Ernie Tagg facts for kids

Ernie Tagg (born November 15, 1917 – died November 29, 2006) was a famous English football player and manager. He is best known for his time with Crewe Alexandra. Ernie Tagg was a dedicated person who loved football and helped many young players.

Playing Career: A Young Star

Ernie Tagg was a very good football player even when he was a schoolboy. He played for his county, Cheshire, and even tried out for the England schoolboys' team.

He first joined Crewe Alexandra in October 1937. He played as an "inside forward," which was a position that helped score goals and set up plays. His first game for Crewe was on January 15, 1938. Just three weeks later, on February 5, 1938, he scored his first goal! He played 19 games for Crewe and scored seven goals.

In 1939, Ernie Tagg moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers. This was a big move, as Crewe received £1800 for him, which was a lot of money back then! However, he only played one game for them because the Second World War started. After the war, he played for Bournemouth and Carlisle United. Later, he returned to the local area to play for a non-league team called Nantwich Town.

Management Career: Leading the Team

Ernie Tagg came back to Crewe Alexandra in the early 1950s. He started as a coach, helping the team learn and improve. In 1964, he became the manager of the club. He stayed in this important role until 1971.

It's interesting because he decided to step down himself! He felt that a younger manager should take over the team. After him, Tom McAnearney and then Dennis Viollet became managers. Ernie Tagg also worked as the club secretary for a while. He even helped out in other ways, like being a ball-boy and looking after the football field as a groundsman! This shows how much he loved the club.

He returned as manager again in 1974 before Harry Gregg took over in 1975.

Developing Future Stars

During his time as manager, Ernie Tagg helped many players become very good. Some of them even played for their national teams! Two famous players he helped were Stan Bowles and John Mahoney. Ernie Tagg was known for his wise words and for guiding young talent. He was also praised by another football coach, Alan Hargreaves, for giving him a chance in professional football.

Life Beyond the Pitch

Being a football manager at Crewe was not always a high-paying job back then. To earn more money, Ernie Tagg had other jobs. He delivered milk and managed a beer delivery route. Later, he even managed a local pub in Crewe called The Vine.

Ernie Tagg was highly respected by the club. In 1984, he was made an Honorary Life Vice President of Crewe Alexandra. This is a special title given to people who have done a lot for the club. He was also added to the Roll of Honour by the Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, which is a list of people who have made important contributions to the community.