Did he play Football for Everton?

[Richard Gillham]

March 1927

Everton have been more prominent than other clubs in the transfer market in recent months,
AN IMPOSING LIST
Here is an imposing list of players signed by the club this season, the majority of them in recently weeks; - Weldon (Airdrieonians), Cresswell (Sunderland), Forshaw (Liverpool), Taylor (Huddersfield), Kelly (Ayr United) Critchley (Stockport) Griffiths (Wrexham), White (Southport), Kendrick (Belfast), Easton (Blyth Spartans), Wilkinson (Blyth Spartans), Paterson (a young Scottish centre).

Monday 14 March 1927 Yorkshire Post
RESERVES Leeds United Reserves added to their already long list victories by defeating Everton Reserves at Rood, before 3,600 spectators. Interesting football abounded throughout match, with United the better all-round team. For long periods the home forwards, backed by efficient half back play, dominated the game. Everton's forward work consisted mainly of short stabs the home goal. Everton looked like opening the scoring when Wilkinson broke through, but Johnson took the ball from his boot. Then followed two goals for the United inside five minutes, Armand and Mears being the scorers. Wilkinson reduced the United's lead early in the second half but -soon after restored the balance, while late in the game Riley increased the United lead with great shot from the right wing. Result: Leeds United Reserves 4 goals. Everton Reserves goal.

CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
The Central League match at Anfield, yesterday, between Liverpool and Everton resulted in a draw of 2 goals each. Defences of both sides were stronger than the rival attacks, but Everton, facing the sun in the first half, were placed at a disadvantage, and it is to their credit that they only had one goal scored against them during that period. Davies owing to the sun, made a mistake and enabled Oxley to nip in and scare Liverpool's first goal. It was unfortunate for Davies, for he had done one or two good things prior to this lapse. Not only was Davies troubled by the glare, but his colleagues, too, were not always able to follow the flight of the ball. Even so, White equalised for Everton just prior to the interval. Everton enjoyed more of the game in the second half, but Shone, who was admirably placed by Oxley scored a fine goal. He trapped the ball and with a great deliberation smashed it into the net. Liverpool held on to the lead until the sixth-fifth minute when Dominy scored the equalise. Shone was prominent with some flicks and glances, which were fine to watch. The appearance of Pratt at full back for Liverpool was a feature, and it must be said that the utility man did himself justice. Done, too, also did well. On the Everton side Raitt and McDonald defended stubbornly, while Reid at centre half was good in both constructive and destructive sense, and Brown was nearly always able to master the Liverpool left wing. Teams: -Liverpool Reserves: - Riley, goal, Done and Pratt backs, Millar, Cockburn and McMullan, half-backs, Oxley, Stott, Walsh, Shone, Pither, forwards. Everton Reserves: - Davies goal, Raitt and McDonald, backs, Brown, Reid, and Rooney, half-backs, Millington, Dominy, White, Wilkinson, and Kendrick, forwards.

[Richard Gillham]

BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
April 19 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 37)
At Birmingham. Harris, Russell, and Firth scored for the home team, and Wilkinson for Everton. Birmingham opened well and scored two to Everton's one in the first half. Hardy played a fine game for the visitors and saved them from a heavier defeat. Everton did most of the attacking in the last stages, but Birmingham's defence was strong and held them in check.

DERBY COUNTY RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 0
April 25 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 38)
Everton had bad luck in the match at Derby losing the services of Reid for the greater part of the game, while injuries to Raitt and Rooney twice reduced their strength to nine. The game was poor and despite the visitors' handicap, Derby only just managed to win. Hanney scoring fifteen minutes after the interval. Kendall kept a fine goal for Everton. Everton: - Kendall, goal, Raitt and Reid, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Millington, Dominy, Wilkinson Kennedy and White forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 0
May 2nd, 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 40)
Sheffield United were unfortunate in having to oppose Everton for their last fixture for they found the local side in a most determined mood and playing football that easily surpassed for brilliancy any previous game at Goodison this season. The defeat may possibly lose the Sheffielders the championship, for West Bromwich, the runners up, have but to win their remaining game to displace them. It was a great fight, with Everton fully deserving the victory. The United's fast-moving progressive ideals were early upset by Everton's resolute middle line, in which Griffiths was outstanding, while the rear defence never fastened. Millington was prominent in the forward line but the whole side deserved compliments on a fine display. The scorers were White and Wilkinson in the first half, and the latter and Dickie in the second. Dickie played a great game, and his first Everton goal was the result of a first-time drive.

May 3rd, 1927. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON BEATEN BY TRANMERE.
FIRST-CLASS FOOTBALL ABSENT FROM PRENTON PARK.
Everton fielded a mixed side, but play was disappointing chiefly because the Blues played in leisurely fashion all though, and at no time did they display anything approaching first class football. The crowd got tired of Everton's play, and there was frequent cried of “Make them play, Tranmere” and “Rub it in.” Tranmere played keenly enough and enjoyed the bulk of the attack; Taylor being given plenty to do. He was at fault with the first goal, allowing a simple shot from Urmson to slip through his hands into the net after five minutes. The second point was scored by Flanagan after 33 minutes, and seven minutes after the resumption Flanagan ran through to put on a good third goal. Irvine reduced the arrears with a lob cross shot, which Burrows failed to catch, but before the close Urmson put Tranmere further ahead. Jones and Urmson, on the home left, were the outstanding wing on the field. Midway through the second half Brown went lame and took up the outside right position. Dominy dropping back in the middle line. The teams were: - Tranmere Rovers: - Burrows, goal, Yates, and Thirkell, backs, Evans, Matthews, and Lewis, half-backs, Charlton, Marquis, Flanagan, Jones and Urmson, forwards. Everton: - Taylor, goal, Raitt and O'Donnell, backs Brown, Hart (captain), and Virr, half-backs, Irvine, Dominy, Wilkinson, Weldon, and Troup, forwards.

BRADFORD CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 1
May 9 th 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 42)
Everton had forwards who not only showed crafty methods but made direct for goal and lost no time in aiming at their objective. With a shade of luck Everton would have won handsomely. Griffiths was a remarkably good pivot, for apart from the service he rendered his forwards his aid to the defence in times of stress was admirable. Dickie stood out most prominently as an attacking power and his efforts in the shooting line were quite commendable. Millington, Easton, White and Wilkinson were excellent. Their control of the lively ball and their quick and thoughtful moves were much appreciated. For a youngster Lewis showed promise.

[Richard Gillham]

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 1
August 29 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 1)
In Everton's Central League fixture with Sheffield Wednesday, at Hillsboro Griffiths, Everton's centre-half, was the most prominent player on the field. Splendid in defence he fed his forwards finely. The forwards were clever, but their finishing was weak, Everton, the inside right being the best. Sheffield Wednesday led at half time by two goals to one, Hooper scoring both, while White obtained Everton's point ten minutes from the end. Powell increased Wednesday's lead. It was a fast-hard game. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and Bain, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, White, Wilkinson, and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 4 BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 2
September 2nd, 1927. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 2)
Everton gave a fine display particularly in the last half-hour in a Central league match against Birmingham City Reserves at Goodison Park. There was not a great deal between the sides in the first half, when each team had a player off the field for a period. Both returned, but Bain with a torn muscle, was again compelled to retire long before the close of play. Everton found the net within ten minutes of the start. Wilkinson scoring a clever goal. Yarwood equalised and shortly after the interval gave Birmingham the lead. After Easton had levelled the scores, the Blues found their best form. Raitt did valiant work in defence along with Dickie, who fell back after the retirement. All the half backs did well, Griffiths being outstanding. Easton was a great worker easily the best forward on view, and after White had given Everton the lead he again, he again scored a capital goal. Lewis and Kendrick who came into the side in place of Critchley, were splendid raiders. Everton: - Hardy goal, Raitt and Bain, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Kendrick, Easton, White, Wilkinson, and Lewis, forwards.

POULTON ROVERS 1 EVERTON "A" 2
November 21 st 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
LIVERPOOL COUNTY COMBINATION.
AT Poulton. O. Jones opened Poulton's score Everton gradually took the game in hand, and after Smith had equalised Wilkinson gave the visitors the lead. The second half was hotly contested, without either side scoring. Westcott was very prominent on the Rovers side.

PRESCOT 4 EVERTON "A" 2
November 28 th 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
GEORGE MAHON CUP
At Prescot. Early on Wilkinson scored twice for Everton, but Houghton and Tarrett from a penalty replied for Prescot. Prescot were the better side in the second half and Rhodes and Fletcher scored.

[Richard Gillham]

EVERTON RESERVES 2 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY RESERVES 0
January 2nd, 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE
The snow and hard icy pitch made scientific football out of the question. In the adverse circumstances, however, the game was good indeed. Although Everton fully deserved the spoils, the Sheffielders' put up a fine fight and the home defence was often harassed. Hardy making several great saves, notably from Trotter and Wilkinson. The Wednesday custodian also saved well but was completely beaten when Bain drove in the ball entering off the upright. The second point was scored midway through the second half by Easton. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Davies and Curr, backs, Bain, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Kendrick, Easton, White, Dominy and Lewis, forwards.

EVERTON RESERVES 2 BLACKPOOL RESERVES 2
January 3 rd. 1928
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Although the surface was water-laden Everton and Blackpool Reserves, in the course of their drawn game at Goodison Park yesterday, served up some interesting football. Blackpool led by two goals at one period, but defensive errors led to the points being divided. Everton's display was disappointing, probably because the men played the wrong kind of game on sticky turf. The forwards were inclined to over dribble, but at times White showed good ideals. He was injured in the second half and changed places with Wilkinson. Bain worked hard at half-back and Griffiths, revelling in the mud, did useful work. Hardy was not safe, but scant opportunity to save the shots which passed him. Brooks and Sharp scored for Blackpool, and Dominy obtained two late on for Everton.

BIRMINGHAM CITY RESERVES 2 EVERTON RESERVES 0
January 7 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
Central league (Game 22)
Everton Reserves were beaten at St Andrews, where Birmingham City Reserves managed to register a goal in each half and were slightly the better side. It was a keen game, however, and there was little between the elevens. Firth scored in the opening half and Woodhouse in the second. Wilkinson aid the Everton attack in place of White, and did well, while Kendrick was good in Wilkinson position. Dominy was always a useful forward. Everton: - Hardy goal, Raitt and R. Curr backs, W. Curr, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Millington, Easton, Wilkinson, Dominy, and Kendrick, forwards.

[Richard Gillham]

CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 28)
At Valley Parade. In the course of an evenly contested first half, Houghton dribbled through and scored at short range for Everton, but soon afterwards, Scriven equalised. White the Everton centre-forward was hurt just before the interval and left the field. Wilkinson scored a fine goal for the visitors, and Scriven equalised.

BURNLEY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
March 12th, 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 30)
Freakish weather conditions were not altogether to blame for the poor game at Burnley, when Everton Reserves had to be content with a goalless draw after having much the better of the play. The visitors were more convincing in their fieldwork, but generally their finishing was deplorably weak. Wilkinson should have won the match, but he shot tamely into Dawson's hands in the second half. The defence carried off the honours.

March 15 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
BAIN NETS FOUR TIMES.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES TROUNCED AT GOODISON PARK.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 31)
Liverpool put up a poor show in the Central League game at Goodison Park and were well beaten. The blame could be divided between the Liverpool backs and forwards. Walsh and Scott on the right worked well together, and with Clarke, opened out the play, but so far as finishing power went it seemingly was not in their plan of campaign. Pither and Devlin had an off-day, the outside left, wasting many centres by wretched shooting. Clarke never had a real chance apart from that in the opening half, when triangular work by Miller, Scott and Walsh ended in Scott placing the ball between Kennedy's legs for the ex-Newcastle man to net. Everton deserved their success, they showed a better understanding, and when it came to close quarters gave Riley and his backs a warm time. The success of the forwards was Bain, who obtained four of the six goals and did the “hat-trick.”
After accomplishing this he twisted his knee and was off the field 15 minutes but returned on the changeover. Meston, the young player from Gillingham, also showed up well and with Bain, proved the most dangerous of the line. Wilkinson who has played in four different positions in as many games yesterday led the attack, and well he carried out his task. He was responsible for the fourth goal when he headed beyond Riley a ball that the goalkeeper had just previously fisted out. The sixth goal came from a penalty, Houghton netting. Liverpool who were down 3-1 at the interval, obtained their second pint from Walsh. Teams: - Everton Res: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Bain Wilkinson, Houghton and Lewis, forwards. Liverpool Res: - Riley, goal, Gray and Done, backs, McMullan, Cockburn, and Miller, half-backs, Pither, Devlin Clarke, T. Scott, and Walsh, forwards.

[Richard Gillham]

EVERTON RESERVES 0 BURY RESERVES 0
March 19 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 32)
After a grand first half the game deteriorated considerably, and the Everton forwards never looked like scoring. Bury had the more convincing attack, but they frittered away some glorious openings. Meston, the Blues' recent wing acquisition saw little of the ball, while Lewis on the opposite wing was weak. Griffiths was in great form both in attack and defence and was easily the outstanding exponent on the Everton side. Houghton and Lewis received injuries; the latter being carried off ten minutes from the end. Everton: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Bain, Wilkinson, Houghton and Lewis, forwards.
 
EVERTON RESERVES 3 NEW BRIGHTON 1
March 22nd, 1928. The Daily Courier.
LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
Everton Reserves won against Third Division opponents just as readily as the score indicates. New Brighton started well enough, and although a goal down in five minutes through French, fought back so strongly that soon Laycock levelled the matter with a header, that went to the right of Davie's outstretched hand. Having done this much, however, they seemed to think that was all that was required of them. Roberts did not accept a gilt-edged chance made possible by Dickie and with Howson lapsing momentarily, French headed past Mehaffy after the ball had come back off the bar. Wilkinson added a third point before the interval and completed the scoring. Everton as indicated, deserved their success, and now met Tranmere Rovers in the final. The winner’s strongest point was defence. Davies, Kennedy, and Common dealt ably with everything that came their way. They had, however, an excellent trio of halves in front of them, and it was mainly due to Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney that so little was seen of the New Brighton attack. Roberts especially had an off afternoon as a result of Griffiths keenness. French not only scored a couple of goals but distributed the ball with excellent judgement. He had clever inside wingers in Wilkinson and Easton and with Meston, the quartet should develop into a resolute attack. Mehaffy kept a good goal for New Brighton, despite being beaten three times, one saves from Easton being cleverly made. He was ably supported by Jock McDonald, the old Everton back, who resumed acquaintance with the scene of many triumphs. Forward the extreme wingers, Dickie and Whitter caught the eye most: - Everton Res: - Davies, goal, Common and Kennedy backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Rooney half-backs, Meston, Easton, French, Wilkinson, and Kendrick, forwards. New Brighton: - Mehaffy, goal, Howson and McDonald, backs, Beattie, Reid and Morrison, half-backs, Whitter, Sanderson, Roberts, Laycock and Dickie, forwards.

DEAN ALL RIGHT AGAIN.
Features of Everton's chosen, published in the later editions of the Daily Courier yesterday are Davies for Hardy in goal, Bain at inside right and Martin at inside-left. There was a possibility that Dean might not play owing to his leg injury, but he has improved under skilled treatment and, of course has been chosen. The Everton Reserves team to visit Sheffield United Reserves will be: - Hardy, Common, Kennedy, Brown, Griffith, Rooney; Meston, Easton, French, Wilkinson, and Kendrick.



SHEFFIELD UNITED RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 3
March 26 th 1928. The Liverpool Post and Mercury.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 33)
At Bramell-Lane. Easton at centre-forward, preformed the hat-trick. United quickly became two up through Oakton and Shantley, but Easton reduced the deficit just before the interval. Later Easton equalised, Stevenson putting United ahead for Easton to again score. Everton team: - Hardy, goal, Common, and Kennedy backs, Brown Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, French, Easton, Wilkinson, and Kendrick, forwards.

BAIN EVERTON'S CENTRE.
March 28th, 1928. The Daily Courier.
Everton make no changes in their defence for the match with Sunderland on Saturday. As Dean, however, will be playing in the International, Bain is introduced at centre-forward Weldon comes in at inside left, and Martin resumes at inside right. Teams: - Davies, Cresswell, O'Donnell, Kelly, Hart, Virr; Critchley, Martin, Bain, Weldon, Troup. The Everton Reserves tea at home to Aston Villa Reserves on Saturday, will be: Hardy, Common, Kennedy; Barker, Griffiths, Rooney; Meston, Jones French, Houghton, Wilkinson.

ASTON VILLA RESERVES 3 EVERTON RESERVES 2
April 2nd, 1928. The Daily Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 34)
Jones, the former Bournemouth inside-right, made a great impression on his debut at Goodison Park. Although on the small side he is of sturdy build and is a constructive forward with a capital shot. The remaining forwards were but mediocre, otherwise the game would have ended differently. Armfield scored for Villa in the first minute through laxity on the part of the Everton defence, Hardy making little effort to cope with the shot. Wilkinson equalised, but Tully restored the lead, which was later increased by Armfield. Everton did a good deal of pressing, but with little result until Jones scored a fine goal. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Common and Kennedy, backs, Baker, Griffiths, and Rooney, half-backs, Meston, Jones, French, Houghton and Wilkinson, forwards.

[Richard Gillham]

EVERTON 3 NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 (Game 1265)
April 16 th 1928. The Daily Courier.
EVERTON A POINT AND MANY GOALS AHEAD
LEAGUE LEAD RESTORED
DEAN AND HIS GOALS
Everton again went to the top of the First Division table by virtue of their convincing victory over Newcastle United at Goodison Park last evening. They are now a point in front of Huddersfield Town, with a much better goal average, but the Yorkshire men have two matches in hand. Dean brought his League total of goals for the season to 51 from 39 games. Camsell who holds the English goal-scoring record, netted 59 in 37 Second Division matches last season. The British record is held by James Smith, of Ayr United, who has scored 65 goals in Scottish League (Division 2) matches.
There was little good-class football at Goodison Park last evening, when 35,000 people attended a light ball in a tricky wind and a fast ground making it difficult for the players. Everton comfortably held Newcastle, who are a long way removed from the Newcastle of old. The personality seems to have gone. Davies, who gave a sound display in the Everton goal was filling in the scenery most of the first half, in which Weldon scored Everton's only goal after 14 minutes. It was from a difficult screw shot; the ball being well placed in the net. Critchley had dropped in a splendid centre, and both Maitland, United's stalwart back, who was outstanding, and Park, who was a rugged unpolished centre half, had failed to extricate the ball. Everton should have scored more than one goal in the first half, notably early on, when Troup who had the sun in his eyes, kicked over the ball when he received it from Weldon. The Everton halves largely dominated the game, and their halves were the best portion of the United side. Gallagher did some clever work on the right wing, although attempting too much and wandering across the line. Urwin was much their better winger, while Wilkinson, the recruit from Crewe, continues to develop as a centre-forward, but he and McDonald missed chances.

DEAN WELL WATCHED.
Dean was not so much in evidence for he was not too well blessed with passes and was well taken care of. Martin was working well with him, and from one of the ex-Hull City man's passes down the middle Dean brought Burns, who kept an uncertain goal for Newcastle, running out. Dean was unlucky in miskicking more than once, notably from a pass by Troup, who nearly scored later with an overhead kick. Critchley was finding Gillespie a difficult customer and would have done better with less hesitancy in finishing. Critchley scored ten minutes after the resumption in a hot moment, when it would have been asking Burns the impossible to have saved, for after Troup had tricked his way through. Dean bundled into Burns, who had the ball partially cleared, and Critchley beating Gillespie, scored with the goalkeeper on the ground. Dean's goal in the 70 th minute was a characteristic one for with a back header, after Cresswell had landed the ball in front of goal. "Dixie" beat Burns. Cresswell came back to something more approaching his true form, and Hart have another consistent display, with Virr a good second. The referee's whistle went a great deal, and Referee Jenning spoke to both Weldon and Parks. Teams: - Everton: - Davies, goal, Cresswell (captain) and O'Donnell, backs, Kelly, Hart, and Virr, half-backs, Critchley, Martin, Dean, Weldon and Troup, forwards. Newcastle United: - Burns, goal, Maitland and Gillespie, backs, Harris, Park, and Currie, half-backs, Urwin, Gallacher, Wilkinson, McDonald, and Saymour, forwards.

ANOTHER NEW PLAYER FOR NELSON.
Burnley Express-Wednesday 18 July 1928
Nelson have signed- Thomas Wilkinson, inside forward, who for the last two seasons has been with Everton. He is 24 years of age, stands 5ft. 8 ½., and scales list. 71b.

EVERTON TRIAL MATCH
August 18th, 1927. The Liverpool Post and Mercury
CLEVER YOUNG FORWARDS.
Everton held their second practice match at Goodison Park, last night when the Blues (the first team) beat the Whites 3-2. Irvine left the field at the interval and did not resume. He damaged his ankle, but the injury is not expected to keep him out of the game at all. It must be admitted that the Whites had the better of the first half, in which goals were scored by Easton and White, the only reply for the Blues coming from Dean, late on in the half. The young forward line showed some clever football, and with Easton, White, and Wilkinson all eager to show their shooting power, it was small wonder that Taylor had much more to do than Davies.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 1)
In Everton's Central League fixture with Sheffield Wednesday, at Hillsboro Griffiths, Everton's centre-half, was the most prominent player on the field. Splendid in defence he fed his forwards finely. The forwards were clever, but their finishing was weak, Everton, the inside right being the best. Sheffield Wednesday led at half time by two goals to one, Hooper scoring both, while White obtained Everton's point ten minutes from the end. Powell increased Wednesday's lead. It was a fast-hard game. Everton: - Hardy, goal, Raitt and Bain, backs, Brown, Griffiths, and Dickie, half-backs, Critchley, Easton, White, Wilkinson, and Lewis, forwards.



THIS WORK WAS ORIGINALLY BRILLIANTLY PRODUCED BY THE BLUE CORRESPONDENT AND FORMER MEMBER OF EFC HERITAGE SOCIETY BILLY SMITH

[barryd]

My footballer Wilkinson was Thomas Wilkinson. Thomas did not have such a long history in football as Jonathan. Someone in the future will be grateful for your efforts with Jonathan.

[sarah]

Hi Richard,

We have just updated your email address as per your email to us.

Regards

Sarah