Tom Watson

Tom Watson (April 1859 – 6 May 1915) was an English football manager who managed Sunderland and Liverpool around the turn of the 20th century. In winning the league title with both clubs—the first title for both—he was the first manager to do so with two clubs. Watson remains Liverpool's longest-serving manager, spending a total of nineteen years at the club. The Guardian described him as "the first truly great manager in English football history".

Early career In 1881, Watson formed Newcastle upon Tyne-based club Rosehill. Being involved in local football, Watson played for local clubs Woodbine, Rosewood and Heaton. Prior to joining Sunderland, Watson was involved in a secretarial capacity at hometown clubs Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End. Acting as a general manager for both clubs, Watson helped Newcastle West End secure a lease of St James' Park, before resigning in December 1887 due to a crush at a game between Shankhouse, who had been loaned St James' Park, and Aston Villa. Watson later joined Newcastle East End in time for the 1888–89 season, where he continued to recruit Scottish international players, a tactic he had employed at West End.

Sunderland Watson was in charge at Sunderland for six seasons from 1889 to 1896. During this time, he led the club into the Football League. Under his guidance, Sunderland won three league championships in 1891–92, 1892–93 and 1894–95, making him the most successful manager in their history. Watson's Sunderland were declared the "Team of All Talents" by William McGregor, the founder of the league, after a 7–2 win against Aston Villa. Those were the first league titles in Liverpool history. In late April 1915, after returning from a visit to Newcastle to celebrate his 56th birthday, he contracted a chill which developed into a fatal bout of pneumonia. He died on 6 May 1915 and is buried at Anfield Cemetery, his coffin having been carried by many players.

Career statistics

Honours As manager

Sunderland (1889–96) Football League First Division Winner: 1891–92, 1892–93, 1894–95 Runner-up: 1893–94

Liverpool (1896–1915) Football League First Division Winner: 1900–01, 1905–06 Runner-up: 1898–99, 1909–1910 Football League Second Division Winner: 1904–05 FA Cup Runner-up: 1913–14 Sheriff of London Charity Shield Winner: 1906–07