Ernest Mangnall - (Manchester United Manager 1903 - 1912)
- Ernest Mangnall, who took over as secretary-manager of Manchester United after James West resigned in September 1902, was an immediately recognisable figure around Manchester in the early years of the 20th century. he had a character to match and was a peerless motivator of players long before the phrase 'Man-management' had even been dreamed of.
Mangnall's claim on history rests with his record at United. Almost as soon as he arrived from his previous job as secretary at Burnley, Mangnall proved an inspired appointment. After two third-place finishes, he earned United a much awaited promotion in his third season, and once in the First Division he built a team good enough to win the club's first two Championships in 1907/08 and 1910/11, and the FA Cup in 1909. Mangnall also oversaw the club's move from Bank Street in Clayton to its new stadium at Old Trafford in 1910.
Mangnall's training methods might fairly be described as old school. The players were denied use of football during the week : Mangnall reasoned they would be all hungrier for it on match day. Instead, their training sessions featured running, running & more running. Mangnall cared deeply about fitness.
He quit United to manage Manchester City in 1912, where he stayed throughout the First World War. He later became a director of Bolton Wanderers. Mangnall's place in Mancunian football is significant as many believe he was the instigator behind United's move to Old Trafford... He died in 1932.
No comments:
Post a Comment