1894 Special General Meeting

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL F.C.

PLAYERS FOR NEXT SEASON.

Southport Guardian May 16 1894

Last night a special general meeting of the members of the club was held at the Scarisbrick Hotel, when there was an excellent attendance. Mr. J. G Emmison, the popular chairman, presided, and amongst those present were Messrs. D. Ashton (hon. sec.). P. Howard, W. Robinson, S. Burnham, W. II. Griffin, B. Purser, W. E. Cash, R. Kay (secretary to Reserve team), R. McGown, J. Hewitt, and J. Robinson.-The meeting had been originally fixed for the Albany Galleries, but “the man with the keys” having evidently got astray, the gathering had to be held at the Scarisbrick Hotel. Mr. Ashton having read the minutes of the previous meetings.

The CHAIRMAN said that they were there to take into consideration three points-their past doings for the season, their present position, and their future prospects. He should not take up much time about the past season, but he should like to say this, that the past season had been a creditable one. They had attained to the third position in the Lancashire League, and if they could only make the same advance as they had done-or perhaps an advance not so great-their prospect for the championship next season seemed great. (fear, hear.) Their position so far as regarded their position in the League, was very creditable, and that, notwithstanding the ill- fortune which had dogged them in their cup ties and medal competition contests. (Hear, hear.) The Executive, so far as the future, were pleased to be able to inform them that they had signed players, most of them good and true. They had not positively got their old friend Jimmy Gee, but it was his (the chairman’s) fault, and he believed that Jimmy would be all right. They had signed Tom. Smith. Fryer (late of North Meols), Charley McLaren, Duncan McLaren, J. Tattersall, Foster (late of Preston North End, a centre half), Lollie Halsall (late of North Meols and formerly of the Central. well known as a wing player with Harry Lea), Bryce, Shadbolt, Hollows, Whittaker, Robinson, and Billy Hastings. (Applause.) The expense of a team had always been great, but he was glad to be able to tell them that the team would probably be run at about £5 less than it was last year. (Applause.) The thanks of the executive were due to the splendid manner in which the boys had supported the club. He also referred to Mr. Peter Howard, who had taken auch care of the team. (Hear, hear.) He gave an invitation to all present to speak out and to ask any question they thought fit.

In reply to Mr. Dempsey, the CHAIRMAN Baid that McCabe had not yet signed, there being some difficulty in regard to the summer wages, which the committee had decided not to pay. He did. not know whether they would yet secure Peter. They had secured someone as reserve back, but wild horses should not draw the name from him at present. All in due course. (Laughter and hear, hear.)

The CHAIRMAN made a reference to the medals which the Hon. G. N. Curzon had presented, and said it was in contemplation as to the way in which they should be presented.

Mr. W. H. GRIFFIN remarked that their record was a credit to themselves and to Southport. There had been a lot of grumbling as to the team not winning away from home, but he pointed out that the team had won four matches away from home, which was more than South Shore and Heywood, who were supposed to be clubs of fairly good standing, had done. More than that they were the only team in the League who had sored in every match. (Applause.) They had done well, and he hoped they would have the cordial support of all in the ensuing year. (Hear, hear.)

The CHAIRMAN suggested that nominations for the committee should be sent in at least three days before the date of the annual general meeting, and this was adopted on the motion of Mr. CARII, seconded by Mr. NAYLOR. A committee was also formed to collect subscriptions during the summer months.

Sports were suggested as an appropriate occasion on which the medals could be presented, but nothing was done in this direction.

The CHAIRMAN mentioned that a few friends. stood for about £150 for the past season, and asked -the members to do their beat not only to relieve these gentlemen, but to make the club self- supporting. He defendod football, not merely because of the pleasure it afforded the spectators, bat because of its moral tendency. (Hear, hear.)’) With proper support he did not see why the Central should not obtain a far higher position than it had ever held. (Applause.)

A question was asked in regard to the Old Boys, but the reply was deferred. A vote of, thanks to the Chairman concluded the meeting.