Everton Independent Research Data

 

BEES’ NOTES
Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, June 1 1926
Everton have a new stand in course of erection.

B\LACKPOOL FOOTBALLER.
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 02 June 1926
DEATH OF W. D. WILLIAMS IN BLACKBURN INFIRMARY.
 A CLEVER INSIDE LEFT.
The death occurred in the Blackburn and East Lancashire Royal Infirmary early this morning W. D. Williams, the clever inside left of Blackpool Football Club. Death was due to meningitis. It was not until this morning that the Blackpool officials became aware that his illness had been of a serious nature. Williams, who was married, was one of the smartest forwards Blackpool had, and he was also most unfortunate. He began his playing career with Darwen, where he was employed in a paper mill, and from there he went to Everton, where in his last season he was the second highest scorer. Williams joined Blackpool F.C. on March 16th last year from Everton at fee of £1,150, and five days later made his first appearance at Bloomfield-road against Stockport County. He had only been on the field about 30 minutes when he broke arm and was unfit for the rest of the season. He appeared seven of the opening eight games of the season, five times as inside left and twice as centre forward, and then at Darlington, on the day Bedford was transferred to Derby County, a further mishap befel him. He was struck on the face with a fast-driven ball, and though he continued his injury became so much worse that he had to into Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, with septic poisoning, which endangered his life for some days. When Williams recovered he turned out at Stockport outside left on November 28th, and then regularly played until the match with Barnsley on February 13th, when he performed the hat trick.” Then he sustained a knee injury, and though he played twice afterwards he was never really fit. Last season Williams made 21 appearances in the first team and scored eight goals. With the reserve side he obtained 10 goals. The news his death will be received with very great regret both in Blackpool, where he was very much admired, and at Blackburn, of which town he was a native. The funeral will take place at the Blackburn Cemetery on Saturday afternoon. The Blackpool F.C. and other sporting organisations will be represented.

RAITH ROVERS' NEW MANAGER
Dundee Courier - Thursday 03 June 1926
GEORGE WILSON TO FILL THE POST Varied Career
"The Courier and Advertiser" learns on excellent authority that Raith Rovers' new manager is George Wilson, the famous international player. Negotiations secure to Tom Muirbead, the Rangers player, for the post fallen through. Wilson was born Lochgelly, and commenced his career outsideleft with Hearts. He later went Everton, and from there to Ireland. where played for time with Belfast Distillery. Returning to England, he fixed up with Newcastle, and when there (1909-10) he won English Cup badge. From Newcastle he returned to Scotland, playing first with Raith Rovers and later with East Fife. He figured the Methil side that won the Qualifying Cup. Having previously earned Scottish Cup badge while with Hearts, Wilson thus had the distinction of being holder the English, Scottish, and Scottish Qualifying Cup badges. In addition to these honours, he also played for Scotland v. England 1905, 1907, and 1909; v. Wales 1904 and 1906; v. Ireland in 1905, and was honoured by the Scottish League. From East Fife Wilson went America, and became manager of Falls River Club, who won the American League championship two years in succession. He returned home about a year ago.

WD. WILLIAMS DIEDS
June 3, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
The death has taken place in hospital at Blackburn of WD Williams the former Everton forward, who was transfer to Blackpool in March last year. His death was due to meningitis. Everton secured Williams from Darwen, in his first match for Blackpool, who paid £1150 for his transfer, Williams broke an arm and was unfit for the rest of the season. This season he played twenty-one games for Blackpool first team.

DEATH OF YOUNG EX-EVERTON
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, June 3, 1926
Bee’s Notes
It is with great regret I announce the death of Billy Williams, the young Darwen forward, who, after being transferred to Everton, went to Blackpool two years ago, and began by sustaining a broken arm.  The poor fellow had no sort of luck in his football career; he stuck it hard and fast everywhere and a nicer, cleaner fellow I have not met.  He was a quiet type of worker, and early on in his sojourn here I got a special insight into his career through a ‘phone call being necessary; one can judge a footballer in a meeting of this character more readily than taking him on the field with a Press-box view.  And from this little incident I say Williams was a splendid fellow.  He died this week from meningitis.  I wonder whether that terrible bang he got at Chelsea’s ground the day Alf Harland was rendered unconscious, had anything to do with his hastened end?  I offer his relatives your sympathy as well as my own.  Goodison liked the clean little inside left. 

EVERTON’S PEACE-MEAL
Liverpool Echo-Friday, June 4, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Look on this scene (Law Association Rooms, time 7.30;
Everton F.C Chairman (to meeting of shareholders).- Gentlemen, is I your pleasure that the members of the Press be admitted to this meeting? 
Shareholders (with one voice)- Agreed.
All this time I sit at the feet of the Everton chairman and say to myself, “As with one Meredith, I’m in.” 
But the funny part of it was that while I was “in” no one came from without! 
Now look on this scene (the closing act; time 8’o’clck);
Everton Chairman.- Well, gentlemen, that concludes the business of the meeting.  (Exit all)
I overhear two of the older generation of Everton F.C say,  “What’s coming over this club?  We haven’t had a single fight to-night.  And the meeting is over in half an hour.  We used to see skin and hair flying!  It’s fair sickening, this dull, modern world.” 
QUCIK AND TO THE POINT
Yes, these Everton meetings used to be protracted.  Nowadays they pass by in an all-peaceful air, and everybody seems satisfied. A member of the Florencia, however, though fit to suggest in fun fashion that Dominy’s Christion name might be “Anne.”  Them did the chairman, Mr. W.C. Cuff explain that here was a bargain of a player.  He was thirty-one years old, which is younger than Kelly or Buchan, and he was a strong, well-knit, capable footballer, who in the special circumstances was likely to be of great help to Everton and to their centre forward.  I can go a trifle further and tell you the remarkable factors about Dominy’s signing; He has cost his club nothing save the usual fee for signing, which is a mere bagatelles.  How, than, could the club refuse such a gift?  Woodhouse, Mr. Cuff told the meeting, was of a similar pattern to the Dominy signing; they has signed him for a purpose, and they believed both men to be eminently suited to the needs of the Everton forward line.  And the remarkable thing about Dominy’s signing for Everton is centred in the important fact that the Southampton player was due a benefit-Mr. Cuff did not mention this at the meeting; I gathered the news afterwards –yet he sacrified this in order to get to Everton, a club he had long wished to join, he said.  The Saints club are not rich, and they offered him a benefit match which possibly would have cost the player money!  Hence Dominy decided to cut away from the South and come to Goodison Park.
THE NEW STAND
Mr. Cuff, who was supported by fellow directors in Merrsrs E. Green, A.R. Wade, A. Coffey, W,J. Sawyer, W. Banks, J. Sharp,. And J. Gibbins, pointed out that the receipts, compared with the previous season, were down in the extent of £6,000.  On the contrary side the figures were also down £12,000, notwithstanding the fact that they had spent more on benefits than the year before.  The profit for the year was £9,000, as against £1,500, and in the assets the Goodison Stand, which would cost £23,000 was now valued at a tenth of that figure.  The assets of the company, £47,000, showed the club to be in a satisfactory condition, and Everton were second to none in the county in financial standing.  They had not attained a degree of merit the directors would have liked, and a peculiar feature was the phenomenal number of drawn games –eighteen.  In their first thirteen games they has 31 goals against them-then Hardy came to keep goal.  Referring to the new stand, Mr. Cuff said it would be ready for the opening game of the season.  The club had not gone in for expensive players, not is it their policy to do so./  High prices, declared Mr. Cuff, do not represent the playing value of a new man.  He moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr. Green seconding.  Mr. Sawyer proposed a dividend of 7 ½ per cent., and after Mr. Coffey had seconded, Mr. Wallace, as shareholder, asked why the club did not allow an allotment of a bonus share.  Mr. Cuff said this was impossible.  The F.A. rules would not allow, but they would ask for an expression of opinion. 
A shareholder.- Give us the bonus first, and let us ask the F.A. afterwards. 
Mr. Cuff.- I do not mind being put off the board at an annual meeting, but I do not desire to court being put off by the F.A.  Mr. R. Nelson, whose name had been submitted for a position on the board, announced that he desired to retire, as, judging by the proxies received by the retiring directors, no purpose would be served.  It was plain that the shareholders were satisfied with the directors. 
Messrs, Banks, Gibbins, and Sawyer were re-elected. 
Mr. Minto moved a vote of thanks to the directors, and pleaded with them to get bigger players in future.
Mr. T. McIntosh, secretary, read the following list of players signed on;- Goalkeepers;- Hardy, Kendall; backs, Raitt, McDonald, O’Donnell, Hamilton, Kerr; half-backs; Brown, Peacock, Reid, Bain, Hart, Virr, Rooney; forwards; Moffat (Luton), Millington, Irvine, Dominy (Southampton), Dean, Batten, Murray, Woodhouse (Preston North End), Kennedy, Houghton, Troup, Weaver,  in addition Chedgzoy and McBain have been offered maximum terms. 

OLD-TIMERS
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, June 8, 1926
Bee’s Notes the committee of the Wavertree Athletic Football Club entertained their players and friends to a social and dance at the Conservative Club, 311, Smithdown-road, Wavertree, in honour of their winning the championship of the Liverpool league and also the W.W. Kelly Challenge Cup.  Councillor Haigh addressed the gathering, and thanked them on behalf of the club for the splendid services they had rendered during the pasts season, and hoped that they would keep together for the coming season; he also related his experiences as a player for Everton Reserves in the ‘eighties, and how an injury against Tranmere Rovers terminated his playing career. 

EVERTON KEEPER FOR SOUTHPORT
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, June 9, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Jones, the goalkeeper, has joined the side after having an apprenticeship with Everton, Jones has height and goodness to recommend him.  I like him on and off the field. 

PARRY SIGNS FOR GRIMSBY
June 11, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post.
Parry, Everton outside-right has been transferred to Grimsby Town, who have returned to the second division. Parry is twenty-five years of age and has been four years with Everton. He has often deputised for Chedgzoy.

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, June 12 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

PARRY FR GRIMSBY
Liverpool Echo-Tuesday, June 15, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Frank Parry, the Everton outside right, has been transferred to Grimsby Town, who gained promotion to the Second Division of the League.  Parry, who is 25 years of age, has served four years on the Goodison Park playing staff, and at one time gave promise of big things.  He often deputized for Chedgzoy, and, let it be said; he filled the famous outside right’s place quite satisfactorily.  Last season, however, he had a lean time, but a change of quarters may have the effect of bringing him back to his best, which should make him a popular player at Grimsby.  He is fast and centres well, and once he has got over that period which comes to every footballer at some part of his career, he should make good with the Yorkshire side. 

STUD MARKS
Liverpool Echo-Saturday, June 19, 1926
By Louis T. Kelly

DEAN MOTOR CRASH
June 21, 1926. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
William dean the E verton centre-forward, who was injured in a motor smash near Holywell yesterday.

DEAN’S TRAGIC ACIDENT
Liverpool Echo- Monday, June 21, 1926
Bee’s Notes
Dixie Dean has been badly damaged.  The news story is in another column.  At the moment we are faced with a view of the future and that view is not at all happy if, as is feared, Dean has fractured his skull. 
FREES RISKED
Not only from the personal point of view, but also from the financial angle in the Dean matter discussed.  It amounts to this; Any player who has any semblance of fame and name becomes different from another motor-cyclist.  Every time Dean took out his machine Everton were risking the sum of 3,000 pounds already paid.  But there is a different way of looking at the figure’ Dean cost 3,000 pounds when other clubs were afraid to buy the youngster.  Now, in his League success, his value has gone up, in my estimation, double.  That is a big thing to say, but this somewhat rapid rise of Dean is characteristic of the boy’s game, and many a club afraid of paying 3,000 pounds would now willingly take the chance of paying 6,000 pounds if only because of his youth and his undoubted skill in the highest circles of play.  I give away no secret when I say that England would have given Dean a test last season, but it was felt wise to delay the honour because many a boy is ruined by too early application of “the cap” Everyone will join me in wishing Dixie well out of his trouble.  He was a joyful, happy lad, who would have made a name as a boxer or a comedian.  He chase football, and played the game in a clean manner.  We can ill afford so good a boy, still in his teens.  Let us hope he pulls through with his customary determination.
THE EFFECT
Dean has been such a bonny header- I have always described him as the best young header in football- that it would be tragic to think of his being unable to risk a header.  Yet fractured skulls produce that natural fear.  In view of previous motor-cycle accidents it becomes a question whether football clubs should   not debar their players from using a motor-cycle.  Many clubs have a very definite view on this point and one manager said to me, “We pay them summer wages and they are not entitled to take abnormal risks in summer time, even if they are not engaged in football.  Motor-cycling these days is an abnormal risk in view of the congestion of the roads and the fact that the football man who has a motor bike is likely to be a speed merchant.  It was only a week or so ago that I saw Dean playing golf at Bidston and we fixed up games for him along with Walter Wadsworth and others.  Pity he had not been engaged in the chase of the wee ba’; then this accident could not have occurred.  It is rather remarkable that Dean should have been allowed to engage in motor-cycling, for it is but a few years since he was warned off the motor course by the Tranmere Rovers Football Club, who also debarred Ellis Rimmer having a “bike.” Dean sold his “bike” for a tenner. 

“DIXIE” DEAN
Liverpool Echo-Monday, June 21, 1926
HIS CONDITION STILL SERIOUS
MEDICAL OPINION
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY THIS SEASON
The “Echo” learns this morning that “Dixie” Dean, Everton’s popular centre forward who was injured in a motor-crash on the St. Asaph road about four miles from Holywell, is in a serious condition.  His jaw is fractured in several places, and he has suffered a serious eye injury, in addition to concussion.  It is doubtful if he will be able to play football during the coming season. 
Dean and Miss Jones, of Birkenhead, who was riding pillion on his motor cycle, came into collision with a motor-cycle combination driven by Mr. Armitage, of Liverpool, and containing Mr. Asquith, of Huddersfield.  All were so badly injured that they are detained in the infirmary at Holywell. 
From our own Correspondent-Holywell, Monday
On inquiry at Llursty Infirmary this morning, I was informed that “Dixie” Dean’s condition has slightly improved.  He is still unconscious, however, and, in addition to severe injuries to his head and an eye, his right jaw is fractured in two places.  One of his shoes was torn to shreds at the accident, and it is miraculous that his foot escaped injury.  Medical opinion has been expressed that he will not be able to play football this season.  He is due to commence training in the course of a few weeks.  The imfirmary telephone has been in constant use since late last night, there being innumerable inquiries about Dean’s condition. 
IN CRITICAL STATE
Shortly after 11 o’clock last night Mr. Cook, secretary of the Tranmere Rovers F.C., and Mr. Ellis Rimmer, a member of the Tranmere Rovers eleven, motor-cycled from Liverpool to the infirmary, to inquire about Dixie Dean’s condition.  He was then unconscious and in a somewhat critical state, so that both Mr. Cook and Mr. Rimmer spent the night at the infirmary and still remain there.  The Everton Football Club directors this morning sent their secretary, Mr. Tom McIntosh, and the club doctor, Dr. Baxter, to see the patient. 
SLIGHTLY IMPROVED
With regard to the other injured persons it is reported that the man Armitage, who received severe injuries to his head and face, is slightly improved but he is still unconscious and is considered the most seriously injured of the four.  Asquith, who had his right leg fractured, is reported to be making very satisfactory progress.  Miss Jones, the pillion passenger with “Dixie” Dean, has practically recovered from the shock and is stated to be very comfortable.  She sustained a fracture of the right leg.  Mrs. Garbutt, of 66, Lawler-street, Litherland, Liverpool, was one of the relatives to visit the injured at the infirmary this morning.  In an interview after returning from the ward she said she was an aunt of the man Armitage and a sister to Asquith.  Armitage, she told me is a widower and his two children who live with her.
OPTIMISTIC PATIENT
Asquith is a wool-packer, but has been out of employment for the last twelve months owing to knee trouble.  It is his right leg that has been fractured.  On seeing Mrs Garbutt by his beside this morning he smiled bravely, and told her that his knee was “bound” to come all right again now.” 
A HILLSIDE CRASH
The accident happened on the St. Asaph-road, about four miles from Holywell, yesterday afternoon.  Dean was riding his motor cycle, and had as a pillion rider, Miss Jones, of Park-road North, Birkenhead.  Mr. Armitage, of Litherland, Liverpool, was driving a motor-cycle combination with Mr. Aaquith of Huddersfield in the side-car.  They were travelling towards Holywell when they came into violet collision with Dean.  The four were flung into the roadway on the Llwybir Hir Hill, and passing motorists and others rushed to their aid. 
PASSING DOCTORS HELP
The three men were conveyed in a motor-lorry to Lluesty Infirmary, Holywell, Miss Jones was also conveyed there by two Holywell doctors who were called to the scene.  Two Liverpool doctors, who were motoring past at the time went to the assistance of the injured at once.  Mr. Dean and Mr. Armitage received severe head injuries and were both unconscious, Mr. Armitage had his right leg fractured, and Miss Jones received severe injuries to the legs and severe shock. 
HIS TENNIS PARTNER
Mrs. Dean, in an interview at her house in Adderley-avenue, Laird-street, Birkenhead, to-day, said her son had gone out for a drive on his motor-cycle with Miss Jones on the pillion.  Miss Jones, an employee at Messrs., Alanson’s drapes, Grange-road, has played as “Dixie’s” tennis partner this summer.  This morning Mrs. Dean received a telephone message from the hospital authorities to say that her son had regained consciousness and was comfortable. 

DIXIE’S PROGRESS
The Liverpool Echo- Tuesday, June 22, 1926
BAD NIGHT BUT SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT
CLUB DOCTORS’S VERDICT MAY PLAY AT END OF COMING SEASON
X-RAY EXAMINATION
The “Echo” is informed that “Dixie” Dean, the Everton centre-forward, who was injured in a motor smash near Holywell, on Sunday, had passed a restless night, but his condition showed some improvement this morning.  Dr. Cecil Baxter, the club’s medical officer, in an interview, to-day, told of his visit, with the secretary Mr. T. McIntosh to the infirmary. 
MAY PLAY THIS SEASON
“Dean” said the doctor,” is, fortunately, a strong, robust young man.  Youth is on his side and it will be a great help.  “Although it is two early yet to make a definite statement it is hoped he will be able to play football again.  Perhaps he will be able to play towards the end of the coming season.  “Dean knew us for a time when we visited him” added the doctor, “but he lapsed into unconsciousness at intervals. 
A VITAL TEST
“Both jaws are fractured, but the question of the skull, which is of the greatest concern, cannot be decided until an x-ray examination has been made.”  Mr. McIntosh said the first question the patient put to them when he gained consciousness was “Are my legs all right?” 
He added that the badly bruised eye is not likely to prove troublesome; in fact, everything seeded to depend upon the result of the examination of the skull. 
OTHER PATIENTS RECOVERING
The hospital authorities state that the telephone had been engaged constantly with inquiries from friends of the patients, and they had decided that on for as visitation to the hospital was concerned that they could not be liberal in future as visits from friends would be liable to disturb Dean’s chance of recovery.  Miss Jones, Dean’s passenger, who was Pillion-riding with him, has been discharged from the infirmary.  Mr. Armitage of Litherland, the driver of the motor-cycle combination and Mr. Asquith of Huddersfield, are progressing satisfactorily. 

NEIL M'BAIN FOR ST JOHNSTONE
Dundee Courier - Thursday 24 June 1926
NOTED HALF-BACK SIGNED BY PERTH CLUB
A Stylish Player Neil McBain, the Everton and Scottish international half-back, was yeserday signed by St Johnstone. The Muirton Park management 'have been " angling " after the ex-Ayr United player for some time and his inclusion in next season's team ought strengthen half-back ljne considerably. He came first into prominence with Ayr United and landed at Everton after a spell with Manchester United.  A stylish half-back, he was " capped " against England in 1922, against Ireland in 1923 and against Wales in 1924.

DIXIE DEAN’S CONDITION
Liverpool Echo-Thursday, June 24, 1926
DOCTOR REPORTS FRACTURE OF BASE OF SKULL
There is now definite news concerning the extent of Dixie Dean’s injuries.  The Everton footballer had a splendid night, and to-day seems very comfortable.  Dr. Cecil Baxter, the club’s medical man, informed an “Echo” representative that Dean, in addition to the fracture of both jaws, has fractured the base of the skull.  Dr. Baxter said that Dean was suffering deafness at the moment, but that would probably wear off in due course.  If there were no complications, Dean would be fit in six months, but he would not be fit for football next season.  He is going on very well, indeed, and his progress will be retarded if his numerous friends do not realize that he should not be disturbed.  The hospital has been besieged with friends, who all, naturally, say the same thing.  “We have come a long way.” Perhaps you will be good enough to ask the public not to make the journey.  Visitations just now are not helpful to Dean. 

NEIL McBAIN GOES TO ST. JOHNSONE’S CLUB
Liverpool Echo-Friday, June 25, 1926
Bee’s Notes
McBain the Scottish and former Everton footballer, has been signed by St. Johnstone’s club, thus returning home after much contention. 
McBAIN’S AWA’NAME
Neil McBain has been longing for the homeland and he has now got his wish.  He has left Everton after a short spell with them, in which he gave much delight to spectators by his dandy way of distributing the ball.  Everton wanted him to stay on, and offered him terms, but he got “a growing pain” against the club, and would never play for them again.  It is a pity, but there it is, and the matter had to be faced.  St. Johnstone’s have signed him.  He had a rich offer per contract from America, but would not accept it. 

DIXIE DEAN
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail - Monday 28 June 1926
Dixie Dean, the Everton footballer who was seriously injured in a motor car accident last week-end, is stated to be rapidly improving. 

EX-EVERTON FOOTBALLER’S WILL
Liverpool Echo - Wednesday 30 June 1926
Mr. William David Williams, of Blackburn, professional footballer, formerly played for Everton, prior to that Darwen, and latterly for Blackpool, left £906 (net personality £503)

MR. WILLIAM DAVID WILLIAMS
Lancashire Evening Post - Wednesday 30 June 1926
Mr. William David Williams, of 78, Queen Victoria-street, Blackburn, professional Association footballer, formerly playing for Everton, prior to that for Darwen and latterly for Blackpool, who died on June 2nd, intestate, left estate of the gross value of £906, with net personalty £503.

 

June 1926