MATHER cut his managerial teeth at Stoke City, and introduced the great Stanley Matthews to the game.

Indeed he tried to sign the England legend when he moved north to Newcastle in 1935, but the deal broke down.

Mather was equally at home in the office as he was out on the training pitch, and Albert Stubbins was another player who got his big chance under Mather.

Mather ended his association with United in 1939 when war was declared.