Manchester United Managers

John Chapman (1921 - 1926)

When John Robson resigned in October 1921, John Chapman was appointed with Robson staying on as his assistant. Chapman came from Airdrieonians and found United to be a struggling First Division team. His presence made no immediate impact and in his first 15 games in charge, United scored only one victory. The season finished with them bottom of thetable and it took Chapman three seasons to haul them back to Division One. The first season back in the top flight saw United finish ninth and Chapman's side gave Old Trafford fans some hope of success when he took them to their first FA Cup semi-final since they won the trophy in 1909. Manchester City ended United's dreams of their first Wembley Final. Chapman's signings included Frank Barson, Frank Mann, Tom Jones, Jim Hanson and Frank McPherson. In October 1926, Manchester United received a letter from the Football Association telling them that Chapman was to be suspended forthwith from all involvemnt with football because of alleged improper conduct whilst acting as the club's secretary-manager. The full details of the charges were never made public, but United had little option but to dispense with their manager's services.