EVERTON ARE DUE FOR THE LUCK OF THE DRAW
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 07 July 1970
D-DAY MINUS ONE FOR EURPOE!
By Stan Liversedge
GENEVA, Tuesday.—Everton, the League champions of England, can hope for a change of fortune here tomorrow, when the European Cup draw is made. Last time out, they came straight up against the might of Inter- Milan; tomorrow. E.U.F.A. will organise some form of seeding. This should keep apart teams like Everton, holders Feyenoord and their Dutch rivals, Ajax- one-time conquerors of Liverpool in Europe—and Glasgow Celtic, last season's finalsits from Britain. Everton can also hope to avoid such formidable opposition as Italian champions Cagliari, who supplied six of Italy's World Cup squad. Standard Liege, who gave Leeds a fright last season: Sporting Lisbon, who several years ago lost 4-1 at Old Trafford and crushed Manchester United 5-0 in the return. Other teams who will prove tough nuts to crack are Atletico Madrid (replacing the great Real Madrid); European "regulars" Ujpest Doysa from Hungary; Spartak Moscow: Legia (Warsaw); Red Star. Belgrade: Czech champions Slovan Bratislava, and West German champions Borussia Munchen Gladbach. There are a few unknown quantities, too—Fenerbahce, of Istanbul, who shattered Manchester City two seasons ago, before City even realized they had hit the European Cup trail; Nenddori Tirana (Albania) Austria Vienna, Jena (East Germany) and Panathinaikos Athens. 
Mystery Clubs
And until the end of this month there will be two “mystery’s” contestants-one from Rumania, the other from Bulgaria, where the champions are not yet known. 
Clubs who can expect to make an early exit include Irish representatives Glentoran and Waterford, St. 'Etienne (France). Jeunesse (Luxembourg). Rosenborg (Norway). Copenhagen B.1903, Gothenburg. K.P.V. Kokkola (Finland ). Basle, Keflavik (Iceland). Floriania (Malta), and Cyprus E.P A.
Everton to-morrow can begin to plan an assault which has a double aim: to obliterate the memory of past failures in Europe, and to emulate the feats of clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham, Celtic, Newcastle United, Leeds United, Arsenal and Manchester City. All these clubs have triumphed in Europe, since Everton were vanquished by Inter-Milan. Now Everton having proved their right to complete as England’s champions, face the challenge of proving also that they can carry on the British domination of Europe.  And, of course, ultimate success could see more than £100,000 flowing Everton's way, as the cash prize for landing Europe's premier club trophy. But, sending or not, Everton face a line up as formidable as any there has been in the European Cup. Sooner or later, they will have to meet—and beat —the best.
Long trail
To-morrow is just the start of a long, long trail which could wind from Albania to Moscow, from Malta to Warsaw, from Cyprus to Belgrade. This evening E.U.F A. will wind up an emergency committee meeting-but what it’s all about is strictly hush-hush.  E.U.F.A secretary Hans Bangerter told me, “I cannot reveal what we shall be discussing, but there may be a statement afterwards. “  Tomorrow morning E.U.F.A’s organizing committee decides how the European Cup shall be seeded and after the draw, a referee’s committee meeting will appoint officials to handle the ties, which will be played on September 16 and 30. 

EVERTON DRAW ICELANDIC ‘NO-HOPERS’ KEFLAVIK
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 July 1970
FLYING START TO THE EUROPEAN CUP
By Stan Liversedge in Genova
BARRING accidents, Everton are virtually through to the second round of the European Cup. They drew unknown and unfancied Keflavik of Iceland, whom they play at Goodison on September 16 and away in September 30.  By the end of 90 minutes at Goodison, Everton should have piled up a big-enough lead against the no-hopers from Iceland to make the second leg a formality.  Everton were one of only four teams seeded.  The other were Italian champions Caglari, Spartak, Moscow and West Germany's Borussia Munchen Gladbach. That left last season's European Cup winners, Feyenoord, and the team they beat in the final. Glasgow Celtic, out in the cold. But Everton's luck was in, last time out in the European Cup they met Inter Milan and fell at the first hurdle. Keflavik should present no problems. Celtic were lucky, too, in the end, for they meet Kokkola of Finland. Cagliari play St. Etienne of France. Spartak Moscow play Basle and Brussia Munchen Gladbach tackle Cyprus E.P.A. Feyenoord play the Rumanian champions who not be known until the end of the month. So the big guns are apart--and Everton are off to a flying start this time in the European Cup.  Full Draw Spartak Moscow v Basle: Fenerbache v. Jenn Standard: Liege. Rosenberg; Sporting Lisbon v. Florinan (Malta): Slovan Bratislava v. Copenhagen B. 19113: Cyprus E.P.A v Brussia Muchean Gladbach: Feyenoord v. Rumania Champions; Everton v. Keflevik; Nendori Tirana (Albana) v. Ajea, Gothenbury v. Legia Warsaw; Austria Vinna or Bulgaria champions v. Alletico Madrid; Ujpest Dozsa (Hungary) v Red Star Belgrade; Cagiiari v St. Etlenne; Celtic v Kokkola; Panathinkikos Athens v Jeunesse Luxemburg and Glentoran v Waterford.

WE’LL WATCH OPPONENTS –CATTERICK
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 08 July 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager, Harry catterick commented on the draw; “We’ll have to get organized now on sending someone to see Keflavik.  “I should imagine they’ll be more than half-way through their playing season now and that we shall be playing then near the end of their season. 
Mr. Catterick has been busy at Bellefield this week preparing for the players returning for training next week.  He told me today that former Hearts and West Ham forward Ian Crawford has bene appointed to the coaching staff and replaces Arthur Proudler who has been in charge of Everton reserves team since he joined then four years ago from Bristol City.  Crawford moved from West Ham to Peterborough where he switched to play full back, and became player-manager of Midland League club Stamford earlier this year.  Proudler has left Everton to seek a senior coaching position. 

KEFLAVIK MAY ASK TO SWITCH DATES
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 July 1970
By Stan Liversedge
GENEVA, Thursday, Keflavik, the champion, of Iceland, may ask Everton to reverse the dates of their European Cup ties so that they can tackle the Blues on their home ground first. Everton are scheduled to play Keflavik at Goodison on September 16 and away on September 30. If Keflavik do seek to reverse the dates they will be following the lead of other small clubs in the competition. Rosenburg, for instance, have arranged to play Standard Liege in Norway first, though their September 16 game was scheduled for Liege. The reason is simple- crowds and cash. A home game first gives, the little clubs the chance of a full house. If they play away first and get trounced the return game is on academic interest. Little seems to be known about Keflavik, but I am told their ground will hold only around 10,000, and that they are one of fewer than ten teams forming Iceland's First Division. Keflavik. I gather, is about 30 miles south-west of Reykjavik where Liverpool played in the European Cup some years ago.  The population of Keflavik it seems could comfortably be housed in Goodison Park on a match day—l am told that only about 25,000 people live in Keflavik, which is one of soccer's outposts. Whether or not Keflavik decide to ask Everton to switch dates their fate in the European Cup is assured—a first round exit.

PARKING BAN FOR SOCCER GROUNDS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 09 July 1970
When there are football matches at the Liverpool and Everton football grounds at Anfield and Goodison Park, there are up to 15,000 cars parked in the narrow streets around the grounds. Now the Corporation have decided the congestion must be stopped. A plan to introduce permanent waiting restrictions on one side of a large number of streets over about one-third of a mile around both grounds, was approved yesterday by the transportation and basic services committee.  Four roads-Lake Street, Lothair Road, Kemlyn Road, and Gwlady’s Street, between City Road and Bullens Road-are right next to the grounds.  Here, Police will keep both sides clear when matches are in progress with, it is hoped the co-operation of residents.  Mr. Ronald Williams, director of Transport –action and basic Services, told the committee that police and traffic wardens do keep the main roads clear but in side roads “no waiting” signs” are damaged and stolen. 
Reserved
“Emergency services have difficulty in operating at such times,” said Mr. Williams.  “If a major incident should occur at either ground there could be a problem of getting into the ground and this could have grave consequences.”  Residents don’t escape criticism.  Mr. Williams says they park on both sides of the narrow roads of terraced houses, creating hazards for children and difficulties for people driving through.  Certain lengths of Priory Road, Walton Breck Road, Dinorwic Street, Valley Road, Robarts Road, and Utting Avenue/Arkles Lane will continue to be reserved for parking of buses and coaches.  Police will make sure there is no indiscriminate parking here.  Special; consideration is also being given to provide off-street parking facilities, special parking permits for residents and official pounds where the police can put cars removed from restricted areas. Offending drivers will be charged a "recovery" fee. There is also the possibility of a "park and ride" system. Motorists would park some distance from the football grounds and frequent buses would provide a feeder service to the match.
WHAT THEY SAY…
People living in roads near Liverpool and Everton football grounds have mixed feelings over the new parking proposals.
Mrs. Lillan Lyness, of 87 Salop Street, Goodison believes that special provision should be made for residents to park near their homes. “If my husband is not quick enough getting home he has to go to his mother's at Kirkby to park. I put chairs out once to keep a parking space, but they were just thrown on the path." Mr. David Plaistow, of 24 Winslow Street, Goodison, said that on match days parking was allowed on only one side of the road anyway, but many motorists ignored the rule.
Mr. Albert Sampson lives at 31 Tinsley Street, near to the Anfield ground. "Parking on one side only is a good idea in a way." he said.,” because on Saturday afternoons it is impossible to get down this road because of parked cars. Mrs. Edna Patterns, or 28 Skerries Road, Anfield, said that parking was allowed on only one sides of her road already.  She said: "I resent this. If I am paying rates I don't see why I can't park in front of my own door."

EARLY F.A. CUP EXIT CUTS EVERTON’S PROFIT
Liverpool Echo - Friday 10 July 1970 
By Mike Charters 
Although Everton's profit last season fell by more than £26,000, the balance sheet published to-day shows just how strong the club is financially. Chairman Jack Sharp reports that the drop in profit from £56,967 to £30.611 could be put down to the smaller receipts from Cup ties after a very good year in 1969. With the team knocked out in the third round of the F.A. Cup, gate receipts fell from £104.513 to £38,408. But receipts from League games, reflecting their championship success, rose from £192.574 to £213,322. Mr. Sharp comments. "It is not the board's policy to try to run at a profit, but endeavours over a period of years to provide facilities in keeping with its income. “Our financial position is sound and we have been able to spend considerable sums on improving facilities and retain a reserve for transfer fees." Expenditure continued to rise. Salaries and wages took £149,162 compared to £126.557 the previous year, and £80,000 went on transfer fees. Travel and match costs were up by nearly £4,000 to £20,284, but ground expenses and maintenance dropped from £188,202 to £34,483. A figure of £230,000 has been provided for the re-building of the Goodison Road stand -the same as in the previous year. The annual general meeting will be on August 3. The two retiring directors, Mr. John Moores and Mr. Sharp, offer themselves for re-election. There have been two nominations to the Board Mr. Donald McPhail, chairman of the Shareholders Association, and Mr. B. S. Hackney.
CATTERICK –‘THE BEST MANAGER IN BRITAIN’
"Without doubt the best manager in Britain" . . . that is how Everton chairman Jack Sharp describes Harry Catterick, in his annual report to the shareholders to-day. In referring to the club's championship success. Mr. Sharp states: “The master-planner was Mr. Catterick. He produced reserves to keep us narrowly in the lead, when we lost three of our key players in Howard Kendall, Colin Harvey and Alan Ball. "Towards the end of the season, with all our key players back, we won the championship handsomely, not as some sports writers implied by our chief challengers opting out, but by sheer ability and determination. It was a great compliment to Mr. Catterick's ability in finding placers and training them in the Everton style."

THE PRESSURES?- CATTERICK PUTS THE ACCENT ON SKILL
Liverpool Echo - Monday 13 July 1970
By Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick, watching his players start their pre-season training to-day, made this pledge: “We know all about the pressures of winning a championship. We are going all out again for skillful football—and I think the team could be better than last season.” Forty-two players reported for training-30 professionals and 12 apprentices.  This is four fewer full-time professionals than last sea son.  Our training will be similar to previous years—we don’t aim is to get players 100 per cent fit for our opening League game, against Arsenal.  We will treat the Charity Shield match with Chelsea on August 8 as part of our training schedule.  “I believe our first-team pool is stronger than for some time, in depth and experience, and I feel that during the season, one of two of the young players in the reserve team come emerge and come into the senior squad as well " Naturally, I will be looking for players who I think could strengthen the squad.  That is a process which goes on indefinitely: but finding best players of the quality I want is becoming more remote all the time."
The Everton chief would not give a definite hint of what his regular line-up would be. It is of vast interest, because of the angles concerning defence and attack. Tommy Wright, Keith Newton and Sandy Brown are on tap for the full-back positions: Brian Labone and Roger Kenyon are available for centre-half; in Alan Whittle and Jimmy Husband could be rivals for a place in the forward line. Catterick said: "It is because of these players that the first-team pool is stronger than in other years. It could be that I will use a horses-for- courses theory.
No dissent
"Perhaps some players might not fit a two-games-a-week programme. There may be a loss of form which shows up in our private practices, or in training generally. “I will take all these factors into account before settling on my team. “But if we can steer clear of injuries and this is the most important feature—l'm happy about the season’s prospects “Chairman Jack Sharp greeted the player, congratulated them on winning the championship, and had a special word of praise for the club’s World Cup men.  He said he had been impressed with the standard of referring in Mexico, and the way players in all teams had accepted decisions without protest. 

EVERTON CHANGE PRACTICE DATE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 17 July 1970
Everton have changed the date of their public practice game at Goodison Park game at Goodison Park from August 11 to august 5.  This will enable the players to have a full week of training after the Charity Shield game at Chelsea on August 8 to the opening League game against Arsenal on August 15. 

TOP GROUP WILL STILL COLLECT THE GLORY-CATTERICK
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 18 July 1970
Edited by Stan Liversedge, Mike Charters
Everton manager Harry Catterick cannot visualize any new team emerging in the First Division next season to disturb the monopoly which the elite half dozen or so clubs have had of the game's major honours in the post few years. He said: "Although Manchester United finished out of the top six last season, you can never rule them out. But when you look at the strength of Leeds, Chelsea, Liverpool, Derby County, Manchester City and ourselves, I think the major challenge will come from this group again."
Gradual build-up
To bring his players to the stage of fitness where they can make the same sort of explosive start as last season 13 points from the first 14 at stake - Catterick has ordered a five and a half day working week at Bellefield. He explained: ''Many of the players have trained during the summer.  One day last week, we had as many as 17 who came up themselves.  “Now we will train mornings and afternoons. Monday to Friday and on Saturday morning as well.  “I think it is wrong to give them a two-day break when they have been hard at it all week. It is a question of maintaining the training tempo and gradually increasing it to the start of the season." Bellefield looked in magnificent shape as the 42 professionals and apprentices began training. In the area where new drains have been laid at the lower end of the ground, the grass has not established itself sufficiently to allow the players to use it yet, but there is so much space available that the newly-sown ground will be given plenty of time to settle.  Mr. Catterick will be having plenty of private practice games to assess form and fitness before the public trial at Goodison Park on august 5. 
Play-Acting
Although there are no new players in the first team squad, it is clear that the Everton chief is happy with its strength in depth, content that his team is likely to be stronger and more experienced to tackle the task ahead of retaining the championship-the manager’s priority for 1970-71.  And Chairman Jack Sharp was telling me of one feature he would like to see next season…players to cut out play-acted by feigning injury.  He said; “It was obvious from the World matches that referees would not stand for players pretending to be badly injured. It was remarkable that we saw so little of it.  "I think players who roll around in agony then get up on their feet a few moments later to race around are doing the game a great dis-service. I would like to see League referees stamp it out and for the players themselves to realise that they antagonize spectators as well."

WE’RE BACKING EVERTON!
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 21 July 1970
E.U.F.A WON’T LET KEFLAVIK BEND THE RULES, UNLESS…
By Mike Charters
EVERTON can count on the backing of the Union of European Football Associations, if their European Cup-date tangle blows up into a full-scale confrontation with their Icelandic opponents, Keflavik. Only in exceptional circumstances would U.E.F.A permit Keflavik to play both legs of the first-round tie at Goodison Park. And even the dates cannot be changed, unless U.E.F.A. gives permission. It seems there will be considered discussion between the clubs and U.E.F.A., before anything is finalized, for though Keflavik's request to bring forward the dates has been turned down by Everton, the European controlling body has not even heard from the Icelandic champions.  U.E F.A. secretary Hans Bangerter, says: “If Keflavik make a request to us about changing the dates or venues, it would be considered
—but they considerable would have to present a very strong case. "We gave much thought to their request a year ago, to change the venues for their first-round tie against Feyenoord.  “It was only because their ground was unfit through exceptionally heavy brain in late September that we permitted both matches to be played in Rotterdam.  “I can appreciate Everton not wishing to change the dates- they have been laid down by U.E.F.A., and clubs must abide by them, unless we give permission for a change.  The question of changing dates, or making Everton play first in Iceland on September 16, with the second leg at Goodison on September 30, depends entirely on other fixtures and a possible clash with Liverpool, who will be playing in the Fairs Cup on those days.
THE FACTORS
“There are so many factors to be considered involving clubs other than Everton and Keflavik that we will do nothing until we hear from Keflavik, and sturdy all the various angles.”  Everton manager Harry Catterick said; “These dates are laid down by the European authority, and we must stick by them.  “If you enter a competition, you have to comply with the rules.  We shall have to wait to see what if any, Keflavik make to U.E.F.A. 

SHAMROCK SWITCH EVERTON GAME
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 25 July 1970
Everton’s pre-season practice game in Dublin against Shamrock Rovers will not be at Rovers home ground, Miltown on august 2, instead of Dalymount Park.  It is the first time this tradition game has not been played at the major ground in Eire, but Shamrock preferred to use their home ground. 

SOCCER ON A SUNDAY-PLEA-BUT KEFLAVIK WILL HAVE TO THINK AGAIN
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 July 1970
By Stan Liversedge
Icelandic champions Keflavik, who asked Everton if they would be prepared to switch the dates of their first-round European Cup-tie, wanted to play their home game on a week-end. The ties are scheduled for September 16 (Goodison) and September 30, and Everton have said that they intend to stick to these dates, unless the Union of European Football Associations rules otherwise. Keflavik have no flood
-lights and they were hoping that the English League champions would be able to play the return game on a Sunday afternoon. Keflavik fear that a mid-week afternoon match would not draw the fans, and they normally play their League games on a Sunday. But this proposition is impossible for Everton, of course. Keflavikk look like having two alternatives, at the moment unless they can persuade U.E.F .A. to change the dates. They can settle for the tie on their own ground, on Wednesday afternoon, September 30, or switch the game to Reykjavik, where there are lights, if Everton arc agreeable.  Everton have been checking on Keflavik's League fixtures, and manager Harry Catterick, said to-day: “Well be having them watched before we play them. If I don't go, someone will" The odds are that Everton will carry out a spying mission the after they play Chelsea in the F A. Charity Shield at Stamford Bridge -that is a week next Sunday, when Keflavik are due to play a night match in Reykjavik.

THE GREAT SHARE HUNT –AT £100 A TIMER
Liverpool Echo - Monday 27 July 1970
By Harold Brough
THREE £1 Everton shares have changed hands within the past week --at £100 each. Such is the power of Soccer . . . And it sounds like the craziest share offer of all time—a £1 share for sale at £100 ... providing an annual yield of nothing. Only a fanatical supporter of the company concerned could be interested in such a share offer—and, in this case, the company certainly has more than its fair share of fanatics. The name of the company is Everton Football Club Company Limited, and if you want to join the share hunt, look not only to the Stock Market, but to the sale and wanted advertisements and possibly wherever football fans gather.
Small blocks
Everton £1 shares are now changing hands at up to  £100 each, Liverpool's at about  £20- £25 each . However. It must be remembered that Liverpool have issued roughly four times as many shares. And since Liverpool shares—and, presumably, Everton's too—are normally sold in small blocks, that means that the buyers sometimes pay out hundreds of pounds for their return. That includes the right to attend the shareholders meetings, for Liverpool shareholders some preferential treatment for Cup-tie tickets, and for Everton share- holders too. Provided they also hold a season ticket. But, as a financial Investment, there would almost be a better return from a piggy bank. Football League clubs can, under the Football Association's rules, pay a dividend of only 71/2  per cent. Liverpool's procedure is to make it five per cent, tax deducted. So the annual financial return on a Liverpool £1 share which could have cost £25 is 1s, tax free. In recent years at Everton the board have recommended to shareholders that a dividend should not be paid. It was regarded as uneconomic. Yet there is no shortage of share buyers at prices up to 100 times the face value, such is the sentiment towards Everton and Liverpool. Or perhaps it has something to do with being able to say to the next man: "Of course, I'm a shareholder. Y’know." Jack Nelson, of 'Molyneux Road, Maghull, 31, an electrical engineering contractor on Mereyside, bought four £1 Everton shares at £100 each. He is an Everton fanatic, inevitably. He says that he gets a five per cent reduction on two season tickets, the right to go to the meetings every six months, and he has found that whereas last season his season ticket provided him with a place at the far end of the stand, now he will be in the centre.
Makes sense
As a boy he wanted to be a director of Everton. It makes sense to become a shareholder. “I do find that you are better looked after. But really it's just pride in Everton, a certain amount of let's say conceit about it—and, in my business, it is an advantage, because I am in the fortunate position of being able to say to a client: ' I might be able to get you a better ticket.'" Then, maybe, behind the pride and the few privileges of being a shareholder, there is just a little business sense, too. I am told that Sheffield Wednesday shares are now selling at more than £120, and it could be that Jack Nelson is right when he expects the Everton £100 shares to rise even higher.

GOING UP ….IN THE WORLD AT GOODISON
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 29 July 1970
BUT STAND WON’T BE QUITE READY FOR THE START OF SEASON
By Mike Charters
ONLY half of Goodison Park accommodation will be used when the club stages its public practice game a week tonight. Work on the new stand is not advanced sufficiently at this stage for it to be opened to the public. And because services to the Stanley Park goal stand have had to be cut off while major rebuilding work goes on in Goodison Road, that stand also will not be used next week. This means that only the Bullens Road and Gwladys Street stands and terraces will be open. There is ample accommodation there to cope with the attendance expected for a practice match of this nature. Gates are usually around 15,000 the takings go to charity -- and there will be plenty of room available. Kick-off will be at 7 p.m. because the floodlights will not be in operation by that time.
High winds
Prices: Bullens Road stand, both levels. 10s: paddock 6s. Gwladys Street stand 8s, terraces 5s; boys' pen 2s. Adverse weather and high winds recently have hampered work on the Goodison Road stand and all the seats will not be in place for the opening of the season on August .15. Mr. Kenneth Davis, the architect told me: "The wind has prevented the very high cranes from being used as much as we would have liked to lift material to the top tier of the stand. “We have also had a lot of rain which has been a problem. I anticipate that two thirds of the seating in both levels will be available to the public by August 15. More will be put in for each succeeding match, and the work should be completed, about October or November. "In addition, there will be work inside the stand on offices and other accommodation” When I was at the ground yesterday, it certainly seemed that there was still a great deal of work to be done by the day of the opening League match. But promotions manager David Exalt expects the club's new shop in Bullens Road, alongside the Development Association office, will be open in time for the first League fixture. There will be another shop incorporated in the Goodison Road stand, but this will not be completed for some time. Stock for the shop is already arriving ranging from the routine coloured scarves to pajamas in the club's blue and white for youngsters.
Mobile kiosks
Mr. Exall said that he planned to have about 20 mobile kiosks around the ground on match days selling their wares, and any young girls among Everton fans who are interested in working as salesgirls should write to him at Goodison Park. A major feature of the new stand will be the three escalators to take spectators to the top tier, the first time any ground In Britain has had them installed. One escalator is already in place and tested, and there's no doubt they will be a boon to the fans. Work on the 300 and 500 club rooms is proceeding well, but all the facilities will not be available immediately.  They will be completed during the season.

RANKIN BLOW PUTS EVERTON IN A SPOT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 29 July 1970
By Mike Charters
EVERTON reserve goalkeeper Andy Rankin sat up in his Broadgreen Hospital bed to-day feeling comfortable after his emergency appendix operation yesterday. But his shock departure from the Bellefield training scene has left manager Harry Catterick without experienced cover for Gordon West with only 17 days to go before the start of the season.  A hospital spokesman said " Rankin is quite comfortable—he is making satisfactory progress” But it is likely to be at least a month before Rankin can resume training and his absence has soddenly thrown the spotlight on two young Everton goalkeepers-20-years-old Alex Clarke, a former Liverpool schoolboy . . and 17-yearsold Keith Williams, from Kirkby. Mr. Catterick told me: " When Rankin reported feeling ill yesterday during training, thought it could be appendix trouble.  We called a doctor, who sent him to a specialist. The diagnosis was confirmed and off he went for an operation. "Of course, it is a blow to us—but it would have been worse had it happened once the season had started. “Now, I must anticipate Rankin being away for four or five weeks, and then he will have to resume light training gradually. It is difficult for us to have experienced goalkeeper cover because Gordon West has been so consistent in the past few years. He has hardly missed a match. "Clarke has had plenty of Central League experience, and Williams has had a few games, as well."
Satisfied
But I feel Mr. Catterick will be satisfied to wait for Rankin's return to fitness to resume his place as West's deputy I don't think there will be any rush into the transfer market. Clarke now faces an unexpected journey. He will join the other members of the first team pool to travel to Dublin, on Saturday, for their game there against Shamrock Rovers, on Sunday—and Mr. Catterick may use him for part of the match.