MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB
PAGES FROM HISTORY
PRE-
NORTH-
THE PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL TEAM
FOR MIDDLESBROUGH
FOR MIDDLESBROUGH
It was expected that the proposal that the Middlesbrough club should revert to professionalism would be brought up for discussion at yesterday's meeting of the directors, but there was such a small attendance that the consideration of the question was held over. Keen interest is being taken in the proposal, and the decision of the Middlesbrough Club's directors is eagerly looked forward to. A rumour is current in the town that Mr. Clifton Robinson, managing director of the Tees-side Electric Tramway, is concerning himself in the question, but "Old Bird" has it from that gentleman himself that he knows nothing about the matter.
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NORTH-
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PROFESSIONALISM
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THE PROPOSED TEAM FOR
MIDDLESBROUGH
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IMPORTANT DECISION
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MIDDLESBROUGH
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The directors of the Middlesbrough Club have done just what "Old Bird" expected they would and it now remains for the public to show whether or not a professional team has to be organised for next season. There was a fully attended meeting of the directors held yesterday, Mr Robert Forrester presiding, when the question of a professional team was discussed at considerable length. The general feeling was that if the public showed they were prepared to provide the funds for the establishment of a really good professional team they (the directors) would at once take steps to carry out the idea, and do everything in their power to secure the admission to the Second Division of the League. A strong opinion was expressed that if professionalism was adopted it should be taken up in no half-hearted manner, but with a thoroughness that would enable the club to take a foremost position in the football world. There are now 360 share holders, who hold 640 shares, and if anything approaching 1,000 of the 1,360 shares available are taken up the directors will at once proceed to business. There was considerable enthusiasm shown at the meeting, as is evidenced by the fact that promises were made to take up in all 75 shares. If, as "Old Bird" pointed out last week, there is the general desire for a good professional team one is led to believe exists, no doubt need be entertained as to the result of the appeal. A sovereign is a large sum for many working men to plank down at once, and in order that there may be no difficulty in that direction anyone desirous of taking up a share may pay as small a sum as one shilling a week until the amount is made up. The directors have not fixed any time limit on their offer, if it may be so termed, but they expect that at a month's end the question will be settled one way or the other. "Old Bird" has a friend who is prepared to take up ten shares. Enthusiasts should not allow the movement to hang fire now it has got a start, but should say what they are prepared to do. "Old Bird" will do his utmost to further the proposal. In order that the public may know how the scheme is progressing he is prepared to publish daily the number of applications received for shares.
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT.
(To "Old Bird," "North-Eastern Daily Gazette"
RE PROFESSIONALISM.
(To "Old Bird," "North-
Sir,-- At a special meeting of the directors of the Middlesbrough Football Club held last night it was unanimously resolved:--
"That, provided the remaining shares of the Company (some 1,300) are subscribed, the directors are willing to run a professional team; but they cannot consent to do so unless a sufficient capital is early subscribed to provide such a professional team as would be creditable to a town of the size and importance of Middlesbrough."
Leading up to the above resolution, it was pointed out that unless we could be certain of obtaining admission to the Second Division of the League it would be useless to become a professional club. With regard to the previous professional period (which lasted barely two years), the football-loving public perhaps need to be reminded of the following facts:--
(a) The capital then subscribed (about £600) was all used.
(b) A heavy debt was incurred, which even yet is not all cleared off.
(c) The directors individually were saddled with a heavy personal responsibility in the shape of a guarantee on account of the large overdraft at the bank.
(d) Considerable sums were advanced by individual members of the directors to keep the team afloat for that short period.
This combination of circumstances the directors are not again prepared to face; and it is for these reasons that they ask for a substantial sum before beginning a second experience as a professional club.
They wish it to be distinctly understood that they will do their best to make a professional club a thorough success, provided the public come forward and subscribe the requisite share capital. --Yours truly,
Leading up to the above resolution, it was pointed out that unless we could be certain of obtaining admission to the Second Division of the League it would be useless to become a professional club. With regard to the previous professional period (which lasted barely two years), the football-
(b) A heavy debt was incurred, which even yet is not all cleared off.
(c) The directors individually were saddled with a heavy personal responsibility in the shape of a guarantee on account of the large overdraft at the bank.
(d) Considerable sums were advanced by individual members of the directors to keep the team afloat for that short period.
This combination of circumstances the directors are not again prepared to face; and it is for these reasons that they ask for a substantial sum before beginning a second experience as a professional club.
They wish it to be distinctly understood that they will do their best to make a professional club a thorough success, provided the public come forward and subscribe the requisite share capital. -
HY. WINNEY, Secretary.
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NORTH-EASTERN DAILY GAZETTE
Directors and Shareholders Meeting, 24 February 1899.
PROFESSIONALISM AT
MIDDLESBROUGH
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ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS
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PUBLIC MEETING FIXED FOR
FRIDAY NEXT
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MIDDLESBROUGH
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SHAREHOLDERS
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FRIDAY NEXT
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A meeting of directors and shareholders of the Middlesbrough Club was held yesterday in the Oddfellows' Hall, Middlesbrough, when the much-debated question of the provision of a professional team for the town was the topic of discussion. The meeting was private, but Old Bird understands that a resolution favouring the formation of a professional team was with one exception adopted by the meeting. The chair was occupied by Mr. Forrester. The secretary stated that a few shares had already been asked for. In the course of the discussion the statement was made that there was every probability of Middlesbrough being included in the Second Division of the League if the ruling authorities were given to understand definitely that a sound professional team would be got together to take part in the League engagements. The tone of the meeting throughout was in enthusiastic support of a professional team being formed, and several speakers made pleasing reference to the prominence given to the matter in the "Gazette" by which the enthusiasm of the public had been roused. The committee placed no proposal before those present, leaving the meeting entirely free to adopt whatever resolution was thought to be practicable, and it was eventually proposed and agreed to that providing shares to the amount of £1,000 be taken up a professional team be formed. It was further agreed that a public meeting be held on Friday night next in the Co-operative Hall, Corporation-road, relative to the matter, and the Secretary was instructed to arrange for the issue of posters and handbills to-day announcing the meeting. The course to be adopted at the meeting will be that everyone attending will be given a printed slip of paper, upon which the recipient will write the number of shares he is prepared to take, and the total number of shares taken will afterwards be reckoned. Should the required number be taken up the directors will at once proceed to act in accordance with the resolution. In the event of the full number of shares not being taken, the directors will, at all events, have an idea of what will be required, and steps could then be taken in inducing employers and tradesmen, especially the classes of traders who would reap the advantage of the visits to the town of crowds of spectators, to purchase the remaining shares. The shares must be taken up before March 17th. Seeing that several clubs in the Second Division are likely to fall out at the end of the season, there is not the slightest doubt that a newly-arranged Middlesbrough team would readily find admittance.
The following resolutions were officially handed to Old Bird for publication:--
(1) That the question of becoming a professional club for next season is conditional upon obtaining admission to the Second Division League.
2. That to establish a suitable claim for the club's admission to the League as well as to provide a team creditable to the club, and its supporters, it is necessary on or before March 17 that applications be made for not less than 1,000 shares by those anxious to forward the movement.
(3) That in view of the short time within which the shares must be applied for, it is advisable to invite the general public to meet the shareholders on Friday next at 8 p.m. in the Co-operative Hall, Corporation-road, Middlesbrough, to secure, if possible, their active support and interest.
(4) That this open meeting of supporters of a pro. team be convened by notice in the local press.
2. That to establish a suitable claim for the club's admission to the League as well as to provide a team creditable to the club, and its supporters, it is necessary on or before March 17 that applications be made for not less than 1,000 shares by those anxious to forward the movement.
(3) That in view of the short time within which the shares must be applied for, it is advisable to invite the general public to meet the shareholders on Friday next at 8 p.m. in the Co-
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PROFESSIONAL CLUB FOR
MIDDLESBROUGH
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E N T H U S I A S T I C P U B L I C
MEETING
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MIDDLESBROUGH
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MEETING
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The professional egg which "Old Bird" had carefully cared for during incubation successfully hatched at the Co-operative Hall, Corporation-road, Middlesbrough, last night in the presence of a crowded and enthusiastic company, indeed many were unable to gain admission to celebrate the inauguration of what gives promise of being a healthy career. As various well-known supporters of the club put in an appearance they were warmly received, and the applause accorded "Old Bird's" appearance showed that the efforts put forth in the columns of the "North-Eastern Daily Gazette" and "Sports Gazette" in bringing the question to the front were acceptable. Mr. R.Forrester, occupied the chair, and was supported by his fellow directors in the club - viz., Messrs C.Dobinson, C.W.Beckwith, J.H.Gunter, J.R.Smiles, A.Mattison, R.Williams, Johnson, and Cotton. Mr. H.Walker, representative on the Football Association for No. 1 Division, and Mr Alex. Turnbull, vice-president of the Newcastle United Club, were also present.
Mr. Forrester, who was loudly applauded, said they had met that night in accordance with a resolution passed by the shareholders at an extra-ordinary meeting held at the Oddfellows' Hall the previous Friday night. That resolution read: "That in view of the short time within which the shares must be applied for it is advisable to invite the general public to meet the shareholders to secure if possible their active support and interest." Before asking them for the support so much needed he had perhaps better give a few reasons why they asked for public support. "In the first Place," said Mr. Forrester, "we have not been able to satisfy ourselves as to the quality of football we have been able to place before you, and we are quite alive to the fact that it could be improved upon. This state of things we are determined to alter," added the Chairman, "and it can be done if you would only put your shoulder to the wheel now the opportunity has come." Proceeding, amidst applause, the speaker said: "You may be certain we have tried our very utmost to place a team in the field that would be a credit to ourselves and the town, but under the existing circumstances we feel that something must be done to kindle that flame that set the district on fire when we had two professional teams in the town. The conditions now, he thought, were very different from every point of view. In support of this view he added: "When we were running two teams before there was too much bitterness between the parties, neither of them could get on for trying to stop the other. Consequently we both went down. Now we want your co-operation, and we offer you the right hand of fellowship, and trust that you will receive it in the spirit in which it is given, and that Middlesbrough will be the better for it in the end." In reference to applying for admission to the Second League, they could not ask admittance to that League, in his opinion, unless we have a sufficient balance in the bank to form a real good professional team. If we have that and the kind support of such gentlemen as our friend, Mr. Henderson, the chairman of the directors of the Sunderland Club, who has promised to support us to the best of his ability, the application would be successful." Then their friend from Newcastle, Mr. A.Turnbull, vice-chairman of the directors of the Newcastle United Club, had also promised his valuable assistance, and there was also their old friend Mr. Henry Walker, who represents this division on the English Council, and further, there was that highly respected gentleman, Mr. Howcroft, Chairman of the Cleveland Association, and member of the English Council. These together with the cash balance asked for would form a mighty combination against those clubs that had any intention of offering opposition. "We ask you for this money." said Mr. Forrester, "with the greatest confidence, seeing that if you are not satisfied with the management, you in a very few weeks time will be in a position to elect your new directors in the place of the four retiring members. We have already elected your old friend, Councillor Mattison -(applause)- to the Board, and together with the four you may elect that are more to your liking, you will practically have the going concern in your own hands. Then you can make things hum to some tune if you so desire. (Applause.) "They will ask you for this money," said the speaker in concluding, "so that we shall be in a position not only to win the Second League, but a team that will be able to win, tie, or wrangle with any team in England -a team that will lift the name of Middlesbrough to the highest pinnacle of fame, and be a credit to the town, and give entire satisfaction to the whole of the district."
Mr. Winney read one or two messages of encouragement, Mr. Wm. Neasham, president of the Newcastle United Club, and Mr. John Henderson, of Sunderland, both sending messages of regret that they could not be present, and promising every possible support to the club if formed a professional team.
Mr. Harry Walker followed with a speech characterised throughout by sound common-sense and careful consideration. He promised by complimenting the Chairman on his inspiriting speech, and by expressing his pleasure that the directors of the club had so quickly appreciated the public feeling, and said if they were to proceed in a reasonable manner without undue extravagance, and without going to the opposite extreme he thought the feeling which prevailed in the town was such as ought to carry the movement to a successful issue. His position there, he explained, was not that of an enthusiastic supporter of professionalism, or any other issue, but solely as one desirous of promoting the best interests of this important British sport, and he assured them that any influence he could bring to bear in his official capacity as the representative of this district on the Football Association would be brought to bear. Then he proceeded to get down to the figures, and reminded those present that before proceeding to make a change such as was contemplated, it was of the utmost importance that they should know something about
Mr. Harry Walker followed with a speech characterised throughout by sound common-
THE COST OF RUNNING A PROFESSIONAL CLUB.
On this subject he had seen some figures, which he believed were based upon a fair and reasonable estimate of what the cost would be. The probable cost would be approximately about £2,200 for a season; but he thought they would not be justified in proceeding on any estimated cost less than £2,500, and they must also have reasonable expectations of meeting an income at least equivalent to their outlay. To show that this was not an impossible object to attain, he proceeded to quote the returns which were secured in the days when, as he said, professionalism was rampant in our midst. These figures covered three full seasons and one season dating from December, so that it could only be counted as half, and showed that, exclusive of subscriptions, the total receipts were for that half season £1,100 for the following year £1,500, for the next year £1,765, and for the fourth year £1.414, or an average for the three full seasons during which professionalism was carried on in the town of £1,560 per season. That, he pointed out, was not £2,500, and it was necessary for them to carefully consider where the balance was to come from. Well, he thought it would be within the recollection of many of them that during the period the gates of the Middlesbrough Club and the Ironopolis Club were pretty much on an equality, so that it was
NOT OVER-ESTIMATING THE POSITION
to say that during these three years the total takings at football matches in the town would be £2,800 per season. That that conclusion was appreciated and endorsed by the audience was evident from their applause at the point made. Mr. Walker then proceeded to justify his statement that he was not carried away by enthusiasm, and pointed out that doubtless many of those who took an interest in football in the Nops' days had since lost their keen taste for the game, while many others had left the district; so that he said they might perhaps count on only half the support which was accorded to the Nops Club. On the other hand the population of Middlesbrough and the surrounding district had enormously increased since these days. They had more prosperous times commercially and industrially, men were fully employed, and there was to-day more money in the town than ever there was in the history of Middlesbrough. These plain considerations and
UNVARNISHED STATEMENTS OF FACTS
were, he thought, sufficient to prove that if professionalism was adopted it could be carried to a successful issue if -- and that if was an important item -- if there was a wise and efficient administration. Middlesbrough folks, I fancy, know some thing about that word "if." You must not fancy I am suggesting that all the affairs of the Town Council, and the Streets Committee, or the Gas Committee, or the Board of Guardians are not always wisely and efficiently administered. Oh, dear no. I would not think of such a thing. Quite apart from such matters I think Mr. Walker's enforcement of the necessity of wise and efficient administration was well timed and important. So were his observations as to the necessity of good feeling between the management and the supporters of the club, because, as he pointed out, it was just as impossible for a club to succeed if it is not supported through thick and thin by the general public as if it is badly managed, and the reference be made to the manner in which the people of Newcastle had rallied round and stuck to the United is well worthy the consideration and imitation he asked for it. Referring to
THE CAPITAL OF THE PROPOSED CLUB
Mr. Walker said he saw they were asking for capital of £1,500, and he pointed out that if this was subscribed it should not all be put into the melting pot at once. They must not expect to spend all that and then to run the club successfully with nothing to fall back on. They wanted to be satisfied that they could make the thing pay -- not 4 per cent., but at least sufficient to make ends meet without disturbing the capital sum proposed to be raised. This could not be done, he again pointed out, without careful administration, and above all, without the sympathy and enthusiasm of the general public. This spirit prevails in Newcastle, and thought Mr. Walker, we were not so far away from Tyneside either geographically or in sympathy but that the same spirit could be shown in Middlesbrough. If this could only be assured he was confident the turn in the tide of their affairs would soon come, and once again Middlesbrough would re-establish the position in the football world it had once held, and they would be
JUSTIFIED IN MAKING THE DEPARTURE,
which had been contemplated so long. He reminded them of a fact which Middlesbrough knows to its cost, and many other clubs to their profit, that Middlesbrough had brought out many men who were considered good enough for International League matches, and thought that a town which could produce men like Tom Morren, Phil Bach, Tom Priest, and not a few others should have a reasonable hope, if it could only keep its men, of running a club to a most successful issue. In concluding an excellent and convincing speech he gave expression to the hope, which found an enthusiastic echo, that the outcome of that meeting would be a determination which would induce them by all legitimate means to endeavour to raise the district to which they were proud to belong to the position in the football world which they felt it was capable of occupying.
Mr. Alex Turnbull, in a brief but pointed address, brought the practical experience he has gained from the days of the old Newcastle East End team to the present tune to bear upon the question. Judging by the enthusiasm displayed, he felt confident if the scheme was proceeded with it would be successful. If any town in the North should have a professional team that town was, said Mr. Turnbull, the town of Middlesbrough, and he could promise that no effort would be wanting from Newcastle to obtain their admission to the Second Division. He pointed out that when a public meeting was called in Newcastle at the time the team was reconstituted there was not nearly so large a meeting as the one he was addressing. They, however proceeded, and the result of the confidence they then had of receiving public support was to be seen to-day, and he did not think he was wrong in saying that they expected at Newcastle their gate money at the end of the season would reach five figures. With reference to the amount of capital asked for, Mr. Turnbull thought that in a town the size of Middlesbrough it should be quickly forthcoming. Newcastle would welcome the friendly rivalry of Middlesbrough, and of the inclusion of the latter in the second division he had no doubts. Thousands of people would week by week visit the town, and for this reason there were many traders who would receive such benefit from this influx of people that the shares all ought to be readily taken up.
It was evident from the figures given by Mr. Winney, secretary, that the directors have considered the matter from every point. In relation to the expense of a professional team, Mr. Winney pointed out that the expenses of a single player travelling at a fare and a quarter between Middlesbrough and the towns in which the matches would have to be played would amount to £13 16s 9d. Therefore, estimating that 14 players, reserves and officials would have to be paid for the cost would run to £193 14s 6d. Of the 18 clubs there were 13 cases where they would have to go overnight to play their fixtures, and there were five cases they might manage by starting early in the morning. The cost of the 13 overnight matches would be about £685, and for the day matches £17 10s. With regard to the number of players, they could not run a team without having 16 players. That would amount to about £1,400, the players to receive £2 10s per week. The trainer and groundsman for 35 weeks would mean £135, whilst other expenditure brought the total up to about £2,267. Therefore, they must take in gate money from 18 home matches £126 per gate, and he pointed out that the gate in the recent friendly match with Sunderland amounted to £98, representing 3,931 sixpences.
In response to the Chairman's suggestion, Mr. Geo. Cathey -- whose interest in the club is none the less keen for being, like most of Mr. Cathey's actions, quiet and unostentatious -- made a few very sensible remarks. He said that some of the best men in the country had come from Middlesbrough, and he thought if only they got a fair chance many of them would come back. His suggestion was that a thorough canvas should be made of the tradesmen of the town, and he expressed the opinion that there should not be a single tradesman who was not prepared to take shares. The suggestion was heartily endorsed by the audience, especially when Mr. Cathey stated that one gentleman had expressed the desire to hold 50 shares, and when he expressed his own readiness to assist in the work of canvassing.
In reply to a question as to the manner of raising the money, and the granting of time to pay to any who could not put the whole sum down, a question which was also raised by Mr. Cathey, Mr. Winney said they must have something substantial with which to go before the League. The shares, he said, to the extent of from £1,000 to £1,500 must be promised by March 17th. and the first instalment of 5s per share must be paid by that date. On allotment another 5s must be paid. The next call would not be for three months, and the remainder when the directors thought desirable.
In reply to a question which was handed to him, the Chairman said in the event of the club not being admitted to the League every penny of the subscribed capital would be returned.
In answer to a question the Chairman said the estimate did not include summer retaining fees.
Mr. Brentnall submitted a very pertinent question as to how long the club was likely to have the ground, and asked for a statement of the present financial position.
To this the Chairman replied that they were certain of the ground for two and probably three years. As to the finances they estimated they were £100 to the bad, but expected that with the 20 excellent entries received for the medal competition to obtain sufficient money to clear that off.
Another question was asked by "Old Bird" as to whether a working man could pay for his share or shares at so much per week, and to this Mr. Forrester said the first 5s must be paid by the 17th March. Should any working man not be able to meet the call no doubt the committee would make special arrangements to enable the amount to be paid. He also pointed out that if the application for admission to the Second Division of the League was refused every penny of the money would be returned.
Slips of paper were handed round the hall for those wishing to take shares to fill up. These were afterwards counted, and the Secretary announced that the total number of shares subscribed at the meeting was 244. Of that number the "North-Eastern Daily Gazette" would take 25, and in connection with this he might say he had seen Mr. J.Kealey, who had promised to do all he possibly could to induce the directors to double the number of their shares so that they might reckon upon the "Gazette" taking 50 shares instead of 25. (Loud applause.)
A question was asked as to the number of individual subscribers whose names had been handed in, and the Secretary said these totalled 80.
The desire of many of those present was to learn who had promised to take 50 shares, as stated by Mr Cathey, and in answer to the Secretary Mr. Cathey said the gentleman referred to was Mr. Tom Bach. (Applause.)
The directors of the club intend discussing the question again on Monday night, and asked for names to be submitted from the meeting to act as a committee to meet the directors to consider what should be done with regard to securing support from the tradesmen who will be benefited by the influx of people to see the matches.
The following names were approved:- Messrs Cathey, Marshall, Walker, Watson, Grainger, Ayton, Dove, Newton, Devine, Mackereth, McCallum, Appleby, Wood, W.Davison, and Maxtead. These gentlemen meet the directors at 8.30 p.m. on Monday, and then energetic work will commence to bring the scheme to a successful issue.
Mr. Alex Turnbull, in a brief but pointed address, brought the practical experience he has gained from the days of the old Newcastle East End team to the present tune to bear upon the question. Judging by the enthusiasm displayed, he felt confident if the scheme was proceeded with it would be successful. If any town in the North should have a professional team that town was, said Mr. Turnbull, the town of Middlesbrough, and he could promise that no effort would be wanting from Newcastle to obtain their admission to the Second Division. He pointed out that when a public meeting was called in Newcastle at the time the team was reconstituted there was not nearly so large a meeting as the one he was addressing. They, however proceeded, and the result of the confidence they then had of receiving public support was to be seen to-
In response to the Chairman's suggestion, Mr. Geo. Cathey -
In reply to a question which was handed to him, the Chairman said in the event of the club not being admitted to the League every penny of the subscribed capital would be returned.
In answer to a question the Chairman said the estimate did not include summer retaining fees.
Mr. Brentnall submitted a very pertinent question as to how long the club was likely to have the ground, and asked for a statement of the present financial position.
To this the Chairman replied that they were certain of the ground for two and probably three years. As to the finances they estimated they were £100 to the bad, but expected that with the 20 excellent entries received for the medal competition to obtain sufficient money to clear that off.
Another question was asked by "Old Bird" as to whether a working man could pay for his share or shares at so much per week, and to this Mr. Forrester said the first 5s must be paid by the 17th March. Should any working man not be able to meet the call no doubt the committee would make special arrangements to enable the amount to be paid. He also pointed out that if the application for admission to the Second Division of the League was refused every penny of the money would be returned.
Slips of paper were handed round the hall for those wishing to take shares to fill up. These were afterwards counted, and the Secretary announced that the total number of shares subscribed at the meeting was 244. Of that number the "North-
The desire of many of those present was to learn who had promised to take 50 shares, as stated by Mr Cathey, and in answer to the Secretary Mr. Cathey said the gentleman referred to was Mr. Tom Bach. (Applause.)
The directors of the club intend discussing the question again on Monday night, and asked for names to be submitted from the meeting to act as a committee to meet the directors to consider what should be done with regard to securing support from the tradesmen who will be benefited by the influx of people to see the matches.
The following names were approved:-
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"A shareholder" writes:-
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NEDG JUNE 21 1899
FOOTBALL
MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB
MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB
The annual general meeting of the shareholders was held at the Victoria Hall, Middlesbrough, yesterday, Mr R.Forrester presiding.
The directors in their report, read by Mr Winney, secretary, did not regard the past season as equal to what they had become accustomed to, but various circumstances had been against them, so that the team could not be properly constituted until the beginning of the cup competitions. The first team had played 38 matches, won 16, lost 7, drawn 5 (sic), goals for 65 against 67. The second team had won 12, lost 10, drawn 5, goals for 67, against 78. In connection with the change to professionalism and admission to the League, thanks were tendered to the Canvassing Committee and to Mr H.Walker. Only 500 out of 1,000 shares promised had been taken up, but that state of things they hoped to find early remedied. They had also gained admission to the Northern Alliance for the second team, and it was hoped that the visit of so many first class teams would justify in the results the expenditure that would be incurred. Thanks were also tended to the Schools League for their contribution of £20. The men engaged up to the present time were Wanless, Page, Allport, Smith, of the old team, and Longstaffe would join later on; Pratt, Murphy, Shaw, Dargues, of local teams; Ramsay, Hughes, and Todd, from over the Border.
Mr R.Forrester and Mr R.W.Williams were re-elected directers, and Mr J.J.Fowler and Mr T.French being added in place of Mr E.Johnson and Mr W.Cotton, who did not seek re-election.
In reply to a question as to charges for the ensuing season, the secretary (Mr H.W.Winney) read a minute of the directers recommending the discontinuance of pass books, and substitution of cloth bound fixture cards at the following rates: Shareholders 10s; non-shareholders, 15s; enclosure, gentlemen 21s, and ladies 10s 6d, boys under 17 5s, or enclosure 10s 6d. --A shareholder moved that it be an instruction to the directers to consider the advisability of issuing season cards to ladies for the covered stand at 7s 6d.
Mr J.H. Gunter intimated that it was his intention to resign his seat on the board of directors.
The directors in their report, read by Mr Winney, secretary, did not regard the past season as equal to what they had become accustomed to, but various circumstances had been against them, so that the team could not be properly constituted until the beginning of the cup competitions. The first team had played 38 matches, won 16, lost 7, drawn 5 (sic), goals for 65 against 67. The second team had won 12, lost 10, drawn 5, goals for 67, against 78. In connection with the change to professionalism and admission to the League, thanks were tendered to the Canvassing Committee and to Mr H.Walker. Only 500 out of 1,000 shares promised had been taken up, but that state of things they hoped to find early remedied. They had also gained admission to the Northern Alliance for the second team, and it was hoped that the visit of so many first class teams would justify in the results the expenditure that would be incurred. Thanks were also tended to the Schools League for their contribution of £20. The men engaged up to the present time were Wanless, Page, Allport, Smith, of the old team, and Longstaffe would join later on; Pratt, Murphy, Shaw, Dargues, of local teams; Ramsay, Hughes, and Todd, from over the Border.
Mr R.Forrester and Mr R.W.Williams were re-