History – Page 18 – Everton FC Heritage Society

01

Oct

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1878-1889, 2010-2019, Articles, History, Tony Onslow

Welcoming Old Friends…

Burnley's game at Goodison Park on 1 October 2017 was the only top-flight fixture that weekend featuring two founder members of the Football League Burnley began life playing under the rules of Rugby School but switched to the association code following an invitation from the local cricket club to join them at their established home of Turf Moor. The Burnley footballers first played there in 1883, which means only Preston North End have occupied their home ground for longer in English football. Burnley were soon given a shock introduction to the realities of the association game when, in October…

06

Sep

By Tony Onslow

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1878-1889, Articles, History, Members Work, Rest in Peace, Tony Onslow

In Search of the First Everton Stalwart

Rain was falling heavily as I left the train at New Brighton railway station in search of a former Everton captain who I had discovered was buried in Rake Lane cemetery, Wallasey. The person, whose last resting place I was searching for, was George Dobson. I knew he had died in 1941 but, as I had no grave number, I searched for over an hour without success before, wet through, I started to head for home. However, as I passed through the main gate, I noticed the resident stonemason's office and knocked at the door. My luck was in. I…

06

Sep

By Tony Onslow

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1878-1889, Articles, History, Managers, Members Work, Tony Onslow

The Man Who Coached Everton to Their First League Title

It is the summer of 1891 and the players of Everton Football Club proudly pose with Football League championship trophy which they had recently won for the first time. The club executives, who were at that time in charge of team selection, must take much of the credit for this triumph because of their clever dealings in the transfer market. The extra players they had brought in had proved to be good enough to carry off the championship after finishing second in the previous season. Their fitness and welfare, however, had been placed in the hands of a former Everton…

06

Sep

By Tony Onslow

History, Members Work, Tony Onslow

Andrew Hannah

By being the first man to captain both Everton Football Club and their local rivals Liverpool, Andrew Hannah holds a unique position in Merseyside folklore. He was born of Irish parentage on 17 September 1864, at Renton, Dunbartonshire where his father, Henry, was running a grocery shop. The premises stood at 72 Main Street where he was assisted by his wife, Margaret. The couple had one other son. Hannah started his football career playing at full back with the Renton club and was in the side that beat Vale of Leven, by 3 goals to 1, in the 1885 Scottish…

26

Aug

By Tony Onslow

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1890-1899, Articles, History, Members Work, Players, Tony Onslow

The Tale of a Former Everton Full-Back

George Molyneux was on the books of Southampton when he was selected for England against Scotland, and thus became the first Liverpool-born man to do so, having previously played football for Everton. The 1881 census revealed that George, then six years old, was living with his parents at 29 Sessions Road in the Kirkdale area of the city. The 1901 census showed that the family had moved to nearby Croyland Street and that George, now fifteen, had begun serving an apprenticeship as a plumber. It was around three years later that his name started to appear in the local sporting…

26

Aug

By Rob Sawyer

1920-1929, History, Members Work, Rob Sawyer

Ted Critchley – My Dad

Rob Sawyer in Conversation with Doris Holmes (née Critchley) Ted Critchley was the Trevor Steven, Dave Thomas or Alex Scott of his day: fast and skilful with an unerring ability to dribble and deliver crosses into the box from the right flank. Ted made his name as an outside-right with hometown club, Stockport County, whom he joined as a 17-year-old in 1922 after impressing in local football. His 188 games for The Hatters, including a few alongside Harry Catterick Senior, saw him play Second Division football and collect a Manchester Senior Cup winner's medal. Everton, on the look-out for a…

Charlie Gee: Stockport, Everton and England

21

Aug

By Rob Sawyer

1930-1939, History, Members Work, Players, Rob Sawyer

Charlie Gee: Stockport, Everton and England

Charlie Gee’s story is one of a remarkable rise from Stockport church football to Everton and England honours. In three consecutive seasons he played Third, Second and First Division football – culminating in a 1932 league championship medal. Charlie also holds the key to the Everton career of one of the most important men in the Toffees’ illustrious history – Harry Catterick. Charles William Gee was born on 6 April 1909 in the Reddish district of Stockport. He was one of eight children born to Edward and Jane Gee. Edward was a sweet shop owner who, as a side-line, also…

Jack Cock – Scorer, Singer, Soldier, Superstar

21

Aug

By Rob Sawyer

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1920-1929, History, Members Work, Rob Sawyer

Jack Cock – Scorer, Singer, Soldier, Superstar

Relatively few Cornishmen have represented Everton but several have left their mark on Merseyside. Mike Trebilcock carved his name into FA Cup folk-lore whilst Nigel Martyn established himself as the finest Goodison goal-keeper since Neville Southall. However, the most remarkable life story is that of Jack Cock: international footballer, team manager, war hero and star of stage and screen. John Gilbert “Jack” Cock, the third child of James (an iron-trimmer) and Eliza, entered the world on 15 November 1893 in the Cornish village of Phillack, close to the port town of Hayle. By the time Jack was seven James had…

21

Aug

By Rob Sawyer

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1900-1909, 1920-1929, Articles, Goodison, History, Members Work, Rob Sawyer

Archibald Leitch – The Man Who Shaped Goodison Park

At the start of the 20th Century, Goodison Park was arguably, England’s premier football stadium. Today, for better or worse, it is one of the most historic in the land. As you sit in your seat and look across the famous 'Old Lady', two of the stands you see can be credited to Archibald Leitch — stadium designer extraordinaire. Glasgow-born Leitch was an architect specialising in the design of industrial buildings when he was commissioned to design a new 80,000-capacity Ibrox Stadium for Rangers, the club he supported. The resulting stadium was spectacular but tragedy struck in 1902 when fatalities resulted…

16

Aug

By Rob Sawyer

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1930-1939, Articles, History, Members Work, Players, Rob Sawyer

Nat, King of Goals…and Bowls

As with many players at Goodison in the 1930s, Jimmy “Nat” Cunliffe’s achievements are overshadowed by the Everton giant that is W.R. Dean. Yet his life in sport was a remarkable one. Plucked from non-league football Jimmy went on to win international honours. Not content with this, he subsequently embarked on enjoy a highly successful career in another sporting arena. Born James Cunliffe on 5 July 1912 to Mary and Peter (a coal miner), Jimmy grew up in Blackrod – a small settlement close to the current location of Bolton Wanderers’ stadium. Upon leaving school he started an apprenticeship as…