Everton Independent Research Data
EVERTON DEBUTANTS
October 1, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton, who will have Stevenson, Farrell, and Eglington playing for Ireland against Scotland on Saturday, and have Norman Greenhalgh on the injured list, will introduce two young players to the First Division for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Goodison Park on Saturday. Gordon Dugdale will be at left back and Tommy Gardner, at outside-right. Dugdale is the former Liverpool and Lancashire schoolboy, Gardner was signed in the summer on a free transfer from Liverpool and is an all-round athletic. Fielding switches back to inside-left, and Wally Boyes the English international will be at outside-left for the first game of this season. Watson crosses to left-half, enabling Lindley to reappear at right-half.
The Everton directors at their meeting last night, reviewed the position of jack Humphreys, their Welsh international centre-half, who has been superseded by fellow Welsh international, Tommy Jones and afterwards Secretary-manager Mr. Theo Kelly said; “My directors think equally as much of Humphreys as they do of Jones, and have not the slightest intention of allowing Humphreys to leave Goodison Park.” Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Lindley, Tommy Jones, Watson; Gardner, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Boyes.
‘WOLVES’ AT GOODISON
October 3, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The opening game in the international; the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to face Everton at Goodison Park, from a Merseyside point of view the Wolves at Goodison is the “top-liner” but here the fast-moving, penetrative Midlanders will face an Everton which, on paper, has a curious look but which is a side of immense possibilities. The three Irishman, Stevenson, Farrell and Eglington will be in Belfast while skipper Greenhalgh is an injury victim. This has caused a reshuffle, bringing in debutants in Gordon Dugdale and Tommy Gardiner, the return of 1939 championship star, Wally Boyes, and the classic Maurice Lindley, who did so well at Derby recently. Whether Everton can match Wolves (who won at Goodison last season before Everton won at Molineux) for incisiveness remains to be seen, but certainly the Blues will show the Wanderers a few things, when it comes to constructive art, and with any luck, in front of goal may win. I favour Everton’s chances in a game which should draw more than 50,000 –and satisfy them. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Lindley, Tommy Jones, Watson; Gardner, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Boyes.
EVERTON DEBUTANTS
October 8, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
There are some attractive games in the First Division, and none more so than the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Goodison Park. It is unfortunate that Everton will not be at full strength owing to international calls, but very often debutants get off on the right foot with a good game. I hope this is the experience of Gardner, the former Liverpool winger, and Dugdale, who they tell me, has been playing exceptionally well in the reserve side. The return of Boyes is another interesting feature of the Everton team. Everton’s football last Saturday was brilliant until they reeled under the blow of two quick goals. The Wolves lying fourth from top are big goalscorers, for they have bagged 26 goals from nine matches, and ten of those goals have been won on opponents ground. Furthermore they have not had a goal scored against them in the last three matches, so it would appear that their defence is well up to the form of the forwards. The visit of Wolverhampton to Goodison Park have usually provided us with thrills in plenty, and tomorrow’s game is likely to live up to its predecessors. Everton’s weakness has been punch near goal. In football still there is plenty but it is goals which count. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Lindley, Tommy Jones, Watson; Gardner, Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding, Boyes.
EVERTON’S BEST GAME OF SEASON
October 4, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
No ‘Reserve’ For Wolves Stars
Lively Forwards Kept Defences Alert
Everton 1, Wolves 1
By Stork
Quite the best game seen at Goodison this season, it was cut and thrust from start to finish. Excellent football, good goalkeeping and if anything the verdict should have gone to Everton on balance of attack. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Lindley, Jones and Watson (captain), half-backs; Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Williams, goal; McLean, and Pritchard, backs; Oakley, Galley and Wright, half-backs; Hancocks, Pye, Forbes, Dunn and Mullen, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.B. Nixon (Manchester). Wolverhampton brought their usual enthusiastic band of supporters to Goodison Park, and they gave full voice when their team took the field. The Wolves team is studded with international stars, and five of them were on duty today. An interesting point about their side was the debut of J. Dunn, one of two sons of the former Everton and Scottish international. Galley, fit from injury returned to right half. The Everton side had an uncommon look about it, for there were two debutants in their side. Dugdale and Gardner, while we had not seen Boyes with the seniors for an age. The attendance at the start would be fully 45,000 people. Everton opened in a manner which greatly pleased their spectators. Dugdale almost with his first kick of the match set Everton in motion with a lovely pass to Boyes who in turn transferred the ball to Catterick who had run round Mclean, and without a moment’s hesitation hit a beautiful left foot shot which Williams turned round his post to make a really brilliant save. Everton came a second time, but on this occasion they were held at bay, for the Wolves’ defence had gathered its forces in anticipation of a Boyes centre, which was cleared without difficulty.
Masterly Passing
Galley is still a crafty and reliable tactician, and his pertinacity once got him out of dire straits against Boyes. There was a get-together look about the Everton side at this point. Yet it was the Everton goalkeeper who had to make the next save, turning aside a nice effort by Forbes. The corner which resulted saw Sagar make another save from Dunn . Some of the Everton passing was nothing short of brilliant, and the way Fielding hooked a ball to Boyes was the work of a master. The pace was a really hot one, and it was to be hoped that it would not prove too testing later in the game. Forbes was anything but orthodox, and realising that he could hope for little success down the middle, he exploited his wings and Mullen responded with a perfect cross-field pass to Hancock who crashed home an oblique shot which sped into the net at lightning speed. The Forbes –Mullen combination came into being again, and Mullen tried to repeat his cross-pass, but it did not quite come off this time. The striking power of the visitors was very real, and the Wolverhampton people appreciated the handling ability of Sagar so much that they gave him a big hand when he fingered one away from Hancocks. Wainwright made a run, and then offered a chance to either Catterick or Boyes but the Wolverhampton defence intervened successfully to stifle the movement. Gardner, who had a few opportunities, found himself at centre forward and the ball at his toe, but he only half hit his shot, and Williams had a simple task in clearing.
Everton Swing It!
For a while Everton were mainly concerned in defence, but a long last they recovered their swing, and Catterick had a shot repelled by Williams but even then the Wolves troubles were not over, for Mclean appeared to carry the ball over his goalline and there was an appeal for a corner, backed up by the linesman, but the referee either did not see it or did not agree. However, it was not long after this that Everton equalised. Boyes out on the left, and unhindered, killed the ball dead, and in one and the same movement slapped it well wide of the goalkeeper as Williams made a despairing dive to avert the disaster which befell him. Wainwright’s part in the equaliser was a big one, for he it was who piloted the ball out of a ruck of players into the open space occupied by Boyes. Mullen was again on the warpath and he put a fast centre across the Everton goalface, but there was no colleagues present to lent aid.
Curbing Hancock
The football all round had been excellent, and Dugdale, faced with a tremendous task in curbing Hancocks came through satisfactorily. Pye once beat the ex-Navy boy, and the result was a shot by the Wolves inside right, but Sagar was there to make his usual confident catch. Pye, heading a Mullen cross, and more harm than good to his side, for Hancocks had run in anticipation of Mullen’s pass and this interference of Pye put him out of position. Near the interval Everton attacked with a will and determination, and Gardner outwitted Wright and delivered a centre which was the fore-runner to a hot attack on the Wolves goal. However, the only occasion Williams had to handle was when he grabbed a shot by Gardner. Everton were attacking strongly when the interval arrived.
Half-time; Everton 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1
Everton continued to be the attacking side in the second half, and they often had the Wolves’ defence in a tangle, but the nearest approach to a goal was when Hancocks, a veritable box-of-tricks, swept through the Everton defence. A goal seemed to be in sight, but Sagar once again stepped in to save his side; stirring Hancock’s effort around the post. It is worthy of note that Pye changed places with Forbes at centre forward. Was this a tribute to Jones. There was no doubt this was one of the best games seen at Goodison Park this season, and Everton were every bit as good as the Wanderers. In traming attacks they were perhaps the better, but they could not get the shots desired for the Wanderers defence was indeed, a grim affair.
A Glorious Chance
Pritchard seemed to me to make a deliberate push on Catterick, but got away without penalty. Fielding was at his brightest best, putting the ball to all parts of the ground, and he offered Gardner a glorious chance to make a name for himself by scoring a goal in his first match, but the winger shot straight at Williams. Wolverhampton were still in the game and Dugdale received the plaudits of the crowd when he kicked away an awkward ball to prevent Hancocks having a runaway. When the Wolverhampton contingent heard that Smyth had scored 2 goals for Ireland they were delighted. No doubt they would have preferred him here along with these 2 goals. Jones was a rare stumbling block to the Wolves inside forwards, but even he could not prevent Hancocks from moving in and then shooting narrowly over the bar. Fielding seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself. He was joyous to the Everton people, for he was one of the outstanding personalities of the game. He was also responsible for a shot but hardly the kind to bring about the downfall of Williams.
Hancock’s Hits Post
Hancocks and Wright collaborated to bring about a corner and from the flag kick Hancocks hit the post, the ball flying off the edge of the woodwork to Watson who completed the clearance. Final; Everton 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers 1
• Ireland beat Scotland 2-0 at Belfast, Farrell, Stevenson and Eglington playing for Ireland.
EVERTON, WOLVES IN LIVELY DUEL
October 4, 1947. The Evening Express
Boyes Redeems Early Reverse
Hancocks A Wily Attacker For Wanderers
Radar’s Review
The Everton –Wolverhampton Wanderers’ battle at Goodison Park today provided probably the best game seen on Merseyside so far this season. The Wanderers took the lead after eleven minutes with a cleverly engineered goal scored by Hancocks, but Everton fought back determinedly and drew level in the 23rd minute. Wally Boyes celebrating his return with a grand goal. The Wolves were the faster side, but Everton played attractive football and young Gordon Dugdale showed up exceptionally well in his first match, despite the speed and cleverness of Hancocks. The Wolves were still without Dennis Westcott, who has an injured leg, and also lacked the services of Sammy Smyth, who was on international duty with Ireland at Belfast. His place was taken by Jimmy Dunn, son of the former Everton star. Tom Galley returned at right half to the exclusion of Crook. Having a busman’s holiday, was the former Everton and England half-back and captain, Joe Mercer, who has been out of the Arsenal team recently following an attack of foot-poisoning. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Lindley, Jones and Watson (captain), half-backs; Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Williams, goal; McLean, and Pritchard, backs; Oakley, Galley and Wright, half-backs; Hancocks, Pye, Forbes, Dunn and Mullen, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.B. Nixon (Manchester). The crowd could not have been far short of the 50,000 mark at the start. There was a prime thrill in the first minute, when Boyes took over and pushed the ball through along the ground for Catterick, with rare speed, to round Brice and McLean, and let go a cracking drive at which Williams hurried himself and just managed to turn around the post.
Sagar Tested
When Everton again made tracks, Fielding carved out a path for Boyes but Wright came across to intercept Boyes’ lobbed centre. The Everton attack was showing up in lively mood so far, with Catterick’s speed keeping the Wolves’ defence at full stretch. Dugdale showed up well in the early stages with cleanly taken clearances. A slip by Jones almost let the Wanderers in; but Jones recovered cleverly, and then Dunn went through to test Sagar with a grand left footer, which Sagar did well to turn round the post for a corner. From this, Sagar was again called upon, this time to deal with a neat glancing header from Dunn. These Wolves were nippy, however, and they went ahead in the eleventh minute, with a characteristic goal. Forbes sent Mullen away and Mullen split the Everton defence by flinging the ball across to the extreme right, for Hancocks to move in, leave Dugdale standing and beat Sagar with a low cross-shot, which the Everton goalkeeper touched, but was unable to prevent crossing the line. While the Wolves hardly merited their lead at this stage, they certainly deserved credit for the way in which they took chances. There was extreme danger every time the Wolves’ attack got moving. They were receiving choice services from Galley and Wright –and it was only an astute leap and catch by Sagar which prevented Mullen from making contact with Hancocks’ well placed cross. Everton went all out for the equaliser, and Gardner, who was fitting in well, on one occasion cut into the middle and shot hard and low, but Williams was perfectly placed to save without difficulty. Then it was Wolves’ turn, and Hancocks went through on his own to force Sagar to save brilliantly, at full length. Everton would not be denied, however and Williams was again brought into action to turn aside a powerful Wainwright drive. The ball ran loose for Boyes to lob goalwards, with Williams out of position.
Boyes Finds Net
Everton claimed strongly for hands against the Wolves’ defenders, but the referee would have none of it. A fleeting Wolves raid, and back came Everton, to gain their reward in the twenty-third minute, Wainwright swerving the ball invitingly for Boyes to give Williams no chance whatever with a glorious left-footer from 15 yards. There was trouble in the making for Everton when the wily Hancocks had Dugdale moving the wrong way, and tried to return the compliment by swinging the ball across to Mullen. Mullen, however, was just off the mark with his drive. A free-kick to Everton on the left produced a deflected header by Fielding, but the ball rolled harmlessly behind for a goal kick. Everton lost a great chance when Boyes took over Dugdale’s clearance, inside, and pushed the ball forward to Gardner, but the latter was out of position and Pritchard cleared without difficulty. Dugdale was being given a severe baptism by Hancock, but was standing up to the test bravely. In fact, Wolves’ wingers were their main danger men. There was a near thing for Wolves when Gardner pushed the ball up the wing for Fielding to take possession and centre accurately, and it was only clever anticipation by Williams which prevented Catterick from getting his head to it. This was certainly a game full of incident with any amount of good football, and Everton were standing up well to the fast, penetrative Wolves. In fact, at this stage the Wanderers’ defence was really up against it, and after Williams had death with a low one from Gardner, Wainwright nipped in to flink the ball a mere matter of inches the wrong side of the post.
Half-time; Everton 1, Wolves 1
After quickly executed Everton raids had been held back, Pye, who had now taken over as centre forward, whipped the ball out to Hancocks, who beat two men “on a six-pence,” and came within an inch of beating Sagar from point blank range, the ball trickling just wide of the post.
Brilliant Header
Everton were definitely having the best of matters, but found the Wolves defence steady as a rick, although Fielding almost surprised Williams when he wheeled round and put in a lobbed shot which Williams only just managed to turn over the top at the last moment. Wolves were still dangerous whenever they made headway and when Dunn forced a corner, Forbes moved with exceptional speed to force Sagar to save a brilliant header. Forbes again caused the Everton defence anxiety when he beat Jones pushed his shot straight at Sagar. Away went Everton, for Fielding to “tee” the ball for Gardner, less than ten yards from the Wanderers’ goal, but Gardner shot almost straight at Williams and a great chance went a begging. Final; Everton 1, Wolves 1.
Chesterfield Res v Everton Res
Lello reduced the arrears after 50 minutes, and Grant equalised four minutes later. Chesterfield took the lead again with a penalty goal by Swinscow.
NEW EVERTON STARTLED THEIR SUPPORTERS
October 6, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee”)
Everton 1 (Boyes), Wolverhampton W 1 (Hancocks).
The Everton Boyes fared well. True a draw is insufficient in home games, yet the zest, life, and punch of the Everton siege reawakened their supporters. There is promise of life from younger members tried out all too late in the day maybe. Here was a game which fluctuated in the nicest of patterns. People who feared Everton’s three internationals absence would cost another blow had their conge. The day produces the man. Here, then was resolute and competent attack even after Sagar’s goal had been pierced by the elusive Hancocks. Sagar fingered the ball without hope if staying its progress over the line. The new Everton set about their task with alert and combined football. All appeared to have decided that what was good enough for Jones and Fielding was good enough to copy. The ball was trundled along the ground and Watson, acting captain, who has lived by such means set a fine example. A fact which must go into the history book was the applause Tom Jones received for a pass to his extreme wing man from, say, thirty yards –straight to the toe of the forward. Everton spectators love scientific methods and I imagine this is the first time in history a pivot has been publicly applauded for precise accuracy of his long-thrust pass. Wright was another star with stately style.
England Calling
Fielding was called into England’s international service a year too soon. Had selectors seen his game on Saturday they would have voted it the essence of international need. Fielding has not played a more definite part in scheming attacks, nor shown greater grace of movement and body swerve. He appeared to sense the absence of the G.O.C (Stevenson) and do that little more to tend the home forwards. He was the diamond in a scintillating attack. Take a bow, not a curtail young Everton. Dugdale was taken a circular tour at times by Hancocks, without ever causing the Bootle A.T.C boy to relinquish his endeavour or take his eye from the ball. Beautifully built, Dugdale has a nonchalant style, is strong, not averse to go upwards and out of place for the moment a wind-up with a nicely-judged pass. Lindley has been on the brink of first team appearances some time. He too, has to height the long leg, and the natural flat for half-back duties. His second half with excellent work. Right-winger Gardner had a varied spell, but remembers the Wolverhampton backs are the best pair in years. Mclean and Pritchard are ideal co-optimistic.
On Boyes
Gardner by a back-heel touch, helped the industrious Wainwright to weave his way inward and provide the goal. Boyes rammed home with such élan. Boyes is the pimpernel who looks never suggests a footballer. He trod Sheffield, West Bromwich, and Everton grounds with jaunty step and feint, and effervescence not common in footballer. Lacking inches he gains by football brain and pace, and revivified the attack into driving force near goal. What now, then, Mr. Selector? It would have been ill had either team lost. Even so I place on record the Wolves produced in the closing moments and their continual rounds of passing which helped to make the spectators joy complete. Wolverhampton could complain they struck the upright with a corner kick and it would be more sensible if they took more heed to the inexplicable absence of a goal to Pye when a goalkeeper was marked absent and the play from four yards did not even send the ball towards the open spaces. One could add an appealing plea for a push on the lone player. Catterick who had so little chances and to much work in the penalty area –but there to each his own. Ifs and buts count as nought when the record books say “Hancock” the winger, scored and Boyes, the wingers equalised. These were beyond doubt in an alluring game. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Lindley, Jones and Watson (captain), half-backs; Wainwright, Catterick, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Wolverhampton Wanderers;- Williams, goal; McLean, and Pritchard, backs; Oakley, Galley and Wright, half-backs; Hancocks, Pye, Forbes, Dunn and Mullen, forwards. Referee; Mr. W.B. Nixon (Manchester).
• Liverpool lost 3-1 to Middlesbrough, Balmer and Fenton (2), Spuhler.
DUGDALE TRIUMP
October 6, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Gordon Dugdale Everton’s “we’ve-had-him-since-school” youngster, scored a personal triumph I am assured in the game against the Wolves when making his League debut. Here is what Radar has to say about it.
“Dugdale did not always stop Hancocks –it is doubtful whether any full-back playing could do that – but he emerged with a great deal of credit, tackling resolutely, using his clearances judiciously and showing unusual ability and speed in recovery. Dugdale may have been out of position when Hancocks gave Wolves the lead, but 48,106 spectators went away highly pleased with this nursery product. The other debutant Tommy Gardner had his best spells towards the end of the first half. This was a much-improved Everton, who with a little luck might have won. The Blues were facing one of the finest half-backs lines in the country, with Wright and Galley brilliant, and Price putting the brakes on the dashing Catterick. The main Everton advances came through Boyes – a great comeback this –and Fielding backed by Watson’s prompting, and the somewhat luckless individuals bursts by Wainwright. Boyes’s equaliser was a glorious shot and certainly Wally enlivened the attack. “Apart from occasioned hesitancy, Jones dominated the centre of the field to such an extent that Forbes and Pye changed places with no greater success. Lindley worked hard without getting 100 per cent accuracy in his distribution while Saunders stood up well to the Mullen test.
CUP PARADE OF STARS AT GOODISON
October 7, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Merseyside enters the Lancashire Senior Cup Competition tomorrow when Everton ill parade a team of First Division stars against Bolton Wanderers at Goodison Park in the first round. Secretary-Manager Mr. Theo Kelly of the Blues states that before and any team can be announced today’s doctor report has to be considered at this evening meeting of the directors. However, these who go to the Park will not be disappointed, for the Everton side will be composed entirely of players who have figured in Football league team this season. Bolton, instead placing out their best-possible team, for while the Lancashire F.A does not now insist on first teams being fielded in these games, they do ask that clubs shall place into the field sides which will do credit to the competition. Everton and Bolton are two of the clubs who enter into the spirit of that law, and so this becomes almost a First Division test. Bolton are at present in the 22nd position in the League and simply cannot strike a winning side, but individually they hold much charm and always have a liking for visits to Merseyside grounds. Only a couple of weeks ago the Wanderers went to Anfield and held Liverpool to a goalless draw. This should prove a nice offering for the mid-week fans –the game starts at 3-15 pm, and the Lancashire F.A. are making it the occasion for a “big day.” Everton are entertaining the members of the Council to luncheon and then there will be a meeting of the council at Goodison Park immediately before the game. Bolton Wanderers; Elvy; Roberts, Banks; Barton, Gillies, Aspinall; Woodward, Howe, Lofthouse, Barrass, McShane.
LOST THREE GOALS IN NINE MINDS
October 9, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
Everton 3, Bolton Wanderers 4
Rarely have Everton faded into insignificance as they did against Bolton Wanderers in the Lancashire cup-tie. At half-time they rode easily upon a two-goal lead after shaping really well. Thereafter, they came in bursts of endeavour, and finally straggled off beaten in a flurry of goals (three in nine minutes) by a team lowly placed in the table. This was the complete turn round. Until the interval, Everton played with delicious effrontery in attack. A goal to Lello, the big former Shrewsbury player was well taken, well deserved. Boyes repeating his Wolverhampton ideas, scored from a corner taken with wisdom by Gardner. Fielding, kept popping in long shots and providing measures for further attacks. Bolton Wanderers played like a dispirited, disjointed eleven, with few redeeming features. They played as if Fate was their greatest “toe. Barras had hit the upright and Sagar had taken the measure of a three-decker effort to score from a free kick. Lofthouse had always been the lone, linking centre forward during the first half. He had to work single handed most of the time, but later he took a goal to open up the game. The turn of the match from Everton’s grasp came when a most unusual incident occurred; Fielding shot a ball that was winging to the net when Lello touched the ball en route. It was then the new Bolton goalkeeper, Elvy, made the superb save of the match –with the ball flying away at pace, at an angle he could not have envisaged –he turned it from its mark.
Catterick’s Position
Thereafter Everton became the stragglers and Catterick’s position was difficult because he kept leaping to head beyond the stalwart Gillies without finding an inside forward up to accept the ball. Everton forwards then went back and the defenders began to find Bolton engrossed with their unexpected change of fortune. Lofthouse draw an abnormally long bow –a full thirty-five yards. No one expected him to shoot and Sagar realised it too late. Howe made the lead 3-2 through Barton’s brilliant half back work and Catterick taking great risk headed a Gardner centre to make the position square once more. Howe scored again (4-3) from a right wing centre. So Everton passed out. The goals tell their own tale. Indeed, it is rare to get seven goals of the quality of these. Individual criticism would be out of place just now. Bolton must have marks for the brilliance of Lofthouse and the lanky Aspinall with two rugged backs resisting sternly. Lello has weight, body strength and cam head a ball with effect. The whole line however, went out of joint and of positional sense once Bolton had broken them down. Everton; Sagar, goal; Jackson and Dugdale, backs; Bentham (captain), Jones and Farrell, half-backs; Gardner, Lello, Catterick, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Bolton Wanderers;- Elvy, goal; Roberts and Banks, backs; Barton, Gillies and Aspinall, half-backs; Woodward, Howe, Lofthouse, Barrass, and McShane, forwards. Referee; Mr. F. Thurman (Preston).
TRANSFER MARKET IS VERY ACTIVE
October 9, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
The transfer market buzzes with actively, and while certain Everton players were under review yesterday when the Blues went out of the Lancashire Cup at Goodison Park at the hands of Bolton Wanderers who grand recovery brought a 4-3 win, Everton are “warming-up” to major deals. For weeks now there has been a succession of Everton representatives watching certain players. This takes in the entire directorate, and secretary-manager Theo Kelly. Other “scouts” have been seeking and searching in the cause of Everton, and the only difficulty remaining is to induce clubs to part in these days, when playing strength matters far more than credit balance at the banks. For my own part I do, with the utmost confidence, expect Everton to figure largely in the transfer market shortly. Derby County can also be numbered among the “buyers” of football, Chairman Mr. Ben Robshaw saw Everton lose a Lello-Boyes won two goals advantage against the Wanderers and eventually go down when their first half display of the delightful creative football was quite sufficient to have won three such games but one. There were plenty of other potents “buyers” present, and they like Derby, may have been “centre-forward minded” but my interest is centred mainly on Everton activity, and generally, when Everton go into the market they do so in a big way. Walter Rowley secretary manager of Bolton was a highly delighted man after the game for the Wanderers had scored three goals in eight minutes, whereas 15 hours of football this season had produced a meagre eight goals. And Nat Lofthouse who had not scored this term netted two in six minutes and, let it be honest, due to some degree of slackness on the part of the Everton defence I will not pillory anyone, but rest content by saying that two goals should have been sufficient to win this game and definitely after Catterick’s grand headed had wiped out the leading goal by Howe, Everton should have been on the victory road. Yet it was Howe who got the winner for a fighting side who kept plugging away. And good “pluggers” for the Blues were Farrell –probably the best of the 22 –Wally Fielding –his first half display alone was the epitome of football perfection –Catterick and the youngsters who tried so hard. Not a bright Everton afternoon, but believe me this win may set Bolton alight, and take them well away from the promotion zone. All Bolton needed was goals and they got them. Jack Atkinson famous Bolton centre-half has an injury to an Achilles tendon and although he will be playing again soon has a leaning for the managerial side. Watch developments.
LOST IN NINE MINUTES
October 9, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Languishing Bolton’s Goal-scoring Spell
Stork’s Notes
With Everton playing with extreme confidence and Bolton operating as if they had no heart for their task, owing to the non-success of their side in the League, one naturally expected Everton to run out easy winners of their Lancashire Cup-tie at Goodison Park, yesterday. The Wanderers had lost all faith in themselves –and is that surprising in view of the fact that they had played 15 hour’s for a reward of four goals. How could there be any zip in the side? It was just a case of turning the fixture with their hope that the tide would turn, but it never looked as if it would when their smash hit and miss by Barrass which failed in the first minute. Surely there could be nothing to fear from a side which had been shot shy for hours, a side which played as though they just could not win any game, for they were without spirit or seal. It is a testing position in being to be sure but it need not have been extended to a Lancashire Cup-tie. Here was the chance to give vent to themselves, provide an opportunity to easy away the feeling that everything was against them, but it was not until near the hour that they ever threatened any danger to Everton. Riding with a two goal lead at the interval, one never for one moment thought Everton would lose their grip on the game, for they played well enough to have built up a secure foundation. Could it have been that Everton fancied they had nothing to fear from the Wanderers. I never had yet how wrong we were proved. What brought it about? Three goals in nine minutes from a side which previously could not master a goal a game never mind three in nine minutes. It only goes to prove that football is a most attractive and annoying game. I remember Lofthouse scoring with a regularity that promised to bring him into international discussions but he seems to have lost his form completely. Yet all in a flash he scored two goals and the Wanderers became a fine side. Lofthouse’s opening goal was his first in any sort of football this season. Seven minutes later he had hit the bull again to equalise and then for the first time we saw a lightning Bolton. Some of their confidence had returned and while then had been lethargic they become a fine team and a definite danger to an Everton which had been masterful. Everton’s first half play was delightful, especially the way Fielding played and shot, and Lello fine opening. Strongly built this Shrewsbury boy did some clever things, his goal apart. For the manner in which he made one header from a return was the action of a quick player. Then came Boy’s goal and the game appeared to be won there and then.
EXCEPTIONAL BUT –
October 10, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Stork’s Notes
Can Everton succeed where Liverpool failed? They make the long journey to Ayresome Park to try conclusions with Middlesbrough. Everton’s display against Wolverhampton was high-class and must cause the directors some worry. They had three internationals away last Saturday, yet their deputies did extraordinarily well against a top rank team. Some of Everton’s football in their recent games has been exceptional but they seem to fade out towards the end of the game. This was especially noticeable against Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool and I have seen it on other occasions. They must be on top for the full “90” against Middlesbrough, a very fast team with an electrical centre forward, who darts hither and with great effect. Middlesbrough will have no duty the same team as defeated Liverpool last week. George Hardwick international left-back, who pulled a muscle in the international match against Belgium, at Brussels, at a trial this morning was again declared unfit. Team is;- Goodfellow; Stuart, Robinson (R); Bell, Whittaker, Gordon; Spuhler, McCormick, Fenton, Mannion, Walker (G.).
SURPISE LATE EVERTON CHANGES
October 11, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
Jones Out
By Leslie Edwards
Everton’s surprise changes for the match at Middlesbrough today include Humphreys for Jones. Farrell at right-half back which allows Watson to take over his normal place at left-half, and Mcllhatton at outside right, with Wainwright leader of the forwards instead of Catterick. Stevenson who is suffering from a chill expects to be fit. The team reads;- Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding and Boyes.
BLUES ‘NO’ TO JONES
October 11, 1947. The Evening Express
Mr. Kelly Says That’s Final
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Tommy Jones, Everton’s Welsh international centre-half, who has again asked to be put on the transfer list, will not be allowed to leave the Goodison Park club. Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly said to me today at Salburn; “Everton cannot afford to allow Jones to depart, and will not allow him to depart. Jones spoke to me after the team had been issued to the players.” Jones, who is selected to play for Wales next Saturday, is not in the Everton side at Middlesbrough this afternoon, but is at centre half in the reserves side against Bolton Reserves at Goodison Park. This is the fifth time Jones has asked for a transfer and the fifth time he has been refused; One can fully understand the position of the Everton club, whose officials, while appreciating that it is hard luck on either Jones or Humphreys having to take a back seat, feel they must have every position, not only that of centre half, duplicated if not triplicated with stars. The question of Jones will be discussed by the Everton directors at their meeting on Tuesday, and the view expressed by Mr. Kelly, was endorsed today by Mr. W. R (Dickie) Williams, who is the only director with the party in the North East. Mr. Ernest Green, who travel to every away match, is indisposed, and the majority of the rest of the board are out on important talent-seeking missions.
TOMMY JONES TRANSFER
October 11, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
“Final” Request To Everton
By Everton
Still another chapter has been opened in the Tommy Jones “I –want-to-leave” serials for the Welsh International centre half has again notified Everton that he wishes to go on the transfer list. This time Jones hopes that it will be the final chapter and that the club will agree to his request. It is the fifth time he has asked to be released. Hitherto, while by no means content with the Everton board’s reply, he has patiently bided his time, in the hope that once back in the first team he would be able to make his place there secure. It was only a fortnight today that he played in the senior side for the first time this season, and not only delighted Everton followers with his showing, but proved that his sojourn in the Central League side had not set him back in skill. Now, after two further appearances, he is dropped again. Jones has no desire at the moment to go into all the pros and cons which have led to his feeling unsettled at Goodison for the past two years or more. “It is a long and bitter story,” he said.” While I would rather play for Everton than anybody, and in spite of all that has happened I still recon them the best club in the world, the fact remains that latterly the position has become intolerable. Of the board’s decision to drop him for today’s game at Middlesbrough Jones says; It is a cruel blow, and the public can judge for themselves whether I have been unworthy of my place in the first team. I think it most Unsporting, even in face of the Bolton defeat, to omit me the day after, I had been chosen to represent Wales v. England. It is equivalent to saying to the Welsh F.A. “This man is a centre League player, and does not find favour with his club, which prefers his compatriot, Humphreys.
Mr. Kelly Says “No”
Mr. Theo Kelly Everton’s secretary manager, stated today –“Jones came to me after the team to meet Middlesbrough had been issued and for the fifth time asked to be placed on the transfer list. I refused the request; Everton cannot afford to allow Jones to go.”
EVERTON BEAT THE ‘BOROUGH
October 11, 1947. The Evening Express
Defence was Great
Sagar was Hero
Ted Sagar, Everton’s evergreen goalkeeper, was the hero of Ayresome Park today where the Blues won 1-0. Sagar defied the might of the Middlesbrough forwards with some wonder saves and one off Fenton at a vital stage was one of the best I have seen in years. Middlesbrough had chances enough to have well win a game, which, however, Everton deserved to take if only for the galliantry of their defence, which revolved so magnificently around the brilliant Humphreys. A Wainwright goal at the 77th minute was finely taken and brought Everton’s third away win of the season and their first since early September. Everton were forced to make a last minute change. Wally Fielding, who received a slight knock, against the Bolton found that the muscle had stiffened and therefore Stevenson went to inside left with Wainwright at inside right and Catterick at centre forward. The joining of Boyes and Stevenson on the left wing brought back memories of the 1939 championship season. Gordon Watson, whose many friends from Blyth cane to see him again captained Everton so that the two left half-backs were the skippers. Middlesbrough; Goodfellow, goal; Stuart and Robinson, backs; bell, Whittaker, and Gordon (captain), half-backs; Spuhler, McCormick, Fenton, Mannion, and Walker, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell, Humphreys and Watson (captain), half-backs; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.J. Russell. Everton had the sun behind them at the start and Mannion got Walker away on good ground. The ex-Bradford boy, who has not been having too happy a season, got across a good ball which Fenton was a little slow in meeting and Sagar ran out to kick away. Sagar again defied Middlesbrough when he ran out to kick away, and then Everton seemed to take command with the precision of their football which delighted the eye, and seriously troubled a none-too-steady Middlesbrough defence. Goodfellow saved from Catterick and then Boyes three times in succession raced past Stuart as if the Middlesbrough back was standing still, and from one short shot Goodfellow held on to the ball well. Everton should have had a penalty when Whittaker knocked down a Boyes’ centre with his arm. With Farrell and Watson using the ball brilliantly Everton maintained the attack, and Mcllhatton beat Robinson and Gordon in the space of five yards to flash, across a centre which struck the bat and went over. Stuart when harassed by Boyes passed back to Goodfellow who had to dive to save and then Farrell, quickly following up an attack, let go a splendid right-foot shot which Goodfellow took chest high.
Passes Go Astray
Having survived Everton’s strong opening the Boro’ came more into their game but the final passes kept going astray. Sagar twice ran out to dispose of centres from Walker, and then Spuhler slipped away past Dugdale but Dugdale recovered magnificently and at the last split second managed to get the ball away for a corner. Catterick was moving the ball quickly –the ideal way to outwit Whittaker –and after drawing the defence he was disappointed to find an offside decision going against Everton –a decision I did not consider right. Humphreys prevented a certainty when he “nailed” Fenton a few yards from goal, and then McCormick slewed the ball across goal with only Sagar to beta. Sagar saved at full length from Fenton, and then grabbed a shot from Spuhler only to see Mannion turn the ball through for Fenton, but again Humphreys was there to say “nays.”
Half-time; Middlesbrough 0, Everton 0
Great Resumption
There were sensational in plenty at the start of the second half, for McCormick got through and wheeled to his right for what would have been a certain goal. But Sagar had come out. He anticipated exactly what McCormick was doing and flung his body into the path of the shot. Everton then came into the game magnificently. Wainwright going through with a flash shot which rebounded off Goodfellow’s chest. Wainwright collided with Goodfellow and was carried off, but after three minutes he was able to resume holding a handkerchief to his nose and mouth which were bleeding. Humphreys, who had been keeping Fenton in check, handled outside the penalty area, but Fenton’s free kick passed outside. Then Catterick headed outside form good position after fine work by Mcllhatton. Mannion crossed a dangerous centre which McCormick headed in well but Sagar was there to make a safe catch. Came Sagar’s golden moment. Everton had kept on top of the Boro by some perfect approach, football during which Boyes had one winger deflected by Whittaker and Wainwright were twice bowled over when he was making his shot. Middlesbrough came back strongly and Fenton, from an almost impossible position, let go a clever right foot shot as Sagar was moving to his left. With one hand Sagar just managed to turn the ball around the post for one of the greatest saves I have ever seen in years. This was terrific football with the Boro, always looking the more dangerous but with Everton’s defence magnificent. As so often happens after a side has done so much pressing without getting the ball, they paid the penalty; for in the 77th minute Everton took the lead through Wainwright. It was a goal nice to see and perfectly taken. Mcllhatton made the vital pass when he pushed the ball inside along the floor and Wainwright ended his way past Whittaker and drove low into the net with his right foot. Catterick should have made it two when he ran across goal on his own, but he shot high and wide. In the last seconds Sagar made a wonderful save off a surprise shot by Mannion as the crowning glory of his great afternoon. Final; Middlesbrough 0, Everton 1.
EVERTON RES V BOLTON RES
October 11, 1947. The Evening Express
Immediately after the resumption Bolton took up the attack, Burnett the Everton goalkeeper charging down excellent shots by Aspinall and Barrass. Bolton missed a glorious opportunity of equalising when Middlesbrough missed an open goal. In the 58th minute Middlesbrough made amends by equalising with a fast drive.
SAGAR THE SAVIOUR OF EVERTON
October 11, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
Saves At Middlesbro’ Amazed Crowd
Middlesbrough 0, Everton 1
By Stork
A surprise result, to say the least, for Middlesbrough had enough chances to have won half a dozen games. Galliant defence was Everton’s watchword, with Sagar at the peak of his form. This was Everton’s third away victory and a crushing blow to Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough; Goodfellow, goal; Stuart and Robinson, backs; bell, Whittaker, and Gordon (captain), half-backs; Spuhler, McCormick, Fenton, Mannion, and Walker, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell, Humphreys and Watson (captain), half-backs; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.J. Russell. Everton found it necessary to make a forward switch in the team originally selected. The injury which Fielding suffered in the Lancashire Cup game last Wednesday had stiffened up, and it was considered wise not to take any risks. Thus Catterick was at centre forward, with Stevenson and Wainwright on his flanks. There was close on 40,000 people present, and they saw Middlesbrough launch an onslaught which had the Everton defence in difficulties. Twice Sagar had to rush out of goal and kick clear.
Spilt Second
Then it became Everton’s turn, and the Goodison left wing had the Middlesbrough defenders in a state of nerves when Boyes tried a semi-centre-cum-shot and the ball flashed across the Brough goalmouth. Catterick was only a split second from making contact. Had he touched it the ball would have been in the net. There was plenty of excitement for the game fluctuated to a remarkable degree. Play was transferred from end to end at lightning speed, and once again Sagar had to bring into force the kick-away to check an ominous looking Middlesbrough drive down the middle. Back came Everton and the Boyes- Stevenson combination brought trouble to Middlesbrough, but the winger’s shot was off the mark. This was a gripping sort of game in that so much happened in no short a space of time. First it was the Middlesbrough goal which was under review, and then the Everton goal, as for instance the occasion when Mcllhatton after beating two men, cleverly dropped the ball in the top of the Middlesbrough crossbar.
Brilliant Move
When Boyes worked his way through there was danger ahead for Goodfellow who had save from Farrell and then was fortunate to get away with a corner after a really brilliant move by the Everton attack. You could not get away from the fact that Middlesbrough had terrific pace, and at times cut the Everton defence to ribbons, McCormick, in a space of minutes, missed three of the most glorious chances I have seen offered to a forward. True Sagar saved the first effort, but the second was a glaring miss. McCormick was clean through with only Sagar in front of him, but he shot ridiculously wide. He operated this immediately afterwards. At the half hour the Borough put on even greater effort than ever, and the Everton goal had a charmed life. It was only desperate defensive efforts which prevented the Borough scoring. McCormick was again at fault with a brilliant opening made for him, when Humphreys made a slip, and once again he shot wide. It must have been heartbreaking for the Middlesbrough crowd. Everton just could not drive out the enemy, but the Boro’ forwards although they could attack with such venom could not fire a shot to break down Sagar. Only occasionally did Everton make a thrust at the Middlesbrough goal and it was Catterick who promised so much yet fulfilled so little because he failed to get a true crack of the ball after he had outwitted the Boro’ defence.
Sagar Saved
Back again went the Boro’ and Spuhler provided an opening the like of which any centre forward dreams about, yet Fenton even from a few yards out could not beat Sagar. Boyes had a bad offside decision given against him and as the interval approached Walker flashed the ball right across the Everton goal face to Spuhler whose hesitancy enabled Dugdale to get in his clearance. Almost on the whistle for half-time Everton hit back and from a Mcllhatton centre Catterick finding he could not do anything pulled the ball back to Stevenson who only half hit his shot which was saved with ease.
Half-time; Middlesbrough 0, Everton 0
Everton Attack
It had been Everton’s galliant defence which enabled them to resume the second half on equal terms, and almost in the first minute the visitors almost took a goal. Farrell pushed a nice ball to Wainwright who touched the ball just a shade too far forward and so lost his chance, but this was only the forerunner to a Everton attack which was unlucky not to get its reward. Wainwright went through, and from close in, shot with power, and I don’t think Goodfellow knew about the save he made, for the ball hit him on the chest and rebounded back into play.
Uncanny Sagar
Sagar’s positional play had been uncanny. Everton produced some excellent football without causing Goodchild any further trouble. The Middlesbrough forwards were not so kind to Sagar, who simply amazed the home crowd by his magnificent exhibition. Sagar made one right-handed save from Fenton which staggered everyone. He was moving out in anticipation of Walker’s centre, but the ball came behind him, yet he was able to throw himself backwards and with the right hand extended turn the ball round the post, a save that brought him an ovation. There were other saves to follow, for when Fenton was put through it looked any odds on a goal, but Sagar was in his most defiant mood. He made a save at the second attempt which caused McCormick to look at him in wonderment. Goodfellow took a left out of Sagar’s book when he dived at the feet of Wainwright to keep his goal intact. Everton defence offered such stubborn resistance that no matter what pressure was put upon it, it was able to emerge without damage. The Everton goal had a charmed life when shots by Mannion and McCormick were changed out. Then came the big surprise of the game. Everton took the lead although the balance of play had undeniably been with Middlesbrough. Mcllhatton made a delightful through pass which Wainwright collected, and then edging around Whittaker calmly slipped the ball beyond Goodfellow. To say the crowd was staggered is only to put it mildly, but it goes to prove that the team which takes its chances is most likely to win. Catterick might very easily have second a second for Everton. He had only to find a true line and it would have been all over, but he slewed the ball wide.
A Cracker-jack
Much of the fire had gone out of the Borough and Catterick although harassed by the attentions of a defender was able to get in a cracker-jack which Goodfellow saved by going on his knees. Almost on time Sagar made another wonder save and received a pat on the back from his captain Watson. Final; Middlesbrough 0, Everton 1.
EVERTON R. V. BOLTON R
October 11, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
T.G. Jones, the Welsh international was again included in the Everton side. In eight minutes, Everton went ahead through Grant. Ten minutes later Higgins increased the lead. Just on the interval Barras reduced the lead. Half-time; Everton Res 2, Bolton Wanderers Res 1. In the 58th minute Middlesbrough made amends by scoring a good goal.
THIS WAS SAGAR’S BEST GOALKEEPING
October 13, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Middlesbrough 0, Everton 1
Middlesbrough people will talk for many a long day about this match. I will admit Everton were outplayed for the major part of the game by a Borough whose approach work should have produced more than a blank but, if forwards will-cast to the wind the simplest chances they have only themselves to blame. I have never seen so many chances missed by a side this season. I know Sagar played the game of his life –he is there to do that –and that the Everton defence was often saved by desperation, but there is no gainsaying that they were good enough to stand up to the might of a Middlesbrough who failed at crucial moments.
Fast and Good
Middlesbrough without doubt are a fast good side. It seemed that goals must come from their approach work. It was an amazing game, Middlesbrough settled down instantly and with the Everton defence not quite together, I visualised a heavy goal crop. Gradually Everton gathered their forces to put up as bonny a fight as I have seen. It was their fighting equality which brought them success. Never once was there indication that they would let the lively Middlesbrough forwards have an easy passenger. McCormick should hide his head in shame. He had three open goals and could not find the target. Fenton, Mannion, and Spuhler also had golden opportunities, but they could find no way of passing Sagar who made some amazing saves. One a right-hander as he was going the other way, but dived back to edge Fenton’s shot round the post –caused the 38,000 people to gasp. Sagar stood defiant to every call. At times Everton produced football that was promising, but in the main they were on the receiver’s end. McCormick in the space of three minutes, missed three sitters, and then shots were blocked out or went wide.
Recovery
With fewer chances Everton hit the upright, through Mcllhatton, and became a worry for the first time in the game. They played with more confidence and Middlesbrough lost some of their power. Not until the seventy-eight minute, when Wainwright took up a lovely pass by Mcllhatton to smash the ball into the goal did Middlesbrough lose heart and became desperate. There were times when a cool head was all that was needed. It was then Sagar made his super-save. Catterick should have scored afterwards. Sagar naturally stood out, but even he could not have saved the day had he not had unstinted assistance. Middlesbrough; Goodfellow, goal; Stuart and Robinson, backs; bell, Whittaker, and Gordon (captain), half-backs; Spuhler, McCormick, Fenton, Mannion, and Walker, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Farrell, Humphreys and Watson (captain), half-backs; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson, and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. J.J. Russell.
• Everton “A” 4, U.G.B (St. Helen’s) 0
• Liverpool beat Chelsea 3-0, Priday, Stubbins and Liddell.
EVERTON AND TOM JONES
October 13, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
The question of Tom Jones, the Welsh international centre-half will be discussed at a meeting of the Everton directors tomorrow. On Saturday, at Midlesbrough Secretary Manager Kelly stated; “Jones come to me after the team to meet Middlesbrough had been issued and, for the fifth time asked to be placed on the transfer list. I refused the request. Everton cannot afford to allow Jones to go.
‘OUT’ NEXT WEEK
October 13, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Eddie Wainwright one of the 11 heroes who enabled Everton to defeat Middlesbrough 1-0 at Ayrsome on Saturday, will be out of the Army next Monday and have, for the first time in his young career, real, full-time training. This is the best news Everton have had for a long time, just as the Middlesbrough win was the best and most timely victory the Blues have had for seasons. Not until Friday did Ted Sagar decide he was sufficiently fit to play at Middlesbrough – he received a knock on Wednesday –and the Borough folk must be rather sorry that Ted did not stay at home, for he was the main barrier to a home win which should and could have been sealed had the forwards taken advantage of some of the easiest chances I have seen for a long time. The Borough generally were more goal-looking than the Blues, but they were the interiors of Everton in approach work; and definitely they lacked the glorious fighting spirit of Everton, whose work was as galliant as anything I have seen in years. Sagar made dozens of mighty saves, but one off Fenton stands out in my memory as the match-winner. How Sagar turned back to edge the ball away must be a mystery even to Ted himself. It is positional sense, which is making Sagar the most-talked of goalkeeper in the country today and somehow on Saturday. Ted seemed to be full of condfidence and as sure of himself as he was of the men in front of him. The whole defence co-ordinated magnificently with Humphreys blotting out Fenton. Farrell, and Watson keeping Mannion and McCormack in subjection and two brilliant back in Saunders and Dugdale making the Borough wingers look pretty innocuous. It would be unfair to single out any Everton players for special praise –Sagar apart, of course –for this was a team victory, I must pay tribute to the subtlety of Stevenson, to the quickness and liveliness of Boyes, the big heartedness of Catterick, the forceful play of Wainwright, and last, but by no means least, the grand “come-back” of Mcllhatton, whose service to individuals in his side was choice and precise. It was Mcllhatton who created the opening from which Wainwright, who had been knocked unconscious 25 minutes before –he lost quite a lot of blood –bravely went on to score the vital goal. Superiority at half-back made the Blues the better approach side.
WHY EVERTON WON
October 13, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Middlesbrough must hate the name of Sagar, who played such a great part in Everton’s victory on Saturday even though they were generous enough to admit his brilliance. Another name which will stick in the minds for a long time is McCormick, the most wasteful forward they have seen for an age. With the chances he received he could have won the game off his own bat. In years to come the old timer will be reviving that name by saying “Do you remember Everton licking us when McCormick missed a bagful of goals.” And the answer will come “Ary sir.” Everton were severely hammered but to say they were lucky is hardly fair, for Sagar’s is a part of the team, and is there to save shots. He had colleagues in front of him, who all pulled their weight and pulled it together. This was no single-handled victory but a combined effort in which all played their part (writes Stoke). If forwards will not take their chances why dub the opposition “lucky.” With the changes offered after brilliant approach work Middlesbrough should have made sure that even a Sagar was not to be allowed to stand in the way of goals. The first half was a duel between Middlesbrough forwards and Everton defence, and I began to wonder when the latter would yield as if surely must under such terrific pressure. But no, it got better and better due to the inspiration and influence of Sagar, whose positional play was uncanny. Don’t think for one moment that Everton were without a brilliant spell now and again for there were times when they took the war into the enemy quarters by neat football, but they were chiefly concerned in defence, and what a front those lads put up. Had they caved in few could have blamed them, but the harder the fight the harder they played, and one tackle by Dugdale, when Spuhler was through, was bewildering. But I must not individualise, for this was a team win, -with of course, Sagar standing out in bold relief as a goalkeeper must in a game of the character. Sagar should have been an acrobat. He had moved out of goal, anticipating a Fenton centre, but the centre forward shot behind him, and it seemed the whole world to a pinch of salt on a goal. Sagar, however, did a body twist and hurled backwards to get his hand to the ball and turn it out. Miraculous, did I hear you say –Borough thought it was. That was only one of many mighty saves. What about the winning goal? How did that come about? Here is a thumb-nail description; Mcllhatton cut in and pushed a lovely ball to Wainwright, who whipped round Whittaker and then slapped the ball into the net –a really good goal, but a lucky one. Prior to this Mcllhatton had shaken the upright with a piledriver. Catterick should have scored, and then nearly did but for a smart save by Goodfellow.
Eddie Wainwright expects to be demobbed from the Army by the week-end and will soon be in full-time training at Goodison.
TOM JONES “NOT FOR TRANSFER”
October 15, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Leslie Edwards
The Tom Jones situation remains “as before.” The player was not asked to attend the Everton board meeting last night but the matter was considered and afterwards, secretary-manager Theo Kelly said;- “We are not transferring Jones. We think as much of him as we do of jack Humphreys. We see Jones position and Jones appreciates ours. We are the best judges of what we want.” The position is thus statement. There are one or two aspects of the case, however, which help to show what may be in the club’s mind. Coulter-Stevenson and Tom Griffths all Everton internationals, were selected by their country, sometimes when they occupied places in the Central league side. None of them demanded to go, but circumstances may be different in the case of Jones.
Tangled Situation
The situation becomes grievously tangled because for the first time in history, I imagine, both Everton centre-halves are Welshman, each with the opportunity of gaining further caps. I understand it is true that when Everton played Jones in the first team against Wolverhampton, a fortnight ago, the Welsh F.A. based their selection of him for the team to meet England on Saturday, at Cardiff on the position at Everton, as it was. There is little Jones can do about his club’s latest refusal to grant transfer facilities. The position in regard to star players who want to leave their clubs seems to be hardening in favour of clubs. The old axiom that the players has the last word it deciding where he shall, be transferred does not carry the conviction if once enjoyed.
NO CHANGE EVERTON
October 15, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton make no changes in their team to oppose Charlton Athletic at Goodison Park on Saturday –the side which won at Middlesbrough will do duty –nor in their attitude to the Tommy Jones question. “My directors confirm their previous decision regarding Jones, said Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly and they think just as highly of Jones as they do of Humphreys. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson, Boyes.
CUP HOLDERS AT GOODISON
October 17, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton have a great chance of pulling off the third big “double” of the season tomorrow, when Everton receive Charlton at Goodison Park, I think it will be achieved. The first “double” was on August 23 –opening day –when the Blues won at Blackburn and Liverpool defeat Preston, the second time was last Saturday, when Everton won at Middlesbrough, and Liverpool beta Chelsea 3-0. Everton have a splendid attraction in the Cupholders, whom I saw defeat a good Liverpool at the Valley and who feature one of the best young left backs in the country –Frank Lock. Charlton take a long time to settle down, but given the inspiration of an early goal and they can the world-beaters. The solidity of Everton’s defence should, however, be able to offset the clever raiding of Duffy and Vaughan, and the cute scheming of McCrea, former Hearts and once sought by Liverpool. In attack Everton are nicely assorted, for Mcllhatton, Stevenson, and Boyes have to grand strikes in Catterick and Wainwright to exploit against rugged defence, in which Phipps plays the role of a 100 per cent stopper. A repetition of last week’s Ayresome form and Everton will be on full bonus. The versatility of Peter Farrell will take your eye, for Peter is just as good on the right as he is on the left, where deputy skipper Gordon Watson is doing so well. The game starting at 3.15 p.m. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson, Boyes.
CHARLTON AT GOODISON
October 17, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have an opportunity tomorrow, when Charlton Athletic are the visitors to Goodison Park to improve on their home record, which at the moment averages only a point a game. Charlton’s record is such that the Blues need feel no undue qualms for the Londoners have won but one away match to date, when they beat lowly and unfortunate Stoke City by the only goal. There have been several changes in the visiting side’ since Charlton beat Burnley in the Cup Final six months ago, and today only six of the man who appeared at Wembley command regular places in their side –namely Bartrams, Shreeve, Johnson, Phillips, Hurst and Duffy. Out old friend Don Welsh, so long a war time guest to Liverpool has not played since the two first games. Centre forward these days is Vaughan a former amateur who only signed as part-time professional at the start of the season, while at inside left Charlton are well satisfied with the form of McCrea their summer capture from Hearts, who is the most expensive signing they have made in their history. Charlton’s defence has been tightened up considerably since they forfeited sixteen goals un three successive earlier on and Everton’s attack will have to be in its brightest mood to get the ball past Bartram, another of our war-time Anfield guests. Everton making no change from the eleven which won at Middlesbrough last week will have no easy task, but I think they can bag both points if they will remember that good approach work means nothing if not finished off with a shot and providing Sagar is again in his usual brilliant form.
Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson, Boyes. Charlton; Bartram; Shreeve, Lock, Fenton, Phipps, Johnson; Hurst, Lancelotte, Vaughan, McCrea, Duffy.
CUP HOLDERS SHOCK EVERTON
October 18, 1947. The Evening Express
Charlton Score Late in Game
Goal was All Against The Run Of Play
Radar’s Review
Almost all the thrills in the match between Everton and Charlton Athletic, the Cupholders, at Goodison Park, were reserved for the second half. The first 45 minutes saw some clever approach work by both sides but rarely a shot of note. After an interval, Everton swarmed round the Charlton goal, inspired by the brilliant constructive work of Watson and Farrell. Try as they might, however, they could not break down a galliant defence, in which Bartram and Phipps were real giants. It was against the run of play when Vaughan netted for Athletic in 71 minutes. The game gave Goodison fans their first opportunity of seeing Irish international Peter Farrell in his new switch position at right half with Gordon Watson, the deputy captain on the other intermediate flank. This was Eddie Wainwright’s first appearance since his release from the Army. Despite threatening conditions, the crowd showed every signs of reaching the customary 40,000 mark. Teams;- Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Ferrell, Humphreys and Watson (captain), half-backs; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Charlton; Bartram, goal; Shreeve and Lock, backs; Fenton, Phipps, and Johnson (captain), half-backs; Hurst, Lancelotte, Vaughan, McCrea, and Duffy, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.A. Milner, (Wolverhampton). The first thrill came when Humphreys moved backwards preparatory to passing back to Sagar only to trip headlong with Vaughan in hot pursuit. Fortunately Sagar took possession. Away went Everton for Mcllhatton to sweep the ball through along the floor invitingly for Catterick, but Shreeve came across to concede a corner which Catterick headed weakly when well placed. Stevenson took control midway in the Charlton half, moved forward and let go a glorious rising drive from 30 yards, which brought out the best in Bartram, who appeared at first to be going the wrong way. After Dugdale had atoned by dispossessing Hurst after mis-kicking Wainwright and Stevenson collaborated cleverly for Stevenson to offer Mcllhatton a great chance. Mcllhatton hesitated, however, then decided to centre instead of shooting and Bartram was not brought into action.
Saved on line
A free kick to Everton on the left when it seemed that the award might easily have gone the other way, saw Bartram save Watson’s kick on the line as Catterick sped in to apply the finishing touch. Charlton when on the move were producing fast, purposeful football, but were finding the Everton fullbacks defending sternly, and tackling confidently. Neat dribbling by Mcllhatton culminated in Wainwright trying to burst his way through solo, without success. Another slip by Dugdale, who at this stage was not clearing with confidence, let in the speedy Hurst, who cut in to the edge of the goal area, and forced Sagar to make a miraculous one-handled save and catch when all seemed lost. Charlton kept it up and Vaughan offered Lancelotte the chance of a life-time, only to see him shoot straight at Sagar, who dropped the ball but was able to regain possession.
Just Over the Top
Everton’s best effort thus far came when Wainwright wheeled round on the instant to hook Watson’s free kick narrowly over the top. Then Bartram dropped Stevenson’s lob from a square Catterick pass, but was able to regain control without challenge. When Everton did get moving in something like their real style, through Stevenson and Boyes, Lock kicked Wainwright’s header off the goal-line with Bartram beaten. Hurst almost produced one out of the bag when he left the Everton defence standing, and flicked in a deceptive shot which was only just off the mark. It was now Charlton’s turn again and Duffy blazed wildly over the bar with a goal at his mercy.
Half-time; Everton 0, Charlton Athletic 0
Charlton made ground quickly on resuming, and Duffy beat Farrell and flashed a terrific left-footer into the side netting. Everton retaliated strongly, and the Charlton goal had a remarkable escape when Catterick and Wainwright burst through, and found themselves standing a few yards from goal with Bartram as their only barrier. Catterick shot, but Bartram saved rather luckily and Wainwright, lying on the floor, was unable to connect. The ball bobbed about the Charlton goal for several seconds, Boyes having a low drive charged down.
Goalkeepers Busy
Then Charlton moved away again and Duffy brought Sagar to his knees with a fiery drive from well out. Certainly the play had brightened considerably compared with the first half the ball flashing from end to end at terrific pace, and the next incident came when the dashing Wainwright bored through on his own and forced Bartram to save at full length. Came another Everton onslaught, Mcllhatton feeding Catterick high up on the right for Catterick to cross square to Stevenson. Stevenson, challenged tried to back heel the ball to the in-running Boyes but Shreeve was alive to the danger and prevented Stevenson’s pass finding its mark. Watson and Farrell were plying their forwards with a stream of choice passes but the Everton attack although making ground cleverly, was too impetuous in front of goal. The Everton forwards were doing a considerable amount of running about without achieving much, although Catterick was working like a demon to break down this defiant Charlton defence. It was now real action-packed football, and when Charlton did go away again three Everton defenders and Sagar to cut out the electric Duffy, notoriously a match-winner. Following a glorious piece of combined football by Dugdale, Farrell, and Wainwright, the Charlton goal underwent yet, another determined siege, with Bartram a spectacular figure flashing about the goal-mouth but still Everton could not produce a shot capable of beating the inspired Charlton goalkeeper. As so often happens all against the run of play Charlton took the lead in the 71st minute. Shreeve cleared up field with a long kick which Vaughan, who had wandered out to the right, seized upon and although challenged by Humphreys managed to flick the ball into the far corner of the net to surprise Sagar. Everton fought back willingly, and after Catterick had shot wide Wainwright took over from Mcllhatton to crack a terrific drive against the post from point-blank range. Official attendance, 40,177. Final; Everton 0, Charlton 1.
• Everton “A” 5, Haydock 0
• Liverpool drew 1-1 with Huddersfield, Balmer and Ramsden own goal
• T.G. Jones played for Wales against England at Ninian Park, England winning 3-0
FOOTBALL IS STILL SETTLING DOWN
October 18, 1947. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
Football is still struggling desperately to recapture the high standard of play that delighted the fans in 1939. Even after one transitional season and one season of real peacetime football the game is still in a state of rehabilitation. The “Come-back” campaign has been slower than even the most pessimistic anticipated, but that we shall again touch that old standard I have no doubt. Up to now I have seen a dozen of the First Division clubs in league games, including Everton and Liverpool, I have also seen a 13th –Bolton Wanderers – in a county cup-tie. The most compact team of them all was Manchester United a delightful football combination, with collective and individual brilliance, and yet not achieving the success hopeful for. Neither the Reds nor Blues are far behind the United in skill, and certainly they are more effective, even though the club followers are still clamouring for more goals. The spectators who line Goodison and Anfield are in no different position from the followers of any other club, for the lesion of the season so far –we are at the quarter post –s that defence are superior to attacks. Only one club in the whole League has topped the 30 goals mark –Queen’s Park Rangers, Wolves lead the First Division scorers with only 28, and believe it or not, two famous clubs, Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City, have each only scored nine goals –not a goal a match average. What I have admired about the Blues and Reds is their determination to play attractive football, even if it has not been so effective as we would have wished. Everton have agreeably surprised their fans by their defensive strength. George Saunders, Jack Hedley and Gordon Dugdale have come into the scheme of things magnificently to support Greenhalgh, while all the half-backs have been consistently good. Gordon Watson’s “come-back” is as sensational as that of Ted Sagar. The Blues may need a little more “bite” in attack, but what clubs are claim such masters in the creative arts as “evergreen” Alex Stevenson and the ever improving Wally Fielding? The extreme wing positions will not cause concern in the future for I am confident that the determined Johnny Mcllhatton and Tommy Eglington – both tyros in this class of football a year ago –will soon be reproducing consistently the talent which is undoubtedly there. Wally Boyes has returned to bring life to the “party” and a couple of goals as well; in fact it the accepted centre-forwards can strike their best form, Everton have no worries. Dodds is injured at the moment. Catterick tries hard –almost too hard –and is still a little luckless. Wainwright I rate as easily the best young striking force I have seen among all inside forwards this season. Eddie gets his release from the Army on Monday, and in full-time training will come on the proverbial “ton.” Keep your eyes on Wainwright, whose spirit in coming back after severe injury last week to win the game at Middlesbrough, typifies the fighting and grand club spirit with which both Liverpool and Everton are imbued. Take it from me these Reds and Blues are grand fellows, and in both clubs, from top to bottom, there is the will to sink personal glory for the benefit of the club. Such is the outlook which commands success, and while our clubs are only “middle-of-the-table,” they will be bang “on the premises” ere long.
FOOTBALL THRILLS BUT TOO MANY FRILLS
October 18, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
It Was Goalkeepers’ Day at Goodison
Everton Nil, Charlton 1
By Stork
Not a classic, some good football without the necessary finishing factor. Charlton got a goal, Everton did not and so the Londoners won two lucky points. Teams;- Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Ferrell, Humphreys and Watson (captain), half-backs; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Charlton; Bartram, goal; Shreeve and Lock, backs; Fenton, Phipps, and Johnson (captain), half-backs; Hurst, Lancelotte, Vaughan, McCrea, and Duffy, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.A. Milner, (Wolverhampton). The first five minutes produced some excellent ball play on the part of both teams, but there was no finally about the work of the Charlton forwards and the Everton defence were usually masters of the situation. The Everton left wing through the agency of Watson, Boyes, and Catterick almost bored a hole in the Charlton defence, and it was only when Catterick tried to get across his centre that the danger was cleared. A through ball found Wainwright chasing after it, and Lock, sighting the danger, made a desperate clearance which cost his side a corner. Stevenson, who had provided the spectators with some joyous football, dribbled to the penalty line, and unleashed a shot which Bartram patted away. Vaughan was no slave to the centre forward position, and he was often to be seen on the right flank. This interchanging of position caused Dugdale some anxious moments, while Lancelotte, after calling for the ball and getting it, found his way barred by Everton defenders. Watson, Stevenson, and Mcllhatton linked-up in a nice little combined move which produced a corner. The Charlton defence was quite uncertain when anything of this nature was going on, and Lock again conceded a corner.
Sagar’s Mighty Save
There was any amount of intricate footwork. The only regrettable part was that it was not rounded off with a goal or two. One nearly came to Charlton when Hurst, showing a fine turn of speed in and delivered a fierce short range shot, but Sagar made a mighty save. This is becoming common with Ted these days, but even he should have been well beaten a little later when Lancelotte broke through. He shot straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. A free kick against Everton, taken two yards outside the penalty area, was charged down, the ball going out to Duffy who only half hit his shot and Sagar was able to clear.
Strong Charlton Halves
Everton were finding the good tackling and interventions of the Charlton half backs a bar of success. Many excellent forwards movements were nipped in the bud by Johnson and Phipps. It was as well that the Charlton halves were in form, for there was an uncertain about Lock and Shreeve, who seemed to panic under stress. A free kick to Everton, taken by Watson, was finally plotted over the bar by Catterick and a minute later Wainwright found his deliberate header kept out by Lock. The chief fault seemed to be that inside forwards would not accept the chances offered them, and so we had a goalless first half.
Half-time; Everton 0, Charlton 0
Immediately on resumption Duffy got the better of Saunders and then slapped the ball up against the angle of the post. Everton’s reply to this was a great move by Wainwright and Catterick, and Bartram was a lucky man to keep Wainwright’s shot out of his net. Wainwright came a second time and although his shot did not bear the usual sting of a Wainwright effort, Bartram was not at all confident in his fielding of it. He was glad to get away with a corner. Phipps was a hard man to beat, as Catterick found, but the Everton centre forward once put the ball through to Stevenson, who, however, found his path blocked so essayed a back-heel pass to Boyes which did not reach its destination. Phipps got into a panic when Wainwright bore down upon him and slashed the ball over the dead ball line for a corner. A handy shot by Vaughan hit Humphreys on the chest, and while there had been a little more life in this half there was still the need for something more definite near goal.
Bartram’s Gymnastics
Goal incidents there were in plenty, but one never got the idea that a goal would be scored, Bartram for instance, once went hurtling over an opponent’s back when making a save and later when clearing he was alleged to have carried the ball over, his goal line, outside the post, however, fortunately for him. The corner led to a hot tussle in front of the Charlton goal and Bartram had to make a great save from Stevenson. He tipped a fast rising shot over his bar. Charlton had been penned in for ten minutes, but, all of a sudden a long kick forward by Shreeve put them on the attack, and McCrea pushed the ball over to Vaughan who took it round the back of Humphreys and shot at an acute angle past Sagar and into the net. There was no doubt that at this stage Everton were piling on pressure and many shots were aimed at the Charlton goal. Few reached it because the goal area was simply packed with players –Blues and Reds alike. This was something startle for Everton, but such things often happen. Everton made a determined effort to rub out the deficit, and Wainwright from a few yards out hit the upright. Final; Everton nil, Charlton 1.
LEEDS RES V. EVERTON RES
October 18, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
Being a goal down after five minutes when Ainsley scored a fine goal, Everton had to fight hard for the equaliser. After 30 minutes Dodds succeeded in turning a centre from Eglington into the net. Everton then had to defend stubbornly to prevent Leeds from again taking the lead, but the defence held out. Half-time; Leeds Res 1, Everton Res 1.
EVERTON’S 13 GOALS, 13 GAMES
October 20, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Ernest Edwards (“Bee)
Everton 0, Charlton Athletic 1 (Vaughan)
When is a forward line not a firing line? When it is Everton, as represented now. The club has scored thirteen goals in thirteen games – poor reward for the vast amount of personal approach work. My fear is that they will continue to leave the shooting range in charge of the little Alex Stevenson. Others must realise their responsibities in shooting a line. The Cup winners, Charlton Athletic came upon us with some beautifully-timed passing bouts. They were almost as innocuous to the easy chance as Everton but their win was founded upon three half-backs of greatness. Their power to make forwards attack was exemplified in the goal taken by Vaughan, a limping injured centre forward. Trace its origin; Johnson (captain) had headed the ball at least six yards backwards to his full back –almost unexpected retrograde step, as it appeared. The full back pushed the ball upwards slightly to the right and Vaughan floated beyond Humphreys and at a great angle, shot the ball home. For the rest in spite of two or three outstanding saves by the goalkeepers, the shooting was preposterous.
Clever Footwork
The crowd ate up the joyous moves of Everton in the opening half when Charlton too had their patterns displayed for all to see. The first half was capital but without finish. The difference between Charlton’s and Everton’s finesse was the rare benefit that arose through a player taking up the open space and not hugging the opposition ranks, as Everton players hug them. Charlton called for the ball and the man yelling his appeal for hard labour was always at a point at which the ball could be delivered and could be taken along without interference. Everton’s attack lacks that positional sense. What is one forward among so many defenders? A Charlton defender kicked off the goal line – prearranged defence plan, therefore not “lucky.” A Stevenson shot appealed to be beating Bartram who fell but was able to change his movement and grab the ball. Wainwright and Duffy hit the woodwork, where one despairs of 1947 football is seeing forwards so near to goal and unable to place the ball in the net. Until Everton have better acceptance of their chances they will not score. Records suggest some are far beyond the directed zone, others well below output.
Praise
Praise to the winners for a delightful display, Duff was below standard but Charlton showed Phipps in his best mood, crushing out Catterick. Lancelotte was clever and Hurst is a winger to note. Fenton, superb was not a whit better than the home captain, Watson, whose display of the opening half was the gem of the match. Farrell and Humphreys were consistently lurging and surging forward. Dugdale and Saunders stood attention with commendable effort and promise and Sagar came to the high estate we know him to assume all season. If there had been “finish” to the games shooting the match would have gone to the history books. As it was, it merely become a memory of a home defeat; due to the poverty of the Everton attack. Some would say Catterick was not a success – I am with them to a degree. However a genius would have been unsuccessful in that line as it played on Saturday. An attack firing on one cylinder. Stevenson’s plus a few out-of-distance figures of 13 goals in 13 games. Teams;- Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Ferrell, Humphreys and Watson (captain), half-backs; Mcllhatton, Wainwright, Catterick, Stevenson and Boyes, forwards. Charlton; Bartram, goal; Shreeve and Lock, backs; Fenton, Phipps, and Johnson (captain), half-backs; Hurst, Lancelotte, Vaughan, McCrea, and Duffy, forwards. Referee; Mr. F.A. Milner, (Wolverhampton).
‘STOLEN’ POINTS
October 20, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Charlton Athletic is summed up by Radar as follows; Charlton literally stole the points at a time when they should have been in a hopeless plight. Granted Charlton packed their goal in Arsenal-Burnley style, and that they had a brilliant if spectator goalkeeper in Sam Bartram, yet one cannot excuse the fact that on the occasions when Everton did break through the barrier they failed. Apart from Stevenson no one, seemed able to find the means of outwitting that “pack-the-goal” Charlton plan, although Wainwright, who worked himself to a standstill, had wretched luck with a high-powered drive which struck the post in the closing minutes. Most encouraging aspect of a game which did not liven up until the second half was the superb half-back display of Gordon Watson, whose impeccable along-the-ground usage of a moving ball was a sheer-delight. Farrell was almost as effective as Watson but Saunders and Dugdale did not slow up as confidently as in recent games for they seemed to find the greasy ball difficult. Sagar inspired by his calm, easy keeping, and Humphreys, strong as ever, was, at times also affected by the mis-hit clearance disease. Boyes was inclined to hang on too long, and Mcllhatton faded out after a splendid first-half display during which he always had the measure of the much-boosted Lock. Trenchant comment in the Blues, programme with regard to players was. “There is no intention on the part of the directors of this club to respond to pressure, either inside or outside, to part with men who are valuable to us. They are with us until July, 1948.”
EVERTON’S DEFEAT
October 20, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
A week ago Everton went to Middlesbrough and snapped a single goal all against the run of the play. They had to take a dose of the same medicine on Saturday last when Charlton came to Goodison Park, and after being on the collar for nearly half an hour of the second half, broke away and scored to take away the two points and bonus. The first half had been pretty football without a goal being recorded. There should have been several, for the chances were there, but the forwards would not shoot, or when they did they put the ball straight to the goalkeeper. The Londoners had two chances from which they should not have failed, and Everton left most of the shooting to Stevenson. The field play was nice as a spectacle, but the crowd would have preferred a goal and I must admit that one rarely looked like coming (writes Stork). Bartram did make one magnificent save from Stevenson and Wainwright hit the upright from close in, but in the main the defenders were in charge. For nearly half an hour Everton, strove hard to break down Charlton, but there was not enough shooting. Then all in a flash Charlton had scored. It was a brilliant movement which brought them their winner for Johnson headed a ball back to Shreeve who promptly sent it hurling into the Everton penalty area. Vaughan swifty collected the ball and although challenged by Humphreys he was able to get in his angled shot and Sagar was taken by surprise. That goal was the highlight of the game. Charlton rushed back to London well pleased with themselves. Bartram was fortunate on occasions, but the Sagar he should have been left helpless. The greasy ball caused many a slip. Until the Everton forwards realise that shooting is their chief asset they are not likely to score goals.
EVERTON THREE CHANGES
October 22, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton have made three changes, two of them positional in their side to visit Arsenal the unbeaten League leaders, on Saturday. Wainwright will lead the attack in place of Catterick. Stevenson moving to the inside right position to allow Fielding to partner Boyes on the left wing. The team will be;- Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding, Boyes
Everton Reserves (v Burnley Reserves at Goodison Park) will be; Burnett; Jackson, Greenhalgh; Grant, Jones (TG), Lindley; Gardner, Johnson, Catterick, Lello, Eglington.
STILL UNBEATEN
October 24, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton’s followers are expecting a “turn up” at Highbury, with the Blues proving the first team of the season to defeat Arsenal now captained by Merseyside’s own Joe Mercer. “Well, Everton have the necessary skill, and with any luck in finishing may bring it off. If Arsenal survives they will equal the Tottenham Hotspur record of going through their first 14 matches of a season unbeaten. From Highbury, Everton travel to the Aldershot to oppose the pick of the British Army on Monday afternoon –with Wainwright playing against them. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding, Boyes.
Burnley Reserves will be at Goodison Park opposing Everton Reserves. Farrell and Egglington retain their places in the Ireland team to oppose England at Goodison Park on November 5, but Stevenson gives way to Doherty (Huddersfield).
EVERTON AT HIGHBURY
October 24, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
On paper, Everton’s hopes of outing a stop to Arsenal’s gallop don’t look as good. But few would have given opponents for their chances of winning against Wolves at Molineux last spring, and they pulled it off. The, Wolves then were on the declines whereas so far there’s been no sign of a crack in Tom Whittaker’s side, in which skipper Joe Mercer is back in his best international form. Joe will be particularly keen on maintaining against Everton the Highbury run of home victories –they have dropped only one point in six encounters when Portsmouth draw –and to prove that he would have been worth keeping at Goodison. The Gunners have had only six goals scored against them in twelve matches, which speaks volumes for the excellence of their defence, the more so considering that three-quarters of the sides they have met are in the top-half of the table. Arsenal aren’t where they are because they’ve had easy opposition. Everton will have to work hard for all they get. Even a draw hardly seems on the cards. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding, Boyes.
EVERTON PUT UP A FINE DEFENCE
October 25, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Saves by Sagar Frustrate League Leaders
Pilot’s Points
Ted Sagar and Jack Humphreys played inspired football for Everton when Everton, inferior in the Gunners, defied the League leaders for an hour, and then treated London to some neat constructive football. Sagar was superb, while the power of Humphrey’s tackling and intervention alone deprived Lewis and Rooke a goal. Peter Farrell, Everton’s Irish International, was taken ill with influenza last night and was unable to play against Arsenal at Highbury. Stan Bentham was called on at the last minute to make his first appearance since the Blues last visit to London –to Chelsea on September 20. Everton’s popular trainer, Mr. Harry Cook, has been appointed official trainer to the England team for the international against Ireland on Wednesday week at Goodison Park. Everton stay in the South over the week-end, and play the British Army at Aldershot on Monday, when Jack Dodds will lead the attack as Wainwright, whose release from the Army is delayed until Nov 3, plays for the Army. There must have been more than 55,000 present to greet the Blues on an ideal day. Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Scott, and Barnes, backs; Macauley, Compton (L.) and Mercer (J) (captain), half-backs; Roper, Logie, Lewis, Rooke, and McPherson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Bentham (captain), Humphreys and Watson, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Salmon, Stoke-on-Trent.
It is not often I mention the toss up but this was unique for Stan Bentham, Everton’s deputy captain, spun against Joe Mercer, the man he displaced in the Everton team, and won. Almost a goal to the gunners in the first minute when Lewis hooked in a low centre by Roper, which spin only a foot beyond the far post. Some neat touches by Wainwright and Fielding failed to get Everton past the Arsenal barrier. Mercer nipped across to characteristic style to end a Wainwright thrust which looked menacing. Sagar was positioned perfectly to hold a low one from Roper, and then he leapt out to make a grand catch off Roper’s corner. No rest for Sagar who had to go down again to a swift one.
Sagar A Busy Man
Lewis looked a scorer when he slipped through to the open space but Sagar came out and flung himself on the ball. This was another of those inspired Sagar periods for now he made a truly great save one-handed off Logie. Little was seen of Everton in a attacking light, and now Bentham saved a certainty when McPherson went clean through after delicate interpassing with Lewis. At last a promising Everton movement came when Fielding took over from Boyes to middle a choice one. But Compton towered above Wainwright and it was all over. This was all one-way traffic for Arsenal defence kept the Blues’ forwards in subjection. Yet only on the odd occasions did they break down the quick recovering Everton defence. Topper smashed one against the side netting before Boyes centred on the volley, and the ball bounced high Swindin having to leap to tip the ball over the head of the in running Mcllhatton. Swindin held a clever back header from Wainwright before Fielding took over from Mcllhatton to send in an 18-yarder which Swindin pulled down confidently. Arsenal were infinitely the better side and yet were by no means convincing in front of goal. McPherson and Humphreys had a barge and the referee called them together and made them shake hands. Everton had taken a long time to settle down but now they exploited the interchange of positions more to good effect. Macauley was delightful in his creative work and he weaved a way through to give Logie a clear opening. But Sagar got to the ball in some miraculous manner to beat it away to McPherson. “Mac” shot first time and like a rocket. Again Sagar stuck up a hand to beat the ball away.
Halt-time; Arsenal 0, Everton 0
Everton reopened on a much brighter note, and penned Arsenal in with some delightful football all along the ground, but producing only one shot –a fast cross ball from Stevenson and then a quick header from Stevenson which Compton managed to deflect. Humphreys stepped into the breach again with another fine tackle off Lewis, when it appeared as if the biased Arsenal crowd was to get the fillip of a much-needed goal. Wainwright tried hard to carve out a pass down the middle, without success. When Arsenal came again at full power Humphreys again saved when all seemed over bar the shooting. Humphreys has never played more heroically, while behind him Sagar continued magnificently. No one could deny that Arsenal deserved Lewis’s leading goal in 65 minutes.
EVERTON RES V BURNLEY RES
October 25, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton had their chances in the second half, but erratic shooting when at close quarters prevented them from stepping into the lead. Catterick scored for Everton.
WAINWRIGHT IS MAKING THE GRADE
October 25, 1947. The Evening Express
By Pilot (Don Kendall)
The Charlie Buchan of 1947” was the forecast’ made by Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly, of Everton, as long ago, as 1942, regarding Eddie Wainwright, the versatile young forward, who led the Blues’ attack against Arsenal today, but who plays for the Army against Everton on Monday. The hopes of Mr. Kelly look like being fulfilled, for while Wainwright may not have yet reached peak, he has never had the benefit of full-time training and match-planning with the rest of his colleagues and now that training is available to Wainwright, he is convinced that Everton directors and Mr. Kelly, that Wainwright will become one of the greatest forwards in the game. There have been so many cases of “infant progress” fading out, that when a boy taken straight from school and groomed does hit the top rungs on football’s ladder of fame, it stands out in bold relief and certainly the career of young Wainwright reads almost like a romance. Eddie was spotted when a lad just out of school, and Mr. Kelly made up his mind there and then that here was one who would really make the grade. Wainwright went into the Blues 1939 “B” –that is the fourth team, and was there when war broke out. So that Wainwright should get plenty of experience during those early days of the war, when there were more players than matches, he was allowed to play for Fleetwood Hesketh but around 1941 Mr. Kelly called him to Goodison Park and placed him straight into the first team. It was a master move, for the experience gained by Wainwright in those regional games has stood him in good stead. Wainwright had his critics, but the Everton directors had supreme faith in him, and kept him in the top class. It has paid rich dividends. Then into the Army and while stationed in the north-east Wainwright gained more experience by playing as a “guest” with Middlesbrough. And the Middlesbrough people thought it rather ironic that it should be Wainwright of all people who scored the goal which defeated them a fortnight ago. This quiet, unassuming Southport lad is definite proof that there is as good young football material on Merseyside as anywhere and it is the fixed policy of both Everton and Liverpool to develop it 100 per cent.
Another boy who is fast making the top grade is Tommy Jones; the 17-year-old full-back, who today played for England in the Youth international against Scotland at Doncaster. What Everton did with Wainwright they will do with Jones, Tansey, Street, Wright and dozens other boys, whom I have known for a long time and whose careers I watch so interestedly?
EVERTON BID TO SPIKE ARSENAL GUNS
October 25, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
Stand Ground Against Heavy Pressure
By Stork.
Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Scott, and Barnes, backs; Macauley, Compton (L.) and Mercer (J) (captain), half-backs; Roper, Logie, Lewis, Rooke, and McPherson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Bentham (captain), Humphreys and Watson, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Salmon, Stoke-on-Trent. Everton bearded the lion in the Highbury den to attempt what no other club has accomplished this season –place the first defeat on the Arsenal score card. The Merseyside had to make a change owing to Peter Farrell’s being down with flu. Right up to the last minute it was hoped that the Irish man would be fit, but on arrival at the ground it was decided not to take any risks, so Bentham was brought back after an absence since Sept 20. Although there was a local “Derby” –Charlton v. Chelsea –not far away, there were well over 50,000 present when the game started in lovely football weather. The ground looked perfect.
Just Over the Bar
Two former colleagues, Stan Bentham and Joe Mercer, tossed for choice of ends. Everton were the first to move forward and Stevenson tried to place Wainwright, but the Arsenal defence saw through the move. Then the Arsenal struck and Lewis veered over to the right in an action which ultimately produced a corner, from which Lewis flicked a curling ball just outside the posts. Dugdale had the confidence to bring the ball right up the touchline well inside the Arsenal half and then delivered a centre which Wainwright did not trap well, and a possible chance was lost. Arsenal were smart on the move, Roper tried a left foot shot, which was fielded and Rooke smashed a scorcher about a foot over the crossbar. There was some dainty passing and the Everton goal was a shade lucky when Logie hit a pile-driver which Sagar pulled down and was able to clear because there was no Arsenal man close enough to take advantage. The first 15 minutes belonged to Arsenal, and Bentham dashed in to clear away an ominous danger. Another big Arsenal shot went whizzing outside, but so far no calls had been made on Swindin, other than back passes from his colleagues. Mercer had a tussle with Wainwright and was somewhat lucky to find the ball bouncing from the Everton man’s legs to help him in his cause. Hereabouts Everton promised to cut through the Arsenal defence, but the ball travelled too fast for Mcllhatton to collect. Logie and Roper were over-indulgent in their inter-passing at times. Lewis got his head to a cross from the right to steer it wide. Had it been on the mark Sagar had positioned himself for it. Dugdale was fouled for hands, but it did not mean a thing for the Everton defence was standing. Its ground well against some heavy pressure, Boyes made a centre which bounced in front of Swindin, who could not have seen Mcllhatton come down on him, and the goalkeeper cleared just in time.
Gathering Of Clans
Les Crompton’s height was a tremendous advantage yet, Wainwright once beat him in the air, and Swindin had to have his first actual shot from an Everton man. Immediately an attack was sighted there was a gathering of the clans and once Wainwright had three opponents to contend with –an almost impossible task. Humphreys was ever in the think of the fray, and one challenge by the Welshman undoubtedly saved the game. McPherson hit the side netting and Logie opened a way but in everything but shooting the Arsenal were good. They had a attacked almost persistency yet were without any reward. Humphreys again stopped Lewis from cutting through. Near the interval Stevenson had a shot kicked away by Compton and then Rooke was offered a glorious chance which he missed.
Brilliant Catch
McPherson was offered a similar one, but he also failed and finally Sagar made a brilliant catch to clear. An Everton raid was cut short by Compton. Wainwright found Compton far too much for him. Just on time Humphreys slipped in once more to try a shot. Mcllhatton outpaced Mercer and Barnes and centred right across the Arsenal goal, Scott headed away from a corner.
Half-time; Arsenal 0, Everton 0
Sagar was soon in action in the second half but it was a shot of little consequence and a more promising move was made by Everton, the whole of the front line taking part in the sweep which did not bring the required result. The recovering power of Dugdale got him out of a lot of diifculties. Logie made a nice run and pass to Rooke who could not get the better of Humphreys.
Everton Pressure
Everton were attacking with more success this half, and the Arsenal did not have it all their own way. Scott and Barnes, along with Compton’s head where the stumbling block’s. Humphreys was having a magnificent game and his colleagues gave him ever assistance. Sagar caught a header and a long shot by Roper.
• Liverpool drew 2-2 with Derby County, Balmer, Priday, and Steel (2) for Derby
ERRATIC SHOOTING
October 25, 1947. The Liverpool Football Echo
Spoil Everton’s Chances of Leading Burnley
Everton in the early stages, were much the better side. Catterick, Johnson, and Lello getting home capital shots. Burnley nevertheless held their own. Half-time Everton Reserves nil, Burnley Reserves nil. On the resumption, Burnley were the more vigorous side. Burnett repeatedly saving fine efforts from Knight, Harrison and Haigh. Everton had more chances but erratic shooting prevented then from stepping into the lead. Final; Everton Reserves 1, Burnley nil.
HUMPHREYS A SECOND EVERTON GOALKEEPER
October 27, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Stork
Arsenal 1, Everton 1
This was a repetition of the Middlesbrough-Everton match, except that Arsenal got a goal. The longer Arsenal go undefeated the harder their task becomes. They should have won in the first half and would have done so had their forwards been up to their job. There was no denying their superiority. Sagar, as the last line of defence, naturally stood out, but he would be the first to admit that he could not hold up the opposition single-handled. Humphreys was in his most dominating mood. He saved as many goals as Sagar stepping in on at least three occasions to prevent what looked to be certain scoring chances. Whether it was Lewis, Rooke or Logie, Humphreys was there to bar their path.
Assistance
There was fine help, too, from Watson and Bentham and, of course Saunders and Dugdale. One began to wonder just how long this Everton defence could prevail against the Arsenal forwards. Sagar made mighty saves from each of the Londoners inside men, but it did yield until the 65th minute, when Roper swept over a centre and Lewis headed the ball out of the reach of Sagar. One goal was poor recompense for so sustained an effort. Swindin had nothing more than a header by Wainwright to contend with. In the second half, Everton entered the game in an attacking sense for the first time. Arsenal lost some of their balance and ability and their forwards started to press, and become desperate for a goal. They lost many because of over-eagerness. Everton were playing better at this point, the transference of Stevenson to centre-forward bringing the desired result. Stevenson nearly a foot shorter than Compton upset the tenor of the Arsenal centre-half who became reckless and lost his cool manner. Compton eventually brought down Stevenson in the penalty area, and there could be only one award –the penalty from which Wainwright scored at 82 minutes. The Arsenal must find someone with some finish, and so must Everton, whose defence had a gruelling but stood manfully to its task. . Arsenal; Swindin, goal; Scott, and Barnes, backs; Macauley, Compton (L.) and Mercer (J) (captain), half-backs; Roper, Logie, Lewis, Rooke, and McPherson, forwards. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Bentham (captain), Humphreys and Watson, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Wainwright, Fielding and Boyes, forwards. Referee; Mr. G. Salmon, Stoke-on-Trent.
FRENCH CLUB’S TRIBUTE TO EVERTON
October 27, 1947, The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton have been paid a great compliment by the leading football club in France –the Racing Club de Paris. Representatives of the Parisian club attended Highbury on Saturday and asked Everton to allot them a fixture on a Saturday at Goodison Park this season. At the moment all Saturday’s are booked, so Secretary-Manager Theo Kelly could give no definite answer, but there may be blank days in the New year when the cup ties are on, and something may be possible then. A Racing Club representative told me that it was their ambition to play at Goodison Park which they believe to be the best club ground in this country.
Bang in line for another England “cap” – against Ireland on Wednesday week at Goodison Park –is Ted Sagar, Everton’s 19 year’s service goalkeeper, who had no peer in the land on this season’s showing. Sagar had another wonder day on Saturday when he thrilled the Highbury spectators with mighty saves, and Mr. Harry Huband, of the F.A. was there running an eye over Sagar. On that display alone, Mr. Huband must recommend Sagar, especially for a game at Goodison Park. What a grand tribute it would be for England to recall this wonderful player for this one occasion. Surely the selectors cannot fail to seize the opportunity of saying “Well done” to Ted.
Sagar and Humphreys were the main units in the defiance of Arsenal in a grand game, and while I single than out for special praise I want to emphasise that this was a brilliant 1-1 draw forced by a real team, with Saunders, Dugdale –improving with every game – Bentham and Watson equally as vital defensive cogs. It was a master second half move after Arsenal’s goal through Lewis to make Stevenson and Wainwright chance places, for it saved and almost won the game. Stevenson absolutely “kidded” the life out of Compton, who before the end hardly knew which way to turn or what to do. Eventually Compton and Scott fouled “Stevie”, and Wainwright crashed home the penalty. In the last two minutes Stevenson wriggled cleat of Compton’s restraining arms and netted, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by ...Stevenson. Everton stayed on the better against a side looking like league leaders for the first half only, and there was good service from Mcllhatton and Boyes; neat creative football by Fielding, and a galliant if somewhat luckless display by Wainwright. Yes, a magnificent performance which almost smashed Arsenal’s unbeaten record. My, the Gunners were glad when it was over for they had “bellows to mend” before the end against a stronger finishing Blues.
Although all 5s reserved stand seats for the England-Ireland match at Goodison Park on November 5 have been sold, tickets at half a guinea are still available.
COMPTON UPSET
October 27, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
For well over an hour Leslie Compton, Arsenal’s big, burly centre half back had by a calm unruffled defensive power, kept perfect control over the Everton inside forwards, so much so that the Everton attack had not delivered move than two shots at Swindin, the Londoners goalkeeper. Then came a switch in the Everton attack. Few would have given Stevenson any hope against the giant “policeman” who stood head, and shoulders over the little Irishman, but Stevenson worried and harassed so much that Compton lost his poise and became ruffled. This was the effect Stevenson wanted to create. Compton had to be knocked off his normal game, and Stevenson brought it about by his tactics (writes Stork). Arsenal had taken a goal, a goal which seemed likely to bring them yet another one goal victory but Stevenson’s probes ultimately undermined Compton’s confidence and he became unsettled, lost his grip of things and finally was involved in a penalty incident by bringing down the little Irishman rather ruthlessly –result a penalty goal by Wainwright and a division of points. Compton will not forget “Stevie” in a hurry for it was Alex who lured him away from his football skill. That switch over, and Everton’s grand defensive battle, were the two things which brought them a “half.” The Everton defence is gaining laurels for itself no matter where it goes. Sagar’s name of course, being the last line of defence, is emblazoned in big type week after week but he would tell you that there are others in the team worthy of the headlines. At Highbury Humphreys did a magnificent job of work, aided and abetted by Bentham, Watson, Saunders and Dugdale. I thought the Everton defence had reached it’s zenith at Middlesbrough but it gave a repeat order against the Arsenal. It defied the Arsenal for over an hour until Lewis got his head to a cross by Roper and while I admit that the shooting of Lewis, Rooke and Logie was not on a par with that of Mannion and Fenton, some of it was good enough for goals. Fenton and McCormick some of it was good enough for goals had not Sagar been at his peck and had not Humphreys held command down the middle. He barred the way of Lewis and others to cut out the possibility of a shot when goals looked a certainly. Everton’s forwards efforts were easy prey for the Arsenal defence, which is built up on traditions magnificent cover so much so that Swindin had an easy match. I can only recall one other shot and a header by Wainwright, apart from the penalty shot. The first half was one long successions of attack by the Londoners who I am afraid are suffering from the unbeaten complex.
Arsenal need a goals scoring leader, Everton also have a forward problem. They need a sharpshooter but this was a point well and truly won by a grand defence.
DODDS –McDONNELL DUELS IN EVERTON VICTORY
October 28, 1947. The Liverpool Daily Post
By Our own Correspondent
Army 0, Everton 2
Frequent good humoured duels between Dodds, the Everton centre-forward, and McDonnell, the Birmingham centre-half who is an old Everton player, were a feature of yesterday’s game at Aldershot, when the Army were beaten without Everton producing their best form. Usually McDonnell got the better of it and for a great part of the game Dodds was unable to get a direct shot. He managed to elude the watchful McDonnell, however, when he picked up a pass from Eglington and raced through to score a beautiful goal midway through the second half. Catterick had given Everton the lead eleven minutes earlier.
Sagar’s Resourcefulness
In the first half it had been almost all Army and the assistance they got from a strong wind may have had something to do with. Everton owed a lot to the resourcefulness of Sagar during this period and he kept out at least three shots that seemed almost certain to beat him. After the interval it was a different story and Everton often treated the 4,000 spectators to some first-class football. Merrick the Army goalkeeper, made some grand saves, two of the best from shots by Mcllhatton. Everton; Sagar, goal; Saunders and Dugdale, backs; Bentham (captain), Humphreys and Watson, half-backs; Mcllhatton, Catterick, Dodds, Fielding and Eglington, forwards. Army;- Sgt Instructor Merritt (Birmingham), goal; Let-Bdr Furness (Sheffield United), and Sgt Instructor McQue (Stoke City), backs; Lce-Bdr French (Southend), Cpl McDonnell (Birmingham), and Cpl Murphy (Bolton W), half-backs; Cpl Walters (Tottenham), sgt Wainwright (Everton), Cpl Bower (Darlington), Cpl Bates (Southampton), and Pte Ormond (Patrick Thistle), forwards .
EVERTON’S ‘ALL-AID’ TO THE ARMY F.A.
October 28, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Everton have resolved to maintain their assistance to the Army Football Association. Yesterday they renewed the association first started in 1932 by visiting Aldershot and playing the Army team-Everton won 2-0 –paying all their own expenses and refusing to take a share of the gate. Dr. Cecil S. Baxter, the Everton chairman, gave the assurances to the Army F.A. last night that his club would continue this gesture. Everton were the first club to send their full first team at their own expense to oppose the Army, whose funds give them limited resources. Just as Liverpool were the first ever club to volunteer to go to Germany to entertain the troops –that was the idle of chairman Mr. Ronnie Williams –so Everton blazed the trail for the professional clubs to lend a hand to the Army, just as throughout the war –and they are still doing it –the Army materially assisted the Football League clubs by releasing players for league games. Everton, after rather holding back in the first half, swept through comfortably in the second half yesterday to take a hooked goal through Catterick and another by Dodds, which will be talked about at Army Head-quarters for years. This goal merits description, for the left wing triangle of Farrell, Fielding and Eglington, made it possible. Away shot Eglington past French, the Southend United half-back, and Furness, to go close in and level a glorious low centre which Dodds flashed home with his right foot like lightning.
Fulfilled Promise
The match showed that Everton can put out when it is needed and that matt McDonnell their former player now doing so well with Birmingham City has fulfilled the promise he showed when Everton first signed him from Haydock C and B. The Army hospitality was excellent and the host was Major General John Marriott, vice president of the Army F.A. Maj-Gen Marriott was supported by Brigadier E.W. Horner, former amateur player and now chairman of the F.A. Executive Committee and the ex-Rugby international. Brigadier A.R. Aslett, the chairman of the Army sport Control Board, while Lieut-Col H. Prince, the former English international centre-forward, the new secretary of the Army F.A., did a fine job of organisation which was a sheer credit to the Service, the Army Football association and himself. The tanks of the Everton party are due particularly to L-Cop, Smith of the P.T school and Col Deverell, the A.C. Corps.
DODDS & EGLINGTON IN BLUES TEAM
October 30, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Jock Dodds, Scottish international centre-forward, and Tommy Eglington the Irish international outside-left, return to Everton’s team on Saturday to oppose Sheffield United at Goodison Park. After what I saw at Aldershot in the Army match on Monday these changes come as no surprise to me, for Dodds, with the softer grounds, has struck his real form again, and Eglington gave a grand display in responding to the promptings of Fielding and Farrell to make Furness look pretty innoeous against him. And Furness is the full back who will oppose Tommy on Saturday. Eglington who will be having his first game with the senior side since helping Ireland to beat Scotland, and who plays for Ireland again on Wednesday, had Furness chopped for speed all the time, and he used the ball with rare discrimination and accuracy. This time Gordon Watson will be the motive force behind the Fielding –Eglington link-up, for Farrell, now completely recovered from the cold which deprived him of his game at Highbury last week, will be at right half for Bentham. The defence is unchanged. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Dodds, Fielding, Eglington.
EVERTON’S DEFENCE WILL HOLD BLADES
October 31, 1947. The Evening Express
Pilot’s Log (Don Kendall)
Chief interest at Goodison will centre on the return of Jock Dodds, the Scottish international, to centre-forward, and the re-introduction of Irish international, Tommy Eglington, to outside left against a side developed into a speed force by Duggle Livingstone, the former Everton back, by the novel but simple expedient of making the Blades do all their training in football boots. Dodds played in the opening games of the season, but the light ball on a hard ground militated against his success, and now that the “bone” is out of the ground I am quite confident that Jock can hit the high spots and the net. Eglington will be facing Furness, the full-back he left standing time and again at Aldershot on Monday, and there is no deputising that Tommy has derived a lot of benefit from those runs in the reserve games. Everton’s attack bubbles with possibilities, and the defence gives me the utmost confidence. Having seen Humphreys, Sagar and company dely the might of Middlesbrough and Arsenal, I feel they can half the forward play of the United who will have Whitelum to solve their centre-forward problem. The Blades have gained one point more than the Blues, but the order may be changed by tomorrow evening. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Dodds, Fielding, Eglington.
ATTACK LACKS FINISH
October 31, 1947. The Liverpool Echo
Ranger’s Notes
Everton home tomorrow to Sheffield United, hope that the return of burly Jock Dodds will bring more thrust to their attack, which has averaged only a goal a game this season –and one of those was put through by an opponent. Injured after the game against Huddersfield in mid-September, Jock has had a couple of Central league games, has been rested occasionally and is now thoroughly fit again. Everton lately have been earning points chiefly through the solidity of their defence, and notably the brilliant displays of Ted Sagar; whose form has been amazing considering his length of services. The Blues midfield work was often earned praise from the critics. Unfortunately without goals, style and artistry count for nothing in the League chart. Everton followers are bursting with desire to see the ball hit into the back of the net a little oftener. Both Grimsby and Blackburn to whom the spectre of relegation is more than a distant danger, have scored more goals than Everton. Unluckily for them they defence has not the same stead-fastness. Therein is the only difference. If Everton’s defence cracks under the strain, then the outlook will not be pleasant. Happily there has been no sign of that. The rearguard seems to thrive on hard graft. Like quite a few others, Sheffield United have a centre forward problem and have tried Collindridge, Birkett, and Nightingale there without finding the complete answer. Tomorrow they will be led by Cliff Whitelum their recent capture from Sunderland, whom they hope will prove the right solution. Jimmy Hagan of course, is Sheffield’s brightest star. On his day Jimmy can spilt any defence wide open with his canny moves and telling passes. Everton will have to watch that he has few of those unhampered opportunities in the open spaces to which he delights. Everton; Sagar; Saunders, Dugdale; Farrell, Humphreys, Watson; Mcllhatton, Stevenson, Dodds, Fielding, Eglington. Sheffield United; Smith; Furness, Cox; Jackson, Latham, Forbes; Rickett, Nightingale, Whitelum, Hagan, Jones.
October 1947