CUP SUCCESSBAND POINTS WANTED
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 January 1971
CATTERICK’S RESOLUTION
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick to-day shot down the belief held by thousands of the club's fans that their major concentration for the rest of the season will be on success in the F.A. Cup and European Cup. Their chance of retaining the League title vanished many weeks ago, after disappointing results with displays well below the level of last season. So it is understandable that the realistic supporters cling to the hope that Goodison glory, this season, will come via Cup competitions. But Catterick told me, on the eve of Everton's F.A. Cup third round game with Blackburn, at Goodison: "We go into EVERY game determined to play well and do our best. We don't treat Cup-ties any differently to League matches.
Aim to climb
"I can assure you that my players are disturbed about their mid-way position in the League. They aim to climb much higher during the remainder of the season. "I appreciate that there is the feeling among some of our fans that we pull out something extra in Cup-ties. But it is not so—we go for 100 per cent, in every game, so we can't find extra than that. “Our preparations are the same for every match—whether we are playing a Second Division side in the F.A Cup, an amateur team in the European Cup, a crack German side in Europe, or the best team in the First Division, in presenting both sides of the coin here, I must emphasize that the Everton fans I speak to are convinced that the team plays better in Cup-ties than in the League.  But the Everton manager could not be more frank in dismissing this idea, It now remains to be seen what the first half of 1971 brings to Everton in the cup competitions and also in improving their position in the First Division. They tackle Blackburn as the first F.A. Cup hurdle with a full strength squad.
Full strength
If there is to be a change from the side which lost at Wolves last Saturday, it could be the recall of Jimmy Husband in place of Alan Whittle on the right wing. I think the defence will be unchanged, with Keith Newton not in the party. To get his players away from New Year festivities, Catterick took a 14- strong squad to a Cheshire hotel last night. They will not return until shortly before to-morrow's kick-off. He has added Roger Kenyon, Husband and Sandy Brown to last week's team, but will not name his side until tomorrow. After being ruled out earlier, former Everton junior and Southport midfield player Alex Russell passed a fitness test to-day. Manager John Carey has gone for Russell's experience rather than a promise of 18- years-old Bill Dunning. Everton: Rankin; (from) Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Whittle, Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Kenyon, Brown. Blackburn; Jones; Goodion, Wilson; Hunter, Mulvaney, Knighton; Russell, Metcalfe, Conlon, Rogers, Hill. Substitute: Charter.
BLACKBURN EXPECT 2,000 FOLLOWING
Blackburn Rovers have sold only about 1,000 of the 6,000 tickets sent to them by Everton as their 25 per cent allocation for to-morrow's Cup tie at Goodison Park (writes Mike Charters). They were returning to-day the unsold tickets to Everton, who still have thousands left of their own quota. Ticket sales at Goodison have been steady, said a club official. They certainly have not been rushed off their feet in the Everton ticket office. So it looks as though a gate of around 40,000 will be all they can expect at this tie against struggling Second Division club Blackburn. Tickets for all Kind meets except Gwladys Street will be on sale tomorrow.  A turnstile will be open for the North end, Bullen Road: Goodison Road turnstile for the top balcony on that side: In the Toffee Shop for the rest of Bullen Road and the Stanley Park end: at the Goodison Road ticket office for that stand and the Stanley Park stand.
Blackburn are expected to bring about 2,000 supporters in all 1,000 in the stands and the rest on the terraces.

EVERTON HOLD ALL THE ACES
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton should make amends for their disappointing showing in the League by Cup success—F.A. Cup and Europe. Their ambitions take in a double date at Wembley where both Finals will be staged on May 8 and June 3. With European Cup hopes on the shelf until March when they go into the quarter finals against Greek club Panathinaikos, Everton start along the domestic trail against struggling Second Division club Blackburn Rovers at Goodison tomorrow. Their best displays this season have been against the German side Moenchen Gladbach in the European Cup. Goodison fans will expect to see something along the same lines against Blackburn. Supporters have watched in anguish as the team has slipped down the table with mediocre League performances. They are now clinging to the belief that Everton will be a great side again when Cup glamour becomes the spur.  I believe Everton will recapture the rhythm of their championship-winning form of last season in Cup-ties.  They look like the Everton of old when they slip into their Cup mood.  Blackburn, with their principal aim being to stay in the Second Division, should be firmly dismissed from the Cup trail.  Although Rovers have all to gain and nothing to lose tomorrow, Everton must not give them the chance of bringing off a major upset.
Mediocrity
Blackburn's record of only three wins in 21 League games this season is the pointer. Everton will be all out to throw off the mediocrity of League displays and prove themselves an outstanding Cup side against the relegation haunted Rovers. And if they don't start by beating Blackburn in convincing style, then the growing criticism of their fans will leap tojor proportions.  Blackburn have conceded 38 goals in 21 games.  Although they have one of the best goalkeepers in the Second Division in England Under-23 player Roger Jones, their defence is vulnerable.  Up front they have twin strikers in Eire international Eamon Rogers and Bryan Conlon, with a fine attacking midfield player in skipper Ken Knighton. Man for man, Everton hold the aces. I want to see the midfield trio take command and move constructively forward; I want to see the attack use this service with thrust and determination; I want to see the defence tight and dominating. We haven't seen a combination of these factors very often this season, apart from the games against the Germans. Everton MUST regain that form and use Blackburn as the springboard to Cup success.

SOCCER-IN-DEPTH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 01 January 1971
WATCH FOR THESE TOMORROW
ECHO SPORT starts a new weekly feature today—an examination in depth of tactical moves by the teams who visit Anfleld and Goodison. It gives Everton and Liverpool fans an informed pre-match in- sight into methods used by the professionals as they analyses the strengths of their opponents. A very experienced manager, one of the leading coaches of the day, provides the detailed run-down on tactics from the inside. The sketches are similar to those which coaches put on blackboards to instruct their players. We begin today with a close look at Blackburn Rovers and Aldershot, who are at Goodison and Anfield respectively in the third round of the F.A. Cup to-morrow. Each Friday, the visiting club to either Anfield or Goodison will be analyzed tactically.
Blackburn Rovers are likely to be defending heavily at Goodison tomorrow—and it is from deep defensive situations that they can strike most dangerously through midfield man Ken Knighton. Knighton, wearing No. 6, picks up a ball from defence near the half-way line. Where most other midfield players would be expected to pass, Knighton is prepared to take the ball forward. As he does so, forwards Eamonn Rogers and Bryan Conlon move to their right, taking defenders with them. Left winger Brian Hill moves down the line, keeping well to the left. The Everton defence is retreating. This creates a gap as the sketch (left shows and Knighton, who has a great shot, will try a shot from 25 yards or more when he sees the opening from outside the penalty box. Watch for this move. It Is a Blackburn match-winner, and Knighton hit seven goals last season from similar strikes. Blackburn play very square in defence, with Allan Hunter and Dick Mulvaney the big men in the middle as twin centre — But they have a " secret weapon " in left back Bill Wilson, who has the pace and skill to overlap down the line. Everton will be keeping tabs on Wilson when he breaks out of defence. It could leave a gap down that flank which they could exploit if Wilson adventures too far too often.

BLUES HOLD THE ACES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton’s best performances this season have been in Cup warfare—the European Cup-ties against the Germans of Moenchen Gladbach. They look a great team—indeed like the team which won the championship last season—when they don their cup coats and scent the glamour and prizes which lie along their double cup trail of F.A. Cup and Europe. Everton fans have watched in anguish as their team has slipped down the table this season with a series of mediocre League displays. This afternoon, as struggling Second Division club Blackburn Rovers visit Goodison in the third round of the Cup, those disappointed supporters will be hoping to see Everton snap out of their dismal spell. Whether a team can sit back and simply turn on their best performances in Cup ties is problematical. But I know that the players are determined to make amends for their poor showing in the League by going all out for Cup success.
Ambitious
I think we shall see Everton in last season's mood this afternoon. They know all about the failures of top teams when facing a side from a lower division—F.A. Cup history is littered with these stories every year. But they will face Blackburn prepared to brush them out of their way. Everton are ambitious for a double Wembley date this year the F.A. Cup and European Cup Finals. On paper, Blackburn should have no chance of survival at Goodison. They have won only three times this season, beating bottom place Charlton away 4-2 and defeating Norwich 2-1 and Swindon 1-0 at Ewood Park. They are second from bottom, having conceded 38 goals with only 14 points from 21 games. They are more concerned with keeping in the Second Division than having a good run in the Cup, but you can be sure they will come out to-day with the knowledge that they have all to gain and nothing to lose. As Everton manager Harry Catterick said this week: "We are on a hiding to nothing against Blackburn." But I believe it will be Blackburn who will get the hiding. Only five of Rovers' players have had First Division experience. They are defenders Billy Wilson, Dick Mulvaney and Freddie Goodwin, midfield player Ken Knighton and striker Eamonn Rogers. Blackburn, like so many other Lancashire clubs, are struggling to stay alive on gates of crisis proportions. Their future looks bleak and they would dearly love the cash a good Cup run would bring. But, above all, they must stay in the Second Division to give them a chance and the Cup may just be a temporary diversion from that aim. Catterick has had Blackburn watched in the last two matches. He has briefed his team to watch for Knighton's ability to strike from midfield, and the power of the twin spearhead of Rogers and Bryan Conlon. But Everton hold all the aces in every department—providing they strike their rhythm and treat their fans to the sort of display which was routine last season Blackburn have slipped a long way down the football scale since that day 13 seasons ago, when they met Everton in the Cup and beat them 2-1 at Goodison. 

KEITH WILL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR PLACE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Keith Newton, Everton's England international full back bought from Blackburn Rovers for £80,000 last season, was not even in the 14-strong squad named for to-day's Cup-tie against his old club at Goodison Park. He is now suffering the same experience as winger Jimmy Husband, who has been on the sidelines for many weeks with Alan Whittle keeping a firm grip on the outside right spot. Newton's place at left has back has gone to his namesake, Henry, who has settled into the position to the satisfaction of manager Harry Catterick.   And this must make the experienced Keith wonder what he can do to force his way back into the first team limelight— an unhappy situation for a player of his experience who was in England's World Cup team only six months ago.
Substitute twice
He played in the first 15 League games this season, was injured in the game against Moenchen Gladbach on October 21, and has only had one first team outing since then.  When he recovered from injury, he played against Spurs on November 28, but immediately after that Henry Newton took over.  The former Blackburn star has been substitute twice—again Southampton and Wolves. To-day he wasn't in the running even for this spot. However disturbed he may be over his current position, Keith Newton-and the rest of the Everton senior squad-received a clear warning from their manager this week. After he had turned down Husband's request for a transfer, Catterick told me: “All my first team players were told before the season started that transfer requests would not be entertained. They are wasting their time asking to leave. Strong Sqaud
I have built up a first team squad strong in depth and I'm not going to weaken it. They were left in no doubt months ago what my answer would be." Catterick has told his players that there is competition for first team places. If they're out of the side, they must fight their way back ... their is no escape route via the transfer request. This is in keeping with Catterick's pre-season statement that he would make selection changes as and when he thought the opposition and situation demanded. He now has a squad strong enough in numbers to do that.  Obviously, a player of Keith Newton's experience and ability will be regarded as a valuable disturbed at being left member of the squad but out of he has to accept being scene. He would have loved to have a crack his old team to-day. But Catterick told me; " Henry Newton has improved a department of the side that needed it—tackling. He is satisfied with Henry’s current performances.  Keith Newton is regarded as a valuable member of the squad but he has to accept being out of the limelight-just as Gordon West has done—and fight his way back. 

JIMMY MAKES A HERO’S RETURN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 January 1971
EVERTON 2, BLACKBURN 0
By Mike Charters
Line-up; Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub; Brown.  Blackburn; Jones; Goodwin, Wilson; Hunter, Eccles, Knighton; Metcalfe, Russell, Conlon, Rogers, Hill.  Sub; Charter.  Referee; Mr. J.H. Yates (Redditch). 
BACK in the Everton first team for the first time since October 10. Jimmy Husband made it a joy day for himself by heading Everton into a two goal lead against Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the F.A. Cup at Goodison this afternoon. As expected, Everton had Jimmy Husband in place of Alan Whittle the only change from the team which lost at Wolves. Blackburn centre half Mulvaney dropped out at the last minute through illness and was replaced by Eccles. There were two former Everton managers at the game—John Carey, the Blackburn chief, naturally, and Cliff Britton, now general manager of Hull City, who was manager at Everton 15 years ago. Goodwin was lucky to escape at least a booking when he took a kick at Morrissey. Both players were spoken to by referee Yates. The football was tentative in the opening stages as the players tried to gauge the problems of the pitch. They were having difficulty in turning quickly and there was a lot of mis-placed passing. Everton were doing all the attacking and at times every Blackburn man was back in his own half. They were quite rugged in their tackling and conceded five free kicks in the first eight minutes. Everton's goal attempts up to this point had come from Kendall and Newton with shots high over the bar after Rovers defenders had headed clear. Former Everton junior, Russell, was spoken to by the referee after his fourth foul on Ball, and Blackburn's tactics had soon become clear—a packed defence and first time tackling.
Wild clearance
Russell cleared wildly to concede a corner from which Ball's cross was well handled by Jones. Goodwin copied Russell a moment later by kicking the ball to the seats at the Gwladys Street end. This was first-time football with an engeance. But Husband brightened the misty scene by heading Everton into the lead after 19 minutes. Morrissey made the centre after beating Goodwin cleverly, and with the Rovers defence concentrating on Royle, Husband went up unchallenged to head the ball in. With more than 20 minutes gone, Rankin had touched the ball three times.  All from back passes. Hopeful long Blackburn clearances aimed for Rogers and Conlon were being met by the confident Labone who headed them away with impressive certainty.
Complaint
Blackburn at last won a corner, but Wright brought the ball away and hit a great pass along the line for Husband. Husband took the ball on but was finally dispossessed by weight of numbers as Blackburn had four men converging on him. The first real excitement since Husband's goal came after 35 minutes. Everton had cleared from a corner kick, and when Wilson banged it hopefully down the middle the ball bounced off Hurst's thigh into the path of Conlon.  It was Husband, coming back to help, who flicked the ball off Conlon's toes for a corner—the first time Everton had looked in danger. Blackburn had forced their way into the game, with Everton making mistakes in midfield. But Everton's class which they showed in flashes should have enabled them to have scored more than one with all their attacking domination. Out of the mist Husband snapped up his second headed goal a minute before half time—what a return to first team football for the first time since the middle of October. From a left wing cross Blackburn appeared to have the situation under control but Knighton tried to head the ball back to his goalkeeper from 20 yards out. Husband nipped in to head the ball high over Jones' head from 14 yards as the goalkeeper came out for Knighton's header. This was a tragedy for Knighton. Blackburn's best player Half-time: Everton 2, Blackburn 0.
Husband brought the ball neatly inside from the left but could not get in a shot and when he parted with the ball Hunter was there to clear. Rogers, taking a free kick on the right, curled it in towards goal and Hurst, taking no chances, head it away for a corner. The mist was getting thicker and making it difficult to follow play on the far side of the field. Morrissey brought the ball in from the wing to Ball a shooting chance from 20 yards but the Everton captain, who was having a quiet game, hit it well wide. With the ball out of play near the right corner flag, the referee held up the restart to book Russell. Apparently it was for a foul on Ball after Ball had started the move seconds earlier. Husband was taking a tot of stick from the forthright Rovers defence as he tried to bring the ball through in his usual style. Hunter brought him down heavily on the edge of the area and from the free kick Everton gained another corner. Goodwin was the second player to be booked in five minutes. He had fouled Husband near the line and from the free kick Jones made a good save to prevent Husband heading his third goal. Jones had to save well after he had been put in trouble by a bad back pass from Wilson. The ball went straight to Royle who tried to bring the ball around the goalkeeper but Jones came out and blocked the shot. In the 64th minute Charter substituted for Hill. Newton brought the crowd to life with a fine break down the middle but Ball misplaced his through-pass and Royle was never in a position to run on to it.  Jones had to make a fine save from an ill-advised back pass by Eccles. Knighton was outstandingly Blackburn's best. He hit a great cross-field pass to Metcalfe which was wasted, and shortly afterwards tried a rare Blackburn shot, sending the ball wide. After 77 minutes Rankin made his first save—a simple effort from a badly hit shot by Conlon. After a neat bit of work by Royle, Husband was close to his hat-trick. He chipped the ball over Jones' head, but over the bar as well. Husband wasted a chance from Royle's pass by trying to go through himself when Morrissey was unmarked on his left. As the mist grew thicker the game moved drearily on to its end with many of the crowd leaving 10 minutes before the final whistle. Official 40,471 (receipts £18,200).
Blues' verdict
GOODISON, shrouded in mist, was the setting for a game far removed from the usual excitement of an F.A. Cup-tie. Blackburn Rovers came with the intent of packing their defence and hoping perhaps for a replay. The result was that Everton attacked for 90 per cent, of the time but Rovers defenders were effective, even if they weren't polished. Conditions were treacherous in that the surface was greasy and slippery in places and this undoubtedly played a big part in the drabness of the general run of the play. There was little apart from Husband's goals to excite the crowd.
Note
Both Everton and Liverpool played at Home in the F.A Cup ties, Liverpool winning Aldershot 1-0. 
At Anfield 45,500 spectators turning up- combined figures 85,971.-bluecorrespondents

THE HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 January 1971
WHY I REFUSED FIVE CONTINTAL OFFERS
“CONTINENTAL clubs often sack a manager within a year if he fails to guide his team to the championship." That was the basis of Tommy Docherty's comments about the problems involved managing a club outside Britain. The Doc became boss of Portuguese club Oporto in February this year, but doesn't expect his contract to be renewed at the end of the season if they don't win the league title. Oporto are joint fourth at present. This partly explains why I would never manage a Continental club. have received five offers over the years, but had no hesitation in turning them down because of the disadvantages. Working aboard in soccer outweigh the compensations. Top managers in countries like Italy. Spain and Portugal receive considerably more money than their counterparts in England as they pay less tax In addition, they are held in high esteem among the general public. Then there's the obvious appeal of living in a warm climate. Intolerance to failure is the main disadvantage as far as I am concerned. An English manager’s job is precarious enough, but it is even more nerve-racking if you're boss of a leading club in the Latin countries. It takes several years to build up a successful team from scratch, but few football managers get this breathing space abroad. A classic example can be found in the extraordinary fortunes of Helenio Herrerra, one of the world's most respected manager-coaches now in charge of Italy's Roma. Herrerra was manager of crack Spanish club Barcelona in the late 1950's and steered the club to the championship in 1959. But he paid a heavy price for their inability to win the European Cup the following year. Barcelona were beaten by Real Madrid in the semi-finals and Herrerra was attacked by fans and sacked.  He then joined Italy's Inter Milan, and enjoyed a remarkable run of success by any standards. Under his guidance, Inter won the European Cup in 1964 and 1965 and reached the semi-finals in 1966. The following year, they were beaten by Celtic in the final and not long afterwards Herrerra was again looking for a new job. If someone of Herrerra's stature can suffer such traumatic experiences, you can imagine the pressures lesser managers are under! The language barrier and temperament of many Continental players are two more reasons why I am glad to earn my living in the English League. It is not difficult to tell any player what to do on the field, but with language difficulties there is the problem of interpretation. For example, if I told an Italian centre forward to move to the flanks in certain situations, I would be powerless if he took up these positions at the wrong time. The problem is more easily solved with English players because I can shout to them across the field, or explain in detail at half-time. It is not difficult to understand why British managers are so much in demand abroad nowadays. Continental teams still have a lot to learn from us in stamina and physical power. At the same time, it is as well to remember that we also have a lot to learn from them. Generally, Continental players possess better ball control than those in Britain, and I suppose this will always be the case as long as the game in this country is played in such adverse weather conditions and the tackle from behind is allowed. Summer soccer?  This is an old hobby horse of mine and I need not labour the point. Suffice to say that many more people in the game are realizing that this must come eventually. I have rarely seen such skillful attacking football from a Third Division team as that which Aston Villa produced in beating Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final. Villa adopted a bold approach even in the first leg at Old Trafford, and look quite capable of beating Spurs in the final next month.

BLUES HAVE ‘SPY’ IN ATHENS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 January 1971
ALTHOUGH detailed examination of the strengths and weaknesses of their European Cup opponents will not be made for a couple of months, Everton have had a preliminary report already from an old friend of manager Harry Catterick. He is Joe Mallett, now coach of Athens club Panionios, and formerly manager and assistant manager at Birmingham City, with many years coaching experience also at Nottingham Forest. Mallett took over at Panionios at the start of this season and is recognized as one of the best coaches in the game.  Catterick told me: "Joe has sent me a lot of information about our opponents, Panathinaikos. He'll be helping us again later. "But it is no use going into more detail until February, about a month before our quarter final games. They could have a flock of injuries in the meantime and assessment of them at this stage would be pointless." He has also written to another friend, and longtime soccer partner, In Torn Eggleston, coach of another Athens club, Ethiukos, who was coach under Catterick at Hillsborough and Goodison for eight years in all. I think the Everton manager will check on Panathinaikos himself before March, so the dossier on his Greek opponents will be as complete as it is possible to obtain. Panathinaikos have round on now agreed, at Everton's request, to bring forward the date of the Goodison match by one day on Tuesday, March 9. The second leg will be in Athens on Wednesday, March 24.
Strange choice by F.A.
The ways of the F.A. are strange at times. In selecting Everton’s apprentice professional Ian Bacon as a member of a 28-strong youth party for special training at Lilleshall later this month; he was named as one of the forwards. He is not a forward, never has been, and never will be so long as he plays for Everton. His position is the opposite—in defence. His best role is in the John Hurst type of job as the second centre half. Has anyone from the F.A. watched him play in Everton's junior sides this season? Whittle report is awaited
The Everton manager has not yet decided whether to appeal against the booking of Alan Whittle in the game against Leeds United. He told me: “Much depends on the interpretation of the referee's report which we have not yet received. Whittle says he retaliated after he had been spat on by a Leeds player—l saw this myself from my touchline seat." Whittle has been booked twice, John Hurst twice, Alan Ball, John Morrissey and Howard Kendall once each this season. Everton remind supporters at Central League games that only the Goodison Road side of the ground will be available in future. Season ticket holders, stand and paddock, from the Bullens Road side will be accommodated on the main stand side. Both ends of the ground have been closed for reserve matches for many years. Closing the Bullens Road section is a further economy measure. 

YOU’RE TELLING US!
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 January 1971
RELEASE BALL FROM THE CAPTAINCY AND FIND A GOAL POACHER
LEEDS leave Everton well behind in tactics, such as corners and free kicks. Once they hold a one or two goal lead, they lose very few games. Alan Ball and Everton played a lot better before he was made captain. Release him from captaincy in favour of Harvey or Hurst, and let Ball get down to playing football. Also needed is a big opportunist or goal poacher to take the weight off Royle, and a strong winger. With Husband wanting away, here is the chance of an exchange. Harry Catterick has a duty to spectators as well as shareholders. His statement of last year (" give us another 12 months") could boomerang and in a year from now we could be looking for promotion.— E. H. Williamson, 59 Holm Lane, Birkenhead.
That's taking pessimism too far, surely.
WORST TEAM
YOU SAID that Whittle was the best forward in the Leeds game. What about Royle? Time after time he was laying the ball off for someone to run on to and beating three defenders in his stride. I agree Whittle was good. He would have been better if Leeds had let him play football. Leeds are the worst team I have seen at Goodison this season. No wonder the gates are low at Elland Road. Who wants to see that every two weeks?—H. Gaydon 61 Holmes Street, Liverpool 8
All those people who visualize Leeds as potential champions.
JEERED
IT IS no coincidence that on both recent visits to Merseyside Leeds have been jeered off the pitch. Against Liverpool they accepted that Liverpool were the better side and resorted to degrading tactics, which the Press put down to professionalism. It would appear, too, that Everton had the ability to hold them, which does not say much for Leeds, so once again they play the type of football that makes them a hated team outside Leeds. If other teams would only realize that Leeds are not all they're made out to be, perhaps we would see them struggling to stay in the top six. —G. Higgins, 298 a Boode Craft. Cantril Farm, L2B 4EW.
Struggling? No chance.
DISGRACE
TH E Everton-Leeds game at Goodison was a disgrace. Everton tried to "mix it" and came off a very poor second best. Their conduct was not in the traditions of the club. I think Everton need more control on the pitch and I would suggest that either Tommy Wright or Henry Newton be made captain. J. E. Burrowes, 18 Queens Drive, Liverpool 13.
 Every player should control himself without need of a captain. –
FORGOT
HARRY CATTERICK and Alan Ball were sure before the Leeds match that they were going to thump Leeds to show them who are the real champions. But perhaps Everton forgot that Leeds have the players to start, control and close a game up. So Andy Rankin caught a cold with nothing to do. Well, Gary Sprake was not called upon until after 30 minutes to make his first save.—G. Calverley, 4 Harcourt Street, Birkenhead. T
You didn't miss much.
SOUR GRAPES
HARRY CATTERICK said that Everton would beat Leeds; Alan Ball said that Everton would beat Leeds: Mike Charters said that Everton would beat Leeds; but wise man Don Revie said nothing. Isn't it about time that Everton got rid of their sour grapes and admitted that Leeds are the greatest League team of all time'—Alan Moffat, 410 Mill Lane, Liverpool.
The greatest team Leeds have ever had yes. But not of all time.
AVOIDED
 I FIND it rather funny reading the Catterick article each week in the Football Echo to find how he purposely avoids mentioning Liverpool F.C. He selected six teams as possible Cup winners but never mentioned the hated name.—F. Bennison, 31 Ashlar Road, Liverpool 22.
Probably because he does not think they can win the Cup.
EXPOSURE
HOW much longer are Everton going to persist in making these ridiculous complaints about over-exposure on TV? Everton thank their fans for their support, but what consideration have they shown for those who cannot get to a game because they are at work or at college in other parts of the country? One hopes that if they reach the European Cup Final, the club will be so gracious as to allow highlights to be screened after the game. No more than 45 minutes, of course—over exposure would never do!—M. McKenna, Childwall, Liverpool 16.
U.E.F.A. would have something to say if this happens
UNLUCKY?
IN ANSWER to the letter from T. Cruise, who does not seem to appreciate Bill Shankly's popularity, I would quote Harry Catterick after Everton's humiliating defeat by Leeds, as reported in a Sunday paper: "I thought we were desperately unlucky." Maybe more is written of Shankly because of his personality and he has a better team! I saw the Leeds' game, and Everton weren't unlucky!—J. B. Gardner, 33 Patrick Avenue, Bootle 20.
Leeds agree with you.
WAITING
I HAVE been waiting a long time to see "the very attractive football" promised by manager Harry Catterick. It is my opinion that we shall never see it. In every match, some members of his team are going for opponents instead of trying to play the ball. Andrew Dell, Eastern Avenue, Speke.
Everton play attractive football in many games, without getting the results.
FOUL LANGUAGE IN THE STANDS RUINED OUR DAY
A simple annual treat my brother and I have about this time of the year was spoil at Goodison Park for the Everton-Leeds game. The fouls lay thick upon the ground. But the foul language was thicker in the stands. It is a pity someone like a referee is not put in each stand to deal with some of the offenders. We are not prudish or mealy-mouthed. But, as if what went on, on the ground was not bad enough, the constant stream of oral dirt from some spectators in the presence of boys and women (or does that not mater these days?) ruined everything. Leaving the ground we saw two gangs of big-booted youths in an all-in scrap without police interference. Frank Shaw, Huyton.
It was the result which rained it for most people.
I'm one of a group of four Everton season ticket holders in Bullens Road who are fed up with the way things are going. It is a struggle to remain a True Blue. When did it all start to go sour? As far back as the premature selling of Gabriel and Brian Harris? Evertonians could once take a defeat philosophically, knowing that even if they had lost, they had enjoyed skillful, sporting and highly entertaining football. NOW, it is becoming easier to support Liverpool for that sort of game, and it wasn't easy to say that. Around us, we hear the carping niggling of the sorely tried fans. They have read so often the Catterick statement: "We will continue to play attractive attacking football." Ask the people who saw Everton at Huddersfield, Stoke or Wolverhampton, if they enjoyed what they saw. No need to ask Don Revie about the Catterick statement. He told us all on TV that he only wished his team would be allowed to play. Does the finest full back in the world, Cooper, of Leeds, have a reputation as a dirty player? Of course not, and yet he always has an upsetting game at Everton. The petulance of Alan Ball—is this what Evertonians really want? Was it really a good idea to have such a temperament as captain? There is a place in the team for Kenyon, Hurst and Labone, all fine big players so necessary these days. Shaniky knows they are necessary—look at 6ft. 2ins. Toshack—while we get average sized Henry Newton. The need for a Brian Kidd alongside Joe Royle is obvious —Derek Dougan would do. Let's see some evidence of recognition of our deficiencies in 1971 by our club such as: Labone back as captain: Ball to cut out the shows of bad temper which endear him to no-one: Whittle to curb the forceful stuff. Let's have a club which is not ashamed (understandably. at the moment) to allow in the TV cameras.—Alan G. Ross, 5 Parkway, Irby.

THEY’RE AT HOME AGAIN!
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 January 1971
REDS GET SWANSEA AND IT MAY BE EVERTON-UNITED
By Chris James
More F.A. Cup luck for Merseyside. For the second successive round, both Everton and Liverpool were to-day drawn at home in the fourth round—and what a draw. For Everton could run headlong Into Manchester United, whom they beat on their way to the semi-finals two years ago, while Liverpool face Swansea, the Third Division side who beat them in sensational style at Anfield in 1964. Everton will not know who their opponents will be until United have replayed with Middlesbrough at Ayresome Park to-morrow following their goalless draw at Old Trafford on Saturday.
All-ticket Everton will be watching the replay result at Ayresome with more than normal interest for a tie against Manchester United would almost certainly mean an all- ticket match at Goodison Park. They have not met Middlesbrough in any competition for 20 years when they were last together in the First Division in season 1950- 51. Their only previous meeting in the Cup was in 1910 when Everton drew their first round tie 1-1 at Ayresome Park and won 5-3 in the replay. 

SIR ALF RECALLS BRIAN LABONE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 January 1971
Everton’s World Cup centre half Brian Labone has been added to Sir Alf Ramsey’s training squad meeting in London next week.  Labone, spent the early part of the season in Everton’s reserves side, has now re-established himself in the First Division. 

SAFETY PLUS; BIG TWO TO CHECK MEASURES THIS WEEK
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 January 1971
By Chris James
Liverpool and Everton, the Merseyside giants whose games each season are watched by more than a million fans, will make checks this week to ensure maximum safely for their crowds.  The chairmen of both clubs Eric Roberts at Liverpool and George Watts at Everton, today said that special security checks would be made following Saturday's Ibrox Park disaster. Sixty-six people died and almost 200 injured on the steep steps leading out of the Glasgow Rangers' ground. A number of crush barriers collapsed during the crushing. At Anfield the Kop regularly has 24,000 fans watching from it and many of the fans have to use steps at the back, similar to those at Ibrox, to get in and out. Said Mr. Roberts: "We are always considering the safety of the ground and it’s something that will be discussed at our next board meeting. “Obviously the dreadful tragedy in Glasgow must be in the forefront in the minds of all football club officials. We will examine everything to improve the safety and well-being of our supporters. We will also take the advice of the local authorities and insurance companies with whom we have always co-operated. "I believe there is no danger at Anfield. But there is always a million-to-one chance. We have taken every possible step to safeguard our supporters. "We examine all our barriers after every game, even when there are two matches in a week. No chances are taken at all and three or four times a year we have rigorous inspections by local authorities and insurance companies. We have to do this or else we would not be covered for accidents." At Goodison Park there is no steeply banked terracing or access steps and only the Gwladys Street end holds a large number of standing fans. But Mr. Watts said: "As soon as I heard about the disaster, I got in touch with the chairman of our maintenance committee and asked him to call a meeting immediately and to go round the ground checking exits. 
Staircases
"At Goodison, however, we have nothing like the standing capacity of some grounds. Almost half our actual capacity is taken up by seats and there is no vast number of people in any one part of the ground coming down staircases. "We are very conscious and have done a lot for public safety and the introduction of more seats helps. We will certainly look at the findings of the inquiry into the Ibrox disaster and see if there is anything we can do to improve safety. Mr. James Haughton, the Chief Constable of Liverpool and Bootle, said to-day that the police had been in close contact with Liverpool and Everton on the question of safety and also regarding parking problems so that ambulances and fire engines would have access to the ground. Folio Wing the tragedy in Glasgow, they would be talking again to both clubs and other interested parties.

PITCH BLIGHTS EVERTON’S PLAYING SKILL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Some said It was the worst Cup-tie ever seen on the ground; others that it was little better than non - League standard. But all the critics of the drab and dreary Cup-tie at Goodison on Saturday should remember that the playing conditions were treacherous in the extreme. The pitch provided the worst type of surface —a layer of half-frozen slime over bone-hand ground. This was a legitimate explanation for the poor quality of the play, even though it was cold comfort for the 40,000 who saw, through the mist, a match which was as chilling to watch as the weather. Everton beat relegation troubled Blackburn Rovers far more comfortably than the 2-0 score indicates. Blackburn, playing with all the inaccuracies that their Second Division position would indicate, came as though they were in an away League match with a draw point the height of their ambitions.
Outstanding
They packed their defence with ten men and defended crudely, at times, vigorously at times they had Russell and Goodwin booked for fouls and allowed Everton to dominate. Blackburn no doubt hoped that they would take advantage of a breakaway to score. It never looked remotely possible, even though Knighton, their midfield star, was outstanding in his efforts to create something. He was head and shoulders above his teammates for class. The rest of them were plodders by comparison. Everton had superior speed, skill and ideas. But with players unable to turn quickly, unable to go forward with conviction because of the danger of losing their footing, there was a morass of mistakes and inaccurate passing.
Personal Joy
Clearances were sliced yards out of the play, good-looking build-up vanished with an evitable error- it was boring and frustrating for the spectators.  I have seen games playing skills played under difficult conditions which thrilled and entertained. But it takes two teams to produce this and, frankly, Blackburn never looked like making a game of it. Everton seemed content to accept that they were well on top and did not extend themselves unduly. The losers were the spectators. Husband, coming in for Whittle for the first time since October 10, had the personal joy of heading both goals in the first half. I thought he had pushed Wilson out of the way to head the first from Morrissey's cross, but the referee did not see it. Then he snatched his second chance when Knighton made his only mistake of the game with a misplaced back pass to Jones. Husband was bright and lively, with Kendall Everton's best. But Ball and Harvey were never in command, although they had ample chance of achieving it against the defence-stricken Blackburn. This was Husband's sixth goal in eight appearances this seasons remarkable ratio—and he clearly reveled in his first team revel Despite Everton 's almost non-stop attacking aggression, Jones in the Blackburn goal was never exerted. His best save was from a wildly-struck back pass by team-mate Eccles, but with Everton's finishing well off target. Jones had an easy game. But not as easy as Rankin. He only had one comfortable save to make —and that was 10 minutes front the end. Such negative tactics by Blackburn were difficult to understand. Surely, in a Cup-tie, they must at least TRY to score--they did not look as though they knew the meaning of the word. 

CUP SPY GOES OUT INTO COLD
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 05 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick set off this morning in the hope of checking on his fourth round F.A. Cup opponents, Middlesbrough or Manchester United, in their replay at Ayresome Park tonight. But there was some doubt about whether the game would be possible when he left the Bellefield training ground. Middlesbrough groundsmen moved snow off the pitch this morning and the match referee was delaying his inspection until late this afternoon. Burnley, Everton's opponents next Saturday, were standing by to leave Turf Moor this afternoon for their tie at Oxford United to-morrow night. At this stage, Everton's game at Turf Moor is in doubt. The pitch is frozen and it will need a thaw to make it playable.
Wale Under-23 Sqaud
Everton’s latest signing 20,000 goalkeeper Dai Davies from Swansea is in the squad.  It was Davies’s performance in the last Welsh Under-23 international against England at Wrexham that prompted Everton to but him. 

THE PRESSURE IS ON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 January 1971
£1,000 -a-man to beat Everton
By Mike Charters
PLAYERS of Panathinaikos, the Greek champions, are on a bonus of £1,000 a man to beat Everton in the quarter-final of the European Cup in March. And the Greek Minister of Sport has promised them something extra from the State if they can conquer Everton -" for the glory and advancement of Greek sport." These staggering incentives at only the quarter-final stage of the competition may raise some eyebrows in England, but they are commonplace when Greek teams play at international level. Panathinaikos players received £700 each for their success over the Czech club, Slovan Branslava, in the last round of the European Cup. The Greek national team -six of them are from Panathinaikos -picked up £1,000 a man for their recent win over Switzerland in the European Championship. The Greeks believe in incentives, and the size of them must be considered alongside the fact that the players' weekly pay is only about a quarter of what Everton players pick up in their wage packet. Full-time professionals in the Panathinaikos squad they have half a dozen, with the rest part-timers - are paid about £90 a MONTH. Everton first teamers get that and more a WEEK. So the big bonus scheme is regarded as routine in Greece. The money comes partly from the normal revenue from spectators, but the game is heavily subsidized by the State who operates a pools lottery on football. There are 18 teams in the Greek First Division and Panathinaikos, rated one of the finest club teams ever assembled in Greece, went to the top of the League last week by beating their great Athens rivals Ethnikos, managed by former Everton coach Tom Eggleston. Panathinaikos won 3-0, and a hat-trick of goals came from their captain, inside forward Domazos, the best player in Greece. He has played 35 times for his country and has been highly praised by England team manager Sir Alf Ramsey. Domazos is the No. 1 danger man to Everton. He is a world-class player who receives the same sort of public acclaim in Greece as George Best does in this country—for his football ability, I hasten to add. The other outstanding Panathinaikos player is the goalkeeper with the unpronounceable name —Oikonomopoylos. He is a regular in the national side.
With two months to go before the Greeks come to Goodison, interest is building up rapidly among the Greek supporters. No Greek team has progressed so far as this in the European Cup, and the clash with Everton is having the same spectator impact as an International.
…and Boro blast warning-‘we can win at Goodison
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 January 1971
“WATCH out Everton, we'll be out to win!" That was the warning which Middlesbrough boss Stan Anderson and his men sent out to the Goodison Park club after eliminating Manchester United from the F.A. Cup in last night's third round replay.  A jubilant Mr. Anderson told the Echo: "we are certainly confident of our chances with Everton in the next round now. We know they're the champions but that will be forgotten on the day. We proved to-night that League status and past records counts for nothing in Cup football." "In this mood there's no stopping my players. Had the ball run for us we could have scored at least three more goals." The Middlesbrough dressing room was bubbling over with laughter, some cheering, a little singing and plenty of congratulations after the match. Said Hugh Mcllmoyle, scorer of that first vital goal: " It was a fantastic game and as soon as I'd put the ball in that net I thought to myself ' that's it—Goodison here we come.' I knew we'd never let United back into the game after that."   "We'll give Everton no easy passage," added Hugh, scorer of 10 goals this term. "We play open, attacking football and I'm confident that this will pay off at Goodison. Last time I played there was when I was with Wolves —and we lost 5-0. Naturally, I hope to change all that this time." The other Middlesbrough scorer Derrick Downing, was just as confident. "The sky is the limit for us now. We must have a great chance against Everton. The lads all feel great and we'll be going all out to win at the first attempt." There is sure to be a big following of Middlesborough supporters at the game. Said manager Anderson: “Last year we took 11,000 fans to a midweek game in Manchester —so you can expect just as many, if not more, to attend this game. They really help the lads and I’m sure they played a big part in to-night's win. Final word from Sir Matt Busby, back at United's helm. Leaving a quiet United dressing room which offered a stark contrast to the noisy Middlesbrough room he said: “Middleborough were the better team. They fought hard and deserved to win. They mastered the conditions far better than we did. I'm sure they'll give Everton a close, hard-fought game."

LABONE’S UPS AND DOWNS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Suddenly, the football skies have become as blue for Everton's Brian Labone as the jersey he wears. Back in the Everton first team, back in the England training squad, England's World Cup centre half has come through a character-testing four months without a word of complaint to prove that he still has a major part to play for club and country. Labone came back from a personally successful World Cup in Mexico to find his Everton place threatened by the rising ability of 21- years-old Roger Kenyon, who had done so well in, the run-in to the Championship last season when Labone was injured. Even when Labone recovered from injury at that time, he found himself in the startling position of playing for England in the home international when he not win back his in the Everton first team. Kenyon's form was impressive that he could not be displaced. Everton manager Harry Catterick pondered on the Labone-Kenyon position throughout the summer . . . and decided to start the season with the experience of Labone. But the pressure was on the former Everton skipper whose captaincy role had been handed to Alan Ball. Kenyon was just waiting for the chance to get back into the side, confident that his eight-game run of success the previous season would not be overlooked . . . and Labone knew that. So it was the familiar figure of Labone in the middle of the defence, winning a Charity Shield medal before the season opened and then keeping his place for the first three League games.
Little rest
But it was at Leeds -and this name crops up again and again that Labone slipped, Catterick blamed it on the fact that Labone had had so little rest from the game during the summer through his World Cup exertions. Kenyon took over and kept his place for 15 games -the only match he missed in that spell was when Labone took over for the second leg European Cup tie in Iceland against Reykjavik when Kenyon was injured. The in-out-in situation developed more intensely after that. While Kenyon was recovering from an attack of shingles, Labone was back in first team action for a run of five games, but Catterick recalled Kenyon for the matches against Southampton and Leeds, when Labone was injured. And it was in the Leeds match, when Everton lost at home for the second time this season that Kenyon showed his illness had taken more out of him than first thought. He had an unhappy game against Mick Jones, so Everton turned again to Labone, who had soldiered on, uncomplainingly, in the reserves when Kenyon moved up. So the two matches against Leeds this season have been turning points for Labone and Kenyon.
Pleased
So the two matches against Leeds this season have been turning points for Labone and Kenyon.  They have each lost their first team places immediately after playing the League leaders. Now Labone is back in the first team and, in my view, playing better than at any time this season. Kenyon is being given time to regain his form in the Central League side and the Everton manager is pleased that he has two men fighting for the one position. The same situation applies to Jimmy Husband and Alan Whittle. The way Labone has conducted himself through the problem months when he has been playing before a few hundred people in Central League fixtures after being seen by hundreds of millions on TV during the World Cup, is an object lesson to young men like Whittle and Husband. Labone's attitude—and, equally, the matchless club spirit and approach of Sandy Brown—is the sensible, professional one to adopt. Labone told me: “I’m delighted to be back in the first team again. Although there is about ten years difference in age between Roger and myself, I believe I still have plenty of football left in me. “I appreciate that Roger, as the younger man, is the club's long-term figure at centre half, but I'll be doing my very best to prove that I can play in the First Division for some time yet.  “I’m happy to serve Everton in any capacity they want me.” 

YOU’RE TELLING US!
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 January 1971
 FOR most of the season, and over the past few games, Alan Ball has been playing like a jaded man. Despite Mr. Catterick’s recent assertion that Ball is tireless, and cannot be rested, the time has come for this to be done. Henry Newton, improving all the time, is not in his real position at left back. He should be put into Ball's position. Either Sandy Brown or Keith Newton should be rested left back, preferably the former, as Keith Newton is a right back, primarily. — It seems to be forgotten that we had a very good season defensively with Brown at left back last year, and a very good championship run with Brown and Newton as the two full backs. This year, with Brown missing most of the time, and Keith Newton in his wrong position, our defensive record is lamentable, as is our attacking record. Harvey and Wright have been suspect, too, this season. Neither has been consistent. Consistency, rather than odd spells of brilliance, is the crying need. All we have left now is the F.A. Cup (I can't see us winning the European Cup, though I hope we do). Let us beware of throwing that away by playing inconsistent, out-of-form, though undoubted, stars.—A. J. Higgins, 3 Kaigh Avenue, Liverpool 23.
Many Everton supporters would back you up on this.

EVERTON TROPHIES ON SHOW
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 06 January 1971
Everton fans will have a chance to see the trophy their team won last season –the Football League Championship Cup-on exhibition at the Liverpool Museums for two weeks from tonight.  The cup was awarded to Everton last April for the seventh time-the previous occasions being in 1891, 1915, 1928, 1932, 1939, and 1963.  The “Blues” record for last season was; Games played, 42, games won 29; games lost 5; games drawn 8, goals for, 72, goals against, 34; points 66.  Also on exhibition are the Barcelona Cup won by Everton in 1924 in an international tournament; the Liverpool County Football Association 75th anniversary cup which Everton gained in October, 1957; and the Football Association Charity Shield, which they won in August, 1970.  They also held it in 1928, 1932, and 1963. 

HARRY CATTERICK WARNS EVERTON’S F.A. CUP FANS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 07 January 1971
‘BORO DON’T TAKE PRISONRS’
‘WE WILL HAVE TO WATCH JOHN HICKTON CLOSELY’
Quote; “I think it is ridiculous to play games in icy conditions.  It is not fair on the players, or the spectators.  We don’t let racehorses run in them, yet we expect footballers to play in them.”
THE Ayresome Park skating rink made it impossible for Everton manager Harry Catterick to assess Second Division Middlesbrough normal form on Tuesday night but he saw enough to warn Everton fans “They don't take prisoners. They are a big, strong side." "The replay with United was played under very bad conditions. There were two inches of frozen snow on the pitch and it was a lottery. It was farcical," said Mr. Catterick, who bad travelled in the hope of gaining valuable data on Everton's FA. Cup fourth round opponents. I think it is ridiculous to play games in these conditions. It is not fair on the players, not fair on the spectators. "We don't let racehorses run in them, yet we expect footballers to be able to play in them.” It was impossible to assess the class of any player on this pitch. Players were falling on their backsides with no-one near them. “When you get a great entertainer like George Best unable to show his skills, you can see how farcical it was.
Spy missions
 "But the trip was worthwhile for me because, at least, I was able to see players I don't run across in the normal course of the season." Catterick will have Middlesbrough watched in their next two games against Leicester City on Saturday, at Ayresome Park, and at Bristol City the following week. He hopes that playing conditions will be reasonable enough to allow his scouts to "assess Middleborough’s normal form. Mr. Catterick will be renewing acquaintance with one of his former players when Middlesbrough come to Goodison. He is the top Middlesbrough personality, centre forward John Hickton, leading Second Division scorer for the past three seasons and rated in the £150,000 class by Middlesbrough manager,  Stan Anderson. Catterick told me: "I signed Hickton for Sheffield Wednesday just after he left school, more than ten years ago. He was a Chesterfield lad and had played for England Boys. "He was a full back or centre half in his younger days, but shortly after he joined the club I left Hillsborough for Everton. Subsequently, he was switched from defence into a striker, but Wednesday let him go." The move from Wednesday to Middlesbrough came four years ago and Wednesday must ponder on how they came to lose Hickton's scoring powers, which made him the most feared striker in the Second Division. Middlesbrough only paid £20,000 for him and his value has soared year by year until now Anderson has warned off all would-be inquirers that Hickton is not for sale at any price. By putting a £150,000 valuation on him, Middleborough have made it clear that he is staying at Ayresome Park. Hickton has already scored 19 goals this season-17 in the League —and looks certain to finish the season once more as the top striker in the Second Division.
Forceful
Catterick saw him play a big part in Middlesbrough's 2-1 replay win over Manchester United, on Tuesday night. Although Hickton did not score, he has formed a formidable striking link with the experienced Hugh Mcllmoyle, which will be Middleborough’s great weapon of attack when they come to Goodison. The Everton chief said: "Hickton is getting goals regularly. He is big and forceful, and we will have to watch him closely. Meanwhile, Everton prepare for their visit to bottom place Burnley on Saturday, without injury problems. Earlier in the week, the Turf Moor pitch was unplayable, but the warmer weather has improved conditions tremendously. Both teams look likely to be unchanged, with Burnley having former Liverpool coach, Tony Waiters, back in goal. Regular first team choice, Peter Mellor, was dropped after Manchester City beat them. 4-0, at Turf Moor in their last home game. Waiters was back in action for the Boxing Day game at Blackpool and played well.

JOE DUE TO END GOAL FAMINE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 January 1971
By mike Charters
 
EVERTON winger Jimmy Husband has scored six goals in nine League and Cup games this season—and manager Harry Catterick will be looking for more when they play at Burniey, to-morrow. Husband's two goals in the Cup-tie against Blackburn last Saturday restored some much needed finish to an attack which had not hit the target in the previous two games. Catterick said: "Husband was sharp and strong last Saturday. I was pleased with the way he moved around on a very difficult pitch." Now, he is hoping that Joe Royle will benefit from Husband's assistance in and around the penalty area. Royle, with only seven goals in 23 League games, has fallen well below his previous ratio of a goal in every two matches. Royle has only scored twice in the last six games both against Southampton—and should end this famine tomorrow at Turf Moor. Burnley, bottom of the First Division, have the poorest defensive record in the section. Catterick named 14 players—last week's team plus Keith Newton, Alan Whittle and 18-years-old reserve forward David Johnson. Newton looks likely to be substitute and Johnson, who is playing impressively in the Central League side, will be in the party to soak up some of the first team atmosphere on an away trip. This is the second time this season he has travelled with the seniors. Everton: Rankin; (from) Wright, Newton (H); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Newton (K.), Whittle, Johnson. Burnley manager Jimmy Adamson named 13 players to-day, but looks certain to select the side which drew at Blackpool on Boxing Day. He has added former captain David Merrington and 17- years-old Leighton James to that 11, with Merrington probably in line for the substitute's lob. Burnley; Walters; Angus, Nulty; Docherty, Waldron, Dobson; Thomas, Coates, Probert, West, Casper. Subs: Merrington or James. The thaw has made the Turf Moor pitch playable. Adamson said: “Conditions could be heavy, but the pitch is in fine trim to-day and if there is no more rain, it should be excellent to-morrow."

CAN EVERTON REGAIN THEIR OLD RHYTHM?
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Burnley's Turf Moor ground has happy memories for Everton. It was there, last March that they started the run of eight successive wins which took them to their League triumph. Now, as Everton go to Turf Moor to-morrow, the League position is very different from the exciting days of 10 months Everton are 13th instead of top and Burnley are bottom, looking destined for Second Division football next season.
Burnley manager Jimmy Adamson must have rued the day when he made his expansive pre-season statement: "Burnley are going to be the team of the Seventies." He may have to add: "In the Second Division." Stricken with crippling and lengthy injuries to several of their bright young men, and sadly missing the midfield command of Brian O'Neil, who was sold to Southampton rather prematurely, Burnley have only won twice this season.  There is no shortage of young talent at Turf Moor in Ralph Coates, Dave Thomas, Steve Kindon (currently injured), Geoff Nulty, Mike Doherty and Martin Dobson. But it has not blossomed as expected this season and it may be a couple of years or more before they begin to impress as a team. There was no inkling of Burnley's subsequent collapse when they drew 1-1 at Goodison in the second game of the season, thanks to an early goal by Thomas. But they had to wait for another 13 games before their first win against Crystal Palace-and their only other victory was at Turf Moor against fellow strugglers Forest. In their last home game they were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City on a day when goalkeeper Peter Mellor had a nightmare 90 minutes. Former Liverpool coach Tony Waiters has been called back into service to replace Mellor, but defensive weaknesses seem widespread with the concession of 42 goals in 23 games this season.  
Attention
Burnley must concentrate for the remainder of the season in trying to pull clear of relegation. But even so, I expect them to approach tomorrow's game with some of their attention on their twice-postponed F.A. Cup-tie at Oxford United, now due for Monday. They look ripe for the plucking by Everton, who can use this match as the start to the long-awaited climb in the table to a more convincing League place and the chance of Fairs Cup football next season if their European and F.A. Cup ambitions collapse on the way. Even though the underfoot conditions last Saturday did not help them to shine, Everton's all-round display was not convincing against Second Division Blackburn. There was still the problem of the midfield trio failing to hit a collective blend. Howard Kendall played splendidly, but Alan Ball and Colin Harvey were unhappy in the conditions. Control I am convinced that it is this lack of midfield control that has affected the whole rhythm of the side. Surely against a struggling side like Burnley, they will be able to dominate. Everton usually do well at Turf Moor. They have only lost once in their last six League visits there and a win tomorrow would be their third in succession on a ground where the lack of support is biting as hard as elsewhere in Lancashire—outside the boom areas of Liverpool and Manchester.

NOW DEAN JOINS THE SOCCER IMMORTALS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Bill Dean, the greatest footballer Merseyside has ever produced, has now been recognized nationally as one of the game's immortals. He is included among the first 12 names in Soccer's Hall of Fame which open in London in March. And every football fan on both banks of the Mersey will say: “It’s about time." Dean, born in Birkenhead, who began his professional career with Tranmere Rovers before moving to Everton in the mid-twenties, still holds the League scoring record with 60 goals in 1927-28.
Head-power
He scored 379 League goals in all, many of them with his head which he used with such skill and power that he is regarded as the finest English centre forward of all time by most good judges. He epitomized the old-time centre forward whose simple and one, track aim was to score goals. He was nicknamed Dixie —and never liked it-and every Dean since those days has been given the name as well. But to Merseysiders, he is Bill Dean, the local lad who remains modest and likeable when football fame on the highest level could have made him wear a larger size in hats. 

CASPER’S 8TH MINUTE SHOCK FOR BLUES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 January 1971
By Mike Charters
BURNLEY 2, EVERTON 2
Line-up; Burnley; Waiters; Angus, Nulty; Docherty, Waldron, Dobson; Thomas, Coates, Probert, West, Casper, Sub Merrington.  Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Johnson, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub; Newton (K).  Referee; Mr. J. Finney (Hereford). 
BURNLEY, fighting desperately to retain their first division place, had the incentive of an early goal by Casper against Everton at Turf Moor this afternoon. On a heavy pitch with a difficult, swirling wind, play was inclined to be scrappy but Burnley did most of the early attacking. With thousands of Everton supporters at Turf Moor the Everton team received almost as big a reception when they came out as the Burnley side. Conditions were sticky in comparison to the slip and slide of a week ago and it was Burnley who did most of the early running, earning a couple of quick corners. Johnson, who had come in for the injured Royle, made an early break, getting the ball from Harvey out of defence, but was dispossessed by Docherty. From Burnley's fifth corner, they went ahead after eight minutes through Casper. Thomas took the flag kick on the left and swung the ball across to the marked Waldron, lurking near the edge of the area. He breasted the ball down and hit a clever chip shot which beat Rankin, but Kendall headed off the line. The ball went to Casper who drove it into the net from close range.
All Burnley
When Everton set up an attack on the restart Waldron's tackle on Johnson brought him a booking. It looked as though referee Finney had also got his book out to Johnson but a the incident happened about 140 yards away from me it was difficult to confirm whether Johnson had indeed been booked. Waiters had to dive at the last moment to collect a free kick from Henry Newton but so far it had been all Burnley as their eager young men raided the Everton goal. Everton were beginning to settle into an attacking stride and Ball sent Husband down the middle with a fine pass. But Nulty came across to turn the ball away for a corner. After 18 minutes, goal-scorer Casper was helped off limping badly, but Burnley did not immediately replace him. But Merrington was on a couple of minutes later just as Ball took a free kick from which Everton nearly scored. Hurst made a high looping header from the centre which deceived Waiters in the wind but the ball struck the bar and went over. Burnley continued to win a number of corners as the Everton defenders cleared desperately and Thomas, taking them from both wings, was kept busy.
SWERVING SHOT
Henry Newton cut inside to hit a swerving shot from 20 yards which just went wide and although Everton were more in the game now than in the early stages, Waiters was rarely troubled. Coates was causing Everton problems with his ability to bring the ball out of mid-field at speed, and he just failed to find Thorns, after a fine 30 yards run. Everton's passing was inaccurate at times, but it took a good deal of strength to move the ball with any certainty through the holding mud. At this stage, the game was evenly balanced. Hurt was ticked off by referee Finney for a late tackle on Coates as the Burnley forward was ploughing through the midfield mud. There wasn't much to excite the crowd. It was a hard struggle with few movements being strung together. Everton’s players were still misjudging the strength of passes and the game generally was becoming bogged down in midfield. Just before half-time, Johnson was able to get in his first attempt at goal when he flung himself full-length to try a header from Hurst's centre.  He made contact but could only divert the ball yards wide. Seconds before half-time, Ball was booked for a tackle on Docherty—his second booking of the season. . . Johnson was trying hard to get into the game but was finding the conditions and Burnley's firm tackling a double problem he couldn't overcome. Half-time; Burnley 1, Everton 0.
As in the first half, it was Burnley who started off with more thrust than Everton. Docherty directed a fine pass inside Henry Newton for Herrington to run on to, but Rankin came out quickly and blocked the shot for a corner.
No rhythm
Everton seemed unable to find any attacking rhythm. Burnley defended competently and their young forwards moved with more purpose than Everton. Thomas showed his pace by bringing the ball from left to right before Angus turned it inside to Coates whose shot swung narrowly over the bar. Everton equalized after 52 minutes thanks to a glorious shot by Henry Newton—his first goal for the club. From a left wing corner taken by Morrissey the ball was pushed back to Newton who closed in a few yards and drove the ball right footed from 20 yards into the top corner of the net. The players were becoming bogged down in the mud understandably but Merrington stood up long enough to hit a swerving shot from 20 yards which Rankin saved brilliantly. And four minutes later, Johnson added to a remarkable debut day by putting Everton ahead with yet another fine shot. It was Wright's accurate pass down the line which found Johnson unmarked 10 yards outside the penalty area. Johnson took it on, delayed a shot or pass obviously waiting for Husband to run into position, but then decided to go it alone. He closed in and from a very narrow angle smashed the ball into the roof of the net past Waiters.
It was stamina-sapping football, but this flurry of goals had brought much more excitement for the spectators, and Burnley were staggered by the turn of events. Johnson had gained a lot of confidence from his goal. He took the ball through cleverly and his 12 yards shot struck Husband—it certainly looked on target. Everton's best player, as indeed he has been for some weeks now, was Kendall. Ball was also doing much better this half than before the interval, but midfield command rested mainly on Kendall's shoulders. It had taken Johnson 45 minutes to get into this game, but he was making a definite impression now with his pace and drive. It was all happening in this second half and Burnley equalized 11 minutes from the end through Dobson. From a right wing corner taken by Thomas, the ball went to the far side of goal where Waldron headed it back into the middle and Dobson directed a fine header over Rankin for Burnley's second goal. Johnson was only a yard wide with a shot for the winner in the last minute how well this boy played in the second half. Official attendance: 17,482.
BLUE’S VERDICT
In the mud of Turf Moor this afternoon, Everton's display really centred on the achievements of two men— Henry Newton and new box David Johnson. They each scored to put Everton on top after they had trailed to an early Burnley goal, and it was their goals scored in a four-minute spell which caused Everton to pull themselves together after a mediocre first half performance. Newton scored the first—his first for the club—with a great right foot shot from 20 yards, and Johnson put them ahead with an accurate shot from a narrow angle. It was hard going with a lot of tough tackling and Ball was booked for the second time this season.

BROWN SAVES YOUNG BLUES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 January 1971
For the first 20 minutes both teams moved the ball about well but there was little excitement as defences generally were on top. Parton had a couple of saves to make from Kenny which were not really dangerous and then Melledew put a fair shot over the bar. Everton were a little lucky not to be behind frog a Burnley corner. Bradshaw put over a longish ball which went to Wilson who neatly beat West. He passed to Ingham who let fly only to find the capable Sandy Brown standing on an otherwise empty goalline. Burnley nearly scored again when a nice drive by Brennan was well saved by West when he punched away a fast rising ball. Half-time; Everton res 0, Burnley Res 0.
Everton reserves; West; Brown, Darcy; Melledew, Kenyon, Seargeant; Kenny, Wilson (A), Lyons, Smith, Whittle, Subs; Jones (G).  Burnley Reserves; Parton; Jones, Turnnent; Bellamy, Thompson, Latcham; Bradshaw, Ingham, Wilson, Brennan, Collins, Sub; McMahon.  Referee; Mr. C.M. Steel (Carlisle). 

PUSKAS SEEKS OUT AN EVERTON WEAKNESS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 January 1971
By Mike Charters
That one - time Magyar MarveI, Ferenc Puskas, now manager of Everton's European Cup opponents Panathinaikos, believes he has discovered an Everton weakness as he starts a two month preparation for their quarter final task at Goodison. He saw Everton beat Southampton 4-1 a month ago and, ignoring the fact that Everton's form that day reached an impressive level, he said later: "I was disappointed with Everton's defence. This department of the team was not as good as I expected it to be." for the second leg on March 24. It will be an afternoon kick-off and this decision caused some local travel agents a few hectic hours this week re-arranging their flight times. Arrangements for the two-day trip for Everton fans had them arriving in Athens in mid-afternoon —20 minutes after the kick-off! He is banking on this assessment, although he was realistic enough to add that no team in Greece can match the all-round ability of English First Division teams. He was asked: “Do you rate your team better than Southampton?” He replied: “No. Greek football is not as good as in the English First Division." The three-day trips, leaving on the day before the match, are not affected. Now the departure times for the two-day trips have been brought forward a day, and the fans on these flights will return to Liverpool a few hours after the game.
Not booked
Puskas is giving his players five days to get them used to English playing conditions. They will arrive in London on the Thursday before the Goodison match on Tuesday, March 9, and they will train at Chelsea over the week-end before travelling to Liverpool the day before the game. Panathinaikos expect a capacity attendance of 30,000 at their stadium.  My apologies to Everton midfield star Howard Kendall. I wrote in this column last Saturday that he had been booked this season but this is not so. Howard told me: “I’ve been in the game ten years now and have never been booked." He is proud of that record, deservedly so—and I put Everton the record right now.  It should have read Roger Kenyon. 
Boro’s Fear
Middlesbrough skipper full back Gordon Jones has no hesitation in choosing the Everton players he fears most in the F.A Cup tie a fortnight today.  “Joe Royle is the man we’ll have to watch most of all,”” he said.  Bill gates, the man with the job of marking Royle, is under no illusions about the task.  He said; “Joe is a great player, and one whom I wouldn’t willingly choose to mark, I will do my best at Goodison and hope that will be enough.” 

THE HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 January 1971
FIRST CAPS FOR CHIVERS AND GREEN THIS YEAR
Martin Chivers (Spurs) and Tony Green (Blackpool), two players whose careers were once threatened by serious injury, could emerge as the outstanding international personalities of 1971. These forwards have made amazing comebacks after spending many months on the sidelines. I expect them to gain selection for England and Scotland respectively over the next 12 months. Their ascendancy could not have come at a more opportune time, as both countries will be involved this year in the qualifying competition for the European Nations Cup. England have Greece, Switzerland and Malta in their group, while Scotland must meet Belgium, Portugal and Denmark. Of all the powerfully built front runners throughout the English League, Chivers comes nearest to matching the all-round ability of West Ham's Geoff Hurst. As Hurst is troubled by a back injury at present, I would favour Chivers stepping into the England side for the clash against Malta next month. No player is more deserving of an International chance than Chivers. He holds more Under-23 caps than any other player, having made 17 appearances for this side between seasons 1963/64 and 1967/68. Spurs bought him from Southampton in January 1968 for £125,000, and just as he was beginning to settle down he suffered a bad knee injury. It then seemed doubtful that Chivers would play again, but he returned to Tottenham's first team last season, and scored 11 goals in 27 matches. This season, he has played a major part in his club's championship and League Cup success, and is the First Division's top scorer with 24 goals.
Big follow
At over six feet and 12 ½ stone, Chivers is remarkably nimble and well-balanced for such a big fellow. Like Hurst and Ron Davies, he also has the ideal temperament. Strikers receive more stick from opponents than any other players, which explains why so many retaliate and end up in trouble with referees. Green, a 21-years-old Glasgow-born midfield player, joined Blackpool from Albion Rovers in 1967. He was drafted into Scotland's World Cup training squad but an Achilles tendon injury put him out of the game and raised doubts about his future as a professional. He was absent throughout the entire 1969/70 campaign and came back into the Blackpool team earlier this season. One of the best displays of his career came when he scored two goals in the 4-0 F.A. cup third round victory over West Ham last Saturday. What I find most encouraging about Green is that he has managed to make a big impact on the League scene despite being at a great disadvantage physically. He is only 5ft. 6ins. but is difficult to bustle off the ball, due to his acceleration. Also he has the confidence to take the ball right up to a defender, and more often than not, leaves him in his wake swinging at thin air! Perhaps his slight build was one of the reasons why most of the clubs who wanted Green were not prepared to pay Albion Rovers the modest £12.000 they were asking for him. Some clubs tend to place too much emphasis on the physique of a player. Bigger boys generally catch the eye more in schoolboy or junior football, as they can use their power to hustle smaller lads off the ball. In contrast, a smaller boy, might be a better player when he develops the strength to express his skill. Unfortunately, this often comes too late as he is lost to the game.  Chivers and Green provide a perfect example to any young players with serious injuries. At times like these, the problem is invariably psychological rather than physical.
Fractures
I suffered a, number of injuries during my playing career at Everton, including three arm fractures. The worst, however, was damaged ankle ligaments which kept me out of the game for three months. Even when I started playing again, it took some time to regain confidence. When talking of players who have conquered physical adversity, one immediately thinks of Derby County's Dave Mackay, who twice broke his leg with Spurs but, at the age of 35, is still going strong in League football. There is an even more remarkable case. How many readers remember Billy Linaker? He was Manchester City's outside right just after the war and went on to have a spell with Middlesbrough. They called him "Leges Linaker" because he continued in League football after THREE leg fractures. 

POSTBAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 09 January 1971
Sir Alf talks about Everton
I had the enlightening experience of sitting opposite Sir Alf Ramsey in a train recently. The merits of local players were discussed. I suggested that he may have, in the past, awarded a full cap to Colin Harvey. His reply indicated that although Harvey was a fine player, like Peter Thompson, he cannot score goals. This highlights the failings in a department where Everton were once strong. Ball has dried up as a scorer, and Kendall has been too pre-occupied in covering uncertainties in the middle of the defence.  But Henry Newton is a mid-field player who can score goals. He could help to remedy this deficiency by playing in Ball's role and pushing up Ball to lend more support to Royle. Typical of a puzzling Everton set-up is the role of Whittle. Here is a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles, a player as lethal in the penalty box as any, and be is played wide on the wing. Surely Catterick did not pay 150,000 for another full-back. Whittle can do himself, and the team, greater justice by taking the weight off Royle and move inside in his natural position. — Michael D. Ross, 52 Glendyke Road, Allerton, L18 9Th.
 Other Everton fans are puzzled as well
WEAKNESS
After paying 15s for last Saturdays Everton- Blackburn game, I was most disappointed with Everton's display. The obvious weakness was again present—Royle not taking, at least, three easy chances. When will the manager make some change in this position? In the last six games—home and away- I have seen Royle miss chances in each game. Is he the only player on Everton books who can play centre forward? There are other positions which need a close inspection, because a team of Everton's standard should have been capable greasy of ground.—J Hamblet, 78 South Liverpool Road, Litherland.  
These conditions made normally skillful players look ordinary.
CONCERNED
I am convinced that Liverpool supporters are more concerned about Everton than they are about their own team. Week after week we read, in the Football Echo, their letters worrying about what Catterick has said. Everton's affairs have nothing to do with Kopites, so the sooner they realize this the better.—Les Davies, 45 Gladstone Street, Birkenhead.
This is partisanship in depth.

HOW DAVID TOOK HIS BIG CHANCE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 11 January 1971
By Mike Charters
An exciting new figure emerged on the Everton scene on Saturday . . . 18-yearsold centre forward David Johnson, whose growing and glowing promise I have referred to several times this season. Manager Harry Catterick made it clear after Johnson had scored a goal on his first team debut at Burnley in the 2-2 draw that this Liverpool-born boy was going to play an increasingly important part in the senior squad. He would not commit himself that Johnson would be found a regular spot in the first team, but in the long term Johnson looks certain to press his claims so strongly that he will prove himself yet another winner from the youth policy assembly line. In swamp-like conditions at Turf Moor, Johnson made an unhappy start by being booked within 10 minutes. He had attempted to retaliate after being badly fouled by Burnley centre half Waldron both were booked. This affected his confidence in the first half, but subsequently he showed the pace, thrust and ability to beat 'a man in the penalty area which have raised him from the obscurity of reserve team football. I have never heard Catterick praise a debut day youngster quite so highly as he did Johnson, a former Liverpool Schools inside right. He told me: “This boy went on to the field as an unknown. In 90 minutes, he put himself in the £30,000 class. Who can say what he'll be worth after another half a dozen games. “We have spent a lot of time and effort on Johnson since his school days in building up his physique and strength, and improving his ability to take knocks which a striker gets in every game. What pleased me most was the fact that he created six or seven shooting chances for himself. “Joe Royle makes about two a month, relying mainly on his heading ability for his goals. It will do Joe good to have a rival for his position now. Joe tends to be a little complacent. "Although Johnson is a fine header of the ball, and good near goal, he hasn't yet got the ability to win the ball in the air in midfield as Royle can in building up attacks.  We will be working on this. "I think our youth policy has paid off again with Johnson. I was delighted with his display, particularly in such difficult playing conditions." Royle is only three years older than Johnson. So Everton are now in the happy position of having a brilliant young centre-forward in Royle, holder of ten Under-23 caps and on the fringe of senior selection by Sir Alf Ramsey, with Johnson emerging dramatically as a con-tender for Royle's No. 9 Everton shirt and pushing him hard. And what about Johnson's reactions to the Turf Moor excitement? In a word—" tired!" He told me, shortly after the game: "I've never felt so tired in my life. The pace of the game was so much stronger than what lye been used to, and what with all the mud we had to run through, in the last ten minutes I was licked." I asked him to describe his goal which put Everton ahead early in the second half. He said: “When I got the ball down the right from Tommy Wright's pass, I was in the clear but a couple of Burnley players were coming at me.” I took the ball on towards the penalty area-I didn't see one of the Burnley men again. As I got just inside the area, Dobson came towards me to tackle. “I intended to cross the ball towards the far post, but I couldn't see anybody to pass to, I hesitated—it seemed an age—and then decided to have a go myself, beat Dobson, taking the ball to my right and this narrowed the angle, I just looked up for a fraction, saw a gap between Waiters and the line and hit the ball with my right foot. It went high into the far corner—l just couldn't believe it.' I asked him about two other shots he made in a bid for Everton's winner, late in the game. One struck Jimmy Husband, the other went just wide of the far post. He was frank enough. He said: "I was so overwhelmed by that time with tiredness and excitement that I just can't remember what happened to those shots."
BALL, ROYLE MISS TRAINING
Alan Ball and Joe Royle, two of four Everton players picked for England's squad training in London to-morrow, will not attend. Royle is still suffering from an ankle injury which kept him out of the game with Burnley while Ball pulled a muscle on Saturday and reported unfit to-day. Brian Labone and Colin Harvey, free from injury, will report to Sir Alf Ramsey later to-day. Geoff Hurst, who has not played for West Ham for a month because of a back injury, has also withdrawn along with Brian Kidd and David Sadler of Manchester United.

BALL FINDS HIS RHYTHM AND IT’S THE REAL EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 11 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Let us look beyond the immediate drama of the exciting first team debut of 18-yearsold centre forward David Johnson for Everton at Burnley on Saturday. In the heaviest playing conditions of the season, with mud ankle-deep down the middle, Everton were like the old Everton for the last 45 minutes. Henry Newton played his part with a glorious shot early in the second half for Everton's equalizer  Casper had put Burnley ahead after only eight minutes. Johnson played his part with his debut day goal four minutes after Newton's pile-driver.
Menacing
But the biggest part of all came from Ball, with the best 45 minutes' football he has revealed for months. Once again, he showed that when he finds the mood and his driving rhythm, Everton raise their all-round game. In the first half, Burnley had deserved to be in the lead. Coates and Thomas ran hard and menacingly through the mud and gave a hardworking Everton defence a lot of trouble. Burnley's defence, with Waldron and Dobson competent in the middle, looked composed and capable of holding an Everton whose midfield efforts were bogged down in the mud through inaccurate passing and lack of thrust. Ball had rarely been seen apart from being booked for a tackle on Docherty just before the interval. It had been the in-form Kendall who had kept Everton plugging away, with Husband trying his hardest and best as a one-man attack. Johnson, shattered temporarily by being booked after an attempted retaliation on Waldron, who was also booked for his tackle on the youngster, had raced around trying to make an impact. But Burnley were in command of a match played under trying conditions of deep mud and a boisterous, Crossfield wind.
Equaliser
Newton gave Everton the spur they needed with his equaliser. Ball, suddenly and with electrifying effect, began to spray accurate passes from midfield, ably aided by Kendall. It was Everton playing with determination and skill, who whipped the game away from Burnley. Ball was everywhere, driving his team on and they responded with exciting and powerful football. Husband nearly settled it with a diving header from Ball's cross, Waiters was lucky to save from Kendall, Johnson went close with two more shots.  Everton looked as though they had both points wrapped up until Dobson headed a shock equaliser from a corner 11 minutes from the end Johnson, who had played so well in the second half, went back to mark Waldron for the corner, but he could not find the energy to leap with the Burnley centre half, who headed the ball back for Dobson to head it home. Put this down to Johnson's inexperience and the fact that he had played himself out in an attacking role which was what he was there for anyway. No one blamed him, but the Incident will be discussed, for his future benefit, in tactical talks this week. Over the whole game, a draw was a fair result. But it was heartening to see Ball play himself out of the doldrums of recent weeks, and also to see the team's response to his promptings. It was a hard, tough game in the mud, which dominated everything. On this form, Burnley could still pull themselves clear of relegation danger, for they have such fine young players in Thomas, Coates, West and Nulty. Everton will hope that they found themselves again with that second half display.
RESERVES SPOT
Sandy Brown worked like a Trojan to get Everton Reserves moving, but a defensive-minded Burnley reserve negative most of it, to produce a goalless draw.  Steve Melledew, at half-back, looks much more promising there and his accurate shooting gave the visitors some nasty moments.  Centre half Roger Kenyon had a good game, as did Alan Wilson, but Mick Lyons back at centre-forward, ran up against experience, leaving Alan Whittle with too much to do to achieve anything. 

LET’S GIVE HARRY CATTERICK A CHANCE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 12 January 1971
In this column in the last few weeks, the Everton team have been getting pulled apart by so-called supporters. Now the attacks are starting on manager Catterick. At the start of the season, Everton stood a chance of three major trophies. Half way through the season they are still in two of them. Surely the time to criticize the manager is when he's unsuccessful. The season is not finished yet! The directors pay Mr. Catterick a salary of around £10,000 a year. For my money he earns every penny of it. He's had the football brain and backing for the last seven years to be very successful for Everton. With a team as exciting and as young as Everton, success doesn't go sour overnight.—R. Barker, 3 Talbotville Road, Liverpool 13.
After Everton's feeble recent performances in the League and Cup, this would be my team: Rankin; Wright Newton Labone, Brown; Newton (H), Harvey, Kendall; Morrissey, Royle, Husband. I leave out Ball because it's obvious he needs a rest. I would drop Hurst as well.—D. L. Collins, Dawstone Road, Heswall.

NEW BOY JOHNSON MAY GET CALL-UP
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 14 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton fans will be waiting anxiously to know if 19-years-old David Johnson, the centre forward who made such an exciting debut at Burnley last Saturday, will be in the team to play Chelsea at Goodison on Saturday. If he plays, I reckon he will boost the gate by 5,000 for what is already a very attractive fixture against the Cup-holders, one of the most entertaining teams in the country. Fans love a new boy and they will be keen to see how Liverpool-born Johnson shapes at home against a side of Chelsea's strength. The chances of Johnson playing rest on fitness tests to Joe Royle and Alan Ball, who have been under treatment this week.  Royle dropped out at Burnley with an ankle injury received in training; Ball pulled a thigh muscle at Turf Moor if both are fit, I don't think manager Harry Catterick will play Johnson against Chelsea.
Delighted
He was delighted with Johnson's display at Burnley but regards him as a long-term prospect, although Johnson will now be the automatic choice if Royle is injured. If Royle fails a test tomorrow, Johnson will plays.  And if Royle plays and Ball doesn't, there must be a chance that a place will be found for Johnson in a supporting role for Royle. Catterick made it clear to me that Johnson had stepped out of reserve team class with the splendid way he took his chance last Saturday. But no one should get the impression that Johnson is going to push Royle out of his place once the England Under 23 centre-forward is fit. Royle is No. 1 and Catterick sees Johnson as a rapidly-improving youngster who can develop into a regular first-teamer in time.
Recall
Keith Newton could get a recall to the first team on Saturday, establishing a namesake partnership with Henry at full back. I understand that Catterick could decide to rest Tommy Wright, who has not been at his best.

JOHNSON STANDS BY FOR CHELSEA GAME
Liverpool Echo - Friday 15 January 1971
By Mike Charters 
Everton centre forward Joe Royle has been having treatment twice a day all week for the ankle injury which kept him out of last Saturday's game at Burnley. It is still touch-and-go whether he will be fit for to-morrow's match with Chelsea at Goodison. Manager Harry Catterick said: “Joe has improved steadily each day but I may decide not to risk him to-morrow in view of our Cup-tie next week. “If there is the slightest doubt after his fitness test, I will leave him out. In that case, David Johnson would play in the No. 9 shirt." This confirms Johnson's place as the automatic deputy for Royle after the youngster's fine debut at Turf Moor. Skipper Alan Ball, who dropped out of the England training squad this week with Royle, has recovered from a thigh strain suffered at Burnley.
Problem
But left back Henry Newton has also been having treatment this week. He received a kick behind the knee in the Burnley game and has been feeling some pain from it, although it has not prevented him from training normally. Catterick believes Newton will be all right, but the decision between Royle and Johnson will not be made until tomorrow. The Everton chief will not commit himself on the outcome of the problem he has been toying with all week—the return of Keith Newton to form a full back partnership with Henry Newton. This would mean resting Tommy Wright. Both are in the squad and a decision will be made tomorrow. Catterick named 14 players from whom selection will be made, Royle had a test this morning, but the Everton chief gave no hint of how he had reacted from it. “It will be sorted out tomorrow," he added. Everton: Rankin; (from) Wright, Newton (K.), Newton (H.), Brown; Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Johnson, Hurst, Morrissey. Chelsea will be without their long throw expert, Ian Hutchinson, who has been out injured for a couple of weeks and is not yet fit.

KEITH HASN’T ASKED TO GO SAYS CHIEF
Liverpool Echo - Friday 15 January 1971
By Mike Charters
EVERTON manager Harry Catterick has not received a transfer request from his World Cup full back Keith Newton. And he added: "If I do get one, the answer is no. All the players of the first team pool have been told that transfer requests will get short shrift from me. The club honours the players' contracts the players are expected to do the same. “Reports to-day that Newton has been to see me to discuss a transfer are incorrect. During the week, players discuss many things with me. I expect them to do that. “If players are out of the first team, I would expect them to fight to regain their place. There is nothing like competition for keeping a player on top form." Having had much personal success in Mexico with the England team, Newton must feel unsettled that he cannot regain a place in the Everton limelight after playing in the first 15 games of the season. He lost his place after being injured in the game at West Bromwich on October 31. But there is a good chance he will find himself back in the side to-morrow against Chelsea at Goodison. Catterick has been considering resting Tommy Wright to allow Newton to play in his best position at right back as partner to namesake Henry, as I said yesterday. Newton last played in the first team against Spurs on November 28. He has been substitute four times since then, and his only appearance on the field was against Liverpool at Anfleld when he came on in the second half to replace the injured Howard Kendall.

MIDFIELD KEY TO VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Friday 15 January 1971
ALAN BALL CAN SPARK DEFEAT OF CHELSEA
By Mike Charters
Chelsea, who have done so much this season in the surge of London clubs to end Northern dominance, visit Goodison tomorrow for what should be one of the most attractive games of the season. Chelsea proved they were not going to stand by and watch Northern clubs win everything by the way they beat Leeds United in the Cup Final replay last season. They have carried on in similar fashion this season with Arsenal and Spurs their partners in the London revival. Although Chelsea have only won once in their last six visits to Goodison, they are such a strong and entertaining side that they will fancy their chances of beating an Everton side struggling to find consistent form. There were signs in the mud of Turf Moor last Saturday, when Alan Ball suddenly hit his stride in the second half, that it would not take much to get Everton clicking again. But no one can be optimistic that they are playing well enough to beat a side with such talent as Chelsea. This will be the third time they have met this season, starting with Everton's Charity Shield victory at Stamford Bridge, with a 2-2 draw a few weeks later in the League. Those who saw Everton win so convincingly in the pre-season Shield game will be amazed at the way the team's fortunes in the League have switched. Everton played so well that day that few could have anticipated them holding a mid-table position while Chelsea established themselves in the leading group. But Chelsea have added steel to their skill, and they have only lost twice away this season. It will need a resurgent Everton, with a 90-minute performance at their best, to prevent the Londoners taking at least a point. Chelsea are very strong in midfield with John Hollins and Charlie Cooke the stars. Up front they have the strong running and shooting power of Keith Weller, who has been an outstanding success since his transfer from wall, the artistry of Peter Osgood, plus the all-round strength of Tommy Baldwin and Peter Houseman.
Formidable
They are a formidable attacking side, but they sometimes look suspect at the back. Although goalkeeper Peter Bonetti can be brilliant on his day, he is not consistent and the defensive line can be opened down the middle. But, taken all round, they are one of the finest teams in the country, mixing skill with strength and pace, organized by one of the best tacticians in the business in manager Dave Sexton. It should be a fascinating game.
Bookings
A drop in form by the midfield men has been principally responsible for Everton's slump this season, although it must be said that Howard Kendall has been consistency good for weeks now. 
To-morrow's game can be won and lost in midfield and if Ball can resume where he left oft at Turf Moor, he could be the key to Everton getting a grip on the game. Much rests on his shoulders but he must beware, with two booking against him this season of getting into trouble with the referee. Whether the menace of a third booking will affect his performance remains to be seen. But you can be sure that Everton's overall display will depend much on how their skipper plays.

CHEERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 January 1971
Everton aiming for repeat Shield win
The first toasts to success in the seventies rang out from Goodison Park and Stamford Bridge last spring as Everton and Chelsea became the first clubs to capture the major trophies of the new decade. In April, Everton clinched the First Division title to become the Champions. A month later Chelsea finally denied Leeds a trophy with their F.A. Cup Final replay win at Old Trafford. And now, for the third time since then, they clash again, this time at Goodison Park. Their first clash was at Stamford Bridge on the Saturday before the season opened with soccer's traditional curtain-raiser, the Charity Shield. Everton put on a super-show to win the shield 2-1, with goals from Howard Kendall and Alan Whittle. Little more than two weeks later they were back at Stamford Bridge again for the first of the two League games between the teams this season. This time, goals from Joe Royle and Jimmy Husband helped Everton gain a point from a 2-2 draw. And Joe Royle is the man Everton are looking to to-day to complete their superiority over Chelsea this season. In his seven previous jousts with the Londoners, Joe has scored five times, to make him a man Chelsea fear.
Goal famine
Joe has not had such a goal-filled time this season as he has enjoyed in the two previous campaigns, but he could end to-day his goal famine which stretches back to the two goals he got against Southampton at the beginning of December. Undoubtedly the visit of Chelsea is one of the most attractive fixtures at Goodison Park this season as Chelsea are in the top five and playing well. The signing of Keith Weller from Millwall for £100,000 has been a good piece of business by manager Dave Sexton, for Weller has already leapt to the top of the Chelsea scoring list with 11 League goals this season. Peter Osgood, has scored only four goals in the League this season while Ian Hutchinson, who is out injured at the moment, has not been able to hit the scoring form of last season either. Generally, Chelsea's attack has not found the same penetration that established it as one to be feared last season, and the 32 League goals they have scored so far don't really do justice to some of the fine football they play, prompted by the elegant John Hollins In midfield. With the Everton defence also lacking some of its former strength and with Chelsea also vulnerable at the back, the prospects of a few goals this afternoon are good. Chelsea, together with Spurs and Arsenal are leading the London challenge for honours this season and should provide Goodison fans with an attractive match.
The Goodison Line-up
Everton; Rankin; Wright/Newton (K), Newton (H); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle/Johnson, Hurst, Morrissey.  Chelsea; Bonetti; Boyle, Harris; Hollins, Dempsey, Hinton; Weller, Baldwin, Osgood, Hudson/Cooke, Houseman. 

IT’S THE EVERTON SPECTACULAR
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 January 1971
EVERTON 3 CHELSEA 0
By Mike Charters
Line-up; Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub; Brown.  Chelsea; Bonetti; Boyle, Harris; Hollins, Dempsey, Hinton; Cooke, Baldwin, Osgood, Hudson, Houseman, Sub; Weller.  Referee; Mr. H. Davy (Mansfield). 
Everton gave their confidence a great boost a week before their F.A. Cup-tie against Middlesbrough by hitting their best form for months against Chelsea at Goodison this afternoon. Spectacular goals by Husband and Henry Newton gave them a 2 goal lead at half-time and their all-round display had the crowd in raptures. With Chelsea also showing their quality, it was a game to savour. Everton had Royle back after missing last week's game at Burnley while Chelsea had their 100,000 winger Weller as substitute. Everton began briskly with some neat work along the line. Newton earned a corner when his shot was partially blocked by Dempsey and from Ball's kick Hoyle found Bonetti. Everton had an indirect free kick in the Chelsea penalty area when Boyle obstructed Morrissey.  Morrissey's free kick was cleared to Kendall whose first time shot swung over the bar. Everton had settled down quickly into really bright form and they translated it into a brilliant goal from Husband after eight minutes it was a flowing move from defence into attack. Hurst brought the ball out of his own penalty area and slipped a great pass down the middle to Harvey. From there, it was slipped out to the right wing where Ball found Husband on the edge of the Chelsea area with a great pass.
No chance
Husband chested the ball down and gave Bonnetti no chance with a fierce shot into the roof of the net. On the restart, Baldwin had the ball in the Everton net but had clearly handled in getting possession, and the linesman saw him do it. This was an exhilarating start by Everton and the crowd rose to one of the best goals seen on the ground this season. Chelsea showed their quality with a fine move down the right and Baldwin cleverly slipped the ball to the far side of goal where Harris had made a lot of ground to get into position, but Kendall came across quickly and headed away.
Perfect move
This was a match full of quality football. Osgood and Baldwin linked in a perfect one-two move which was only spoiled by Baldwin's inaccurate shot as the finishing touch. In this match of high excitement Rankin reproduced his "German" save to prevent Chelsea equalizing from a penalty after 19 minutes. This came when Hurst handled the ball after Osgood had beaten three men brilliantly in a tight dribble. There was a delay before Osgood took the penalty so that Kendall could have treatment for an injury. Osgood tried a low shot to Rankin's right but Rankin dived and held it safely. The crowd rose to him but a couple of minutes later, the Everton keeper was beaten by Osgood's header from Cooke's free kick but the ball struck the upright and bounced away safely. This was a great match and Chelsea were playing as well as Everton had in the opening ten minutes. Osgood's artistry on the ball was outstanding and he inspired a number of good looking Chelsea attacks. Ball had found his touch and was spraying accurate passes. From one of them, Morrissey made an accurate centre which beat Bonetti and Husband almost made contact. After half an hour, Osgood was booked for a tackle from behind on Ball. Ball protested that the tackle didn't warrant it but referee Davey waved away all protests.  After 35 minutes, Everton increased their lead with another spectacular goal which had the crowd screaming in appreciation. In an all-out attack, Kendall's shot struck Ball and bounced away for Newton to race 20 yards and hit it in full stride from 25 yards. The low shot carried so much power that although Bonetti got a hand to it, the ball went through his arms and rolled just over the line before Bonetti could retrieve it.
Best for months
Everton were delighting the fans with their all-round display their best for months with the midfield trio getting a grip on Chelsea which the London side, even playing as well as they were, could not break. Just before half-time, Husband, as busy and thrustful as he has ever been, volleyed a shot just over the bar and Everton came off at the Interval to a standing ovation from the fans. They deserved it.
Half-time.—Everton 2, Chelsea 0.
Everton were varying their attacks well. Most of them came with intricate build-up, as Ball and Kendall controlled midfield but they also used the more direct attack and mixed them well. Hollins was unable to keep a check on Ball who was back displaying all his old zest and fire. Husband spoiled a fine run by a weak final pass and when Everton cleared the ball, he set off on a 40-yard touchline dash, finishing with a centre to Royle, who headed over the bar. Everton coolly fought off a spell of Chelsea pressure and came back with some fine work from Morrissey, which ended with Kendall trying a first-time shot but sent the ball yards wide. Husband having his best game of the season, made a neat pass to Royle who tried a first time shot but was again wide. Hurst came up to link in a fine move with Ball and Boyle. But he was just off balance for Royle's chipped pass and could get no power on to his header. Everton were in comfortable command, playing well within themselves. The only threat from Chelsea for some time came when Houseman tried a snap shot from the edge of the area which was narrowly wide. With 16 minutes to go, Chelsea substituted Weller for Baldwin. There hadn't been much goalmouth action this half but at this point, Bonetti had to go full length to clutch Kendall's fierce shot. Osgood, Chelsea's best forward, went up well for Cooke's centre but headed wide and at the other end, Bonetti had to scramble to grab a header from Royle. Newton had had a splendid game in an Everton defence which played strongly while Kendall maintained the fine form he has shown for weeks. Everton produced another brilliant made move to get their third goal five minutes from the end. From the halfway line Husband sent the ball down the left wing where Harvey made 40 yards to get possession on the line. He crossed accurately to Ball, who back-headed it into the goalmouth and Royle side-footed it past Bonetti. Official attendance: 43,648.
Blues' verdict
ALAN BALL back to his brilliant best inspired Everton to their best display for months against Chelsea. Ball's accurate passing and his midfield command generally was the major factor in a game of high quality very high in the first half but not quite so thrilling afterwards.  Husband also played brilliantly but the whole team moved with command and certainty which mast put them in great heart for their F.A. Cup-tie next week. Chelsea also played well, particularly in the first half when they might have had three goals but Rankin's brilliant save from Osgood's penalty took much of the edge off their play.

EVERY MANAGER DISCIPLINES HIS PLAYERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 January 1971
MOORE AND BEST ARE NOT ISLOATED CASES
Say Harry Catterick
During my managerial career at Everton, there have been 10 occasions when I have had to discipline a player because he has broken club rules. Every manager I know has had to do the same. I make the point to show that the cases of Bobby Moore and George Best are by no means as isolated as some people might imagine. Moore was fined by West Ham, along with three other players after spending the eve of the club's F.A. Cup third round tie at a Blackpool night club. Later the Hammers were beaten 4-0. Best was suspended by Manchester United after missing a training session and the team train to London before their League fixture at Chelsea. Most managers are able to keep such misdemeanors quiet, but this was not possible in the case of Moore and Best. Let's get one thing straight, I don't condone the actions of these personalities for they have not only let themselves down, but their colleagues who have played such a big part in elevating them to the position they enjoy today.
Temptations
At the same time, it is pointless to hold up one's hands in horror at these occasional disciplinary lapses by players. We live in a permissive society and professional footballers are confronted by more temptations than people in other walks of life.  Due to abolition of the maximum wage, and the growth of commercial involvement in the sport, the professional to-day enjoys the adulation and the financial rewards of show business personalities.  One would think that, with the prospect of earning between £100 and £2OO a week from soccer, footballers should not need any persuasion to build their lives around the game. It is not as simple as that if you're earning a lot of money from outside interests. In that situation, it is only his human nature for one's priorities to become confused at times. The problems of star players earning big sums of money is not confined to Britain. In the Latin countries, like Italy for example, managers are forced to govern with an iron fist to ensure their players’ minds are kept solely on the game. During the season, it is not unusual for a team to spend most of the week preparing for a match, locked away in some remote mountain retreat. It was this Spartan approach to the game which prompted personalities like Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law to return to England from Italy during the early 1960s. I hate to admit it, but I can foresee the day when a similarly strict control over players might have to be implemented in English football. I cannot help wondering whether the way soccer is played nowadays is another reason why players find it difficult to give 100 per cent, commitment. During my footballing career, the battle for success was not nearly as ruthless as it is to-day. Maybe more important, players were allowed to express themselves more.

NO BAN, BUT EVERTON WARN ON SMOKING
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 January 1971
By Mike Charters
NO Everton manager Harry Catterick does not impose a ban on smoking by his players. The recent medical report on the effects of smoking has not brought any change in his approach to this problem. He told me, "Of our staff of about 40, including apprentices, only about five smoke. Every boy who joins our staff is warned that athletes should not smoke. We do not allow anyone to smoke at Bellefield, either before, during or after training sessions. "There is a complete ban on smoking in our Bellefield building which houses dressing rooms, administrative offices, dining room and recreation room. “When the report came out recently, it gave the coaching staff a chance to reiterate our warning. A non-smoking athlete is always fitter than an athlete who smokes ... this is hammered home to them. "I don't go around waving the big stick at my players. But they are left in no doubt that we would prefer them not to smoke because it can affect them as athletes."
Royle run ended
The ankle injury which cost centre forward Joe Royle his Everton place at Burnley last week ended a three-figure run of consecutive appearances a tribute to his consistency and fitness. Before the Burnley game, the last League match he missed was at West Ham on May 11, 1968. The week after that he played in the F.A. Cup Final against West Bromwich and it started a run of 128 consecutive games. This is made up of 108 League games and 20 Cup-ties F.A. Cup, League Cup and European Cup. He was an ever-present in the last two seasons. Now the only ever-present this season is Howard Kendall.
Dai settles down
The Everton manager saw his latest recruit, goalkeeper Dai Davies, play well in the Under-23 international between Wales and Scotland at Swansea this week. He said. "It was a fine game, and although Davies did not have a lot to do, whatever came his way was dealt with capably. I was pleased with his form, which has been excellent in his games with our Central League side. He is settling down well." Davies, a keen young man very anxious to succeed in the top class, has been doing extra training in the afternoons. It would be no surprise if he gets a first team chance later in the season.  Catterick said the international gave him a chance to see a number of young Scottish players of whom he has had reports, plus several in the Welsh team from clubs in the West Country. "It always valuable to keep up to date on these boys," he said. “The journey was well worthwhile.' But if he has earmarked any of them as future Everton material, he is keeping his judgment to himself at the moment. The bookings of Alan Ball and David Johnson at Burnely last week cost Everton six places in the Ford Sporting League. They are now 76th, having collected 50 deductions for disciplinary action.

POSTBAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 January 1971
NOW THEN, EVERTON FANS, LET’S HEAR THE GOODISON ROAR
Edited by Mike Charters
Everton have a could - not - care less attitude. There's no enthusiasm—they play as Individuals and, on top of that, there's no encouragement from their supporters. If it was not for the loyal band at the Gwladys Street end, the ground would be like a morgue. I am sure the Everton players miss this encouragement. What makes Liverpool tick? The noise, the roar of their crowd. Whether Liverpool play well or badly, their loyal crowd are behind them. They don't accept defeat until the final whistle —that's the difference between the clubs. The Liverpool players are inspired. Now, you Everton supporters, let us hear that Goodison roar again. — Bill Evans, 56 Haggerston Road, Liverpool 4.
 It would certainly delight the players.
Time to rest Ball
The news of Ball's second booking at Burnley strengthens my view that not only has the time come to rest him, but to retire him from the captaincy. And I am not a Ball-baiter, Catterick-kicker. Husband-hater or anything like that. After resting Ball and putting Henry Newton in his place (with Labone restored -to the captaincy), put Ball at outside right to partner Newton. -Ball is a brilliant player but a brilliant player does not necessarily make a good captain. The poor showing of virtually the same team which walked away with the Championship can only be ascribed to the change of captaincy, in my opinion. If, after a necessary rest, Ball returns, the team improves and he shows himself to be a real captain, I'm pre, pared to eat my words.— A.J1. Higgins, 5 Kaigh Avenue, Liverpool 23.
Any indigestion tablets hand.
Midfield problems
I am writing on behalf of five other Everton season ticket holders and myself, who are concerned with the poor displays this season. The problems all come from midfield. Harvey rarely passes the ball forward and Ball will not take the man on in the penalty box with only one defender between him and goal. Why are Everton so poor with throw-ins, free kicks and corners? We would like to ask Mr. Catterick why he paid £80,000 for Keith Newton and £150,000 for Henry Newton and plays them both out of position? The team we feel that may improve the situation is: West or Rankin; K. Newton, D'Arcy or Brown: Kendall, Labone, and H. Newton: Husband, Johnson, Royle, Kenyon, Morrissey. We feel that Everton are nearly back where they were seven seasons ago struggling. S. J Cotterill 9 Park View, Drury, Buckley, Flints.
Seven years ago they had just won the Championship.
LACK OF HEIGHT
In many matches this season the Arsenal game in particular, Everton have failed because of lack of height all round.  Royle has proved his effectiveness alongside Kidd, of Manchester United. The Newton transfer fee could have been offered, plus Ball for Kidd. West should be brought back into the side and an offer made for McFarland, of Derby County. Everton should have stepped in for this class player four years ago when he was at Tranmere.—J. Farnworth. 28 Orchard Road, Birkenhead.
United would not sell Kidd at any price.
Playing too deep
I think that better use can be made of the players in the Everton first team squad. Ball is wasted playing so deep, as is Harvey in his attacking role. Ball is a goal scorer and, with Royle, Morrissey and Whittle or Husband, he would cause havoc to any defence. Harvey is much more valuable playing deeper. Defensively there aren't many problems, but I'd like to see Keith Newton at right back with Henry at left back. M. Adams, 97 Stairhaven Road, Liverpool 19.
This could happen sooner than you think.

YOUNG BLUES PAY FOR ERROR
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 January 1971
Preston’s best chance in the opening stages came when Irvine harassed Davies, as he caught a dangerous high centre from Lamb, but the centre forward was penalized for a foul.  Kenny ought to have done better than shoot well wide with a clear sight of goal, but he improved with his next effort-a raking centre which Blyth judged well, and punched to safely.  With Everton lacking penetration, Preston pulled through two rallies without undue alarm, except when Melledew put Lyons clean through, but the striker missed his way by taking the ball too far forward.  North End continued to give a spirited display, and deserved the lead taken after 32 minutes.  Davies first tipped over a powerful shot by Lloyd, and from the corner, Lloyd scored in a goalmouth scramble, helped by Irvine bustling Davies.  Newton protested the keeper had bene fouled.  Half-time; Preston N.E Res 1, Everton res nil.
Teams; Preston North End Reserves;- Blyth (T); Patrick, Ritchie; Blyth (L), Baxter, Scholfield, Lamb, Bruce, Irvine, Lloyd, Hughes, Sub; Grace.  Everton Reserves;- Davies; Newton, Darcy; Melledew, Kenyon, Sergereant; Kenny, Wilson, Lyons, Smith, Whittle, Sub; Scott.  Referee; Mr. R.N. Perkin (Stafford). 

EVERTON WATCH IRISH DUE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 18 January 1971
By Chris James
Irish starlets Martin O'Neill and Martin Donnelly of Distillery have come under Everton's scouting microscope. The Goodison club sent chief scout Harry Cooke to Belfast at the weekend, where he saw 18-years-old O'Neill and his club-mate 20 - years - old Donnelly star in Distillery's 3-0 win over Glenavon. O'Neill burst on the Irish soccer scene only this season and scored twice in the match. If Everton decide to move in. they can expect competition from several other leading English clubs and the asking price is likely to be about £25,000.

GOODISON HEERS AS BALL BOOSTS BLUES
Liverpool Echo - Monday 18 January 1971
By Mike Charters
When Alan Ball buzzes, Everton excel, I referred to this vital factor in the Everton way of things last week when Ball rallied Everton in the second half at Burnley. At Goodison, on Saturday, against a Chelsea side which played a lot of classy football, Ball regained all his old zest, fire and accuracy to guide Everton to their best win of the season. It has been many weeks since the Everton fans had something to get excited about, but the quality of last season came back to Goodison with this tremendous 3-0 victory. Spectacular goals, a hunger for the ball and skill in using it against a top-class opposition, made up for some of the disappointment that Everton fans have experienced recently. They outplayed Chelsea at times, although the London side could have had three goals themselves in the first half—the best 45 minutes I've seen this season.
Outshadowed
The game lost some of its fire after the interval, as Everton played within themselves to hold on to their two-goal lead. But they still stroked the ball around with supreme confidence and expert touch. If the Chelsea forwards had been able to give Osgood some help. Chelsea might have salvaged something from this game. His control and artistry were outstanding and out shadowed the fact that he had a penalty brilliantly saved by Rankin and was rather harshly booked for a foul on Ball. The Everton skipper thought that Osgood's tackle from behind did not justify a booking; there were other tackles of similar intensity which did not cause the book to be brought out.
Majesty
Other features of satisfaction for Everton were the improved performance of the defence. Henry Newton was the star here, but Wright also came back to play with more confidence and certainty than he has done for some time. Labone and Hurst were sound and steady, while Rankin revived memories of his penalty save against Moenchen Gladbach which put Everton through to the quarter final of the European Cup. He "read" Osgood's kick perfectly to dive to his right and hold the low shot the turning point of the game. At that stage, Everton had taken the lead with a Husband goal which deserved to be put on film for the majesty of its creation and the power of its finish. Hurst brought the ball out of defence, slipping a couple of tackles. He passed to Harvey, who transferred to Ball on the right wing. Ball produced one of his many inch-perfect passes into the middle for Husband to breast the ball down and crack it right-footed past Bonetti. Husband went on to give his best display of the season, and there can be no doubt that, in this form, he brings fire and purpose to Everton's attack. If Osgood had scored from the penalty, the game could have swung either way because Chelsea were in great form at that stage. But the Chelsea leader had a header turned off the line by Harvey, on to the post and away, before Newton stepped up with his second goal in successive matches. He must have one of the hardest shots in the game. From 25 yards out, he struck the ball with such stunning power that Bonetti could not hold it, and the ball rolled just over the line.
Finesse
Everton then coasted home, holding Chelsea's lukewarm attacks comfortably and producing a final thrust of finesse near the end for the third goal. It was made by Harvey, who ran 50 yards to collect Husband's pass down the left. He crossed to Ball, a back header from the skipper and there was Royle to run in and side-foot the ball into the net.  This put the seal on the sort of Everton display which we accepted as standard a year ago. We have seen nothing like it from them this season apart from the game against the Germans. The class and power they showed on Saturday should do much to boost their confidence. The old midfield command was back with Ball getting skilled assistance from Kendall and Harvey. It all stemmed from there, and they could be running into their best form just in time to make giant strides in the Cups—both of them.

MELIA SIGNS EVERTON YOUNGSTER
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Aldershot manager Jimmy Melia has moved into home territory to snap up a young Everton defender and clinched the signing this afternoon. When Melia was in town three weeks ago for his club's Cup-tie against his old team Liverpool, local contacts told him about the ability of 21-years-old Harry Bennett, another Liverpool-born boy. He agreed a fee of around £4,500 yesterday with Everton for Bennett, who travelled to a rendezvous at Crewe today to meet Aldershot general manager David Smith, and signed the forms. Bennett, a centre half or full back, has made three first team appearances for Everton, and he has been a regular in the Central League side for the past two seasons. A former Liverpool Schools star, he joined Everton after leaving school and has been with them for six years. Melia told me: "I am sure that Bennett will prove a big asset to us once he is given the chance of regular first team football. “My Liverpool contacts told me about him. He has not been able to break into the big-time at Everton because Brian Labone and Roger Kenyon have been in front of him but I think he has the ability to make his mark with us." Bennett's younger brother. Gerry, a midfield player, is on Everton's books as an amateur.

10,000 ‘BORO FANS WILL BE AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Middlesbrough expect to have more than 10,000 supporters at Goodison on Saturday for the fourth round F.A. Cup Tie which has roused more interest on Teeside than any other game for years.  Their allocation of 6,000 stand tickets has been snapped up. The dearer seats went to season ticket holders and about a thousand tickets at 11s went on sale to the general public yesterday. They were sold within an hour. Everton have also sold all their stand tickets. Admission to the rest of the ground is by payment on the day, and Boro expect another 5.000 fans to travel to stand on the terraces. So it looks like being a gate of around 54,000 as part of the six -figure double attendance at Anfield and Goodison on Saturday. Both teams should be unchanged. Everton had no injuries to report after Saturday's game against Chelsea, and Borough manager Stan Anderson is confident he will be in the same position by the end of the week. Defender Frank Spraggon has a slight thigh strain which has limited his training in the early part of the week, but looks certain to be fit. Boro, who have only lost once in the last 13 games, have their best team for years. They are running for promotion and it is obvious that Everton are going to have a far tougher job on their hands than they had against the other Second Division club they beat in the third round—Blackburn Rovers.

BLUES NEED BOTH SKILL AND FIRE
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 January 1971
By Stan Liversedge
LEN Shackleton the one-time self-styled Clown Prince of football is nothing if not honest. "Shack” was an entertainer in his days with Newcastle United and Sunderland and he admits it. ”If I was a manager I wouldn't have me in the team," he was candid enough to tell me one day. “Shack " would be the first to admit that he had style, uncanny skill—but was not a method-team man. So when he expounds about the chances of Middlesbrough, Everton's F.A. Cup opponents at Goodison next Saturday his opinion is worth noting. And he says, bluntly: "If I were a manager now Middlesbrough is one team I wouldn't want my Side to be drawn against in the Cup. And I wouldn't be surprised if they pulled off a replay, as they did against Manchester United at Old Trafford." So Everton have been warned. Yet 'Shack' is still tipping them to beat Boro' at the first time of asking provided they don't forget one thing. And that is to keep grafting.
Outfield
"Middlesbrough," says Shackleton "are workmen-like. And they'll have a go. Their 10 outfield players are all prepared to keep working non-stop…and they have one or two who can add flair to the effort. "Boro' still have not enough skillful players to make them a top-class side. But they are riding high in the Second Division and they are on the way up. - "How can Everton beat them? -I'm telling Everton that they must match Boro' right through the game in 100 per cent, effort. If they remember to do this they have more players who can turn-on the skills . . . and they'll win." In short Everton must play exactly as they did against Chelsea -with skill and fire. "Everton will NOT be able to afford to relax against Boro,'" repeats 'Shack.' "Middlesbrough will be going like a bomb from the start —that's their style. They've shown too that even if they concede an early goal they can come back. "So one goal won't be enough to kill them off. I'm warning Everton: If they relax they'll pay for it." “Shack" rates scoring forwards John Hickton 21 goals this season -as one of the most dangerous men in the game. "Hickton's strong point is that he is on the right spot at the right time -and he's brave when there is the slightest chance in the box. “He’s not the only one who goes through either, Hugh Mcllmoyle can get goals, and Derrick Downing, who can play on either wing, needs watching too. "Downing is as brave as a lion; he's fast and takes the direct route to goal. Two years ago a bad knee injury threatened to end his career people thought he would never play again. But he fought back, and he's playing better than ever."
Striker
Hickton was a 20,000 signing from Sheffield Wednesday. Middlesbrough won't put a price on his head to-day. Originally a centre half he was converted into a striker at Hillsborough, but for a full season after he arrived at Ayresome he was used in defence. Now he's back striking and scoring goals. For the past three seasons he has been Boro's leading scorer. Two other names for Goodison fans to note back-four man Frank Spraggon, who married the daughter of Middlesbrough and England trainer Harold Shepherdson; and midfield player Eric McMordie, a Northern Ireland international.
Winning
"McMordie has changed his style these past few weeks," says Shackleton. "Now he's going in hard winning the ball in midfield and pushing it through to the strikers." Boro's goalkeeper is a Scot, Willie Whigham, whom "Shack" rates as "one of the best positional keepers in the game." And he says of left back and skipper, Gordon Jones, who played alongside Brian Labone as an England Under-23 international: 'This fellow's playing better than he's ever done." So Everton can take it that they'll have their work cut out. "They know they've been in a game," says "Shack." On form and reputation he tips Everton to win. "But I wouldn't like to have to stake my life on Boro being beaten," he declares.

THE FANTASTIC THIRTIES
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 19 January 1971
THE MAGIC OF DIXIE DEAN
By Mike Charters
Goal scorers dominated the Mersey soccer scene in the Thirties-a golden era for local centre forwards whose scoring feats read like magic to contemporary football followers who are conditional to hail 20-goals-a-season man as world beaters.  In those days, centre forwards were there to score goals.  The involved tactics which have created a strikers, midfield men and sweepers and back four performers had never been thought of. Forwards attacked and the man in the No. 9 shirt was the spearhead, the main scoring force. Inevitably, they hogged the sporting headlines. And Mersey’s had two of the greatest in Birkenhead-born Bill “Dixie and the young Bolton boy who succeeded him at Everton Tommy Lawton. Dean was the powerhouse who led Everton in the early part of the decade to the club's greatest run of success; Lawton took over in the latter part of the Thirties to inspire a side which won the League Championship 1938-39 and became, in the opinion of many old-time Everton fans, the greatest team ever wear Everton's blue. But there were other centre forwards who helped to establish Merseyside's reputation as the breeding ground of great scoring forwards. Dean was a schoolboy giant who started with his home town club, Tranmere Rovers.  In 27 League games for them in season 24-25, averaged a goal a game before Everton beat off posse of senior clubs anxious to sign the brilliant youngster.  They paid £3,000 for him in March 1925, and became the greatest player they have ever had. A paltry £3,000! By present-day standards that is ludicrous, yet he became the most prolific scoring centre forward in English history. In his career, he scored 379 League goals 349 of them for Everton. That record has been passed in the post-war era by Arthur Rowley, but all but few of Rowley's 434 goals were scored in Second and Third Division football at Leicester, Fulham and Shrewsbury. When Dean had moved into First Division football with Everton, and a crop of international caps for England, Tranmere still managed to find centre forwards of ability and character who made their mark in the Thirties. Birkenhead-born Tom "Pongo" Waring followed Dean. His long-striding skill and zest for goals brought him England honours after he had been transferred to Aston Villa for £4,700. After Waring came Bill Ridding, for many post-war years the manager of Bolton Wanderers, who went from homely Prenton to Manchester City and then to Manchester United before injury cut short a fine career.
Top-class
Three top-class centre forwards found and developed at little Tranmere in the space of half a dozen years a record which no other club of comparative standing can boast. There was another still to come when Robert "Bunny" Bell, also Birkenhead-horn, startled the football world by scoring nine goals in Tranmere's 13- 4 win over Oldham Athletic on Boxing Day, 1935. During the week, Bell worked in a Liverpool shipping office as a clerk and his nine-goal feat made him the talk of football. When Everton were looking for a successor to Dean, they followed the route of ten years earlier and signed Bell in 1936. The day before they had also signed T. G. Jones, from Wrexham, a classic centre half who dominated Everton's defence in the late thirties as Lawton did the attack. Over at Anfield, they also had their shooting star the late Gordon Hodgson, who held the club scoring record with 233 goals before Roger Hunt cracked it two years ago. Hodgson was the first of a long line of distinguished South African footballers to come to Anfield -Berry Nieuwenhuys, Arthur Riley, Dirk Kemp, Van Den Berg and Bob Priday. Hodgson was the greatest of them all at Anfield: a superb striker with a tremendous shot in either foot, an outstanding athlete of grace and power. These men -the goal scorers dominated Mersey soccer. It was the cloth cap muffler era of football spectators, when unemployment was rife and the man in the street only had soccer as his great leisure activity. The match every Saturday afternoon was the biggest excitement in their lives for many men. They paid a shilling to stand on the terraces and sometimes had a struggle to find the bob admission fee. There were few cars, weekend leisure pursuits had never been heard of, but Anfield and Goodison averaged their 30,000 to 40,000 fanatics who talked about the game they had seen from Saturday night to Wednesday: and about the game they were going to see for the rest of the week. Football was the great escape route for the masses. And the Football League provided entertainment of a very high level indeed. Every club had personalities, crowd - pleasers with immense skill nurtured and developed from school days when boys played football morning, noon and night. After all, there was nothing else for them and to do -pocket money was nil, there was no TV, cinemas cost money, but you could always play in the street or park for nothing, once you had a ball. The end product was a never-ending stream of great players who graced the football grounds of England. Merseyside was fortunate, as now, to have clubs and players of the highest class to delight the millions. The big clubs in the Thirties had huge playing staffs. Everton and Liverpool always had around 40 professionals, and Everton boasted seven or eight internationals playing in their Central League side. The only international matches were against the home countries, so caps were difficult to get and became treasured possessions. The great Dean won only 10 caps in all -a player of his quality to-day would reach three figures in his playing career. There was immense competition for places. Players were dedicated because the world outside football was harsh and difficult and other jobs mighty hard to find. Anyone who imagines that the pre-war footballer was a man who spent a few casual hours each week running around the pitch in training, and then disappeared into the nearest billiards' hall or pub, is way off the mark. Footballers were dedicated men because to play for a professional club was the greatest economic boost they could have.
Big Pay!
In an era when the average working man's wage was around £2 a week, players like Dean and company were paid £8 a week in the season, with a bonus of £2 for a win and £1 for a draw. In summer, they dropped to £5 a week. This was big pay they were the sporting elite whose wages lifted them way above the humble background from which most of them came. They would be £100- plus a week men now, headline figures whose every move on and off the field would be chronicled in depth on the sporting pages. What would Dean and Lawton be worth to, day? To answer this question, I turned to Cliff Britton, now general manager of Hull City, who came to Everton from Bristol Rovers at the start of the Thirties and played with Dean and Lawton. No man is better fitted to discuss these super-stars.... and that's what they were. Britton was the classic type of attacking wing half, and England star and one of the out- standing Everton players of his time. He told me: "At a conservative assessment. Dean and Lawton would be worth half a million pounds each in the transfer market today. They had outstanding skill as players and tremendous value as personalities. When I see some of the men being transferred today for £100,000, I am staggered. Many of them are not in the same street as Dean and Lawton.
Greatest
"Dean and Lawton were the greatest centre forwards of all time, in my opinion. I would rate Dean just the better because of the impact and influence he had on his team-mates. In some playing aspects, Lawton was probably better, but for all-round ability, personality and the gift to inspire, Dean would just about come out on top. "When I first knew Dean in my early days at Goodison, he was having trouble with ankle injuries. He used to go to hospital regularly to have pieces of bone removed. He had already set his 60-goal scoring record (season 1927-28) but when I got into the first team, I quickly saw his genius. "It was not only his scoring ability but his wonderful gift for making chances for others that made him remarkable. He was the greatest header of a ball I've seen, possibly of all time. " When Dean moved on to Notts County, Lawton came into the side. He was the great figure in the 1939 championship team. He was an ideally-built athlete. He could run, shoot with either foot and, in the air, he was second only to Dean. "He suffered, like so many others, that his career was halted by the war years. I think that if the war had not come, and Lawton's career at Everton had not been interrupted, he could have established himself as the greatest ever. “But those missing four or five years came when he would have been at his best. He was never quite as good after the war as he was in 1939. I played with him during the war in England teams, and his form was out of this world. He was everything a centre forward should be." Lucky Everton fans to be able to watch these all-time greats in the Thirties.

DISCIPLINE DAY FOR EVERTON FORWARDS
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton forwards Alan Whittle and Gary Jones appeared before an F.A. Disciplinary Committee in London to-day after receiving three bookings in the last 12 months. They are likely to receive suspended sentences and a fine. Whittle, who has dropped out of the first team scene since the return of Jimmy Husband three games ago, was booked twice within a fortnight in December against Huddersfield and Leeds United. His other booking was in a reserve team game. Gary Jones, winger in the Central League side, has had all his cautions in the reserves. Everton secretary Bill Dickinson accompanied the players to appear before the hearing his afternoon. They have all received three cautions within the last 12 months. This was the first time Whittle and Jones have come in front of a disciplinary tribunal. A suspended sentence is usual in such cases.

CUP-TIE MESSAGE IS LOUD AND CLEAR
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 January 1971
‘BORO NOT COMING JUST FOR THE CASH
It is 20 years since Everton last met Middlesbrough. That was in the First Division in the season when Everton went down. since then, their paths have not crossed until now, when the famous North-Eastern club come to Goodison on Saturday for the fourth round F.A. Cup tie with a very  good chance of coming again next season in the League if they can maintain their promotion drive. Saturday's tie has captured the imagination of the Middlesbrough fans. And with Everton hitting top form in their brilliant display against Chelsea, this looks like being a cup-tie cracker in the true traditions of the competition. The Cup message from Middlesbrough to Everton was made loud and clear this week—" We're not going to Goodison just for the gate receipts." On the face of it, this may seem hugely optimistic, if not downright cheeky. For Middlesbrough have only been out of the Second Division once in the last 17 years. That was for a brief visit to the division below! And their Cup record won't crowd any Boardroom cabinets either. Their best effort was to reach a sixth round replay last season. So what is it that makes Middlesbrough rate their chances of holding their own against the League champions without even home advantage? The answer is in Boro's last 13 games. They have lost only one, and that was by the odd goal in five to Sheffield Wednesday, who acknowledged later that the winner was handled into the net. In the process they have knocked Leicester City off the top of Division 2, beaten the current League leaders Hull City, and put themselves on the fringe of the promotion battle. But most of all, that morale-boosting run includes two games against Manchester United. After a goalless draw at Old Trafford, the Teessiders swept once-mighty United out of the Cup with a 2-1 replay victory at Ayresome Park. Boro’s young boss, Stan Anderson, the former Sunderland and England wing -half, summed up the Ayresome feeling: "The way we are playing at the moment, we need fear no team.” I have plenty of respect for Everton, but I believe we have every chance in the world. It should be a great game.” 
Pace and power
Middlesbrough put their faith in pace, power and team spirit. Their one known star is impish Eric McMordie, who has won seven caps for Northern Ireland in the last two years. He recently asked for a transfer from Ayresome Park in his quest for First Division soccer, but the tricky inside-forward now thinks he could get it with Middlesbrough next season. The biggest individual threat to Everton's Cup progress could be Boro's blond bomber, John Hickton, one of the League's most consistent marksmen. Big John is having one of his best seasons, with 21 goals to date and Stan Anderson recently tagged him in the £150,000 class, quickly adding that he was definitely NOT for sale. John will be no stranger to Everton fans. He played several times against the Goodison club as centre-forward for Sheffield Wednesday, before joining Boro in 1966. Says John: "I am really looking forward to this game. We have nothing to lose and I think we could surprise Everton."
Promotion first
Boro's skipper, Gordon Jones, is in his 10th year with the club and he reckons it is going to be their best yet. Gordon, a classy fullback, who gained England under 23 caps, says of Saturday's fourth round tie: "It is not as important as promotion to us, but we will be fighting all the way. ‘The spirit in our dressing room right now is better than I have ever known. We know we will have our work cut out, particularly as Everton seem to be hitting form at the right time. But they still seem to have one or two weaknesses which we could exploit." The Boro defence has conceded only one goal in the last four matches, including the Cup encounters against Manchester United. King-pin of the back-four is Frank Spraggon, a chunk y defender in the Bobby Moore mould. He is the son-in-law of Harold Shepherdson, the England trainer who is also assistant manager at Middlesbrough. Harold spied on Everton In their 3-0 win over Chelsea and the Boro camp is this week studying his detailed dossier for the destruction of the champs. Of course, he knows all about Everton's England men. More than 10,000 Boro fans expect to make the trip across the Pennines brimming with hope. They are clinging to the words of no less a soccer prophet than Sir Matt Busby, who told Boro after his team's Cup defeat: "Play like that and you will beat Everton, too."

THE FANTASTIC THIRTIES
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 January 1971
WAS THIS THE BIGGETS DERBY SHOCK OF ALL?
By Mike Charters
Anfield-Goodison rivalry was probably greater among Merseyside fans in the Thirties than it is to-day. There are many to-day who watch both clubs each Saturday, but in the decade before the war the Reds and Blues were separate factions… they could only afford to see one game a fortnight. When 1930 dawned, Liverpudlians were crowing. Everton, for the first time in their history, were heading for the Second Division while Liverpool were firmly entrenched in the top class. Everton's slump was almost unbelievable. Two years earlier they had won the League Championship through the genius of Bill Dean in setting his scoring record of 60 goals. But in the 1929-30 season, Dean was dropped—it was almost heresy after Cliff Britton right half hack for Everton In their 1933 triumph, his record-breaking feats—and by April, 1930, Everton were relegated. In five and a half months, they won only three games at Goodison. It was a disastrous start to the Thirties, but by the time war came in 1939, Everton had completed the most successful decade in their history. They established a League record which still holds good with a fantastic hat trick of the Second Division Championship, the League Championship and the F.A. Cup in successive years from 1931 to 1933. They won the League again in 1939, reached the semi-final of the Cup in 1931, the sixth in round in 1935 and 1939. And Liverpool? They were never in danger of relegation but the highest League position they held in those years was seventh. They averaged around 40 points a season, and established a reputation of being a sound, but rather pedestrian side, relying on strength rather than skill, until a great football character called George Kay came to Anfield as manager in August, 1936. Kay had captained West Ham in the first-ever Wembley Cup Filial of 1923, and he begin to re-model Anfield tactics to make them lose their power tag and develop more skill. His best signing, pre-war, was a Matt Busby, that artistic wing half who came from Maine Road to delight Anfield with his constructive skill.
Dominant
And he also signed, just before the war, a boy from Scotland, who was to become Liverpool's dominant figure in the post-war years. The name—Billy Liddell. But Kay did not have sufficient time in the three years before war broke out to steer Liverpool to honours. The best they did in the Cup in the Thirties was to reach the sixth round, in 1932. On the way, they beat Everton, at Goodison, in the third round, in one of the greatest turn-ups in Derby match history. Everton were demolishing everything in their path that season in the League, but there are Liverpudlians still around who remember that game with joy. Dean scored for Everton, within a minute, but Gunson and Hodgson put the Reds through to the fourth round. On that day, Dean came up against two of the greatest Liverpool rivals he ever faced, the Irish goalkeeper Elisha Scott, who joined Liverpool in 1915 and was with them for 20 years, and giant centre half “Tiny “Bradshaw. Everton's line-up in their Second Division championship year was usually: Coggins. Williams, Cresswell; McPherson, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Only Coggins and Critchley, were not internationals, and they swept through the ranks of the Second Division like a forest fire. They were back in the top class in a year. Their scoring feats were so prolific that the late, great. Echo cartoonist George Green recorded them for posterity in the form of a tank, the gun barrel spewing out goals and Dean leaning out of the turret urging his team on.
INCREDIBLE
They scored 121 goals that season incredible by modern standards with Dean getting 39. They won nine games in succession and in those, Dean scored 4-1-2-1-4-1-2-1-4. They scored five goals in each of five matches, six in two, seven in two, and nine in one. In four successive away games, they scored 2o goals (5-2-6-7). They blazed like comets across the football scene. In that season, they were unlucky to lose in the Cup semi-final to West Bromwich at Old Trafford before 70,000 spectators. A mistake by Coggins in goal gave Albion their goal and they went on to win the Cup and finish second to Everton in the promotion stakes. In the next season, Everton introduced another player who was to become a Goodison legend goalkeeper Ted Sagar, who holds the club record of 465 League appearances. With few other changes, Everton swept through the First Division as they had in the Second. They amassed 116 goals this time, with Dean getting 44, Johnson 22, White, 18, and Dunn and Stein double figures.
SPECTACULAR
Their chairman, Will Cuff, later to become League President, summed up their wonderful season with these words: "Our spectacular forward play has been good for the game, although all-round ability has won us the two championships in successive years." Spectacular is the right word such consistent goal scoring has not been approached by any team since those golden days. And they were to crown their three years of glory by winning the F.A. Cup in 1933. Goals from Stein, Dean and Dunn gave Everton one of the most comprehensive Final victories. Dean scored in every round except the semi-final. But it was another six years before Everton were to pick up their next honour the League Championship. Inevitably, there had been many changes in personnel, and only Sagar and Cook remained of the 1933 Cup-winning side. The side which usually did duty in 38-39 was: Sagar, Cook, Greenhalgh: Mercer, Jones, Watson: Gillick, Bentham, Lawton, Stevenson, Boyes,  Mercer,  of course, was the famous Joe of the bow legs and the appetite for work now Manchester City manager, who came from the great Ellesmere Port nursery. Jones was the immaculate T.G, a Welsh international at 18, and a centre half of immense skill and bell control: Watson Gordon, later an Everton trainer now working in the club's development office: Lawton was the successor to Dean.
Lawton's signing was the highlight of the mid-thirties for Everton, in December, 1936; they paid Burnley, £6,500 for this Bolton-born boy, who made his debut two months later. Immediately, it was obvious that although they had lost Dean through the passing of the years, they had found another genius in Lawton. A contemporary writer recorded, on Lawton's early days at Goodison: "Lawton is the best centre forward playing to-day. He is not merely a proposition; he is a readymade player. I have never seen anyone, including Drake, hit the ball so swiftly and accurately on the turn." Lawton was the big personality of Everton's championship in the last season before the war. He and Mercer were automatic choices for England that season. Lawton scored the winning goat at Hampden Park against Scotland—Dean had done it ten years earlier. In December, 1938, Everton were second in the table to Derby County: Liverpool were fifth. Wolves were coming up fast, but Everton forged ahead in the second half of the season, with Lawton completing his 100th appearance for them. They met Wolves in the Cup quarter-final and lost by two goals from former New Brighton centre forward Dennis Westcott. But defeat in the Cup cleared the way for their League triumph. The Thirties began with relegation for the Blues, for the first time in their history. The decade ended with them acclaimed as the finest side in the land. Over at Anfield, George Kay was beginning to assemble the makings of a team which would have to wait until after the war before winning the League. Liverpool had ten lean years compared to Everton's glory—l'll discuss that to-morrow.

ALL SET TO BEAT CROWDS RECORD
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 21 January 1971
By Chris James
Merseyside, that fanatical hot -bed of soccer fervour, stands set to break even its own record for football attendances. Two years ago, no less than 107,108 fans turned up at Goodison Park and Anfield on the same day to watch Everton play Coventry and Liverpool play Burnley in fourth round F.A. Cup ties. In the previous round, both had been at home again with 97,377 watching Everton v. Ipswich and Liverpool v. Doncaster. The record for the number of fans at the two grounds at the same time was set in 1966 when both were given third round ties at home, Everton against Sunderland, and Liverpool, the Cup holders, against Chelsea, the team they had beaten in the previous season's semi-final. That day 101,990 watched the games. A year later Everton met Liverpool in a fifth round tie at Goodison Park. A total of exactly 105,000 watched the match live and on closed circuit television screens at Anfield. But although it illustrates the fanaticism attached to derby matches, it cannot count in the records of attendances for two matches on one day. This Cup round sees them both at home together again and advance ticket sales indicates that bumper crowds are assured at both grounds. Everton and Liverpool are both anticipating 50,000 plus gates and it could be that the 107,000 record of two years ago will be smashed—even though neither side is playing a First Division club as they were in 1969. It proves once again that when it comes to gates. Merseyside leads the way.

THE FANTASTIC THIRTIES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 21 January 1971
TRANMERE HIT THE HEIGHTS
By Mike Charters
Between the wars, Liverpool’s greatest success had been in the Twenties, when they won the League Championship in successive seasons-1921-22, 22-23. We find them, when the Thirties began, in the process of rebuilding their side. Giants like Eph Longworth and Harry Chambers had to be replaced, while that great goalkeeper, Elisha Scott, was nearing the end of his distinguished career.  He joined Liverpool in 1915 and was to stay there, built in with the place for 20 years. To strengthen their side, Liverpool turned, unique among clubs, to South Africa. They signed Gordon Hodgson and Arthur Riley just before the Thirties— Hodgson became their greatest scorer until his club record of 233 goals was broken by Roger Hunt two years ago and Riley took over for Scott in goal. Jimmy Jackson, who eventually became ordained into the church, and was called "Parson" Jackson, inevitably, was their outstanding defender until Liverpool went to Bury for centre half Tiny Bradshaw, one of the Blue Devils" of Scotland, who had many a memorable joust against Bill Dean in the Derby games.
Their top scorer
Later in the decade. Liverpool went out into the transfer market for a couple of England full backs in Tom Cooper (Derby) and Ernie Blenkinsop (Sheffield Wednesday) for Scottish international Matt Busby from Manchester City. And the flow of imports from South Africa continued. After Hodgson and Riley came Nieuwenhuys, Priday, Kemp, Van Den Bergh, Dewar, Carr and Anderson. They went to Rangers for centre forward Sam English, but their top scorer in the late Thirties was Liverpool-born Jack Balmer, whose uncles had played for Everton before World War 1. Balmer was a much under-rated player in a Liverpool side which was changed a great deal when George Kay became manager in 1936. Before the end of the decade, Liverpool had four young players who were to become important members of their staff after the war -Phil Taylor, the late Jimmy Mclnnes and Bob Paisley. Billy Liddell, signed as a boy in 1938, was beginning to show his potential. Taylor was manager for a spell in the late Fifties after a fine playing career, Mclnnes became secretary, Paisley is the current first team coach, and Liddell developed into Anfield's outstanding post-war player. Paisley and company joined the Territorial Army in the months before the war. When war came, they were hustled off into uniform and on the Saturday when they should have been playing in the League, they were guarding Woodhead rail tunnel between Manchester and Sheffield. The Thirties were undistinguished playing years for the Reds. One of the outstanding games in that time was the fourth round F.A. Cup tie in 1934 against Tranmere. The tie was drawn at Prenton but because of the interest was switched to Anfield…and drew a then record gate of 61,036. There were incredible crowd scenes with hundreds being carried out of the Kop as Liverpool won easily 3-1. Towards the end of the era, Liverpool had an all-Scottish half-back line of Busby, Bradshaw and McDougall. Despite Busby's polish, and the power of the other two, results were inconsistent, although there were signs, under Kay’s managership, that he was creating a fine side. But war came to interrupt Kay's plans.
Unequalled talent
Tranmere Rovers, founder members of the Third Division (North), will be best remembered for producing, in rapid succession, Bill Dean, Pongo Waring, Bill Ridding, and Bunny Bell an assembly line of centre forward talent unequalled by one club in football history. But they also had their glory days in season 1937-38 when they were promoted to the Second Division for the first, and only time in their history. That they sank back again the following year with only 17 points (one point from 21 away games) cannot altogether hide the merit of their promotion year. Revelling in the promotion battle was that old Tranmere warhorse, Pongo Waring. He had left Prenton in 1928 for Aston Villa's £4,700 fee, but returned to his old stamping ground to get 22 goals 10 years later. Billy Eden, Ronnie Dellow, Archie Clark and "Duke" Hamilton, both former Everton players, and Ted Anderson, still on the Tranmere staff, were other big names of that era who will never be forgotten by Rovers' fans.
Amateurs' glory
Amid all the memories of the pro clubs, I must not overlook the Crosby amateurs of Marine, who were the first Lancashire club to reach the final of the F.A. Amateur Cup. They met Dulwich Hamlet, the crack London club, in 1932 at West Ham's ground and crashed 7-1. But the result cannot take away the glory of Marine's achievement in an era when the South dominated amateur football much as it does to-day.
There was distinction off the field as well. Liverpool is the only city in the land to have provided two men who have occupied the highest office in League football. "Honest" John McKenna, one of the game's pioneers, was chairman of Liverpool and also President of the Football League from 1910 until his death in 1936. There is a plaque in his memory in the entrance hall of the Anfield ground to-day. At Goodison, Will Cuff, a Liverpool solicitor, became an Everton director in 1895, was secretary for 17 years, and then returned to the Board to become chairman for 16 years. In 1939 he, too, was elected President of the League and held' the office until he died 10 years later. But, through those years, one figure was the great character, the outstanding football personality of his time, over-riding the claims of the many magnificent players at Everton and Liverpool. This is Bill Dean, 64 tomorrow and a legend in his life-time. Perhaps the best way to end this soccer round-up of the Thirties on Merseyside is to record the words of Dai Davies, a noted soccer historian of those days, who wrote (in 1934): " Among the great leaders of to-day, none can be found more skilful or attractive than the delectable Dixie Dean. Despite increasing girth and advancing years. Dean still moves quickly and silently over the grass. Latterly, his rounded form, dark hair and Valentino sideboards have given his appearance a decided Spanish cast. And what more apt? "For Dean is the very matador of the game. His thrusts are swift and keen like the play of a rapier; when he is at his deadliest, he is least brutal. A glancing header, a subtle back-heel flick, a dainty tap with the side of the boot—that is the way he prefers to confound his foes.
Gazing skywards
"The dominant impression one carried away was of a crowd of men gazing skywards for the ball and Dean's black head waving venomously above the crowd like the head of a cobra ready to strike." They don't make them like that anymore. The game was very different in those days. To-day the emphasis is on skilled team work and tactical patterns. The pace is much greater, the training more intense players are faster and fitter. But the Thirties were notable for players of character and personality, Individuals were allowed more freedom to show their skills, but whether you believe the game is better to-day than pre - war depends on your birth-date.

IF WE’RE ON FORM WATCH OUT-CATTERICK
Liverpool Echo - Friday 22 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick has taken his players away to a country hideaway on the eve of to-morrow's F.A. Cup fourth round tie against Middlesbrough at Goodison . . . and left this pungent comment for his Adelphi-based opponents to contemplate overnight, he told me: "When they're on form as a they were against Chelsea- Everton can beat anybody. This can be a magnificent team. "But there's no complacency among Everton players about to-morrow. Boro are a good side, powerful side, and we'll have to go a bit to beat them. "Mind you, they will have to go a bit themselves, and I wouldn't like to be Boro coming to Goodison tomorrow." He has told his players that Middlesbrough will be a far tougher proposition than their third round opponents from the Second Division, Blackburn Rovers. He said: "This could be a hell of a game; it could develop into a tremendous game."
Confidence
But I sense an overwhelming atmosphere of confidence among the players- and the manager -that Middlesbrough will not disturb Everton's Cup progress. The North-East team are respected as a side enjoying a run of success, with a lot ability and confidence themselves. Yet Everton are buoyant that their rhythm and form has returned in time for the Cup. The evidence of the display against Chelsea was there for all to see—particularly the Middlesbrough "spy," assistant manager Harold Shepherdson. Catterick has been free of injury problems this week as his boys prepared intensively to cope with Middlesbrough. Although he has not named his team, nominating a squad of 14, there seems little doubt that it will be unchanged. Middlesbrough manager Stan Anderson selected his side yesterday. It is also unchanged from that which beat Manchester United in the third round replay. Everton: Rankin; Wright, Newton (H); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey. Sub. (from): Newton (K), Brown, Johnson. Middlesbrough: Whigham; Smith (A), Jones; Moody, Gates, Spraggon; Downing, McMordie, Mcllmoyle, Hickton, Laidlaw. Sub; Smith (G) or Mills.

BYE-BYE ‘BORO!  EVERTON’S CLASS AND SKILL WILL TRIUMPH
Liverpool Echo - Friday 22 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton's Cup-tie against Middlesbrough at Goodison to-morrow can be summed up quite simply, I believe. If Alan Ball can inspire the team to play as they did against Chelsea last Saturday, Middlesbrough will depart from the Cup trail as comprehensively as their fellow Second Division club, Blackburn, did three weeks ago at Goodison. If Ball and company fail to recapture that smooth attacking rhythm, then this excellent Middlesbrough team could shock them. There has been a flood of propaganda from Teeside this week saying how Middlesbrough are. It has been backed by the verdict of Everton manager Harry Catterick, who has seen them himself, studied reports on them by skipper Ball and club scouts, and rounds it off with this comment: "We are all agreed they will be a very difficult side to beat. I was very impressed with Boro when they beat United in the replay." This is the message which Catterick has drummed home to his players this week. Middlesbrough will be a far tougher proposition than the negative Blackburn. But I cannot accept that any Second Division side, however good they may be, will beat Everton on last Saturday's form. I’m - convinced that First Division class and skill will triumph.
Leading scam
Hickton, leading scorer in the Second Division, links with Mellmoyle to provide a twin spearhead which will need tight marking by Brian Labone and John Hurst. Labone and Hurst appear to have regained that competent strength in partnership which was a feature last season. Boro wingers Joe Laidlaw and Derrick Downing lay on chances for the big men in the middle and bring back some of the old-time winging style to the team's tactical pattern. Behind them comes the class of Irish international Eric McMordie and the constructive drive of Alan Moody. I believe Everton will be in Cup mood tomorrow …and that spells big trouble for Boro, Ball, Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey slipped into top gear against Chelsea and should maintain it now to make sure that McMordie and Moody will be busier defending than setting up their own attacks.
Defensive star
Yet I expect Middlesbrough to be confident and competent enough to open out against Everton, whose defence looked stronger last week than at any time this season. I am looking forward to seeing a cup-tie played with spirit, effort and skill. This should ensure plenty of excitement to compensate for the dullness of the third round tie with Blackburn.

BLUES GEARED FOR VICTORY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton have now come up against two Second Division clubs in the opening stages of the road which they hope will lead to Wembley. After the comparative ease with which they dismissed relegation candidates Blackburn Rovers in the third round, everyone at the club is geared for a much tougher job against the strong Middlesbrough outfit at Goodison this afternoon. They have the morale raising display against Chelsea a week ago as the spur for them to tackle the North East team confident they can ignore the flood a propaganda which has flowed from Tees-side this week about how good Middlesbrough are.  Everton didn't really need to be warned about Boro's quality—they have , seen it for themselves. Manager Harry Catterick said:” Alan Ball and I have watched them play and I have had reports on them from other of our representatives in their last three games.  “Everyone at Everton who has seen them thinks the same as me. They will be a very difficult side to beat.  It will be a hard game to win.  It’s going to be as hard for us as it was for Leeds to beat Rotherham in their replay last Monday.  “I saw Middlesbrough beat Manchester United in the third round replay.  I was very impressed.  “The big thing that struck me about them was that they play to their strength-and that’s what coaching is all about.  It reflects very well on their manager Stan Anderson, who is obviously doing a good job.  “The art of coaching is to do the best with the players you have and build a system around them.  That is what Middlesbrough have done –they work very hard and play to their system.  “This is particularly clear with the way they use John Hickton and Hugh Mcllmoyle, the big fellows up front who do very well.  ” I have had a lot of letters from friends in the North East who watch Middlesbrough regularly.  It all comes in very useful and all our information has been pooled.” 
FINE WINGERS
I think Middlesbrough will attack Everton-the opposite to Blackburn, who played such a negative game at Goodison three weeks ago.  In addition to the spearhead of Mcllmoyle and Hickton, they have two fine wingers in Joe Laidlaw and Derrick Downing, who are both happy to adopt the old-time winging role to lay on the chances for the big men in the middle.  Behind them the class of Irish international Eric McMordie stands out, with expert help from midfield man Alan Moody.  Middlesbrough are enjoying their most successive run for years- well in line for promotion with only one defeat in the last 13 games and are unperturbed about tackling Everton at Goodison.  But, good team though ‘Boro’ obviously are, it only needs Everton to play as they did against Chelsea and the Middlesbrough bubble will burst.  If Alan ball maintains the brilliance of a week ago, with Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey helping to take a midfield grip, I don’t think Boro’ will see the way Everton go.  First Division class and skill should triumph.  Brian labone and John Hurst will have the tough job of marking Mcllmoyle and Hickton.  They have regained their competent link on the evidence of last Saturday, and I don’t think they will let this pair run riot.  I am looking forward to seeing a true Cup tie of spirit, effort and excitement, Everton should be in their Cup mood…and that spells bad news for Boro’. 
The Goodison line-up
Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Hustband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey.  Middlesbrough; Whitham; Smith (A), Jones; Moody, Gates, Spraggon; Downing, McMordie, Mcllmoyle, Hickkton, Laidlaw. 

TIP TOP EVERTON WIN IN STYLE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 January 1971
EVERTON 3, MIDDLESBROUGH 0
By Mike Charters
Line-up; Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H.); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Substitute Newton (K).  Middlesbrough; - Whigham; Smith (A), Jones; Moody, Gates, Spraggon; Downing, McMordie, Mcllmoyle, Hickton, Laidlaw, Sunstitute; Smith (G).  Referee; Mr. J.K. Taylor (Wolverhampton). 
HENRY NEWTON, Everton's outstanding player, came up with his third goal in successive matches to put the seal on a dominating first half display against Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the F.A. Cup at Goodison this afternoon. Boro showed themselves to be a strong well organized side, particularly defensively, but Harvey got a second just before the interval to prove that the defence of this fine Second Division team could be broken. The 10,000 Middlesbrough fans who made the journey, gave their team a great welcome. Everton won two corners in the first minute as the game set off at searing pace. Then Hickton slipped Wright, but Rankin made an excellent catch from his centre. Middlesbrough quickly showed that they were not affected by the atmosphere or the occasion by the way they brought the ball out of defence and attempted to open the game. When Everton developed their attacking rhythm, they pulled back eight men in defence. The first Boro attack to cause any threat came after 10 minutes, Mcllmoyle moved on to Moody's well placed through pass but volleyed the ball high over the bar. Although Everton were dominating the play in midfield, Boro set up such a strong defensive wall on the edge of the penalty area that Everton could not break through. A Labone tackle on Hickton brought Boro a free kick 10 yards outside the box. Jones hit it well but this shot swung wide of the post. Boro developed a good-looking move down the right with McMordie pushing the ball through to Hickton, but Henry Newton earned himself a round of applause by sensing the danger and coming back to turn the ball to Rankin. Everton's first shot came from Royle, but he put it into Whigham's arms after he had beaten Gates neatly. Whigham had to save well a moment or two later when Husband slipped through a gap and shot from 15 yards. There was a moment of excitement when Downing beat Rankin with a header which struck the inside of the post, but Downing and Hickton were offside. Boro's defence was beaten clearly for the first time by Harvey's accurate centre which Husband headed yards over the bar. The game had settled into a battle between the Boro defence and the Everton attack. Royle just failed to make effective contact with a Morrissey centre, glancing the ball well wide of goal, but Boro's defence was standing up well to the pounding. A great move between Ball and Husband saw Ball hit a first time shot which looked right on target until it struck Royle. Everton were falling into Boro's well-laid offside trap when they floated high centres over, but when they developed attacks quickly along the ground the Boro defence did not look as good. Right on the half hour that remarkable goal scoring full back Henry Newton did it again for the third successive match. Husband was brought down by Gates on the edge of the area. Ball touched the free kick a yard to his right and Newton raced on to it to smash a fierce shot along the ground into the corner of the net. McMordie was lucky to stay on the field after a foul on Kendall which incensed the crowd and the Everton players. Referee Taylor spoke to McMordie with the crowd demanding stronger action. Newton, even without his goal, had been the outstanding player on the field. His tackling and use of the ball could not have been better. The referee spoke to Gates after a foul on Husband and it was clear that some of the Boro defenders were losing their early composure as Everton maintained incessant pressure.
Danger averted
Boro earned their first corner after 35 minutes and Hurst did well to turn away Downing's well placed centre aimed for Hickton's head. Whigham made a fine save from Kendall's volleyed shot after Royle had headed the ball back to him. With husband leading the way with his pace and skill, Everton maintained their hold and dominating pressure. With only seconds to the interval Harvey clinched Everton's first half superiority with a second his second of the season. Ball sent Husband raiding down the right and he cleverly beat Spraggon on the edge of the penalty area, with a clear path Husband took
the ball on a few yards before turning it back to Harvey who made no mistake with an open goal in front of him. Half-time: Everton 2, Middlesborough 0.
When Rankin failed to hold a left wing centre a tremendous skirmish developed in the Everton goalmouth with players taking wild kicks at the ball. Both Labone and Newton fell and finally the ball came out to McMordie whose shot was cleared off the line by Hurst.
Purposeful
There was much more determination and purpose about Boro's attack and Labone did well to clear a dangerous centre by Mcllmoyle. Everton withstood Boro's hectic restart and Ball was back as he had been in the first half, spreading accurate passes around. He sent Husband away and the centre was not far away from Morrissey as the winger raced in. Rankin was under real pressure when Downing beat both Labone and Wright in the air from Smith's free kick to get in a header which Rankin touched over the bar. Boyle wasted a glorious opening created by Ball. Unchallenged, he brought the ball into the penalty area but instead of crossing to either Husband or Harvey he tried a shot and put it straight to Whigham. After Ball had missed a good chance by shooting wide from Kendall's accurate pass, the Everton skipper created Everton's third goal scored at 71 minutes. Kendall had pushed the ball out to the right and Ball floated over his centre for Royle to go up well, beating Spraggon in the air, and head a fine goal into the roof of the net. A few minutes from the end Husband scored what looked to be a perfectly good goal. The linesman did not signal offside but the referee said he was. Final:— Everton 3, Middlesbrough 0. Official attendance: 54,857 (receipts £25,000).
Blues' verdict
It was a hard, exciting Cup - tie at Goodison. Everton took first half command with goals by Henry Newton and Harvey, and although Boro defended well, Everton's superior class and pace always gave them the edge. Little was seen of the Hickton-Mcllmoyle spearhead because Everton's defence also played well, with Newton the best player on the field. Boro gave everything they had and Everton were never allowed to take things easy. Ball, Kendall and Harvey got a grip in midfield, and with Husband in splendid form. Everton were always on top.

TV AT GOODISON ENDS TALK OF BAN
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton's Cup tie against Middlesbrough at Goodison this afternoon is on Match of the Day to-night. This is the best possible reply to ill-informed comments last month that their home games would not be televised again this season. This threat was made because they had asked, at the start of December, to be given a rest from TV. They had been on TV in five successive games in November—and the League wanted them to be televised again for the sixth time in succession. Understandably the Everton directors thought this was overexposure and said so. Their view was that TV should move their cameras around a hit more. Everton have NEVER banned TV from Goodison, but the directors considered that six successive games on the box was too much. There is no anti-TV feeling at Everton. The club spent 45,000 installing the finest floodlighting system in the world just to provide the best lights for colour TV. They could have saved themselves half that cost by having lights of sufficient power to suit normal requirements of players and spectators, They went out of their way, at considerable expense, to help TV, yet their realistic plea not to be over-exposed boomeranged against them. The return of the cameras to Goodison today has cleared the air, however, Everton have no objection to TV—providing they don't appear too often. More Goodison games will be televised before the end of the season. To-day's game is one of three Cup ties appearing on the Match of the programme to-night—the usual pattern arranged by the F.A. with the B.B. C. on Cup days.
Match of the Day
B.B. C. to-night: Derby v Wolves; Portsmouth v. Arsenal; Everton v. Middlesborough. ITV to-morrow: Chelsea v. Manchester City.

TRAGIC IF HAMMERS DROP
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 January 1971
THE HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
There is no sadder commentary on modern soccer than the plight of West Ham United. Ironically, at a time when attendances are on the decline, the Hammers find themselves struggling in the Division One relegation zone because they try to play too much attacking football At Everton we believe in freedom of expression on the field, but sadly, there are times when we are forced to adopt a more inhibited approach to ensure good results. West Ham are rare in that they are the only club in the land seemingly prepared to sacrifice their chance of success for the cause of entertainment. That's why respect to their partners in distress, Notts Forest, Blackpool and Burnley— West Ham are the side I would LEAST like to see relegated. It is strange how teams in relegation trouble never seem to get the run of the ball. That was particularly evident in West Ham's 3-2 home defeat by Leeds United of Upton Park last Saturday.  I watched highlights of the match on television the following day, and thought the Hammers were desperately unlucky not to get a point.
Deflected shot
It seemed to me that the shot by Johnny Giles, which brought Leeds their first goal, was deflected in by a West Ham defender, and later, West Ham had what appeared a perfectly good goal disallowed.  Two other reasons why West Ham have not been enjoying the success their skillful play deserves is that they have been hard hit by injuries, and lack a dominant personality in the air at the back. However, in this latter respect I was impressed by the display of central defenders Billy Bonds and Tommy Taylor against Leeds. That is why I do not envy manager Ron Greenwood with his dilemma of whether to bring back England skipper Bobby Moore for the important match at Coventry next Saturday.  Taylor, whom West Ham signed from Orient for 80,000 earlier this season, underlines how wrong managers can be when assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a footballer. Everton were one of numerous clubs interested in Taylor when he was with Orient, but did not make a bid as I felt he was not a particularly good header of the ball. Taylor has a style play so similar to Moore, and he showed excellent heading ability against Leeds United. No manager likes to forecast a rival club for relegation as there is always the possibility that any of us might one day find ourselves in the same desperate situation. However, at this stage? It does seem as Blackpool and Burnley will be the ones to go down. Blackpool are another attractive footballing team, and possesses gifted individuals in forwards like Tony Green, Tommy Hutchinson and former Everton centre forward Fred Pickering. Unfortunately form of Hutchinson and Pickering tends to be erratic and Blackpool lack the stability at the back to compensate.
Flank attack
That is why I expect new manager Bob Stockoe to plump for a defensive system to get Blackpool out of trouble. Stockoe is a master at the art of organizing his team so that the opposition is forced to direct attacks along the flanks. He proved this during his career at Carlisle. Blackpool have showed signs of a revival in recent weeks, but might lack the experience needed to overcome the mounting pressure during the months ahead. The same is true of Burnley, one of the most talented, yet Inexperienced sides in the table. With youngsters of the calibre of Martin Dobson, Dave Thomas, Ralph Coates and Steve Kindon, Burnley could develop the into one of the super sides of the 1970's. Yet they badly need a few more – “old hands" in the side at this stage of their development. Leeds United were the same predicament when the club was in the Second Division their signing of former Scottish international Bobby Collins from Everton in 1962 must rank as, one of the best buys of all time. That can also be said of Derby County's signing Dave Mackay from Spurs in 1968. Both men were past their best at that time. But their deep knowledge of the game and dominant personalities quickly rubbed off on the raw kids around them.

UNPIAD SCOUT –THAT’S ALAN BALL
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Alan Ball, the Everton captain, has emerged this week as a self-appointed and "unpaid” scout for his club. Without telling his manager, Harry Catterick, he went to see their Cup opponents Middlesbrough in their replay against Manchester United. His assessment of Borough played an important part in Everton's preparation for to-day's tie.  Catterick told me: "He went to Middlesbrough off his own bat. He is such a great enthusiast for the game that he would rather be watching a game than anything else —unless he is playing in it. “He reads a game very well.  I was at the replay with my chief scout, Harry Cooke, and Alan was able to come in on our discussions about Middlesbrough and give us his run-down on their players.  “Naturally I don’t ask him to vet teams but as he is keen enough to want to do it from time to time, I am delighted with his enthusiasm.”  Everton director Alan Waterworth inspected this week, with representatives of other League clubs, the new - style Arsenal under-pitch heating system at Highbury which blows hot air through pipes. But this does not mean that Everton, pioneers of under-soil heating by electric wires, will adopt the Arsenal method. Everton chairman George Watts said it was merely examination of a new system. No decision has been taken by the club, but if something revolutionary came along they wanted to know all about it. Everton have been bitten heavily by electric soil heating. They found it hampered drainage and the experiment cost them many thousands of pounds when they took it up twice. Now the pitch is in better condition than it has been for years.
Aerated soil
The Highbury system does not affect drainage. The soil is aerated by the warm air, the grass grows quicker and thicker. Drainage is improved. I should think that if Everton ever decide to adopt a beat-the-frost plan again, they would consider the Arsenal method.
Alan Wilson, Everton's reserve centre forward, has been in a nursing home all week recovering from a severe ankle sprain received in the Central League game at Preston last Saturday. Mr. Catterick said: “The injury looked so bad at the time that we rushed him into the nursing home on his return from Preston. We thought it might have been torn ligaments, but fortunately it turned out to be only a sprain, although a bad one." Wilson is due out this week-end but it could be a few weeks before he is back in the game again. Everton were unable to arrange a Central League fixture for to-day, so the reserves watched the Cup-tie at Goodison. Catterick said: It helps them, particularly a new boy like goalkeeper Dai Davies, to soak up a big-match atmosphere. It is part of their football education.” Davies continues to impress the Everton chief and his coaching staff. He is still having extra training several afternoons each week, and I give this tip to Everton fans, as I did about David Johnson: “Davies is going to become a big name at Everton.
Members of the 300 Club at Goodison should be using their club-room for the first time on derby day—February 20. So far this season, the room has been used by directors' guests but the complete boardroom accommodation is expected to be ready by the middle of next month. Work inside the Goodison Road stand has progressed so well that the club expect all the seating and the office accommodation to be in use by the time of the European Cup tie in March. Everton varied their Cup training this week by having a day at Southport. "We do this occasionally, just for a change of scene for the players." said Catterick. "We go there in the morning, train on the beach as we would have done at Bellefield, and then have lunch together in Southport.

POSTBAGS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 January 1971
One out of ten
I know that you and many other reporters described Alan Ball's show against Chelsea as brilliant, back to his best, etc. But I must disagree with you even though I will be very pleased to get the indigestion tablets ready soon, as you suggest. Judging by the remarks of many around me at the Gwladys Street end, I am not alone. Ball did participate in all three goals but one out of every ten of his passes was miles out, especially in the second half.—R. J. Higgins, 3 Kaigh Avenue. Liverpool 23.
Nine accurate passes out of ten seems a very good performance to me, particularly against a team as strong as Chelsea.
Jekyll and Hyde
Everton are a Jekyll and Hyde team. How they change from one week to another' Against Chelsea they were great. When the "Ball of Fire" is in form, the rest of the side play accordingly. A word of praise to Andy Rankin for his penalty save. A goal by Chelsea then could have made a big difference.— Reg Gadd, 28 Sunlight Street, Liverpool LS 4AQ.
So true—I wrote on Monday.
Why Play the Newton’s out of position?
I CANNOT understand the signing of Keith and Henry Newton by Mr. Catterick for a quarter of a million pounds and then playing them out of position. Keith Newton proved in Mexico, when playing in his proper position of right back, that he is still a player of international class. The signing of Henry Newton was unnecessary in view of the large number of midfield players at the club. The money should have been spent on two big strong defensive players who can tackle and head a ball, something lacking in the present back four.  Until something is done on these lines by bringing some strength and heading ability into the defence, the non-success of the team will continue-J. Rowan, The Cottage, Whiteholme Lane, Whiston. 
It’s a matter of finding the right players when they are available for sale-that is the vital point.

HOME AGAIN!
Liverpool Echo - Monday 25 January 1971
Hip - hip-hooray! Mersey side's incredible luck held true to-day as both Everton and Liverpool were given homes ties in the fifth round of the F.A. Cup to give them a great chance of reaching the quarter-finals. And again it is Everton who look to have the harder task—for they fare First Division Derby County; the team that k-o'd them from the League Cup two years ago. - Liverpool, too, could be facing First Division opposition but they will have to wait until tomorrow night to know their opponents Southampton or York City, who replay at The Dell after drawing 3-3 at York on Saturday. It is the third successive time this season that both have been drawn at home—but Liverpudlians were kept on tenterhooks, for Liverpool were last but one out of the hat.
Old Cup opponents
Liverpool chief Bill Shankly will almost certainly make the long trip to Southampton to spy on his opponents in tomorrow's replay, while Everton's Harry Catterick will be making arrangements to have Derby watched before fifth round day—February 13. With Everton in great form and Liverpool unbeaten at home, it looks a clear route for both to the last eight.  Everton met Derby in the League Cup two seasons ago and, after being held to a goalless draw at Goodison, lost 1-0 in the replay at the Baseball Ground.  They are Cup opponents of old, having met eight times over the years with Everton winning five times.  Everton trounced Derby in the first of four encounters in the 1890’s 11-2 in the old first round in 1890.  Three years later Everton won a semi-final replay 2-1, after the first game had been drawn 2-2, only to lose in the Final.  Then in successive years in 1897 and 1898 they met in the semi-finals with Derby winning both times, 3-2 and 3-1. In 1911, Derby beat Everton 5-0 in the old third round and in more recent times, Everton won 3-1 at Goodison in the fifth round in 1935 and 1-0 at Derby in the third round in 1939.
Post-war meeting
In 1950, their only post-war meeting in the F.A. Cup, Everton won 2-1 at the Baseball Ground in the sixth round before losing to Liverpool in the semi-finals. 

LABONE IS BACK IN ENGLAND SQUAD, BUT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 25 January 1971
SIR Alf Drops Bobby Moore
Everton centre half and former captain, Brian Labone, is back in the England squad to complete an amazing cycle of events for the Blues' longest serving player, but Sir Alf Ramsey has dropped his England captain, Bobby Moore. Labone was to-day called up by Sir Alf Ramsey in the squad for England's European championship match with Malta, in Valetta next month. He joins five other Mersey stars, Everton colleagues Colin Harvey, Alan Ball and Joe Royle, and Liverpool's Ray Clemence and Emlyn Hughes. The spring and summer of this year were memorable landmarks in Labone's long career for first he led Everton to the League title, and then was England's centre half in Mexico. This season he lost his club place to young Roger Kenyon and then his England place. But now Labone, who is back in favour with his club, looks as if he is back in the England shirt, for he is the only recognized centre-half in the 16- strong party. Harvey's form has also brought him back into the England reckoning, while Sir Alf has confirmed his faith in Clemence and Royle, players who have proved themselves in Under-23 matches this season.

HUSBAND, NEWTON SKILLS SINK BORO
Liverpool Echo - Monday 25 January 1971
BLUES HAVE THAT WEMBLEY LOOK
By Mike Charters
You all know that Everton beat Middlesbrough 3-0 in the Cup last Saturday—so let's talk about a couple of individuals who are playing a leading part as Everton hit form just right for Cup-time. Jimmy Husband and Henry Newton are the boy I have in mind. Husband, probably now playing the finest football of his young career, tormented Boro's defence with his place, zest and skill. In this mood he is one of the most exciting players in the game. He can give a defender five yards start and beat him before ten more have been covered.  He has been the top forward since he came back into the first team. Everton's second goal on Saturday was a typical example of his speed and determination. Boro defender Spraggon was in the act of controlling the ball on the edge of the area, with Husband about four yards away. Husband leapt into action as though catapulted.  Before the startled Spraggon realised what had happened. Husband was round him, had taken the ball off him, leaving Spraggon sprawling on his face.
Slide-rule pass
Husband's slide-rule back pass to Harvey produced a careful shot and a goal which developed out of nothing. Everton manager Harry Catterick summed it up: "If I had been a Boro defender, I would have been frightened to death trying to mark Husband." Now Henry Newton, whose early days in Everton's blue were marked by Indecision and an unsettled outlook. Now that outlook is “set fair." Newton came up with his third goal in successive games—a fierce ground shot from 20 yards past Whigham in the Boro goal. But it is not only this tremendous power of shot which made Newton the outstanding player on the field, in my view. He could be in the record books already for his hat-trick of goals from the left back position, but I rate his other attributes more important to the team. He has a steadying influence on the defence. His cool positional play, his devastating strength in the tackle and his clever use of the ball out of defence make him stand out. He makes the ball do the work with his 30-yard passes, and on this form, he could challenge Leeds' Terry Cooper for the England No. 3 shirt. It was Newton's goal, on the half hour, which caused this strong well-organised Middlesbrough to set foot on the slippery path which led to inevitable Cup defeat. Before he scored, 'Boro had defended soundly, with an effective eight man blanket in which Spraggon and Gates had done well. They had caused some concern with an occasional threatening attack. But they gradually became overwhelmed by Everton's superior skill and class. The twin spearhead of Mcllmoyle and Hickton was never allowed to develop because Hurst and Labone played them brilliantly to bring warm appreciation from their manager. Catterick said: "Labone and Hurst have worked for a couple of weeks in training to cope with this pair. They did very well indeed." In the second half, with the once-sound 'Boro defence beginning to creak as they tried to cope with Everton's incessant pressure. Everton only managed one more goal—a fine header from Royle. But they could—and should—have scored four or five after the Interval.  By this time, they had opened 'Boro's defence wide, and 'Boro were fortunate to escape a six-goal defeat. There was a spell of about ten minutes early in the second half when Boro opened Out. McMordie's shot was cleared off the line by Hurst, and Downing's header was touched over the bar by Rankin—the keeper's only moment of trouble. For the rest of the time, Everton had a firm grip in midfield with Kendall magnificent. Ball and Harvey little behind him. Ball spread his passes around with such accuracy that Boro's midfield men were chasing shadows half the time. It was a hard, exciting Cup tie, punctuated by flashes of brilliance from Everton and will be remembered also for a gallant performance by Boro. Everton made them look what they are—a good Second Division team but with a long way togo before they can challenge effectively a side like this in-form Everton. It's all going right for Everton now.  Cup days are here and it's all happening. The team have hit the right rhythm, teamwork is smooth. The defence has tightened up and the midfield trio is in tune. There’s a Wembley look about them.

FATE AND THE TWO CUP STARS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 26 January 1971
I DO THINK EVERTON HAVE A WEAK SPOT AND I FEEL SURE WE CAN EXPLOIT IT-PETER TATLOR DERBY ASSISTANT MANAGER
By Stan Liversedge
If fate had decreed differently, Henry Newton would have been playing for Derby County against Everton and Archie Gemmill would have been playing for Everton, when the clubs clash in the F.A. Cup fifth round tie at Goodison on February 13. For Newton was Derby's target before they landed Gemmill-and when they signed Gemmill from Preston for £66.000, they pipped Everton for his signature. Everton got their own back, as it were, when they snapped up Newton in a £150,000 deal with Nottingham Forest—and now the two players will be or opposite sides in the Cup. Peter Taylor, who is manager Brian Clough's right-hand man at Derby, admits: "We had been trying to sign Henry Newton for two years. I've known this player since he was a lad, and I can confirm Harry Catterick's rating of him. He's a very good player. "I know that some of the top people in the game tend to fault him on technicalities. But Henry Newton is underrated by many people. And he's a 100 per center' "It took him a little time to settle ; down at Everton but now he's showing what a good player he is—and he's been sticking the ball in the net recently as well.” All this may sound as if Taylor-one of the shrewdest soccer judges in the game—is selling his own team short. But this is not so. Taylor turns to Gemmill and says of the Scottish midfield man: "He's been a revelation these past few weeks. Like Newton, he took a little time to settle: after all he was stepping up from the Third Division to the First.  He had a fair bit to learn when he came into the big-time. But he's shown that he has tremendous ability. He lays it off well, he's got pace, and he can plonk the ball in the net as well. "In fact, I believe he will develop as a player who will also get a regular quota of goals-double figures almost every season. He is a midfield player who can be very good, going forward, and I'm confident that he will finish up an winning international honours. At 24 he's got time." Taylor is the man Clough took with him to Derby from the North- East: a man whose name is usually out of the limelight. Yet he is rated by people who know their soccer, as being a top man at his job. His job is to assess players, known and unknown, who can improve Derby County. His job also includes assessing teams whom Derby have to meet and try to beat. Taylor says: "I'll be checking on Everton before we play them in the Cup. But we know pretty well everything there is to know about them now, of course. "One thing about this draw—Everton are a quality side. And we like playing against quality teams. In fact, we have improved a lot, because we have been playing good teams in the First Division. "The draw could have been better for us of course: we would have preferred to have played Everton at the Baseball Ground. But this game at Goodison will be a cracker. Everton push the ball around, and so do we. Everton play and so do we. “Yes, I do think Everton have a weak spot…and I feel sure we can exploit it. Although we'd have been able to exploit it more had we been playing at home." At this point there was a pause. The conversation began to dry up. And when I made encouraging sounds, to try to get Taylor to elaborate, he switched the subject. "Sorry, he said, - but I can't tell you what that weak spot is." So we'll just have to wait until February 13 to see if Derby County CAN put their finger on it. In the meantime, Harry Catterick can be satisfied that he got what he wanted—which was Everton at home and never mind who the opposition.   

EVERTON TRAINING DAYS MINUS FOUR
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 27 January 1971
By Mike Charters
The two men in line to captain England against Malta next week will be in direct opposition on Saturday at White Hart Lane -the skippers of Everton and Spurs, Alan Ball and Alan Mullery. Although this will probably be only a one-match chore for whoever Sir Alt Ramsey selects in the absence of Bobby Moore, with Moore a certainty to return later in the season, there is considerable interest locally in whether Ball will be Moore's successor in the long term. But Everton manager Harry Catterick refuses to be drawn into conjecture about it. "I don't know what Sir Alf has in mind." he told me. “All I know is that next week is a blank for Everton so far as training is concerned. We are losing half a team to England. Sir Alf has named Brian La bone, Colin Harvey and Joe Royle in addition to Ball. They will join the England party in London on Sunday before flying out to Malta and will not report back at Bellefield until a week on Friday. This means that Catterick will not see four of his players for five days after the game at Spurs on Saturday. He added: "We are losing a forward, two midfield men and a defender. How can we prepare for our game against Huddersfield a week on Saturday with players missing from every department in the side?" The Everton chief has been a regular and outspoken critic about losing players on England duty during a season. He believes all internationals should be played out of season, or, alternatively, League fixtures should be reduced to give the big clubs blank Saturdays when representative games could be played. His worry now is that he could have players injured in a game of little consequence a European Nations Cup tie against no-hopers Malta, a team of about Fourth Division standard. His sights are set on the week beyond that, to the cup-tie against Derby County. Anything outside club commitments which could interfere with the preparation for that big game will be viewed with considerable disfavor. He told me: "As usual, we will have Derby County watched in the next fortnight. But, unlike Blackburn and Middlesbrough in the earlier rounds, we know a great deal about Derby already because we play them in the First Division. "We will bring up to date all our information about them before February 13." Although Howard Kendall and John Morrissey are having treatment for injuries received last Saturday, it looks as though both will be all right for the visit to Spurs. Kendall, who received a painful kick on his left calf, is the more seriously injured.

ROYLE ON THE THRESHOLD OF FIRST FULL ENGLAND CAP
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 28 January 1971
Joe Royle, Everton's burly young centre forward, looks set for his first full England cap in Malta next week. Royle was named this week in a 16-strong England party but that is likely to be trimmed to 14 with the likely withdrawal of two forwards, Manchester City's Colin Bell and Francis Lee. Lee has a damaged hip and Bell has a groin injury, and if they are unfit to r Saturday's match City are likely to pull both not of the England squad. Bell and Lee are both seasoned internationals and stand ahead of Royle in the ranking at present. But against a Maltese side of tittle more than Fourth Division standard Sir Alf Ramsey would not be unduly worried by giving Hoyle his debut, particularly as he has impressed on his outings for the Under 23 side this season. Although he scored a fine Cup goal against Middlesbrough last week. Royle's best scoring form has eluded him for much of the season but nevertheless he has obviously done enough to keep his name in the forefront of Sir Alf's mind. At 21 and already an experienced First Division star. Royle could take the first step next week in what could turn out to be a star-studded career with his initial target the World Cup in Munich in 1974. - With club colleagues Brian Labone and Alan Ball almost certain to be placing in Malta. Royle will certainly not lack support.

£1M BATTLE IN MIDFIELD
Liverpool Echo - Friday 29 January 1971
By Mike Charters
London's answer to Alan Ball will be battling for midfield mastery with the Everton captain to-morrow at White Hart Lane —19-years-old Steve Perryman, the brilliant young Spurs player who is rated a certain England player of the future. Perryman is a younger version of Ball with his tenacity and enthusiasm for work. He is typical of the new breed of young London-born players who are in the forefront of the Southern determination to end Northern domination of football's honours.  He will be playing in distinguished company tomorrow—the four men Sir Alf Ramsey has selected as his midfield squad for next week’s European Nation Cup tie in Malta.  Everton provide Ball and Colin Harvey, Spurs have skipper Alan Mullery and Martin Peters.  But Perryman will not be outclassed in this star-studded collection, who would bring around a million pounds in the transfer market.  Peters alone was involved in the first £200,000 transfer when he moved from West Ham to Spurs, with Jimmy Greaves being used as part exchange plus cash.
Key factor
The battle for midfield command will be the factor to-morrow. Althrough Everton are likely to be at full strength, with Howard Kendall and John Morrissey recovering from injuries.  Spurs will still be without their Welsh international centre half Mike England.  He has been troubled by an ankle injury for some time, and could be out for weeks yet as he is still under specialist attention.  Although there has been a lot of rain in the London area this week, the White Hart Lane pitch is in good shape. Spurs manager Bill Nicholson said to-day: "It will need freak weather conditions overnight to put the game in danger.” Everton manager Harry Catterick has added three defenders- Keith Newton, Roger Kenyon and Frank Darcy -to last week's team to make a 14-strong squad to travel to London. Everton (from); Rankin; Wright, Newton (H); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Newton (K), Kenyon, Darcy.
EVERTON PLEA
Because of the postal strike, Everton have been unable to contact their gatemen who operate selling points for the big game tickets.  They ask the regular squad to report to Goodison Park at 9.30 a.m, on Sunday for the sale of Cup-tie tickets.

CUP-HAPPY BOYS MEET IN GAME OF ALL THE TALENTS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 29 January 1971
By Mike Charters
Everton and Spurs, who meet at White Hart Lane tomorrow, have similar ambitions this season— double Cup success. . Spurs are already in the League Cup Final (they meet Aston Villa on February 27) and are going hard for the F.A. Cup as well. Everton also pin their hopes on a twin Wembley date with the F.A. Cup and the European Cup. League honours are beyond them this season, although Spurs are still lying fourth in the table but 11 points behind Leeds United. So tomorrow's attractive League clash is of major interest in assessing current form from the angle of future Cup commitments. Everton will be looking for another in-form display like their last two games to, keep them in top trim for their Cup clash with Derby in a fortnight's time; Spurs will be hoping to end a disappointing run at home in the League. The only game they have won at White Hart Lane for nearly three months was their third round Cup success by 4-1 against Second Division Sheffield Wednesday. The last home League victory was over bottom place Burnley on November 7. Since then they have lost to Southampton and Newcastle, drawn with Wolves and Manchester United. Yet they showed, three weeks ago, what a magnificent side they can be on their day with their 2-1 win at Leeds. One of their admirers is Everton manager Harry Catterick, who has praised their skill and strength. He rates them an outstanding bet for the Cup without, tactfully, putting his own side first. Spurs played splendidly when they drew at Goodison in November. They have a brilliant young midfield player in Steve Perryman, whom I rate an England prospect, the top First Division scorer in Martin Chivers (21 goals) and the artistry of Alan Gilzean. There's class in every department with Irish goalkeeper Pat Jennings and England midfield men Alan Mullery and Martin Peters. They play entertaining, inventive football and with Everton in such flowing form at the moment, this will be a clash between two well-matched sides with skill to spare for the enjoyment of the spectators. It looks a good draw bet to me. The pressures demanded for Cup success will be eased a little; players could find they have the chance to display their talents without the feeling of "we've got to win this."
 Consistent
Everton have struck a consistent vein. It started with their second-half display at Burnley and continued through two top-class performances against Chelsea and Middlesbrough. They are in tune with one another, playing exciting attacking football, stemming from the midfield command of Alan Ball, Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, with much improved defensive stability bringing renewed confidence. I referred earlier this week to the part played in this by Henry Newton at left-back. But the other three are in the groove as well and none more so than Brian Labone, whose return to form and a regular first team place has been welcomed by Everton fans. Labone holds a special place in their affection for his long and distinguished career, and his reinstatement in the Everton side has been confirmed, nationally, by his selection for the England team to play Malta next Wednesday. It would not surprise me if Sir Alf Ramsey nominated Labone to captain England in the absence of Bobby Moore, even though he has lost the Everton job to Ball. The England manager has a very high regard for Labone as a player and a man, and may make him skipper next week above the claims of Mullery.

LABONE CARRIED OFF-THEN ROYLE SCORES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 January 1971
TOTTENHAM 2, EVERTON 1
By Chris James
Lineup;- Tottenham; Jennings; Kinnear, Knowles; Mullery, Collins, Beal; Gilzean, Perryman, Chivers, Peters, Neighbour.  Sub; Pearce. Everton; Rankin; Wright, Newton (H); Kendall, Labone, Harvey; Husband, Ball, Royle, Hurst, Morrissey, Sub Kenyon.  Referee; Mr. D.R.C Nippard (Hampshire).
Double trouble struck Everton at White Hart Lane today as first they lost Brian Labone who needed to go to hospital for stitches in a cut leg after only eight minutes, then went behind to a neatly headed goal by Martin Chivers after 18 minutes.  But the resilient Blues hit back to push spurs on the defensive during the last part of the first half and Joe Royle headed Everton level shortly before the interval.  Sir Alf Ramsey, the England manager was at the game no doubt making a last minute check on form of the players who are in his squad to face Malta on Wednesday.  Everton were soon forced on defence as Chivers tried to work his way through.  He was halted by a firm tackle from Wright.  As the ball ran loose to the left Knowles centred and Peters nodded the ball through the Everton defence trying to find Chivers but the Spurs centre forward could not quite reach the ball in what would have been a certain scoring position.  Spurs were applying considerable early pressure but the Everton defence was dealing with it competently.  Royle made a fine break down the left and as he sped past Collins he centred low but Perryman, covering well, hooked the ball clear. 
BROUGHT DOWN
As Royle went down the left again he was brought down by Kinnear and this time Jennings made a good catch from the free kick.  Rankin needed to produce a magnificent diving save to turn the ball for a corner from a fierce volley from 20 yards by neighbor after Gilzean had taken advantage of a misheaded clearance by Kendall to nod the ball back to the left winger.  There was tragedy in the incident for Everton, however, as in an effort to stop the move, Brian Labone went down and was carried off on a stretcher.  It was obviously serious for substitute Roger Kenyon was called on immediately.  It must have posed problems for Sir Alf Ramsey for Labone is the only recognized centre half in his Maltese squad.  Everton, however, were not dismayed and after Rankin had capably dealt with the corner, Harvey produced some fine work in midfield to set Ball free on the left.  But his centre was too close to goal and Jennings caught comfortably.  Spurs were looking in fine form with Mullery and Perryman working stylishly in midfield and Chivers, a consistent danger up front.  Everton showed their class, too, with a fine move that saw Kendall take over from a neat run by Husband to give Morrissey a run down the left.  He pulled the ball back and Kendall tried a first-time shot from the edge of the area that was blocked.  Ball slipped in a good position and was unable to reach the ricochet.  Jennings had to pull out all the stops after 18 minutes to prevent Ball putting Everton ahead after Royle had risen majestically to head a long centre from Wright into the skipper’s path.  Jennings flung himself to his left to block Ball’s shot from 12 yards.  Play immediately switched to the other end where Martin Chivers headed a fine goal to put Spurs ahead.  Everton conceded a free kick midway inside their half and Peters took it to send a perfect chip towards goal for Chivers to head the ball in by the far post after 19 minutes. 
GASH STITCHED
It was discovered that Labone had gone to hospital to have a gash in his leg stitched.  Both sides were managing to produce some magnificent football in the soggy conditions and it was Jennings who saved Spurs again after 32 minutes as Husband opened up their defence.  He laid the ball back for the incoming Harvey to take advantage of the gap and Jennings flung himself to his left to palm the ball behind.  As half-time approached Everton were pushing Spurs back further and further with Ball spurring his men forward and Harvey adding some classic touches in midfield.  Although they had lost Labone, the Everton defence had dealt comfortably with most of Spurs attacks with Kendall, generally, keeping a watchful eye on the dangerous Chivers.  Everton’s pressure paid off a couple of minutes before the interval when Royle headed a fine equalizer.  The goal was made by Kendall who received a pass from Husband, beat Knowles and chipped the ball across to Royle, at the near post, to arrow a header down past Jennings. Rankin was hurt diving at Knowles’ feet after a slack back pass from Hurst as Everton had their hearts in their mouths.  Rankin was able to resume after treatment. 
Half-time; Tottenham 1, Everton 1.
Only some fine covering by Collins stopped Husband going through for a second goal almost on the restart after Kendall had intercepted a pass from Neighbour to Knowles and laid a well-judged cross in Husband’s path.  Everton were certainly continuing their return to form and were now giving the Spurs defence more anxious moments than the home side were giving them.  Yet it was Spurs who went ahead again after 50 minutes.  The goal stemmed from a set piece with Hurst misjudging his attempt to head clear Mullery’s corner and Peters rising to nod the ball goalwards for Gilzean to hook it under Rankin’s body from close range. 
SPURS PUT ALL INTO DEFENCE
Everton had taken command of midfield and when danger threatened Spurs brought all but Chivers back to help out. Nevertheless, Spurs always looked dangerous on the break and it seemed the combined efforts of Wright and Hurst to concede a corner as Gilzean tried to burst through on to a magnificent pass by Mullery. Rankin was well positioned to take a snap 25 yards shot from Mullery in a Spurs attack, but Everton, although having had the lion's share of the play this half, had lost a lot of their rhythm and were only occasionally threatening the Spurs defence seriously.
Tricked
Royle, who had moved out to the right, neatly tricked Collins in one move, but there was nobody in the centre to head home his cross and Kinnear at the far side of goal headed behind for a corner. From the corner, Spurs were in real trouble and it needed the packed bodies in the penalty area to block shots from Royle and Kendall before Harvey from fully 30 yards shot well wide. A flying attempt by Husband to reach another cross, this time from Morrissey, failed as Spurs continued to cling on to their slender lead. Husband connected with another Morrissey centre 13 minutes from the end but this time, his header dipped fractionally over the bar. Slowness on the part of Husband robbed him of a great chance to get an equalizer when he trapped a Harvey cross but seemed to get stranded in the goalmouth. It was the sort of opening that Everton had been trying for so long with so little luck, to create. Seconds later, Royle tried to surprise Jennings with a lob as he cut in from the left, but the ball floated into the crowd. Official attendance: 42,000.
Blues' verdict
Everton's vulnerability to high balls into the penalty area put their backs to the wall at Tottenham to-day. After losing their England centre half Brian Labone after only eight minutes, they twice conceded goals from this move. It was a pity that the Blues should concede goals in this way, for they had played some fine football with Harvey and Kendall doing well in midfield, Newton continuing his fine form at left back, and Kenyon doing well against Chivers as he substituted for Labone. Up front, Royle and Husband posed the Spurs defence a number of problems, and it was Royle ho put Everton back into the game with a fine headed goal just before half time.

EVERTON ASSERT MASTERY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 January 1971
With Keith Newton and Sandy Brown fulfilling a competent defensive role Everton’s new keeper, Davies, had little to do for the first 20 minutes.  The Blues had much more of the game and Milner was constantly threatened by centres coming for almost the goal-line.  Mainly they came from Jones and Johnson but as the latter went out to the wing there was rarely anybody in the centre to take advantage.  Wednesday’s danger-man was ken Johnson.  A couple of times he started good moves but the visitor’s finishing was weak and Everton were soon back on the attack.  Jones got two neat ground shots in near the post which Milner had to be sharp to deal with.  Everton gradually got well on top and got two goals within two minutes.  Both might have been the fault of the slippery ball which Milner failed to hold.  At 32 minutes Whittle nodded a header from a David Johnson cross and although Milner stopped it, the ball slipped out of his hands over the line.  The second was a beautiful Jones header from a centre by Newton.  Again Milner let it go through his hands. 
Half-time; Everton Reserves 2, Sheffield Wednesday reserves 0. 
Everton Res;- Davies; Newton, Styles; Smith, Brown, Seargeant; Jones, Melledew, Johnson, Kenny, Whittle, Sub; Westburgh.  Sheffield Wednesday Res;- Milner; Wilcockson, Smith (C.); Taylor, Young, Ellis; Pudham, Johnson (Ken), Downes, Bimson, Johnson (Kevin), Sub, Smith. 

TARGET FOR TRAINERS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 January 1971
HOW WILD DIXON GUARDS HIS BOYS
The duties of a coach to a top team stretch far beyond the obvious. Outside the day-to-day training commitments, there is a wide ranging sphere of activity which will surprise supporters who only see the trainer at work when he comes on to the pitch to treat an injured player. As I have travelled around England and Europe with Everton, I have watched with interest sometimes with amazement the immense attention to detail which first team coach Wilf Dixon applies to his job away from Bellefield and Goodison. I can report that the players are looked after with meticulous care. Nothing is spared to bring them to the peak of physical fitness and mental composure for their Saturday afternoon task. As an on-the-spot observer. I can also record that they are not pampered or spoiled . . . but they are very lucky lads to have such care lavished on them. For example, Dixon ensures that when the team coach arrives at an away ground, hotel or restaurant where the boys are staying, the driver pulls up so that the exit door is alongside a pavement. He does not want the players to step out into the road in the path of other traffic.
Eating fish is banned
He told me: "We cannot take the chance that some of the boys may step off the coach without looking what is coming. Over the years, we've got into the routine of knowing the best way for the coach to approach the stopping place so that the door is on the pavement side.” The ordering of players' meals, and other arrangements on away trips, are part of Dixon's off-the-field activities. He said: "The only food ban on the night before game is fish. I had an experience with another team where players were upset by a fish meal although I must emphasize that there is nothing, wrong with fish normally, just don't like them having it the night before they play. "Meals on match day are more important. I order breakfast for the boys in their rooms. If they have a full breakfast, they only have a light snack, perhaps toast and tea, as their pre-match meal three hours before the kick-off. "If they have tea and toast for breakfast, they can have something more substantial for their lunch. “The old days when the pre-match meal was either boiled fish or mutton have gone forever. Players now go for steaks, chicken or scrambled eggs. They are not allowed vegetables. "On away trips, they are allowed to sleep in. I like them to get up between half-ten and eleven, and then they go out for a walk before their meal at noon. "I don't have to drive them to follow this routine, or in getting to bed soon after ten on the Friday night. “They know that all these things are arranged for their benefit ... and they follow the routine without question. This applies in all the little things we do for them outside actually training and playing. "When they join Everton, they are told what we expect from them. They are professionals; they know what is the right thing to do, and they do it. In all my years as a coach, I have never had one player step out of line in these matters. "We go to a good deal of trouble in arranging the rooming list. Personality is taken into account. We don't put an introvert with another introvert they'd never speak to each other if we did that!   "When a new player joins us from another club, or a boy comes up out of the reserves, I arrange for him to be with one of the more senior players who knows the ropes and knows our way of doing things. The experienced lads help the new boys. When David Johnson came into the first team for the first time at Burnley, he was no stranger. He had been training with the senior squad, linking with experienced players in moves and tactical patterns so that the lads knew what he could do. It worked well -everyone at that game could see that.  At Everton, we go out of our way to explain to every player how we want them to behave- and the reasons why. That is important ... telling them why. "We don't have any boys who suffer from travel sickness. If they did, we would have them travel in the front of the team coach. Some of the lads like to play cards, others to read or sleep on a long journey. "These are routine matters. Everything fits into place. For example, we do not bother any more about taking the players to a cinema or theatre on a Friday night before an away match.
Keep them together
"Travel arrangements are made so that the party arrives at the hotel in time for dinner around eight o'clock. The boys have their meal and then it's almost time for bed they prefer it that way. It also means we keep them all together instead of small groups drifting off to a cinema." About three afternoons a week, Dixon and the other coaches on the staff Tom Casey, Stuart Imlach and Ian Crawford -organise specialised training of individuals at Bellefield. Dixon said: "There is nothing unusual in this. Many of the senior players Alan Ball, Howard Kendall and Colin Harvey, for example come back of their own free will to get some training outside the normal morning sessions in some part of their game that they would like sharpened up. "It might be that they want balls hit hard at them so that they can control it and turn quickly. “There is no pressure on the seniors.  They come back from time to time as they want to. "Some of the younger players are in regularly for special work. Joe Royle did it a couple of seasons ago for intensive heading practice. We have Alan Whittle, Jimmy Husband and David Johnson coming back now, and Royle as well, at times. "I draw up a schedule for them to work on, outside the other training they do with the full squad. All the players are back for extra training at some time or other." Wilf Dixon points out that these extra-curricular chores are routine at most clubs. They are part of the job, behind the scenes, designed to hit the target: to get even player at his best for the work in hand winning football games.

POSTBAG
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 January 1971
SWITCHING NEWTON WAS CATTERICK’S TRUMP CARD
Edited by Mike Charters
For the benefit of your readers who think the signing of Henry Newton by Everton was unnecessary, they should have listened to Harry Catterick when he made the signing to understand the reason. Newton was bought to increase the strength of the first team pool because he is versatile enough to play in almost any position. It's been obvious that the left back position has been suspect, so manager Catterick, the Perry Mason of English football, played his trump card by converting Newton to left back. It surely can't be long before Sir Alf Ramsey takes notice of “Henry and his hammer."—C. Barker, 3 Talbotville Road, Liverpool 13.
Newton's big ambition is to play for England.
Successful moves
Correspondents have been criticizing Harry Catterick for playing certain players out of position. But you can find many players who successfully moved into a position foreign to them. On the wing or centre forward was all the same to Billy Liddell and Tom Finney; Billy Wright moved from inside forward to centre half; and Sir Stanley Matthews was a centre half early in his career.— Len Jones, 12 Mond Road, Liverpool L10 7LJ
 There's nothing wrong with Henry Newton's form at left back—out of position or not.
Deserves reword
I stood on the Goodison terraces last Saturday and admired the remarkable Howard Kendall. When is this man going to get the reward he deserves—an England cap? He is a wonderful player in every way-skill, effort, disposition— G. Ellis. 77 Afton, Hough Green. Widnes.
So true.
Memory of 1931
I was interested in your article in last week's Echo about the Fantastic Thirties and Everton's Cup semi-final against West Bromwich in 1931. It was a memorable match in many respects. The Old Trafford gates were broken down and thousands of people invaded the pitch. Mounted policemen were on the ground clearing the crowd before the game could start. Fainting people were handed over spectators' heads to the touchlines for treatment, and the match was played with mounted police around the touch lines. I was there and it is as clear in my mind as if it had happened yesterday. —W. Phillips, 69 Whincraig, Cantril Farm, Liverpool L2B SRR.
Nice to hear from the old-timers.
Correction, please
I admit that my writing is often horrible, but I did not write that one in ten of Alan Ball's passes went astray. I wrote one in two, so I would be grateful for this correction Ball is improving apace and I shall be delighted to see him recapture the form of which we all know he is capable. I shall be more delighted still to see him make a worthy Everton captain. Perhaps Mexico affected his play, as it seems to have done with Brian Labone, now back to form, Francis Lee, Gordon Banks, and virtually all of that rather unlucky squad .—A. J. Higgins, 3 Kaigh Avenue, Great Crosby.
Mr. Higgins, the way you write "ten" is very similar to the way you write "two."
Keep it human
What is this purification of soccer all about Sir Stanley Rous said that he deplores players kissing and cuddling each other. What does he want ? Players merely to take goals for granted, not permitted to show any joy or pleasure? It seems they are trying to dehumanize the game. Ten years ago Tranmere Rovers had a tatty old stand and a team only half way up the League, but they drew regular 12,000 gates. Now Tranmere possess a luxury stand, a pretentious dining room and thriving social club, but only 3,000 fans turn up to see them on Friday nights without counter attractions. I suggest soccer forgets such things as mass facilities for wives, kids, etc., or it will become lost among a multitude of other attractions.—M. Bartlett, 4 Pine Road, Heswall.
Never.
Refs. on look-out
Alan Ball, George Best, Denis Law and Billy Bremner are just a few players of outstanding quality whom referees look out for.  Referees seem to single-them out, and they may be booked where another player committing the same offence gets only a talking to-John Clark, mordon, Burbo Bank Road South, Blundellsands.
I think you’re off the mark here.

ENGLAND SHOULD PLAY HARVEY
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 30 January 1971
THE HARRY CATTERICK COLUMN
Of all the young players bidding for a place in England's European Nations Cup team this year, none is more deserving of selection than Colin Harvey, our brilliant 25-years-old midfield star. He has played a major part in Everton's success since becoming a first team regular at the age of 18.
I find it puzzling, therefore, that he has yet to gain the same recognition in representative football as his club colleagues Gordon West, Tommy Wright, Keith Newton, Brian Labone and Alan Ball. Even though Harvey was among the squad from which the England team to play Malta on Wednesday will be chosen, he again seems likely to be one of the substitutes. I am convinced Harvey would have been an automatic choice but for the abundance of good midfield players at present. I confess to being biased, but it seems farcical that someone of Colin's all-round ability should be overlooked, particularly when you consider England's need for attacking flair. Harvey is a more creative player than Alan Mullery and Martin Peters, the Spurs pair who hold two of the key midfield positions in England’s 4-3-3 set-up.  In addition, Alan Ball, the other member of the trio, has developed a perfect understanding with Harvey at club level.
England should have little difficulty in overcoming Malta, Greece and Switzerland to reach the Nations Cup finals. At the same time, I hope no-one makes the mistake of treating these opponents lightly, particularly on their own grounds. Remember France knocked England out of the Cup in 1963.
Physical
It is almost impossible to produce good football on the hard, bumpy pitches so prevalent in Malta and Greece. Nor does the hot climate in these countries favour a team like England, who base their approach to the game on 100 per cent physical endeavour. I don't envy the England players their trip to Greece in April. Everton played there in a "friendly" match against A.E.K. of Athens four or five years back. It was a nightmare experience. Quite apart from the uneven surface, stifling heat and bad refereeing, the crowd baited the Everton players throughout the game. They really get steamed up about soccer in Greece. Although the A.E.K. fans were separated from the pitch a wire fence, they looked capable of storming right through! England have an excellent chance of winning the European Nations Cup, as I rate them the best team in the world, apart from Brazil. I thought West Germany were fortunate to beat England in the World Cup quarter finals. They looked thorough demoralized when England went 2-0 up, but were allowed back into the game through England's lack of concentration. It is so ease for players to fall into the trap of complacency when things are going well for them.
Classic
A classic example was Leeds United's F.A. Cup defeat by Chelsea last season. Also, did you notice how many sides in Saturday's F.A .Cup fourth round were held to a draw or beaten by goals in the last 10 minutes? I cannot recall England's stars making such a mistake previously, and I doubt whether they will allow a repeat of that West Germany catastrophe.  I would love to see a switch to a more open sty le of play with orthodox wingers, but the fact has to be faced that there's a dearth of international class men of this type in England. There is away, however, in which England could produce more goals through her current playing system . . . the inclusion of Colin Harvey. I was not surprised at the omission of Bobby Moore from the Malta party as he was recently dropped by West Ham and is therefore short of match practice. I am sure that Moore's disciplinary trouble with the Hammers did not influence Sir Alf's decision. Sir Alf bases his judgment of players on their ability and conduct when playing for England, rather than for their clubs. That's why Moore is unlikely to be out of the England side for long.