Visionary minds, ruthless streaks, and one introvert - football managers through the decades

A fascinating new book by Corkman Tim Healy has tracked the evolution of football management from the first secretary managers — who knew nothing about the game but were appointed as a bridge between directors and the ‘riff-raff’ who played it — to the influx of ex-players into coaching jobs in the early 20th century, and onto the modern superstar bosses at a time when wages paid remains the best indicator of success. Larry Ryan got his views of some of the gaffers and themes that left a lasting impression.

THE INNOVATOR: Herbert Chapman

“Chapman was an extraordinary person. Denis Hill-Wood, the director of Arsenal didn’t say he could have been Prime Minister, he said he should have been Prime Minister.