British Forces

Sergeants Three.

From left, Joe Mercer, Matt Busby and Don Welsh in uniform as British Army sergeants during WW2. All three were top professional football (soccer) players before the war; all three played international games (including "wartime internationals) for their countries (England in the case of Mercer and Welsh, Scotland in the case of Busby). These men all survived the war and went on to develop notable careers as football managers afterwards. Busby, most famously, became the iconic manager and dominant figure in the Manchester United club - somewhat ironic since, as a player, he gained his fame as a longtime stalwart with local rivals Manchester City. Mercer is remembered with great affection by Manchester City fans as the manager who led the club to the Second Division championship and promotion in 1966, and on to their period of greatest success through to 1970. Don Welsh's managerial career was notable for less fortunate reasons - he led Liverpool FC to relegation from the First Division (equivalent of the current English Premier League) in 1956, their first experience of relegation in 50 years; it took them 8 years to get back into the top flight. Best regards, JR.