Willie Maddren facts for kids

William Dixon Maddren (born 11 January 1951 – died 29 August 2000) was an English professional football player and manager. He played his entire career for Middlesbrough from 1968 to 1979. Later, he also managed the club from 1984 to 1986.

Playing for Middlesbrough

Starting His Career

Willie Maddren first played for Middlesbrough on 12 April 1969. In that game against Bury, he scored a goal but also broke his nose! He started as a striker, which is a player who tries to score goals. But soon, he became known as a strong central defender. A central defender helps protect the team's goal.

Becoming a Key Defender

By the 1970–71 season, Willie was a regular player in Middlesbrough's defense. In 1971, the team's manager, Stan Anderson, brought in another defender named Stuart Boam. Willie and Stuart formed a great partnership in the defense. In 1973, a famous manager, World Cup winner Jack Charlton, took over the team.

Promotion to the Top League

The 1973–74 season was amazing for Middlesbrough. They won the old Second Division by a huge 15 points! This meant they were promoted to the First Division, which was the top league at the time. They got promoted on 23 March 1974. That season, Middlesbrough's defense was super strong. They only let in 30 goals in 42 games and kept 25 "clean sheets." A clean sheet means they didn't let the other team score any goals.

Early Retirement

Willie Maddren's last game for Middlesbrough was on 3 September 1977. He was only 26 years old. Sadly, he had a lot of pain from a knee injury. Even after an operation, his knee didn't get better. Because of this, he had to stop playing football in 1979.

Playing for England

Willie Maddren also played for the England under-23 football team five times. He was even called up to play for the main England team, but he didn't get to play in a match.

Managing Middlesbrough

After his playing career, Willie Maddren returned to Middlesbrough in 1982. He became the team's physiotherapist, helping players with their injuries.

Becoming Manager

In 1984, the manager at the time was sacked. Jack Charlton, who had managed Willie as a player, became the temporary manager. Willie Maddren was his assistant. They helped the team avoid being moved down to a lower league. After that, Willie was given the job of manager.

Tough Times and Leaving the Club

His first full season as manager, 1984–85, was difficult. Middlesbrough almost got moved down to a lower league again. The next season, Willie was sacked with 13 games left to play. His assistant, Bruce Rioch, took over. Sadly, Middlesbrough was moved down to the Third Division that season. The club also faced serious money problems.

After leaving Middlesbrough, Willie focused on his sports shop business. Today, there is a special football competition called The Willie Maddren Trophy. It raises money for a charity that helps people with a disease called MND.

His Illness

In 1995, Willie Maddren was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). This is a serious illness that causes muscles to get weaker over time. Willie became a strong campaigner for MND research. He helped raise over £200,000 to find a cure. This included £40,000 from his book called Extra Time. In 1996, a special football match was played at the Riverside Stadium to help raise money. Middlesbrough played against a famous Italian team, Internazionale.

His Death

Willie Maddren passed away on 29 August 2000. He was 49 years old and died in a hospice in Stockton-on-Tees.