Former
Chelsea boss John Neal, who managed the club for four years in the 1980s,
has died at the age of 82
Neal, who also managed Wrexham and Middlesbrough, succeeded Geoff Hurst and
was in charge at Stamford Bridge between 1981 and 1985.
He signed the likes of Kerry Dixon, Pat Nevin and Eddie Niedzwiecki and led
the club to the old Second Division title in 1984 before retiring due to ill
health at the end of the following season.
A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the
passing of John Neal, one of the most significant and loved managers in our
history. The club sends our deepest condolences to John’s family and
friends.
"John will always be remembered at Chelsea for turning the team around from
our very lowest point."
Club historian Rick Glanvill said: "A succession of novices had found
turning round London’s cash-strapped former giant beyond them before Neal
arrived in 1981.
"After a dismal two seasons, his proper old football nous would produce two
years of unforgettable drama and togetherness in the middle of a troubled
decade and a half. Had his reign not been cruelly curtailed by illness,
genuine silverware looked highly possible."
A statement from Wrexham, where Neal managed for nine years before leaving
for Middlesbrough in 1977, read: "The club has been deeply saddened to hear
of the passing of one of our true legends."
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