November 4, 1938
Anderson, who has registered three hat tricks in amassing a total of 15 goals for the Reserve team this season, will lead Portsmouth’s attack against Liverpool at Fratton Park to-morrow.
Beattie was one of the several players who received knocks at Leeds last week, and an ankle injury keeps him out of the side. This will be the first match Beattie has missed this season.
In view of Anderson’s success as a marksman this campaign his appearance in the League side will be watched with unusual interest. If he touches his best form it will be a good day for the home side.
Portsmouth, by the way, have their home account to straighten out after their lapse a fortnight ago. By picking up an “away” point in two successive matches they have balanced matters for their single home defeat, but the closeness with which all teams are no “packed” in the First Division table does not permit of mistakes at home.
Liverpool can claim only two victories at Fratton Park, and last week they dropped their first point before their own supporters. They will, however, be unchanged.
The match starts at 2.45, and the teams will be:
Pars about the visitors.
Arthur Riley, (goal, 6ft. 1in., 12st.).
Livers’ longest serving player, joined 1925 with fellow Springboks, Gordon Hodgson (now with Leeds United) and Dave Murray (coaching in Jersey). Born Boxburg, South Africa; played in Transvaal with Boxburg F.C.; came over with Tourist eleven, 1924 – and stayed. As worthy successor to brilliant Elisha Scott, maintains Anfield tradition for custodians. One-time schoolboy centre-forward at water-polo.
Tommy Cooper, (right full back, 5ft. 8in., 12st. 6lb.).
Native of Longton, Staffs., once a miner. Familiarly known as “Snowy,” fair of hair, equally fair in everything else: started as a pro. with Port Vale, 1924, who secured him for £20 and parted to Derby County, 1926, for £2,000. Rams’ skipper until November, 1931: made 243 appearances for them before Liverpool secured him for £7,500, December, 1934. Capped for England 12 times 1928-35 has also distinguished himself on the Continent. Has a passion for solving jig-saw puzzles.
Jim Harley, (left full back, 6ft., 12st. 10lb.).
Otherwise J.H. Mitchell, Powderhall handicap sprint winner, 1936. Born Methill, Fifieshire, joined Reds from Hill o’Beath, near Edinburgh, May, 1934. Can catch the fastest wingers and wallop a ball as hard as anybody.
Matt Busby, (right half back, 5ft. 10in., 11st. 10lb).
Native of Ayrshire, signed by Manchester City from Denny Hibs., February, 1928, as inside forward; instant success when introduced as right half in an emergency, 1930-31, after being offered all over the country for a mere £200. Great capture for Liverpool, March, 1936. Was once to have been a schoolmaster, but became miner – from choice.
Fred Rogers, (centre half-back, 5ft. 11in., 11st. 12lb.).
Frodsham-born Cheshire lad, signed up from Helsby Cables, March, 1933. Nicknamed “Bullet.” Possesses good baritone voice, and sings in Five Crosses Male Voice Choir.
Jimmy McInnes, (left half-back, 5ft. 9in., 11st. 7lb.).
Hails from Ayr, joined Third Lanark from Kilwinning Juniors, 1935-36. Transferred to Merseysiders last March at big fee – £5,000 – and on condition allowed to complete his studies for B.Sc., involving transfer, also, from Glasgow University to Liverpool University. Holds Scottish Cup Final medal.
Berry Nieuwenhuys, (outside-right, 5ft. 11in., 11st. 9lb.).
“Nivvy” for short; one time mining engineer; another Anfield South African, native of Orange Free State; was “Rugby mad” as schoolboy; took up Soccer by accident helping pal out of a difficulty playing full back for work’s team. All-round sportsman; also plays tennis, baseball, and cricket; was once in final of South African ballroom dancing championship. Joined Liverpool from Germiston Callies (South Africa), September, 1933; at outside right runs like a deer, centres with remarkable accuracy.
Phil Taylor, (inside right, 5ft. 11in., 10st. 5lb.).
Born Bristol; secured from Bristol Rovers, March, 1936, at four figure fee in face of string Arsenal competition. Played in three schoolboy internationals, 1932; skippered England in two of them; scored a dramatic last minute winning goal against Wales. Joined Bristol Rovers office staff immediately on leaving school. Shows extraordinary skill at ball control.
Willie Fagan, (centre forward, 5ft. 10in., 11st. 7lb.).
Hails from Musselburgh. Anfield’s first big signing after several years; Preston N.E. parted with him for £6,500, October, 1937. Started with Wellesley Juniors, 1934, where Glasgow Celtic soon discovered him; secured from Celtic by Preston, 1936, playing in 1937 Cup Final v. Sunderland. An individualistic player, who dribbles on proverbial sixpence; keen golfer, swimmer, lawn and table tennis player.
Jack Balmer, (inside left, 5ft. 10in., 11st. 2lb.).
Local-born lad, worthy nephew of the famous Balmer brothers, William and Robert, former Everton full-backs. Previously an amateur on Everton books; signed up for Reds as pro., September, 1935. Started as a right winger; has since filled all three inside berths; a powerful shot and fleet of foot.
Herman van Den Berg, (outside left, 5ft. 10in., 11st. 6lb.).
Still another Liverpool South African, an all-round left hander; does everything left handed, a natural left-footed player. Born at Observatory, South Africa, March, 1918; keen athlete; done well in sprints; played both rugger and soccer at school. First a full back, then inside left, centre forward, finally started “put” at outside left; scored 53 goals from this position for his first senior team, Peninsula F.C.
Bill Kinghorn, (outside left, 5ft. 9in., 11st. 6lb.).
Birthplace, Blanefield. Famous Scottish amateur international whom manager George Kay signed up as pro. at end of last season.
Tom Bush, (centre half back, 6ft., 1in., 12st. 7lb.).
Native of Shrewsbury. At home anywhere in half back line or as centre forward. Played a season with Chester as amateur, returning to home town to play with Shrewsbury Amateurs, thence to Anfield, March, 1933, to disappointment of Arsenal.
Harry Eastham, (inside right, 5ft. 8in., 10st. 7lb.).
Native town, Blackpool, signed him up at 17, in July, 1934. Brother George is famous Brentford inside right; both looks alike, occupy same position, and possess same wonderful swerve-control. Harry formerly played for Blackpool Central Juniors; spent a few months in Blackpool “A” team, whence signed for Anfielders at £1,000 fee, February, 1936. Providing shock for football world and since proving excellent investment.
Ron Jones, (outside right, 5ft. 8in., 11st. 4lb.).
Brilliant deputy to “Nivvy.” Born at Mold, 1918. Educated at Mold Grammar School. Made his league debut with Wrexham at the end of 1935. Transferred to Liverpool at £1,500 fee, March, 1938. Can fill any position in attack, but favours right wing.
(Portsmouth Evening News: November 4, 1938)
Liverpool 1938-39. Image found at www.lfchistory.net.
Back row: Tom Bush, Matt Busby, Phil Taylor, Arthur Riley, Charlie Wilson (Trainer), Fred Rogers, Jim Harley, G. H. Richards (Director).
Front row: Berry Nieuwenhuys, Jack Balmer, Tommy Cooper, William John Harrop (Chairman), Jimmy McIness, Willie Fagan, Herman Van der Berg.
"Play Up, Liverpool" 