An interesting read, as usual from Rob. Good to read something of Northern Nomads, a somewhat mythical name from boyhood days watching Lancashire Combination football.

Good too to read of Swindon Town, a club for whom I’ve had a soft spot since travelling there for an FA Cup tie in 1977 and finding myself sitting behind Brian Harris. He seemed surprised that I recognised him, which amazed me as he was a 1966 hero.

Lou Macari comes across as a thoroughly decent guy, not least because he was due to sign for the rs before turning them down after having a chat with Paddy Crerand.

Hi Rob, an uncle of mine told me about the Browell brothers who were on Everton's books in the 1920s, Tom [Boy] and Anthony [Andy], were two of three footballing brothers, all born in Walbottle Northumberland. The way my uncle related it to me, was that 'Andy' was signed to keep his brother Tom under control. They were both signed from Hull City, Tom in October 1911, and Andy February 1912, it appears that Tom was a 'lad about town'. Andy had played over 100 times for Hull City but only made one appearance for Everton, deputising for the injured Tom Fleetwood against Manchester City in November 1912.

Tom made his Everton debut against Manchester United in January1912, scoring twice, his record at Goodison was 37 goals in 60 appearances, prior to that he had netted 32 goals in 48 games for Hull City. His record at Manchester City was 157 goals in 280 outings, he went on to claim 223 goals in over 400 competitive matches at club level. [The three brothers played together at Hull]

My uncle also told me that Everton got Tom a job on a trawler, in order to keep him out of trouble during the close season, but that would require a fair bit of research.

HI again Rob, I meant to write the pre-20s, it's age, fatigue, and late nights getting the better of me.