Who was the first full-time manager at Manchester United? If this was a question at a pub quiz, it will leave many stumped. Well, the answer is Jack Robson.
It could be also said that Robson gave birth to the title of ‘manager’ as his predecessors all held the title of ‘secretary-general’. Robson was born in Durham on May, 1860. Before taking over John Bentley in 1914, Robson himself was a secretary-general at Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Robson started his career in football at Middlesbrough and went on to take charge of that team for over 200 matches, spanning over a six year period. He used his shrew business acumen to negotiate a £3-a-week deal contract and made sure he did not have to travel to the away matches, in order to save money.
He then left ‘Boro to join London club Crystal Palace. His time at Palace was short and only lasted ten matches. After a similar short spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, Robson took the opportunity to take charge at Manchester United in 1914. He spent seven years at the club; four of those were during World War One when only regional football was played.
At that time, Manchester United were embroiled in a betting scandal as news emerged that United and Liverpool fixed a league match in United’s favour in order for them to avoid relegation. It should be noted that Robson was not aware of such plans and tempers flared at half-time between those that plotted the match fixing and those who were opposed to it. Manchester United won the match 2-0 and certain players from both sides benefitted from bets placed on the match. This match led to Chelsea’s relegation into division two.
After the conclusion of the World War, normal league football was resumed and after an Annual General Meeting, Chelsea were allowed back in division one and the division was expanded to include two more teams.
A total of 22 teams contested in the 1919/20 season. Robson guided the Reds to a 12th place finish, wining only 13 matches out of the 42. The highlight of that season for Robson must have been the 1-0 win over local rivals Manchester City.
Although the team won more matches the following season, they finished one place lower than the previous campaign, in 13th position. Robson’s team was also involved in the highest scoring match of the season in a 6-3 loss to Newcastle United in January 1921. In his career at Manchester United, he took charge for 134 matches. Out of those matches: 40 were won, 41 were drawn and 53 were lost leaving Robson with a win ratio of 30%. After appearing as John Chapman’s (his successor) assistant for a brief period in the 1921/22 campaign, Robson stepped down as manager of United in October 1921 and cited ill health as the reason for his departure. He died three months later of pneumonia.
Although his time at United was not glittered with trophies and medals, Robson should be remembered as a man with morals, and even though uprightness was sometimes challenged by his own men, he managed to continue with his head held high. He should be remembered as the man who brought a fresh approach to managing a team. He should be remembered as the first full-time manager of Manchester United.
