END OF THE SEASON.
Athletic News - Monday 02 May 1904
By Junius
The Everton Club has finished in the third position in the League table, which comparatively ought to be considered satisfactory, but it is very clear that had the team been consistent at home the championship question would have been settled in their favour. Four times have they been trounced at home this season. Sunderland, Derby County. Nottingham Forest, and Stoke being their conquerors. As the three latter clubs were all defeated by Everton in the return engagement away, it is an easy matter to see where the championship has been lost. The chief cause of the teams successes has been the fine play of the half-backs. Booth has not missed a match, whilst Wolstenholme and Abbott have been absent only twice, though on one of these occasions it the International game with Scotland, which caused an absentee entry. In all 20 players have been tried in the League team, and had the forwards been equal to the men behind them results might have been easily superior to what have been obtained, for it is in this division that the greatest number of changes have been made. Inconsistency-which has ever been their characteristic trait —has done much to create feeling of disappointment with Everton, even the third position in the league being little to enthuse about. The Reserve eleven has done remarkably well, and has easily secured the championship of the Lancashire Combination.

Athletic News

ASSOCIATION CHIT-CHAT
Football Chat & Athletic Sports- Tuesday 03 May 1904
Bu Montezuma
Third place in the table has fallen to Everton, and I am giving no secrets away when I say this is the club which " should " have most readily landed the Championship. No club in the country has finer resources; no club has a more able defence, or so powerful a middle line, whilst in attack they are only the slightest bit inferior to the best. But Everton season after season lack that thing most essential to success—consistency, to wit. Hence their failure, year after year, to really land a prize. Not one of Everton's neighbours on the good end of the table have lost the admitted " soft " games on home territory. The Toffees, on the other hand, have been real champions at this sort of thing. Fancy succumbing at Goodison to such clubs as Derby County, Notts Forest, and Stoke! Had Everton but defeated the Potters at home recently they would have secured the championship, provided Sheffield Wednesday lost at Derby on Saturday, which, however, they did not. Not only so, but the loss of those two particular points to Stoke would have saved Liverpool from Division II.  I can assure CHAT readers that Liverpool enthusiasts are saying some very severe things just now about those Everton chaps. I shall have more to say in subsequent issues of CHAT respecting the great players of season 1903-4, also the season's "finds" and the season's "failures." The quality of play throughout has been of a capital standard, and the interest thoroughly sustained.
Everton I have already referred to. A word about one or two players. Hardman has proved that a light-weight amateur can stand the pace of League football, and Wolstenholme and Booth have had a great season. Should Wolstenholme decide to seek fresh quarters, Everton will be sadly the poorer. He is their only League player unwilling to stay on.

PLAYERS TRANSFER
May 4, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Corrin, the well know forward of the Portsmouth and Everton, has been transfer from the latter club to Reading. Gordon also has been transferred to Manchester City from Everton.

L. R ROOST. LEAVING STOKE.
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 04 May 1904
Leigh Richmond Rouse annouce that has decided to sever his connection with the Stoke Football Club. The Welsh international is the last of the trio of amateurs who did much for the old Potteries club and his departure from North Staffordshire, when made many friends, will be greatly regretted. Several leading clubs are anxious sihn the young Welshmans signature. but Roost at present has not fixed up for a programme for next season
Corrin to Reading
Corrin the well know forward of Portsmouth and Everton fame, has been transfered from the latter club to Reading.

SOUTHAMPTON SIGN GORDON
Portsmouth Evening News - Wednesday 04 May 1904
Southampton have engaged Gordon of Everton, and also have signed Webb who is perhaps the greatest capture. he is a brilliant player and very fast. dainty was formerly with Northampton and was a reserve back of Everton. Bowman's name is also been mentioned in connection with Portsmouth and Queen's Park.

O’HAGAN AND GORDON
Bolton Evening News - Wednesday 04 May 1904
Gordon (right back) and O’Hagan (inside left), who last season were identified with the Everton Club, have been secured by Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Henderson (full back), and Corrin (outside left), also of Everton, gave signed for Reading. Of this quartette the only player whose services Everton wished to retain was O’Hagan, a very smart local, but Tottenham presumably have offered better terms. Gordon did not prove quite up to League standard, whilst Corrin grew unreliable. There was really no League team vacancy for Henderson, who, we may add, had assisted Reading previously.

GEORGE S. ECCLES
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser - Thursday 05 May 1904
A former Everton player has been signed by the Bolton wanderers, george S. Eccles, who has played for West Ham for two seasons, having decided to throw in his lot with the Wanderers. Eccles is a back, and stands 5ft 11in.

T.CORRIN TO READING
London Daily News - Thursday 05 May 1904
T. Corrin, of Everton, and formely of Portsmouth has gone to Reading.
L.R. Roose, the Welsh international goalkeeper, is leaving Stoke, but is not yet fixed up for next season.

TED TURNER
Grimsby Daily Telegraph - Thursday 05 May 1904
Ted Turner who last season partnered Orr at full back, for Fulham, has signed on for Luton. The Fulham directors endeavoured to retain hi services for another season but he was otherwise inclined. Turner, who hails from Skerton (Lancashire), has seen services with Everton and Northampton, the former club have secured his signature from Kendal Swifts about six years ago. He is 26 years of age, and has been described as one of the best full backs in the London district.

O'HAGAN TO TOTTENHAM
Northampton Mercury - Friday 06 May 1904
Tottenham Hotspurs have secured a capital forward in O'Hagan (Everton) and a hard working half in C. Morgan (Liverpool).

EVERTON NEWS
Athletic News - Monday 09 May 1904
By Junius
At this period of the year football matters must necessarily concern the movements of the players.  At Everton all the League members have re-signed with the exception of Wolstenholme, whose intentions are at present uncertain.  Several of the Reserve team have migrated and I am rather surprised to hear that O’Hagan has gone to Tottenham.  With the Old Xaverians he gained fame, and since his appearance at Goodison Park as a professional he has developed wonderfully.  Gordon, full back, has gone to Southampton, whilst Corrin and Henderson have signed for Reading. 
Kitchen the Everton custodian has accepted an appointment for the summer as cricket coach at Dulwich Colleague., and Bootle will sadly miss his valuable series, for he was a capital bat and field.   Whitley is, I believe a capable cricketer also. 
Everton League Appearances
W. Abbott, 32; W. Balmer 7; R. Balmer 2; J. Balmer, 26; T Booth 24; T Corrin 8; J Crelley 29, HP Hardman 26; W. Henderson 2; G. Kitchen 31; D.B. Murray 2; T McDermott 29; B. Rankin 3; J. Settle 29; J Sharp 31; J. Sheridan 2; T. Simpson 2; JD Taylor 22; S Wolstenholme 32; J. Whitley 3; A Young 22
League Scorers;- Young 11, Sharp 7, Settle 7, McDermott 7, Taylor 6, Booth 4, Hardman 4, Wolstenholme 4, Abbott 4, Sheridan 2, Rankin 2, and Corrin 1.

Great Picture of Ex Everton Player Jack Sharp While at Preston (Athletic News)

BRENTFORD'S NEW HOME.
Morning Leader - Monday 09 May 1904
MR. MOLYNEAUX HOPEFUL OF MAKING THE CLUB A SECOND EVERTON.
A Press view of Brentford's new home revealed the fact that the West Londoners will possess one of the most compact enclosures in the kingdom. Griffin-park, as they propose to call it, will bring 35,000 spectators into close touch with the personalities of the playing field, and entrances and exits have been so arranged that it will be possible to empty the ground within a few minutes. A great undertaking has indeed materialised, and it now remains for the supporters of the club to rally round the directors and help them to carry out proposed extensions They want to provide seating capacity for 1,500 spectators and erect embankments from which 20,000 sightseers can comfortably view the game. It is also proposed, I believe, to cover the north stand, so that the spectator who pays 6d. for admission will also be afforded shelter from bad weather.
FACTS ABOUT THE CLUB.
All these things will come to pass if the capital for which the directors are asking is forthcoming, and a public meeting in support of the object has been called for Wednesday next at the local Vestry Hall. The whole of the subscribed capital, £800, is sunk in the ground and fixtures There remain 2,400 10s. shares, and if these are taken up the Brentford club will go on its way rejoicing.  It is interesting to note that upwards of 140.000 spectators visited the old enclosure, and that the yearly wages bill of the club 1i £3,000 In securing s team capable of holding its own with the best next season, the directors find it necessary to make an appeal for further support.  I have run over these facts in order to show the real state of affairs in West London at the moment. It is my honest conviction that the club stands on the threshold oi success, and with a body of managing officials who mean to go ahead, Griffin-park may one day become the freehold property of the Brentford Football Company.
WHAT IS BEING DONE.
Mr. Molyneux showed us round the new ground and afterwards conducted us to the chart room, where a plan of the enclosure, as they want to see it, was spread out before admiring eyes. However, lambs were grazing outside on the excellent grass plot where next season “lions’ will be seen disporting themselves.  It is the proper thing on these occasions, I suppose to dig one heel into the turf, pluck a blade of grass, and to examine the same with critical eye., It certainly looked beautifully fresh and green, but I can venture no opinion on the virtues of this particular grass as compared with any other grass. If it will only yield a plentiful crop of goals everybody will be satisfied. A cinder path encircles the playing pitch, and five laps to the mile suggests athletic meetings, whilst they are already thinking of forming a cricket club. The bowling green, too, is pegged out, and waiting for its carpet. One stand is in position and rising from a stout fence at the edge of the field many tons of clinker form capital vantage ground.
THE SECRETARY’S OPINION
At an informal gathering Mr. Molyneux told us that they were looking forward to making the Brentford club a second Everton. If they do not succeeded straightaway, they will keep on trying, and it will not be the fault of the directors. So far as their new ground was concerned, it would be one of the largest in the West, and they should be somewhere near the top in the matter of accommodation. Mr. Molyneux also thought that the Brentford team would be seen to better advantage next season. We should all be pleased, I think to see a change in their fortune following a change of address.

W. HENDERSON
Berkshire Chronicle - Tuesday 10 May 1904
W. Henderson, of Everton, is of course the old Reading back who rendered the club excellent service for three or four seasons, before he left for Southampton. There he spent one season, and for the past two years has served the Everton club. There is a rumour abroad that Henderson is crippled, but that is absolutely without foundation. It is true that he has not often assisted the League team, but with two such powerful backs as the club possesses, and so many good reserve backs, this is scarcely surprising. Just now he should be in his prime, and the only hope is that he will curb his vigorous inclinations. He has put on weight since he left Reading, and now turns 12 stone, so that with Herbert Smith as a partner there should be nothing to fear in defence.

ASSOCIATION CHIT-CHAT
Football Chat & Athletic World- Tuesday 10 May 1904
By Montezuma
Coming to the Everton camp, very little fresh news are to hand. Wolstenholme, their International right-half, still remains obstinate, as I write, and, of course, has lost one week's salary. The Everton players already secure are Kitchen and Whitley, goalkeepers; W. Balmer, R. Balmer, Crelly, and Wildman (all locals), backs; Booth, Abbott, Makepeace, Chadwick and Hanlin, half-backs; Sharp, Taylor, Young, Settle, McDermott, Hardman, Sheridan, Dilly, and Rankin, forwards. This is a capital list. However, there is still room for another back I half-back, and forward or two. Everton, I hear, made a big bid for Common. How nice it is to be wealthy! Hanlin, the half-back mentioned above, hails from Darvel Athletic, and was looked upon as the best junior right-half in Scotland. He is twenty-two years of age, stands 6ft 9 ½ in, and weighs 11st. He created a favourable impression when tried recently. Murray, a capital back, late of Everton reserve, is still unsigned. He has refused several tempting offers to go South. But four others have gone from the Everton camp, viz., O’Hagan, an inside-left, to Tottenham; Gordon, right-back, to Southampton; Corrin, the ex-Portsmouth man, to Reading; and also Henderson, I understand, to the last-mentioned club, where he is, of course, no stranger. Of this quartette the only man Everton wished to retain was O’Hagan, whom they brought out last season. O’Hagan is Irish by birth, and was nominated for a place in the Irish team last season. He has resided many years, however, on Merseyside. For a man who has had no League football experiences Everton offered him a most handsome salary to stay on, but presumably Jack Cameron has gone one better. This is another instance of the gratitude which locals shot to the club good enough to bring them out! O’Hagan is clever, thrustful, and sinuous, but apparently is not too strongly built. If he stands the wear and tear of a heavy season he should turn out a rare catch for the Spurs. Gordon, the Everton back, booked by Southampton, I do not care for. He is on the slow side, and does not possess the resource necessary to compensate for this shortcoming.

EVERTONIAN FOR THE ROVERS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Thursday 12 May 1904
The Blackburn Rovers having obtained the consent of Everton to approach Wolsteholme, Mr. Middleton, the secretary, interviewed the player in question, with the result that he has been transfered to the Blackburn club. Wolstenholme is a brilliant half, and this season was capped by the International Committee.

EVERTONIAN FOR THE ROVERS
Thursday 12 May 1904 Lancashire Evening Post
The Blackburn Rovers having obtained the consent of Everton to approach Wolstenholmes, Mr. Middleton the secretary, interviewed the player in question, with the result that he has been transferred to the Blackburn club. Wolstenholmes is a brilliant half, and this season was capped by the International Committee.

EVERTON PLAYER TO ROVERS
May 13, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
Blackburn Rovers bid fair to have a team of international next season's, Wolstenholme right half-back from Everton, who received his cap in the Scottish match a few weeks ago. Wolstenholme has been about six season with Everton, and as he would not re-sign, the Rovers were given permission to approach him. We have reason to believe that the transfer fee is not far short of £300.

ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL FOR BLACKBURN ROVERS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 13 May 1904
The Rovers' directorate are now fully determined that, so far as lays in their power, they will secure a strong team for next seaeon. The bitter experiences of the past few seasons no doubt has stimulated the managers of the club greater efforts, and the supporters of the Blue and Whites will rejoice thereat. The Latest testimony to the enterprise the directors is the announcement that the signature has been secured the Rovers for next season S. WoLtenhohne, Everton's international right half-back. Terms were arranged between the two clubs on Tuesday. and the player's signature to a League form was secured yesterday afternoon by the secretary. Mr. R. B. Middleton. The Rovers have now five international players, all of them in their in the team, viz. Evans (Welsh), goal; Crompton (England) and Cameron (Scotch), backs; Wdlstenholme, right half, and Blackburn (England), outside right. Their defence should assuredly one of the best, if not the best, in the League next season.

IMPORTANT TRANSFER
Sheffield Daily Telegraph - Friday 13 May 1904
Wolsteholmes the Everton half-back, has been transferred to Blackburn Rovers. The trasnfer is reported to be about £600.

WOLSTENHOLME LEAVES EVERTON FOR BLACKBURN.
Liverpool Daily Post - Friday 13 May 1904
Blackburn Rovers bid fair to have a team of internationals next season, for, in addition to Crompton and Blackburn (England), Cameron (Scotch), and Evans (Welsh), they have signed on S. Wolstenholme, right half back, from Everton, who received his cap in the Scotch match a few weeks ago. Wolstenholme has been about six seasons with Everton, and as he would not re-sign the Rovers were given permission to approach him. The transfer fee is said to be heavy.
EVERTON ISSUE A CIRCULAR ON THE BONUS RULE.
Everton have issued a circular convening a meeting of clubs for the purpose of discussing the advisability or otherwise of amending the rule as to the payment of bonuses. Representatives of the First and Second Divisions of the League and the First Division of the Southern League have been invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at Birmingham, on Wednesday next, the 18th inst.

BLACKBURN ROVERS GREAT CAPTURES.
Dundee Courier - Saturday 14 May 1904
Blackburn Rovers bid fair to have team of internationals next season, for in addition to Crompton and Blackburn, of England, Cameron, of Scotland, and Evans of Wales, they have signed S. Wolstenholme, right halt-back from Everton, who received his cap in the Scottish match last season. Wolstenholme has been about six seasons with Everton, and, as he would not re-sign, the Rovers were given permission to approach him. The transfer fee is said to heavy.

ANOTHER INTERNATIONAL FOR BLACKBURN
Athletic News - Monday 16 May 1904
By Harricus
Well done. Blackburn Rovers!  Some time ago I twitted them on not offering high transfer fees for class men, but they soon afterwards secured Cameron, the Scotch back, who played so finely at Clayton in the Inter- League game, at a record transfer fee for them, and now they have retained Samuel Wolstenholme, who was England’s right half in the last match against Scotland. As Wolstenholme was determined move. Everton have perhaps done the best they could in getting what they could for him. The Rovers are to be congratulated on securing him. I have always had a fondness for Wolstenholme, even before he secured a regular position in the Everton team, for he plays the ideal halfback game. He was born at Little Lever (Bolton) in 1878. Stands 5ft. 9in... and weighs 12st. He left Horwich to join Everton in 1897, and is young enough to qualify for another benefit at Blackburn. I believe he would have preferred to play on his own doorstep, as it were, at Bolton, but the Wanderers have no money for transfer fees. Wolstenholme's brother Robert is one of Blackpool’s half-backs.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOITES
Athletic News - Monday 16 May 1904
CONCERNING FOOTBALL
By Junius
The most interesting news of the week relates to the transfer of Wolstenholme to the Rovers. His place will not readily be filled, and the famous Everton half-back line has been greatly weakened by his unexpected refusal to sign on again for the Goodison Park club. The latter have I understand, transferred their dashing though inexperienced reserve full-back, Murray, to Liverpool, and he should prove just the sort of man for the post in Second Division football. his vigour should combine well with the artistic cleverness of West and constitute a reliable defensive line. Everton have likewise loomed prominently in another direction during the past week, and their circular convening other League clubs to discuss the rule relating to bonuses has caused much diversity of opinion.  Personally, I have no faith in the bonus system, and would have preferred to see an attempt made to alter the rule with respect to the limitation of wages. Let a player receive a wage proportionate to his ability, and he should be satisfied without the bribe of a bonus.

EVERTON AND THEIR PLAYERS.
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 18 May 1904
The Everton club have again signed the following League players -Kitchen, Whitley, Crelly, R. Balmer, Booth, Abbott, Sharp, Taylor, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman, W. Balmer, Rankin and Sheridan. It is also announced that Harry Thorburn a young centre forward of much promise, of Queen's Park, has been transferred to Everton.

STAYING AT EVERTON
Birmingham Daily Gazette - Thursday 19 May 1904
Everton have signed the following League players;- Kitchen, Whitley, Crelly, R. Balmer, Booth, Abbott, Sharp, Taylor, McDermott, Young, Settle, Hardman, W. Balmer, Rankin, and Sheridan.

EVERTON F.C GAIN A QUEEN’S PARK PLAYER’S SERVICES
Liverpool Daily Post - Thursday 19 May 1904
Harry Thorburn the Queen’s Park centre forward, has been transferr4ed to Everton. Thorburn is a strong young player who has come to the front rapidly, only having played a few matches for the first eleven. As a junior he gave great promise and those in a position to judge say that Everton have made a decided capture.

FOR THE BONUS
Athletic News - Monday 23 May 1904
By Tityrus
The advocates of the bonus system seemed very frank. There were no hated chiels among them takin’ notes. One gentleman declared that from information received (as the stereotyped police constable remarks) and general vigilance he had come to the conclusion that Rule 31 was more honoured in the breach than the observance, and he believed that a little friendly conference might end in an expression of views and concerted action. A gentleman from Everton went so far as speak at length upon what the directors of that club had heard in the course of their peregrinations, and how their players had been confronted with teams who fought with a desperation that was almost dangerous—the reason for so doing being the stimulus of bonus. Everton had steadfastly refused to pander to their men in such a way. Everton had set their faces against all wrong-doing. Their club always tried to assist the Association and carry out the law, as proved inquiry that they caused to be made into a certain match they played with Blackburn Rovers. In the belief that the payment of bonuses had become general Everton thought it would be much better if the action was legalised and not broken in such hideous fashion. This gentleman quoted the case of a Southern League player who was anxious to join Everton, who made arrangements with his club, and with the organisation which held his League transfer. But when Everton went to see that player he jingled 125 sovereigns at them, and gleefully remarked: “That is what I have received for going elsewhere.” Fortunately players were not all of the same calibre. He thought the present system of paying players was all wrong because every man declared he was worth £4 per week, and the tip-top performer received no more reward than the mere mediocrity. This did not seem justice—but still the gentleman was not convincing how the bonus system was going to right the wrong of one man being overpaid and another underpaid, having due regard to their respective abilities. Another rotund, gold-spectacled gentleman from Liverpool neighbour across Stanley Park— rented the contention that a bonus constituted a double payment for the same services. A parallel according to his judgment was the case of the commercial traveller, who was paid a salary, and received a commission besides a handsome present, let us say, for a very fine order, or a rush of business that created. It was very difficult prove irregularities in regard to the bonus system, although they knew that they existed. The Football Association were undoubtedly the guardians of their interests. Liverpool had striven to assist the parent society in the maintenance of the law, and in so doing he hinted that they had become martyrs. His club was convinced that it would be judicious to legalise the bonus system, and then clubs would know exactly what they were allowed to do. What self-denying law-abiding clubs exist in the city of Liverpool. Some representatives of clubs declared that in the days when they used to give a small ” insult,” as Pooh-Bah would say, they found the added reward did much food. Another representative who hailed from the Sunny South boldly stated that he came to the meeting expecting to hear representatives perjure themselves—but, on the contrary, truth had abounded. Proof—direct, damning proof—of the payment of bonuses was always wanting, but, unfortunately, such a state of affairs did exist. If a bonus was really necessary it was wise for clubs to use their influence to get their actions legalised and not conduct their business in a surreptitious manner and place themselves at the mercy of their players and other people. Now this seems to me a plain unvarnished version of the arguments used to justify the payment of bonus.
AGAINST THE BONUS.
Some of the poorer clubs did not view the proposition with favour. Perhaps they had a sneaking affection for the plan, but then, you see, they could hardly hope to cope with their richer brethren in the bestowal of the bonus, and a measure they must suffer. The delegate from Small Heath spoke with uncertain voice. The present law was good as it stood. It required alteration, and to him it seemed a strange thing to pay a man over again for doing that which he had already been paid for. He proudly cited the case of Small Heath as proving that men could be found to play loyally for their wages and their club. He did not think that there need be any alteration, and that it was for the clubs to see that the rules were faithfully observed. The arguments used in support of the scheme only strengthened him in his opposition, for it seemed to him that clubs wanted to legalise- should he say a custom ? —because the rule was illegally broken. This process of reasoning amounted to the legalising of a crime! A gentleman from Manchester City declared that no argument had been adduced to show any need for the alteration of the rule on the lines indicated by the Everton circular. Furthermore, if the promoters of bonus paying hoped to benefit the working of club management he could hardly see how the proposed alteration was going to do it, because the chairman of the Football Association had ruled that the emoluments from all sources should not exceed £2O8 per annum. Such a restriction as that must either be removed from the Book of Rules altogether or else they must adopt the alternative of making the player a “pro rata” profit-sharing member of the concern. The player was an earning factor, and being a profit producer he should be a profit sharer. Unfortunately that meeting was called at a wrong time, as it was too late to place any amendment on the agenda paper for the annual meeting of the Association. The profit-sharing idea seemed exceedingly popular, but the embodiment of Notts County clinched all argument when he declared that what the clubs wanted to do was to be loyal to the rules of the Association. If they were, they would not need any remedial measures at all. A Potter from Stoke did not see the possibility of much good coming out of the bonus system, but there was some hope of a profit-sharing scheme being useful and legitimate. Another Staffordshire sportsman hailing from West Bromwich was more inclined to support a reconsideration of the wages question than to favour a bonus. Such, in the main, were the arguments used against the bonus system. No vote was taken, and I fail to see that there was a “tacit understanding that Mr. Rinder’s proposal was worthy of support.” Certainly I have not heard a single statement or logical contention advanced at this meeting to induce me to think that the bonus system is either beneficial or justified. The agitators hope for a change-if not this year, well, next year. But they are surely on a wrong basis.

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT NOTES
Athletic News - Monday 23 May 1904
By Junius
Everton, it is said, have made a capture in Thorburn, a centre forward from Queen’s Park. Edgar Chadwick has been transferred to Blackpool.

THORBURN TO EVERTON
Derby Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 25 May 1904
Everton have made a capture in Thorburn, a centre forward from Queen's Park, and Edgar Chadwicj has been transferred to Blackpool.

ASSOCIATION CHIT-CHAT
Football Chat & Athletic World - Wednesday 25 May 1904
By Montezuma
Reading have paid the penalty of their plodding work by losing nearly the whole of last season’s team. I see they have enlisted the services of Corrin, our old Everton and Portsmouth friend. Corrin, at one juncture in the late season, bade fair to keep such a smart forward as Hardman in the Toffee background, for in the reserve match je “kicked like a mule,” it was said, when the goal here in sight, and his centres were “dreadful” things in the eyes of the enemy. His turn was bound to come, and come it did about Christmas, I think. But no sooner had Corrin gained the prize so long sought than he tired of it. He played like an untrained man- a man tired of his prize. I hope he will tighten the cords again, otherwise Reading will be disappointed in their man. I know Corrin can do it; but he must see to fitting himself for the fray.

NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
May 26, 1904. The Liverpool Courier
The Everton have secured the service for nest season of Tom Caldwell, who has played centre forward and inside left for Blanyre Victoria. Caldwell is looked upon as a smart player, and likely to prove a useful acquisition to the Everton ranks. He is an 11 st man, 5ft 9ins in height, and 21 years old.

CALDWELL
Scottish Referee - Friday 27 May 1904
After it was made known that Burnbank Athletic had withdrawn their protest against Blantyre Victoria, Caldwell, the pivot of the Vic., signed for Everton.

LIVERPOOL HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND
Liverpool Mercury - Saturday 28 May 1904
The Volunteer bands of the city, to the number of 350 performers, are to give to-day (Saturday) a musical performance on the ground of the Everton Football Club in aid of this fund. The massed Volunteers bands will be assisted by the boys of the Indefatigable by Scottish pipers and dancers, and by the boys of Holy Trinity Industrial Schools, and the St. John’s Ambulance Corps.

TO-DAY’S HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND
Liverpool Daily Post - Saturday 28 May 1904
As will be seen from an advertisement in to-day’s issue, the Volunteer bands of our city to the number of 350 performers are to give to-day a grand musical performance on the ground of the Everton Football Club on behalf of the Hospital Saturday Fund. The proceedings will commence at five o’clock, and will close about 7.30. the Lord Major and other prominent gentlemen are expected to be present. The massed Volunteer bands will be assisted in this effort by the boys of the Indefatigable with their cutlass drill and hornpipe. The Scottish pipers and dancers will be sure to draw many Liverpool residents from beyond the Tweed. The boys from Holy Trinity Industrial Schools and the St. John’s Ambulance Corps are to give displays, which will combine to produce a unique performance. It is hoped that the Liverpool public will show their appreciation by turning out in large numbers.

VOLUNTEER BANDS AND THE HOSPITALS
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 May 1904
HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL
The performance by the massed Volunteer bands of the city, which took place on Saturday evening, on the ground of the Everton Football Club, Goodison Park, in aid of the Hospital Saturday Fund, was, from all points of view, a highly gratifying success. There were about 5,000 people present. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Miss Hampson attended, and amongst others were Mr. William Adamson, chairman of the Southern Hospital, Mr L. S Coben, Colonel Thomas Gee, V.D., 1st Colonel H. Concanon, 4th V B.K L.R, &c.  A number of the commanding officers of the Volunteer corps were prevented from personally patronising the festival owing to parades previously fixed.  The concert had been promoted by the Entertainment Committee of the Hospital Saturday Fund, composed as follows Messrs. R May (chairman), R W Gilles, W. Gardler, W.O. Parry, A.H. Appleton, C. MacMillian, P. Yunnie, Wickstead S. Rennie,  H C. Davies, J Chidley, W. C Cuff, and A. Gartlan and Messer’s. R J. Marsh and J. Williams, hon secretaries. The Band Sub-committee, which arranged the programme and other details, consisted of the following;- Messrs. J.  Farrell, bandmaster 5th V.B,K.L.R.  (chairman) ; G Smith, bandmaster 1st L.G.A.V.’  J. J. Leyland, bandmaster 2nd L.G.A.V.  F. Sutton, bandmaster 4th L.G.A.V;  C. Stone, bandmaster 6th L.G.A.V.; J. Heron, bandmaster lst V.B.K.L.R;  F Movnagh, bandmaster 2nd V.B.K.L.R.  F. Howell. bandmaster 4th V.B.K.L.R; A.B. Smith, bandmaster 6th V.B.K.L.R; E. Trowbridge, bandmaster 1st L.E.V and J Howell, bandmaster R.N.R.  In every respect the festival was an enjoyable one.  The various items were as follows :— March. “ Infanterie” (Kneztel);  conductor, Mr J. Farrell, assisted by buglers and drummers of the 5th and 6th V.B.K.L.R. Cutlass drill boys of the Indefatigable. Overture, “Poet and Peasant” (Suppé); conductor. Mr J. Heron. Gymnastic display, boys of Holy Trinity Industrial School.  Chorale, from “‘ Pomp and Circumstance” Mr G (Dr Elgar); Conductor, Mr. G Smith. Streathspey and reel, Pipers of the 8th Scottish; Pipe Major Mackay.  First-aid (illustrated) St John Ambulance Brigade.  Fantasia. “Life of a Soldier’ (Mason) ; conductor. Mr. J. Hornpipe. Hornpipe, boys of the Indefatigable ; music by band of the 5th Valse, “Hydropaten” (Gung’l); conductor, Mr. A B Smith Highland dancers, members of the 8th Scottish. March, “Argandab” (Thompson); conductor, Mr. E. Trowbridge. Strathspey and reel. Pipers of the 8th Scottish; Pipe Major Mackay. “God  save the King” conductor, Mr. J. Farrell. The massed bands comprised upwards of 350 performers, and the items allotted to them were rendered in a most effective manner. The miscellaneous numbers in the programme . such as the drills and dances, were greatly appreciated by the vast audience. The pronounced success which attended the festival will no doubt encourage the committee which organised it to repeat the effort next year.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
Liverpool Daily Post - Monday 30 May 1904
A PROSPEROUS BALANCE-SHEET
The report and balance-sheet of the Everton Football Club Company, Limited for the year ending the 30th ult, was issued on Saturday for presentation at the annual meeting on Tuesday payment of the usual dividend of 5 per cent, for the year on the called-up capital. The retiring directors are Dr. J.C. Baxter, Dr. W. Whitford, and Messrs A.T. Coates and B. Kelly, who offer themselves for re-election. The following is the statement of income and expenditure for the year;-