
In 1984, Turner parted ways with Shrewsbury Town after a 6-year stint and a Third Division title win. His life in football was a long mix of player, manager and chairman, with a total 1,659 games under his belt as head coach. Recently retired in 2014, Turner’s managerial career spanned across 36 years in English football, sitting at the helm of 4 clubs Shrewsbury Town, Aston Villa, Wolves and Hereford United. Next on our list of football’s longest-serving managers is Graham Turner. In a 34 year career, Stock was the leading man for Yeovil, Luton Town, Leyton Orient, QPR, Roma, Fulham and Bournemouth, overseeing a grand total of 1,618 games. The Glovers managed to beat league leaders Bury and Sunderland, only to then be hampered in their tracks by an 8-0 hammering at Old Trafford in the next round. Nicknamed ‘the first gentleman of soccer,’ Stock’s prominence in English football grew after a notable FA cup run with Yeovil Town in 1949. Having won 16 league titles, 14 Scottish Cups and 14 Glasgow Cups, the former player turned manager claimed his spot as a local legend after a lofty 43 years with the Bhoys.Īnother name that may have fallen through the cracks of managerial rankings is that of Alec Stock. William Maley was one of football’s longest serving managers and led Celtic in a huge 1,611 games.īorn in 1868, Maley was Celtic’s first-ever manager, taking on the role at just 29 back in 1897. This is our list of football’s longest serving managers, past and present.Ī name that will most likely only be known by Scottish superfans or football masterminds. Taking up that sideline spot is not for the faint of heart, so today we take a look at those managers that stood the test of time. Discipline, effort and hard work are the three staples of any winning lineup, and the best in the business know-how to bring that out of their team week-in-week-out, whereas others simply fall short of the mark.

With an ability to communicate team-strategy yet encourage individual brilliance at the same time. High performing managers are able to motivate, inspire and propel their players to greatness. A lifelong dedication to their craft, years of accumulated knowledge of the game and a keen eye for talent is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to being successful on the touchline and all are vital to becoming one of the longest serving managers of the day, let alone in football history. The job of the football manager is one of constant ups and downs.

Tactical masterminds and tabloid scapegoats.
