SITTINGBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB
East Kent Gazette - Saturday 03 June 1905
Transfer fee from Everton for A. Birnie, £25 -mentioned during AGM

POLMAISE COLLIERY WORKERS
Bridge of Allan Gazette - Saturday 03 June 1905
The joiners, who are their opponents, will be without Donaldson, who during last week signed a professional form for Everton. Donaldson, the King’s Park half-back, who promised to sign for East Stirlingshire if he did not get a better offer, has been signed on by Everton -needless to say, at better terms than the ‘Shire could extend to him.

HE LATE GEORGE FARMER
Athletic News - Monday 05 June 1905
An influential committee has been appointed to devise means to alleviate the distress into which the widow and eight children of the late George Farmer have been plunged.  farmer was one of the most noted figures in the Everton ranks during the early days as a football club, and there was no more popular player in the district than he.  Everton have forwarded 10 pounds for current needs, and have signified their willingness to play a benefit match early next season.  The F.A. and Lancashire F.A are to be approached for pecuniary assistance, and the Benefit Fund committee are anticipating hearty support from all football enthusiasts. 

FOOTBALL FRAGMENTS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 06 June 1905
By Bee
The Football Association Commission will form themselves into a miniature police court on Friday, at Derby. The magistrates will sit to hear the case of Booth v Booth, in which the Everton captain is alleged to have lost his temper at Hyde-road and not loved his namesake.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 08 June 1905
ACCOUNTS FOR THE PAST SEASON
The directors of the Everton Football Club Co., Ltd., have issued the statement of accounts for the season ending April 30,which is to be presented at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held to-morrow (Friday) week at the Exchange Station Hotel. A dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum on called up capital is to be recommended, and Messrs. L. A. Bainbridge, J. Davies, and George Mahon, the retiring directors, will offer themselves for re-election. the income and expenditure account is as follows: —

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
June 9, 1905. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Everton Football Club Limited, was held last evening at the Exchange Station Hotel. Mr. George Mahon, chairman of directors presiding over a large attendance. The Chairman in moving adoption of the report, said that they commenced the season 1904-05 with practically the same team, having finished third in the League list and the second team winners of the Lancashire Combination. The only lose such as they at the time considered it was Wolstenholme at half-back. He was determinated to leave them, but it led, to Makepeace appearance in his place, a chance they had not regretted. A bright career for the club was looked forward to when accident after accident occurred, Booth Abbott Sharp, and Thornburn being early on compelled to retire through injuries. This had been the case more or less during the League was of primary importance, it is little wonder that the Combination team, being depleted, occupied somewhat lowly position. With but few changes in the personnel of the team, and bearing in mind, the difficulties through accidents in the League team, they had acquired an honourable position, that of second with forty-seven points, but one point dividing them with the winners, a position obtained with a scieniftic exposition of the game worthy of Everton. The directors, shareholders and supporters regretted that the premier honour whilst gained by the Newcastle Club, did not on this occasion fall to the Everton's lot. Only on one occasion during the season had they been beaten by more than one goal, and that away (hear hear). In attaining such a position there had been no bribing gratuity or bonus or call it what they would, to win a League match of Cup-tie and, although they heard frequently of such being paid, and of gross irregularities being perpetrated nowadays the directors were determined while rules are in existence, to strictly ashere to such, and faithfully endeavour to comply with their every requirement (hear, hear) The directors took steps to alter the wages and bonus rules by calling the meeting at Birmingham, when they pressed for a free hand. They found many agencies at work, and somewhat meagres support was accorded to them; but the true reason was more than fully explained when the award of the association became public and certain officials and clubs came under the ban of the Association's ruling. It was quite clear that the position at the present time was untenable and unsatisfactory both to players and club managers of an honourable character, and they would gladly welcome any equitable settlement of this vesed question. There was a strong feeling that an infringement in this respect was still in progress. Several of their players had during the year been singled out for international honours. They were again getting their house in order for another season's work, and they ventured to assert that the team, which did so valiantly in the past would again don the Everton jerseys. Since the formation of the League Everton had occupied the first position once, the second position on four occasions, and the third position on four occasions. Speaking of the accounts he said the net gate receipts in 1902-03 amounted to £9,480 for 1903-04 £9,860, and for 1904-05, £14, 153 (applause). This proved that with moderately fine weather the popularity of the game was on the increase, and that its wane simply existed in the imagination of sceptica (hear hear). Against the previous years, which was a record last year's receipts showed an increase for League gates and Cup-ties of £4, 293. Outlays necessary for the wise administration of a concern like theirs had been incurred, but, while cheeseparing was part of their policy strict economy had been practiced. The system of home training had given such results as to merit its continuance. The benefits given to four of their players amounted to £1,300 or £325 each. The expenditure on roads had effected a great improvement, and before long an office worthy of the club would be erected, with an extension of the stand accommodation. The accounts were in a most satisfactory state, genuine and above-board. Now, ten years after purchase the shareholders were the owners free of all debt, of the magnificent football ground at Goodison-park (applause). Mr.J.Davies seconded, and some questions having been answered, the resolution was passed. On the motion of Mr.Bainbridge seconded by Mr.Kelly, a divided of 5 per cent was authorised. Mr. Patterson moved the re-election of the retiring Directors-Messrs Mahon, Davies, and Bainbridge. The past year he said had been a record one, and this was due to the ability and loyalty of the players and to the real and talent of the directors. They had a fine a financial position as any club in the kingdom (hear hear). Mr. R.Wilson in seconding, said the balance-sheet was a magnificent one. The resolution was passed unanimously. Mr.Williams, C Cuff (secretary) announced that the following would be the players next season: - Goal: - L.R.Roose, W.Scott, and W.Kelly, backs, W.Balmer, R.Balmer, J.Crelly, J.Hannan (Celtic), W.Wildman, and P.Hill (right-backs), Makepeace T.Booth, J.Taylor, W.Abbott, W.Black (Celtic), T.Chadwick, J.Donaldson and R.Wright, Half-backs, J.Sharp, T.McDermott, A.Young, J.Settle, H.P.Hardman, B.Rankin W.McLoughlin, F.Oliver (Brentford), T.Dilly, A.Birnie, H.E, Cooke, and H.Ritchie, forwards. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the directors.

JAMES SHERIDAN
Portsmouth Evening News - Saturday 10 June 1905
New Brompton have signed on James Sheridan, the Irish international. Stoke, it will be remembered, paid Everton $300 for the transfer of the last named in September.

A SUCCESSOR TO TWIGG
Athletic News - Monday 12 June 1905
Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday concluded negotiations with Everton, and signed W. H.  Dawson, who was on that club’s League list.  Dawson is a forward, ad for the past two seasons has been Southport Central’s man goal-scorer. 

THORBURN
Scottish Referee - Monday 12 June 1905
It is not unlikely that Thorburn, the old Queen’s Park Stroller and late of Everton, will also be fixed up by the Lanarkshire team.

WH DAWSON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 12 June 1905
Gainsborough Trinity have concluded negotiations with Everton and signed W.H. Dawson is a forward, and has been Southport Central’s main goal-scorer.

HARRY MAKEPEACE
Edinburgh Evening News - Thursday 15 June 1905
Harry Makepeace the popular Everton footballer and present season professional cricketer for Stanley, bids fair to develop into a batsman of the highest class.

W.H.DAWSON
Stamford Mercury - Friday 16 June 1905
Trinity Football club - W.H. Dawson who has played centre forward for Southport Central for two years and has been top goal scorer for his side, has been signed on as centre-forward for the Trinity Football Club. He was on Everton's league list, and negotiations with that club were satisfactorily concluded on Saturday.

NOTED JOURNALIST DEAD.
Dundee Evening Telegraph -Friday 16 June 1905
Sir John Willox died this morning after a somewhat prolonged illness. Sir John was one of the best-known British journalists. He was a Scotsman, and was born in Edinburgh in 1842, his father being an author and journalist. He was educated in the Scottish capital, and thence proceeded to Liverpool, where he joined the staff of the Liverpool Courier. He was successively reporter, subeditor, and editor, and ultimately became principal proprietor. Sir John had a very active career, and took keen interest in public affairs. represented the Everton Division of Liverpool in Parliament for many years, commencing 1892, but, subsequently retired because of ill-health. Sir John was largely interested in the tobacco trade as manufacturer in Liverpool and London, trading as Cope Brothers & Company. He took a specially active part all matters connected with journalism. Sir John, who had acted as president of the Institute of Journalists, was a trustee of the Institute Journalists' Orphan Fund, and a member of the Newspaper Society. In politics was a Conservative. His death took place in Liverpool.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Liverpool Daily Post & Mercury - Saturday 17 June 1905
A FLOURISHING CONCERNS
NEXT SEASON’S PLAYERS
The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Everton Football Club Limited, was held last evening at the Exchange Station Hotel. Mr. George Mahon, chairman of directors presiding over a large attendance. The Chairman in moving adoption of the report, said that they commenced the season 1904-05 with practically the same team, having finished third in the League list and the second team winners of the Lancashire Combination. The only lose such as they at the time considered it was Wolstenholme at half-back. He was determined to leave them, but it led, to Makepeace appearance in his place, a chance they had not regretted. A bright career for the club was looked forward to when accident after accident occurred, Booth Abbott Sharp, and Thornburn being early on compelled to retire through injuries. This had been the case more or less during the League was of primary importance, it is little wonder that the Combination team, being depleted, occupied somewhat lowly position. With but few changes in the personnel of the team, and bearing in mind, the difficulties through accidents in the League team, they had acquired an honourable position, that of second with forty-seven points, but one point dividing them with the winners, a position obtained with a scientific exposition of the game worthy of Everton. The directors, shareholders and supporters regretted that the premier honour whilst gained by the Newcastle Club, did not on this occasion fall to the Everton's lot. Only on one occasion during the season had they been beaten by more than one goal, and that away (hear hear). In attaining such a position there had been no bribing gratuity or bonus or call it what they would, to win a League match of Cup-tie and, although they heard frequently of such being paid, and of gross irregularities being perpetrated nowadays the directors were determined while rules are in existence, to strictly ashere to such, and faithfully endeavour to comply with their every requirement (hear, hear) The directors took steps to alter the wages and bonus rules by calling the meeting at Birmingham, when they pressed for a free hand. They found many agencies at work, and somewhat meagres support was accorded to them; but the true reason was more than fully explained when the award of the association became public and certain officials and clubs came under the ban of the Association's ruling. It was quite clear that the position at the present time was untenable and unsatisfactory both to players and club managers of an honourable character, and they would gladly welcome any equitable settlement of this vesed question. There was a strong feeling that an infringement in this respect was still in progress. Several of their players had during the year been singled out for international honours. They were again getting their house in order for another season's work, and they ventured to assert that the team, which did so valiantly in the past would again don the Everton jerseys. Since the formation of the League Everton had occupied the first position once, the second position on four occasions, and the third position on four occasions. Speaking of the accounts he said the net gate receipts in 1902-03 amounted to £9,480 for 1903-04 £9,860, and for 1904-05, £14, 153 (applause). This proved that with moderately fine weather the popularity of the game was on the increase, and that its wane simply existed in the imagination of sceptical (hear hear). Against the previous years, which was a record last year's receipts showed an increase for League gates and Cup-ties of £4, 293. Outlays necessary for the wise administration of a concern like theirs had been incurred, but, while cheeseparing was part of their policy strict economy had been practiced. The system of home training had given such results as to merit its continuance. The benefits given to four of their players amounted to £1,300 or £325 each. The expenditure on roads had effected a great improvement, and before long an office worthy of the club would be erected, with an extension of the stand accommodation. The accounts were in a most satisfactory state, genuine and above-board. Now, ten years after purchase the shareholders were the owners free of all debt, of the magnificent football ground at Goodison-park (applause). Mr. J. Davies seconded, and some questions having been answered, the resolution was passed. On the motion of Mr. Bainbridge seconded by Mr. Kelly, a divided of 5 per cent was authorised. Mr. Patterson moved the re-election of the retiring Directors-Messrs Mahon, Davies, and Bainbridge. The past year he said had been a record one, and this was due to the ability and loyalty of the players and to the real and talent of the directors. They had a fine a financial position as any club in the kingdom (hear hear). Mr. R. Wilson in seconding, said the balance-sheet was a magnificent one. The resolution was passed unanimously. Mr. Williams, C Cuff (secretary) announced that the following would be the players next season: - Goal: - L.R. Roose, W. Scott, and W. Kelly, backs, W. Balmer, R. Balmer, J. Crelly, J. Hannan (Celtic), W .Wildman, and P. Hill (right-backs), Makepeace T. Booth, J. Taylor, W. Abbott, W. Black (Celtic), T. Chadwick, J. Donaldson and R. Wright, Half-backs, J. Sharp, T. McDermott, A. Young, J. Settle, H.P. Hardman, B. Rankin W. McLoughlin, F. Oliver (Brentford), T. Dilly, A. Birnie, H.E, Cooke, and H. Ritchie, forwards. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the directors.

FOOTBALL’S FINANCE
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 17 June 1905
The report of the Everton F.C meeting was, as anticipated, a most satisfactory one. With £5,000 on the right side of the bank-book, how could things be well otherwise? Yet some malcontents I heard, were going tom propose this new director and that new rule. One gets accustomed to this grumbler when the annual gathering are announced, the club are going to deck the secretary in new offices- and really not a moment too early. I know of no other rich First Division club which has so paltry an office. They must keep abreast of the times. There will, I hear, be a transformation scene some day of the ground boardings.  Will rows of new shops be erected around one side of the enclosure?

EVERTON’S RECORD
Liverpool Evening Express - Saturday 17 June 1905
GOODISON-PARK FREE OF DEBT.
NEXT SEASON’S PLAYERS
There was a large and enthusiastic assembly of shareholders at the annual meeting of the Everton Football Club held last evening at the Exchange Station Hotel. Mr. George Mahon, chairman of directors, presided. The Chairman, in proposing the adoption of the report and accounts, said they commenced the season 1904-5 with practically the same team as in the previous season, when they finished third in the League list, the second team being winners of the Lancashire Combination. A bright career for the club was looked forward to, when accident after accident occurred, Booth, Abbott, Sharp, Thorburn being early on compelled to retire through Injuries. This had been the case more or less during the season, and the directors feeling the League was of primary importance it is of little wonder that the Combination team being depleted now occupies a somewhat lowly position. With but few changes in the personnel of the team, and bearing in mind the difficulties through accidents in our League team, we have, Mr. Mahon proceeded, acquired an honourable position, that of second with 47 points, but one point dividing us from the winners, a position obtained by a scientific exposition of the game worthy of Everton. The directors, shareholders and supporters regret that the premier honour—whilst gained by the Newcastle club, who most worthily and with our hearty approval occupy that distinguished position—did not on this occasion fall to our lot. Only on one occasion during the season have we been beaten by more than one goal, and that away. In attaining such a position there has been NO BRIBING, GRATUITY, OR BONUS, or call it what you will, to win a League match or Cup tie, and although we hear frequently of such being paid, and of gross irregularities being perpetrated nowadays, your directors are determined whilst rules are in existence to strictly adhere to such, and faithfully endeavour to comply with their every requirement. (Hear, hear.) We took steps to alter the wages and bonus rules by calling the meeting at Birmingham, when we pressed for a free hand. We found many agencies at work, and somewhat meagre support was accorded to us, but the true reason was more than fully explained when the award of the Association became public and certain officials and clubs came under the ban of the Association’s ruling. Various resolutions have been moved in the parent body since then. It is quite clear that the position at the present time is untenable and unsatisfactory both to players and club managers of an honourable character, and we would gladly welcome any equitable settlement of this vexed question. There is a strong telling that an infringement in this respect is still in progress. Several of your players have during the year been singled out for international honours. We cannot boast of annexing any of the cups, but the bold bid made for the English Cup and the play on the last occasion will long be remembered by those who witnessed the encounter. We are again getting our house in order for another season’s work, and we venture to assert that the team which did so valiantly in the past will again don the Everton jerseys, and again do battle for us. We are all trusting to their well-known ability to lead us on to the goal of our ambition. (Hear, hear.) Most of our League clubs, some of whom bore an honoured name in the football world, have since the formation of the League had the dread mortification of being ousted from the First Division, but we are glad to say that such gloomy forebodings have never entered our calculations. Is not this consistency, is it not something of which to be proud? (Applause.) Since the formation of the League we have occupied first position once, second position on four occasions, and third position on four occasions. Our thanks are due especially to the amateurs of our team who have rendered us, such disinterested and valuable service during the past season. The net gate receipts in 1902-3 amounted to £9,480, in 1903-4 to £9,860, and in 19045 to £14,153, proving if such were necessary that with moderately fine weather the popularity of our game is on the increase, and that its wane simply exists in the imagination of sceptics. Against the previous year, which was the record of receipts, £9,861, the past season’s receipts from league gates and cup ties show an increase of £4,293. Whilst strict attention will always be paid to economy, cheeseparing must be no part of our policy. (Hear., hear.) After mature deliberation we adopted in the interests of the players a SYSTEM OF HOME TRAINING with results that certainly merits its continuance on another occasion. The benefits which we have this season given to four of our players amounted to £1,300—£325 each. The expenditure incurred in the making of Bullens-road, at a cost of £396, is an acquisition to our already valuable site, while the improvement of the Goodison-road, northwest side, in the making of the street adjoining the church, together with the improvement of the stand immediately adjoining, is distinctly an advance of the object which we have in view, namely, the making of our ground popular and equipping it to the best advantage. It will not be long ere an office will be erected worthy of our club, with an extension of the stand accommodation. The stands, &c., have been fully ““depreciated,” and the balance-sheet shows their true value. The accounts of the club are in a most satisfactory state, genuine and above board. The directors have most ungrudgingly devoted their best ability to the interests of the club. We have now reached the golden or red letter day of the club. At the last meeting Dr. Baxter suggested that you would be free of debt ere this. I little thought that such would be an accomplished fact, but true it is, and it gives me sincere gratification that it has fallen to my lot to announce it at this meeting. (Applause.) After the purchase, which took place in August, 1895, some ten years since, you can to-day congratulate yourselves upon the fact that you are the owners, free of all debt, of the magnificent football ground, ‘‘Goodison-park. This position has been led up to by the smallness of the cash capital, £1,650, by the hearty support accorded by the public to witness a well-merited game, and by the consummate ability and indomitable energy of those in charge, bringing to a consummation the wish which many of us have had—the crowning of the edifice. (Applause.)
Mr. Davies, vice-chairman, seconded.
A shareholder pointed out that there was no evidence in the balance-sheet that they had received one penny for transfer fees.
The Chairman said one transfer fee item mentioned in the accounts referred to transfer of shares, and not to transfer of players. The directors did not think it advisable to give the transfer fees of players openly. Such fees were included in the wages account. They would be glad to give detailed information to any shareholder who made application at the office.
The resolution was adopted.
On the motion of Mr. E. A. Bainbridge, seconded by Mr. Kelly, the usual dividend of five per cent. was declared and ordered to be paid TRIBUTE TO THE DIRECTORS. Mr. J. Y. Paterson proposed the re-election of the retiring directors, Messrs. Geo. Mahon, E. A. Bainbridge, and J. Davies. This was a record year for the club, he remarked, and their happy position was due to the loyalty and ability of the players, and the zeal, talent, and time devoted to their affairs by the directors. They occupied as splendid a financial position as any club in the kingdom, and there was no club represented by gentlemen of better talent and ability. (Applause.)
Mr. R. Wilson, in seconding, congratulated the directors on the magnificent balance-sheet.
The resolution was carried.
Messrs. Theodore Rogers, Bowler and Co. were re-appointed auditors.
NEXT SEASON’S PLAYERS.
The Secretary (Mr. W. C. Cuff) announced the names of the following players for next season : —Goalkeepers, L. R. Roose, W. Scott, and W. Kelly; backs, W. Balmer, R. Balmer, J. Crelley, W. Wildman, J. Hannan (of Celtic), and Percy Hill, right back, who came from Southampton with a splendid reputation; half-backs, H. Makepeace, T. Booth, J. Taylor, W. Abbott, T. Chadwick, W. Black (Celtic), J. Donaldson, and R. Wright, centre-half, who came from Kent; forwards, J. Sharp,  T. McDermott, A. Young, J. Settle, H. P. Hardman, B. Rankin, W, McLoughlin, T. Dilly, F. Oliver (centre-forward, from Brentford), A. Birnie (outside right, from Kent), and H. E. Cook. H. Ritchie, an amateur, would also play.
On the motion of Mr. Mitchell, seconded by Mr. Crosbie, a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to the directors for their services during the year.

KIRWAN
Athletic News - Monday 17 July 1905
I wonder when Chelsea and Everton will settle the transfer fee which the Goodison Park club is demanding for Kirwan, who has left Tottenham Hotspur for the Stamford Bridge organisation? Everton asks for £300 and Chelsea refuse to pay so large a sum. The Management Committee of the League will have to settle this dispute.

PLAYERS SIGNED ON
Athletic News - Monday 19 June 1905
The following players have been signed on by Everton for next season.  Goalkeepers, Roose, Scott, and W. Kelly (a nephew of the director, Mr. B. Kelly); backs W. Balmer, R. Balmer, Crelley, Wildman, Hanan (Celtic) and Hill (Southampton); half-backs, Makepeace, Both, Taylor, Abbott, Chadwick, Black (Celtic), Donaldson, and Wright (Kent); forwards, Sharp, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman, Rankin, McLoughlin, Dilly, Oliver (Brentford), Birnie (Kent), Cook, H. Ricthie. 

THORBURN
Scottish Referee - Monday 19 June 1905
Motherwell have secured Thorburn (Everton). Thorburn is the old Queen’s Parker, who went to Everton last year. He is a centre-forward, and was reserve to Young, our International centre-forward at the Crystal Palace.