George Poyser

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George Poyser (born 6 February 1910 in Mansfield, died 30 January 1995) was a English football player and manager.

Poyser played as a defender in the 1930s. Starting at his home town team Mansfield, he was part of the Mansfield team when they were elected to the Football League in 1931.^[1] He later played for Port Vale, and in 1934 he transferred to Brentford. In his first season at Brentford, the club won the Second Division championship. He played for Brentford for a decade, making more than 150 appearances,^[1] though like many players of his era, the Second World War shortened his career, though he represented Brentford in the non-competitive wartime competitions. but when competitive football resumed the 36 year old Poyser made three appearances for Plymouth Argyle,^[2] and then turned to management with Dover. However, his management career gained more recognition at Notts County, whom he managed between 1953 and 1957, reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1955. Former Notts County winger Gordon Wills regards Poyser as the best manager he played for.^[3]

In 1957 Poyser joined Manchester City as assistant to Les McDowall, with a reputation for being a talented scout. Manchester City were relegated to the Second Division in 1963, and McDowall left the club. On 12 July 1963, Poyser was appointed as his replacement.^[4] In his first season, the club reached the League Cup semi-finals, but were well short of promotion in the league, finishing sixth. His second season proved disappointing, and in January 1965 the club reached a low point with their lowest ever League attendance of 8,015 against Swindon.^[4] At Easter Poyser was sacked, and the club finished the season in their then lowest ever position of 11th in the Second Division.

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