Friday, March 22, 2013

22 March 1936 - The Passing Of A Liverpool Legend

On 22 March 1936, John McKenna--Liverpool's first manager and Football League president--passed away at the age of 81.

McKenna joined Liverpool as a director when the club was founded in 1892 and was instrumental in putting the first team together, recruiting thirteen players out of Scotland. He then took charge of coaching the team, while W.E. Barclay handled administrative matters.

Although Liverpool were denied admission to the Football League for their first season, McKenna guided them to the title of the Lancashire League, leading to their election to the Football League's Second Division for the next season. Over the next three seasons, Liverpool were promoted, relegated, and promoted again before McKenna stepped down in 1896. But he remained active with the club, serving as chairman from 1906 to 1915.

Two years later, McKenna became president of the Football League and held that position until his death.

5 comments:

  1. Does anyone know of any living relatives of John McKenna?

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  2. Replies
    1. I wish I had some information for you. Hopefully someone who does will see the request.

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  3. as far as i know there is some family members of john mckenna. the orange order would have records.

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  4. John McKenna has a great grandson, although he had no children with his wife, he did father a daughter with his housekeeper. Shaun Roberts living in yorkshire is the great grandson

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