NORWICH CITY 1 EVERTON 1
May 1, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
NORWICH HOSPITAL CUP
At Norwich. About 11,000 watched a keen game, which was played in heavy rain. The Everton side included seven reserves and one local amateur, while Norwich were without McEwan. After fifteen minutes Young gave Everton the lead and three minutes before the interval Lamberton equalised. Norwich pressed frequently during the second half, but the Everton defence was sound. Sloan being in goal. Neither side was able to get the winning goal. Result Norwich 1, Everton 1.

EVERTON STILL SEEKING
May 1, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
An Everton emissary has gone to Scotland again, and I don't think it is with a view to improving his health –more likely to improve the strength of the team. The team the club turned out yesterday at Norwich was as follows; Sloan; R. Balmer, and Stevenson; Makepeace, Booth, and Chadwick; Couper, (Could not read), Young, Graham, and Donnachie. Eleven thousand people assembled to witness the meeting of the Everton and the City eleven in a charity cup tie. The game was keenly contested and ended in a draw of one goal each. Fifteen minutes after the start Young opened the scoring for Everton but just before the interval Lamberton equalized. After the change of ends Norwich did most of the attacking but the Everton defence was sound. The clubs will hold the cup jointly.

WILLIAM MUIR
Lancashire Evening Post-Thursday 2 May 1907
Bradford City yesterday signed on William Muir, the Scottish international goalkeeper, and, in accordance with a special agreement with the Dundee club, the transfer fee is £100. Muir, who formerly played for Everton, was in the Scottish League team against the English League in 1903, and this season he has played for Scotland against Ireland and Wales and also for Scotland against anglo-Scots.

NORWICH V EVERTON
Diss Express - Friday 03 May 1907
Despite unfavourable weather a big crowd—estimated at nearlv l0,000—assembled on the Newmarket Road ground. Norwich, Tuesday evening witness a match between Norwich City and Everton. Each side scored A goal. The financial result of the match will boE sum of more than £2OO for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

RUMOURS CREDITS WILSON WITH GOING TO THE HEARTS
May 3, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
Rumour has associated George Wilson the Everton player with his old club, but Hearts of Midlothian are not offering for his transfer and it is said in Edinburgh that he may seek to go to a South of England club. Rankin, who joined Manchester and before that was at Everton and West Browmich has signed for Luton

NORWICH HOSPITAL CUP
Norfolk News - Saturday 04 May 1907
Norwich City v Everton
Big Crowd Witnessed a Draw
Over £2OO For The Hospital 
The great reputation of the Everton team in Cup and First League football and the charitable object of the fixture are mainly responsible for so much interest being displayed over the last match of the season, and the attendance nearly 10.000 persons in very wet weather at the Newmarket Road Ground on Tuesday was a fine tribute to the Lancashire club, and also a fitting reward to the local committee for much hard work. Great occasions, and Cup-ties in particular, hare an unhappy knack of proving disappointing.   The weather was most unfavorable, and a much better standard of play was reached than might have been expected under such adverse conditions;  but perhaps the chief disappointment was in the failure of either side to win the match. The Cup was there, the eleven beautiful gold medals which were expected to act as incentive to the players to go “all out" were in the safe custody of one of the officials, and the Mayor was in readiness to make the presentation and congratulate the winners and condole with losers; but there was no ceremony. Norwich City tried their very hardest, and reached the point of deserving success, but Everton’s  defence resolutely refused  to admit of defeat at the hands or feet of a Southern League team, and the 'result was a draw. The game was not wholly barren of goals, and Young of Everton added to the already long list of goalkeepers he has beaten the name of Thompson. It was a fine movement which produced this goal and it was the only occasion on which the Everton forwards attained to the brilliancy which was expected of them. But this Everton was not quite the Everton that most of the spectators went out to see.  Robert Balmer, the right back; Harry Makepeace, the right half-back; and Alec Young the centre-forward, were the only members of the side which took part in the historic Cup Final at the  Crystal Palace the other day; and as Jack Sharp most inconsiderately missed the train, George Pilch of the C.E.Y.M.S,  was given another opportunity of figuring in opposition to the City, and, incidentally of adding to his stock of medal, for at the subsequent dinner it was announced that the committee had decided to present each of the 22 players with a medal. George Lamberton supplied the goal necessary to  make the scoring even, and he and the rest of the Norwich players made really valiant efforts to win the match, the second half especially producing much exciting football, the earnestness of the home team making great demands upon the skill of the visitors. Like the Gilbertian policeman, the footballer’s lot is not a happy one, but the players showed little apparent concern for their miserable and depressing surroundings. Some even appeared to reach the point of cheerfulness and with four months’ holiday before them they strove very earnestly to achieve success. The end came, however, in waning light and with rain still falling, and with two goals shared equally between the teams   Referee Hammond sounded his whistle for the last time at 7.25 p.m., there was a rash of spectators across the slippery playing piece, a long lane for the players to pass down, and a still longer rest at the end. McEwen absence from the Norwich City team was attributed to indisposition, the sides being:— Norwich City—Thompson, goal; Archer and Lamberton (J.), back;  Livinstone Bushell, and Bemment, half-backs; Muir, Wood, Ronaldson, Lambertson (G.), and Brindley, forwards.  Everton;- Sloan, goal; Stevenson, and Balmer (R.), backs; Makepeace, Booth, and Chadwick, half-backs; Couper, R.G. Pilch, Young, Graham, and Donnachie, forwards.  Referee- D. Hammond.  Linesmen- A. Turner, and E.W. Nicholson. 

Another Shock at Everton.
Athletic News - Monday 06 May 1907
Those who are so wedded to football that there is no place in their affections for cricket have had numerous topics for discussion during the past few days. The probability of Sharp severing his connection with Everton, stated by “Tityrus” in” Facts and Fancies"  is, however, a subject which has not been canvassed for the best of all reasons—that the news is only public property in our columns today. This s an open secret now and will set tongue wagging as glibly as the Wilson affair. The relations which have been so long maintained on a friendly as well as a businesslike basis have indeed been strained over The Cup Final in this instance. Surely the English Cup battle will long be remembered by Evertonians —apart from their defeat. A match which is followed by the departure of Scottish international for Edinburgh and which may be the last that Sharp will play in an Everton jersey is not Likely to be readily forgotten. If he goes hence, as seems likely, Sharp will be a much- missed man at Goodison Park-and an attraction to Boundary Park, the house of Oldham Athletic, for this is the club to which we guess and calculate that he is going.
Sharp’s Brilliant Career.
Sharp, who is still only 28, was born in 1879.  A marvelous boy—both as a footballer and a cricketer—he was induced to leave Hereford, his native city, by Aston Villa in 1897. For this famous club he played many great games both at inside right and centre forward. Still, as he was qualifying as a cricketer for Lancashire team, and so in 1900 he was transferred to Everton.  Recognizing how his speed could be utilized at outside right, Everton placed him in that position, and a great success he has been, for he has made the best use of his 5 feet 6 and half inches and 11st. 4lb. Playing in a telling and a manly style, he appeared against Ireland at Wolverhampton in 1903, while he realized the height of his ambition when he was selected to take the field against Scotland in 1905 at the Crystal Palace, and helped annex the English Cup a year later at the same rendezvous. His sustained struggles against Carr, of Newcastle United, will not be readily forgotten, and it was from Sharp's effort and centre that Young scored the goal that took the Cup to Goodison Park. Sharp regrets that he was not quite so successful against Sheffield Wednesday. Three times has he had the pleasure of assisting the English League against the Irish League. Sharp has now no ambition to realize; no honour to gain, but he could do the game a service by helping to popularize it in such a new district as Oldham—if this be his destination, for there is some mystery as to that point. But wherever he goes he will take with him the good wishes of thousands of people in Liverpool and Manchester.   

SHARP REFUSES TO SIGN AGAIN FOR EVERTON
May 6, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
Where Will He Go?
The final tier in the national football cup competition for the season 1906-7 has a lot to answer for. The Wilson episode was unpleasant enough but he case of John Sharp will be even more perplexing to the thousands who support the Everton Club. It has been known ever since Everton were beaten by Sheffield Wednesday that there was an unfortunate affair prior to the match and on the evening of the match. The crux of the matter was the refusal to play George Wilson. Sharp intimated last October that he might retire from the football arena at the end of the season, but fortunately football will not lose his sparkling runs and accurate centres. He will play next season and that is good news. It is exceedingly bad news that he will not play for Everton again.

The Athletic News” editor today says;-

“This is an open secret now and will set tongues wagging as glibly as the Wilson affair. The relations which have been so long maintained on a friendly as well as a business like basic have indeed been strained over the Cup final in this instance. Surely this English Cup battle will long be remembered by Evertonians –apart from their defeat. A match which is followed by the departures of a Scottish international for Edinburgh and which may be the last that Sharp will play in an Everton jersey is no likely to be readily forgotten. If he goes hence, as some likely Sharp will be a much-missed man at Goodison Park –and an attraction o Boundary Park the home of Oldham Athletic for this is the club to which we guess and calculate that he is going. As far as I can gather there is hardly any hope of the wide breach between Sharp and Everton being closed. Their friendly relations have creased and I believe that it is not altogether the Cup-tie scene that has led Sharp to forsake the club he joined in 1899. Is it not also a fact that he desires to be excused certain training regulations and is not his case on a par with that of Rutherford? Rutherford would not sign for Newcastle United until last week end and the reason of the tardy signature was that he wished to be released from certain regulations in order that he might give more time to his business. The two cases in a degree are similar. What Sharp says is;

I have a business to attend to and guaranteeing that I am always fit for the fray it is not necessary for me to be in regular training. To this the directors will probably reply. “We cannot make distinction between players and players. All players must carry out the rules of the club.

Whatever the merits and demerits of Sharp's case Everton people will indeed be sorry to part with a gentleman and a grand player. During his eight years here Sharp has made a legion of friends. He is an attraction at any sports gathering. Londoners swear by him, and without knowing that there had been a rumpus on the day of the cup final sent him most sympathetic letters. The Everton club will find it very hard to satisfy their supporters with a substitute because Sharp has a style of play which has entranced the crowd and there has always been lurking in the minds of people watching the substitute on any occasion. Ah, he's not a Sharp,” The quotation above points to Oldham Athletic as the most likely club Sharp will sign for, but I have good ground for saying this is the most unlikely club. Though Oldham are building up a good team with the hope of being included in the second division of the League, the class of defences which one associates with second divisions football might affect Sharp's limbs. Moreover, there are clubs nearer home, clubs of higher standing. Oldham is not the most charming spot, and Sharp would morally died out of football if he signed for the Athletic and then his new club failed to get promotion. Personally I hope they do succeed when the poll is taken shortly; yet I think Sharp, has not yet decided to which club he will transfer his affections, knowing the rapture there have been many club managers begging Sharp to accept their terms and it is most likely he will join a first division club in the Lancashire district. It will be remembered that after the Cup final, at the League meeting with Sheffield Wednesday Sharp injured his arm and shoulder and had to retire. He has been practicing in view of the opening of the county cricket season at Aigburth for an hour or two each day during last week with bat and ball, and fortunately he expects to be quite fit for the engagement with Leicester on Thursday at Leicester. This morning he went to Old Trafford for further practice.

SHARP AND THE EVERTON CLUB.
May 7, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
It is currently report that Jack Sharp, the popular Everton outside right, is about to sever his connection with the Everton club, and that he will be seen in the ranks of Oldham Athletic next season. if this proves to be correct, it will be a great blow to Evertonians. Of course, the report is only the result of rumours, which have been going about for some time, and it may or may not turn out to be correct. At any rate we are officially informed that the Oldham club know nothing whatever about Sharp wishing to join the Athletic. There have been many rumours afloat since the cup final, and one of these has been to the effect that Sharp and the directors were not on the best of terms. The supporters of Everton would miss Sharp very much if he retired from the game, but if he plays for another club regret will be more keen. However it is not definitely settled that Sharp is to leave Everton, and it is to be hoped that any obstacles in the way will be overcome, and that this popular player may continue to play for the Blues. Interviewed concerning the matter by a correspondent at Manchester yesterday, where he was participating in a cricket match, Sharp was very loth to talk about the matter at all, but he at any rate confirmed the report that he had not re-signed for Everton. He also asserted that he had no negotiations with the Oldham officials. The Everton officials make no statement on the matter except that they offered Sharp the maximum wage, and it was refused.

SHARP HAS SIGNED FOR NEXT SEASON.
May 8,1907. The Liverpool Echo.
“And all was calm and bright” as the old saying has it. The Everton Football club have re-signed Sharp, and have great hopes that the brothers Wilson will attach their signatures in two or three days. Thus all the rumours and distensions are ended, and the thousands of Everton supporters will be highly delighted that the bother has been to satisfactorily ended. That there was a possibility of Sharp, and George Wilson continuing in Everton's service was hinted at yesterday in the Echo column and now that the official list of the men re-signed for the season 1907-08 has been sent, everyone will be prepared to let bygones be bygones, and congratulate the directors on having obtained the services of all the men they wanted. The following have already signed: - Abbott, Adamson W. Balmer, R. Balmer, W. Black H. Bolton, T. Booth, T Chadwick Crelly, Couper, Donnachie, Graham Jones Makepeace, MaConnachie, Rafferty, Rouse, Settle, Sharp Scott Sloan, Stevenson, Strettell, Taylor, and Young.

It is hoped that the brothers Wilson, will sign for the club in the course of next few days. Harold Hardman will again assist the club.
Note : - In the Courier next day, as above, except, that Donaldson Dorward, Cook, and Butler have not been retained.

EVERTON F.C.
May 8, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
Sharp Has Signed For Next season
Wilson Expected To.
And all was calm and bright” as the saying has it. The Everton Football Club have re-signed Sharp and have great hope that the brothers Wilson will attach their signatures in two or three days. Thus all the rumours are ended, and the thousands of Everton supporters will be highly delighted that the bother has been so satisfactorily ended. That there was a possibility of Sharp and George Wilson continuing in Everton's service was hinted as yesterday in our column and now that the official list of men re-signed for the season 1907-8 has been issued everyone will be prepared to let bygones be bygones and congratulate the directors on having obtained the services of all the men they wanted. The following have already signed- Abbott, Adamson, W. Balmer, R. Balmer, W. Black, H. Bolton, T. Booth, Chadwick, Crelly, Coupar, Donnachie, Graham, Jones, Makepeace, MaConnachie, Rafferty, Rouse, Settle, Sharp, Scott, Sloan, Stevenson, Strettell, Taylor, Young. It is hoped that the brother Wilson will sign for the club in the course of the next few days. Harold Hardman will again assist the club.

FOOTBALL NEWS
May 9, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
George Wilson I believe has signed for Everton this morning. There is some talk of a certain forward on the transfer list.

FOOTBALL GOSSIP
May 11, 1907. The Liverpool Football Echo
Neither this year nor last year have our two senior local clubs done anything really startling in the way of signing up a plethora of fresh blood. Last summer Everton's recruits stopped short at a quartet –the Brothers Wilson from Hearts, R. Graham from Third Lanark and Stevenson, the young Accrington Stanley full back. This year the Toffees announce as new-comers J. McConnachie the Edinburg Hibernians full back, Couper a forward from Hearts of Midlothian an Adamson, a half back from Lochgelly. The English Cup holders are to be banqueted next Friday. Everton have not been invited. The Blades, indeed cut Everton to the quick in more ways than one at the Palace. It is not at all accurate to sate that Sharp was first tried and then developed as an outside right by Everton. He played many fines games at outside right for the Villa ere joining Everton, but never at inside right. Sharp joined the Clarets some ten years ago as a centre forward and it was when injury temporarily set Athersmith aside that he was placed on the extreme wing. Here he was an immediate and brilliant success, so much in is fact that there at once arose heated debate among the Villa devotees as to which man was the better Sharp, or Athersmith. Eventually Sharp was discarded in favour of the older performer and this alone was his reason for joining Everton. Sharp's own words to the late Dick Molyneux being that he had found his true position at outside right and objected playing second fiddle to Athersmith. He was signed by Everton as an outside right pure and simple.

GEORGE AND DAVID WILSON SIGN FOR PORTSMOUTH
May 13, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
George and David Wilson, who played for Everton last season have signed on for Portsmouth. These players refusal to sign again for the old club was the cause of much controversary on the occasion of the English Cup Final and the Everton directors were freely criticized for refusing to play George Wilson in the Palace match. His absence is in many quarters regarded greatly as the main cause of Everton's defeat. This was the news sent round to the Press on Saturday night and football folk and more are set wondering. “Remember 1907.” Well we shall not be likely to forget it. There seems no end to the sidelights of it memorable Cup final. The Everton Secretary, when phoned this morning said “We have heard nothing officially about the transfer.” This is all Mr. W.C. Cuff would say. If the Wilsons do go south there will be no transfer fee for the Everton treasurer, and it is possible that Everton will ask the Football Association to question George Wilson as to why he refused the maximum wage.

THE SIGNING OF SHARP
Athletic News - Monday 13 May 1907
By Tityrus
When the secret that jack Sharp had not signed for Everton was made public property in this column last Monday there were several overtures for the services of this talented player.  But in League football possession is more than nine points of the law where an international forward is concerned.  Everton had offered Sharp the highest salary permitted by law, and they held his transfer. A watchful fly on the ceiling tells me that Mr. Cuff was firm that the conference between him and Sharp last Tuesday occupied the greater part of three hours, and that at the end of the parley Sharp signed the customary documents.  Everton knew full well that there is only one Sharp, and they did not intend to release him.  No doubt Oldham Athletic, or any other club for that matter, would have found a place for such a man.  Of course, the Oldham organization had not approached Sharp.  They have no fondness for illegalities at Boundary Park.  My suggestion was that Sharp would have chosen Oldham as his new home.  But his singing of the song "Let Me Be Free" did not fall on sympathetic ears, for he had to sign his agreement the day after my notes were published.  There has been much fantastic rumors concerning what has happened between Sharp and some of the Everton executive, but, as usual, these have been extraordinary exaggerations.  The heat engendered by incidents connected with the English Cup Final undoubtedly caused the use of words which must be placed in the category of things best left unsaid.  However, there is now a disposition to let the past bury itself.  Sharp will be as loyal as ever. 

EVERTON LIST
Athletic News - Monday 13 May 1907
Everton have issued their list of players resigned for next season, which includes the following names —Goal, Scott, Sloan; full-backs. W. Balmer, B. Ralmer, Crelley, Stevenson. Strettel; half-backs, Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott, Black, Chadwick, Booth, Maconnachie, Adamson, forwards. Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, Donnachie, Graham, Rouse, Jones, Couper, Rafferty. Harold Hardman will also assist the club again next winter. Personally, I am delighted that Sharp is staying in this city, for it seems beyond belief to imagine an Everton team without Sharp. He is a distinct personality in Liverpool football, and I make venture to say that the game would be decidedly the poorer in his absence. I had some conversation with him in London after the final as to his future intentions, and can only congratulate him on deciding to remain with Everton, and the club also in retaining such a potent force in Liverpool football. I may also say, in spite of statements‘ denoting the opposite that the Wilsons have not yet signed on for Everton. As a matter of fact, a rumour reaches me that the brothers have Joined Portsmouth.
Everton League Appearances and Goals
Everton (26)
Abbott (W) 26, Balmer (R.), 25; Balmer (W), 33; Black (W), 7; Bolton (H), 31; Booth (T), 14; Chadwick (T) 10; Couper, 3; Crelley (J), 15; Depledge (RP), 1; Donnachie (J), 14; Graham (R.), 2; Hardman (HP) 19; Hill (P), 1; Jones (T), 2; Makepeace (H), 23; Rouse (FW), 6; Scott (W), 35; Settle (J), 21; Sharp (J), 27; Sloan (D), 2; Strettle, (S), 2; Taylor (JD), 34; Wilson (D), 5; Wilson (GW), 27; Young (A), 33.
Goal Scorers
Young 30; Bolton 12, Settle, Sharp each 6; Abbott, 4, HP Hardman, G. Wilson, each 3; Jones, Taylor, Rouse, Couper, and Booth each one-Total 70.
W. Thomas, engaged to Leeds City from Everton

DORWARD TO LOCHGELLY
May 14, 1907 Evening Telegraph
Lochgelly United have signed on Dorward, the player for whom Everton paid a transfer of £100 to Montrose last year. It will be remembered that Montrose secured him from Lochee, and Links Park he was carried away down south.

GEORGE WILSON REPORTED TO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
May 17, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
As expected the Everton F.C. directors have reported George Wilson to the Football Association for refusing the offer of the maximum wage. Wilson has signed for Portsmouth. He was back in Liverpool a few hours a couple of days ago. Another Evertonian George Wildman, has been staying in the city recently. Wildman has done West Ham good service and is a very popular player. His clubmate George Kitchen was “golfing yesterday.

EVERTON’S OVERFLOWING COFFERS
Athletic News - Monday 20 May 1907
On the 30th of April this year the Football Association calculated that it was worth £21,515 11s. Id. Note the odd penny. On the same day the Everton club close their books and found that their entire income for 1906-07 was no less than £21,670 6s. 3d- As Dominie Sampson would say;- "Prodigious." It is set absolutely £0,543 more than last season, when they won The Cup. The figures are appalling for a revenue of £21,670 in the most extraordinary piece  of evidence that we have had of the popularity of professional football, which we believe to be a public spectacle to the advantage of the commonweal.  The gate receipts at Goodison Park were £16.372 4s.6d, so against £13,074 12s. 4d, twelve months earlier.  The proceeds of the matches played away from home were £4,471 14s, 4d- a sum which
Is the entire income of some League clubs.  Now did the directors spend this money?  They did not fritter all of it away in expenditure.  They could not do it-powerful though they be.  They have a little nest-egg of profit amounting to £5,980 17s. 10d, to go on with towards the summer wages.  Transfer fees and players' salaries ran away with £7,440, compared with £5,270 3s. 6d in the previous balance-sheet-a very large increase.   Travelling expenses required £1,249 9s, 8d; training £741 3s, 4d, and ground expenses £463 0s, 1d.  One thing is certain; if the income increases so do the items under the heading of expenditure.  In liabilities and assets Everton prove that they are worth £23,136 11s, 3d; and they are allowed by law to pay a dividend of 5 per cent, requiring £97 7s, 6d, on a called up capital of £1,947 10s.  And then the enemies of football tell us that these clubs are profit-mongers and that shareholders care more about their dividend than the game.  Think of it, ye narrow-minded detractors, £97, 7s 6d is paid in dividend on an income of £21,670.  What fantastic nonsense these gawks talk! 

EVERTON SIGN A LOCAL
May 23, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
The summer is passing remarkably quickly and an Everton player told me the other day when he was going to the Bank –The Bank not the Penny Bank –“it scent no time since we stopped and it seems no time till we resume. No sooner July is out than we are in training. The Everton club hold their annual meeting on Monday. There will be something new and useful about the Everton meeting for the new rule by which the old practice of nominating Tom, Dick and Harry during the course of the meeting, is negative come into force. The rule makes the nominations of positions of directors known at the same time as the fiancées are to be known. The names, Mr. Horace Wright a director last year and Mr. Curwen will be put before the meeting on Monday with the retiring directors, who are Dr. Baxter, Dr. Whitford, and Messrs Kelly and Wade I do not think the club will have any new governors next season. Mr. W.C. Cuff informs me that the club have secured L.G. Woods, a young Liverpool youth who is of medium build, and who has been playing at outside left for St. Helens. He is one of the smartest of outside lefts in the Lancashire combination.

NEW PLAYER FOR EVERTON
May 24 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton have secured a new player from St Helens Town in the person of L.G. Woods, who has done some good work work with the Lancashire Combination team. Wood is a local youth, and has played with several clubs in the district including, Garston Church, Fairfield, Old boys and Gartson Gas Works, while playing for the latter club, he was given a trial with Liverpool in Combination match with Blackburn Rovers reserves. He preformed very creditably, scoring the only goal for his side. However, being handicapped by so many players, the Liverpool Club could not give him the extended trial he was worthy off. Before signing a professional form from St Helens, he was well known in amateur sports, and has won numerous prizes on the track. An outside left for St. Helens.

DONALDSON LEAVES EVERTON
May 25 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
Donaldson, the half-back who played for Everton Combination was transferred to Preston North End yesterday.

THE WILSON BROTHERS
Athletic News - Monday 27 May 1907
We learn from an authoritative source that a somewhat remarkable situation has arisen in connection with the signing on of the Brothers David and George Wilson by Portsmouth, and it will be interesting to watch what action the Football Association will take in reference to the matter. In view of the erroneous statements which have been circulated regarding the important principle involved it is perhaps as well to give the details in chronological sequence. It will remembered that the trouble arose through the Wilsons refusing to re-sign for Everton, “George” alleging that upon his decision depended his inclusion  in the team chosen to play in the English Cup Final. Regarding the action of the directors of Everton as coercive, Wilson persisted in his refusal, and was left out of the team. Whether his absence made any difference to the result of the match is not a question we need discuss. He was not asked to re-sign again, and forthwith he and his brother David returned to Scotland. Hearing that the brothers were disengaged one of the leading Scottish clubs approached them early in May with a view to signing them on, and we believe that both Wilsons agreed to accept the terms offered them provided that arrangements could be mutually made with Everton for the transfer. Everton were approached, but refused to transfer the Wilsons either to this or any other club. Meanwhile Portsmouth were also anxious to secure the Wilsons, and eventually their signatures were obtained. We understand that they were signed on the 10th of May, and up to that time neither of the players had received any notification, as the rules of the Association provide they should have done, that they had been reported by Everton for having refused to sign at the maximum wage. Portsmouth forwarded the papers to the Association in due course, and received by return a notification that "David” had been registered as a Portsmouth player but that "George" had not. Subsequently another communication was sent to the effect that neither player had been registered, and that the previous letter was sent through clerical error. Inquiries made afterwards elicited that when the Wilsons were signed by Portsmouth neither of them had been reported by Everton to the Association, and, as a matter of fact, no such report was forwarded until four or five days subsequent to Portsmouth having applied for the registration of the players.  This is curious on the face of it, and under the circumstances it is highly questionable whether the Association had any right to refuse to register the plyers for Portsmouth, particularly as since that refusal “David” has again been officially notified that he is a Portsmouth player on the grounds he was not reported to the Association until after he had been signed by that club.  This being so, and as both players were reported by Everton on the same day, it is difficult to determine by what logical argument the Football Association recognize the registration of “David” but withhold the registration of “George” whose case, we understand, is to be inquired into by a special committee.  The point, it seems to us, to be first cleared up is whether a player who has not been reported by his club previous to his signing for another can legally be refused his registration. 

THE BROTHER WILSON
May 27, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
Another Remarkable Development In Football Case
“The Wilson Case” as it has become titled drags on, and in view of the meeting of the Everton shareholders this evening, I publish practically in full the latest phases of the matter the source of information being the “Athletic News.” This is what the editor writes;-

We learn from an authoritative source that a somewhat remarkable situation has arisen in connection with the signing-on of the brothers David and George Wilson by Portsmouth, and it will be interesting to watch what action the Football Association will take in reference to the matter. In view of the erroneous statement which have been circulated regarding the important principle involved; is perhaps as well to give the details in a chronological sequence. It will be remembered that the trouble areas through the Wilson refusing to re-sign for Everton. George alleging that upon his decision depended his inclusion in the team chosen to play in the English Cup final. Regarding the action of the directors of Everton as coercive. Wilson persisted in his refusal and was left out of the team. Whether his absence made any difference to the result of the match is not a question we need discuss. He was not asked to re-sign again, and forthwith he and his brother David returned to Scotland. Hearing that the brothers were disengaged –one of the leading Scottish clubs approached them early in May with a view to signing them on; and we believe that both Wilsons agreed to accept the terms offered them provided that arrangements could be mutually made with Everton for the transfer. Everton were approached, but refused to transfer the Wilsons either to this or any other club. Meanwhile Portsmouth were also anxious to secure the Wilsons and eventually their signatures were obtained. We understand that they were signed on the 10 th of May and up to that time neither of the players had received any notification as the rules of the Association provide they should have done, that they had been reported by Everton for having refused to sign at the maximum wage. Portsmouth forwarded the papers to the Association in due course and received by return a notification that David had been registered as a Portsmouth player but that George had not. Subsequently another communication was sent to the effect that neither player had been registered and that the previous letter was sent through a clerical error. Inquires made afterwards elicited that when the Wilsons were signed by Portsmouth neither of them had been reported by Everton to the Association, and as a matter of fact, to such report was forwarded until four or five days subsequent to Portsmouth saving applied for the registration of the players. This is curious on the face of it, and under the circumstances it is highly questionable whether the Association had any right to refuse to register the players for Portsmouth, particularly as since that refusal David has again been officially notified that he is a Portsmouth player on the grounds he was not reported to the Association until after he had been signed by the club. This being so and as bother players were reported by Everton on the same day, it is difficult to determined by what logical argument the Football Association recognize the registration of David, but without the registration of George, whose case is to be mentioned into by a special committee. The point it seems o us, to be first cleared up is whether a player who has not been reported by his club previous to his signing for another can legally be refused his registration. There has been a great deal of talk since the issue of the balance sheet and the silence of the points on Wilson matter has increased the amount of feeling on the subject. The shareholders they are entitled to an explanation; the directors will probably answer that here are reasons why they cannot give the details of the affair, and the shareholders, therefore must take their word for in that they acted in the best interest of the club when taking the course they did. The shareholders may in reply make their protest by means of voting one or two of the retiring directors; but I do not think this is possible for there are four retiring gentlemen and good as the claims of Messrs Horace Wright and Curwen; it would need unitincity on the part of the shareholders if any of the retiring directors were to be beaten and then arises the great problem when of the four retiring directors would be described upon to undergo the process removing. That is a very awkward point. Messrs Kelly, Baxter, Wade and Whitford have all done good work for the club not only in their term of office; and while aggressing with some protest at the silence of the directors on such a vital and Cup final topic, I shall expect to see them returned and continue to govern the club.

Bert Sharp has not lost his power with bat and ball. For Prescot against Stanley he took seven wickets for 21 runs, caught F. Harry and scored 65 out of 129 totaled by his side. What a pity he did not take up county cricket.

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB.
Dundee Evening Telegraph - Tuesday 28 May 1907
Splendid Financial Position, THE CASE OF THE BROTHERS WILSON.
The annual meeting of the Directors and shareholders of the Everton Football Club Company was held at the Exchange Station Hotel last night. Mr George J. Mahon presided, and there was an exceptionally large attendance. The Chairman's report pointed out that the club had prospered in a sporting well in a financial sense. Formed 1892 with a nominal capital of £2500 and actual paid-up capital of £1947 10s, they found themselves in the year just closed, aft-or fifteen years' working, proud possessors of available assets amounting to over £30,000. For the year just closed their income had reached the sum £21,670. (Hear, hear.) That was an increase of over £5OOO above that of last year, which was in itself a record year in the history of the club, and constituted a record not reached any other club in England or Scotland. The wages item of £7440, of course, included the fees paid last year for the transfer of (amongst others) the brothers Wilson, Graham, Rouse, Couper, and Mapconachie. Upon the 6eason : working there was the magnificent sum of £5980 remaining as income in excess of expenditure —(applause)—and the Directors felt that all had reason to feel justly proud at this achievement. (Hear, hear.) Most unfortunately, some of the supporters the club had associated the non-inclusion in the team of one of their best players with the defeat at the Palace. The Directors joined in the expression regret that this unfortunate incident happened, but without at present offering any detailed explanation of the circumstances, which they were quite prepared do, they wish the meeting to realise the position they were in. The management, whilst giving all possible consideration to their servants, whether players or officiate, must be in authority. So soon the relationship of master and servant became reversed, so soon was the club doomed to failure. (Applause.) If, therefore, it at any time became necessary to assert their authority and maintain discipline, those in authority deserved all possible support having the courage to do what might be most distasteful to them, even if be on the eve the English Cup final. (" Hear, hear," and applause.) The Directors were shortly before the final tie faced with combination of difficulties which admitted of no half measures. Exactly twelve months earlier they were in somewhat similar position, but emerged successfully. This year they were compelled select the team which played in the final owing to combination of circumstances which required to be met and dealt unthinkingly. The refusal by George Wilson to re-engage with them was not the sole reason, nor any means the principal reason, for his non-inclusion in the team—(Hear, hear, and applause) —and he asked them to take his assurance, without any further explanation, that taking the action they did they still felt that, although they regretted exceedingly having to do so, they had option but play the team selected. (Hear, hear.) Further, it must be remembered that what had be avoided wherever possible was the possibility strained relationship between Directors and players. (Applause.) Whitford seconded the adoption of the report. Mr Cuff (the secretary) said there was still the question of George Wilson. Did the meeting wish the Directors to make an explanation? ("No, no, ' " Yes. Yes," and some uproar.) The Directors had explanation, but there was just question whether the fact that Wilson, being still an unregistered player, and one who might be with them next season that the explanation might have other result than unsettle his mind and those of other players. (Hear, hear.) A Shareholder—l beg to move vote confidence in the Directors, entirely and freely. (Hear, hear.) Another Shareholder—l move that explanation be given. (Hear, hear, and applause). This was seconded, and on being put to the meeting was carried. The Secretary announced that the following players had been secured for next season: — Goalkeepers, Sloan, and Ivor Morgan (an amateur now playing for Formby); backs, and R. Balmer, Crelly, Stevenson, and Strettell; half-backs. Makepeace. Taylor, Abbott, Maconnaohie, Chadwick, T. Booth, Adamson, and Black; forwards, Sharp, Bolton, young, Settle, H. P. Hardman, Cooper Rouse, T. Jones, Graham, Rafferty, Cooke' Donnache, and Woods (St Helens Town).

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB
May 28, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
Splendid Financial Position
The annual meeting of the directors and shareholders of the Everton Football Club Company was held at the Exchange Station Hotel last evening. Mr. George J. Mahon presided and there was an exceptionally large attendance. The Chairman's report pointed out that the club had properred in a sporting as well as in a financial sense. Formed in 1892 with a nominal capital of £2,500 an actual paid up capital of £1,947 10s they found themselves in the year just closed after fifteen years working proud possesses of available assets amounting to over £30,000. For the year just close their income had reached the sum of £21,670 (hear, hear). That was an increase of over £5,000 above that of last year, which was in itself is record year in the history of the club and constructed a record not reached by any other club in England or Scotland. The reduction in the price of the season tickets had result in the receipts there from being interested by about £130, but the sale of season tickets to boys had been quite a failure and they therefore, proposed to discontinue the sum of these. The wages item of £7,440 of course, inclined the fees paid last year for the transfer of (amongst others) the brother Wilson, Graham, Robert Couper, and Macconnachie. During the season 1905-6 the fees paid in this respect were practically nil, so that he increase last season was entirely due to transfers fees. Upon the season's working there was the magnificent sum of £5,980 remaining as income in excess of expenditure (applause), and the directors felt that all had reason o feel justly proud at this achievement (hear,hear). It was quite true that neither team had obtained championship honours but it must be admitted that they held most honorable places in the League and Combination tables (hear,hear). The League team, for the fifth time, occupied the third position in the table, and had a League record far in advance of last season, what they occupied a much lower position. What, however, was mostly to be regretted was that after making a most creditable attempt to win the English Cup for two years in succession they were defeated by Sheffield Wednesday in the final tie at the Crystal Palace by 2 goals to 1. Most unfortunately however, some of the supporters of the club had associated the non inclusion in the team of one of their best players with the defeat at the Palace. The directors joined in the expression of regret that this unfortunate incident happened but without at present offering any detailed explanation of the circumstances which they were quite prepared to do they wish the meeting to realize the position they were in. The directors were quite as keenly as the shareholders that the Everton Football Club should continue to be as it had for some years past, at the top of the tree. To ensure that success it was of the utmost importance that the concern must be carried on upon strict business lines (hear hear and applause). The management whilst giving all possible considerable to their servants whether players or officials must be in authority. So soon as the relationship of master and servant became reversed, no soon was the club doomed to failure (applause). If, therefore it at any time became necessary to assert their authority and plantain disciplines those in authority deserved all possible support in having the courage to do what might be most distasteful to them even if it be on the eve of the English Cup final (hear, hear and applause). The directors were shortly before the final tie faced with a combination or difficulties which admitted of no half measures. Exactly twelve months earlier they were in a somewhat similar position, but emerged successfully. This year they were compelled to select the team which played in the final owing to a combination of circumstances which required to be met and dealt with unshrinking. The refusal by George Wilson to re-engaged with them was not the able reason, now by any mean the principal reason, for his non-inclusion in the team (hear-hear, and applause), and he asked them to take his assurance without any further explanation, that in taking the action they did they still felt that although they regretted exceedingly having to do so they had no option but to play the team selected (hear-hear). Further it must be remembered that what had to be avoided wherever possible was the possibility of strained relationship between directors and players (applause). With regard to the future the directors had entered into a contract for the erecting of a double decked stand at the south or Spellow lane goal end of the ground for the terracing of the space in front of such stand the terracing and enlargement of the paddock in front of the grand stand, the erraction of better means of excess and across at Goodison-road and the enclosure of the players pitch with a wall of brick and wood. Further substantial alterations were in contemplation. Dr. Whiteford seconded the adoption of the report.

Answering a number of questions, the Chairman said the distribution of free order was in hands of the directors. They were going to try and prevent shareholders being crowded out of that particular part of the grand stand which was facitly reserved for them. With regard to transfer fees it was not desirable to make them public. The contract for alterations announced to about £9,000.

Mr. Cuff (the secretary) said there was still the question of George Wilson. Did the meeting with the directors to make an explanation “No” no” “Yes, Yes” and some uproar. The directors had an explanation but there was just a question whether the fact the Wilson being still an unresign player and one who might be with them next season –that the explanation might have no other result than to unsettle his mind and those of other players (hear-,hear)

A Shareholder – beg to move a vote of confidence in the directors (hear, hear).
Another shareholder I move that the explanation be given (hear-hear and applause).
This was seconded and on being put to the meeting was carried.
Mr. Gardner suggested that the time had come when the company should be reconstructed and the capital increased to £20,000 so that those who now held £1 shares might have a chance of obtaining more and so increase their dividend (hear, hear) some of them might then b able –to take out the insurances (Laughter).

The four retiring directors and two others shareholders were voted upon for election to the four vacancies the result being that the retiring directors were at reappointed. The voting was as follows: Mr. Kelly 306, Dr. Baxter 288, Mr. Wade 261, and Dr. Whiteford 258. The unsuccessful candidates were Mr. H. Wright 129, and Mr. Curwen 49 votes. The secretary announced that the following players had been secured for next season. Goalkeepers, Scott, Sloan, and Ivor Morgan (amateur now playing for Formby); backs; Williams and R. Balmer, Crelly, Stepheson, and Strettall; half-backs; Makepeace, Taylor, Abbott, McConnachie, Chadwick, T. Booth, Adamson and Black; forwards; Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, H.P. Hardman, Couper, Rouse, T. Jones, Graham, Rafferty, Cooke, Donaldson, and Woods (St Helens Town).

EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB.
May 28, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
A PROSPEROUS SEASON.
The annual meeting of the Everton Football Club was held last evening at the Exchange Station Hotel. Mr. George Mahon chairman preceding. The chairman report stated that the meeting was the 15 th since the formation of the club into a limited liability company. The club had prospered both in a sporting and financial sense in a manner quite remarkable. Formed in 1892, with a nominal capital of £25,000, and an actual capital of £1,947 10s, they were now the proud possessors of assets amounting to over £30,000. Their income had reached the colossal sum of £21,670 –(applause) –which was an increase of over £5,000 on that of last years, which was a record year. Not only did those figures constitute a record, but they were not reached by any club in England or Scotland (Applause). There had been heavy expenditure on transfer fees. The reduction in the price of season tickets had resulted in increased receipts, but the season tickets for boys had been a failure, and would be discontinued. The magnificent sun of £5,980 remained as excess of income over expenditure. Both teams had exhibited good consistent play. Neither had attained championship honours, but they held most honourable positions in the League and Combination tables. The League team for the fifth time occupied third place, which was far in advance of last season. It was to be regretted that after making a creditable attempt to win the English Cup for two years in succession they were defeated by Sheffield Wednesday in the final. That defeat had been associated with the non-inclusion of a certain player. (Hear, hear) The directors were as anxious as anyone that the club should continue at the top of the tree, and to ensure success the club must be conducted on business like lines. The management would give every possible consideration to their servants, but discipline must be maintained. (Hear hear). The refusal by George Wilson to be re-engaged was not the sole reason nor by any means the principle reason for his non-inclusion in the cup-final team. The directors did not desire to wash linen in public, but they assured the shareholders that in taking the action they did they felt and still feel, that although they regretted having to do so, they had no option but to play the team selected. (Hear, hear). Dr. Whitford seconded. Questions were then asked, and the Secretary (Mr. Wm. C. Cuff) in answering them said that the distribution of free orders was in the hands of the directors. The directors did their best to reserve the seats for the shareholders according to custom. It was not desirable to state the amounts of transfer fees, but shareholders could be informed at his office. The contracts for alterations amounted to about £9,000, this including the erection of the new double-decker stands, the cementing and terracing the front of the stand, the cementing, terracing, and enlarging the paddock fronting the big stand, and the erecting of new exists, and entrances on the Goodison-road side and the wall round the field of play. As to George Wilson, should he answer the question? (Loud cries of “Yes” and “No”) The directors had an explanation, which would, no doubt, satisfy everybody, but Wilson was still an unregistered player, and it was just possible he would be with the club next season. (“No, no”) Any explanation given to the world could not but unsettle Wilson's mind and the minds of three or four more of the players whom they were going to depend on next season. It was essential that there should be good relations between the directors and the players. If an explanation was demanded the directors were in the hands of the meeting. It was moved and seconded by shareholders that no further explanation be given, and an over whelming majority adopted the motion.

Answering a further question, the Secretary said that the item for entertaining shareholders included the entertainment of players and directors and their wives at the Derby last year. (Laughter, an da voice “I got a cigar.”) Mr. Gardner, a shareholder, suggested that in view of the enormous growth of the assets, the company should be reconstructed, so that shareholders could receive a greater sum in dividend than at present. He objected to spending money on magnificent Olympian structures for the benefit of posterity. The Secretary said the Football Association would refuse their sanction to any such scheme. Very guarded inequities had been made, and they were quickly told that it would be a pity to help the directors and members of the club that did such a thing. A “divide” and a reconstruction would practically taboo all concerned from a future participation in football. The report and accounts were adopted. On the motion of Dr. Baxter, second by Mr. Clayton on a dividend at the rate of five per cent was declared. Messrs., Theodore Rogers and Boaler were re-elected auditors at an increased remain ration of 50 guineas the former figure being 40 guineas. The secretary read the list of players secured for next season as follows: - Scott, Sloan, and Ivor Morgan, an amateur, of Formby the two Balmers Crelly, Stevenson, Strettell, Makepace, Taylor, Abbott, McConnachie, Chadwick, Booth Adamson, and Black, Sharp, Bolton, Young, Settle, Hardman, Couper, Rouse, T. Jones, Graham, Rafferty, and Woods, an outside left from St Helens Town. The voting was then announced for the elections of directors, the figures being as follows: - Mr.Kelly, 306, Dr.Baxter 288, Mr. Wade 265, Dr. Whitford 258, Mr. Horace Wright 129, Curwen 49. The Chairman declared Mr. Kelly, Dr. Baxter, Mr. Wade and Dr. Whitford, who are retiring directors to be duly elected to the board. A vote of thanks was passed to the directors for their services during the year.

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND WILSON'S TRANSFER.
May 28, 1907. The Liverpool Courier.
The Council of the Football Association will meet in London on Saturday, regarding D. Wilson transfer. The following announcement has been made. The committee are unable to accept the notice given by the club of their desire to retain the service of the player, as he had previously been regarded for the Portsmouth club.

EVERTON TROUBLED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF MONEY
May 29, 1907. The Liverpool Echo
Bee's Notebook
A Plea For The Boys
The police were not called in and the Seaforth artillery called out to the meeting of the shareholders t he Exchange Hotel on Money night. Before the meeting there was a busy scene outside the hotel and confidential whispers between shareholders were as common as the handbills which a certain shareholder had printed and which made public a letter from George Wilson, which in truth contained really nothing more than had already been stated on behalf of the player in this column. “Why was George Wilson dropped?” everyone seemed to be asking –that was when there was a general conversation before the meeting. After Mr. W.C. Cuff had claimed indulgence for a second week succession – everyone hoped Mr. George Wilson, the chairman, will quickly gain in strength –there seemed to be signs of an on burst of indignation. The vouchers gave course for alarm. Numbers were on those vouchers and Mr. W. Clayton pointed objected to voting unless he would be assured that no one could tell for whom he voted. This difficulty was overcome when the auditor advised this shareholder to tear off the number. The point of the evening was the Wilson case, and the shareholders were bubbling over with this in the kettle. But lo! There was a starting change of front. The value of diplomacy was never better demonstrated. “Certainly, there is an explanation of the “case,” said the astute secretary, “and the directors will be only too glad to give shareholders the explanation if they desired it – ever if they did make the explanation public property the shareholders must bear all the responsibility and they must remember that the club still claimed Wilson as their player.” This forced discretion, and straightaway the voting against making known the explanation was carried by a large majority. There was a long string of question and Mr. Cuff was good-humonured chaffed though he was never beaten; For instance the pet theme of one gentleman as known to be that the shareholders should have a fight good picnic.” After much elaborate explanation as to the why and wherefore of the picnic, the secretary solemnly and innocently asked “I take it you mean the club to bear this expense?” it is not from personal knowledge –only from such meetings of football clubs –that I am convinced that an abundance of wealth has its disadvantages. I someone will test me, I will willingly tell them whether wealth is a bore on a pleasure. Certainly it is becoming a problem to Everton to know what to do with all the wealth they are accumulating. The meeting tried to help them; they suggested free season tickets to shareholders that the club he wound up –oh, fie –and a new company formed, the value of the old share being increased twenty-fold, “free gratis and for nothing” that for international or club matches the shareholders should be admitted by tickets, the club bearing the post of these tickets &c. To all such the same answer was necessary. “The Football Association will not allow it.” In the case of the winding-up of a club, the moneys of the club are allocated to needy clubs on charities and without wishing Everton, Newcastle, or Villa anything nasty, one can say what a windfall it would be to some of the poor clubs were the trio mentioned to shut up the shutters at once. There was a scare for the meeting when the shareholders recollection the Newcastle crush asked that their seats should be kept open till a quarter of an hour before the time of kick-off. Then there was a suggestion that there should be a reserved portion for boys. It is a suggestion worth carrying out, I think, and I know it is worked effectively say Clayton among the other grounds. The boys should be kept together and then we should not see then being hoisted over the heads of others and dropped with no care or thought over the barriers. This has been an all too frequent occurrence at big matches. The objection of officers resulted in the four retiring gentlemen being re-elected as anticipated and the meeting ended in laughter. It was a complete success after promising to be extremely sultry Diplomacy did it.