Everton Independent Research Data

 

FOLKESTONE F.C. SIGNS JACK COCK ENGLAND AND MILLWALL CENTRE
Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald - Saturday 01 August 1931
Folkestone Football Club announced tills week that it had obtained the signature of Jack Cock, the England and Millwall centre, who for the past three seasons he played for the London club and topped the list of goal-scorers each season. This signature, writes the Man in the Stand, can be regarded as the most important the Folkestone Club has secured since its revival after the war. Cock has been given a free transfer by the Millwall Club, but, to quote a London sporting writer, he is still a live force. In 1920 he played for England against Ireland, Scotland and Wales. At the time he was with the Huddersfield Club. He was transferred during the same season to Chelsea, and when he severed his connection with the Pensioners he went to Everton and then to Plymouth Argyle before joining Millwall.
OTHER CLUB'S BID
There was considerable competition for Cock's signature, three other clubs being desirious of obtaining his services.  It will be an enormous advantage for the team to take the field at the very beginning of he season with a leader  whose worth is recognized.  From a “gate” point of view too, the inclusion of Cock in the side should prove very satisfactory. 

EVERTON’S NEW FORWARD
Liverpool Echo - Monday 03 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
Amongst the players whom Everton have signed for the coming season is John Catton, of Dormanstown, who last season figured conspicuously in the fortunes of South Bank, in the Teesside League.  Catton, who has signed amateur forms, is a centre forward or inside man.  He is twenty years of age, weighs 10st 3lbs., and stands 5ft 10ins.  Last season he scored forty goals, and registered the only goal for his team when they were defeated by Middlesbrough 6-1. 

GOODISON FOOTBALLERS STEP IT OUT!
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 04 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C.  (Members of the First Division—in case the thought has escaped the mind in the holiday spell) climb the steep steps of Goodison Park to the official room, and there, on request, "signed on the dotted line." The only absentee was Coggins, who has had an operation and a truly bad summer. A week ago he left hospital, and, having put on eight pounds, he feels much better in health and mind. But it must be some time before he thinks of serious football.  Everton have not chosen their captain or deputy captain; they leave this till the opening day of the season. Today the players went a walk, and during that walk there was much advice and chaff given to a certain famous member regarding the price of a penny bun becoming two pence. Dean had a ready answer.

David Murray
Hull Daily Mail -Wednesday 5 August 1931
Rochdale A.F.C. have signed David Murray, centre forward, last season with Swindon, and previously with Bristol City and Everton. He was a member of the South African team that toured England

EX-EVERTON PLAYER FOR HALIFAX
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 05 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
Halifax yesterday on my recommendation took Dave Murray, the South African footballer, who has had service at Everton and later still at Swindon.  Murray and Cockburn contested the centre-half berth last season down South, and Murray was wanted again by Mr. Sam Allen, but Murray would not accept the terms.  Now he is to rejoin forces with the forward line-his original spot- and such a willing and trusty servant as Murray will surely do the Halifax club some good. 

EVERTON FOOTBALLERS AT CRICKET
Liverpool Echo - Friday 07 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
A selected side of Everton footballers will meet Clubmoor C.C. on Monday and Tuesday evening next, at Maiden-lane, at 6.15.  Clubmoor team; Dr. J. Rumjahn (captain), R.L. Sommerville, W.J. Riley, R.H. Tomkinson, H. Rowland, A.M. Roberts, J. Harling, A.H. Gatcliffe, W.D. Getty, T.J. Gatcliffe, and G.J. Tomkinson.  Everton team will be; - Martin, Clark, Cunliffe, Dean, Gee, Webster, Rigby, White, Phil Griffiths, Critchley, and A.N. Other. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 08 August 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON TRIAL GAMES
August 10 th 1931. Evening Express.
Blues giant Half-Backs
By the Pilot
Everton will hold their first practice trial games this week-end, and supporters, therefore , have an early opportunity of running the rule over the new captures. The Everton men will have a try out at Goodison Park on Saturday, and Liverpool will hold a practice match at Anfield on Monday evening. As usual the clubs have come to the arrangement whereby each takes a Saturday date, and each a midweek date. It is a splendid idea, for it enables all supporters to see the men and gives additional aid to charities. The teams for the trial will be selected at the weekly meetings of the clubs directors tomorrow evening, it is probable that the anticipated first team attackers will be opposed by the expected first team defences. Visitors to Goodison Park on Saturday will no doubt be rather astonished at the physique of the Everton half-backs. They are among the tallest and heaviest of any intermediates in the first division. It is a question, whether Everton have ever had the services of such giant halves, here are measurement of some of them.
Griffiths 6ft 1in, 11 st 10lbs
Thomson 6ft 0ins 12st 8lbs
Clark 5ft 11 and half inches, 12st 7lbs
Gee 5ft 11ins 12st
With the exception of Archer, the new player from Walsall, who will be the “midget” of the party though he is over 5ft 7 and half inches, all the remainder are boarding on 5ft 10ins. Preparation in both the Liverpool and Everton camps proceeds smoothly. Trainers Wilson and Cooke are satifield with the progress made by their charges. There have been no further casualties in either camp, and except for Riley and Aitkens of the Reds, and Coggins, of Everton, the clubs will have full teams from which to select their trial teams.

ERNIE GAULT
Liverpool Echo - Monday 10 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
Ernie Gault, formerly of Everton F.C., has been appointed trainer of the Barrow Association Football Club.  Gault was with New Brighton F.C., last season as deputy-trainer and in spite of his years he turned out as inside-right on occasions, and helped to make the side a winning side. 

EVERTON TO BAT
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 11 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
The annual cricket match between Clubmoor and a team of Everton footballers attracted a good crowd at Maiden-lane ground.  Clubmoor won the toss and took the first knock. Somerville and Riley, Clubmoor's usual opening batsmen, were faced by Dean and Clark (the latter Everton's new half back from Luton, who, by the way, greatly resembles Albert Virr). The pair started off in their usual style, and had scored 47 before the partnership was broken by Clarke, who varies his style. Somerville had scored 30. Dean after half-a-dozen overs changed his “attacking forces." and himself gave way to Gee. Riley with the assistance of Nuttall took the score to 68, when Nuttall was well caught behind the stumps by White.  Afterwards things went in Everton’s favor, for with an additional two runs Riley, who proved the top scorer with 32, was out to a splendid catch by Dean.  Then the spectators were treated to a  display of "fireworks." five further  wickets falling for only 11 runs, Gee  and Clarke bowling unchanged, the  innings eventually closing at the total of 93, only one extra being obtained.  The fielding of the footballers in the later stages was much appreciated by the increased attendance.  Gee claimed six wickets for 14, Clarke three for 53, and Dean none for 26.  Everton had about twenty minutes at the crease and lost two wickets for 17, when play ceased until 6-15 this evening. 

EVERTON FIRST TRIAL MATCH
August 12 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton's players make their bow, this time as representatives of the First division club again, when they hold their first public trial on Saturday. The liveliest interest is centred in their match, as the supporters of the club are anxious to see how the players shape after their long holiday. Special interest will be centred in the new players –Bocking, the former Stockport back, who promises to developed into a high class defender, and Grififths the player who did so well for Port Vale when the Staffordshire team defeated the champions at Goodison park last season. Griffiths is a lively wing forward who is likely to do well at Everton, while Clarke is a half-back who comes with a good reputation from Luton town. With Coggins not yet fully recovered from his operation, Sagar keeps goal for the League side, but a goalkeeper for the Reserves eleven is still to be chosen. The kick-off is at 3-15, and the teams are; - Blues; - Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Whites; - A.N. Other; Common, Lowe; Clark, Griffiths, McPherson; Grififths, Martin, White, Webster, Rigby.

EVERTON'S NEW CAPTAIN: DEAN APPOINTED, AND THOMSON HIS DEPUTY
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 12 August 1931
BEN WILLIAMS TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR OPERATION 
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C. have appointed Dean captain of the side and Jock Thomson deputy.  This is the first time Dean has held the reins of office, but he has had a period of sub-captaincy.  Clubmoor Cricket Club last night presented him with a silver jug as a wedding present.  Everton have had to find a hospital home for their former captain, Ben Williams, who has been troubled with a bone in the foot.  It will be remembered that Williams was badly hurt in the last international match of the season.  It is a blow that this sturdy full back should thus early be put out of football action. 
Everton Football Club players make their bow, this time as representatives of a First Division club again, when they hold their first public trial on Saturday. The liveliest interest is centered in this match, as the supporters of the club are anxious to see how the players shape after their long holiday.  Special interest will be centred in the new players Bocking, the former, Stockport back, who promises to develop into a high-class defender, and Griffiths, the player who did so well for Port Vale when the Staffordshire team upset the champions at Goodison Park last season.  Griffiths is a lively wing forward who is likely to do well at Everton, while Clarke is a half-back who came with a reputation from Luton Town. With Coggins not yet fully recovered from his operation, Sager keeps goal for the League side, but a goalkeeper for the Reserve eleven is still to be chosen. The kick-off is at 3.15, and the teams are: Blues; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Whites; A.N. Other; Common, Lowe; Clarke, Griffiths; McPherson, Grififths, Martin, White, Webster Rigby. 
EVERTON COULD NOT SAY "99" 
The team of Everton footballers were defeated in the annual cricket match with Clubmoor by 25 runs. Continuing from their overnight total of 17 for the loss of two wickets, Clarke and Gee carried on with the “good work,” which was of short duration, for with the addition of only two runs Gee fell to R. H. Tomkinson. With only 32 on the board and five batsmen gone, things were not looking too well for the “Blues," but fortunately with the assistance of Britton, Clarke and he put on 20 before being separated. However, a further slump set in, and the last four wickets fell for only 16.  The brothers Tomkinson bowled throughout, R. H. claiming five wickets for 6 apiece, and G. J. took four for 33, the innings lasting nearly an hour.  After the match a supper and musical programme was held, and in thanking the Everton club for their help, the chairman congratulated them on their return to the First Division, and, wished them well. 

DIXIE DEAN TO CAPTAIN EVERTON
August 12 th 1931. Evening Express
Thomson as his deputy
Williams to undergo operation
By the Pilot.
Everton have appointed Dixie Dean as captain for next season and will have as his deputy Jock Thomson. It will be the first time Dean has been office skipper. Three seasons ago he led the Blues on occasions. Williams last season's captain is going to hospital today for an operation on his ankle. Williams suffered a severe ankle injury against Ireland international match last April and though there was improvement in the summer, he has complained of soreness on his leg. Saturday's trial.
Everton's new players, Clark, Phil Griffiths, will be in view in the game on Saturday, there will play for the Whites against Blues.

EVENTON'S NEW GOALIE 
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 August 1931
ONCE GIVEN FREE TRANSFER BY PORT VALE 
Everton have signed A. Holdcroft, goalkeeper, from Darlington.  Holdcroft, who was horn at Burslem, in Staffordshire, joined Darlington three seasons ago, having been given a free transfer by Port Vale. In 1928-29 he made 29 appearances in the Darlington senior side, and 41 the following season.  Last season he missed only four games.  A brilliant goalkeeper, Holdcroft was watched by Everton representative, on two or three occasions last season.  Aston Villa made a bid to get his  services about seven or eight mouth’s  ago, but were not prepared to pay the  fee that Darlington were then asking. 

EVERTON SIGN DARLINGTON GOALKEEPER
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 13 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
Everton have signed A. Holdscroft the Darlington goalkeeper, and he will play for the Whites in the trail match on Saturday at Goodison Park.  Holdscroft is only an inch off six feet tall, weighs 12 ½ stone, and is twenty-two years of age. 

EVERTON SIGNED GEORGE HOLDCROFT
August 14 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton new goalkeeper.
Everton have engaged George Holdcroft, a goalkeeper from Darlington, owing to the illness of William Coggins, Everton were handicapped in the goalkeeping department, and the signing of Holdcroft will enable the club to place two strong sides in the field for the trial match tomorrow. Holdcroft who was born at Burslem, joined Darlington three seasons ago, having been given a free transfer by Port Vale in 1928-29. He made 29 appearances in the Darlington senior side, and 41 the following season. Last season he missed only four games a good goalkeeper, Holdcroft was watched by Everton's representatives on two or three occasions last season. Aston Villa made a bid to get his services about seven or eight months ago, but were not prepared to pay the fee that Darlington where them asking.

EVERTON’S TEST TEAMS AND NEW PLAYER
Liverpool Echo- Friday August 14, 1931
Bee’s Notes
Cricket being barred, football steps in and says; “We will give you something to look at, and it isn’t “maybe” or “perhaps” it will be sure and prompt to advertised time.  Football is starting its public show tomorrow with trial games that will whet the appetite of the public that has been yearning for the big ball.  Everton of our sides, takes first “knock,” and these teams will show their paces to Goodison Park habitués tomorrow at 3.15.  Blues; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  White; Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; Clarke, Griffiths, McPherson; Griffiths, Martin, White, Webster, Rigby.  Holdscroft, who was signed from Darlington yesterday, is a tall young man who makes goalkeeping look easy.  So far as I can remember him in Division 3, matches.  (Writes “Buzz”) hew is of the type which stands on no ceremony, and is “pleased to meet” any high balls.  Holdscroft was formerly with Port Vale, and that team made a great mistake when they let him go without fee.  Darlington has made history in the number of men it has given to first-class football.  Time was when the club said, “We will not let any go.”  Nowadays they make some of the substance (the transfer fee) and let the shadow (promotion) fend for itself.  Holdscroft is lucky to get so early a trail in an Everton team.  He may owe his eventual success to the fact that he was given his chance through injury to Coggins.  Certainly Holdscroft does not strike me as being the kind of man on whom a big crowd would have an upsetting effect. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor, Mr. Harry Wearing) will give the following programme at Goodison park tomorrow ; March, “”Avondale” (Vernier); Waltz, “Golden Sunbeams” (Rimmer); Selection, “H.M.S” Pinafore” (Sullivan); Tango, “Oh Donna Clara” (Feldman); Selection, “Community Land No 2”  (Feldman); Waltz, “Sunset on the Nile” (Feldman); Marchi, “Simoon” (Allen). 

FIRST FOOTBALL TRIAL GAMES
August 15 th 1931. Evening Express.
Holdcroft Impresses at Goodison
Martin First to Find the Net.
The Wiles of Cunliffe
By the Pilot
Three of Everton's new players-Clark, Holdcroft, and Phil Griffiths –appeared in the first practice match of the season at Goodison Park. Teams; Blues; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; McClure Gee, Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Whites; - Holdcroft, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; Clark, Griffiths (P), and McPherson, half-backs; Griffiths (P), Cunliffe, Martin, Webster, and Rigby, forwards. Referee Mr. C. Taylor. Severe old Everton players were present at this re-union, I noticed Tommy Robson, who last season migrated to Sheffield Wednesday. The glorious stretch of new turf came in for much approbation; in fact, many wonderful whether this was Goodison Park! Some really interesting play developed, with the Blues rather the more intricate on a ground which the Old Trafford officials must have wished was their own. We saw the Johnson, Stein, Thomson trio operating with the customary smoothness, and Dunn was his enterprising self.
Cunliffe's Cleverness.
The Whites were not idle, and Cunliffe twice displaced undoubted ingenuity in his partnership with Griffiths (T). It was mainly to Cunliffe that the Whites took the lead in seven minutes through Martin. Cunliffe's clever and deceptive pass gave Griffiths (T) the opportunity to feed an unmarked Martin, who had no difficulty in beating Sagar. Clark was a big success in the engineering of several well-advanced moves, and Bocking was another to elicit applause for good defensive work. The Blues drew level in 14 minutes, Dunn creeping towards goal from Dean's header and which feinting for a centre quickly placed the ball between Holdcroft's leg into the net. The crowd liked Holdcroft. He cut out a header from Critchley in masterly fashion, and when the same player got through following Dean's manceuvres. Critchley was again frustrated on the edge of the penalty area by the enterprising man from Darlington. Cunliffe was showing up as one of the outstanding men of the trial, but it was left to Martin to restore the Whites' lead in 29 minutes. He gave the dummy before netting with a shot, which gave Sagar no chance. I learn that Hunter Hart is next season in full charge of the Central League team. The Everton directors could not have made better choice. Martin had to leave the field with a leg injury. Cunliffe had been the outstanding man in the first half, but all the new comers had done-well. Griffiths made Cunliffe an exceedingly useful partner, and I liked the constructive work of Clark. Bocking confirmed the favourable impression he created at Preston. Half-time Blues 1, Whites 2.
Only Half time reported.

NEW EVERTON F.C. POST 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 August 1931
HUNTER HART'S PROMOTION AT GOODISON PARK 
By Bee
The Everton chairman, Mr. W. C.  Cuff, to-day presented the players concerned in the Second Division championship with cheques for £25 each.  This is the first time money has been paid over in connection with a championship win.  It is a coincidence that Everton should be the first to pay money instead of kind, because the Everton chairman was in w measure responsible for the change of the rule which had previously insisted upon gold watches and suchlike rather than money.  It was felt that presents would not be altogether acceptable to the players, and the rule now allows the allocation of £25, so the Everton players received their “benefit “this afternoon. 
AN IMPORTANT CHANGE 
Everton F.C. have made a very important change in their arrangements.  They have decided to put Hunter Hart, their former player, in charge of the Central League side.  He will take control of this side, will travel with it, coach the players, and will aid in the selection of the team.  In the put it has generally fallen to the lot of a director and the trainer to, go with the team in their away matches.  Now Hunter Hart, who has had one season in the position of coach to the reserve side, will be in full charge of the side.  Everton is one of the few clubs that has definitely set its mind against the appointment of a manager, and it must not be imagined that the new appointment carries a managerial tag. However, it is a distinct departure from the custom of the club, and Hart has our good wishes in his task of providing the future first team playas of the Everton Football Club.

STUB MARK
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, August 15, 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON FOOTBALLER
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 August 1931
ACCUSED OF BEING DRUNK IN CHARGE OF CAR 
A professional footballer, formerly of  Everton F.C., John O'Donnell (28),  Dean-street,  Blackpool, appeared at  Liverpool Police Court to-day charged  with being is charge of a motor-car  while under the influence of drink, and  with driving dangerously.  Prosecuting for the police, Inspector F. Burrows stated that at 8.40 last evening O'Donnell was driving a motorcar, which collided with the rear of a motor-lorry in Walton-road.  It was observed that O'Donnell was driving in a zig-zag manner and a policeman approaching him noticed a strong smell of drink. The officer told him he would be arrested, and  O'Donnell's reply was: "You can do  as you like. I will go with you."  At the bride well a doctor certified the accused was under the influence of drink. When formally charged, O'Donnell said: "No; I don't think so."  He was remanded on bail until Monday week.

EVERTON MAN INJURED
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 15 August 1931
MARTIN OFF WITH A THIGH HURT
FOOTBALL TRIALS
PLAYERS WHO SHAPED WELL AT GOODISON
By Bee
Everton F.C. made their official opening, to-day, when the first of their trial matches was held in sultry weather and on a playing pitch that had been remodeled and returned with Gateacre's best green grass.  The crowd was quite a big one for a trial game, the number of women present being remarkable.  There were eleventh hour changes, White’s swollen face preventing him playing so that Martin moved to centre and Cunliffe became partner to the Port Vale star, Griffith... The referee was Mr. C.E,. Taylor, and he was supported on the line by Messrs. G. Cahill and A. Smith.  The teams were: Blues; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  Whites; Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; Clarke, Griffiths, McPherson; Griffiths, Cunliffe, Martin, Webster, Rigby. 
A MARTIN GOAL 
Dean, the new captain, had a hearty welcome, and the whole team leapt to the fray. Griffiths and outstanding and upstanding in the first five minutes, and his passes to the wings were accurate and of good pace. Sagar was fortunate when he failed to grasp the first shot that came his way, the ball being kept from passing over the line through his body being in the way.  Webster tried a long and a short shot in turn, and Dunn was responsible for Gee getting a surprise blow on the back of the head. He suffered so severe an injury in the final match at Preston that he is naturally tender about his nose.  Bocking, tall and trimly built, played a cool, calculating game by the side of Creswell. Dunn surprised the reserve team defence by a follow-up, his shot being strong and very little off the goal mark.  Martin scored with ease for the Whites after Griffiths and Cunliffe had worked together in a manner that showed complacent combination and sure centring by Griffith..
KEEN AND FAST
Stein is keen and fast, and one of his centres had not reached the middle of the field before Dean had headed a ball that did not arrive. Rigby broke through and Gee took the ball out of the mouth of danger. Griffiths got most applause and Dunn most of the laughs.  In addition the Scotsman scored when the reserve team defence had ceased playing, expecting an off side decision which was not granted them. Like a shot in the Bournemouth Cup-tie and an Everton shot in the Hull Cup-tie, the ball passed between the goalkeeper’s legs, but Holderoft had little chance, because Dunn was close to the goal-line.  This made the scores equal, and Martin was near increasing the goals with a glide-header that Sagar caught safely. The big form of Clark at right-half could not be missed on the score of football nous, or physical size. He is really a Jock Thomson pattern, with more timber to his ribs. 
A CHESHIRE PROMISE 
Gee gave Dunn a return gift, the ball striking Dunn on the ear. Stein was keen to shoot, and one of his drives was just over the bar, while beautifully handled by Holdscroft.  It was a performance to hold the ball. Martin gave the reserve side the lead with a shot after a feint. Cunliffe, a Cheshire youth, at inside right, promised a lot, and Righy won a won a long-drawn-out duel with McClure, who looked robust and red after his Canadian tour. 
MARTIN HURT 
Martin went off the field with a damaged thigh, and Griffiths, of Port  Vale, slid through, and made an old-fashioned  rounding of the full-back, and  wound up with a terrific shot.  Half-time.—Blues 1, Whites 2.  The players did not appear to want to leave the new turf, but after many conversations they took an interval.

EX-EVERTON PLAYER IN COURT
August 15 th 1931. Evening Express.
John O'Donnell, aged 28, Dean-Street, Blackpool, professional footballer, formerly of Everton F.C., was remanded on bail at the Liverpool Police Court today, accused of being in charge of a motor-car while under the influence of drink, and of driving dangerously. Inspector F. Borrows, prosecuting, said that at 8.40 last evening O'Donnell was driving a motor-car, which collided with the rear of a motor-lorry in Walton-road. O'Donnell was noticed to be driving in a zig-zag manner, and when a policeman approached he noticed a strong smell of drink. When told he would be arrested, O'Donnell, it is stated, said; “You can do as you like. I will go with you.” At the bridewell a doctor certified him to be under the influence of drink. When formerly charged, he said, “No, I don't think so.”

BLUES WEALTH OF PLAYERS.
August 17 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Reserves make first team work.
By “Bee.”
Everton took £442 for charity on Saturday at their first trial game, a game revealing much reserve team talent for Hunter Hart, the new man in charge, to work on. The Reserve team at one point had a lead of 4-1, and Goodison Park habitues (to the number of 13,000) set up a loud and long call to further effort on the part of the young leaders. It was than that Dean, the new captain, who had done much passing and got no result for his labours, did two things characteristic of the man. He made a telling first-time drive with the left foot, and later just as neatly and quickly took another goal, through a truly smashing shot. Dunn scored on time, so that the game was drawn 5-5.
The scoring.
It is a result condemns and does not condone, yet it is a result that makes goalmaking an assured factor for first and second teams. Which is all to the good of the spectators of the modern age, who never seen to tire of bug scores. The scorers were; Martin (2), Dean (2), Dunn (2), Phil Griffiths (2), Johnson and Cunliffe. The special feature of the day was the display of Phil Griffiths, the enlivening and lively outside right of the Reserve side. He careered through at will, ably served by a lanky young lad from Adlington, who scored the neatest goal of the day with a glide-header. Griffiths is stout in his challenge and sure in his shot. Martin retired through thigh injury. Fryer taking a place in the attack, and Webster becoming centre forward. Clark of Luton, impressed by his dour yet subtle work at half-back, and Rigby had a field day at outside left, being well served by McPherson, to whom these games produce just the right atmosphere and pace.
Holdcroft Impresses.
Holdencroft, signed forty-eight hours before, a tall Darlington youth, showed special faculty for getting to the high centres and cross shots. He was beaten early on by a ball that went between his legs. Afterwards he was without fault and his daring saves led him to the main applause of the afternoon. Holdcroft, however, did not take all the goalkeeping prizes; Sagar began with an error, paid nought for his fault, and wound up with honour, glory and a slight injury –his style of play suggests injury. Of the first team members there is little to be said except that the half-back line was not so satisfying as it might have been. Thomson was best. I though Dunn hit the ball harder than usual and that Johnson developed the upward pass to a nicety. At back Cresswell revealed his sense of touch and construction, and Bocking, playing a similar type of game, revealed a classy style without pace in its rumour; indeed it looked as if Everton's first team defence will consist of “two of a kind.” Result Blues 5, Whites 5
Blues; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell backs; McClure, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Whites; - Holdcroft, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; Clark, Griffiths, and McPherson, half-backs; Griffiths, Cunliffe, Martin, Webster and Rigby, forwards.

GOALS FOR ASKING-AND TAKING
Liverpool Echo - Monday 17 August 1931
EVERTON’S WEALTH-FIANCIAL AND PLAYERS
Bee’s Notes
CONTRADICTORY 
Everton have wealth of money and wealth of reserve talent. As I was first to tell you. Hunter Hart has been given charge of the Everton reserve. He has some talent to work upon. I don't remember a brighter or fresher lot in thirty years. There is a youthful strength about them that commands respect and some envy. The chairman (Mr. W. C. Cuff) presented the seniors with the cheques, and hoped he would be able to do something for the reserve side when (if) they take his special desire, the Central League. The prospect is rosy. Yet the trial game that produced 13,000 spectators, ten goals, and 442 to charity's great and urgent cause, was very contradictory. It  showed ten goals—which means an  affluence of men willing to take powder  and shot; but it also suggests that when  you have both goalkeepers praised for  skilled work someone must have been  faulted in defence to countenance the  glut of goals to either side.  We will not enter into the argument any further except to say that certain half-back failings made themselves very apparent, and there was one moment when a player sought out a partner and asked him why he made a square pass to him! Which shows that the first team were on their toes and were taking notice of the 4-1 lead of the reserve side.  Martin, like Common, Griffiths, and others, having shown how excellent was their form to date. Martin had the bad luck to go off after getting two goals, Fryer taking his place, and the slim trim Webster going to the laborious centre-forward position. It would seem to me that Hocking will be playing in the first team's opening match. He is experienced, stout-hearted, and not given to flash methods. You mast put on the "micro" to see the full value of his use of the ball. He bears the Lucas stamp.  On the other hand, one seized upon an  idea that the club may want re-burnishing  at full back, and also—note this speeding  up where one sees "two of a  kind," which may be all right for a  certain card game, but is not good for  full backs of a football team.
PRAISE 
Praise be to the young fellows who shaped so well. Holdcroft had a Dunn shot through his legs, and after that played so well that the Darlington boy got a rousing reception. In build he resembles Billy George, of the Villa, more than any goalkeeper I can remember. He is much sharper and lither than William, which reminds me that William Coggin, and family were present at the game.  Coggins has put on weight and looks better than I have ever seen him look.  Everyone is glad to see father, mother, and son doing well.  Dean's electric goals were made with an air of "so easy scheming and shooting that suggested he had tired of handing out passes to the rest of the line. He is a genius; and although he looked bulky in the first half, he showed his paces afterwards. Two goals, with but a single particle of a second. Particular goals —goal-making one remembers although it was only a trial game. I hope W. R. Dean will be as silent on the field for the next nine months—and as successful! Dunn put more force into his shots than usual and took two goals. And then the newcomer, Phil Griffiths, showed pace, discretion, and direction. He got two goals, which is what 1931-32 wingers are expected to do.  He much resembles his predecessor, Handley, in aim and legs, and he knocks a ball just as hard.  Phil G. stands for Phil Goals.  Cunliffe by his side was called up at the last second. He is a tall, happy-go-lucky Adlington youth who graduated with the reserves and had some Central League games. He struck me as stylish and the entire better for the training he is now getting. I put him in the same high niche as I put Goslin, of Bolton, the first time I saw him. Keep an even keel, lad; keep a wise head and dry tongue, and you can make a football mark. Otherwise it will be a football cross! One word more— McPherson, born to such atmospheres as trail games produce, sailed through this game and helped to make Rigby an outstanding raider. 
John Best, the boxing promotor, was a goalkeeper of no mean repute.  He looked on the Everton goalkeepers, Sagar and Holdcroft, and said; “They are two very fine goalkeepers.”  Holdcroft’s manner of catching and leaping to the crossed-centres is excellent.  Sagar is very daring, yet he is inspiring and his final say when he was seemingly overlooked by Cunliffe was the save of the match.  Then Mr. Best went on to tell that he would like Goodison Park or Anfield for the meeting of Tarleton and Cuthbert.  So far his efforts at both grounds has been uneventful. 

CUNLIFFE A STAR IN THE MAKING
August 17 th 1931. Evening Express.
And he did not cost Everton a penny!
Trail match successes
By the Pilot.
Everton's first practice game revealed a star in the making. And the player did not cost them a penny! The player was Cunliffe, the young outside right from Adlington. He was the success of the trial. He possesses a natural body swerve; “the dummy” like am old timer. His passes are well timed, and rarely have I seen a youngster so eager to seize the opportunity for a quick glide down the middle to the benefit of the centre-forward. I liked Cunliffe because he did not try good football in an effort to give us a show. He will go far, he remainders me of Buchan-liked forward. His display goes to show what proper skill means to a footballer. Cunliffe was a part-time professional at Everton last season. He continues at his work in the North-during the week, and journeyed each week-end for his game with means-mostly in the “A” team. He had no real training, but still as the promise, which prompted the directors to make him a full time professional this season. A week in strict training has performed wonders with this tall lean youngster.
High Standard.
The general standard of play in the match in which ten goals were scored, was high, even though several of the players were not going all out. The new players did well while keeping something up their sleeves. Holdcroft an agile goalkeeper, who realises essential it, is to keep the body behind the ball when fielding. His general play is good.

EVERTON'S SECOND TRIAL.
August 19 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel
For their second and final trial game at Goodison Park, this evening (kick-off 6-45), Everton have selected the following teams; Blues; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths (P), Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Whites; Holdcroft; Common Parker; Britton, Griffiths (T), Archer; Critchley, Cunliffe, Webster, Fryer, Rigby. P. Griffiths and Clarke were in the White's side in Saturday's game, Archer, the new half-back from Walsall will make his first appearance in to-nights trial.

EVERTON’S SECOND TRAIL
Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, August 19, 1931
Bee’s Notes
For their second and final trial game at Goodison Park, this evening (kick-off 6.45), Everton have selected the following teams;- Blues; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths (P), Dunn, dean, Johnson, Stein.  Whites; Holdscroft; common, Parker; Britton, Griffiths (T), Archer; Critchley, Cunliffe, Webster, Fryer, Rigby.   P. Griffiths and Clark were in the White’s side in Saturday’s game.  Archer, the new half-back from Walsall will make his first appearance in tonight’s trial. 
GOODISON MUSIC
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Mr. Harry Wearing);- March, “The President” (Wm German); Walltz, “Casino Tanze” (Gung 1); selection, “English Songs” (Rimmer); two steps, “Betty Coed “ (Keith Prowse); patrol (Scotch), “Jamie” (Darce); foxtrot,” “Miss Elizabeth Brown” (Fieldman); march, “Avondale” (Vernier). 

ARCHER'S DEBUT AT GOODISON PARK
August 19 th 1931. Evening Express.
Final trial tonight.
By the Pilot
Everton have made several interesting changes for their final trial game at Goodison Park tonight. Chief among which is that inclusion of Archer, the new half-back from Walsall at left half-back for the Whites. Archer has been described to me as a player reminiscent of Tommy Bromilow and Harry Makepeace. If he is as good as either all will be satisfied. The directors have made significant move in the selection of the teams. Clark and Phil Griffiths, two of this season's newcomers, who appeared in the Reserve side on Saturday, have been promoted to the Blues, or first team. Clark will take the place of McClure, at right half and Phil Griffiths will take Critchley's place at outside right. Critchley, will appear for the Whites, but McClure will not be on view. Martin who pulled a thigh muscle on Saturday, will not be on view, so Webster will lead the Whites attack. Blues; Sagar; Bocking Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths (P), Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Whites; Holdcrofth; Common, Parker; Britton, Griffiths (T), Archer; Critchley, Cunliffe, Webster, Fryer, Rigby.

EVERTON'S SIX GOALS.
August 20 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
No Response from the Reserve side.
By “Bee.”
Everton's second trial game led to a rout of the Reserves side by 6 goals to nothing. The most noteworthy feature of the play was the outbreak and outburst of Dunn as a goal-getter, in which category he has not always been a success. He took four of the six, Dean and Johnson getting the others. The team varied a little in their make-up from Saturday issue, and the absence of McPherson and Martin was felt by a side that had looked wealthy in reserve talent. One more reason why one should not take too seriously a trial game. Last night's affair had its pleasantries, no accidents save a jar to Stein's leg, and a crop of goals that suited the 9,000 spectators (£164). Dunn started the goal-ball rolling very easily, and the game was so one-sided that it soon lost much of its point the inferiority complex surrounding the defeated side.
Holdcroft's Resource.
Yet in their goal the Whites had Holdcroft, who again showed great resource, leaving his goal and stopping a riot of goals. His catching was good, his fielding clean and sure, and his notion of positioning excellent. At the other end Sagar did best early on, when the Reserve side was doing much attacking. Bocking had a hard row with Rigby in the later stages of play, and Cresswell sauntered through a game that did not reveal the right wing pair against him in a favourable light, Cunliffe not being able to produce the neatness nor gaining of ground that had been features of the Adlington boy's work at the week-end. Clark, put into the first team, reveled in his game and was as competent in defence as he had been in attack. He links up with his forwards, and is not shy to use his full-back when he can clear by that method from a collection of players. Without being the “star” he was in the opening game, Phil Griffiths did many bright things and paid Dunn for his coaching and his placed passes. Dean erred with one pass, showed pace when needed, and proved the artist where length and strength were concerned.
Johnson and Stein.
Johnson and Stein went through with ease, and the whole team after a while gave themselves up to neatness rather than practicability, but underlying all their work there was understanding and ground passing which, if continued without excess, should produce success and pleasantry for the onlookers. On the losing side Griffiths was a staunch helpmate in defence and attack. Parker, of Adlington, was a strong player without special success, and the forward line was ragged. Result Blues 6, Whites 0.
Blues; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee, and Thomson, half-backs; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson and Stein, forwards. Whites; - Holdcroft, goal; Common and Parker, backs; Britton, Griffiths (T), and Archer, half-backs; Critchley, Cunliffe, Webster, Fryer, and Rigby, forwards.
At Goodison Park
By John Peel
The new turf at Goodison park had a real test last night, when the second practice game of the Everton Club was played. Despite the deluge of the afternoon, the ground looked in splendid condition and seemed perfectly drained. What a change from the mud of last season! As to the game, Dunn was a sheer delight by his clever meanceuvring, and the Scottish international rounded off his work by getting four goals. His play and the goalkeeping of Holdcroft were features. Practice games are not a real test, but the Blues' side on duty in this trial might well be chosen for the opening League game.

EVERTON WILL DO WELL
August 20 th 1931. Evening Express
Science allied to marksmanship
Lessons of the Trial Game.
By the Pilot.
Everton will do well in the First Division this season. Their trial games have revealed the fact that even if they do not win the championship, they will be among the cleverest sides in the competition. Last night's final trial produced an abundance of good constructive football, allied to good marksmanship. The Blues won by six goals to nil, and I shall be surprised if the directors make any alteration in the team for the opening match against Birmingham. The side was workmanlike in all phases. I could defect flaws, it is true. There was a slight tendency to slow recovery on the part of the defence.
Skill in all Ranks.
However, there is football skill in all ranks, and the forwards work was gratifying. Dunn proved the outstanding figure, for not only did he introduce guile and artistry into his work, but crowned a wonderful display by scoring four goals. Phil Griffiths, playing for the first time as Dunne's partner, revealed astonishing strength in his tackle, and once he had settled down, got his centres across well, and much to the benefit of Dean, who headed a brilliant goal from one of them. Griffiths (P.), by the way, plays a quiet unobtrusive game, but still he has plenty of zeal. He is quit off the field, and is becoming known as the club hiker. He delights in a lonely tramp across the country, and at the moment is favouring the Hoylake district. Dean shot with his old-time deadliness, and his heading was superb. Johnson, Stein, and Thomson played with their customary triangular skill; Johnson got the reminding goal. Construction was the keynote of the intermediates, and in this respect none did better than Clark. When he speeds up in recovery he should be a great asset. Gee was subtle yet tenacious and Thomson a dour, well-equipped player.
Defence sound.
The defence was sound without being brilliant, but the goalkeeping on both sides was excellent. Everton have made a capture in Holdcroft. Some of his full length saves were magnificent, Sagar, too, was at the top of his form. Archer, making his first appearance, was another who tended to science rather than bustle. Parker, the Adlington boy, kicked well at back for the Whites, who were best served by Rigby in attack. The club's supporters had an opportunity of seeing one of football's new laws put into operations. There was some heated argument among the spectators when Clark was penalised for a foul throw and the referee awarded a thrown-in to the Whites instead of the old-time free kick. The referee was quite correct for nowadays, a free kick can only be awarded if the player taking the throw-in plays the ball a second time before it has been played by another player. Despite the cloudburst a few hours before the trial there was not a drop of water on the new turf, which “Played” excellently. After the match there was scarcely a mark to be seen. This must have been a source of gratification to the directors.
Sports Pie
• Billy Coggins, the Everton goalkeeper, is making steady progress following his operation for appendicitis, but is not yet fit enough to take his holiday in the West.
• Jack McDonald, the former Everton full back, who has been at New Brighton for two seasons, has signed for Connahs Quay. Connahs Quay now have seven professionals signed for next season.

FOUR OUT OF SIX GOALS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 20 August 1931
By Bee’s
Everton's first team won 6-0. So it was not so interesting as the week-end sport, which, with 5-5, was rather abnormal. Yet last night's play had its pointers. The score suggested that we had over-rated the reserve team talent. Any side might have caught a severe cold last night against Everton- if they accepted their tip-tap methods without rugged interference. If Everton play that sort of game against a team that will allow the methods they adopt they will at least be playing good football, and attractive to the spectator.  There were 9,000 spectators yesterday, and the total from the trial games is a sum of £600, which is a very handsome donation to local funds and makes the trial games worthwhile in an age when charities are suffering and clubs are inclined to take no undue risk with their star players.  The fact that McPherson and Martin were out of the reserve team had its effect upon the side fore and aft. There was an inferiority complex upon the losing side once Dune had started to feast upon the goal-meal. He took four out of six, Dean and Johnson getting other goals. Stein and Griffiths (outside-right) would have added to the number if the tall Holdcroft had not shown splendid judgment in leaving his goal and making grab-and-run raids. 
GOOD GOALKEEPING 
Sagar, too, was able in his goalkeeping, notably early on when there was some testy work for him. The attack opposed to him seemed to compound—chiefly, I reckon, because of the difference in the half-backs. Where Gee, Thompson, and Clarke were serving their forwards the other halfbacks found all they could do was to attend to the defensive businesses-which makes a vast difference. Archer, of Walsall, and Parker, of Adlington, from whence came Cunliffe, were not show any more than Bocking showed up without the spy-glasses, upon him.  Bocking plays a genteel game, and the ball with a pass as effectively as does the massive Clarke, who uses his weight fairly and not harshly, and promises to enjoy his game just as much as his fellow half-backs enjoy their game. The line appears strong, big and valued in the wise use of the ball. Thus the outlook is at least happy, especially as Tom Griffiths, in the losing side, was standing upon his own in this class and working hard enough for two men. Rigby again did well on the left, being a terrier type and showing force with his shot, and good hooking with his "shell." Webster did some bright things at centre-forward without indicating that that is his best position—inside-forward, yes, but an inner-wing man at the moment. Mr. Friar refereed a game that needed no referee except when Gee and Webster got their bodies locked together, and Everton now go into the real football business—trials have come and gone.  They have left impression, just as yon and I when we sit upon an old seat.  Their's may be the more lasting impression.  We shall seal 
"MIKE" GRIFFITHS
 At any rate, Goodison Park is forming a forward combination that should  serve them well in Division I, and  they reckon that Division I. will, allow this type of play more than  Second Division allowed last season—  their one experience of it.  Dean showed last night that he is a past master of centre-forward work.  He makes the drag-pass better than anyone; he has the faculty for heading  the ball away from the goalkeeper  without (apparently) sizing up, before  the centre arrives, whether the goalkeeper  has gone this way or that way.  Does be take a cursory glance? I don’t think so. I think he senses the goalkeeper’s natural position. Dean's pace  towards a ball is just sufficient, not now  the laboured chase after a ball, but  rather the commanding notion that he  can reach it in ample time to make use  of it. It is a great trait in his football armour. Phil Griffiths ought to be known as Hike Griffiths. He takes long walks out my home way, and believes that boxers, like footballers, should indulge in this the best of all means of being fit. We must call him “Hike" Griffiths to distinguish him from Longfellow Griffiths at centre half- back. 
JOCK MACDONALD GOES TO CONNAH'S QUAY 
Jock McDonald, of Everton and New Brighton, has sat his stern face towards Connah's Quay. In future he will show his wares—and worth —to Welsh football people, and Connah’s Quay will now find the key to heartiness and physical strength. McDonald, at his veteran age, is still a most powerful defender and very hearty in his punt and delivery. He will suit Connah’s Quay.  The same club is “in tow" with another of our Mersey players this time one of the "bowmen." 

TEAM CHOSEN FOR BIRMINGHAM
August 21 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
The Everton team chosen last night to meet Birmingham City at Goodison Park, is in accordance with expectations, with Coggins not yet recovered from his operation for appendicitis, Sagar is in goal, Bocking who play in the concluding game last season retains the position which doubtless Williams would have occupied, but for an operation for a foot injury. Clark the sturdily built right half, from Luton town makes his debut for the Blues, at right half, and Phil Griffiths secured from Port Vale is preferred to Critchley at outside right.

OLD EVERTOR PLAYER 
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 August 1931
Charlie Joliffe, former Everton player, please send address to-night to “Bee.” 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 August 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

LIVERPOOL SEAMAN CHARGED
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 22 August 1931
ALLEGED THEFT OF A GOLD WATCH AT PRESTON 
Ernest Neilson (28), Liverpool seaman, of no fixed abode, was remanded  until Friday next, at Preston police court, to-day, charged on suspicion with  having stolen a rolled gold hunter  watch from some person or place at  present unknown.  Accused was identified as a man who had pledged the watch at a pawnshop in North-road, Preston, and last night.  George Harrison, the former Everton and Preston North End footballer, and now licensee of the Moor Brook inn, Preston, identified accused as men who last night entered the vaults and offered him a gold watch for 15s, but witness declined to purchase it.  When arrested accused denied any knowledge of the watch or of being in the pawnshop or inn, and he protested to the magistrates that there was not sufficient evidence on which to charge him with theft. 

HART GOES ON A BUSMAN’S HOLIDAY TO SCOTLAND
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 26 August 1931
Bee’s Notes
Hunter Hart, who is in charge of the Everton Reserve side this season, watched Airdrie at the week-end.  Asked if he had any fancy, he replied; “I’ve nothing in view; it is merely a busman’s holiday that has brought me here.” It must have been a long journey.  Omnibus is ominous!
The Everton team chosen last night to meet Birmingham at Goodison Park, is in accordance with expectations.  With Coggins not yet recovered from his operation for appendicitis, Sagar is in goal.  Bocking, who played in the concluding game of last season, retains the position which doubtless Williams would have occupied but for an operation for a foot injury.  Clark, the sturdily-built right half from Luton Town, make his League debut for the Blues at right half and Phil Griffiths secured from Port Vale, is preferred to Critchley at outside right.  Dean is the new captain, and the team will be;- Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein.  The kick-off is at 3.15 when Birmingham were last at Goodison park they won by 4 goals to 2 but Everton were handicapped by an injury to Williams.
The Reserves side to meet Leeds United at Leeds in a Central league game will be; Holdcroft; Common, Lowe; McClure, Griffiths, McPherson, Critchley, Martin, White, Webster, Rigby. 

EVERTON'S LATEST SIGNING  ZARO AQUA.
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 27 August 1931
PROMISING TURKISH NOVICE 
Bee’s Notes
Everton F.C. have established many football records, but their latest achievement is not likely to be equaled. To-day at Goodison Park the world's oldest man, Zaro Agha, aged 156 (not out), donned the royal blue jersey and joined Everton players in their training spins. Although Zaro is unable to speak a syllable of English, he soon became aware that the one and only Dixie “was to be his guide and mentor.  Dean and the player formed an excellent partnership as the ball passed and re-passed over the new Goodison turf. The old man's agility was really surprising, and he trod several shots past Dean, using the orthodox run up to the ball.  Zaro made a complete tour of the ground and its appointments, and, after having dressed in the official jersey, he made his way, unassisted, down the players subway and up the steps on to the ground. All the players showed admiration for the old man's keenness and the zest with which he entered into his unusual role. 

THE SOCCER STAR WHO WORKED IN A MILL
August 28 th 1931. Evening Express.
When his chance came he took it.
Archie Clarke
The remarkable story of a talented young footballer when working in a mill, seemed destined to remain “undiscovered”….. Until one day his great chance came along. He took it –and now everybody knowns him as Archie Clark, Everton's new half-back, from Luton Town.
By the Pilot
Clark has had one of the most sensational rises to football fame known since the war. Within the space of a few weeks he sprang from the obscurity of junior football in Kent to be sought by such a famous club as the Arsenal. This is how it happened. Clark was working in a paper mill in Aylesford, Kent, and played week-end football with the juniors. He was a local player of distinction, but thoughts of ever becoming a professional did not enter his head. He was content with his Saturday afternoon game. The time came, however, when trade at the paper mill curtailed working days to three a week. Still he continued in his employment, the only change being that he had more time for his pet pastime –football.
Enter a stranger.
His surprise may be imagined when, after a game, he was approached by a total stranger. “How would you like a trial with Brentford? He was asked. That question opened up a new career, for this fairhaired youth. The paper mill had little to offer, so he took the momentous decision of signing a London Combination form for the Griffin Park club. He has never regretted taking the step. His first match was against Fulham Reserves, at craven Cottage, and he had the satisfaction of returning home a member of the winning team by two goals to nil. Clark was something of a sensation in that game. Well, to put it in his own words, “Nothing could go wrong that day. It was a day a young player dreams about.” Clark's display set the seal upon his success. Brendford signed him on Football league forms, and he sprang into prominence right away.
Scouts on the trail.
So good was his form in Third Division matches that in a short apace the scouts of the First Division clubs were watching him. Experience with expert players brought Clark along apace, and in seven weeks Arsenal officials travelled down to Brentford, a cheque for £1,000 was passed over, and Clark became a First Division player. Clark had few opportunities to displace the regular men of the Arsenal, and so he moved to Luton Town. This added experience has enabled him to become a First Division player once again and to figure in another big transfer deal. Clark already shows promise of being an asset to Everton, and there are indications that he will soon conquer further fields.

EVERTON'S RETURN
August 29 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
By John Peel.
Everton's who regained their position in the First Division after one season in the Second well be warmly welcomed back to the fold when they meet Birmingham the Cup finalists, at Goodison Park today. The Everton team, includes Griffiths, the former Port Vale right-winger, and Clark, the new half-back from Luton Town. Birmingham are playing G.H. Smithies, the Northern Nomads amateur centre-forward, who formerly assisted Preston North End. Bradford appears at inside-left. At right half Stoker is preferred to Cringan. The kick off is at 3-15, and I hope to see Dean the new captain, lead Everton to victory. The teams are; Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean, Johnson, Stein. Birmingham City; - Hibbs; Liddell, Barkas; Stoker, Morrall, Leslie, Briggs, Crosbie, G.H. Snithies, Bradford, Curtis.
Birmingham have surrendered may points at the Everton ground. On only three occasions have they gained maximum points there –in 1905-06, and 1928-29, and two seasons ago. In all Everton and Birmingham have met under League auspices on seventeen occasions at Goodison Park, Everton securing 27 points against Birmingham's seven. The results of the last nine meetings at Goodison Park, have been (Everton's score reading first) 2-1, 2-1, 2-0, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 5-2, 0-2, 2-4.

EVERTON TACKLE FINALISTS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 28 August 1931
BEGINNING AT HOME 
Bee’s Notes
First, we must take the home team, Everton. Renegades a year ago, but quickly to the forefront of football’s divisional aspects. Many have asked whether Everton are good enough?  Many have refused to forget the way the team collapsed after winning the championship and making it secure weeks before the end of the season.   Then there was that coupling of seven losses that forecast the way the team would flop to Division Il.—two years ago. All these end-of-season failings gave rise to the belief that the team would not be competent to play upon the hard grounds with the light ball operating at a pace.  Gone is the heavy-mud-pull at Goodison; in its place is a carpet of fine, velvety green. It means that a pose of strength carries its length where it used to be chopped for speed by the drag of the slush. Everton being formed of crack players should appreciate the nicety of the change.  They should make their passes the more telling--always providing there is sufficient speed in the whole eleven to carry their works of art to fruition.
BIRMINGNAM 
The finalists side comes to our Goodison ground as an opening duel. And I think one of the titbits of the day will be the effort of Dean against Ned Barkas and Hibbs. Hibbs is by common consent the greatest goalkeeper of the day.  He has an uncanny reach, and he flops forward to take a ball that appears to be yards out of his grasping eye and hands reach. Barkas stands for sturdiness and staunchness. Hibbs stands  for the highest marks of unusual goalkeeping—and  save in the international  at Hampden Park he has been secure  on all occasions, Birmingham have  got over their weekly payments to  doctors, and now field a sound,  strong side. They may be no more fashionable than to my days with them, but at least they have lost that inferiority complex that suggested they would never take any honours. They  have taken more—they have taken to  blending a nice side with Bradford,  Crosbie and other personalities,  and the  only doubt in my mind is whether their  half backs are good enough to fend for  the ball and also help it on to an attack  that has lived by the process known  the exaggerated W Plan. Birmingham will he keen to be troublesome, as is their wont against our Mersey sides, and they will, in converse, tell you that the goal Gregg scored at Wembley was the neatest ever scored there. It did not count, so it is of no avail going on with that memory.
EVERTON’S NEEDS
Everton have to appreciate the change of front- Division 1 has a gulf between it and the Second Division-say what the cynics may. We had evidence of that last season in our Second Division tour.  Everton have the talent, the possibility of making the ball do the work and thus  entice the public with good football  They must spare prettiness when effect  is curbed; they must remember that clever play makes the easy pass, when  an opponent has been beaten; they must  remember that the clever player takes  the easy opportunity of shooting. The difficult cases are mere efforts at random.  Clennell’s verdict was right—anywhere in the penalty area you are entitled to try a shot. There is a great belief that Everton have worn off their slothful fear of a goal against; in fact, they have stayed on to win most of their games. The forward line promises to get goals; there is a keen desire to watch the defence and the half backs. It is a great start; it is a fitting opening match.  Goodison Park will give us a fair idea tomorrow of what is going to happen at later stages of the season—from a playing and a paying point of view, I think Everton will win handsomely. 
A FELDMAN PROGRAMME
Aigburth Silver Prize Band (conductor Mr. Jack Evans), tomorrow, at Goodison Park; - March…”When the Guards are on parade.” First trot….”Oh Rosalita” Novelty dance…Wedding of the Three Blind Mice.”   Selection…Community Land” –No 2...Two Step….”Koppa Ka Banna… Tango…Hawanan Stars are Gleaming..Fox Trot… River Stay way from my Door…March…Stein Stein-Stein Stein.

DUNN IN FIVE MINUTES
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 29 August 1931
REFEREE CREW SOUNDS INTERVAL AMID BOOES-
EVERTON LEAD BIRMINGHAM
By Stork
Everton; Sagar; Bocking, Cresswell; Clark, Gee, Thomson; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson, Stein.  Birmingham; Hibbs; Barkas, Stoker; Morrall, Leshe, Liddell, Briggs, Crosbie, G.H. Smithies, Bradford, Curtis.  Referee; Mr. T Crew (Leicester).  It was ever thus.  The sun once again shone brilliantly for the opening day of football.  I am not going to use any well-worm phrases, but I will say that summer was here after a “wet winter.”  The ground was billiard table-like, and football on it should be a joy after the experience of last year’s mud-flats.  Everton as was so often the case last year, opened their season with a powerful attack and Griffiths was given an early opportunity to display his wares, but stepped on the ball, and so Dean, who was standing right in front of the goal, never received the chance he was so anxiously awaiting.  Dean, however, was not long showing that he was “on the job,” and his heady pass to Stein was a thing to cheer about, but Stein’s finish was not good.  So far Everton had called the tune, and when Stein placed a corner kick, Hibbs was fortunate not to have had a goal recorded against him, for in his attempt to edge or sweep the ball across his goalmouth, he only half hit the object, and when Barkas came to his aid another corner followed.  Then came Birmingham’s first sally, but the Brum attack had not got rid of its old fault of missing things in front of goal, and although there was a certain amount of pressure put on Cresswell and Bocking.  Sagar thus far had been unemployed. 
DUNN IN A TRIO
At five minutes Everton opened their score, and, although it was Dunn who applied the finishing stroke, it was Stein who was responsible for the ground work, and, in a measure, much credit could got to Dean, for he harassed the Birmingham defenders what time Dunn nipped in and directed the ball into the net.  Amateur Smithies, one time Northern Nomads, tried to rush his way through, but found Cresswell and Bocking too big an obstacle.  Still his endeavor was to be commended, for it showed that there was a little more forcefulness in a line which had previously been full of intricacies, but no punch.  Griffiths was doing uncommonly well.  He made some errors, but don’t we all, but he, Clark, and Dunn  gave Barkas enough in the first 15 minutes to make him have the utmost respect for this trio.  Dunn once finished up a triangular movement with a sharp shot which pulled away from goal.  A misunderstanding between Cresswell, Sagar, and Bocking produced a corner when it should not have done so, but the work of Cresswell apart from that had been faultless.  He stopped more than one promising Birmingham raid, but his best piece of work was accomplished when he took the ball away from Bradford and Smithies in a manner which seemed effortless.  In an Everton raid, Hibbs was a well-beaten man when Griffiths shot on to the upright from short but awkward range, and Barkas once again to relieve matters sent the ball for a corner.  Birmingham’s defence was having its full share of work, and it was not unnatural to anticipate a second goal, for Everton were playing like it.
DEAN-DUNN
A goal came at twenty-two minutes, and it was due in its entirety to the scheming tactics of Dean.  He was close into goal himself, but saw that his pass to goal was barred, so he sent back a header of such accuracy that Dunn was able to make a full-blooded drive that literally flew into the net.  Just after this Briggs was brought down rather ruthlessly, and many saw a penalty in Cresswell’s action, but not Mr. Crew, who has the last say in these matters.  The old war horse, Bradford, although he figured at inside left on the programme, took on a roving commission and was here, there, and everywhere, lending a helping hand to one and all Clark had impressed both by his defence and attack, and Hibbs had to treat carefully a lob from this half-back, eventually tipping the ball over for a corner.  This led to a fierce bully in front of the Birmingham goal, several charges being levelled at Hibbs, the last one by Johnson, knocking out the goalkeeper, who had to be attended to.  Dean tried a snap shot, but scooped the ball up and over the bar.
BRIGGS GOAL SCENE
A goal to Birmingham at the fortieth minute produced a scene.  Curtis appeared to me to be offside, Cresswell thought so, too, but he was allowed to go on what time the Everton players were strongly appealing, and Sagar got dashing about the goalmouth to try and prevent Briggs, to whom the ball had been passed, from tapping the ball into the net.  Before the game was re-opened practically every man of the Everton team made an appeal to Mr. Crew, who, however, had his opinion and was determined to stick to it.  The crowd booed the referee until the half-time whistle sounded. 
Half-time;  Everton 1, Birmingham 1. 
Harry Lowe, the Everton full back, is very well, thank you.  Another paper mixed him up with one William Lowe, who was seriously hurt in a Southport motor accidents.
A DUNN HAT-TRICK FOR EVERTON
DEAN HAS SHARE IN THREE GOALS
BIRMINGHAM BEATEN
AFTER PULLING LEVEL AT TWO ALL
Although Everton won, they did not convince. There were weaknesses, and although Griffiths opened fairly well, it could not be said that he was an improvement upon Critchley. Dean did not score, but he made goals.  Birmingham, as formerly, had no punch, and Hibbs has been seen in a much better light in our city.  Still, Everton won, and it is not my intention to be too critical on this, their first, game.  In the first half Dunn scored twice and Briggs once.  I should say that close on 40,000 people saw a resumption of hostilities.  For some time there was little to tell, in fact, not until Clark, with a big kick, forced Barkes to make a faulty header that was taken up by Dean, who headed into hands of Hibbs.  Hibbs, a minute later dropped down smartly to stop Dunn from recording a hat trick, but then the England goalkeeper made a hash of things when he completely misjudged a ball from the Everton right wing.  Dean tried to get up for it as it passed  over Hibbs' outstretched hands, but  failed in his effort, and when Johnson  came up and improve the shinning  hour he shot on to the upright. After a short Birmingham spell, Everton got back to their usual standard, and Dean was only a shade out with a header, following a fine centre by Stein. 
CURTIS LEVELS 
Birmingham came in patches and from one of them they got a second goal at the hour, and it was Curtis who did the damage.  It was purely the  result of a quick shot.  There was a call of “offside in the early stages of the making of this goal, but it was a very fine point, and when Smithies pushed the ball across, Curtis made no bones about it but just slammed the ball goal wards, cutting out any desire to indulge in trickery.  The Birmingham goal had yet another escape when Hibbs only half saved a shot for Dean headed downwards, and with the Birmingham goalkeeper from home a goal seemed a certainty until Liddell rushed across the goalmouth and kicked clear.  Briggs, who has always had a penchant for doing log things on Merseyside--remember Anfield—was responsible for many good runs and centres, but this best endeavour at making a third goal most he credited Smithies, who saw possibilities in a misheader by Bocking, and although he bad to leap some feet to connect with the ball, he succeeded in doing so. 
A SENSATIONAL SAVE 
He directed the ball away from Sagar who to one and all appeared to be beaten, but in a cat-like manner the Everton goalkeeper sprang sideways, and just got his finger tips to the ball as it was passing into the net. It was to say the least a sensational save.  Griffiths was much too strung with one of his centres; in fact, he found Barkas a very tough proposition now.
DUNN’S HAT-TRICK
The game wat this point lacked quite a lot of interest, and it wanted another goal to liven it up.  It came at the seventy-eight minute and gave Dunn his hat-trick.  Speaking from memory, his first for Everton.  Again it was Dean who gave him his opportunity, for the Everton captain nodded back Clark’s upward pass, so that Dunn could drive a high ball that Hibbs edged up, but not sufficiently high enough to turn it over his crossbar.  There was now more life in the game, and Hibbs got right in the way of a Stein shot, the winger being hurt in his effort.  Sagar made two further saves, his last-from Smithies-being a grand one.  Right at the death Dean had a chance but could not push his way through, being finally beaten by the weight of numbers.  Final; Everton 1, Birmingham 2. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, August 29, 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON 3 BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 (Game 3095 –over-all)-(Div 1 3053)
August 31 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Dunn gets a Hat-Trick.
But Everton do not impress
A Disputed Goal.
Everton, on their return to the First Division, won their first game, when they beat Birmingham by the odd goal in five at Goodison Park. Early impressions are not always a reliable index of the future, but a successful-start should inspire confidence. Saturday's win, however, was not altogether convincing. Without doubt Everton were the better side, but a more decisive victory over Birmingham was expected, and to that extent Everton's narrow margin was somewhat disappointing. Much of the play was good, especially early on, when Everton were at their best, and seemed certain to win with ease. They lost their initial impetus, however, and much of the second half display was ragged and lacking in tone. The outstanding feature was the performance of Dunn, who by scoring Everton's three goals, got his first hat-trick in League football.
Game Deteriorates .
It was following a goal by Briggs at 40 minutes, which reduced Everton's lead to 2-1, that the game deteriorated. Vigerous and prolonged protests came from the Everton players when Briggs scored, but the referee waved aside all claims for offside, and Birmingham's goal was allowed to stand. At 61 minutes Curtis equalised, and for some time it looked as though the game would end in a draw. Twelve minutes from the end Dunn fastened on the ball as it came from Dean, and a fast drive made Everton's success complete. Birmingham tried hard to save a point, and Sagar's most enacting work came in the closing stages when he made splendid saves from Briggs and Smithies. Everton's success was due mainly to the advantage they held in the middle line, where Thomson, Gee, and Clark made a trio that was constructive in attack and effective in defence. This was particularly noticeable early on when the Everton forwards were provided with the ball accurately and without hesitation. By comparison, Birmingham's middle line is poor. Not only were the halves deficient in defence, but the forwards got little of the ball unless they foraged for themselves.
Bocking Impressed.
In defence Everton were sound and reliable, Bocking made a good impression with strong resolute work, while Cresswell was cool and effective. Sagar had not a great deal to do, but he played a safe game more so than Hibbs, who was curiously uncertain at times and more than once missed the ball completely. While the forward work on the Everton side has often been better, it was not without good points. Johnson worked very hard to provide openings, but Dean was the opportunist –alert and resourceful. Forced to work in confined space, Dean was less prominent than usual, but he put in some fine passes and was particularly effective with his head. Griffiths gave a spirited display and had a good knowledge of the goal region. The best on the Birmingham side were Barkas, Morrall, Briggs and Liddell. Teams; - Everton; - Sagar, goal; Bocking and Cresswell, backs; Clark, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Griffiths, Dunn, Dean (captain), Johnson and Stein, forwards. Birmingham; - Hibbs, goal; Liddell, and Barkas, backs; Stoker, Morrall, and Leslie, half-backs; Briggs, Crosbie, Smithies, Bradford and Curtis, forwards .

LEEDS UNITED RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 5
August 31 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 1)
Everton Reserves defeated Leeds United by five goals to 1 at Leeds. Everton were superior all round. Their forwards being particularly clever in passing and shooting, they were well supported by halves, who were also sound defensive play. White was an able leader and scored twice, the other goals for Everton being secured by Webster, Martin and Griffiths. Hornby scored the goal for Leeds. Everton Reserves; - Holdcroft, goal; Common and Lowe, backs; McClure, TP Griffiths and McPherson, half-backs; Critchley, Martin, White, Webster and Rigby, forwards.
Smell Mex 3 Everton “A” 4
Liverpool County Combination.
The Goodison “A” men were better in all departments in this match at Whitby on Saturday. Freeman and Burley put Shell in front in 15 minutes, but Everton replied through Cunliffe. Mercer then crowned a move with a fine goal for Everton. Everton monopolshed play in the second half, during which they scored through Leyfield, a clever left winger, Davies and Worrell

EVERTON WIN BUT REVEAL A FAULT
August 31 st 1931. Evening Express.
Successful return to Div 1.
Clark another Fleetwood.
Dunn the Hatter.
By the Pilot.
Everton, by beating Birmingham 3 goals to 2, made a successful return to the First Division, and while they impressed me as likely to develop into one of the cleverest sides in the country, the match revealed a weakness that needs attention. There is a need for better understanding between the backs and half-backs. At times wide gaps were left between the backs and half backs and this gave the Birmingham wing men too much latitude. At the same time, the individual work of these players was good. In fact, Archie Clark, the new half back from Luton Town, was the outstanding man of the match, he is obviously one of the best captures Everton have made for years. As I left the ground a Goodison Park old-timer “ remarked to me; “Clark is the best right half Everton have had since the days of Tom Fleetwood.” I remember Fleetwood? Other praise will be superfluous. Clark was convincing. He did play hard and he adhere to the tenets of football. I liked his thoughtful maneuver; his quickness to weigh up a situation, and his persistence in keeping the ball low. It has been said that one cannot judge on a single game, there are qualities in Clark, which cannot be denied.
Scout's Lucky day
It is curious that luck played a part of Clark capture. I understand that Everton official went to watch a player in a club opposing Luton Town last campaign. That player did not impress him, but he came with good accounts of Clark. It must have been that “scouts” lucky day. Everton deserved their success by the odd goal in five. Their movements were smoother, more subtle and better conhesion than those of the Midlanders. From a purely constructive point of view, Everton were a hugh success, and it will be ranking among the cleverest combinations in the country. It was a personal triumph for Jimmy Dunn, who revealed unsuspected success as a marksman, and bagged his first half-back for the Blues. His shooting was unerring, and his general football skilful and bewilding.
Dean's value.
Dean had a really good match. He was content with the spadework, keeping his wings well supplied and making priceless flicks and moves for the benefit his colleagues. Johnson, Stein and Thomson constituted an excellent wing, with Johnson, a hard working schemer with the quick pass. He had excellent aptitude for sweeping back to help the defence, he was better than Griffiths, who seemed to allow his nervousness to make him over-anxious. I liked much of his work and he will do well given time to settle down. Gee had a splendid first half, but contributed less in the second half, which consequently, Cresswell was the outstanding, Sagar made brilliant saves during Birmingham's flight back. Birmingham could consider themselves lucky in getting their first goal, I though it was five yards offside when he received the vital pass. I think everyone but the referee believed Curtis was offside, even a linesman, but he was not consulted though “flagging.”

EVERTON’S TEMPERAMENT
Liverpool Echo- Monday, August 31 1931
By Stork
Everton beat Birmingham 3-2, and while the actual result was satisfying, for there is nothing like a good start.  I must admit straightaway that I was not impressed with their forms.  It was, however, their first match, and while do not wish to use the whitewash brush.  I do not intend to be too severe in my criticism on this occasion, but deem it wise to wait awhile until they settle down.  At the start of a season a critic might say things which future events, may prove to make him look ridiculous, so it is better to temper the criticisms with mercy, without, however, trying to gloss over apparent faults.  Everton started in a way that foretold  of a victory, and when they obtained  a two goal lead there appeared no need  to fear, for Birmingham were offering  poor opposition except in a matter of  defence, but two fluky goals created  slump in Everton's stock, and for all  too long a time they lost their balance.  The " drive" vanished from their  game; in fact, they became " rattled "  as they had done in a memorable semi-  final tie last season, and this set me  wondering are Everton to be so easily  upset if things do not go their way  I hope not, for it will, in many cases,  mean the difference between victory and  defeat
AN OFFSIDE GOAL 
Everton must right this wrong, for it is a wrong for a team of Everton’s standard to become upset on the slightest provocation. They were an infinitely better team than Birmingham, who still lack power in their forward line. Their defence is good enough, although Hibbs did not shine so he did at Anfield last term, but a defence cannot win a match even though it can prevent a defeat.  In an effort to bring in some "punch" the Midland team signed G. H.  Smithies, the amateur who was at one time Northern Nomads' leading goal  scorer, but he did not forge the link  with Crosbie and Bradford as he was  expected to do. He was, however, the one man to test the capabilities of Sagar, and but for this young goalkeeper  Birmingham might have walked off with the spoils, for he made two  perfectly astonishing saves when the  score stood at two all.  That we were all ready for the game was proved by the size of the crowd, some 40,000 encircling a perfect-looking playing pitch, and that crowd, almost to a man, disagreed with the referee over Birmingham’s first goal, and for my part I thought Curtis was offside I before he offered Briggs a prime chance slap bang in front of goal. Everton contested the decision, and begged of Mr. Crew to consult the linesman, who had been waving his flag, but the referee decided he had seen enough himself to award a goal.
DUNN'S FIRST HAT TRICK 
Dunn, who scored all three goals, had Dean to thank for his opportunities, for the centre forward nodded back to the little man two balls which needed but a true hit to make a goal. Dunn, along with Dean and Johnson were the pick of the forwards, for Stein was variable, and if Griffiths started well, he ultimately finished in the pocket of Barkas. Griffiths was not an improvement on Critchley. He has not the pace of Critchley, and his methods were on obvious to be successful. He has grit, and he may have been trying to do too much, and it must be remembered that few men do well against Barkas, one of the best backs in the game to-day.  I would, however, advise patience with this boy.  The half-back line was a good line.  Here there was construction and distraction, and Clarke has the Everton idea in that he made excellent use of the ball, never wasting a solitary chance to get the hall to his man. Gee and Thomson could not be faulted, but the Scot is no shooter of goals. Cresswell  was by far the better back, and in saying  this I do not wish to decry Bocking, who  stopped many dangerous rushes, but he  should take a leaf out of his colleague's  book, and " get rid " when the occasion  demands, instead of trying to drag the  ball away from an opponent. He fell through this action on a number of occasions. Sager, as I have already told you, made some sparkling saves. 

 

 

 

August 1931