Jim McPherson

Jim McPherson and his father both shared the same full name of James Quar McPherson and the pair also had another thing in common - they both became head trainer of Newcastle United FC.

Born in Kilmarnock, McPherson moved to England in 1902 when his father got the trainer’s job at Newcastle. It was a position his father would hold for 28 years until being replaced by his son in 1930 and, during his time in charge, Newcastle won the League title in 1905, 1907, 1909, and 1929. As at 2020, they are the only four times Newcastle have won the League. He also guided them to FA Cup wins in 1910 and 1924.

The junior McPherson started training in 1911, and became assistant to his father at St. James’ Park until 1919. During World War I he served in the Merchant Navy and was honoured with the Campaign Medal. After the War McPherson moved to the continent in 1919 to widen his coaching experience, and joined the Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem. He was then appointed coach to Norway at the 1920 Olympics and he led them to a 3-1 victory over Great Britain. McPherson returned to Britain after the Olympics, and had two seasons at Merthyr Town and one at Workington FC. He returned to the Continent in 1925 and coached Bayern München to their first Southern German Championship the following year. That was followed with another brief spell back in the Netherlands with HRC before being appointed successor to his father at Newcastle in July 1930. His greatest moment with Newcastle came in 1932 when they beat Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley with a controversial goal that had gone out of play before being crossed for Newcastle to score their first goal. At the end of the 1937/38 season McPherson resigned his position.