EVERTON F.C. ON TOUR
May 1, 1908. The Liverpool Echo.
PLAYERS MEET CHELSEA NEXT-WEEK AT HAARLEM.
Everton Football Club have for the second time in their history gone on tour. They are visiting the Continent, and this morning the following players together with the vice chairman Mr. E.A. Bainbridge, and Trainer Elliott, left the Central Centre: - Scott, W and R Balmer, Taylor, Adamson, and MaConnachie, Donnachie, Coleman Freeman, Mountford, and Bolton, Stevenson has gone as reserves. The tour of course, is not to be as long as that which the team had two years ago. They are only playing one match, this against Chelsea on Sunday next. The men will visit Haarlem, Brussels, and Paris, and return on Saturday week.

WEST CHESHIRE LEAGUE 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
May 1, 1908. The Liverpool Echo.
Lightfoot scored the only goal of the Everton Reserves v West Cheshire League match at New Brighton. The League's side proved a strong one. Everton: - Christopher goal, Strettell, and Meunier backs Rafferty McCormick, and Cook half-backs, Evans, Holmes, Couper Maln, and Crews, forwards .

GOODISON PARK REVIEW
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 02 May 1908
By Richard Samuel
Everton wound up with a goalless draw against last season’s Cup-holders, and the match presented no features of interest save that it enabled us to have a peep at Borthwick, a Scottish centre half recruit from Edinburgh Hibernians.  Borthwick was obviously out of condition, and acknowledged himself pumped at the interval.  He would have been still more pumped, methinks, had it been an early day’s game wherein the Blades and Andy Wilson were keen.  As yet, Borthwick appears little other than a big unfilled boy, for whom time may work wonders.  In the season just closed Everton called upon 31 players for League service.  In goal Scott has quite unheld his fine reputation despite the big batch of goals debited to his side.  Indeed, it was well for the club that it possessed such an able and versatile custodian.  The weak spot in defence was undoubtedly the full back division.  Neither of the brothers Balmer showed that consistency or that stability in defence which we should have liked.  Then again, very little was seen of Crelley.  Then, again, very little was seen of Crelley.  In mid-season hopes ran high that Stevenson, the ex-Accrington youth would develop into the top sawyer, but here, too, disappointment was in store, for he fell away subsequently.  Finally McConnachie after failing to satisfy as a half, was tried in the rear, which I all along asserted was the one position in which he was likely to do Everton any good, and after a shaky start Mac came out boldly in the closing stages.  Given a bigger infusion of fire McConnachie is not unlikely to turn out a splendid full back next season, and certainly the Everton directors deserve their reward in his case.  Concerning the middle line, matters were more satisfactory in the main.  Captain Taylor worked throughout with nearly all the old success, and finished up wonderfully fresh, whilst Makepeace put in one of his greatest seasons.  Abbott, however, failed in his paces somewhat after Christmas and perforce gave way to the fast-improving Adamson, who alone of Everton’s junior members proved himself worthy of sustained promotion.  Then in the later stages Val Harris fully demonstrated that Everton will experience difficulty next season in picking a representative team without him.  If there were shortcomings at full-back, the same thing applies in the forward department.  More ineffective attacking machinery has seldom sported the Everton colours.  Jack Sharp suffered somewhat through lack of a congenial partner, but even Sharp himself seldom rose to the occasion or maintained the standard of former seasons.  Settle found increasing years troublesome, and Bolton lost much of his form.  Young was erratic, and Hardman displayed little of his former fire after Christmas.  Such men as Donnachie, Winterhalder, Chadwick, Mountford, Jones, Couper, and Rafferty did not realise expectations, whilst an accident robbed the club of the promising Len Woods.  Coleman proved an acquisition but all round the Everton attack compared ill with the attack of bygone seasons, and the Everton attack is a problem which will probably need facing next August.
Players Appearance
Scott 34; Young 33; Makepeace 31; Bolton 27; R. Balmer 26; W. Balmer 26; Sharp 23; Taylor 23; Hardman 22; Abbott 21; McConnachie 21; Settle 21; Adamson 16; Donnachie 16; Coleman 13; Mountford 10; Booth 8; Stevenson 8; Jones 5; Freeman 4; Sloan 4; Winterhalmer 4; L. Woods 4; Chadwick 3; Crelley 3; Val Harris 3; Rouse 3; Borthwick 1; Couper 1; Strettle 1. 
Goal-Scorers
Young 16; Bolton 9; Settle 7; Coleman 5; Sharp 4; Mountford 3; Hardman 3; Makepeace 2; Taylor 2; Jones 2; Rouse 1; Abbott 1; Booth 1; Freeman 1; Armstrong (Notts Forest) 1.  Total 58.    

NUGGESTS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 02 May 1908

• Everton placed Donnachie at outside left and outside right in almost every alternate trial with the league team.  He could thus be scarcely expected to do himself full justice. 
• Harry Makepeace lost no time in getting into the cricket flannels.  An accident to Worsley caused him to keep wicket, where he was apparently as much at home ass when playing half-back. 
• Accrington spectators were delighted by the exhibition given by Walter Abbott for Everton Reserve on Saturday.  He played an artistic game both in attack and defence, and was easily the best man on the field.  He came in for a splendid ovation at the finish.  Bravo, Walter!  You are not finished with yet.
• The players signed on by Everton up to Wednesday last are; Scott goal; McConnachie, W. and R. Balmer, backs; Makepeace, Taylor, Borthwick, Adamson and Val Harris, half-backs; Sharp, Coleman, Bolton, Freeman, Donnachie, Couper, Crews, and Hardman, forwards.  Ben Warren and a famous Newcastle forward, Finlay, Speedie are to be signed on, so reumour has it, but Evertonians are in suspense until Sandy Young appends his signature.  He may hold out for some time, but when September comes we fancy he will still wear a Goodison shirt.
• Sam Wolstenholmes turned out for Blackburn last week after an absence of three months, and played a splendid game at right full-back.
• Val Harris was in grand trim against the Wednesday.  He allowed Bolland and Stewart little latitude, besides which his feeding of his forwards was worthy of Everton half-back traditions. 
• Abbott has been dropped from recent Everton League matches, but we expect to find him retained at Goodison Park.  The summer’s rest may enable this sterling half-back to regain his place. 
• Hugh Bolton was seen too much greater advantage against Sheffield Wednesday than in recent games, but Donnachie has apparently got tired of Goodison Park, and will probably find new masters next season. 
• No Everton player has been harder worked during the past season than Makepeace, and it was not surprising to find him showing signs of this in the last match at Goodison Park.  Notwithstanding this he has this week been hard at work at Old Trafford. 
• Several good players are on sale at the first great sale at Goodison.
• There was little enthusiasm at Goodison Park over the meeting of last year’s finalists last Saturday.  The Everton team included no fewer than seven recruits; the latest, Borthwick, gave little promise of proving a capable understudy for Taylor. 
• Goodison Park has been secured for a few local matches during the closing evenings of the season.  Have the Everton directors spotted any likely League players? 

SLOAN, OF EVERTON JOINS THE REDS
May 2, 1908. The Liverpool Football Echo
Sloan has been transferred by Everton to Liverpool. He orginally came from Ireland-Belfast Distillery was the club, and it is not a matter of surprise that Liverpool have taken an Everton player. The wonder is that the Anfield club did not take certain other ex-members of the Blues team- Wintrerhalmer or Abbott.

PLAYERS SIGNED ON FOR EVERTON
May 2, 1908. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
Everton have signed the following players, for next season: - Scott, and Berry, goalkeepers, W + R Balmer, MaConnachie, Strettell, Stevenson, and Meunier backs Makepeace Taylor, Adamson Borthwick, Harris, and Rafferty, half-backs Sharp, Bolton, Coleman, Freeman, Young, Donnachie, Mountford, Dawson, Evans, Woods Chetwood, Crews, Couper and Jones, forwards.
Settle, Booth, Crelly, and Abbott have not been retained.

PRESTON SIGN EVERTONIAN
May 5, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Winterhalmes of Everton has been transferred to Preston North End.

EVERTON 4 CHELSEA 0
May 6, 1908. The Liverpool Echo
EVERTON BEAT CHELSEA AT HAARLEM BY 4 GOALS TO NIL
Everton Mr Cuff, informs us, that Everton have beaten Chelsea in the match at Haarlem. Chelsea did not improve the luck of either of the Mersey club's records last season; so three will be a little consolation in the knowledge that on tour Everton beat the pensioners by no fewer than 4 goals to nil. This was the consititution of the successful team: - Scott, W. Balmer and R. Balmer, backs, McConnachie, Taylor (Captain), and Adamson half-backs Donnachie, Coleman, Freeman Bolton, and Mountford forwards . The winning team received gold medals after the match. The men return to Liverpool by Saturday.

EVERTON AFFAIRS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 09 May 1908
By Richard Samuel.
As announced last week, Everton have almost completed their signing-on process for another season.  Sloan’s departure to the Anfield fold was rather unexpected, and of course, Everton will certainly need another recruit for this important position.  Crelley is still young and able enough to serve some League club in need of a full-back whose forte is tackling.  It is with regret that the familiar forms of Booth and Abbott will no longer be hidden neath an Everton jersey.  Booth shaped better last season than in the two preceding ones, but on the whole Everton’s treatment of this gentlemanly professional has been of the generous order, and he cannot grumble if the management decide to give a younger man the preference.  The absence of Abbott’s name is somewhat in the nature of a surprise to the writer, for if never fast Walter was a rare plodder; seldom brilliant, but a worker to the last.  In the Toffees’ closing reserve match he was the best man on the field, and I feel rather inclined to think a mistake has been made in letting him go, especially as the club has only thus far secured five half-backs.  Then there were “possibilities” regarding Abbott as a full-back.  McCormack the Novocastrain evidently failed to please, and has not been retained.  This is honourable.  Far better to let a man go at once over whom a mistake has been made rather than keep him hanging on simply because a director or directors “hope:” he may justify their early “impressions.”  I write this without knowing or caring who was responsible for “Macs” arrival on Merseyside.  Settle should still make a capable “general” for some aspiring team, and I trust Winterhalder will get more ample opportunities at Preston than he somehow seemed to get at Goodison.  Of the Everton men retained, I admit to surprise thereat in some four or five instances; but, of course, the retort is “Where are we to look for better?” 

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 09 May 1908

• Liverpool have signed on Sloan, of Everton. Much to everyone’s surprise.
• Everton expect that Rafferty will develop into a capital half-back of the Abbott type.
• Everton are only going to sign on first-class men during the next few months.  Perhaps!
• Bert Sharp had a big hand in the defeat of Stanley by Precott, securing four wickets and knocking up 33.
• Tim Coleman, of Everton, was apparently our hardest worked League player last season, for he participated in 39 League games –Woolwich and Everton inclusive.
• Winterhalder, the ex-West Hammer, after a season with Everton goes to Preston.  Here we fancy he will get an opportunity that he lacked at Goodison Park, owing to a superfluity of outside lefts.
• Remoured credited Young with a decision never to kick a ball for Everton again.  Whatever obstacles were in the way have been cleared, however, and “Sandy” will once again be seen in the blue jersey.
• Everton had little difficulty in beating Chelsea at Haarlem by four goals to nil.  As the winners received gold medals, this is some recompense for their two league defeats sustained at the hands of the Pensioners.
• The clearing of the old hands from Goodison Park did not affect the old set of their players, Taylor.  It is a rare compliment to this loyal “Son of the Rock” to find himself retained, and Evertonians hope that he will never kick a ball for any other team save the Blues.
• Everton have indeed made a big sweep out of some of the old players.
• Everton’s balance-sheet will shortly appear.  The Toffees’ annual meeting will take place before the end of May.
• Some of the well-known players not re-signed by Everton will shortly be satisfactorily fixed up elsewhere, it is hoped.
• Evertonians are sorry to see that Walter Abbott has not been signed on.  They were expecting to see him in the rear division as partner to Macconnachie next season.
• Settle can claim to have more than earned his wages in his last season with Everton.  His equalizing goal in the English Cup-tie at Burnden Park made a difference of some hundreds of pounds in the Everton exchequer.
• Neither of the Brothers Balmer was seen at their best during the past season.  Macconnachie may next season be partnered by Strettle or Stevenson, unless R. Balmer, during the close season, finds his form of a couple of years ago.
• Some of last season’s Woolwich Arsenal players are showing a decided liking for Lancashire clubs.  Coleman and Freeman having joined Everton, and followed North by Ashcroft and Garbutt, who have been captured by Blackburn Rovers.
• Black, Booth and Chadwick would make a good half-back line for many a team.  They are all leaving Everton.
• Chelsea defeated Everton twice last season, but the Toffees made some slight amends on the Continent, where they defeated the Pensioners by four goals to one.
• Goodison Park, after a season’s hard wear, looks little the worse, and many a cricket team in the district would be pleased to have the use of such a fine pitch.
• Many will regret the absence from Goodison Park next season of such old favourites as Settle, Booth, and Abbott, players whose experience alone should make for their lack of speed.
• Preston have always had a liking for Merseyside players, and we think in Winterhalder a player who never had much chance to show his abilities when at Everton, they have made a good capture.
• Sloan’s transfer from Everton to Liverpool came as a surprise to local enthusiasts, as he is hardly likely to get any more opportunities to show his abilities as understudy to Hardy than he got at Goodison park.
• All reports as to “Sandy” Young’s intentions for next season were proved to be fables by his signing on again for Everton.  After his display at Anfield Road on Good Friday as inside left, many fancy he would shine in this position if played there regularly.
• Crelly has gone from Goodison at last.
• Winterhalder and Chadwick have joined proud Preston.
• The Everton team against Chelsea was a long way below full strength.  Hardman, Harris, Makepeace, Sharp and Young being absentees.
• Harry Makepeace had an unfortunate experience in his first match at Old Trafford when playing for Manchester, as he was given L.B.W to the first ball he received.
• Although Everton have already signed on 28 players they are still looking out for more players with reputations.  Men with names to make in the football world are not required at Goodison Park.
• Although Everton have retained more men than was anticipated, Goodison Park will not know Settle, Abbott, Booth and Crelley more.  The last-named three constituted a remarkable heavy-weight trio.
• The Everton directors are still on the prowl for players for all positions.  The cream of the land, if money will buy them, will be brought believe in the football maxim.  “There’s nothing like a winning team for filling the coffers of a football club.” 

ROBERT GRAHAM
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 09 May 1908
On Thursday, the Wanderers signed Robert Graham, the inside forward of the Everton club.  During the whole of last season he wasted his talents in Everton’s Reserve team –though he helped his club to win the Lancashire Combination championship in ready fashion.  “With many a club,” said a writer in the Everton programme some time ago, “he would have been a regular member of the first team, but Everton have been well satisfied with their inside forward for the last two years, hence Graham has had no real chance of showing what he is capable of accomplishing in the highest fights of football.  He has a capital idea of the inside game, and he has gained a high reputation with the reserves for the quality of his football.  As White has refused to sign again, the Wanderers’ directors believe they have by the acquisition of Graham satisfactorily filled the vacancy at inside left, though he is equally at home as an inside right.  He was born at Glasgow 26 years ago, and learned the rudiments of football whilst perfecting his education at Bellahouston Academy, playing half-back and forward for three out of his five years’ stay there.  When 15 he played for a season with a junior team in the suburbs of Glasgow called Cartha, but ambitious enough to take a trial with Queen’s Park when only 16 he impressed the Hampden Park people, and was signed.  Twelve months later he became a professional for Third Lanark and for three and a half years was a regular member of the Scottish League team, his position varying from inside right to inside left.  He helped his club to win the Scottish and Glasgow League championship and the Glasgow Cup, whilst he was thrice capped by Glasgow against Sheffield in inter-county events.  After nearly four years stay he crossed the border to assist Fulham, but he went back to the Volunteers after a season of Southern League football, and then was snapped up by Everton, standing 5ft 7in high, Graham is sturdily built and weighs about 11 stone.  He has several times played against the Wanderers whom would have engaged him twelve months ago, but Everton would not part with him. 

EVERTON PLAYER FOR BOLTON
May 9, 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
Bolton Wanderers have signed on Graham of Everton, who joined the Goodison-park club two seasons ago, when he hailed from Third Lanark.

SETTLE TRANSFERRED TO STOCKPORT
May 13, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
James Settle, who has assisted Everton for quite a number of seasons, was yesterday transferred to Stockport County. The well-known international's services have been eagerly sought for since the close of the season by a number of First League and Southern League clubs. Settle, who was formerly with Bury, played against Scotland nine years ago, and again three seasons later. He has also been capped against Wales and Ireland.

SETTLE GETS A SEAT AT STOCKPORT
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908
By Richard Samuel.
And so the inimitable, strutting, bantam-like James Settle has finished his association with Everton, and one more familiar face and form drops out of the Goodison arena.  Everton is the poorer thereat, for Settle’s luring play was ever an attraction.  In his early Bury days Settle savored more of the unpolished giant in miniature.  His heart was big, though his frame was small, and he fairly ran through opposition defences – including Everton’s.  With international honours falling fast, he quickly took upon himself to perfect a more dignified type of game, and as successor to Edgar Chadwick assisted Everton in the gaining of many triumphs, and in the acquisition of many points.  Nothing save a heavy, robust back ever upset his perpendicular.  We shall miss him, and so too will his former partner.  He should prove a valuable recruit to Stockport County.

GOODISON CHANGES
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908
Everton will look strange minus the familiar faces and figures of James Settle and Walter Abbott.  Both men joined the Blues about the same time nearly 10 years ago, and it was intended that whilst Abbott would figure at inside left, Settle would be duly installed at inside right.  However, Abbott proved rather slow for a forward; he quickly developed as a left half, and this necessitated the bringing back to Settle to his International position –inside left.  Now the two players are to take their departure together, Abbott late last evening being booked by Burnley.  Settle, of course has already booked his ticket to Stockport.  As regards the big half-back there is a very strong opinion on Merseyside that he might have been usefully retained for service in the rearguard.  This opinion was often given expression to doxing the last winter, when the veteran was still with the Blues, and nobody knew that he would yet leave them.  Everton are not too well supplied with full-backs, and Abbott is not without either dash, resource, or tackling power, whilst his ability to feed the men in front of him should not be forgotten.  Some backs can clear with ponderous kicks, yet without giving their advance guard any advantage.  Abbott however, knows a trick worth two of that.  He should be a good servant to Burnley.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908

• Tonge tie with Everton
• Settle should do some good to Stockport County
• Who is the player Everton are getting from Barrow?
• Harris, Coleman, Freeman, Young, and Dawson will make a good forward line.
• Makepeace was in grand frim at Old Trafford against Rushmore.  He ran up score of 75 runs, hitting all round the wicket with delightful ease.
• Most of Everton’s late players are expected to find fresh quarters not far outside of Lancashire, and few are likely to seek honours down South.
• It is said that Stewart, the Sheffield Wednesday inside-left, is going to sign on for Everton.  He should prove a good capture, as he is very tricky and a deadly marksman.
• Everton’s loss is Stockport’s gain.
• Quietness reigns supreme at Anfield and at Goodison.
• Jack Sharp has quickly made up his mind to remain with Everton this year.
• Abbott is too good to be allowed to leave Everton.  As a full back Evertonians feel sure Walter would have been a success.  It is not too late yet to secure his services, and if this is not done many shareholders will want to know why, especially so seeing the small number of defenders signed on.
• Settle’s equalizing goal for Everton at Bolton in last season’s cup-tie at Burnden was worth upwards of a thousand pounds to the Blues, but the fact apparently has not influenced the Everton managers in retaining him.  Of course, if players values were to be fixed on each particular goal scored in this way ehocs would soon reign supreme in the fixing up of engagements.
• Everton are evidently determined to clear out a good deal of the old stock.  Very few of the former half-backs remain.
• Evertonians are anxious to know where Abbott, Booth and Chadwick are likely to find fresh quarters, Settle having signed for Stockport County, and more than one Lancashire club are anxious to secure one or other of the trio.
• At least one Everton enthusiast was at Old Trafford last Saturday in the hopes of seeing Sharp and Makepeace at the wickets.  The latter only was on view, but as knocked up 75 against Rusholme, the enthusiasts did not consider his visit wasted.

EVERTON NEWS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908
The Everton Football ground is to be utilized next Friday for a big junior carnival, 1,800 children from the day schools are going to put in an appearance to celebrate Empire Day, with drills, colony representations etc., worked on the lines of last year’s Liverpool pageant.

EVERTON’S REDUCED INCOME
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908
Olympian’s Corner
The tendency of the times as regards the cost of running a first-class club is seen in the financial statement of the Everton F.C., particulars of which we gave in our last issue.  The items will repay examination.  Compared with Sunderland’s experience-and no doubt with the experience of other leading clubs, Bradford City, for instance –Everton may be said to have done well to clear a profit of 3,378.  And yet when we look back for a year the result is hardly so satisfactory.  The income has gone down from 21,670 to 17,878, the receipts at Goodison Park showing a very perceptible falling off, whilst the revenue in Cup-ties away was much diminished.  In 1907 the profits amounted to 5,980, but in that year, it will be remembered, the team won its way to the final gallop at the Palace, which, of course, enriched the coffers of the club materially.  “Players wages and transfer fees, etc., 6,230 form a very considerable item, and yet as things go nowadays it cannot be deemed unreasonable.  It is generally admitted that Everton have one of the best managed businesses in the Kingdom, and with 24,357 standing as the balance to the credit of the profit and loss account, the club is in a very enviable position.  How this will be affected when unlimited wages and bonuses are in force remains to be seen.  The probability is that it will become smaller rather than grow bigger.

PAR ABOUT PLAYERS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908

• Charles Pratt, the Barrow right half, has been booked by Everton.  His brother, many seasons ago, partnered Archer (Late Brighton) at full back in the Birmingham team.  Everton’s Barrow recruit is twenty-three years old, stands 5ft 9in, and weighs 12st.
• Walter Abbott should prove a valuable recruit for Burnley, for he is a heady player and a most consistent man.  Of course, many Everton enthusiasts would have liked him to remain in the Goodison camp, and yet there was very little likelihood of Abbott receiving his position in the League team there with Adamson in the form he demonstrated last season, and, moreover, being a player likely to improve with increasing years.

EVERTON’S ENVIABLE POSITION
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908
By Richard Samuel
Everton’s annual balance-sheet usually makes most interesting reading, and the issued for 1907-8 is no exception to the rule.  With the club out of the running for League honours early on and failing to reach the Palace for the first time within three years we naturally did not expect a repetition of the phenomenal figures re income shown a year ago, after Everton had fought well and nobly both in Cup and League.  The there was a season’s surplus of £5,980; now there is one of £3,378 –a decrease of £2,602.  But when we recall that the 1906-7 gate receipts were £20,843 compared with £16,859 last season – a difference of £3,984 –it must be held that the 1907-8 figures work out handsomely.  Candidly, both profits and receipts for 1907-8 have agreeably surprised me.  Here are a few expenditure comparisons for 1906-7 and 1907-8;-
Players wages and transfer fees 1906-7 -1907-08
£7.440 0s 0d -£6.230 8s 6d
Gates Division to Visitors
£2,609 5s 6d- £2,198 2s 11d
Travelling Expenses 
£1,249 9d 8s - £1,081 4s 0d
Training expenses and trainers wages.
£744 3s 4d - £646 13s 2d
Ground expenses & groundmen’s wages
£463 0s 1d - £391 0s 5d
Clothing materials & stores
£278 3s 1d - £217 12s 3d
League, &c, subscriptions and donating
£426 9s 0d - £418 10s 4d
The above goes to show that in the more important matters of finance a decided saving was made last season compared with 1906-7.  Some comment has appeared on the fact that Everton last season spent £646 on their small training habits plus trainer’s salary.  I would remain readers that the apostrophe comes after the “s” in: trainers” and Messrs Elliott, and Lofthouse.  In the late season’s expenses, too, the club paid out £703 as the result of Young, Crelley, and Elliott’s benefit match.  Then to medical fees £57 17s, in 1906-7 we have to add for 1907-8; Medical fees and “players’ insurances” £208 18s. 
On the income side season tickets last winter brought in £701 2s. compared with £553 17s 6d., whilst dividends on investments reached £123 as compared with £51.  Of course the usual £97 7s. 6d aggregate divided will be paid on the called-up capital.  Minus this and after writing off depreciation of grand stands, etc., £1,569, there is a grand balance of £24,357 to carry forward.  Small wonder, then, that Everton despite the loss of Cup and League honours last season, are a happy family.  The annual meeting takes place on Monday evening.  The three retiring directors, Messrs E.A. Bainbridge, J. Davies, and G. Mahon, offer themselves for re-election.  After it has appeared likely that there would be either three or four rivals for directorship in opposition, the number has now dwindled down to one, this being Mr. John Blacoe, of Anfield-rd.  At the said meeting the proposal is to come forward which it shareholders season tickets for a merely nominal sum.  No lively proceedings of a George Wilson character are however, promised us this year.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 16 May 1908

• Everton want a good goalkeeper as reserve to Scott, two good backs, several half-backs and forwards before they commence campaign 1908-1909.
• Evertonians who remember how Dave Storrier progressed in his play, after he took a back position in the team, sigh when they contemplate the good things expected of Abbott.
• Everton are not unlikely to enrich themselves to the tune of £1,000 as the result of players recently transferred to Lancashire clubs.  This is much better than seeing their men go South, free and gratis.
• Jack Sharp and Hartley again rendered useful service with the bat on Thursday, when each man got into the thirties.
• It is not true that Everton were after George Robey.  It is not because George’s Wages, £300 per week, is too high.  Oh no.
• Makepeace made his appearance in the County eleven against Northamptonshire, but only as a sub for the injured Tyldesley.
• Bury would have liked Walter Abbott.  They doubtless could not forget the superlative game he played against them at Goodison Park last season.
• What price Tom Booth, of Everton, for Oldham Athletic?  Booth is a splendidly preserved player and a gentleman to boot.  It was chiefly due to Everton’s great half-back wealth that he only figured in eight League games last season.
• The removal of Abbott, Booth, Crelley and Settle from Goodison has called forth much comment on Merseyside.  Might not a subscription list be opened to present each of these players with a small memento of their Everton connections.  An Everton reader believes such a movement would be heartily supported.
• The Everton directors are happy in having a number of shareholders who forget to come forward to claim their dividend.
• Everton made a mistake when they let “Wally” leave, but it is rumored that the good goods Everton have ordered will more than make up for the loss.
• The Everton balance-sheet provides pleasant reading for their shareholders.  The figures are worthy of the adjective “prodigious,” and considering the team’s poor display in league matches the support of the club has been remarkable.
• Players’ insurance cost Everton something like £150 during 1907-8.
• Another well-known landmark will be missing from Goodison next season, viz., Walter Abbott.
• Harry Buck, the Tranmere Rovers promising player, has signed a professional form for Everton for 1908-9 service.
• Everton have set the net for several great players, the names of which when announced will fill their supporters with joy and make other clubs envious.
• Neither Crelley nor Booth has yet been secured for next season.  The former looks especially strong and well and with youth on his side should prove a catch for a club in need of a left back.
• Several of the items in the Everton balance sheet have caused a mild sensation.  The £1,000 transfer fee received for Geo. Wilson from Newcastle does not appear at all.  Explanations will be asked, and satisfactory answers given no doubt at the annual meeting, which is to be held shortly.

EVERTON PLAYER JOINES BURNLEY
May 16, 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
It is officially stated that Walter Abbott, the well-know half-back of the Everton club, has thrown in his lot with the Burnley organisation. Abbott's departure will generally regretted, as since his membership of the Goodison-road team, he has proved himself a clever and gentlemanly player. He came to Everton from Small Heath, as a forward, with quite an enviable record as a goal gether, but playing at half-back for his new club' he soon established a good reputation in that position, and regularly played for Everton.

ANOTHER PLAYER FOR EVERTON.
May 16, 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
William Michaels, an outside left, of the Seafield football club, has signed for Everton. Michaels is not yet twenty years of age. He weights about 11 st and stands 5ft 7ins, had a trial towards the end of the season just closed.

CHADWICK TO PRESTON
May 16 1908. The Liverpool echo
Preston have obtained the services of Chadwick, at a fee of £350, and they have got a bargin. It was quite a fortnight ago that I fought that Chadwick might go to Preston, he signed last night.

HARRY HOCK AND CHARLES PRATT SIGN FOR EVERTON May 16 1908. The Liverpool Echo

The Everton officals meet Harry Hock, the local player of Tranmere Rovers, to sign a professional form. They have also sign on Charles Pratt, who last season play at right half-back for Barrow, he is twenty three years of age. Stands 5ft 8ins and weights 12 stones. (Bees).

DIRECTORS WITHDRAWN
May 16, 1908. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
We understand that Messrs, Horace Wright, and Herbert Allman, who were nominated for the position of directors of the Everton Football Club, have withdrawn. Mr. Blako is the only new name suggested. The retiring directors who often themselves for re-election, are Messrs. George Mahon, E.A.Bainbridge, and Davies.

HEARTS SIGN WILLIAM MUIR
May 21, 1908 Evening telegraph
William Muir the Scottish international goal, who played for Bradford City during the past season, has been transferred to the Hearts. Why Muir signed on at Dundee for Bradford City there was an agreement that whenever he wished to join another club he could have his transfer for £100. Muir played for Everton and he was for over five years with Dundee at Dens Park, leaving last May for Bradford

JACK KIRWAN SIGNS FOR CLYDE
May 21, 1908. Evening Telegraph
Jack Kirwan the famous Irish Internationalist, has been signed by Mr. Maley for Clyde. Kirwan has about fifteen international caps for Ireland, and along with O'Hagan, now of Aberdeen at one time formed the famous Irish wing. He is very fast and a magnificent shot, he has seen service for Hotspur, Everton and Chelsea. In fixing up the player Clyde have done a piece of business which argues well for their success next season.

NEW PLAYER FOPR EVERTON
May 28, 1908. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton have signed on Lacey, from Dublin Shelborne club. He can play either inside of out side left. He is nineteen years of age stands 5ft 8 and half inches and weights 11 st 9lbs.

EVERTON’S YEARLY MEETING
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 30 May 1908
Everton’s annual meeting on Monday evening passed off so harmoniously as these events usually do.  Although season 1907-8 had proved a disappointing one in a League playing sense, it had in other respects proved almost entirely satisfactory, and not the least important feature was the patronage according Everton, despite the club’s being placed entirely out of the running for League championship honours at a comparatively early stage.  The Everton directors, said Mr. E.A. Bainbridge, desired to record their appreciation of the staunch support given by the football lovers of Liverpool and district.  He also claimed on behalf of the directors that the club had been judiciously handled, and that the expenditure had been sept well within the income, as was shown by a season’s credit balance of over 3,000, despite the team’s disappointing League work.  Indeed, they would claim that in Everton they had one of the best-managed clubs in the country.  Reference was made of the fine manner in which Everton’s old bridge had season after season, kept the good old name of Everton in the forefront of English football, their club standing out as the most consistent of all.  “The” League’s organisations.  Season 1907-8 had shown them in a poor League light, which, he thought, was due to the men –with Manchester United safe for championship honours –concentrating all their efforts on the English Cup.  In this latter competition the directors had trusted their lot to the old brigade; and while it was true they fought manfully until defeated at Southampton, it was equally true that youth must be served.  But the lessons taught –that too much sentiment was a dangerous thing –would not be lost upon them.  His directors deeply regretted their inability to offer re-engagements to such faithful and well-tried players as Abbott, Booth, Crelley, and Settle, but these men left the club carrying with them the best of wishes for their future welfare.  Apart from their League failure, the club had done well in the F.A Cup competition and had also won from Liverpool the local Senior Cup, whilst their Reserve team had again won the Lancashire Combination championship in most decisive fashion. –In answer to a question as to what other clubs had received though gate-sharing in their matches with Everton last season, the amount were approximately given as under Southampton, £724; Bolton Wanderers, £500; Oldham Athletic, £400; and Tottenham Hotspurs  £300.  The club’s income from the Cup-ties had roughly been £3,000, whilst £11,000 had been spent on ground improvements in one summer.  Then followed the voting for the three vacancies on the directors’ board.  For this there were four candidates, and the “polling” ended as follows;- Mr. J. Davies, 238; Mr. G. Mahon, 236; Mr. E. A. Bainbridge, 192; and Mr. J. Blacoe 97.  The three retiring directors were, therefore, declared duly elected. 
Mr. Cuff announced the following as the players signed for next season.
Goalkeepers;-
Scott, C.H. Berry (Warrington);
Backs;-
W. Balmer, R. Balmer, Macconnachie, Stevenson, Strettle, Meunier.
Half-backs
Makepeace, Taylor, Harris, Adamson, Borthwick, Rafferty, Pratt, Finch (Cheshire).
Forwards.
Sharp, Donnachie, Bolton, Young, Mountford, Coleman, Couper, Dawson, Crews, Freeman, Woods, Chetwood, T. Jones, Buck, R.M. Evans.
A total of 31 players –The Secretary further stated that the club would in all likelihood secure two other forwards shortly.
Harold Hardman –Favourite.
It was announced with regret however, that there was a probability of business pressure keeping the popular Harold Hardman out of the field next season.  To lose that fine triangle –Hardman, Settle, and Abbott – at one stoke is indeed a serious matter; and it is curious that Crelley, who used to figure in the rear, will also be an Everton absentee next season.  Hardman is such an enthusiast, however, that one has hopes he will come out of his retirement “on occasions” to help that club to which he has long since become so endeared, just as he has long since become so endered himself to the hearts of Goodison devotees.  I have confidence that in the future Hardman will prove himself that real friend –“the friend in need” should Everton ever be “fixed.”  Meanwhile I trust that the proposed testimonial fund to Hardman –with the Everton club at the head thereof –may prove the great success it deserves to be.  Ever since I drew attention to Hardman’s prowess when he was a Blackpool F.C, “unknown quantity,” I have followed his career closely, and candidly, I know of no present-day exponent of the game who so closely approximates to the ideal football enthusiast, and one who, too, possesses ability, enthusiasm and true sportsmanlike in equal parts.  We shall be sorry to miss those lion-hearted dashes for goal which tended to make the dullest game more than passable.  Hince I trust his testimonial will prove of a record-making character among such.  He has been liberal in his giving to Everton, hence what more fitting than that he should receive a “bumper?” 
PARS ABOUT PLAYERS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 30 May 1908
This is the name of Everton’s latest addition the matter of playing strength.  Lacey is an Irish man, and was last season with the Shelborne club, Dublin.  He is an inside or an outside left and only 19 years of age.  Lacey height is 5ft 8 half in and he weighs 11st 9lbs.

NUGGETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 30 May 1908

• Why was McCormack not signed on, seeing that he was only secured a week or two before the close of the season?  Who obtained his signature from Newcastle?  Did he satisfy then, and what is the reason for the harsh treatment meted out on him?
• Makepeace batted splendidly for Manchester against Ashton.  He knocked up 65 runs in an hour, and hit all round the wicket with delightful ease.
• The Everton annual meeting was, as expected, enlived by the asking of some interesting questions, but the officials refused to be drawn on the subject of transfer fees.
• Have Everton selected all the Scottish football stars on offer?  We notice they are now paying attention to Ireland, and have secured Lacey of Dublin, a forward equally clever at inside or outside left, and, of course of great promise.
• What reason have the Everton directors for keeping the transfer fees of Rouse and Wilson a secret?  Other clubs act fairly and above board, and why should not Everton be made to do the same? Manchester City suffered much, as we all know, though secret deeds, and mis-deeds.
• Jack Sharp will be likely candidate for the Players’ eleven this season.  His batting so far has been of a high order, and we fancy a century off his bat will not be long delayed.
• Everton’s fondness for Irish footballers would seem to be on the increase.  In addition to Scott and Harris, the Toffees have now booked Lacey, the Shelborne left winger, of whom report speaks highly.  There is this to be said, that if Lacey possesses any talent it will probably be quickly developed at Everton.  With Hardman retiring and Settle gone, Everton have much need to strengthened their left wing, Lacey is said to be able to play either at outside or inside left.
• As Rutherford has not yet signed for Newcastle, Evertonians are wondering whether he will be seen at Goodison Park next season, especially as the Blues have a liking for Tyneside players.

FOOTBALL BRIEFLETS
Cricket and Football Field - Saturday 30 May 1908

• Everton’s reduced expenditure had nothing to do with their disastrous season.
• All Everton’s retiring directors were reelected, Mr. Blacoe’s claim were not strong enough.
• Everton intend to reward Hardman’s five years’ service with a testimonial.  If this player’s popularity is anything to go by it should reach record figures.
• As a result of the Everton annual meeting, the public are no wisher re the amount of Wilson’s transfer fee, but any shareholder can get the desired particulars on application at the office
• Harris whom Everton sign on towards the close of the season, will soon be joined by a fellow club-mate as Lacey.  Everton’s latest capture is also from the Bohemians Dublin.
• Jack Cox is, after all, a certain starter of the Livers, but Everton are likely to find some difficulty in filling Hardman’s shoes, unless Woods is able to come up to the required standard.
• Folk were under the impression that a new two-decker stand was to be erected at the Walton end of Goodison Park, but up to the present there are no signs of it being commenced.  What about the £24,000.
• A.J. Schofield, the former-day Everton-Manchester United footballer, has been sampling others “Courts of Passage” this week.  He doubtless prefers an open atmosphere to that of the stuffy jury box.
• Some years ago an ex-Everton secretary, the late Mr. “Dick” Molyneux, went to wield the pen at Brentford.  Now an ex-Everton player in the person of Mr. J.F. Halliday is about to take up similar duties for the “B’s”
• People now consider that George Wilson played a manly part when he wiped the dust of the Everton ground from his feet for ever.  The tales that we hear and see should be put a stop tp.  So writes an indignant Liverpudlian.
• Tom McDermott has a great leaning towards Liverpool.  He spends his summer holidays in that City.  How would he suit the Livers for filling the place vacated by Willie McPherson who has gone to the Rangers? 
• Harold Hardman’s decision to retire from active participation in Everton’s League matches will be regretted by many outside the Everton crowd of supporters.  The amateur may, however, occasionally turn out at Goodison Park.
• Evertonians are wondering who are the two new forwards likely to be secured for next season.  Hardman’s place will be difficult to fill satisfactorily, and it is hoped that the amateur will make more than occasional appearances.
• Everton shareholders, etc., will not rest content until the following points are properly answered; What were the fees received for Rouse and Wilson?  Why were they not shown in the balance-sheet?  Why should such items be considered matters of secrecy by the club?
• Mr. Mahon, who owing to bad health, has been unable to take his usual active part in the Everton management during the past season, was re-elected to the directorate, being only two votes below Mr. Davies, who headed the poll –a graceful compliment to his past services.
• No wonder so many players fight shy of joining Everton, and after a brief spell of service leave.  The treatment meted out to poor MaCormack from Newcastle is a disgrace to the Goodison club.  He was good enough when signed on in April, but when May came he was cast adrift.