November 29, 1947
Liverpool have eight of their unsuccessful Cup semi-final team on view to-day. These are a strong go-ahead side, and we should see a good game.
Cyril Sidlow (goalkeeper): Native of Colwyn Bay, and one of the best at his job. Outstanding at positional play. Spotted by Major Buckley while playing with Llandudno, and played with Wolves third and reserve teams before making senior grade. Transferred to Anfield in February, 1946. Welsh international.
Jim Harley (right back): Signed from Scottish junior club, Hill o¨Beath, in 1934. Strong and keen tackler. One of the fastest players in the game and winner of famous Powderhall sprint handicap in 1937.
Bernard Ramsden (left back): Native of Sheffield, and signed from junior club in 1935. Decided to start business in America few years ago but came home after three months, and Liverpool were glad to re-sign him. Another sound defender.
Phil Taylor (right half): Bristol born. Played in two schoolboy internationals and scored the winning goal against Wales at Maine-road. Joined Liverpool from Bristol Rovers as inside right in 1934. “Capped” against Ireland and Wales this season.
Laurie Hughes (centre half): One of the youngest and best there is. Product of Tranmere’s nursery, but declined to sign pro for the Rovers, preferring to come to Anfield in 1943.
Bob Paisley (left half): Makes up in constructive ability what he lacks in experience. Member of Bishop Auckland team which beat Willington in Amateur Cup final in 1939 and signed professional forms for Liverpool soon afterwards.
Billy Liddell (outside right): Joined Liverpool as amateur from Dumbartshire junior club. Made his name as Scotland’s outside left. Played representative soccer in R.A.F., and was in all Scotland’s “Victory” international. Obtained first “full” cap against Wales last year.
Jack Balmer (inside right): Famous member of famous footballing family. Signed for Liverpool as amateur from local team in 1935. Always dangerous either as inside man or centre forward. Liverpool’s leading scorer along with Stubbins last season.
Albert Stubbins (centre forward): One of the outstanding forwards in the country. Joined Liverpool from Newcastle in October, 1946. Fee £13,000. Scored 244 goals in 199 League and Cup games for Newcastle. Capped against Wales in 1945. Scored four successive hat-tricks in 1941.
Bill Jones (inside left): Native of Whaley Bridge. Undecided whether to play cricket for Derbyshire or football for Liverpool. Decided on the latter in 1939. Still in his early twenties.
Bob Priday (outside left): South African who went to Anfield two years ago. Only 22 and very fast. Was originally outside right but preferred left wing, and Lidell volunteered to switch positions to accommodate him.
(Manchester City Match Programme: November 29, 1947)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 