Herbert Chapman

Herbert Chapman: visionary manager who transformed Arsenal and football tactics.

Herbert Chapman (19 January 1878 – 6 January 1934) was an English football player and manager. Though he had an undistinguished playing career, he went on to become one of the most influential and successful managers in the early 20th century, before his sudden death in 1934. He is regarded as one of the game's greatest innovators.

Quick Facts

Born: 19 January 1878
Birthplace: Kiveton Park, England
Died: 6 January 1934
Place of death: Hendon, England
Position: Inside forward

Lore & Background

Chapman was born in Kiveton Park, near Rotherham, one of eleven children. He studied mining engineering at Sheffield Technical College. As a player, he had a journeyman career with clubs including Kiveton Park Colliery, Ashton North End, Stalybridge Rovers, Rochdale, Grimsby Town, Swindon Town, Sheppey United, Worksop Town, Northampton Town, Sheffield United, Notts County, and Tottenham Hotspur. He made fewer than 40 League appearances and won no major honours.

He turned to management at Northampton Town in 1907, leading them to the Southern League title in 1908–09. He then managed Leeds City, but after the First World War the club was disbanded due to an illegal payments scandal. Chapman was initially banned but successfully appealed. He took over at Huddersfield Town, winning an FA Cup and two First Division titles in four years.

In 1925, he joined Arsenal, leading them to their first ever silverware: one FA Cup and two First Division titles. He died suddenly from pneumonia in 1934 at age 55.

Reader's Guide

Chapman is credited with introducing new tactics (the WM formation), new training techniques, the use of physiotherapists, floodlighting, and numbered shirts. He led the team rather than letting board members lead. He also entered European club competitions. His work at Arsenal made them the dominant team of the 1930s, winning five League titles and two FA Cups in the decade before the Second World War, though he did not live to see all of that success.

Did You Know?

Chapman was one of eleven children; his younger brother Harry won two League Championships and an FA Cup with The Wednesday.
As a player, Chapman was an amateur for much of his career and often had to find a job near his club to support himself.
He introduced the WM formation, which forms the core of most modern-day formations.