Gary Megson facts for kids

Gary John Megson was born on May 2, 1959. He is a former English football player and manager. He is known for playing as a midfielder and later managing several football clubs.

Gary Megson managed teams like Norwich City, Blackpool, Stockport County, and Stoke City. He also led West Bromwich Albion to the Premier League twice, in 2001–02 and 2003–04. He also managed Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers, and Sheffield Wednesday.

Gary is the son of Don Megson and the brother of Neil Megson. Both his father and brother were also football players.

Playing Career Highlights

As a player, Gary Megson was a strong defensive midfielder. He played for nine different clubs during his career.

Starting at Plymouth Argyle

He began his football journey at Plymouth Argyle. He played so well there that Everton signed him for a large fee of £250,000.

Time at Everton and Sheffield Wednesday

Gary found it tough to get a regular spot in the Everton team. After two years, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday for £130,000. His father had also played for Sheffield Wednesday. Gary quickly became a key player for Wednesday. He helped them get promoted to the top league in 1983–84, which was a big achievement after 14 years away. He hardly missed any games during his first three years there.

Moving to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United

In 1984, Nottingham Forest signed him. However, their manager, Brian Clough, famously said Gary "couldn't trap a bag of cement," meaning he wasn't good at controlling the ball. Gary spent five months there but didn't play any first-team games. He then moved to Newcastle United. He played regularly for Newcastle for the rest of the 1984–85 season.

Second Spell at Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City

After a short time, Gary returned to Sheffield Wednesday. He again became an important part of the team. In 1989, he joined Manchester City. He spent three and a half seasons there, helping City get promoted in his first year and finish fifth in the top league in his last two seasons.

Playing for Norwich City

In 1992, he moved to Norwich City for free. He played there for three seasons. He was a vital player for Norwich when they finished third in the first-ever Premier League season. This success meant they got to play in the UEFA Cup for the first time. When manager Mike Walker left in 1994, Gary also became assistant to the new manager, John Deehan.

Brief Caretaker Role

When John Deehan resigned in April 1995, Gary briefly took over as a temporary manager. However, he couldn't stop Norwich from being relegated. He then left Norwich and played short spells for Lincoln City and Shrewsbury Town. In December 1995, he returned to Norwich as manager after Martin O'Neill left. He stayed until the end of the season before Mike Walker returned as manager.

Managerial Career Journey

First Managerial Role at Norwich City

While still playing for Norwich City, Gary Megson became an assistant manager. When manager John Deehan left in April 1995, Gary took charge for the last five games of the season. Norwich was struggling and ended up being relegated. After a short break playing for other clubs, Gary returned to Norwich as manager in December 1995. Norwich finished 15th in Division One that season, and Gary left when Mike Walker became manager again.

Managing Blackpool

In 1996, Gary became the manager of Blackpool. His team won 21 out of 52 matches. This was enough to avoid relegation but not quite enough to reach the playoffs for promotion. He left Blackpool at the end of the season.

Leading Stockport County

Gary moved to Stockport County in July 1997. The team had just been promoted to Division One. In his first season, they did very well, finishing just two spots away from the playoffs. They even had a great 3–1 win against Manchester City. The next season was not as good, and Gary left the club.

Time at Stoke City

Gary quickly found a new job at Stoke City in the summer of 1999. After a slow start, the team improved and had a ten-match unbeaten run, moving into the playoff spots. However, new owners took over the club in November and brought in their own manager.

Success with West Bromwich Albion

Gary took over as manager of West Bromwich Albion in March 2000. The club was in danger of being relegated to the third tier of English football. He quickly brought in new players to make the team stronger. In his first month, he faced a ban for comments he made to a referee. Despite this, Albion managed to stay safe by winning their last game of the season.

The next season, Gary led the club to the playoffs. In the following year, West Bromwich Albion won promotion to the Premier League for the first time. This was a huge achievement, as they overcame an eleven-point lead held by their rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers. This success earned Gary the Manager of the Year award and even the special title Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich.

However, there were disagreements between Gary and the club's chairman, Paul Thompson. Thompson eventually resigned, and Gary signed a new contract. In 2002–03, the club was relegated after just one season in the Premier League. Gary then led a successful promotion campaign in the next season, bringing them back to the Premier League. But by summer 2004, his relationship with the new chairman, Jeremy Peace, became difficult. Gary announced he wouldn't sign a new contract, and the club decided to dismiss him in October.

Managing Nottingham Forest

In January 2005, Gary was appointed manager of Nottingham Forest. He couldn't save them from being relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in over 50 years. His main goal for the next season was to get promoted back to the Championship. However, Forest struggled, especially in away games. Gary resigned in February 2006 due to pressure from the fans.

Short Spell at Leicester City

In September 2007, Gary Megson became the new manager of Leicester City. Leicester won their first league game under him in October. Just a month into his time at Leicester, Bolton Wanderers wanted him as their manager. Leicester's chairman rejected their first offer, but Gary was eventually allowed to speak to Bolton. He left Leicester on October 24, 2007, after only 41 days and nine games.

Leading Bolton Wanderers

Gary took over as manager of Bolton Wanderers on October 25, 2007. Bolton was at the bottom of the Premier League table. His first game was a 1–1 draw. He got his first win on November 24, when Bolton beat Manchester United 1–0, which was their first home win against United in 30 years.

Bolton's league form was still tough. In February 2008, they beat Atlético Madrid to reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup for the first time in the club's history. Despite some losses, Bolton managed to stay in the Premier League by getting 11 points from their last five games. This was the first time Gary had kept a team in the Premier League as a manager.

Gary won the Premier League Manager of the Month award for November 2008. He brought in new players like Johan Elmander and Fabrice Muamba. Bolton finished 13th in the 2008–09 season. In the 2009 season, Bolton had a mixed start. After a period of almost 50 days without a win, Gary was relieved of his duties as manager on December 30, 2009.

Return to Sheffield Wednesday

On February 4, 2011, Gary Megson was appointed manager of his former club, Sheffield Wednesday. He was sacked on February 29, 2012, even though the club was third in League One. At the time, he had one of the best win percentages of any manager in Sheffield Wednesday's history. His last game was a 1–0 victory over Sheffield United.

Assistant Coach at West Bromwich Albion

Gary returned to West Bromwich Albion in July 2017 as an Assistant Head Coach. On November 20, 2017, he became the temporary head coach after the previous manager was sacked. He left the club when a new permanent manager was appointed.

Coaching Style

Some players have commented on Gary Megson's coaching style. For example, player Darren Huckerby once said he didn't like how Gary shouted at his players and treated experienced professionals like young teenagers. Gary reportedly responded that this was how he needed to work with his players.

Career Statistics

Managerial Statistics

Honours and Awards

As a Manager

West Bromwich Albion

• Football League First Division runner-up: 2001–02, 2003–04 (This means his team finished second in the league, earning promotion.)

Individual Awards

• Premier League Manager of the Month: November 2008 (This award is given to the best manager in the Premier League for a specific month.)