William Elcoat – Woolwich Arsenal Manager 1898 – 1899
Arsenal had been in existence for 11 years before the directors finally succumbed and appointed the club’s first manager in March 1897. That man was Thomas Mitchell, one of the biggest names in the game who had led Blackburn Rovers to FA Cup wins in 1890 and 1891 as well as being a leading light in the foundation of the Football League.
Mitchell’s tenure only lasted a year before falling out with the directorate, and his successor remained something of a mystery man until a few years ago.
