Jack Humphreys — Blue Dragon

So tragic that Jack's life ended while he was barely in the prime of life. A great detailed piece. Some of today's overpaid Prima Donna's would be well advised to read it.

I do feel, as hinted in the article, that Jack's chances of first team appearances were strictly limited by the emergence of Ted Falder, and Tommy (T E) Jones.

It warms my heart to read of life at Goodison in those long gone days, and that what are only names to the modern day supporter (in some publication or other), can take people of my age back to our pre-teenage years.

John, any chance of you writing a profile or two of your favourite players from your teenage years? You only have to look at how much is lost now to see how we need to cherish the accounts of even the most famous of players.

I remember his stepson Gerry and that spectacular goal he scored against Sheffield Wed. a really outstanding goal.

Until reading this article I never realised that Jack had died so young, what a tragedy at 34.

I could obviously detail his playing career but that's available via Wickipedia, or in books on Everton.

I also wonder if there is a call for that kind of information, because becoming increasingly bored of the speculation surrounding the appointment of a new Manager, I gate crashed the thread "Watford not interested in approach for Silva"

I submitted a post [106] concerning some Liverpool supporters, expressing displeasure over their team surrendering a two goal lead, and insisting that no side managed by Bill Shankly would be guilty of such "dereliction of duty"

In that post. I related how Huddersfield Town managed at the time by Bill Shankly, actually led 10 man Charlton Athletic 5-1 with 27 minutes to go before losing 7-6, Charlton had lost their centre half Derek Ufton after i5 minutes of play.

While appreciating that the thread was dedicated to the appointment of a new Manager, I had hoped for some reaction, but the last time I looked there had been 237 postings, but not one referred to Charlton Athletics incredible achievement.

If you didn't see the posting Steve, it's [106] on that particular thread. Regarding your query, if you think there's mileage in such a posting, I'll see if I can come up with something.
Best wishes John.

All Evertonians love their history, we have to or we can't sing that song!

Great article – keep them coming!!

You may remember Dave, the metal attachments secured to the posts to keep the nets in place, well the power of the shot fired in from the old Paddock side of the ground, was such that it caused the ball to lodge in the attachment.

The only other time I can recall that happening, was when Ronnie Moran did the same thing, from a free kick, taken from the same side of the ground and ending up to the left of the keeper, it must have been in a Liverpool Senior Cup Final.

You are absolutely right when you say that Gerry Humphreys scored against Sheffield Wednesday, but I honestly can't remember it, if it was a superb effort [as you say it was] he joins Ronnie Goodlass in scoring only two league goals, each of which was spectacular.

I used to run an Everton Travel Club from Skelmersdale, to every home and away game, and while I witnessed Ronnie's goal direct from a corner, at Roker Park, illness prevented me from seeing his goal, fired in from a distance against West Ham United at Upton Park.

I racked my brains in last night, trying to recall Gerry Humphreys' other goal, and I was forced to go to the research department this morning, and unearthed the following.

In the Sheffield Wednesday game, the scorers were Gerry Humphreys, Jimmy Husband, and Joe Royle [penalty], and in the Leicester City game, the scorers were, Joe Royle [3], Alan Ball, Gerry Humphreys, John Hurst, and Jimmy Husband [penalty].

I'm afraid I can't even remember what they used to prescribe for what was deemed, "night starvation" but hopefully I won't need it for a while.

I read in the Echo that they have stopped selling tickets for the Atalanta game, did you manage to gert one?

A close second would be the Hungarian, Vargas (?), into the Street End when the Magyars beat Brazil in 1966.

Probably put the 'B' team out that night. Oh, I forgot, they don't know where the 'A' team is anyway.

Joking aside, it will be just a night to play those guys who have a point to prove and the result doesn't matter except for pride which has been devoid in some players' performances to date.

My abiding memory of that game was the reception that Florian Albert got from the Goodison faithful, we didn't know that his name should have been pronounced as Aleber', the T remaining silent, I can't imagine what he made of the cries of "Al Bit" "Al Bit"

I was lucky enough to have seen every World Cup game at Goodison, the only time I was on the Gwladys Street terraces was for the semi-final. The West Germany versus Russia game, when Chislenko the Russian winger was sent off.

In my opinion, this was the least attractive game we saw, and as you'll know we weren't supposed to have it, we were supposed to have the England versus Portugal game.

Who can forget the North Korea versus Portugal game, we couldn't believe our eyes, and weren't we privileged to see such players as Pele, Garrincha, Asparoukhov, Bene, Albert, Coluna, Eusebio,, Beckenbauer, Emmerich, Yashin, and Voronin.

The Brazil versus Hungary game was actually played on my 28th birthday [15th July] happy birthday indeed.

Returning to the Gerry Humphreys goal, I feel cheated now, it seems as though I missed out on a really good goal, but I suppose considering I've got almost 70 years of goals and incidents, stored away somewhere, it's only natural that some slip through the net. Best Wishes, John.

Seemed like the whole crowd was behind the Hungarians for some unexplained reason... What a game!

I have avoided being drawn into the new Manager debate, because I have posted on a different thread, that the appointment could be either the best thing to happen to the Club, [or the worst], only time will tell, and I don't wish to argue one way or another, on something I have no control over.

I'll keep monitoring the threads to see if an opportunity arises to discuss topics of long ago. Cheers John.

It was indeed a Friday evening, and what did you expect? It was after all St Swithin's Day.

Just for info, the church hall is closed indefinitely at the moment. It is due to Health and Safety issues!

I have spoken to the current Vicar about it and at the last match I spoke to someone who said that the 'issues' are being looked at by the Church and Everton with a view to solving the problems involved. Let's hope they are solved pretty soon because a lot of fans are very upset about the decision. It is part of the match-going ritual of hundreds of home (and away!) fans!

I have been going to Goodison since 1975 and have been enjoying the refreshments/banter and meeting up with friends in there for many, many years. But for now all Evertonians will have to find another 'port in a storm' until such times when it can (hopefully!) re-open!!

I very rarely took advantage of the facilities, maybe once or twice when the weather was particularly inclement, but I can appreciate that friendships can be established, and disruption to the match day experience (especially over a prolonged period), can have a disastrous effect on those friendships.

I trust that a solution to the problem can be achieved in the near future. Thank you for the information. Best Wishes, John.

Ronnie Goodlass's goal at Upton Park can be found on YouTube.

My Sister and I have met some lovely people in the hall over the last few years, one in particular is a lady who left Liverpool many years ago and now lives in Leyland. She continued to go to the games after her husband died and now, at 86(!), she manages to travel all on her own, on public transport, to the Saturday matches.

The hall had provided a warm, friendly refuge from hideous weather before the game and now it's unavailable. Just one of many loyal, long-suffering(!) Evertonians who really do need the Church/EFC to sort out the issues!

I could pretend that I remember details of matches vividly, but I've always said, "It's possible to tell a lie, to however many billions of people that inhabit this planet, with the exception of one person, [yourself.]

I have lived with this principle for the whole of my 79 years, and it's served me well so far. As I told Alan [10] I have seen so many games and goals, over the years since the age of 10, that it's only natural that some slip through the net.

On the other hand, some stick in the memory for life, such as the Dave Hickson winner against Manchester United in the F.A. Cup game in 1953, the Alex Young headed goal against Tottenham Hotspur, and many more.
Best wishes John.

I was "fortunate" to be born into a Blue family and my Dad and Mum ensured that I, and my 2 younger brothers, my Dad's "half back line", followed the true faith.

As time has passed I find it more difficult to distinguish between games I actually witnessed and those that I have merely watched on TV. Consequently, the only memories I can rely on for knowing I was actually at a game were those prior to the more regular coverage of live games or Match of the Day, which initially only showed the highlights of 1 or 2 games at most.

Not surprisingly then my best memories are of our teams straddling each end of the '60s. Not all the memories are good although they do favour, naturally, games we have won. The 5-2 win at Old Trafford in 1956, Bobby Collins's first game at Maine Road, Alex Young's first goals at Blackburn on Good Friday in 1961, his header against Spurs, the 3-2 loss at Forest in the 6th round in '67, the 2-0 win at Anfield in the '70 Championship season.

Players stuck around more then and it was much easier to get attached to them. For me, Gordon West, Alex Parker, Jimmy Gabriel, Collins, Young and Vernon and then Ray Wilson, Bally, Kendall and Harvey and Jimmy Husband from the later team. There were players who were not big names but who fitted in and did their bit. Mickey Lill for me, 11 league goals in 31 games (courtesy of Steve Johnson's wonderful informative site), the Alan Whittle of his time.

I have made the occasional small donation to the Former Players Foundation. They do great work helping less fortunate players from earlier days. To me it does not matter whether they were good, bad or awful. We have all seen plenty in each of their categories. The fact that they were wearing the royal blue jersey and doing their best on a given day for the club I have supported all my life is enough for me.

Cheers and COYB

You were part of a 48,904 crowd for your first game, the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, the scorers that day were John Willie Parker [2] Tommy Clinton, and Tommy Eglington. I was at the game having attended all the home Cup games, the third round tie was against Ipswich Town , Everton won {3-2] with Dave Hickson [2] and Wally Fielding scoring, but I thought they made hard work of it, as Ipswich were in Division 3 South at that time.

It was the season of Dave Hickson's heroics against Manchester United, scoring the winner after returning to the field of play covered in blood, the result of a head injury. Following victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, Dave Hickson [the hero once again,] scoring the only goal of the game. It led to heartbreak in the semi-final versus Bolton Wanderers at Maine Road, losing [4-3] despite fighting back from [4-0] down and missing a penalty [Tommy Clinton] it just wasn't to be.

You mentioned some names in your post Terry, I know that we tend to look back through rose tinted glasses, but I wouldn't swap them for any of today's players. West, Parker, Wilson, Gabriel, Labone, Kay, Scott, Collins, Young, Vernon, and Ring. what price in today's market

I just wish that there was a thread restricted to the over 70s, and we could wallow in nostalgia.

Moving on some 10 years or so, my other favourite forward line was in the late 70s, a 5-1 win at Leicester which be seen on YouTube, our front 5 was King, the elegant Martin Dobson, Latchford, McKenzie and Thomas. May not be too good at defending but going forward...

Oh well, we do live in the present and must never give up hope.

Cheers

A stand out memory was when we played Busby's babes away I seem to recall it was in a Cup game. Knobby was delegated the task of man-marking colossus of the game and many years younger Duncan Edwards.

For most of the game knobby's vastly more experienced craftiness kept a young Edwards tied up in frustrated knots. Late in the game, Duncan for the first time managed to break the shackles and score the only goal. At that stage, Knobby having worked himself into the ground, could only watch on in exhaustion.

I liked Nobby as a footballer, he was very good, he played outside right in one game versus Sunderland and was having a great game. I think he made a couple of the goals then we got a penalty, Nobby went up to take it and put it yards wide, I think we finished up winning 3-1.

He was picked for England in a game to raise funds for the Burnden Park disaster where quite a few fans lost there lives not long after the war.

Nobby was a very skilful player in an era where nearly every First Division side seemed to have a ball-playing schemer in their team.

I was stationed in Andover Hampshire, so I have no knowledge of that game, shortly after that I was transferred to Arborfield Berkshire, awaiting a posting to Cyprus.

I had spent a week on embarkation leave, and thinking that I would be sailing from Southampton, I said my goodbyes to my family, imagine my surprise when it was announced that we would actually be sailing from Liverpool, The postal service was so good, that a letter I sent home the day before we sailed arrived in time for my Father and Sister to wave me off from the Princes landing stage.

The Saturday afternoon we sailed on the troopship MV Devonshire, Everton beat Newcastle United 2-1 with goals from Jimmy Gauld and Tony McNamara. The furthest I had been on any vessel was to New Brighton, which may have taken half-an-hour on a bad day, we were on the Devonshire for eleven days.

You may have read my post to Terry [22] where I said my last two games before joining the Army, were a 3-2 defeat to Blackpool and 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers. My next game was when I came home on leave, a 1-0 win against Leicester City [Dave Hickson] on Boxing Day 1958.

My sister used to send me the Football Echo every week, and that was the only way I could keep abreast of things relating to Everton, the date of 11 October 1958 will be etched in my mind forever [Tottenham Hotspur 10 Everton 4] you wouldn't believe the stick I took from the Cockneys [fans of all the London clubs] and some that weren't even interested in football.

Some of the players I didn't get to see owing to my Army involvement were, Alec Farrall, Jimmy Glazzard, Bryan Griffiths, Peter Harburn, Wilie Haughey, Jackie Keeley, George Kirby, Fred Leeder, and Jack Sutherland. I don't think I missed much, but I've no doubt they all tried their best.

Dave, you're not going to believe this, I've been to the research department and have come up with the following figures for Wally Fielding and the number 7 shirt.

1947-48 [1]
1950-51 [18]
1951-52 [2]
1952-53 [1]
1955-56 [1]
1957-58 [1]
Grand Total: [24]

I'll fill you in with the dates and opponents when I recover from the shock.

In the 1947/48 season, they were, Johnny McIlhatton, Eddie Wainwright, Jack Grant, Billy Higgins, and [a name I was unfamiliar with,] Albert Johnson.
I had to check the "Who's who of Everton" to establish his record at Goodison, it appears that he deputised for Johnny McIlhatton on Christmas Day 1946, and in total made nine appearances. for the Club.

!n the 1950/51 season Ted Buckle, Joe Harris, and Dave Gibson wore the number 7 shirt. I must confess that I never realised that Wally had played at outside right in such a disastrous season, I can only plead that it was such a long time ago and I was only a young boy at the time.

The right wingers in addition to Wally during the 1951/52 season were Tony McNamara, Ted Buckle, and Dave Gibson.

1952/53 saw the shirt being shared by Ted Buckle, Tony McNamara, Eddie Wainwright, Joe Harris, and Derek Mayers.

In the 1957/58 season, Tony McNamara, Jimmy Harris, and Brian Harris wore the shirt.

The first and last occasions that Wally played in the right wing position, were significant for him, the former because it was in a Merseyside derby, and the latter because it was in the 10-4 defeat at White Hart Lane, and it was his last game for Everton.

I'm looking forward to seeing you on Thursday Dave, and maybe we will be able to put the world, and more importantly, Everton Football Club to rights.

I honestly can't tell you what my first game was, most of the Liverpudlians I know follow their team in various pubs or via television in their homes, they keep talking about ""streaming" whatever that is, in fact I was talking to one the other day and he was boasting about how he has seen every Liverpool game home and away for a long time, I responded by offering to buy him an A to Z just in case ever had the urge to visit Anfield.

Another ploy I adopt, is to say to these Proxy supporters, "I can't remember my first game and you can't remember your last" this tends to put them in their place, and because I haven't taken copyright on these words, anyone is free to use them.

Regarding Ted Buckle, his slight build led to rumours that he had been a prisoner of war, and suffered from a lung problem, his son may be able to shed some light on that.

Just in case Ted didn't relate his career details to his son, forgive me if I take the liberty to do so now.

Ted [or Herbert Edward to give him his official title] according to the "Who's who of Everton" is as follows,

Ted Buckle, an inside forward , could also play as a wing half, but it was thought he was far too slight for the rigorous challenges in centre field so Manchester United boss Matt Busby switched him to the wing. He scored on his League debut for the reds against Charlton in January 1947, having earlier netted a hat-trick against Leeds when appearing in his first competitive wartime match in November 1945. His debut for Everton was against his former club [Manchester United] just after arriving on Merseyside, playing on the left wing, but for his third game was switched to the right, and later had outings in both inside forward positions.

The "Who's who" also states that Ted was Prestatyn F.C. [Player/Manager in the summer of 1957] and he played for Dolgellau [1961-62]

Teds Everton record was [league] played 97 [Goals] 31 [F.A. Cup] played 10 Goals 2 Ted also played for Exeter City but I only have his League details which are [appearances] 65 [goals] 12.

I have noticed in recent times that there was a Buckle, I can't remember his Christian name, managing Exeter City, and I wondered if this could possibly be a relative of Teds', perhaps Alan, you could shed some light on this. Best wishes John.

There is a Paul Buckle who has managed a few lower division teams but he is not related.

Ted played in the Cup game against Aston Villa at Villa Park, in 1953, and provided the pass for Dave Hickson's winner. I recall Dave praising Ted for the part he played in that goal, which secured a place in that epic semi-final against Bolton Wanderers. Dave was reported in the papers as saying "Ted and I have a telepathic understanding".

Your Dad was so close to appearing in the FA Cup Final, in 1953, and who knows? they may have been talking about the "Ted Buckle final" and not the Stanley Matthews final.

I suspect that one memory I have of your Dad is not one he would be boasting about, it happened in a Central League fixture, I can't remember the opponents or the result. Everton were awarded a penalty kick, and Ted accepted the responsibility to take it. Despite failing to convert on two occasions the referee ordered the kicks to be retaken, [because the goalkeeper had moved each time]. But it wasn't a case of third time lucky, as Ted missed yet again, I think the Referee must nave become fed up by that time, and play was allowed to continue.

You're correct in saying that the chap I was thinking about is Paul Buckle, I think he is or was, involved with Exeter City but I'm not 100% sure.

Your dad scored two goals in a 3-1 win versus Middlesboro and the the headlines that night in the Pink Echo was 'One, two, Buckle my shoe', this was also a First Division game.

Dave, Are you a Blue?

Nobody in my family ever spoke about Albert Johnson, maybe because he had such a short Everton career. Mind you, they never told me that Liverpool had a lad named John McFarlane, who played two league games for them, including a Merseyside derby at Anfield on 9 February 1929, a 2-1 victory for Everton with goals from Tommy White and Tom Griffiths.

Are you still okay for Thursday evening, Dave? On the Premier League front, let's up hope for an improvement in performance, but I'll settle for a win under any circumstance, until we can steady the ship.

I never heard about the thrice taken penalty. Ted kept that one quiet! He often talked about Dave Hickson who, of course, later became a legend at Everton. He told a story of the 1953 semi final against Bolton. As I remember he said that Dave Hickson got a bang on the head during the game and became groggy but played on.

Everton were coming back strongly towards the end of the game. Ted was very good in the air for a slightly built player. A cross came over and Ted was perfectly positioned to reach it. Dave Hickson also shaped to go up for the ball. Ted, knowing he was better placed, screamed at Hickson to leave it but Dave didn't hear the call in his groggy state and headed over the bar.

As my dad told it, this was Everton's last chance and they lost the semi-final.

I still look out for Everton's result but have never been to Goodison since my dad's playing days. Ted did have a tremendous shot in both feet and long after he retired from the professional ranks he played local amateur football.

My brother and myself both played in the same team as Ted for a couple of years and although he wasn't as fast as he used to be he was a big influence on the team.

Yes I was very surprised Wally Fielding had played that many games on the right wing, always remember him better as a scheming inside forward who worked very well in harmony with Tommy Eglington on the left wing.

Yes John I will meet you on Thursday night around 7:00 pm, don't know here though, John, with the church closed. I will leave it up to you; maybe the cafe again?

Like you I don't remember Wally fielding playing on the wing it was always him and Cyril Lello in midfield. You could never mistake Wally both sets of fingers gripping the end of his sleeves. Lovely player and a good passer of the ball.

"Gordon Hodgson was missing so the Scottish boy who has been doing so well with the reserves will lead the attack" The Daily Courier claimed that he led the line with excellent judgement and was a masterpiece at nipping between the backs with the ball at toe, McFarlane had to wait until the following September for his second appearance which resulted in another defeat by two goals to nil at Huddersfield town.

I doubt that many "Rednecks" will be aware of him so I shouldn't get much stick from them.

Dennis [38] if you're reading this, I didn't have my glasses on when I replied to your post, hence the wrong number, apologies.

John McFarlane, My late father, John Edward (Ted) started watching the Blues in the 20s, and would have been 100 today if he were alive. He nurtured me not only on stories of Dean, Lawton and TG Jones, but also of the 50s stalwarts that you've been discussing at length.

Despite the LFC player, the McFarlane family is Blue!

That semi-final versus Bolton, your dad was right, Davie Hickson was concussed after tangling with Malcolm Barrass, a dog of a centre half. The referee, Alf Bond, asked Davie what the score was, Davie replied that we were winning 2-0 (I think it was 3-0 for Bolton at the time)... the referee told Davie to go off and get some treatment.

A great come back from the Blues but all in vain. Thanks for your reply.

Right up to learning the true facts from John David and others right here that had been my long held belief.