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Teddy Draper
1 Posted 28/09/2020 at 08:37:30
I saw Eddie play many a time when I was a boy, remember him with great affection. Maybe your memories fade in the mist of time but I remember his ability probably would have gotten him into today's Premier League?

Great days for going to the match, sadly in my eighties now and cannot afford to go. Still remain a True Blue until the inevitable (Lol). God bless you all.

Bob McEvoy
2 Posted 28/09/2020 at 10:16:48
Lovely stuff, Rob... Eddie was just before my time: first match, 28 February 1959. Apart from Collins and Parker, we weren't much good.

Then, early 1960, Moores started investing.

It must have been a slog for the type of player Eddie was to play in that team.

Dave Abrahams
3 Posted 28/09/2020 at 10:22:42
A great favourite of mine, Eddie Wainwight, a much better than average footballer, injuries stopped Eddie getting to full international honours,

I remember that Blackpool match well, the snow was thick on the pitch, an auld fella near me said “ Mathews won’t play in this “ he didn’t, his understudy Hobson did, Eddie scored four as stated by Rob, Jimmy McIntosh, signed by Everton from Blackpool the day before this match, got the other.

I remember that Derby County game when Eddie got that injury which kept him out of football for a long time, looking back now I would say if Eddie hadn’t have got that injury then we wouldn’t have been relegated, he was that good.

I was there the night we won promotion with Eddie in the team, a wonderful joyous occasion, 1954 Rob, not 1953, by the way.

Eddie was Everton’s penalty taker and I was there when he took that penalty v Spurs,a second division team but an outstanding team at the time, before the game a blue balloon made its way into the Gwladys Street penalty area and it was cheered in the corner of the net by the crowd, the same corner of the net that Eddie placed his penalty very early in the game.

A quiet man off the field but easy to talk to coming back from away games following The Blues, he’d listen rather than talk but always friendly, a lovely man in lovely times.

David Peate
4 Posted 28/09/2020 at 10:50:07
Eddie Wainwright was a true sportsman on the field. He was a good and clean player. It was a real shame that he broke his leg in action. It is true that he was not the same when he returned to the team after recovery. The Everton faithful truly admired him. I have fond memories of seeing Eddie playing for Everton.
Pete Jones
5 Posted 28/09/2020 at 12:52:58
A warm tribute on a chill autumn day. Good work Mr Sawyer
John McFarlane Snr
6 Posted 28/09/2020 at 13:30:34
Fond memories of Eddie and his team-mates of that era, working class players entertaining working class supporters. Well done once again, Rob.
John Hall
7 Posted 28/09/2020 at 15:02:41
Teddy @ 1.

Obviously a loyal Everton Fan for decades and still has the love of the club at heart. Great that you still post Teddy and that you can keep following the news on ToffeeWeb. You must have lots of great memories stretching back many many years.

I currently live in Philippines and have lived in Asia for the past twenty years, being fortunate enough to be able to travel back and forth to watch the Blues on many occasions during that time.

Have recently retired and can now play lots of golf and watch most of the Everton and EPL games on TV at my home but don't see myself travelling to watch the blues any time soon or in the near future.

As such I would like to extend to you and a friend or family member of your choice, the chance to watch a home game at Goodison once the crowds are allowed back into the stadiums and you can hopefully see and enjoy the Blues at least one more time until as you quite nicely put it "the inevitable". Expenses for seats and the day will be borne by me and hope that the crowds are allowed back in before Xmas so that you can see and enjoy the new "Grand Carlo" experience.

I shall send my contact details to the honorable Mr Michael Kendrick at ToffeeWeb (administrator) and hopefully he can liaise between us whenever the ground is re opened and you can have your day planned and organized for whatever fixture you choose.

COYB

John Boon
8 Posted 28/09/2020 at 16:01:43
I was also a big fan of Eddie Wainwright. At that time he was one of the better players in a struggling team. This is a well written great article which brings back different memories for older Evertonians. I remember the disappointment of the semi final 2-0 loss to them others.

Going a little off topic (reading such articles brings up memories) I think I am correct in stating that "Freebooter" won the Grand National that year. The reason I remember was that My Uncle "Eddie", same christian name, won a 50 pound sweepstakes. That was huge in those days. He gave me a ten pound note. Wow!!


The same Uncle, along with my Dad, was responsible for me becoming a fanatical Evertonian. Ironically he died at half time at Goodison Park on March 13 1954 when Everton beat Rotherham 3-0 during the promotion year. He was my mother's brother and had lived with us since the war. As sad as it was at the time nothing could have been more appropriate. He had never married, but Eddie Kehoe was always obsessed by Everton and probably would never have had time to marry. Without a doubt the greatest Evertonian I have ever known.

Thanks ROB for helping me to rekindle some great memories, a little sad at the time. Incidentally Everton scored all three goals in the second half of the Rotherham game, so my Uncle Eddie was not there physically. Parker scored a hatrick in front of 53,00 and Eddie Wainwright was inside forward. However I am sure my Uncle Eddie was screaming EVERTON from up above. Probably the best seat ever available.

Teddy Draper
9 Posted 28/09/2020 at 16:12:04
John @7 I am totally overwhelmed by your kind remarks and generosity, thank you so much.
Mike Gaynes
10 Posted 28/09/2020 at 18:56:50
John #7, that is a lovely gesture. Everton generosity embodied.

Rob and Dave, thank you for your stories.

Jack Convery
11 Posted 28/09/2020 at 21:12:36
Lovely article. thank you for enlightening me on Eddie Wainwright. RIP.
Paul Birmingham
12 Posted 28/09/2020 at 22:21:54
Great story Rob, and whilst before my time, my dad said he was an unsung hero and unlucky to be injured and in a difficult period for the club.

Great epitaph to the times and spirit of football as it was then and to players and people who appreciate the game then, and now.

Christine Foster
13 Posted 28/09/2020 at 00:14:35
Wonderful bio, Rob, although before my time, I remember my Uncle Jimmy who would later take me to my first Everton game, telling me what a great player Eddie was, heart of a lion who never gave up he said.

I am proud to be an Evertonian when I see John Hall, offering to pay for a supporter he does not know, yet he is family. Just shows you what being a blue means... Well done you!

Bob Butchard
14 Posted 29/09/2020 at 01:26:36
Thank you for this wonderful trip down memory lane. I watched my first games in 1950, in the Boys Pen! Eddie was one of my favourite players from the very beginning. I never realised what a colourful career he had and I have really enjoyed this article.
Phil Teece
15 Posted 29/09/2020 at 01:41:45
Thanks, Rob, for a wonderful tear-to-the-eye article.

My clearest memory of Eddie is of Everton's first home game after they returned to Division 1. It was 24 August 1954 against Arsenal – lucky Arsenal as my Dad always called them. Almost 70,000 were there and the atmosphere was something the 9-year-old boy that once was me never forgot.

Eddie stood out down the right and unless memory deceives me it was he who put over the early cross that Tommy Eglington, coming in from the left, headed home for the game's only goal. It was a great win to set the season off perfectly.

The other strong memory for the 9-year-old me was of renowned 'dirty bugger' Alec Forbes coming off last at half time to a torrent of abusive language I'd never heard before!

John Hall
16 Posted 29/09/2020 at 12:15:44
Teddy, have sent a mail to Michael with my details. Look forward to you being able to watch your beloved Blues when the crowds are allowed back in the stadiums.

I shall get in touch with him when the ground reopens.

Stay safe until you get your big day.

Dave Abrahams
17 Posted 29/09/2020 at 12:28:50
Phil (15)yes 69,000 plus v Arsenal on the Wednesday night and over 76,000 on the Saturday v PNE with another 1-0 victory, the goal scored by Cyril Lello if my memory is correct, exciting times for Blues fans.
John McFarlane Snr
18 Posted 29/09/2020 at 15:13:29
Hi Dave [17] your memory is spot on, I was in the Park end of the Goodison Road stand [the most impressive stand in the country,] I've never forgiven Everton for replacing it with what I regard as a characterless monstrosity, you will also recall that Cyril Lello scored his goal against Preston at the Park end. I know that like myself, you also attended the first game of the season at Bramall Lane, a 5-2 win over Sheffield United, followed by the Arsenal and Preston games.

Our first home defeat came at the hands of West Brom, I recall that there was a disputed goal in that game but I'm not sure if it was their winner or a possible equaliser for Everton, all I can remember is that the incident occurred at the Gwladys Street end. Like the present day we won our first three games and led the field. lets hope we build on our early successes.

Dave Abrahams
19 Posted 29/09/2020 at 16:43:48
John (18), yes I remember Lello’s shot from just outside the penalty area right along the floor.

I worked with Cyril on a shut down in Fords, he was a sparks mate like myself and he used to enjoy the dinner time break listening to all the stories us Scousers would come up with, not about football, but everyday life, always made him laugh.

As you said in an earlier post John, on this thread, it was a different life in Eddie and Cyril’s time, they were born too early,both would have been millionaires today, doubt very much they would have been happier than they were then.

Rick Tarleton
20 Posted 30/09/2020 at 10:46:34
I only saw Eddie post 1950, and when I saw him he was usually replacing Tony McNamara on the right wing.I was young and he wasn't the swashbuckling player that he had once been, but he was still skilful and was a loyal servant in the early seasons back in the first division. Like so many of that team he was ageing, Farrell, Lello, Fielding, Eglington, Moore were all players who lost their early career to the war and Wainwright was of their ilk.
Dave Abrahams
21 Posted 30/09/2020 at 17:31:16
Rick (20), you could add, John Willie Parker, Ted Buckle and Cyril Lello to that list of ageing players who played with Eddie.
Brian Williams
22 Posted 30/09/2020 at 17:46:44
John Willie Parker there's a name I haven't heard in a long time, he was a good mate of my dad's. :-)
Dave Abrahams
23 Posted 30/09/2020 at 22:14:19
Brian (22), your dad had a good mate, John Willie was well liked on and off the pitch, had two or three brothers who were good amateur footballers playing in the Birkenhead league.
John Davies
24 Posted 30/09/2020 at 22:46:33
Great story Rob.
Thank you for all the people involved in this article/story
Teddy Draper
25 Posted 01/10/2020 at 07:25:49
Ted Buckle wow now there’s a name to bring back memories. If memories serve me correct Ted had a tattoo on his arm, I think it was an anchor, hence the nickname Sailor Buckle. I can remember one spell when we were really bad and Ted said in an interview ( I think it was the Echo ) come up to Manchester and see us win, and we did, or maybe I’ve been dreaming? Possibly John Mcfarlane Snr can verify as he probably has the most factual knowledge about our era than most of us.God bless Teddy.
Dave Abrahams
26 Posted 01/10/2020 at 10:31:29
Teddy (25),

I can't verify that story but I remember going to Goodison Park on two consecutive Saturdays. Ted was outside left for Man Utd Reserves and the next Saturday he was outside left for Everton making his debut, possibly versus Man Utd, but I wouldn't bet on that. However, both games finished 0-0.

John McFarlane Snr
27 Posted 01/10/2020 at 16:10:54
Hi Teddy [25] I've just checked and Everton never beat Manchester United at Old Trafford while Ted Buckle played for us.1949/50 1-1 and 1950/51 0-3 that was the season we were relegated. He made one appearance in the First Division in 1954/55 a 5-0 defeat away to Portsmouth, [his last game] I guess it must have been a dream. Regarding the tattoo and the "Sailor Buckle" nickname I must confess that I've never heard of that.

Hi Dave [26] you are correct in stating that Ted Buckle made his debut against Manchester United in a 0-0 draw, and knowing your track record you are more than likely to be correct in saying that he played against Everton reserves, [for Manchester United] the previous week. It's quite likely that I too attended both games, but I can't b sure.

Teddy Draper
28 Posted 01/10/2020 at 16:40:06
Hi John @27, thanks for the prompt I knew you would not let us down. Ted Buckle joined the Royal Navy at eighteen and participated in the latter end of the war maybe that’s where the nickname “Sailor” came from? But I do know he had an anchor tattoo on one of his arms. Can still see it now in my minds eye.
Robert Yates
29 Posted 02/10/2020 at 13:05:08
Good memories of Eddie Wainwight and if my memory is working I think that the tune to the Eddie Wainwight’s ditty was. “All the nice girls love a sailor”.
John McFarlane Snr
30 Posted 02/10/2020 at 14:23:49
Hi Robert [29], In the days of Ted Buckle there were no chants from fans, the only club supporters I can remember who sang at games [prior to the 1962 Chile World Cup], were Birmingham City, [Keep right on to the end of the road]. Coventry City [The Eton boat song]. and West Ham United [I'm forever blowing bubbles]. there may be one or two others that I can't recall, but until the 1962 finals chanting as we now know it was unheard, Following that tournament chants of Ev-ert-on or Liv-er-pool were heard and subsequently songs dedicated to individual players. If you heard a song dedicated to Ted Buckle it must have been sung by a small group of people.
Dave Abrahams
31 Posted 02/10/2020 at 18:50:52
John (30), Yes, I've got to agree I never heard any singing at grounds, apart from the ones you mention, before the sixties, although crowds were noted for there full-throated shouting and roaring their teams on, like the Kop at Anfield, helped by a full roof over their heads to keep the shouting in, the Roker roar at Sunderland and the crowd at Goodison Park with their deafening roars of encouragement, especially with the huge attendance we used to get.

Regarding Ted Buckle, I don't recall him being called “Sailor Buckle”, there was a player signed in 1958 I think called Peter “Sailor” Harburn from Brighton, a centre-forward, but the least said about this player the better... It was £10,000 threw down the grid, when £10,000 was not to be sniffed at.

Robert Yates
32 Posted 02/10/2020 at 21:44:22
In Rob Sawyer’s article about Eddie Wainwright he mentions a ditty that was sang about him(not Ted Buckle) but he didn’t know the tune it was sung to,hence my comment.
Christine Foster
33 Posted 03/10/2020 at 11:28:44
Off subject I know but the guardian has some great pics of Alan Ball and Fred Pickering from the 50 s and 60s, never seen them before.. different lifetimes ago..
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2020/oct/03/graffiti-fishing-and-mr-whippy-unseen-photographs-from-footballs-yesteryear
Teddy Draper
34 Posted 03/10/2020 at 13:27:21
Christine @33 again off subject but if you want an amazing hour of entertainment, go on Vimeo or maybe You tube and get Alan Balls after dinner speech it is a true revelation of the type of human being Alan Ball was. Highly recommended.
Dick Fearon
35 Posted 04/10/2020 at 22:48:53
I have this strange memory of Eddie Wainwright and wonder if old age has something to do with it.
It was a tension filled home game game vs ???
Eddie had the ball at his feet in our own penalty area. Suddenly action seemed to freeze and the crowd went quiet. Thinking the Ref had whistled for a stoppage a puzzled Edddie picked up the ball with both hands and conceded a penalty. Does anyone else remember?
Peter Rigby
36 Posted 05/10/2020 at 17:11:00
I attended Arnot St Primary school until 11 and Eddies son, I think it was Michael was in our class for a while. Together we went to the match a few times in the Boys Pen (yes, I survived it) and afterwards went to his dad's pub. would be about '57 or '58-'59. Great times, football of a different era.

Watched Lamella of Spurs go down like he'd been hit with a sledge-hammer after Martial tickled his chin... these modern-day players wouldn't have lasted a minute back then.

Ben Hills
37 Posted 08/01/2021 at 20:24:52
Fantastic article! Eddie was my grandmother's cousin, my 1st cousin 2x removed. Great insight into Eddie the person, as well as all his achievements.

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