April 25, 1925
Mr. Jack Wildman, of Bolton, writes: –
“I would just like to say that I came to live in Bolton, from Liverpool, in 1887. I had been a playing member of the Everton F.C for a few years before they went to Anfield Road. I happened to be in Liverpool, and brought the “Football Echo” I came across the article about famous old-timers, and it made me think of old times.
“I well remember the first match at Anfield road. Charley Twemlow, the treasurer, stood at the gates with a hand-bag for the coppers. Frank Brettell was secretary. Both Charley and Frank were school-teachers. Charley I think went to Australia, Frank later, became team manager for Bolton Wanderers for a short time, but what I want you to know is that Everton did not bring Alec Dick to Liverpool.
“There was a club called Stanley that played on a pitch where Goodison Park stands now, or very close to it, which was composed of nearly all Scotch players. There were no pros then, Archie Goodall, brother of John Goodall, played for them (afterwards going to Preston N.E) also the brothers Wilson; but they did not get a lot of support.
“I think the first import was George Dobson from Bolton, than George Farmer from Oswestry, and I think if there is to be a monument on tablet fixed on Everton’s ground, George Farmer’s name should be in the centre. Farmer was the man that made the people come and take notice. We never looked back after he came.
“We got two good Welsh boys Jobe Wilding, Abel Heys, then George Fleming. I don’t think Alec Dick came till after Stanley broke up. The first team at Anfield road when we started was C. Lindlay (goal); Morris, Marriott, Preston, Parry (Capt), Pickering, Richards, Whittle, Jack McGill, Gibson, Higgins.
“The opening match was against Earlestown, whom we had beaten in the final for the Liverpool and district cup, the previous season. Our full team did not play for, at the time,, rounders held a big away and some of our members were in the Crescent Rounders Club. So that Charley Joliffe was in goal, Jack McGill and Pickering played back.
“As for funds we started in a small way, but were not long in laying a firm foundation, which others found easy to build on, and claim all the credit.”
(Source: Liverpool Football Echo: April 25, 1925)
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"Play Up, Liverpool" 