Jim Gannon
Encyclopedia
James Paul "Jim" Gannon (born 7 September 1968) is a former footballer and football manager, who is now Director of football
and manager of Conference National
team Stockport County
. He started and finished his career as a player in Ireland, but made most of his professional appearances in the English
Football League
at Stockport County, where supporters elected him as a member of the Hall of Fame. He has also managed Dundalk, Motherwell, Peterborough United, and Port Vale.
Gannon began his playing career at Dundalk
, but moved to English club Sheffield United
in 1989. The next year he transferred to Stockport County, following a short loan spell with Halifax 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 the Second Division
and Fourth Division
, as well as two Football League Trophy
finals. After leaving the club in 2000, he spent a season with Crewe Alexandra
, before returning to Ireland with Shelbourne
, winning two League of Ireland
titles 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 to promotion from League Two
via the play-offs
in 2008
. Leading County to safety in League One
despite a ten point deduction for entering administration, he lost his job as part of a cost-cutting measure. Heading to Scottish Premier League
side Motherwell
, he managed the club in the Europa League, but left after just 25 games in charge. He took charge of Championship
side Peterborough United
in 2010, but stayed at the struggling club for only two months. In January 2011 he was appointed manager of Port Vale, but lasted just ten weeks in the job. He returned to Stockport County in November 2011, as the club's director of football.
, South London
and moved with his family to Ireland
at a young age. He considers himself to be 'a working class
Irish Catholic
'. In 1987 he received his start in higher level football with Irish club Turlough O'Connor
's Dundalk
. Whilst with the club he played in both the UEFA Champions League
and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
, in a highly successful period in the club's history. During his spell at the club they did the Irish double, winning both the FAI Cup
and topping the League of Ireland
in 1987–88. His performances for Dundalk earned him a £70,000 move to English
team Sheffield United
in April 1989. However he was unable to break into the first team at Bramall Lane
. He spent a brief time in 1989–90 on loan at struggling Halifax Town
, making two appearances for the "Shaymen".
In 1990 he moved to Stockport County
, who paid United between £40,000 and £75,000 for his services. He remained at the club for ten years, during which the club would win promotion on two occasions, and make four Wembley appearances. On 10 March 1993, Gannon verbally abused Stoke City
player Mark 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. The two players' confrontation continued the following month after Gannon's then-girlfriend spat at Stein in a post-match interview. Stein was given a conditional discharge after the court accepted he was under "extreme provocation" from what he claimed was racial abuse
. During his early days at the club Gannon was criticised by supporters for his performances, but he soon won them over after moving from centre-half to become a goalscoring midfielder. Stockport fans named him 'The Ghost', due to his knack of 'ghosting' in at the back of the box
to score from crosses. He was also nicknamed 'Big Jimbo'.
In 1990–91, County achieved promotion from the Fourth Division
as runners-up. In 1992
he made his first trip to Wembley Stadium, as Stockport lost 1–0 to Stoke City in the Football League Trophy
final. During the same season, Stockport also reached the Third Division play-off Final, but were defeated at Wembley. The following year, County again reached the League Trophy Final
, but lost 2–1 to Port Vale
. In January 1994 Gannon joined Notts County
on a brief loan spell to help him overcome some personal problems. Returning to Stockport, he finished the season with his fourth trip to Wembley in two years, as County were denied promotion from the Second Division
by a 2–1 defeat to Burnley
. The team finally achieved promotion from the division in 1996–97 as runners-up. This promotion was built on a strong defence, of which Gannon and fellow centre-back Sean Connelly
were a major part. The following season, County achieved an eighth place finish in the First Division
. He played under the management of Danny Bergara, Dave Jones, Gary Megson
, and Andy Kilner
.
On 21 March 2000, during a game with Manchester City
, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments, keeping him out of action for several months. He was awarded a testimonial against Manchester City
in August 2000, but got into a dispute with the club over the financial arrangements. He then left the club in November 2000, and issued employment tribunal proceedings for unfair dismissal. The following month he joined Dario Gradi
's Crewe Alexandra
on non-contract terms. After ten games with Crewe he returned to Ireland.
Following a break from football to obtain qualifications in accountancy
, Gannon signed with Shelbourne
in August 2001. Despite being appointed as captain upon his arrival, he initially struggled to get into the first team during the 2001–02
League Championship winning season, and considered a move back to England. However he found himself a key member of the defence when new manager Pat Fenlon
took over. Under Fenlon, Gannon helped the "Shels" to a second-place finish in 2002–03, and also played in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase
, scoring past Hibernians
in a 2–2 draw at the Ta' Qali National Stadium. He did not feature extensively in the club's 2003
League Championship winning side.
Gannon holds a unique record, having scored in all four English divisions, the FA Cup
, the Football League Cup
, the Full Members Cup
, the English League play-offs, the League of Ireland
, the FAI Cup
, the League of Ireland Cup, and the UEFA Champions League
. 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 puts him in third spot in Stockport's all-time appearance list and his 65 goals are ninth in their scoring records.
2005, Gannon was appointed as caretaker manager
with the team nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of League Two
, facing potential relegation from the Football League.
County went undefeated in Gannon's first four league games in charge. After three weeks, 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 of the season than they did in the first. Believing that safety would be assured on the final day of the season, he was proved correct as they managed to avoid relegation with a final day draw with champions Carlisle United
. Comparisons were made to Sam Allardyce
. As a committed Stockport fan, and already a legend at the club for his ten years as a player, he was loved by many County supporters. After delaying talks, he accepted a one year rolling contract in the summer.
. Results on the field followed this statement of intent, with Gannon leading County to a League record
nine consecutive victories without conceding a goal. Gannon lodged a complaint with The Football Association
against Bristol Rovers
when a fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, as he felt not enough was done to ready the pitch, and also a complaint with regard to the referee'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, which Rovers won 2–1. Gannon also branded approaches from Manchester City
and Liverpool
questionable and unprofessional after the two Premier League clubs swooped for youngsters being trained in Stockport County's development squads.
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. At the end of the season, Lord was taken on at County as a scout and development team coach; he would later follow Gannon to Motherwell.
County missed out on the League Two play-offs
due to results on the final day of the season, missing out on goal difference despite a 5–0 victory over Darlington
.
, managed by Dave Jones, who also managed County whilst Gannon was a player at the club.
On 12 February, Gannon had to leave his father critically ill in hospital in Ireland to lead his team out to a 4–1 victory over Rotherham United
. Later in the year Gannon publicly criticised Paul Ince
and the MK Dons
after he felt the "Dons" were poor sports in their 3–2 victory over County that ensured Ince's side promotion out of the division.
County finished the 2007–08 season fourth in the league, and subsequently won their play-off semi-final against Wycombe Wanderers
2–1 on aggregate. The club had previously visited Wembley four times, and Gannon had played on all four occasions. He did as a manager what he could never do as a player, and guided Stockport victory at Wembley. The 3–2 win over Rochdale
earned Gannon's club promotion to League One
. He refused to give a post-match interview to Sky Sports
following a nine month dispute with the company over a broken Skybox
. 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 most highly-rated young managers in the lower leagues. In the summer he sold Liam Dickinson
to Derby County
for £750,000 – a player signed by previous manager, Chris Turner out of the non-leagues for a nominal fee just over two years previous.
following their promotion, and they spent Christmas in the play-off places with the best away record in the division. 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.
After a touch-line argument with then-club captain Gareth Owen, Gannon gave a forthright interview explaining that disciplinary action would be taken, and Owen would be stripped of the captaincy. 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 striker Matty McNeil
unconscious and in hospital.
On 24 February 2009 Stockport agreed to allow Gannon to hold talks with Brighton & Hove Albion
, who were seeking to fill the managerial position left vacant by Micky Adams
. 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 to Brighton
being undesirable. Gannon was made favourite to be given the job by several bookmakers, and he met with Brighton chairman Dick Knight on the 25th, before announcing on the 26th that he had chosen not to take the job. Knight had indicated that Gannon was his first choice for the job, and former Stockport players now at Brighton had shown their desire for Gannon to be given the job. However, Gannon turned down the opportunity and vowed stay with at the Edgeley Park
club.
During the final weeks of the season, County were placed into Administration
and docked 10 points, leaving them placed dangerously close to the relegation places. On 6 May 2009, soon after the final game of the season, Gannon was made redundant as manager of Stockport along with assistant boss Peter Ward. This was done by the administrators in order to slash the wage bill.
came to nothing (despite his being installed as the bookmaker's favourite), Gannon instead was confirmed as manager of Scottish Premier League
side Motherwell
at the end of June 2009, two days before the club's Europa League first round qualifying tie
against Llanelli
of Wales. To do this he fended off competition from Aidy Boothroyd, Lawrie Sanchez
, and Steve Staunton
. At the start of his reign he had a limited squad, and had to draft in youth players for the Llanelli game. The club had sold off some of their best players, whilst loan deals had ended for others. He also brought in Peter Ward as assistant manager.
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.
On 2 July, his first game in charge in the Europa League first round qualifying first leg, Motherwell lost 1–0 against Llanelli. However, on the away leg in Wales, the "Steelmen" recorded a 3–0 win to send them into the next round. Motherwell then beat Flamurtari Vlorë 8–2 on aggregate after an 8–1 victory in the home leg. Motherwell were then knocked out by Romania
n side FC Steaua București 6–1 on aggregate. 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 were sent off by Spanish
referee Carlos Clos Gómez
. His first league victory was a 3–1 win over Kilmarnock
at Fir Park
.
Gannon was named Manager of the Month for October 2009, but despite his team finishing fourth in the league, he warned of a clear out in the January transfer window. His young team impressed, but proved to be inconsistent. Gannon fell foul of Scottish referees and Head of Referee Development Hugh Dallas during his time in Scotland, following Gannon's criticism of Scottish referees. Gannon had claimed the standard of refereeing was "bringing the game into disrepute". He suggested a league table for referees. He then felt the official response to his criticisms to be disrespectful. Following this he temporarily refused to speak to the media, claiming he did not wish to cause further controversy. He also criticised his predecessor Mark McGhee
, after McGhee speculated in the press on possible transfers of Motherwell players. As well as this he had a public-falling out with club captain Stephen Craigan
.
On 28 December, Gannon was sacked by Motherwell, with the club indicating that Gannon was "not fully committed to the club" as the reason for their decision. He had been rumoured to be looking for other jobs. 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 results on the pitch, they felt that the relationship between Gannon and the directors had broken down. Dubbed a 'loose Gannon', it was seen that either he or club captain Craigan would leave the club. Despite this he was praised for his signings from the English leagues, and for the good open passing football his young side could play whilst at their best. Motherwell went on to finish the season in fifth place under Craig Brown.
, following the sacking of Mark Cooper. The "Posh" lay bottom
of the Championship
, nine points adrift of safety. He aimed to restore 'pride' in the club, and offered a fresh start to unsettled players. He won his first game in charge, leading The Posh to a 1–0 victory over QPR
on 6 February. His contract due to expire in the summer, the club were keen to tie him down to a longer deal. There soon came confusion over the exact role of the manager and others at the club in terms of recruiting new players.
He utilised unique tactical formations, which earned him comparisons to Martin O'Neill
. He was particularly experimental with the front line, and was willing to use the loan market to bring in fresh talent. 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, he announced that family commitments made him unwilling to stay for longer. Gannon had been satisfied with the board's contract offer, but his family still resided in Stockport
. He was replaced by Gary Johnson
on 6 April, following Gannon's own recommendation of Johnson. Though Gannon insisted that this was not ultimately his decision, but instead was down to the board. Striker Liam Dickinson
was sad to seem him go, and told the media that Gannon would have little trouble finding a new management post.
'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, and also the bookie's favourite for the Stockport job. Gannon was confirmed as the manager of Port Vale
on 6 January 2011, succeeding Micky Adams
at the helm of the promotion chasing club, signing a contract that lasted until summer 2012. Saying that finishing outside of the top seven would be a failure, the Cheshire
-based manager's first task after 'burying the hatchet' with Gareth Owen was to look for a new striker. Two weeks into his reign club captain Tommy Fraser
left the club by mutual consent, as signs of what would be a unhappy relationship between club and manager quickly came to the surface. Gannon then brought in Romaine Sawyers
and Kayelden Brown
on loan from West Bromwich Albion
, Jay O'Shea on loan from Birmingham City
, Exodus Geohaghon
on loan from Peterborough United
, and striker Tom Pope
on loan from Rotherham United
.
Losing four of his first five games in charge, Gannon was forced to respond to criticism over his team selections and substitutions, and announced plans to expand the club's non-playing staff. On 1 February the players met with the Chairman and rumours spread that Gannon had 'lost the dressing room', as comparisons were made with the tenure of Brian Clough
in The Damned United
. Yet the next day an O'Shea volley gave Vale a 1–0 win over promotion rivals Rotherham United
to give Gannon his first win in charge at the club. 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 manager Geoff Horsfield
. 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'. It was later reported in the national media that Horsfield had requested a day off to deal with a family matter, Gannon then granted him permission but subsequently wrote a letter to the board complaining of his conduct. 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 paper The Sentinel ran an editorial that questioned his loan signings, his decision to drop Gary Roberts
and branded his tactics and team selections as baffling. Having returned to the team to steer his side to a 2–1 victory over Aldershot
, Gannon said "there's been misrepresentation in the media over my part in this. I'm completely the innocent party". 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. The club took no action, and after Horsfield spent two weeks at home the pair returned to work as before. He continued to exploit the loan market, signing Dominic Blizzard
from Bristol Rovers
, a midfielder who played under him at Stockport.
Results continued to go against the Vale though, as on 19 March they lost 3–0 at Accrington Stanley
, and as a result dropped out of the play-off zone for the first time in the season. Ugly post-match scenes at the Crown Ground saw Geohaghon confront fans who singled him out for abuse, whilst Gannon was ushered quietly out of the back door. Roberts told the media "I don't think the manager likes me and, to be honest, I don't like him". Rumours circulated that Gannon would soon be on his way out. These rumours were proved accurate two days later, as Gannon's departure was confirmed by the club. Hugely unpopular with Vale supporters, his sacking was "quick and with little emotion", whilst his poor man-management skills helped to earn him the dubious honour of having the shortest reign in the club's history
. Despite this he did receive credit for spotting the potential talent in a teenage Sam Morsy
, and for bringing Tom Pope to the club. 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]". The "Valiants" continued to struggle under caretaker manager Mark Grew
, winning just two of their remaining ten games, and finishing 2010–11 in eleventh place.
in November 2011, speculation came of a return to Stockport County
for Gannon; when questioned on the possibility, club chairman Lord Snape
stated that should he apply for the position then "he'd merit very serious consideration". In the thirty months since Gannon's departure, the club had seen five full-time managers come and go, suffered relegation into the Conference National
, and had not won back-to-back games since February 2009. On 14 November, he was revealed as the club's director of football
, a position leaving him "responsible for all football matters including 1st team selection and transfers"; Willie McStay
was appointed as his assistant. 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 for 2011–12
was to avoid letting the club slip to a third successive relegation.
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. As a manager in England, Scotland and Ireland, his teams have picked up fair play awards. He has stated that this fair play approach is based on his belief that it is "good principles that lead to good football".
Gannon has also been called a 'tactical maverick' due to his unusual formations
. These formations include 3-4-1-2, 4-3-2-1, 4-1-2-3, and his preferred set-up of 4-2-3-1. He has stated that he prefers formations that use four lines of players (as opposed to three lines in the classic 4-4-2) due to the added depth in defence and presence in midfield, and was inspired to use the formations by Carlo Ancelotti
. He has also stated that he prefers the 4-3-3 formation to the 4-4-2 formation, and has criticised the way he perceives 4-4-2 to be 'ingrained in the culture' of English football.
Of an outspoken nature, he has had public fallings out with players, referees, chairmen, opposition players and managers, and authorities. The Guardian
surmised this by saying that "the feeling about Gannon is that it is His Way Or The Highway."
Director of football
"Director of football" is a term describing a senior management figure at a football club, most commonly used in Europe. The exact nature of the role is often unclear and extremely variable and causes much debate in the sports media...
and manager of Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
team Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
. He started and finished his career as a player in Ireland, but made most of his professional appearances in the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
at Stockport County, where supporters elected him as a member of the Hall of Fame. He has also managed Dundalk, Motherwell, Peterborough United, and Port Vale.
Gannon began his playing career at 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...
, but moved to English club Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in 1989. The next year he transferred to Stockport County, following a short loan spell with Halifax Town
Halifax Town A.F.C.
Halifax Town Association Football Club were an English football team who most recently played in the Conference National, although prior to that they participated in the Football League for over eighty years...
. 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 the 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...
and Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
, as well as two Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
finals. After leaving the club in 2000, he spent a season with Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
, before returning to Ireland with 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....
, winning two 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...
titles 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 to promotion from League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
via the play-offs
Football League Two play-offs
The Football League Two play-offs are a series of play-off matches, contested by the teams finishing from 4th to 7th in the Football League Two table to determine the fourth promotion place to the third tier of English football, League One. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with 7th playing...
in 2008
2008 Football League Two play-off Final
The 2008 Football League Two play-off Final, also known as the 2008 Coca-Cola League Two play-off Final due to sponsorship from Coca-Cola, was a football match played at Wembley Stadium on 26 May 2008, at the end of the 2007–08 season....
. Leading County to safety in League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
despite a ten point deduction for entering administration, he lost his job as part of a cost-cutting measure. Heading to Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
side Motherwell
Motherwell F.C.
Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
, he managed the club in the Europa League, but left after just 25 games in charge. He took charge of Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
side Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
in 2010, but stayed at the struggling club for only two months. In January 2011 he was appointed manager of Port Vale, but lasted just ten weeks in the job. He returned to Stockport County in November 2011, as the club's director of football.
Playing career
Gannon was born in SouthwarkSouthwark
Southwark is a district of south London, England, and the administrative headquarters of the London Borough of Southwark. Situated east of Charing Cross, it forms one of the oldest parts of London and fronts the River Thames to the north...
, South London
South London
South London is the southern part of London, England, United Kingdom.According to the 2011 official Boundary Commission for England definition, South London includes the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Southwark, Sutton and...
and moved with his family to Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
at a young age. He considers himself to be 'a working class
Working class
Working class is a term used in the social sciences and in ordinary conversation to describe those employed in lower tier jobs , often extending to those in unemployment or otherwise possessing below-average incomes...
Irish Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
'. In 1987 he received his start in higher level football with Irish club Turlough O'Connor
Turlough O'Connor (footballer)
Turlough O'Connor was an Irish soccer player during the 1960s and 1970s. He is a member of the Bohemians' Hall of Fame.His two brothers Padraig O'Connor and Michael O'Connor also played for Athlone Town.-Playing career:...
's 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...
. Whilst with the club he played in both the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was a football club competition contested annually by the most recent winners of all European domestic cup competitions. The cup is one of the many inter-European club competitions that have been organised by UEFA. The first competition was held in the 1960–61 season—but...
, in a highly successful period in the club's history. During his spell at the club they did the Irish double, winning both 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...
and topping 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...
in 1987–88. His performances for Dundalk earned him a £70,000 move to English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
team Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
in April 1989. However he was unable to break into the first team at Bramall Lane
Bramall Lane
-Cricket at the Lane:Bramall Lane opened as a cricket ground in 1855, having been leased by Michael Ellison from the Duke of Norfolk at an annual rent of £70. The site was then away from the town's industrial area, and relatively free from smoke. It was built to host the matches of local cricket...
. He spent a brief time in 1989–90 on loan at struggling Halifax Town
Halifax Town A.F.C.
Halifax Town Association Football Club were an English football team who most recently played in the Conference National, although prior to that they participated in the Football League for over eighty years...
, making two appearances for the "Shaymen".
In 1990 he moved to Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
, who paid United between £40,000 and £75,000 for his services. He remained at the club for ten years, during which the club would win promotion on two occasions, and make four Wembley appearances. On 10 March 1993, Gannon verbally abused Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
player Mark 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. The two players' confrontation continued the following month after Gannon's then-girlfriend spat at Stein in a post-match interview. Stein was given a conditional discharge after the court accepted he was under "extreme provocation" from what he claimed was racial abuse
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
. During his early days at the club Gannon was criticised by supporters for his performances, but he soon won them over after moving from centre-half to become a goalscoring midfielder. Stockport fans named him 'The Ghost', due to his knack of 'ghosting' in at the back of the box
Penalty area
The penalty area , is an area of an association football pitch. It is rectangular and extends to each side of the goal and in front of it. Within the penalty area is the penalty spot , which is from the goal line, directly in-line with the centre of the goal...
to score from crosses. He was also nicknamed 'Big Jimbo'.
In 1990–91, County achieved promotion from the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
as runners-up. In 1992
1992 Football League Trophy Final
-External links:*...
he made his first trip to Wembley Stadium, as Stockport lost 1–0 to Stoke City in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
final. During the same season, Stockport also reached the Third Division play-off Final, but were defeated at Wembley. The following year, County again reached the League Trophy Final
1993 Football League Trophy Final
The 1993 Football League Trophy Final was the 10th final of the domestic football cup competition for teams from Football League Second and Third Division, the Football League Trophy. The final was played at the Wembley Stadium in London on 22 May 1993. The match was contested by Port Vale and...
, but lost 2–1 to Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
. In January 1994 Gannon joined Notts County
Notts County F.C.
Notts County Football Club are an English professional football club based in Nottingham. They are the oldest of all the clubs in the world that are now professional, having been formed in 1862. They currently play in League One of The Football League, the third tier of the English football system...
on a brief loan spell to help him overcome some personal problems. Returning to Stockport, he finished the season with his fourth trip to Wembley in two years, as County were denied promotion from the 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...
by a 2–1 defeat to Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
. The team finally achieved promotion from the division in 1996–97 as runners-up. This promotion was built on a strong defence, of which Gannon and fellow centre-back Sean Connelly
Sean Connelly
Sean Connelly is an English former professional footballer, currently working as a physio at Cardiff City.-Career:...
were a major part. The following season, County achieved an eighth place finish in the 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....
. He played under the management of Danny Bergara, Dave Jones, Gary Megson
Gary Megson
Gary John Megson is an English former football player and is currently manager of Sheffield Wednesday.He has previously managed Norwich City, Blackpool, Stockport County, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers...
, and Andy Kilner
Andy Kilner
Andy Kilner is a former manager of Stockport County.He was appointed the youngest manager in the country at the age of just 32 having played in the glory days of Stockport County under Danny Bergara,reaching the playoff finals twice and gaining promotion,Kilner was a fans favourite with his...
.
On 21 March 2000, during a game with 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...
, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligaments, keeping him out of action for several months. He was awarded a testimonial against 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 August 2000, but got into a dispute with the club over the financial arrangements. He then left the club in November 2000, and issued employment tribunal proceedings for unfair dismissal. The following month he joined Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi
Dario Gradi MBE is an Italian-born English football manager and former player, who was serving as manager of the Crewe Alexandra F.C. Academy. He is a former manager of Crewe Alexandra, with whom he has been associated for almost thirty years.Gradi is notable for his 24-year first spell as manager...
's Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
on non-contract terms. After ten games with Crewe he returned to Ireland.
Following a break from football to obtain qualifications in accountancy
Accountancy
Accountancy is the process of communicating financial information about a business entity to users such as shareholders and managers. The communication is generally in the form of financial statements that show in money terms the economic resources under the control of management; the art lies in...
, Gannon signed with 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....
in August 2001. Despite being appointed as captain upon his arrival, he initially struggled to get into the first team during the 2001–02
2001–02 Shelbourne F.C. season
In the 2001–02 season, Shelbourne were crowned eircom League Premier Division champions.-Managerial/Backroom Staff:Manager: Dermot KeelyCaretaker Managers: Noel King, Alan Mathews Assistant Manager: Alan Mathews...
League Championship winning season, and considered a move back to England. However he found himself a key member of the defence when new manager Pat Fenlon
Pat Fenlon
Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian....
took over. Under Fenlon, Gannon helped the "Shels" to a second-place finish in 2002–03, and also played in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase
2002–03 UEFA Champions League qualifying phase
The qualifying rounds for the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League began on 17 July 2002. In total, there were three qualifying rounds which provided 16 clubs to join the group stage.-Teams:...
, scoring past Hibernians
Hibernians F.C.
Hibernians F.C. is a Maltese football club hailing from the town of Paola, Malta. It is one of the top football teams in Malta. The club was founded in 1922, but football in Paola, Raħal Ġdid in Maltese, dates back to 1894. The team has a long successful story in its history. Hibernians has always...
in a 2–2 draw at the Ta' Qali National Stadium. He did not feature extensively in the club's 2003
2003 Shelbourne F.C. season
In the 2003 season, Shelbourne were crowned League of Ireland Premier Division champions.-2003 Squad Members: -League of Ireland Premier Division:...
League Championship winning side.
Gannon holds a unique record, having scored in all four English divisions, 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...
, the Football League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
, the Full Members Cup
Full Members Cup
The Full Members Cup was an association football cup competition held in English football from 1985 to 1992. It was also known under its sponsored names of the Simod Cup from 1987 to 1989 and the Zenith Data Systems Cup from 1989 to 1992....
, the English League play-offs, 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...
, 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...
, the League of Ireland Cup, and the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. 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 puts him in third spot in Stockport's all-time appearance list and his 65 goals are ninth in their scoring records.
Dundalk
In June 2004 he was appointed to his first managerial post, taking charge of Dundalk, who were also the first club in Gannon's professional playing career. The side finished sixth in the League of Ireland First Division in the 2004 season. On 14 November 2005, Gannon confirmed his resignation from Dundalk after his position had been called into question as his chief supporters, vice-chairman Tom Baldwin and chief executive Sean Connolly, left the club. This left Dundalk without a manager for their final match of the 2005 season, in which they had already secured a comfortable mid-table position in Ireland's second tier of association football. Prior to Gannon's departure, the team had drawn ten consecutive matches.2005–06
In November 2005, Gannon was appointed as director of Stockport County's centre of excellence for girls. After the resignation of Chris Turner as Stockport County manager on Boxing DayBoxing Day
Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as...
2005, Gannon was appointed as caretaker manager
Caretaker manager
In association football, a caretaker manager is someone who takes temporary charge of the management of a football club, usually when the regular manager is dismissed or leaves for a different club. However, a caretaker may also be appointed if the regular manager is ill or unable to attend to his...
with the team nine points adrift of safety at the bottom of League Two
Football League Two
Football League Two is the third-highest division of The Football League and fourth-highest division overall in the English football league system....
, facing potential relegation from the Football League.
County went undefeated in Gannon's first four league games in charge. After three weeks, 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 of the season than they did in the first. Believing that safety would be assured on the final day of the season, he was proved correct as they managed to avoid relegation with a final day draw with champions Carlisle United
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
. Comparisons were made to Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce
Samuel "Sam" Allardyce , nicknamed "Big Sam", is an English football manager and former professional player. In June 2011 he was appointed as manager of West Ham United....
. As a committed Stockport fan, and already a legend at the club for his ten years as a player, he was loved by many County supporters. After delaying talks, he accepted a one year rolling contract in the summer.
2006–07
At the beginning of the 2006–07 season, Gannon and Stockport announced they had drawn up a five year plan to take the club to the ChampionshipFootball League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
. Results on the field followed this statement of intent, with Gannon leading County to a League record
Football records in England
This page details football records in England. Unless otherwise stated, records are taken from the Football League or Premier League. Where a different record exists for the top flight , this is also given.-League:Records in this section refer to The Football League and the Premier...
nine consecutive victories without conceding a goal. Gannon lodged a complaint with The Football Association
The Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
against Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
when a fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, as he felt not enough was done to ready the pitch, and also a complaint with regard to the referee'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, which Rovers won 2–1. Gannon also branded approaches from 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 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...
questionable and unprofessional after the two Premier League clubs swooped for youngsters being trained in Stockport County's development squads.
During the season, Gannon and Stockport began to form a close relationship with Alan Lord, the founder of Football Development School ProFootball4u. Anthony Pilkington
Anthony Pilkington
Anthony Neil James Pilkington is an Irish professional football player. He plays for Norwich City, and plays on either wing or as a forward.-Stockport County:...
, who began to feature in County's first team in the second half of this season, was developed through Lord's school. At the end of the season, Lord was taken on at County as a scout and development team coach; he would later follow Gannon to Motherwell.
County missed out on the League Two play-offs
Football League Two play-offs
The Football League Two play-offs are a series of play-off matches, contested by the teams finishing from 4th to 7th in the Football League Two table to determine the fourth promotion place to the third tier of English football, League One. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with 7th playing...
due to results on the final day of the season, missing out on goal difference despite a 5–0 victory over Darlington
Darlington F.C.
Darlington Football Club is a professional association football club based in Darlington, County Durham, currently playing in the Conference National. The club was founded in 1883, and originally played its games at Feethams, before moving to the Darlington Arena in 2003...
.
2007–08
The 2007–08 season started with a friendly marking the death of Danny Bergara, the manager who had brought Gannon to County as a player in 1990. The friendly was against Cardiff CityCardiff City F.C.
Cardiff City Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Cardiff, Wales. The club competes in the English football pyramid and is currently playing in the Football League Championship. Cardiff City is the best supported football club in Wales, averaging approximately 22,500 for...
, managed by Dave Jones, who also managed County whilst Gannon was a player at the club.
On 12 February, Gannon had to leave his father critically ill in hospital in Ireland to lead his team out to a 4–1 victory over Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
. Later in the year Gannon publicly criticised Paul Ince
Paul Ince
Paul Emerson Carlyle Ince is an English football manager and a former professional player. He has managed Blackburn Rovers, Milton Keynes Dons and Macclesfield Town...
and the MK Dons
Milton Keynes Dons F.C.
.Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire...
after he felt the "Dons" were poor sports in their 3–2 victory over County that ensured Ince's side promotion out of the division.
County finished the 2007–08 season fourth in the league, and subsequently won their play-off semi-final against Wycombe Wanderers
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
2–1 on aggregate. The club had previously visited Wembley four times, and Gannon had played on all four occasions. He did as a manager what he could never do as a player, and guided Stockport victory at Wembley. The 3–2 win over Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
earned Gannon's club promotion to League One
Football League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
. He refused to give a post-match interview to Sky Sports
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is the brand name for a group of sports-oriented television channels operated by the UK and Ireland's main satellite pay-TV company, British Sky Broadcasting. Sky Sports is the dominant subscription television sports brand in the United Kingdom and Ireland...
following a nine month dispute with the company over a broken Skybox
Digibox
The Digibox is a device marketed by British Sky Broadcasting in the UK and Republic of Ireland to enable home users to receive digital satellite television broadcasts from the Astra satellites at 28.2° east. An internet service is also available through the device, similar in some ways to the...
. 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 most highly-rated young managers in the lower leagues. In the summer he sold Liam Dickinson
Liam Dickinson
Liam Michael Dickinson is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Southend United.-Early career:Dickinson began his career at Blackpool's Centre of Excellence where he was offered a contract, but he chose instead to sign for Bolton Wanderers before joining Blackburn Rovers...
to Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
for £750,000 – a player signed by previous manager, Chris Turner out of the non-leagues for a nominal fee just over two years previous.
2008–09
Gannon led County to an impressive start to the season2008–09 in English football
The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
following their promotion, and they spent Christmas in the play-off places with the best away record in the division. 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.
After a touch-line argument with then-club captain Gareth Owen, Gannon gave a forthright interview explaining that disciplinary action would be taken, and Owen would be stripped of the captaincy. 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 striker Matty McNeil
Matty McNeil
Matthew "Matty" McNeil is an English footballer who plays for Chester as a striker.-Non-League:Born in Manchester, McNeil began his career with non-league club Woodley Sports before signing for Stalybridge Celtic in 1999 and also played for Runcorn and Hyde United, where he was Hyde's supporters...
unconscious and in hospital.
On 24 February 2009 Stockport agreed to allow Gannon to hold talks with Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
, who were seeking to fill the managerial position left vacant by Micky Adams
Micky Adams
Michael Richard "Micky" Adams is an English former professional footballer turned football manager who is in charge of League Two side Port Vale. As a player he was a full back, and made a total of 438 league appearances in a nineteen year professional career in the Football League, including five...
. 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 to Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
being undesirable. Gannon was made favourite to be given the job by several bookmakers, and he met with Brighton chairman Dick Knight on the 25th, before announcing on the 26th that he had chosen not to take the job. Knight had indicated that Gannon was his first choice for the job, and former Stockport players now at Brighton had shown their desire for Gannon to be given the job. However, Gannon turned down the opportunity and vowed stay with at the Edgeley Park
Edgeley Park
Edgeley Park is an association football and rugby union stadium in Stockport, England. The stadium was initially built for the rugby league club Stockport in 1901, but by 1902, the rugby club was defunct and in the same year, Stockport County Football Club, who were looking for a bigger ground,...
club.
During the final weeks of the season, County were placed into Administration
Administration (British football)
Sports clubs in the United Kingdom, most often in football, sometimes choose to enter administration when they are unable to pay off outstanding debts. Under the Insolvency Act 1986 a business will face a winding up order bringing them to court and if it is shown that a business cannot pay debts as...
and docked 10 points, leaving them placed dangerously close to the relegation places. On 6 May 2009, soon after the final game of the season, Gannon was made redundant as manager of Stockport along with assistant boss Peter Ward. This was done by the administrators in order to slash the wage bill.
Motherwell
As speculation of a move to HibernianHibernian F.C.
Hibernian Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Leith, in the north of Edinburgh. They are one of two Scottish Premier League clubs in the city, the other being their Edinburgh derby rivals, Hearts...
came to nothing (despite his being installed as the bookmaker's favourite), Gannon instead was confirmed as manager of Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
side Motherwell
Motherwell F.C.
Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
at the end of June 2009, two days before the club's Europa League first round qualifying tie
2009–10 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round
This article details the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League qualifying phase and play-off round.All times CEST -Teams:This table shows the path of all 174 teams involved in the qualifying phase and play-off round, including the 15 losing teams from the Champions League third qualifying round which joined...
against Llanelli
Llanelli A.F.C.
Llanelli Association Football Club is a Welsh semi-professional football club that plays in the Welsh Premier League for the 2010–11 season. The team has been based at Stebonheath Park since 1920, and as of 2009 is managed by Andy Legg....
of Wales. To do this he fended off competition from Aidy Boothroyd, Lawrie Sanchez
Lawrie Sanchez
Lawrence Philip "Lawrie" Sanchez is a former Northern Irish football manager, and a former player. He is currently the manager of League Two side Barnet...
, and Steve Staunton
Steve Staunton
Stephen "Steve" Staunton is an Irish association football manager and former professional footballer, who was most recently manager of Darlington...
. At the start of his reign he had a limited squad, and had to draft in youth players for the Llanelli game. The club had sold off some of their best players, whilst loan deals had ended for others. He also brought in Peter Ward as assistant manager.
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.
On 2 July, his first game in charge in the Europa League first round qualifying first leg, Motherwell lost 1–0 against Llanelli. However, on the away leg in Wales, the "Steelmen" recorded a 3–0 win to send them into the next round. Motherwell then beat Flamurtari Vlorë 8–2 on aggregate after an 8–1 victory in the home leg. Motherwell were then knocked out by Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
n side FC Steaua București 6–1 on aggregate. 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 were sent off by Spanish
Spanish people
The Spanish are citizens of the Kingdom of Spain. Within Spain, there are also a number of vigorous nationalisms and regionalisms, reflecting the country's complex history....
referee Carlos Clos Gómez
Carlos Clos Gomez
Carlos Clos Gómez is a football referee. He is a UEFA class 2 referee as of January 2009.Gomez refereed a Europa League match between Motherwell and Steaua Bucureşti in which he was criticised by Motherwell manager Jim Gannon.In 2008 Gómez was forced to abandon a match between Real Betis and...
. His first league victory was a 3–1 win over Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock F.C.
Kilmarnock Football Club is a Scottish football team based in the town of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. Founded in 1869, "Killie" is the oldest club currently in the Scottish Premier League. Home matches are played at Rugby Park...
at Fir Park
Fir Park
Fir Park Stadium is a football stadium situated in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The stadium plays host to the home matches of Scottish Premier League club Motherwell.- History :...
.
Gannon was named Manager of the Month for October 2009, but despite his team finishing fourth in the league, he warned of a clear out in the January transfer window. His young team impressed, but proved to be inconsistent. Gannon fell foul of Scottish referees and Head of Referee Development Hugh Dallas during his time in Scotland, following Gannon's criticism of Scottish referees. Gannon had claimed the standard of refereeing was "bringing the game into disrepute". He suggested a league table for referees. He then felt the official response to his criticisms to be disrespectful. Following this he temporarily refused to speak to the media, claiming he did not wish to cause further controversy. He also criticised his predecessor Mark McGhee
Mark McGhee
Mark Edward McGhee is a former Scottish professional football player. McGhee started his career at Greenock Morton in 1975 and spent spells at clubs including Newcastle United, Aberdeen, Hamburg, Celtic, IK Brage and Reading...
, after McGhee speculated in the press on possible transfers of Motherwell players. As well as this he had a public-falling out with club captain Stephen Craigan
Stephen Craigan
Stephen James Craigan is a professional footballer, currently playing for Motherwell in the Scottish Premier League. He plays in central defence, and has enjoyed two spells at Motherwell, where he is currently the club captain...
.
On 28 December, Gannon was sacked by Motherwell, with the club indicating that Gannon was "not fully committed to the club" as the reason for their decision. He had been rumoured to be looking for other jobs. 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 results on the pitch, they felt that the relationship between Gannon and the directors had broken down. Dubbed a 'loose Gannon', it was seen that either he or club captain Craigan would leave the club. Despite this he was praised for his signings from the English leagues, and for the good open passing football his young side could play whilst at their best. Motherwell went on to finish the season in fifth place under Craig Brown.
Peterborough United
On 2 February 2010 Gannon was appointed manager of Peterborough UnitedPeterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
, following the sacking of Mark Cooper. The "Posh" lay bottom
2009–10 Peterborough United F.C. season
During the 2009–10 Peterborough United F.C. season saw the club play in the Football League Championship after promotion from Football League One in 2008–09.-Squad:- References :...
of the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, nine points adrift of safety. He aimed to restore 'pride' in the club, and offered a fresh start to unsettled players. He won his first game in charge, leading The Posh to a 1–0 victory over QPR
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
on 6 February. His contract due to expire in the summer, the club were keen to tie him down to a longer deal. There soon came confusion over the exact role of the manager and others at the club in terms of recruiting new players.
He utilised unique tactical formations, which earned him comparisons to Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill
Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill, OBE, is a Northern Irish football manager and former player.Until resigning the post on 9 August 2010, he was manager of Aston Villa. Starting his career in his native Northern Ireland, O'Neill moved to England where he spent most of his playing career with Nottingham...
. He was particularly experimental with the front line, and was willing to use the loan market to bring in fresh talent. 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, he announced that family commitments made him unwilling to stay for longer. Gannon had been satisfied with the board's contract offer, but his family still resided in Stockport
Stockport
Stockport is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It lies on elevated ground southeast of Manchester city centre, at the point where the rivers Goyt and Tame join and create the River Mersey. Stockport is the largest settlement in the metropolitan borough of the same name...
. He was replaced by Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson (footballer)
Gary Johnson is an English football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Npower League Two's Northampton Town....
on 6 April, following Gannon's own recommendation of Johnson. Though Gannon insisted that this was not ultimately his decision, but instead was down to the board. Striker Liam Dickinson
Liam Dickinson
Liam Michael Dickinson is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Southend United.-Early career:Dickinson began his career at Blackpool's Centre of Excellence where he was offered a contract, but he chose instead to sign for Bolton Wanderers before joining Blackburn Rovers...
was sad to seem him go, and told the media that Gannon would have little trouble finding a new management post.
Port Vale
In 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. However, Paul SimpsonPaul Simpson (footballer)
Paul David Simpson is an English former footballer and manager. His son Jake is also a professional footballer.-Manchester City:...
'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, and also the bookie's favourite for the Stockport job. Gannon was confirmed as the manager of Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
on 6 January 2011, succeeding Micky Adams
Micky Adams
Michael Richard "Micky" Adams is an English former professional footballer turned football manager who is in charge of League Two side Port Vale. As a player he was a full back, and made a total of 438 league appearances in a nineteen year professional career in the Football League, including five...
at the helm of the promotion chasing club, signing a contract that lasted until summer 2012. Saying that finishing outside of the top seven would be a failure, the Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
-based manager's first task after 'burying the hatchet' with Gareth Owen was to look for a new striker. Two weeks into his reign club captain Tommy Fraser
Tommy Fraser
Thomas Francis Peter "Tommy" Fraser is a professional footballer, who is without a club having departed Barnet in November 2011. A central midfielder, he can also play on the right wing....
left the club by mutual consent, as signs of what would be a unhappy relationship between club and manager quickly came to the surface. Gannon then brought in Romaine Sawyers
Romaine Sawyers
Romaine Theodore Sawyers is an English footballer playing as a midfielder for Premier League side West Bromwich Albion and internationally represents Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team, where he has played for the under-23s.-Club career:Sawyers first made the West Bromwich Albion...
and Kayelden Brown
Kayelden Brown
Kayelden Courtney L. Brown is an English-born Welsh footballer who plays as a midfielder for West Bromwich Albion.-Club career:...
on loan from 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...
, Jay O'Shea on loan from Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
, Exodus Geohaghon
Exodus Geohaghon
Exodus Isaac Geohaghon is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Football League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge on loan from Conference National club Darlington....
on loan from Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
, and striker Tom Pope
Tom Pope
Thomas John "Tom" Pope is a professional English footballer who plays as a centre forward for League Two side Port Vale....
on loan from Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
.
Losing four of his first five games in charge, Gannon was forced to respond to criticism over his team selections and substitutions, and announced plans to expand the club's non-playing staff. On 1 February the players met with the Chairman and rumours spread that Gannon had 'lost the dressing room', as comparisons were made with the tenure of Brian Clough
Brian Clough
Brian Howard Clough, OBE was an English footballer and football manager. He is most notable for his success with Derby County and Nottingham Forest. His achievement of winning back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest, a traditionally moderate provincial English club, is considered to be...
in The Damned United
The Damned United
The Damned United is a 2009 British sports drama film directed by Tom Hooper and adapted by Peter Morgan from David Peace's bestselling novel The Damned Utd, a largely fictional book based on the author's interpretation of Brian Clough's tenure as manager of Leeds United...
. Yet the next day an O'Shea volley gave Vale a 1–0 win over promotion rivals Rotherham United
Rotherham United F.C.
Rotherham United Football Club are an English professional football club based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, who compete in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club's colours have traditionally been red and white, although these have evolved through history...
to give Gannon his first win in charge at the club. 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 manager Geoff Horsfield
Geoff Horsfield
Geoffrey Malcolm "Geoff" Horsfield is an English former professional footballer, now football coach. He made more than 300 appearances in the Football League playing as a striker. He is now a coach at Port Vale....
. 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'. It was later reported in the national media that Horsfield had requested a day off to deal with a family matter, Gannon then granted him permission but subsequently wrote a letter to the board complaining of his conduct. 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 paper The Sentinel ran an editorial that questioned his loan signings, his decision to drop Gary Roberts
Gary Roberts (footballer born 1987)
Gary Steven Roberts is an English footballer who plays for League Two side Port Vale. A deep-lying playmaker, he has been praised for his vision and ball distribution skills...
and branded his tactics and team selections as baffling. Having returned to the team to steer his side to a 2–1 victory over Aldershot
Aldershot F.C.
Aldershot Football Club was an English Football League club, which was wound up in the High Court in March 1992. They became the first Football League club since Accrington Stanley to resign from the League during the course of a season. The club was nicknamed the Shots for both the last syllable...
, Gannon said "there's been misrepresentation in the media over my part in this. I'm completely the innocent party". 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. The club took no action, and after Horsfield spent two weeks at home the pair returned to work as before. He continued to exploit the loan market, signing Dominic Blizzard
Dominic Blizzard
Dominic John Blizzard is an English football midfielder who plays for League One side Yeovil Town....
from Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
, a midfielder who played under him at Stockport.
Results continued to go against the Vale though, as on 19 March they lost 3–0 at Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley F.C.
Accrington Stanley is an English association football club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the North West of England, who play in Football League Two, the fourth-highest division in the English football league system....
, and as a result dropped out of the play-off zone for the first time in the season. Ugly post-match scenes at the Crown Ground saw Geohaghon confront fans who singled him out for abuse, whilst Gannon was ushered quietly out of the back door. Roberts told the media "I don't think the manager likes me and, to be honest, I don't like him". Rumours circulated that Gannon would soon be on his way out. These rumours were proved accurate two days later, as Gannon's departure was confirmed by the club. Hugely unpopular with Vale supporters, his sacking was "quick and with little emotion", whilst his poor man-management skills helped to earn him the dubious honour of having the shortest reign in the club's history
History of Port Vale F.C.
The history of Port Vale F.C., an English association football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, began when the club was formed in 1876. In 1884, the club moved to the town of Burslem, changing their name to Burslem Port Vale in the process. The club joined the Football League Second Division upon its...
. Despite this he did receive credit for spotting the potential talent in a teenage Sam Morsy
Sam Morsy
Samy Sayed "Sam" Morsy is an English footballer who plays for League Two side Port Vale as a midfielder....
, and for bringing Tom Pope to the club. 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]". The "Valiants" continued to struggle under caretaker manager Mark Grew
Mark Grew
Mark Stuart Grew is an English former football goalkeeper, now assistant manager to Micky Adams at Port Vale. On three occasions he has also served as the club's caretaker-manager, most recently from March to May in 2011....
, winning just two of their remaining ten games, and finishing 2010–11 in eleventh place.
Return to Stockport
Following the resignation of Dietmar HamannDietmar Hamann
Dietmar "Didi" Hamann is a German footballer who was most recently manager at Stockport County. Throughout his career, he has played for Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Manchester City primarily in a defensive midfield position. He also spent time at Milton Keynes Dons as a...
in November 2011, speculation came of a return to Stockport County
Stockport County F.C.
Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
for Gannon; when questioned on the possibility, club chairman Lord Snape
Peter Snape, Baron Snape
Peter Charles Snape, Baron Snape is a Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom. He served as Member of Parliament for West Bromwich East until he stood down in the 2001 election...
stated that should he apply for the position then "he'd merit very serious consideration". In the thirty months since Gannon's departure, the club had seen five full-time managers come and go, suffered relegation into the Conference National
Conference National
Conference National is the top division of the Football Conference in England. It is the highest level of the National League System and fifth highest of the overall English football league system...
, and had not won back-to-back games since February 2009. On 14 November, he was revealed as the club's director of football
Director of football
"Director of football" is a term describing a senior management figure at a football club, most commonly used in Europe. The exact nature of the role is often unclear and extremely variable and causes much debate in the sports media...
, a position leaving him "responsible for all football matters including 1st team selection and transfers"; Willie McStay
Willie McStay (footballer born 1961)
William John "Willie" McStay is a Scottish professional football player and manager.-Playing career:McStay played for Celtic from 1979 to 1987. McStay made his debut on 2 April 1983 when he came on as a sub in Celtic's 3-1 home win over Motherwell and went on to make 65 league appearances,...
was appointed as his assistant. 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 for 2011–12
2011–12 Stockport County F.C. season
The 2011–12 season is Stockport County's 130th season in football, and the first outside of the Football League in 106 years, after finishing bottom of League Two in 2010–11. They will be competing in the Conference National...
was to avoid letting the club slip to a third successive relegation.
Managerial style
Gannon is one of few managers in the lower leagues to hold a full UEFA Pro Licence.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. As a manager in England, Scotland and Ireland, his teams have picked up fair play awards. He has stated that this fair play approach is based on his belief that it is "good principles that lead to good football".
Gannon has also been called a 'tactical maverick' due to his unusual formations
Formation (association football)
In association football, the formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football....
. These formations include 3-4-1-2, 4-3-2-1, 4-1-2-3, and his preferred set-up of 4-2-3-1. He has stated that he prefers formations that use four lines of players (as opposed to three lines in the classic 4-4-2) due to the added depth in defence and presence in midfield, and was inspired to use the formations by Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti is an Italian football manager, Nicknamed Carletto, Ancelotti played as a midfielder and had a successful career with Roma – captaining the team – with whom he won one Scudetto and 4 Coppa Italia and was part of the legendary late 80's Milan team, with whom he won two Scudetti and...
. He has also stated that he prefers the 4-3-3 formation to the 4-4-2 formation, and has criticised the way he perceives 4-4-2 to be 'ingrained in the culture' of English football.
Of an outspoken nature, he has had public fallings out with players, referees, chairmen, opposition players and managers, and authorities. The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
surmised this by saying that "the feeling about Gannon is that it is His Way Or The Highway."
As player
- 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...
- DundalkDundalk 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...
1987–88
- Dundalk
- 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...
- DundalkDundalk 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...
1988
- Dundalk
- Football League 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...
Runners Up- Stockport CountyStockport County F.C.Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
1996–97
- Stockport County
- Football Second Division Play-OffFootball League One play-offsThe Football League One Playoffs are a series of playoff matches, contested by the teams finishing from 3rd to 6th in the NPower Football League One table to determine the third spot for promotion to the second tier of English football, the Championship....
Finalists- Stockport CountyStockport County F.C.Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
1992, 1994
- Stockport County
- Football League Fourth DivisionFootball League Fourth DivisionThe Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
Runners Up- Stockport CountyStockport County F.C.Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
1990–91
- Stockport County
- Football League TrophyFootball League TrophyThe Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
Runners Up- Stockport CountyStockport County F.C.Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
19921992 Football League Trophy Final-External links:*...
, 19931993 Football League Trophy FinalThe 1993 Football League Trophy Final was the 10th final of the domestic football cup competition for teams from Football League Second and Third Division, the Football League Trophy. The final was played at the Wembley Stadium in London on 22 May 1993. The match was contested by Port Vale and...
- Stockport County
- 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...
- ShelbourneShelbourne 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....
2001–022001–02 Shelbourne F.C. seasonIn the 2001–02 season, Shelbourne were crowned eircom League Premier Division champions.-Managerial/Backroom Staff:Manager: Dermot KeelyCaretaker Managers: Noel King, Alan Mathews Assistant Manager: Alan Mathews...
, 20032003 Shelbourne F.C. seasonIn the 2003 season, Shelbourne were crowned League of Ireland Premier Division champions.-2003 Squad Members: -League of Ireland Premier Division:...
- Shelbourne
- 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...
Runners Up- ShelbourneShelbourne 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....
2002–03
- Shelbourne
As manager
- Football League Two Play-OffFootball League Two play-offsThe Football League Two play-offs are a series of play-off matches, contested by the teams finishing from 4th to 7th in the Football League Two table to determine the fourth promotion place to the third tier of English football, League One. The semi-finals are played over two legs, with 7th playing...
Winners- Stockport CountyStockport County F.C.Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport...
20082008 Football League Two play-off FinalThe 2008 Football League Two play-off Final, also known as the 2008 Coca-Cola League Two play-off Final due to sponsorship from Coca-Cola, was a football match played at Wembley Stadium on 26 May 2008, at the end of the 2007–08 season....
- Stockport County
- Scottish Premier League Manager of the Month
- MotherwellMotherwell F.C.Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998...
October 20092009–10 Scottish Premier LeagueThe 2009–10 Scottish Premier League season was the twelfth season of the Scottish Premier League. Rangers were the defending champions and they retained the championship with three games to spare by winning 1–0 against Hibernian at Easter Road on 25 April...
- Motherwell
Managerial statistics
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
| 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... |
 |
8 June 2004 | 14 November 2005 |
|||||
| Stockport County Stockport County F.C. Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport... |
 |
28 December 2005 | 6 May 2009 |
|||||
| Motherwell Motherwell F.C. Motherwell Football & Athletic Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The club compete in the Scottish Premier League and are one of only seven teams to have remained in this league since it was founded in 1998... |
 |
30 June 2009 | 28 December 2009 |
|||||
| Peterborough United Peterborough United F.C. Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is... |
|
1 February 2010 | 6 April 2010 |
|||||
| Port Vale Port Vale F.C. Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as... |
|
6 January 2011 | 21 March 2011 |
|||||
| Stockport County Stockport County F.C. Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport... |
|
14 November 2011 | Present |
|||||
| Total |
||||||||
External links
- Profile at the League Managers AssociationLeague Managers AssociationThe League Managers Association is the organisation which collectively represents all Premiership and Football League managers in English football...
website - Jim Gannon's official website (www.jimgannon.co.uk)