Joe Mercer
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Joe Mercer, OBE (August 9, 1914 - August 9, 1990) was an English football player and manager.
Joe Mercer enjoyed a successful playing career at Everton F.C. from 1933-46 as a wing-half, in which time he won 5 England caps. Unfortunately, like many players of his generation, Mercer lost out on seven seasons of football due to the Second World War. In 1946 Mercer moved to Arsenal where he won an FA Cup and a League Championship medal until his playing career was ended by broken leg suffered in 1954.
As a manager Mercer began inauspiciously as his first seaon at Sheffield United ended in relegation, but he moulded a talented young side at Aston Villa from 1958 and his team became known as the 'Mercer Minors'. He led Villa to victory in the inaugural League Cup in 1961. However, he was sacked from Aston Villa in 1964 on grounds of ill health.
Despite this his health improved and he went on to enjoy great success as a manager with Manchester City. During his time there he won the English First Division (1968), FA Cup (1969), League Cup (1970), and European Cup-Winners' Cup (1970).
Mercer was manager of the English national football team for a brief period in 1974. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1976.
Template:England national football team manager
| Preceded by: Johnny Carey | Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year 1950 | Succeeded by: Harry Johnston |