John McKenna

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John McKenna (1855 – March 1936) was an Irish self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool.

He was a friend of John Houlding and remained with him after Everton left Anfield for Goodison Park. 'Honest' John was one of the greatest driving forces for Liverpool throughout the early years. An Irishman, Tory, Freemason and friend of John Houlding (founder) - who started off as a grocer's errand boy - he would regularly visit Anfield before the split with Everton, and became an avid supporter of the football played there. 'Honest' John was one of the greatest driving forces for Liverpool throughout the early years.

McKenna used his connections to fish for players in Glasgow, including Duncan McLean, James McBride, Malcolm McVean, Hugh McQueen, Matt McQueen, John McCartney, Bill McOwen and Joe McQue.

It was McKenna, acting as the club's secretary, who telegraphed the Football League asking for Liverpool to be admitted to it. He did not disclose his plan to anyone, but it worked - Liverpool were invited into the Football League. They played their first Football League match away to Middlesbrough Ironopolis on September 2, 1893, and won 2-0. After an hour's play, it was Malcolm McVean who broke the deadlock.

[edit] External links

• John McKenna management career stats at Soccerbase
• Manager profile at LFChistory.net

v • d • e Liverpool F.C. – Managers Barclay and McKenna (1892–96) • Watson (1896–1915) • Ashworth (1919–23) • McQueen (1923–28) • Patterson (1928–36) • Kay (1936–51) • Welsh (1951–56) • Taylor (1956–59) • Shankly (1959–74) • Paisley (1974–83) • Fagan (1983–85) • Dalglish (1985–91) • Souness (1991–94) • Evans (1994–98) • Evans and Houllier (1998) • Houllier (1998–2004) • Benítez (2004–)