August 20, 1900
Like their neighbours across the Park, the Anfield eleven last season suffered from a series of relapses, which at one time threatened to launch them into the Second Division. The most curious feature of these proceedings was the fact that with one exception the team was the same that had made such a bold bid for the championship only four months previously, and no wonder their supporters rubbed their eyes with astonishment when reverse followed reverse, until eight successive defeats were chalked up against them.
With the advent of Sam Raybould to the centre forward position, a change was quickly witnessed, and the last four games of the season yielded eight points, which by reason of superior goal average, actually placed them above their rivals, Everton, in the League table.
That the team is considered good enough for the season on which we shall shortly enter is shown by the fact that in all probability the earlier League games will be contested by almost the same players that did duty in the closing matches last season.
The most notable change will be at full back, where Tom J. Robertson, formerly of Stoke, will partner William Dunlop, in the place of Archie Goldie, who has gone to New Brighton, but the remaining positions in the team will be filled by the familiar figures of Bill Perkins, Billy Dunlop, Charlie Wilson, Rab Howell, Alex Raisbeck – who acts as skipper of the team – William Goldie, Tom Robertson, John Walker, Sam Raybould, Charles Satterthwaite and John Cox.
Amongst the newcomers are John Glover, late of Blackburn Rovers, and more recently of New Brompton, Andy McGuigan, who hails from Edinburgh Hibernians, William Otty, who is returning from Gravesend, and Tom Soulsby (Mickley), whilst Harry Storer, John “Sailor” Hunter, John T. Hunter, and Albert Ferrier, of Montrose, will be ready in case of emergency.
From such an array of experienced players the Liverpool committee confidently anticipate the selection of a team capable of regaining the honours of two years ago.
Owing to some delay in complying with the rules of the English Cup Competition, the Anfielders will have, in conjunction with nine other well-known teams, to tackle the winners of Divisions I. to X. before entering the competition proper – a somewhat unique experience for them.
The players have already indulged in a preliminary canter, and on Saturday last a public practice game was held, in which the majority of the afore-mentioned players participated.
Next week the Everton team will similarly disport themselves at Goodison Park. The reserve is likely to prove as efficient as last season’s eleven, and will again take part in the Lancashire Combination. The Championship of the League was won by the Anfield second string last year, after a keen struggle between them and the Everton and Preston North End reserves.
In fact, the tussles between Everton and Liverpool in this tournament produced almost as much interest as those between their seniors in the First Division of the League, and were contested in a decidedly more vigorous fashion.
The ground appears in fine condition, whilst the approached and exits have been materially improved. The season is therefore awaited with no degree of trepidation, and with two capable teams in the city it is only natural that the public should anticipate some of the honours of the season being archived by one or the other.
(Source: Athletic News: August 20, 1900)
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Harry Storer, Liverpool (Lloyd’s Weekly News: December 1, 1895):
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 