Dave Bacuzzi
Encyclopedia
David Reno Bacuzzi commonly referred to as Dave Bacuzzi is a former English footballer and manager who played for Arsenal
, Manchester City
and Reading
. He also represented England
as a youth international. After a moderately successful career in the English League, Bacuzzi settled in the Republic of Ireland
where he enjoyed a successful spell as player-manager with Cork Hibernians
before going onto manage Home Farm
. He later opened a travel agency in Dublin.
Bacuzzi was born into an Anglo-Italian family that had settled in London
. His paternal grandparents originally came from Milan
. His father, Joe Bacuzzi
, was also a notable footballer, playing as a defender for both Fulham
and England
during the Second World War.
, Bacuzzi eventually followed him.
in March 1958 and then as a professional in May 1959. He made his First Division
debut for the club on 18 February 1961, taking the place of the injured Len Wills
, in a 3–2 win against West Bromwich Albion
. During the 1961–62 season he shared the right-back position with Eddie Magill
, playing 22 games. The following season he lost his place and, as Magill became the first-choice right-back, Bacuzzi only played another eleven first-team matches during 1962–63 and 1963–64 seasons. He did, however, help Arsenal Reserves
win the Football Combination
in 1962–63. In total he played 48 games for the Arsenal first team.
on 24 April 1964 for a fee of £25,000 and made his league debut for the club in the second game of the 1964–65 season, a 6–0 win against Leyton Orient
. During the season, which saw City finish as Second Division
champions, he played a total of 44 games, a figure matched by only one other City player, Alan Oakes
. Bacuzzi started the 1965–66 season as the first choice right-back under new manager Joe Mercer
but as the season went on, he found his place taken by Bobby Kennedy
. He played a further 16 times for City before being transferred to Reading
.
on 9 September 1966 for a fee of £5,000. In January 1969 Reading played against Bacuzzi’s former club Manchester City
in the FA Cup
. They held City to a credible 0–0 draw at Maine Road
but then lost the replay 7–0.
as player-manager. Initially, Bacuzzi thought he had been approached from a mysterious exotic location when he received a misspelled telegram asking him to contact Cork Island instead of Cork, Ireland. Bacuzzi subsequently guided Hibs to the League of Ireland
title in 1971, beating Shamrock Rovers
in a play-off. Then in 1972 and 1973 he also guided them to successive victories in FAI Cup
finals.
and in 1975 he guided the club to victory in the FAI Cup
for their first and only time. With a team that included Noel King
, Dermot Keely
and Martin Murray
, they beat Dundalk
, Cork Celtic
and St Patrick's Athletic
in earlier rounds before defeating Shelbourne
1–0 in the final at Dalymount Park
. As a result they became the first amateur team to win FAI Cup
in forty years. The following season Bacuzzi took Home Farm into Europe as they competed in the European Cup Winners Cup, playing against French side, RC Lens
. They drew 1–1 at home but lost the away leg 6–0.
As manager of Home Farm, Bacuzzi was responsible for the development of several Republic of Ireland
internationals including Ronnie Whelan
, Ken DeMange
and Brian Mooney
, all of whom subsequently signed for Liverpool
. However he also turned down the opportunity to sign a young Paul McGrath
after a brief trial.
He was briefly assistant manager at Shamrock Rovers under Jim McLaughlin (football manager) in 1985.
Arsenal Reserves
Manchester City
Manager
Cork Hibernians
Home Farm
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
and Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
. He also represented England
England national under-19 football team
-Other matches:-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Denmark.- Recent call-ups :The following players have also been called up to the England under-19 squad and remain eligible.-Past squads:...
as a youth international. After a moderately successful career in the English League, Bacuzzi settled in the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
where he enjoyed a successful spell as player-manager with Cork Hibernians
Cork Hibernians F.C.
Cork Hibernians F.C. were an Irish football club based in Cork. They played in the League of Ireland between 1957 and 1976 and played their home games at Flower Lodge. In 1971, they were League of Ireland champions.-History:...
before going onto manage Home Farm
Home Farm F.C.
Home Farm Football Club is an Irish football club based in Whitehall, Dublin. Originally founded in 1928, the club joined the League of Ireland in 1972 after merging with Drumcondra. Following this merger they were briefly known as Home Farm Drumcondra...
. He later opened a travel agency in Dublin.
Bacuzzi was born into an Anglo-Italian family that had settled in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. His paternal grandparents originally came from Milan
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
. His father, Joe Bacuzzi
Joe Bacuzzi
Giuseppe Luigi David Bacuzzi , commonly referred to as Joe Bacuzzi, was an English footballer and coach who spent most of his career at Fulham. In November 1945, however, he guested for both Chelsea and Arsenal in their prestige friendlies against a touring FC Dynamo Moscow...
, was also a notable footballer, playing as a defender for both Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
and England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
during the Second World War.
Early years
Bacuzzi began his career with Eastbourne United under the guidance of coach Ron Greenwood. When Greenwood was appointed assistant manager at ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Bacuzzi eventually followed him.
Arsenal
Bacuzzi signed as amateur for ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in March 1958 and then as a professional in May 1959. He made his First Division
Football League First Division
The First Division was a division of The Football League between 1888 and 2004 and the highest division in English football until the creation of the Premier League in 1992. The secondary tier in English football has since become known as the Championship....
debut for the club on 18 February 1961, taking the place of the injured Len Wills
Len Wills
Leonard Edward "Len" Wills is an English former football player.Born in Hackney, London, Wills first played for the youth teams of non-league Eton Manor, before being signed by Arsenal in October 1949. For the next four years he played in the Gunners' reserve team, playing either at right half or...
, in a 3–2 win against West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
. During the 1961–62 season he shared the right-back position with Eddie Magill
Eddie Magill
Edward James Magill is a Northern Irish former footballer.Magill began his career with Portadown but moved to London club Arsenal in May 1959. He made his debut for the side against Sheffield Wednesday on 19 December 1959...
, playing 22 games. The following season he lost his place and, as Magill became the first-choice right-back, Bacuzzi only played another eleven first-team matches during 1962–63 and 1963–64 seasons. He did, however, help Arsenal Reserves
Arsenal F.C. Reserves
Arsenal Reserves are the reserve team of Arsenal Football Club.They have been members of the FA Premier Reserve League Southern Division since its foundation in 1999. They play their home games at Underhill Stadium, which is also the home of Barnet FC. The team mainly consists of Under-21 players...
win the Football Combination
Football Combination
The Football Combination , is a football competition for the reserve teams of English Football League clubs from Southern England and Wales...
in 1962–63. In total he played 48 games for the Arsenal first team.
Manchester City
Bacuzzi signed for Manchester CityManchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
on 24 April 1964 for a fee of £25,000 and made his league debut for the club in the second game of the 1964–65 season, a 6–0 win against Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
. During the season, which saw City finish as Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
champions, he played a total of 44 games, a figure matched by only one other City player, Alan Oakes
Alan Oakes
Alan Arthur Oakes is an English footballer who holds Manchester City's all-time record for appearances. Thanks to a further six year stint at Chester , Oakes played 776 Football League matches – the seventh most in history.-Permanent Fixture with Man City:Oakes signed for Manchester City on...
. Bacuzzi started the 1965–66 season as the first choice right-back under new manager Joe Mercer
Joe Mercer
Joseph 'Joe' Mercer, OBE was an English football player and manager.-Playing career:Mercer was born in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, the son of a former Nottingham Forest and Tranmere Rovers footballer, also named Joe. Joe Mercer senior died, following health problems resulting from a gas attack...
but as the season went on, he found his place taken by Bobby Kennedy
Bobby Kennedy (footballer)
Robert 'Bobby' Kennedy is a Scottish former soccer player who could play in midfield or at right back.-Playing career:Bobby Kennedy started his career at Coltness United and after trials with Queen of the South and Clyde he joined Kilmarnock in 1957...
. He played a further 16 times for City before being transferred to Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
.
Reading
Bacuzzi signed for ReadingReading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
on 9 September 1966 for a fee of £5,000. In January 1969 Reading played against Bacuzzi’s former club Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
. They held City to a credible 0–0 draw at Maine Road
Maine Road
Maine Road was a football stadium in Moss Side, Manchester, England that was home to Manchester City F.C. from its construction in 1923 until 2003...
but then lost the replay 7–0.
Cork Hibernians
In May 1970 Bacuzzi joined Cork HiberniansCork Hibernians F.C.
Cork Hibernians F.C. were an Irish football club based in Cork. They played in the League of Ireland between 1957 and 1976 and played their home games at Flower Lodge. In 1971, they were League of Ireland champions.-History:...
as player-manager. Initially, Bacuzzi thought he had been approached from a mysterious exotic location when he received a misspelled telegram asking him to contact Cork Island instead of Cork, Ireland. Bacuzzi subsequently guided Hibs to the League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
title in 1971, beating Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
in a play-off. Then in 1972 and 1973 he also guided them to successive victories in FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
finals.
Home Farm
In 1974 Bacuzzi was appointed manager of Home FarmHome Farm F.C.
Home Farm Football Club is an Irish football club based in Whitehall, Dublin. Originally founded in 1928, the club joined the League of Ireland in 1972 after merging with Drumcondra. Following this merger they were briefly known as Home Farm Drumcondra...
and in 1975 he guided the club to victory in the FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
for their first and only time. With a team that included Noel King
Noel King
Noel King is a former footballer and currently is the Republic of Ireland Under 21 manager having being appointed on 19 July 2010.-Playing career:...
, Dermot Keely
Dermot Keely
Dermot Keely, is the former manager of Irish football team Shelbourne.-Family:Keely's family have played League of Ireland football at various levels. His late father Peter Keely played for Shelbourne, his brother Joe played on the same Home Farm FAI Cup winning side of 1775 as Dermot Keely himself...
and Martin Murray
Martin Murray
Martin Murray is a retired Irish Association football player and manager.-Biography:Murray was a midfielder who won the FAI Cup as a 16 year old when his Home Farm F.C. side shocked the Irish footballing fraternity by beating Shelbourne in the 1975 Final. Everton F.C. saw his potential and soon...
, they beat Dundalk
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
, Cork Celtic
Cork Celtic F.C.
Cork Celtic F.C. were a Irish football club based in Cork. They played in the League of Ireland between 1959 and 1979 and played their home games at Turners Cross. The club had previously played in the league as Evergreen United...
and St Patrick's Athletic
St Patrick's Athletic F.C.
St Patrick's Athletic Football Club is a football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Founded in 1929, they are based in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore and play their home matches at Richmond Park. They have won the League of Ireland title 7 times and...
in earlier rounds before defeating Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
1–0 in the final at Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
. As a result they became the first amateur team to win FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
in forty years. The following season Bacuzzi took Home Farm into Europe as they competed in the European Cup Winners Cup, playing against French side, RC Lens
RC Lens
Racing Club de Lens is a French association football club based in the northern city of Lens in the Pas-de-Calais department. Its nickname, sang et or , comes from its traditional colours of red and gold. Their primary rivals are their northern neighbors Lille OSC, whom they contest the Derby du...
. They drew 1–1 at home but lost the away leg 6–0.
As manager of Home Farm, Bacuzzi was responsible for the development of several Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
internationals including Ronnie Whelan
Ronnie Whelan
Ronald Andrew "Ronnie" Whelan is a former Irish football midfielder, and sometimes defender, who was an integral part of the dominant Liverpool side of the 1980s...
, Ken DeMange
Ken DeMange
Ken DeMange is a former Irish footballer who played for, among others, Liverpool, Leeds United, Hull City and Dundalk. As an international he also played for the Republic of Ireland.-Early years:...
and Brian Mooney
Brian Mooney
Brian Mooney, is an Irish former footballer who made his name as a skilful winger in the English football league. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Mooney was spotted in 1983 by Liverpool F.C. playing for Irish schoolboy club Home Farm F.C. where he had won a FAI Youth Cup. He went to school at St. Josephs...
, all of whom subsequently signed for Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
. However he also turned down the opportunity to sign a young Paul McGrath
Paul McGrath (footballer)
Paul McGrath is a retired Irish footballer, who played as a defender. McGrath is widely recognised as one of the greatest players to have ever come out of Ireland....
after a brief trial.
He was briefly assistant manager at Shamrock Rovers under Jim McLaughlin (football manager) in 1985.
Honours
PlayerArsenal Reserves
- Football CombinationFootball CombinationThe Football Combination , is a football competition for the reserve teams of English Football League clubs from Southern England and Wales...
- Winners 1962–63: 1
Manchester City
- Second DivisionFootball League Second DivisionFrom 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
- Winners 1964–65: 1
Manager
Cork Hibernians
- League of IrelandLeague of IrelandThe League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
- Winners 1970–71: 1
- FAI CupFAI CupThe Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
- Winners 1972, 1973: 2
- Blaxnit CupBlaxnit CupThe Blaxnit Cup, is a defunct club football competition which featured teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland, in a similar format to the current Setanta Cup...
- Winners 1972: 1
- Dublin City CupDublin City CupThe Dublin City Cup is a defunct Irish football tournament which was played for by all League of Ireland sides . It ran from 1933 and ran uninterrupted until 1973. In season 1975/76 it was revived and played for by sides who did not reach the League of Ireland Cup quarter finals...
- Winners 1971, 1973: 2
- League of Ireland ShieldLeague of Ireland ShieldThe League of Ireland Shield is a defunct Irish football tournament which was introduced when the League of Ireland started in 1921 and ran uninterrupted until 1972...
- Winners 1970, 1973: 2
- Munster Senior Cup
- Winners 1970, 1971, 1973: 3
Home Farm
- FAI CupFAI CupThe Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
- Winners 1975: 1
- SWAI Personality of the Year
- Cork Hibernians F.C.Cork Hibernians F.C.Cork Hibernians F.C. were an Irish football club based in Cork. They played in the League of Ireland between 1957 and 1976 and played their home games at Flower Lodge. In 1971, they were League of Ireland champions.-History:...
- 1971/72
- Cork Hibernians F.C.
Sources
- Who's Who Of Arsenal (2007): Tony Matthews ISBN 184596232X
- Maine Road Favourites – Where Are They Now ? (2006): Ian Penney with Fred Eyre ISBN 0750944102