Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON’S HOPES
The Daily Mirror- Wednesday August 1 1923
“LOOKING FORWARD WITH EVERY CONFIDENCE,” SAYS MANAGER
Nowhere is the coming of August, and with it the beginning of another football season, regarded with greater satisfaction than at Goodison Park, the headquarters of Everton. “We have the same players who finished so splendidly during the latter part of last season,” Mr. McIntosh writes to The Daily Mirror,” so we are looking forward to the coming one with every confidence.” The list of professional players signed for the club number twenty-nine, several of whom are internationals. If the fates are kind and accident can be avoided, there is every reason to expect Everton to be well in the race for the championship honour now held by their neighbours and friendly rivals at Anfield. There was much talk last season when Mr. McIntosh enlisted the services of Neil McBain and Troup, the Scottish internationals, and Jack Cock, all three signatures being obtained in about a week. But events have shown that it was a master stroke of policy, based on around judgement. When this trio threw in their lot with Everton the Goodison team was in a far from enviable position in the lower half of the League table. Once the new men got together with their colleagues, however, there was no looking back, and they made up leeway to such purpose that they carried their club into the fifth position from the top, only seven points behind the runners-up, Sunderland.

TROUP RETURNS TO EVERTON.
Dundee Courier - Friday 03 August 1923
Alec Troup, the ex-Dundee winger, has returned to Everton to resume training, having spent the close season in Forfar.

BACK TO THE LAND!
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday August 7 1923
Bee’s Notes
Back to the land I chanced to meet Mr. W.C Cuff, of Everton. He is looking and feeling much better. The club secretary, Mr. McIntosh, is ready from 6.30 to 8.30 on Tuesday and Fridays and every day (Sunday excepted) from 10 to 5 to provide season tickets.

GUIDES AT EVERTON
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday August 8 1923
Bee’s Notes
I met Harland, the Everton goalkeeper, this week, and he says he is quite sound and well now- good news after the Chelsea memory. Hunter Hart I espied this morning, and he is looking in fine fettle. The directors have just reappointed him captain, with Sam Chedgzoy second in command. Davie Reid is a popular choice for the second team leadership. Naturally enough, there is not a wealth of change in the Everton personnel this season, because the building-up business went on from Christmas last season till May. The following are the sides for Saturday’s practice game at Goodison, at 3.30, with Jack Cahill as referee and T.E Constantine and H. Peers as linesmen. H. Peers is a son of Stan., and is sponsored by the Everton club. Teams;- Blues; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Whites; Harland; Downs, Livingstone; Brown, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams, and Harrison.
There is much interest in this selection and I think it is safe to forecast that Everton will be a very engaging side, whether they win or lose; and, in view of the absence of class in recent years, the change will be welcome. Meantime, Mr. Tom McIntosh states that the club picnic is on August 18, to Keswick and Ullswater; and shareholders are asked to make early application for season tickets to present the rush on or around the day of the opening match. The office is not open after 12, except on match days. Get in ready, purchase, and save yourself and the “Barker”-not a tilt at Mr. Tom, but a reference  to the silent member who has so much to do with the Everton gates.

BEE’S NOTES
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday, August 9, 1923
Everton office will be open daily for the sale of season tickets from 9.30 to 5 with the exception of Saturday, when the hours will be 9.30 to 12. On Tuesday and Friday evening also the office will be open from 6.30 to 8.30.

HUNTER HART CAPTAIN.
August 11, 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Hunter Hart has again chosen as captain of Everton with Chedgzoy as vice captain, and Reid will captain the Reserves.

WHAT ABOUT EVERTON?
The Liverpool Echo- Saturday August 11 1923
By Stork
What about Everton? This is just how I feel about the Goodison Park side. They will finish somewhere near the top of the League, if not the top, when next May comes round. It is just a question of blend. Towards the back-end of last season the blend was working wonders, so much so that the side which was causing many nervous headaches rose from the dust, as it were and travelled up the chart like greased lightning, to finish fifth-a position earned by solid combined work. To my mind, Everton will be more like the old Everton we knew long years ago. There is class written all over the side, and I question if there is a better half-back line in the land than that made up by Peacock, Hart and McBain, and this is the secret of a successful side. The arrival of the ex-Manchester United centre half was the turning point of the “Blues” career. You can have your Barsons, &c., but I am quite content with McBain, who never tries to do anything which is not likely to prove of use. There is use in his every move, and alongside him Hart is a tactician of the first water, and these two, along, with Peacock, who has proved a rare man in any position, make up a line which should be capable of breaking the combination of any opposition.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only position which gives me serious though is the left full back position. Many have been tried there but none have come out of the ordeal feeling that they have solved the question. Livingstone and McDonald are as far apart as the poles. Livingstone is the classier, but, unfortunately, unreliable. McDonald is aggressive and possesses great kicking power, but is hardly up to the standard one associates with Everton. I was terribly disappointed when I learned the Reg Freeman, the former Harrowby-Oldham Athletic defender, had been booked. Everton’s loss is Middlesbrough’s gain. Raitt, on the other wing, is sound and clever; but even this youngster is prone to lapse occasionally. We all have our off times; but I will not readily forget his game display against Bradford in the Cup competition. He was faced with enormous odds, but came through with flying colours. In goal Everton have strength. Fern came right back to his best when Harland was forced into “retirement,” and there is not much between them in point of merit. Now to the forwards. Clever, brains, weight, and speed is the keynote of the line. Let me take Troup to start off with. Small in stature, he is big in heart and ideas. He has twinkling feet and unorthodox methods which amaze his opponents. And what a shot! His partner, Chadwick, has always been a friend of mine, and I have a great belief in him. To my mind he was brought in prematurely, and the responsibility was too much for him. He has height and weight, and there is not a stronger shot with a dead ball than this Lancashire youth. His only fault, if it can be called a fault, is his slowness to size up a move; but with such men as Troup and Cock alongside him this will be remedied, and as he is only young he has a great chance. John Cock, the centre forward, is an ideal man for the berth. Although he was of no use to the Chelsea side, he fitted in at the “Park” immediately. Brains play a bigger part in his game than brawn; but as he has both, it is a decided acquisition. He is a helpmate to his colleagues, encourage them with a word here and a “tick-tack” there. Cock is the right man in the right position. Irvine is making a better inside forward than he made a centre-forward. He has youth on his side, and the longer he plays the better he will get. The Irish international has command of all the whims and ways, and can finish with a shot of power. What can I say about Sam Chedgzoy? He is known so well that it is setting me a task to say anything that has not already been said about the Ellesmere Port player. If in the mood there is none better. Let us hope he is always in the mood. One thing in Everton’s favour is the fact that they have a reserve side, out of which they can draw without any fears.

EVERTON’S BIG IMPROVEMENT
The Sunday People, Sunday August 12 1923
By Kestrel
It is my opinion that the other Merseyside organisation will run the champions pretty close in the approaching campaign. The acquisition last year of the Scottish international, Neil McBain, Troup, and Cock made a tremendous difference in the side towards the end of the season, and the benefit of the new blood should be making itself fully felt this year. McBain rather a skilful distributor than a vigorous tackler, is one of the finest half-backs in the kingdom, and his departure from Manchester United in unhappy circumstances was distinctly Everton’s gain. I saw dapper little Alec Troup of the twinkling feet several times with his new club last season, and think he will be a much discussed player during the coming campaign, while David Cock was effecting more cohesion in the vanguard than had been the case for a long time. Everton have been notoriously unlucky for years in their high-priced transfers, but I fancy their back-end purchasers will justify the expenditure, as Sunderland were doing last season.

EVERTON'S PRACTICE MATCH.
August 13 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
SMART PLAY UNDER SUMMER CONDITIONS.
BLUES 3 WHITES 4
Despite the fact that the weather was more suitable to cricket, between fourteen and fifteen thousands spectators paid £450 (which goes to Charity) to witness the first of the Everton practice matches at Goodison Park, on Saturday. A really attractive game was witnessed, the players entering into the spirit of the fray in rare style at the outset and even if the pace slackened down towards the end owing to the heat the play served to show that Everton posses a capable set of exponents. The recognised League players, in blue opposed the reserve men, in white, and the latter gained the victory by 4 goals to 3. The Whites were decidedly the better team in the initial half when Miller scored in the first minute, following a brilliant movement down the right wing, Reid, Miller Parry, and Forbes participating. The latter scored two further goals as the result of fine centres from Parry. In the second portion the League team had more of the play, Irvine reducing the lead, while Chadwick put on a second and Cock a third. The shooting generally was good. Miller and Parry made a fine wing. These two players are bound to make an impression this season. The majority of the men appeared to be in first rate conditions and they indicated that they will probably do well when the serious work of the season begins. Williams twisted his ankle and limped badly, afterwards but the hurt is not expected to be troublesome. Downs and Chadwick collided heavily and were momentarily stunned, but they recovered all right. The ground was like a billiard table and reflected the greatest credit on groundsman Smith and his staff. The playing pitch must be one of the finest in the country. Teams : - Blues: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peaccock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Whites: - Harland, goal, Downs, and Livingstone backs, Brown, Reid (captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Forbes, Williams and Harrison, forwards.

CHEERIO FOOTBALL AT GOODISON PARK
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, August 13, 1923
Bee’s Notes
The joy , of giving is said to be enormous I have tried and found it not wanting. On Saturday Jack Cock and a company of other footballers bearing the Everton jersey tried the same principle, and they profited thereby. Cock in particularly made the opening game a notable one. He insisted that others should get the glory of goals, and when one time he could not help himself he made merry over his goal- an opponent giving him the glad hand! Moreover, there was a time when Cock raced to the corner flag, collared possession as against Dick Downs, and rushed in to throw the ball from touch. Cock planted the ball with the utmost care to-Downs. Yet another time did Cock help 16,000 spectators to forget the sultry weather. He purposely handled the ball-had to jump up to effect this “catch” and when Referee Cahill signalled the foul Cock protested vigorously and adopted the old-time and present-time wheeze of showing that the ball had hit him on the top of the shoulder. There’s many a burlesque just arises from truth, John! However, it was all good fun, and a cheerio soul such as Cock makes club life worth living.
FORBES GETS THREE
What I liked about the Everton game was the self-lessness of the players. If the forwards will remember that a pass across to an unmarked player is always better than an angled drive we shall see a pile of goals. It was so in 1908, but since that day self-shot has led to many wasted chances. May Everton forwards go on with their direct and draught-board fashion. We’ll forgive the odd chance that comes undone through the ball being lightly passed, instead of forced, to a comrade. There was plenty of shooting in the trial game, and when Forbes took three and the reserve side stood three up and a half to go, the gate of £446 looked on and wondered. However, trial games are essentially impossible to weigh up. All that one could say was that the reserve forwards were exceedingly nippy, the shooting was sharp, the ground suited everyone- it never looked better, and my memory carries me back to quite a long stage of life in Liverpool. Groundsman Smith and his helpers deserve a very special pat on the back. The texture of the grass, its colour, and its level character made everyone wish to be dancing on it.
PURELY PERSONAL LINES
It would be unfair to seek diligently into the cause of the reserve team winning 4-3. What is better is to find information from the trial game. First, then, let it be said that Downs and Harland have fully recovered. Each played his cleanest and surest game. Davie Ashworth was present, but what he wanted I cannot say. Certainly I suggested to him that £3,000 would be a cheap price for Downs for a First, Second, or Third Division club. Downs is succeeding still, because he thinks the other man’s thoughts, and he is “there” before the other man has got there. Livingstone promises to have a rich season, and there is much half-back strength, and still more forward ability. Young hopefuls like Parry, Miller, Forbes, Davie Reid, are an asset to the club. They’ll get their calling-up notices ere very long. Unfortunately Williams, who was challenging hard throughout the game, and was playing real well with Harrison, had an ankle injury that will keep him out of the game for three weeks. This is a bad start, and follows on the unfortunate patch that Williams struck last season at Chelsea. Of the older school it can only be said that the club has a big-sized, competent, clean lot. Whether they will win along the line is aside the point at the moment. Rustling defences may churb their chances; but Everton this season will at least be engaging to watch, and that is something to be devoutly thankful for.

EVERTON PRACTICE MATCH
The Liverpool Echo-Wednesday August 15 1923
Bee’s Notes
The second practice game of the Everton Club will be played this evening; kick-off at seven o’clock. The following are the teams;- Blues; Fern; Raitt and McDonald; Peacock, McBain, and Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup. Whites; Harland; Caddick, and Livingstone; Brown, Reid, and Rooney; Parry, Duphie, Forbes, Wall, and Harrison.

FLEETWOOD GOES TO OLDHAM.
August 16 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
A GOODISON PARK SURPRISE.
Tommy Fleetwood, the general emergency man of the Everton team, was yesterday transferred to Oldham Athletic. Mr. Davie Ashworth was present at the practice match at Goodison Park on Saturday and lost no time in negotiating for Fleetwood's signature. Whilst approaching the veteran stages in years, Fleetwood is of the “war-horse” mould, and still able to last the full 90 minutes of a strenuous game. He should prove invaluable to the Latics in their fight reinstatement in the upper circle. Born at Kirby, he joined the Blues from Rochdale as an inside right, but was later placed at right-half, which position he has filled most frequently. Prior to the coming of McBain he was removed to centre-half, and demonstrated his capacity to fill that onerous berth. He is by no means a back number. He played in the Victory International at Goodison Park against Scotland in 1919.

WHITES AGAIN BEAT BLUE.
August 16, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
GOOD FORM IN EVERTON'S SECOND TRIAL.
A good crowd gathered at Goodison Park last evening for Everton's final public practice match, and as on Saturday, the Whites won, this time by a goal to nil. Thrills were frequent in the early stages, and Fern was called upon to save pile drivers from Harrison and Forbes. Play was very keen, and although in the later stages the pace began to lesson, it was not until after the interval that the goal was scored. Forbes netted after Duthie, a new man on trial from Vale of Leithen, had brought Fern full length with a fine effort from the right. Fern had more to do than his vis-à-vis, Harland, so far as dealing with direct shots was concerned, but both of their performances were splendid. Wall, making his first appearance since his injury, demonstrated that his leg was again sound, and made a good wing with Harrison. Duthie had rather a hard nut to crack facing and Rooney. Hart, but performed creditably, while of the half-backs Reid was as usual consistent, being ably assisted by his wingmen, Brown and Rooney. The Blues did not over-exert themselves, but confined themselves more to finesse than to go-ahead methods, and it was not until the reserves had taken the lead that they seriously endeavored to find the net. Then the reserves' defence, although at times lucky, held out in fine style, thus enabling the Whites to leave the field the victors. Teams: - Blues: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain) half-backs, Chedgzoy, Irvine, Cock, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Whites: - Harland, goal, Caddick, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, Reid (captain), and Rooney, half-backs, Parry, Duphie, Forbes, Wall, and Harrison, forwards.

EVERTON’S HALF-BACK TRANSFERRED
Lancashire Evening Post- Thursday 16 August 1923
Tom Fleetwood, the Everton half-back, has been transferred to Oldham Athletic, who have secured a whole-hearted player, a powerful breaker-up, and a man who knows how to feed his forwards. Fleetwood learned the rudiments of the game in Bolton Sunday school circles, and graduating with Hindley green, he became a professional at Rochdale. Whilst with this club he established a reputation as a forward, and on being transferred to Everton, in 1911, he was placed at inside right. However, right half-back has proved to be his true position, and he has gained international and Inter-League honours.

EVERTON’S TEST
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, August 16, 1923
Bee’s Notes
It was strange that Everton Reserves should also win the second practice game at Goodison Park against the senior side. Forbes scored the only goal of the match before 10.000 spectators, the point being due to Duphie, a following up and testing Fern with a low shot. Duphie is built on right lines, but at present appears on the slow side. Caddick appearing at full back, confirmed previous good impressions, and Hart made one good run, finishing with a shot that appeared to catch Harland in two minds, but he saved the ball on the line. The players did not attempt too much, and the game, therefore, was not so interesting as the first exhibition. However, it showed that Wall, who broke his leg last season, had not his confidence, and that he was inclined to part with the ball rather quicker than usual. Fern and Harland were quick to gather the ball, and at full back all four did well. It was at half-back that there was a difference in the teams, Peacock, Hart, and McBain being powerful.  Peacock made one fast forward run that he should repeat in serious 'matches. Chedgzoy centred in good style, and Troup and Harrison seemed to vie with each other in driving shots from an angle towards goal. D. Reid has settled down to the centre-half position, and Brown is playing better than ever. The reserve team forward line was not so nippy as on the first occasion. Duphie is from the Vale of Leven and has good recommendations. He was well watched by Hunter Hart, of course, and maybe he would do better in his own class, for he is very young.
WHEN FLEETWOOD SPOKE UP
Tom Fleetwood goes to Oldham with out good wishes. He will be remembered as the never-die type, who dodged injuries- or scorned them-more than most other players. He will also be remembered for the part he took in the attempted bribery case. It was Fleetwood who was tempted by a certain man, and Fleetwood’s prompt action in taking the case to “court” helped in blotting out the dastardly attempt.


FOOTBALLERS AT CRICKET
Some of the Everton footballers are just as much at hope with the bat as with the ball, and to-night and to-morrow evening, at 6-15, the following team will try conclusions with Fazackerley C.C at Higher-lane, Fazackerley. The Everton team is selected from; Fern, McDonald, Peacock, Irvine, Harland, McGrae, Caddick, Raitt, Parry, Wall, Weller, Rooney, and Miller.

GEORGE BEARE
Derby Daily Telegraph - Friday 17 August 1923
George Beare, the former Everton and Cardiff' City outside right, has arranged to go for a month's trial with Grimsby Town.

EVERTON TO VISIT RUNCORN
Runcorn Weekly News- Friday August 17, 1923
On Wednesday, September 19th, an Everton team, including a number of the senior team will visit Runcorn to play a friendly game. The match has been arranged through the good offices of a local gentleman.

MANCHESTER CITY’S NEW GROUND
Athletic News- Monday August 20 1923
Manchester City will open their new ground at Maine-road, Moss side, with their League match with Sheffield United next Saturday. Everything is in readiness for the removal. They played their last game at Hyde-road on Saturday, when they held their first and only public practice, and they are hoping to be able to surrender the home which has served them so long to the landowners in the course of a few days. The stands and shelters have already been sold, and it is expected that the dressing-rooms and offices will be disposed of this week. All that they are taking with them to Moss Side are the turnstiles and the goalposts. The new ground, which it has been decided to call Maine-road, and which is estimated to accommodate 90,000 spectators will probably cost something like £80,000. As stated elsewhere, it is not yet completed, and it was in order not to impede the work that all the preliminary preparations for the season and the public practice games have taken place at Hyde-road, but it is sufficiently advanced to permit of the opening. The formal ceremony will be performed by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor W. Cundiff, immediately prior to the match, and the occasion is to be celebrated in the evening by a dinner to which a number of leading football officials and civic dignitaries, as well as the players and directors of both clubs, have been invited.

EVERTON
Athletic News- Monday August 20 1923
By Junius
All connected with Everton are looking forward with confidence to a most successful season. The directors have been content to rely upon the same team that did so well during the latter portion of last campaign. Dating from February, when the transfers of J. Cock, N. McBain, and A. Troup were effected, the last fourteen League games produced 21 points, and so satisfied were the officials of the club that not one new player has been signed during the close season. This, so far as memory serves, constitutes a new record in the annuals of the Goodison Park organisation. Jeffs, a left half-back, has been transferred to Barnsley, and Alford, an outside left, to Barrow, Young an inside forward, has joined Aberdare, and Salt the reserve goalkeeper, has signed for Accrington. Something of a surprise was created on Wednesday when it was announced that Tom Fleetwood, who joined the club from Rochdale in 1910, had been transferred to Oldham. Evidence was not wanting as to the ability of the players in the practice games. Each showed a ready conception of the needs of colleagues, and should the smooth working arrangement be maintained the club ought to do very well. The Reserve team is practically of League strength; in fact, every man on the books of the club is capable of occupying a position in the premier eleven- a happy position of affairs which reflects the enterprise of Mr. W.C. Cuff who has been re-elected chairman, and his colleagues on the board. In view of the loss on last year’s working, the proposed erection of a new stand has been deferred. There have been no structural alterations, but the whole of the iron and woodwork has been painted. The playing pitch has never looked better. Two years ago it was entrusted to the care of an expert, with highly satisfactory results. H. Makepeace has been re-engaged as coach, and will resume his duties at the close of the cricket campaign.

PINICKING
The Liverpool Echo- Monday August 20 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C went picnicking on Saturday. They had a nice arrangement -train to Keswick then motor around the Lake District, and train from Penrith for home. Unfortunately, there had been a whole avalanche of rain up North and the train was late; thus the motors were delayed, and eventually the train home was late. But what matters-had we not enjoyed the company, the music of Livingstone and Davie Raitt, the jollity, the solo-singing of certain card-players, and the beauties of Lake-land, where Wordsworth got his inspiration. At Keswick I had occasion to send away a telegram. The telegraphist said “Bee, I take it?” Guilty again. He said he never missed reading these notes. This was in far-off Keswick, mark you! All the Everton directors, save Gibbins, were present, and I think that Downs was the only player marked absent. Mr. Chairman Cuff and Mr. Tom McIntosh (secretary) helped to make the day’s outing an enjoyable one, and everybody agreed that the right spirit was abroad among the players, and such a happy family must have success.

LOCHGELLY UNITED'S CAPTURE.
August 22 1923 Dundee Evening Telegraph
Everton Player for Fife Club. Lochgelly United made an important addition to their playing strength last night, when they signed Andrew Moffat, formerly of Everton Moffat, who belongs to Lochgelly, was prominent in school football and not long after leaving school joined the United. The following season he was with East Fife and from them was transferred to Everton. He received a leg injury there from which has completely recovered. When it was known that Moffat was free there was keen competition among Fife clubs for his services and he had the option of Dunfermline and East Fife. He preferred, however, to rejoin his first senior club. He will be included in the Lochgelly team to meet East Fife on Saturday at Mothil.

LOCHGELLY UNITED'S CAPTURE.
Dundee Evening Telegraph-Wednesday 22 August 1923
Everton Player for Fife Club. Lochgelly United made an important addition to their playing strength last night, when they signed Andrew Moffat, formerly of Everton. Moffat, who belongs to Lochgelly, was prominent in school football and not long after leaving school joined the United. The following season he was with East Fife and from them was transferred to Everton. He received a leg injury there from which has completely recovered. When it was known that Moffat was free there was keen competition among Fife clubs for his services and he had the option of Dunfermline and East Fife.

MOTTATT SIGNS FOR LOCHGELLY
August 23, 1923 Dundee Courier
Lochgelly United have made an important addition to their playing strength in signing Andrew Moffatt, formerly of Everton. Moffatt, who belongs to Lochgelly, was prominent in school football. Not long after leaving school he joined the United, and the following season he was with East Fife, and was from there transferred to Everton. He will be included in the Lochgelly team to meet East Fire on Saturday at Methil.

EVERTON QUANDARY FOR OPENING GAME
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday August 23, 1923
Bee’s Notes
It is curious that so many first-class sides have thus early had to report to their patrons that they were in a bit of a mess about team selections. Lacey of Liverpool is down with ‘flu, and Everton are suffering even worse for their home game with Nottingham Forest. Jack Cock was not at all well on the picnic at the week-end, and for over a week he has been telling me that he felt uncommonly out of sorts. Now he has fallen from grace, having gone down through an attack of the ‘flu. Then Chadwick tells me he is suffering from a strained thigh, but hopes and believes he will be fit for the opening test. There are other players with an “if” and “but” so altogether the promise is not encouraging . fortunately, Nottingham forest are the visitors, and therefore the home advantage will be helpful to any reserve team man called in. I take it that Forbes is a surety for the centre post. Other than that there is not likely to be any alternation from last season’s finishing touch.”
HARDY AND COMPANY
Forrest are sticking to Sam Hardy in goal, and thus Merseyside people will have yet another chance of seeing what was the world’s best goalkeeper, and an ex-Liver-man to boot. Their two new players, Walker and Wallace, are included, and therefore the team reads; hardy; Bulling, Jones; Belton, Morgan, Wallace; Gibson, Spaven, Walker, Flood, and Burton.

RETURN OF AN OLD RESIDENT
Ellesmere Port Pioneer -Friday August 24, 1923
We note with pleasure the return, on a brief visit, of Mr. joseph Nicholas (Huck), who at one time was a famous goalkeeper for the town football team of his period. Mr. Nicolas being considered good enough on his day to warrant a trial with Everton, the career of a professional footballer, did not appeal to him so he did not pursue it. Mr. Nicholas served his apprenticeship with Mr. Stockton as a butcher, but ill health intervening he gave the business up and took a position he continued to hold until the corporation ceased to function. He then became more or less a rolling stone, visiting many foreign countries in various capacities, and just escaped from the oil region of Russia when the revolution broke out in that Country. Latterly he has been holding a position in China from which Country he has now returned. Mrs. Nicholas who has accompanied her husband on most of his wanderings is at present in Canada where he will join her when his visit to the homeland is concluded.

EVERTON AT HOME
The Liverpool Echo- Friday August 24 1923
Bee’s Notes
first of all let us take stock of the home match. Nottingham Forest are one of the oldest sides in the country, and their personnel in the days of Grenville, Morris and Co. was most enjoyable. They have some' good names now, notably Sam Hardy, in goal, but there have been many moves in other departments. Certainly thick-set- Shea-like Spaven , in my estimation, proved himself to be one of the crack shots at the day when he came up here. I would that spectators would watch his drive tomorrow at Goodison Park. Then there is the Irish representative. Morgan, who shaped so well at West Brom, in an international game that I was startled to find other clubs did not jump in to take his name per registration force. Altogether Nottingham Forest look howa lively little lot, and I am curious to see how they shape, remembering their wind-up last season. Certainly Everton have cut, into the health bill thus early and reserves, have to be called up. However, they are good reserves. FORBES AT CENTRE
The news about Cock was disconcerting, and this weather won’t heal his aches very quickly will it? Fortunately most of us know Forbes to be a better player than he is generally given credit for. I shall never forgot the way he nearly crested consternation at the Spurs ground by scoring four goals. He scored none! That doesn't alter the fact that his footwork, feint, and shot were worth four, and Spurs could not stop him getting through, only to find the shot peter out inches wide of mark. The club have delayed their selection as a consequence of other members being sore and lame, Chadwick and Williams among the number. However, when the blue-jerseys got going to-morrow I look to them to be an attractive company, and to gather their first victory at the first attempt. In fact, I am unduly optimistic about them in this match, given the ordinary common or garden sense, namely, that they shoot when the chance comes. It will be a rousing opening day and doubtless than will be a huge crowd, and the usual enthusiasm that has come to be marked when Everton are at home. Everton have the skill to please; it needs only, that punishing finishing touch where, goals loom in view, to make them a very hot side. Good luck to them is this journeying through the football wilderness. Everton (probably) Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup. Nottingham Forest; hardy; Bulling, Jones; Belton, Morgan, Wallace; Gibson, Spaven, Walker, Flood, Burton.

CHARLIE CROSSLEY
Derby Daily Telegraph - Saturday 25 August 1923
Quite the classiest forward on the Swindon books this term is Charlie Crossley, who in 1920 cost Everton three thousand when they secured his transfer from Sunderland.  In the first campaign with Everton he was top scorer for the club, but a series of accidents spoilt his effectiveness, and last summer he went to West Ham, where he had but a poor season.  Charlie tells us that he has never felt so fit as now, so that he should get some goals for Swindon. 

HAPPY BLUES.
August 25, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
CHADWICK ABLE TO TURN OUT.
The wonderful finish by Everton in last season's campaign, when they came with a rush at the post and gained fifth place, was, by general consent one of the features of the year, and although there were those who caviled at the enormous expenditure for new players, it must be admitted that the infusion of fresh blood was the dominant factor in the success of the side. The Blues begin their programme under the happiest auspices, for the team is cordial in its relationships and comfortable in its surroundings, and if these factors were of account, then Everton must go far this season. To-days match is with Notts Forest, a side which, curiously enough, met Everton in its very first League fixture in 1892. The Forest have, like their opponents, gone to some expanse in building up a strong side, and several fresh faces will be seen in the ranks. The ever-popular Sam Hardy is in goal, and is assured of a great welcome. As to Everton, general regret will be felt at the absence, through illness, of John Cock, who last season established himself a prime favorite at Goodison. His place at centre will be taken by Forbes, the ex-Heart of Midlothian man, who although on the light side, is a clever brainy exponent. Up to last night it was extremely doubtful if Chadwick would be able to turn out, but happily he will figure with Troup on the left wing, to carry on, one hopes, the brilliant work initiated last back-end. It should be a fine game, and there should be a big crowd, who, if form goes for anything in football, will be rejoiced by a win for the home side.

STUB MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo -Saturday August 25, 1923
By Louis T, Kelly

OLD TIMES AND OLD TIMERS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday August 25 1923
WHEN EVERTON AND CELTIC PARK MET
A STORY OF DAN DOYLE AND A CUSHION
N esteemed correspondent from Birkenhead, whom we will call “Billy Binks,” starts us off with a yarn of football in old Scotland’s days, told by a rich relation of his, one Councillor J.B. McGregor, of Dumbarton. Councillor McGregor gave us a call in the summer, and promised to put his recollections of Dumbarton’s great days to paper, and this is the first instalment;-
It was my privilege and good fortune to be at Celtic Park at the New year week of 1889, when Everton played and defeated Celtic after giving one of the finest displays it had ever been my pleasure in seeing. The Everton forwards that day moved like a machine. The runs on the right wing by my old friend and pal, Alec Latta, partnered by another Dumbartonshire player, Alex Brady, and on the left wing by that famous international pair Milward and Chadwick, linked together by that speedy and brilliant centre, Fred Geary, were a treat one can never forget. The game was played on a Thursday, and the English members of the team returned to Liverpool the same night, but the Scotch players got leave to stay until Friday night, having to report themselves at the Sandon Hotel on Saturday morning, in order to play Aston Villa the same afternoon in a League match. As I was going to Liverpool to stay for a week with Alec Latta, I travelled South with them on the night train, arriving in Lime-street Station between five and six in the morning. Besides Alec there were A. Hannah, Dan Doyle, Dan Kirkwood, and A. Brady, and I can assure you there was very little sleep that night, and less the following morning. The players duly reported themselves at the appointed time and place, but oh! what a day! Nothing but rain. It put one in mind of home. The match against Aston Villa resulted in Everton winning by 7 goals to 1. The ground was more like a lake than a playing pitch. I believe this was the last game that famous centre forward, Archie Hunter, played for the Villans, as at the half-time interval (the players never left the field) he suddenly collapsed and had to be assisted off the ground. A great forward and a cheery chap was Archie, as elderly readers will remember. The Everton team that day was Smalley, goal; Hannah and Doyle, backs; D. Kirkwood, Little Johnnie Holt, and Charlie Parry, half-backs; the forwards were the famous five and, I believe, the best combination Everton ever possessed- A. Latta, A. Brady, F. Geary, A. Milward, and Edgar Chadwick. The next day being a Sabbath, we had a rest in the morning, then we went to look up the other Scotch boys, who lived together in the one lodging-Hannah, Doyle, Kirkwood, Brady. We found them all well, but rather quiet, and the reason we were soon made acquainted with. The late Don Doyle had announced to them that he was going to start work next morning at the docks. I may here mention that my friend Alec was working at his trade, and I think players are generally more fit and in good condition for play if they are allowed to work, instead of hanging around with nothing special to do. Well, we, that was Alec, Alec’s brother (who was visiting at the same time), and myself, supported Dan in his resolve, but we met with a very strong opposition from the others, who tried to place every obstacle in the way, the principle one being from A. Hannah, who said; “Think on it, Dan. Going out to work at six o’clock in the morning this wintry weather, and us lying in bed.” I think that finished poor Dan, for he said, at the same time picking up a cushion from the sofa, “I will throw this cushion up to the ceiling, and if it stays there I will go to work, but if it comes down no work for me.” I can yet see the look on Dan’s face as the cushion caught on to the gas bracket and hung there. It was a study, but Dan was not to be so easily defeated, and said gas brackets were not in the agreement, and up went the cushion again, and Dan did not require to go to work.
I hope this may be of some interest to your very many readers, who are always looking with pleasure to the notes that you have for such a long time published in what, I believe to be Liverpool’s most popular and up-to-date paper.- Sincerely yours, JAS. B. McGREGOR.

DOWN IN THE FOREST SOMETHING STIRRED!
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, August 25, 1923
EVERTON, AFTER LEADING, GET GREAT SHOCK
FUNNIEST GOAL FOR A HUNDRED YEARS-
SCORED AGAINST HARDY ON HIS BIRTHDAY BY HUNTER HART
BEE DESCRIBES EVERTON AND NOTTINGHAM FAULTS
EVERTON WIN 2-1
Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain); Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, Troup. Nottingham Forest; Hardy; Bulling, Jones; Bolton, Morgan, Wallace; Gibson, Spaven, Walker, Flood, Burton. Referee; Mr. Mason, of Birmingham. The season at Goodison Park was opened to-day by a visit from the Forest side of Nottingham, and naturally Sam hardy had a great ovation from the crowd, which was of the usual big dimensions, in spite of the breakdown in the weather an hour or so before the start. Everton’s team was as I foreshadowed it would be in yesterday’s notes. Thus Cock was absent, and Forbes took his place.
A WISE CHANGE
The Everton spectators were delighted to see the new tramway scheme by which the special cars, whether from the Pierhead, Victoria-street, or what not, went up the new lines placed in Spellow-lane and on to Bullens-road. For the Liverpool F.C games the teams will continue along Walton-lane to Sleepers-hill and the Anfield ground.
UNIQUE PRESENTATION
Surely it is quite an unknown thing in Everton football life for a player to receive a present from players when he leaves the club. Tom Fleetwood left Everton this week for Oldham Athletic, and the popularity of the man was shown when Mr. Tom McIntosh, the secretary, was asked by the players and ground staff to make the presentation, Mr. John McKenna, English League president, was also present, and said the presentation showed the harmony there was among the club’s players. Mr. McIntosh spoke of the fidelity of the man and his long service and sporting characteristics. Tom was presented with a nine-day chime clock, and his wife was given an oak biscuit barrel. Fleetwood was much touched by the surprise presentation, yet was delighted by the present and the kind words. Forest kicked off, and Forbes put the ball too far forward, while Raitt, having been beaten by the tall Flood, saw Fern make a well-judged catch. Early on there were two cases of players being kicked, McDonald and Bulling suffering slight injuries. Morgan the tall, red-headed Irishman, was a bundle of nerves, and was particularly good with an overhead kick and in heading.
AN ”AWKWARD” SQUAD
Everton took some time to settle down, but once they got on the move they were awkward to hold, notably when Peacock and Hart indulged in solo dribbles. These dribbles showed the act of the craftsman, and Hart delivered a drive that hit a defender plunk on the head. Notts certainly looked dangerous when Spaven was going through, but when this interlude had ceased, Everton did a lot of work on the left, and when Chedgzoy made his first movement, he popped over a likeable centre, and Chadwick was too far behind to take the measure of it. At another point, Troup centred and Hardy surprised the natives, 25,000 of them, by stepping back as though he were going over his own line. Sam the silent, was, however, gauging the bounce of the ball.
TROUP IN HALF THE FIELD
McDonald, after being hurt a second time, made a lovely header that prevented Spaven’s glorious first-time pass becoming fruitful, Troup went on with half the field to himself. He drew in closer and closer as he went on, but finally became too angled to beat a man like Hardy, who covers so well. The only consolation was a corner. Chedgzoy was too good for Wallace, and Jones gave away a free kick for hackling. Certainly there had been any amount of life and speed in the game up to the moment, even though the goalkeepers had not been busy, and everyone thought a goal was coming when Troup crossed the ball to Chedgzoy, who dribbled with his right and shot with his left.
SEASON’S FIRST GOAL BY IRVINE
The ball dragged and passed outside. In 20 minutes play nothing had been seen of Irvine, who at this moment got the value out of a perfect pass by McBain, and without hesitation drove in a fiery, lowish ball that Hardy unavailingly threw himself at. The Irish boy was heartily congratulated upon his initial success, and to show that success had not spoiled him, he went on within a moment to offer an unselfish pass to Forbes, who was fouled in the penalty area. The referee, however, fixed the free kick inches outside the fatal box and the free kick was “walled” out. Everton, well worth their lead, continued to enjoy the full measure of the attack.
FOREST GOAL IN PERIL
Hart made a grand drive which lofted over the bar. A second later he dribbled right up into the mouth of the goal which Hardy left unattended and ominously. Against all this there was but one Nottingham effort. Fern had to make a solid one-handed punch. The secret of Everton’s insistent attack was due to the fact that Peacock, Chedgzoy, and Irvine, individually and collectively, had Wallace in the state known to Americans as “a flat tyre.” Moreover, Wallace had a second offence in the hacking department and was cautioned by the referee. Shots by Troup, Chadwick and Forbes went astray, but Everton had the Forest defence so groggy that Jones was often mis-kicking and all their members were inclined to kick anywhere without discretion.
A SINGULAR GOAL
After Spaven had made good passes without result, Walker, a stocky little chap, broke away, and Fern got down to a pretty hot ball. Then came the second goal, the like of which one does not see in a hundred years, judged by the memory and the books of form. Hart, the home captain, had been doing a lot of dribbling and reckoned he had the measure of the plucky Belton. His feinting took him well up the field and as he went towards centre-forward position he hit a fast ball which Hardy stuck to by grasping the ball between his knees. Hardy was in possession in the strict sense of the law and Hart was entitled to hustle him. In fact, Hardy seemed to become unbalanced and in groping for the ball he carried it over. This was uncommon football, and made Everton two up, while Irvine nearly made it 3 before the welcome half-time. Everton 2, Notts Forest 0
SAM HARDY’S BIRTHDAY
Sam Hardy was particularly anxious to win to-day, because it was his birthday. The Mayor of Nottingham sent a telegram to Mr. Marston, secretary, wishing the Forest good luck throughout the season. As a matter of fact, Hardy showed signs of his years without making a mistake. To my mind, the Forest left winger, Burton, had been more than useful to his side, the Forest being notably weak at full-back. In the second half Hart was sandwiched, Chedgzoy drove to hand from pretty far out, and the home backs had a little misunderstanding, which was not used to advantage. Chedgzoy, in happy mood, skirted along as though on air, and his centre was accepted by Forbes, who, in his excitement, did not notice that Chadwick was better placed.
QUEERING THE PROPHETS
To be quite candid, chapter one had been at a heavy and fast pace, and chapter two threatened to be dull. How easily the prophets may be torn asunder when instantly after this statement had been made Spaven shot with no special sting and Fern allowed the ball to pass through his hands over the line.
GOAL BY SPAVEN
It was a dramatic mistake and had undone much good work credited to McDonald. Certainly this goal at the 48th minute brought new life to the game and showed Nottingham in a fighting spirit. The best evidence of this was a sharp, shooting cross drive on the part of Spaven, who was very close with his low and steaming hot drive.
HARD TO FORGET
Everton took a long time to forget the adverse goal, and the only man who seemed to be steady in mind and movement at this point were McBain and Hart, and while the great fear was in the Everton club, Walker, the Notts centre, obliged by messing as good a gift as one could wish.
NOTHING GOING RIGHT
Thus Everton, after being well on top, came near to being on level terms. Nothing would go right with them; their passes were short, and one time the linesman anticipated the verdict of a throw-in, and thereby ruined Hart’s admirable back-heel pass to Troup. Nottingham began to play combined football for the first time in the match, and they kept the ball on the ground, too. Nottingham were having all the play in this half, and the crowd gradually began to waver in the loyalty. Fern made one startling save from Walker, but I imagine that Walker was well offside.
THE NEW CATCHWORD
Raitt’s partial uncertainty made itself felt o McDonald, and Burton proved a ticklish customer. Troup had no sort of success to-day, and the new amusement called “The Blues” became a very patent factor with the Everton team. It was an amazing turn round in the matter of confidence and form, and when Nottingham applied the offside theory they moved up as one man, and there was never a doubt the decision of the referee. Belton and Hart were hurt, and when the home captain resumed Everton picked up a bit, Chedgzoy hitting the rigging, Chadwick making a drive which Hardy picked up in slovenly fashion, and Forbes going through and being hacked down. This was encouraging to Everton, and was added to when Fern saved a seemingly hopeless situation and got a kick on the head as well as applause. In a measure it was a recompense for Fern’s original blunder. However, Walker should never have given him a chance to save. Final; Everton 2 Nottingham Forest 1.

EVERTON 2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1
August 27 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S LUCKY VICTORY.
OUTPLAYED BY FOREST IN SECOND HALF.
By Adams.
If Everton keep a tight grip on the luck, which attended them on Saturday, they will win the League, for assuredly no team will be able to withstand them. They beat Notts Forest 2-1, but not even the most biased Goodsonian would be disposed to argue that the deserved too. The first half, in which they scored a perfectly good goal via Irvine, and another thanks to an inspired barging expedition by Hunter Hart, was theirs all right. The forwards worked with understanding and Chedgzoy was brilliant. Halves and backs tackled and kicked light-heartedly, and 40,000 enthusiasts gave voice delightedly. During this period Forresters were made to look very mediocre, and once or twice their defenders were rattled out of their stride and good temper. Several times it looked odds on the Blues piling up a big total, for there was no stopping them except by ingenuity in throwing the inside men offside.
A QUAINT GOAL.
Hart's goal was one of the most remarkable ever seen on a League football ground. It was McBain, who started the movement about twenty yards out. Instead of allowing a forward to get the ball, the skipper fastened on to it, dodged, skipped, charged, and bullocked his way through, to close range, where he shot. Hardy saved and fell on the line. In the resultant scrimmage, he rolled over with the ball, and somehow or other managed to throw it away, whereupon Troup smote it into the net, making assurance doubly sure. However, there was no doubt that Sam had given away the goal when he fell. The Forest looked all over a beaten team when half-time came, but appearances were deceitful, as the second half demonstrated.
FAILED TO STAY.
Everton's last season fault became apparent –the inability to last the ninety minutes. They were overwhelmed, out manceurved and out-played, and had Walker the Forest's St. Mirren centre, taken the grits of the gods, a very different tale would have to be told. The Everton halves collapsed, the backs became erratic, and Fern let a simple-looking shot slither out of his hands. From this point, there was only one team in it, Gibson, on the right, cleverly and consistently fed, raced away time and again, and McDonaldf was doing three men's work. He cracked under the strain, and disaster was only staved off by heroic work by Raitt. Fern, blessed with extraordinary luck, saved two certain goals, and the Blues must have heaved sighs of relief (if they had any breath left) when the whistle went. The game demonstrated two outstanding facts. Everton failed to stay the pace, a defect that immediately will have to be remedied. The material was there, but the stamina was not. The other fact is that whatever side beats the Forest this season will have to be at their best. They have a couple of fine speedy wingers, and a set of sturdy well-built halves, and the whole eleven were so well trained that they went the ninety minutes without turning a hair. Teams : - Everton: - Fern goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs Peacock, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup, forwards. Notts Forest: - Hardy, goal, Jones and Bulling, backs, Wallace, Morgan and Belton, half-backs, Burton Flood, Walker, Sparvin, and Gibson, forwards.

PRESTON NORTH END RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 0
August 27 1923. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE
There was a hard fought game at Deepdale with Everton strong in midfield, but poor in finishing. Marquiss scored twice and Reay added a third for Preston, Virr and Miller showed the greatest skill for the visitors in shooting. Downs the last defender on view. Both sides showed good combination and speed, with Preston possessing greater penetration power. Everton missed shooting opportunities. Everton: - Harland, goal, Downs, and Livingstone, backs, Brown, Reid (captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Parry, Miller, Virr, Wall, and Harrison, forwards.

FOREST REVIVE
Athletic News- Monday August 27, 1923
LAST MINUTE EFFORT TO SAVE GAME
EVERTON TESTED
EVERTON 2 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1
By Junius
Through rain fell heavily an hour before and at intervals during the game, 35,000 spectators witnessed Everton’s opening match with Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park. The home forward line had to be reorganised, as Cock was suffering from influenza, and Williams had not recovered from a leg injury sustained in the practice game. There could be no questioning the fact that Everton were the more skilful team, especially in the first half. In no department did the Forest compare favourably with them, and least of all in the middle division, where Wallace and Morgan were continuously lighting an apparently hopeless cause against superior forces. Generally,I thought that Everton were not thoroughly extending themselves, for they seemed to have something in reserve during the opening period. Still they were always methodical in their movements, and as a rule took the most direct line towards Hardy. They scored twice, and might have increased their lead. The second period presented a marked contrast, for the Forest, after reducing the lead, cut out great pace, and their grit and persistency were the mam features of the later stages. The closing minutes were sensational, and had the Forest succeeded in drawing level none could have begrudged them share honours. The Everton defenders had trying time, and probably none welcomed final whistle more than they did.
THE FOREST’S SPIRITED RALLY
Everton's first success came after the game had been in progress twenty minutes, IRVINE, taking Hardy by surprise with shot from twenty yards range. The scoring of the goal was the inauguration of prolonged pressure on the Forest citadel, and Hart, after an elusive movement which quite bewildered the defenders, shot from close quarters, Hardy, while at full length, pushing the ball over the line in his effort to save. The second half had only been in progress five minute's when Morgan cleverly placed the ball to Gibson, who instantly transferred it to SPAVEN. Without wasting time, the inside man drove direct to Fern, who allowed the ball to slip from his grasp. This goal provided a rare tonic for the Forest, and, though many of their efforts were crude, they were very earnest and always alive to shooting opportunities. Anything might have happened the closing five minutes, during which Everton’s defence was very unsteady.
HALF-BACK CONTRASTS
What impressed most was the brilliant work accomplished by the Everton half-back line. McBain kept a tight hold on the opposing inside forwards, and his constructive play, with little apparent effort, had much to do with the successful movements of his forwards. Hart’s footwork at times was the embodiment of artistry and his no light task in holding up the Forest right wing was rarely beyond him. Peacock, too, displayed resource, in a line whose general work reached an exceptionally high standard of merit. As I have indicated, the Forest half-backs were not in thesame class as the Everton trio. They were energetic enough, but were lacking in ability to maintain a smooth working arrangementwith their forwards. Morgan worked hard enough, with a minimum of success, and Wallace, in the first portion especially, was weak against Chedgzoy, who weaved patterns at leisure and used his speed to excellent purpose. Chedgzoy and Irvine were the best wing on view, and it was mostly from this quarter that Everton’s incisive advances came. They displayed a fine knowledge of the requirements of each other, and neither failed to test the keeper when there was a possible opening, Forbes kept the line going successfully, but Troup and Chadwick were somewhat under a cloud, especially in the second half when Belton, who had improved considerably as the game progressed, kept them well in hand.
BURTON’S DANGEROUS RAID
Considering their lack of support, the Forest forwards accomplished, good work. The right-wing players, Gibson and Spaven, were the more incisive, and the inside man was ever the look-out for a chance to test Fern. Gibson frequently beat McDonald for speed, and put across fine centres that merited better results. Burton, particularly in the first half, was a dangerous raider, and with Flood kept the Everton defence busy, but the line as whole did not blend, and progress was mainly the result of individual effort. The rear lines gave a convincing display. Raitt was more dependable than McDonald, who, however, had a more exacting task on hand, and Bulling was a tower of strength in front of Hardy. Jones frequently miskicked. Hardy had a great reception from old admirers, and showed all his old cleverness of anticipation. Though Fern failed to hold Spaven’s direct drive, he redeemed himself by brilliant work in the concluding stages. Everton,—Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Peacock, McBain, Hart (Captain): Chedgzoy, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Nottingham Forest.—Hardy; Bulling, Jones; Belton, Morgan, Wallace; Gibson, Spaven, Walker, Flood, and Burton. Referee: H. Mason, Birmingham.

EVERTON SIGN YOUNGERS
Liverpool Echo- Monday August 27, 1923
Everton have signed on a capital young centre-half from Goodlass, Wall and Co. Weir is his name and he stands 5ft 9in, and weighs 12 stone.

TRANSFORMATION SCENE AT EVERTON’S GROUND
The Liverpool Echo, Monday, August 27 1923
THE BOMB
Bee’s Notes
At Goodison Park 30,000 spectators had a fill of ups and downs. Everton played the first half like real champions. Their half backs were particularly skilled and they toyed with the opposition defence, which has never to my mind attained the Grenville Morris standing- I know Morris was a forward but I want to point the fact that the Forest are not a class side. Then came the bombshell. A goal -an elementary goal; a patent blunder on the part of Fern. The result of that blunder was that there was an air of ”quietude” that was positively felt by all present. Fern has been such a good servant that no one could say a word. They simply had to take the matter as read. Fern did two wonderful things afterwards, but the crowd don’t remember these quite so distinctly because their hearts were full of the sight of a ball passing though Fern’s fingers. It is human to make mistakes such as these, Fern is human. The unfortunate part about it, from another standpoint, was the fact that it stabbed Everton’s heart. Few of the men recovered from the blow, and at times it was simply an avalanche of defence that was crowded on to McDonald, and in a lesser degree Raitt, the latter being not so certain as usual against a tricky extreme winger- Notts had two such. It is many a year since I saw such a vivid contrast in a team. Everton first half were invincible; then Nottingham Forest became invincible and Everton looked small fry.
HARDY’S GOALKEEPING
It was odd to see a man like Hardy fumbling a ball when he got down to it. He left his goal badly on one occasion and when hart beat him he probably did not know the ball had stuck in his knee-grip. It is a sort of instinct, however, to grope about to throw away the ball, and if Bulling had not entered the fray Hardy might have been able to throw away. As it was Hart scored a highly popular goal and followed on Irvine’s admirably distinctive opening goal. Notts did not seem like a side that could produce such form. Their backs never hit a ball straight and true, and Wallace at half back was not in keeping with the others of his line. Yet all Flood started to work openings and Spaven found his mark a bit more accurate. So trouble was looming ahead; in fact, if the high-priced Walker had only been steady with “sitters” Everton, far from winning, would have been beaten. There was as much balance about the Notts attack at the finish as there was lack of touch and balance about the Everton line. I did not blame Forbes. He is small and Morgan was difficult to pass. Moreover, I don’t remember Forbes getting passes, though I remember his giving some. The left wing started merrily and finished off badly. Troup was not playing his best, and when the pinch was felt I should have been happy to see a mild sort of shuffle in the attack- Chadwick in the centre and Forbes at inside-left. Irvine and Chedgzoy did the best work, and Chedgzoy has not for years had so splendid a solo innings. He was sure in his centre, his shooting was strong, if trifle too far out at times, and his command of the ball was such that Wallace went on the hack and put Chedgzoy on the rack as a consequence.
A GOOD LINE
One good thing, the half-back line kept their heads and helped to stave off the loss of a single point. Hart was very happy in his movements, and led the side with effect. McBain was a trifle up in the air with his passes, and Peacock was capital throughout. That was the secret of Everton’s success. It is to be hoped, however, that the team will not be temperamentally upset by a sudden low, such as the Forest goal created. It is early season yet, and mayhap Everton will have to stiffen their defence. Certainly, I gave McDonald the palm for being the best of the four backs; and I imagine that to-night, at Burnley, we shall see the same side without a solitary change, albeit some will be looking for at least one alteration. Of course, I am counting on all the men being fit today. One word more- Forest were best at centre-half and on each extreme wing, while Spaven in quick passes without deadening the ball, and in hard shooting, showed that my first impression of him was right.
Everton Reserves tonight (6.15) play Bradford City, and use this eleven- Harland; Downs, Livingstone; McGrae, Reid, Grenyer; A.N. Other, Duphie, Virr, Fall, and Harrison.
EVERTON MAKE TWO CHANGES
In the Burnley match to-night, Parry takes the place of Chedgzoy, and Brown plays for Peacock (also hurt).

BURNLEY 2 EVERTON 2
August 28, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON DRAW IN LST MINUTE.
UNSATISFACTORY GAME AT BURNLEY.
CHADWICK SCORES FROM PENALTY REBOUND
Heavily showers of rain marred the match between Burnley and Everton last night, which ended in a draw, the visitors getting on equal terms in the last minute. Greasy ball on a good grass surface was difficult to control, and the 16,000 spectators saw a moderate game in a bad light. It was anybody's match so trying were the conditions. Everton made a capital start, and the game had only been in progress a minute when Smelt handled outside the penalty area. Chadwick took the kick (Free-kick), and shooting with terrific force beat Dawson. The drive was along the ground, and the custodian shot out one leg, but the leather glanced off his boot into the net. Burnley pressed strongly in an effort to equalise, but McDonald put the ball clear. The home side were very persistent, and from a corner, the tall red-haired Hill, headed just wide of the upright. Most of the work was done on the Burnley right, and Raitt, having kicked hastily at a sudden cross-drive gave another corner. Play lacked excitement till Kelly missed the mark by inches. A strong drive by Chadwick made Dawson at full-length fist into touch. Irvine netted, but the whistle blew for offside, while Parry followed with the ball into the side netting, when her had a fine chance of scoring. Smelt was almost knocked out heading the heavy ball, and on his recovery Irvine controlled the ball well, but was unable to keep it down when shooting. Kelly headed neatly to goal, but Fern caught the leather and dodged the rush. After 37 minutes play there was a desperate tussle in the Everton goal following a corner. Twice the ball was centred and touched the bar, but Raitt headed out; it was returned and with a dozen players missed up Bennie headed the equaliser. The score was one each at half-time.
A QUERY GOAL.
Weaver had a chance as soon as the second half began, a cross-pass coming straight to his foot only a few yards out, but he drove right across. The rain poured down incessantly, till it was only with the utmost difficulty that the players could run without falling. A very questionable corner was given against the Blues when the second half had progressed 25 minutes, and from this Hill headed a second goal, although the Everton players protested strongly both before and after. A fine shot from Cross struck the crossbar with Fern beaten. In the last minute of the game Chadwick equalised. He took a penalty kick given against Taylor for handling. Dawson saved the shot, but Chadwick following up, netted easily. It would be unfair to unduly criticise in the circumstances. The Everton defence was solid, Fern's catching being clever and clean, while McDonald got through a deal of solid work very well. Hart and McBain did well, and Chadwick and Irvine were in capital form, but the loss of Chedgzoy was greatly felt. The best for Burnley was Hill, while Taylor Watson, and Cross were also very goo. Teams: - Burnley: - Dawson, goal, Smelt, and Taylor, backs, Watson, Hill, and Emerson, half-backs, Bennie, Kelly, Beel, Cross, and Weaver, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Raitt, and McDonald, backs, Brown, McBain, and Hart (captain), half-backs, Parry Irvine, Forbes Chadwick, and Troup forwards. Referee Mr. Hall.

EVERTON RESERVES 1 BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 1
August 28, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 2)
Despite a first minute thrill, when Miller knocked the custodian over with a pile-driver from close range, the football never rose to great heights, but Harland underwent a trying period when he pushed a shot on to the inside of the post, the ball rebounding into play. The Irishman also had to fling himself full length to push out a ball deflected into goal by Reid. In the second half he was defeated by Logan after making a wonderful one-handed save at full length from Kilburn, the ball being headed into the net with the keeper out of position. Harrison equalised, however, with a ground drive a few minutes later from a free kick a yard outside the penalty area. Everton were for the most part on the aggressive without being really dangerous, though Newton made one or two good saves. Downs played a splendid game throughout, and with Livingstone out up a staunch defence. Duthie although requiring a little more speed off the mark, displayed excellent football, his footwork at times being brilliant. Everton: - Harland goal, Downs and Livingstone, backs, Brown Reid (captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Duphie, Miller, Virr, Wall, and Harrison, forwards.

FOOTBALL PLAYER WITHOUT A CLUB.
August 28, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
A strange position has arisen (writes out Scottish correspondent) in connection with Everton's overtures to John McColgan, the left back of Albion Rovers, Coatbridge. It appears that Everton are anxious to sign him, but having heard of McColgan's injury last season, they would like to see him in action before paying over the transfer fee. The trouble is that meantime McColgan has no club. With whom is he to play in order that he may convince Everton's of his physical fitness? If he signs for Albion Rovers he may be doomed to a season in the Second Division if Everton do not want him!

“INQUEST” ON EVERTON MATCH AND DECISIONS
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, August 28, 1923
CHADWICK’S BRACE OF GOALS
Bee’s Notes
Some day a novel writer will take for his text “Football Inquests” and he will make his main theme the train journey home. I have seen some curious happenings “way back home,” included in the number being arguments between officials and players, and one time a nasty, ugly fight. If the novel writer had been with Everton yesterday he would have returned with a happy family from Burnley, and he would have heard straight-from-the-shoulder talks in the train, all bearing the same optimistic strain. Mr. Secretary McIntosh led off with good wishes. Mr. Director Sawyer added words of commendation and hope, and Captain Hart and McBain added their thanks and expressed their belief in the side and pointed to it as one of the best company of fellows that ever gathered together. That is the spirit. Everton could have gone home lamenting officials decisions, but they preferred to say it was good to get half a win away and a win at home and to look to more points in the future. Everton have a crush of fixtures this month and thus far no one can complain of their record. It might easily have been a win yesterday, and it might have been otherwise but for the intervention of Fate. The odd thing about the game was that it was the linesmen’s decisions that made all the difference to the result. First there was a corner given against Brown, who was not last to touch the ball. Therefrom came that bobbing, tip-tap movement in front of Fern and Raitt, both of whom made valiant efforts to save, but little Bennie, the Albion’s Rovers’ live wire, who is only 5 feet 2 inches in height, scored, and thus brought level the scores, Chadwick having early on taken a free kick and netted off Dawson’s foot. Burnley have their own ideas about free kick defence. Dawson comes out of goal and the backs go into the corners of the goal. Chadwick hit a hefty ball and Dawson’s foot turned it into the net. Point two for Burnley was scored by Hill, the 6 feet 3 Plymouth men, who has come to stay in first Division football, even though he is not a Boyle.
EVERY DIVOT TELLS A STORY
This lead for Burnley was due to Raitt skidding a ball at right angles. It was pelting down to such a tune that the dye out of the red jerseys of the home side was making the home players’ limbs look a sanguinary business. The skid was natural. The referee was nearer than the linesman to see McDonald slip slightly, yet kick clear. It was natural that the referee could not decide from his end-on view. The linesman was emphatic that the ball had crossed the line, and he “flagged” a corner kick. Had the referee but taken a view of the divot torn up he must have seen the ball was not out of play. Every divot tells a story, and this one told of a linesman’s “story” Linesmen have a bad habit of anticipating the run of a ball. The outcome of the error was that Hill scored and Everton once again were on the collar. Those who thought that they could not fight back on Saturday must change their tune. After Hart had protested often about the vexed turn of events, Everton went for the half-chance in a way that washed out Saturday’s memory. It is true the forwards were not playing well, but it is equally true that Everton plugged hard for the equaliser, and this came when Davie Taylor pulled down a ball with intent. He said it went off his chest. So you see there was much contesting of decisions last night; albeit Referee Hall, of Darlington, making his first appearance in a League match, refereed uncommonly wisely and well. Chadwick took the spot kick and, in spite of Hill breaking the new law about ten yards freedom, Chadwick got in his kick, and Dawson saved, but fell in so doing, and Chadwick running up made no error about his second snapshot. A draw of 2-2 was, in the circumstances, a good result because I do not forget that Cross hit the upright with the best shot of the match, and Irvine scored one of the prettiest goals ever witnessed, only to be adjudged off side -and he was probably just off side, Irvine got his chance through a fine overhead touch by Forbes.
PRAISE AND OTHERWISE
Chedgzoy was missed. Parry, willing and competent in many ways, failed to take a chance ere he was crowded out. It was a big test for Parry, and time will do much for him. There is no need to be caustic about chances he missed in the early part of the game. He was beautifully fed by Irvine and Brown, the latter of whom played a storming game from start to finish, and was notable in his assistance to his forwards. Likewise McBain, who did telling work and never once wasted a ball. He pulled back the ball, too, to stop a Burnley forward rushing through more than once. McBain’s was an excellent night’s work. Hart had the hot wing to look after, and certainly little Bennie and Kelly ought to have had more good than obtained from the intricate and delightful work they put in. Kelly seemed less modish, and Bennie’s electric runs certainly inspired him. Besides which, there was grand Watson’s solid work and wise pass behind them. Fortunately played one of his hardest and best games, and he, like Raitt, was busily engaged for long stretches because Everton’s forwards did not offer relief in that they got away rarely, and Taylor and Smelt were kicking hard downhill. The defence of the visiting side was without fault, for Fern made some bonny catches, and all through showed a confident, clean, sure action. Forbes found his game cast in Hilly places. You can’t hope to do much against Hill when he is head and shoulders above you, and the ball comes to you in the air. It is a hundred to one on Hill, and Forbes had few passes to work into goals. Chadwick played better than usual, and his goals were vital notches, I question whether he is wise to go to defence to help them out. It is a sign of hardiness and effort, but I would sooner Chadwick conserved his strength and his speed for the other end of the field, Irvine was the most consistent forward on the side, and his goal (disallowed) a thorough gem. Troup again was below form, and thus with extreme wingers falling to make good, it was natural that much work fell on the other departments. Troup will come right through again when the ball is dry and the ground not bearing the moisture that has been evident this week-end. On the home side I picked out flaws in the defence= Smelt in particular, and I fear Emersons is not good enough, and the left wing looks rather frail. Weaver and Cross, the Birkenhead boys, tried hard but ineffectually. At centre Beal is very small, and only the right wing kept up good form from first to last. Burnley are a side that will be struggling for many days,. I fear.

LAST MINUTE PENALTY
Burnley News- Wednesday August 29 1923
DEPRIVES BURNLEY OF VICTORY OVER EVERTON
FATAL DEFENSIVE MISTAKES
CLASSY DISPLAY THAT MERITED BOTH POINTS
BURNLEY 2 EVERTON 2
By “Kestrel”
To have Everton beaten up to within a minute of the finish, and then not to secure the full points, was Burnley’s galling experience on Monday at Turf Moor. But if anyone was disappointed with the exhibition of football, they want a lot of satisfying, and it can hardly be denied that if the Burnley side play consistently as they did on Monday they will win more matches than they will lose. It was a fine achievement to make so grand a recovery as they did after receiving a nasty shock in the first two minutes of the game, and it was very regrettable that the goals to Everton came from blunders by the two defenders-one at the very beginning of the game and one at the very end. Burnley were unfortunately taken by surprise in the early stages by the storm tactics of the Everton side, who are a bustling, strong and vigorous lot, and whose go ahead methods threw Burnley off their feet early on. Indeed, it appeared to me that Burnley were not tuned up to the speed at the start, though that came later, and with the added advantage of very clever football. And when once Burnley did settle down they played a remarkably classy game. They lasted, too, right to the end, which was what Everton did not.
BURNLEY'S UP-HILL TASK
It, was however, the quality of Burnley's play, their combination and, more than all, the high rate of speed, which was reached, which tended to make the game one full of thrills and excitement. One cannot say there were weaknesses in the side. Beel has not yet had sufficient experience to link up the wings very effectively, but he tried hard and will learn. He did keep with the wings mainly.  There was, too, a tendency in the early stages to hold the ball too closely, and it was not until the game was opened but more that the starvation of the left wing, which had been too plain, became lesspronounced and the raids began to hold out promise. The first half was certainly keenly contested, with two different in evidence, though during that period Burnley established their superiority in field work but were hardly as dangerous and thrustful in front of goal as were visitors. The uphill task which set Burnley was faced with a pluck and determination which was really delightful to witness, and it was accompanied by exceptionally skilful scheming and a bright conception of the game which is part of Burnley's tradition during the past few years. There was some evidence of a luck of driving force when within shooting quarters, but the persistent methods of the Burnley attack gave the Everton defenders a tremendous amount of work, and in the second half especially the initiative was so much taken out the Everton forwards' hands as to result in their being almost completely blotted out. Burnley were out of luck on several occasions, especially when a big drive by Cross in the second half struck the upright with Fern well beaten, and had they obtained both points they would alive got no more than they deserved, for they displayed far more of the scientific points of the game and were the more frequent in attack.
A TONIC FOR EVERTON.
The crowd was much tickled as the two diminutive wingers, Bennie and Troup, opposed other at the start. Watson had the misfortune to lose the toss, and consequently Burnley had to, play against the slope and wind. Everton opened at a rattling pace, intent on once forcing the issue, and, with the game only a minute and a half old "Smelt handled within few inches of the penalty area. CHADWICK took the free-kick, and drove in lightning shot which Dawson could do no more than get his foot to, and the ball rose off his toe and curled into the net despite the effort of Taylor to head away. Inspired by this early success, the Evertonians again and again raced away, McBain being ever insistent in driving his men forward, and consequently the Burnley defenders had a difficultperiod, and under the heavy pressure they did remarkably well. The game was full of incident and fine spectacular moves, and ere long Burnley settled down to a better understanding though for a time they were not allowed to develop the nicer points owing to the tremendous energy and quick tackling of the visiting halves and backs. The Everton wings were being utilised more freely than were Burnley's, the tendency on the latter's part being to keep play confined to the right for too long periods. Gradually, however, Burnley got the upper hand, their speed and trickiness increased, and Weaver, getting a pass, opened out across the field to Bennie, who co-operated with Kelly in  a promising run which ended withHill heading wide. Most the attraction was on the right wing, where Kelly and Bennie, with Watson, co-operated skilfully. Kelly was given a chance, but his shot travelled inches on the wrong side of the post. A good deal of anxiety was ladled out to the visiting defenders. McBain, however, took a good deal of weight off them by his skilful handling of Beel. There was, however, further danger to Burnley when Taylor advanced up the field, but the anticipation of Hill in falling back prevented the attack from being driven home. This was followed by an inspiring advance by the Burnley front line, the ball being worked across by Cross, Beel and Kelly to Bennie, whose astute return gave Kelly another chance with a luckless shot. Dawson had to be at his best to turn away afast low drive by Chadwick, and he had to dive down toget at the ball. Once Irvine netted, but was offside. It was not, however, until the game was 35 minutes old that the equaliser came, and the beginning of it was due to a fine race by Weaver, who forced Raitt to concede a corner. This was well placed by Weaver, and an exciting struggle took place in the goalmouth. Bennie, who had closed in, headed the ball back; Kelly shot and struck the upright; Fern stopped another effort; but finally BENNIE headed through. Fern making a desperate effort to stop the ball. The equaliser was the reward of persistent efforts.
DOMINANCE OF BURNLEY
Burnley opened the second half in promising style, taking the reins into their own hands, though Bennie would have done better to get in his centre more quickly. A corner ended with Kelly heading wide. The left wing came into prominence only for Weaver to shoot wide after doing good field work. Everton got away after these attacks, and had it not been for the good understanding between the Burnley backs, in which Taylor was very prominent as he came across to stop the right wing, trouble might have developed. A terrific downpour of rain made the ground heavy. Everton resumed the pressure and had a knack of playing strongly on the left, drawing the defence to that side, and then swinging the ball across to Parry, who was often not covered, but he did not make good use of the chances. Weaver was once too quick for the rest of the Burnley forwards, and a well-placed centre to the middle went abegging. With 25 minutes gone Bennie had a tussle with McDonald, who took the ball towards his goal-line, and corner-kick was awarded against him, though I do not think the ball had gone over the line, Bennie took the flag-kick, and lifted the ball nicely in front, where, after a tussle, HILL found the net. Several corners fell to Burnley after this, and when Weaver was baulked as he came through he put the ball to cross, who made one of the best shots of the day and had the mortification of seeing the ball come back off the post. Towards the close Burnley were the only team in it, and they had reasonable prospects of victory. But owing to injury in the last four minutes Emerson had to leave the field, and in his absence Everton made a final rush. Smelt kicked at the ball and turned it over his own bar. From the corner kick the ball was ushed out, but as Parry returned it Taylor handled in the area. CHADWICK took the penalty kick, shooting low down, and though Dawson stopped the shot it was too low for him to get away, and as the ball rebounded from him Chadwick followed up and netted a minute from the end.
A CLEVER RIGHT WING
That Burnley have a clever right wing was not in doubt during the game. Bennie shows a complete understanding with Kelly, and plays with his head, whilst if he does not get centres across frequently enough, those he does put in are well placed and dangerous. Kelly was himself, a live wire, though he seemed for the time being to have lost his shooting boots. Cross was hardly at his best, but Weaver did some very good things. Watson was undoubtedly the best of the halves, a magnificent engineer who played a fine constructive game and who appreciated to the full the back passes which Bennie gave. Hill did a great amount of very useful work, especially in the first half, both in defence and in attack, but needs to swing the ball out more to the wings. His anticipation was extremely good, and his head, height and deceptive stride did much to Burnley’s advantage. He can certainly get the ball at some very awkward angles. Emerson was hardly up to form. Both smelt and Taylor played well throughout, and it was to be deplored that the two mistakes they made proved so fatal. Dawson was his old confident self in goal. The teams were; Burnley; Dawson; Smelt, Taylor; Watson, Hill, Emerson; Bennie, Kelly, Bell, Cross, and Weaver. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart (Captain); Parry, Irvine, Forbes, Chadwick, and Troup. Referee, Mr. H. Hall, of Darlington.

EVERTON TO TRY CHADWICK AS A CENTRE
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, August 29, 1923
Bee’s Notes
Everton have had to search about for a centre, and after seeing Forbes out-physiqued they have set their hearts on making Chadwick a centre with Williams coming in to help Troup. It is an engaging choice, and can easily be a big success, for we know Williams nippiness and shot, and we know Chadwick’s force of body and force of drive. I think Nottingham Forest will be whacked by this side;-
THE WINNING TEAM
Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup. Chedgzoy returns and Brown holds on to his place, with Peacock still down with a cold.
Everton Reserves, at home to Preston, play the following;- Harland; Downs, Livingstone; McGrae, Reid, Grenyer; Parry, Miller, Forbes, Virr and Harrison.
Everton F.C have made a concession that should be appreciated. They have decided to book some 200 seats that are situate adjoining the directors; box. It is a good view, and there is this very important factor to be remembered-there is no extra charge for the seat or for the booking -the fee is still as before, 3s 6d, and all you need to do is to get in touch with Sharp’s, at Whitechapel.

EVERTON SHUFFLE THE PACK.
August 30, 1923. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton are making shuffle in the side to meet Nottingham Forest at Nottingham on Saturday. Cock and Peacock are still unfit, but Chedgzoy will resume at outside right, Williams will partner Troup on the left wing, and Chadwick will displace Forbes at centre. The team is: - Fern, Raitt, McDonald, Brown McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, and Troup.

EVERTON SHOULD WIN
The Liverpool Echo- Friday August 31 1923
A REAL GOOD CHANCE
Bee’s Notes
I have a great belief in Everton’s chance at Nottingham. You will, perhaps have noticed that hardy was not playing in the mid-week match. I take it that he will not play to-morrow against the Goodison men, who will this time have the happy memory of three points out of four, and a big man at centre forward, and Chedgzoy returned to the fold. It is probable that after settling down slowly Everton will make their presence felt, and there will be no “hysteria” such as occurred after Notts got their goal last week. It is an engaging process of thought to reckon on Chadwick at centre bumping and hitting shots; and the swifter-moving Williams back to the old spot working alongside the so-far disappointing Troup. Nottingham at home were always a big order, but my nap tomorrow is a win for Everton. They are moving upward again, just as at the back-end of last season. Everton; Fern; Raitt, McDonald; Brown, McBain, Hart; Chedgzoy, Irvine, Chadwick, Williams, Troup. Nottingham Forest; Bennett; Bulling, Jones; Belton, Morgan, Wallace; Gibson, Spaven, Walker, Flood, Burton.

 

August 1923