December 16, 1953
Dave Underwood, 22-year-old Watford goalkeeper, was last night transferred to Liverpool, at a record fee for the Watford club of about £7,000. He will play against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
A little over 6ft., Underwood was described by Mr. Don Welsh, Liverpool manager, after the signing, as “the most promising young goalkeeper in football.”
Mr. Welsh, who in the afternoon had watched the Cup replay between Brighton and Wrexham, agreed on the fee at Watford in the evening and then had a talk with Underwood.
Into the Watford team against Shrewsbury on Saturday comes England amateur international Ted Bennett, Southall goalkeeper, who became a professional last week.
“It is not our policy to sell,” said Watford director Mr. Jim Harrowell after the transfer of Underwood – “but we are well off for goalkeepers, and the Liverpool offer was too tempting to refuse.”
(Daily Mail: December 17, 1953)
