Bobby Moore. National hero. National treasure. The West Ham legend (who also turned out for Fulham in England, and San Antonio Thunder and Seattle Sounders in the States) lifted the World Cup with England, and that image of him holding the Jules Rimet Trophy aloft will forever be etched into the national consciousness. Let's face it, we may not see an England captain winning the World Cup again! He began his managerial career with non-league Oxford City (not even Oxford United) in 1980. In reference to the former England captain's "generous" contract Tony Posser, the club's Chairman, stated that "if he is half a good a manager as he is negotiator he will do very well". Unfortunately for Posser, it turned out Moore's managerial acumen did not match his skill at contract negotiation. He was sacked less than a year into the job. He then spent a season managing in China with Eastern Athletic Association before returning to English league football. Third Division Southend United were convinced enough by Moore's playing reputation to ignore his woeful one in non-league management. In fairness for the former England man, he got off to a promising start in spite of the club's financial problems. IIn his second seson in charge, he led them to the fringes of the promotion race before they fell away in the second half of the season. Come the end of that season, Moore was out the door. After that experience Moore didn't manage again, instead forging a career for himself as a respected sports journalist. It's a real shame that Moore could not replicate his legendary feats on the field from the bench. Is there any boss with a bigger discrepancy between their playing a management career?
David is an office drone and freelance writer for WhatCulture and Moviepilot, among others. He's also foolishly writing a serialised novel on Jukepop and has his own irregularly updated website. He's available for freelance work. Reach out on Twitter to @davefox990
