History repeating itself at Goodison Park?

by   |   19/02/2023  4 Comments  [Jump to last]

This item was found on the Internet.  It is headed as being a report from the Liverpool Echo on 1 May 1920.  Although Everton finished the 1919-20 season in 16th place, this was a mere 2 points above the relegation zone.  The tone of the report has startling similarities to the rumpus surrounding the Everton directors and the Everton supporters today.  It reads:

A circular is to be posted to the shareholders in a few days pointing out the club's position and the cause thereof and stating that if the three retiring directors (Messrs J. Davies, Halsall, and Banks) are not re-elected the remaining directors will resign their position as the adverse vote will imply a want of confidence in the whole board.

As a shareholder used to having a “larger” say in these matters, I “devoured” this pronouncement with the greatest avidity.  For some time past, I have been an “intense” advocate of change which, according to an old proverb, is good for man and beast.  

A great mind once enlightened mankind with the knowledge that “new demands, new measures, and new men,” and surely Everton's lean season is in itself sufficient reason for the all-powerful shareholders to decide upon, whatever course of drastic action they deem best.

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The apathy, lethargy or dormancy – call it what you will – of the Everton shareholders this season has been one of life's tragedies, and now when they rouse themselves to a sense of their bounden duty of putting the Everton house in order to the satisfaction of the club's thousands of supporters, their doings are interpreted as a want of confidence in the directors.

The shareholders of Everton are members of a limited liability company – not mere marionettes – and as such have omnipotent powers, which they delegate to certain persons whom they choose as directors – the choice being absolutely their own prerogative.

The directors, though invested with such plenary powers, often lose sight of the fact that they are nevertheless the servant of the shareholders, who can elect re-elect, or depose them ad lib, without anybody's leave or licence or any notice of a “want of confidence” stunt. 

There are many shareholders – and I have power to add to their number – who would like to see an infusion of new blood on the directorate at once.  In other words, that Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Sawyer be “run” as candidates in opposition to Messrs, Davies and Halsall at the forthcoming annual meeting.

All those in favour of the movement “get busy.” Now is the acceptable time, fellow shareholders, to assert your authority.

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Reader Comments (4)

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Dennis Stevens
1 Posted 20/02/2023 at 12:59:33
How interesting would it be if the shareholders had real power on the basis of one vote per shareholder rather than one vote per share?
Derek Thomas
2 Posted 20/02/2023 at 13:18:24
I remember reading...maybe even on here...The One Man (irrespective of actual shares owned) One Vote, was changed just before the war to - shares = votes.

In light of our present troubles - Probably not the best decision ever made.

Barry Rathbone
3 Posted 20/02/2023 at 13:23:55
Surely this is fabricated I can't see "Kenwright out" anywhere
Joe McMahon
4 Posted 20/02/2023 at 13:36:00
No mention of any Good Times either Barry.

I'm surprised it didn't make any reference to other clubs Chairman/Shareholders asking "What would Everton do?"


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