BRISTOL CITY'S EXIT.
London Daily News - Monday 01 May 1911
Wedlock Makes Heroic Efforts Against Everton.
By losing to Everton at Ashton Gate. Bristol City sealed their fate so far as the First Division of the League is concerned, and even supporters of the club admit that they have brought relegation on themselves Want of dash and tactics in the front line lost many chances for them, and Everton found the home defence far from sound. Wedlock, usual, was conspicuous all through for his hard work in every part of the field, and if only a few others had shown equal spirit and energy Bristol City might have won in First Division to-day. The question of the future is one for the serious consideration of tho club's directors, who have been much criticised locally for want of enterprise in regard to securing new players. Everton were the faster and the more resolute team, and after twelve minutes Jeffries was allowed to get in easily, through lack of alertness in defence. Bristol then bombarded the Everton goal, but after a hot struggle the ball was kicked harmlessly behind. After the interval the home team delighted their supporters showing much better formsomething of the vigour and persistence which generally mean goals. Attacks in rapid succession at the Everton end put tho visiting team on their mettle, and the Same became much livelier than in the ull first half. The Bristol players, as on many a recent occasion, seemed able to do anything but find the net. They kept Scott fairly but tho goal was seldom in actual danger. Once there was a great shout of disappointment when Copes take, at fairly close range, missed the open goal. Wedlock, besides serving forward line admirably, put in some good shots on his own account, oryx going over tho bar inches only. Later Everton had a larger share of the plav, but it again degenerated in character. Everton were not in great frrra. and that the homo aide, after making many opportunities for themselves, failed boat thenf proved very disappointing the crowd, especially as victory would have saved them from relegation. MERCURY.

BRISTOL CITY’S EXIT
Athletic News - Monday 01 May 1911
Bristol City 0, Everton 1
(By Cliftonian.)
As things turned out at Bury, Bristol City only needed to have defeated Everton at Ashton Gate to have retained their place in the First Division of the League, but it cannot be said they ever looked like doing so, although they had everything in their favour.  As the score, one goal to nil in favour of Everton, suggests, there was not much the matter with the City defence.  It is true there were times when mistakes were made, but these never led to any serious penalty having to be paid, because somebody was generally able to at once atone for them.  The score, however, does suggest and suggests correctly, that there was something wrong with the forwards.  That something was the inability of Logan and Owers to do the right thing at the right moment.  The former was unusually slow.  He rarely dribbled effectively, and it was only at long intervals that he passed accurately.  The latter was equally ineffective, and save for a brief period in the second half he exhibited little of the dash which has often rendered him conspicuous.  It was the inability of this pair to do themselves justice which brought disaster upon the home side.
Jefferis Deciding Goal
Under the circumstances it was not surprising that the 10,000 spectators were disappointed, and their disappointment was increased by the knowledge that Bury had done no better than draw with Sheffield United.  Jefferis scored the goal which determined the result  of the match rtwelve minutes from the kick-off.  Gracie was mainly responsible for the making of the opening which he turned to such profitable account, though he got his final pass from Beare.  He rounded Fagan and beat Clay at close quarters with about the best directed shot which Everton were able to produce.  Clay certainly was called upon a number of times, though for the most parts he experienced little difficulty in saving his charge, because the shots either lacked power or were put in at long range.  Save for one brief period the visitors practically monopolized the attack during the first half, so well were their forwards plied with the ball by the man behind them.  When they were placed upon the defensive the danger was severe.  Scott was so hard pressed in dealing with a low cross shot from Staniforth that he had to give a corner.  He fisted the ball out when Burton headed in, and Balmer got in the way of a hard drive from Hanlin in the exciting tussle which followed.  Play was scarcely so one-sided after the interval.  Copestake might easily have equalized from a centre by Logan instead of lifting the ball high over the bar, while three man failed to get the ball into the net with Scott out of goal.  Fleetwood had much to do with rendering abortive the efforts made to score during the latter incident. 
Forwards Fail
There were other occasions when with a little cohesion the Bristolians might have got a goal.  Finding the forwards unable to score.  Wedlock once tried hard to beat Scott.  He got in a lusty drive, but the ball rose too much.  As I have indicated, the home forwards were at sixes and sevens owing to Owers and Logan being completely out of form.  Their work compared ill with that of their rivals, amongst whom Beare and Jefferis made the stronger wing.  Gracie were often prominent in the centre, in spite of the attentions of Wedlock, though for the most part he did not finish strongly.  Gourlay did the major portion of his shooting at too long a range for it to be effective.  At centre-half Fleetwood was always conspicuous by reason of his heading and safe kicking.  There was little to complain of in the work of Makepeace and Weller, while the backs suggested that they always had a little in reserve.  Scott had a fairly easy time, at any rate he was not called upon so often as Clay.  Young played up to the reputation he has established as being the most improved man in the ranks of Bristol City.  Several times when Gracie or Gourlay had swept past the half-backs he robbed them, and more, he tackled Jefferis when that player was nicely placed near goal.  Fagan was not so brilliant or quite so safe.  No one worked harder than Wedlock, though, like Marr and Hanlon, he did not always part with the ball so judiciously as could have been desired.  Enough has been written concerning the forwards to indicate how tame was their display as a whole.  They missed a golden chance of saving the club, though I am not surprised they failed.  Bristol City; Clay; Young, Marr; Wedlock, Hanlin; Staniforth, Logan, Owers, Burton, and Copestake.  Everton; Scott; Balmer, McConnachie; Weller, Fleetwood, Makepeace; Beare, Jefferis, Gracie, Gourlay, and Lacey.  Referee; T. Kirkham, Burslem. 

BRISTOL CITY 0 EVERTON 1
May 1, 1911. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
EVERTON EXECUTE BRISTOL
The visit of the Evertonians to Bristol was associated with particular import to the home side. They had just a chance of escaping from the dreaded descent into second class company, and if they had asserted themselves they might have defeated a team which, to say the least of it, was in more than one degree experimental. The Bristolians however, gave quite an ignominious display, for they never at any time looked like holding their opponents. The game was not in any sense a high-class one, but it served to show that Everton have resources which stand them in good stead when needed. They were always the superior side, and had there been a little more accuracy in shooting the score might easily have been much heavier. It is true that Clay kept out a number of hot shots, but apart from this, there were many occasions when the Everton front rank should have made themselves felt. Bristol's defeat meant their relegation to the Second Division, and on their general form this season they can scarcely be pitted for having perforce to part company with the premier division.
THE GAME.
Play started in a rather tame and leisurely fashion. The visitors were the first to settle down to serious work, and they were not slow to take the true measures of their opponents. The forwards line rapidly fell into a workmanlike groove, and less than a quarter of an hour had passed when Beare raced down and passed to Jefferis, who scored with a shot that beat Clay all the way. The City men roused themselves for a time, and both Macconnachie and Balmer were kept busy; but slackness on the part of Owen and Logan enabled the Everton backs to clear their lines before the goal was seriously imperiled. The close' of the first forty-five minutes' play may best be described as scrappy, and this term will apply with equal force to the second period. At the same time Everton did show glimpses of first-rate football, and on the play generally they fully deserved a much heavier winning score. In the second half Bristol infused a certain amount of pertinacity into their play, and occasionally they pressed the Everton defence hard. There was however, an incertitude about their attack which allowed the Evertonians ample opportunity to check it, and though Burton and Copetake tried hard to equalise, they could not get past the vigilance of Walter Scott. In the closing moments of the game Wedlock worked like a Trojan, but all his efforts to feed his forwards came to nought, and so Everton ran not very easy winners by the only goal scored.
PERSONALIA.
It is gratifying, as we have already indicated, to note that the Evertonians can build up teams to suit occasions. The outstanding features of the match were Fleetwood's performance at centre-half. It is always a delicate matter to prophecy, but it we are not mistaken this recent acquisition of Everton's has found his proper place in the position he occupied on Saturday. He actually put Wedlock in the shade, and surely no better compliment could be paid him. Weller also played a sound game, and Makepeace though suffering from indisposition, lent brain and balance to the side. The forwards all showed nippiness. Beare, Gourlay, and Gracie, being frequently dangerous. The latter continues to show marked improvement, and should be a distinct asset when next season comes round. Macconnachie was as alert as ever, and Bob Balmer showed all his old powers of punting. Teams: - Bristol City: - Clay, goal, Young, and Fagan, backs, Marr, Wedlock (Captain), and Hanlin half-backs Stainforth, Logan, Owen A. Burton, and Copetake, forwards. Everton: - Walter Scott, goal, R. Balmer, and Macconnachie, backs, Weller, Fleetwood, and Makepeace (Captain), half-backs, Beare, Jefferis, Gracie, Gourlay, and Lacey, forwards. Referee T. Kirkham.

“SANDY” TO GO
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 03 May 1911
EVERTON DECIDE AGAINST RETAINING YOUNG
BLUES’ LEAGUE POSITION;
Few footballers surely have endeared themselves more to the football public than Alexander Young to the followers of the pastime on Merseyside.  Letters continue to come by every posy urging his being retained by Everton, but I can now assure those who would delight to see Young again in the blue jersey that their hopes are doomed to disappointment.  As first announced in the early “Echo” “Sandy” will not play for Everton again.  That was decided last evening at a meeting of the directors, and the decision is quite final.  Well, we will miss the Scot’s familiar figure, has grotesque footwork, by devious oaths mystifying the opposition and well wish him well whatever jersey he wears in future.  There is sufficient of the footballer and the artiste in Young yet for him to do some first-class club a power of good.  As the matter is now closed, so far as the club is concerned, I publish the following correspondent is illustrating the remarkable popularity of the player;-
A “True Blue Welshman” says;- As an old supporter of Everton F.C (Since the memorable match v Preston North End, in November, 1889) you will perhaps not consider it quite out of place on my part to join in with other supporters in appealing to the Everton directors to retain “Sandy” Young’s services for at least another season- not because he is a favourite, but because he is at the present time the only real class forward on their list.  Who will soon forget the two grand goals that he scored against Liverpool in the Cup-tie?  I am quite prepared to admit that he is too clever for any “wing” playing for Everton at present.  Still that’s not his fault.  Why, he is an education to any young forward.  With every possible respect to Jock Taylor, surely there is not an Everton supporter breathing that would for one moment contend that he is more worthy of being retained by Everton than “Sandy”  Since James Settle left us we’ve had no one to treat us to those “international “ goals besides Sandy.  I join in everything that can be said in “Sandy’s” favour; aye and more, I join in pleading for the genuine footballer that old Everton supporters like myself that travel ninety miles for a League game are entitled to see for our loyalty and support.  But I will not join in with those so called sportsmen who write to say that they will withdraw their support if Everton F.C directors don’t do exactly as they wish. 
“One of the Old Brigade” says- It is time there was a change on the directorate of the Everton F.C.  To think that one of the oldest and best servants the club has ever had should have to move when he is within measurable distance of another benefit is nothing short of scandalous.  We have had some poor football in the season now closed, but without Young, the thought of what would have been served up is too dreadful to think of.  If the player wanted to go there would be no cause to complain but I am led to believe he wants to stay.  Young should be re-signed.
My I claim a short space in your interesting column in joining in what appears to be a general plea for the retention of Sandy Young (write “Blue All Over”) not on the grounds of sentiment.  Young always has been a tremendous attraction at Goodison and never more so than during the season just closed and I claim that his form throughout the season compares very favourably with any other member of the team.  If, however, the Everton directors are convinced that it is to the interest of the supporters of the club to part with this player, may I express the hope that their neighbours across the park will seize the opportunity of securing a true artist at the game, and one who I am sure would bring with him as much support as would very soon cover his transfer fee. 
EVERTON TALENT MONEY
The position of Everton in the League table, and the exact amount of money they are entitled to distribute among their players does not appear quite clear, judging from the numerous inquiries to hand.  Everton are not third, as many ardent enthusiasts imagine being narrowly beaten by Sunderland on goal average.  One hundredth of a goal was the bare margin which robbed the players of a big slice of talent money.  Sunderland’s average being superior by 1.39, as against 1.38.  Despite the usual rush of a Saturday evening publication the “Football Echo” was alone in Liverpool in giving the correct League placing.  People are asking how the talent money is to be divided.  The clubs are allowed to pay the bonus remember, but they do so at their own discretion and it will probably be allotted in proportion to a player’s service.  The following are clubs in order of merit and their reward;-
Manchester United 275; Aston Villa 220; Sunderland 165; Everton 110; Bradford City 55.

EVERTON'S REARD FOR YOUNG
May 4 1911. The Liverpool Echo.
SANDY YOUNG'S CASE.
It was exclusively stated in this column yesterday that the directors had considered “Sandy” Young's case, and that he would not be re-engaged. This is quite true, but I will go further and say there is now no probability of the case being re-opened under any circumstances. The Everton directors' view as far as one can gather is that Young has served them well for ten years, and they fully realise the fact. They were also aware that a benefit is due to him next season. As proof of that the club fully realise Young's service, the players will be well treated, when he leaves the club. He will have no reason to regret the inodus apparently adopted by the officials. While regretting his absence, the great number of correspondents who have urged Young's retention, and others deeply interested, will be pleased to hear of a very amicable parting between club and player. But still the postbag bears testimony to “Sandy” Young's popularity.
A defence of the Everton club comes from Mr. T. H. Jackson, on the following: - I notice that your column is being used to many who are blaming the Everton directors for not re-signing our old favourite, “Sandy” Young. Naturally all are sorry that the time has apparently arrived when Everton and Sandy are to part company, but surely the board of directors are to be allowed to use their discretion in the matter of re-engagements of players. It is, of course quite impossible for any club to retain players on senimenttal grounds alone, and if the Everton directors think that “Sandy” may do better elsewhere than at Goodison Park their decision is a reasonable one. For any of your correspondents to suggest that Sandy is being enabily treated by the Everton directors is a foul slander on one of the most sporting directorates in England. Your correspondents forget that under the new financial regulations affecting football Sandy Young will be entitled to share in the transfer fee. Sandy is still a force in football, and is bound to find a new home and I am sure that the Everton directors will not allow him to leave them unrewarded for long and faithful services. Patrons of football in Liverpool are fortunate in having two boards of directors such as control affairs at Goodison Park and Anfield, and all should be proud of the fact that the names of Everton and Liverpool stand for all that is sporting, honest, and best in the way of club management. That Everton and Liverpool have failed to bring the chief football honours to the city does not justify attacks either upon director's secretaries, or players. Rather let us all hope that the time of fortune's wheel will bring good luck to one or other of the Liverpool clubs at an early date, and then we shall have the opportunity to rejoice as we did on the occasion of the arrival of the English Cup to this city a few years ago.
A letter from Harry W. runs:-
Eh' oh' Sandy scored a goal!
And Everton won the English Cup.
Only on Monday last, I heard the doggered (of which the above are the last two lines) sound with great gusto by a crowd of the new generation of football enthusiasts at the conclusion of a schoolboys cup-tie at Goodison park, and my thoughts reverted to the invaluable goal of “Sandy”, which after many weary years of waiting brought the English Cup to the city. “Sandy” was idolised then, and has been ever since, not for this Cup final goal only (this will for ever be recorded in local football annuals), but rather for his whole-hearted clever, and artistic displays on the football field, and of which we see so little in (first class) matches nowadays. I agree with Cracker that a vast number of supports of the club will refrain from visiting Goodison Park next season, if their favourite is missing from the home ranks. Many friends, Everton followers have expressed the determination to withdraw out support of “Sandy” and I myself (twenty-two years a supporter of the club and sport in general) is not re0signed. Is the reason for placing Young on the transfer list to avoid granting him a benefit. Can one wonder that in the future first class players will be chary about coming to Everton for fear the same treatment will be meted out to him. If the directors do not reconsider their decision, the shareholders once a year have the opportunity of showing disapproval of their directors, and I sincerely trust they will at the annual meeting.

UREN AND STEVENSON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 05 May 1911
TWO POPULAR LOCAL PLAYERS SIGN AGAIN
One would hardly imagine from the comments of train and tram sport folk that cricket had been inhered in.  The football season’s aftermath is very attractive and this week’s gossip has been chiefly centred upon “Sandy” Young’s ending at Goodison Park.  This leave-taking was first announced in these columns on Friday morning, when the story of the inquiry for “Sandy” and the price of 800 being on his head was made public.  Later came our lead in letting the public know that the directors had reconsidered the matter and had refused to retain the popular |Scot, and yesterday, I was able to show that the directors were doing “Sandy” proud, as it went.  Today there is another batch of correspondent on the point, and from now I must raise a barrier to the correspondences.  Here are chipping from the letters;-
     “Everton are trying to get rid of Young who has been their star attraction for the last five years.  He has not been the most played forward they have had for years?  If he has had his off days is it to be wondered at when we consider Young has had to strive to get some of the players he has had to play with this season to respond to some of his well thought-out plans-Sandyite”
      “I have been a regular attender at the Everton matches since the days of Dick, and Dobson, and I undoubtedly affirm that “Sandy” Young is the greatest forward that has ever played under the club’s colours.  If it were possible for the assertion I have just made to be put before the followers of football in Liverpool in the form of a question, and voted upon, I have not the slightest doubt but that are opinion would be over-whelming confirmed.  Sentiment is not a consideration at all.  As you say Young has been and still is the club’s greatest asset.  Yours Seacombeter.
  To think that after ten years football service such a prohibitive transfer placed upon Young (says “Liver”)
  “Free Lance”  writes. Having had the privilege on previous occasions to say a few word through your popular notes I ask your indulgences once more at the same time bearing in mind your limited space on account of the many letters you must be reserving on Sandy Young agitation no argument are not on the topic however, much as I regret the decision of the Everton directors look to the future.  What I want is advocate in this; As we don’t seem to have any satisfaction with regard to building up a team worthy of the Everton Football Club in the way of fist-class players from the present board of directors, let me follow shareholders come to the general meeting in their dozens and vote for the new men as a protest.  If a club with the finance and support of Blackburn Rovers can see their way to turn out class men at high prices what is to prevent Everton from doing likewise.  We want attractive football for our money and not such brag of our position in the financial side of football. 
Evertonians feared that W. Stevenson might leave the Walton Club.  Fortunately that is not to be the case, terms having been arranged by one or other party.  Stevenson’s complaint was that he was not on maximum wage.  On the other side of the Park, Anfield there have been misgiving concerning Harold Uren’s decision.  There was a great danger of football losing Uren altogether for he was disciplined to by the Lancashire Combination football and this Football league authorities do not consider a player has a valid excuss for asking for an transfer if he offers this ground of complaint. 

EVERTON AND SANDY YOUNG
Athletic News - Monday 08 May 1911
By Junius
Quite a sensation has been created in Liverpool football circles by the decision of the Everton executive with respect to “Sandy” Young.  Their earlier intimation that they had agreed to dispense with his services was confirmed by the directors at the board meeting held last Tuesday evening, (May 2 1911) and the supporters of the club are naturally anxious to know the reason thereof.  They argue, and with cause, that Young has been the only class forward that Evberton have placed on the field during the past season, and not one of the newcomers tried during April has shown sufficient ability to displace him from the League team.  In addition, there is the question of the past services rendered to the club, and I can vouch from personal experience that no Everton forward has proved so effective in the rival tussles with Liverpool as he has.  Witness the Cup-tie last February, when Young practically won the game for his side.  If there were better men to displace him, the position would be easy to understand, but, judging from what has been seen of what must be considered next season’s League forwards, this is exceedingly doubtful.  In addition, the ordinary mortal cannot understand why, if Everton do not require him, they should place a transfer fee of 800 against him.  Of course, the directors know their business best, and those persons who have been talking loud about a coming benefit to Young must have forgotten their dates.  It was January 25, 1908, that Young received his last benefitr.  On that day Aston Villa played at Goodison Park and the proceeds of the gate were apportioned invaried score to Young, Crelley, and Trainer Elliott.  Young, therefore was not entitled to another benefit next season.  Yet his departure from Liverpool will be universally regretted for “Sandy” was a great favourite, and in point of cleverness was immeasurably superior to the majority of forwards, despite his erratic tendencies. 

EVERTON (30)
Athletic News - Monday 08 May 1911
Everton league appearances
Allan (J) 7, Balmer (R.) 23, Barlow (GH) 5, Beare (G) 26, Berry (A) 21, Borthwick (JJB) 4, Chedgzoy (S) 3; Clifford (R) 5; Fleetwood (T) 8; Freeman (BC) 11; Gourlay (J) 28; Gracie (T) 7; Grenyer (A) 1; Harris (Val) 32; Jefferis (F) 5; Lacey (W) 24; Macconnachie (J) 22; Magner 6; Makepeace (H) 33; Meunier (j) 4; Mountford (HW) 1; Pinkney  4; Stevenson (W) 22; Scott (Walter) 7; Scott (William) 31; Turner (RF) 10; Weller (LC) 5; White (W) 2; Young (A) 30; Young (R) 31.
Goal-Scorers
Beare and Lacey each 8; A. Young 7, R. Young 6, A. Berry 5, Gourlay 4, Freeman, Magner, and Jefferis each 2. Fleetwood, Makapeace, Gracie, Pinkney, G.H. Barlow, and White each 1 –total 50. 

EVERTON NOMINATIONS
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 09 May 1911 
The following nominations for election to the Everton F.C board have been made;-
Herbert Allman, Orrel Lane, and John Gunning schoolmasters.  The last named it is said, may drop out of the contest, leaving Mr. Allman with a clear field.  The retiring directors who offer themselves for re-election, are Dr. Whitford, Mr. A.E. Bainbridge and a gentleman who “stands” for the club in its earliest days, Mr. John D?  There is every evidence that a learn fight for honoury will be seen at the annual meeting.  Mr. Allman and his friends have been working for some weeks amongst the shareholder and the Alex Young case has helped his cause somewhat

REOPENING OF THE EVERTON –YOUNG CASE.
May 11, 1911. The Liverpool Echo.
Although some days ago the correspondences on this subject was checked, appeals have been so numerous that I have decided to reopen this case, behaving that the pros and cons of the case have not yet been fully explained. On all hands one bears comments upon the case, and letters have simply poured into the letter-box since the bar was put upon the matter. “Sandy” is still in Scotland, and possibly his transfer to some club will not be made completed until the various secretaries meet on the 29 th . At that meeting many a chat leads to many a signing of the player. The reopening of the case gives me the opportunity of pointing out that a portion of “Crackers” letters was wrongly credited to me through the paragraph being cut in two. From the first my opinion on the topic has been one all against semment and one pleading for the answer of the question. Have Everton a man who can carry on Young's footwork. No man is indispensable, yet Young will be hard to follow, and the general body of supporters believes that the directors have made an unfortunate step in getting rid of their old and clever player. Some say shareholders showed show the retiring directors what they think of the treatment of the player, but surely this might be unfair, for I am informed that the voting on this matter was not “overbalanced” and that much discussion aroused before the matter was settled. May not one or more of the three retiring directors have voted for' Young's retention. The annual meeting has been fixed for Monday, May 22 (8 p.m.) at the Exchange Station Hotel. Let me here quote' portions of a letter from “Boy Blue” who treats the Young subject in calm tones and fairly. Where so many “pros” have been attended perhaps it would be well to have a “con”, as there is usually more than one point of view on such questions. Now, the opinion of corespondents evidently is that Young has for a long time past, and the last season in particular been the one forward of merit –the one redeeming feature in the Everton front rank. From this view I beg with all deference, to differ. For many years Young was undoubtedly a brilliant forward, but for the last season or two his play seems to have deteriorated, due, in my opinion, to the development of selfishness and a failure to realise that he is a unit and not a complete forward line. This I have felt has been one of the chief factors in the very poor displays, which have been given by the Everton forwards during the past season. Young's games have been marked by an ever-growing display of disregard for his partners, and I fear his acknowledged cleverness has been used in playing to the “gallery” instead of the benefit of the team as a whole. To keen followers of the game it must have been at once amusing and irritating to witness some of Young's displays during the past season, where his selfishness has rendered his own partners ineffective, and militated against the whole forward line, and then to read in various local reports and criticisms such titles as “the wizard” “inimitable Sandy” &c, bestowed upon him. To the average individual this must appear little short of hysterical adulatory. Such irresponsible flattery is pernicious and is to be regretted for the take of the player concerned and the team in general, as any player reading such comments upon his play must be influenced thereby, and will probably continue to indulge in his egoistic methods, despite the appeals of fellow players, trappers, or directors, to the immediate disadvantage of the team, and his own certain - though perhaps postponed –deterioration. This is my opinion of the recent displays of Sandy Young of which, I expect; the present position is the outcome. Young undoubtedly has ability, but he must change his methods if he is to be of real use to any team. One of your correspondents remarks that if the directors would mingle with the crowd they would soon learn what the masses think of Young. How does he know that the directors do not mingle with the onlookers? At any rate the writer does and has frequently heard remarks, which were anything but flattering to the wizard. Other correspondents state that they will cease to attend the matches if Young is not re-signed. One can only think that these corespondents have no love for the game itself, but are merely “idol worshippers” and as such they may safely be left to follow their own devices. I have travelled the United Kingdom pretty widely, and discussed football, and the F.F.C. in particular with many followers of the game, and I have always found that the reputation and administration of the Everton Club has been a subject of laudatory comment. This corespondent touches the point of supporters giving up their love of Everton because they do not see eye to eye with the management of one player. I do not place much trust on these threats, for the entrust cannot keep away from the ground. and if he is aware of a new player of change of position he is certain to be there so that he may be well versed for an opinion should discussion arise at his works of home. More danger to gate is likely to happen through poverty of football such as was seen last season. (Everton League match attendance's last season totalled about 380,000, while the English cup were witnessed by nearly 80,000 people).

MR GUNNING
Liverpool Echo - Friday 12 May 1911
Bee’s Notes
“Supporters” writes regarding in your notes you refer to Mr. J. Gunning’s candidature for this Everton directorate.  From information best known to yourself, you say Mr. Gunning will probably withdraw before the day.  In justice to him I must ask you to correct that statement.  Mr. Gunning was approached by a number of shareholders and after considerable persuasion and many promises of support, he consented to be nominated.  Mr. Gunning knowns how to “play the game” and rather than disappoint his friends he will certainly go to the poll “win or lose” despite any attempt on the part of some to convince the shareholders to the contrary.  Why should he not try?  Can you find a better man?  Footballer, and for years a first league official, and a North-end schoolmaster at that.  My best wishes and good luck to the Kirkdale pedagogue.  Thanks you in anticipation. 

EVERTON TO PAY 200 GUINEAS TO ASTON VILLA
May 13 1911. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
Aston Villa claimed £279 compensation from Everton Football Club –owing to the non-fulfillment of a match which Everton could not play on account of being engaged in cup-ties The committee decided that Aston Villa were entitled to compensation and the two clubs agreed to the sum of 200 guineas.

200 GUINEAS COMPENSATION.
Dundee Courier - Saturday 13 May 1911
EVERTON PAY HEAVILY FOR NON-FULFILMENT OF A FIXTURE WITH ASTON VILLA.
A meeting of the Committee of the English Football League was held Manchester yesterday—Mi- J. M'Kenna presiding. The chie! business before the meeting was respect of players applications for reduction of transfer fees; most cases they were modified, and in some instances free transfer was granted. The action of the president in refusing to allow the transfer piayer to Chelsea in April was confirmed. Aston Vilia claimed £279 compensation from Everton owing to the non-fulfilment of a mutch which Everton could not play on account being engaged in Cup ties. The decided that Aston Villa were entitled to compensation, and the two clubs agreed the sum of guineas.

A Convert to Unionism.
Athletic News - Monday 15 May 1911
Mr. T. H. Cooper, Barnet, writes to in this strain;-
It was with very great surprise I read in The Athletic News that A. Young, of Everton. was not re-signed, but a transfer fee of £8OO placed upon him!  Surely, if Young is not worth £4 per week to Everton, he cannot be worth £8OO pounds to any other club. Until I read of this case I had been a supporter of Mr C. E. Sutcliffe and his policy, but I call this the limit. I also understand that Young has been made absolutely no offer at all.  He has now to go without wages until some team is foolish enough pay £8OO for him, or  until the Management Committee discuss the fee. Unless some writer can Justify this I am henceforth a supporter of The Players’ Union; i.e.. a player not offered a reasonable wage to receive a free transfer.

Coleman Transferred to Fulham from Sunderland.
London Daily News - Monday 22 May 1911
Mr. P. Kelso, the manager of the Fulham F.C., has obtained the transfer of Coleman from Sunderland. That player decided to leave Woolwich Arsenal at the time Mr. Kelso’s resignation of the managership of that club. Coleman was transferred to Everton, who sold him to Sunderland. Mr. Kelso has been desirous of acquiring Coleman's services for Fulham for two years.

ANNUAL REPORT
May 23, 1911. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
The annual meeting of the directors and shareholders of the Everton Football Club was held at the Exchange Station Hotel last evening. Dr. Whitford, chairman of the club presided and the other directors present were Dr. Baxter, Messrs, W. R. Clayton, John Davies, E.A. Bainbridge, A. Wade, Robert Wilson, D. Kirkwood, and B. Kelly, and Mr. W.C. Cuff (Secretary).
The moving the adoption of the report the Chairman said there had been a great deal of discussion anonymous and otherwise, in the Local press for some weeks past. He did not object to it, although in his opinion; the floor of that meeting was the proper place to discuss the internal affairs of the club, and not in the public Press, (hear Hear). He had read a letter that night in which the writer sought to belittle the play, of the team, and lower the status of the club. Such a thing was most unbecoming (hear hear) for it was unfair to speak of the poorness of the displays when they remembered that the team had finish fourth in the League table. It was true that there had occasionally been exceptionally poor displays, but still they finished fourth from the top (a voice: “That was luck” and laughter). The directors had been charged with financial mismanagement, want of enterprised, and indifference in regard to the team's displays. With regard to financial mismanagement, no one, could go to their ground and observe its fine equipment with out being impressed with the fact that it had been paid for out of revenue (hear hear). From the moment they acquired the ground they had been successful, and their success had been sustained particularly during the last eight years. Eleven years ago, they had a loss on the year's working of £900. Since then they had been in much more happy circumstances, and the present time the Everton Club, so far as finances were concerned, was the envy of the football world (applause). The present board of directors justly claimed credit for the club's financial success, and it was noteworthy that of the nine directors, seven of them had been on the board for ten years and upward. The policy of the directors had been neither parsimonious nor extravagant. They freely gave to clubs in distress (hear, hear). With regard to the want of enterprises in regard to players, he would remind them that during the post season they had signed the following first class players –Beare, Fleetwood, Jefferis, Gracie, and Grenyer. (hear, hear). Few clubs had gone further than that (hear hear). Dr. Whitford alluded to their past successes in the English Cup competitions during the last ten years, and observed that they had achieved without a single penny of illegal bonus being paid to players (hear, hear). It was simply marvellous to him that after what had come to light in regard to illegal bonuses that that had been paid by certain clubs that they had been unsuccessful as they had been. In conclusion the chairman stated emphatically that not one of the directors had an axe to grind (hear.hear). Mr., W. R. Clayton formally seconded the resolution. The chairman then invited questions, and a shareholder said he would like to protest against the way some of their supposed supporters who like cows hiding behind a hedge, threw stones at the directors through the newspapers (laughter). If any of those gentlemen were present, he hoped they would come forward like men and make their complaints openly to the directors (hear hear). If they had not the courage to come forward let them refrain from resorting to pen, and ink (hear, hear, and applause).

Mr. W. C. Nicholas (a shareholder) remarked that year after year the directors banded themselves together not to part (laughter). At such annual meeting they told the same old tale (laughter), and when they did retire they always wanted to be re-elected (renowned laugher). What was wanted on the board was fresh blood, and if new members of the board knew very little about football, they could be admired in the same way that the old directors had been (hear hear). The chairman answering various questions and that with regard to the increase of expenditure there had been no increase in the wages of the office staff. With reference to the salaries of the players and the amount of transfer fees, the board had no objection to make the public, but they did not think it politic (hear hear). Any shareholder was at perfect liberty to inspect the books (hear hear). With regard to Sandy Young, the majority of the directors after mature consideration were all of opinion that he should be put on the transfer list, and at the proper time his services would not be forgotten (hear hear). Everton had never treated their players like sucked oranges, but had always striven to treat them generously (hear hear). There were many things that came to the knowledge of the directors about players that were quite unknown to the shareholders (applause). The directors had no object to serve but the best interests of the club, and there was not the slightest suggestion about fanatical standing of the club (applause). Mr. Kirkwood moved the declaration of a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. This was second by Mr. E. A. Bainbridge. The three retiring directors were Dr. Whitford, Mr. E.A.Bainbridge, and Mr. John Davies. The results as follows, Allman 236, Davies 227, Whitford 217, Bainbridge 185, and Gunning 116. The first three were therefore elected. Mr. W. C Cuff announced that the following players had been signed on for next season. Goal, William Scott Walter Scott, and C.H. Berry, backs, J.S. Macconnachie, R. Balmer, W. Stevenson, and J. Meunier, half-backs, V. Harris, R. Young, H. Makepeace, J. Allan, William Davies, T. Fleetwood, A. Grenyer, J.D. Taylor, and L.C. Weller; forwards, G. Beare, S. Chedgzoy, William Gault, J. Gourlay, T. Gracie, J. Jefferis, W. Lacey, E. Magner, T. Murray, E. Pinkney, A. berry, G.H. Barlow, and J.C.Bardsley.

IN VIEW OF EVERTON’S A.G.M
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 16 May 1911
Bee’s Notes
“Fair Play” has a very long letter to ventilate his views regarding the methods adopted by the Everton directors respecting their players.  I think it must be conceded at once that the general concusses of opinion is diametrically opposite to the opinions of the directors, and I gladly welcome the agitation which is now going on for a change, providing that this agitation is carried on in a fair and open manner.  We do not want any underhand work, and the opening of your columns for correspondence is to be commended.  There are three or four points, I should like to ventilate briefly, and would ask some shareholders to please take a note of them and have the courage to ask the question at the general meeting, because I have not yet seen the explanation given, which the public who support the club have a right to receive from the Everton directors.  First is; What was the real reason of C. Wilson’s departure from the club?  (This has not been answered to this day) Secondly why did Coleman leave?  (Another instance of a star being transferred to another club).  We all know his value, but here again the transfer fee is a poor consolation to the public supporters of the club.  Thirdly; Why do the directors not make an open statement regarding A. Young transfer.  There are other pointers, such as the difficulty regarding Stevenson’s signing on.”  “The directors should make a sacrifice to secure Wedlock’s services.”  I am a supporter of the club through thick and thin since the days they played in the park, and I have a distinct recollection of the match being played between them and the Cambrian Club, when that renowned one arm player Ketley played such a prominent part and it grieves me to see such a poor return for the labours of the players and the patronage which is bestowed on the club, and which will continue only doubly so, if they only take steps to engage first-class players as in the days of old.  Signs of good old Latta, Brady, Chadwick, Milward, and Jimmy Settle.  Where is there a forward playing today who could touch the last-named? 
     “Irish Critic,” from Egremont, has “Watched with interest and some amusement the Sandy Young controversy,” and sends me the opinion of an old Irish footballer who has watched both Everton and Liverpool every Saturday-and holiday –this past season, and who has been in Liverpool since shortly before the football season commenced.”  I may say at once the writes) that the Everton directorate have acted wisely in parting with Sandy Young, who is a man of moods.  He was selfish, if clever and ended up most of his clever displays by losing the ball altogether.  We want cohesion in the front and middle lines, and not individual artistry.  Bob Young who played so well at centre half at the early part of the season, lost much of his success when he got the idea that he was a goal-scorer for he neglected his forwards entirely to get in a shot.  I was deeply disappointed with the finish of Everton’s season more especially as I had tipped then to win the “pot”  My team for the Goodison Park would be;- Scott, Stevenson, Macconanchie; Harris, Fleetwood, Makepeace; Berry, Lacey, Gracie, Jefferis, and Beare. 

MR. HERBERT ALLMAN
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 18 May 1911
Mr. Herbert Allman, who with Mr. Gunning has been nominated for the position of director of the Everton Club has issued the following circular;-
“Having been requested by several shareholders of the club to allow myself to be nominated for a position on the board of management I have, after mature consideration, agreed to do so.  “In determining upon this course, I have been actuated by many reasons the principal being my centre disapproval of the policy adopted by the directors with regard to the acquisition of new players recent got.  Considering that the Everton Club is the wealthiest in the country, what have the directors done in order to justify a continuance of the shareholders support with regard to the obtaining of first-class footballers.  Judging from what has been seen in Goodison Park the season, practically nothing.  “I should if honoured by your confidence endorse the policy of securing the best possible players –the finished product, and not the comparatively raw recruit. We ought to have a high-class team at Goodison Park and I submit that in their attempted requirements the present board have failed to satisfy the club’s supporters.  It comes to me essential that greater enterprise should be shown in the future than has been the case in the past, and my efforts would be in this direction.  “We need a team that will bring honours to Liverpool, not a series of disappointments and the fact that the Everton Club with its great resources, has only once succeeded in winning the League championship clearly demonstrates the vital necessity of the introduction of new blood on the directorate. 
    “I have bene a shareholder of the club for many years, and have always taken the keenest interest in its fortunes.  The time has now arrived when some changes in the management has become imperative, and, with this in view, I solicit the favour of your support and vote at the annual meeting.” 

NEW EVERTON OFFICER
Liverpool Echo - Tuesday 23 May 1911
MR. ALLMAN HEADS THE ELECTION POLL
POINTS OF THE MEETING
Last night Everton lost a good man from their board of directors.  It was made known in this notebook weeks ago that Mr. Allman was striving with extreme earnestness to gain a place upon the club’s management, and I foretold a close contest.  Mr. Gunning, I had been led to believe would withdraw.  Far from withdrawing, he polled no fewer than 116 votes and thus with Mr. Allman topping the list with a score of 236 the shareholders last night at the annual meeting made plain their decision to infuse new blood into the board.  As I said at the outset the result is a loss of a knowledgeable man to the club’s interests.  Mr. E.A. Bainbridge has served the club for sixteen years and has done more travelling after likely players than any other member of the club, besides which he has spent weeks away with the team when they were in special training.  Mr. Bainbridge is sport enough to admit defeat, but he knows that Mr. Allman and his many supporters aimed not at any one of the retiring directors only at the directorate as a body.  Personally I am sorry that Mr. Bambridge is lost to the board.  It will be a big break to all concerned.  One had to admire the spirit of the election of Mr. Allman an enthusiast who has been a shareholder ten years –not five, as a correspondent recently stated.  Mr. Allman bears no animosity to any member of the club, he stood for increased endeavor, and by his canvas he showed patently what he can do when he sets his mind upon an object.  The voting at Exchange Hotel room- a room that resounded with interjections from share-holders and tooles from motorists outside till these at the rear of the hall could hardly hear one speaker in ten –resulted as follows;-
Mr. Herbert Allman -236
Mr. John Davies-227
Dr. Whitford-217
Mr. E.A. Bainbridge -185
Mr. Gunning -126
Dr. Whitford chairman of the club, presided and the other directors present were Dr. Baxter, Messrs W.R. Clayton, John Davies, E.A. Bainbridge, A. Wade, Roberts Wilson, D. Kirkwood, and B. Kelly and Mr. W.C. Cuff (Secretary). 
CHAIRMAN’S SPEECH
The meeting was not the “red-hot” thing many imagined it would be.  As a sturdy of fact, instead of probability one found that the pestilence of letter writers had subsided.  Was it modesty come to its own, or was it fear?  The meeting was really quiet and fruitless until election time.  Questions were asked, of course, and many of them- aye, most of them-were things of ridicule, while a number of silly interruptions caused the chairman’s task to become no sinecure.  The doctor, in moving the adoption of the report, said there had been a great deal of discussion, anonymous and otherwise, in the local Press from some weeks past.  He did not object to it, although in his opinion, the floor of that meeting was the proper place to discuss the internal affairs of the club, and not in the public Press (hear, hear).  He had read a letter that night in which the writer sought to belittle the play of the team and lower the statue of the club.  Such a thing was most unbecoming (hear, hear), for it was unfair to speak of the poorness of the displays when they remembered that the team had finished fourth in the League table.  It was true that there had occasionally been exceptionally poor displays, but still they finished fourth from the top (a Voice; “That was luck,” and laughter).  The directors had been charged with financial mismanagement want of enterprise, and indifference in regard to the team’s displays.  With regard to financial mismanagement, no one could go to their ground and observe its fine equipment without being impressed with the fact that it had been paid for out of revenue (hear, hear) From the moment they acquired the ground they had been succeeded and their success had been sustained particularly during the last eight years.  Eleven years ago they had a loss on the year’s working of £900.  Since then they had been in much more happy circumstance and at the present time the Everton Club so far as finances were concerned, was the envy of the football world (applause) The present board of directors justly claimed credit for the club’s financial success, and it was noteworthy that of the nine directors seven of them had been on the board for ten years and upwards.  The policy of the directors had been neither paramonious extravagant.  They freely gave to clubs in distress.  With regard to the want of enterprise in regard to players and he would remind them that during the past season they had signed the following first-class players; - Beare, Fleetwood, Jefferis, Gracie, and Grenyner (hear, hear).  Few clubs had gone further than that (hear, hear).  Dr. Whitford alluded to their past successes in the English Cup competitions during the last ten years, and observed that they had been achieved without a single penny of illegal bonus being paid to players (hear, hear).  It was simply marvelous to him that after what had come to light in regard to illegal bonuses that had been paid by certain clubs, they had been as successful as they had been.  They had since 1903-4 finished third, second, twelfth, fourth, twelfth, second, tenth, and fourth in the League.  In conclusion, the chairman stated emphatically that not one of the directors had an axe to grind (hear,hear).  Mr. W.R Clayton formally seconded the resolution. 
Mr. Kirkwood moved the declaration of a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent.  This was seconded by Mr. E.A. Bainbridge and unanimously agreed to. 
QUESTION TIME
The chairman then invited questions, and a Shareholder said he would like to protest against the way some of the supposed supporters, who like curs hiding behind a hedge, threw stones at the directors through the newspapers (laughter).  If any of those gentlemen were present, he hoped they would come forward like men and make their complaints openly to the directors (hear, hear) If they had not the courage to come forward let them refrain from resorting to pen and ink (hear, hear and applause). 
Mr. W.C. Nicholas (a shareholder) remarked that year after year the directors banded themselves together not to part (laughter).  At each annual meeting they told the same old tale (laughter) and when they did retire they always wanted to be re-elected.  (rennewed laughter).  What was wanted on the board was fresh blood and if new members of the board knew very little about football they could be educated in the same way that the old directors had been educated (hear, hear). 
The Chairman answering various questions said that with regard to the increase of expenditure there had been no increase in the wages of the office staff.  With referee to the salaries of the players and transfer fees the board had no objection to make them public but they did not think it polite (hear, hear).  Any shareholder was at perfect liberty to inspect the books (hear, hear).  With regard to Sandy Young the majority of the directors after mature consideration were all of opinion that he should be put on the transfer list, and at the proper time his service would not be forgotten (hear, hear).  Everton had never treated their players like sucked oranges, but had always striven to treat them generously (hear, hear).  There were many things that came to the knowledge of the directors about players that were quite unknown to the shareholders (applause).  He reiterated that the directors had no object to serve but the best interests of the club and there was not the slightest suggestion about the financial standing of the club (applause).  Much discussion arose out of proxy forms with the printed names of the candidates being posted to shareholders together with the balance=sheet and Mr. McKie was adamant in his proposition.  Finally the balance-sheet was adopted. 
Mr. W.C. Cuff announced the players signed on for next season, and the somber note of the evening was a pranimous vote of sympathy with Mr. Cuff upon his recent bereavement.  Alderman Taggart asked if it would not be possible to omit any fixture on Good Friday which was the most sacred day in the year.  Let Everton lead the way in this matter, and he moved that the club should bring the subject before the notice of the Management Committee of the Football League.  This was opposed by a shareholder, who pointed out, that Good Friday and Christmas Day were the only two occasions upon which many working men had an opportunity of witnessing a match.  On being put to the vote, Alderman Taggart’s resolution that the matter he put before the League was defeated by two votes though the people at the back of the room firmly believed that the verdict had gone against Good Friday football.  Raising sharply a healthy-looking sport announced himself thus Joe Hughes (Paused).  When the applause subsided Joe Hughes asked that the shareholders might be drafted to scale at the Goodison road side of the ground, I would advise that the shareholders ask for a day’s trial of this big stand before they ask the directors to let them move their lodgings.  They will probably find that their views of the game from the new stand is not suitable and that the finer points of the play are lost.  In comparison if Taylor and the ruling case, Sandy Young, could not hold water, and the directors on the score of Sandy Young’s parting received practically no opposition, and discreetly carried their point.  Much more sensible was the question of cramped knee-space for the tip-up seats.  Dr. Whitford explained that this was due to the “pitch” of the stand and it would be remedied at the earliest possible moment.  The Bullen’s rod stand had been in repair last season and the doctor forecasted a new stand on the Bullen’s side of the ground.  When that stand is built there will only be the Aintree end stand to be erected before the ground becomes walled in on all sides.  Onn shareholder asked for the attendance list (directors meeting) and when another requested information as to how many journeys had been made by the retiring directors in search of talent, Mr. Clayton gave the answer as the doctor was implicated.  Mr. Clayton said’ “I can say that the retiring directors have spent many hours travelling after players and I don’t think that anyone else present could have developed so much time or labour to an ebdeavour to find players and I hope you will show your confidence in them by re-electing them.”  Mr., Gardiner’s few minutes before the meeting was enjoying the pleasure of gardening.  The business nature of the day had quite dipped his memory.  One likes to hear Mr. Gardiner, because he goes to the point straightaway and does not turn on to a dozen and one brand lines.  He required information concerning the auditor’s statement wherein the formula had been omitted.  The reply was satisfactory.  The same gentleman, while the jury were retiring to conclude their verdict put in support for Alderman Taggart’s request concerning Good Friday matches.  He thought it would raise the dignity of Everton if they refrained from football on the day mentioned.  Our  steel grey friend began to tell us something of Christmas day, but I flee for a chariot to take me to a hall of amusement.  Had the meeting not delayed me long, enough?  Mere suggestions at a football “annual” are grabbed with fierce hands and are pulled about mercilessly.  A canal company’s meeting would have been carried through in ten minutes as much as Everton’s meeting did in an hour and a half. 
S.J. Hoad the Blackpool winger, who was expected to sign on for Everton, joined the Manchester City club yesterday. 

EVERTON’S NEW DIRECTOR
Athletic News - Monday 29 May 1911
In one sense the annual meeting of the Everton club passed off very quietly, but the fact that a change was made in the directorate shows very cleanly that there was a strong under-current of feeling prevalent.  Beyond a few thrifting questions relating to the balance sheet, all matters relating to finance evoked no interest.  There was a profit to show, and a dividened to declare therefore, as Artemus Ward would say in this respect, “Orl was peas.”   It was when we came to the arrangements for next season that division of opinion was patent and I think the result of the voting clearly demonstrates what the views of the shareholders are (says Junius).  The football witnessed at Goodison Park loast year was of a distinctly moderate character, and in spite of the fact that Everton finished fourth in the League table, there were precious few followers of the club satisfied with what they saw.  The voting for directorship ended in one of the new-comers Mr. H. Allman, heading the poll with 236 votes.  Mr. Allman has been a staunch supporter of the club for several years, and came forward with a clearly defined policy in support of his claims.  Mr. J. Gunning also did well to obtain 116 votes.  Two of the retiring directors, Mr. J. Davies, and Dr. Whitford were re-elected, but Mr. E.A. Bainbridge failed to retain his seat.  The last named gentleman has been connected with Everton from its earliest days, and has been a director for fifteen years.  No one on the board has rendered greater service to the club, for Mr. Bainbridge is a genine sportsman and he brought to bear all his experience and knowledge of the game in advancing the interests of the Goodison organiastion.