February 14, 1928
Character studies of the Liverpool Players.
Elisha Scott. – Goal.
This famous Irishman has no peer between the sticks to-day, despite the fact that he has been with the club since 1913 and has now played over 300 games in League football alone. He stands in goal a cool, calm figure, and does nothing spectacular, making the art of goalkeeping appear extremely easy.
Tommy Lucas. – Right Back.
Learned the game in the St. Helen’s district, which, although regarded as a Rugby centre, has turned out many fine Association players. Played for Manchester United late in the war, but that club missed him when League football restarted, Liverpool stepping in. He has risen to international rank. Plays strong, robust football, and is a sure two-footed player.
Donald Mackinlay. – Left Back.
A Newtown born Scot who went to Anfield straight from Scottish junior football in January, 1910, and who has served the club so long that his hair is now iron grey. Was at one time an outside left, and still often amuses the crowd by making a long run up the field. He is an amazingly dangerous shot, especially with a standing ball.
David McMullan. – Right Half.
An Irish international who played as an outside left for Belfast Distillery, but who was promptly turned into a wing half on going to Anfield in October, 1925. Got his chance this season through an injury to McNab, the Scot, and has been a big success. He is strong, rather robust in a tackle, but makes good use of the ball.
James Jackson. – Centre Half.
Born at Newcastle, he is the son of Scottish parents, for his father played with Newcastle United at the time Jimmy was born. All his junior football was played in Scotland, and later he served Queen’s Park, Motherwell, and Aberdeen. Cost £3,000 in May, 1925, and this season was the first pivot to prevent “Dixie” Dean from scoring. This is the best testimonial that can be given him.
Tom Bromilow. – Left Half.
This Liverpool born man is a product of the West Dingle club, and though on the small side so far as weight and muscular strength are concerned, he is wonderfully effective and artistic in all he does. Has been in League football since 1919, and has reached international rank. No half could play the ball with greater effect.
Dick Edmed. – Outside Right.
A native of Kent, he used to be a junior with the Chatham Central club, which plays in the New Brompton League. At that time he worked at Chatham Dock-yards, and turned professional footballer to play for Gillingham, where he had two seasons. Liverpool paid a big fee for him when he was a youngster of 21 years, but he has proved worth it. Fairhaired, speedy, clever, and direct.
Gordon Hodgson. – Inside Right.
This six-foot giant from South Africa toured England with the Colonial footballers in 1924-25, and returned to Liverpool as a pro. in December, 1925. Quickly forced his way into the League side, and because of his height, enthusiasm, and ball craft has become a real force in attack. Is most unselfish, and might with advantage shoot oftener than he does.
William Devlin. – Centre Forward.
Used to be called “Demon Devlin” when he was with Cowdenbeath, and the apt and artful alliteration was certainly appropriate in those days, though Huddersfield Town didn’t think so last season. Is now much happier than he was in Yorkshire, and is proving quite a demon once again. Can shoot on the run with either foot, but is not a polished midfield player.
Harry Chambers. – Inside Left.
This big, weighty customer left the old South Shields Athletic Club, then a North-Eastern League club, in 1913, and has never had a rival at Anfield in all those long years. He is still the real general and genius of the attack, subtle in ball control, neat in the ball distribution, and a fine shot. May be slow nowadays, but he is still effective.
Fred Hopkin. – Outside Left.
Another player from the north-eastern district, for he is a Darlington native, and had two seasons with Manchester United before going to Anfield in July 1921, at a fee of £2,500. Clings to the touchline, but can work an elusive way down his wing, and can centre a ball with wonderful accuracy. Has never risen above international trial class, however.
(Source: Derby Daily Telegraph: February 14, 1928)
Gordon Hodgson
"Play Up, Liverpool" 