February 23, 1912
No one can deny the enterprise of the Liverpool Club in strengthening their team in the fate of their latest capture Tom Gracie of Everton. Admittedly the realisation that the position was precariousness rather to the minds of many supporters, who however, might be genuinely surprised, did they know the difficulties – financial and otherwise – that have harassed the directors.
Now, however, one hopes that their progressive policy will not end until the process of team building is thoroughly. Make no mistake; the acquisition of Gracie is an important corner-stone, figuratively speaking to the end. Many there are, I know the reverse of pleased with Gracie‘s display with Everton, and possibly, I though.
Everton had made a bad bargain when they secured him from Greenock Morton at the back end of the season. Not only was one quite out of touch with his colleagues, but he showed little semblance of his reputable smart footwork and goal-scoring ability.
But I had reason to change my opinion about Christmas time when I saw him at Middlesbrough. Specially wired for owing to an injury to James Gourlay, the Scot turned out at Ayresome against one of the best centre-halves in the League and played a splendid game.
This was his reappearance after a long sojourn in the second team. Well he played in the return game, on Boxing Day at Goodison Park and impressed the home critics more than ever he had done before. Then came the offer of Tommy Browell from Hull City, and Gracie had to give way.
There is every prospect of the player coming into his own again. The Scottish critics are annoyed that he whom they regard as second only to either Reid or Qunia should be playing in the Central League.
Up to quite recently offers have been made from over the border – in a recent letter Hugh Bolton, the ex-Evertonian refused to believe Gracie was anything but a great footballer – but Everton would not part; neither would they listen to the persuasion of English League clubs.
It speaks well for the good feeling existing between the local clubs that Everton should only give way finally to the request of their Anfield neighbours. Gracie is a clean living gentlemanly player. He is impressionable taking his failure very much to heart so I hope he will receive every encouragement in his new sphere.
The last time I spoke to him Gracie said he was settling down to English methods.
(Liverpool Echo: February 23, 1912)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 