On this day in 1950, Lincoln City were considering an ambitious move for Everton forward Jimmy McIntosh. The powerful Scottish attacker had been watched by manager Bill Anderson and director Edgar Gilbert, with the Imps preparing to make a determined attempt to bring him to Sincil Bank.
The Lincolnshire Echo reported on August 28 that suggestions of an imminent transfer were premature, but City’s interest was genuine. Money was expected to play a significant part in the discussions and was considered capable of preventing the proposed deal from progressing.
McIntosh was no ordinary lower-division transfer target. He had spent his career playing at the highest level for Blackpool, Preston North End and Everton, building a reputation as a quick, strong and physically imposing forward.
Watched by Bill Anderson
Anderson and Gilbert had travelled to Goodison Park to watch McIntosh represent Everton’s Central League side against West Bromwich Albion Reserves. The scouting trip proved productive, with the forward scoring twice and displaying what the Echo described as several clever touches.
His left foot was said to have been particularly noticeable. It was enough to persuade the City representatives that McIntosh could add something substantial to an attack which they were eager to strengthen.
Preliminary discussions had already taken place between the two clubs by the time the story appeared. The matter was due to be placed before Lincoln’s directors at their next meeting, although no agreement had been reached.
McIntosh had asked Everton for a transfer after spending almost two seasons at Goodison Park. The Echo suggested his career bore some resemblance to that of Jock Dodds, another prominent centre-forward who had represented Blackpool and Everton before joining Lincoln.
It would certainly have been an eye-catching addition. City were competing in the Third Division North, while McIntosh remained attached to a club playing in the top tier of English football.
Another Target in Mind
McIntosh was not the only forward being considered by City. The Imps were also interested in an unnamed centre-forward playing in the north-east, but his club were unwilling to release him.
The Echo suggested Lincoln could not afford to wait until they faced the stronger teams in the division before improving their attack. McIntosh was therefore seen as someone capable of meeting the immediate need, even if he was not necessarily the first target.
There was also the possibility that City might try to sign both players. The report argued that McIntosh could strengthen the attack at inside-forward if the unnamed centre-forward eventually became available.
None of that came to pass, and McIntosh never became an Imp. However, the level of City’s interest offers an interesting glimpse into the sort of player Anderson and his board were prepared to pursue.
The Move That Never Happened
McIntosh had joined Everton in 1948 and ultimately made 58 league appearances for the Toffees, scoring 19 goals. Although he had requested a transfer by the summer of 1950, Lincoln were unable to secure his signature and he remained at Goodison Park.
He left Everton in 1951 and continued his career in Northern Ireland with Distillery. McIntosh combined playing with management there before taking charge of Glentoran, Greenock Morton and Berwick Rangers.
He died in Berwick-upon-Tweed on April 4, 2000, one day before his 82nd birthday. His career had taken him through some of British football’s biggest clubs, even if the proposed stop at Sincil Bank never materialised.
City’s interest in McIntosh was ultimately another transfer story which promised more than it delivered. Still, the possibility of a proven First Division forward moving to Lincoln was significant enough to make headlines on this day in 1950.
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