davek
Player Valuation: £150m
Demonic hand over Shankly's shoulder there.
- Status
Demonic hand over Shankly's shoulder there.
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
Were you any good at spot the ball ?
Nah.
The Alternate Everton History Part III
In the summer of 1987, Howard Kendall sensationally resigned as Everton manager, to take the reins at Barcelona. His replacement caused some surprise; rather than an experienced supremo like Venables or Atkinson, Everton opted for Aberdeen's young manager, Alex Ferguson.
1987/88 was a transitional season for Everton; Howard Kendall mercilessly raided his old club, signing Lineker and Steven for a massive combined fee of £6.5M. With Peter Reid losing his effectiveness due to a combination of age and injuries Alex Ferguson was thus compelled to try to replace three Everton legends. He first moved to strengthen the defence, signing Norwich City's centre half, Dave Watson. It was believed that he also wished to sign Watson's partner, Steve Bruce, but this supposed move did not come about at this time. He similarly failed to persuade Ron Atkinson to sell Ian Rush, though the striker was rumoured to be ready to leave Manchester United to join the club he had supported as a boy. However, with the likes of Ratcliffe, Van Den Hauwe, Stevens, Bracewell, Beardsley, McMahon, Sheedy and most of all, Southall, still there, Everton remained the team to beat, and by the season's end they had won the League Cup, were third in the league to Manchester United and Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest, and had reached the final of the European Cup-Winners Cup, losing 3 - 2 to Ajax.
In 1988/89, Everton fought out with Atkinson's Manchester United, George Graham's Arsenal, Terry Venables' Spurs and Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest for the title. Alex Ferguson, who had tasted European glory with Aberdeen, showed that he had not left his magic in Scotland when Everton won the UEFA Cup, beating Barcelona in the semi-final and Sampdoria by 2 - 0 in the final, Paul Bracewell and Peter Beardsley scoring. Arsenal won the League by five points from the Blues, but Everton retained the League Cup and reached the semi-final of the F. A. Cup, losing 2 - 1 to Spurs.
The close of the eighties saw the beginning of the end for some of Everton's "glory boys" as they became known following their all-conquering feats. Van Den Hauwe departed, and with Kevin Ratcliffe plagued by injuries, and Gary Stevens leaving to join his former manager at Barcelona, the defence, the bedrock of the team, was in need of strengthening. Graeme Sharp departed too, as Ferguson started to put his stamp on the team. Ferguson also reorganised the youth set-up, declaring that he wanted to have at least two players from the youths coming into the squad each season.
When Everton failed to lift any silverware in 1989/90, there were rumblings of discontent, and even calls for a "taxi for Ferguson" from disgruntled fans, but the Boards stuck by their man, and Ferguson promised the fans that, given time, he would ensure that the Goodison Park outfit would reign once more.
In the summer of 1990, Ferguson strengthened the team by signing Dave Watson's former partner, Steve Bruce, together with Paul Parker of QPR. The most significant signing, however, was of an unknown young Irish midfielder from Cobh Ramblers named Roy Keane, for a fee of £65,000.
The Everton midfield revolved around Steve McMahon, Kevin Sheedy and Paul Bracewell, but these players were now either in their thirties or fast approaching that age. McMahon was surprisingly sold to neighbours Liverpool, after playing over 300 games for Everton, while injuries were reducing Bracewell’s effectiveness. Ferguson went abroad for midfield reinforcements, signing a Ukranian winger with a name that was, at first, almost unpronounceable by fans - Andrei Kanchelskis. The biggest signing, however, was the capture of the Southampton centre forward, Alan Shearer, for a British record fee of £3,000,000.
In 1990/91, the title was a two-horse race between George Graham's Arsenal and Everton under Alex Ferguson. Shearer had made an instant impact with the Blues, scoring ten times in his first month at the club, and while Kanchelskis' impact was less spectacular, his blistering speed made him a handful for any defence. Indeed, when the two sides met, it was billed in the press as "the immovable force meets the irresistible object", as Arsenal's notoriously mean defence of Seaman, Dixon, Adams, Keown or Bould and Winterburn restricted all opponents to a single goal or less. Arsenal won the first encounter 1 - 0, Ian Wright netting, and the defeat prompted Ferguson to splash out in the transfer market once again, this time buying Newcastle United's talented midfield player Paul Gascoine for a fee of £2M, with Paul Bracewell going the other way.
Though the new team needed time to gel into a unit, it was plain that Everton had the basis of a team to rival the great sides of the 1960s, the 1970s and the 1980s. Neville Southall was still universally regarded as the best keeper in Britain, and other experienced players, like Dave Watson and Peter Beardsley, helped the youngsters along. Though Arsenal won the league once again, Everton achieved success in the cups, winning the UEFA Cup, beating Inter-Milan 3 - 1 and the F. A. Cup, defeating Spurs with goals from Dave Watson and Paul Gascoine.
Football in the 1990s was changing. A fire at Bradford City in the mid-1980s, which resulted in over 50 deaths, and various examples of hooliganism, resulted in reports urging the introduction of all-seater stadia. A new Television deal between the League and a satellite TV company meant that more money was flowing into the game, with the League - Division 1 soon to be replaced by the Premier League. Everton seemed determined to ensure that they would be the last club to win the old First Division championship, winning their first ten league games in succession. Everton were unbeaten in the League until New Year's Day, and won the title by Easter. They also won the European Cup-Winners Cup, defeating Athletico Madrid 3 - 0 in the Final.
Everton were the first team to win the new Premier League in 1992/93. With the solid defence of Bruce and Watson in front of Southall, the brilliant Gascoine in midfield, Kanchelskis on the wing and Shearer and Beardsley up front, nothing could stop the relentless forward march of the Toffeemen. The old Park End was torn down in the summer of 1993 to be replaced by a double-decker structure with Executive Boxes - the Park Stand. This gave Goodison Park an all seated capacity of 45,000, but even this was not enough to meet the demand for tickets, and plans were discussed for replacement of all the stands. Everton seemed to have no real rivals in the domestic game; while Arsenal under George Graham were effective and hard to beat, they were almost universally condemned as being dull to watch and primarily concerned with keeping clean sheets. Ron Atkinson’s Manchester United found it impossible to replace ageing stars Ian Rush and Bryan Robson; some alleged that Atkinson never replaced Kenny Dalglish, who had left to rejoin Celtic in 1988, though it was universally admitted that "King Kenny" was a hard act to follow. Challenges might come from a resurgent Leeds United, back in the top flight after an absence of eight years, or, somewhat unexpectedly, from Liverpool, who, it was said, had some bright stars in their youth team. Also, Chelsea were making noises about becoming "the Everton of the south" under their wealthy backers.
It was soon clear that in hiring Alex Ferguson to replace Kendall, Everton's directors had pulled off a masterstroke. They won the European Cup again - by this time, the competition had been renamed "The UEFA Champions League" and involved a somewhat complicated group format. However, Everton overcame all obstacles to defeat Barcelona 3 - 0 in the final. 1994 also saw Everton retain the Premier League title.
1994/95 was another memorable year for the Blues. They won the title for the third year in succession, though they were eliminated from the Champions League at the semi-final stage. Winning the domestic double of League and Cup was a consolation, however; they defeated Manchester United in the final, Bruce, Shearer and Watson scoring. This was Neville Southall's last game for Everton; the most decorated and capped player in the club's history, and the player who had made most appearances for Everton, Southall had the honour of captaining the club for the final, and it was he who lifted the trophy, having kept yet another clean sheet in the final, despite the efforts of his fellow Welshman, young Ryan Giggs, for United.
Replacing Neville Southall seemed an impossible task, and Ferguson looked beyond the shores of Britain for a worthy candidate to follow Big Neville. He signed the Danish giant, Peter Schmeichel, for £1.5M from Brondby. Ferguson also signed the Scottish defender Richard Gough from Rangers for £1M. By this time, the young Irish midfielder Roy Keane, after a spell on loan at Preston North End, had established himself in the team, and was tipped as a future Everton great.
1995/96 saw further challenges for Everton. Under the management of former favourite Kenny Dalglish, who had replaced the sacked Ron Atkinson in the summer, Manchester United fielded an impressive young side, with emerging stars like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville, David Beckham and Nicky Butt. Defenders of Atkinson said that he had been denied the chance to work with players that he had developed, and that Dalglish merely benefited from Atkinson's youth policy. Be that as it may, by the autumn of 1995 Manchester United were genuine challengers for the title. Somewhat unexpectedly, Liverpool also showed that they were determined to usurp their neighbours, producing exciting young players like Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman, ironically both boyhood Evertonians.
At Arsenal, George Graham had left amid allegations of financial misdeeds, and new manager Bruce Rioch proved unable to maintain the Gunners' momentum, with rumours that binge drinking, drug taking and gambling were rife in the club.
Peter Beardsley left Everton to join his home town club, Newcastle United, in their quest for promotion to the Premiership under former favourite Kevin Keegan. His replacement was a powerful Scot, Duncan Ferguson; Ferguson, tall and immensely strong in the air was a completely different type of player to Beardsley, but proved to be a great success at Goodison Park, netting twice against neighbours Liverpool on his debut to help his team to a 3 - 1 win at Anfield. Anders Limpar joined from Arsenal, and Everton had one of the most potent attacks ever seen in England, with Kanchelskis, Ferguson, Shearer and Limpar terrorising defences.
Everton won the Champions League beating Ajax 3 - 1 in the final, incidentally avenging the loss in the 1971 European Cup Final. They also won the League Cup and League Championship, though the F. A. Cup was won by Manchester United's young side, now called "Kenny's Kids", an echo of the "Busby Babes" of the 1950s.
In the summer of 1996, the Bullens Road stand was demolished and rebuilt, increasing Everton's capacity to 50,000, with more executive boxes and improved facilities.
1996/97 was a testing year for Everton. Losing both Shearer and Duncan Ferguson to injuries was a major blow, and when midfield dynamo Roy Keane also had to undergo surgery Alex Ferguson's skills were tested to the utmost. However, Kanchelskis, Limpar and Gascoine still dominated most midfields, and the experience of Gough at the back, together with Peter Schmeichel in goal, meant that Everton were still among the front runners, though they were eliminated from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. Everton suffered something of a blow to their prestige when neighbours Liverpool did the double over them in the league for the first time for decades, goals coming from Fowler in both games. Alex Ferguson ordered a complete revamp of the youth setup, declaring that he was tired of seeing Liverpool get the best local kids. Youngsters were introduced late on in the season, with full back Michael Ball and forward Danny Cadamateri both making their debuts. Ball went on to become a full international, while Cadamateri had a respectable career in the football league. The League Cup was Everton's sole trophy in 1996/97.
In 1997/98, Shearer and Keane returned, but Duncan Ferguson continued to be plagued by injuries, and manager Alex Ferguson looked to strengthen the side. In an audacious move, he splashed out £10M for Arsenal's Dennis Bergkamp, who had joined the London side two years previously but had shown top form only occasionally for the Gunners under manager Rioch. Duncan Ferguson was subsequently sold to Leeds United for £8M. Ferguson also tried to buy the Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, but Dalglish was extremely reluctant to let the player go and no deal was struck. Ferguson subsequently purchased Gary Speed for £6M. This paved the way for Paul Gascoine's departure to Italy, the gifted but undisciplined midfielder having fallen foul of his manager once too often. Players came and went, but Everton under Alex Ferguson continued to flourish, once again winning the domestic double, defeating Chelsea in the Cup Final and ending the season champions, six points ahead of Manchester United.
By 1998/99, the format of the Champions League had changed; no longer was the competition confined to League Champions. However, Everton continued to succeed in Europe, winning the trophy after beating Bayern Munich and Barcelona on the way to the final, where they defeated Juventus 2 - 1. Chelsea beat an under-strength Everton side 3 - 2 in the League Cup Final, but the Blues of Merseyside retained their League title, albeit on goal difference only from Manchester United. Leeds United defeated Liverpool 2 - 0 in the F. A. Cup Final, with former Evertonian Duncan Ferguson scoring both goals for the Yorkshiremen.
By 1999/2000, the Champions League had become a cash cow, and the gap between the "haves" who were in the CL and the "have nots" - the rest of the league - was large and growing. By now too, there were no restrictions on the number of foreigners a team could field, and it was no unknown for Premiership games to take place with no English players on the pitch! Everton had several youth team graduates in the squad - players such as Unsworth, Osman, Hibbert, Jeffers, Barton, Grant and others had occasional games, while Jagielka and Baines eventually became regular first teamers, but more and more of Everton’s strongest XI were either big money buys or foreigners, or both. This was, of course, the case with most clubs, not only Everton. When Peter Schmeichal left Everton, he was replaced by an American, Tim Howard.
1999/2000 was the season of Alex Ferguson's greatest triumph, masterminding Everton's march to a treble of F. A. Cup, League Championship and European Cup. For this feat, Ferguson was knighted. Roy Keane was chosen Footballer of the Year, and Alan Shearer was the league's top scorer with 34 goals. Everton were unbeaten at home and lost only twice in the league in the whole season, away to Arsenal and, somewhat unexpectedly, to newly promoted Manchester City, now managed by former Evertonian Joe Royle. Spurs were despatched 2 - 0 in the F. A. Cup Final, and Everton defeated Valencia after extra time in the final of the European Cup.
In 2000, the idea of moving Everton from their home at Goodison Park to a new stadium was mooted. There were problems with the attempted expansion of Goodison, and a site was found on the waterfront, at King's Dock. This would put Everton in a new ground at the very heart of the city, and although there were some protests amongst disgruntled fan groups, a ballot of the fans gave the scheme the support of over 87% of those voting.
On the field, Everton under Ferguson kept on winning trophies, and comparisons were made with the great side of the mid 80s. In 2002, a debut was given to a 16 year old forward named Wayne Rooney. He made his mark on the Premiership with a spectacular goal against Arsenal, and inspired the most memorable quote from a commentator since Kenneth Wolstenhome's "They think it's all over" in 1966, with "Remember the name - Wayne Rooney!" A year later, with Rooney gradually establishing himself as a regular, Everton signed the Australian inside forward Tim Cahill for £1.75M from Millwall, following an inspired performance by Cahill against Everton in the semi-final of the F. A. Cup.
In 2004, Sir Alex brought in a younger man as his assistant - David Moyes, the manager of Preston North End, who had narrowly failed to get promotion to the Premiership. It was widely thought that Ferguson saw Moyes as his eventual successor. In any event, Everton won the Champions League again in 2005 and 2006, as well as several domestic honours. It was fitting that Everton's last game at Goodison Park in May 2005 saw them lift the Premier League trophy again, and that the last goals score at that ground were by Shearer, who had established a post-war record total for Everton, and Rooney, universally seen as Shearer's natural successor.
The 2005/06 season dawned with Everton in their new 55,000 seater stadium at the King's Dock, ready to meet the challenge of defending their League title and European Cup.
New challengers emerged, and under billionaire owners, Chelsea and then Manchester City tried to challenge Everton's pre-eminence, but to no avail. With their massive fan base widened by almost fifty years' continuous success, Everton were supreme in England and Europe. When Sir Alex retired as Everton's manager at the end of season 2007/08 at the age of 65, he was succeeded by his assistant, David Moyes, who in his first season, guided the club to yet another domestic "double" and a Champions League win. Already, there was talk of extending the capacity of Everton's new ground, from the 55,000 it held to a staggering 75,000.
Concluded.
It does tend to get a bit fanciful towards the end, but hey, it's fiction
How long does Moyes last (not too long I hope)
where do Martinez, Moshiri and Koeman fit in this, if at all.
I fancy Mourinho to be in there some where.
anybody? fell free to move it on from 2007.
Norwegian Cow
Player Valuation: £35m
let bygones be bygones
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
If only.
If only.
Yeah, if only they'd been their traditional "we don't sack managers" a la Souness and Hodgson.
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
http://www.efcstatto.com/stories/the-split-what-really-happened/
Sneeky gets right from the beginning.
The Split – What Really Happened
It is commonly known that Liverpool were born after a dispute over rising rent led Everton to split into two. However, there was much more to it. Why Liverpool’s birth happened may have been because of the dispute, but how Liverpool’s birth happened is a different story.
On January 25th, 1892, a general meeting took place to discuss whether “to consider the advisability of forming the club into a limited liability company to purchase [John] Houlding and [John] Orrell’s lands on the basis of their prospectus, or into a LLC on a smaller capital to lease the present or any other ground.” William Clayton proposed that Everton should reject John Houlding’s offer of becoming a limited liability company on his Houlding’s terms – the proposal was carried. The reason why because he thought that the costs were overpriced – the club would be paying more for the land than what it is actually worth. Clayton consulted a land agent to estimate the price of the land, and the land agent said it would be worth 4 shillings and 6 pence per yard. Houlding wanted to sell the land for 7 shillings and 6 pence per yard – 3 shillings more than its actual worth. Clayton added that if the club members were to accept Houlding’s offer, Everton would have hardly any money left.
Another proposal was made by William Clayton – he suggested that the club should be formed into a limited liability company under the name “Everton Football Club Limited”.
Proposed by Mr. Clayton and seconded by Mr. Atkinson –
That the Club be formed into a Limited Liability Co. under the name of the Everton Football Club Limited.
Everton Minute Books – 25th January 1892
That proposal was also carried. Afterwards, it was agreed that Everton’s solicitor would be in charge of registering the club and “obtain the necessary signatures from members of Committee or members of the club.” However, a few people decided to ignore the agreement…
Source: Liverpool Mercury
Even though it was agreed for a solicitor to register Everton as a limited liability company under the name “Everton Football Club Limited”, some Machiavellian members decided to register the club under a different name and on John Houlding’s terms the day after the general meeting. Everton were about to be registered under its agreed name but before it could happen, the registration was denied because there was already a limited liability company with a very similar name. Unsurprisingly, William Clayton wasn’t happy.
Motion by Mr. Clayton:
Resolved that we condemn the action of the members of Com. & members of the Club who have signed memorandum of association registering the Everton Football Club & Athletic Grounds Co. Limited, such action being take with the intention of frustrating the resolution of the members of the club in meeting assembled.
Everton Minute Books – 2nd February 1892
John Houlding was legally (albeit deceitfully) in possession of the Everton name. However, Clayton, George Mahon and co soon had a lifeline. The FA was on Everton’s side.
This council, in accordance with its past decisions, will not recognise or accept the membership of any club bearing a name similar to the one already affiliated with this Association, and in the case of the Everton club, will only recognise the action of a majority of its members at a duly constituted meeting.
Liverpool Mercury, 4th February 1892
This means that there were two Evertons. The FA would only recognise the Everton as we know it, not Houlding’s Everton, because the FA and the Football League said that Everton should be controlled by the majority, not Houlding and his supporters because there wasn’t enough signatories (and by some distance, too.) Following Houlding’s scheming, the club decided to remove him from the board, as well as a couple of his companions. There was also a suggestion proposed by Houlding’s supporters to merge the two Evertons, but to no avail.
The members of the Everton Club […] were summoned by two requisitions, one being from the Houldingites, who modestly sought to rescind all previous resolutions, and that the “Everton Football Club” should amalgamate with the “Everton Football Club and Athletic Grounds Company, Limited,” and stay where they are at present; that the other requisition came from the anti-Houldingites, and asked for the removal of Mr. Houlding from the presidency, and Messrs. Nesbit and Howarth from the committee; that the first named requisition was rejected by an overwhelming majority, and the last-named request agreed to, so that Mr. Houlding and his advocates have been dethroned, and the transfer to the new quarters simplified; that Everton look with confidence next season.
Lancashire Evening Post, 19th March 1892
At a meeting of the members of the Everton Football Club, the suggestion to amalgamate with the Everton Football Club and Athletic Grounds Company, Limited, was not entertained; and a resolution that Messrs. John Houlding, Alex Nisbet, and T.C. Howarth, having lost the confidence of the members of the club, be respectively removed from the presidency and committee was adopted.
Liverpool Mercury, 16th March 1892
John Houlding and co were subsequently removed from the board. Houlding’s Everton was then re-registered and the club’s name was changed to “Liverpool Football Club”. And the rest is history.
Sneeky gets right from the beginning.
The Split – What Really Happened
It is commonly known that Liverpool were born after a dispute over rising rent led Everton to split into two. However, there was much more to it. Why Liverpool’s birth happened may have been because of the dispute, but how Liverpool’s birth happened is a different story.
On January 25th, 1892, a general meeting took place to discuss whether “to consider the advisability of forming the club into a limited liability company to purchase [John] Houlding and [John] Orrell’s lands on the basis of their prospectus, or into a LLC on a smaller capital to lease the present or any other ground.” William Clayton proposed that Everton should reject John Houlding’s offer of becoming a limited liability company on his Houlding’s terms – the proposal was carried. The reason why because he thought that the costs were overpriced – the club would be paying more for the land than what it is actually worth. Clayton consulted a land agent to estimate the price of the land, and the land agent said it would be worth 4 shillings and 6 pence per yard. Houlding wanted to sell the land for 7 shillings and 6 pence per yard – 3 shillings more than its actual worth. Clayton added that if the club members were to accept Houlding’s offer, Everton would have hardly any money left.
Another proposal was made by William Clayton – he suggested that the club should be formed into a limited liability company under the name “Everton Football Club Limited”.
Proposed by Mr. Clayton and seconded by Mr. Atkinson –
That the Club be formed into a Limited Liability Co. under the name of the Everton Football Club Limited.
Everton Minute Books – 25th January 1892
That proposal was also carried. Afterwards, it was agreed that Everton’s solicitor would be in charge of registering the club and “obtain the necessary signatures from members of Committee or members of the club.” However, a few people decided to ignore the agreement…
Source: Liverpool Mercury
Even though it was agreed for a solicitor to register Everton as a limited liability company under the name “Everton Football Club Limited”, some Machiavellian members decided to register the club under a different name and on John Houlding’s terms the day after the general meeting. Everton were about to be registered under its agreed name but before it could happen, the registration was denied because there was already a limited liability company with a very similar name. Unsurprisingly, William Clayton wasn’t happy.
Motion by Mr. Clayton:
Resolved that we condemn the action of the members of Com. & members of the Club who have signed memorandum of association registering the Everton Football Club & Athletic Grounds Co. Limited, such action being take with the intention of frustrating the resolution of the members of the club in meeting assembled.
Everton Minute Books – 2nd February 1892
John Houlding was legally (albeit deceitfully) in possession of the Everton name. However, Clayton, George Mahon and co soon had a lifeline. The FA was on Everton’s side.
This council, in accordance with its past decisions, will not recognise or accept the membership of any club bearing a name similar to the one already affiliated with this Association, and in the case of the Everton club, will only recognise the action of a majority of its members at a duly constituted meeting.
Liverpool Mercury, 4th February 1892
This means that there were two Evertons. The FA would only recognise the Everton as we know it, not Houlding’s Everton, because the FA and the Football League said that Everton should be controlled by the majority, not Houlding and his supporters because there wasn’t enough signatories (and by some distance, too.) Following Houlding’s scheming, the club decided to remove him from the board, as well as a couple of his companions. There was also a suggestion proposed by Houlding’s supporters to merge the two Evertons, but to no avail.
The members of the Everton Club […] were summoned by two requisitions, one being from the Houldingites, who modestly sought to rescind all previous resolutions, and that the “Everton Football Club” should amalgamate with the “Everton Football Club and Athletic Grounds Company, Limited,” and stay where they are at present; that the other requisition came from the anti-Houldingites, and asked for the removal of Mr. Houlding from the presidency, and Messrs. Nesbit and Howarth from the committee; that the first named requisition was rejected by an overwhelming majority, and the last-named request agreed to, so that Mr. Houlding and his advocates have been dethroned, and the transfer to the new quarters simplified; that Everton look with confidence next season.
Lancashire Evening Post, 19th March 1892
At a meeting of the members of the Everton Football Club, the suggestion to amalgamate with the Everton Football Club and Athletic Grounds Company, Limited, was not entertained; and a resolution that Messrs. John Houlding, Alex Nisbet, and T.C. Howarth, having lost the confidence of the members of the club, be respectively removed from the presidency and committee was adopted.
Liverpool Mercury, 16th March 1892
John Houlding and co were subsequently removed from the board. Houlding’s Everton was then re-registered and the club’s name was changed to “Liverpool Football Club”. And the rest is history.
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
You tell him Dixie.
summerisle
The rain, it raineth every day
1911, Walter Holbem (left).
And
Deserted from the army.
Killed by lightning.
http://www.chrishobbs.com/walterholbem.htm
DEATH BY LIGHTNING AT ASCOT
At the inquest at Ascot last night on the body of WALTER HOLBEM, of Ribble Avenue, Southport, a bookmaker who was killed by lightning on Wednesday while standing in the Tattersalls, Ring, it was stated that there were no witnesses to the actual occurrence. Dr W.H. Brown of St Mary's Hospital, London who was on duty behind the grandstand said that Holbem, was gasping for breath when he was brought in, and died almost immediately. His condition was consistent with his having been struck by lightning. The only mark on his body was an abrasion of the skin on his Adam's apple. Samuel McClarence, who was employed by Holbem, said that he ran for shelter from the rain leaving Holbem standng under his umbrella. Two minutes afterwards he saw him being carried away. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.
The Daily Herald dated 19th June 1930 however gives a fuller account of the events of the day. It appears that it was the second day of the Royal meeting and the thunderstorm broke just as The Macnab (owner Mr J.A.Dewar) crossed the line in the Royal Hunt Cup, one of the meetings main races. The front page of the Herald gave full prominence to the scenes that followed. It was the first time in over two hundred years that the day's programme was abandoned
Looking at the headline now, it is amusing to note that the paper was more concerned with "terror stricken women" and their ruined frocks than with Walter's death. This is confirmed in an adjacent column when the Herald's "Woman Correspondent" gives a stunning description of events
"In some of the tents women fainted. Four collapsed together in one small tent. Word sped that a man had been hilled by lightening in Tattersall's. The real terror showed then. Men went pale. Women gazed at the storm with fascinated horror, deadly white. Gradually the density of the rain became less. The air became lighter, the thunder less like the crash of a battery of guns. The frigid stare of terror, incongruous in painted eyes, melted. Women pinned up their frocks in the manner of charwomen and trooped out. It was almost impossible to find their motor cars. Once smart men and women jostled, ran, searched. Those who set off down the tunnel to the station found two feet of water. They went across the field ankle deep in mud. Their clothes? They were past caring for them"
Quite what the Duke of Norfolk thought of women pinning up " their frocks in the manner of charwomen" is not recorded.!!
The Times report of the 19th June 1930 gives the following, more detailed account of the day's events
"RUINED DAY AT ASCOT TORRENTIAL RAIN MAN KILLED BY LIGHTNING
Yesterday's Ascot programme had to be abandoned for the first time in its long history after only two races-the Coronation Stakes and the Royal Hunt Cup had been run. The course was flooded by torrential rains, which were accompanied by vivid lightning and terrific thunder. So heavy was the rain that at times it was impossible to
see more than a few yards ahead. A man named Holbem, from Southport, was struck and killed by lightning while standing under an umbrella in Tattersalls' Ring. It is believed that there were no other casualties, but thousands of people were drenched to the skin, and dresses worth thousands of pounds were ruined. There had been a thunderstorm in the early hours of the morning when the roof of one of the stands was struck, and rain was falling lightly when most of the guests were arriving before the afternoon's racing was due to begin. There was then a fine interval ; but while the runners for the Royal Hunt Cup were going down to the start, and
even before, rain was falling, but no one then could have dreamed of the severity of the storm which was to follow. It was not until the race for the Royal Hunt Cup was over and the horses had returned to the Paddock, and three of them, The MacNab, the winner, and the two placed horses, Grand Idol and Lionhearted, had gone
into the unsaddling enclosures, that the storm's full fury was let loose. A flash of lightning was followed immediately by loud thunder. Every one who had not before got under shelter now made for cover, if he could. The few trees in the Paddock and on the Lawn quickly had many people under their branches. The visitors out
on the course sheltered as best they might under umbrellas, coaches, and along the sides of motor-cars, and other carriages. They were soon soaked through. At least one Club tent, out on the far side of the course, threw open its doors to the people round about.
LAKES ON COURSE The storm never seemed to move. The rain came down straight. The intervals between the flashes were very short; sometimes the lightning and thunder were simultaneous, or seemed to be. Yet for some time nothing and nobody seemed to have been struck. Then came the most vivid flash of all, with a terrific crash of thunder, and a man standing in Tattersalls' Ring was seen to fall. The police were beside him at once, and an ambulance was signaled for, but the signal was quickly cancelled and the man carried out. It was said that other people felt shocks. In time a slight breeze began to blow, the storm shifted, and the rain stopped. Through it all the police on duty stood to their posts admirably, wet through as they were in their capes. When the storm had abated an Ascot was seen such as no one had ever seen before. Large lakes were out on the course, notably at the junction of the courses and just beyond the Winning Post. Smaller pools stood in other places, and everywhere the water came above the walkers' ankles. There was another lake in the Paddock, which was almost all under water. There were lakes on the Lawns and a lagoon by the new archway leading from the Paddock to the West Car Enclosure. Nevertheless, one man had stood out in it all, in the Paddock, with his umbrella up, fascinated by the sight which, it is to be hoped, he will never see again, while the water ran over and into his shoes. He remained so motionless that it was feared that he had been struck by lightning; but when the rain was over he went off, wetter, if possible, than any one. Then one by one, and two by two, and later in crowds out came the visitors. Some who had been lucky were almost dry ; others were partly dry ; others thoroughly wet. The new long dresses might now have been a hindrance, but the wearers had not worn short dresses for nothing. Up went the skirts until they were shorter than ever before. Some had been ruined, but others might be saved with care in the walk to the motor-cars and trains. Not a few were ruined on the way. Shoes and stockings availed not for the rest of the meeting, so much water was there in the Paddock and on the Lawn; indeed, in most places it was inches deep. And there was still the great lake in the Paddock to be crossed by those who would reach the West Enclosure. Chairs were brought. out and a bridge was built. It would have passed no professional test, but it was better than nothing until one was half way across and the lady in front was not too certain. To hesitate was to be lost and nearly drowned; and many hesitated. As the chair legs sank in the mud there were
many falls and many more dresses ruined. Even when this bridge had been crossed there was another just outside the archway into the car enclosures; it was made of little wooden boxes, none too safe. This second bridge passed, there were no dry feet, no dirty or unspotted stockings, and very few unspoilt dresses. The
Stewards could not but advise the King that the rest of the programme would have to be abandoned for the dav. It. was decided that the Chesham Stakes and the King Edward VII. Stakes should be run on Friday, thus making nine races for that afternoon, and that the Churchill Stakes, the Bessborough Stakes, and the Fern Hill
Stakes should be added to, this afternoon's programme, which will now consist of 10 events. To-day racing will begin at 1 o'clock and will continue with only half-hour intervals until half-past 5, when the last race of the day, the Ribblesdale Stakes, will be run. The fiull programme will be found on page 6, together with our Racing
Correspondent's comments on it and on yesterday's racing. The Southern Railway Company announce that in view of the earlier start at Ascot today and to-morrow, an additional luncheon car express will be run from Waterloo on both days at 11.48 a.m."
The aftermath of the storm
The Times dated 19th June 1930 also noted the event under the title "A Historic Ascot"
And
Deserted from the army.
Killed by lightning.
http://www.chrishobbs.com/walterholbem.htm
DEATH BY LIGHTNING AT ASCOT
At the inquest at Ascot last night on the body of WALTER HOLBEM, of Ribble Avenue, Southport, a bookmaker who was killed by lightning on Wednesday while standing in the Tattersalls, Ring, it was stated that there were no witnesses to the actual occurrence. Dr W.H. Brown of St Mary's Hospital, London who was on duty behind the grandstand said that Holbem, was gasping for breath when he was brought in, and died almost immediately. His condition was consistent with his having been struck by lightning. The only mark on his body was an abrasion of the skin on his Adam's apple. Samuel McClarence, who was employed by Holbem, said that he ran for shelter from the rain leaving Holbem standng under his umbrella. Two minutes afterwards he saw him being carried away. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.
The Daily Herald dated 19th June 1930 however gives a fuller account of the events of the day. It appears that it was the second day of the Royal meeting and the thunderstorm broke just as The Macnab (owner Mr J.A.Dewar) crossed the line in the Royal Hunt Cup, one of the meetings main races. The front page of the Herald gave full prominence to the scenes that followed. It was the first time in over two hundred years that the day's programme was abandoned
Looking at the headline now, it is amusing to note that the paper was more concerned with "terror stricken women" and their ruined frocks than with Walter's death. This is confirmed in an adjacent column when the Herald's "Woman Correspondent" gives a stunning description of events
"In some of the tents women fainted. Four collapsed together in one small tent. Word sped that a man had been hilled by lightening in Tattersall's. The real terror showed then. Men went pale. Women gazed at the storm with fascinated horror, deadly white. Gradually the density of the rain became less. The air became lighter, the thunder less like the crash of a battery of guns. The frigid stare of terror, incongruous in painted eyes, melted. Women pinned up their frocks in the manner of charwomen and trooped out. It was almost impossible to find their motor cars. Once smart men and women jostled, ran, searched. Those who set off down the tunnel to the station found two feet of water. They went across the field ankle deep in mud. Their clothes? They were past caring for them"
Quite what the Duke of Norfolk thought of women pinning up " their frocks in the manner of charwomen" is not recorded.!!
The Times report of the 19th June 1930 gives the following, more detailed account of the day's events
"RUINED DAY AT ASCOT TORRENTIAL RAIN MAN KILLED BY LIGHTNING
Yesterday's Ascot programme had to be abandoned for the first time in its long history after only two races-the Coronation Stakes and the Royal Hunt Cup had been run. The course was flooded by torrential rains, which were accompanied by vivid lightning and terrific thunder. So heavy was the rain that at times it was impossible to
see more than a few yards ahead. A man named Holbem, from Southport, was struck and killed by lightning while standing under an umbrella in Tattersalls' Ring. It is believed that there were no other casualties, but thousands of people were drenched to the skin, and dresses worth thousands of pounds were ruined. There had been a thunderstorm in the early hours of the morning when the roof of one of the stands was struck, and rain was falling lightly when most of the guests were arriving before the afternoon's racing was due to begin. There was then a fine interval ; but while the runners for the Royal Hunt Cup were going down to the start, and
even before, rain was falling, but no one then could have dreamed of the severity of the storm which was to follow. It was not until the race for the Royal Hunt Cup was over and the horses had returned to the Paddock, and three of them, The MacNab, the winner, and the two placed horses, Grand Idol and Lionhearted, had gone
into the unsaddling enclosures, that the storm's full fury was let loose. A flash of lightning was followed immediately by loud thunder. Every one who had not before got under shelter now made for cover, if he could. The few trees in the Paddock and on the Lawn quickly had many people under their branches. The visitors out
on the course sheltered as best they might under umbrellas, coaches, and along the sides of motor-cars, and other carriages. They were soon soaked through. At least one Club tent, out on the far side of the course, threw open its doors to the people round about.
LAKES ON COURSE The storm never seemed to move. The rain came down straight. The intervals between the flashes were very short; sometimes the lightning and thunder were simultaneous, or seemed to be. Yet for some time nothing and nobody seemed to have been struck. Then came the most vivid flash of all, with a terrific crash of thunder, and a man standing in Tattersalls' Ring was seen to fall. The police were beside him at once, and an ambulance was signaled for, but the signal was quickly cancelled and the man carried out. It was said that other people felt shocks. In time a slight breeze began to blow, the storm shifted, and the rain stopped. Through it all the police on duty stood to their posts admirably, wet through as they were in their capes. When the storm had abated an Ascot was seen such as no one had ever seen before. Large lakes were out on the course, notably at the junction of the courses and just beyond the Winning Post. Smaller pools stood in other places, and everywhere the water came above the walkers' ankles. There was another lake in the Paddock, which was almost all under water. There were lakes on the Lawns and a lagoon by the new archway leading from the Paddock to the West Car Enclosure. Nevertheless, one man had stood out in it all, in the Paddock, with his umbrella up, fascinated by the sight which, it is to be hoped, he will never see again, while the water ran over and into his shoes. He remained so motionless that it was feared that he had been struck by lightning; but when the rain was over he went off, wetter, if possible, than any one. Then one by one, and two by two, and later in crowds out came the visitors. Some who had been lucky were almost dry ; others were partly dry ; others thoroughly wet. The new long dresses might now have been a hindrance, but the wearers had not worn short dresses for nothing. Up went the skirts until they were shorter than ever before. Some had been ruined, but others might be saved with care in the walk to the motor-cars and trains. Not a few were ruined on the way. Shoes and stockings availed not for the rest of the meeting, so much water was there in the Paddock and on the Lawn; indeed, in most places it was inches deep. And there was still the great lake in the Paddock to be crossed by those who would reach the West Enclosure. Chairs were brought. out and a bridge was built. It would have passed no professional test, but it was better than nothing until one was half way across and the lady in front was not too certain. To hesitate was to be lost and nearly drowned; and many hesitated. As the chair legs sank in the mud there were
many falls and many more dresses ruined. Even when this bridge had been crossed there was another just outside the archway into the car enclosures; it was made of little wooden boxes, none too safe. This second bridge passed, there were no dry feet, no dirty or unspotted stockings, and very few unspoilt dresses. The
Stewards could not but advise the King that the rest of the programme would have to be abandoned for the dav. It. was decided that the Chesham Stakes and the King Edward VII. Stakes should be run on Friday, thus making nine races for that afternoon, and that the Churchill Stakes, the Bessborough Stakes, and the Fern Hill
Stakes should be added to, this afternoon's programme, which will now consist of 10 events. To-day racing will begin at 1 o'clock and will continue with only half-hour intervals until half-past 5, when the last race of the day, the Ribblesdale Stakes, will be run. The fiull programme will be found on page 6, together with our Racing
Correspondent's comments on it and on yesterday's racing. The Southern Railway Company announce that in view of the earlier start at Ascot today and to-morrow, an additional luncheon car express will be run from Waterloo on both days at 11.48 a.m."
The aftermath of the storm
The Times dated 19th June 1930 also noted the event under the title "A Historic Ascot"
AdaBrummieblue
Player Valuation: £20m
You spelled beginning wrong mate! I dunno whether to love that as a great piece of imagination, or to literally block you forever for showing me what dreams may come. I both love and hate that at the same time.
I didn't write it, copy & paste-man me.
As to love hate, you have to take a number behind Mrs degsy
AdaBrummieblue
Player Valuation: £20m
You're defo forgiven then. If you've got a missus who's gonna hate then we all gotta give you some love. Nice one for sharing though. I'm still angry/happy with whoever that was from. If only huh?
- Status
