Paul Fairclough: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|English footballer (born 1950)}} |
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{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} |
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} |
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{{Multiple issues|{{More footnotes|date=June 2021}} |
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{{Infobox football biography |
{{BLP sources|date=June 2021}}}}{{Infobox football biography |
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| name = Paul Fairclough |
| name = Paul Fairclough |
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| image = |
| image = |
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| fullname = |
| fullname = |
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| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df= |
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1950|1|31}} |
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| birth_place = [[Litherland]], [[Lancashire]], England |
| birth_place = [[Litherland]], [[Lancashire]], England |
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| height = |
| height = |
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| position = [[Midfielder]] |
| position = [[Midfielder]] |
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| manageryears7 = 2011 |
| manageryears7 = 2011 |
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| manageryears8 = 2014 |
| manageryears8 = 2014 |
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| manageryears9 = 2021 |
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| managerclubs1 = [[Hertford Town F.C.|Hertford Town]] |
| managerclubs1 = [[Hertford Town F.C.|Hertford Town]] |
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| managerclubs2 = [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]] |
| managerclubs2 = [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]] |
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| managerclubs7 = [[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] (caretaker) |
| managerclubs7 = [[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] (caretaker) |
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| managerclubs8 = [[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] (caretaker) |
| managerclubs8 = [[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] (caretaker) |
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'''Paul Fairclough''' (born 31 January 1950) is |
'''Paul Fairclough''' (born 31 January 1950) is an English [[Association football|football]] manager and former player who is the manager of the [[England national football C team|England C team]]. |
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As a player he made five appearances for [[Cheshunt F.C.|Cheshunt]] |
As a player, he made five appearances for [[Cheshunt F.C.|Cheshunt]] in the 1981–82 season. |
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== |
== Managerial career == |
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=== Stevenage === |
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In 1990 [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]] employed Paul Fairclough as manager, who had previously managed Hertfordshire neighbours [[Hertford Town F.C.|Hertford Town]]. |
In 1990 [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]] employed Paul Fairclough as manager, who had previously managed Hertfordshire neighbours [[Hertford Town F.C.|Hertford Town]]. |
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After two fourth-placed finishes, under the management of Fairclough, Stevenage won The [[Isthmian League]] Division Two North in 1990–91, winning 34 of their 42 games, including every match played at home, scoring 122 goals and amassing 107 points. |
After two fourth-placed finishes, under the management of Fairclough, Stevenage won The [[Isthmian League]] Division Two North in 1990–91, winning 34 of their 42 games, including every match played at home, scoring 122 goals and amassing 107 points. |
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The following season Fairclough led the club to the Division One championship, remaining unbeaten at home again, and were promoted to the Premier Division. The club's long unbeaten home record was finally ended by Dulwich Hamlet, with the streak lasting 44 matches, of which 42 were won. |
The following season Fairclough led the club to the Division One championship, remaining unbeaten at home again, and were promoted to the Premier Division. The club's long unbeaten home record was finally ended by [[Dulwich Hamlet F.C.|Dulwich Hamlet]], with the streak lasting 44 matches, of which 42 were won. |
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In 1993–94, still under Paul Fairclough's reins, the club won the Premier Division, and were promoted to the Football Conference. Two seasons later Fairclough led Stevenage to win the Conference, but they were denied promotion to the Football League due to insufficient ground facilities. |
In 1993–94, still under Paul Fairclough's reins, the club won the Premier Division, and were promoted to the Football Conference. Two seasons later Fairclough led Stevenage to win the Conference, but they were denied promotion to the Football League due to insufficient ground facilities. |
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In 1998 Fairclough guided Stevenage into the FA Cup fourth round. They were awarded a home tie against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], which they drew 1–1 against all odds, and subsequently were awarded a replay at [[St James' Park]]. Stevenage lost 2–1 in a controversial game, as [[Alan Shearer]]'s header, awarded a goal by the referee, may or may not have crossed the line. Video evidence shows that a Stevenage defender appeared to have made a magnificent clearance. |
In 1998 Fairclough guided Stevenage into the FA Cup fourth round. They were awarded a home tie against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]], which they drew 1–1 against all odds, and subsequently were awarded a replay at [[St James' Park]]. Stevenage lost 2–1 in a controversial game, as [[Alan Shearer]]'s header, awarded a goal by the referee, may or may not have crossed the line. Video evidence shows that a Stevenage defender appeared to have made a magnificent clearance. |
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== Barnet == |
=== Barnet === |
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Fairclough was appointed caretaker manager of Barnet for the final few months of the 2003–04 [[Conference National]] season, replacing the popular [[Martin Allen (footballer)|Martin Allen]] who had controversially left the North Londoners for [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] in March 2004. Initially there was some scepticism surrounding Fairclough's appointment due to his history with rivals [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]]. |
Fairclough was appointed caretaker manager of Barnet for the final few months of the 2003–04 [[Conference National]] season, replacing the popular [[Martin Allen (footballer)|Martin Allen]] who had controversially left the North Londoners for [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] in March 2004. Initially there was some scepticism surrounding Fairclough's appointment due to his history with rivals [[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]]. |
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Despite some edgy performances, Fairclough kept Barnet's promotion hopes alive, cementing 4th place and setting up a play-off semi-final with [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]. Barnet won the first leg at [[Underhill Stadium|Underhill]] 2–1 thanks to a dramatic injury-time header from Bees defender [[Simon Clist]]. The second leg was a cagey affair and the tie was eventually settled on penalties – Barnet losing 5–3 in the shootout. Although the team had failed to reach the play-off final, Fairclough was handed the job on a permanent basis shortly after by Barnet chairman [[Anthony Kleanthous|Tony Kleanthous]]. |
Despite some edgy performances, Fairclough kept Barnet's promotion hopes alive, cementing 4th place and setting up a play-off semi-final with [[Shrewsbury Town F.C.|Shrewsbury Town]]. Barnet won the first leg at [[Underhill Stadium|Underhill]] 2–1 thanks to a dramatic injury-time header from Bees defender [[Simon Clist]]. The second leg was a cagey affair and the tie was eventually settled on penalties – Barnet losing 5–3 in the shootout. Although the team had failed to reach the play-off final, Fairclough was handed the job on a permanent basis shortly after by Barnet chairman [[Anthony Kleanthous|Tony Kleanthous]]. |
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In his first full season as Barnet manager Fairclough determined to make up for the previous season's disappointment. |
In his first full season as Barnet manager Fairclough determined to make up for the previous season's disappointment. The team took the Conference by storm. Following an excellent start to the campaign, the Bees propelled themselves to the top of the division, a position they occupied for the majority of the season. Fairclough's side produced some excellent performances both at Underhill and on the road, including the 3–1 victory over promotion rivals [[Carlisle United F.C.|Carlisle United]] in mid-October, watched by a then-record Conference crowd of 9,215.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} With a solid defence marshalled by captain [[Ian Hendon]], and 29 goals from striker [[Giuliano Grazioli]], Barnet won the Conference title, securing automatic promotion to the [[Football League]] and finishing 12 points clear of their closest challengers with a vastly superior goal difference. |
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In his maiden venture into League management Fairclough successfully fought off relegation back to the Conference, ensuring Barnet's Football League status with victory over [[Rushden & Diamonds F.C.|Rushden & Diamonds]] on the final day of the season. The highlight of the campaign undoubtedly came in late October when Fairclough's men travelled north to take on [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the third round of the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]]. |
In his maiden venture into League management Fairclough successfully fought off relegation back to the Conference, ensuring Barnet's Football League status with victory over [[Rushden & Diamonds F.C.|Rushden & Diamonds]] on the final day of the season. The highlight of the campaign undoubtedly came in late October when Fairclough's men travelled north to take on [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in the third round of the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]]. |
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During the 2006–07 campaign, Fairclough led Barnet to the Fourth Round of the [[FA Cup]] – the first time in the club's history. Indeed, the team's league position improved significantly on the previous season, finishing well clear of the relegation zone in 14th place. Despite this, Fairclough has expressed his disappointment with the season overall, bemoaning his side's failure to draw a "big fish" in the [[FA Cup]] which could have seen a sizeable cash injection into the club. Fairclough was also critical of his team's performances on the pitch, in particular some of his side's defensive displays. As a result, he signalled his intentions for a squad shake-up in the close season, releasing a number of first team players just days after their final league match.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/6621167.stm | work=BBC News | title=Fairclough fashions thinking team | date=9 May 2007 | |
During the 2006–07 campaign, Fairclough led Barnet to the Fourth Round of the [[FA Cup]] – the first time in the club's history. Indeed, the team's league position improved significantly on the previous season, finishing well clear of the relegation zone in 14th place. Despite this, Fairclough has expressed his disappointment with the season overall, bemoaning his side's failure to draw a "big fish" in the [[FA Cup]] which could have seen a sizeable cash injection into the club. Fairclough was also critical of his team's performances on the pitch, in particular some of his side's defensive displays. As a result, he signalled his intentions for a squad shake-up in the close season, releasing a number of first team players just days after their final league match.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/6621167.stm | work=BBC News | title=Fairclough fashions thinking team | date=9 May 2007 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> |
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By the time Christmas arrived in the 2008–09 season, Barnet had only won three league matches, and would have been in dire relegation trouble had it not been for the deduction of points at the beginning of the season from [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]], [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] and [[ |
By the time Christmas arrived in the 2008–09 season, Barnet had only won three league matches, and would have been in dire relegation trouble had it not been for the deduction of points at the beginning of the season from [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]], [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]] and [[AFC Bournemouth]]. After losing at home to [[Aldershot Town F.C.|Aldershot Town]] on [[Boxing Day]], Fairclough decided it was time to step down after the game at Bournemouth on 28 December.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/7801204.stm | work=BBC News | title=Fairclough stands down at Barnet | date=27 December 2008 | access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> The players responded magnificently and put in a performance which gained an important 2–0 win to finish Fairclough's reign on a high. |
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In April 2010 Fairclough was made caretaker manager at Barnet after the sacking of [[Ian Hendon]], guiding the Bees to safety with a 1–0 win over [[Rochdale A.F.C|Rochdale]] on the last day of the season. He was made Temporary Manager till the end of the season in early 2011 following the sacking of [[Mark Stimson]] however stepped down with 8 games to go and was replaced by [[Martin Allen]]. He began his fourth managerial spell at Barnet in January 2014 following the departure of [[Edgar Davids]].<ref>[http://www.barnetfc.com/news/article/fairclough-named-interim-manager-1305197.aspx Fairclough named interim manager]</ref> After a 1–3 loss at home to [[Aldershot Town F.C.|Aldershot Town]] he resigned and was replaced by [[Ulrich Landvreugd]] and [[Dick Schreuder]]. |
In April 2010 Fairclough was made caretaker manager at Barnet after the sacking of [[Ian Hendon]], guiding the Bees to safety with a 1–0 win over [[Rochdale A.F.C|Rochdale]] on the last day of the season. He was made Temporary Manager till the end of the season in early 2011 following the sacking of [[Mark Stimson]] however stepped down with 8 games to go and was replaced by [[Martin Allen]]. He began his fourth managerial spell at Barnet in January 2014 following the departure of [[Edgar Davids]].<ref>[http://www.barnetfc.com/news/article/fairclough-named-interim-manager-1305197.aspx Fairclough named interim manager]</ref> After a 1–3 loss at home to [[Aldershot Town F.C.|Aldershot Town]] he resigned and was replaced by [[Ulrich Landvreugd]] and [[Dick Schreuder]]. |
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Fairclough became caretaker manager once more on 11 March 2021, leading the team following the departure of [[Tim Flowers]].<ref>[https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2021/march/paul-fairclough-to-take-temporary-charge/ Paul Fairclough to provide support for upcoming matches]</ref> He left this role eleven days later after taking charge for three games.<ref>[https://www.barnetfc.com/news/2021/march/thank-you-paul-club-gives-thanks-to-paul-fairclough/ Thank you, Paul! Club gives thanks to Paul Fairclough and provides update.]</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
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Whilst in a managerial position at Hertford in the late eighties, he was also an IT teacher at Onslow St Audrey's School in Hatfield having previously been head teacher in the PE department,{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}} at St. Audrey's from 1975. |
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== Honours == |
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'''Hertford Town''' |
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* [[Herts Senior Cup]]: [[1989–90 in English football|1989–90]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003673/19900504/115/0115 | newspaper = Hertford Mercury and Reformer | title = Blues in night of cup glory | date = 4 May 1990 | access-date = 8 July 2022 | url-access=subscription | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]}}</ref> |
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'''Stevenage Borough''' |
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*[[National League (division)|Conference National]]: [[1995–96 in English football|1995–96]]<ref name = "guide">{{ cite web | url = https://www.boroguide.co.uk/managers/6/ | work = Boro Guide | title = Paul Fairclough : Stevenage Manager | date = 14 November 2020| access-date = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> |
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*[[1993–94 Isthmian League|Isthmian Premier Division]]: [[1993–94 in English football|1993–94]]<ref name = "guide"/> |
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*[[1991–92 Isthmian League|Isthmian Division One]]: [[1991–92 in English football|1991–92]]<ref name = "guide"/> |
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* [[1990–91 Isthmian League|Isthmian Division Two North]]: [[1990–91 in English football|1990–91]]<ref name = "guide"/> |
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'''Barnet''' |
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* [[Conference National]]: [[2004–05 in English football|2004–05]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/dec/27/barnet-fairclough-hendon-league-two-football | newspaper = [[The Guardian]] | title = Fairclough stands down as Barnet manager | date = 27 December 2008 | access-date = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> |
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* [[Herts Senior Cup]]: [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://barnet.vitalfootball.co.uk/barnet-face-herts-rivals/ | work = Vital Football | title = Barnet Face Herts Rivals | date = 8 August 2007 | access-date = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> |
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* [[Hertfordshire Senior Challenge Cup|Hertfordshire Senior Cup]]: 2006–07<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.times-series.co.uk/sport/2055638.have-your-say-is-the-herts-senior-cup-important/ | work = Times Series | title = Have your say - Is the Herts Senior Cup important? | date = 19 February 2008 | access-date = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> |
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'''England C''' |
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* [[International Challenge Trophy|European Challenge Trophy]]: [[2005–06 European Challenge Trophy|2005–06]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/focus-england-c/ | title = FOCUS ON ENGLAND C | publisher = [[Football Association of Wales|FAW]] | date = 19 March 2018 | access-date = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> |
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* [[Four Nations Tournament (1979–2008)|Four Nations Tournament]]: [[2002–03 in English football|2003]], [[2004–05 in English football|2005]], 2007, [[2007–08 in English football|2008]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/MatchRslTmC.html | title = Match Results, The C Team | publisher = England Football Online | access-date = 8 July 2022 }}</ref> |
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'''Individual''' |
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==Managerial statistics== |
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*[[EFL League Two Manager of the Month|League Two Manager of the Month]]: September 2007<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/7028037.stm |title=Fairclough wins monthly accolade |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 October 2007 |access-date=4 October 2022}}</ref> |
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{{updated|23 March 2011.}} |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |
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|- |
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!rowspan="2"|Team |
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!rowspan="2"|Nat |
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!rowspan="2"|From |
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!rowspan="2"|To |
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!colspan="5"|Record |
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|- |
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!G!!W!!D!!L!!Win % |
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|- |
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|align=left|[[Stevenage F.C.|Stevenage Borough]] |
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|{{flagicon|England}} |
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|align=left|27 May 2000 |
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|align=left|26 February 2002 |
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{{WDL|92|32|36|24}} |
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|- |
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|align=left|[[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] |
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|{{flagicon|England}} |
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|align=left|30 March 2004 |
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|align=left|28 December 2008 |
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{{WDL|243|89|62|92}} |
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|- |
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⚫ | |||
|{{flagicon|England}} |
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|align=left|28 April 2010 |
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|align=left|1 June 2010 |
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{{WDL|2|1|0|1}} |
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|- |
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|align=left|[[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] (caretaker) |
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|{{flagicon|England}} |
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|align=left|1 January 2011 |
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|align=left|23 March 2011 |
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{{WDL|17|3|6|8}} |
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|- |
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|align=left|[[Barnet F.C.|Barnet]] (caretaker) |
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|{{flagicon|England}} |
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|align=left|20 January 2014 |
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|align=left|23 January 2014 |
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{{WDL|1|0|0|1}} |
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|- |
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!colspan="4"|Total |
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{{WDLtot|355|125|104|126}} |
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|} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{ |
{{reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/6621167.stm BBC Feature on Paul Fairclough] |
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/barnet/6621167.stm BBC Feature on Paul Fairclough] |
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{{Stevenage |
{{Stevenage F.C. managers}} |
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{{England C national football team managers}} |
{{England C national football team managers}} |
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{{Barnet F.C. managers}} |
{{Barnet F.C. managers}} |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category:People from Haydock]] |
[[Category:People from Haydock]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Footballers from Merseyside]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Sportspeople from the Metropolitan Borough of St Helens]] |
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[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]] |
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[[Category:English men's footballers]] |
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[[Category:Liverpool F.C. players]] |
[[Category:Liverpool F.C. players]] |
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[[Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players]] |
[[Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players]] |
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[[Category:St Albans City F.C. players]] |
[[Category:St Albans City F.C. players]] |
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[[Category:English football managers]] |
[[Category:English football managers]] |
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[[Category:Hertford Town F.C. managers]] |
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[[Category:Barnet F.C. managers]] |
[[Category:Barnet F.C. managers]] |
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[[Category:Stevenage F.C. managers]] |
[[Category:Stevenage F.C. managers]] |
Revision as of 17:58, 12 May 2024
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Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 31 January 1950 | ||
Place of birth | Litherland, Lancashire, England | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | England C (manager) | ||
Youth career | |||
Liverpool | |||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
Liverpool | |||
Wigan Athletic | |||
Witton Albion | |||
1975–77 & 1981–84 | Wealdstone | 104 | (9) |
St Albans City | |||
1981–82 | Cheshunt | 5 | (0) |
Managerial career | |||
1988–1990 | Hertford Town | ||
1990–1998 | Stevenage Borough | ||
2000–2002 | Stevenage Borough | ||
2003– | England C | ||
2004–2008 | Barnet | ||
2010 | Barnet (caretaker) | ||
2011 | Barnet (caretaker) | ||
2014 | Barnet (caretaker) | ||
2021 | Barnet (caretaker) | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Paul Fairclough (born 31 January 1950) is an English football manager and former player who is the manager of the England C team.
As a player, he made five appearances for Cheshunt in the 1981–82 season.
Managerial career
Stevenage
In 1990 Stevenage Borough employed Paul Fairclough as manager, who had previously managed Hertfordshire neighbours Hertford Town.
After two fourth-placed finishes, under the management of Fairclough, Stevenage won The Isthmian League Division Two North in 1990–91, winning 34 of their 42 games, including every match played at home, scoring 122 goals and amassing 107 points.
The following season Fairclough led the club to the Division One championship, remaining unbeaten at home again, and were promoted to the Premier Division. The club's long unbeaten home record was finally ended by Dulwich Hamlet, with the streak lasting 44 matches, of which 42 were won.
In 1993–94, still under Paul Fairclough's reins, the club won the Premier Division, and were promoted to the Football Conference. Two seasons later Fairclough led Stevenage to win the Conference, but they were denied promotion to the Football League due to insufficient ground facilities.
In 1998 Fairclough guided Stevenage into the FA Cup fourth round. They were awarded a home tie against Newcastle United, which they drew 1–1 against all odds, and subsequently were awarded a replay at St James' Park. Stevenage lost 2–1 in a controversial game, as Alan Shearer's header, awarded a goal by the referee, may or may not have crossed the line. Video evidence shows that a Stevenage defender appeared to have made a magnificent clearance.
Barnet
Fairclough was appointed caretaker manager of Barnet for the final few months of the 2003–04 Conference National season, replacing the popular Martin Allen who had controversially left the North Londoners for Brentford in March 2004. Initially there was some scepticism surrounding Fairclough's appointment due to his history with rivals Stevenage Borough.
Despite some edgy performances, Fairclough kept Barnet's promotion hopes alive, cementing 4th place and setting up a play-off semi-final with Shrewsbury Town. Barnet won the first leg at Underhill 2–1 thanks to a dramatic injury-time header from Bees defender Simon Clist. The second leg was a cagey affair and the tie was eventually settled on penalties – Barnet losing 5–3 in the shootout. Although the team had failed to reach the play-off final, Fairclough was handed the job on a permanent basis shortly after by Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous.
In his first full season as Barnet manager Fairclough determined to make up for the previous season's disappointment. The team took the Conference by storm. Following an excellent start to the campaign, the Bees propelled themselves to the top of the division, a position they occupied for the majority of the season. Fairclough's side produced some excellent performances both at Underhill and on the road, including the 3–1 victory over promotion rivals Carlisle United in mid-October, watched by a then-record Conference crowd of 9,215.[citation needed] With a solid defence marshalled by captain Ian Hendon, and 29 goals from striker Giuliano Grazioli, Barnet won the Conference title, securing automatic promotion to the Football League and finishing 12 points clear of their closest challengers with a vastly superior goal difference.
In his maiden venture into League management Fairclough successfully fought off relegation back to the Conference, ensuring Barnet's Football League status with victory over Rushden & Diamonds on the final day of the season. The highlight of the campaign undoubtedly came in late October when Fairclough's men travelled north to take on Manchester United in the third round of the League Cup.
During the 2006–07 campaign, Fairclough led Barnet to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup – the first time in the club's history. Indeed, the team's league position improved significantly on the previous season, finishing well clear of the relegation zone in 14th place. Despite this, Fairclough has expressed his disappointment with the season overall, bemoaning his side's failure to draw a "big fish" in the FA Cup which could have seen a sizeable cash injection into the club. Fairclough was also critical of his team's performances on the pitch, in particular some of his side's defensive displays. As a result, he signalled his intentions for a squad shake-up in the close season, releasing a number of first team players just days after their final league match.[1]
By the time Christmas arrived in the 2008–09 season, Barnet had only won three league matches, and would have been in dire relegation trouble had it not been for the deduction of points at the beginning of the season from Luton Town, Rotherham United and AFC Bournemouth. After losing at home to Aldershot Town on Boxing Day, Fairclough decided it was time to step down after the game at Bournemouth on 28 December.[2] The players responded magnificently and put in a performance which gained an important 2–0 win to finish Fairclough's reign on a high.
In April 2010 Fairclough was made caretaker manager at Barnet after the sacking of Ian Hendon, guiding the Bees to safety with a 1–0 win over Rochdale on the last day of the season. He was made Temporary Manager till the end of the season in early 2011 following the sacking of Mark Stimson however stepped down with 8 games to go and was replaced by Martin Allen. He began his fourth managerial spell at Barnet in January 2014 following the departure of Edgar Davids.[3] After a 1–3 loss at home to Aldershot Town he resigned and was replaced by Ulrich Landvreugd and Dick Schreuder.
Fairclough became caretaker manager once more on 11 March 2021, leading the team following the departure of Tim Flowers.[4] He left this role eleven days later after taking charge for three games.[5]
Honours
Hertford Town
Stevenage Borough
- Conference National: 1995–96[7]
- Isthmian Premier Division: 1993–94[7]
- Isthmian Division One: 1991–92[7]
- Isthmian Division Two North: 1990–91[7]
Barnet
England C
Individual
- League Two Manager of the Month: September 2007[13]
References
- ^ "Fairclough fashions thinking team". BBC News. 9 May 2007. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
- ^ "Fairclough stands down at Barnet". BBC News. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
- ^ Fairclough named interim manager
- ^ Paul Fairclough to provide support for upcoming matches
- ^ Thank you, Paul! Club gives thanks to Paul Fairclough and provides update.
- ^ "Blues in night of cup glory". Hertford Mercury and Reformer. 4 May 1990. Retrieved 8 July 2022 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ a b c d "Paul Fairclough : Stevenage Manager". Boro Guide. 14 November 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Fairclough stands down as Barnet manager". The Guardian. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Barnet Face Herts Rivals". Vital Football. 8 August 2007. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Have your say - Is the Herts Senior Cup important?". Times Series. 19 February 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "FOCUS ON ENGLAND C". FAW. 19 March 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Match Results, The C Team". England Football Online. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Fairclough wins monthly accolade". BBC Sport. 4 October 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
External links
- 1950 births
- Living people
- People from Haydock
- Footballers from Merseyside
- Sportspeople from the Metropolitan Borough of St Helens
- Men's association football midfielders
- English men's footballers
- Liverpool F.C. players
- Wigan Athletic F.C. players
- Witton Albion F.C. players
- Wealdstone F.C. players
- Cheshunt F.C. players
- St Albans City F.C. players
- English football managers
- Hertford Town F.C. managers
- Barnet F.C. managers
- Stevenage F.C. managers
- Barnet F.C. non-playing staff
- English Football League managers
- National League (English football) managers