Ian McColl

[mackem50]

Ian McColl became Sunderland AFC manager in the summer of 1965. In the summer of 1966 he brought John Mortimore to Roker Park as his number two. Ian had been Scotland manager for 5 years, John is English,had just retired as a player with QPR ,before that he played for Chelsea.. I cannot see any connection,they seem strange bedfellows,am I missing the obvious somewhere?

[Scottish]

Just a guess but perhaps a recommendation from Tommy Docherty? Docherty and McColl were Scotland team-mates (at least I think they played together) and Docherty was in charge of Chelse where Mortimore spent the bulk of his career. He was also a registered player when he signed though never making a first team appearance.

[mackem50]

Thanks for the reply, that sounds like the answer! I cant think of any other explanation.

[bluedragon]

I had a look through a few books for some clues. The only thing I could find was that Tommy Docherty clearly thought highly of John Mortimore when he was at Chelsea. In his autobiography he picks out John as one of three "terrific, experienced pros around which I was able to blend the kids...." Later on he says "John Mortimore, a dependable, highly professional centre-half". Perhaps he saw John as future coaching material and then that ties in with Scottish's theory?

[mackem50]

Hi Scottish and Blue Dragon. I am in touch with John Mortimore,you are both right,he got the SAFC job through Tommy Doc,
Thanks