Born in Blackpool, Cork, Ireland, Frank, after working on the railways, had a decent playing career, starting with Cork. He went on to West Ham (nearly 200 apps), Preston NE (118 apps) and Weymouth until he retired to management at Weymouth, Torquay (several times), Leicester City (1968-71), Man U (1971-2), Cardiff (1973-4), Iran National team and Al-Shaab in UAE, retiring in 1982. He played for the R.O.Ireland 9 times and scored 2.
The Manchester United managerial career runs parallel to a certain extent with Jose's. In July 1971 Frank was selected by and replaced Matt Busby, taking over from a dynasty. Jock Stein had been in the frame but he declined the offer!
He managed Charlton, Law and co but also inherited George Best at his "worst", but was in charge of a club that had recently won the European Cup and were well place in the division. Wilf McGuinness, the reserve manager, was second in command but had developed a relaxed attitude with his players.
He was voted Manager of the Month in September and his team was top of the division in October. Frank did not have a very good relationship with his players who had to make appointments to talk to him. Best continued to go AWOL and results went down hill. Signings included Storey-Moore, Buchan, Wyn Davies and Ted MacDougall.
On 16th December 1972, United were thumped by Crystal Palace 5-0 and United found themselves third from bottom in the league. O'Farrell was sacked, Tommy Docherty took over and O'Farrell, the first Irishman to manage United, sued the club for "loss of earnings" and was paid about £17,000, out of court. he record was P81 W30 L27. This is link is great.
https://wearethebusbyboys.com/2018/09/17/football-taught-by-frank-ofarrell/
He finished his footballing career as a scout for Everton and Bolton, was active in his local Catholic Church and ran a nursing home. In 2018, at 91 years old, he was the oldest living West Ham player alive.
No comments:
Post a Comment