The Hugh Clifford transfer collapses for Liverpool F.C.

May 19, 1892
It is reported that Mr. John Houlding had, with the permission of the Stoke executive secured for the Liverpool Football Club the services of Hugh Clifford, the well-known back of that club, and in order to “fasten” him had paid him the sum of £25. Clifford however, played for Celtic on Monday last, and this debars him from playing in England for the next twelve months, so that Mr. Houlding, in addition to parting with his £25, loses the services of one his best men. This must be a sore disappointment to the followers of the Liverpool club, especially after the many rebuffs they have recently received.
(Source: Yorkshire Evening Post: May 19, 1892)