Rest in peace, Frank O’Farrell
Former Manchester United manager Frank O’Farrell has died at the age of 94.
O’Farrell – who won nine caps for the Republic of Ireland – played for West Ham United and Preston North End during a 14-year playing career.
Prior to managing the Red Devils, the Irishman took charge of Weymouth, Torquay United and Leicester City.
He succeeded United legend Matt Busby at Old Trafford in 1971, with the Red Devils having finished in eighth-place in the First Division in the previous two seasons before his arrival.
Despite an impressive start at the helm, O’Farrell was sacked after 18 months in the role and was replaced by Tommy Docherty.
He remains as the only Irish manager in the club’s history.
Following his time at Old Trafford, O’Farrell became the manager of the Iranian national team, leading the team to the gold medal at the 1974 Asian Games.
West Ham released a statement following the sad news of his passing, which read: “Everyone at West Ham United has been left saddened by news of the passing of Frank O’Farrell at the age of 94.
“A principled, softly-spoken, genial man who was liked and respected by all who knew him well, O’Farrell was the oldest living former West Ham player prior to his passing on Sunday morning at the age of 94 years and five months.
“Everyone at West Ham United would like to express their sincere condolences to Frank’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Everyone at the Club is saddened by news of the passing of Frank O’Farrell at the age of 94.
Rest in peace, Frank.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 7, 2022
Manchester United also released a statement, which read: “While Frank’s 18-month reign at the United helm was an undulating affair, there is no shred of doubt that he was a talented manager and a man of unimpeachable integrity.
“After his departure, Frank went on to manage Cardiff City and the Iran national side before putting in two more stints with Torquay ahead of retirement.
“He lamented the fact that he had not been give more time to implement a long-term project at Old Trafford and, while we will never know how that might have turned out, we do know that we will always be grateful for his willingness to take the tiller at such a tricky point in the club’s history.”
⚫️ United Mourn The Passing Of Frank O'Farrell
Torquay United AFC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its legendary manager, Frank O'Farrell. #tufc https://t.co/7snEnhnfMl pic.twitter.com/i5OrRB74qT
— Torquay United AFC (@TUFC1899) March 7, 2022
Torquay United, who were managed by O’Farrell both before and after his time as United poss, paid tribute to the Irishman.
“Having achieved so much at Torquay United AFC, and having laid the foundations for many of its later successes, Frank O’Farrell’s status as a Club legend is unquestionable, and although his passing leaves a void that will never be filled, we remain privileged that such a large and successful part of his career was spent at our Club,” a statement from the Devon side read.
“Thanks for the memories, Frank.”
