PETER CROCKATT SIGNS FOR WANDERERS
Dundee Evening Post - Wednesday 12 August 1903
Wanderers are building up a strong team for next season, and the latest capture is Peter Crockatt, of Parkmore, an inside forward player. Everton were anxious for his services, but wishing to follow out his employment he decided to remain at home in the meantime. Wandereres are to be congraultaed on securing his signature.

EVERTON
Dundee Evening Post - Wednesday 12 August 1903
Everton's changes are very slight, and are mostly in the forward line, where Bell and Brearley have been transferred, and are replaced by Corrin (Portsmouth) and M Dermott (Celtic). Simpson, of Leicester Fosse, who was recently tried by Notts at cricket, has also been engaged a forward. Clarke, the ex-Hamilton half, has gone to the new club at Plymouth, and Russell, who went south a year ago from Rutherglen may get some trials centre-half. Kitchen will again figure between the posts, and Gordon, late of Broxburn, may partner Crelly at back. Wolstenholme and Abbott are again engaged for half-backs and Sharp, Taylor, Young, - Sheridan, and Rankin complete a first-rate eleven. Tom Dilly, Arbroath, as also been retained.

JOE LOFTHOUSE
Nottingham Evening Post - Monday 17 August 1903
It will doubtless give pelasure to the many admiirers of the old Blackburn Rovers that one of them, Joe Lofthouse, has been engaged by Everton as assistant trainer.

JOE LOFTHOUSE
Athletic News - Monday 17 August 1903
It will doubtless give pleasure to the many admirers of the old Rovers that one of them, Joe Lofthouse, has been engaged by Everton as assistant trainer to Elliott, himself an old player for the Everton club.  The appearances of Lofthouse in International=s and English cup finals are pretty generally known, and of late years he has been indeed a rover.  Last winter he trained the New Brompton players, but will doubtless prefer to be within hail but will doubtless prefer to be within hail of his beloved Blackburn.  The followers of the Everton club will probably witness Archie Young figuring in the centre again for he has thoroughly recovered, and is training with the rest of the players.  On Saturday a public practice will take place at 4 o’clock, and a collection for the hospitals will be made.  We hope all other clubs will follow their example in this respect.  Season tickets may also now be obtained at the office at Goodison Park.
Richard Molyneux
Brentford is under the new and able management of Dick Molyneux, who gained a wide and deserving popularity at Everton. 

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB.
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 17 August 1903
The committee of Everton F.C. have appointed George Lofthouse, the old Blackburn Rovers’ player, as assistant trainer to Elliott. He has played in seven international matches. A practice match is announced for Saturday next—kick-off at four o’clock.

HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND AND FOOTBALL PRACTICE  MATCHES
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 20 August 1903
The committees of the Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs having again given permission for collections to be made at their practice matches, the ladies connected with the Hospital Saturday Fund are appealing to the football public to rally to their support. It is hoped that a very considerable addition to the fund will result from the efforts of the indies at the matches on the Everton ground on Saturday next and at the Liverpool ground on Saturday week.

A HOYLAKE FISHERMAN’S PERIL
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 20 August 1903
RESCUED BY AN OLD EVERTON FOOTBALLER
At about seven o’clock yesterday morning a fisherman named Little, of Hoylake, was rowing of to his fishing boat ina small punt with a comrade when he was seized with a fit and fell overboard, carrying the oars with him. He drifted away with the tide, but the cries of his companion attracted the attention of the few people who were on the shore. Amongst these was Mr, Alec Latta, the old and popular captain of the Everton Football Club, who, as manager for Messrs Smith Bros, boatbuilders, Hoylake, was engaged at the time on the beach. Together with a fishermen he put off in his punt, and managed to reach Little just before be sank.  The unfortunate man had been in the water fortwenty minutes, and, being of extremely heavy build, it was found Impossible to lift himinto the boat. Accordingly he had to be towed ashore.  By this time he was in an unconscious condition, and, although restorative means were at once applied, it was close upon half an hour before he recovered his senses.  He is subject to fits.

EVERTON CLUB.
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 20 August 1903
With the expiration of the present month the football season, 1903-4, will start on its ‘mission, and the inauguration on the 1st prox. will be welcomed by enthusiasts of the glorious winter pastime. In no football centre in the United Kingdom is this feeling of eager expectancy more pronounced than in Liverpool, where two league organisations serve to keep the excitement at fever heat and claim attention of thousands of partisans week by week. From information gleaned officially by an “Express’ representative as to the position of affairs of both the Everton and Liverpool clubs almost on the eve of commencing operations, it would appear that our local football supporters have plenty of good things in store for them this next season. Everything points to a successful time during this period of chasing the leather. Both at Goodison-park and Anfield-road matters are in a very forward state. As regards Everton, the list of players (League and - Combination teams) has witnessed a few changes, the additions being of an important character.
THE GOALKEEPER’S DEPARTMENT will be considerably strengthened by the inclusion of F. W. Dent, who plays as an amateur, he having already played in that status with Preston North End. Dent, who belongs to Southport, is a finely-built young fellow, standing 6ft. 1in., and has the reputation of being a capital custodian. He should prove an able coadjutor to Kitchen and Whitley. In the full-back position the brothers Balmer, Henderson, and Wildman will again don the jersey, and the club will also be able to rely on further resources in this department in the persons of Gordon, who comes from Broxburn, and Murray, from Leven Victoria, Renfrewshire. Gordon is only twenty-one years of age, stands 5ft. 9in., and weighs 12st. He is spoken of as a sturdy, fearless player, and he formerly partnered the famous Everton-Celtic-Southampton back, P. Meehan. His position is right full back. Of Murray great things are expected. Playing in a couple of trials for Everton during their Southern tour last season he showed magnificent form, and it was upon this that the directors there and then secured his services. He is also a well-set-up young fellow, 5ft. 8 ½ in., and drawing the scale at 12st. 7lb. In the half-back position we shall again have the pleasure of seeing that worthy trio, Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, with Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace as their ‘ understudies.” The forward rank has received careful revision, and this line ought to prove a very capable one indeed. On the right, our tried friends, Sharp and Taylor, will again take up their positions, with Rankin and McDermott, late of the Celtic, to ‘“understudy’’ them. McDermott is regarded as
A DECIDED ACQUISITION, and one who will greatly strengthen the front line. He plays either inside left or inside right. Twenty-three years of age, he is 5ft. 7 ½ in. in height, and scales 11 stone. That he is a deadly shot was proved yesterday in a practice game, when he scored four goals. They were remarkably clever goals, too, with none of which the custodian had any chance whatever. He seems to have the knack of putting the ball quite out of reach of the goalkeeper. That he will frequently be seen in the league team there is not the slightest doubt. It is satisfactory to learn that Young is now fully restored to his wonted health. The clever centre has recovered some of his lost weight, and it is anticipated that his form will be fully equal to what it has hitherto been. That smart young player, Dilly, is also ready to take the centre position, and spectators will be surprised to see the improvement that has taken place in his play. Settle and Sheridan are the inside left-wing players, and for the outside left the directors have the choice of McEwan, Simpson (from Leicester Fosse), Corrin (who was formerly associated with Everton), and an amateur in the person of H. B. Hardman, of Blackpool, who, it will be remembered, played with the Goodison brigade in the closing -match of last season with Liverpool. Hardman, who is in the legal profession, is spoken of as a very clever forward. The players who have left are Bell, who has been transferred to North End, and Clarke, one of the half-backs, who has signed on for Plymouth.
THE COMBINATION PROGRAMME will be of increased interest this season by reason of the inclusion of the Lancashire League clubs in the Lancashire Combination, and there will be a keen struggle amongst the clubs in order to remain in the A Division of the Combination. As regards the ground the directorate have left nothing undone to provide for the comfort of spectators, and all the stands and other erections have been thoroughly tested and renovated, whilst improvements have been effected in the baths’ accommodation for the players. It is of interest to note that the directors have appointed Joe Lofthouse, the old Blackburn Rover and International, to assist Elliott in the training of the team. Tom Booth will ‘again captain the League eleven, W. Balmer being sub-captain. A practice match is fixed for Saturday next at four o’clock, between the following teams:—
Blues: Kitchen, Balmer, Crelly, Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott, Rankin, Taylor, McDermott, Dilly, Sheridan, and Corrin.
Stripes: Whitley, Henderson, Murray, Chadwick, Russell, Makepeace, Sharp,Taylor, Young, Settle, Hardman.
A collection in aid of the Hospital Saturday Fund will be taken. Season tickets may now be obtained at the office on the ground, and Mr. Cuff, the energetic secretary, will be in attendance on the ground until 8.30 each evening this week and next for the convenience of those who cannot come during the day.

ALEX LATTA
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 21 August 1903
Alec Latta, the old captain of the Everton Football Club, was instrumental in saving the life of a fisherman named Little, of Hoylake, on Wednesday. Little, ho was rowing out to his fishing boat in a small punt, was seized with a fit and fell overboard, and together with a fisherman Latta put off from his punt and managed to reach Little, who was drifting out with the tide, just in time to save him. He was towede ashore, and recovered consciuiness in half an hour. The committees of the Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs have again permission for collections to be made at their practice matches, the ladies conencted with the Hospital Saturday fund are appealing to the football public to rally to their support.

EVERTON FOOTBALL PROSPECTS
August 21 1903. The Liverpool Courier
With the expiration of the present month he football season, 1903-04 will start on its mission and the inauguration on the 1 st prox, will be welcomed by enthusiasts of the glorious winter pastime. In no football centre in the United Kingdom is this feeling of eager expectancy more pronounced than in Liverpool where two League organisations serve to keep the excitement at fever heat and claim attention of thousands of partisan's week by week. From information gleaned officially by a “Courier” representative as to the position of affairs of Everton almost on the eve of commencing operations, it would appear that out local football supporters have plenty of good things in store for them this next season. Everything points to a successful time during this period of chasing the leather.at Goodison Park and Anfield matters are in a very forward state. As regards Everton, the list of players (League and Combination teams) has witnessed a few changes, the additions being of an important character. The goalkeeper's department will be considerably strengthened by the inclusion of F.W.Dent who plays as an amateur, he having already played in that status with Preston North End. Dent, who belongs to Southport, is a finely built young fellow, standing 6ft 1in, and has the reputation of being a capital custodian. He should prove an able coadjutor to Kitchen and Whitley. In the full back positions the brothers Balmer, Henderson and Wildman will again don the jersey, and the club will also be able to rely on further resources in this department in the persons of Gordon, who comes from Broxburn, and Murray, from Leven Victoria, Renfrewshire. Gordon is only twenty-one-years of age, stands 5ft 9ins, and weights 12st. He is spoken of as sturdy, fearless players, and he formerly partnered the famous Evertton-Celtic-Southampton back, P.Meechan. His position is right full back. Of Murray great things are expected. Playing in a couple of trials for Everton during their Southern tour last season, he showed magnificent form, and it was upon this that the directors there and then secured his services. He is also a well set up young fellow, 5ft 8 and a half inches, and drawing the scale at 12st 7lb. In the half-back position we shall again have the pleasure of seeing that worthy trio Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, with Chadwick Russell, and Makepeace, as their “under studies” The forward rank has received careful revision, and this line ought to prove a very capable one indeed. On the right, our tried friends, Sharp and Taylor, will again take up their positions, with Rankin and McDermott, late of Celtic, to “understudy” them. McDermott is regarded as a decided acquisition, and one who will greatly strengthen the front line. He plays either inside left of inside right. Twenty-three years of age, he is 5ft 7 and half inches, in height and scales 11 stone. That he is a deadly shot was proved on Wednesday in a practice game, when he scored four goals. They were remarkably clever goals, too, with none of which the custodian had any chance whatever. He seems to have the knack of putting the ball quite out of reach of the goalkeeper. That he will frequently be seen in the League team there is not the slightest doubt. It is satisfactory to learn that Young is now fully restored to his wanted health. The clever centre has recovered some of his lost weight, and it is anticipated that his form will be fully equal to what it has hitherto been. That smart young player, Dilly, is also ready to take the centre position, and spectators will be surprised to see the improvement that has taken place in his play, Settle and Sheridan are the inside left-wing players, and for the outside left the directors have the choice of McEwan. Simpson (from Leicester Fosse), Corrin (who was formly associated with Everton), and an amateur in the person of H.B.Hardman of Blackpool, who it will be remembered, played with the Goodison Brigade in the closing match of the season with Liverpool. Hardman, who is in the legal profession, is spoken of as a very clever forward. The players who have left are Bell, who has been transferred to North End, and Clark, one of the half-backs, who has signed on for Plymouth.
The combination programme will be of increased interest this season by reason of the inclusion of the Lancashire League clubs in the Lancashire Combination and there will be a keen struggle amongst the clubs in order to remain in the A Division of the combination. As regards the ground the directorate have left nothing undone to provide for the comfort of spectators, and all the stands and other erections have been thoroughly tested and renovated, whilst improvements have been effected in the baths accommodations for the players. It is of interest to note that the directors have appointed Joe Lofthouse, the old Blackburn Rover and International to assist Elliott in the training of the team. Tom Booth will again captain the League eleven. W. Balmer being sub-captain. A practice match is fixed for to-morrow at four o'clock between the following teams: - Blues: - Kitchen, Crelly, Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott, Rankin, Taylor, McDermott, Dilly Sheridan, and Corrin. Stripes: - Whitley, Henderson, Murray, Chadwick Russell Makepeace, Sharp Taylor, Young, Settle Hardman.
A collection in aid of the Hospital Saturday Fund will be taken. Season tickets may now be obtained at the office on the ground, and Mr.Cuff, the energetic secretary will be in attendance on the ground until 8-30 each evening this week and next for the convenience of those who cannot come during the day.

THE EVERTON FOOTBALL CHARITY MATCH
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 21 August 1903
May I point out (writes a correspondent) to all who intend visiting this match that the hospital Saturday Committee have the sanction and support of the Football Association and the Everton Club to make a collection on the ground on behalf of our struggling Liverpool hospital. May I appeal to all the workingmen to support this collection by giving a penny each; it is only a small sum, but in the aggregate it would make up a very handsome amount. Might I also appeal to those who can afford to spare the usual amount that they would have to pay to an ordinary league match to do so on this occasion on behalf of our charities. The work is undertaken gratuitously by our lady friends, and even where the smallest coin of the realm cannot be given we can surely spare a kind word of encouragement to those workers.

EVERTON.
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 22 August 1903
Out Goodison Park way the opening of the season is being looked forward to with great interest. The management never believed in sparing expense, and have 30 players on their list, of whom three are goalers. While Liverpool rather underman the ship, Everton rather overman it. It is ti be hoped that all three goalers will not have their hands full. The full strength of the establisement is as follows;- Goal, Kitchen, Whiteley, and F.W. Dent; Backs; W. Balmer, R. Balmer, J. Crelley, W. Henderson, Murray, Gordon, and Wildman; Half-backs; S. Wolstenholmes, T. Booth, W. Abbott, Chadwick, Wolfe, Makepeace, and Russell; forwards. J. Sharp, Rankin, J.D. Taylor, McDermott, Sheridan, A. Young, J. Settle, O'Hagan, Corrin, Simpson, Dilly, McEwan, and H.P. Hardman.
The old hands who have gone are Bell, Clarke, and Brearley; the new mewn are Dent (Preston North End), Murray and McDermott (Celtic), and Simpson (Leicester Fosse). The men are practising assiduously, and from among their number a team ought to be selected which will be fully equal to last season's, and a bit ober. Booth is again captain, and W. Balmer vice-captain. The ground is on grand order, and the opening match, for reasons sufficiently well known, should be of peculiar interest, and inaugurate the season with a bumper gate.

EVERTON
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Saturday 22 August 1903
Everton who have appointed Joe Lofthouse, a seven times international, late of Blackburn Rovers, to be assistant trainer, have signed on most of their season's first team, though Jack Bell has mirgrated to Preston North End. The new men are; D. Gordon (Broxburn), D. Murray (Levern Victoria), backs; McDermott (Celtic), Corrin (Portsmouth), H.P. Hardman, the youth who rendered such good service to Blackpool lasdt season, and Simpson (Leciester Fosse), the last named being known as the professional crickter now atatched to Heywood Club, and who during this season has assisted the lancashire second string and Notts, of which latter county he is a native. The following is a full list of players on the books of the club. Kitchen, and Whiteley, goal; W. Balmer, R Balmer, J. Crelly, W. Henderson, D. Gordon (Broxburn), D. Murray (Levern Victoria), and Wildman, backs; Booth, Abbott, Wolstenholmes, Chadwick, Makepeace, and Russell; half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, McDermott (Celtic), Rankin, Corrin (Portsmouth), H.P Hardman (Blackpool), Dilly, McEwean, Simpson (Leicester Fosse), O'Hagan, and Sheridan, forwards.

BOATING ACCIDENT AT HOYLAKE
Birkenhead News - Saturday 22 August 1903
A TIMELY RESCUE.
On Wednesday morning a Hoylake fisherman, named Little, met with an adventure, which well-nigh proved fatal. About 7 o'clock he was going out to his fishing boat, lying off Hoylake coast, in a small punt, accompanied by another man, when he was seized with a fit, a complaint to which he is subject. He fell overboard, carrying the oars with him, and began rapidly to drift away with the tide. Fortunately the attention of the few people ashore was attracted by the shouts of Little's companion. Amongst them was Mr. Alec. Latta, who was formerly well-known as a most popular captain of the Everton Football Club, and who was engaged at the time on the beach, as manager for Messrs. Smith Brothers, a firm of Hoylake boat builders. Mr. Latta put off with a fisherman in his punt, and succeeded in reaching Little just in time. The unfortunate man had now been in the water nearly 20 minutes,and it was found impossible to lift him into the boat, as he is of extremely heavy build. Thus it was necessary for him to remain in the water still longer, while he was towed ashore, and naturally enough, when brought to land, he was in a collapsed condition. However, half-an-hour's application of restorative measures brought him round, and he recovered somewhat from the shock he had received.

EVERTON
Athletic News, 24 August, 1903.
By Junius
Everton have been more fortunate than their rivals across the park, for they have succeeded in retaining all the players they were desirous of keeping. Consequently they have endeavored during the recess to strengthened the weak places noticeable last season, and by this means hope to gain a position amongst clubs in the country, more in accord with their undoubted capabilities. There will be little change in the back division, and when you come to consider the caliber of the following half-dozen –Kitchen, Balmer, Crelley, Wolstenholmes, Booth, and Abbott, it is not necessary to go futher afield for a rareguard able to hold its own in the best company. One is pleased to be able to record a marked improvement in the physical condition of Young, the centre forward. What the absence of this clever Scot meant to Everton a year ago it is difficult to estimate. However, that is past; Young, I am told, is now in splendid health and this means that he will lead the Everton van in the early League tussles. He has only to reproduce his form of two seasons ago, and the forward division of the “Blues” should require some stopping. Four new forwards have been secured, and in Hardman, 5ft 6ins, and 10st, the club has made a rare capture. He played for Blackpool last winter, and for Everton in na friendly at the close of the season. He is speedy and centres finely, and should fill the vacancy caused by Bell's removal satisfactorily. Corrin, who formerly assisted Everton has returned to his old love from Portsmouth, and standing 5ft 9 ½ in., with weight 11st 10lb., he should prove a useful member. As inside right or left McDermott is expected to shine. He obtained international honours against Ireland when with Celtic, stands 5ft 6 ½ in., and weighs 11st 6lb. Simpson, a cricketer of no mean repute, who is still engaged in he summer pastime, is also reported a good find. In ease of emergency in the rear ranks there is Russell for centre half, and in goal Whitley is, of course available. At full back there will be young Balmer and two newcomers ready for any vacancy that might arise. Daniel Gordon, of Broxburn, is a right back of promise, weighing 11st 3lbs., and standing 5ft 9 ¾ in. Another capable defender is David Murray, who formerly connected with Levern Victoria in Renfrewshire, assisted Glasgow Rangers before coming to Everton. He stands 5ft 9ins, weighs 12st 6lbs and plays on the left wing.

EVERTON PRACTICE MATCH
August 24, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Judging by the big attendance at Goodison park on Saturday to witness the Everton trial match, interest in the winter pastime is as keen as ever. There were fully 15,000 spectators present, and the weather was more in keeping with the cricket than football. The sides were arranged so that the League forwards were opposed to the League defence the team being as follows: - Blues, Kitchen, goal, W.Blamer, and Crelly, backs, Wolstenholme, Abbott (captain), and Abbott, half-backs, Rankin, McDermott, Dilly, Sheridan and Corrin forwards. Stripes: - Whitley, goal, Gordon, and Murray, backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Makepace, half-backs, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards . The Blues who faced the sun, showed up prominent at the start the forwards being finely backed up the halves. Dilly made one good run, but shot wide as did Rankin a moment later. McDermott and Sheridan dribbled well, and the latter scored after a quarter of an hour's play. So far the League forwards had made little impression upon the opposing half-backs, but at length Sharp made a capital run, but Crelly pulled him up. Booth once robbed Settle in fine style, and Taylor and Abbott had an amusing tussle, the honours being divided. At length following a good run by Sharp, Young equalised very cleverly. Even play followed for some time during which Hardman, Corrin and McDermott particularly the last named were conspicuous. Crelly retired for ten minutes, and during his absentence Dilly gave the Blues the lead, while before the interval McDermott put on a third goal from Corrin's centre. Half time Blues 3, Stripes 1.
Play during the first half been very well contested, and the second portion was equally interesting. The Combination forwards showed up surprising well, but they had fine half-backs behind them. McDermott put in some capital shots and he was at length successful in beating Whitley. Both custodian had ticket shots to deal with, but there was no further scoring. Results Blues 4 goals Stripes 1. Judging by the form displayed the prospects for the coming seasons are exceptionally bright. All the old players did well, and there was no evidence off any of them having lost their form. The most prominent of the new players was McDermott who proved himself a class man. He is an acquisition, and it will be hard to keep him put of the League team. Gordon and Murray at back did very well, while Corrin on the left wing did a lot of useful work, and can centre splendidly Hardman was not so prominent, but sufficient was sent of his abilities last season to allow that he is a player who will fill Bell's feet with credit. Altogether the directors of the club are to be congratulated upon the team, they have got together.

FULL-DRESS REHEARSAL BY EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 24 August 1903
By Junius
The Everton directors turned out all their talent on Saturday at Goodison Park, and judging from the attendance, the public are evidently anxious for the of the season. As is usual in these cases, the probable league forwards were pitted against the defence, and some very interesting play was the outcome. From the following list it will be seen that two strong sides were in opposition, and at the same time, evidence of Everton’s resources will be apparent. Blues: Kitchen; Balmer and Crelly; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott; Rankin. McDermott, Dilly, Sheridan, and Corrin. Stripes; Whitley; Henderson and Murray; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Hardman. Well backed up by their halves, the Blues front line indulged in some capital football, and the most prominent member of this department was McDermott, who not only scored three goals,  but displayed fine footwork. I have an idea that this young man will quickly be in the League eleven, for he passes most judiciously, and requires some tackling when under weigh. Corrin also shaped well, his centres being accurate, and with recruits of this calibre Everton should have no difficulty in putting a clever forward line on the field. Rankin is another promising player, and Dilly ought to make a dangerous centre forward, whilst Sheridan, though inclined too much to fancy tricks, is very smart with the ball.  The old brigade appeared very fit, and Everton will not need to make any change in the constitution of their rear division, should the men steer clear of injuries. Young, who is now in the best of health, displayed plenty of dash, and should he maintain his present condition, will make a vast difference in the front rank. What I saw at Goodison Park impressed me most favorably. The ground and its appurtenances are in perfect condition, and Mr. Cuff and his directors have certainly spent the interregnum in creditable fashion judging from the results therefrom. A collection was made on the ground in aid of the I Hospital Saturday fund, and the efforts of the collectors met with a generous response.

EVERTON.
Athletic News - Monday 24 August 1903
By Junius
Everton have been more fortunate than their rivals across the Park, for they have succeeded in retaining all the players they were desirous of keeping. Consequently they have endeavored during the recede to strengthen the weak places noticeable last season, and by this means hope to gain a position amongst the leading clubs in the country, more in accord with their undoubted capabilities. There will be little change in the back division, and when you come to consider the calibre of the following half-dozen—Kitchen, Balmer, Crelly, Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, it is not necessary to go further afield for a rearguard able to hold its own in the beat company. One is pleased to be able to record a marked improvement in the physical condition of Young, the centre-forward. What the absence of this clever young Scot meant to Everton a year ago it is difficult to estimate. However, that is past; Young, I am told, now in splendid health and this means that he will lead the Everton van in the early League tussles. He has only to reproduce his form of two seasons ago, and the forward division of the “Blues” should require some stopping. Four new forwards have been secured, and in Hardman, 5ft 6in and 10st, the club has made a rare capture. He played for Blackpool last winter, and for Everton in a friendly at the close of the season. He is speedy and centres finely, and should fill the vacancy caused by Bell’s removal satisfactorily.  Corrin, who formerly assisted Everton, has returned to his old love from Portsmouth, and standing 5ft. 9in., with weight 11st. 10lb., h should prove a useful member. As inside right or left McDermott is expected to shine. He obtained international honours against Ireland when with Celtic, stands 5ft 6in, and weighs 11st, 6lb. Simpson, a cricketer of no mean repute, who is still engaged in the summer pastime, also reported a good find. In case of emergency in the rear ranks there is Russell for centre-half, and in goal Whitley is, of course, available. At full back there will young Balmer and two newcomers ready for any vacancy that might arise. Daniel Gordon, of Broxburn, is a right back of promise, weighing 11st. 3lb., and standing 5ft. 9in.  Another capable defender is David Murray, who, formerly connected with Leven Victoria in Renfrewshire, assisted Glasgow Rangers before coming to Everton. He stands 5ft. 9in., weighs 12st. 6lb., and plays on left wing.

PRACTICE GAME AT GOODISON PARK
Liverpool Mercury - Monday 24 August 1903
The only public practice which will be indulged in by the Everton club prior to the real work of the fast-approaching season took place before a big crowd at Goodison Park on Saturday. Two strong sides, “Blues” and “Stripes” turned out, and were represented as follow;-
Blues; Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), and Abbott, half-backs; Rankin, McDermott, Dilly, Sheridan, and Corrin, forwards.
Stripes; Whitley, goal; Henderson, and Murray, backs; Chadwick, Russell, and Makepeace, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards.
It will thus be seen that the League forwards and defence were pitted against each other, and the result was not very favourable for the former. Well attended to by their halves, the Blues’ front line made several dashing attacks, which culminated in McDermott scoring a fine goal. Young afterwards equalised, but Dilly gave his side the lead with a splendid shot, and McDermott smartly put on a third. This was the state of affairs at the interval, and afterwards McDermott capped his previous efforts with a fourth goal, the Blues thus winning by 4 goals to 1. The League defence played in capital style, but the same can scarcely be said about the forwards and cleverer work was shown by the Blues; front line, the most conspicuous figure being McDermott at inside right. Corrin, Dilly, and Rankin all did well, and judging from a first appearance, Everton have some excellent reserve talent which should prove useful during the coming campaign. Young appeared more fit than was the case at any time last season; and what with their capable recruits, and last year’s players all in good trim, Everton should be able to turn out a powerful forward line and a stubborn defence, which should place the club in a commanding position for League and other honours.

THE RESCUE AT HOYLAKE
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 27 August 1903
TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAILY POST
Sir- In your issue of Tuesday last you give an account of the rescue from drowning of a fisherman at Hoylake, in which the whole credit for saving the man’s life is attributed to Mr. Alex Latta, the popular ex-captain of the Everton Football club. I take the liberty (with Mr. Latta’s authority, and at the request of the man who really did save his life) of asking you to insert this as a correction. At the same time as Little was going out the man refereed to (John Taylor) was preparing to go out shrimping, and hearing the cries of distress from Little’s companion, he at once jumped into his punt and rowed to the spot and caught Little by the shoulders, and held him up until Mr. Latta with his companion reached him in his dinghy. Had it not been for Taylor’s prompt action the man would most certainly have been drowned as Mr. Latta’s punt did not reach him until some fifteen minutes after he fell into the water.
It appears to me-and Mr. Latta is of the same opinion-that some tangible recognition should be made of Taylor’s action. This is not by any means the first time that he has been the means of saving life. He is the same man who, about a fortnight since, waded through the incoming tide and carried ashore a servant maid and two children, thus saving them from a watery grave-and was rewarded by the children’s parents with the handsome sum of one shilling” Yours, &c., SILAS WILLIAM GILL. Hoylake, August 24,m 1903.

EVERTON LEAGUE TEAM
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 28 August 1903
For the opening League game of the season next Tuesday, with Balckburn Rovers, at Goodison Park, the following team has been selected to represent Everton;
Kitchen, goal; Balmer and Crelly, backs; Wolstenholme, Booth, and Abbott, half-backs; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, and Hardman, forwards. Kick-off 5.45.
The committee of the Hospital Saturday Fund bags to tender its thanks to those who so liberally responded to the appeal of the ladies at Everton on Saturday last, and hopes that the result of the collection to-morrow (Saturday) at Anfield will be equally gratifying. The result of last Saturday’s collection was £25. Thanks are due to the committees of the football clubs for their kindness in permitting these collections to be taken up.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
August 29, 1903 The Football Echo
The famous Blues of Liverpool are always a funny lot to reckon up. There have, however, been a few, important changes this season, and both the management and officials are looking forward to better work than has been done in the past. The men, who will be missing are Bell, who has gone to Preston North End, and Clark and Brearsley, who have run off to the South. The men, who fill their places, are all well known and of them the Young side, and much is expected of them. There are Dent, from Preston North End, Murray and McDermott from Celtic Glasgow, and Simpson a man who has remarked good service with Leicester Fosse. In all thirty men have been engaged. They are Kitchen, Whitley, and goal (Goal), W.Balmer, R.Bamer, Crelly Henderson, Murray, Gordon and Wildman, (Backs), Wolstenholme, Booth (Captain), Abbott, Chadwick, Wolfe, Makepeace, and Russell (Half0backs), Sharp, Rankin, Taylor, McDermott, Sheridan, Young Settle O'Hagan Corrin, Simpson, Dilly McEwan, Hardman (Blackpool), and H.P. Hardman (Forwards).

EVERTON IN READINESS
Athletic News - Monday 31 August 1903
By Junius
At Goodison Park everything is ready for the visit of the Rovers tomorrow and as the kick-off is timed for 5-45, there will be ample opportunity for the frequenters of the popular side to witness the match.  The Everton team will be;- Kitchen; Balmer, Crelley; Wolstenholme, Booth, Abbott; Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman.  The inclusion of McDermott in the home team cannot be wondered at, seeing the capable manner in which the young Celt shaped in the trial games, and his first appearance in a League match will be awaited with interest.  The Everton reserve team will take part in an interesting function on Saturday, when they go across the river to Port Sunlight, for the purpose of playing the new club formed there, in the opening match of the finely appointed ground, which has been laid out in this most picturesque village.