July 27, 1904
Alf West, the well-known footballer, who has latterly played for Liverpool, met with a serious accident at Lytham last night. His trainer, William Norman, was preparing him for the Caledonian Handicap, firing him off with ball cartridge.
Norman slipped, and two bullets entered the chest of West, above the heart. He was conveyed to the hospital in a very serious condition.
Late last night the patient was in a state of collapse. One ball has been removed, but another remains. Besides being a first-class footballer, West is a well-known athlete, having carried off many distinctions.
(Manchester Courier: July 28, 1904)
Alf West, Liverpool F.C.
XX
"Play Up, Liverpool" 