A WWII pilot, the youngest-ever player-manager, and a man who literally transferred himself—meet Ivor Broadis, the legend with a twist!
A player once became his own boss—literally. Imagine entering the manager’s office to discuss a transfer and finding yourself on both sides of the table! That is exactly what happened to Ivor Broadis, the youngest player-manager in Football League history.
But his story doesn’t end there. Broadis led an eventful life, from flying Wellingtons in World War II to pulling the strings in England’s top flight. Curious? Let’s take a look at some spectacular moments from his astonishing career.
Before captivating football crowds, Broadis was soaring high—quite literally! During World War II, he served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), piloting Wellingtons and Lancasters.
However, football never deserted him during the conflict. He maintained his skill level by appearing for Tottenham Hotspur in friendly matches.
When Broadis took over as manager of Carlisle United at the age of 23, he became the youngest player-manager in the Football League. And guess what? The record still stands! Managing a club while still playing is rare, but promoting yourself as a player? That’s next level.
Yes, you read it right! When Carlisle United faced financial difficulties, Broadis, the team’s manager and star player, believed that selling himself was the best way to rescue the club.
Sunderland made an £18,000 offer for Broadis, the player, and Broadis, in his role as manager, accepted it. Just think about creating your own transfer agreement—what a form of self-investment!
Broadis has played for some of England’s top clubs, including Sunderland, Manchester City, and Newcastle United. Despite helping Newcastle reach the 1955 FA Cup Final, he was ultimately left out of the big match. Newcastle won, but Broadis didn’t get to lift the trophy.
From fighting in WWII to selling himself to rescue a club, his story is both astonishing and inspiring.
