Harry Catterick

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Harry Catterick, (November 26, 1919 — March 9, 1985), was an English football player for Everton, but he is best remembered as the manager during one of Everton's most successful periods.

Having previously managed other clubs (including Crewe Alexandra, 1951-1953), Catterick took over from Johnny Carey in 1961 and soon began to motivate the team and to make some astute signings. Under his authoritarian guidance, Everton won the Football League Championship in the 1962/63 season, the FA Cup in 1966, narrowly lost the 1968 FA Cup final with the young team that eventually dominated the 1969/70 season, winning the Championship again by one point short of a record points total.

Many tipped Everton to dominate the 1970s under Catterick. However, a dip in team morale saw Everton struggle in the league the following season. The effects of a great team now struggling had effects on Catterick's health, and he suffered a heart attack in on 5 January 1972 due to the immense stress. He was persuaded to accept the role of a non-executive director of the club in April 1973. He had that role until becoming manager of Preston North End from 27 August 1975 to May 1977.

He died after watching Everton play Ipswich Town in an FA Cup Quarter Final at Goodison Park on 9 March 1985 of a heart attack.