Who was the best Liverpool player ever (up to 1939)?

February 4, 1939
The competition asking for the six most famous footballers of Liverpool F.C., in order of merit, led to a large survey of famous names and apparently created much pleasure and profitable thought. The result of the competition is that Elisha Scott tops the poll. This is not surprising, but I confess our old dear friend, Alex Raisbeck, has been so long out of the team I never considered it possible he could finish a close second, all of which shows the memory of the real old-timer stars does not fade from the loyalists’ mind. The voting led to the following Meritorious Medals being awarded:

1. – Elisha Scott.
2. – Alex Raisbeck.
3. – Harry Chambers.
4. – Sam Hardy.
5. -–Tom Bromilow.
6. – Ephraim Longworth.

Some competitors gave all these names without getting them in order of merit and the winner is Mr. Jack Moss, 15, Wright’s Terrace, Liverpool 15. who got the first four in correct order. He banked on Gordon Hodgson and Matt Busby, and in the names gaining votes it was surprising to find Sam Raybould of the 1900 period getting votes, yet not surprising to find the great winger Arthur Goddard having a good run in the voting department. Donald Mackinlay, too, was well up, and others who had a following of no mean strength were: – Walter Wadsworth, James Jackson, William Lacey, George Allan, Matt McQueen (here to-day in the director’s box), Kenneth Campbell, Fred Geary, John Cox, Jack Parkinson, Berry Nieuwenhuys, Jim Harrop, Tom Bradshaw, Tommy Lucas, Billy Dunlop, John Bamber, Fred Hopkin, Alf Hanson, Ernest Blenkinsop, James McDougall – a competition such as this reveals to memory many names that made news and football life in the Anfield camp.

Four tickets (value 14/-) will be sent to Mr. Moss, with my congratulations upon his foresight.
(Source: Liverpool Match Programme: February 4, 1939)

Full names in article (for website sorting purposes): Gordon Hodgson, Matt Busby, Ephraim Longworth, Arthur Goddard, Walter Wadsworth, William Lacey, Matt McQueen, Fred Geary, Jack Parkinson, Berry Nieuwenhuys, Jim Harrop, Tom Bradshaw, Tommy Lucas, John Bamber, Alf Hanson, Ernest Blenkinsop, James McDougall.