March 28, 1911
Congratulations to Everton upon signing a big new centre-forward. Congratulations, too to Grace upon his selection this morning as reserve centre-forward for the Scottish team against England. Everton have realised their need, and I can promise you that Gracie’s signing is simply the beginning of a big ideal while Everton have in mind. Something more than the bare statements made last night in our column about the new player will interest readers. In such cases it is better to read what others have to say.
A Glasgow correspondent says: – Messers Kirkwood and Cuff carried through the transfer of Tom Gracie. The Greenock Club, as all season he has shown exceptionally fine form for them will seriously feel the loss of this promising player. As a distributor of play and a shot he was one of the best off this side of the border. Everton success in securing his services will surprise and disappoint the management of certain others clubs, who were anxious to obtain his transfer. As a score in the League competition this season, Grace comes next to Reid of the Rangers with 22 goals for 29 matches. Before joining Morton he played for Airdrieonians last season. Morton were anxious to retain his services, and offered him for them a record wage. He had a fixed transfer fee. A Lancashire correspondent on Saturday night referred to the possibility of Grace’s leave-taking, and he wrote in these terms: – Two deputations of Burnley officials paid a visit to the North on Saturday one to Newcastle and the other to Scotland, and went to Greenock Morton to see the centre forward at Dundee that they at once approached the Clydesdale Club, and agreed upon a price for the transfer of the player; Gracie. Perhaps some other club will pass where Burnley failed, though they are not the first to fail to pursue the player as it is said a Lancashire club at the beginning of the season offered £1,000 for the transfer in vain.
(Source: Liverpool Echo: March 28, 1911)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 