There are still a couple of days left for you to vote for your favourite five managers of all time.
For those who are still mulling things over, the original article can be found by clicking on the following link – the-great-manager-debate-starts-here
While monitoring the responses to the article, it is noticeable that the name of Dally Duncan has been mentioned several times, with some complaining he wasn’t in my prompt list, which only contained the names, as I stated, of those managers who have been at the helm since I started watching the Hatters, back in 1967.
However, I am extremely appreciative that some people, of the older generation, opted to mention his name as it gave me the chance to take a look at the career of Dally Duncan, somebody who not only managed the club but also played for the Hatters.
Born on 14-October-1909, in Aberdeen, Douglas Duncan played for Hull City before moving to Derby County.
Unfortunately his career came to an abrupt halt after World War 2 broke out, but he kept his hand in ‘guesting’ for the likes of Reading, Notts County and Nottingham Forest.
Once the war had come to an end and civilisation reverted to a sense of normality, Dally, on 1946, moved to Luton Town, operating in the role of player-coach.
His presence, in that position, must have impressed the Hatters hierarchy because in June 1948 he was appointed as the clubs manager.
This appointment musy have affected his playing career because the record books show he only made 32 league appearances for the club, during his time with us, scoring 4 league goals.
But, in the role of manager, he became a permanent fixture, occupying the role until October 1958, his position being terminated early in the very season Luton Town reached the FA Cup Final, losing to Nottingham Forest at Wembley.
His 9-year tenure as the gaffer is a remarkable achievement, how many others, who have managed our club, can claim they lasted that long?
While his tenure was before my time, I’d be very appreciative if any of our senior readership could drop us a few lines relating to their memories of the former Scottish international who won 14 caps for his country and scored on 7 occasions.
After leaving the game, Dally ran a guest house in Brighton, a lovely part of our country, before passing away in 1990 aged 80.
COYH
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Previous article by Mad Hatter
Luton Town – A Difficult Decision Needs To Be Made
I became a Hatters fan in 1956 , travelling by train from Bletchley.This involved changing trains at Leighton Buzzard, again at Dunstable West and finally arriving at Luton Bute Street.
First Division football at Kenilworth Road was an exciting day out.
Dally Duncan the Luton Town manager had got them there in 1955; the first time in the clubs history.The team he had assembled played attacking football, they had an impressive home scoring record and more than coped in away games.Most of the squad, reserves, B Team etc were post war returnees or scouted as raw talent ( chief scout was Len Shackleton.Small transfer fees, for additional players, were paid initially.Ron Baynham recruited from Worcester City.The likes of Allan Brown( signed on Bletchley Railway Station ) and a biggest ever £20, 000 paid for Billy Bingham in 1958.
Soon after Dally Duncan
chose to leave to manage a Blackburn Rovers.
1959’s FA Cup run, achieved by manage- less Town was followed by. The appointment of former Captain Syd Owen as manager.With only one new signing, a young Southern League winger, named Noakes the team struggled and we’re relegated in 1960.
Owen was sacked but went to Leeds, as coach.Helping Don Revie’s side achieve it’s most successful period to date.
Incidentally Syd , as Towns 1959 captain , was awarded Player of the Year awards.
He was a real inspiration and a great club servant after arriving from Birmingham City.
thanks for the wonderful insight.
Thanks Trevor. Some great memories there! The team relegated in 1960 was a very poor side & further relegations followed! I used to take the bus from Harpenden then and as soon as it turned right into Cutenhoe Rd, the smog from the factories descended on us.
Memories of those days include most people smoking, Luton Corporation Buses with the side corridor on the upper deck & within the ground, the smell of liniment oil from the players legs!
What changes we’ve seen in almost 60 years & The Hatters were still looking for a new ground even then! Bring on Power Court but it will be so sad to leave The Kenny!
I was born in 1956 so unable to comment on these two posts but I’d like to say how interesting and refreshing to read them. Great stuff let’s have more of them MH. It makes a welcome change too most of the negative whining drivel that the moaning Minnie’s serve up.
I intend to get back onto the Legends Series shortly, thanks for the feedback though, much appreciated.