Ian Branfoot

Ian Grant Branfoot (born 26 January 1947 ) is an English former football player and manager.

Born in Gateshead, he played as a full-back, and after starting at Gateshead joined Sheffield Wednesday, He must rank as one of Reading's most successful managers, leading Reading to promotion from Division 4 to Division 3 in 1984 based on the good work of Maurice Evans, and then promotion from Division 3 to Division 2 as champions in 1986. This last achievement included a record breaking start to the season of 13 straight wins. The club maintained a 13th position the next season but were relegated in 1988. However, in the same season that they won the Full Members Cup beating Luton Town 4–1 at Wembley.

He became manager of Southampton in June 1991, remaining in this position until January 1994. He then managed Fulham between 1994 and 1996.