November 28, 1914
Sir William H. Lever and Mr. Gershom Stewart, M.P., were the principal speakers at a patriotic meeting held in St. James’s Parish Hall, New Brighton, as part of the recruiting campaign in Wallasey.
In the course of his address, Mr. Gershom Stewart said he considered that the public scandal of football ought to be put down by public opinion. Let it be played by boys and others as amateurs, but he held that the professional footballer was the man upon whom the press-gang should put their hands (applause).
He was a trained man, and already three parts a soldier. What an example they had been set by the great French boxer Carpentier, who, though able to earn a princely salary, volunteered months ago and went to the front (applause).
(Liverpool Echo: November 28, 1914)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 