September 1, 1904
For the benefit and pleasure of readers of the programme I append the names of the Liverpool players, and a brief summary.
Alex Raisbeck. One of the few brilliant figures in the football arena. A grand centre-half who is now in his sixth year of service with Liverpool. For further particulars I refer readers to our Biographies.
Ned Doig. So long associated with Sunderland that it is difficult to realize that he has left them. Fourteen years service should have made him a fixture, but a rupture occurred and he is once again enlisted under Tom Watson. He was once tried by Blackburn Rovers, who failed to recognize that he was a genius. Not big, he is agility personified. I believe he is capable of jumping over obstacles that would daunt a Garnier – and his famous left hand has been writ in song and story. He should prove capable of holding the fort against all comers. Is a Scot International, but more than once refused honours to help his club.
Billy Dunlop. An Anfield Road stalwart. In his prime one of the most fearless back that ever “booted” a ball. Was unfortunate last season, and his absence more than once made all the difference between a victory and defeat. Should still prove more than useful.
David Murray was with Everton last season, and did well on more than one occasion when playing with the first league team. He is a left back, and should be capable of taking his part against all second leaguers.
Charlie Wilson unfortunately broke his leg against Middlesbrough in 1903. He was a fine half back, and had theories as to how the game should be played. Judging by the practice matches he may develop into a sound right full back. Is rather forceful, but uses his weight legitimately.
John McAdam is a young back who played with a local team. He is a brother of the player who has recently signed for Everton as a centre-forward.
Maurice Parry the Welsh International. He came to Liverpool from Brighton when the Southern League Club disbanded. Has unorthodox style was at first ridiculed, but his clever work soon gained him a place in the affections of the crowd. He is apt to grow over-enthusiastic – the fault of the Celtic temperament I suppose – but is often unfairly penalised.
James Hughes is another native of the principality. Tried owing to the breakdown of Herbert Craik he kept his place, although he did not improve as was anticipated. He is a worked, and scored several goals through laying well up.
George Fleming, the old Wolf. Never a star but ever a worker. Can still do good service if called upon. Never gives up.
George Latham. A promising half back, who claims Welsh Wales for his native country. Has not been tried in first class company, but is ready and waiting his opportunity.
Tom Chorlton. A right half back who was signed from Accrington Stanley last week-end. One of the best halves in the Lancashire Combination.
Arthur Goddard played with Glossop but was secured by Liverpool at the back end of the 1902-02 season. Is a most graceful player, speedy, and can both shoot and centre. As plesant off the field as on.
Robert Robinson, a fair haired youth from Wearside. He played many good games with Sunderland and I was surprised when they transferred him. His sterling work quickly made him a player of mark, and he ought to make Liverpool’s right wing to be feared. He is very like Raisbeck on the field.
Sam Raybould. His principal claims to recognition last season were getting suspended and missing penalties. We look for better things this year, and expect him to eclipse anything he has previously done in the goal scoring line. Can run, and shoot like a rocket.
Joe Hewitt is a Cestrian and like Robinson came to Liverpool from Sunderland. Did not catch the eye so much as his fellow, but he can play as all who remember him with Sunderland can testify.
John Cox. The Liverpool born if Blackpool bred youth. A brilliant but erratic genius. A most tantalizing player. He is on his day, by far the finest exponent of wing play in the country. Has been with Liverpool during the whole of his first class career. For two years played International, and in 1903 nearly succeeded in overcoming Scotland singlehanded. If he only makes up his mind he will regain his old prestige.
Richard Morris a Welsh International and one of the trickiest player who ever kicked a ball. He is too clever – too fond of arguing I believe is the expression now current. Saw some service in South Africa.
James Garside is an outside left reputed to be the best in junior football in Lancashire last season. Did not play in the practice matches.
Charles Evans is a Royal Artilleryman, and made a capital impression on all who saw him last week.
Jack Parkinson was a trier all through last season, but did not quite realize anticipations. He has more judgment this year and in the last practice match played very well.
John Carlin. Secured from Barnsley. Is so clever and has such knowledge of the game that one is forced to explain “What a pity it is that he is only a little ‘un.” He is apt to be lost in a melee in front of goal. But he can shoot and does so if he gets the chance.
Ellis Dudley is a fine sprinter but has not the command of the ball necessary to make a clever footballer. Time and practice should prove of inestimable benefit to him.
Alf West. Last but not least is Alfred West. He gave promise od developing into a back of he highest class. A well known critic described him as a “budding Howard Spencer.” This is very high praise, as the Villan when sound was in the highest flight. He came from Barnsley, where he was the idol of the crowd, and made a name for himself on his first turnout at Anfield Road. It was in keeping with Liverpool’s misfortunes that they should be deprived of his services – even for a little while – just when most required. A speedy return to perfect health and a good season is the wish of REDSKIN.
(Joint Everton and Liverpool Match Programme: September 1, 1904)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 