Joe Mercer

Lore & Background

Mercer was born in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, the son of a former Nottingham Forest and Tranmere Rovers footballer, also named Joe. When Mercer was 12 his father died following health problems resulting from a gas attack during the First World War. Mercer, a left-half, first played for Ellesmere Port Town. He joined Everton in September 1932 and claimed a regular first team place in the 1935–36 season.

He made 186 appearances for Everton, scoring two goals and winning a League championship medal in the 1938–39 season. While playing for Everton, he gained five England caps between 1938 and 1939. He lost out on seven seasons of football due to the Second World War, became a sergeant-major, and played in 26 wartime internationals. He moved to Arsenal in late 1946 for £9,000, became club captain, and led Arsenal to League titles in 1947–48 and 1952–53, an FA Cup win in 1950, and was voted FWA Footballer of the Year in 1950.

He broke his leg in April 1954 and retired the following year. After his playing career, he managed Sheffield United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Coventry City, and served as caretaker manager of England in 1974. He led Aston Villa to victory in the inaugural League Cup in 1961, but suffered a stroke in 1964 and was sacked upon his recovery. He later managed Manchester City to multiple trophies. He died on his 76th birthday in 1990.

Reader's Guide

Joe Mercer is a legendary figure in English football, known for his playing career at Everton and Arsenal and his managerial success at Aston Villa and Manchester City. At Aston Villa, he moved out older players including John Neal and moulded a young side known as the 'Mercer Minors', winning the League Cup in 1961. He was sacked after a stroke in 1964. His greatest managerial achievements came at Manchester City, where he won the First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup.