1. Overview
Albert Guinchard (Albert GuinchardFrench, November 10, 1914 - May 19, 1971) was a Swiss professional footballer who spent his entire playing career with Servette FC. A prominent midfielder, he represented the Switzerland national team in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, participating in both the 1934 FIFA World Cup and the 1938 FIFA World Cup. Following his playing career, Guinchard also briefly served as a co-manager for Servette FC.
2. Early Life
Albert Guinchard's early life laid the foundation for his distinguished football career, which began and concluded in his home city.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Albert Guinchard was born on November 10, 1914, in Geneva, Geneva Canton, Switzerland. Details of his specific childhood experiences are not widely documented, but his early years in Geneva set the stage for his lifelong connection to the city's football scene.
2.2. Early Career
Guinchard began his professional football journey with Servette FC, a prominent club based in his hometown of Geneva. He quickly established himself as a key player, demonstrating the skills that would define his extensive career. His early commitment to Servette FC would ultimately lead to him spending his entire playing career with the club.
3. Playing Career
Albert Guinchard's playing career was marked by his unwavering loyalty to Servette FC and his significant contributions to the Switzerland national team on the international stage.
3.1. Club Career
Guinchard played his entire professional club career for Servette FC, based in Geneva, Switzerland. His tenure with the club spanned many years, during which he became a stalwart midfielder for the team. His dedication to a single club throughout his professional playing days is a notable aspect of his career.
3.2. International Career
Albert Guinchard was a key member of the Switzerland national football team, making appearances in two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments. He was selected for the Swiss squad for the 1934 FIFA World Cup held in Italy. In this tournament, the Swiss team was coached by Heinrich Müller. Four years later, Guinchard was again part of the national squad for the 1938 FIFA World Cup in France. For the 1938 campaign, the team was under the guidance of coach Karl Rappan. His participation in two World Cups underscores his importance to Swiss football during the 1930s.
4. Managerial Career
Following his retirement as a player, Albert Guinchard transitioned into a managerial role, albeit for a brief period. From 1936 to 1937, he served as a co-manager for his long-time club, Servette FC. During this period, he shared managerial responsibilities with Robert Pache.
4.1. Servette FC Managerial History
The following table lists the managers of Servette FC throughout its history, including periods of co-management.
| Manager(s) | Years |
|---|---|
| Duckworth | 1921 to 1929 |
| Barth | 1929 |
| Duckworth | 1930 |
| Rappan | 1931 to 1935 |
| Weisz | 1935 to 1936 |
| Pache & Guinchard | 1936 to 1937 |
| Höss | 1937 |
| Abegglen | 1937 to 1942 |
| Wionsowski | 1942 to 1943 |
| Jaccard | 1943 to 1948 |
| Rappan | 1948 to 1953 |
| Châtelain | 1953 to 1954 |
| Rappan & Châtelain | 1954 to 1955 |
| Rappan & Brinek | 1955 to 1956 |
| Rappan | 1956 to 1957 |
| Vincze | 1957 to 1958 |
| Séchehaye | 1958 to 1959 |
| Snella | 1959 to 1963 |
| Leduc | 1963 to 1966 |
| Vonlanthen | 1966 |
| Guttmann | 1966 to 1967 |
| Dutoît | 1967 |
| Snella | 1967 to 1971 |
| Gillet | 1971 to 1972 |
| Sundermann | 1972 to 1976 |
| Pázmándy | 1976 to 1982 |
| Mathez | 1982 to 1985 |
| Guillou | 1985 to 1986 |
| De Choudens | 1986 to 1988 |
| Donzé | 1988 to 1989 |
| Pázmándy | 1989 to 1990 |
| Krol | 1990 |
| Gress | 1990 to 1991 |
| Thissen | 1991 |
| Mocellin, Barlie & Hermann | 1991 |
| Renquin | 1991 to 1993 |
| Petković | 1993 to 1995 |
| Challandes | 1995 |
| Barberis | 1995 to 1996 |
| Boškov | 1996 to 1997 |
| Mathez | 1997 |
| Castella | 1997 to 1999 |
| Gjurovski | 1999 |
| Exbrayat | 1999 to 2000 |
| Favre | 2000 to 2002 |
| Morinini | 2002 to 2003 |
| Urseac | 2003 |
| Schällibaum | 2003 to 2004 |
| Ursea & Ceccaronic | 2004 |
| Sessolo | 2005 |
| Aeby | 2005 to 2008 |
| Sauthier | 2008 |
| Castella | 2008 to 2009 |
| Nilerhauser | 2009 |
| Alves | 2009 to 2011 |
| Pereira | 2011 to 2012 |
| Alves | 2012 |
| Fournier | 2012 to 2013 |
| Aeby | 2013 to 2014 |
| Cantaluppi | 2014 |
| Cooper | 2014 to 2015 |
| Nilerhauser & Cottingc | 2015 to 2016 |
| Braizat | 2016 to 2017 |
| Kodro | 2017 to 2018 |
| Geiger | 2018 to 2023 |
| Weiler | 2023 to 2024 |
| Häberli | 2024 |
5. Death
Albert Guinchard passed away on May 19, 1971, in Geneva, Geneva Canton, Switzerland, the same city where he was born and spent his entire football career. He was 56 years old at the time of his death.
6. Legacy and Assessment
Albert Guinchard is remembered as a dedicated Swiss footballer who committed his entire playing career to Servette FC. His consistent performance as a midfielder earned him a place in the Switzerland national football team for two FIFA World Cup tournaments in the 1930s, highlighting his significance to Swiss football during that era. His brief foray into management with Servette FC further demonstrates his enduring connection to the sport and his club.