Liverpool F.C. was founded after an internal dispute within Everton F.C. The dispute was between the Everton F.C. committee and brewer John Houlding, the leaseholder of the Anfield ground and president of Everton F.C.
The Everton committee viewed Tory councillor Houlding as having a personal financial and political agenda. There was a sharp conflict on the business model of how the club was run. Relations were cold once the Everton committee saw Houldings intentions and moves.
Anfield was owned by Houlding one year after Everton moved in. Houlding bought the land from landowner Orrell. Everton initially made a donation to a local hospital in lieu of rent. After one year they were paying rent to their own president. Mr Orrell owned the adjacent land.[1] Houlding had sole lucrative selling rights on all refreshments at the ground.[2]
The largely Methodist based politically Liberal leaning Everton F.C. committee were uneasy with this, especially the potential selling of alcohol. This would take revenue away from the club. Houlding also increased the rent from £100 to £250 per year, after Everton came 2nd in the second Football League season, 1890. Everton offered a compromise of £180. An international match was hosted, England vs. Ireland indicating the quality of Anfield at the time. The rent was not a major issue as the club's profits were substantial. However, from paying a small contribution to a local hospital, Everton five years later was paying £250, a substantial sum in those days.
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