September 2, 1955
Aston Villa pay £23,000 for Dave Hickson
After a day of suspense, Dave Hickson, Everton’s bustling 25 year-old centre forward, was eventually transferred to Aston Villa at fee believed to be about £23,000. This is roughly what Aston Villa received when they transferred their inside forward, Tommy Thompson, to Preston North End during the close season.
The transfer deal was concluded late last night at Goodison Park and dashed the hopes of Sheffield Wednesday, who had made an offer early in the day. It also ended a hustle and a headache for Villa manager, Eric Houghton.
Mr. Houghton knew he would be without the key man of his attack, centre forward Johnny Dixon, for the visit to Huddersfield today. Dixon, who has a back injury, reported for training on Thursday and was expected to be fit. But later the injury reasserted itself.
The Villa manager decided to act. While Everton were considering an offer from Sheffield Wednesday, and answering inquiries from Preston and Blackpool, Mr. Houghton dashed to Liverpool to carry out negotiations.
The transfer talks lengthened into two and a quarter hours. Mr. Houghton preserved – and got his man. Hickson will probably play at Huddersfield. The player was dropped from the first team only last Saturday, and on Monday asked for a transfer.
Hickson was brought up at Ellesmere Port and went to the same school as Stan Cullis and Joe Mercer. He joined Everton at 16, signed as a professional in 1948, and made his League debut in 1951.
His goals greatly helped Everton to win promotion in 1954. He had 24. Altogether he has scored 69 goals in 166 League matches.
(Daily Mail: September 3, 1955)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 