John McKenna
Encyclopedia
John McKenna born in County Monaghan
, Ireland
, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool
.
He was a friend of John Houlding
and remained with him after Everton
left Anfield
for Goodison Park
. 'Honest' John was one of the greatest driving forces for Liverpool throughout the early years.
McKenna used his connections to fish for players in Glasgow
, including Duncan McLean, James McBride
, Malcolm McVean
, Hugh McQueen
, Matt McQueen
, John McCartney
, Bill McOwen and Joe McQue.
It was McKenna, acting as the club's secretary, who telegraphed the Football League
asking for Liverpool
to be admitted to it. The club was denied entry into the Football League by the F.A. This forced McKenna to guide Liverpool through the ranks of the Lancashire League instead. Liverpool played their first game in the Lancashire League with an 8–0 win at Anfield
against Higher Walton. John Smith scored the first competitive goal. After ending their first competitive season as champions, Liverpool were elected into the Football League. They played their first Football League match away to Middlesbrough Ironopolis
on 2 September 1893, and won 2–0. After an hour's play, it was Malcolm McVean
who broke the deadlock.
County Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
, 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...
, was a self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of 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...
.
He was a friend of John Houlding
John Houlding
John Houlding was an English businessman, most notable for being Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and the founder of Liverpool Football Club.-Biography:Houlding was self-made businessman in the city of Liverpool...
and remained with him after Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
left Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
for Goodison Park
Goodison Park
Goodison Park is a football stadium located in Walton, Liverpool, England. The stadium has been home to Everton F.C. since its completion in 1892 and is one of the world's first purpose-built football grounds...
. 'Honest' John was one of the greatest driving forces for Liverpool throughout the early years.
McKenna used his connections to fish for players in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, including Duncan McLean, James McBride
James McBride (footballer)
James McBride was a footballer for Liverpool during the latter half of the 19th century.-Life and playing career:...
, Malcolm McVean
Malcolm McVean
Malcolm McVean was a Scottish association footballer who played as a winger. He is notable for having scored Liverpool's first ever goal, in a friendly against Rotherham Town on 1 September 1892, which Liverpool won 7–1....
, Hugh McQueen
Hugh McQueen
Hugh McQueen played as a Winger for Liverpool Football Club in the late 19th century.-Life and playing career:...
, Matt McQueen
Matt McQueen
Matthew 'Matt' McQueen was a Scottish football player who became a director and manager of Liverpool F.C.- Life and playing career :...
, John McCartney
John McCartney
John McCartney was a Scottish footballer who played at half-back for Liverpool. He was born in Darvel, Ayrshire, Scotland.-Life and playing career:John McCartney played for Newmilns F.C., St Mirren F.C. and New Brighton...
, Bill McOwen and Joe McQue.
It was McKenna, acting as the club's secretary, who telegraphed the 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...
asking for Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
to be admitted to it. The club was denied entry into the Football League by the F.A. This forced McKenna to guide Liverpool through the ranks of the Lancashire League instead. Liverpool played their first game in the Lancashire League with an 8–0 win at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
against Higher Walton. John Smith scored the first competitive goal. After ending their first competitive season as champions, Liverpool were elected into the Football League. They played their first Football League match away to Middlesbrough Ironopolis
Middlesbrough Ironopolis F.C.
Middlesbrough Ironopolis Football Club were an English association football club which briefly played in the Football League in the 1890s. Their entire history was played out during the Victorian era in Middlesbrough....
on 2 September 1893, and won 2–0. After an hour's play, it was Malcolm McVean
Malcolm McVean
Malcolm McVean was a Scottish association footballer who played as a winger. He is notable for having scored Liverpool's first ever goal, in a friendly against Rotherham Town on 1 September 1892, which Liverpool won 7–1....
who broke the deadlock.