England Manager 1973 (died July 2017)
In 1973 I was FA Regional Coach for the North. My boss Allen Wade called me to say that Eric Worthington, the WFA England Manager had emigrated to Australia and as there were games on the horizon for them, a new Manager was needed asap.
It soon transpired during the call that the matter was already settled. Allen told me the new Manager was—— ME !
After some discussion it was agreed I would only act for the upcoming matches but did not want to continue after that.
In those days women’s football was very much Cinderella at every level and I personally at that time, could not dredge up much enthusiasm for the task.
However, I was allowed to have 2 days with the squad at Lea Green, Matlock for a training camp just down the road from my home before going to France for an International at Chateauroux.
IT TOOK 2 HOURS THERE TO CHANGE MY VIEWS !
My first coaching session with the squad was an eyeopener and some. I took on board two things, 1. These girls could play. 2 They were open to listening and putting what they were told into practice. Amazing!!
In those distant days coaching was not really accepted at all in England. That is why we were appointed Regional Coaches effectively there to sell coaching principles to ALL levels of the game. Consequently I put 100% into the task, for example consulting a very helpful Sir Alf Ramsey on preparations etc. He told me volumes all of which were proved by events to be spot on.
We worked hard on team play and strategies and with time constraints pressing focused on both defending and attacking from set plays. The girls took to them as ducks to water. We beat France away, 3-0 with 2 set play goals and then at home, Scotland 8-0 with 6 set play goals. Played 2 won 2. Goals conceded 0. Goals scored 11. I still win bets on those figures today!
Even so, I called time on further involvement as the WFA in those days, the excellent Pat Gregory apart, had failed to impress me. It was an amateur shambles and there looked little prospect of change for the better. So it has proved until very recent years and the injection of funds that just did not exist in the 1970’s!
Today women’s football is making big strides which I welcome but with the proviso that my hope is that the players retain both the love of the game and the keeness to try things like the squad of 1973 did. I remember them (grannies now no doubt) fondly and wish the the FA every success in taking the game forward through the schools, County FA’s and the higher levels.
I shall never forget my time with “my girls”.
May 2017.
History of the Women's Football Association 