Everton Independent Research Data

 

WILKINSON SIGNS FOR BLACKPOOL
May 1 st 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Blackpool have signed on J. Wilkinson, the Everton right-winger, who went to Goodison Park from Newcastle United, he stands 5ft 8ins in height and weights 19st 10lbs. He will not be eligible to play in Blackpool's vital game with Manchester City tomorrow. Wilkinson has been useful in the Central League games for Everton, and occasionally assisted the senior side.

EVERTON’S LAST SECOND DIVISION GAME?
Liverpool Echo- Friday, May 1 1931
EVERTON AT PRESTON 
Bee’s Notes
EVERTON AT PRESTON
Bee’s Notes
Everton go to Preston, where the Scots used to congregate and where the managerial reign had been rather varied. To-day Mr. Hyde, ex-Stockport, takes charge of the North End team.  North End promised to get back to  Division 1, this season, and the way  they played against Everton, at  Goodison Park, was sufficient to send  many Everton men to the belief that  Preston were luckless to miss a point,  and Everton's form would not carry  them to Division I. Everton suffered  through Port Vale, Cardiff, and Preston  and for weeks afterwards they got the  points without being convincing. I said so, and was curtly told that nothing would satisfy me. Others say I am easily satisfied. Curtis, the Cup Final  player with Cardiff and Birmingham  told Percy Barton, last week, that I  was the one man who had a good word  for footballers—all this turning of fact  and fancies rather bewilders me,  especially when I read of final tie  reports which say : " Gregg shot a goal," " Richardson headed the first  goal," " Bradford headed a goal,"  whereas Gregg headed a goal and  Richardson and Bradford shot their  goals. However, that's a passing thought.  The point we have to be joyful about is that Everton, with the heavier grounds, began to play a fine game and get a crop of goals, and they are unmistakably in front of anything in the Second Division. Whether that will be good enough for the First Division no one can say until the test is made. I congratulate the club and the players upon their rise and upon the way they rose. They made many new friends and they helped the Second Division gates in a manner one could never have anticipated. To-morrow, for instance, they will be making a good gate for Preston North End if only because they want to see the club that could discover men like Jud Harrison, Jasper Kerr, and Duke Hamilton without feeling vexed about it.  Tom Scott, of Liverpool, will also be there to face his former comrades, and the final match at Preston looks like being a very joyful affair. We know no end-of-season football farces thanks to the introduction of the two pounds bonus scheme. For which many thanks.  And this, readers, is my last testament to the season of 1930-1 save that to-morrow's “Football Echo" will add  its line of the day's football thought and  the run of the ball in this, an exciting  and interesting, season of first-class sport  among first-class sportsmen. 
EVERTON STRENGTHENING
LUTON TOWN GIVE UP THEIR BEST HALF-BACK
Everton followed up their signing of Bocking, from Stockport County, by obtaining the signature of A. Clark, the right half-back of the Luton Town Club.  Clark has been a couple of seasons with the Southern club, and is considered to be one of the best half-backs in the Southern area.  Clark is ideally built for his task, standing 5ft 11ins, and weighing 12st 7lbs.  He is of the Everton type, being a constructive player, and is not averse to going through and having a shot.  This will be his first experience in the senior League, for he had two seasons with Arsenal. 

EVERTON TOUR CANCELLED
May 1 st 1931. Evening Express
By the Pilot
The proposed tour of Sweden, and Denmark has been cancelled. The Swedish F.A. have stated that, owing to the congestion of the League fixtures there, they could not permit matches with a touring team until those matches were played.
"Good by" Second Division.
Everton will say this tomorrow, when they play their final match under the auspious of the Division –Preston North End at Deepdale. The Blues have an opportunity of putting up a goals record for the second Division, if they score three times against Preston, they will pass Middlesbrough's record of 122 goals secured when they won promotion in season 1926-27. I understand that Dean's ankle injury is likely to keep him out of the team, in that case Martin will lead the attack. Dunn returns to inside right. Everton; Coggins; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure,, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Dean of Martin, Johnson, Stein.

EVERTON SIGN CLARK FROM LUTON
May 2 nd 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
•  Clark, the Luton Town, right half-back has signed for Everton, Clark has been a crople of the season with Luton. He stands 5ft 7ins, and weights 12st, this will not be his first experience in the senior League, for he had two seasons with the Arsenal.

BOCKING MAKES DEBUT FOR EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 02 May 1931
NEW EVERTON FULL BACK IMPRESSES IN GAME WITH PRESTON NORTH END
By Stork
Everton; Coggins; Bocking, Cresswell; McClure, Gee, Thomson; Critchley, Dunn, Martin, Johnson, Stein.  Preston North End; Hampton; Ward, Kerr; Nisbet, Nelson, Crawford; Reid, Bargh, G.H. Smithies, Scott, Farrell.  Referee; Mr. A.J. Caseley, Wolverhampton. 
Preston had looked forward to this match, their last of the season, with great interest.  There was much disappointment that Dean was not playing, but his leg, which was injured at Wolverhampton, has not made the necessary improvement, so Martin once again took over the leadership of the Everton side.  There was great interest, however, in the debut of Bocking, who was signed a few days ago from Stockport County.  It was a gorgeous afternoon, and considering the attractiveness of the match the crowd could not be called a large one at the start. There was every indication, however, that it would be considerably increased as time went on.  The opening was a quiet one, yet there was some excellent football displayed if there were not too many shots.  Bocking in his first move showed wisdom in his tackle and cleanliness in his kicking of the ball, and he stopped a dangerous-looking attack by taking the ball from Reid's feet and shoving it forward so that his own attack got going.  The ball was full of life and the control of it was no easy matter, so one had to overlook the many slight errors that were made.  Preston showed skill in their approach work just as Everton did when they went forward, and but for a poor offside decision against Stein. Hampton in the Preston goal, would most assuredly have been called upon, for Everton were well up when the whistle called a halt.  The first work that Hampton was called upon to do was to catch a gliding ball by Martin. There was no terror in it, but it had to be closely watched, otherwise it might easily have sneaked past him. 
CRAWFORD IMPRESSIVE. 
One man in particular who, to my mind, stood out above all others up to this point was Crawford, the North-End left-half. I saw him put out five delicious passes to his colleague, Farrell, only to see the bulk of them wasted in unnecessary fashion. Here is a born footballer.  It was from a free kick by him that Preston put the Everton goal in its most dangerous position thus far. He crossed the ball right over to the right wing, and if Bargh had not miss-hit his shot, Coggins would have been called upon, while later on Farrell, who had rushed into the middle immediately Crawford got possession, although heavily challenged, made a valiant effort to bring about the downfall of the Everton goal, and was not many inches wide with his drive.  Jasper Kerr, the former Evertonian, was kicking just as strongly as ever. In fact, he showed much thought when he twice headed the ball back to his goalkeeper to get himself out of difficult positions. While there was quietness about the game, there were many ingenious moves and much fine play between the half backs, and Tom Scott, one time Liverpool, tried to force his way through, but found Bocking the stumbling block.  Just at this moment more life entered the game, and Hampton had to overcome two charges by Martin so that he could eventually make a clearance Cresswell was just wonderful. Many adjectives have been used regarding this player throughout the season. He is deserving of them all, but to-day in maneuvering a difficult ball he was sure, confident, and clever in everything he did.  Farrell was in a wasteful mood. He was given glorious opportunities to prove his worth, but did not respond to the prompting of Nelson and Crawford, particularly the latter.  ODDS ON A GOAL 
So far, the nearest approach to a goal was when Critchley took a first-time drive for the far corner of the net, and it looked any odds on a goal, for Hampton was standing at the other side of his net, but at the last second Ward came across and headed away.  The corner brought some weight of pressure on to the Preston defence, but it was not of long duration. Preston replied, but rarely got through the Everton defence. Bocking being particularly strong, with Cresswell the artist.  Stein had the foresight to judge the flight of a free kick by Bocking, and, running on the blind side of Ward, put that player right out of position, and it needed a quick dash out of goal by Hampton to stop the Everton winger, who was also assisted by Martin; but the  goalkeeper was the winner in the end.  - Coggins' only work so far had been the retrieving of long balls and one or two back passes. As a matter of fact there had been a dearth of shots from either side, but what few there were, were never of any account.  Critchley was responsible for one fine centre, and Martin tried all he knew to  crowd his way between Ward and Kerr,  but found the opposition ono too many  for him.  Another disputable offside decision against Critchley held up a promising Everton attack, and at this moment Everton were undoubtedly the better side.  Cresswell once turned away a goal-laden centre by Farrell, and from this Crawford, with a clever dribble,  " placed " himself just outside the penalty area, but in his endeavour to do the right thing he did the wrong thing when he held on to the ball all too long, and when he sent his pass through to Smithies, the amateur centre-forward, could do no good, for Cresswell was standing at his elbow. 
THE OUTSTRETCHED HAND 
Hampton made an uncommon save when he ran a long way out to retrieve, a Bocking free kick. Critchley was  following up and seemed likely to gain possession, but the goalkeeper stretched  out his hand and took it away from the Everton winger just as he was about to head it forward and make for goal.  The crowd became rather angry when Bocking brought Smithies down, and this led to a furious onslaught by the Preston forwards. It was their first real effort, which had an unsettling effect upon the Everton defence, and before Reid finally slashed the ball on to the upright other shots had been cannoned out. 
A NEAR THING
One minute from the end Everton nearly took to themselves a leading goal.  Hampton got his knuckles to a short, sharp shot from Martin, and before he could recover himself Dunne had levelled another blow at his charge, Ward for the second time heading out.  The ball went straight into the air and dropped just in front of the crossbar, where Hampton was able to tip it over the bar.  Half-time; Preston North End 0, Everton 0.
EVERTON LOSE LAST MATCH
PRESTON'S SECOND-HALF REVIVAL 
TWO BARON GOALS 
GEE SUSTAINS A GASHED EYELID 
By Stork
Preston won through two good goals by Bergh, local youth, the second of which was made possible through a flaw in defence by Cresswell.  The first half was rather of a go-as-you-please order—plenty of finesse but nothing definite. With Bargh's first goal life came into the game for the first time, and it was then more or less all North End.  Bocking's debut was quite satisfactory, for he did many fine things, but Everton were never really a dangerous lot in front of goal.  In the first half there was no score.  It needed a goal to enliven this game, and one was soon forthcoming in the second half, but to the Liverpool people present it was not to the side expected, for it was Preston who took the lead at the fifty-first minute.  A little bit of keenness had entered the game on the Preston left wing, where Farrell and McClure got at cross-purposes, and it was immediately following this that Preston scored.  It was not actually from the free kick that Bargh scored, for the shot was successfully cleared, but only for a few moments.  Bargh got hold of the ball just about the penalty line, and moving up a pace hit a grand shot that just went inside the right-hand upright.  Coggins made a frantic dash across his goal in an effort to reach the ball, but never had a chance from the moment he started.  This brought the North End to the realization that they could win this match if they only tried, and they gave the Everton defence much food for thought by their speedy attacks and first-time drives, drives, by the way, which were missing in the first half.
TWO FOR BARCH 
At fifty-seven minutes Bargh had scored goal No. 2, and it was a similar  sort of shot which was made possible  through the faulty judgment of the part  of Cresswell, who delayed his tackle just  a shade too long, and Bargh was able to  get beyond him and scored another  grand goal.  Everton were right out of it at this moment, and Smithies was unfortunate when he struck the upright with a force shot that no Everton man could have saved if the ball had been an inch the other way.  Everton met with misfortune when Gee injured himself, and had to leave the field bleeding profusely.  The accident was quite unintentional, for Gee and Nelson had gone up to the ball together, and it seemed to me that, the Everton centre half got a blow in the face.  Cogging was a busy man just about  now, and he had to make a late save  from Farrell, but he managed to turn  the ball away, although I thought it had beaten him, for he had to stretch backwards to pull it out of his goal.  As a consequence of Gee's injury Everton had to reorganise a bit.  Thomson went centre half, Johnson dropping back into the left-half position.  Despite their handicap Everton made  one or two well-combined attacks, but  found the North End defence in stubborn  mood, and the only thing that  Hampton had to do this half was to  clear a long dropping shot that you or  I could have saved.  Tom Scott was put right in front of goal by Reid, but even then the best he could do was to shoot straight at Coggins, who was thankful to have the opportunity to make a save. 
GEE'S INJURY 
On inquiry I find that Gee's injury consists of a gashed eyelid, which necessitated some stitches.  Coggins, after making a save from Bergh, made a “back " for an oncoming  forward, who went toppling over him, and the crowd was not at all pleased at  the manner of Coggins defense.  I asked a former referee his opinion of this little matter, and he said it was a penalty every time.  Where Creswell had been previously so sure he was now uncertain, and the Everton defence had a harassing time now that the Preston forwards had brought out their fast pace and intricate passes. Critchley was limping badly and Stein was also holding one of his ribs. 
MARTIN CONSOLES 
With three minutes to go Martin scored a consolation goal for Everton after Stein who taking over two roles, that of centre-forward and outside-left, had forced Hampton to a half-save.  Final; Everton 2, Preston North End 1.

BURY RES V EVERTON RES
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, May 2, 1931
PLAYER ON TRANSFER SECURES HAT-TRICK
At Bury, in dull weather.  Following an early burst by Everton, Bury had all the play in the first half, and within twelve minutes Hope, who is on the transfer list, had accomplished the hat-trick for Bury.  The game was full of interest, and Harrison, the Bury goalkeeper, had to save twice from Worrall.  Smith put Bury further ahead after thirty-four minutes.  Everton started the second half in business-like manner and the Bury backs had no easy task in repulsing the many attacks, Griffiths from a free kick had hard lines in not reducing the lead, Morrison turning a great shot on to the bar.  With a minute to go Hope headed a fifth goal for Bury from a corner by Armstrong.  Final; Bury 5, Everton 0
EVERTON A V. SKELMERSDALE
Everton pressed strongly during the early stages of the game, a strong shot from Davies hitting the crossbar.  At the other end the visitors after a nicely combined effort missed a good chance through Rowson sending over.  Everton took the lead after 20 minutes through Cunliffe, and later Davies, with an open goal, sent wide.  Carry made a splendid save from Abram at three yards’ range, Davies added a second goal for Everton.  Half-time; Everton A 2, Skelmersdale 0. 

PRESTON NORTH END 2 EVERTON 1
May 4 th 1931, Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton Lose the Last match
Preston's Promising young forward.
By "Stork."
At Deepdale, Everton were well beaten by a moderate game. The first half was more like a friendly match –plenty of intricate footwork with little punch to finish it off. Bocking the new Everton back on his first half showing pleased. He is well built, and his kicking was clean, and crisp with tackling that brooked of no denial, but as was to be expected he did quite grasp some of Cresswell's feat, but this of course, will come with experienced of the Everton methods. In the second half he was not quite so good, neither was Cresswell, who had a brilliant first half.
Cresswell Hesitates.
It was hesitating on the part of Cresswell which brought Barth his second goal. He was too good, and Bargh rapped in and took the ball and hit a fine goal, somewhat similar to the one he had in the opening six or seven minutes previously. Bargh had stepped up from the "A" team, and North End should be amply repaid for their foresight in giving this youth encouragement. He is yet in his teens, but has some touches worthy of a more experienced player. Gee had to retire in the second half, with a badly cut eye, and Critchley and Stein were limping, but in fairness to Preston, it mist be stated that they had retained their two goals lead with Everton at full strength. It was not until late on that Coggins was tested to the full and had a bit of luck when Smithers struck the upright. Reid also hit one up against the workwork, and on the whole Preston were the more dangerous side. Martin goal was only made possible after Hampton had stopped an effort by Stein. Preston won on their merits; their forwards were the lively lot, and Crawford, the left half gave a brilliant exhibition of constructive football, and Kerr, the ex-Evertonian was a sound full back. Teams; Everton; Coggins, goal; Bocking and Cresswell (captain), backs; McClure, Gee and Thomson, half-backs; Critchley, Dunn, Martin, Johnson, and Stein, forwards. Preston North End; Hampton, goal; Ward and Kerr, backs; Nisbett, Nelson and Crawford half-backs; Reid, Bargh, Smith Scott and Farrell, forwards.

BURY RESERVES 5 EVERTON RESERVES 0
May 4 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Central League (Game 42)
Everton, evidently affected by the end of the season, never displayed true form at Bury. The home side adopted sparkling conhesive methods. Hope performed the hat-trick in twelve minutes, Smith adding another 24 minutes later. Everton were outplayed until they rallied strongly towards the finish. Griffiths was the cleverest visiting half-back, but the forwards never get the measure of the home defence. Hope headed the fifth goal on time.
Everton "A" 4 Skelmersdale United 1
Liverpool County Combination.
At Stopgate Lane. As the result of their victory, Everton became runners up. Cunliffe opened the scoring, and before the interval Davies added a second, Fryer increased the score soon after the resumption. Rowson reduced the arrears, and later Fryer netted Everton's fourth goal.

HOW BOCKING PLAYED AT PRESTON
Liverpool Echo - Monday 04 May 1931
ABOUT BOCKING 
By Stork
Everton's game at Deepdale showed us but two things. The first that Bocking is a strong and resourceful defender, and that all the fine play is of no account if there is not a shot at the end of it to clinch matters. Time anal again Everton have overplayed an opponent in the matter of football artistry, only to lose because there was a dearth of shooting in the forward line. In this game they were not a great deal ahead of Preston in craft, but in the matter of shooting the North End held a good balance, for although Hampton appeared to be the harder worked man in the first half, the calibre of the shots levelled at him was not of the type to beat any goalkeeper worthy of the name.  There were many long and stray balls, but you or I could have prevented from  from finding a "'home" Coggins however, could not stop the two that Bargh  shot beyond him and he was also fortunate when Smithies shook the  upright, anal again when Reed slapped  one up against the " stansion." That explains Preston's victory.  As I sat in the sunshine and watched  the " P.S.A." football I sighed for the  commencement of the summer games,  and I do not think that I was alone in  any desire to see the end of the present  football season. 
A COMMON THOUGHT 
The first half was deadly "cool." Yes! There were plenty of clever movements, but no “bite” but above all there was never a semblance of a goal, for there were no shooters, and, dear me, there were ample opportunities.  But everyone seemed lackadaisical.  "There is nothing at the end of this match” seemed to be the common thought. A goal was needed to lilt it into life. hut I never expected to see  Preston take the initiative, for they had  not suggested that they would, but once  they got a goal it sent them on the war- path for more, and by their aggressiveness  they gave us :he opportunity to see  how Bocking fared when the tide was  flowing against him.  We had seen him under other conditions in the first half, when he gave a highly satisfactory display, but he was not nearly so good when “put under the hammer." He was fearless, kicked a clean ball, and tackled well, but there were times when he was easily beaten. Cresswell, who had also given a brilliant exhibition of cool, calculating defensive football in the opening half, fell from grace. He made a simple blunder—hesitation—and was never the real Cresswell afterwards. True, the absence of Gee, with a badly-cut eyelid, did not help him, for it meant extra work at a time when Preston were decidedly on top. Then Critchley and Stein were injured, hut in making these excuses I do not wish to take away any praise for Preston's victory, which was well deserved.
OFFSIDE DECISIONS 
I have seen some poor refereeing this season, but never have I seen so many “wrongful" offside decisions given in one game. Mr. Caseley puzzled me when he allowed Critchley to go on in the belief that he was onside, only to call him up when he got in touch with the ball. Now, if Critchley was offside at all he was offside immediately he started his run forward, and why the referee delayed his decision only himself knows. Then Stein was twice pulled up with a full-back lying between him and the goalkeeper. Another thing Coggins will be made to pay for “Making a back “for an oncoming forward. He has indulged in this sort of thing many times this season, but one of these fine days a smart referee will mulct him in a penalty kick.  Bargh, the scorer of the two goals, is but a youth who has stepped up from the A team. He did some things more suited to an older man, but an even more successful player was Crawford, who is one of the best attacking half-backs I have seen this season. 

EVERTON'S NEW BACK PLEASES.
Mat 4 th 1931. Evening Express
By the Pilot.
Everton's first investment in building up a team worthy of the First Division has proved a sound one. Billy Bocking, the full back secured during the week from Stokcport County is a really good player. Bocking is the double of Ben Williams, he is made of rather larger lines but I have never seen such a striking resemblance when he is in action. He was best Evertonian on the field in the match at Preston. A relentless tackler and hefty kicker, he introduced thought into his work. His positional play was faultless, and he can use both feet. Gee was the only other Blue to earn honours in this lethargic encounter won 2-1 by Preston. Gee was always contributed pretty yet effective football, and it was unfortunate that he should received such a severe injury in the second half as a double cut over his left eye. With Critchley a passage owing to ankle trouble, the Blues were reduced to nine sound men, but had they been at full strength all through I think the North end would have won. They deserved to.

COOK TO TRANMERE
May 5 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton back for Tranmere
By John Peel.
Tranmere Rovers have signed George Cook, a right full back, of Everton. He is a powerful and speedy defender, twenty-two years of age, stands 5ft 11ins, and weights 12 st 11 lbs. Cook was transferred to Everton last season from Blyth Spartans, and was a regular member of the Central League team. He also made one appearance with the League team. He should strengthen the Rovers defence. Former Everton players who have been with Tranmere Rovers during the past season are Livingstone, Kennedy (A), Barton, and Meston.

SOUTHPORT TAKE AN EVERTON HALF-BACK
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, May 5 1931
Southport have signed John S.  Towers, the Everton reserve left half back.  Towers is twenty-one years of age, stand 5ft 8ins., and weight 11st 10lbs.  He is a boy of great promise, and might have won a place in the first team, but for the continued excellence of McPherson.

TOWERS TRANSFERRED
May 6 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton have now, transferred three players, Wilkinson the forward went to Blackpool, Cook the full back has joined Tranmere Rovers, and now Towers a left half-back, he has been secured by Southport. Towers is twenty-one, stands 5ft 8ins, and weights 11 st . He hails from Darlington.

EYERTON SIGNING 
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 May 1931 
ARCHER, WALSALL, HALFBACK,  FOR GOODISON 
Everton F.C., to-day, announce that  they have signed a clever young left  half-back in J. Archer, from the Walsall Club.  Archer is only twenty years old, stands 5ft. 8ins, and weighs 10st 71bs.  He has been noted for consistently impressive displays in the Southern Section of the Third Division, and he had caught the eye of other clubs besides Everton. 

SUGGESTIONS TO EVERTON
Liverpool Echo - Friday 08 May 1931
Bee's Notes
“Old Blue" writes: — May I congratulate Everton on their wonderful getaway from the 2nd Division?  I wonder if they have learned their lesson. They went down because they had no one good enough to fill Dean’s place. Just look at the doleful record while he was off hurt! They hardly won a match, and then the same old tale again this season. Now for the remedy. I suggest Reading now might part with Bacon, who played a grand game here, and scored two goals, and has been a prolific scorer since; or Bourton, of Blackburn, a young centre, who is deadly at times, young of Halliday of Lincoln, might suit.  Why not follow Manchester’s City’s example?  When they came out they brought Tilson and Brooks, a grand left wing, with them.  Davis, Bradford’s outside right, played a glorious game against Everton.  On that form he is a second Crooks, and surely the directors noted that too.  He simply waltzed round Cresswell.  Hoping you are spared to continue with your good work and frank, unbiased criticisms. 

EVERTON SIGNED ARCHER
May 9 TH 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton have signed J. Archer a left back from the Walsall Club, twenty years old, Archer stands 5ft 9ins and weights 10st 9lbs.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, May 9, 1931
By Louis T. Kelly

FOOTBALL SIGNING IMMINENT 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 13 May 1931
A SPRIGHTLY OUTSIDE RIGHT FOR EVERTON? 
“Bee " learns that there is a good  chance of Everton signing a sprightly  outside right from the Potteries, a  young man who did very well against Everton last season and on whose head  is a figure of £2,500. If the deal is completed the Everton players list will bear two players of the same name.

EVERTON TOO SIGN FORWARD?
May 15 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Its is reported, that the officials of the Everton are about to signed on another forward, and it is said that a player associated with the Second Division club last season, may go to Goodison Park. There is, no official information on the point, but a right winger with a Midland club has been mentioned in this connection. With Wilkinson transferred to Blackpool, Everton can do with another right winger, so far the new Everton players number three –Bocking, the Stockport County back, who played in the last match of the season at Preston Clark right half-back from Luton Town, and Archer, left back from Walsall.

McCLURE
Liverpool Echo - Friday 15 May 1931
J.H.McClure, the Everton F.C., half-back, who is a member of the team, said he was looking forward to showing the Canadians the type of football played in Liverpool

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 16 May 1931
By Louis T Kelly

EVERTON SIGNED GRIFFITHS
May 20 th 1931. Liverpool Post and Mercury
Everton today signed on Griffiths, the brilliant Port vale outside right. I do not believe the story of how Phil Griffiths joined Port vale, has ever been told before, I have the authority of Mr. Tom Morgan, Port Vale shrew manager, for the following facts, say our Staffordshire correspondent, in the close season of 1926, young Griffiths, who had been playing with the Tylorsrown Club in South Wales, was give a trial with stoke City, he did not impress Mr. Tom Mather, Stoke City manger, and the youngest was given a trial with Port vale who signed him in August 24 th 1926. He joined the club as a centre-forward, but after only three matches, he was injured and when he resumed he was try at outside right. He played in that position ever since.

MORE MONEY IN DIVISION 2
May 20th 1931. Evening Express
Everton Turn a loss into a profit.
What Goodison costs.
By the Pilot
It does not always pay a football club –financially to be in Division 1, of the League. Sometimes there is more money in Division 2. This has been Everton's experience, at any rate. Their year in the Second Division has resulted in their turning a loss of £12,560 into a profit of £9,755. And so, although they were unfortunate to lose their place in the "first flight," for a season, their period in Division 2 has had some compensation. The 52 nd annual report of the directors shows that there is a balance to be carried forward of £50,033 3s 4d, after paying the recommended divided of 7 and half per cent. Out of this £2,577 5s 7d is allowed for depreciation, leaving £50,146 7s 8d, and the directors recommend the payment of a divided of 7 and half per cent, amounting to 113 4s 4d., leaving a balance to be carried forward of £50,033 3s 4d. The profit –I anticipate that it will be one of the highest made by a Football League club last season –is largely accounted for the fact that, whereas the previous season £35,574 was spent in players wages and transfer fees, last season only £10,658 10s was expended on these items.
Gate Receipts.
Gate receipts showed only the slightest decrease, last season's figures being £43,929 3s, against £45,450 3s 7d, the season before. The playing area at Goodison Park proved an expensive item, and the ground expenses, including wages took £4,002 as compared with only £2,264 the previous season. The retiring directors are Dr. C. S. Baxter, Mr. E. Green, the vice-chairman, and Mr. A. R. Wade, but as no other nominations have been received they will be declared re-elected for a period of three years at the annual meeting, which will be held at the India Buildings Water street, on Thursday, may 28.

EXPENDITURE
•  May 2, 1931
£ s. d. £ s. d
To players' wages and transfers fees, etc 35574 0 0 10658 10 0
Players Benefits 1225 0 0 1015 0 0
Medical Fees, players Accidents Insurance's etc, 589 5 1 399 14 5
Gate Division to visitors 5496 3 8 7829 13 4
Travelling Expences 3305 0 11 3310 6 0
Advertising, posting, printing and stationary 321 0 1 365 6 7
Gate expences, Checkers etc, 1360 4 10 1382 7 3
Training Expences and trainers Wages 1249 2 10 926 7 3
Ground Expences and Groundsmen Wages 2264 6 3 4002 2 10
National Health and Unemployment Insurance's 155 1 1 145 14 2
Rent Rates, taxes, Lighting, Water
Telephone, insurance's etc 3982 10 4 2220 14 10
Entertainment Tax 7050 0 4 6716 14 2
Offices Expenses, Secretary Salary, Postage's etc,1067 12 5 1062 7 2
Bank Interest and Commission 290 11 11 569 2 9
Clothing, Materials and stores 340 14 1 345 19 3
League Percentages, Subscriptions,
Contributions etc 646 1 6 617 14 10
Law Costs and accountancy Charges 75 19 9 285 14 0
Total 65091 15 1 42053 7 8
Balance to profit and Loss Account 9755 17 7
65091 15 1 51809 5 3

INCOME
•  May 2, 1931
£ s d £ s d
By gate Receipts 45450 3 7 43929 3 0
Proceeds of matches played away etc 6006 8 6 7021 1 3
51456 12 1 50950 4 3
percentage of International Match 59 7 0
season tickets 612 2 6 438 17 6
Advertising, Contractors for programmes
Hoarding and Refreshments 291 2 0 291 2 0
Share Transfers Fees 1 5 0 3 12 6
Rent from subtenants 111 5 0 125 10 0
51809 5 3
balance to Profit and loss Account 12560 1 6
65091 15 1 51809 5 3
Sports Pie
•  Harry Ritchie, the former Everton winger, resigned form Dundee yesterday. He was offered a re-arrangement at the end of the season, but there was delay owing to a disagreement on the question of terms.

EVERTON F.C. MAKE A PROFIT
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 May 1931
NEARLY £10,000 WHILE IN SECOND DIVISION     
Second Division football proved profitable to Everton F.C. to the extent of £9,755 last season.  The statement of accounts just published shows that gate receipts were £50,950 as compared with £51,456 the previous year, Cup-tie gates are, of course, Included.  Proceeds of Second Division away games amounted to £7.021 as against £6.006 in the previous First Division season. Transfers and players' wages cost only £10,658 as against £35,574 the year before, and gate percentage to visiting teams was £7.829 compared with £5,496.  The annual general meeting will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 7.30, at the Hall, India-buildings, Water-street, Liverpool. A dividend of 7 ½ per cent., less tax, is recommended. The retiring directors are Messrs. C. s. Baxter, E.  Green, and A. R. Wade. No other nomination having been received they will be declared elected for the ensuing three years.  The income and expenditure and profit and loss accounts are appended;-

KERR REJOINS PRESTON 
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 May 1931
After holding out for some time, Jasper Kerr, the ex-Everton footballer, has signed for Preston North End.  Another former Everton player, Weldon, of Hull City decided not to accept the lowly terms offered by the Yorkshire club. He is on offer as a consequence.

EVERTON’S BRILLIANT WINGER
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 20 May 1931
GRIFFITHS, OF PORT VALE, COMES NORTH
A CLEVER RAIDER
NOW HE CAME TO JOIN THE VALE 
Everton to-day signed on Griffiths, the brilliant Port Vale outside right.  I do not believe that the story of how Phil Griffiths joined Port Vale has ever been told before. I have the authority of Mr. Torn Morgan, Port Vale's shrewd manager, for the following facts, says our Staffordshire correspondent.  In the close season of 1926, young Griffiths, who had been playing with the Tylorstown club in South Wales, was given a trial with Stoke City. He did not impress Mr. Tom Mather, Stoke City's manager, and a friend took Griffiths to see Mr. Morgan.  The youngster was given a trial by Port Vale, who signed him on August 24, 1926. He joined the club as a centre-forward, but after only three matches he was injured, and when he resumed he was tried at outside right.  He has played in that position regularly since.
SUCCEEDED MANDLEY 
Griffiths for three seasons played in the reserve team. It was unfortunate for him that he was contemporary with Johnny Mandley, whom Port Vale transferred to Aston Villa last season.  While Mandley was with the Hanley club Griffiths, of course, could not get his place in the first eleven, but since  the star's departure to the Villa  Griffiths has made the position his own.  He is a boyish-looking, cleanly-built lad with an attractive personality, and in the past season he has developed into a brilliant wingman. Somewhat temperamental and highly-strung, on his day he is a deadly raider, and I have seen him make famous defenders look like novices with his speed, ball control, and clever swerving. He can give a back or half-back “the dummy “as well as any wingman I know.  During the past season he has played, in twenty-seven League matches, his absence from the others being due to injury, and he has scored fourteen goals.  Many famous clubs have been attracted by him, and as Port Vale are always struggling to make both ends meet on an insufficient income, it was only to be expected that he would follow his famous predecessor to one of the fashionable League clubs.

EVERTON'S NEW WINGER
May 21 st 1931. Evening Express
An average of a goal in three matches is the record of Phil Griffiths Everton's new outside right from Port Vale in his Second Division matches with the Hanley club. In 95 matches he claimed no fewer than 32 goals, a remarkable achievement for a wingermen. Age 22, 5ft 9ins, and 10st 12lbs Griffiths learned the art of shooting while playing as centre for his local team, Tylorstown, for who he scored 60 goals in one season.

PHIL GRIFFITHS
Liverpool Echo - Thursday 21 May 1931
Bee’s Notes
I have nothing to add to the signing of Phil Griffiths, of Port Vale, by Everton except that I can go further than the Staffordshire story published exclusively in the “Echo yesterday regarding his history. I believe the  Everton club have been perplexed that  I was able to give a hint of the signing  a week ago, and yesterday was able to  say " signed " even before the player  put his pen to the paper.  It is easy of explanation. Tom Fern, the former Everton and Port Vale player and cricket enthusiast, was at Aigburth for the county game, and meeting him there. I learned of the possible signing, and later of Griffith, desire to play for Everton rather than any of the other clubs who were after his transfer, and finally Fern gave me this interesting story regarding the new player's debut at Burslem.  Griffiths is a lovely player and a lovely lad, about 23 years of age, came from the heart of Wales, Tylorstown, where Jimmy Wilde was born, and simply asked the Vale manager for a trial.  His first game was so impressive that they put him in the public trial game, and the lad had to face Fern in goal and Oakes and Cooper at full-back.  Those three names were not sufficient to upset this lad, who within ten minutes had scored three of the nicest goals you could wish to see.  Of course, the rather superlative style of Mandley kept the boy in the background for a while, but as soon as the Villa took Mandley, Griff walked into the position, and has held it ever since with success.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo - Saturday 23 May 1931
By Louis T Kelly

EVERTON’S BIG GATE RECEIPTS
Liverpool Echo - Friday 29 May 1931
ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW TALENT
Congratulations to the club on its successful season were voiced at the meeting of shareholders of Everton Football Club, Ltd., at India Building, Liverpool, last evening.  The Chairman, Mr. W. C. Cuff, dealt first with the balance sheet, details of which have been given in the “Echo." Ground expenses showed an increase of £1,740 on the previous year, he said, because since the last match of the season the pitch had been drained and returfed, and the whole cost had been brought into last year's accounts.  A year ago they had to report a loss of £12,500, and they had turned that lose during the past year into a profit of £9.700. 
NO TRANSFER FEES 
This was largely because they had no transfer fees to pay. The gate receipts, notwithstanding that they were in the Second Division, and the trade depression, had been eminently satisfactory.  Only three clubs in England had exceeded Everton's gate receipts. They were First Division clubs--Arsenal,  Chelsea, and Aston Villa. Their sojourn in the Second Division had not been an unhappy one and they had made friends everywhere.  Everton had brought record gates to every club they had visited, and their departure from the Second Division was on that ground regretted by many clubs.  The board was on the lookout for players who would be able to maintain the traditions of the club. He proposed the adoption of the report and balance-sheet.  Mr. A. Coffey seconded, and the resolution was carried.  On the motion of Mr. E. Green, sounded by Mr. W. C. Gibbins, it was decided to pay a dividend of 7 ½ per cent, as recommended by the directors.  Messrs. T. Theo Rogers, Bowler, and  Co. were re-elected auditors, and the  retiring directors, Messrs. C. S. Baxter,  E. Green, and A. R. Wade, were reelected,  there being no other nominations.  The Chairman expressed the thanks of the shareholders to Mr. W. J.  Sawyer for his services, first as secretary and subsequently as a director until his resignation last November. 
PLAYERS SIGNED 
Mr. Cuff said he was glad to announce that their goalkeeper, Coggins, was still improving after his operation, and was now on the high road to recovery.  The secretary (Mr. Thos. H.  McIntosh) reported that the following professional players had signed for the season 1931-2:  Goalkeepers: Coggins. Sagar, Backs:  Williams. Cresswell, Common, Lowe, Parker, and Bocking (Stockport County). Half-backs: McClure, Gee, T. Griffith., Thomson, Britton, McPherson, Chedgzoy, Bryan, Lloyd, Hart, Clark (Luton Town), and Archer (Walsall). Forwards: Critchley, Dunn, Martin, Dean, White, Johnson, Webster, Stein, Rigby, Leyfield, Cunliffe, Fryer, and P. Griffiths (Port  Vale).  Proposing a vote of thanks to the  directors, Mr. A. Denaro said in passing  through the Second Division the club  had learned its lesson, and they did not  want to return If any of them  condemned the directors when they did  wrong, let them be sports and give them  credit when they did so creditably. 

EVERTON MEAN TO GET NEW PLAYERS
May 29 th 1931. Evening Express
Gates Fourth Best in the Country
By the Pilot.
Everton's determination to stay in the first division now they have won back their status is evident from a speech made by the club's chairman (Mr. W.C. Cuff) at the annual meeting last evening. "We have taken steps to strengthen our playing staff, and while we are well satisfied with the progress, we have made up to now, we have not finished. "We are on the look-out for players of other clubs who will be able to maintain the traditions of Everton, and as soon as we find them we will make every possible effort to secure their services."
Everton's gates receipts last year were the fourth biggest in the Football League. The only clubs which had a larger in their home matches were Arsenal, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.
In moving the adoption of the accounts which showed a profit of £9,755 with a balance to be carried forward to next year of £50,933, Mr. Cuff eurhpasisted the fact that the cost of returfing the Goodison Park playing area and renovating the drains was included in last year's accounts. "I would reveal that 12 months ago we were scented to an indefinite period in the Second Division" continued Mr. Cuff, but the Board backed by the loyalty of the players, set out to remedy that position. "notwithstanding the Jeremiads and wi-ea-res, who said we would have to develop a kick and rush style to combat the energetic style of our Division 2 opponents, we were determinated not to abandon the style of play, and the judgement was justified.
Coggins.
Mr. Cuff announced that Coggins, the goalkeeper, was making rapid progress following his recent operation for appendents. "Coggins was extremely ill," he said "and for three or four days his life was despaired of, but happily he has taken a decided turn for the better and is now on the high road to recovery. The accounts were adopted and the three retiring directors –Messres E. Green (vice chairman) and A. Wade and Dr. C.S. Baxter –were re-elected with out opposition. Votes of thanks to Mr. W.J. Sawyer, who retired from the directorate last October and so the directors, were passed. Mr. T.H. McIntosh, secretary announced the following players had been signed on for next season :- Goal; Coggins, Sagar, Backs, Williams, Cresswell, Common, Lowe, Parker, Bocking (Stockport County). Half-backs; McClure, Gee, Griffiths (T), Thomson, Britton, McPherson, Chedgzoy, Bryan, Lloyd, Hart, Clark (Luton Town), Arthur (Walsall). Forwards. Critchley, Dunn, Martin, Dean, White, Johnson, Webster, Stein, Rigsby, Leyfield, Cunliffe, Fryer, Griffiths (P) (Port Vale)
Sports Pie
•  McClure to tour with Football association in Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 1931