James Paul Gannon(born 7 September 1968) is a professionalfootball managerand formerplayerwho most recently was manager ofHyde United.He started and finished his career as a player in Ireland but made most of his professional appearances in theEnglish Football Leagueat Stockport County, where supporters elected him as a member of the Hall of Fame.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | James Paul Gannon[1] | ||
Date of birth | [2] | 7 September 1968||
Place of birth | Southwark,London,England[3] | ||
Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[3] | ||
Position(s) | Centre-half;various | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1987–1989 | Dundalk | 17 | (1) |
1989–1990 | Sheffield United | 0 | (0) |
1990 | →Halifax Town(loan) | 2 | (0) |
1990–2000 | Stockport County | 383 | (52) |
1994 | →Notts County(loan) | 2 | (0) |
2000–2001 | Crewe Alexandra | 7 | (0) |
2001–2004 | Shelbourne | 48 | (3) |
Total | 459 | (56) | |
Managerial career | |||
2004–2005 | Dundalk | ||
2005–2009 | Stockport County | ||
2009 | Motherwell | ||
2010 | Peterborough United | ||
2011 | Port Vale | ||
2011–2013 | Stockport County | ||
2013–2016 | Northwich Victoria | ||
2016–2021 | Stockport County | ||
2021–2022 | Hyde United | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Gannon began his playing career atDundalkbut moved to the English clubSheffield Unitedin 1989. The next year, hetransferredtoStockport County,following a short loan spell withHalifax Town.He spent the next ten years at Stockport, becoming one of the club's most loyal servants, and helped the club to second-place finishes in both theSecond DivisionandFourth Division,as well as twoFootball League Trophyfinals. After leaving the club in 2000, he spent a season withCrewe Alexandra,before returning to Ireland withShelbourne,winning twoLeague of Ireland Premier Divisiontitles in his three years there.
Starting a career in management, he took charge of his first club Dundalk in 2004. After a season in Ireland, he returned to Stockport County as manager. There, he led the club topromotionfromLeague Twovia theplay-offsin2008.Leading County to safety inLeague Onedespite a ten-point deduction for enteringadministration,he lost his job as part of a cost-cutting measure. Heading toScottish Premier LeaguesideMotherwell,he managed the club in theEuropa League,but left after just 25 games in charge. He took charge ofChampionshipsidePeterborough Unitedin 2010. Still, he stayed at the struggling club for only two months, turning down a four-yearcontract.In January 2011, he was appointed manager of Port Vale but lasted just ten weeks. He returned to Stockport in November 2011 as the club's director of football and manager before being sacked in January 2013. He took charge atNorthwich Victoriain December 2013. He spent just over two years with Northwich before returning to manage Stockport County for the third time in January 2016. He led the club to promotion asNational League Northchampions at the end of the 2018–19 season. He left Stockport in January 2021 and took charge atHyde Unitedfor a short spell eight months later.
Early life
editGannon was born inSouthwark,South Londonand moved with his family to Ireland at a young age.[4]He considers himself to be a 'working classIrishCatholic'.[5]
Playing career
editEarly career
editIn 1987, he received his start in higher-level football with Irish clubTurlough O'Connor'sDundalk.[6]Whilst with the club he played in both theUEFA Champions LeagueandUEFA Cup Winners' Cup,in a highly successful period in the club's history. During his spell at the club, they did theIrish double,winning both theFAI Cupand topping theLeague of Ireland Premier Divisionin1987–88.[6]His performances for Dundalk earned him a£70,000 move toSheffield Unitedin April 1989.[6]However, he was unable to break into the first team atBramall Lane.[4]He spent a brief time in1989–90on loan at strugglingHalifax Town,making two appearances for the "Shaymen".
Stockport County
editIn 1990, he moved toStockport County,who paid United between £40,000 and £75,000 for his services.[7][8][9]He remained at the club for ten years, during which the club would winpromotionon two occasions, and make fourWembleyappearances. On 10 March 1993, Gannon verbally abusedStoke CityplayerMark Stein,who reacted by assaulting Gannon. Gannon made a formal complaint to the police, and as a result, Stein was later required to appear in court for the attack.[10]The two players' confrontation continued the following month after Gannon's then-girlfriend spat at Stein in a post-match interview.[11]Stein was given a conditional discharge[12]after the court accepted he was under "extreme provocation" from what he claimed wasracial abuse.[12][13]During his early days at the club Gannon was criticised by supporters for his performances. Still, he soon won them over after moving from centre-half to become a goalscoring midfielder.[14]Stockport fans named him 'The Ghost',[15]due to his knack of 'ghosting' in at the back ofthe boxto score from crosses.[4]He was also nicknamed 'Big Jimbo'.[9]
In1990–91,County achieved promotion from theFourth Divisionas runners-up. In1992,he made his first trip toWembley Stadium,as Stockport lost 1–0 to Stoke City in theFootball League Trophyfinal. During the same season, Stockport also reached theThird Division play-off final,but were defeated at Wembley. The following year, County again reached theFootball League Trophy finalbut lost 2–1 toPort Vale.In January 1994, Gannon joinedNotts Countyon a brief loan spell to help him overcome some personal problems.[9]Returning to Stockport, he finished the season with his fourth trip to Wembley in two years, as County were denied promotion from theSecond Divisionbya 2–1 defeattoBurnley.The team finally achieved promotion from the division in1996–97as runners-up. This promotion was built on a strong defence, of which Gannon and fellow centre-backSean Connellywere a major part.[16]The following season, County achieved an eighth-place finish in theFirst Division.He played under the management ofDanny Bergara,Dave Jones,Gary Megson,andAndy Kilner.
On 21 March 2000, during a game withManchester City,he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments, keeping him out of action for several months.[17]He was awarded atestimonial matchagainst Manchester City in August 2000, but got into a dispute with the club over the financial arrangements.[18]He then left the club in November 2000, and issued employment tribunal proceedings for unfair dismissal.[8]
Later career
editThe following month he joinedDario Gradi'sCrewe Alexandraon non-contractterms.[19]After ten games with Crewe, he returned to Ireland.
Following a break from football to obtain qualifications inaccountancy,Gannon signed withShelbournein August 2001.[20]Despite being appointed ascaptainupon his arrival, he initially struggled to get into the first-team during the2001–02League Championship winning season, and considered a move back to England. However, he found himself a key member of the defence when newmanagerPat Fenlontook over. Under Fenlon, Gannon helped the "Shels" to a second-place finish in2002–03,and also played in the2002–03 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds,scoring pastHiberniansin a 2–2 draw at theTa' Qali National Stadium.[21]He did not feature extensively in the club's2003League Championship winning side.
Gannon holds a unique record, having scored in all four English divisions, theFA Cup,theLeague Cup,theFull Members Cup,theEnglish Football League play-offs,theLeague of Ireland,theFAI Cup,theLeague of Ireland Cup,and theUEFA Champions League.[22][23]He has received two distinguished honours from Stockport's supporters since leaving the club – being elected to the Stockport Hall of Fame and as Honorary Vice President of the Hatters Independent Supporters Club. His 479 club appearances put him in third spot in Stockport's all-time appearance list, and his 65 goals are ninth in their scoring records.[4]
Managerial career
editDundalk
editIn June 2004, he was appointed to his first managerial post, taking charge of Dundalk, the first club in Gannon's professional playing career. The side finished sixth in theLeague of Ireland First Divisionin the2004 season.On 14 November 2005, Gannon confirmed his resignation from Dundalk after his position had been questioned as his chief supporters, vice-chairman Tom Baldwin and chief executive Sean Connolly, left the club.[24]This left Dundalk without a manager for their final match of the2005 season,in which they had already secured a comfortable mid-table position in Ireland's second tier of association football.[25]Before Gannon's departure, the team had drawn ten consecutive matches.
Stockport County
edit2005–06
editIn November 2005, Gannon was appointed as director of Stockport County's Centre of Excellence for girls.[26]After the resignation ofChris Turneras Stockport County manager on Bo xing Day 2005, Gannon was appointed ascaretaker managerwith the team nine points adrift of safety at the bottom ofLeague Two,[27]facing potentialrelegationfrom the Football League.
County went undefeated in Gannon's first four league games in charge.[7]After three weeks,[28]this upturn in results saw Gannon offered the job full-time, which allowed him to guide County to safety. The club won more than twice as many points in the second half ofthe seasonthan in the first. Believing that safety would be assured on the final day of the season,[29]he was proved correct as they managed to avoid relegation with a final day draw with championsCarlisle United.Comparisons were made toSam Allardyce.[15]As a committed Stockport fan,[15]and already a legend at the club for his ten years as a player,[7]he was loved by many County supporters. After delaying talks,[30]he accepted a one-year rolling contract in the summer.[31]
2006–07
editAt the beginning of the2006–07 season,Gannon and Stockport announced they had drawn up a five-year plan to take the club to theChampionship.Results on the field followed this statement of intent, with Gannon leading County to aLeague recordnine consecutive victories without conceding a goal.[32]Gannon lodged a complaint withThe Football AssociationagainstBristol Roverswhen a fixture was postponed due to a waterloggedpitch,as he felt not enough was done to ready the pitch, and also a complaint about thereferee's handling of the situation. Gannon was later incensed with the FA when the same referee was allowed to take charge of the postponed fixture,[33]which Rovers won 2–1. Gannon also branded approaches fromManchester CityandLiverpoolquestionable and unprofessional after the twoPremier Leagueclubs swooped for youngsters being trained in Stockport County's development squads.[34][35]
During the season, Gannon and Stockport began to form a close relationship with Alan Lord, the founder of Football Development School ProFootball4u.Anthony Pilkington,who began to feature in County's first team in the second half of this season, was developed through Lord's school.[36]At the end of the season, Lord was taken on at County as ascoutand development teamcoach;[37]he would later follow Gannon to Motherwell.
County missed out on theLeague Two play-offsdue to results on the final day of the season, missing out ongoal differencedespite a 5–0 victory overDarlington.
2007–08
editThe2007–08 seasonstarted with afriendlymarking the death ofDanny Bergara,the manager who had brought Gannon to County as a player in 1990. The friendly was againstCardiff City,managed by Dave Jones, who also managed County whilst Gannon was a player at the club.[38]
On 12 February, Gannon had to leave his father critically ill in a hospital in Ireland to lead his team out to a 4–1 victory overRotherham United.[39]Later in the year Gannon publicly criticisedPaul Inceand theMK Donsafter he felt the "Dons" were poor sports in their 3–2 victory over County that ensured Ince's side promotion out of the division.[40]
County finished the 2007–08 season fourth in the league, and subsequently won their play-off semi-final againstWycombe Wanderers2–1 onaggregate.[41]The club had previously visited Wembley four times, and Gannon had played on all four occasions.[42]He did as a manager what he could never do as a player, and guided Stockport victory at Wembley; the 3–2 win overRochdaleearned Gannon's club promotion toLeague One.[43]He refused to give a post-match interview toSky Sportsfollowing a nine-month dispute with the company over a brokenSkybox.[44]Nevertheless, having quickly taken Stockport from the foot of League Two and into League One on a meagre budget, Gannon had established himself as one of the most highly rated young managers in the lower leagues.[45]In the summer he soldLiam DickinsontoDerby Countyfor £750,000 – a player signed by previous manager, Chris Turner fromWoodley Sportsfor a nominal fee just over two years previous.[46][47]
2008–09
editGannon led County to an impressive start tothe seasonfollowing their promotion,[48]and they spent Christmas in the play-off places with the best away record in the division.[49]The new year started uncomfortably for Gannon; with media speculation linking him with a move away from Edgeley Park, and the club announcing they were in financial difficulty, he took interviews reassuring fans of his intent to stick by County. Gannon stuck to his one-year rolling deal after rejecting new contract offers from the club.[50]
After a touch-line argument with then-club captainGareth Owen,Gannon gave a forthright interview explaining that disciplinary action would be taken, and Owen would be stripped of the captaincy.[51]Owen, who was later released by the club, did not play another game for County. Meanwhile, Gannon was left threatening police action over a strong challenge that left Stockport strikerMatty McNeilunconscious and in hospital.[52]
On 24 February 2009 Stockport agreed to allow Gannon to hold talks withBrighton & Hove Albion,who were seeking to fill the managerial position left vacant byMicky Adams.[53]He suggested that his family would play a large part in his decision to move clubs, with Stockport's financial troubles looming but uprooting his family to move toBrightonbeing undesirable. Gannon was made favourite to be given the job by several bookmakers.[54]He met with Brighton chairmanDick Knighton the 25th, before announcing on the 26th that he had chosen not to take the job.[55]Knight had indicated that Gannon was his first-choice for the job,[56]and former Stockport players now at Brighton had shown their desire for Gannon to be given the job.[57][58]However, Gannon turned down the opportunity and vowed stay with at theEdgeley Parkclub.
During the final weeks of the season, County were placed intoAdministrationand docked 10 points, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation places.[59]On 6 May 2009, soon after the final game of the season, Gannon was made redundant as manager of Stockport along with assistant BossPeter Ward.This was done by the administrators to slash the wage bill.[60]
Motherwell
editAs speculation of a move toHiberniancame to nothing (despite his being installed as the bookmaker's favourite[61]),[62]Gannon instead was confirmed as manager ofScottish Premier LeaguesideMotherwellat the end of June 2009, two days before the club'sEuropa League first round qualifying tieagainstLlanelliof Wales.[63]To do this he fended off competition fromAidy Boothroyd,Lawrie Sanchez,andSteve Staunton.[62]At the start of his reign he had a limited squad and had to draft in youth players for the Llanelli game.[64]The club had sold off some of their best players, whilst loan deals had ended for others.[62]He also brought in Peter Ward as assistant manager.[62]
"He has a very very good tactical sense, he is a great motivator of players, he works particularly well with young players and brings them on, which is important at a club the size of Motherwell, and he has boundless enthusiasm".
— Motherwell Chairman John Boyle, speaking of Gannon's appointment.[65]
After taking the job, Gannon said that he hoped to bring in up to six players, most of them from England, to bolster a squad threadbare after summer exits.[65] On 2 July, his first game in charge in theEuropa Leaguefirst round qualifying first leg, Motherwell lost 1–0 against Llanelli.[66]However, on the away leg in Wales, the "Steelmen" recorded a 3–0 win to send them into the next round.[67]Motherwell then beatFlamurtari Vlorë8–2 on aggregate after an 8–1 victory in the home leg. Motherwell were then knocked out byRomaniansideFC Steaua București6–1 on aggregate.[68]Gannon was sent to the stand in Motherwell's Europa League match against Bucharest; However, Gannon later stated he did not know why he or his assistant manager wassent offbySpanishrefereeCarlos Clos Gómez.[69]His first league victory was a 3–1 win overKilmarnockatFir Park.
Gannon was named Manager of the Month for October 2009, but he warned of a clear out in the Januarytransfer window.[70]His young team impressed, but proved to be inconsistent.[71]Gannon had a dispute with theSFAhead of referee developmentHugh Dallas,following Gannon's criticism of Scottish referees.[72][73]Gannon had claimed the standard of refereeing was "bringing the game into disrepute".[74]He suggested a league table for referees.[75]He then felt the official response to his criticisms to be disrespectful.[76]Following this he temporarily refused to speak to the media, claiming he did not wish to cause further controversy.[77]He also criticised his predecessorMark McGhee,after McGhee speculated in the press on possibletransfersof Motherwell players.[78]As well as this he had a public-falling out with club captainStephen Craigan.[79]
On 28 December, Gannon was sacked by Motherwell,[80]with the club indicating that Gannon was "not fully committed to the club" as the reason for their decision.[81]He had been rumoured to be looking for other jobs.[18]Gannon was reportedly working under a temporary contract, and was yet to sign a longer-term deal as had been expected. Though the board were satisfied with the results on the pitch, they felt that the relationship between Gannon and the directors had broken down.[82]Dubbed a 'loose Gannon', it was seen that either he or club captain Craigan would leave the club.[83]Despite this he was praised for his signings from the English leagues, and for good openpassingfootball his young side could play whilst at their best.[18][83]Motherwell went on to finish the season in fifth place underCraig Brown.
Peterborough United
editOn 2 February 2010 Gannon was appointed manager ofPeterborough United,following the sacking ofMark Cooper.[84]The "Posh"lay bottomof the Championship,[85]nine points adrift of safety.[86]He aimed to restore 'pride' in the club,[87]and offered a fresh start to unsettled players.[88]He won his first game in charge, leading The Posh to a 1–0 victory overQueens Park Rangerson 6 February.[89]His contract due to expire in the summer, the club were keen to tie him down to a longer deal.[90]There soon came confusion over the exact role of the manager and others at the club in terms of recruiting new players.[91]
He utilised unique tacticalformations,which earned him comparisons toMartin O'Neill.[23]He was particularly experimental with the front line,[92]and was willing to use the loan market to bring in fresh talent.[93]On 24 March, it was announced Gannon would leave Peterborough at the end of the season. Unable to avoid relegation despite a vast upturn in results,[23]he announced that family commitments made him unwilling to stay longer.[94]Gannon had been satisfied with the board's contract offer, but his family still resided inStockport.[95]He was replaced byGary Johnsonon 6 April, following Gannon's recommendation of Johnson.[96]Though Gannon insisted that this was not ultimately his decision, but instead was down to the board.[97]StrikerLiam Dickinsonwas sad to see him go, and told the media that Gannon would have little trouble finding a new management post.[98]
Port Vale
editIn January 2011, Gannon was one of three candidates reported to have impressed in interviews for the vacant Port Vale job, making him one of the favourites for the position.[99]However,Paul Simpson's dismissal at Stockport County led to hopes of a return to the club for some County fans. Therefore, he was installed as the bookies favourite to become the next Port Vale manager,[100]and also the bookie's favourite for the Stockport job.[101]Gannon was confirmed as the manager ofPort Valeon 6 January 2011, succeedingMicky Adamsat the helm of the promotion chasing club, signing a contract that lasted until summer 2012.[102][103]Saying that finishing outside of the top seven would be a failure, theCheshire-based manager's first task after 'burying the hatchet' with Gareth Owen was to look for a new striker.[104]Two weeks into his reign club captainTommy Fraserleft the club by mutual consent,[105]as signs of what would be an unhappy relationship between club and manager quickly came to the surface.[106]Gannon then brought inRomaine SawyersandKayleden Brownon loan fromWest Bromwich Albion,[107]Jay O'Sheaon loan fromBirmingham City,[108]Exodus Geohaghonon loan fromPeterborough United,[109]and strikerTom Popeon loan fromRotherham United.[110]
Losing four of his first five games in charge, Gannon was forced to respond to criticism over his team selections and substitutions,[111][112]and announced plans to expand the club's non-playing staff.[113]On 1 February the players met with the chairman and rumours spread that Gannon had 'lost the dressing room',[114]as comparisons were made with the tenure ofBrian CloughinThe Damned United.[115]Yet the next day an O'Sheavolleygave Vale a 1–0 win over promotion rivalsRotherham Unitedto give Gannon his first win in charge at the club.[116]However, tension remained, as proven at the end of the month when it was reported that Gannon left the team bus on a pre-match journey after rowing with assistant managerGeoff Horsfield.[117]Gannon had previously told the press his staff were 'underqualified', though insisted any changes would be 'implemented at a later stage' and that Horsfield was a 'great assistant'.[118]It was later reported in the national media that Horsfield had requested a day off to deal with a family matter, Gannon then permitted him but subsequently wrote a letter to the board complaining of his conduct.[119]An unnamed director then handed the letter to Horsfield, who confronted Gannon over the issue, brandishing the letter as proof when Gannon denied its existence. This came on the same day that local paperThe Sentinelran an editorial that questioned his loan signings, his decision to dropGary Robertsand branded histacticsand team selections as baffling.[120]Having returned to the team to steer his side to a 2–1 victory overAldershot,[121]Gannon said "there's been misrepresentation in the media over my part in this. I'm completely the innocent party".[122]The club informed Horsfield that he would face a disciplinary hearing, whilst Gannon would not be asked to defend his actions and would merely provide a witness statement.[123]The club took no action, and after Horsfield spent two weeks at home the pair returned to work as before.[124]He continued to exploit the loan market, signingDominic BlizzardfromBristol Rovers,a midfielder who played under him at Stockport.[125]
Results continued to go against the Vale though, as on 19 March they lost 3–0 atAccrington Stanley,and as a result dropped out of the play-off zone for the first time in the season.[126]Ugly post-match scenes at theCrown Groundsaw Geohaghon confront fans who singled him out for abuse, whilst Gannon was ushered quietly out of the back door.[127]Roberts told the media "I don't think the manager likes me and, to be honest, I don't like him".[128]Rumours circulated that Gannon would soon be on his way out.[129]These rumours were proved accurate two days later, as Gannon's departure was confirmed by the club.[130]Hugely unpopular with Vale supporters,[131]his sacking was "quick and with little emotion",[132]whilst his poor man-management skills helped to earn him the dubious honour of having the shortest reign inthe club's history.[133]Despite this he did receive credit for spotting the potential talent in a teenageSam Morsy,and for bringing Tom Pope to the club.[134]Gannon himself made a statement on his website declaring his disappointment in the club's decision to terminate his contract after such a short period of time, and also bemoaned that he "wasn't able to add many new players [to the squad]".[135]The "Valiants" continued to struggle under caretaker managerMark Grew,winning just two of their remaining ten games, and finishing 2010–11 in eleventh place.
Return to Stockport County
editFollowing the resignation ofDietmar Hamannin November 2011, speculation came of a return to Stockport County for Gannon; when questioned on the possibility, club chairmanPeter Snapestated that should he apply for the position then "he'd merit very serious consideration".[136]In the thirty months since Gannon's departure, the club had seen five full-time managers come and go,[137]suffered relegation into theConference Nationaland had not won back-to-back games since February 2009. On 14 November, he was revealed as the club'sdirector of football,a position leaving him "responsible for all football matters including 1st team selection and transfers";Willie McStayremained at the club, as his assistant.[138]When he took charge Stockport were seventeenth in the league, just two points above the relegation zone, having won just three of their opening twenty games. He stated that his aim for2011–12was to avoid letting the club slip to a third-successive relegation.[139]
After losing his first five games in charge, including a 7–0 thumping fromGrimsby TownatBlundell Park,Gannon admitted that the club's finances limited his ability to change personnel.[140]He also stated that "if I didn't take the job, this club would've had a real chance of dying... I'm not proud to be the manager of a club that loses 7–0... but this is my team now... It has always been my club, so it's my responsibility to make things better, and over time we will."[140]He released strikerAntonio German,[141]defenderChris Blackburn,[142]and seven goal top-scorerNick Chadwickin the January transfer window.[143]He then signed defenderJoe Connoron non-contract terms,[144]and teenagers Aaron Cole and Danny Rowe on loan.[145][146]His first win in his second spell at the club came on New Year's Day, in a 3–2 victory overBarrowatEdgeley Park.[147]He then re-signed former playersPaul TurnbullandMatty Mainwaringon loan.[148][149]Worried by the situation at crisis clubsDarlingtonandKettering Town,Gannon cancelled the contracts of veteransMatt Glennon,John Miles,Mark Lynch,andRyan McCann.[150]He brought in 23-year-oldTelforddefenderSean Newtonand 18-year-oldSunderlandkeeper Lewis King on loan,[151][152]whilst signing 19-year-oldLancaster Citymidfielder Danny Hattersley on a permanent transfer.[153]The "Hatters" secured their Conference status with two games to spare, after a 1–1 home draw withBraintree Townon 14 April, having lost just twice in the league at Edgeley Park since Gannon's return.[154]Stockport finished the campaign in 16th place, 10 points above the drop and 20 points below the play-off zone.
In preparation for the2012–13season, Gannon signed defendersSean NewtonandJames Tunnicliffe,and took back Paul Turnbull on loan once again.[155][156]However, he was disappointed to lose strikerTom Elliott,who rejected a contract offer to switch toCambridge United.[157]He also appointed long-time associate Alan Lord as his assistant.[158]However, County found themselves struggling in the league, and Gannon blamed the predicament on the board's decision to slash the wage budget in the summer.[159]An angry Lord Snape told the press that "I'm getting pretty fed up of watching part-time teams beat Stockport County. Changes are going to be made unless things improve. Jim Gannon's pretty good at telling me how this club should be run. Well I'm going to tell him that I'm not impressed by the way the team is being run. If we lose a couple of our next games, we're in a relegation battle with a much bigger budget than most of the teams down there with us, which quite frankly is not good enough."[160]Fourteen months into his second spell at Edgeley Park and with County sitting in the relegation zone, Gannon was relieved of his duties as Stockport manager on 16 January 2013 following the 3–1 home defeat byMansfield Town.[161]
Northwich Victoria
editOn 9 December 2013, it was announced that Gannon would become the new manager ofNorthern Premier LeagueDivision One North sideNorthwich Victoria.He replacedLee Ashcroft,who resigned as manager and became director of football after picking up a ten-match ban for sexist abuse.[162]The "Vics" ended the2013–14season in ninth place. They reached the play-offs in the2014–15campaign, losing toBamber Bridgeat the semi-final stage.[163]He took the club on a successfulFA Cuprun in the2015–16campaign, leaving them as the lowest rank team in the competition when they were knocked out by League Two sideNorthampton Townin the Second Round.[164]Northwich had led 2–0 with eight minutes to play before a late comeback from Northampton.[165]
Third spell at Stockport County
editGannon became manager of Stockport County, now in theNational League North,for the third time in his career on 18 January 2016.[166]Gannon started well, taking the team to theCheshire Senior Cupfinal and up to ninth in the table with a sequence of seven games unbeaten, including five victories, in the run-up to Easter. In December, he signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract.[167]County finished eighth in the2016–17season, one point outside the play-offs. Gannon was credited with turning around the career ofDanny Lloyd,who signed forPeterborough Unitedin May 2017, 12 months after Gannon had persuaded him to play for County rather than quit the game altogether.[168]Gannon said that he was pleased with his defence, but wanted to overhaul the attacking side to reach the play-offs the following season.[169]He achieved his aim as Stockport qualified for the play-offs with a fifth-place finish in the2017–18campaign, before losing 1–0 toChorleyin the qualifying round.[170]Following the defeat he sold 22-year-old midfielder James Ball toStevenagefor an undisclosed five-figure fee.[171]
County reached the second round of the FA Cup in the2018–19season, where they fell to a 1–0 defeat atBarnet.[172]Gannon was named as Manager of the Month award in the National League North for December 2018 after his team rose from the bottom half of the table to the top three and also advanced in theFA Trophy.[173]They went on to finish as champions, beatingChorleyinto second-place by a single point, to end a six-year stay in the sixth-tier.[174]He was named as National League North Manager of the Year for the 2018–19 season.[175]Stockport were just inside the play-offs in seventh-place in the National League when the2019–20season was postponed, never to be resumed, on 26 March.[176]Stockport were denied a play-off place However, as they dropped to eighth-place on points-per-game.[177]On 21 January 2021, with the club sitting fourth in the National League, Stockport parted company with Gannon, the board citing that "the decision is not results based but is centred around culture".[178]In July 2021, he was appointed as Football Education Programme Manager atOldham Athletic.[179]
Hyde United
editOn 31 August 2021, Gannon was announced as the new manager of Northern Premier League Premier Division sideHyde United.[180][181]He stated: "I am not coming in to change things but embrace the philosophy that is already here and the way they play and develop it."[182]On 10 February 2022, Gannon was sacked with Hyde sitting 19th in theleague table,one place above the relegation zone.[183]
Managerial style
editGannon is one of few managers in the lower leagues to hold a fullUEFA Pro Licence.[2][184][185]
Priding himself on playing flowing football in the lower leagues of the English game, Gannon has repeatedly spoken out against clubs he feels play too physically and referees he feels do not give his players enough protection.[186]As a manager in England, Scotland and Ireland, his teams have picked up fair play awards.[187][188]He has stated that this fair play approach is based on his belief that it is "good principles that lead to good football".[188]
"My philosophy is good passing football, it is how I believe the game should be played and it brings out the best in players. It inspires them and motivates them to play football in the right manner."[189]
— Gannon speaking in February 2010.
Gannon has also been called a 'tactical maverick' due to his unusualformations.[190]These formations include3–4–1–2,4–3–2–1,4–1–2–3,and his preferred set-up of4–2–3–1.[191]He has stated that he prefers formations that use four lines of players (as opposed to three lines in the classic4–4–2) due to the added depth in defence and presence in midfield, and was inspired to use the formations byCarlo Ancelotti.[191]He has also stated that he prefers the4–3–3 formationto the 4–4–2 formation, and has criticised the way he perceives 4–4–2 to be 'ingrained in the culture' of English football.[192]He is known to be extremely thorough and meticulous in preparing his players for games.[193]
Of an outspoken nature, he has had public fallings out with players,[194][195]referees,[196]chairmen,[197]opposition players and managers, and authorities.[198]The Guardiansurmised this by saying that "the feeling about Gannon is that it is His Way or the Highway."[199]
Career statistics
editPlaying statistics
editSource:[200]
Club | Season | Division | League | FA Cup | Other[A] | Total | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
Sheffield United | 1989–90 | Second Division | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Halifax Town(loan) | 1989–90 | Fourth Division | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Stockport County | 1989–90 | Fourth Division | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
1990–91 | Fourth Division | 41 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 46 | 7 | |
1991–92 | Third Division | 43 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 13 | 4 | 58 | 21 | |
1992–93 | Second Division | 46 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 63 | 15 | |
1993–94 | Second Division | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 22 | 1 | |
1994–95 | Second Division | 45 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 52 | 7 | |
1995–96 | Second Division | 23 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 32 | 2 | |
1996–97 | Second Division | 40 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 59 | 5 | |
1997–98 | First Division | 36 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 42 | 1 | |
1998–99 | First Division | 38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 42 | 0 | |
1999–2000 | First Division | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 33 | 0 | |
Total | 383 | 52 | 20 | 1 | 77 | 11 | 480 | 64 | ||
Notts County(loan) | 1993–94 | First Division | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Crewe Alexandra | 2000–01 | First Division | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
Career total | 394 | 52 | 23 | 1 | 77 | 11 | 494 | 64 |
- A.^The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in theCup,Football League Trophy,Football League play-offsandFull Members Cup.
Managerial statistics
edit- As of match played 8 February 2022
Team | From | To | Record | Ref. | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
Dundalk | 8 June 2004 | 14 November 2005 | 72 | 26 | 18 | 28 | 36.1 | |
Stockport County | 28 December 2005 | 6 May 2009 | 182 | 79 | 42 | 61 | 43.4 | [201] |
Motherwell | 30 June 2009 | 28 December 2009 | 25 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 28.0 | [201] |
Peterborough United | 1 February 2010 | 6 April 2010 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 9 | 28.6 | [201] |
Port Vale | 6 January 2011 | 21 March 2011 | 15 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 26.7 | [201] |
Stockport County | 14 November 2011 | 16 January 2013 | 59 | 18 | 14 | 27 | 30.5 | [201] |
Northwich Victoria | 9 December 2013 | 19 January 2016 | 113 | 66 | 21 | 26 | 58.4 | |
Stockport County | 19 January 2016 | 21 January 2021 | 266 | 136 | 64 | 66 | 51.1 | |
Hyde United | 31 August 2021 | 10 February 2022 | 29 | 9 | 5 | 15 | 31.0 | [202] |
Total | 774 | 349 | 176 | 249 | 45.1 |
Honours
editAs player
editDundalk
Stockport County
- Football League Second Divisionsecond-place promotion:1996–97
- Football League Fourth Divisionsecond-place promotion:1990–91
- Football League Trophyrunner-up:1991–92,1992–93
Shelbourne
As manager
editStockport County
Northwich Victoria
- Cheshire Senior Cup:2013–14
Individual
- Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month:October 2009
- National League NorthManager of the Year:2018–19[175]
- National League NorthManager of the Month: December 2016, December 2018[173]
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