North Eastern Daily Gazette - October 1892
Meeting 13 October 1892.
GENERAL MEETING OF THE MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB
The first general meeting of the Middlesbrough Football and Athletic Company (Limited)
was held last night in the Co-operative Hall. Mr F.Hardisty, chairman of directors
presiding. – The directors, in presenting a short report intimated that the play
of the team, on two or three occasions especially, had not been so good as they could
have wished, and that further changes would have to be made in the team in order
the club should attain that position in the football world desired by its supporters,
but at the same time the directors believed that the form latterly shown by the team
was not their true form. They believed the players constituting the tem were capable
of playing a far superior game to that which they were doing at present. They had
every reason to believe that the conduct of some of the players had not been such
as to warrant their showing their best form but they assured the shareholders that
they the directors would do their utmost to keep them under control and see that
they did their duty by the club. Several men had already been severely dealt with
and it was the directors’ determination to infuse new blood into the team, and dispense
with those players who did not conduct themselves properly, and do their utmost for
their club. – The report of the directors was received with approval, it being recognised
that they were doing their best to make the team a success. Owing to the death of
Mr Gilbert Lang a vacancy occurred in the post of auditor and Mr Henry Barugh was
unanimously appointed to the same. – The whole of the directors, twelve in number,
then retired. Of these Messrs W.H.Thomas, J.Creasor, and J. Soulsby did not seek
re-election. The remaining nine – viz., Messrs F.Hardisty, G.Marshall, J.R.Smiles,
F.Bach, R.Forrester, R.Dodds, J.Watson, Buck, and Dr Bateman – were on a vote re-elected,
and they, together with Messrs H.W.Winney, W.Cotton, and C.Dobinson, who were elected,
will form the new directorate.
The meeting was of a most harmonious character, and it is not improbable that immediate
steps will be taken to secure two or three new players.
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North Eastern Daily Gazette 23 November 1892.
Football
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THE MIDDLESBROUGH CLUB
A large and enthusiastic meeting of the shareholders of the Middlesbrough Football
Company Limited, was held last night in the Lecture room of the Temperance Hall,
Mr Robert Dodds presiding. -- The CHAIRMAN having given a resume of the working of
the club, and the improved form shown during recent matches, the sense of the shareholders
was taken as to whether they thought the team should be still further improved. --
The CHAIRMAN intimates that he thought they were in a position to be able to secure
men if desired, and the unanimous feeling was that though the team was doing well
just now it was most advisable to secure another half-back at once.. The question
of the large expenses now incurred in running a professional team was also brought
before the notice of the meeting, the Chairman explaining that about 550 shares had
been applied for, whereas it was expected at least 800 would have been taken before
now. Several share holders made suggestions as to increasing the number of shareholders,
and otherwise improving the status of the Company. The unanimous feeling of all present
was that one and all should do their utmost and put their shoulders to the wheel
to enable the directors to be in no way hampered by financial troubles. Finally it
was decided that all shareholders present should be asked what additional shares
they would take up. This met with a hearty response, nearly 100 shares being applied
for in the room and various shareholders, who did not see their way just at the moment
to pledge themselves to take shares suggested they should make a donation instead.
This was agreed to, and it was settled that forms either for taking shares or making
donations should be sent out to all shareholders not present at the meeting. From
the tone of the meeting, and the hearty and enthusiastic manner in which the shareholders
came forward there is little doubt whatever that the required number of shares will
be forthcoming as each shareholder pledged himself to work amongst other shareholders
and friends, so that everyone would get an additional one, whilst the donation list
is also expected to be most satisfactory. In view of the fact that during the next
three Saturdays the matches are away from home and consequently the expenditure will
be very heavy, and a severe call on the funds, it was proposed by a shareholder that
the amounts on the audit of all shares to be taken up should be paid as far as possible
during the present and succeeding weeks so as to enable the directors to meet the
current expenditure in a satisfactory manner. -- The CHAIRMAN explained that the
directors did not wish to call in anything further on the old shares, as the uncalled
capital on the 550 shares already allotted should be allowed to remain uncalled as
long as possible, as on business principles it was unwise to have nothing to fall
back upon. -- We understand the directors have every prospect of obtaining very shortly
the half-back that is being sought after.
