Newcastle United: The all-time top five managers in club history

Stan Seymour (1939-1958)

While Andy Cunningham may have been the first official manager, it was another person who guided the club’s direction and identity for almost two decades. A former Newcastle United winger in previous seasons, Stan Seymour had a tremendous impact on the Magpies’ success and ultimate growth during the 1940s and 1950s.

Dubbed “Mr. Newcastle United”, Seymour led the squad to consecutive FA Cup titles in 1951 and 1952.

During his years he amassed 130 victories, and was the first man in English football history to win the FA Cup with the same club as both a manager and as a player.

Although credited to Doug Livingstone, Seymour certainly could claim Newcastle’s 1955 triumph in the competition as his own as well.

Seymour had stepped aside as manager and become vice-chairman, but took a strong initiative when he felt that it was needed.

Livingstone was set to leave the great Jackie Milburn out of the team for the final against Manchester City, and Seymour immediately took action. He relieved player selections from his manager’s duties, eventually ending in Livingstone’s resignation.

While a relegation battle saw the end for Seymour in 1958, generations of the Toon Army felt his influence in the North East.

We all have a beginning, someone that helps to shape who and what we are today. For Newcastle United, that beginning was Stan Seymour.