ECHOES OF GOODISON PARK HISTORY

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Duncan Ashcroft

Player Valuation: Free Transfer
Here's the 1891 census showing Richard (Dick) Molyneux with the job as Everton's Secretary-Manager. He led the Toffees to their first league title that year, and was was an instigator and leader of the club's move to the new Goodison Park ground the following year. I couldn't make out the name of the road he lived in the 'Walton-on-the-Hill district, but a couple of people on facebook said it was it is Wylva Road, which is near the Anfield Stadium and where the team played in 1891 before the move the next year. Sadly, one pointed out that Dick Molyneux lies in an unmarked grave in Kirkdale Cemetery.
richard (dick) molyneux 1891 census.webp
richard (dick) molyneux 1861 census .webp

The census shows he was born in St Helens (Wikipedia wrongly states Prescot, but that was the birth registration district for the area), and here's the 1861 Census showing him living as a three year old in the Parr district of Blackbrook, St Helens, probably near to the Ship Inn. His father Thomas was an 'Underlooker' for a colliery which meant he deputised for the operations and safety of the mine.
A fascinating bit of history, with echoes for these current changing times for the 'Grand Old Lady' Goodison Park stadium and the football club. Take a read of the great article by the Everton FC Heritage Society.
 

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Looks like he liked a tipple.

The Everton board at that time had a few fanatical temperance men on it and they really took the demon drink seriously.

The club chairman was Dr William Whitford who was also the club doctor and he'd travel home and away with the players chasing them out of ale houses and into their digs to avoid being inebriated before games.

No wonder Kirkwood was suspended.
 
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