Everton Independent Research Data
JIM GLAZZARD SIGNS FOR EVERTON
September 1, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Huddersfield Marksman Has Fine Record
Modest Price Paid
By Ranger
As forecast in our later editors yesterday, Jimmy Glazzard Huddersfield’s inside forward was signed last night by Everton, and makes his debut for them against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux this afternoon. I understand the fee was around £4,000. This is one of the quickest signings ever made by Everton. It was only yesterday morning that Mr. T.C. Nuttall, the club’s vice-chairman, after consultations with his colleagues made the first approach to Huddersfield. Eight hours later the transfer forms were completed at Goodison after Glazzard and the Huddersfield manager Mr. Andrew Beattie had motored through to Liverpool. Glazzard said afterwards that he felt something of a wrench at leaving Yorkshire club, with whom he has been throughout his career but expressed his pleasure at being back in the First Division again and assured of a first team place. He stayed overnight in Liverpool and met his new colleagues shortly before ten o’clock this morning, when he joined the party leaving by road for Wolverhampton. He displaces inside left Lello from the team originally chosen for today’s match. Glazzard signed professional for Huddersfield in 1942. As a youth he had trials with Bolton Wanderers.
Looks A Bargin
In his first six post-war season with the Yorkshire club he played in 162 First Division games mainly at inside forward and got 43 goals. During the last four seasons however since moving mostly to centre forward he scored 96 times in 147 matches, including 30 in 1952-53 when Huddersfield were runners-up in the Second Division. In all, he has scored 169 goals in 299 post-war Football League outings. These are the official League returns which do not take account of goals scored in the first transitional season after the war. One will have to wait and see how Glazzard shapes but on the face of things at the fee Everton have paid, he looks a bargain. He can not only get goals – which has been the Goodison club’s big need for a long time – but his experience and undoubtedly skill should help to get the best out of the younger men alongside him. With a view to having a living when his football days are over. Glazzard recently brought a green-grocery and provision business in Huddersfield. He will keep this on, at least for the time being and do most of his training at Leeds Road, coming down to Everton probably a couple of days a week.
Three Debutants
This signing means that Everton will have three debutants against Wolves in Sutherland, Rea and Glazzard –but with the difference in the latter’s case that he is already well steeped in experience. It was the Huddersfield Town man –then at centre forward who was the main instrument in Everton’s 8-2 defeat at Leeds Road on April 7 1953 when he scored four goals all with his head from centres by Vic Metcafe. This was their heaviest reverse in Football League matches. Huddersfield won promotion that year.
LIVELY BLUES ATATCK DESERVED A POINT
September 1, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Wolves 2, Everton 1
By Stork
Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Williams, goal; Stuart and Shorthouse, backs; Slater, Wright (captain), and Flowers, half-backs; Hooper, Broadbent, Murray, Booth, and Mullen, forwards. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Sutherland and Tansey, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Rea, half-backs; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Glazzard, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. A.W. Luty (Leeds). It must be many years since Everton fielded three debutantes in the same match. The great interest so far as Everton were concerned was the first appearance of Jimmy Glazzard, the former Huddersfield forward signed last night. It was hoped that his goal scoring feats would be continued for the Blues, for goals scorers are what has been needed ever since the season opened. Lello dropped out to accommodate the new man, and Sutherland and Rea were the newcomers to the side. The crowd looked quite big and the pitch suggested good football.
Soon On Collar
Everton kicked off but it was Wolves who made the first attack, and Sutherland preferred to risk a corner rather than allow Mullen to get in his centre. This was cleared but the Wolves were soon back on the attack and Murray had a chance with a Mullen cross but his header was taken by O’Neill. Slater started off another Wanderers attack and O’Neill had to save an overhead kick from Murray. Then followed a lucky escaper when a shot by Hooper bumped up against the post after Booth had given him the perfect pass. So far it had been all Wolverhampton but when Kirby picked up a long pass he was challenged by Wright who slipped up and Kirby was able to go on until he got inside the penalty area where he was nudged off the ball and obstructed. The following free kick taken by Eglington was shot outside. The game was stopped for a few minutes while Farrell received attention for a blow in the face. Flowers came into the game when he collected a crossfield pass and tried to set his forwards off with a low pass down the left wing. Broadbent was a little hesitant in putting his pass across to Mullen but when he did it produced a corner, and this proved fatal for Booth rose to Mullen’s flag and Wolves were one up in ten minutes.
Kirby Goes Near
Everton nearly got an equalizer when a header by Kirby penetrated the Wolves defence and had it not been for Stuart the ball would have gone into the net. The full back only partly cleared but Williams also managed to get a hand to it and sweep it further away. It was ticklish problem for Wolves and they had another one to contend with when a shot by Farrell hit Williams on the chest and came back into play. There was undoubtedly more punch “up front” and the Wolves defence did not inspire. Eglington come up with a shot but the ball struck a defender. A Mullen-Booth link up was checked by combined efforts of Rea and Tansey but a great danger to Everton was a shot by Broadbent who brought out a grand save by O’Neill. He had to throw full length and just got his hand to the ball to turn it out for a corner. Another corner to Wolves was safely dealth with by the Everton defence and Kirby was unlucky to lose possession to a joint effort by Wright and Slater. Tansey was keeping a tight hold on Hopper who, however, was given the chance with another corner but he pulled the ball too far back for it to
Showing Spirit
Glazzard challenged close in to goal and this lead to a short Everton spell in the Wolves penalty area. Everton were not overrun as so many people thought they would be by the Midlanders. In fact they had shown more spirit and Eglington and Glazzard made an opening from which the Irishman shot wide. A foul was given against Kirby in the Wolves penalty area. Almost straight from this Wolves made tracks down the left wing and Mullen pulled the ball back for the advancing Broadbent who hit a ferocious shot which flashed over the Everton crossbar.
Tansy Handles
Flowers with a long pass to Mullen was instrumental in giving Wolves their second goal. For a corner followed and Mullen’s free kick went straight to Slater’s head and the ball was dropping into the goal when Tansey flungs up his hand and kept it out. Only a penalty kick could meet the case and Slater shot the ball home from the spot after 30 minutes. Llewellyn should have reduced the lead when he took a pass from Kirby and shot outside, having stubbed the ground as he shot Broadbent, was slow to take a chance and Slater tired a long one which passed over the top. The Wolves were attacking strongly when the interval arrived. The new Everton boys had not done at all badly. Half-time; Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Everton nil. Everton resumed with an attack down their left wing Llewellyn sending Eglington away, but he was successfully challenged near the dead ball line, Kirby made a lovely run beating three men en’route before he finally crossed his centre which was captured by a Wolves defenders. Farrell received another knock on the head but he was soon on and stopping a rush by Broadbent. O’Neill went up high to catch a Slater lob into the goalmouth and after avoiding a challenge completed his clearance.
Kirby’s Header
Broadbent had missed some changes, but non worse than his last when he scooped the ball outside from a scorable position. Llewellyn was the starting point of an Everton goal. He swept the ball out to McNamara whose centre seemed to hang in the air before Kirby went up to it. Williams seemed to be in position to take it, but to the surprise of all he fumbled the ball and it dropped into the net at 54 minutes. O’Neill saved a header, from Booth and McNamara came along with a hard drive which failed to find he billet.
Fighting Hard
Everton were fighting hard and Shorthouse was glad to give away a corner rather than anything more important. Glazzard was nearly through to a goal but was just beaten to possession by a yard. Everton were giving the Wolves defence a lot of trouble an despite the presence of the England captain little Llewellyn was mainly responsible for this state of affairs. Everton were indeed a surprise to those who had seen them in the previous games and Kirby was only inches off with a header from McNamara’s centre. Everton were challenging every move the Wolves made and this kept the Wolves quiet. Another McNamara centre saw Williams edge over his bar a header by Glazzard, Llewellyn was like a little terrier fighting for every ball, and often being responsible for his side’s attacks.
A Breakaway
For some time Everton had been on top, but Mullen suddenly broke away and Sutherland conceded a corner. This produced a melee in front of O’Neill and the Everton right back. Sutherland kicked off the line from Hooper and Mullen shot right across the Everton goal face. The Wolves also escaped with a swift Everton raid, Glazzard heading against the post.
New Boys Do Well
This was a fighting Everton, a spirited Everton and although we did not see a great deal of Glazzard, the new boys all did well. They had troubled the Wolves defence and mastered times the Midlanders attacks – in fact, they made the Wolves look a very moderate side. Broadbent flashed the ball yards wide and then had a shot blocked away but Sutherland had kept a very tight hand on the left winger and he was injured near the end but soon recovered. With a few minutes to go O’Neill saved from Murray. Final; Wolverhampton 2, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES
September 1, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Res; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Leeders, backs; Birch, Donovan and P Barnett, half-backs; Tomlinson, Farrell, Temple, Haugley, and Williams (JD), forwards. Bolton Wanderers Res; Knipe, goal; Ball and Threfall, backs; Neil, Forwards, and Bell, half-backs; Birch, Webster, Allcock, Bannister and Bailey, forwards. Referee; Mr. C.W Davies. With the advantage of the sun and wind Bolton had the better of the early exchanges and Dunlop was kept in action without having any really difficult shots to deal with. The Everton goal had lucky escapes when Bailey intercepted a back pass to Dunlop, who gave away a corner from which Webster’s shot was kick off the line by Leeder. Everton then scored three goals in the space of five minutes. After 13 minutes play Williams scored direct from a corner and after Knipe had fumbled a bouncing ball Temple added a second. Temple then got the Bolton defence into a tangle, before letting Farrell shoot into the empty net. Half-time; Everton res 3, Bolton Wand Res nil. With Bolton making determined efforts to wipe out the arrears shots by bailey and Webster extended Dunlop. Leeders cleared off the line from Allcock. After 0 minutes’ play Farrell scored Everton’s fourth goal when Knipe tipped the ball against the underside of the bar from whence it bounced behind the line. Ten minutes later Haughey scored Everton’s fifth goal was a 35 yards drive.
• Everton “A” 2, Blackpool “A” 1
• Moreton 1, Everton “C” 7
GIVE US ONE BREAK
September 1, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
And The Results Everton Seek Will Come
By Peter Farrell
Everton have certainly got off to rather a nightmare of a start with one point from four games. Already the critics are taking a very pessimistic view of our prospects for the season, a view to which they are entitled, judging from our lowly position in the table. Don’t get the ideal, however, that there is a feeling of pessimism within the ranks at Goodison. Not on your life. We have been in tighter spots than this before during my years at Goodison Park and we have fought our way out. I think that given the confidence of a victory, the team will start producing the football and the results of which I am sure the Blues are capable. Following our game with Bolton last Saturday I noticed that several critics considered Bolton a good prospect for either League or Cup this season. This being so it must give us great hope for the future, as I considered that over ninety minutes Everton were a superior football combination to Bolton and when the breaks start coming our way there will be a different story to tell. Talking about unlucky breaks I think we have had more than our share of them so far, as three of Blackpool’s five goals were deflected into the Everton net by a Blue player. I am not trying to make excuses for our defeat as Blackpool were the better side on the night’s play, but I am just hoping that the little things that very often turn a game one way or another will start coming our way soon. The conditions for the opening games of the present season must be the worst experienced by players and spectators a like at this stage of the season for many years. In three out of the Blue’s first four games the players have had a complete change of kit (knicks and jerseys) at the interval. These extraordinary conditions are also a severe blow to the groundsmen, as their green covered grounds are being churned up in a manner they only expect to see in November or December. From the players point of view it has been more pleasant as most of us like top lay on soft wet grassy grounds but it will be a nice change for the fans on the terraces when our hoped for “Indian summer” comes and they can watch their favourities without being drenched. A question frequently asked me since our trip to the United Sates as follows “Is the standard of football in Amercia improving and will the game ever really capture the imagination of the sporting fans as in other countries.” I was rather surprised at the high standard of football in America. Mind you, it cannot be compared with the standard of English football; which is understandable as all soccer teams in America are part timers and are obvious not as fit or as talent as the average player over here. I should say from my experience out there that soccer is growing popularity among the Amercians but I should imagination it will be some years yet before the Amercians will be strong enough to complete against the leading football countries. In most or our games against the American teams we followed the usual procedure of the pre-match kick-about before the toss for choice of ends only with a slight difference. Having loosened up for about ten minutes we were recalled to the side line, where each member of the team was introduced individually to the public by means of the public address system. The Everton lads though it very funny to hear, something like the following booming across the stadium. “In goal we have Jimmy O’Neill, give him a big hand folks.” Luckily the same thing doesn’t apply in England before our League games, or some of us might not get the kind of reception we should like.
RANGER’S LETTER-BOX
September 1, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Everton have lost little time in making their first strengthening signings since the season started in getting Jimmy Glazzard from Huddersfield for around £4,000 they did a deal which well prove a real bargain. Although Glazzard is getting on a bit –he has been a professional since 1942 –he is just the type who might save one of the club’s main problems. Not only is he a strong and accurate marksman, but his experience and skill should enable him to get the best out of the younger men alongside him. While Evertons followers will naturally reserve judgment on Glazzard until they see how he shapes the deal is a sign that the club is not going to let the grass grow under its feet. As I have mentioned before, the directorial sub-committee cannot achieve miracles in speedy and spectators, fashion. Football rarely lends itself to that sort of thing. It is a question of careful planning over a fair period, particularly so with a club which has been left with an aging team. Even after Mr. Britton came to Everton the club had to suffer a spell in the Second Division some years later. The new regime be given a sporting chance to prove itself. Unfortunately many followers do expect miracles. And they get very impatient if they are not forthcoming. During the past week, I have been intimidated with letters from supporters of Everton and Liverpool who have been unable to bottle up their disappointment at the indifferent start of the season of both senior sides.
Letters
After reading your recent comments on Everton’s reserve game against Sheffield United, I must say the fears you expressed about their future prospects have been obvious for some seasons to anyone who has not missed a Central league game at Goodison. I was surprised at Moore being dropped. He is the only potential international on the books. I have not seen any wingers in the reserves with a First Division look about him. Goalkeeper is the only position which gives no cause for concern. Some of the reserves should be released straight away –T. Peace, 96 Edinburgh Street.
Many Misfits
What a shocking start the new regime has made at Everton. It doesn’t look as if the much boosted new training has done much good. There have been too many misfits in key position in the attack to get a successful side. The majority of Everton supporters would prefer a good team rather than floodlighting. In my opinion the writing has been on the wall for some time. First class inside forwards are badly needed –D.L. Evans, Heswell Avenue, Higher Bebington.
Reply- Agree about floodlighting, I write six months ago suggesting it should be held over, but the full board decided otherwise. You mention the writing on the walls, I have been saying that for ages. First class inside forwards are not the only need.
Quick Action Needed
Everton directors should act as soon as possible. It is absolutely imperative that something should be done, or Everton fans will be disappearing from the terraces. Please wake them up –Two Scousers, Aldershot.
Why, to view of the many Everton changes on various occasions, positional and otherwise, is Eglington always included in suite of a long run of mediocre displays. This has been the case for seasons now. Nobody else has been given a chance in that position. Why?- Puzzled, 54 Harrowby Street, Liverpool 8.
Replay- presumably because it is felt he is the best man for the job. Don’t agree about the alleged run of mediocre displays, if only Eglington could finish off his frequent sparkling and speedy approach work he would be the highest scoring winger in the game.
One Optimist
I saw Everton’s display at Leeds. They played badly for the first 20 minutes but after that their form gradually improved. I still think there is enough talent at Everton to ensure a reasonable league position this season –Faithful-Ullswater Street, Liverpool 5.
Replay- Thank heaven for one faithful optimist I hope he is right.
I don’t think Everton need have any worries so far as the defence is concerned. It is the forward line which is a problem in my opinion. Everton have only got the following forwards, Fielding, Eglington, J. Harris, Llewellyn, B. Harris, McNamara. It is about time they went into the transfer market. Everton have the finest ground in the country, and the finest supporters. It’s time we had the finest team as well. One would almost think they were not interested in winning the League or Cup so long as they can stay in the First League- A. E. Lawson 23 Wilburn Street, Walton.
No Sentiment
For many season we have put up with all sorts of performances from Everton and still supported them strongly. But following the displays this season it is plain the writing is on the wall and indicates only one thing –the Second Division. They badly need two wing halves, wingers and inside men. The time has come for Farrell, Lello, Eglington and others to go. They have given valuable and faithful service and we appreciate it. But Busby got rid of Pearson, Rowley, Mitten &tc and built up a great side. Everton can do the same. We people on Merseyside are football fanatics’. We would go to see eleven donkeys in blue shirts as long as they were called Everton. The time has come to give the supporters a fair deal, a good team and a decent display of football. We have heard many excuses from you. You defended the five-year plan, but it has got precisely nowhere. They are not fit to grace the First Division. It is no use your saying it is only the start of the season. You tell us that ever year, and what happens? They are always struggling at the end of the season. If supporters had any sense they would stay away until we have a team worthy of the name of Everton –D. Howitt.
Reply- You only remember part of what write. For years I pleaded with Everton to have a short term policy of star-buying to run alongside the long-term plan. I have also written scores of times about the threat of the future. I cannot keep harping on the same topic week after week, I never make excuses for anybody but I do try to hold the scales fairly between those “who carry responsibility and those supporters what just indulor of wholesale condemnation without covering all the facts.
EVERTON DEBUTANTS HAD A GOOD DAY
September 3, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Kirby Is Most Improved
By Stork
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2, Everton 1
Although Everton were beaten at Wolverhampton they came out of the game with as much honour as Wanderers. I know that does not mean a thing in the points column, but having seen all Everton’s games with the exception of their draw with Bolton, I rate this latest performance as their best so far. Stan Cullis, the Wolves manager, said afterwards “we had a near squeak and were lucky to win, I thought Everton were worth a draw.” That is my opinion, too and the opinion of a lot of others who saw this fighting Everton. Since the season opened I have moaned lack of spirit in the Everton side, but this could not be leveled at them at the Molineux ground, where they gave Wolves a lot to think about ad the compact defence of the Wanderers which of course included the England captain Billy Wright was anything but impressive or confident. I won’t say that everything in the garden is lovely so far as Everton are concerned but their display was at least heartening. To beard the Wolves in their den and lose by one goal –a penalty-is no mean performance. Having seen Leeds United and Blackpool slip five goals against the Everton defence it was pleasing to see a tighter and more compact defensive plan, minus the loopholes which were obvious at Elland and Bloomfield Roads. To be honest I went to Wolverhampton in fear and trembling for not only was Everton’s record dismal, there were two young debutants to Division one football and a newcomer in Glazzard, signed only a few hours previously to the game in the side. Could they blend quickly enough to curb hungry Wolves who three days previously had put up a wonder display against Luton?
Settling Down
After the first ten minutes I had visions of another over-whelming defeat. Wanderers had most of the play, Everton were in the settling down process. When Booth scored in the tenth minute things looked anything but rosy. Could Everton put a scotch on Wolves? They could and did. More than once they had the home defence in difficulty. Williams once stopped a shot with his chest, and Stuart breasted a Glazzard header away. Kirby hit the ball back and Williams only just managed to get his hand to the ball. I was pleased with Everton’s fight back and the youngsters played a vital part in this phase of the game. Glazzard had not been prominent up to then. A corner against Everton proved to be their undoing. The marking for corner kicks had not been good and on this occasion it was even more faulty. O’Neill came out for Mullen’s cross, missed it and the ball was dropping under the bar when Tansey took on the role of goalkeeper and pulled the ball down with his hands. Slater, who has never missed from the penalty spot, gave O’Neill no chance. That gave Wolves a two-goal lead, yet at that time they were not playing well. The quick tackling and marking of Everton was mainly responsible. Ultimately the Everton attack through Llewellyn, Kirby and McNamara got to grips with the defence and I have not seen Wright so harassed as he was checking the up and doing Kirby. The last time I saw Kirby he was disappointing but on Saturday he looked and played in a manner which suggests better things. He has improved out of all recognition and one of his dribbles was Matthews like. He beat three men on the touchline and then made his centre. Unfortunately there was no one up to take the ball. Llewellyn saved his best for the second half and his terrier like tackling caused the Wolves defence a lot of trouble. The little forward should have scored, but stubbed the ground as he made his shot. He was not the only one to miss for one or two Wolves men with greater experience could be faulted on this score.
Never Gave Up
It was a stiffest task which faced Everton, but to their credit they never gave up trying and bringing ideas into their play and eventually got their reward when McNamara swept over a centre which Kirby headed downwards. Williams seemed to have the ball well in hand, but fumbled it and it went into the net as the 54th minute. Everton saw a draw possible and playing hard with the youngsters in particular playing their part well were worthy a half when the final whistle sounded although Wolves put on a late spurt without causing any further damage to O’Neill’s goal. The Irishman made several good saves. One must give Glazzard a little time to settle down to the play of his colleagues. He hit the post but apart from that not a lot was seen of him. I was taken up with Sutherland and Rea after a quarter of an hour’s uncertainty, fitted in well. Jones back at centre half was more at home in the middle and much more effective but it was team spirit which nearly tamed the Wolves.
EVERTON RES 5, BOLTON RES 0
September 3, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton gave a splendid display and though flattered by the margin were worthy winners. Everton were faster and more determined, outstanding in their attack was Temple, former Liverpool Schoolboy, who got one goal and helped to make others. Leeder was the best defender. In addition to Temple, Farrell got two goals and Haughey and Williams (JD) one each. Dunlop’s good work prevented Bolton scoring.
EVERTON WERE DESERVING OF A BETTER FATE
September 3, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
The Everton selection committee took a tremendous risk when bringing in three untried lads for their game with Wolverhampton but the experiment came off for both Sutherland and Rea played no small part in making this Everton team look better than any other fielded this season. The longer the game progressed the better these two young players fared and Kirby at centre forward was an eye-opener to me, for he pulled out tricks I did not think were there. Yes, Everton were beaten, but far from disgraced have seen all their games bar one so am in a possible to judge and I say emphatically that they were distinctly unfortunate not to get a point. They were worthy of it if only because of their fighting qualities. In some of their games they have been lifeless once in arrears but not at Molyneux where they fought to the last ditch and don’t forget it was only a penalty which gave the Wolves both points. That might have been prevented had the marking been better when Mullen took his corner kick for Murray was able to make his header unchallenged. O’Neill dashed out but failed to connect and the next thing I saw was Tansey make a goalkeeping save with his hands – he could do nothing else. Slater who is the Wolves penalty king, cracked the ball into the net well wide of O’Neill. This goal augmented Booth’s header at the tenth minute. The outlook was none too bright but instead of giving up the ghost, Everton hit back with such success that the Wolves goal had a number of escapes, Stuart breasted the ball out, Williams just got his hand on one but the great thing was that the Wanderers defence was anything but confident when Everton were on the move. I have not seen Billy Wright so worried for a long time. He got little change from Kirby who was not influenced by a big name. His ball control amazed me, remembering the last time I saw him at Goodison Park last season. One of his dribbles was worthy of the Matthew tag for he worked the ball along the touch line, beat three men on route only to find there was no colleague to accept his final pass. He has improved considerably and led the line judiciously in fact the Wolverhampton people took quite a fancy to him, and there was high praise from Stan Cullis don’t say he is yet the complete artist but after this he had potentialities. Llewellyn had rather a quiet first half but he burst into flame in the second and worried the life out of the Wolves defence with his pertinacity. It was he who provided the pass to McNamara which enabled the right winger to swing in the centre which produced the Everton goal. He refused to be beaten so that his second half display was especially good. Now to Rea and Sutherland I was greatly impressed by the latter. He was speedy into the tackle, never shirked one and don’t forget he had the experienced Mullen in opposition. Glazzard did not make a startling debut, but one must make allowances in that it was his first experience of his colleagues and their methods. He hit the upright and made a header which nearly produced a goal but otherwise had a quiet game. Gone were the loopholes that we saw at Leeds and Blackpool and in it’s place a fighting spirit which if it is maintained can turn the tide for Everton.
Wolves Tested
I am not going to say they have championship prospects, but a repetition of this form should take them away from the foot of the table. It was a great improvement on anything I have seen so far this season. A goal against Everton and that as it, but not so at Wolverhampton. These young lads fought it out with some of the best players in the country for the Wolves’ side included two or three England players. Mullen was never allowed much rein in fact no Wolves man could claim that he had an early match for Everton lacked with determination and strength and so prevented the Wanderers from moving in their old sweet way, I would like to wager that they were glad to hear the final whistle for that goal margin was always in danger of being reduced. Llewellyn should have scored just before the interval, for Kirby put him right through but he stubbed the ground when making his shot which passed outside. I had a word with Jimmy Glazzard after the match and he told me “I was impressed with the fighting spirit of the boys. I heard all about Everton’s game at Leeds but today their surprised me. I did not think I would ever leave Huddersfield but I could not have came to a better club than Everton.” I cannot conclude without saying that O’Neill brought off a number of good saves and that Jones was his old self at centre half, that Tansey played Hooper almost out of the game but it was the spirit of youth which held Wolves to a single goal. Peter Farrell got two nasty blows in the nose –one in each half and it was swallow after the match. He told me it hurt every time he headed the ball.
EVERTON NAME SEVEN FORWARDS FOR TONIGHT
September 3, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
After they greatly improved showing against Wolverhampton, where they did better than many people had anticipated, Everton field the same defence but will choose from seven forwards. In addition the five who played at Molyneux, Jimmy Harris and Lello are included in the provisional line. Lello will be on the tap also for half-back in case of need, as Farrell although expected to be fit, got a rather nasty knock on the nose on Saturday. While the exact composition of the attack may not be known until just before the game starts it is probable that one change will be made compared with Wolverhampton. Everton; Neill; Sutherland, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; forwards from; McNamara, Llewellyn, Harris (J), Kirby, Glazzard, Lello, Eglington. Everton have won on their last two trips to Turf Moor, while a hat-trick may be expecting too much for Burnley are a strong team, after their Wolverhampton display. Everton may possibly get some reward. One point would be welcome.
Everton are still interested in good players who could strengthen their side. Among several their scouts watched on Saturday was Alf Stokes, Tottenham’s centre forward regarding whom they have previously had good reports. But Everton are not likely to bite unless Tottenham are prepared to accept much less than £12,000 which has been named as likely to tempt them to make a deal. The Goodison club is still hoping that the men already on the staff will eventually solve most of their problems.
EVERTON STILL SEEK ELUSIVE VICTORY
September 4, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Burnley 2, Everton 1
Everton are still in search of their first win and while the prospects look somewhat brighter there is still that lack of punch in front of goal which means everything. At Burnley they held the Turf Moor for an hour and played just as good football without getting any reward. There were two disallowed goals in this half, one to Everton and one to Burnley. When Glazzard headed into the Burnley net the referee adjudged that there had been some pushing and the goal was disallowed. At the other end Shannon’s shot was disallowed because it went straight in without a second player touching it, from an indirect free kick. There was some good football as well as some very ordinary football but I was impressed with the way Burnley kept the ball on the ground, though they were a little too fanciful and preferred to make an extra touch when an immediate shot was called for. Everton replied in similar fashion although they favoured the long ball down the middle where Kirby expected to use his height, but the Everton centre forward was well looked after by Adamson. He made one header similar to the one which brought him a goal at Wolverhampton on Saturday, and he also had a good shot saved in the second half, but he was not nearly so prominent as at the Molineux ground. Everton’s defensive play was equal to all calls made upon it until the hour. They had done exceedingly well up to then and it must have been a great disappointment to fail so late in the game, but that is football.
Goalkeeping Error
McKay out on the right wing sent across a centre and Pilkington hooked it into the net. I think there was a slight deflection and this may have confused O’Neill. But there was no excuse for the Irish goalkeeper when Smith scored at 68 minutes. This was one of the longest scoring efforts I have ever seen, at least forty yards and had O’Neill stayed where he was the ball would have come right into his arms. O’Neill however, came out too far and the ball dropped over his head into the net. But we must not forget the occasion when Jimmy Harris hit the Burnley upright just before the interval. It was a great shot, probably the best of the match and everyone of the Burnley players was beaten including goalkeeping McDonald. It took Everton some little time to get over the effects of Pilkington’s goal and during that period Burnley always looked a danger, although their fighting was not impressive. They had to kill the ball first before attempting a shot, and this naturally enabled the Everton defence to close up. Everton came again in the late minutes, and a long shot by McNamara from the inside left position beat McDonald at the seventy-eight minute. The way McDonald acted as the ball went into the net suggested that he had been unsighted. At least he never moved to make a save. The fighting quality of Everton was then revealed and Eglington had a shot blocked and Kirby had one saved and there were other near misses.
Signs of Improvement
Despite this defeat I can see considerable improvement in the Everton side. Their defence has been tightened up and I like the play of Rea, who was particularly good in the first half. Sutherland again had a good game, but there is still that great need of a marksman in the Everton attack. Glazzard and a couple of headers, but he has yet to find the goal-scoring form which made him such a danger when he played for Huddersfield. Farrell did no spare himself. He was forever in the fray, prompting urging and tackling with razor keenness. In fact I have nothing to say against the defence except that goalkeeping error by O’Neill, but Everton have got to have a scoring forward or two before they can expect to win games. So far they have played six and can only lay claim to one point. This will never do. Attendance 24,186.
FORTUNE AGAIN FAILS TO SMILE ON EVERTON
September 4, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
By Stork
When your luck is out nothing seems to go right for you and this is the case with Everton at the moment. Maybe they are pressing too hard trying to break their non-winning sequence. “I am not trying to make excuses for them for that would be silly for the results column gives you the statue of the poll. I have seen little things during the last two games, however, which is normal times would turn in their favour, but at the moment they are just doing the reverse –running against them. I was speaking to Stan Matthews at the week-end and he told me that they had been through the same experience when whatever they did met with bad luck. “It was just heartbreaking” said Matthews. What is all this leading to you may ask. Just this, that Everton once had the ball in the net at Burnley only to find the goal disallowed; Jimmy Harris hit the inside of the post and the ball came back into play. Nine times out of ten it would have slipped into the net. There was O’Neill’s tragic mistake with Burnley’s second goal. It is hard to imagine him being beaten by a 40-yard lob into the goal, but that is just what happened at Turf Moor. Then there was Pilkington’s opening goal. I admit he took it well but there had been a slight deflection which means all the difference between success and failure. It is those little twists of fate which is robbing Everton of points. For an hour Everton played just as well as Burnley, in fact they were on the attack, for long periods and playing fairly good football into the bargain.
Fought Well
I won’t say there was sufficient shooting, for that is what Everton are short of at the moment. They fought extremely well, and I got the impression that they would at least get a point, but that Pilkington goal proved the turning point of the game. The home team started to get on top, yet even when they were calling the tune Everton kept battling on so much that McNamara scored a goal and later on McDonald had to make a save or two. I think I can see a gleam of hope for the Blues despite the fact that have taken only one point from six games. At one time the defence was yielding fie, but this has been whittled down considerably, so you can see for yourself, where the trouble lies. Apart from the one slip by O’Neill I had no fault to find with the defence. It had some difficult problems to solve them they did, but matches are won up front.
Too Much Finesse
Burnley are a nice footballing side, too much so at times, for they often miss he substance for the shadow in that they require to make just one more pass or indulge themselves in a little more finesse. More than once they tripped themselves up through this over indulgence. They kept the ball on the ground, but the sooner they realize that goals are the salt of the game they will do much better. Everton were very quick to cut into their inner workings, and replied with a brand of soccer of their own. For instance, they preferred the long ball up the middle but unfortunately Kirby did not produce his game which brought him such high praise at Wolverhampton. He had one header and shot yet his challenging kept the Burnley defenders on their toes, I was further impressed with Rea, who had a particularly fine first half when he moved well, tackled successfully and was almost as prodigious a worker as his captain Farrell, who ran himself into the ground. The forwards tried hard and I rated Harris’s drive which took the post as one of the best of the day.
McNamara’s Goal
I am sure in my own mind that McDonald was unsighted when McNamara from the inside left position rammed the ball through a collection of players. The Burnley goalkeeper did not move until he saw – the ball lying at the back of his net. Why was Glazzard’s goal disallowed? It could have only been through pushing when he and Kirby up for Sutherland’s free kick. Everton denied that anyone had been pushed but the referee thought differently and it was “no goal” it was not until the hour that Everton seemed to flag a little they had worked so hard up to then and they may have been feeling the effects. Burnley had the ball in the net and that was correctly disallowed for Shannon’s indirect free kick went into the net without anyone else touching it, Everton came back into the game but along came full back Smith’s goal. He was 40 yards out when he lobbed the ball into the Everton goalmouth. There seemed to be no danger until O’Neill decided to run out for the ball went a step or two too far and the ball passed over his head and into the net. It was a tragedy to say the least. A penalty goal had beaten Everton at Wolverhampton. A fluke defeated them at turf Moor. Now perhaps you will see what I am getting at in my opening paragraph. Burnley also claimed they were unlucky to concede a goal to McNamara but this was also a long distance drive and as the ball came through a tock of players it is possible that the goalkeeper was blinded. I think that Glazzard would serve Everton’s purpose better at centre forward. I know he favourities that position better than at inside but taken right through I was not the Everton forwards day. They were not nearly so good as on Saturday last.
GLAZZARD GETS A CHANCE IN HIS BEST POSITION
September 5, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Jimmy Glazzard signed by Everton from Huddersfield on Friday last will get his chance on Saturday to show what he can do in the position which suits him best. He has been chosen to lead the Goodison Park attack in the home game against Aston Villa. This means that after two trial outings in the senior side, Kirby returns to the Central League eleven. The vacancy left to switching Glazzard to the middle is filled by Lello. He was originally chosen against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday but was omitted following the acquisition of Glazzard. Now Lello gets the chance which was denied him then. These two alterations are the only changes from the team defeated by Burnley at Turf Moor on Monday night. Goodison Park followers will watch Glazzard’s performance with interest. Apart from the natural desire to see how any newcomer shapes there is a growing feeling of apprehension among the club’s supporters regarding the future. They are anxious to see whether there is any sign of better days ahead. While the more tolerant of Everton followers realize that the new regime has had little time to perfect its ideas, and that in some matches the team has been unlucky they cannot ignore the very obvious dangers in the present League position. Those in authority are no less concerned. Contrary to the views of some who pronounce judgment without reflection. Everton are alive to the danger. What they have been doing in the way of experiments may not meet with universal approval. But is extremely difficult to suggest much else with the material at their disposal. I hold on brief for the board or its sub-committee, but I do know that all describes are made only after long and earnest consideration. The views and recommendations of all in constant association with the players are carefully sifted. I hope the alterations made this time will produce the delayed victory. Everton; O’Neill; Sutherland, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Harris (J), Glazzard, Lello, Eglington.
Everton Res (v. Aston Villa, away); Dunlop; Donovan, Leeder; Birch, Woods, Meagan; Mayers, Llewellyn, Kirby, Farrell, Williams (JD).
THIS EVERTON MAY BREAK CHAIN OF DEFEATS
September 6, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
By Leslie Edwards
Followers of Everton (all of whom are anxious for their club to break the aggravating chain of defeats by a goal margin) will be at Goodison Park in force on Saturday to see Sutherland and Rea and Glazzard make their senior bows at home and to watch the club’s experiments in playing Cyril Lello at inside left. Lello, originally a forward, was never slow, as a half-back, to produce a shot and maybe his knowledge of the kind of passes Eglington requires will help to produce the victory for which everyone longs. Lello was due to have played in this new position last Saturday at Wolverhampton but the Glazzard transfer intervened and he was left out. Glazzard so prolific a goal getter when in the centre with Huddersfield Town gets a turn in his most effective spot in this match against Aston Villa. He represents the best header of a ball on the Everton staff. Kirby in whom many see tremendous promise is left out to give the more experienced man a chance as the line leader. Rea, Sutherland, Kirby and others who have been getting a first team chance at Everton are players who have been on the staff a long time, players who might well have had their chance long ago. That the club have tried so many youngsters already this season proves my point of last week that all would get their turn quickly.
May Be Fruitful
I have seen neither Rea nor Sutherland but report has it that both played well as Molineux and at Burnley. It is asking much from debutants to expect them to pull round a team which has begun badly, but as a long term policy Everton’s boldness in blooding so many young players may well be fruitful. A pity the club had not the luck to get appoint or two from their very stiff, and consecutive, away fixtures of the past ten days. Rea is one of those players who performs best in the highest class. People who have seen him in the Central League side do not subscribe to the view that he is a great prospect. Yet in both his senior matches and in matches against Aberdeen during Everton’s American tour he did brilliantly. The Everton team reads; O’Neill; Sutherland, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Harris (J), Glazzard, Lello and Eglington.
BAD, BUT NOT ALARMING
September 8, 1956. Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Many are bemoaning Everton’s bad start. Their counterparts at Sheffield were bleating similarly when Sheffield United –now the only club in the land with full points –were losing last season by a goal margin just as Everton have in many recent matches. Everton’s position is bad, but not alarming. The change from one regime to another must have some upsetting effect and when young players are introduced not singly, but in batches the club is of necessity gambling. Having had three very stiff away games in succession (in none of which the team played even indifferently, much less badly) Everton are entitled to expect reward today. Aston Villa, whose from for seasons, has been anything but in keeping with their splendid tradition may find, themselves Everton’s first victims. Sutherland, Rea, Glazzard – three players new to most followers of the Everton first team –all make their first senior appearance at home this afternoon. And Lello, originally signed as an inside forward, gets his chance there again after splendid services as an attacking wing half back. Whatever happens at Goodison Park today I suggest that it is early for anyone to talk of Everton’s failure this season. There will be many sides who will lose at Blackpool, Wolverhampton and Burnley –and by bigger margins than those obtained against Everton. What Everton need today is the luck for their youngsters to make a good start. A man of Glazzard’s experience should help and so should the captaincy of Peter Farrell, who pulls out every stop in his endeavour to make Everton click into victory. Everton; O’Neill; Sutherland, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Harris (J), Glazzard, Lello and Eglington. Aston Villa; Sims; Hogg, Alldis; Baxter, Dugdale, Saward, Smith; Sewell, Pace, Dixon, and McParland.
EVERTON ATATCK FAILS YET AGAIN
September 8, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Villa Show The Way To Do It
Everton 0, Aston Villa 4
By Ranger
Everton’s long overdue victory never looked like coming at Aston Villa’s expense. Their attack was most disappointing with Glazzard blotted out by Dugdale and only Lello producing anything in the shooting line. It was a dull, insipid match with a lot of aimless play and the game only sprang into any semblance of life after Villa had scored two goals in a minute midway through the second half. Everton’s defence was wide open with the last two goals, and an unfortunate slip by Rea led to the first one. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Sutherland and Tansey, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Rea, half-backs; McNamara, Harris (J), Glazzard, Lello, and Eglington, forwards. Aston Villa; Sims, goal; Hobb and Aldis, backs; Baxter, Dugdale and Seward, half-backs; Smith, Sewell, Pace, Dixson and McParland, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.V. Sherlock (Sheffield). Three of the Everton players; Sutherland, Rea and Glazzard were making their debut in a home match for the Blues, who were seeking their first victory of the season at the seventh attempt. Everton might have been a goal up at the fourth minute, Glazzard put through a lovely ball for McNamara put the ball inches the wrong side of the post. He claimed that Sims had touched it but the referee gave a goal kick. Lello brought into the forward line in the hope of giving it greater striking force was well in the picture in the early stages with some good building up work, while Harris again displayed his amazing turn of speed without being able to carve out any good shooting openings. Although Everton had the better of matters for the first quarter of an hour their only shot in this period was a tame one from McNamara right into the hands of Sims. In the same period Villa had two shots on the mark by Dixon and two off the mark.
Angled Shot
Then came a very angled effort by Glazzard which produced a corner when Hogg hooked the ball behind after Sims had saved the shot but had been unable to retain his grasp on the ball. This was the only time so far that Glazzard had escaped the clutches of Liverpool born Dugdale. The game produced little of note until at the 20th minute McParland ran through on his own after beating Sutherland on the mid-way line, but when challenged by Farrell and faced with the advancing O’Neill, he ran the ball behind. Less than a minute later McNamara did the same thing when he might have but in and delivered a shot. Rea, who was shaping promisingly, paired off in a nice double move with Eglington which saw them work their way through the Villa defence, only for Eglington’s shot to spar over the bar. The home goal underwent a short siege following a corner concerned by Sutherland. Twice the ball was in danger of being forced over the line before McNamara earned a cheer, for his work in coming back to help the defence and finally averting the danger.
Back Header
So far we had not seen a great deal of Glazzard but his canny backward header 25th minute produced an opening for Eglington, the speedy winger took the ball at his toes and he centred, unfortunately the bounce away to safely, Sims was doubtless glad to find himself in a position to block the shot away, I don’t think he knew very much about it. Farrell was working tremendous hard, and Harris had looked the most dangerous Everton forward. He was using the ball well foraging forward on either side of the field and his first time shots from 25 yards deserved a better fate. There had been few real thrills and though Everton continued to have most of the play in a territory the Villa defence had so had equal to all the demand made upon it. Jones had to keep a eye upon Pace. Though the home man usually had the better of their tussells. Two strong efforts by Lello brough a bit more liveliness to the proceedings, though there was still nothing to excite the spectators.
Half-time; Everton nil, Aston Villa nil.
After the resumption Villa took the lead. Rea’s good use of the ball when the young left-half made a mistake which resulted in Villa taking the lead at the 49th minute. Smith was bearing down on the right and Rea came across to help Tansey. He unfortunately put the ball back into the middle right in the path of Sewell who rammed home a tremendous drive from 18 yards which gave O’Neill little chance. Villa’s defensive covering was such that they always seemed to outnumber the Everton forwards. On one occasion Glazzard was surrounded by four opponents as he vainly tried to intercept a ball which kept bobbing up in the air from one Villa head to another. O’Neill had to dive full length to tip a shot by Dixon round the post after it had been deflected and had almost beaten him. McNamara was having a very indifferent game and Glazzard still could not get the better of Dugdale. Sewell netted a second time for Villa at the 62nd minute after the whistle had gone for offside. Sewell protested that the ball had come to him off the knee of an Everton player. Sims was fortunate to beat Glazzard to the ball and kick away when the home leader looked like getting through.
Low Standard
There was even less to enthuse about in this half than there had been in the first. Play from both sides was aimless and desultory. Those who remember the type of football that these clubs used to put up in the old days could hardly credit that the standard should have fallen so low. Then at last the crowd was awakened but unfortunately in a manner that was not pleasing from Everton’s viewpoint. Villa added two goals in two minutes and from having a possible chance of saving a point Everton now seemed to have no hope at all. Dixon scored the first of the two at the 70th minute after one of the best combined moves by the visitors in this half and straight from the restart Villa bore down again and Sewell beat O’Neill with a great shot from 16 yards. Once again the value of opportunism had been shown beyond any doubt. Lofthouse and Durie had demonstrated this in early games and now Villa had given Everton yet another object lesson on the same lines. The visitors were now playing with the confidence which comes from a commanding lead. So much so that even Hogg came on in one attack and put a strong drive only a yard outside. To Everton’s credit they kept on pegging away despite the hopelessly of their task but they never looked like getting the better of the Villa rearguard. Three minutes from the finish, Everton’s cup of woes filled to overflowing when Smith stuck out a foot to a Dixon pass and toe-ended the ball into the roof of the net. Final; Everton nil, Aston Villa 4. Official attendance 43,752.
EVERTON UNLUCKY TO BE DEFEATED
September 8, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
By Peter Farrell
Last Wednesday week I was lucky enough to be present at the best League game I have seen for years –the Wolves-Luton match, which ended 5-4 in favour of the home side. This had everything a football enthusiast wishes for, and the 46,000 crowd gave both teams a tremendous ovation as they left the field. The loyal Wolverhampton supporters turned up in full force last Saturday expecting to see their favourities give an encore of superb football at the expense of Everton, but although Wolves won 2-1 judging by their reactions the fans were disappointed. Some of the critics in their comments said that Stan Cullis’s boys had shown nothing like the form they displayed against Luton. Burnley in like manner have been serving up some power football before their home fans and the general all-round display of their side in as Monday’s freak goal win over Everton was evidently not too pleasing to their fans or some of the critics. The point I am trying so emphasize is that none of these Wolverhampton or Burnley fans or the critics for that matter gave any credit to the close-marking tactics of the Everton side. It has always been my opinion that no matter how good a team is it can only play as well as it is allowed and in our last two games the marking has been as good as I have seen for some time.
Poor Compensation
On reading this some Everton supporters will probably remark that this is poor compensation for Everton’s meagre return –one point from six games. Yet although the present position may look gloom, I am convinced that if the Blues continue in the vein they have struck in the last two games it will not be long before the corner is turned. Our disappointment will only make us give all we have in the coming weeks in the cause of the club we are privileged to serve and I know the supporters in their turn will give the boys the encouragement they need in their efforts to move up the table. I suppose Everton’s two new-comers to league football John Sutherland and Kenny Rea, could not have come in at a worse time, for it is well known that most players like to make their league debut in a winning side. Nevertheless both have certainly acquitted themselves with great credit in their two games and showed they not only have the ability to eventually make the grade, but also the temperament needed for top class football. Jimmy Glazzard has also made a favourable impression since his arrival at Goodison and I am sure all will join with me in wishing him many happy years with the Blues. We all hope he will continue to find the net as frequently as he did at Huddersfield. A welcome visitor to our dressing room last Saturday at Wolverhampton was our old friend Harry Potts who is now chief coach to Billy Wright and his boys. When Harry came in for a chat there was quite a lot of leg pulling as we asked him about his new club’s tactics and what he had told his boys to expect from us. After the game Harry was of the opinion that the Blues had been very unlucky to lose. Potts was also pleased with the new boys as his encouragement and prompting had helped both these youngsters while in the Reserves.
ASTON VILLA RES V EVERTON RES
September 8, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Aston Villa Res;- McBride, goal; Dunn and Jackson, backs; Crowther, Morrell, and grive, half-backs; Southern, Myerscough, Chapman, Aikinson, and Roberts, forwards. Everton Res; Dunlop, goal; Sanders and Leeder, backs; Birch, Woods, Donovan, half-backs; Mayers, Meagan, Llewellyn, Farrell and Williams (JD), forwards. Referee; Mr. G.A Morley. With three goals coming from the first three Everton corners Everton Reserves stepped into a 3-1 lead over Aston Villa Reserves at Villa Park this afternoon. After 12 minutes Meagan who home following a low Williams corner. The second corner, one minute later resulted in a flying header from Llewellyn beating McBride in the Villa goal. Villa cut down the margin through Myerscough in the next minute, but a third corner made it 3-1 lead through Farrell. The game was an end to end affair with Dunlop in the Everton goal excelling with saves from Myerscough. Half-time; Aston Villa Res 1, Everton res 3. The pattern of the game was the same after the interval with play going from end to end. Dunlop made two good saves from Roberts and Southern before Everton missed a chance of increasing their lead. Farrell failed to shoot home with McBride helpless after Llewellyn had evaded Morrell.
TAKE IT OUT OF ANYONE BUT NOT THE PLAYERS!
September 10, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 0, Aston Villa 4
By Leslie Edwards
Whatever indictment may be framed against the Everton Board or Selection Committee is unimportant compared with the indictment I make against rabid Everton followers who take it out of the players. These are the men the crowd cheer when things are going well; these are the men chosen for better or worse to represent Everton; these are the men who do their best –even when a number of 43,000 people round the ground jeer or cheer ironically, or indulge themselves in that prevalent pest of 1956, the slow handicap. One wishes their fat heads and not their hands were clumped together. Do they think derision will convert a struggling side, into a successful one? If so, their reason and reasoning is more than suspect. Like them, I feel it rather shameful that a club of Everton’s tradition and standing should not at this late stage in their old long-term plan, have produced the players to make a successful team. But for this, I do not blame the players, or even necessarily the board. There are faults, maybe, in both, but such feeling as the players suffered when trying hard as they knew to recover ground lose to Villa and the booing at the end of directors was out of place. If you don’t like what is offered at Goodison Park there are more sensible and effective ways of protesting than by making a sense. The odd thing is that the somnolent 43,000 enjoying the sunshine (if nothing else) were not at all angry until the game started to go against their team. In short their anger stemmed not from play, but from the second half score-card.
Time and Opportunity
I do not subscribe to the opinion that all is lost at Everton merely because they have taken only one point from so many available. There is time-and opportunity –if the club will use it. The great questions are “Can a Selection Committee of three succeed in running concurrently, the immense task of organizing Everton and their own businesses? Can some player of experience be found to help young men brought into the team to find their feet quickly in First Division football? Can the club get the class of player necessarily to take over the place of the old servants whose speed and stamina may have been a little impaired by a busy close season tour of the United States? One supposes Everton have in mind (as they must have had when Manager Cliff Britton left) the notion of appointing a fully-fledged Manager if the existing system did not produce results. But that is Everton’s business; it must be left for their decision. Some conclusions easily drawn from the match under notice were these; That Villa are the best, and biggest, Villa side for many seasons; that Everton, at all times, had one of those days when things went hopelessly wrong; that Jimmy Lazard, great player of many seasons with Huddersfield Town, seems a tired man and moves more slowly than he did; that the Everton defence disintegrated twice in the second half and left the way open for Villa to kill them with goals.
Near Misses
Enlarging on it being one of those days when nothing would go right one recalls how nearly McNamara was to scoring when he beat the oncoming Sims for speed and had a good shot deflected by the goalkeeper those few inches which meant that the ball sailed outside and not inside the far post. One remembers, too, Lello (a success) being inches from nodding a goal and inches from scoring with a hooked-in volley which would have brought down the house if it had dripped under and not over the bar. These are ifs and puts and everyone knows that every game is full of them, but one must confess that for Everton it was certainly one of those days. Eglington with a classic miss and again when running the ball out of play unluckily after a fine run had his share of frustration. I do not suggest Everton deserved a point, I show sympathy for players who so plainly wanted to succeed and who so palpably failed. Sutherland, younger and faster than he looks was caught too often out of position; Rea did well and looked as did Jimmy Harris for return passes after taking up good positions, but few came. If I had my way I would play Harris in the centre and see that he did not lack for through passes. He races well to a ball flung through in front of him. He’s not so good when the ball is put at his feet.
Lacking In Fire
I have never seen an Everton so lacking in fire and confidence. Even Farrell could not enliven the side or its prospects in the heat of a sunny day the game was lethargically dull. It was dull almost like watching an Everton going through their game in a dream –a dream which became a nightmare. The crowd could not produce an Everton roar because there was nothing to roar about. There was only silence that was painful when first Sewell then Dixon and Sewell again before Dixon scored quick second-half goals which sent thousands scurrying home long before the merciful final whistle. The final blast was the signal for people on the terraces under the main stands to turn and shout at directors. “Get your cheque books out,” was one cry. Well a cheque book which brought a manager with whom the board could help to work out the club’s salvation would be useful. Villa were made to look better than they probably are, but some of their side made fine contributions. The clean winging of McParland; the cute feints and dribbles of Dixon; the excellence all through, of the unrelenting Dugdale; the fiery right winging of Smith – and this is not to mention the generalship of Jack Sewell whose fine shot, after the ball had been luckily deflected his way by Rea, meant the Villa enjoyed an unexpected, and undeserved chance to take the lead.
Not Quite Ready
Sutherland is not quite ready for First Division football; Rea looks good enough to earn further places. Lello was probably best of an Everton line whose attacks petered out ineffectually time and again. McNamara put over from the right at least half a dozen first class second half centres. From none did those inside produce header or shot to trouble the massive Sims or a Villa defence which was always cool competent. Glazzard I thought was most disappointing. Though he produced a couple of shots and one or two headers of no special pace, one could not escape the impression that he was not as fit or fresh as he was even a season ago. No chance for O’Neill when Villa opened the defence. He was powerless lethal shooting. Everton now have two days in which to redeploy or rein-force before the home match on Wednesday against Burnley. A reversion to the old order with Fielding found a place may help, their problems with so many young players knocking for a place, are complex. I hope the club find the answer quickly I hope our constructive criticism competition announced below helps fans to escape some of their frustration.
ASTON VILLA RES 2 EVERTON RES 4
September 10, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s strong middle line, especially the wing halves, Birch and Donovan, dominated play, with speedy centre forward Llewellyn always ready to grap an opportunity. The Everton front line enjoyed co-ordination that did not exist among their Villa counter-parts. Meagan opened the scoring for Everton in the twelfth minute before a Llewellyn header made it a two-goal lead. Villa reduced the lead through Atkinson but Farrell added a third for Everton two minutes later. Llewellyn notched another after 84 minutes, but just before the end Chapman replied for Villa.
TWO WAYS FOR EVERTON TO TACKLE THEIR PRECARIOUS POSITION
September 10, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Talk about history repeating itself! Everton’s has been nothing but constant repetition almost every season since the war. Now we are back where we came in so many times in past years –disappointed, disillusioned, and dreading the future. Everton have the finest ground in the country, wonderful traditions and the best support in Great Britain –but a team which is causing bitter lamentation in the ranks of its followers. The job of the fair-minded critic is not easy under such circumstances. It would be simple to write scathingly of all concerned to lash the players to indulge in cheap sarcasm and to repeat those bar-parlour jokes which are being bandied about so freely just now. Easy, but no more helpful than the slow clapping attempts of a small majority on Saturday. When discussing the root causes of Everton’s bad start last week, I endeavored to hold the scales fairly all round, not to be unduly critical and to put the matter dispassionately and in proper perspective. What happened against Aston Villa in no way alters the case which was them presented. The only thing which now arises is to what extent one is justified in suggesting that the club’s followers should exercise stick further patience. They have been patient and long suffering for so many seasons that the role is becoming irksome. Even when Everton a few years back were playing alterative football most of the time it was without the goals and results that would have made the pleasure complete. Rightly or wrongly the majority of football followers judge naturedly by results. The days when the standard of play alone was the yard sticks have long since pass. Today they have not the consolation of attractive football.
What of the Future
The problem now with Everton having but a solitary point from seven matches is what about the future. There are two courses open out of the book of clubs such as Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa and others and go into the top-price market. The other is to persevere with the younger players, give even more of these a chance of win their spurs and accept whatever the consequence may be. Unfortunately contrary to the views held the many people Everton are in the wealthy club so far as liquid resources go. Their assets are mainly in bricks and mortar and as have mentioned before in addition to spending most of their loose cash on essential maintence work this summer there is a big programme of such work still to tackle as well as the “10,000 floodlight acheme. Several months ago, before the flood lighting contract was signed I suggested it should be held over until the board saw how the team shaped this season. My view was that it was better to have the money in the bank to buy players in case of need. The board wisely or otherwise only time will show, decided otherwise. Whether they will now be able to raise the wind for extensive purchases of really top-class players –assuming they decide these are necessary as their supporters are already convinced remains to be seen.
Different Approach
Clear club manages it on far less support that Everton have been receiving consistently season after season though the credit squeeze seems to have put a damper on these matters. Buying in the football market demands a different approach from the normal business action. “You have to be prepared to take a gamble. It may or may not come off. You cannot always see an profit as in businessman prefer in his commercial deals. Newcastle have had a few bad buys in their time. But that has never deferred them when the need arose again. They usually cut their losses as quickly as possible and in many cases allowing for the increased attendances have not always been too much out of pocket on unsuccessful purchases. The alternative course open to Everton assuming they are averse to heavy spending on first class players with its attendant risks to persevere as they have been doing since Mr. Britton left. That means giving their young players still further chances – including some of those such as Llewellyn and Kirby who have been in and out already this season –and seeking by trial and error to find where they are lacking and where they are sound. That to some extent is all policy of desperation on though it may be forced on them. The dangers of drafting too many inexperienced players into any team at one time are obvious. When they come into a side struggling as Everton are today the position is still more fraught with risks.
No Guarantee
Even the cheque book solution carries no guarantee. Money cannot buy blend and team spirit. When Mr. Britton left I urged that a top class ex-professional should follow in his footsteps. The club decided against it. It may have to come eventually if things continue without improvement. I gather however that the conviction is still held that eventually the new regime will work out its own salvation if given sufficient time. That may be so. But the problem exercising the minds of supporters is what may happen in the meantime. I dislike taking too pessimistic a view at this stage and introducing the possibility of relegation. But it is one which must obviously intrude itself shortly if there is not a quick and decided improvement. We shall get nowhere y blinking our eyes to the fact and indulging too long a spell of wishful thinking. What loyal Evertonians are perturbed about is whether they are to go through another period similar to that of six years or so ago when the club had to fall before it could rise again.
Don’t Rub It In
The rosy vistas at one time held out now appear as though viewed through the wrong end of a telescope. It is a sad state of affairs for so famous a club. As for Saturday’s humiliating defeat I am not going to rub it in. The players did their best. If their best was far from good enough, that was their misfortune and the club’s. This was one occasion when nobody could say Everton were unlucky. For an hour both teams looked no better than moderate. Third Division standard. Then Villa got a rather fortunate goal followed up with two more through slackness in defensive covering and the flags were at half mast long before a toe ender in the dying minutes filled the cup of woe to the brim. The wingers were poor, Glazzard looked no better than many of the younger players on the staff even allowing for his almost complete lack of decent passes and only Lello had a shot. Harris worked hard to little effective purpose. Sutherland did not play anything like as well as in the two previous games but Rea showed plenty of promise despite occasion error and always sought to make constructive use of the ball. I did not fault O’Neill with any of the four goals. It was a sad day, I hope Wednesday nights home game with Burnley does not add another chapter to the dismay.
WHAT TO BE DONE ABOUT EVERTON?
September 10, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
“Daily Post” Offer
Everton F.C the club whose management last season underwent one of the greatest upheavals in post-war soccer, are now at the foot of the First Division League table. This is due to some extent to the number of stiff away fixtures the team have already faced three of them consecutively. Believing that every follower of a club with a great tradition wants to see Everton overcome the threat of relegation the Daily Post have arranged to open to readers for five days (beginning next Thursday) two columns of space in which followers of Everton can make constructive criticism and suggest what should be done to make Everton the power they were. For each of the five best 250-word letters published each day during the period the feature runs the Daily Post will present a £5 5s Everton season ticket for this season. None suggests that Everton supporters can, in the space of five days produce a plan to guarantee a winning team, but the cross-section of Everton opinion published is likely to be as varied as it will be instructive and cannot fail to interest all in the city who follow football. The feature will be headed “How can Everton regain lost glory.?” Letters should hear the name and address of the sender. They should not exceed 250 words, should be typed or written on one side of the paper only. They should be addressed to Sports Editor, Daily Post, Victoria Street, Liverpool. The five winning letters will be published in the Daily Post next Thursday. There will be further selections of five each day until and including Tuesday of next Week.
EVERTON MAKE SIX CHANGES AND FIELD NEW FORWARD LINE AGAINST BURNLEY
September 11, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton make wholesale changes in their side to meet Burnley at Goodison Park tomorrow evening and field an entirely fresh forward line compared with that against Aston Villa. Jimmy Glazzard signed only eleven days ago from Huddersfield for around £3,500, is among those jettisoned, Kirby takes his place. The others to be dropped are McNamara, Harris (J), Lello and Eglington. There is only one change in the defence where Donovan whose only previous outing this season was at inside right against Leeds United is selected at right back in preference to Sutherland, who thus goes out after three senior games. Moore is not quite fit. Choice for outside right falls on Brian Harris who has been on the injured list since the opening game of the season, Mayers also injured at Leeds, is recalled, but his time as outside left, the position he occupied in eight games at the stars of last season. Llewellyn displaces Jimmy Harris at inside right where he has shaped promisingly and Kirby who played in the two away matches at Wolverhampton and Burnley, takes over the leadership from Glazzard. Lello is dropped from the inside left-berth to make room for Fielding who was omitted from the game at Leeds and then again three matches.
Experience May help
This is nothing new, however, Fielding has been in and out of the team on countless occasions of recent years. This time he is brought in because it is felt that his experience and ball control will help to weld the otherwise young forward line into a better striking force than would be the case is composed entirely of youthful players. Fielding apart the forward line is one of the youngest Everton have fielded for along time although once or twice last season it was not much older. The average ago of the four other players is only 20, with Llewellyn the youngest at 17 and Kirby he oldest at 22. How the newly constituted team will have against Burnley is purely a matter of conjecture it might make a better show than some people will give it credit for at the moment.
Wait and See
There should at least be plenty of youthful endeavour and determination and possibly greater shooting power than we saw in some positions on Saturday. I am willing to wait and see what happens. To be critical in advice is fair neither to club nor player. I thrust also that the spectators will give the players a reasonable chance. The jeers directed at some of them on Saturday were not calculated to help anybody to do himself justice and certainly not a team in Everton’s parious plight. Professional footballers know just as well as the crowd when they are having a bad game and when they have made a mistake. There is no need to rub it in. If there is nothing to cheer about –though I trust there will be –at least don’t go out of your way to discourage those who are doing their best.
Good Start
Burnley stand fourth in the League table at the present moment with ten points from seven engagements. From all accounts they have been playing good class on-the-ground football most of the time. The latter is vital with a team which has the smallest forward line in the country. The ball in the air is little use to them nine times out of ten. After losing their first away game 2-0 to Arsenal, the Turf Moor team has since drawn at Cardiff and West Bromwich. Peter Mackay is their leading marksman with seven goals, including two from the penalty spot. When signed from Dundee some folk expressed doubts about the ability to make the grade because of lack of inches, Mackay has since silenced them.
Few Changes
Irish international McIlroy is next on the list with four and though Burnley have not been scoring so freely as some sides, they have shown improvement on recent seasons. There was a time when they had the reputation of being football’s most negative team. They depended almost entirely on their cast iron defence to avoid defeat. Now they are adapting more progressive ideas and going all out for victory. They were unchanged in eight positions to the opening seven games, including the intermediate line, which is the strongest department of the side. The full back position were subject to the only changes apart from outside right where Gray the former Chelsea player has given way to Newlands. Injuries to Cummings and Rudman brought about enforced alterations in the full back department John Augus a Scot who had previously had only two reserve team outings made his debut against Everton at right back last week. His partner was David Smith the Scottish lad who broke his leg last season, and who scored a goal against O’Neill at Turf Moore from over 40 yards range. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; Harris (B), Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
EVERTON’S SWEEPING CHANGES IN ATATCK
September 12, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By John Peel
Still without a victory this season, Everton F.C. directors have made drastic changes in the team to meet Burnley at Goodison Park this evening K.O. 6 p.m.) The directors responsible for team selection have completely changed the entire forward line following Saturday’s 0-4 home defeat by Aston Villa. Glazzard signed eleven days ago from Huddersfield Town is dropped after three games and others omitted include Harris (J), who led the England “B” attack last season, and the Eire outside left Eglington. Harris (B) and Mayers injured in the opening game of the season at Leeds are recalled to the wings and Donovan replaces Sutherland in defence. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; Harris (B), Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
EVERTON’S NEW MOVE
September 12, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
So far this season Everton’s chief coach, Ian Buchan has been working mainly on the lines which governed the play and style of the team over recent seasons. He felt it inadvisable to make sweeping changes at first even though the considered the style restrictive and negative in some ways. He is now to take advantage of the free hand he has on coaching matters and will in future gradually embody his own ideas in all matters relating to tactical, strategic and other aspects of the team’s play. A report that Everton might bid for Joe McDonald, Sunderland’s international full back is not correct.
Give the Players A Fair Deal
Barracking Will Not Do Any Good
Most football clubs at some time or other suffer, from the thoughtless actions of an unsportsman like section of alleged supporters who vent their spleen upon certain players when things are going wrong. While sincerely hoping we shall see a vastly improved display tonight from the reshuffered Everton team, even if we do not I thrust there will be none of the jeers and slow hand-clapping we had from a handful of spectators on Saturday. The players can give of their best only if they have the crowd’s tackling. They may not all be successful. But remember that they did not select themselves and that several are young and inexperienced lads. The latter are facing a big ordeal coming into a side which has struck such a lean and unlucky patch. Give them a fair sporting chance to show what they can do. Barracking destroys confidences more quickly than anything. The bating of players is no credit to those who indulge in it. To say it is the only way that spectators have of showing their disapproval is fallacious. Every player knows only too well when he is having a bad game. There is no need to rub it in. Express your approval at the end of the game if you must, but not while it is going on.
Not Sportsmanship
People who barrack are no higher intellectually than a lot of the modern rock-n-roll kids who are hitting the headlines just now. They remind me of schoolboys and throw fireworks among the girls and drop stink bombs in class or the bullies who twist the arms of kids a lot smaller than themselves. It isn’t sportsmanship. There have to be successes and failures in football as in any other game. One season your favorites may be on top of the world; the next down in the dumps. Most people who indulge in this malevolent pastime doubtless claim to be “supporters” of the team they criticize. They would do well to ponder what the word implies. The clubs most in need of support are those passing through such a time as Everton are experiencing. Supporting a winning team is easy. But winning teams don’t need support in that sense. It is the side which is having a sticky time and finding nothing going right which most needs encouragement.
Nothing Of the Kind
Many so called supporters are nothing of the kind. They do things which adversely affect the welfare of the club which they mistakenly think they are honoured by their attendance. I don’ want to say too much about this matter. To do so would put it in the wrong perspective, for Saturday’s outbreak as comparatively mild. I am passing these comment solely with the idea of trying to nip in the bud any extension of what happened at the Villa match, if it should unfortunately happen that tonight’s display does not measure up to our hopes. It is a fact that many a young player has been checked in his career – some have even had it ruined –through the cruelly and thoughtieness of a comparative handful of over-critical and vociferous spectators. Not all footballers are thick-skinned. Some can be badly knocked off the game by the crowd, particularly those younger ones who are not yet hardened.
No Justification
It is no justification of barracking to say that those who pay the piper have the right to call the tune. There mere fact of having paid to go in does not confer freedom upon every individual to mercilessly revile and abuse any player he dislikes. What about the vast majority of people who are content to watch in painful silence if matters do not please them. These are entitled to see the best display possible from the men who have been chosen. They cannot get it if the heart is taken out of the team by people with the mentality of a school kids who scrawl, I have teachers on the blackboard when his back is turned. Having got that of me chest here’s hoping that for a change you have cheering solid and encouraging to cheer tonight and that plea proves unnecessary.
TWO POINTS AT LAST –THE HARD WAY!
September 13, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 1, Burnley 0
By Leslie Edwards
Everton won this, their first victory of the season, the hard way. Not only was the penalty award by which they won disputed there was doubt for a moment whether Tom Jones scoring shot from the penalty spot would stand. The crowd behind the goal cheered; they saw the ball cross the line between the posts but everyone else round the ground saw the ball careering far from goal and outside the net! Referee Pickles of Bradford was called to investigate the mystery and found of course that Jones shot had passed through the netting. Trainer Charles Leyfield, of Everton was left to make running repairs while the new-youth Everton side made the best of the way home with many a Burnley corner to tease them in the final minutes. Everton did more than gain victory; they deserved it. With a team which had youthfulness at every turn they fought hard and for their second half endeavour alone are worth their places again en bloc. Odd that this duck breaking win should be at the expense of their former manager’s team, Burnley. For one awful moment when Burnley turned out ten minutes before the kick-off time It looked as though Everton were facing as they did on Saturday the claret and blue of Aston Villa. One of the greatest benefits of a first victory is the promise of success to come. Here the ancients of Everton linked well with the moderns and praised be there was a spirit of resolution all round.
Some Reservations
The reservations I make relate to more than one stunning save by O’Neill and to the fact that Burnley may have been justified in claiming that Llewellyn had not been fouled by goalkeeper McDonald in the clash which produced the penalty. My reading as that Llewellyn quick to chase the half-chance, won the clinch for possession but in the process lost his footing. The decision was as doubtful as some others by Mr. Pickles and many by his linesman, Mr. H.M. Jolly, whose main crime was to miss a palpable corner kick –against Everton. The goal and most of a hard game’s excitement came in the second half. Twenty-three minutes had gone when Jones got the goal which gave Everton joy. This decisive point came in a half in which the young men of Everton staying the pace better, surged (not always with much method) almost continuously against a Burnley defence which like the other departments of the team had most of the answers. It was Everton’s refusal to lie down after Burnley had been the better, more compact side in the first half, which turned the game. Burnley looked the better side, particularly in attack; Everton matched Burnley’s smooth defence with ruggedness and fought as they have rarely fought for possession in attack.
Never More Necessary
In an Everton line so lacking in experience Fielding’s promptings were never more necessary. He played hard and well and some of his far-flung passes deserved better treatment than they got. The one youngster outstandingly impressive was George Kirby; first sight of whom suggests that he must develop and soon, into a centre forward of great character and competence. Kirby is long-legged, solidly built. He gets up well to a ball; he moves with long strides and covers ground faster than many imagine. He carries a shot. He showed it in the first half when McDonald did exceptionally well to turn his vicious drive for a corner. Obviously Kirby, has much to learn, but the way he killed a ball; the way he ankled it – everything he did, except some of his positional play-showed him to be a man who will get goals when he matures. There is the stamp of a Dean at 18 years about him. Mayers, too, had his moments, once in a fine close dribble and twice with low shots which swung just wide. Brian Harris was not as good as I have see him, Llewellyn was outmaneurved too often by the Burnley defence, hard as he chased. Everton’s defence in which Tansey continues to play excellently and Rea to do a lot of covering of other positions than his own made this win possible. One cannot forget O’Neill’s moments of good fortune; nor his several fine second half saves, notably from Cheeseborough at the foot of the post and against the bar when that Burnley forward’s hook was surely booked for the net.
A Mayers Miss
Burnley, with small but lively forwards might well have won if they had taken their chances. Aided by Shannon, a son of Liverpool, who rarely plays other than well here, they worked some good openings and then failed as unaccountably a Mayers did after Farrell and Kirby between them had produced a shooting opening for which h had only to stride on to the ball. For most part it was a hard scrambling match and I wish Everton’s performance carried more conviction. But we must be satisfied that they have started to move, from danger. To carry so much green inexperience against a side, like Burnley was hard; but all ended well. Thus, Everton come out of the dark ages, starting with that mid-fight matinee against Blackpool to daylight in which they can see signs of promise. But one wonders whether this young team can survived the hardships of winning away, It is still necessary for many of them to have alongside them those who can teach them to make the right moves at the right time. Last night Everton attacks broke down because some until broke the link when it was most necessary that it should be maintained. Jones, especially in the closing minutes when the small Burnley forwards won corner after corner – all of them short corners – did his best work. Rarely have I seen or heard an Everton crowd so anxious hat their side should hold the goal which mattered. It last night’s form is any guide Kirby, for one has come to stay. Good to see Everton answer, in part the query “What to be done with them?” But I wish the game had been won more convincingly than by a penalty over which, I submit there was grave doubt.
PLAYERS WIH A GUN AT THEIR HEADS
September 13, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Points from Other Letters
Mr. Richard, of 26 Huyton, House Road, Huyton writes; For the opening match of the season, Everton close (as they saw it) the best team from available players. Good; no grouses from press or followers. Within three weeks what have we got? Grouses from all quarters, panic buying of one player who could not get his place in a Second Division team, barracking of players and abuse of directors. Everton’s team today take the field with a gun at their heads.
Mr. G.J. Tait, of 36 Ranworth Square says The main reason for Everton’s failure is the management. The average director has no more knowledge of football than the average fan. Therefore the first task would be to appoint a first-class manager of the Britton calibre with full power. The directors won’t like doing this, but they must be realistic. On the Everton’s books there are some quite good young players not of international class, but good enough. Old faithful must go. A star turn with personality must be brought for centre forward –a player of the £30,000 class, together with two good and experienced players for inside forward and half back. Around the foundation of three players a team could be built to include Mayers, Brian and Jimmy Harris, Jones, Rea, Moore, Tansey and O’Neill. Buchan’s ideas should be persevered with as regards fitness; the youth plan continued.
Mr. J. Hodgson of 115 Chelwood Avenue, Liverpool 16, says; What right have the public in this matter? Can they interfere in the running of someone else’s business? For business (unfortunately) it is. The directors are the people who have that responsibility and are answerable to the shareholders. Right? Now what is our position? We the people who pay, not being satisfied with the product offered or produced, we not complied to buy. We can refrain. Is that the answer? Could be. The shareholders then should get worried, and if they are willing and able, they could demand from the directors the type of product the people will buy. The directors having failed have an alternative –call in an expert!
Mr. T.C Stenson, 55 Derby Lane, Liverpool, 13 writes; I think I can answer this without bitterness. It is the other team, which is breaking my heart. The trouble is the same as that which afflicts most football teams from time to time. There is a tide in the affairs of men and of football clubs, and Canute proved long ago, that even a king can’t push the tide back. The bad patch comes to all. Not even Arsenal in their hey-day could command success. All anyone can do is deserve success and pray for the breaks. What Everton should do is try to deserve the luck when the change comes and helps that change to come. When Cunard build a ship they may get a director to be present at the keel-laying, and the chairman’s wife may do the launching. But the directors stick to their job, and leave the experts to get on with the building.
Mr. A.R. Russell of 189 Eaton Road, North Liverpool 12 writes; When Everton appointed a P.T Coach I felt that it was a very good idea which had been cut short. I think that such a coach should have been appointed alongside a professional manager. At present the club needs some first-hand help I know that they have a special sub-committee looking after team matters but I cannot help thinking that this could be dangerous. Finally a word to the supporters. The directors want a winning team, the players want a winning team and you want a winning team. How about giving a hand. Encouragement when things are not so good is far more valuable than when you re top of the world. It can help to bring results. A slow handicap never brought anything.
Mr. J.S. Edwards of 35 Ranfurly Road, Cressington, writes; -
-1. Appoint a team manager. He is the boss and one of the team e.g Whittaker, Busby or Cullis. 2. Drop the system of playing men out of position. 3. Remember when in the transfer market –only the best is good enough. I would rather Everton buy one top-class player than two or three moderate ones, at a reasonable sum.
From Mr. W. J. Arberry, of 4 Wemley Road, Mossley Hill come this;- First a competent manager should be appointed without delay. This should be one who will command respect from players and directors alike and one who knows his job inside out. Sentiment should at a time like the present be shelved. It is very apparent that some of the first team players are passed their best. I am all for the ascent on youth and the blooding of these youngsters should take place at once. Common sense, plus sportsmanship among the supporters of the club must be shown always. It is useless and senseless to barrack certain players and stage demonstrations such as took place at Goodison on Saturday night.
WHAT’S TO DO ABOUT EVERTON?
September 13, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Hundreds of Fans Reply To The Call…
And Nearly All Say; Appoint A manager
First respond to the Daily Post’s What’s to be done about Everton appeal -25 Everton season, tickets are to be given during the next five days to the writers of the best letters on the topic –was a postbag of several hundreds of letters. The majority of them suggested that Everton’s first need was for a first-class manager. I was agreeably surprised, writes Sports Editor at the high standard of these 250-word plans to help Everton in the present crisis. Nearly all are constructive, some were critical of critics of the club and deplored also the jeering as on Saturday of Everton players. The task of reading and assessing these first contributions to a Daily Post feature which is to run from today until next Tuesday was an enormous task. So many non-winning letters were of interest opportunity has been taken today to give the gallant points of many of them. The second batch of winning suggestions will be given in tomorrow’s Daily Post and with them another batch of points made by other correspondents.
Winning Letter No 1.
No Rummage Sale Buying
Sir – To stop Everton’s drifting ever since Mr. Britton rightly left at the wrong psychological moment, an explayer manager is essential. Neither dictatorships nor directorships can pick a stable Everton team. Next cut out rummage sale buying. Either buy big, buy young or buy not at all. Twilight hour applies more to confinement cases than to Everton’s need. Five thousand is every pound too much for possible reserve. One bigger or four younger is a better buy than say, Glazzard and Payne. What of Wheeler or Bingham? Parsimony never obtained real bargains. No more carts before horses. Floodlighting is a pity for there is nothing to floodlight. A goal scoring centre forward and inside man are paramount needs as also is a class outside right which we haven’t seen for years. A constructive centre half wouldn’t be amiss and Eglington gets no younger. Modify the Buchan spell. Everton get too much or too little P.T. Man for man Villa were yards faster. Finally make the best use of available resources. Bring Moore and Fielding back at once, the latter at inside man if only to take corners! Stop playing right men in wrong places but as a major operation is now vital some positional moves may do the trick. My team based on availability, which couldn’t do worse, would be;- O’Neill; Moore, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Farrell; J. Harris, Fielding, Glazzard, Rea, Lello, Eglington.
A.J. Higgins, 3 Kaigh Avenue, Liverpool 23.
Winning Letter No 2.
Their Trouble Is Panic
Sir –Trouble with Everton at the present time is panic. They lose a match and the result is wholesale changes. New players are brought in and the players retained are given positional changes that they must find unsettling. Then the next match is lost and the same thing happens again. This causes instability. There is no chance for any player to develop in a set position to learn to co-operate with his colleagues by understanding their methods of play and reactions. To remedy this, I would suggest the following course;-
The best young players be chosen to form a team. They should be told that the team will not be changed, win or lose, for six matches. They should then be given intensive coaching and training –as a team. This procedure should be followed with all the teams. An injured first team player should be replaced by the appropriate player from the second team and the second team player by the third team player of the same position. This would give a system of replacements without the constant upsetting of the team’s rhythm and confidence. –A.V. Bowman, 8 Stanley Road, Ormskirk.
Winning Letter No 3.
Blue Print For Everyone
Sir –How can Everton regain lost glory? Basic Trouble –Too many changes made too quickly. Everybody keep sense of proportion. Some team must be bottom. Too bad it is Everton – but there it is. Supporters –stay loyal. We cheer when they win, so do not stop now. Don’t kick a fellow when he is down so forget the jeers and slow handclaps, and don’t stay away. Empty terraces help neither club nor players. Directors –Don’t wait too long to admit your mistakes. Appoint a manager of proved ability and make him manager. A fact as well as in name. What the cost, it will be cheaper in the long run. Team Building –Ruthlessly weed and prune present playing staff, discarding all who are not up to first class standing. Goal; Keep O’Neill –still as good as most. Backs Tansey and a new signing of first class man. Halves – introduce Woods, keep Rea and complete with Farrell, Jones or Lello. Forwards; Sign now two first class wingers and one inside forward. Complete line with J. Harris at centre forward and Fielding or Eglington at inside left. Don’t be niggardly over fees. No-more cheap has been –they are dear at any price. And look for men for the job and not pint-sized midgets. Players –Keep on doing your best, but try more direct methods in front of goal. You have the skill and your luck will turn. Training –Do not utterly discard tried and stereotyped methods. Coaching –Appoint an experienced coach with first-class playing experience. Press- Let your reports and criticism be always fair, fearless and factual. When necessesary, name names whether for praise of blame. J. O’Neill 75 Fernhill Road, Liverpool 20.
Winning Letter No 4.
Policy Has Failed
Sir- You ask for constructive criticism about Everton, but firstly one must look at the past. The plain facts are that the policy of training youngsters up to first team standard has failed. Moreover this has been in evidence for some years. Frankly they have not had a centre forward who scored regularly since Lawton, and also for a long time the right wing has been a weak link. A remedy you ask. There is only one left, that of going into the market for readymade players but without the reluctant attitude of the present directors whose buys of Payne and Glazzard are waste. Newcastle have proved that if you have the money (and Everton are reputed to be a wealthy club) you can get the men-needed. I would go out for John Charles, Johnnie Haynes, Duncan Edwards and if it meant £100,000 this would be money well spent not only to maintain a leading position in the First Division, but repay loyal supporters for their continued support. I do not think the Managerial side is as important as is made out. Certainly £3,000 a year is a ridiculous figure to pay. If the material is available and of good quality, the results will come.
Norman B. Owen 45 Langdale Road, Liverpool 15.
Winning letter No 5.
Forget The Petty Feuds
Sir – Everton F.C. exist to be a successful club. Everyone at Goodison Park should be co-ordinated to achieve this. What can be done? Here are my four suggestions;-
(1) Appoint a team manager of proved ability on the field, preferably a successful captain who has shown promise for executive control. Scrap the existing regime.
(2) Directors to forget once and for all the petty feuds which have been common talk in Liverpool and elsewhere for a decade, and co-operate with a manager on the strict understanding that neither interferes with the other’s duties, and especially regarding team section the manager’s view to be given extra consideration.
(3) Stop at once the fantastic methods of team selection, which plays half a team out of their proved best position, e.g. Donovan is a back, Lello is a half back, Jones is a centre half, J. Harris is a centre forward and until new players are acquired the other players as the youngsters being brought into the team are not likely to display their normal form under crisis conditions, the team for the next half-dozen games might be thus – O’Neill; Moore, Donovan; Farrell, Jones, Lello; McNamara, Fielding, Harris (J), Glazzard, Eglington-meanwhile the new manger after a reasonable interval could make the necessary adjustments, either from present resources or outside.
(4) Supporters to appreciate that a footballer is a human being , sensitive to ignorant remarks and responsive to encouragement. Finally let the directors set up a committee to investigate why have Manchester United and Newcastle United done so well in post war football – can’t be all luck? –T. Burke 44 Mere Lane, Liverpool 5
Preposterous Says Irate Man
Sir –your suggestion that the spectators were angry only because the game went against Everton on Saturday is preposterous. Apparently you are of the opinion for what it is worth that the spectators go to Goodison to see only goals for. You must know as well as everyone else that this is the poorest team Everton have had for at least 40 years. That the spectators are angry is natural in view of the fact that they pay to see tradesman at their job. If any of these players were in your line of business would you be prepared to give them a job? The sooner there is a standard of ability set before a player can become a professional, the better. The players Union keep complaining about players wages. I wonder how much some teams would earn if they were paid on a proficiency basis. N. Campbell 124 Breck Road, Liverpool 5.
A HARD FIGHT
September 13, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton put up a better show against Burnley last night than they had done against Aston Villa. The reconstituted side may have been minus certain attributes here and there, but it lacked nothing on the score of fighting spirit. In a hard and dour struggle which had little skilful football in the closing stages it was good to see every Everton man challenging for the ball in a manner lacking in recent games. It was that more than superior skill, which brought them their first victory though it had to come through a rather doubtful penalty award. One can forgive certain shortcomings in miniature players so long as they have courage and a fighting heart. None showed possession of that more than Kirby, Llewellyn and Rea. It was my first view of Kirby this season and I liked what I saw. This lad undoubtedly has promise. He “kills” the ball with almost contempanious ease, and two of his clever flicks, one early in each half showed the hall mark of an intelligent and skilful player. Like Llewellyn he has much to learn yet. But given a fair chance and the right encouragement he looks as though he may prove to have what it takes. Llewellyn’s main attributes at the moment are his speed, anticipations and obvious desire to be in the thick of the fight all the time. Though he does not show the ball control of Kirby, it may come in time. He is certainly worth an extended trial. Fielding sprayed some lovely passes to left and right, opening up play in telling fashion, and if the wingers occasionally were a trifle slow, allowing the opposition to come from behind to dispossess them they were not inferior to their colleagues in fighting spirit. Indeed the whole team challenged for the ball at times to almost tigerish fashion. It was a refreshing change after Saturday. While one solitary victory, and that by the narrows of margins by no means heralds the end of Everton’s troubles the display all round was certainly more encouraging. There is a long way to go yet and much to be done before the danger recedes but this at least was a step in the right direction.
Two Blemishes
The defence did extremely well if one excepts two occasions when O’Neill detracted from his otherwise good work. That was when he came out beyond the penalty area, looked well able to get to the ball first, yet seemed to shirk the ultimate issue and made only a very feeble attempt to clear. In the second half his indecision almost led to Burnley getting the equalizer. The first principle when a goalkeeper comes out –other than to narrow the angle –is to get the ball. This tendency is something which has been noticeable before. That apart, O’Neill could not be faulted. Some of his saves were of the highest class, notably one against Cheeseborough from almost point-blank range and another at the expense of the same player when he tipped the ball over the bar. Donovan celebrated his return with a sound though sometimes unceremonious display. Tansy was excellent throughout and Jones has rarely played better. He stepped into the breach time and time again in the closing stages when Burnley were throwing everything into an all-out effort to snatch the equalizer. Rea may be a good way from being the finished product at half-back. He put the wind up the spectators a couple of times with risky back passes but he is undoubtedly a likely prospect. A little more experience will make a tremendous difference to him.
That Penalty Award
Though Farrell has played better if he did boot the ball into touch unnecessarily on some occasions who could blame him? Everton needed the points far more urgently than they needed to keep the play moving without a break. Opinions may vary as to the justice of the penalty award. I seem to me that to some extent Llewellyn fell over the outstretched arms of McDonald rather than that he was deliberately brought down. Everton, however have had no luck in previous games, if this was a harsh decision as the Burnley people strenuously maintained, it only helped to make up for some of the ill-luck of certain previous games. Jones made no mistake from the spot, and his shot though seemingly not hit with a great deal of power, was sufficiently strong enough to find a weak place in the net and come out on the other side. If Mayers had not missed the chance of the match halfway through the second period, after one of Everton’s finest combined moves, the home side would have won more handsomely. He foozled his shot badly from twelve yards with only the goalkeeper to beat. The best shot of the night came from Donovan and Kirby, while a header by the latter in the closing stages was brilliantly saved by McDonald.
More Shooting Needed
One would have liked to see a little more shooting from Everton. Though they produced more scoring efforts than Burnley the ratio was not what it might have been. This was so particularly during the first fifteen minutes of the second half, when the visitors rarely got out of their own territory. Everton are now embarking on new tactical schemes. I hope these will emphasize this one good accurate long distance pass is worth half a dozen dainty tip-tapping efforts. Everton look a far better when they were swinging the ball about than when they were doing their you-to-me and me to you stuff. I wish they would but out some of the back passing which should only be used when absolutely necessary and also the still prevalent tendency towards to much later work. That only allows the opposition to consolidate its defensive grouping. Burnley are not so outstanding aside as I had expected, if this is a fair specimen. They have two good inside forwards a strong winger in Pilkington and a stalwart centre half in the commanding Adamson. But they had nothing like the finishing power in attack that had been antipated despite brief or good efforts by McKay and Chesseborough. They were rather ruthless in their tackling at times.
EVERTON UNCHANGED FOR GAME AT LUTON
September 13, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
After their victory last night at Burnley’s expense, it did not take the Everton selection committee long to make up their minds regarding the team to meet Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. They chose the same eleven namely;- Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; Harris (B), Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
Unfortunately it may not be possible to have Kirby’s services regularly in future. He finishes his Army leave after the Luton game, and is stationed so far away that he may not be available for all games.
LETTER BOX OVERSPILL EVERTON POINTS
September 14, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
A 250-word letter is not needed to know what Everton want, what I would do is retire Peter Farrell and make him manager. – E. Stafford, 1 Bullens Road, Kirkby.
Team selectors must stop switching recognised defenders into key forward positions; also not try springing young and inexperienced players into first team duty collectively. In this connection I’m certain that young Llewellyn and Mayers are booked for stardom, and although Rea has a very promising future, I do not believe he is quite ready yet for “big-time stuff.” In my opinion, Lello should be recalled immediately and with Moore touching near international standard at right back steadiness in defence will assuredly return. –J.F Coogan 52 Queen’s Drive, Wavertree.
One can only assume that the directors of Everton F.C are the most competent body to get the club out of its present difficult position. The directors being appointed by the shareholders should enjoy the confidence of the public and unless the public show this by their attitude when at Goodison the directors are hardly to be blamed if they fail in their mission. The attitude of so called supporters is disgusting and lacking in sportsmanship. If the club is to regain its former glory it can only be by the United effort if all concerned combined with every encouragement from supporters (T.W.F H Prichard, Alaunia, Bushell Road, Neston).
Faithful Servants
I have never seen the real Everton since 1939, their last championship year; do you know since then Everton have never finished in the first nine barring their promotion year; their name used to be a household word, but the English selectors never look our way now. Why? Because we are not class enough we had nine internationals in that aforesaid year, this is no reflection on the Irish players who have been faithful servants (John Derrick, 80 Edge Lane, Liverpool 7).
May a regular supporter, although a mere female, venture a few suggestions? Firstly a Manager seems to be indicated and who better for this position than Peter Farrell? He has been a faithful servant to the club and an excellent captain. He must know the style and capabilities of the playing staff better than anybody and this promotion of one who so obviously has the interests of Everton at heart would I feel be welcomed by the majority of supporters –Miss M. O’Neill 1 Francon Drive, Bebington.
Too Many Bosses
In my opinion a considerable part of Everton’s present team troubles are due to too many bosses –the board of directors as a whole the three-members selection committee, the administrative officer, and the chief coach. Add to this the poor playing record since the departure of Mr. Britton and one is bound to the conclusion that the main need is for the appointment of another manager. The club requires a young man of integrity and one blessed with football wisdom who may be happy to stay many years at Goodison. Such a man is our own Peter Farrell, one of Everton’s best and most loyal servants. F. Oliver, Highland, Hilifield Drive, Heswall.
Great football teams have been built in various ways. Everton used to buy footballers of the quality of Dean, Dunn, and Cresswell who could go on the field with or without a blackboard plan, and win by sheer skill and artistry, individual and collective. In more recent times Manchester United by shrewd scouting have found very young players of natural ability and have moulded then to fit into the plan of a master o tactics. Everton have not the money to buy a team, or the time to develop one, but they can afford to buy a master of tactics! Such a man could save Everton. Cliff Britton proved last season that eleven triers with no stars but with team spirit and a plan can often outplay eleven superior individuals.
L. Collis, 13 Ilford Avenue Liverpool 23.
But It back
How can Everton regain lost glory? But it back –G.B. Starkey, 43 Inwood Road, Garston.
Football today is big business and the essence of success in any business big or small is management –good management. In the case of Everton versus “the big drop” it is impossible to overstress the urgency of this need; Everton’s first step in their effort to regain their place as a leading club in the First Division must be the appointment of a manager. In his terms of contract, the manager should be allowed full control of the club’s players and playing policy. If Everton are to regain lost glory, they must introduce greater skill into management and into their playing than is being shown by present results –M.J. Phillips 9 Knowsley Park Lane, Prescot.
Surely Everton’s selectors are panicking badly during a run of bad luck which strikes most clubs at some time during a season? They have met some good sides, even Aston Villa must be included as they possess the best defence in two Division and a victory over Blackpool. When things are going badly football fans demand heads but just as they are denied the blood of an unpopular referee, a settled team should be preserved with, even while points are being dropped. In my opinion, a present blend definitely needs the matured experience of O’Neill; Farrell, Jones, Lello, Harris, Fielding and Eglington. –G. Hall 1 Halsey Crescent Liverpool 12.
Well, Is There ?
Is there one spectator whose heart does not stand still whenever the ball is in the air near the Everton goal? Or who, at some time during every game, does not find himself counting the Everton players –they seem so outnumbered? An infallible sign of half-back weakness. My advice to Everton is, firstly, to find a good goalkeeper. There must be other Youngsters somewhere, with judgment in running out and a safe pair of hands. Never be misled by miraculous saves. Good goalkeepers rarely do it. Forwards seem to shoot straight at them. W.P. Booth 11 Malvern Grove, Aintree.
We all know that Everton’s position at the moment is bad but it is not desperate and there is no need to panic. In the past other clubs have been worse off and yet won through. Let us not lose our heads. I am convinced the players give of their best. So let’s give them all the encouragement they deserve. Cut out the slow hand clapping, barracking etc, and substitute something akin to the roar of the Kop.
J.M. Martin 1 Hazlehurst Road, Liverpool 4.
Having been a keen Everton supporter for nearly thirty years and gradually watched them deteriorate from a scientific side into the present sad lot, I would suggest that the new system of training be abandoned in favour of the old style. The great Everton sides we used to delight in watching between the wars didn’t need weight-lifting and such alike to make them fit, and having seen its effect on the present team the sooner it’s dropped the better –R. O’Brien, 4 Pim Street, Liverpool 6.
That Is The Need
Most of your readers interested in the welfare of Everton and Liverpool like myself, will not know exactly what makes a successful manager, but they do know that what Everton needs more than anything else is just that. Surely a club with Everton’s resource could go all out for this prime need, even if Matt Busbys are hard to find. I have an impression that the present day outlook at Everton is a little restricted. Get a first-class manager, give him wide commonsense powers coupled with plenty of help, and there we have the first big step taken towards Everton becoming what they used to be, an attractive and winning team –G. Bishop, 4 Weston Road Runcorn, Cheshire.
A former full back of Everton recently said “We always did well with a Scot or two in the side,” –A. Recent Scottish junior signing was a step in the right direction. The present playing staff are mostly young with a blend of experienced older men and providing the club do not include more than two experienced players in a team they will sooner or later find a winning combination. The signing of ready made stars causes discontent in any team and usually they are most demanding of the directors, Training methods should include match practice each day –Monday to Friday, Stanley Matthews always advocates practice, practice and practice. And no club today can function without a team manager.
W. Glyn Roberts, 39 Chesterfield Road, Liverpool 23.
Too Many Changes I think one of the faults is that the selection committee have made far too many changes without choosing the best men for the various positions –men have been dropped after only a few matches. This to my mind is not a good thing for the player concerned or for the team as a whole. Everton’s immediate need is for as many League points as possible between now and Christmas running around with a cheque book just now cannot do a lot of good. “Physical fitness is necessary but a perfect understanding among the players more so. William Walker, 29 Denton Drive Wallasey.
In six years Mr. Britton did not produce one player of note who was not on the books before his appointment. I believe that he has done much to hasten on the present situation for the more experienced players are on the verge of retirement and the younger players have had no experience of First Division football. First requirement of a club with a costly director’s entrance hall and a £40,000 floodlighting scheme is to appoint an ex-player, as manager and let him pick the team. –G. R. Miller, “ Daffodil Road, Wavertree.
WHAT ‘S TO BE DONE ABOUT EVERTON?
September 14, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
What Is Needed Is A Simple Sign
Sound, Reasoned Letters From the Fans
And still they come in hundreds. Although Everton’s 1-0 victory against Burnley at Goodison Park has salved for the moment the Everton position their followers hundreds of whom seem to possess typewriters and the propensity to turn a telling phrase continue to deluse the Daily Post with sensible reasoned plains for Everton management. Would that there were space to give them all instead of only the five daily winners and points from others. The Everton feature continues tomorrow and again on Monday and Tuesday. The first five Everton season tickets are already in the hands of the winners. They will be able to support the club of their choice free of charge for the season as from tomorrow.
No Lack Of Talent
Sir – in business and political circles it is often said that an organiastion is as strong as its leaders –or if you prefer it as successful as those in control enable it to be. But even untold wealth and capable individuals will not guarantee success if it is badly led or worse not led at all. Bear in mind also that there must be a degree of harmony among the workers for players or there will not be even the desire to succeed. Changes in the Board appear to be necessary but the short term solution is obviously the immediate acquisition of a really “top-drawer” ex-professional as team manager. This will provide temperately, at least some form of capable leadership. In regard to the players available let us keep the things in its right perspective. They are not all bad. There is indeed more individual talent than for many reasonable successful clubs – talent which if properly blended and maybe slightly augmented (this is not an essential) would most certainly put the shame the display of the Arsenal against Preston on Monday evening. But it certainly calls for football knowledge and experience from a team manager. As for the six defeats, well once again let us display some understanding. Two of them were against Blackpool –possibity this season’s most scintillating team –but now the Blackpool supporters took fright during the first half of their home game. Forget these two failures as well as the only at Molynuex for better teams than Everton will fall against these sides-and fail more inglorious. The Villa game could be called the final eclipse of the head criers army. At this juncture neither “Coprolite” nor floodlight means a thing. What is needed is a simple sign. Under new management. Get this manager quickly –the best that money (in the form of future income) can buy –and give him the necessarily powers to exercise his football wisdom, guidance and understanding, within a matter of weeks the tide will turn –provided of course that the manager can work harmoniously with the board.
Thomas H. Thompson, Millbank 41 Anfield Road, Liverpool.
The Need For Patience
Sir – it looks as if Everton supporters will need to be very patient indeed. The present plight of Everton seems to be the failure of the Britton plan to produce home-made stars and this must have been evident to the directors long before the crisis came. It should not take five or six seasons to sort the wheat from the chaff among young players. Unfortunately homemade talent is more difficult to establish than imported players. The crowd is less tolerate of the promoted home produce playing one or two poor games than the imported player and much more tolerant to the readymade star for whom excuses are accepted over a long period. Everton supporters have been educated in the past to expect a star-studied team sprinkled with Scottish and English internationals. Where are they today? Everton have lacked personality for a number of seasons. Reputations have a psychological effect and count for a great deal as far as the opposition is concerned. Everton must now spend money, but not on players nearing the veteran stages and the directors first step is to place in charge of the team officials competent to spot weaknesses, but shrewdly and promote team work. Britton certainly seemed to get the best out of the established players but his plan was too drastic to put in all at once.
J. Lee, Blakeley House, Raby Drive Bromborough.
Trial Error Methods
Sir –For any team to take but one point from their first seven fixtures is more than sufficient justification for the majority of supporters to criticism everybody and everything. As it is always the case much of this criticism made in the heat of the moment is illogical and unhelpful. To my mind the present policy at Everton of team management by three directors is a mistaken one, and however, willing these gentlemen may be the fact remains their experience playing and practical, is inadequate for the task of finding a winning combination. Their methods of trial and error will varying sets of players in an endeavour to hit on a winning eleven is unworthy of the club. There is no doubt that within the present playing staff at Everton there are eleven men who could and would worthily uphold the traditions of a great club, but who is there to find them? There is only one true answer? The appointment as manager of a man of proven ability both on and off the field, give him curte and back his judgment to the hill! It would be invidious to mention other clubs who have adopted this policy with such marked success, and whose players are contended and happy. Such men are available and it would be infinitely preferable to fight from the depths, however slowly with a courageous, knowledgeable man at the helm, than suffer the present ignominious attempts to plug a sinking ship. Walter Black 40 Woodcroft Road, Liverpool 15.
Where is The Team Spirit ?
Sir –it is pointless to plead bad luck. Where is the team spirit that contributed so much to their success in the year of promotion and in the cup-ties last season? It seemed to disappear after the Maine Road defeat and the fast of managerial guidance. There is an expert now to promote fitness. Let us have an expert and one only, to lead the playing staff in tactics. We all require encouragement and advice when things go wrong but we only accept counsel from those more competent than ourselves. The directors must admit their mistakes and appoint a team a manager and there is none more worthy of the position than the present captain Farrell. Promote him to manager and team spirit and better tactics will return. Let the directors get out and about the country and seek two class wingers. We have not had a right winger since 1939. In the meantime surely there are one or two forwards in the second team with enough ball control and go ahead ideal of play to make a temporary if not a permanent success. I am sure Jimmy Harris would do better than either of the present wingers. Reinstate Moore, the best back on the staff. Bring back young Birch art right half and let us have a bit of class in the forward line from Fielding the only forward intelligent and experienced enough to tutor the youngsters.
H.R.D Sterling, 9 Willow Green Woolton, Liverpool.
Must Be More Direct
Sir –In our constructive criticism of Everton let us be humble enough to benefit from displays of visitors to Goodison Park. How often have we witnessed our more successful opponents forwards advancing on our goal in orderly fashion five of them in more or less a straight line with the wingmen mindful of their-purpose i.e. to make as much ground as possible with the ball. Contrast this with the Everton method of tip-tapping from forward to forward and after some seconds the ball finding its way back to where it started, thus resulting in a waste of time and energy the multiplication of which throughout a match can be telling. Everton’s forwards must be more direct in their efforts to reach the goal area endowing to the concentration of defence in the middle, it’s up to the wings to make ground. At the moment, without exception, the wingmen when in possession move diagonally from the touchline looking for a man to beat. Is this necessary. To my mind. No they must get up the touchline to the region of the corner flag without delay, get the ball across and open up the game. Therefore let’s get the best out of the available material and use the wings to better advantage. Keep the ball on the ground (defences are usually big fellows hard to beat in the air) and then only should the purchase of players (not too old) be considered. (It’s just a matter of tactical). J.L. Gratton. 7 Alcester Road West Derby.
Wasteful Attitude
I suggest an immediate stop to the wasteful attitude of allowing a player to slave when he had some legimate complaint and asks for a transfer apparently the Board doing anything at all to find a solution to his problem. The loss of a Lawton, a Mercer or a Hickson is not easily overcome as can be seen from Everton’s plight and of their poor record (apart from the F.A Cup) since the war –John S. Kelly, 13 Peartree Road, Huyton.
Don’t blame the players especially the younger ones because at present the position is only a little better than “the blind leading the blind” The players are no doubt physically fit, but so are Kirby and McNamara who prove it year and year in the local marathon. I’m not suggesting that fitness is not essential but if Everton were to forget a little about speed and concentrate more on skill the future of the club would be brighter. This is something that those responsible appear to have overlooked. E.R. Sharp 7b Western Avenue Speke.
LUTON WILL BE STERN TEST
September 14, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Having broken the ice at last Everton should tackle Luton with greater confidence than they have had so far. They may need it, too for Luton are a well-balanced and effective side, and few clubs come away with much reward from Kenilworth Road. Luton have falsified the forecasts of those who said they would find First Division football more than they could cope with when they won promotion two seasons ago. Last winter they were well up with the leaders most of the campaign and looked like qualifying for a talent money place until they struck a bad patch three-quarters of the way through. Eventually they ended up in tenth pace when if not particularly distinguished was satisfactory enough for a team which exists on very moderate support and cannot speed heavily in the transfer market. Luton’s home games this season have resulted in three victories against Sunderland, Wolves and Manchester City –and a goalless draw with Aston Villa. While Everton shaped much better on Wednesday night they have a long way to go yet before they are anywhere near out of trouble. They defeated Burnley on the agency of a rather fortunate goal and their fine fighting spirit. They won’t always get penalties and they will come up against better sides than Burnley when fighting spirit alone will not prevail against superior football. It was encouraging to hall a victory and I trust more will come in its wake, but I hope the Burnley one will not result in a false sense of complacency. Luton have made few changes so far. Apart from two games missed by centre half. Sid Owen through injury their defence has been unchanged. There are also three ever presents in the forward line and Morton has missed only one outing also through injury. Luton are strong in attack, even though they have failed to score in their last two outing and reasonably reliable in defence. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Farrell, Jones, Rea; Harris (B), Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
Everton Reserves;- (home to Derby County); Dunlop; Moore, Sutherland; Birch, Wood, Meagan; McNamara, Harris (J), Glazzard, Farrell, Williams (JD).
HOW CAN EVERTON F.C. REGAIN THEIR GLORY
September 15, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
More Live Letters on The Topic of the Moment
Fans of Sound Sense and Balance
The Daily Post offers, this morning, a third batch of five winning letters in the What’s to be done about Everton? Topic. The response to our invitation to followers of the club to win free season tickets with their plans – in all twenty five season tickets are being given –has been excellent as to numbers and quality. That Everton have behind them a hard core of many hundreds of people who are prepared to sit down and compose 250 word letters airing plans for the club’s betterment is undoubtedly a good thing especially as the great majority of letters are well-balanced reasoned and fair to Board and players. Everton may not act on any suggestions made, but they would be wise to consider the advice of those whose aim is to help the club they support.
Neglect of Opportunity
Sir –it is sixty years ago or more since I first visited Goodison Park, and ever since I have been interested in the Everton club. They have had many great teams during that period, and if they had a manager the successes would have been in keeping with the teams. Such has not been the case. Sam Chedgzoy had a friend of mine that the matches were sometimes lost in the board room. In Dean’s palmy days with the same team, they sank into the Second Division; won the championship the next year and the year after the championship of the First Division. This would not have happened under a manager. When Mr. Britton was appointed things were in a parlous state and he has done a great work I believe the juniors he has signed are as good as those of any other club. His chief fault was the neglect, as opportunity offered to introduce them gradually into the first team. For example. A year or two ago four Irishman were released for international duty. Their places were filled by Livesey, Grant, Buckle and Potts, all of whom had failed to make the grade. Four youngsters instead, and four from each team given a chance on a higher grade, would have sent a thrill through the club. And the first team would not have lost 5-0 as they did. The present position is grave. What about a plan?
1. Get a manager of the Billy Wright, Wally Barnes or Joe Mercer type.
2. Everton were playing wonderful football before Mr. Britton left. Bert Trauntmann said he never saw better from any team than Everton played in the cup-tie at Maine Road. But they get nowhere. Why? The key en to that style are the wing halves and the inside forwards. The four of them were finished at half time.
3. Decide on your best young team and keep them on for six matches win or lose.
4. Buy a great player, if available whatever the price type of Blanchflower, to captain the team.
5. The new coaching scheme is worthy an extended trial.
6. The Everton board are as keen as anyone to make Everton the premier club of the North. During the transition period while changes are taking place, a little forbearance is called for.
J.G Willey The Trees, Cannock Park, Deganwy.
Asked And Answered
Sir –Lets forget about the glory for the time being and concentrate on keeping in the upper storey for a little longer. First can we find a reason for their present lack of success? Incorrect training and or coaching? No signs of the former –the players look fit enough and the success of young players seems to indicate that the coaching is at least adequate. Dissatisfaction? Again no signs. At least no transfer requests. Players too old: Won’t do. The average age of the team compares favourably with that of any other team. Players not good enough? Possible in some cases but broadly I think not. What then left? Confidence? Ah. Here I think we’ve got something. The players seen, to have lost confidence in themselves but what is worse the directors seem to have lost confidence in them, too. No player can give his best with a sword hanging over him. Let the directors pick the best man for each position and give them a fair chance to knit together as a team. Remember this decline started in the middle of last season and was begun constant team changes. Far better when the team is in a safer position to introduce new players, either home grown or imported, one at a time. And let each one settle in, or be discarded trying another. That way we can regain the old glory. –Norman L. Shepherd, 4 Blenhelm Road, Wallasey.
Attack Is To Blame
Sir- What is wrong with Everton?” Surely the question should be –What is not wrong with them, or these in control? For several seasons past the governorship has persisted in putting the midget line against some of the tallest and heftiest specimens of humanity in the country, and with complete disregard for the inability of the attack to reach for the skies. Conversely. Everton’s defence has similarly insisted on putting the midget forward line against some of the tallest and heftiest specimens of humanity in the retreat. Instead of tackle, at the first sign of opposition attack. It is, of course easy to be wise after, the event, but the failure of the team attack for some time has been non-production of goals, palpably because of the tendency to walk the ball into the net. What is the remedy? Well, some of the most successful teams of latter years have been comprised of good big uns, which was the Buchan theory, combined with ball practice as opposed to physical training phobias. Managerial influenced has little to do with the success or otherwise of any team, and, in any case, such incidence as run of the ball can upset the best of managements. Therefore, I would adjure the present hierarchy to infuse more than a little weight into both defence and attack and to concentrate on ball practice –particularly in trapping and distributing the ball on the ground. By these methods the team should reach its original glory; along with the ground; that of being one of the best in the country. A word to the disgruntled spectators. Slow hand-claps do not produce goals. –P.J. Doyle 6 St. Luke’s Road, Great Crosby.
New Broom Makes Him Bristle!
Sir –The present team selection sub-committee, if they wish to remain operative and succeed, must change their ideas and methods. Football is a team game and the players being human and not units, cannot have confidence in themselves in finding their partners changed match after match. Choose the best team possible and make for improvement slowly. Had this been done at the start of the present season points record would be better than it now stands. If the captain has the full confidence of the selectors his advice should be sought for he sees more of the game and understands his colleagues better than those who seem to seek floodlighting for enlightenment. The appointment of a coach should have been done at the departure of Mr. Britton but to undo the pattern of his planning plus the chaotic selecting can only produce failures. How three men can dabble with names and arrive at agreement –which in practice has led to the present sorry state of affairs –is hard to understand. It would appear here is a dominating influence on the sub-committee for them to continue to agree after such failure. It is not healthy. As yet the new broom has only made me bristle!
G-Roberts Alwyn, Whitehouse 1, Formby.
Where Are The City Boys?
Sir –Firstly, having relinquished directorial control in favour of a manager get rid of the present oligarchy and appoint a team manager who has the necessary qualifications and leave the business side of the club where it belongs with the directors. Having done that, adopt a proper coaching system for the benefit of the players who need it most remember that Everton and Liverpool have signed nearly every city ranking schoolboy since 1946, successes nil. Mr. Busby has done similarly in signing and has the best percentage of success in the game. Cannot his methods be copied? Natural players are best left to develop their natural talents, albeit along team lines always remember that coaching polishes pebbles but dims diamonds. You cannot coach a Matthews, a Chambers or a Cresswell. Put an end to chopping and changing of players. It breeds disquiet and kills confidence; stop rebuffing the same players who have failed to make the grade and, because of the failure of the coaching system aforementioned, get back to the ancient and classical Everton principal of buying players worthy to grace the best ground in the country. Break up the coteries of players who play “you to me and to you” whist better men are disillusioned, discouraged, and eventually squeezed out. David Hickson was case in point. For goodness sake see to it that the man who is earning his living at football is able to use either foot with equal facility, remember how all Arsenal players had to be proficient with both feet and head. Impress upon players not to wander all over the field without a plan to ensure someone else filling the gap left and add that the best player never need to run themselves into the ground; a class player takes a ball four yards to pass it twenty yards. Everton players usually reverse that procedure. In football, as in other walks of life if one man does the work of two or more, the others see to it that the total output is no higher for the effort. Spectators should let players play their own game, should cease to laud the speed merchant chasing the well-booted ball, should cease that execrable “get shut” howl. Class football was never played to that accompaniment. Everton’s reputation for class football does not mean that football is class because Everton play it! W.J. Mealor 48 Warison Road, Liverpool 14.
Play The Reserves Man
Everton present trouble is the result of panicky decisions since the departure of Mr. Britton. Team selection is not the function of directors either jointly or severally, but should be by an experienced ex-footballer (his nomenclature is immaterial) after consultation with the team captain. The purchases of top price players is not recommended as good short-term policy, as a new man is bound to take some time to settle down. More over there is sufficient talent in the two or three juniors who have already made good (Birch, Rea, and Llewellyn) blended with proved experienced players (Moore, Fielding, and Payne), to make up a winning team. Experimental positional switching in the senior team is fatal –every position should be filled by the best man for that position as determined in a lower sphere.
Anthony Morgan 34 Eldred Road, Liverpool 16.
And Some Other Angles
In my view Everton’s main faults are due to the adoption of wrong tactics and their failure to correct errors and weaknesses that have occurred week after week, and season after season since the commencement of post war football. They are playing a much slower game than other teams due to their close and too numerous passes. I do not readily condemn, Mr. Buchan’s methods as a coach after so short a period at Goodison, but their type of play is no different from prior to his arrival. When the long pass is used, it is generally made by Eglington, backwards to Tansey (often thirty yards) where the move originated from many passes ago. This passes brought about mainly due to Englington being cornered with the ball on his wrong foot. Peter Farrell (a grand captain) should play his own position and not attempt to cover all the others. Too often after taking a single goal lead have the team gone on defence –surely, they must be playing to instructions. G. Haines 425 Queen’s Drive, Liverpool 4.
It seems quite simple, Bring Sammy Chedgzoy back and Dixie Dean. I could expand this, but I’d be afraid of winning one of the season tickets. –Frank Shaw, 5 Nyland Road Huyton.
No Attraction
Without wishing to bring personalities into the question, it is obviously no use in these days of high transfer fees expecting to buy the right type of player for a couple of thousand pounds and this is what Everton are trying to do. We heard great talk at the back end of last season, of making Everton the Arsenal of the North. The club have apparently gone half-way with their intention of achieving, their ambition on the bricks and mortar side, but what‘s the use of spending money in this manner when the club has no team worthy of the name. This is bourne out by the attendances at Everton’s away games last season, being the lowest for any First Division club, this pointing to the fact that Everton are no attraction. Go for players of proved ability and introduce the home produced players gradually.
L.V. Dauncey -36 Lowerson Crescent Liverpool 11.
Everton have one of the smartest knowledgeable football brains in the League in Mr. Harold Pickering. Make him manager with full control of the players and power to get new players, he knows the best of the junior and young players because they served their apprenticeships under him. With all due respect to those two faithful servants Farrell, and Eglington give them both a rest (against Villa Farrell ran himself into the ground – he is tired. Bring Payne on the left, return Lello to half-back. Jimmy Harris is suffering from loss of form is surely good enough when he regains his confidence. A team with the number of professionals Everton employ, must have among them eleven capable of holding their own in the First Division. A. Robertson (Manager and Coach, Robins Baseball Club) 201 Muirhead Avenue Liverpool 13.
No Co-Ordination
As a loyal supporter of Everton for many years I find that the present state of affairs at Goodison Park alarming. Although constructive criticism without all the facts is difficult. I would like to suggest the following points. There is sufficient talent on Everton’s books to see them through this crisis; it is for the want of exploiting this talent the directors fail. They must appoint a first class manager. One of the main faults with Everton at present is the lack of co-ordinations how many times have we watched a player run into the open space for the pass that never came or the through pass to the player who wasn’t there. I feel convinced that the answers to the problem will not be found in the continual shuffling of the forward line. Let us have more stability which in turn will give the team more confidence. F. Roberts 12 Garter Close Croxteth.
Everton’s trouble lies in the fact that the directors responable for team management have little or no policy. There are two which have proved successful and could by adopted
(1). A youth plan- This they have the best of as a legacy from Britton and it should not be hard to care on where he left off.
(2). A big money team –If this policy were adopted, and Everton can well afford it, it should be done n a big way. They should buy three or four stars in the £20,000 to £30,000 class and not waste money on £5,000 players. These stars would form the basis of the team which should be built around them to suit their style. P. Smedley, 54 Upton Bridle Path, Farmworth, Lancs
One fault is the over-enthusiasm of Farrell, who wants to do too much. I should relieve him of the captaincy and try to get a man like Scoular of Newcastle. He should be made captain with Woods (unlucky to be dropped) alongside and Farrell moved to left half. Then Moore who has only suffered a lapse of form and confidence should be restored to right back, and the defence is good enough.
W.B. Haworth 30 Worcester Drive, Liverpool 13.
I don’t think the answer is panic buying. The signings made since Mr. Britton left haven’t proved very successful. First class players are required but they must be under 25 years of age. One bad fault this season has been a falling away in the second half. Farrell, Lello and Eglington have all been grand servants but must go eventually, I would make Tommy Jones captain and play only one of the old stagers Wally Fielding, and have a team reading something like this O’Neill; Moore, Tansey, Birch, Jones (TE), Rea, McNamara, Alec Farrell, Harris (J), Fielding, Williams or Harris (B) when fit.
G.D Bennion, 20 Queen’s Road, Hoylake.
BLUES PENNED IN –FAIL AGAIN
September 15, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Luton 2, Everton nil
By Ranger
Everton suffered another defeat a poor and scrappy game which provided a minimum of entertaining football. Although Luton were the better of two very mediocre sides, they were wretchedly poor finishers and missed several extremely simple chances. Everton showed little method and their inexperienced forward line never looked like scoring, Jones was the star defender and Fielding the only man in the attack who could make real use of the ball. Both wingers were poor. Everton lacked the fighting spirit of their midweek display against Burnley. Luton Town; Streten, goal; Dunne and Aherne, backs; Pemberton, Owen and Shanky, half-backs; Cullen, Turner, Morton, Pearce, and Adams, forwards. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Donovan and Tansey, backs; Farrell (captain), Jones and Rea, half-backs; Mayers, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding and Harris (J), forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Oliver (Middlesbrough). Everton switched their wingers Harris going outside left and Mayers outside right. This was the only change from the side, which defeated Burnley on Wednesday. There were five Eire players on view in the rival teams, and two Eire selectors were present to see how they shaped in view of Eire’s forthcoming World Cup qualifying game with Denmark. Luton were the livelier side in the opening stages and moved the ball quickly and accurately. Twice O’Neill had to save from Turner and Morton; and a couple of good interceptions by Jones and Tansey held up the home side. Fielding got through, but his high centre was taken by Streten. When Fielding tried a shot a little later it was very tame and well off the mark.
Kirby Off Target
Luton continued to fling one ball about freely, finding one another nicely, but their shooting had little power about it and was no better in direction. Kirby twice brought the ball down smartly to escape the clutches of Owen only to fire well wide of the mark each time. a free kick to Everton just inside the centre circle was lobbed into the Luton penalty area by Jones, but Pemberton got to it before Harris and though tansy who had come up and the chance of a shot from the rebound he was well off the target. In fact the shooting of both sides in the first quarter of an hour was extremely poor. Good work by Farrell and Fielding carried out a possible chance for Llewellyn but although the young inside forward made a galliant attempt he was unable to touch the ball. Had he done so it might well have produced a goal. This was Everton’s best movement so far. Luton continued to play good open football, and the visiting defence at times was hand put to keep command of the situation. It was fortunate that Luton’s finishing remained very ordinary. O’Neill had nothing very difficult to deal with though he caught shots from Adam and Cullen and went down to take command of a bumping ball from Pearce. Everton were not using the long pass to any extent and the home defence never appeared to be in any difficulties.
Jones in Form
Jones continued in splendid form in the Everton rearguard. He was always where the fight was thickest and his interceptions with head and foot were always timely and well judged. O’Neill made rather a fumbling save from Adam, who tired a quick shot from a narrow angle but so far Luton were the turning their territorial superiority to any real advantage. A splendid pass by Fielding set Mayers going and the winger’s high, dropping shot was caught by Streten under the bar. It was not an easy one to deal with. The game was kicking in thrills and good football, and though Luton always looked the more dangerous side they continued to fail to produce any really dynastic shooting. However, they took the lead at the 35th minute through Turner, who out in the best afford of the game so far. The move was started on the left flank by Adam, who turned the ball in for Morton to tap it forward in the path of Turner. Turner was challenged by Rea, but lost the engagement with a smart dribble and hefty swerve and then hit an oblique right foot shot from just inside the penalty area, which entered the net just inside the far post. Everton were showing nothing like the fighting spirit that they had displayed against Burnley on Wednesday. Half-time; Luton 1, Everton nil.
Luton started the second half with more fire and vigour than at any previous period and forced three corners in the first couple of minutes. They penned Everton in their own half, and after some desperate defence by the visitors, Pearce got a second for Luton at the 50th minute. It seemed to me as though Pearce was offside when Cullen put the ball through to him up the middle. Pearce seemed to think so, too, for he hesitated appreciably before going on when the whistle did not sound. He beat O’Neill with a strong shot from 14 yards. The first stoppage came when Rea hurt his right knee tackling Turner. He recovered quickly Luton forced a corner, but nothing came or it thanks to a heading clearance by Rea. It was now all Luton for a time but Everton packed the penalty area and managed to stop the opposition getting in any worthwhile shots.
High and Wide
Dunne and Pemberton had efforts well off the mark. Everton’s only real attack for nearly a quarter of an hour came when Harris set Llewellyn going down the middle and although harassed by three opponents Llewellyn kept control. Unfortunately his eventual shot was high and wide.
Lost The Ball
Rea saved the situation, with a lusty clearance Cullen missed a great chance, Donovan taking the ball right off his toe as he was about to shoot, and then Adam right through drew O’Neill out of goal and then with the easiest of chances trod on the all and lost it. O’Neill saved a long dropping shot from Pemberton and then during one of Everton’s breakaways, Llewellyn mishit the ball badly when well placed. Harris also headed behind. Luton continued to have much the better of matters but they fiddled about almost as much as Everton at times and continued to miss comparatively simple chances. Adam offended again when he only had O’Neill to beat from close range and although Morton did head over the bar O’Neill had his dropping effort well covered. Everton were trying hard enough up to a point but there was no method or precision about their work and for long stretches they had been penned in their own half. Everton still kept pegging away and in the closing minutes they staged a couple of attacks without getting to grips with Streten. Final; Luton 2, Everton nil.
EVERTON RES V DERBY RES
September 15, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Res; Dunlop, goal; Moore and Leeder, backs; Birch, Woods and Meagan, half-backs; McNamara, Harris (J), Glazzard, Haugey, and Williams (JD), forwards. Derby opened brightly, and Woods had to make smart clearances in the first few minutes. The visiting wingers were speedy and clever and from Cresswell’s pass Clark forced Dunlop to make a point blank safe. After Harris had made a good opening, McNamara put Everton ahead in the 11th minute. Birch drove again the upright before Glazzard increased Everton’s lead five minutes later. Although Derby were trying to play good football. Everton had now got well on top and Haughey and Glazzard added further goals before the interval. Half-time; Everton Res 4, Derby Res nil.
• Hoylake 1, Everton “C” 2
• Everton “A” 1, Man Utd “A” 1
• Man Utd “B” 3, Everton “B” 3
ATTACK WAS WITHOUT METHOD, AND COHENSION
September 17, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Luton 2, Everton 0
By Ranger
It was fortunate for Everton that they encountered Luton Town on a day when the home forwards were unable to finish off their approach work with anything like decent shooting, otherwise they would have suffered a much heavier defeat. Luton had fully three-quarter of the play, and carved out many good openings, but when it came to taking advantage of it came to taking advantage of them they were hopelessly inefficient. At least three gilt-edged chances were missed from close range, and on many other occasions when clean through they shot either behind or over the bar or with such lack of power that O’Neill was provided with the simplest of pick-ups. Had they produced more shots of the calibre of those which enabled Turner and Pearce to score at the 35th and 50th minute O’Neill would have been a much busier man. Everton never had a shot worthy of the name all through and Streten had nothing to do but cut out centres and deal with one or two weak half-hit efforts. Everton entirely lacked method and understanding in attack. Fielding tried hard to weld the front line into something approaching a unified force, but he had a hopeless task. Harris and Mayers operated on opposite wing from that for which they had originally been chosen. Neither ever showed football of a type which threatened to worry the home defence. It was a very poverty striken display lacking not only class football, but also any semblance of fighting spirit or determination. Kirby and Llewellyn certainly worked hard at times, but the centre forward could make nothing of Owen, who had him completely bottled up most of the game, and Llewellyn was unable to control a lively ball.
Heavy Odds
Apart from Fielding’s effort what few honours were earned by Everton went to defenders, Jones gave a determined display against heavy odds, coming in time after time with well-judged interceptions when Luton were bearing down on the Everton goal. He was the visitors strong man. Tansey also did well under difficult circumstances and though Donovan was not always able to subdue the Luton left winger, he struck to his task with commendable spirit. Farrell and Rea had so much to do defensively that they were unable to give much assistance to their forwards and the first named tired perceptibly in the closing stages. It was hardly, surprising, however for he covered a lot of ground. Farrell did use the ball to good advantage at times, only to see his well meant passes frittered away by the almost complete failure of the forwards. Even on the rare occasions when the attack got to close grips with the Luton defence there was the most irritating reluctance to try a first-time shot. Too much close passing simplified the task of the home defenders who were never in difficulties at any period. Harris had two good chances but made a hash of them both and Llewellyn late on mis-hit the ball badly from eight yards after Fielding had put him in possession with only Streten to beat. These two however, were not the only offenders.
Gruelling Time
The visiting defenders had a grueling time in the second half, when Luton were well on top for long stretches. While they were sometimes a little fortunate and were aided by Luton’s town weakness in finishing, they deserve credit for the manner in which they refused to give in. Luton’s opening goal, scored by Turner at the 35th minute, was the result of good work by Adam and Morton and the quickness of Turner in rounding Rea and driving home a right foot shot on the turn which O’Neill had no hope of reaching. Prior to this Llewellyn had made a commendable effort to head in a centre from Fielding. He missed making contact by inches only. Had he done so it would almost certainly have been a goal and a goal to Everton at this stage might have affected the run of the game considerably. Their young players needed a tonic of that nature. Without it they lacked inspiration. When Pearce but Luton two up five minutes after the resumption the game was as good as over. The home side may have been a trifle fortunate with this goal, for it seemed to many people that Pearce was offside when Cullen slipped the ball to him down the middle. Everton appealed and Pearce himself stopped for a split second, as though in doubt. When the whistle did not sound he carried on and hit home a powerful drive. From then onwards the issue was never in doubt. All that remained to be settled was the margin of the home side’s victory. Dunne and Pemberton came up with their forwards to try a little shooting themselves. Indeed, Pemberton’s tremendous drive in the last few minutes which almost skimmed the bar was the best shot of the day apart from the two which entered the net. Adam twice missed the simplest chances, Cullen muffed another and altogether the Luton forward line by no means covered itself with glory considering the territorial superioty which it enjoyed. Two Eire selectors were at the game, looking at the five Irish players on view with an eye to Eire’s forthcoming game this month against Denmark at Dublin in the World Cup qualifying series. They must have gone back feeling somewhat disappointed. Only Dunne the home right back stood out to any extent and his task was made easier by the weakness of the opposition.
EVERTON RES 5 DERBY COUNTY RES 0
September 17, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton won as easily as the score suggests against weak opposition. Everton established a first half lead of four goals, three of which materialized from faulty goalkeeping and loose marking. Although Everton eased up duly seldom extended the home defence in which no one did better than Meagan at left half. Everton’s cleverest forward was Haughey but Harris, worked hard. Although scored three goals Glazzard missed several other good chances, McNamara and Haughey scored the other goals.
EVERTON’S PROMBLEMS ARE GETTING MORE DIFFICULT, NOT DECREASING
September 17, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
After Everton’s latest and most disappointing display I feel rather like Charles Lamb when he wrote his famous essay on convalescence –depressed, dejected and a prey to many fears regarding the future. That, however tends to a spirit of defeatism and through there is much justification, it does not do any good. What Everton need most just now from those with their well-being at heart is a spirit of understanding of the many and diverse problems which face them to all of which, it is going to be tremendously hard finding solutions. Mere destructive criticism is no help at his juncture. There is a lot to be done before it can fairly be said that that new regime has enthused all the possibilities and failed in its task. It started off under a handicap has had a certain amount of misfortune and is now suffering the added psychological drawback that a succession of defeat is taking too much of the heart out of several of the players. So, also have the frequent team chances. Some players may be feeling that they have been allotted the role of space-goats. What the ultimate reaction to that may be is something upon which I do not intend to speculate at the moment. But the danger is obvious. The lack of heart was particularly noticeable at Luton in certain instances. If I felt that display was the best we could expect for the future them I should be unable to entertain anything but the gravest apprension of what lies ahead. Even when deliberately trying to look on the brightest side, I am still fearful. The outlook is undoubtedly bad when all the desire in the world to be charitable. I simply cannot see any signs of a lightening in the dark clouds. It is extremely difficult to maintain even a modest degree of optimism in the face of Saturday’s display of forward ineptitude which was all the more disappointing after the hopes slender though they were raised by the victory over Burnley.
Danger is Realized
Those responsible for the government of the club on the playing side assure me that they realize all the many short-comings the immensity of the task confronting them and the need for much resilaping and rebuilding. They say they will tackle every problem with all the energy and determination possible. They cannot do more. Their view is that they have not yet had anything like sufficient time to put their ideas into full operation. Sooner or later the question will arise whether those ideas even given adequate scope, will prove successful. Time is no longer on Everton’s side so long as this season is concerned. I dislike taking of relegation this early in the season, but it begins to look up already as a likely prospect unless there is a quick and decided improvement of which so far there has been no signs. Just where they will go from here is more than I can say. As stated before it is a question of either (a) buying big in the readymade market. (b) Depending still on youth without regard to the immediate and very likely consequences, or striking a happy medium between the two. Whichever you look at it the club is beset with tremendous problems. So far practically the only information gathered has been of a defensive nature. They know now that some of the younger players of whom they were expecting so much are not yet ready for regular first team duty. That is something gained but unfortunately it take them no further forward in concrete achievement then they were at the start of the season. All does it make it clear that something else must be devised in the meantime.
Forwards Were Shocking
The most disappointing part of the team against Luton was the forward one. So far as effect sense and shooting power was concerned it was almost none existence. Had it not been for Fielding it would have been still more like a ship without either cudder or pilot, Kirby certainly tried hard but had little support and no success against the wily and experienced Owen. Llewellyn also displayed honest endeavour but nothing in the way of concrete achievement. You don’t get far under circumstances like that. The two wingers were hardly ever in the game at all. They were slow, rarely got over a decent centre which gave the inside men even a slight chance –the few they did deliver were collected with ease by goalkeeper Streten –and Dunne and Aberne can rarely have had an afternoon so devoid of threat. It was a good job Luton were unable to turn their overwhelming territorial advantage into goal, otherwise the margin of defeat would have been humiliating. Luton officials told me it was one of their worst games for a long time, so far as the attack was concerned. I can believe it. For most of the game neither side got beyond very ordinary Third Division standards. It seemed increasable that they should belong to the highest sphere of football. The home forwards cut and carved their way through time after time, worked out good shooting chances and then threw everything away by most puerile finishing. At least Everton were not often to blame for missing reasonable chances because they had so very few. Luton had plenty despite the galliant work of the visiting defence yet turned only two of them to proper advantage. It might have been six or seven.
Reasonably Sound
Considering the volume of work which they had to face and the few spells of relief they got because of the ineptitude of their attack. Everton’s defence put up a reasonably solid front. Jones was the outstanding man in the rearguard. He stepped into the breach with timely interceptions on a dozen or more occasions when only he stood between the Luton forwards and O’Neill. Though he showed tendency to be lured from position occasionally by Morton’s wandering, he was well covered by either Rea or Farrell when absent from his best. Tansey also did well, and Donovan was not far behind Rea sometimes fell into the put of his own inexperience, but could not be seriously faulted. Farrell worked tremendously hard in his efforts to pull his forward colleagues together. Nobody could have done more in the first hour, but the task told its tale in the closing stages. Both Luton’s goals were good ones. Turner got the first at the 35th minute with a tremendous drive after beating Rea in a close dribble and Pearce gave O’Neill no chance with the second five minutes after the resumption. There seemed some doubt about the legitimacy of the latter for Pearce appeared off-side when the ball was put down the middle by Cullen.
HOW CAN EVERTON REGAIN THEIR GLORY?
September 18, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Final Five Winning Contributions
Final winning letters in the Everton F.C feature are given below. The response to the Daily Post’s appeal for plans to help the club has been remarkable. Many hundreds of letters giving a great variety of ways in which the club may regain lost glory, have been received. The great majority of them make the point that the club should appoint a manager. It is clear from the interest in the subject that readers who have been long-standing followers of the club are most anxious that Everton should regain their high standing. These people evidently feel that they have almost a proprietary interest in the club –and judging from the number of years of them have followed the club this is understandable. After all clubs are wholly dependent on the good will and interest of their fans.
Analogous To Their Plight
Sir- In May this year we had a few weeks of unbroken fine weather. What happened? Universal cries of “drought” Yelps of auguish from the reservoir boys and prayers for rain. No need to say what came afterwards. The foregoing is analogous to Everton’s plight at the moment. A few weeks of nil results and what do we get? “Sack the lot,” “Spend money,” “We knew it,” &c. This pusillanimous attitude will get everyone nowhere. Have patience. In a short time virtually the same team could be winning enough matches to satiate the most gluttonous fan. By what mysterious metamorphosis have a complete forward line suddenly become inept and incapable? Rubbish. Harris, Fielding and Eglington, to name only three, would avidly be shaped up by any top club. Conversely, even if Stanley Matthews and John Charles were overnight grafted into the Everton line it wouldn’t necessarily follow that a winning team would emerge. Nor would the appointment of a manager be the immediate panacea (though to be fair, I think there should be one). Does anyone believe that if Mr. Britton had still been at the helm the results would have been different? He must surely have used the same players and faced the same problems. No, sir, neither sweeping changes nor the expenditure of large sums are the remedies. Everton need a firm, wise hand to steady the players and restore confidence. A continuation of the “breed em yourself policy” and a lot more encouragement and loyalty from the thousands who are masquerading under the name of supporters. –S. Marland, 350 Hoylake Road, Moreton, Wirral.
Required; Team Spirit
Sir- Everton traditions, like Everton’s ground, is second to none in the country. Everton stars and Everton style have a place all of their own in football history. Their gates have been the envy of many clubs throughout the years. What then has happened to this great club –what is the cause of the present impasse –who is responsible and what is the remedy? The cause is mismanagement; those responsible are the directors because it is the board which shapes the policy of the club. They hire or fire, and they finally are the people who create the machine which has for its end –product the successful team. What is the remedy –the training of young players is a long-term policy, the acquirement of experienced players is a necessary short-term policy. On these bases only can a team be created but without the team spirit –what should be a co-ordinainted streamlined unit becomes what Everton is today –something indecisive, lacking shape, lacking direction and most of all losing the faith of its own supporters. What is required is the return to the team spirit and this can only be attained if the eleven men on the field have faith in themselves in their manager and trainer, and the confidence of the supporters. The efficient management of a successful team is a full time one man job. It cannot e delegated to a part-time committee. The team manager is the vital link between the directors and the team –his the experience that moulds the unit. He is the full-time professional dealing with professionals –on the one side the professional footballer –on the other, the professional business man –he is the expert to whom any efficiently run large organization must constantly refer. Team spirit concerns not only the players –but the whole of the organization, including the man who pays to watch. If a team has confidence in itself and its manager, it is as good as a goal up before the game starts and if it’s supporters are wholly behind it –already it is on its way up. H.J Hayes 37 Claremont Ave, Maghull.
Three Teams Only…
Sir –My advice to the Everton Board would be to confine their future policy to the running of three teams only. The prevailing tendency by Everton and many other professional clubs in signing on batches of the retiring city schoolboy teams is I feel, the basic cause of the falling in the standard of football. These lads should not be attracted at such an immature age by the glamour attached to a professional club but should be allowed to join amateur clubs who have little to offer them other than their own love of the game, a draughty pavilion and a pail of water for washing. By so doing they would serve a far harder apprenticeship than they do at present as it is obvious from the results of most of the matches played by the Everton junior teams that in the main they do, as a team outclass the majority of their opponents which gives them as individuals a false impression of their ability and has apparently misled Mr. Britton, and other officials in the past, so that we now find the club in its present position. Let Everton gave a lead to football in general by allowing these lads to mature both physically and mentally in this more natural sphere until they reach the age when their inherent talents will either be developed or otherwise, and in addition they themselves will be better filted to decide whether they love the game to the extent of making it their profession. N. Hales 73 Wellington Road, New Brighton.
4 Wins in 20 Matches
Sir –I have followed Everton since 1927, and have spent a small fortune travelling to Goodison Park. I realize that no one outside the club are fully conversant with the facts regarding the spilt which resulted in Mr. Britton’s resignation, but I must point out that since his departure only four victories have been gained in 20 matches. In view of this it is obvious that the first and most urgent need, is a new manager, who must be given complete control of playing staff and team selection. The best team available must be carefully selected the floodlighting scheme shelved for the time being and the money used to purchase a couple of first class forwards. The selection of players, in position other than those to which they are accustomed must cease forthwith. This is a very bad policy which is not only unfair to players concerned but also to the reserves. There must be no further waste of money on players who cannot even command a regular place in Second Division teams. The game is played with a ball, but the present training according to newspaper reports mainly consists of training without a ball. This error must be put right immediately as all great players to mention “Dixie Dean” as one, have readily admitted that they spent hours and hours practicing with the ball. I don’t expect t see this letter in print, but I do sincerely hope that this contest will help a very famous club to regain some of its former glory.
P.N. Bradshaw 120 Pare y Ore, Ruthin North Wales.
Directors Know Best
Sir –You say that the directors of the Everton Football Club would be wise to consider the advice given in your columns by well-wishers of the club. Apart from the almost unanimous demand to secure a manager the opinions expressed as to the manner in which the club’s fortunes can be revived are such a mixed bag that I fear the directors (if they do study the letters) will be in an even greater state of apprehension, if not confusion than ever. The directors must be equally if not more concerned for the club’s welfare as any of its most fervid followers yet notwithstanding the most able and constructive suggestions set forth by your contributors), one could be forgiven for thinking otherwise, judging by some of the despairing remarks I have recently heard in the city. We are all aware that team spirit is essential to success on the field in any sport and I have always been given to understand that the board of directors (in spite of past differences amongst themselves) have developed this prime asset to the highest degree in the Everton team during recent seasons. If this is so then we can rest assured that during the club’s present difficulties all players and servants of the club generally will rally round those whose function it is to guide the club into calmer waters. These directors business men first and foremost are no mere figure heads –they, are in fact no mean judges of footballers – and are carrying on onerous and voluntary duties solely on account of their great love for Everton. To dictate to them, therefore, how to run the club or how to choose the team strikes me as presumptuous in the extreme. Given the fullest encouragement by all who have at heart the interests of our great club the directors when the time arrives for them to give account of the stewardship, will I am sure have gone some considerable way in having restored the glories and traditions associated with Goodison Park. A Kenneth Ferguson, 2 York Avenue Liverpool 17.
Points from the Other Letters
The present system sub-directorial committee chief liaison officer, chief coach (wot –no psychiatrist) should be scrapped and a Manager appointed. The Manager must be an ex-player, one who commands respect by his known prowess at his profession, coupled with his personal integrity and Everton should pledge themselves that never again will they indulge in the panic buying or other team’s discards. Now, to the team I would like to see Dunlop given a run of four games. Moore must play, Jones must remain at centre-half but alas, the time has come for Peter Farrell, Lello and Eglington to be rested. Nils Satis Optimum Est- Director, look to your motto. –S.C Murphy, 84 Rudston Road, Liverpool 16.
Do not place all the blame on the directors for the misfortunes that have hit the club. The legacy of a reputed expert manager, who by virtue of his autonomous powers was responsible for purchases, selection and training is their inheritance. It has to be admitted that the weaknesses have been apparent in Everton for two seasons, and their position in the League last year was flattering. This obvious that even with Everton’s material resources, they have not the ready cash to buy Charles, Hooper, Jeffrey and the like. What, then, about the reserves, who have for the past few years been continually extolled. Were they ever blooded in the first team? That produces my first criticism of the present selection committee. They have been guilty of carrying out the late manager’s policy –i.e. shuffle the older men, Jones to full back, Donovan to inside right, Lello to the forward line for his shooting power. Ye gods!. He then takes corners. G.R. Mason 20 The Northern Road, Great Crosby.
Having been a supporter of Everton for over 30 years I have known similar occasions when sack the lot cries have been raised and the club’s supporters have demanded somebody’s head on a charger. The first essential is the appointment of a manager who knows his football. The present chopping and changing of the team shows weakness on the part of those at present responsible for its selection and undermines the morale of the players. Footballers like everybody else will take notice of somebody who by his record can teach them something and having been in the middle himself knows what they have to contend with. It is significant that Everton’s tack of success dates from the time of Mr. Britton’s resignation! Mr. Frank Hill, ex-Preston North End manager, knows football and footballers. He should be offered the vacancy and given the support of the board. –A.J. Tanner, Alt Cottage North End Lane, Hightown.
The trouble at Goodison is of long standing for reasons only too painfully obvious and which requires immediate attention. This, and this only can save the club from ignominy. As it is quite evident even to the lay mind that the present playing staff is not making the grade, the only feeable way out is to buy and buy big players who can and must help Everton immediately. Points are precious and the rot must stopped before it is too late. It may not be generally recognised that even now, at this early stage of the season. Everton will have to average more than a point a game to the season’s end to keep away from the relegation zone, and this is no easy task in view of the present playing strength. Without introducing personalities into the argument and not detracting from their ability it is clear certain players have almost reached the veteran stage, to put it kindly, whilst the youngsters whist sure to improve are just at the moment immature and should not be expected to carry the burden which unless something unusual occurs must worsen. I am afraid new blood, and quickly, is the sole cure.
J. Rimmer 5 Lunesdale Avenue, Aintree Liverpool 9.
In my opinion the following steps should be taken at once-
1. The appointment of a first class manager who has played in modern football and who can impart his knowledge and match tactics to the players. Fitness without football ability will get us nowehere.
2. A return to the style of open football as played by Everton in the early thirties when the scissors pass was responsible for plenty of goals and honours.
3. Abandon the idea of defence in depth and instill in the players the importance of going to the tackle first time and whole heartedly and not as they appear to do at present. How very seldom does an Everton player come out of a tackle with the ball.
4. By obtaining two first class wingers and a sharpshooting inside forward. Not since the days of Gillick and Troup have we had two top line wingers. –P Bushell 10 Wineva Gardens, Crosby.
Despite their lowly position Everton are a good football team. Only the vital goal scoring ability is missing. The chances to score are made, but not enough goals result. There is only one quick, and certain remedy to this state of affairs PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, at least two solid hours each day, at slashing the ball into the net when the slightest chance occurs. I would say to the trainer “Drop every other form of football for the time being. The players have years of tactical knowledge and ability, or they would not be in the first team. Enough practice at goal getting cold bring perfection in goal getting –that’s logic. Goals and only goals, count where League position is concerned. Other than this, the only alternative is spending tons of money, and losing valuable time.
J. Ferguson 66Denebank Road, Anfield.
WOODS AND McNAMARA ASK TO GO
September 18, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
To add to their other recent troubles, Everton F.C have now received transfer requests from two of their leading players. They are Matt Woods, the club’s second choice centre-half and Tony McNamara, the right winger. Their requests will be considered by the board at tonight’s meeting. This is the second time that Woods has asked for a move. He did so about eleven months ago, but withdrew his request after several weeks, and later was put on maximum wage terms. Mr. T.C Nuttall, vice chairman of the club and head of the Selection Committee, confirmed yesterday that both requests had been received by the club. Woods who is 24 years of age, joined Everton as an amateur when 15, signed professional in November 1949, and has played seven matches in the senior side, including three this season. He filled the pivotal berth while Jones was tried at right full-back. McNamara, who was dropped from the senior side two games ago, is leading scorer with four goals. Like Woods, he has been with the club since his amateur days signing professional in May, 1950, and making his first debut the following season. He played 33 League games that season then dropped out, except for isolated appearances for two years. He returned fairly regularly again in 1954-55 season, in which he figured in 27 first team matches. All told he has played in 82 Football league games, and scored 16 goals.
EVERTON RESERVES LUCKY TO DRAW
September 18, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Everton Reserves were a shade lucky to take a point from their lowly opponents Blackburn Rovers Reserves in their Central league game at Ewood Park yesterday. They had as much of the play but had only one forward with a shot –Harris (J) who scored the second goal and went close on three or four occasions. Woods a tower of strength in defence and ably assisted by his captain Moore, got the other goal from a penalty. The Rovers scores were Cairns and Kelly.
WHAT EVERTON’S CHAIRMAN SAYS
September 18, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Though Everton’s future is causing concern to many supporters there is still a strong belief among those at the helm that the club will eventually extricate itself from it’s present lowly position. The club’s chairman Mr. R. E. Searle tell me the board is more united today than for many years. He added that the directors were not unprepared on the present state of affairs. Though we are having a trying period, we anticipated the possibility before the season started. But if we keep our heads and our sense of proportion we shall eventually pull through. There have of necessity been many team changes, and the players, have to be blended together. That cannot be achieved in the short time the new administration has been in control. Regarding the transfer requests of Woods and McNamara, Mr. Searle did not appear perturbed. Although I am expressing only my own view “he said,” I feel confident the board will not put any obstacles in the way of the players who feels he may make quicker progress elsewhere. “We have never done so in the past, and are not likely to alter our policy now.”
Long Term View
Asked what steps will be taken to effect an improvement in performance, Mr. Searle said that this also was a matter for the full board. He considered it likely, however, that they would persevere with their loyal players whether in the first or any other team, and that in the long run this would prove efficious. Regarding the coaching side of the club’s activities the chairman said “Mr. Ian Buchan, our chief coach is entitled to every opportunity to bring success. He has not had the chance so far, I know that his efforts have been untiring. As to the growing feeling among some supporters that a professional manager might be a help Mr. Searle is not convinced that anything like a majority of followers hold that view.
Still Confident
“Ever since the club’s inception the directors have been responsible for the success and honours that have come our way. They have ploughed back all the profits for the comfort of the supporters they have established one of the finest grounds in the country and given the club traditions second to none. Whatever apprehension may be felt outside the club it seems clear that inside the board are still confident they will eventually prove their beliefs and ideals to be right. That does not mean they are not disappointed at the poor start to the season. They do not intend to panic however. Neither do they mean to be swayed from their set course by criticism. All they ask is that supporters should appreciate their problems and withhold undue criticism until there is more concrete evidence upon which to form judgment.
EVERTON F.C. GRANT TRANSFER REQUEST
September 19, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
At their meeting last night Everton F.C directors agreed to the transfer request of Tony McNamara (outside-right) and Matt Woods (centre-half). Both the players have appeared in the Everton first team this season.
EVERTON REST PETER FARRELL
September 19, 1956. Liverpool Echo
Birch Takes The Place of Farrell
Ranger’s Notes
Everton make three changes for the visit of Sunderland, though one of these is only a positional alteration. Peter Farrell the captain gives way at right half to Birch. In announcing the latter change, Everton officially state that Farrell is being “rested” for two reasons. It is felt that he has been taking a lot out of himself lately, and would benefit by a short break. He will also be in the party travelling at the week-end to Aberdeen for Monday’s friendly games and may be required to play there. Under the circumstances Birch comes in for the League fixture. It is his first appearance this season but he had four outings towards the end of last season. In Farrell’s absence Tommy Jones takes over the captaincy. The other change are in the forward line, McNamara is recalled at outside right in place of Mayers, who crosses to outside left to displace Brian Harris who is dropped. The team reads;- Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
Reserve Team
For the Central league match against Wolverhampton Reserves at Wolverhampton, Everton will filed one of their youngsters sides ever in this competition. The average age is barely 20. Some of the usual Central League players have been kept out of this game in order to join the party for Aberdeen which they could not have done if playing at Wolverhampton. The team is;- Harris (A); Sanders, Leeder; King, Woods, Meagan; Harris (B), Thomas, Temple, Vizard, Williams (JD).
SENTIMENTALLY NO; BUT OF NECESSITY YES!
September 20, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
Everton have dropped the pilot, but they have rested him. Peter Farrell, so rarely missing from Everton teams at right half, is twelfth men for the match against Sunderland, at Goodison Park. Sentimentally no one would wish to see Farrell out of the team –season after season he has given his all for the club – but there comes time when authority must weigh sentiment against necessity, and this is it. Thus the inspiring Tom Jones has on either side, at centre half two young men, Birch and Rea, who must take up the reins from Farrell and Lello. With transfer-listed Tony McNamara back at outside right for further trial, and Mayers switched to outside left, this Everton looks young enough, good enough! There are two schools of thought as to whether Everton are better off now than a season ago when Mr. Cliff Britton managed them. I have heard it argued that with their unsuccessful but young and up-and-coming eleven, the club are fundamentally on a better basis now than a year ago when they were succeeding with a fast ageing side. It’s a point for argument. The answer we cannot know for another few months by which time Everton will have passed or failed to pass crisis. One disappointment to me, among the Everton youngsters is Brian Harris. He showed signs of greatness in Everton’s best away performance last season at Tottenham. Now he loses his place again. McNamara deserves a show for his goals and for his studied wing play. I do not blame him for wanting to move. The Everton nark has for too long made him his mark. McNamara is a man who likes to do things his own way in his own time. Concede that I am sure he will succeed.
Best, Biggest
Kirby too strikes as being one the best and biggest young centre forwards of this age. One sight of him and his quick indication that he can “kill” head and shoot a ball suggests that he must develop into a top grade player. The big question at Goodison Park is “Can the club afford to wait until young players of promise have developed.” Many fans think not. Others feel that a solution to the club’s problem is to appoint a Manager. But from what I hear from certain members of the Board they are satisfied they they can function without Managerial help. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers
PETER FARRELL HAS GIVEN EVERTON WONDERFUL SERVICE FOR TEN YEARS
September 20, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s decision to give Peter Farrell a well earned rest on Saturday provides a suitable opportunity to pay tribute to one of the most loyal servants the Goodison Park club has had in its long history, which is saying a lot. Whatever the eventual future of this great hearted player may be and that will obviously depend to some extent on how Birch shapes, many people will regret his absence, even though some may not quarrel with the change. Personally, I feel Farrell’s inspiration and experience will be missed, promising though Birch may be. Farrell joined Everton along with his great pal, Tommy Eglington from Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 1945, both being discovered when Everton actually went to see another player in an inter-city Cup final in Ireland. The pair cost only £10,000 spread over two years, and by present-day prices were a wonderful bargain. I wish Everton could pick up a few more of the same kind just now. Owing to an injury received while playing tennis, Farrell did not make his debut for Everton until November 23, 1946. Since then has never been omitted from the first team except when unfit or required by Eire for international matches. He has been captain of the team continuously since the start of 1950-51 season and also had one winter in the same capacity in 1948-49 giving way the following season to T.G. Jones before taking up the reins again. As a captain there have been a few as good and none better. He has always given his last ounce in the club’s cause.
A Great Record
Since coming into the side ten years ago he has missed only 21 matches, more than half of these being when he has been released to play for Eire in international fixtures. He has been remarkably free from injury throughout his career and has been absent from few games on that account. In all he has made 393 Football League and 29 F.A Cup appearances for Everton and has recovered the silver shamrock memento awarded by Eire to players with 25 international caps. He shares that honour with only two other stars, Con Martin and Johnny Carey.
ANOTHER CHANGE IN EVERTON F.C POLICY
September 20, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Playing Staff Sub-Committee Sheds Some of Its Load
Mr. Buchan Takes Over
By Ranger
Further changes in the direction of Everton F.C are announced today. The three-man Playing Staff Sub-Committee, appointed when Mr. Cliff Britton resigned the managers hip last February to handling over some of its duties to Mr. Ian Buchan, the club’s chief coach, who will in future be responsible for choosing the first and second teams. In addition Mr. Harry Wright at present training coach to Luton Town has been appointed assistant coach and trainer to work under Mr. Buchan.
The official announcement which was made by Mr. W. Dickinson the club’s secretary on behalf of the Board, reads;-
“The Everton Board has unanimously approved a strong recommendation from the Playing Staff Sub-Committee that the selection of the first and second teams shall henceforth become part of the duties of Mr. Ian Buchan. The sub-committee feels that Mr. Buchan has now had ample opportunity to know and assess the calibre of each player on the staff and is therefore fully able to assume this responsibility.
“The Sub-Committee” however will continue its control of all matters relating to the playing and training staffs other than the foregoing.” The second announcement consisted of one sentence only it said;
“The Everton Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. H. Wright as assistant coach and trainer.
Appointed In February
The playing Staff Sub-Committee took over its duties at the end of February last when Mr. Cliff Britton resigned. It consists of three directors – Messrs T.C. Nuttall (chairman), C. Bainworth and H. Micklesfield. Hitherto at has been responsible for choosing the first and second team, signings, selling players and all the tasks normally falling to a team manager, which previously had been carried out by Mr. Britton. I understand that Mr. Buchan’s new terms of reference will not included control of the buying or selling of players. That will still be the province of the sub-committee. His new duties will be limited to choosing the senior and Central League teams plus tactics and strategically affairs for which it was announced last week that he was assuming responsibity as well as his original coaching activities. The scope of the playing Staff Sub-Committee will now be limited on the playing side, to handling the junior teams of the club in conjunction on with Mr. Harold Pickering and to administrative matters generally including transfers.
Mr. Buchan’s Career.
Mr. Buchan who is 30 years of age was formerly a lecture at Loughborough Physical Training College and in amateur centre forward with Queens Park, while in Scotland he was also engaged as a physical training instructor. He is a qualified physiotherapy and holds the FA coaching certificate. He was appointed to his post at Everton on May 3 last but did not take up his duties until the players reported for duty in Mid-July. Hitherto although able to recommend selected team he has been working under the subcommittee in that respect.
Former Goalkeeper
Mr. Harry Wright who is to assist Mr. Buchan in future is at present trainer-coach of Luton Town. He was one of the five mention on the short list who were interviewed by Everton board following Mr. Britton’s departure. He is a former goalkeeper and had four years in that position with Charlton Athletic between 1932 and 1936 and later played for Aldershot and Derby County. During the war he was a warrant officer in the Army, Physical Training Corps. Later he became coach to Guildford City and Walsall taking up his present position with Luton Town in 1953. He was Charlton’s first choice goalkeeper, when they won the Third Division championship in 1951-51 season, played for an F.A team against Scotland in the Jubilee International the following year and since them has specialized in coaching and training. He possesses the F.A coaching certificate including a diploma in physiotherapy, has been coach to Surrey and Hertfordshire’s F.A and was recently appointed by the F.A as an examiner of prospects coaches. Mr. Wright will take up his duties at Goodison Park on October 1.
PUTTING THE COACH BEFORE THE MANAGER!
September 21, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
The vast number of letters received in the Daily Post’s recent Everton features suggested that the club should appoint a manager. As recently as last Tuesday the Everton top chairman, Mr. R.E. Searle in a splendid-balanced review of the Everton situation, said of the growing feeling among supporters that a professional manager might be a help;” I am not convinced that anything like a majority of followers of Everton hold that view.” He added; “Everton since the club’s inception the directors have been responsible for the successes and honours that have come our way.” Two days later –that is yesterday –Everton announced the handling over the three-man Directorial Playing Staff Sub-Committee of some of their duties to the coach, Mr. Ian Buchan, and the appointment of a new assistant coach and trainer, Mr. Harry Wright, from Luton, to work under Mr. Buchan.
Here is the Crux
But here is the crux of the move –Mr. Buchan hence-forward is to choose senior and Central League teams and lay down match tactics. Thus, although not officially named as Manager, Mr. Buchan has authority to select first and second teams –authority given to few other professional Managers. Indeed, most Managers or Team Managers would be delighted to select, with interference, first teams. Only the Busbys, the Cullies and Whittakers of football, and a few others enjoy the privilege. Liverpool F,C managers of the past have certainly not been able to hand a selected first team to the board and know, for certain, that it would be accepted by them. Everton’s statement on the new moves made yesterday, was ; “The Everton Board has unanimously approved a strong recommendation from the Playing Staff Sub-Committee that the selection of the first and second teams shall henceforth become part of the duties of Mr. Ian Buchan. The sub-committee feels that Mr. Buchan has now had ample opportunity to know and assess the calibre of each player on the staff and is therefore fully able to assume this responsibility.
“The Sub-Committee” however will continue its control of all matters relating to the playing and training staffs other than the foregoing.” The second announcement consisted of one sentence only it said;
“The Everton Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. H. Wright as assistant coach and trainer.
But Not Transfers
The playing Staff Sub-Committee took over its duties at the end of February last when Mr. Cliff Britton resigned. It consists of three directors – Messrs T.C. Nuttall (chairman), C. Bainworth and H. Micklesfield. Hitherto at has been responsible for choosing the first and second team, signings, selling players and all the tasks normally falling to a team manager, which previously had been carried out by Mr. Britton. I understand that Mr. Buchan’s new terms of reference will not included control of the buying or selling of players. That will still be the province of the sub-committee. His new duties will be limited to choosing the senior and Central League teams plus tactics and strategically affairs for which it was announced last week that he was assuming responsibity as well as his original coaching activities. The scope of the playing Staff Sub-Committee will now be limited on the playing side, to handling the junior teams of the club in conjunction on with Mr. Harold Pickering and to administrative matters generally including transfers.
Newly-appointed Mr. Wright was trainer-coach to Luton Town until his Everton appointment. He formerly played as a goalkeeper with Charlton Athletic, Derby County and Aldershot. During the war he was a Warrent Officer in the Army Physical Training Corps. That the most important task of choosing the first team has now been placed in the hands of one man –a former player and a fitness expert –will doubtless please many followers of the club. Mr. Buchan may not be rated as a Manager but such duties as he has been given virtually make him team Manager. Mr. Buchan has right to a fair chance –and will get it. What with doyen trainer Harry Cooke, trainer Charles Leyfield and now Harry Wright to add experience to the training staff the fitness of Everton players should be well cared for.
VICTORY IS VITAL IF EVERTON ARE TO REGAIN THEIR CONFIDENCE
September 21, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton’s followers have had plenty to talk about again this week, what with the changes in team selection procedures, a new assistant coach-trainer, the resting of Farrell, and the club’s lowly and dangerous position in the League table. So far as the public is concerned, the latter is causing them most perturbation. Unless there is a quick and decided improvement of which unfortunately there has yet been no sign, Everton look doomed to wage a long rearguard action against the possibility of relegation. For what it is worth in the way of encouragement they can take a little from the fact that Sunderland; their star-studded opponents at Goodison, tomorrow have done nothing to distinguish themselves so far this season in away games. They lost the opening match of the campaign 2-6 at Luton, where Everton managed even if fortunately to keep the margin down to two goals last Saturday. Sunderland have also suffered away defeats against Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City, but a fortnight ago took a point from Wolverhampton at Molyneux. Fortunately for their peace of mind, the Wearsiders have been doing reasonably well at home where they have obtained six points from four games, and suffered only one defeat when they lost to Newcastle. The strongest department of the Sunderland team this season is undoubtedly their attack. In eight games they have scored 23 goals including eight against Charlton and five last week against Blackpool. They have however, had a fairly substantial total against them, although not as many as Everton, whose goal average looks decided unhealthy so far.
Few Changes
After Sunderland’s defeat at Luton, Fraser their Scottish international goalkeeper, gave way to Bollands a young custodian obtained for a very modest fee from Oldham. He has am. Despite since held the place in the team. Despite their 18 goals against Sunderland have made no other defensive changes, except those temporarily forced upon them by injury. Jack Hedley, the former Everton player is an ever-present; McDonald and Morrison have missed one game each, and Daniel and Aitken have appeared in all their previous fixtures. Leading marksman is Cannonball Fleming who has scored seven goals and figured in all three inside forward positions. After starting the campaign at outside left Len Shackleton switched to the inside berth but has missed the last two games through injury. Purdon was dropped from the centre forward berth after the opening game, but with Fleming taking over from shackleton he returned for the last two matches. Former right half Anderson figured recently in the inside right berth.
Improvement Needed
Everton will have to serve up something very much better than at Luton last week or against Aston Villa to have any hope of success. Sunderland despite their indifferent results are a side of great possibilities, possessing some of the game’s outstanding exponents. Everton’s task looks formidable. An improvement in their form is very much overdue. Now we must sit back and watch whether the recent delegation of control to Ian Buchan is going to bring the results the club’s supporters hope for. It would not be fair to expect a sensational improvement immediately. We shall be thankful for small mercies but the longer we have to wait the more difficult will Everton’s position become in steering clear of relegation. Sunderland will not definitely choose their team until tomorrow. The forward line will be chosen from six players including Shackleton. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers. Sunderland; Bollands; Hedley, McDonald; Morrison, Daniel, Aitkens; forwards from Bingham, Fleming, Purdon, Anderson, Shackleton, Hannigan.
ANOTHER MOVE FROM EVERTON?
September 22, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
There were strong rumours in Liverpool yesterday that the Everton trainer, Mr. Charles Leyfield, was about to leave the Everton club. It was not possible last night to confirm or deny the report, but one supposes the Everton’s new appointment of trainer-coach Harry Wright from Luton Town would have repercussions. The training staff at Goodison Park, with Wright, Leyfield, and Harry Cooke all engaged would seem to be a trifle overloaded. Charlie Leyfield, a dapper little winger with Everton in pre-war days, comes from Chester. After leaving Everton he linked up immediately after the war with Wrexham F.C and became their trainer, and on a few occasions, trainer to the Welsh international X1. When Harry Cooke, whose service with Everton dates back close on forty-five years, stopped travelling with the team, Leyfield came in his place and he has always proved himself popular and competent.
Everton Milestone
The game at Goodison Park today will mark a milestone. Let us hope it is not a milestone. For the first time Coach Ian Buchan shoulders all the responsibility for the first and second teams. For a man inexperienced in football management that is an enormous commitment. Sunderland will test the young Everton to the full; it will be interesting to see whether or not Everton can afford to make their captain Peter Farrell, twelfth man. None has given better service. But in trying to stop every gap in the defence, Farrell has worn himself out and has sometimes not kept his own position. Certainly young Birch and Rea, two wing half-backs whose forte is the attacking game should make the half-back line more virile. Their speed in coming back to defence quickly should be notable too. Though there are many Everton pessimists these days this team of theirs looks to me to be the best which has represented them this season. I have great faith based on one view, in Kirby and McNamara’s height and weight of shot and header should be helpful on the right. A pity he was ever left out and thus invited to ask for transfer. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding and Mayers.
MR. W. GIBBINS DEAD
September 22, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Former Everton F.C Chairman
Mr. W.C. Gibbins the former Everton director died at his home. Alexandra Drive, Liverpool 20 this morning. He was 85. He leaves a wife, two sons and one daughter. Mr. Gibbins who was one of the only two life members of Everton –Herbert Barker is the other –joined the Everton Club’s board in 1920, was chairman for several years mostly during the war, and remained a director until 1953 when he fendered his resignation. He was also a member of the Liverpool County F.A for many years. During his long career of the board Mr. Gibbins did great work for the club in fact Everton never had a more devoted worker. He was Everton right through and remained so until the end. “Will” as he was know to his friends had seen some of Everton’s finest teams. His cheery nature will be missed by many.
EVERTON F.C. RESIGNATION
September 22, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
By Ranger
Mr. Charles Leyfield who had been Everton’s first team trainer for the last three seasons has rendered his resignation. It will come before the Board next week when it will be accepted. I was aware of this on Thursday when announcing the appointment of Chief coach Ian Buchan as team selector and Harry Wright formerly of Luton as his assistant. The Everton Playing Staff Sub-Committee, however stated that this should not be known until the full directorial board had accepted Mr. Leyfield’s resignation. Obviously, however speculation regarding Mr. Leyfield’s position was bound to arise in the week of the new appointment, particularly as all the players had noticed his absence since Thursday morning, after he had been called into the office for an interview. In view of the many rumours Mr. T.C. Nuttall, chairman of the Playing Staff Sub-Committee, this morning decided that any further attempts at secrecy would be useless, particularly as I pointed out to him that the appearance this afternoon, of Gordon Watson as trainer would only confirm the public’s suspicious. Leyfield, who was a winger with Everton in pre-war days, became trainer at Wrexham ten years ago and moved to Everton as right hand man to Harry Cooke. When the latter was appointed head trainer and consultant, leyfield took over the task of travelling with the first team. He was at Luton with them last week, sitting alongside Mr. Harry Wright, who now supersedes him at Goodison Park. Mr. Leyfield’s playing career also took in spells with Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers, but during the war received leg injuries which necessitated his retirement. He has several times acted as trainer to the Welsh national eleven, sometimes combining this role with that of team-manager.
BLUES WIN IN LAST FEW MINUTES
September 22, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Everton 2, Sunderland 1
By Ranger
Everton fought back with tremendous determination against a goal to Sunderland in the ninth minute, which looked to most folk to be well offside. They got wonderful encouragement from the crowd. Their finishing was not all it might have been, and there was still too much tip-tapping and short passing. It was however a big improvement on some recent displays and Birch shaped very well at right half. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Donovan and Tansey, backs; Birch, Jones (captain), and Rea, half-backs; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding and Mayers, forwards. Sunderland; Bolland, goal; Hedley and McDonald, backs; Morrison, Daniel, and Aiktens, half-back; Bingham, Anderson, Purdon, Fleming and Hannagan, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.W. Toplise, Grimsby. Sunderland left out Shackleton because of a desire not to change the side which has taken three points from the last two games. Everton had Birch making his first senior appearance of the season at right half in place of skipper Peter Farrell, Jones took over the captaincy. The Everton players wore black arm bands in memory of Mr. W.C. Gibbins a former chairman who died this morning.
Beaten by O’Neill
Both sides had their spell of ascendency in the opening stages with Sunderland getting the best opportunity to take a leading goal when Fleming ran through to chase a loose ball but was just beaten to it in the nick of time by O’Neill, who scooped it off his toes just as he was about to shoot. Two timely-headed interceptions by Birch set Everton on the attack but without the movement developing to the stage where anybody could test Bollands. At the 9th minute Sunderland took the lead with a fortunate goal through Fleming. The movement which gave rise to it began when Birch tried to feed Fielding but the latter was slow moving to the ball and only was robbed by Hannigan. Hannigan at once lofted the ball into the middle, where Fleming although seemingly in an offside position was waved on by the referee and had all the time in the world as the Everton defence stood still, to pick his shot and put the ball out of O’Neill’s reach.
Dumfounded
The Everton players seemed dumbfounded and so did the crowd, for the goal was received in almost dead silence. For some minutes Everton hit back strongly and after Bollands had saved a good angled shot by Mayers, Kirby was through after rounding Daniel. He finished very weakly, however, his shot providing the simplest of pick-ups for Bollands. Everton claimed a penalty when an attempted low pass by Mayers struck Hedley on the hand, but it was obviously a case of ball to hand and not deserving a spot kick. Taxed offside decisions, one against Fleming and the other against first Llewellyn and then Kirby, held up the play, but Everton were showing a little more promise and Birch was certainly doing well in the manner in which he was feeding his forwards.
In The Net, But…
At the 20th minute Everton’s persistence resulted in the ball being put in the net but unfortunately yet another offside decision nullified the point when Llewellyn lobbed the ball over the outstretched hands of Bollands. Everton’s young forwards were falling into Sunderland’s offside trap, a little too easily, Llewellyn again being a victim of over eagerness when Everton had worked out quite a promising opening.
Everton Shot Shy
For several minutes Everton played very good football and kept Sunderland very much on the defensive. Despite their promising moves, however, the only shot of any consequences was one by Kirby, well taken despite Daniel’s challenge and equally well saved by Bollands. Fleming twice showed in quick succession why they nick-named him “Cannon-ball.” He delivered two very powerful drives one of which O’Neill saved and the other being just off the mark. Anderson was likewise wide when reasonable well placed. Birch who continued to shape well now showed an idea for opening up the game with a long cross-field pass to Mayers but the latter, after beating two men, tamely passed the ball to an opponent instead of trying a shot. Burdon missed a great chance of putting Sunderland two ahead when Fleming put across a high centre above Jones head. Purdon gathered the ball well and shot strongly, but O’Neill parried his drive. Following up quickly Purdon had a second chance from five yards as O’Neill was scrambling to his feet but the Sunderland man shot outside. Two good Everton efforts came from Mayers and Fielding, both of which caused Bollands momentary anxiety. If Everton’s finishing had been as good as some of their midfield work they might have been on level terms. They were trying desperately hard but the odd habit of over-elaboration was still leading them to play into the hands of the Sunderland defence. They needed somebody like Fleming who could get the ball under control quickly and then hit it powerfully. There was too much tip-tapping.
More Progressive
Sunderland showed how to make two moves produce more danger than half a dozen of Everton’s when Hannigan once more sent Fleming through, only for the inside man to shoot wide from fourteen yards. This single two man move saw Sunderland cover nearly half the length of the field. The Sunderland goal had a narrow escape when both Kirby and Mayers went close, Bollands being very fortunate to get back under the bar to save the left winger’s header. Purdon missed a great chance just on half-time.
Half-time; Everton nil, Sunderland 1.
Apart from one breakaway Sunderland were penned in their own half for the first eight minutes after the resumption, with all their effort and interpassing Everton never once produced a shot. The Blues were making their own task infinitely harder than it need have been by their short passing tactics.
Showing The Way
Once more Sunderland showed them how to make the maximum ground with the minimum of effort when three passes saw the visitors take the ball from their own half and side it into the Everton net. The whistle however, had gone for offside before Fleming shot. Even the Everton defence fell into this irritating habit occasionally and it almost cost them dear when Anderson picked up a pass which Donovan had intended for Rea. Jones, however was on the spot to kick away when the ball was middle.
Penalty Claim
A clearance resulted in a race between Daniel and Kirby, with the latter claiming a penalty when he alleged that Daniel pushed him. The main difference between the two sides was that whenever Sunderland attacked their always looked as though they might score whereas Everton seldom showed that promise. Another difference was that the visitors always seemed to be playing at something less than the maximum effort and never appeared to be unduly exerting themselves. Birch continued to please the crowd with some very clever touches which showed his ball command. To Sunderland goal had a very narrow escape when Mayers crossed a low centre and McNamara from three yards range was about to tap it into the net when he appeared to be pushed. Both he and Mayers appealed for a penalty without success. Everton, however, got on level terms a minute later with a move which was almost a carbon copy of the previous one except that this time it was McNamara who put across a low centre and when Bollands missed the ball Mayers scrambled it over the line. This was at the 62nd minute.
Fighting Hard
Everton were certainly getting plenty of encouragement from the crowd. Whenever they were attacking, which was foremost of the half, the crowd spurred them on well. After Durdon and Bingham in turn had raised siege for a few moments Everton were back on the attack, Mayers letting go a first time shot which Bollands tipped over the bar. It was anybody’s game now and Everton were pulling out all they had got. At the 79th minute Everton got the reward for their hard endeavour when Kirby put them in front. Jones had lobbed the ball right on the foot from inside his the penalty area and when it bounced high in the air, Kirby outwitted Daniels got the ball quickly under control and then with the coolness of a veteran lobbed it over the head of the advancing Bollands.
Fielding Near
A couple of minutes later Everton worked their way there again with nice combination and Fielding strong shot deserved a better fate than to swerve a foot or so on the wrong side of the upright. Jones who had put in some grand work all through stepped into the breach to block away a shot by Purdon. Sunderland had now reversed the roles and were fighting hard for the equalize. O’Neill saved smartly from Fleming. Purdon hit the bar in the last minute. Final; Everton 2, Sunderland 1. Official attendance 41,585.
EVERTON TOUCHED ROCK BOTTOM
September 22, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
-Now For A Rise
By Peter Farrell
Following Everton’s encouraging fighting display against Burnley, we went to Luton last Saturday full of optimism that we would bring back a point at least. The criticisms of our display at Luton have most likely been read by you in the local and national Press, so there is no need for me to refresh your memory by saying that we really touched rock bottom form. Suffice it to me to mention that we were all more than disappointed with our showing. I hope the lads give you an encore today of their display against Burnley and provide the club with two very valuable points. One of the main topics among soccer fans, not only on Merseyside, but everywhere, following the Blues dismal starts “What will spare no effort to right matters. It is only to be expected that is the remedy to bring success?” In office factory and pub the fans express their opinions as to what should or should not be done and each has his own idea as to whom should or should not be playing in the team.
No Efforts Spared
This is nothing unusual however as it comes to every side that is having a bad time. Arsenal, Spurs, and many other famous clubs have experienced what the Blues are going through at the moment. We are well aware of the seriousness of the position and football fans all over the country are naturally prejudiced in support of their own favourites, and while something showing delight at a certain action of a home player the local fans very often boo a similar action by one of the visiting side. During my term as captain of Everton I have often caused onlookers displeasure on visiting grounds and occasionally at Goodison Park, by shouting encouragement or instructions to individual players. I cannot understand the attitude of such fans in cages like this. Surely they must understand that I am acting for the good of our team and in the interest of the game in general. So when you hear a player’s voice during a game shouting to a colleague, “hold it,” or calling for a pass remember that he is only helping his team in their efforts for victory. Recently I was at a function in Liverpool for young boys. At the conclusion I was asked to sign autographs for the leads in orderly queue was formed and as I signed I usually asked the youngsters which team they followed. One very small boy certainly surprised me when I asked him. He replied “Him” –pointing his finger at a small boy just in front.
MR. IAN BUCHAN HAS A TOUGH JOB ON HIS HANDS
September 22, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Review
Whatever interpration may be put upon Everton’s decision to delegate the selection of their first and second teams to Mr. Ian Buchan, one hopes that consistency, uniformity, single-mindedness of purpose and above all improved results will eventually emerge from it. To some extent the move was unexpected, but in view of the disastrous start to the season, it was obvious that something had to be done quickly. Time is no longer on Everton’s side so far as the season is concerned, whatever may be the outcome of their policy on a longer and broader view. Some of the club’s supporters allege that this latest decision is simply a case in the expressive odious of these modern times of allocating the task of –carrying the can.” This is strongly, denied. It is regarded by the club as no more than a logical development in the policy they have previously laid down. The board’s view so I am told, is that his qualifications are such that with unfettered control over tactics, strategy and team selection. It is felt that Mr. Buchan can rescue the club from its present precarious predicament. I sincerely hope that faith is justified but it still remains to be proved. Should it most unfortunately turn out otherwise hen the club will be in a still worse position. As stated so many times that I am unchained to repeat it wisdom after the event is the easiest thing in the world. I am not being wise that way. More than once after Mr. Britton’s departure I suggested to directors that they should forget past experiences and appoint a professional team manager. The advantages were so obvious they required no stressing.
Good Luck To Him
Now to all intents and purposes they have a manager though not a general manager which was the authority vested to Mr. Britton. The playing staff Sub-committees will continue to deal with all matters concerned with the playing and training staff apart from first and second team’s direction and coaching. I wish Mr. Buchan the best of good fortune in his formidable task. It is one which might well daunt the most courageous. This 36-year old Scot certainly has the courage of his convictions, and is tackling the job with energy and confidence. I hope be success. It is not in any way the slightest reflection upon his knowledge and capabilities if I add the personal opinion that every big club needs a man on the playing side who has been through the professional games from A to Z and won the highest honours. Not that all good players make good managers. Far from it. Even a man with the most outstanding record cannot guarantee success. Some clubs have to be at the bottom and suffer relegation. Loss of form and confidence affects nearly every team at some time or other. Everton are suffering that phrase now. How long it will continue nobody can say. Mr. Buchan may yet prove one of the great managers of Soccer a man whose ideals and sound theoretical knowledge can be translated into success on the field and who possesses the psychological insight and human touch necessary to handle about 40 professionals with their varying and sometimes difficult temperaments in a manner which will get the utmost out of every one.
Judgment Reserved
But I am reserving judgment until we see how matters pan out. It will take him time to get everything as he wants. He is entitled to claim that indulgence for he takes over under extremely difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, while Mr. Buchan is trying to hammer out all the kinks there is a grave danger that Everton many continue to flounder at the bottom and get still further in the morass. As Stanley Matthews remarked in his speed at the recent London function a footballer must be thoroughly fit to give of his best. But at the same time there must be plenty of natural skill and craft. Without that the fittest man in the world would not necessarily make a good player.
Charles Leyfield Leaving
The announcement of the appointment of Mr. Harry Wright, Luton Town’s trainer –coach as assistant to Mr. Buchan has been followed by the resignation of Mr. Charles Leyfield who has been first team trainer for the past three seasons and with the club since 1950. Mr. Leyfield resignation comes before the board next week when it will be accepted. A former Everton player, and later Wrexham trainer, Charlie Leyfield has been very popular with the players. His resignation was tendered on Thursday, following Mr. Wright’s appointment, but the club did not wish to announce it until it had gone back before the board. It was obvious however, it would get out. You cannot expect 40 or more players to keep a secret like that.
Crux of the Matter
With the impending arrival of the new assistant coach Mr. Harry Wright, Everton should be well equalliped on the physical training side. Everything now depends on whether those in charge can ensure a 100 per cent endeavour and good team spirit extract, the utmost ability individually and collectively from the men at their command and also devise successful schemes of strategy and field tactics. A few readers have waxed caustic over my remarks that Everton must save time to work out their salvation. Impatience is a chronic disease with football followers. Nothing will alter that. But the men at the helm cannot be expected to work immediate miracles. If they can steer the club clear of relegation this season they will have done a reasonably good job, disappointing that it may be to have to put the matter on so low a plane. After that they can get down to complete rebuilding for the future. Everton have a fair amount of promising talent on their staff. Had they been able to introduce it more gradually it would have been far better. Too much inexperience at once has been a handicap. All we can do now is sit back hope for the best and give the players all the encouragement possible while they are on the field. If you cannot retrain from expressions of disapproval, wait until the final whistle has gone.
A TRIUMPHANT FOR THE NEW LOOK EVERTON
September 24, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ian Hargreaves
Everton 2, Sunderland 1
This is the story of a fantastic match, an exciting, bewildering battle between Sunderland’s array of polished experts and Everton’s now look team. It produced goals, glaring misses, good football (in spasms) and goalkeeping of the highest class-everything save the eccentric genius of Len Shackleton, who joined Peter Farrell in the unaccustomed role of spectator. Even Shackleton’s presence could have added little to this comedy-drama of a game which resembled nothing so much as footballing Winter’s Tale come to life. After Sunderland had slid leisurely into the lead, giving their enthusiastic young rivals a lesson in the basic principles of the game, the second half produced a full-blooded Everton revival which sparked off the long-silent Goodison roar and scattered pigeons from their lofty perches. Caution was cast aside as Ian Buchan’s team flung themselves into the attack, imposing their will on the game by sheer endeavour and upsetting the measured poise and polish of a hitherto dominant Sunderland defence. Some of their methods were crude to say the least but once Mayers had scrambled the ball home from McNamara’s low centre confidence returned and at last we began to see signs of the football for which Everton have been famous.
Splendid Goal
A mistake by the over-confident Daniel and Kirby was through with the ball at his feet and Bollands racing to challenge. A testing moment for such a young player, but Kirby rose nobly to the occasion and his accurate lob sailed smoothly into the net to bring the crowd to their feet and give Everton a most valuable victory. Yet trials were still to come and how narrowly were they survived. Shaking off their lethargy Sunderland sprang to life and an equalizer seemed certain as the ball ran loose in the home penalty area. O’Neill punched clear a Fleming shot was blocked on the line. Purton hit the bar from at most ten yards out, and then O’Neill saved once more from Anderson’s header. Time at last, and one could breathe freely again. Who were the men behind this Everton success? Most credit must go to the few men of experience –Jones, Tansey, and O’Neill –especially O’Neill. As a neighbor remarked, the way in which the Everton goalkeeper came bounding out at the start of the match suggested he was expecting a busy day and he was not disappointed. Given no chance by Fleming terrific shot early on he stopped everything else that was fired at him, and enabled his side to hang on to a victory that must rate as one of the hardest they will ever gain. Farrell’s deputy, Birch is the kind of player who is always prominent, either through a brilliant piece of work or through the most glaring of errors. Technically outstanding and boasting one of the most powerful kicks in first class football, he is still tactically immature. On Saturday his tendency to wander meant that his opposite number, Fleming was given far too much room, and his fondness for the long kick resulted in a number of inaccurate passes. At present Farrell is clearly far the better player but (and it is a big but) Birch is capable of enormous improvement and should be an asset in a year or so, provided he can be given regular first team experience.
Steady Improvement
The applies to several other members of the side who showed great promise but found the class of the opposition rather too much for them and spoilt many excellent moves by elementary mistakes. As the game wore on one could see then gradually getting accustomed to the pace, until near the end they looked twice the team of the first half. The forward line revolved around Fielding and it is safe to say that but for his presence neither goal would have been scored. Moving into the open spaces, drawing opponents out of position and keeping the ball down on the ground he gave the attack unity and should have taught his colleagues more than they learn from a score of practice games. Of the others, Mayers got better and better and showed himself to be the possession of a fine shot. Kirby displayed commendable dash and recovered well from the humiliation of twice missing the ball completely, McNamara and Llewellyn covered a great deal of ground to some purpose. Behind them Rea though doing little spectacular, gave confirmation of rapid development. While giving Everton credit for their victory one must say that Sunderland contributed generously to their own downfall. Against such inexperienced opponents they should have made the game safe before half-time, but instead seemed content to rest on their laurels and do no more work than was absolutely necessary.
Idle Sunderland
When they did bestir themselves it was too late. Everton had the scent of victory in their nostrils and would not be denied. Once again as in the Football league match last week enthusiasm and hard work had triumphed over casual brilliance. Bollands in goal can be excused from blame for he kept every whit as well as O’Neill but such skilled players as Daniels and Aitken can expect harsh words from their manager. Of the forwards Fleming gave evidence of his shooting powers, but Purdon could do little right and much the most effective man on view was a comparative unknown Hannagan, at outside-left. A strange match and one which should give Everton hope for the future. If this side can be kept together it should improve quickly. But can Everton afford to keep it together and so run a serious risk?
FARRELL COACHES THE RAMBLERS
September 24, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
By Leslie Edwards
Peter Farrell Everton’s regular captain for the past few seasons and holder of the Silver Shamrock awarded to players representing Eire on twenty-five occasions, has succeeded Harry Potts another former Everton player, as coach to Liverpool Ramblers. Potts was forced to terminate his position with the Ramblers on being appointed coach to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
EVERTON F.C. LOSE A PERSONALITY
September 24, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
One of the fast-diminishing band of football director’s whose careers began way back before the game was big business Mr. Will Gibbins, former chairman of Everton F.C died at his Liverpool home aged 85 on Saturday. For some years he had been out of office at Everton, but the club remained as it always had been his passion. A forthright bluff character who always did and said what he thought right, irrespective of the consequences, Mr. Gibbins was one of the last links with the old Everton Broad the centre-piece of which was the late Mr. Will Cuff. A life member of the club Mr. Gibbons served it faithfully and well and will be misses as an Everton authority and a splendid personality. Oddly, Saturday was also the day of severance between the club and another old servant, Charles Leyfield, who had been club trainer since Harry Cooke relinquished that appointment three seasons ago. News of the probability of Leyfield’s leaving Everton was given, exclusively in the Daily Post of Saturday. Mr. Gordon Watson, who took over trainer’s duties on Saturday, was plainly holding the fort until the arrival next month of Mr. Harry Wright of Luton whom Everton appointed last week as trainer-coach to work under Ian Buchan. Oddly not once on Saturday was Mr. Watson called on to the field; on one occasion he treated Everton forward, Wally Fielding at the touch-line.
WOLVERHAMPTON RES 1 EVERTON RES 3
September 24, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
With an average age of twenty, Everton Reserves inflicted the first home defeat of the season on an experienced Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserve team in this Central League game. Quicker in the tackle and showing an all round keenness entirely lacking in the home side, Everton beat Wolves at their own game, speed and punch. Men of the match in every sense were Everton centre-half Woods, who was magnificent and his goalkeeper Harris. Everton had scored three times through Williams (20), Temple (26) and Thomas (50), before Wolves made a belated reply through Jackson.
EVERTON WERE NOT FAULTLESS, BUT THEY FOUGHT HARD
September 24, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Though Everton’s victory over Sunderland may not have been as emphatic and clear-cut as some people would have liked, and came more through hard and honest endeavour than superior football, I am not picking holes in it on that account. In Everton’s position two points are welcome and within reason it does not vitally matter how they are obtained though one naturally hopes that as time goes on the team will show more subtlety and craftsmanship. Not that they were without a modicum of both attributes in this case. There were periods when they displayed some quite attractive football, and if only they had tried to emulate Sunderland by making the maximum progress with the minimum of passing and repassing they would have done even better. It was noticeable on many occasions how Sunderland could make treble the amount of ground with only one third of the amount of passes which Everton took. This fault is nothing new so far as the Blues are concerned. But it seems so deeply ingrained in them that it is taking a long time to work it out of their system. There were times when a dozen passes hardly gained more than 20 yards, and too often intricate and over-laborious movements broke down because somebody made a faulty pass and all the hard work went for nothing. Another fault was over-eagerness. Though understandable enough, it was a brake upon Everton’s progress. They repeatedly fell into Sunderland’s off-side trap and the same tensed up anxiety also led to several excellent scoring chances being thrown away.
Main Cause of Victory
To counter-balance this, however there was plenty of fighting spirit in the side. It was this more than anything else, which brought victory. When a little more steadiness in front of goal is achieved and reasonable chances are accepted, Everton may win matches with less all-out effort than this one cost them. To a large extent the game was a replica of their victory over Burnley, except that this time they had not to rely on a penalty goal to bring the points. They might have had at least one penalty, when McNamara seemed to be pushed off the ball as he was about to shoot from close range, and must certainly have scored. Like the Burnley win, Everton gave one the impression throughout that they were using up every possible ounce of endeavour whereas Sunderland, particularly in the first half seemed to have something in hand and not to be unduly exerting themselves. If that was actually so, then it was mistaken policy on the part of the Wearsiders. No game is ever won until the final whistle and by the time Sunderland looked, to be perturbed about the issue it was beyond their ability to wipe out the deficit.
Tarred With Same Brush
Both sides were tarred with the same brush when it came to making a hash of simple chances inside the penalty area. At least half a dozen “sitters” were missed some from little more than five or six yards range. Sunderland opening goal scored by Fleming at the ninth minute looked to almost everybody except the referee and his linesman to be yards offside. It put Everton on the collar right from the start but it is to their credit that they did not let it depress them. Mayers got the equalizer from a low McNamara centre at the 62nd minute and though it was a scrambled sort of effort almost on the goal-line it sent the crowd into transports of delight. Kirby’s winner eleven minutes from the finish was more like a Liverpool type of goal than an Everton one. It came from a lofty clearance by Jones the bounce of which Kirby judged better than Daniel and as Bollands advanced from goal Kirby lobbed it over his head with all the coolness and surety of a veteran.
A Good Display
If only some of his colleagues had shown the same cool assurance on other occasions Everton might not have kept their supporters keyed up for so long. Kirby had other good marks to his name besides this goal. Some of his touches showed class and intelligence and the crowd were not slow to show appreciation. They did likewise in the case of Birch, who also demonstrated ball control, accuracy in most of his passing and plenty of stamina. True some of his passes were adrift at times and he was occasionally nonplussed by the quickness of Fleming but on the whole he made a most creditable showing. The whole defence was sound, with Jones outstanding again though not quite so much as Luton and Tansey were well on top of the opposing wingers most of the time and Liverpool supporters who watched Bingham closely did not see anything much to take the eye. McNamara was the best of the Everton wingers through he did not shoot as often as Mayers. The latter was on the slow side but put in some useful shots and might have got his name on the scores list but for the clever anticipation of Bollands. This young Sunderland goalkeeper is not tall but he is a first class man at his job.
An Improvement
If only Everton had somebody who could shoot with the power of Fleming and a little more accurately they might soon reduce the adverse balance in their goal average. Nobody needed to ask where Fleming gets his nickname. It was obvious on many occasions. Our old friend Jack Hedley had a sound game, but Daniel hardly looked like an international centre-half a fact which Mr. Herbert Powell Welsh F.A. secretary, was doubtless sorry to see. Everton have still much to do and need greater balance and improved finishing before we can say that they are on the upgrade. But at least this was an improvement on many of this season’s displays and that is something for which to be thankful. The vital question now is whether they can keep it up. Once or twice before they have raised our hopes, only to dash them in the succeeding match. They now have two away games in succession. Charlton on Saturday and against the much improved Cliff Britton guided Preston side the week after. If they can put as determined show in both these figures and tighten up their finishing, they may get some reward. A final word for the crowd. It was good to hear such whole-hearted encouragement. Even in the first half when it was rather irritating to see too much pattern-weaving and too little finishing. The spectators spurred the team on in the second half when Everton were on top for all except brief spells and excepting that hectic few minutes when Sunderland almost snatched the equalizer the crowd inspired the players considerably. Keep it up.
EVERTON PAID PENALTY FOR RELAXING
September 25, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
By A Special Correspondent
Aberdeen 3, Everton 2
Everton lost their friendly match before a 12,000 crowd at Pittodrie yesterday, but they gained many admirers. The result was not in keeping with the run of play for the visitors played fast, methodical football, kept the ball on the ground and made it do the work . In contrast, the ball on the ground and made it do the work. In contrast, the home team relied more on thrusts by individuals. Aberdeen were decidedly lucky to avenge their three defeats suffered when the teams met on tour in Canada and America during the close season, and although trailing a goal behind in the second half, Everton always gave the impression that they were likely to score. It took them over half an hour to do so, but when the goal did arrive Everton appeared to relax, and gave the impression of being content with a draw. Defensive slackness in the final minutes, however allowed Buckley to go through from Hather’s pass and snatch the winner for Aberdeen. This time there was no time left for Everton to pull the game from the fire. Dunlop took the fancy of the Aberdeen crowd with his clean handling and daring dives, while he invariably put his team on the attack with his accurate throws to the deep lying wingers.
Own Goal By Farrell
Both Sunderland and Tansey took the opportunity of indulging in attack but Peter Farrell was a little too cool at times and had the misfortune to put through his own goal during the first half. Both Sutherland and Tansey took the opportunity of indulging in attack but Peter Farrell was a little too cool at times and had the misfortune to put through his own goal during the first half. Eglington tried hard to get the Everton attack moving, but his partner Scots lad Haughey, was slow to catch n to the winger’s intention at times. A. Farrell at inside right, was best of the others. Martin, Clunie showed up well in defence for Aberdeen while right half Wallace was keen to emulate the Everton half-backs in their willingness to go upfield for a shot. Hather an Englishman signed by Aberdeen eight years ago was their most dangerous forward although Buckley twice evaded Jones grip to score goals. Birch put Everton ahead in 16 minutes with a sizzling shot from 25 yards but seven minutes later Buckley fastened on to a pass by Hay and equalized. Aberdeen took the lead when Farrell misjudged a pass back to Dunlop giving the goalkeeper no chance but with only 13 minutes left Eglington dashed away and centred for J. Harris to equalize. Finally in the closing minutes Buckley scored a fine opportunist goal to bring Aberdeen a victory they scarcely deserved. Aberdeen;- Martin, goal; Smith and Caldwell, backs; Wallace, Clunie and Glen, half-backs; Allan, Yorston, Buckley, Hay and Hather, forwards. Everton; Dunlop, goal; Sutherland and Tansey, backs; Birch, Jones and Farrell (captain), half-backs; Harris (B), Farrell, Harris (J), Haughey, and Eglington, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.A. Mowath (Glasgow).
EVERTON WERE AT HALF PACE
September 25, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Jock Thomson, former Everton half-back who was a guest player with Aberdeen during the war, travelled from Dundee yesterday to see his two old teams meet in a friendly. The Scots blood in his veins would probably make him appreciate the fact that Aberdeen won 3-2, but secretly he must have been delighted that Everton could still play good football. In a good old fashioned friendly the Goodison Park team gave the impression of playing at half pace with Dunlop, Jones, Farrell and Eglington outstanding players. Their outfield play was excellent but the finishing was not always up to scratch. Victory for Aberdeen was underserved as they played kick and run stuff comp aired to Everton whose ground passing often had the home defence running round in circles. The match served to cement the friendship formed between the two clubs when they met in Canada and America during the close season. Buckley former Scotland centre forward got two goals for Aberdeen and the third was an “own goal” by Peter Farrell. Birch and J. Harris scored for Everton.
EVERTON SIGN A SCOTTISH JUNIOR
September 26, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have come to an arrangement that will eventually bring to Goodison Park one of the most sought after Scottish junior forwards, but the player concerned will not sign until his present club has been dismissed from the Scottish Junior Cup. Jack Hood is the player, an 18-years-old centre forward with Shettlestom, a Glasgow junior team. Everton have been seeking Hood for some weeks. Now they have come to this arrangement with Shettleston and the player and thereby have forestalled several English and Scottish clubs who have also been chasing this very promising youngster. Sunderland, Leeds, Wolves, Blackpool, Motherwell, Falkirk, and many others have been on his track but after conversation with Everton officials while the latter were in Scotland for the Aberdeen friendly Hood decided that when he is free he will join Everton. I understand the fee is about £1,000. Hood, who has been scoring a remarkable number of goals this season, is 19 in a few months. He is an apprentice plaster and will continue his apprenticeship after moving to Goodison. Meantime he has accepted Everton’s invitation to come to Merseyside and have a look round and also do some training while he is here. He arrived last night after travelling down with Everton from Aberdeen.
JIMMY HARRIS BECOMES THIRD MAN ON EVERTON TRANSFER LIST
September 27, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Pursuing their usual and hitherto inflexible policy of not attempting to retain a dissatisfied player, Everton’s directors last night agreed to the wish of Jimmy Harris to be placed on the transfer list. The request of Harris, which was reported in our later editions yesterday, means that moves are desired by two forwards who have been regular first teamers and a half-back who has been regarded as one of their most promising standbys in case of defensive emergency. Whether it is wiser to such requests without question or better to endeavour to make a dissatisfied player content is a matter of opinion. There have been many instances with other clubs of players asking to go on the transfer list, and later withdrawing the request after a heart-to-heart talk has dispelled some or all, of the causes of dissatisfaction. Last week Everton placed Woods and McNamara on the list, also at their own requests after they had been dropped from the first team. Now comes Jimmy Harris who feels his chances of a regular senior place would be brighter elsewhere. The mere placing of a man’s name on the open-to-offer list does not necessarily mean his eventual departure. That depends on the fee the holding club puts upon his services, the willingness of prospective buyers to meet it and the determination of the player to stick to his original decision. We shall have to wait and see future developments on these lines in the case of Woods, McNamara and Harris. The fact that Everton have so speedily acceded to their requests however would seem to indicate that the directors feel they can safely dispense with their services.
Resignation Accepted
The board also had before it last night the resignation of Mr. Charles Leyfield their first team trainer who tendered this on learning of the appointment last week of Mr. Harry Wright of Luton Town. The resignation was accepted, Mr. Ian Buchan now in sole charge of Everton’s first and second team selection is delaying announcement of the eleven to visit Charlton until later today.
Woods As Skipper
Matt Woods has been appointed captain of the Reserves eleven in Saturday’s game at Manchester between a representative Central League side and Manchester United Reserves, who were champions of the organization last season. Dunlop Everton’s Central League goalkeeper is reserve for the Rest team.
EVERTON MAKE NO CHANGES
September 28, 1956. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton’s team for tomorrow’s visit to Charlton Athletic is unchanged from that which defeated Sunderland last week. Farrell who was rested from that match is at right half in the Reserve side to entertain Barnsley. The Everton team is O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
Charlton switch Scottish international Hewie from right half to centre half to replace the injured Chamberlain, and O’Lina comes in at right half, otherwise the team is that which lost 3-2 at Blackpool last week. Their team is; Marsh; Campbell, Ellis; O’Linn, Hewie, Hammond; Hurst, Gauld, Leary, White, Kiernan.
COMPANIONS IN DISTRESS
September 29, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton away to Charlton met companies in distress at the wrong end of the table. Both clubs desperately need points to ward off the growing threat of an anti-relegation fight later. There is a close similarity about the records of the two teams. Each has averaged a point a game from five matches, neither has obtained any reward from five away engagements and their goal average is almost identical. Another angle of similarity relates to the number of players called upon to full their fixtures. Each has utilsed 20 so far but whereas Everton’s three ever-presents O’Neill, Tansey, and Jones are defences and most of the changes have been in attack the reserve is the case with Charlton. The Londoners have no ever-presents in defence but have two in the forward line in Gauld and Kiernan, while two others Hurst and White, have missed only one game each due to injury. There has also been less expectation and switching on the Charlton team, and of only two instances have any of their players figured in more than one position compared with seven in Everton’s case. Charlton commenced the season with two reserves at home against Leeds United and Luton Town but since then they have shown a little improvement at the Valley having drawn with Sheffield Wednesday and defeated Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers. There is another similarity between the sides in that Charlton are also under new management. Following the recent resignation of Mr. Jimmy Seed, the team manager ship a been taken over by the former England trainer Jimmy Trotter. Charlton’s defence has given away even more goals than Everton. They have had 29 against them including eight by Sunderland at Roker Park. Whether Everton can bring back points will depend largely upon the ability of the team to reproduced the fighting spirit of last week and cut out needless embroidery in the penalty area. I have been stressing the latter point long enough but the old failing persists. I sometimes think some players are afraid to shoot in case they miss. They prefer instead in putting the onus on someone else. If this is so the sooner they get that idea out of their minds the better. While Everton’s display against Sunderland revived the hopes of many of their supporters this was happened before only for subs due games to prove the improvement only temporary. Something more consistent is needed before Everton begin to rise. And there is no time to spare. Charlton; Marsh; Campbell, Ellis; O’Linn, Hewie, Hammond; Hurst, Gauld. Leary, White, Kiernan. Everton; O’Neill; Donovan, Tansey; Birch, Jones, Rea, McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding, Mayers.
BLUES SNATCH LATE VICTORY
September 29, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Charlton 1, Everton 2
By Stork
Hail Everton’s first away victory this season. It was hard won and was due to the second half fighting quality of the Blues. Fielding’s part in this success was a big one. He scored a goal and made the second. Charlton had themselves to blame for missing open goals in the first 45 minutes. Charlton Athletic; Marsh, goal; Campbell and Ellis, backs; O’Linn, Hewie, and Hammond, half-backs; Hurst, Gauld, Leary, White, and Kiernan, forwards. Everton; O’Neill, goal; Donovan and Tansey, backs; Birch, Jones (captain), and Rea, half-backs; McNamara, Llewellyn, Kirby, Fielding and Mayers, forwards. Referee; Mr. L. Howarth. Everton met one of their lowly companions in Charlton at the Valley today so that any points would almost be of double value. Everton’s young side, which pulled out such a fine win against Sunderland last week, was again on view. I understand that a Northern First Division club representative was taking a look at the transfer-listed McNamara. The ground looked in excellent playing conditions, but the crowd was quite small. Among the spectators was Mike Stewart the surrey cricketer who had signed for Charlton. He was accompanied by Colin Cowdray. Right from the kick off Charlton paid a visit to the Everton goal area and when O’Neill ran out of the goal he was challenged by Hurst and had to give away a corner as he tried to kick clear.
Challenge by Rea
The flag kick was tipped over the bar by O’Neill. It was Everton’s turn to pay a goalmouth visit but Mayers, although chasing hard was beaten to the ball by Marsh. Then there was another thrill in front of the Blues goal when Gauld seemed to be racing through to a certain goal. On being harassed by Rea he lost possession and a goal kick followed. Charlton who had to face a brilliant sun, were kept on the defensive for quite a while by the smoother moving Everton and from a Tansey pass Kirby made a very good header which March caught quite comfortably. The Everton centre forward a moment later got the better of Hewie and moving to his left slipped the ball inwards to Llewellyn who in his desire to get full power behind his shot blazed over the bar. A free kick against Everton just outside the penalty area was taken by O’Linn, who shot against a line of Everton players. So far Everton had been distinctly the better side although Gauld once shot through the Everton defence but was obviously offside. Marsh got down to a low shot by Kirby and a McNamara crossfield pass was just a shade too fast for Mayers. The Everton goal hereabouts had its most narrow escape. It started with a back pass by Mayers which saw taken up by Hurst. His centre passed low in front of the Everton goal but Leary just could not make contact.
In The Net But…
I thought at one time that Tansey might run the ball into the net but it was not so, and from the clearance Everton went to the other end and Kirby got the ball into the net but it was with the aid of his hand. The goal was disallowed on appeal by Charlton. Jones was fast enough on one occasion to make a short back pass rather than take any undue risks when Athletic were attacking. The Charlton people thought they were badly done to when Hurst was pulled up for offside put it was a hairline affair. But there was something much more thrilling in front of the Everton goal when Gauld was racing through and O’Neill taxed with a desperate decision, decided to come out. His action was fully justified for he undoubtedly stopped the Charlton inside forward. Another nice moment for Everton in the next minute saw Gauld centre right across the Everton goalmouth, Kiernan could not slip the ball into the net from less than a yard out. Charlton were more in the game. McNamara from 20 yards out hit a fast rising shot over the Charlton crossbar and then the Everton outside right took a free kick after there had been a stoppage for an injury to Ellis.
Conceded Corner
Little Llewellyn jumped as high and he could to get his head to the ball but it was too high for him went on to Campbell, who conceded a corner. There was nothing very exacting about the football although there was plenty of endeavour. Everton were a little more methodical than their rivals. A linkup between McNamara and Kirby came unstuck when the final pass went adrift. On goal chances the Athletic should have been in front for Gauld was again right through with only O’Neill to beat but once again he sent the ball out side. It was no wonder he put his hands to his head in disappointment for it was really a bad miss. Much of the play was confined to midfield but eventually Fielding had a chance to show how he could shoot and Marsh had to pull off a good save, he threw himself full length and turned the ball out side for a corner.
Shot Deflected
From this Mayers had a shot deflected from goal by O’Linn, Hewie and Kirby got at cross purposes and the Everton man was spoken to by the referee. Kirby immediately shook hands with Hewie. A Tansey crossfield pass to McNamara was headed into the goalmouth where Martin just beat Kirby for possession. Gauld was checked in time and Everton were awarded a free kick. Fielding was engineering moves for Everton and from one of them Everton got in an attack which looked dangerous but finally petered out. It was immediately after this that Charlton took the lead. Ellis put a long ball up the middle for Gauld and O’Neill came out a bit too far and was beaten by the bounce, Gauld gaining possession simply sauntered forward and popped the ball into the net at the 40th minute. A McNamara effort finished just outside as did one by O’Linn at the other end. A minute from the interval Kiernan came onto the goalmouth to make a low header, which struck the face of the Everton upright and passed outside. Half-time; Charlton Athletic 1, Everton nil.
The first few minutes of the second half were very tame but things brightened a little and a short-range shot by McNamara struck Ellis on the legs and went out for a corner. This was soon cleared but another followed almost immediately. Tom Jones came well upfield to do a bit of distributing and from his pass Fielding made a brilliant header which seemed to have the beating of Marsh until he stretched out his right hand and turned the ball round the post. It was a capital save. Llewellyn followed with a nice shot but Marsh was alert and safely took possession. The Everton wing halves had not had a grip on this game so far.
O’Neill Saves
Leary had not had many opportunities. When one did come along he made full use of it with a fast rising shot that O’Neill pulled down from under his bar and then went to the complete the save. The football was not of high quality yet it was devoid of thrills and goalmouth incidents. Kirby was only just beaten on the post by Campbell and Marsh was responsible for yet another good save when he turned aside a shot by Mayers. Gauld tried to beat the whole Everton team on his own but fell to weigh of numbers. Kirby once called for the ball from Fielding but Wally had other ideas and offered it to Mayers on the right wing but the Everton outside left made little or no use of it. A shot by Kiernan was headed away by Donovan and a run by McNamara ended with a centre which Llewellyn headed over.
Always Striving
There was a little more enthusiasm amongst the crowd hereabouts and Kirby running out to the right wing showed some close footwork but his pass to McNamara saw the Everton right winger well marked. Llewellyn was always striving even though there was no great subtedly about his work yet he did give Martin another shot to save. Everton were fighting hard, showing plenty of sprit and after O’Neill had made a top class save from Gauld the Blues had the Charlton defence anchored in its own half. Kirby had been moving on to the wings quite frequently. When he dribble over to the left he put across a high centre which eluded most of his companies but came almost knee high to Fielding who without hesitating took the shot full on with his left foot and the ball flashed into the net at the upright at the 67th minute. The Charlton defence was not too confident and Everton for the last 19 minutes or more had been the stronger attacking organiastion. Mayers taking up a back heel pass from Kirby made a shot cum centre across the Charlton goal face and March dealt this efficiently. Then the game was stopped because of a leg injury to Mayers. He soon resumed but was limping badly. This had little effect upon him as he showed in the next moment when he raced across the field. McNamara however had not sized up his colleague’s mind as Fielding deliberately left the ball behind. Charlton were inclined to be a little finicky near goal. There was one occasion when White decided a shot was the thing but the ball went over the top. With five minutes to go a Fielding pass to Kirby saw the centre forward try to ran the ball through a ruck of players, it cannoned out to Mayers who promptly hit a low shot into the net. Final Charlton 1, Everton 2.
AS TWELFTH MAN, I SEE EVERTON’S GREAT CENTREE HALF
September 29, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Tommy Jones
By Peter Farrell
I had the pleasure last Saturday of watching Everton gain two very valuable points at the expense of Sunderland. This side surely one of the youngers ever to represent the Blues, certainly shown great fighting spirit in coming from behind to defeat the star studded Sunderland side. They certainly were a little fortunate in the closing minutes when Purdon’s shot from a couple of yards struck he under face of the crossbar but over the 90 minutes though the lads were full value for their victory. Watching from the sidelines one thing stood out clearly – namely the dominance of Everton centre half Tommy Jones whom I thought stood out like a beacon as the outstanding player of the 22. Having played alongside Tommy for so long one is apt to take his displays for granted but watching as a spectator, I was able to see the game from a different angle, and fully realize how lucky we at Everton are in having such a great centre half. Perhaps someday a selector will be watching one of the Blues games and share by opinion of Jones if so maybe Tommy will get a representative honour of some kind as reward for his consistently good displays. Being twelfth man for Saturday’s game I had to perform the many minor jobs in helping the trainer attend to his needs of the players before and after the game and at the interval such as pouring out and standing round the usual half-time cup of tea, the lads back after the bath &c. I got many leg pull in the dressing room from the lads as they purposely sought to find odd jobs for me to do as they themselves plus it is to try and get me to no something to earn the bonus. One thing I learned from Everton’s game with Sunderland is that watching your side battle for two valuable points can be even more nerve racking than playing especially when the issue is as close as it was last Saturday. As a spectator you see what should be somewhere everybody should be at the right time and so on without able to do anything about it. The Everton players and officials had a very enjoyable trip to Scotland over the week end for last Monday’s game with Aberdeen. For most of is it was a real reunion as having played against them on four occasions during our close season tour, we got to know their players and officials really well and we all became very good friends. The Everton boys had a real get together last Monday before and after that game with the Aberdeen lads, as we relieved some of our experienced in American and Canada. The game itself was a typical exhibition one with plenty of good football without the usual bite of league games. I had the unusual experience of scoring my first ever own goal since first started playing football (let’s mite when that was) As the ball bounced towards me with my back to goal, I heard Albert Dunlop shout right Peter” whereupon immediately hooked the ball over my head only to see it on turning round sailing high over Dunlop’s head into the top of the net. Let me make it quite clear that Albert had no more chance in saving than he had with the other two goals. In fact in this his first outing with the first team, Dunlop gave a very good account of himself. During the week I have received quite a few letters some complimentary, some otherwise and all recalling my past service as an Everton player. By the tone of these letters it is obvious that some people think I am finished as a player. Well time will tell but it is my intention to train and practice as hard and conscientiously as always to be ready and when I m needed again to play for the Blues.
EVERTON RES V BARNSLEY RES
September 29, 1956. The Liverpool Echo
Everton res; Dunlop, goal; Sutherland and Leeder, backs; Farrell, Sanders, and P. Barnett, half-backs; Tomlinson, Thomas, Harris (J), Haughey, and Williams (JD), forwards. Although Barnsley were more prominent in the early stages Everton were two goals up in 11 minutes, Williams headed over the advancing Leeson and Sharp’s goal line clearance went straight up. Haughey who promptly netted the first and five minutes later Thomas increased the lead after Leeson had failed to gather a low centre from Williams. Barnsley fought back to reduce the arrears through Holmes. After 35 minutes Harris scored Everton’s third from Tomlinson’s free kick. Half-time; Everton Res 3, Barnsley Res 1.
September 1956