Ken Furphy facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Kenneth Furphy | ||
| Date of birth | 28 May 1931 | ||
| Place of birth | Stockton-on-Tees, England | ||
| Date of death | 17 January 2015 (aged 83) | ||
| Place of death | Dawlish, England | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1950–1951 | Everton | 0 | (0) |
| 1951–1953 | Runcorn | ||
| 1953–1962 | Darlington | 316 | (6) |
| 1962–1964 | Workington | 105 | (3) |
| 1964–1968 | Watford | 111 | (1) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1962–1964 | Workington | ||
| 1964–1971 | Watford | ||
| 1971–1973 | Blackburn Rovers | ||
| 1973–1975 | Sheffield United | ||
| 1976 | New York Cosmos | ||
| 1976–1977 | Miami Toros | ||
| 1977–1980 | Detroit Express | ||
| 1981 | Washington Diplomats | ||
|
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Kenneth Furphy (born May 28, 1931 – died January 17, 2015) was an English football player and manager. He was known for his long career in football, both on the field and later as a coach for many teams.
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Ken Furphy's Playing Career
Ken Furphy started his football journey with Everton in 1950. Even though he was with a big club, he played mostly in lower leagues. He played for teams like Runcorn from 1951 to 1953.
His longest time as a player was with Darlington, where he played from 1953 to 1962. After that, he joined Workington from 1962 to 1964. During his playing days, he was even chosen to represent the Third Division North team in 1954–55.
Ken Furphy's Managerial Journey
Ken Furphy became a player-manager at Workington in 1964. This meant he played for the team while also being their coach. He helped them get promoted to the Third Division.
Coaching Success at Watford
Later in 1964, Ken moved to Watford as their player-manager. He stayed there for several years and achieved great success. In 1969, he led Watford to the Second Division for the very first time in the club's history. This was a huge achievement! A year later, his team also reached the semi-finals of the famous FA Cup competition.
Moving to New Clubs
After his time at Watford, Ken Furphy became the manager of Blackburn Rovers in 1971. He coached them for two seasons. Then, in December 1973, he was announced as the new manager for Sheffield United.
At Sheffield United, Ken helped the team finish sixth in the First Division. They were very close to qualifying for the UEFA Cup, missing out by just one point. However, the next season started tough for the team, and Ken left the club in October 1975.
Coaching in America
After leaving England, Ken Furphy went to America to coach. He managed the New York Cosmos in the NASL from 1975 to 1976. He also coached other American teams like the Miami Toros (1976–77), the Detroit Express (1977–80), and the Washington Diplomats (1981).
Ken also had the chance to manage the national team of Bermuda. He also coached the Cleveland Force, which was an indoor soccer team.
Later Life and Family
In the early 2000s, Ken Furphy briefly worked as a Technical Director for Exeter City. He also worked for BBC Radio Devon, sharing his knowledge by commentating on local football games.
Interestingly, Ken coached his own son, Keith Furphy, when they were both in Detroit. Keith also became a professional football player in the NASL.
Ken Furphy passed away on January 17, 2015, in Dawlish, England.
