August 16, 1943
It was in the knowledge that clubs will need more youngsters than ever before that I went to Anfield on Saturday to see about 30 of manager Mr. George Kay’s youngsters go through their paces.
I came away convinced that the Reds’ outlook is highly encouraging, and that so fa as centre-half is concerned the club has not the slightest worry. Naturally, the club hopes that Frank Rist, of Charlton Athletic, will be available again, but if ever Rist is away them the club can fall back on either of two grand youngsters, Laurie Hughes and Billy Twist.
Twist is a lad who impressed me deeply on Saturday.
This six-footer – weight more than 11st. – was the outstanding figure in the trials, and, mark my words, will soon become a great favourite at Anfield. Mr. Ricard Lawson Martindale, the chairman, Mr. William Harvey Webb, Mr. Kay and myself were the only watchers in the stand – the trials were in private and only a few keen fans were allowed a “spec” in the paddock – and Messrs. Martindale, Webb and Kay were so enamoured of Twist that immediately after the game Twist and his father – he played with Bolton Wanderers some years ago – went into the office, and Twist signed amateur forms. Twist is just 18 and comes from Sutton St. Helens.
Laurie Hughes has filled out and made the progress I expected, while I was struck by the steady advancement made by Kenneth Seddon, on whom another year has put restraint and who should settled down into a class back. Jack Campbell, too, turned out and pleased with his touches. I expect Hughes, Seddon and Campbell will be frequent first-teamers this season.
Class of Williams.
Few junior trials I have attended have featured so many boys who definitely have a future. There was abundant corn and little chaff.
While I never hasten to go into raptures over lads still in their ‘teens, there is no disputing the fact that Liverpool have many boys who will make the grade with more experience. Apart from centre-half, the club has some bonny inside forwards like Robert Williams, Harry Gould, Stan Sheldrake, and good leaders in Les Shannon and Jack Derbyshire. Personally, I thought Williams was the pick of the basket. Here is a lad about 16 who has everything except weight. Rather lank and wiry, Williams has an old head on young shoulders whose positional sense was uncanny.
In 18 year-old Terry Garner the Reds have found an outside right of high promise. Garner’s footwork was excellent and he crosses a nice centre.
Ernie Aindow is a 16-year-old goalkeeper with sure hands and perfect timing in coming out. Fred Rice and Ernie Kenworthy were wing halves who took the eye, and another wing half, Jenkins, got the best goal in a test producing seven. McPeake, former Ballymena player, turned out to lend experience until blotted out by young Bob Kay.
The ground looked in perfect condition – another standing tribute to the work of Mr. Bert Riley – and the skill of the boys proved what excellent work has been put in by Trainer Albert Shelley and Coach Jimmy Seddon.
(Evening Express: August 16, 1943)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 