Willie Maddren - Management and Legacy at Boro

Management and Legacy At Boro

When Malcolm Allison became Middlesbrough manager in 1982 Maddren returned to Ayresome Park as physiotherapist. By then Boro were struggling in the old Second Division. Allison was sacked on 24 March 1984, and was replaced by Jack Charlton as caretaker manager with Maddren as assistant. The new management team staved off relegation and Maddren was promoted to post of manager at the season's end.

This period in the history of Middlesbrough is considered its most traumatic. The club was in financial difficulties which eventually led to liquidation in 1986 and the near loss of professional football on Teesside. At the end of 1985–86 season Boro were relegated to the old Third Division. By then Maddren was no longer manager. In his first full season 1984–85 Boro struggled and avoided relegation on the last day of the season, 11 May 1985 in Shrewsbury. The following season Maddren was sacked with 13 games remaining, replaced by his assistant Bruce Rioch. Despite the failure to turn Boro round Maddren is remembered for his astute signings. Bernie Slaven was signed from part-time football in Scotland to become a Middlesbrough legend. He saw the potential of Gary Pallister, a defender with Northern League Billingham Town, despite a lacklustre trial with Boro reserves in front of previous manager Malcolm Allison. Both became internationals. Other signings Maddren made came to fruition under the managership of Bruce Rioch included Stephen Pears, a reserve goalkeeper from Manchester United, Brian Laws and Archie Stephens, important members of the Third Division promotion winning team of 1986–87. Maddren also brought youth team players through the ranks, including Colin Cooper and Stuart Ripley.

Following his sacking Maddren concentrated on his successful sports shop business. The Willie Maddren trophy is a charity football competition named after him. It is a single charity match and the proceeds go towards the Mike Findley MND Fund.