Sir Walter Winterbottom, the Oldham man regarded as the founder of modern football, has a new statue at the £105m FA’s national centre, much to the delight of his family.
Sir Walter was born in Werneth, Oldham, and went onto become England’s first, youngest and longest-serving team manager.
The bronze statue at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent, will provide a great reminder of his legacy according to son-in-law and biographer Graham Morse.
“Although best known as the first England team manager, Walter’s pivotal role in the development of coaching has never been fully appreciated until now,” said Mr Morse, author of ‘The Father of Modern English Football’.
The family will be represented at the unveiling by Sir Walter’s widow, Lady Ann Winterbottom – 90 last February – who believes he would be proud of it.
“I am absolutely thrilled that the FA are recognising Walter in this way and I am sure that he would be delighted that the bust is at St George’s Park,” she said.
“I am very excited to be able to attend the unveiling.”
Sir Walter started his career as a teacher while playing football part time before being spotted by Manchester United.
A debilitating spinal disease cut short a promising career but after serving as an officer, who reached the role of wing commander in the RAF, during World War Two he became England manager in 1946.
While in charge of England he went to four successive World Cup Finals, including two quarter finals and won 13 out of 16 Home Championships.
Despite losing to USA in England’s first ever World Cup and suffering 6-3 and 7-1 thrashings by Hungary Sir Walter won 78, drew 33, and lost 28 of his 139 matches.
After serving 16 years as England boss, five years longer than Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Walter resigned in 1962 and became the first Director of the Sports Council three years later.
His memory will live on with the bronze statue coinciding with his 100th birthday which would have been last month.
“It seems entirely appropriate that the FA should honour him in this way at St George’s Park, on St Georges Day, in his centenary year,” added Mr Morse.
Sir Walter was given an OBE in 1963, CBE in 1972 and was knighted in for services to sport in 1978 but passed away in 2002 aged 89.
The biography ‘Sir Walter Winterbottom: ‘The Father of Modern English Football.’ is available from all bookshops costing £17.99 and www.amazon.com
Image courtesy of Andrew Edwards, via YouTube, with thanks
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