QUEENS PARK RANGERS 1 EVERTON 4
May 1 1903. The Liverpool Courier
About 2,000 spectators witnessed the above match at Kensal Rise last evening. Heavy rain fell almost throughout the game, which resulted in Everton's favour by four goals to one. Neither side was at full strength, nor during the second half the Rangers played tem men, owing to an injury to Freeman. Everton led at the interval by two goals, scored by Dilly to one, obtained by Brown, and after changing ends Sheridan and Abbott added points for the visitors.

GARSTON DISTRICT 1 EVERTON RESERVES 3
May 1, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
In aid of the Garston Cricket Club the Everton Combination team visited Garston last evening and opposed a representative district team selected from the Gas Works. North End Church, and Caldwell Clubs. Nearly 2,000 spectators witnessed an interesting game. In the first few minutes Bell scored smartly, for Everton. Garston attack vigorously, and secured a penalty kick against Wildman, but Savage failed. Just before the interval Smith equalised from a well placed corner by McGarry, and at half-time the score was one goal each. In the second half Everton showed the better combination and Rankin and Wolfe added goals, the latter from a penalty kick, and Everton woin by 3 goals to 1.

THE ACCIDENT TO AN EVERTON FOOTBALLER
May 1 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Dixon, the outside left of Everton, who was hurt during a match at Northwich on Wednesday, remained unconscious in the Northwich Victoria Infirmary until four o'clock yesterday morning. Later in the day he was reported to be much better.

GARSTON DISTRICT v EVERTON COMBINATION
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 01 May 1903
Played on the Gasworks Ground, last evening before about 2,000 spectators the proceeds being in aid of the Garston Cricket Club. The start was rather sensational, as Bell scored for Everton in the first few minutes. Subsequently the home team had slightly the best of the game, and just before the interval Smith equalised from a well-placed corner by McGarry. Half-time; Everton 1, Garston 1
In the second half the Evertonians combined well together, and their play was greatly admired. Rankin gave Everton the lead, and Wolfe scored from a penalty.
Final; Everton Combination 3 goals, Garston District 1

QUEEN’S PARK RANGERS v  EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 01 May 1903
About 2,000 spectators witnessed the above match at Kensal Rise last evening. Heavy rain fell almost throughout the game. Neither side was at full strength, and during the second half Rangers played ten men, owing to an injury to Freeman. Everton led at the interval by 2 goals. (scored by Dilly) to 1 (obtained by Brown); and after changing ends Sheridan and Abbott added further points for the visitors. Result; Everton 4 gaols, Queen’s Park Rangers 1 goal.

ACCIDENT TO AN EVERTON PLAYER
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 01 May 1903
On inquiry yesterday at the Victoria Infirmary, Northwich, it was found that Dixon the Everton inside-right, who was admitted on Wednesday suffering from brain concussion has now recovered consciousness, and is showing favourable progress. Dixon’s injuries were the result of an accidental collision with Jim Upton, the Northwich full-back, their heads crashing together in an endeavour to reach the ball.

QUEEN’S PARK RANGERS v  EVERTON
Liverpool Mercury - Friday 01 May 1903
Before a capital attendance, the above match was played at Kensal Rise last evening, in pouring rain. Neither eleven was representative and after a poor game, in which the Rangers for the most part only played ten men owing to an accident to Freeman, Everton gained an easy victory by 4 goals to 1. Brown scored first for the Rangers, but Dilly immediately equalised and then gave the visitors the lead by 2 goals to 1 at the interval. After changing ends, Sheridan and Abbott added further points for Everton.

RICHARD MOLYNIEX
Acton Gazette - Friday 01 May 1903
It is stated on good authority that Brentford team manager is Mr. R. Molyneux who has been connected with the Everton F.C for several years.

EVERTON WIND UP THE SEASON AT KENSAL-RISE
Morning Leader - Friday 01 May 1903
The last match of the Kensal-rise season was played yesterday, under somewhat depressing circumstances, but the patrons of football are not dependent upon the vagaries of the weather, and over 2,000 turned up to see Everton beat Queen’s Park Rangers by 4 goals to 1. It is necessary to mention, however, that Freeman, ricking his leg just before half-time, left the Rangers one ‘man short for the rest of the game, and his departure must have confirmed an impression at Kensal-rise that of all the players who ever donned a green and white jersey he is perhaps the most unlucky. On quite a number of occasions I have seen him carried off the field, and one evening, at the old Latimer ground, I thought we should never see him play football again; but Freeman has a delightful knack of cheating the doctors,
WEAK, BUT QUITE GOOD ENCUGH.
The Everton team, who paid a previous visit to town on the occasion of their Cup-tie with Millwall, were carrying a number of reserve men yesterday at Kensal-rise, and famous players like Booth, Young, Settle, and Bell were absent but Jack Sharp appeared on the right wing and Abbott, the well-known half, amused himself by going up among the forwards, where he scored a goal. During the opening half there was little or nothing to choose between the teams, but just on the point of crossing over Wilson sent in an awkward centre, and after the Everton custodian had disposed of it at the first time of asking Brown scored from the rebound. The old Southampton man has always given evidence oi considerable ability as a centre-forward, and as an athlete there are few men with a more convincing style; but I fancy he would do much better with a “ right through " policy than one of dalliance in mud-field. Brown's reputation is founded on pace, and all other ground is sinking sand. After losing Freeman the Rangers started to play the one-back game, but thy failed to keep their lead, and before the interval Dilly had scored a couple of good goals
MARK TAPLEYS IN THE RAIN.
In a persistent rainstorm the visiting team brightened up, and got two more points on crossing over by Sheridan and Abbott, while Sharp missed a very easy chance directly afterwards.  But all will be forgiven if the Lancashire cricketer scores an early century for the County Palatine. Abbott simply walked the ball into the net. At outside right the Rangers had the assistance of T. S. Fox. the well-known Ealing captain, who generally plays full back, but experiments on the last day of the season are always welcome, and Harry Collins, who was very larkish in goal, might have played centre-forward and still retained the confidence of the crowd. Elliott, the Everton trainer, spoke to me in high terms of Dick Molyneaux, who gas just been appointed manager of Brentford, and says he is just the man to put the club on its legs. I hope most sincerely he is a prophet. There is some talk, by the way, of Hamilton remaining with the Rangers. THE UNKNOWN.

PROSPECTIVE GATHERING OF HIGHLANDERES IN EVERTON
Liverpool Evening Express – Friday 01 May 1903
GREAT ATHLETIC FESTIVAL.
It is a mistake to suppose that the Act of Union or any other barrier of political or racial contrivance has ever hindered the Scottish invasion of England. ‘° Blue bonnets” have been coming ‘“o’er the border” in as steady a stream since Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rush to Derby and back as then or before, and the settlement has been much more-  effective and beneficial-—to the Scots. Liverpool seems in these modern times to get a full share of the attention of these rovers; and there has been a wondrous revival of the ‘patriotic spirit, but on such lines that neither the native Englishman nor the exiled Irishman may find cause to quarrel with it. There is the Caledonian Association, whose elementary free school, by the way, is one of the oldest in Liverpool, if it is not the oldest; the ‘Burns Club, which celebrates the Scottish poet’s anniversary in the convivial style so congenial to the Ayrshire ‘‘gauger;” there are the St. Andrew’s-day celebrations; the annual concert of the Glasgow Select Choir; the Young 'Scots Society; and still more recently the Liverpool Scottish—our local Kilted volunteers—to satisfy whose ambitions a big war must first be waged to induce the War-office to listen to their opportunity. And now arrangements are being made for a still further display of the zeal of the Scottish section of Liverpool inhabitants. Cabers are to be tossed, hammers thrown, pipes skirled, and strathspeys, flings, and reels danced by Scots on the grounds of the Everton Football Club in a truly ala Braemar fashion. Samples of all the Macs will be on the kilted field. Some of them will be straight from the North, with return tickets; others will be settlers, interested in seeing their friends from Scotland and in reviving on kindly, hospitable soil fond memories; and doubtless descendants, without the slightest trace of Scottish accent or origin, will mingle with English neighbours in witnessing the games and sports special to “the auld countree.” This Highland gathering and amateur athletic festival is being organised under distinguished patronage by a committee which comprises well-known English and Scottish athletic authorities as well as representative Scots, and Captain Robertson, the adjutant of the 8th V.B. K.L.R. (Liverpool Scottish), has agreed to undertake the secretarial duties. Thoe meeting has been duly recognised by the Amateur Athletic Association, the Northern Counties‘ Athletic Association, and the National Cyclists’ Union, so that there is every guarantee of an excellent display in all the numerous events in a two days’ programme, especially as the prizes are very substantial, both in the open and local and special classes. Then music will be supplied by the bands of the Liverpool Scottish. The gathering has been fixed for Saturday, May 30, and Monday, Jure 1 (Bank Holiday).

THE LAST DAY OF FOOTBALL.
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 01 May 1903
QUEEN’S PARK RANGERS v. EVERTON.
About 2,000 spectators witnessed the above match at Kensal Rise last evening. Heavy rain fell almost throughout the game, which resulted in Everton’s favour by four goals to one. Neither side was at full strength, and during the second half the Rangers played ten men, owing to an injury to Freeman. Everton led, at the interval by two goals, scored by Dilly, to one, obtained by Brown, and after changing ends Sheridan and Abbott added further points for the visitors.
GARSTON DISTRICT v. EVERTON COMBINATION.
In aid of the Garston Cricket Club the Everton Combination team visited Garston last evening and opposed a representative district team selected from the Gas Works, North End, Church, and Cardwell Clubs. Nearly 2,000 spectators witnessed an interesting game. In the first few minutes Bell scored smartly for Everton. Garston attacked vigorously, and secured a penalty against Wildman, but Savage failed. Just before the interval Smith equalised from a well-placed corner.-by McGarry, and at halftime the score was one goal each. In the second half Everton showed the better combination, and Rankin and Wolfe added goals, the latter from a penalty kick. Final.— Everton 3, Garston 1.

NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
May 2, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
We understand that the directors of the Everton Football Club have signed on T.Corrin, the Portsmouth outside left, Corrin will be remembered as having played for Everton in the season of 1900-01, who he took part on one or two League games then he went South, and played for the Portsmouth Club for two season. During the season 1901-02 he showed fine form for the Southerners in theEnglish Cup-tie but got few opportunities during the season just concluded, owing to Steve Smith fine form. Corrin is a Liverpool lad, and is a player of considerable promise. He is both fast and clever and he can also occupy the centre forward position.

QUEENS PARK RANGERS v. EVERTON
The Sportsman - Saturday 02 May 1903
The winter pastime died very herd at Kensal Rise, and Queen’s Park Rangers catering for their patrons right up to bitter end, a crowd of some spectators assembled last evening to witness the performance the local eleven against the First Leaguers from Everton. It cannot be said, however, that the onlookers had a pleasant experience, for the game proved an exceedingly poor one, traces of the last day of the season being manifest, while, to make matters worse, heavy rain commenced to fall soon after the kick-off and continued without intermission right up to the finish, most of the people leaving the ground before the whistle finally sounded. Everton were advertised to bring their full League team, but when the players took to the field it was noticed that they were without Booth, Young, Settle, Bell, and Crelly, while the half-back. Abbott, appeared at inside left. The Rangers played their best team, with the exception of Abbott and Bowman, and gave a trial to the Ealing full back. T. S. Fox. but why he was played at outside right we cannot tell. The amateur certainly did fairly well in his new position, and had his only possessed some notions of going for the opposing goal in the most expeditious manner, instead of dallying about, the Rangers might have done better. Play ruled fairly even for twenty-five minutes, when fine centre by Wilson enabled Brown to easily kick the first goal for the Rangers, only to find Dilly equalise with beautiful shot ten minutes later. Dilly immediately put on a second point for the visitors, but then that unlucky player, Freeman, sprained his knee and had to be carried off the field, the Rangers finishing the game with ten men. Everton led at the interval by- two goals one, and, after changing ends, Abbott and Sharp got clean through, but, with only Collins to beat, both men unaccountably failed to steer the ball between the posts. A couple of points were disallowed for offside, but before the end Sheridan and Abbott added legitimate ones, both being the result of clever dribbling, and Everton won easily by four goals to one. Teams:
Everton; Whitley (goal), Balmer and Murray (backs), Wolstenholme, Taylor, and Makepeace (half-backs). Sharp, Sheridan, Dilly, Abbott, and Hardman (forwards). Queen’s Park Rangers: Collins (goal). White and Freeman, (backs). Freeman, Hitch, and Keech (half-backs), T. S. Fox, Hamilton, Brown, Blackwood, and Wilson (forwards). Referee; N. Whittaker.

NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Leicester Daily Mercury - Saturday 02 May 1903
The directors of the Everton Football Club yesterday signed on for next season Corrin, outside left, of Portsmouth. Corrin played for Everton two seasons ago, but has greatly improved since going south. Everton have signed on all their League players except Bell, Booth and Brearley.

EVERTON’S FATE
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 02 May 1903
The decline of Everton in the League naturally gives their supporters much concern. The team have established a record of badness in the tournament; for although their 32 points is a point better on paper than in 1896-7-the previous worst-at that time there were fewer clubs in the League. Last season the Toffees got 41 points and finished a good second; now they are thirteenth-just their luck! But the club supporters are not inclined to listen to empty explanations about bad luck, and so on. The real causes are felt to be bad management and bad play, and unless I am much mistaken some radical changes will take place in officials and players before next September. The players who have signed on again at Goodison so far are Whitley and Kitchen (goal), Balmer and Crelly (backs), Wolstenholme, Abbott, and Russell (halves), Gordon, Wildman, Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, Bell, Rankin, Sheridan, McEwan, and Dilly (forwards). Some of these are Combination players; the old hands re-engaged leave plenty of room for new blood, and I don’t suppose that the most thoroughgoing advocates of new blood at Goodison would care to see Settle, Sharp and the other hands named got rid of. It is not change for change’s sake that is wanted, but a change for the betterment of the club. I hear that Hardman, the Blackpool outside left, will play for the Toffees next season.
EVERTON’S FINANCES
Everton directors had a meeting on Tuesday to draft the annual report. The gate receipts have been out of all proportion to the quality of the football; the public have patiently paid a shilling or six=pence for a performance which, if given in any other place than a football enclosure, would cause them to demand their money back. And they wouldn’t go again, and they would tell their friends not to go, so that the place would have been shut up or the quality of the wares improved, unless the proprietor was a millionaire and had more money than sense. It is not too much to say that Everton crowd have been- well, I was going to say swindled, but they were consenting parties, they had got no end of “eye-openers,” they knew what a third-rate entertainment they had to expect and were pretty certain to get, and if they still went on paying they were not victims except of their own folly. Otherwise I would suggest as an act of reparation, that the directors give them a bonus.

FRIENDLY MATCHES
Northwich Guardian - Saturday 02 May 1903
NORTHWICH AND DISTRICT v  EVERTON
The Everton directorate again very kindly sent a team to play Northwich and district, in aid of the Victoria Infirmary, on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, the visitors were only a poor representation of the famous club, and the locals proved themselves their superiors. One of the Everton men, missing his train, it necessitated a re-arrangement of the eleven deputed to do duty. Kitchen, the goalkeeper, went forward, and the trainer took up his position between the sticks. After a spell of even play, both goalkeepers saving well, especially the Evertonian, who repelled two lightning shots from Boden, Elmore scored for the locals from a free kick taken by Dick Clarke. At the interval Northwich led by one goal to none. About ten minutes after resumption, Walter Harris accepted a nice pass from Harry Barton and scored, whilst the same player was responsible for a third. Armitage also got through, but the point was disallowed.
Result; Northwich three goals, Everton none.
The teams were;
Northwich- Goal, Broomfield (Bolton Wanderers); backs, Upton and Harris (Northwich); half-backs, Isherwood (Witton), J. Boden (Glossop), and R. Clarke (Northwich); forwards, E. Hughes and W. Armitage (Witton), Elmore (West Bromwich), H. Barton (Middlewich), and W. Harris (Northwich).
Everton; Goal, Joyce; Clarke and Wilderman; half-backs, Chadwick, Russell, and Wolfe; Rankin, Kitchen, O’Hagan, McDonald, and Dixon.
At the conclusion of the match both teams were entertained to tea at Whate’s Café, a capital repast being provided by the proprietor. Afterwards Mr. J. Arthur Cowley, secretary to the Victoria Infirmary, tendered a hearty vote of thanks to the Everton directors for again sending a team to play on behalf of the Victoria Infirmary. He also thanked the Everton players, and also the three local men associated with West Bromwich, Bolton, and Glossop, for their services.- Mr. J.T. Yearsley, as treasurer of the institution, supplemented Mr. Cowley’s remarks, and also thanked all the local players.
ACCIDENT TO AN EVERTON PLAYER
During the progress of the match, Dixon, one of the Everton forwards, and Upton, the Northwich full back, went for the ball together, and their heads came into violent collision, the bang being plainly heard by the spectators. Both fell to the ground and were quickly attended to. Upton was able to resume, but the Evertonian left the field. He, however, returned again only to have to retire shortly afterwards for the rest of the game. He continued to keenly feel the effects of the injury, and when the team adjourned to Whate’s café for tea, he suddenly collapsed. Dr. Smith was summoned, and recognised Dixon’s serious condition, ordered his removal to the Victoria Infirmary. This was done, and later he lapsed into unconsciousness and remained in such a condition until 4 o’clock on Thursday morning, when he rallied. He remained in a semi-conscious condition throughout the day.

NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 02 May 1903
The directors of the Everton Football Club yesterday signed on Corrin, the outside left of Portsmouth, for next season. Corrin played for Everton two seasons ago. He is young, and has the reputation of being fast and clever, and has greatly improved since joining Portsmouth. The Everton directors have signed on all their League team players for next season, excepting Bell, Booth and Brearley.

GENUINE OR GENEROUS!
Athletic News - Monday 04 May 1903
By Tityrus
“If slander be a snake, it is a winged one- it flies as well as creeps.”  So wrote Douglas Jerrold, and of late we have had exemplification of the swiftness with which an ugly rumour will roll into a great ball of so-called fact, and of the speed with which ill-ness can travel.  I refer to the reports which have been circulated concerning the League match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers.  On the thirteenth of April the Rovers went to Goodison Park and defeated Everton by 3-0, and the brace of points which went to the credit of the Rovers placed them in such a position that they no longer dreaded descent to the lower realm of League life.  But this victory also entailed the depression of Grimsby, and ever since then the fisher folks have been asserting that this match was not a genuine fight, that it was a mere hippodrome business, and that the Everton eleven presented these points to their neighbours.  Is this a slander?  That is the point.  The executive of the Goodison Park club held an inquiry and publicly absolved themselves and their players.  But Mr. Bellamy, of Grimsby, is reported in the newspapers of his town to have retold a conversation between himself and Mr. Clayton, of the Everton management.  In this, according to Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Walmsley, the secretary of the Rovers, asked Mr. Clayton to virtually arrange the match.  Mr. Clayton naturally refused and when he saw the game Mr. Bellamy declared that Mr. Clayton remonstrated with his own team, the suggestion being that the Evertonians were generous before being just.  Now, I repeat, is this a slander?  Did Mr. Clayton, who is a cool, level-headed man, anxious for the success and the good name of Everton, unburden himself in this strain to Mr. Bellamy.  If he did has Mr. Walmsley said or what he intended to convey?  Is there any evidence that the Everton players were tampered with, or were their indifference and their lukewarmness due to natural promptings.  Perhaps the reader may say what natural promptings could there be in such a matter as this?  Well, so far as this particular fixture was concerned the issue was in no way vital to Everton, and I regret to say that the modern footballer is not too prone to ever exertion unless there is an object in view.  Then the Everton men may have said to themselves that a trip to Blackburn was far less trouble to them than the long journey from west to east, from Liverpool to Grimsby, and they may also have convinced themselves that the Rovers were old rivals, old neighbours, and old friends.  These feelings may have had their effect upon the Everton players without any cut and dried plan to deliberately give the points away.  Footballers are like most of us quite human, and they have their likes and their dislikes, their fancies and their wishes.  This is what I mean by natural promptings.  But whatever lies beneath the surface the League, to their everlasting credit, have determined to dig down deeply, and see for themselves.  Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Walmsley, and everybody concerned have been summoned to attend a meeting of the Management Committee of the League at Manchester next Monday, when the whole of the circumstances surrounding this affair will be investigated.  For the sake of the good repute of football I thrust that The League will have to take no further action in the matter, and that everybody will be absolved from blame.  I did not see the match and cannot express any opinion upon its “bone fides,” but on public form I cannot see that it was a miracle for the Rovers to win.  I repeat what I have said before, that Everton have lost more points this season than the Rovers and what is more, the relative form of these clubs against each other is quite opposed to the theory of an arranged match.  Not since the season of 1898-99 have Everton gained a League victory at the expense of the Rovers.  In that season the latter were beaten in both meetings by 2-1 and 3-1, but since then the Rovers have either won or drawn, and as quite opposed to all this scandal I cannot resist laying emphasis on the fact that for four seasons the Everton eleven have never scored a goal on their own ground against the Blackburn Rovers.  This, to me at any rate, is evidence of the fact that Everton seldom play their best game against the Rovers.  We know there are such strange ideas as that a team cannot show their best form against certain other clubs.  Was there even a plainer case than that Sheffield Wednesday have never beaten the Rovers since the “Blades” returned from the Second Division!  These things are set down as the reflections of one who is loth to believe that any match had been willfully and wickedly arranged beforehand.  The League at any rate have set out to find the truth. 
EVERTON LEAGUE APPEARANCES
Abbott (W), 33; Brearley (J), 22; Balmer (R.), 1; Balmer (W), 28; Bowman (A), 5; Bell (J), 22; Booth (T), 29; Clark (C.), 3; Crelley (J), 18; Dilly (T), 6; Henderson (W), 13; Kitchen (G), 26; Lee (J) 2; Makepeace (H), 3; Russell (J), 3; Rankin (B), 13; Sheridan (J), 18; Settle (J), 20; Sharp (J), 27; Taylor (JD), 33; Whitley (J), 8; Wolstenholme (S), 22; Young (A), 19.  Total 374. 
GOAL SCORERS
Abbott 4; Brearley 7; Booth 2; Bowman 2; Bell 5; Clark 1; Rankin 2; Robertson (Notts Forest) 1; Sharp 5, Settle 5, Sheridan 2, Taylor 3, Wolstenholme 1; Young 5; Total 45.

HOW EVERTON ARE PLACED
Athletic News - Monday 04 May 1903
By Junius
Unlike their rivals across the park, Everton have experienced no trouble in re-signing all their players for next season, and they can thus await the future with feelings of complacency.  It must not be understood from this that the directors are going to fold their arms and dose away the intervening period between now and next September, s they are keenly on the alert for a couple of really good forwards, which is about all they require to make their case complete.  There have been rumours that one or two of their prominent backs were going South, but these have proved baseless, and every player that they wished to retain has signed.  Clark, who played once or twice in the League eleven may go to Plymouth, but this is the only defection.  Everton have been disappointing during the past season, ‘tis true, and the Cup-tie reverse at Millwall undoubtedly exercised a deteriorating influence on the players in their succeeding League matches.  They could not lose or gain much in this latter competition; it was impossible when the Millwall disaster occurred to secure a high position in the league.  We did not get the best football out of some of the man, and possibly many of the supporters of the club may consider there is little of a roseate hue to look forward to for next winter.  This is, of course, a matter which only the future can determine, but I fancy the same team that has represented Everton during the season just closed would, if Everton during the season just closed would, if setting out now on another campaign, show setting out now on another campaign, show superior results.  The past experience of League clubs is sufficient evidence to warrant such an assumption.  On Friday, Corrin, who played last season for Southampton, and who previously was an Evertonian, signed for the Goodison Park club. 

HARDMAN
Athletic News - Monday 04 May 1903
We hear on the best of authority that Blackpool have reported the Everton club for approaching J. Hardman, their outside left, without giving notice of their intention to do so. The matter will come up before the Management Committee of The League.

FOOTBALL.
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 05 May 1903
The Everton v. Blackburn Rovers Match.
(SPECIAL TELEGRAM.)
The allegations made by a Grimsby official against Blackburn Rovers in connection with the recent league match at Goodison-park, which are to be inquired into by the Football League next Monday, have also been brought to the notice of the Football Association, and that body has appointed a commission to sit on Friday, 15th inst., to investigate the whole of the circumstances connected with the match.

EVERTON AND BLACKBURN ROVERS
Liverpool Daily Post - Tuesday 05 May 1903
LEAGUE INQUIRY TO BE HELD
The League is to hold an inquiry into the case of alleged “squaring” between Everton and Blackburn Rovers. A large amount of correspondence has passed, and an impartial trial may be depended upon.

THE EVERTON-ROVERS MATCH.
Lancashire Evening Post - Tuesday 05 May 1903
The Everton and Blackburn Rovers encounter, on Easter Monday, has been the subject of much discussion lately, chiefly on account of the alleged “squaring” of the match. The League Management Committee meet at Manchester, next Monday, for the last time this season, and they have very wisely decided to hold inquiry into the case. This is believed to be the outcome of a certain interview which appeared in a Grimsby paper a week ago. Mr. J. Walmsley, the Rovers' secretary; Mr. W. H. Bellamy, of the Grimsby Club; and Mr. Tom Booth, captain of the Everton team, have been invited to attend. The Blackburn officials are not in the slightest afraid of the inquiry, because they say will take all the suspicion off their shoulders. They are, nevertheless, not inclined to talk about the matter because of the impending inquiry.

THE EVERTON v  BLACKBURN ROVERS MATCH
Liverpool Mercury - Wednesday 06 May 1903
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION INTERVENE
The allegations of “squaring” made by a Grimsby official against Blackburn Rovers in connection with the recent League match at Goodison Park, which are to be inquired into by the Football League next Monday, have also been brought to the notice of the Football association, and that body has appointed a commission to sit on Friday, the 15th inst., to investigate the whole of the circumstances connected with the match.

EVERTON AND HARDMAN
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 07 May 1903
There is every prospect of the differences between Blackpool and Everton over the latter playing Hardman in a Combination match without first asking Blackpool’s permission being settled. Recently Hardman was in London sitting for intermediate law examination, and whilst there Everton wrote asking him to stop South and play with them against Portsmouth which he did. He also played in two succeeding games at the wind-up of the season. Everton players are reported to have taken quite kindly to the new amateur, for he will continue to play as such.
Negotiations have been concluded between Everton and Leicester Fosse for the transfer of T. Simpson to the former club., last season Simpson, who went to Leicester from Notts County, did excellent service for the Fosse. The transfer fee is nearer £200 than £100 the Fosse also obtaining the papers of Barlow, a Reading forward, who was on the Everton list.

NEW OUTSIDE LEFT FOR EVERTON
Sheffield Evening Telegraph - Thursday 07 May 1903
Negotiations have been concluded between Everton and Leicester Fosse for transfer T. Simpson the Liverpool club. Last season Simpson, who went to Leicester from Notts County, did excellent service for the Fosse. The transfer fee is nearer £200 than £100. the Fosse also obtaining the papers of Barlow, a Reading forward who was on the Everton list.

SIMPSON AND THE EVERTON CLUB
Heywood Advertiser - Friday 08 May 1903
T. Simpson one of the Heywood Cricket Club’s professionals, has been signed by Everton F.C for next season. Simpson plays at outside left and was with Leicester Fosse last season.

ANOTHER FORWARD FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 08 May 1903
The directors of the Everton Football Club have signed on Simpson, the Leicester Fosse outside left.   Tom Robertson, outside left, late of Liverpool, and Bonthrone, reserve right-back, both of Dundee, have signed on for Manchester United.

OTHER FORWARD FOR EVERTON
May 8 1903. The Liverpool Mercury
The directors of the Everton Football Club have signed on Simpson, the Leicester Fosse outside left.

THE ALLEGED SQUASLLING OF A MATCH
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 12 May 1903
A meeting of the Management Committee of the Football League was held at Manchester yesterday, Mr. J. J. Bentley presiding. The business was mainly of a formal character. Messrs. Sidney, Hart, and McGregor were appointed to co-operate with the Football Association Commission appointed to inquire into the alleged “squaring’ of the Everton v. Blackburn Rovers match on Easter Monday. The case will be heard at the Grand Hotel, Manchester, on Friday next.
Blackpool ‘withdrew a charge against Everton for approaching one of their amateurs, and no further action was taken.

THE ALLEGED “SQUARING “ OF AN EVERTON MATCH.
Liverpool Evening Express - Friday 15 May 1903
Official Inquiry To-day.
(SPECIAL TELEGRAM.)
A rather unique inquiry, so far as Association football is concerned, started in Manchester this evening. Representatives appointed by the Football Association and the Football League met together to investigate charges arising out of the League match played on Monday, the 13th April, at Goodison-park, between Everton and Blackburn Rovers. At the time there were ugly statements abroad as to the match being “squared,” inspired by the fact that a win for the Rovers practically meant that their existence in the First Division of the League for another season was assured. It also had the effect of relegating Grimsby Town to the Second Division, and the inquiry, it is stated, has been instituted largely in consequence of reports from the Grimsby Club. At any rate, all the circumstances are to be fully investigated by the commission, which consists of Messrs, Clegg, Crump, and Alcock, representing the Football Association; and Messrs. McGregor, Hart, and Sidney, of the Football League. All the Everton players who took part in the match with the Rovers have been summoned to attend, as also the Rovers” players. Messrs. Clayton and Wright (directors) and Cuff (secretary of the Everton Club) were also in attendance to give evidence. The inquiry is expected to last several hours.

REID OF CAMELON
Falkirk Herald - Saturday 16 May 1903
"Punky" Reid (Camelon) had a good offer from Danny Kirkwood, on behalf of Everton, this week.  Several local and district clubs, I understand would not be averse to signing him on. 

THE ALLEGED “ SQUARING “ OF AN EVERTON MATCH.
May 16, 1903. The Liverpool Courier
COMMISSIONS DECISION DEFERRED
A Rather unique inquiry so far as association football is concerned was held in Manchester last evening. Representatives appointed by the Football Association and the Football League met together to investigate charges arising out of the League match played on Monday, the 13 th April, at Goodison-park, between Everton and Blackburn Rovers. At the time there were ugly statements abroad as to the match being “squared” inspired by the fact that a win for the Rovers practically meant that their existence in the First Division of the League for another season was assured. It also had the effect if relegating Grimsby Town to the Second Division, and the inquiry, it was stated, had been instituted largely in consequence of reports from the Grimsby Club. At any rate,, all the circumstances were fully investigated by the commission, which consisted of Messieurs Clegg, Crump, Alcock, and Sherrington representing the Football Association and Meesrs, McGregor, Hart, and Sidney of the Football League. Mr.F.J.Wall, secretary of the Football Association, was also in attendance, Mr.J.C. Clegg presided over the commission, which heard the evidence of Mr. Bellamy, secretary of Grimsby Town; Mr.W.R.Clayton and Mr.H.Wright, directors of Everton; Mr.W.C.Cuff, secretary of Everton; Mr.Walmsley, secretary of Blackburn Rovers; the referee of the match Mr.. Armitt, the linesmen Messrs Marquis, and Dale, T.Booth the Everton captain, and. Crompton the Rovers captain. All the Everton players two of whom had been summoned from Scotland, who participated in the match were present to gave evidence, if required, but after the respective captains had appeared before the commission the other men were informed that their statements would not be required. The inquiry lasted close upon three hours and a half, and afterwards our representatives was officially informed by Mr.Wall that the decision would be communicated to the clubs concerned, and to the press probably on Monday next.

THE EVERTON-ROVERS MATCH
Lancashire Evening Post - Saturday 16 May 1903
At the Grand Hotel. Manchester, yesterday afternoon, a Joint Commission of the Football Association and the Football League sat to investigate the charges of “squaring” which have been made regarding the League match between Blackburn Rovers v. Everton at Goodison Paris on Easter Monday. It will be remembered that this game was won by the Blue and Whites by the substantial margin of three goals to nil, and that the Evertonians played so much below form that the spectators expressed their disapproval at the interval. The brace of points thus secured practically made the Rovers’ position in the First Division safe for another season, while it rendered the relegating of Grimsby Town almost a matter of certainty. Subsequent events, however, proved that the’ result of the game had no bearing whatever on the position of the two clubs in the League table. The rumours of squaring were so persistent, especially in certain quarters, that both the League and Association appointed commissions to inquire into the alleged arrangement. The League commission should have sat last Monday, but in view of an Association commission having been fixed, it was decided that both the representatives of the Football Association and the League should sit and make the necessary inquiries together. The gentlemen composing the commission were Messrs. J.C. Clegg. G. W. Alcock, C. Crump. G. S. Sherrington. and F. J. Wall, representing the F.A.. and Messrs. Sidney, H. W. Hart, and W. McGregor, representing the League. The Everton players who took part in the match were in attendance, and the Everton club was represented by Messrs. C. G. Clayton, Davies, and Wright, directors, and W. C. Cuff, secretary. The Blackburn Rovers had in readiness Mr. F. Woodhouse, director; Mr. J. Walmsley, secretary; and Crompton, the captain and international back. Mr. Armitt, of Leek, and Messrs. R. Marruies, Kirkham, and Dale, Manchester. The two linesmen were also called as witnesses. The proceedings, which lasted upwards three hours, were conducted with closed doors, but our representative informed that a prominent Everton director denied having made certain statements to Grimsby official regarding the match, while Mr. Walmsley, the Rovers’ secretary, though admitting having had a jocular conversation with the director mentioned prior to the match, indignantly repudiated the idea that a single suggestion was made regarding the issue of the game. The rival captains also stated neither themselves nor the players were influenced in any way, and the referee and his linesmen were questioned as to the conduct of the play. The other 10 Everton players, however, were not called before the Commission.
At the termination of the inquiry Mr. Wall informed the Press representatives in waiting that the decision of the Commission would be made known the clubs concerned and to the Press from the Associations offices in London.

ASKED TO EXPLAIN
Northern Daily Telegraph - Saturday 16 May 1903
A FOOTBALL INVESTIGATION AT MANCHESTER
ROVERS AND THEIR MATCH AT EVERTON
The charge made against Mr. J. Walmsley, the secretary of the Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Limited, by a Grimsby newspaper resulted yesterday afternoon in the holding of a joint inquiry by the Football Association and English League at the Grand Hotel, Manchester. The circumstances which led up to the charge were set forth in detail in our issue last evening.
The Commission consisted of Messrs J.C. Clegg, C. Crump, C.W. Alcock, and G.S. Sherrington, representing the Association, and Messrs T.H. Sidney, W. Hart, and W. McGregor, representing the League with Mr. F.J. Wall, secretary of the Association, as secretary to the Commission. The Commission sat for some time before any witnesses were called, and then Messrs Bellamy and Clayton were first examined separately, and later together, their examination occupying fifty minutes.
By 6.30 Messrs Wright (Everton director), Armitt (referee), Marquis and Dale (linesmen) had given their evidence.
Mr. Walmsley was called at 6.30, and he was under examination twenty minutes.
Tom Booth, the Everton captain, was then called, and spoke to the display his team gave in the match in question.
Booth was followed into the room by Crompton, the Rovers captain. Crompton having retired, there was a further deliberation of the Commission, and after a short time Mr. McGregor announced that no further evidence would be taken.
DECISION RESERVED
At eight o’clock Mr. Wall announced to the members of the Press that the decision of the Commission would not be communicated to anyone that night, but would probably be posted to the clubs concerned and to the press on Monday. The hearing had lasted three hours and a quarter.
GOSSIP ABOUT WHAT TOOK PLACE
It would be a difficult matter to anticipate the result of the inquiry, inasmuch as the witnesses were very reticent as to the evidence they had given to the Commission. It was a matter of common gossip outside the closed doors, however, that Messrs Bellamy and Clayton had differed as to what transpired between them in London. These two principal witnesses “argued the point” for some time after they retired from the room, and the Grimsby official was heard to make a remark to the effect that the press had magnified the allegations. Mr. Cuff is said to have expressed the opinion that his evidence would not incriminate Mr. Walmsley in any way.
Mr. Armitt, the referee, had to rush away to catch his train, and he left without giving any one the opportunity of “sounding” him.
THE LINESMEN’S EVIDENCE
Mr. H. Dale, the linesman, who arrived late at the match, said he had stated that the Everton players certainly played a poor game, but that the spectators were most unjust in their attitude towards them; and to this he attributed the apparent indifference of one or two of the players. He spoke as to the second goal which Kitchen practically threw away, and said he felt certain that the goalkeeper’s action was purely accidental. He heard nothing pass between the two sets of players which would suggest that there was any understanding between them.
Mr. Marquis’s evidence was understood to be much to the same effect.
THE TWO CAPTAINS CALLED
After the evidence of the officials had been taken the players were very quickly disposed of. When the Everton F.C were asked to summon the whole of their eleven players who took part in the match they pointed out that they could only produce them under great inconvenience and expense, and asked if seven of the eleven would not be sufficient. The Association replied that it would be necessary for the whole team to be summoned, and as stated above, all were present. But the Commission simply examined Booth and Crompton, the two captains, and then informed the remaining of the Everton players that they would not be called upon. This was a clear indication that the Commission was satisfied there had been no bribing of the players. Booth denied any knowledge of an arrangement or of being approached in any way. Crompton was asked his opinion as to the displays of the two teams, and he replied that the Rovers gave one of their best exhibitions. In response to a further question he said he was not concerned about the display given by Everton. He urged on his own men, and was too fully occupied himself to notice whether his opponents were doing their best or not. He certainly did not consider that Everton had given anything away, but could well understand they were not as anxious as to the result as were the Rovers. The whole case resolves itself into the question of what construction the Commission has placed upon the remarks made by Mr. Walmsley.

THE EVERTON v.  ROVERS CASE
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 16 May 1903
SITTING OF THE JOINT COMISSION
JUDGMENT POSTPONED
An exceedingly important inquiry, so far as Association football is concerned was conducted at Manchester yesterday. It will be remembered that on Easter Monday the Everton Club played the Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park in their return fixture of the League competition, and the result was a victory for the visitors. As the Blackburn Club were at this particular juncture undoubted candidates for the Second Division, the result of the game in question aroused considerable comment. It was suggested that the match had been “squared,” and as the Grimsby Club by its result was inevitably sent into the lower division, the rumour gained considerable credence. It was therefore, decided by the authorities that the fullest investigation should be made into the circumstances of the case, and a joint commission of the two governing bodies was duly appointed. This commission sat at the Grand Hotel, Manchester, yesterday, its composition being Messrs J.C. Clegg, J. Crump, C.W. Alcock, G.S. Sherrington, and F.J. Wall (secretary), representing the Football Association; T.H. Sidney, W. Hart, and W. McGregor, representing the Football League. All the parties concerned were summoned to attend, and the commission, which sat for three and a half hours, was conducted in private. Mr. Clegg occupied the chair, and the first witnesses called were Mr. Bellamy (the Grimsby secretary), Mr. Walmsley (the Rovers secretary) and Mr. Clayton (Everton director), who were separately and jointly questioned. Mr. Wright (Everton director) and Mr. W.C. Cuff (Everton secretary) were next called, and evidence was subsequently given by Mr. T. Armitt, of Leek, who was referee in the match, and Messrs. Marquis and Dale, the linesmen. Afterwards the Everton captain Tom Booth, and Crompton, the Blackburn skipper, were examined, but the evidence was, of course, tendered in camera. In addition to Booth, the whole of the Everton team were in attendance, but they were not called upon. After deliberating for the time already mentioned, the Commission rose, and our representative was officially informed by Mr. Wall that their decision would not be published until Monday next, when it would be fully communicated both to the Press and the parties concerned. Needless to state, the decision is awaited with the keenest interest in football circles. 

THE EVERTON v ROVERS CABE.
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 18 May 1903
PLAYERS ARE EXONERATED.
As already reported, a point commission sat to consider this case (the Easter Monday match at Goodison Park) at Manchester on Friday. The commission went minutely into details, and although no official statement has been made, we learn from correspondent that the whole of the players have been exonerated from blame. What decision has been come to concerning certain officials is not known, but as it has now been decided that the players of the Everton team did not ‘‘fake’ the match, the inference to be drawn is that the officials are also exonerated.
CLUB SUSPENDED FOR A SEASON
A great sensation has been caused at Heywood by the announcement that the Lancashire Football Association has suspended Heywood United Club for the whole of next season for a violation of professional rules. It is feared the club will be disbanded.

FINDING OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE
Liverpool Echo - Monday 18 May 1903
ROVERS’ SECRETARY SUSPENDED
EVERTON DIRECTORS, CENSURED
Special Telegraph
Intimation was received in Blackburn this morning that the Joint Football Association and Football League Commission which inquired into the alleged squaring of the League match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers have reported that an attempt to influence Everton was made by the Rovers secretary. Mr. Joseph Walmsley, who is suspended from ever taking part in Football again, while the Everton club is censured for not reporting the matter.
STATEAMENT BY THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
THE TEXT OF THE REPORT.
On inquiry at the offices of the Football Association, this morning, a “Liverpool Echo” representative was informed that the report of the joint committee appointed by the Football Association and Football League to inquire into the alleged misconducted in the match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton, at Everton, on Easter Monday, was as follows;-
We are of opinion that Mr. J. Walmsley, the manager of Blackburn Rovers, approached representatives of the Everton club and endeavoured to arrange that the Rovers should be allowed to win the match. We are satisfied that. So far as the Everton officials were concerned, such efforts were not successful. We have been unable to obtain evidence to show whether or not similar attempts were made through the players, but the play shown on the occasion was such as to afford ground for the gravest suspicion. In the absentee of most evidence, we gave the player the benefit of the doubt, and take no action. As regards Mr. J. Walmsley, we are of opinion that he has been guilty of an offence involving the most serious consequences to the game in the estimation of the public, and feel that he must be suspended from taking any further part in connection with the game.
We are further of opinion that the Everton directors neglected their duty in not reporting the matter to the Football Association and the Football League.

THE FOOTBALL SCANDAL
Liverpool Evening Express - Monday 18 May 1903
RESULT OF THE INQUIRY
ROVERS SECRETARY SUSPENDED FOR EVER
PLAYERS GIVEN THE “BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.”
EVERTON DIRETCORS BLAMED
By “Express” Private Wire
Our London correspondent says that the report of the committee of inquiry into the alleged ““squaring” of the Blackburn Rovers and Everton match on Easter Monday was issued this morning as follows:— We are of opinion that J. Walmsley, the secretary of the Blackburn Rovers F.C., approached the representatives of the Everton Club and endeavoured to arrange that the Rovers should be allowed to win the match. We are satisfied that, so far as the Everton officials were concerned, such efforts were not successful. We have not been able to obtain evidence to show whether similar attempts were made through the players, but the play shown on the occasion was such as to afford grounds for the gravest suspicion. In the absence of more evidence we give the players the benefit of the doubt and take no action. As regards Mr. J. Walmsley, we are of opinion that he has been guilty of an offence involving the most serious consequences to the game in the estimation of the public, and feel that he must be suspended from taking any further part in the game. We are further of opinion that the Everton directors neglected their duty in not reporting the matter to the Football Association and the Football League.

THE ALLEGED “SQUARING” OF AN EVERTON MATCH
May 19 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Out London Correspondent says that the report of the Committee of inquiry into the alleged “ Squaring” of the Blackburn Rover and Everton match on Easter Monday was issued yesterdays as follows: - we are of opinion that J.Walmsley, the secretary of the Blackburn Football Club approached the representatives of the Everton Football Club and endeavored to arrange that the Rovers should be allowed to win the match. We are satisfied that, so far as the Everton officials were concerned, such efforts were not successful. We have not been able to obtain evidence to show whether similar attempts were made through the players, but the play shown on the occasion was such as to afford grounds for the greatest suspicious in the absence of more evidence, we gave the players the benefit of the doubt and take no action. As regards Mr.J.Walmsley, we are of opinion that he has been guilty of an offence involving the most serious consequences to the game in the estimation of the public, and fell that he must be suspended from taking any further in the game. We are further of opinion that the Everton directors neglected their duty in not reporting the matter to the Football Association and the Football League.

“SQUARED” FOOTBALL MATCHES
Liverpool Evening Express - Tuesday 19 May 1903
The joint commission appointed by the Football Association and the League to investigate the circumstances under which the Blackburn Rovers recently won a League match at Goodison-park has promptly published the result of its labours. Mr. J. Walmsley, secretary of the Rovers’ Club, is suspended from all future participation in the game as a punishment for having proposed that Everton should allow his team to win. The conduct of the players is declared to afford ground for the gravest suspicion, but in the absence of more direct evidence they are given the benefit of the doubt; while the Everton directors are adjudged guilty of neglect of duty in failing to report Mr. Walmsley's overtures to the proper authorities. It is mortifying to lovers of Association football to learn that an inquiry into the bona fides of a first-class match wherein both sides were supposed to have striven their hardest to win should ever have been necessary ; it is intensely humiliating to the Liverpool public to find that one of the two League clubs which they so generously support should have been involved, however innocently, in such a discreditable transaction. The word “squaring” has an ugly sound. It is generally supposed to imply the acceptance of a monetary consideration in return for questionable or shady services. Nobody will believe that the Everton players have descended to such depths of meanness. They are paid the maximum rate of wages allowed by the Association, and in other respects are treated with a consideration which players of other clubs have often been said to envy. To prove so false to their trust as to accept a financial bribe to betray the interests of their employers would be a monstrous act, of which no one would regard them as capable. Nor have we heard of any such charge being brought against the players in the service of the Everton club. The worst allegation preferred against them has been that, out of sympathy for a club of high - traditions, which had fallen upon evil days, and was threatened with the loss of its status as a first-class organisation, the Everton players comported themselves in such easy-going fashion on the field as to ensure that that imperilled club would gain the two points essential to keep them in the First Division of the League. Even that is a sufficiently serious ‘aspersion, and one is glad that the commission have, in the Scotch fashion, found it “ not proven.” There has been a more or less well-founded impression that many League matches within recent years have been “ squared ” in this sense —that is to say, that considerations of sentiment have been allowed to override the claims of the public who pay their money in the expectation of seeing two teams play their best, and are cheated of their due exactly in proportion as one side or the other endeavours to lose. Suspicion is inevitably aroused when a match upon which almost the very existence of a club depends reveals a complete and startling reversal of form. When a team, in order to escape degradation into second class company, requires not only to win but to win by half a dozen goals in a contest with an opponent of admittedly superior form, but nevertheless performs that apparently impossible feat, it is no wonder that spectators begin to shake their heads doubtfully. Players themselves must be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. If suspicion envelops certain critical matches at the end of the season it will spread to others, and once the confidence of the public in the honesty of the players is destroyed “gates” will begin to dwindle and salaries will show a like tendency. The drastic punishment of Mr. Walmsley will not be without its uses if it serves as a lesson to all other League secretaries whose clubs may be in similar plight to remember that sport is the first consideration, and that the interests of particular organisations, however eminent in the past, must take second place in the race for supremacy.

EVERTON PLAYERS BENEFIT
May 26 1903. The Liverpool Courier
Permission was refused for Everton Football Club to increase the benefit match receipts given to Balmer and Wolsteholme to £250 each.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Liverpool Evening Express - Thursday 28 May 1903
A PROISPEROUS YEAR
NEARLY £2,000 PROFIT
Mr. W.C Cuff, secretary of the Everton Football Club Company, Limited, has issued the annual statement of accounts, from which it appears that the income of the past year amounted to £11,789 15s., and that the gate receipts alone totalled £10,194 19s 8d. The chief item on the expenditure side is players’ wages and transfer fees, which amounted to £4,544 14s 7d., whilst at the close of the year the income had exceeded the expenditure by £1,990 8s 7d. the balance sheet in detail is as follows;-

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Liverpool Mercury - Friday 29 May 1903
PEOPEROUS SEASON
A BRIGHT OUTLOOK
An exceedingly satisfactory report and statement of accounts will be represented to the shareholders of the Everton Football Club Company, Limited, by the directors at the annual meeting, which will be held on Friday evening next, June 5, in the City Hall, Eberle-street. The directors will recommend the payment of a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on called-up capital.
The retiring directors are Messrs. W.R. Clayton, D. Kirkwood, and H. Wright, who offer themselves for re-election.
From the statement of accounts for the season ended April 30, 1903, the gross income amounted to £10,843, including £10, 194 gate receipts, and £648 proceeds from matches played away, the total being over £1000 in excess of the returns of last year, and that practically represents the increased profit over that of the previous season. Indeed, financially, the past year has been a very successful one, and the prospects for the coming season are exceedingly bright. Among other items of receipts under the heading of income, is set down £292 for season tickets, and £445 as bonuses received for players transferred. Certain transfer fees, advertising for programmes, &c., bring up the grand total of income to £11,789. Under the heading of expenditure are the following items;-
Players’ wages and transfer fees, £4544 14s 7d.; proceeds of benefit match divided between Balmer and Wolstenholme, £325 5s 4d.; amount paid visiting clubs, £1083 1s 7d.; Football Association, percentage of English Cup tie, £72 17s 4d.; Lancashire Football Association, percentage of semi-final, £116 1s. 1d.; Liverpool and District Football Association, percentage of final, £91 14s 6d.; travelling expenses, £944 6s. 4d.; advertising, billposting, printing, and stationery, £356 7s. 1d.; gate-expenses and checkers, £367 12s. 5d.; training expenses and trainer’s wages, £509 8s. 4d.; ground expenses and groundsmen’s wages, £324 13s. 6 ½ d.; rates, taxes, gas, water, telephone, and insurance, £237 6s. 5d; income tax, £38 15s.; interest on mortgage, less income tax, £201 18s. 1d.; office expenses, secretary’s salary, postage, &c., £210 11s. 8 ½ d.; clothing material and stores, £95; medical fees, £74 3s. 10d.; League, &c., subscriptions and donations £70 16s. 6d.; entertaining visiting clubs, £37 17s. 11d.; sundry expenses, including band, £54 1s. 6d.; law costs and accountancy charges, £42 13s. 4d.; and balance to profit and loss account, £1990 8s. 7d.
In the liabilities and assets account, the ground stands, hoardings, and erections at Goodison Park are put down at £3711 net; free-hold land £8079, less mortgage of 5,000, leaving to the good £6790.

THE HIGHLAND GATHERING IN LIVERPOOL
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 30 May 1903
STRONG LIST OF ENTERIES
The arrangements for this popular event, to be held to-day and on Whit- Monday, at Goodison Park, Everton, under the auspices of the Liverpool Scottish Volunteers, the Caledonian Association, and the Scottish community generally, are now completed. Should the weather be favourable, a most successful gathering may be anticipated, as numerous entries have been received in the competitions. The Lord Mayor has kindly promised to preside on Monday, when the sports will commence at noon, and General Hallam-Parr, commanding the North-Western District, has given his patronage to the gather and will probably also be present on Monday. The commencing hour to-day is two o'clock. For the various competitions about 400 entries have been received, comprising many of the leading and best-known athletes in the country. In the dancing competition the principal prize dancers of Scotland will appear, and this will certainly be one of the most interesting features of the gathering as opportunities are not often afforded at athletic sports to witness a competition of Highland dancing. The entries in the competition for bagpipe-playing are equally satisfactory, some of the most noted pipers in Scotland having signified their intention of competing. In the open tug-of-war there promises to be a most interesting and exciting struggle, the entries being more numerous than is generally the case at such meetings. Ten teams will complete- namely, Liverpool, Bootle, Manchester Police, 1st Royal Garrison Artillery, 5th Irish, Liverpool Scottish, Bellman’s team, London and North-Western Railway team from Birken-head, Macfie’s Sugar House team, and the Liverpool Warehousing team. The walking competition, no doubt owing to the prevailing craze, has brought forward a large number of craze, has brought forward a large number of entries and will doubtless afford considerable amusement to the spectators. The distance will be one mile, and amongst those who have entered are two gentlemen aged respectively sixty-five and seventy-four years. In the high jump competition several celebrated jumpers will appear, one of whom, it is stated has to his credit the exceptional jump of six feet. A feature of Monday’s programme will be the 1,000 yards steeplechase, for which a difficult water jump is being prepared. The entries for this event comprise representatives of the West Cheshire Harriers, Sefton Harriers, Liverpool Pembroke Harriers, L.H. and A. C., Farnworth Harriers, &c. The purely Highland game will be very strongly represented; in fact it is stated that probably the competitors in these will be much more numerous than at many of the Highland and gatherings in Scotland. This part of the programme comprises tossing the caber, putting the shot, and throwing the hammer. There will also be bayonet exercises and other features of a novel and interesting character. In the great exhibition the principal exponents will be Tom Cannon, Tom McInerney, and Joe Carroll, and they may be depended upon to give a fine display of scientific wrestling.  Munro, the well-known Scotch wrestler, had also intended to be present, but he has written to inform the committee that he is unable to come owing to a recent injury to his back. On both days music will be provided by the band of pipers of the Liverpool Scottish. The ground is being profusely decorated, and arrangements have been made whereby refreshments will be obtainable in all parts of the en closure. It is probable that there will be a unique display of the Highland costume, as not only will the members of the Liverpool Scottish appear in the dress of the regiment, but it is stated that many other Scotchmen resident in the city have on this occasion expressed their intention of wearing the national costume, and this will without doubt add greatly to the picturesqueness of the scene. The arrangements made by the committee of the sports, with Captain Robertson, adjutant of the Liverpool Scottish, as the indefatigable hon. secretary, are most complete in every respect. At the final meeting of the General Committee on Thursday, it was reported that the Tramways Committee had refused permission to post placards on the cars going north directing the public which cars to take for the sports. It was pointed out that this privilege had heretofore been accorded in connection with events of a similar character, and the action of the committee was warmly commented on, as no good reason appeared to be given why the privilege was denied.