Coventry City F. C. spoke in favour.
Everton F. C. stated that they thought very few players would get the maximum.
Regulation 8. Luton Town F. C. suggested the alteration of Rule 8. They considered that the retiring Clubs
could be spared the humiliation of sitting at the Second Division table and then having to move,
and suggested that the promoted Clubs should take their place at the table before the meeting
commenced. They pointed out that Rule 21 says promotion is automatic and stated that they
wished to avoid embarrassing the retiring Clubs.
The President pointed out that the two retiring Clubs were responsible for the vote on the
Balance Sheet. If the Club still desired to pursue the matter, it was up to them to frame a
Resolution for the consideration of the Annual General Meeting.
Third Mr. Barlow, representing the Northern Section, suggested that the time had now come for
Division increased representation of the Third Division. He stated that after 30 years the Third Division
Represnta- could be considered as something more than an experiment and pointed out that there were now
tion. ex-members of the First Division in the Third Division. He said that they were by no means
asking for one Club one vote, but suggested that four votes for 48 Clubs was not quite reasonable
and asked for a reasonable increase.
Walsall F. C. supported, and stated that the Third Division Clubs had proved their worth
in every way.
Four Up Mr. Wright, on behalf of the Southern Section, suggested that Clubs should again consider
and the advisability of increasing the number of Clubs promoted and relegated, and suggested four up
Four Down. and four down, He considered that this request was fair, reasonable and timely.
Plymouth Argyle F. C. supported and pointed out how much more interest would be created
in the Third Division if two Clubs in each Section were to be promoted.
Tottenham Hotspur F. C. pointed out that they got no support at all at the last Annual General
Meeting for their proposal of three up and three down.
The Northern Section representative supported the Southern Section proposal and stated
that it would bring about increased interest throughout the League.
Retiring Age Sunderland F. C. suggested that, subject to the receipt of a certificate of medical fitness,
for referees could be kept on the League list after they had reached the age of 47, as the game could
Referees. not have too many good referees.
The President pointed out that pre-war the age limit was 45. He stated that it would be
almost impossible to judge which referees to keep, and considered that the age limit was the best way.
Representa- Sunderland F. C. said that, although all Clubs welcomed representative honours for players,
tive Matches.there were rather too many representative matches, especially at the end of the season, and
suggested that except for the matches against the three Home Countries, the Clubs should have
first call on players, especially for tours at the end of the season.
Limitation of The President stated that all Clubs agreed with the Retain and Transfer System, but the
Transfer Management Committee were wondering whether the Clubs wished them to go into the possibility
Fees. of some limitation in the amount of transfer fees.
Sheffield Wednesday F. C. agreed that the time had come for some limitation in the amounts
and suggested that the matter should be left to the Management Committee.
Sheffield United F. C., Birmingham City F. C. and Wolverhampton Wanderers F. C. spoke
in support.
F.A. Rule 38. The President opened a discussion on Football Association Rule 38 and stated that the
proposed alteration was mainly aimed to stop poaching by Amateur Clubs, and was not aimed
at League Clubs. At the Joint Conference of the Football Association and Football League, he
had promised to bring the matter before the Clubs at this meeting. He stated that the Football
League representatives were of opinion that a reduction of the period of 14 days to 7 days would
remove the possibility of auctioning, as was feared, to a minimum.
Bury F. C. warned that it could cause a lot of trouble to Clubs if the County Football
Associations have the power to accept the Rule or not. They were prepared to accept the Rule
providing County Football Associations were bound to accept the Rule.
Tottenham Hotspur F. C. supported Bury F. C., and spoke on the voting powers of County
Football Associations as compared with professional Clubs, and suggested further negotiations by
the Management Committee.
Brentford F. C. supported the New Rule.
Provident The President reported that the Management Committee had carefully considered the
Scheme for suggested Provident Scheme for Club Executives and had reluctantly come to the conclusion that,
Club as the League have no measure of control over such executives,this was a domestic matter for the
Executives. Club concerned and for the Secretaries' Association. He paid tribute to the late Mr. Fred Everiss,
who had done so much to bring this scheme forward.
Major Keys (West Bromwich Albion) stated that it was the custom to accept the Management
Committee's considerations, but submitted that this was not a domestic matter and advocated
re-consideration. He pointed out that fluctuations in Boards affect officials and suggested that the
Clubs as a body are responsible for their servants.
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