The Football Managers (Routledge Revivals)

Tony Pawson's "The Football Managers," originally published in 1973 and now being revived, stands as a crucial historical document capturing a transformative era in football management. As both a First Division footballer and accomplished cricket player, Pawson brought a unique insider's perspective to this comprehensive examination of the evolving role of the football manager.
The timing of the book's original publication is particularly significant, coming at the tail end of what many consider the golden age of British football management. It chronicles the transition from Herbert Chapman, who revolutionised the tactical landscape of English football, through to the towering figures of the 1960s and early 1970s. 
What makes this work particularly valuable is its contemporary perspective on legendary managers who were still active at the time of writing. Bill Shankly, who transformed Liverpool into a domestic powerhouse, is captured in his prime, while Don Revie's Leeds United dynasty is examined at its peak, just before his departure to manage England in 1974. 
Pawson's analysis is particularly insightful when discussing the evolution of the manager's role from a peripheral figure to the central character we know today. His examination begins with Herbert Chapman, who is often credited as the great tactical innovator of the 20th century, and traces the lineage through Stan Cullis and Matt Busby, architects of success at Wolves and Manchester United, respectively.
The book's strength lies in its comprehensive approach to the subject matter. Beyond the tactical aspects, Pawson delves into the broader challenges of the role: financial management, medical innovations, scouting networks, and the increasing pressure of public scrutiny. His coverage of Jock Stein at Celtic and Bill Nicholson at Tottenham provides valuable insights into how different managers approached these challenges.
What makes this revival particularly relevant is how many of the issues Pawson identified in 1973 remain pertinent today. The pressures of success and failure, the delicate balance between business and sport, and the challenge of managing both players and public expectations are themes that continue to dominate football discourse.
The book is especially fascinating when read with historical hindsight. Pawson's contemporary observations of Brian Clough, for instance, come just before his infamous 44-day tenure at Leeds United, while his analysis of Joe Mercer's methods at Manchester City captures a manager who faced setbacks with remarkable resilience.
This Routledge Revival edition serves not only as a historical document but as a reminder of how the role of football manager has evolved while simultaneously remaining true to its core challenges. Pawson's literate, well-observed account provides valuable context for understanding both the history of football management and its current state.
For modern readers, whether they're football historians, aspiring managers, or simply fans of the game, "The Football Managers" offers a unique window into a pivotal era of football history. It captures a moment when the role of manager was being redefined by a generation of innovators whose influence continues to shape the game today.
The book's revival in 2025 feels particularly timely, as football grapples with new challenges while still wrestling with many of the fundamental issues Pawson identified half a century ago. It stands as both a valuable historical record and a reminder that, while tactics and training methods may evolve, the essential art of football management remains remarkably consistent.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 [Delivered to You 3rd Week June 2025]
Publisher:‎ Routledge
Published: June 2, 2025
Price: £90.00 Paperback: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 1041003811
ISBN-13:‎ 978-1041003816
Dimensions: 216 x 138 (mm)

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