, Scholfield, Krzywicki, Sub Myers.  Referee; Mr. C.M. Seel (Carlisle). 

GOODISON STAND WILL BE FULLY OPEN IN THE NEW YEAR
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1970
EVERTON expect that the second escalator for spectators in the top level of the new Goodison Road stand will be installed and in use early in the New Year. Once it is ready, all the seating for both tiers of the stand will be available. This will complete the majority of the outside work, and the emphasis will then be switched to inside the stand, where much remains to be done. It will not be finished until the end of the season. Priority will be given to the administrative section. The offices at present are in the space which will eventually become the pre-game warm-up area which manager Harry Catterick asked for when plans were drawn up for the stand. In effect, this will be a mini-gymnasium. Players will walk a short distance from the dressing room and be able to have warm-up exercises before they come out on to the pitch. But it cannot be used until the offices are moved to their permanent location. Other interior work now in hand is the entrance foyer, directors' room, lifts and other offices which the public never see. It will take several months to complete them. When it is all finished, the end product will be the finest stand in football.
EVERTON'S Youth Cup replay against Manchester City will be at Goodson next Tuesday (730 pin.) . They drew 2-2 at Maine Road last Tuesday.
Everton captain Alan Ball is to appear soon in a new role- as principal speaker at the next Tranmere Rovers’ celebrity dinner at Prenton Park on December 16.  Apparently he is not a complete stranger to this after-dinner job, but he has not revealed his speaking talents on Merseyside before. 
Calling three former Tranmere Rovers players –Terry Stephens, Dennis Evans and Tony McNamara.  They have money to their credit in the Football Fund but they cannot be traced by the League.  McNamara played for Bury and Everton as well as Rovers.
Former Everton winger Bobby Laverick has joined Southern League club Tonbridge on a free transfer from Ramsgate.  Tonbridge’s player manager is Joe Carolan, formerly with Manchester United. 

THE HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1970
WERE THEY THE GREATEST
TAKES A LOOK AT ENGLAND’S POST-WAR TEAMS
MANCHESTER CITY manager Joe Mercer caused many eyebrows to be raised recently in suggesting that Leeds United are England's best team since the Arsenal side of the 1930's. Everyone is entitled to his opinion, and I am sure Joe won't take offence if my view on this subject differs from his.  Would your choke take into account Portsmouth and Manchester United immediately after World War 2, Spurs, Wolves and Manchester United of the 1950's, or Spurs Liverpool, Leeds, Everton of the 1960's, and more specifically, the Manchester United team which won the European Cup in 1968? In my view you must go for the side which not only got results, but played attractive football in doing so. In tither words, suppose you were not a dyed- in - the - wool supporter of that club, would you still pay money to watch them play because of the satisfaction and entertainment they give? Judged at that level, I would have no hesitation in picking the Spurs “push and run" side of 1951 as my No. 1. I do so because they played simple, attractive and effective football with Ronnie Burgess, Billy Nicholson and Eddie Bally the dynamos who sparked the team into electrifying action.
Classic final
For my No. 2 team. I would select Manchester United. 1958. They were a great team when they crashed at Munich, but as they were so young, it was never possible to say just how great they would have been. For my third side, I would make it a tie between Manchester United with Carey, Rowley. Morris, Pearson, Delaney. Aston and Co. who won the Cup in that classic final against Blackpool in 1948, and the Spurs side which did the double in 1961. Many people would not agree with these choices, but there is not the slightest doubt in my mind that all four sides played entertaining attacking football. They all had great players in their ranks. Call me biased if you will, but I thought that last season Everton at times touched the standard of the 1951 Spurs team by playing simple attractive football. The fact we won 29 out of 42 games is surely proof of this. Liverpool and Leeds in recent years have also had their moments. Certainly so far as results are concerned Leeds are very good. The problem to-day is that there are so many sides dependent entirely on defensive methods and this must inhibit even the best attacking sides playing against them. I would rate Leeds very efficient. A side which sets out to acquire points, which they do with rare lapses…But having said that, I would not say they are as entertaining to watch as the 1951 Spurs, nor the 1958 Manchester United sides. Every top manager in English football will welcome the F.A.'s decision to increase the allocation of Cup final tickets from 16,000 to 20,000 to each teams of the two teams lucky to get to Wembley. It is a fair deal charter for the fans. My only regret, however, is that the F.A. have not been able to go even further and make the allocation 30,000 to each of the finalists. Too many for such a national occasion? I think not. One has only to recall that the last Second Division club to win the Cup was West Bromwich in 1931. All the others since then have come from the First Division--most from the top half of the First Division—and almost without exception they have average gates of 25,000 plus. It Is all very well claiming that the Cup final is a national event like Henley, Wimbledon and the Derby. But this overlooks the fact that soccer clubs exist on the money and goodwill of the fans. When their team gets to Wembley, it is only right that they should get a chance to see their favourites on this show- Case game - Take my club, Everton . We have 20,000 seated customers apart from the faithful fans who stand on the terraces week after week. Many are prepared to travel long distances to see Everton play. I know what it is like having to say "no tickets" to staunch supporters such as these.

TWO PLAYERS WITH PROUD RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Only two Everton players have an ever- present record so far this season -Joe Royle and Howard Kendall. Changes created in the main by injuries, and occasionally by managerial choice, have meant that only four times in their 20 League matches have they fielded the same team twice running. The same team did duty against Arsenal and Burnley in the first two fixtures of the season. Then the changes began but four games later, there was an unchanged eleven for consecutive matches with Manchester United and West Ham. Then came a two-match gap of changes, with the same team playing against Crystal Palace and Coventry on successive Saturdays. More changes, then the same team played against Newcastle and West Bromwich since that game on the last day of October, they have played five League games with changes made for every match.  They have called on 17 players so far this season and the whole statistical picture is it marked contrast to their championship season when they used only 16 players all told, with four ever-presents In West, Wright, Royle and Hurst.  In a way, team changes are in keeping with manager Harry Catterick's pre-season statement that he had a very strong first team pool of players, and was prepared to change his selections on a "horses for courses" theory. But injuries have been responsible for the majority of the changes. Since that game on the last day of October, they have played five League games with changes made for every match.

YOU’RE TELLING US!
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 05 December 1970
TEAM FIRST
AS A regular supporter of Tranmere Rovers for more than 50 years, may I pass a comment on the recent suggestion that the club will have to sell its best players if support is not forthcoming?  At the F.A. Cup-tie at Goodison on Monday, an Everton supporter said. “I can't understand why people pay 6s to see such futile stuff that has been served up here." Yet Rovers wonder about the dwindling support. Give us a team the support will follow —W. E. Burnham, 12 Wooden& Pensby
If you're suffering think how Tranmere are suffering.
UNJUST
WHAT have we got to do to see a home international match on Merseyside? The last was in 1966 at Goodison, against Poland. It seems unjust to me that the Londoners should get all the cream we have to provide more than our share of international players.  I don't think there would be any problem about the attendance it would be a sell-out —R. Mellor. 53 Overton Way, Birkenhead.
Don’t you get a bit of quiet satisfaction from thinking that while Wembley can hold it's the players from the North who pack 'em in.
REST BALL
It’s  annoying to read, week in, week out, your glib answer to Everton's critics that the team won the championship last of the season. Evertonians are well aware of this—but last season 's performances don't win matches this season. Basically, I think the trouble is the demise of our midfield trio—last season, Everton owned the midfield . . . but not this season. Kendall has been consistently good, but Harvey has had a Jekyll and Hyde season, and Ball has had too much football. Surely we want a fit Ball for the F.A. Cup and European Cup battles ? Surely we're not afraid to rest the man for fear of relegation?—a three week rest would do Ball a world of good. I'd dearly love to see the midfield trio dominate Goodison on a certain day in February dominate a certain ground in Athens on a certain day in March and perhaps even Wembley on a certain day in May. A mentally and physically fit Alan Ball could do a lot to see these hopes fulfilled.—J. Munro, 5 Glendower Street, Kirkdale.
 I think you're saddling Ball with too much responsibility -there are 10 others in the team.
DON'T KNOCK
I'M SICK of those Everton supporters who knock one of the greatest clubs in the country-these supporters seem to forget we won the title last season, and have a great chance of winning the European Cup this season. Instead of knocking the team, let's give our full support, and we will be greatly rewarded. The team Harry Catterick picks is good enough for us true Evertonians.—T. Hanson. 29 Marl Road, Old Roan. Bootle 10.
 I'm glad you're not going on at ME
FACE TRUTH
I’M SICK of listening to all those Evertonians telling us how they're going to win the European Cup—even Liverpool, in their great days of the mid-60's couldn't win it. Evertonians should face the truth—you're just not going to win it. The only European trophy coming to Liverpool this season is the Fairs Cup, when Liverpool show all their European class to win it —Miss J. Mulholland, 78 Mount Pleasant, Winsford  There's so many sick people in the column this week, we should have called in a doctor to prescribe the answers.
GIVE CREDIT
WHEN Liverpool beat Everton, Mike Charters excuse was that too many Everton players were off form together. He claimed Everton were the better team for 70 minutes. Twaddle! There was nothing between the teams, until the first goal was scored. Neither side had looked like scoring—or deserved to score. A mistake by Smith, a brilliant chip by Whittle, and the stalemate was ended. Skillful team work, and Everton were two up. Mike puts Liverpool's goal down to slackness in the Everton defence—but Heighway's goal was the finest piece of individualism in the game. Give Toshack credit for the way he rose to put Heighway's perfect centre into the net and wasn't the third goal due to good teamwork, like Everton's second ? When will Mike Charters give Liverpool a little credit for good performances?—After all, it was a case of novices playing against seasoned champions. Is it true you're changing the paper's name to "Everton Echo” Murray, 14 Longhorn Road. Liverpool 20 4BS.
 In a word—No.

HURST BOOKING NOT ON THE RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1970
Everton defender John Hurst, booked on Saturday for the third time this season, can breathe again. Writes Chris James. For one of the cautions has not been officially reported to the F.A. Hurst's first booking this season was at Leeds, on August 22, and his second was in Germany during the first leg of Everton's European Cup-tie against Borussia Moenchen Gladbach, on October 21. Then came Saturday's booking at Huddersfield. Normally, three bookings within a year mean a player automatically comes up before an F.A. disciplinary commission. But Russian referee Kruashvili has not told the English F.A. of his booking of Hurst in Germans. Said an F.A. official to-day: to now, we have not had any official report of the caution." But with two cautions standing by his name in the F.A. records. Hurst will now have to tread very warily, for he cannot afford another booking this season.  If he is booked again. Hurst will be in danger of suspension, and, with Everton’s defence lacking some of its former strength this season, that would be a big blow. 

IT’S TOUGH GOING BUT THE BLUES EARN A POINT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton’s 1-1 draw at Huddersfield on Saturday was in such marked contrast to the excellence of the previous week’s match with Spurs that one wondered if it was being played in a different division.  Skill was replaced by vigour, neatness by roughneck tactics, and artistry by physical play which reduced play to a low level of entertainment.  This was the hardest game Everton have been in this season.  It was also the most unattractive.  Inevitably, the home fans blamed Everton for the tough tactics. Some of them in the main stand hurled abuse—and several cigarette packets (empty, one presumes) - at Everton manager Harry Catterick sitting in the directors' box. The home fans overlooked one salient fact -as home spectators tend to do. Referee Daniels, a rather over-dramatic official, awarded 54 free kicks for physical fouls. Thirty of the were against Huddersfield, 24 against Everton and that is statistical evidence that both teams were dishing it out with sliding tackles and an assortment of fouls not recorded in any F.A. machine manual. Three players were booked—Hurst for a tackle from behind on centre forward Worthington when he had broken clear. Whittle for a late tackle on left back Hutt after he had been fouled half a dozen times himself. Huddersfield captain Cherry for a foul on Whittle which chopped the Everton winger down at the waist.
Unsavory
It was all very unsavoury—and the football content on what Catterick described as ''a bog of a pitch" was conspicuous by its absence. There was nothing to remember from this game, and the most satisfactory features from Everton's point of view were Ball's fine performance, topped by his first League goal of the season, and the strong defensive display of Henry Newton at left back. Newton was marking Huddersfield's star player right winger Hoy, and played him out of the game. In fact, the only time Hoy was seen in the second half when he switched wings for a spell and made the centre from the left which presented Worthington with the chance for the equalizing goal.  Labone also had an excellent game, but pulled a thing muscle late on which could be troublesome this week.  The battle for midfield command was so tight and toughly contested that only Ball emerged with any real credit. Huddersfield preferred the direct method of forcing the ball down a wide corridor in the middle for Worthington and Greenhalgh to chase. They caused some problems to the Everton defence but Rankin did not have a save to make out of the ordinary. Poole, in the home goal, was not troubled either but there were times when Everton looked as though they were going to test him.
Attacking role
Ball, who played a more attacking role than previously this season, was up front sufficiently to make half a dozen shots. He had one shot blocked by Worthington back as a defender on that occasion and clipped the bar with another in the last minute. There were hardly any flowing movements to recall. Everton produced a couple which fizzled out in the mud or with someone on the receiving end of a desperate tackle. Huddersfield were more direct, more forceful at times, but with players intent on possession at all costs, there was little time for finesse from anyone.

EXPERIMENT FAILURE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 07 December 1970
The experiment of playing Steve Melledew on the wing, with Bill Kenny, inside, achieved little for Everton Reserves against a quick-tackling Huddersfield defence.  Consequently striker David Johnson had little support, goal chances were scarce and a goalless draw summed the game up.  Mick Lyons moved to wing half to accommodate Roger Kenyon in the centre, gradually took over the latter’s role, and using some good anticipation, kept the Town forwards quiet. 

CLARKE GOES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 08 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton have allowed goalkeeper Alex Clarke to join Third Division club Bristol Rovers on a month's loan. Clarke has been playing mainly in the B team this season, with Andy Rankin, Gordon West and Keith Williams the goalkeepers in the other three teams.  A former Liverpool Schools player, Clarke is 20 and has had plenty of Central League experience in the past couple of seasons.
YOUNG BLUES EARN RECALL
Everton Youth team is expected to be unchanged for the F.A Youth Cup second round replay against Manchester City at Goodison tonight (7-30).  Five of the boys were in the side which was knocked out of the competition last season by Manchester United- Keith Williams, Peter Scott, Alan Wilson, John Smith, and Ron Goodlass.  Everton; Williams; Armstrong, Graham; Smith, Scott, Pricthard; McEwan, Bacon, Wilson, Buckley, Goodlass. 

HAIR-CUT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 08 December 1970
Bobby Graham, the Liverpool striker, is getting back into trim all right- this time at the expense of the blond locks of Everton forward Alan Whittle.  The two players share the same hairdresser, Mr. Anastasis David, and met at his salon in Prescot Road- with Alan in the chair.  “But wait until we meet at Goodison next year” says Alan, “I hope I’ll be doing the trimming then.”  Says Mr. David; “A number of players from Everton and Liverpool come here, including Roger Kenyon and Ian Ross.  When the talk gets round to football I have to be a diplomat as well as a hairdresser.  “I try to avoid talking football- but that’s not easy in a city like Liverpool!”  The footballers, he adds, like their hair styled- “but I’m always warned not to cut it too short.” 

VICAR TO MARRY (ST LUKES, GOODISON ROAD)
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 08 December 1970
The Rev, Robert Campbell, vicar of St Luke the Evangelist, Goodison Road, for the past 19 years, is getting married in the New Year.  His wife-to-be is Mrs. Eunice Early, a widow, who comes from Groombridge, Sussex.  The wedding will take place on February 20 at Mr. Campbell’s church.  Born in Widnes, Mr. Campbell was curate at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Scotland Road, for three years before being appointed vicar of St. Cyprian’s Church Lane in 1936.  He moved to Holy Trinity Church, Parr, St. Helens, three years later and returned to Liverpool in 1951. 

HENRY BEGINS TO PAY OFF THAT £150,000
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 09 December 1970
By Mike Charters
The value of £150,000 Henry Newton to Everton emerged clearly with his fine display at Huddersfield Town on Saturday. Since he joined the club two months ago, he has been somewhat in the shadows as the team has gone through a disappointing spell in the League, with the European Cup displays the only bright feature. Newton had no part to play in Europe because he was ineligible. But he has now played in five League games and it has taken him this time to settle into the form everyone knows he is capable of as a mature player on the fringe of England class. He has been in midfield for two games—at Arsenal and Stoke. In the other three, he was selected at left back but only on Saturday did he complete 90 minutes in that position.  Against his old club, Forest at Goodison, was at full back for only 15 minutes before Colin Harvey went off injured. In the Anfield match, he was left back for an hour and then moved into midfield again when Howard Kendall had to go off
Tackling
As a player with the ability to fill a variety of roles, I believe he accepts being shuffled around in team selection. This is why manager Harry Catterick went for him in the first place—a man of proven skill to be moved about according to the injury position in the first team squad. But his display at Huddersfield, where he snuffed out Town's danger man, right winger Robby Hoy indicated where the Everton chief sees Newton's greatest asset. Catterick told me: “Newton has brought determination to a department of the team where I thought we have been lacking this season —tackling. He has the timing and the strength in the tackle to take on anyone. He can play in any of four positions—both full back spots, right half and left half. "He is better on the right flank than the left, although I have had to use him on the left so far His tackling has given us some steel at the back. We needed it. He's the boy to provide it.  Catterick is not the type to over-praise. He doesn't go into raptures. So when he does pick someone out for credit, you can depend on it that the player has been very good indeed. It was Henry Newton he was talking about after the Huddersfield game. The hint was there that Newton will be used in the back four consistently.
Worried
There have been times, in the past two months, when Newton has been worried about his form and his place in the sun at Everton. He should be reassured that his manager has never had any doubts he would settle down to show what he can do. Catterick asked for patience from the fans when Newton was signed I believe the turning point for Newton came in the mud of Leeds Road, Huddersfield last Saturday. The way ahead for this fine player has become clearly sign-posted now.

IT JUST WASN’T EVERTON’S NIGHT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 09 December 1970
By Paul O’Brien
Manchester City ended Everton's F.A. Youth Cup hopes with a 1-0 victory in the second round replay at Goodison Park last night, but if the sides met again another half dozen times I doubt If City could repeat the success. There was only one word to describe Everton —unlucky. When Alan Wilson nodded the ball against the bar after barely 10 minutes with David Cross, the City goalkeeper, beaten, and then Referee Barker, of Crewe, awarded a free kick against Everton, it set the pattern for the rest of the match. During the next 80 minutes Wilson and three other Everton players, Ron Goodlass, Paul McEwan and Mike Buckley, saw shots or headers rebound from the woodwork, while the Everton fans have left Mr. Barker in no doubt that he would not be on their Christmas, card lists.  McEwan also had the misfortune to see a shot scrambled from the line at the last possible moment by City inside right Paul Smith, but in between all this--at the 22nd minute, in fact— City snatched the winning goal.
Headed on
It came from centre forward Gay Clarke, after a right wing corner had been headed on to him by outside left George McBeth and left half Paul McMahon.   Apart from two shots by inside left Steve Carter, their outstanding forward—one hit an upright and the other was cleverly saved—City only really worried the Everton defence from corner kicks.  Two City players, left back Hughie McCrory and outside right Paul Henson were booked. Apart from hitting the woodwork, Everton did have two or three chances they should not have missed, and if their final passes had matched some of the approach play then City—no matter which way the luck had gone—would have taken a hammering. If there had been any justice for Everton, then the power would have been cut off, forcing the game to be replayed. But then—it just wasn't their night!

FERENC PUSKAS –SPY WITH A LEGEND …AND A WARNING!
Liverpool Echo - Friday 11 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton come under the critical gaze of one of football’s legendary figures when they plat Southampton at Goodison tomorrow-Ferenc Puskas, that great Hungarian star now coach of Greek club Panathinaikos, who play Everton in the Quarter final of the European Cup in March.  Puskas leads a party of officials from the Athen club who, will watch Everton and check hotel and travel arrangements for their trip.  Puskas admires the quality of English football, and I have no doubt he will be watching Everton again nearer the time of the quarter-finals.  He has created a compact and effective team, easily the best in Greece.  He warns Goodison fans; “You will be surprised by the standard of our play,” in this exclusive interview with an Echo correspondent which he gave during a training session in Athens.  He said; “Although it is early to talk about the match.  I know that Everton are a very good side even though, at the moment their form is poor.  But we have four months in which to prepare.  “I saw Everton five or six seasons ago.  They impressed me then but now I believe they are even better.  “As I say, Everton are off form at the moment, but I don’t think it will be the same in March.  “That is why I feel we will need these months in which to get ready for them.”  Everton s most dangerous players "Alan Ball, Alan Whittle, Howard Kendall, Tommy Wright —how can you name individuals in a team which has all-round ability? “It’s not one player in the Everton team, who does the work. It is all of them, and that is why we respect them so much "Many things will happen between now and March, but Panathinalkos plan to win this game. Our tactics will be decided, as they are with our League games, by the strength and weaknesses of our rivals. "I hope our games with Everton will be as enjoyable as then promise to be. I think the English crowds might well be surprised by our standards" Everton's team to tackle Southampton rests on late fitness tests on Brian Labone and Keith Newton. Labone has a chance of recovering from a pulled thigh muscle injury, but Roger Kenyon stands by to return to the side. Everton; Rankin : (from) Wright, Newton (K) Kendall, Labone or Kenyon, Harvey: Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Newton (K), Kenny. Southampton's flying winger, Tom Jenkins, dropped out today with a groin strain and is replaced by Terry O'Brien, bought for £22,000 from Clydebank earlier this year. O'Brien has only played in one League game this season. Southampton; Martin; Kirkup, Hollywood; Fisher, McGrath, Gabriel; Paine, Channon, Davies, O’Neill, O’Brien, Sub Byrne. 

SOUTHAMPTON NOT SO SAINTY NOW
Liverpool Echo - Friday 11 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Southampton have developed this season from an average First Division side, well versed in fighting against relegation, into a team which can test the best. They come to Everton to-morrow in eighth place, thanks to a consistent home record with only one defeat, and the ability to play a tactical defensive pattern away which has brought them six points. There are reports they have become a "hard" side. But I understand the main difference in their approach from recent seasons is that they are now more determined in midfield, and have tightened up at the back as well. Much of the credit for their great midfield improvement goes to their new buy Brian O'Neil, who joined them from Burnley last May for a club record fee of £75,000.  When at Turf Moor O'Neil was recognized throughout the game as one of the best half backs to the business, combining strength in the tackle with constructive skill Liverpool were very keen on him a couple of years ago. Now O'Neil has settled in so well with Southampton that he has become the key figure in their side.
Rugged
He has not missed a game and has struck up a fine understanding with his midfield colleague, Hugh Fisher, a club mate of Alan Ball during their Blackpool days.  Former Everton favourite Jimmy Gabriel began the season as centre half but has now settled into the job of defensive wing half, linking with rugged centre half John McGrath as the big men in the Saints' defensive set-up.  They have only conceded 17 goals so far and, when you compare this with Everton's 30-goal defensive record, you can see that here is a team which can close up any game.  But even when they play it tight at the back, they have a couple of men up front who can grab goals consistently. Welsh international centre forward Ron Davies, born in Holywell, who began his distinguished career with Chester, will have a lot of fans from North Wales watching him to-morrow.  
Flicks
He has forged what is probably the most effective spearhead partnership in the game with Under-23 player Mike Channon.  Davies, rated the finest header of the day, plays orthodox centre forward game, but Channon has the pace and skill to come through quickly from deeper positions to snap up Davies' headed flicks. They have each scored 10 goals this season, and Everton's defence will not have to relax for a moment in holding off this double threat. Altogether, these Saints sound more like tigers to me. I have no doubt they will give Everton plenty of problems.  Everton last League win now stretches back to five weeks ago, against Forest at Goodison.  Since then, they have picked up only three points from four games and will have to be firmer in defence, and more accurate in finish, to beat this confident, competent Southampton outfit.
Tactic
Manager Harry Catterick will be looking for more penetration from his attack. He used the tactic at Huddersfield of giving Alan Ball a much more attacking role than he has had this season. It brought Ball's first League goal of the season, in fact, he was Everton's only forward to shoot at all and if Joe Royle can take the hint, there could be some chance-taking for a welcome change. Southampton have lost their last three games at Goodison. They'll fancy their chance of at least a point to-morrow, and it will need an improved Everton display to stop them getting it.
Note
Former Everton star Roy Vernon returns to Merseyside tomorrow-this time in the Premier League for Great Harwood at South Liverpool. 
West Kirby, will be unchanged and Newton are at full strength with Peers at centre half and McDonough, former Everton “A” centre forward, leading the attack. 

DOUBLE ACT!
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
SOUTHAMPTON’S TWIN STRIKERS ARE NOW WORTH £400,000
By Mike Charters
Southampton, rated only an average First Division side since they came out of the Second Division four years ago, have developed this season into a highly efficient team, combining power with skill, who command respect from everyone. They come to Goodison Park this afternoon three places above Everton and that in itself shows a strain of consistency which has not been obvious in recent seasons.
Defensive slackness
There have been reports that they have also become much more determined and strong in the tackle than previously. I understand that they certainly contest possession of the ball as keenly as any of the top teams ... and this is an attribute needed to produce a successful side in the pressures of the First Division. They may have been guilty in the past of some defensive and midfield slackness. They seem to have remedied that and they have the appearance to me of a confident, in-form outfit who could make a big impression in the Cup this season. Out-of-touch Everton will be prepared to tackle a competent defensive display by the Saints, who will be happy to take a point back home with them. I don't anticipate seeing them open out the game as much as Spurs shadows did a fortnight ago. They will play it tight at the back and if the chances develop, they have just the boys around to take them. Taken individually, Ron Davies (right) and Mike Channon (left) are two highly talented forwards but put them together and you have the most formidable pair of strikers in the First Division, a goal-scoring duo worth about £400,000. But their value to Southampton goes beyond cash. "It's what you've got on the field that matters not what's in the bank," said manager Ted Bates. Davies and Channon have proved the truth of this with 10 goals each already this season. Their presence in the Southampton team is testimony to Ted Bates' shrewd judgment. While other managers were hesitating, Bates moved quickly in the summer of 1968 and handed over a cheque for £55,000 to Norwich for Welsh international Davies. Bates has flair, too, for discovering youngsters. Channon, now just 22, was plucked out of schoolboy football in Wiltshire and, having gained two England Under-23 caps this season, must be rated a possible for Munich in 1974. Another of Southampton's home-grown players is Terry Paine, a member of the 1966 World Cup squad, who gained all but one of his 19 caps as a Second Division player. Paine now captains Saints and has lost little of his speed and none of his skill. He has played a vital part in the team's considerable improvement this year after relegation was only just avoided. Last season gave Bates a worrying time, but his belief in his players never wavered. The justification is now there to be seen for the improvement has been made with the signing of only one man, Brian O'Neill for whom Southampton paid Burnley a club record fee of £75,000 last May. Scrambled
What a difference a year makes! Last season, Saints scrambled their way to a final points total of 29, with only Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday below them. They managed only six victories, but already this term Saints have won eight games and have gone a long way towards achieving an objective set by Mr. Bates back in August. He said “When we started this season, I impressed on the players the need for us to establish our own style of play and now. I'm happy to say, we take a bit of heating.”

GABRIEL SHOWS VERSAILITY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
ASK ANY Southampton fan for his choice of 'Player of the Year' just now and he will almost certainly name Brian O’Neil. the industrious mid-field man in his first season with the club. Gabriel shows versatility O'Neil made himself a favorite right from the start and the team benefited from the fact that he was signed last May.  This meant he was able to settle in during the club's summer tour of the Far East and, in fact, played 11 games before making his League debut for Saints on the opening day of the season. Since then O'Neil has not missed a game and has hit on a fine understanding in midfield with Hugh Fisher, one-time a team mate of Alan Ball at Blackpool. Two others to play important roles in Southampton's revival are former Everton star Jimmy Gabriel and centre half John McGrath. Gabriel started the season at centre half himself but has now slipped efficiently into the role of defensive wing half. Yet he is the team's most versatile player and when Ron Davies has been injured, he has taken over at centre forward, scoring vital goals against Newcastle and Manchester United. McGrath, too, has hit top form after fighting his way back into the first team and is playing as well as at any time in his career. When he was dropped last season he did not complain, but just got down to the task of winning his place again. His efforts did not go unnoticed and have been rewarded.
SPEEDY RISE TO FAME
Just over a year ago Southampton manager Ted Bates made a midweek visit to Tranmere to watch Tom Jenkins, a virtually unknown winger, playing for Reading. Jenkins hit a hat-trick, and in a matter of weeks Southampton paid £60,000 for his transfer . It was a rise to fame like something out of 'Boys' Own' for less than a year before Jenkins had been playing for Margate in the Southern League. Jenkins, now 22, started his career with Orient, but was released and then turned down after a trial with West Ham. He went to Margate before Reading gave him another chance to make the grade by signing him in the summer of 1969. Now he is a Saints regular. Happy to play on either wing, he is fast and possesses a good shot, which he needs to use more often. Jenkins had to drop out with a groin strain at the last minute from to-day's game, and is replaced by young Scot Gerry O'Brien, bought for £22,000 from Clydebank. 

THE SAINTS SINK IN FOUR-GOAL RIOT
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
EVERTON 4, SOUTHAMPTON 1
By Mike Charters
Line-up; - Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub Newton (K.).  Southampton; Martin; Kirkup, Hollywood; Fisher, McGrath, Gabriel, Paine, Channon, Davies, O’Neill, O’Brien, Sub Bryne.  Referee; Mr. A Bone (Sunderland). 
Everton enjoyed a one-sided romp over outclassed Southampton at Goodison this afternoon, as they hit scoring form with a vengeance. Only a number of brilliant saves by the Saints' goalkeeper Martin kept his side from conceding a cricket score. Everton were never in any danger in one of their best displays for some time. With Brian Labone unfit, Roger Kenyon returned for Everton after a five-game absence. Everton opened with two fast moving raids. They should have scored twice—and didn't. Wright sent Whittle away in the clear but Whittle sent his centre straight to Hollywood.  Then Harvey set off on a brilliant curving run which took him and the ball 60 yards. Finally he crossed to the unmarked Royle, who, from two yards, swept the ball against the legs of Martin.  Martin was in action again a couple of minutes later-this time with a brilliant save from a volleyed shot by Ball.  Everton maintained their pressure after this explosive start.  Martin punch out a swerving free kick from Ball and shortly afterwards the Everton skipper failed to make effective contact with a fine centre from Kendall. 
Solo act
Southampton produced some neat but not very effective football, building up an attack and Newton filially gave away a corner. From it, Rankin made a splendid catch as Channon charged in. It was an entertaining match with plenty of incident. Fisher overdid the solo act and was dispossessed by Whittle who eventually was overpowered by McGrath who took the ball from him. After 15 minutes, Frenc Puskas, coach of Everton's European Cup opponents, Panathinaikos, arrived as expected. But he had missed Everton's great start. After a neat bit of work, Whittle again tried to blast a low centre into the goalmouth but the ball rebounded off Hollywood to Kendall whose fierce curling shot was touched over the bar by Martin. Amazingly the referee gave a goal kick. After - 18 minutes. Southampton substituted Byrne for Hollywood who had had attention for a leg injury. Since his second minute miss, little had gone right for Royle but he made no mistake with a brilliant head goal after 27 minutes. Everton's steady pressure looked bound to pay off eventually and it did when Morrissey hit a long pass down the left to Whittle whose centre was met by Royle and even Martin could not hold the ball this time. There were Everton appeals for a penalty when Royle looked as though he had been pulled back by Kirkup as he was about to shoot from Ball's pass. Royle's close-range shot appeared to have been touched round the post for another brilliant save by Martin but again the referee gave a goal kick. Everton had been in complete command in the first half and but for Martin's work in goal and some poor finishing they would have been at least four goals up. Half time: Everton 1, Southampton 0.
 Ball was being given a lot of room in midfield and there was no challenge on him when brought the ball 30 yards before a shot wide. So far, Davies had not been seen. Everton's defence looked firmer than in recent weeks mainly due I think to the fine displays by both full backs. Newton was applauded off the pitch at half-time. Everton were vastly superior and their football showed more thrust and determination than I recently. Harvey sent Wright away unchallenged and from his cross, Whittle made the neatest of flick headers but Martin saved splendidly. McGrath was fortunate not to be cautioned for a foul on Royle, but he was spoken to by the referee. Form the free kick, Whittle should have scored but miskicked Everton were throwing away a lot of chances.  Royle was close to getting a second headed goal when the ball struck Martin on the chest with the goalkeeper knowing little about it. In the scramble which followed, Whittle was penalized for a foul on Paine who I thought was having his best game of the season, put Everton further ahead after 62 minutes-a brilliant individual goal.  Taking a short pass from Harvey 40 yards out, he weaved his way through into the penalty area, beating man after man, before driving a left-footed shot past the diving Martin. The crowd rose to him -Martin had to dive full-length to save from Ball a minute later, and Everton were in complete command of the most one sided game seen on the ground this season.  Southampton had never looked like scoring and Rankin had the easiest game one could imagine. Everton held all the aces, all the tricks, and were no beginning to finish well.  After 68 minutes, Morrissey made it three with a cheeky goal. Everton won a corner when Byrne and Martin got in a complete mix-up. From it, Hurst headed the ball on to Royle who headed it across to Morrissey who, as calm as you like, side-footed it high over Martin into the far corner. At last Everton were adding goals to the superiority they have shown so often at Goodison. McGrath who had been penalised many times for fouls on Royle, was booked for another one and the crowd made it clear what they thought of the incident. Newton had shown eagerness to go up front and he delighted the fans with a tremendous shot from 25 yards which Martin touched round the post. Southampton would have been in desperate trouble without the fine work from their goalkeeper.  Fifteen minutes from the end Royle had the crowd on their feet with a superbly headed goal from Harvey cross. As Harvey broke away from a defensive clearance, he cut inside and centred to the far side of goal, Royle reached in at top speed for full 15 yards and fairly bulleted the ball into the net.  Three minutes after Royle’s goal, Channon scored an excellent goal for Southampton. He broke away from a defensive clearance, took the ball 40 yards in a fine run and withstood a double challenge from Kenyon and Rankin to put in the net.
First save
Rankin had to make his first save six minutes from the end—a fine effort from Davies. The Saints pushed Gabriel up front in the closing minutes as Everton relaxed their attacking pressure. But Everton's defence was firm. Final:—Everton 4, Southampton 1.
Blue’s Verdict
The lowest crowd of season at Goodison (33,125) saw Everton go to town against an outclassed Southampton. Whittle was outstanding. Royle headed a couple of magnificent goals and Martin still managed to be his side's savior as Everton at last found their goal touch. He made a number of brilliant saves, but in even other respect Everton gave a dominating display.

TOP EUROPEAN REF. WILL HANDLE BIG GOODISON TIE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
RUDI GLOCKNER, the East German referee who was in charge of the World Cup final in Mexico, will be the man in the Middle for the home leg of Everton's Cup - tie with Panathinaikos on March 10. Herr Glockner, is rated one of Europe's top referees and this week was in charge of the first leg of Liverpool's Fairs Cup tie with Hibernian in Edinburgh. It was obvious from the way he handled the Liverpool game that he will not tolerate anything crude or unsporting for, at the first sight of something like that, he immediately booked Hibernian midfield player, Willie McEwan for tripping John McLaughlin. Nor will he tolerate trainers on the field except in an obvious case of injury. On several occasions this week he refused to allow Liverpool's Bob Paisley to administer on the field treatment. It is an attempt to stop the time-wasting and sympathy-provoking policy of feigning injury which is so common on the Continent. However, the verdict of Liverpool's officials on Glockner's handling of the game was: "He's one of the best in Europe."
EVERTON are still waiting to hear from their European Cup opponents Panathinaikos about bringing forward by one day the date of the first leg of the quarter-final tie next March at Goodison. The scheduled date is March 10—a Wednesday. Everton prefer to play on a Tuesday night, which is their regular day for a mid-week fixture.
Southport have released Scottish winger John Phillips, who has been on a month’s trial.  He played for Airdrie, Dundee and Motherwell and was on Everton’s books as a junior. 
LEEDS GAME SEATS GO
Everton have sold all their stand tickets for next Saturdays big game against League leaders Leeds United at Goodison. They were snapped up by last Wednesday. But it is not an all-ticket match and admission to the paddock and ground is by payment at the turnstiles in the normal way. Despite the nearness of Christmas, which always hits football attendances, Everton expect the biggest gate of the season so far—topping at 50,734 who saw the game against Manchester City on August 29.
ALEX CLARKE, one of Everton's reserve goalkeepers, made a little bit of Everton history when he went to Bristol Rovers this week on a month's loan—he is the first Everton player to have been loaned. Clarke is not expected to step straight into Rovers Third Division team. The Bristol club have a reserve goalkeeper emergency through injury and it is to fill that gap that manager Bill Dodgin senior, appealed to Everton chief Harry Catterick.

HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
YOU’RE SO WRONG, JIMMY!
POINTS FOR GOALS WOULD IMPROVE THE GAME MORE THAN SCRAPPING OFFSIDE LAW
Burnley manager Jimmy Adamson set soccer talking when he recently suggested in his club's programme that more goals would be produced if the offside law was scrapped. While respecting Jimmy’s knowledge and opinions on the game. I'm afraid I don't go along with this one.  Few fans realize that all professional clubs try out ideas such as this as part of their normal training programme. In fact, we at Everton have tried this "no offside" idea as a means of putting our defenders under pressures they would not normally encounter in matches. However, if this was brought into competitive football, it would surely only result in the goalmouth becoming cluttered up. You would find forwards lazily “camping out in the opposing penalty area and reckon the game would become even more complicated.  Adamson also suggested that the goals should be made wider, but here again, I don't believe this would produce higher scoring. All of which leads me to an idea which I am convinced would improve the game as a spectacle…points for goals. Under the present system, the few clubs who believe in playing entertaining football are on a loser to nothing. Consider Everton's recent League match against. Liverpool. It was a tremendous game, but Everton had nothing to show for their part in it as we were beaten 3-2. As a manager, it almost makes me sorry that we didn't play safe and aim for a goalless draw, even though this would probably have bored a capacity crowd to tears. If a side could draw every game 0-0 they would finish up with 42 points . . . and that total would be enough to enable them to finish around halfway in the table. Small wonder that English League soccer is so defensive. If the game is to survive as an entertainment, we must find a way whereby sides are rewarded for playing attractively. No soccer competition has a more stimulating effect on the players and general public than the FA. Cup, which is why we can expect the usual air of excitement when the draw for the third round is made in London on Monday. It is hopeless trying to predict the eventual winners, as so much depends on luck in this type of competition. Yet you can be certain of one thing ... the winners will be a side who base their approach to the game on individualism rather than method. The championship is the hardest competition to win because if demands consistency.  The cup can be won by sides who lack this but who have players with the flair to raise their game on the big occasion.  Real Madrid raise their game year after year in the European Cup but surprisingly, were not as dominant in their League.  Newcastle United are another good example.  During the 1950’s they won the F.A Cup three times in five years, but were never particularly prominent in the battle for League honours.  Manchester United and Chelsea are other English sides who seem to save their best performance for the Cup.  Everton, of course, won the trophy in 1966 and reached the final again two years later when they were beaten by West Bromwich Albion.  The fact that we are not involved in championship or relegation issues must surely auger well for our chances of getting to Wembley this season. 

YOU’RE TELLING US!
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
ATTACK
Harry Catterick keeps saying he is going to continue with his attacking policy. I have yet to see it. Everton attack all right, and score—which is nice to watch. But, having done this, they fall back on defence and allow the opposition to equalise. Tell me, how often do Everton score more than two goals'—So much for attack! I don't blame the players—there's enough talent in the team to win every game. But they are turning out with so many plans to think about, their normal game is bound to suffer. So, please Harry let them take the field with a few words of encouragement, such as "Right lads—go out there and win " Perhaps, then, we will really start attacking and winning R. Garvie, Rowan Bank, Middle Walk, Overton, Frodsham.
Harry certain! doesn't tell 'em to go out and lose!
FOULING
HARRY CATTERICK put his finger on the malaise of football in an article in the Echo. I'm sick of watching the players kicked and obstructed out of matches, with no protection from referees.  And the one thing threatening to stifle Soccer more than anything else is the amount of cynical, deliberate fouling just outside the penalty area, when a serious goal threat arises. By allowing the these “professional fouls” to go without a caution to defenders referees allow the balance to weigh far too much in favour of defences.  Such a foul should bring a caution on the first occasion, and dismissal on the next.  Further improvement to the game might be made by extending the penalty area to the touchline and the 12 more yards upfield, thus making sure that any attempt to thwart an attack by deliberately foul means would result almost certainly in a goal.  Maybe, then, the skilled players would be seen in their true light, and the defender who relies on intimidation, shirt-pulling and (when all else fails) the Rugby tackle from behind, would be too much of a liability for any club to carry-A.E. Ward, 17 Granton Close, Formby.
So long as there are points, prizes and pounds to be won.  Soccer purists will be the losers. 

REVIE’S WORDS TRUE FOR BLUES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 12 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton have reached the half-way stage in the season to-day and are comfortably but nor impressively placed in a mid-way position. At this stage last season, they were sailing along at the top, six points ahead of Leeds United. Before this afternoon's games, they were 15 points BEHIND Leeds, but this massive gap will not prevent next Saturday's game against Don Revie's men being the match of the season at Goodison—after the Derby game with Liverpool in February. Revie said recently that it was much harder to retain the title than to win It. Everton have certainly found this to be true in the hardest of all competitions to win. Granted that Everton have not had the run of the ball in many games this season, defensive slips, a decline in midfield command, and failure to take scoring chances, have combined to take much of the gloss from the smooth and attractive play which won them the title last season. Manager Harry Catterick feels that, with some luck, they would have picked up at least another six points. He was ruminating, rather than making a big issue of it, on incidents in successive matches which he felt indicated how things have gone against his team. Referees have been instructed to caution a player who fouls an opponent from behind after that opponent has beaten him and is in the clear. Catterick said: "John Hurst did this against Huddersfield's Worthington last Saturday and was booked. “A week earlier, against Spurs, Jimmy Husband WAS twice fouled by Collins—once by pulling him back by his Jersey. Collins was not booked—we got a couple of free kicks." That's football, as they say—or is it?

EVERTON SWOOP TO SIGN WELSH KEEPER IN £20,000 DEAL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 14 December 1970
By Chris James
Everton this afternoon signed 22-years-old Swansea and Welsh Under-23 international goalkeeper David Davies, in a near £20,000 deal.  The clubs, I understand, swiftly agreed terms, and the player, with Swansea manager Roy Bentley and Secretary Gordon Daniels, travelled to Merseyside to complete the signing.  Davies, born at Glanamman, Carmarthenshire, recently displaced Wales' No. 2 goalkeeper, Tony Millington, in Swansea's goal. In 23 reserve, first team and Under-23 matches, he has never finished on the losing side. Davies was particularly Impressive in the Welsh side that drew 0-0 with England in an Under-23 match at Wrexham two weeks ago. Following the loss of form of Gordon West earlier this season and the promotion of Andy Rankin to the first team. Everton have been reviewing their goalkeeping cover, and now they have moved in for Davies. Everton manager Harry Catterick said: "We completed the signing this morning. He will join our first team pool but he is one for the future. We watched him three or four times and he was very impressive. He has great potential." Davies signed professional for Swansea during the summer after joining them as a part timer last season from Welsh League, Ammanford Town, where he played as an amateur. He is relatively inexperienced having only played nine Football League games, two F.A. Cup-ties and one Under-23 international, but he is rated as an outstanding prospect. Davies, who represented his school at football, rugby, cricket and athletics, is a qualified physical education teacher after study in at Cardiff Colleague of Education.  He is 6ft 1in and 13st 6lbs. 
CUP LUCK FOR BLUES
Everton play Second Division Blackburn Rovers,  and Everton will be up against a club managed by one of their former managers, Johnny Carey.  Carey, who was sacked by Everton before they appointed Harry Catterick , will bring Second Division relegation-haunted Blackburn to Goodison Park looking for one of the biggest upsets of Cup day. 

GOALS AT LAST-BUT THE FANS WERE MISSING
Liverpool Echo - Monday 14 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton fans have been longing for goals, to see the - Blues crack a few into the net after dominating games without producing the right end product. Well, thousands of them missed what they have been hoping for at Goodison. The smallest gate of the season (33,125) on Saturday saw Everton thrash Southampton with four goals or character and excellence, with Channon getting one back for the Saints in a forlorn gesture of defiance late in the game. Everton were vastly superior in one of their most dominating displays for many weeks. They were faster, much more skillful. Rankin made his first save six minutes from the end—to illustrate how one-sided it all was. Southampton's much vaunted attack, with Davies and Channon the big name men, were never seen, apart from the last ten minutes. By then it was too late as Royle, with two brilliantly headed goals, Whittle, with a fierce shot after a fine run, and Morrissey, with a neatly-taken effort, had at last given Everton something to show for their top-class football. But Southampton did have one ace—and how they needed him" Goalkeeper Martin had a magnificent match, making a number of fine saves to keep the score down to reasonable proportions. Add these to the chances Everton missed through inaccurate finish, and the tally could have soared to a double-figure margin for the Blues. One-side games like this can tend to lack entertainment value because it is hardly a match. But not this one, Everton's skill, their first-time passes of fine touch and accuracy and the goals which flowed in a second half burst, always kept interest high. Defensively, Everton could not have had an easier time. This was because the midfield command of Ball, Harvey and Kendall was so complete that the Saints were not permitted to create more than a token threat.  When they did show signs of going on attack, some fine work by Wright and Henry Newton at full back halted them before it could develop. Kenyon and Hurst were masters of Davies and Channon, who never received any sort service from their own midfield men.  Newton was applauded off the pitch at half-time. It was sweet music in his ears because here at last, was the £150,000 man showing his value before his home crowd . . . as I said he would do after his display at Huddersfield a week earlier. Royle began with a nightmare miss after only two minutes, sweeping the ball against Martin's legs from close range. But he made up for it with his goals. His second, from Harvey's centre, was a gem. He raced 15 yards at top speed to make contact and rammed his header past the brave and competent Martin. Whittle had his best game of the season and deserved to crown it with a splendid individual goal. 
Ripped apart
Southampton were ripped apart by Everton's class.  It was the first time they have conceded as many goals this season, and they never looked remotely like making a game of it, they had McGrath and Byrne booked as well to add to their discomfort.  This was Everton reveling in a return to their championship form, adding goals to their attacking splendour. Ferenc Puskas, coach of Everton’s European Cup opponents, Panathinaikos, arrived late and left the ground within seconds of the final whistle.  So no one could find out what he thought about it all. But I wager he's gone back to Greece with a few problems in trying to cope with an Everton in this form. And Everton gave their confidence and form a tremendous boost before they take on League leaders Leeds next Saturday. Leeds assistant manager Maurice Lindley, former Everson centre half, took it all in and then left to warn Don Revie: "Everton art in the groove again.” 

CUP-TIE WITH AN EXTRA EDGE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 15 December 1970
By Chris James
For three men, Everton's Cup-tie against Blackburn Rovers will have just a little extra bite -for they will be doing battle against their old club. For at Goodison Park, there is Keith Newton, the England full back whom Everton bought from Ewood Pork for £80,000 last season.  And at Ewood Park there is the firm of Carey and Proudler, sounding more like a firm of solicitors, but in fact, both former Goodison men. Johnny Carey was manager there before current chief Harry Catterick and has found his way to Blackburn and the team managership via Nottingham Forest and the administrative manager's job at Ewood. Arthur Proudler only recently left the Everton coaching staff, where he was in charge of the Central League side, to join the Blackburn back room boys. For each of them, there will be a personal stake in this tie and, of course, it was under Carey's guidance at Nottingham that Everton's recent big buy Henry Newton, came to prominence.
Delighted
On paper, of course, the tie looks to be a certain passport to Everton, one of the most successful Cup sides of recent times, into the fourth round, in reality there is many a slip twist cup and lip—and relegation haunted Blackburn are just the sort of side to provide that slip. Said Carey: "Blackburn are redoubtable Cup fighters. I think it’s tremendous draw I’m absolutely delighted. “Clearly we won't start off as favourites but the draw has done the players a tremendous amount of good.  “We have had some unfortunate results recently but the news of the cup draw was brought to them while they were training yesterday and it lifted their spirits immediately." Cup draws like this have been known to boost clubs' League form before and Blackburn could well do with such a boost now for only goal average keeps them above Charlton Athletic at the foot of the Second Division where relegation is staring them in the face. Everton could well take heed on the warning of last season when Second Division relegation strugglers Watford got to the semi-finals, knocking out Liverpool on the way.
Pressure
It is one of those games in which one side, in this case Blackburn, has nothing to lose while Everton as clear favourites with the knowledge that nothing less than a big victory margin will bring them credit, are under the greater pressure. Blackburn have been at Goodison before and won there 2-1 on their last Cup visit in the fourth round of the 1958 campaign. The year before, Everton won 1-0 in a third round tie between the clubs at Goodison, Their other meetings were in the 1930 fourth round which Blackburn won 4-1 at Ewood and in the 1898 first round when Everton won 1-0. In the second round in 1895, they drew 1-1 at Goodison with Everton winning the replay 3-2. Blackburn, of course, have one of the finest Cup fighting traditions in the country. Only three sides, Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Brom have been in more finals than the eight Blackburn have figured in and only Villa, with seven wins, have won it more times that the six occasions on which Rovers have lifted the trophy.
Lost In Final
Rovers last appearance the final was in 1960 when they lost 0-3 to Wolves at Wembley. With Everton's interest in retaining their League title almost gone, only the European Cup and the F.A. Cup remain open to them this season. It looks to be a case of the Cup fighters of the past against the Cup fighters of the present while for three men it is a Cup tie with a difference.

NEW BOY DAI MEETS HIS TEAM-MATES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 16 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton's new goalkeeper, 22 - years - old Welsh Under - 23 international David (called Dai, inevitably, at home) Davies, had his first day's training with his new teammates at Bellefleld to-day. After his hectic day on Monday when he came with Swansea City manager Roy Bentley to complete the signing formality. Everton manager Harry Catterick told him: "Go back home for a day and get your breath back. Report for training on Wednesday." Welsh-speaking Davies looks like starting his Everton career in the A team as he finds his feet. Catterick has made it clear that Davies, with only 11 first team games for Swansea behind him, is a player for the future. He will not be rushed at Everton but he will be given some Central League experience just as soon as he can be fitted in. When he does, it means that England international Gordon West, now the reserve goalkeeper with Andy Rankin playing consistently in the League side, will have to be on the sidelines. And how long this would go on has become a major talking point among Everton fans this week.
Cup trail
The Everton chief has said that, with Davie, already Cup-tied with Swansea, he needs both Rankin and West as cover for each other as Everton set off along a Cup trail which they intend will end at Wembley. Now that they have lost all chance in the League, Everton's players are determined that this is going to be their Cup year — FA. or European ... or both if dedication and effort can do it. So Rankin and West will be the top two keepers on the books while this is going on. With 18-years-old Keith Williams, the youth team goalkeeper, also showing high potential. Everton are now in a position of strength in this department as they were more than a year ago. It was then that they sold Geoff Barnett to Arsenal for £35,000. History could repeat itself before the season is out, with another Everton goalkeeper joining another club. The big question is: Which one?  As they prepare for their crowd - compelling game against League leaders Leeds United at Goodison on Saturday, Everton look like being able to field the same eleven which played well in thrashing Southampton. Leeds will be without their Scottish left winger Eddie Gray, who had an ankle operation this week.  The kick-off will be back to 3 p.m. now that the power situation has eased.

ARTICULATE ALAN…WE WILL WIN THE EUROPEAN CUP
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 17 December 1970
By Mike Charters
"We will win the European Cup." That was the bold prediction made by Everton captain Alan Ball, principal guest at last night's celebrity dinner at Tranmere Rovers. Showing considerable talent as an after-dinner speaker. Ball kept his audience enthralled with anecdotes of his career, touching on life with England, Everton and Blackpool. He also revealed himself as a deep thinker on the game, answering questions on tactics, referees, and his role as captain. He received a standing ovation.   Describing the scene in the England dressing room after they had lost in extra time to West Germany - in the World Cup this year, he told how the players slumped speechless on their seats. “We just couldn't believe the game had gone," he said. “Sir Alf Ramsey came to each of us in turn—l'm sure he was crying deep down inside but he wouldn't show it.
Indignities
He took the shirts off every player, stood in the middle of the room and said: “We're going home now. There's so much sweat and effort packed into these shirts that everyone at home will be proud of you. " ' Let's go home where you'll be recognised for what you are—the greatest team in the world '" Ball also said the team has suffered a lot of indignities from people in Mexico.” We went there as World Champions. We never recognised as such—they wouldn't let us train without jeers, they disturbed us in our hotel, and we had to move our rooms at two in the morning so that we could get some sleep before our match." he said.

EVERTON-THE KING-MAKERS?
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 17 December 1970
LEEDS ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING TOP BILLING
By Mike Charters
Everton could play a vital part on Saturday In the destiny of the championship which they cannot retain. Victory for them over Leeds at Goodison, with Arsenal winning at Manchester United, would see Leeds toppled from top place for the first time this season.  Everton chief Harry Catterick has a quiet fancy that this is going to happen. He told me: "I don't think Leeds are playing quite as well as they were last season. Loss of a home point to Ipswich last Saturday was significant., I think, particularly while Arsenal were beating Wolves. He is still jubilant over his team's performance in beating Southampton last Saturday. Days later, he is savouring the quality of the goals, and the fact that they could have doubled their score.
Entertaining
He went on: "On this form, Everton can beat anyone. This was what I have been hoping they would do for weeks. "We played just as well early in the season without getting the breaks. Then we had a poor spell, but now this was Everton at their best. "Games with Leeds are always something special, but think fans everywhere can anticipate great entertainment and attractive football from Everton in this mood." I could detect the feeling of "what might have been" in his words. If Everton had not thrown away silly goals earlier in the season, they could still have been challenging Leeds and Arsenal in the leading positions now.
Game in hand
But the chance has gone. Now all they can do is to help Arsenal by beating Leeds at Goodison. Arsenal have a slightly superior goal average over Leeds, and a game in hand, so if they can pick up two points at Old Trafford while Leeds were losing at Goodison, they would go on top with a wonderful chance of winning their tint title since 1953.  All this lends additional interest to a game which is always one of the major events of the Goodison season. I understand there is little chance of Brian Labone coming back into the selection scene by Saturday. His pulled thigh muscle is the type of injury slow to clear, and although he is making good progress under treatment, it will be another few days before he is 100 per cent. So this puts Roger Kenyon and John Hurst in partnership against the twin striking threat of Mick Jones and Allan Clarke. Talking to the Everton chief about his latest import, goalkeeper Dal Davies, he gave a hint about the Welsh boy's role of the future. He said: "He should prove a big attraction to our Welsh supporters—and we have always had a good number from North Wales in my years at the club. When I was a player, there was T. G. Jones and Jack Humphreys and Roy Vernon, of course, was another Welsh star.
200-mile trip
'' We get coach loads of fans from North Wales, and there is also a coach party which comes regularly from Pwllheli, a round-trip of about 200 miles." Well, there wouldn't be coach loads of supporters from Wales if Davies was playing in the Central League team. So the Everton manager must have been visualizing the day when he pitches Davies into the League side . . . the clue was clear-cut. I wonder just how long this will be. He rates Davies very highly, considering the Welsh under-23 'keeper has had such little experience of League football. What of Davies himself ? I met him at Bellefield this week, still trying to take it all in. He said, looking around the training ground: "It's like being in a different world after what I've been used to. It's all a bit staggering at the moment"

EVERTON WILL BEAT LEEDS IN THE BIG CLASH, SAYS BALL
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton look certain to field an unchanged team against table-topping Leeds United at Goodison to-morrow and skipper Alan Ball says: “We’ll beat 'em." This mood of confidence spread right through the team as they prepared this week for a Goodison classic. At Leeds, manager Don Revie was able to report that England full-back Terry Cooper had recovered from a knee strain and he has sorted out the problem of losing winger Eddie Gray, through injury by switching Paul Madeley from right-back. Madeley, probably the best all-round player in the game, will play in midfield and his job will be to mark Ball. This means that Leeds' other England full back, Paul Reaney, will resume as the regular at right back. He has been brought back gradually after recovering from a broken leg—playing in one game, substitutes for the next. With Madeley being needed now for another role, Reaney gets the all-clear for the rest of the season. Gray, who had an operation on an ankle this week, will be out for about three months. But Leeds had a minor scare to-day when Jack Charlton reported a bruised toe received in training. He is expected to be fit by to-morrow, but Revie has added former Sutton amateur centre half John Faulkner to the party as a stand-by. Mick Bates, who is expected to be substitute, completes the Leeds party of 13 understand that Revie has impressed on his players this week the extra importance of this Goodison clash as Arsenal step up their challenge for the leading positon. Everton manager Harry Catterick has named 14 players with selection being made to-morrow. Brian Labone is included in the party, Keith Newton is not, but it is doubtful if Labone, who missed last week's game with a thigh injury, will be fit. Jimmy Husband and Sandy Brown complete the squad. Everton; Rankin: (from): Wright, Newton (H.), Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey, Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst. Morrissey, Brown, Labone, Husband. Leeds: Sprake; Reaney, Cooper; Bremner, Charlton or Faulkner, Hunter; Lorimer, Clarke, Jones, Giles, Madeley. Subs.: Bates.

BLUES SEEK REVENGE OVER LEEDS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton will be going all out for a “revenge” win over Leeds United at Goodison tomorrow.  They are still smarting about their defeat at Elland Road last August when they were the better team for most of the game, yet allowed Leeds to pinch the points because of defensive mistakes.  Now they intend to show the football world that the quality of their championship-winning football last season has not disappeared-despite their slide down the table.  And what better, they say, than beating Leeds to prove their point? The feeling at Everton this week is that they have hit their true rhythm in time for the FA. Cup and they can sharpen their appetite for success on their Yorkshire rivals.  This should be one of the great games of the Goodison season. Leeds are locked in a tough struggle with Arsenal for top place, and the strain could be telling on them.  Everton, buoyant after the brilliance of their display against Southampton, are free of those pressures.  They believe that last Saturday was the turning point in their season- they have tightened up at the back to prevent the errors which have cost them so many goals.  Henry Newton has played a major role in this.  He has been outstanding in the last two games and although left back is not his best position, he has shown the quality of an all-round performer who can be a key figure in Everton's Cup ambitions. Improvement in defence has given the midfield trio the freedom to play a more attacking game. Up front, manager Harry Catterick will be demanding the same sort of finish from Royle, Whittle and Morrissey which destroyed Southampton. It will be tougher tomorrow than against Southampton. But don't forget that the Saints came to Goodison as a much improved side with some fine result to their credit. Yet they didn't see the way Everton went. The Leeds talent will be put to the test. The battle of Whittle against Cooper, Morrissey against Heaney, Royle against Charlton, will be decisive factors, and I expect Everton to launch an all-out assault on the Leeds, defence which should bring them victory. In midfield, Ball, Kendall and Harvey will be competing for command against Bremner, Giles and Madeley…six of the greatest. Kenyon and Hurst removed the menace of the Davies-Channon spearhead last week. Now they come up against internationals Jones and Clarke, while Newton will have to cope with the dangerous Lorimer, the man with one of the heal shots in the game.  Whenever you look in this battle of two top teams, it is talent and high skill all the way.  Even the opposition, of Christmas shopping, which always hits gates heavily, at this time, should not prevent this spectatcular from drawing a 50,000-plus crowd.  I imagine Leeds will go for a 4-4-2 defensive set-up to halt Everton’s attacking surge.  We could see Jones and Clarke as the lonely front men, now that winger Gray is out of action.  Madeley , wearing No.11 will be pulled back to midfield, while Lorimer also might be given a less adventurous role than usual.  But Everton are really confident they can win this.  As Catterick said; “We can beat anyone on last Saturday’s form.”  I think they’ll recapture it and beat Leeds as competently as they did last season at Goodison. 

SCAFFOLDER FALLS 50FT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 18 December 1970
A 29-years-old scaffolder who plunged about 50 feet from the roof of the new stand at Everton's Goodison Park ground, was in a critical condition in Walton Hospital, to-day. Mr. James O'Connor,' of Dooley Drive, Old Road, Liverpool, fell from the stand and sustained multiple injuries at about 5 p.m. yesterday.
Everton goalkeeper Andy Rankin knocked down a pile of pennies last night at the Litherland Hotel. The money—there was about £5O-has been collected by the hotel's 26 Club and has been used to buy toys for Alder Hey Children's national Hospital.

TITLE SNATCH
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catteriek, ever the realist, conceded the League title several weeks ago with his now famous statement: “It is logical to assume that the eight or nine clubs above us will not all drop points." And the team which is hardly dropping any is Leeds United, now 14 points ahead of Everton as they visit Goodison this afternoon. Two seasons ago, at this stage of the programme, Liverpool, Everton and Leeds were locked in a three-way battle for the title.  Eventually, Leeds pulled away for a record-breaking points total of 67. Last season, it was Everton's turn. At the half-way stage, they were three points clear of Leeds and the rest were tralling.  Although Leeds fought back to take over at the top for a spells, it was Everton who cruised clear to finish nine points ahead of Leeds, and take the title off their great rivals. Now it is Leeds who look likely to snatch the crown off Everton, whose sights are now on Cup glory.
DON REVIE, manager of Leeds United, who saw his team fail at the last gasp last season in their tremendous bid to win the three biggest club competitions in the world—the League Championship,
F.A. Cup and European Cup—fights shy of making predictions even though his team of all the talents has played so impressively in leading the First Division all season. He is cagy about his team's chances in the second half of the programme.  He is entitled to be because Arsenal are now only two points behind them with a game in hand. And If Everton can beat Leeds this afternoon while the very strong Arsenal side can win at Old Trafford, the title battle could develop into a cliff-hanger.  Reviw says; “The championship is far from over yet.  There are three clubs who can come through- Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea— while you can never overlook Liverpool either.”  Leeds could gradually become involved in a similar three-way struggle as last season, with their Fairs Cup bid replacing the European Cup in their
hat-trick ambitions.

THEY’RE THE CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
By Mike Charters
THE TWO men who lead out their teams in this afternoon’s great Goodison clash are indeed captains courageous. They could also be cast as footballing twins because they are so alike in character and ability—and they even share the visible distinction of having red hair to make them stand out among their team-mates. Alan Ball has matured markedly since he was given the captaincy of Everton this season.  In this direction he has followed the path of Leeds captain Billy Bremner. Ball's brushes with authority since his early days, at Blackpool made him one of the most talked-about men in the game.  His skill on the ball, the way he holds it before building up attacks, make him inevitably a target for a tackle.  He had been provoked…and he has retaliated.  It is this, plus his fierce competitive nature, which have put into disciplinary hot water so often.  Yet the responsibity of captaincy has changed his outlook.  He is provoked as much as ever, but he walks away from trouble these days.  He does not retaliate because he carries the weight of his job, and he is proud of that job.  He wants to be good at it. 
BILLY BREMNER, captain of Leeds United, captain of Scotland, is a world- class player like Alan Ball. And, like Ball, he used to be in trouble with referees and he was no stranger to disciplinary hearings. It was a master Stroke by manager Don Revie to make him captain. It made him a more responsible player and increased his value to Leeds as he led them in the developing years to become one of the world's greatest club sides.  Like Ball, he is a tremendous competitor. Yet he has tempered this spirit with a realization that retaliation can only in hot water.  The two captains are midfield players of high skill and determination. They are among the finest in the world and if both could ever play on the same side, what a combination they would make.  Bremner, Footballer of the Year for season 69-70, makes the Leeds team tick.  His partnership with Irishman Johnny Giles is the basis of Leeds’ midfield command, which all great teams need to develop their tactics pattern.  When football fans everywhere in the country talk about Leeds United, they think first of Don Revie and then of Billy Bremner. 

LEEDS AND EVERTON REAP REWARD FOR GROOMING YOUNG PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
Winning soccer's trophies no longer depends on a club's bank balance. For cash alone, it seems, doesn't guarantee success. Football's inflationary transfer market has, to a large extent, priced itself out of business and operates mostly for the benefit of the smaller clubs. The stars of the First Division have now become priceless and seem destined to remain with their present clubs. For instance, no club could pay the sort of fee demanded for men of the quality of Alan Ball, Billy Bremner, George Best and other such gifted players. And with the cream skimmed from the transfer market it is average players who are now being transferred for six figure fees. As a result the whole emphasis for the ambitious and wealthy elite of the Football League has switched to looking elsewhere for their talent. The spotlight has swung to junior teams, and the recruitment of youngsters. This is the sphere where clubs are spending a lot of money at the moment as they are prepared to wait up to 10 years for their investment to show a profit. In some parts of the First Division the rewards for this patience are already being reaped—notably by both Leeds and Everton.  For lining up to-day will be no less than 15 players who were produced by these teams through their junior sides. Everton will have Andy Rankin, Tommy Wright, Roger Kenyon, Cohn Harvey, Alan Whittle, Joe Royle and John Hurst as their own products, while Leeds will turn out Gary Sprake, Paul Heaney, Terry Cooper, Billy Bremner, Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Peter Lorimer and Paul Madeley from their Elland Road nursery. The only men who have been bought are Henry Newton, Howard Kendall, Alan Ball and Johnny Morrissey (Everton) and Mick Jones, Allan Clarke and Johnny Giles (Leeds). Newton joined Everton this season for £150,000, while Kendall arrived almost four years ago for £70,000. Alan Ball has been at Goodison even longer and cost £110,000 in 1966, while Johnny Morrissey was signed eight years ago for £10,000 from Liverpool. Everton do have other players on their books whom they have signed from English or Scottish League clubs, notably Keith Newton, but none of them is in to-day's lineup. Over at Leeds however, their trio are the only players on their books who were signed from other League clubs. Allan Clarke was the most recent and most expensive at £165,000 from Leicester just over a year ago, while Mick Jones cost £100,000 from Sheffield United two years ago. Before that Johnny Giles came from Manchester United for /35,000. It well illustrates that with the right coaching methods and, particularly, a wide scouting and recruiting network, a club can avoid spending the vast sums of money now demanded in the transfer market. With the market drying up it is the new way to prosperity and success in the future and Leeds and Everton have realized it —the cups and trophies they have won prove it. Eddie Gray, a Scottish international, whom Leeds recruited from schoolboy football, is currently out of the side through injury. But he is another of their cost-nothing players and was the star of the Leeds side at Wembley last season in the first game of the Cup Final with Chelsea. Gray's injury, however, has allowed that great utility player Paul Madeley to come into the side and generally, Leeds' reserve strength compares favourably with the best.  Apart from Madeley they have Rod Belfitt, Mick Bates, Terry Hibbitt, David Harvey and Terry Yorath, a Welsh under 23 international.

BLUES FOUNDER ON THE LEEDS ROCK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
EVERTON 0, LEEDS UNITED 1
By Mike Charters
Line-up; Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub Brown.  Leeds United; Sprake; Reaney, Cooper; Bremner, Charlton, Hunter, Lorimer, Clarke, Jones, Giles, Madeley.  Sub; Bates.  Referee; Mr. D. Turner (Cannock). 
IT WAS tough and bruising at Goodison this afternoon. Everton and Leeds United players fought so hard for every ball that the game developed into a physical battle. Everton did the majority of the attacking, but they came up against a magnificent defence and it was a Leeds defender— Jack Charlton—who gave them an early lead with a fine headed goal. Two of Liverpool’s injured players were at the game-centre forward John Toshack, who also saw Everton last week, and Ron Yeats. Madeley was spoken to within a minute for a foul on Ball after the Everton skipper, leading an unchanged team had taken the ball off him. Both teams were soon knitting together intricate moves and Sprake did well to come out and catch Kendall's centre from the head of Royle. Everton did most of the early attacking in an electric atmosphere that gave the game the air of a major cup-tie. Everton survived a triple thrust by Jones, thanks to the agility of Rankin, in Leeds' first attack. Wright lost possession on the edge of the area and Jones shot instantly but Rankin saved. Jones gathered the rebound and hit it towards the empty net where Newton cleared off the line. Then Jones, going for a second header, fouled Rankin.
Fiercer tackling
As expected, the tackling was fierce and first time. Newton was spoken to for a foul on Lorimer. Everton's defence looked nervous. Hurst missed a kick to give Clarke a chance of creating an attack and then Kenyon miskicked at the expense of a corner. From it, after ten minutes, Leeds took the lead. Charlton came up for the flag kick, but the ball was cleared out to Giles, who passed to Lorimer on the left. From the centre Jones headed the ball into the middle for Charlton to direct a fine header into the roof of the net. Everton were in trouble again from a high centre, which wasn't headed away clearly, and Lorimer was the third player to be told off when he fouled Newton. The atmosphere became more heated as Everton fought back after the shock of the goal. Whittle was fouled by Cooper and the players exchanged a few words.
Stoppages
Royle, challenging Sprake on the edge of the area, fouled the goalkeeper and the play now was being stopped every minute or so for a free kick. Jones and Clarke were giving Hurst and Kenyon a tough time. The Leeds men won most of the high balls and were always a threat. Everton were playing the more controlled and skillful football at this stage. Morrissey and Ball linked well to create an opening for Ball's cross from which Royie headed wide. It was inevitable that the referee would have to bring his book out. After 25 minutes he booked Jones for a foul on Wright. A slip by Charlton gave Royle the glimpse of an opening, but the centre forward shot weakly from the edge of the area and Sprake saved easily. Kenyon's heading had improved greatly after the initial nervous stages. He was out heading Jones and it was just as well he was because Leeds were pumping plenty of passes down the middle. Although Everton were tremendously active in midfield, Leeds looked dangerous at all times and Rankin had to go full-length to save a snap shot by Lorimer.
Wright hurt
Giles, as usual, was the Leeds mastermind. He was distributing the ball accurately, and with Cooper ever ready to overlap, most Leeds thrusts ere coming down the left. Everton were inclined to run themselves into trouble against the well-drilled Leeds midfield and defensive set-up. Everton's best effort came from a well-placed free kick by Ball which had Hurst running ten yards to get in his header, but Sprake caught the bell low right on the line. Wright had to have attention for a blow to the face and he held a pad to his nose when he resumed. The great feature of the game so far had been the strength and positional covering of the Leeds defence. There had been 24 free-kicks in the first half-13 against Leeds. Half time: Everton 0, Leeds 1. On the restart, Newton's pass into the goalmouth slipped through to Ball, who just failed to get in a shot and the Leeds cover was thick enough to clear. Whittle and Cooper were having a running battle with the ball yards away and when a linesman flagged, the referee called both players together and spoke to them.
Great pressure
Everton were putting on tremendous pressure for the equaliser. Kendall's shot was blocked by Madeley and Cooper fouled Ball in trying to clear. Obstruction by Cooper on Whittle brought a storm of boos from the Everton fans. But the crowd applauded some brilliant work by Hunter and Giles—Leeds best players. Leeds appeared to have decided to close the game up, leaving Jones and Clarke upfield and bringing the rest back. They were prepared to absorb Everton's attacking pressure and take everything Everton could throw at them. Everton were permanently in the Leeds half, but the magnificently organised Leeds defence was standing firm. Kendall was spoken to for a foul on Bremner, and the referee came back to book the Everton winger.
Quick centre
Everton were must dangerous when they attacked quickly, not giving time for the Leeds defenders to peck the perky area. Newton showed the way with a quick centre which Royle headed back to the incoming Harvey, who volleyed a shot high over the bar. Sprake had looked very safe in the Leeds goal, but he was fortunate to save, at the second attempt, a shot by Ball after a brilliant Kendall pass had split the Leeds defence. Leeds had hardly been seen this half in an attacking sense. Giles broke away, however, and from the edge of the area tried to loft a shot over Rankin, but sent it yards over the bar. The Whittle-Cooper duel had quietened down a little now. Whittle came Inside to beat Cooper and try a left-foot shot from 20 yards, which went over the bar.
Low shot
Royle produced a good effort by bringing the ball from left to right and hitting a low shot, which beat Sprake, but went wide of the far post. Everton's non-stop attacks were coming to nothing against the best organised team seen on the ground this season. Whittle was booked for the second time in a fortnight—he was cautioned at Huddersfield. After fouling cooper and the referee giving the free kick, he picked the ball up and threw it into Hunter's face. The linesman saw the offence and referee came back to book the Everton winger.  Cooper had hardly moved out of the Leeds penalty area this half, but he set off on one of his famous runs which could easily have brought a goal had Lorimer snapped up his cross from the edge of the six-yard box. Three minutes from the end. Hunter wax booked for a foul on Whittle, his second in a minute. Whittle made a great effort in the last minute, but headed the ball wide from Morrissey's centre. There were 43 free kicks for physical fouls as opposed to handling and offside decisions-22 against Everton. The teams were booed and slow-handclapped off the field at the end. Everton 0, Leeds 1.
Blues' verdict
EVERTON gave everything they'd got against League leaders Leeds at Goodison, but ran up against a magnificent defence. The game was bruising in character with a high free kick ratio equally shared between the teams. Hunter and tales were magnificent for Leeds, who went ahead early through a Charlton goal and then packed their defence. Leeds defensise cover was so strong that Everton created few chances. When they got in a shot or header they found Sprake in fine form.

ALAN BALL ON REFEREE’S CAPTAINCY AND YOUNGSTERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
Alan ball’s after dinner fluency as a speaker delighted his audience at Tranmere Rovers' celebrity dinner this week. Former Liverpool chief scout Norman Low, now manager of Witton Albion, who was one of the other speakers, summed up the Everton captain's contribution for everyone at the dinner. He said "This lad is not only a great footballer, but from the way he thinks and talks about the game, he is going to be a credit to football” Ball touched on many topics.  A few of his comments;
 Brazilian footballers: "Gerson is the greatest midfield player I’ve seen.  After watching him. I said to myself: 'Bailie… you'll have to go some to come up to him'. “I was a bit disappointed with Pele. Perhaps I expected too much from him, but he didn't do things as I thought he would do " Referees: "I don't think we'll ever get professional footballers becoming professional referees. They can't be expected to referee in Public Park for four years while they are learning the business “If they could be given a nine-month intensive course when they've finished playing, then some of them would take it up"
His captaincy: "I used to be just involved in one player—me.  Now I'm involved in all the team . A year ago, I just wanted Alan Ball to play well; now I want all the players to do well " Youngsters coming into the game: They need ability, dedication and luck. Perhape luck most of all. I wish every player starting with a new club after transfer, luck on his debut I had it with Blackpool, Everton and England. "This came home particularly to me last week when we played Southampton. Henry Newton came into the dressing rooms and was a happy man. He had shown the Everton fans what he could do…but he had not been lucky on his debut " The dinner was one of the best Tranmere have held, with the unexpected punch line coming at the end when Ken Dodd took time off from rehearsals for his Royal Court show to put on a sparkling one hour show of non-stop laughter.  And he did it just to help a little club have an enjoyable night . . . it was his Christmas present to Tranmere.

HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
WHY EVERTON HAVE SUFFERED…
YOU wouldn't need to be an Einstein to work out that Everton must now set their chief targets on the European Cup and the F.A. Cup. When the season began, we at Goodison felt we could carry on where we left off last season, and go hell-for-leather to win the League championship for the second time in success.  If it depended on talent, ability and the will -to-win. Everton would be with the leaders, but there is more to winning the League championship than that. The hardest problem is getting players who have once reached the pinnacle of success, to wind themselves up and do it all over again in years gone by, this was perhaps possible, but such are the pressures today, it is so very much harder. In Everton's case, we had Newton, Wright, Labone and Ball away in Mexico, as soon as the championship was won.  They had to build themselves up all over again for a fresh challenge—the World Cup. No sooner had that ended, than they were back in this country and then, after a brief holiday, had to start training for this season. I am not making excuses when I say that most clubs—and certainly Everton players—are suffering from a surfeit of football. For Newton, Wright, Labone and Ball there has been no relief. I wonder whether fans realised that, when this season began, my players and those of Leeds, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester City—and all the others who lay claim to be championship contenders—had to win 36 of the 42 matches in the world's toughest competition. That's some target, especially as in our case we have European cup commitments as well. Once you are champions, ever, club in the First Division pulls that little extra out to try topple you. That's what has been happening to Everton.  I make these points to show the public just what winning a championship entails. Last season. Leeds United had the heartbreaking experience of chasing three major titles —League, F.A. Cup and European Cup—and narrowly failing to win any of them. I believe that this heartbreaking failure has been a spur to them. They feel they have had enough ill luck and that this season is going to belong to them. Only time will show whether this is true or false—but all sportsmen need this challenge to bring out the best in them. I have had a long experience of the managerial side at Crewe, Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday and Everton, and during this time have known the good and bad days.  I am just as proud of my side now as I was a year ago. The talent has not left them: nor has their fighting spirit. But when it mattered they just couldn't knock the ball in the net, so although we'll still be plugging away resolutely in the League, to be realistic our best chance of honours lie in the F.A. and European Cup. A manager is lost once he starts to question the way his team is playing. They are the same players he has previously put his confidence in. To try and change their style is the surest way I know to end up winning nothing. It is a famous story in football that when in 1963 Manchester United seemed perilously near to being relegated.  Sir Matt Busby kept his faith and confidence in the players already on the books. They avoided relegation and ended up winning the F.A. Cup. It is for this reason that although Everton have mot so far put up a major challenge for League honours, only a fool would say that we will miss out on the honours this season. We shall continue to play the entertaining attacking football which won the championship a year ago. If we continue to do that we shall remain a power in the game. 

BLUES HAVE WEMBLEY TARGET
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton  were quoted at 19-2 for the F.A. Cup at the first Victoria Club call over on the greatest national club tournament of them all. In my view, they're good value at those odds for a slice of any supporter's money. Wembley is their target…a double target, in fact, because Wembley will also stage the European Cup Final, next June, as well. But the F.A. Cup semi-finalists will be known before Everton have to play in the European Cup again. So it's first things first, and with League hopes on the shelf for another year, its F.A. Cup days and a determined march along the Wembley road. They were shattered by their third round defeat at Sheffield United last season. But it left them free to concentrate on the League, and they are operating in reverse now. It's the Cup, or Cups, and nothing but the Cups for the Goodison boys. Everton manager Harry Catterick sent a representative to London today to check on their third round opponents. Blackburn Rovers, who were playing Orient. He will have another scout—a different one, to obtain reports from a fresh pair of eyes—at Ewood Park on Boxing Day, when Blackburn play Birmingham. Blackburn will be assessed, analyzed and probed in depth before they come to Goodison on January 2 Although there is a colour clash, the home team will not change. Rovers will be in red, but if there is a replay. Everton will wear their change strip, with Rovers in their regular blue and white halves. Only three clubs are shorter in the Cup betting than Everton— Leeds (6-1). Arsenal (7-1) and Manchester City (9-1). Liverpool are 10-1, with Spurs. Obviously, the bookies have taken little heed of Everton's midway position in the table. They, too, have received the message. One of the most interesting call -over prices for the Cup is the 66-1 offered against Crystal Palace. A year ago, this would have been reasonable, but Palace are a much improved team this season and are now seventh in the table. But Manchester United, who must be going through their worst spell since the war. Still rate a highly respectable 12-1. The only team outside the First Division to be given a quote was Leicester City at 50-1. The Second Division leaders must be happy to see relegation-haunted Blackpool and Burnley offered at 100-1 the bookies must believe Leicester are going to change places next season. Jimmy Husband's marriage this week reduces the number of bachelors among the regular Everton first-teamers to two Alan Whittle and Roger Kenyon. Whittle is engaged, Husband was given a couple of days off in mid-week but was back in training on Thursday. His widowed mother, who lives in Newcastle, was unable to be at the wedding through Illness. But family guests reported the good news that she is out of hospital now and is convalescing.

SEARGEANT GIVES AWAY OWN GOAL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 19 December 1970
Leeds were the first to attack but Mann’s shot was easily saved by West.  Everton countered and Johnson went through but was beaten by superior forces.  There was little between the teams at this time but West was the busier keeper.  In an Everton breakaway, Wilson shot well wide and at the other end Hibbitt’s shot was well over the bar.  In the 26th minute Leeds went in front.  A squared centre by Hibbitt was headed into his own goal by Seargeant.  The next minute, a header by Mann was just wide of the post.  Leeds were now the better side and West was kept busy and one save of his from Hibbitt was magnificent.  Half-time Leeds Utd Res 1, Everton Res 0.
Husband scored for Everton in the 89th minute.  Final-Leeds Utd Res 1, Everton Res 1. 
Leeds United Res;- Harvey; Davey, Peterson; Edwards, kennedy, Rutherford; Jordan, Mann, Stuart, Hibbert, O’Neill, Sub Gray.  Everton Res; West; D’Arcy, Newton; Scott, Lyons, Seargeant, Melledew, Husband, Johnson, Wilson, Smith, Sub Stiles.  Referee; Mr. G.W A Hespe (Sheffield). 

EVERTON HOME-GAME BLACKOUT LIKELY, FOR REST OF THE SEASON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 December 1970
GOODISON TO GO RIGHT OFF THE TELLY?
By Chris James
Everton face a total television black-out of games at Goodison Park for the remainder of this season. League secretary Alan Hardaker said to-day: "In view of Everton’s representations to the League, the League have Informed Everton that it intends to recommend to the joint League-F.A. television sub-committee that no television cameras go to Goodison Park, for the time being —and that means all television, including European Cup games. " The exchanges have been conducted on a diplomatic and friendly basis, with no ill-feeling." So, for the second time in a year, the television cameras are likely to give Goodison Park a miss. Last season, Everton complained about overexposure from television, but later withdrew their objection to the television cameras. This time, they wrote to the League saying they wanted to be televised only once a month, home or away. Saturday's League game against Leeds had been scheduled for viewing in the B.B.C.'s "Match of the Day" programme. The sub-committee expected to meet early In the New Year to rubber-stamp the "blackout" on cameras at Goodison, but there is nothing to stop Everton being shown on TV in their away games. However, the television companies could decide in view of Everton's attitude, to extend the blackout to include their away games, as well. Saturday's match with Leeds was, I believe, the fifth time this season Everton were due to he shown on B.B.C television, in the "Match of the Day" feature. Everton's request, however, forced a change of plan, and the Manchester United - Arsenal match was shown, as well as the Second Division game between Leicester and Queen's Park Rangers.

LEEDS CLING TO THE POINTS AS TEMPERS FLARE AT GODOISON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 21 December 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton's games with Leeds United in recent seasons have been hard ... but not over-hard. Since that infamous occasion six years ago when both teams were hauled off the Goodison pitch for a ten-minute cooling-off period, the games have been intensely competitive yet played in a much better spirit. But on Saturday, there was tension and toughness in excess as they fought for every ball in every sort of situation. Result -43 free kicks for physical fouls sometimes bordering on the violent, with Everton guilty of 22, Leeds 21. So both teams share the guilt of this foul-strewn battle. Players went into tackles with reckless abandon at times and three were booked—Jones and Hunter of Leeds, and Whittle (for the second time in a fortnight). There was an outburst of boos and the slow handclap directed at Leeds at the end of this ill-tempered affair. Everton fans were incensed at Leeds' tactics, but the free kick tally should prove that when one team dished it out, their opponents replied in like vein a moment later. The game and the result turned on the early goal by Chariton. Leeds, so professional, and so strong in defence, then pulled back nine men and defied Everton to score. They held onto that goal to take two points and keep them on top while Arsenal were winning at Old Trafford. They shut up shop with Hunter magnificent until he was guilty of two fouls on Whittle in the last five minutes ... and was booked.
Retaliation
As Whittle had thrown the ball into Hunter's face a few minutes earlier, this was yet another example of ill-advised retaliation. Whittle, brave as always, had taken some stick from Cooper and eventually lost his head with this incident to be booked on a linesman's intervention.  Whittle and Cooper conducted a running duel which went beyond the borders of common sense at times. Cooper committed the first foul, and continued to hand it out but the two of them went through the match indicating that “his fault, not mine." Whittle has much to offer, and was Everton’s best forward. But he must learn to curb his temper which seemed to be near explosion point so often in this match of tension. When Leeds settled for a defensive exhibition in the second half, Everton gave everything they had in an effort to snatch an equalizer, Ball, Royle and Whittle all went close and there was bad luck at other times as shots bounced off defenders. It was a re-run of many of the early season games in which Everton attacked incessantly but could not get the ball into the net. — Leeds marshalled their defence around Hunter, with Madeley, Bremner and Lorimer lending constant aid. Whatever move Everton tried, however they varied their attacking methods, they invariably ran into a mass of tough-tackling defenders.  Everton had a lot of bad luck, but you still had to commend the composure of Leeds as they absorbed so much pressure in the second half.
Gift chance
Leeds only attacked twice after the interval. Lorimer failed to accept a gift chance offered by Coopers fine break down the wing. Bremner was hauled back, Rugby-style, by Hurst. It must have been touch and go whether Hurst would be booked— Leeds certainly demanded it. For Everton, and their fans, it was an afternoon of bitter frustration. They tried so hard to succeed but they ran into a brick wall of a defence and a Leeds team determined they were not going to concede an inch.
ECHOES GOSSIP
Sixty children will be guests of Everton Supporters Club at the Ken Dodd Show on Boxing Day.  Earlier this month, the club entertained 450 younger children to a Christmas party at their head-quarters in Walton. 

CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE MOVE FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 23 December 1970
By Mike Charters
The word holiday has no meaning for professional football clubs at Christmas. Officials and players prepare for games this week-end as routine and many teams playing away on Boxing Day spend a good portion of Christmas Day travelling.  Everton’s arrangements this week are a typical example.  After training normally this week, the players will report to Bellefield on Christmas morning for the same sort of session as any Friday-a sharp workout, a discussion on tactics for the Saturday match, and the announcement of the squad to travel.  Instead of having lunch together as usual, they will go home for their Christmas dinner.  A few hours later they will be on the road for Wolverhampton to stay at a hotel on Friday night before their game at Molineux on Boxing Day.  Manager Harry Catterick told me; “This week is no different to us than any other.  Staff and players accept it as such-a Christmas holiday just doesn’t come into their thinking.  “Some people might think it is hard for the players to be away from their families on Christmas Day.  But the players accept it-I don’t think they give it a thought.”  Everton are free of injuries as they prepare for their visit to Wolves.  Brian Labone, out of the game since pulling a thigh muscle in the match at Huddersfield on December 5 is training every day now. 
Indications
Keith Newton, who had a game with the reserves last Saturday after recovering from injury, came through all right. Catterick said: "Labone is training well but whether it is sufficient to get him 100 per cent by next Saturday is impossible to say at this stage. Keith Newton is short of match fitness." So the indications at this half-way stage of the week are that Egerton will be unchanged at Wolves. I doubt if either Labone or Keith Newton will come into the reckoning. Catterick’s practice in these situations is to give players recovering from injury a reserve test to bring them back gradually to match fitness.  Wolves’ captain Mike Bailey returned to their side at Spurs last Saturday after missing four games through injury.  He played an important part in their excellent draw in an improved performance after they had only won one of their previous five games.  They, too, are clear of injury problems.  Their only selection doubt revolved around their strikers Derek Dougan and Hugh Curran.  Curran was dropped for the Spurs match, with Dougan linking up front Curren was substitute with Bobby Gould.  Curran was substitute and I understand that manager Bill McGarry, pleased with last Saturday’s display, will keep the same 12 in the same formation. 

NOT SUCH A GLAMOROUS CHRISTMAS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 24 December 1970
CATTERICK COLUM
It is only natural that thousands of fans envy the big wages and glamour which is part of the top footballers' lives. But they would not envy their diary during the Christmas holiday break. Everton player’s training to-morrow in preparation for the match at Wolverhampton on Saturday.  Of course it is a nuisance, because most footballers are family men, and Christmas is the time to be with the kids ... but it is the price those in football must pay for success.  At least there has been in improvement in recent years and we have managed to rid ourselves of those suicidal Christmas fixtures, which meant often playing three matches in four days. This often meant travelling from one end of the country to the other.
Players Whacked Out
Matches crammed together like that made a mockery of football, I am sure fans did not get value for money when they watched the last fixtures in the Christmas period simply because players were whacked out and could not give of their best. New Year 1971 has its complications, because 48 hours after the New Year, comes the third round of the F.A. Cup, and it doesn't need me to spell out the. Importance of these Cup ties to many clubs. Everson included. Many of the best teams in England, who know they only have the slightest chance of getting any rewards in the League, can now concentrate on trying to win the F.A Cup and get into the money spinning European Cup winners’ Cup.  It is perilous to try and forecast the Cup winners, because so much depends on chance and the luck of being drawn at home.  Certainly I’M happy that Everton have a home tie with Blackburn Rovers.  I would be a poor manager if I did not fancy Everton’s chances.  We have the talent and experience to challenge  anyone ... If boys hit form on the day. For some time I have fancied Arsenal everything as leading Cup contenders. They are well drilled in defence and play a simple style which brings results. Their problem is that they are challenging for the League and the Fairs Cup, which they won last season. In situation like this a club needs freedom from injuries to key players, and it is very difficult to sustain a peak performance. 
Learned His Lesson
The same goes for Leeds United, and I would think Don Revie has learned his lesson from last season.  No matter how good and how willing players are, they are only human. As I see it, players can have a surfeit of football and come a cropper.  The competition is to too fierce to win everything, especially as leading clubs become involved in European matches late in the season.  Tottenham  Hotspur have the ability to get to Wembley to win the Cup and I would include with them Chelsea and Manchester City.  Here are three teams with players of world class in their ranks, who can raise their game when it is needed.  If you planed me down and asked for a Cup forecast I would say-Everton, Arsenal, Leeds, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester city are the teams to watch.  All of them have reached Wembley in the last decade.  And that is what the Cup is all about.  Clubs must have players who will not be overawed by the pageantry of Wembley; and with the flair to raise their game.

GOULD AND CO. COULD DAMPEN BLUES’ FESTIVE SPIRIT
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 24 December 1970
By Mike Charters
With the inquests from the Leeds United match now well behind them— and what manager Harry Catterick told his players is a closely-guarded secret—Everton go to high-scoring Wolves on Boxing Day. Molineux is a happy hunting ground for them and Wolves one of the teams they most like to play. Since they came back into the First Division, in 1967, Everton have beaten them every time in the six fixtures.  They invariably play well at Molineux, but know that Saturday's task will be to contain the formidable attacking strength of a side with the strangest record in the First Division. Wolves have scored 39—only Arsenal have a higher scoring rate—but have also conceded 39. They gave away 10 goals in the first three games and although they have recovered from this shocking start until now they are seventh, they still concede goals too easily.
Consistent
Up front, with winger Dave Wagstaffe in consistently fine form, it is a different story. The striking positions are shared by evergreen Derek Dougan, Hugh Curran and Bobby Could. The incoming of Gould, from Arsenal, has given them additional firing power and Everton's defence could be tested as fiercely as Leeds' Jones and Clarke did, for half an hour, last Saturday. The return of Wolves skipper Mike Bailey, after injury, ended a disappointing spell with a creditable draw at Spurs, last week. This could be a free scoring game. Everton will find scoring chances easier to create than they did against the brilliantly organised Leeds defensive set-up, but they will have to check the power of Dougan and Gould. Catterick will be looking for more dominating midfield play than Ball and company showed last Saturday. Ball gave one of his most ineffective displays, and will be trying even harder than usual to push the memory of it into the background.
Let-down
The team performance against Leeds was a letdown coming so soon after the fine flowing football of the previous week in the Southampton match, Royle. Whittle and Morrissey were unable to reproduce that form…but they came up against a defence of vastly strongly character. The Wolves defence is not in the same class as Leeds. It will give Everton a great boost to the start of their Cup journey, a week later, if they can win on Saturday. Both teams are likely to be unchanged. Probable line-up: Wolves; Parkes; Shaw, Parkin; Bailey, Munro, MeAlle; McCalliog, Hibbitt, Gould, Dougan, Wagstaffe. Everton: Rankin , Wright. Newton (H.); Kendall, Kenyon, Harvey; Whittle, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey.

 

 

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