1. Overview
Conyers Kirby (1884-1946), also widely known as Ralph Kirby, was an English professional footballer and manager. Born in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, Kirby began his career as an outside forward before transitioning into management. He became a prominent figure in Spanish football during the 1920s, coaching notable clubs such as CE Europa and FC Barcelona, and later Athletic Bilbao. His managerial tenure saw him achieve significant success, including Catalan Championship titles and a Copa del Rey victory, contributing notably to the early development of Spanish football.
2. Life and Early Career
Conyers Kirby was born on March 18, 1884, in the Bordesley Green district of Birmingham, England. Before embarking on his professional football career, Kirby served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. During his time with the corps, he actively participated in their football team, demonstrating his athletic prowess. Beyond football, he was also recognized as a champion sprinter. In 1905, he commenced his professional football journey by joining Southern League club Fulham.
3. Playing Career
Conyers Kirby played as an outside right throughout his professional football career. After joining Fulham in 1905, he made four appearances in league games for the club. In the close season of 1906, he transferred to Birmingham. His only appearance in the Football League for Birmingham occurred on September 6, 1906, in a First Division match at home against Newcastle United, which Birmingham lost by a score of 4-2.
Following his spell at Birmingham, Kirby joined Blackpool, though he did not make any appearances in the Football League for them. He then moved into non-league football, playing for clubs such as Worcester City, Kidderminster Harriers, and Willenhall Pickwick. In 1913, he returned to Fulham. Kirby retired from playing professional football in 1918.
4. Coaching Career
After retiring as a player in 1918, Conyers Kirby moved to Spain, where he transitioned into a new phase of his career as a football referee and later as a manager. He became a prominent figure in Spanish football, managing two of Catalonia's most historic clubs, CE Europa and FC Barcelona, during the 1920s, and also had a tenure at Athletic Bilbao.
4.1. CE Europa (First Stint)
Kirby was appointed manager of CE Europa in August 1922. Under his guidance, Europa achieved significant success, notably winning the Campionat de Catalunya in the 1922-23 season. This victory came after finishing level on points with FC Barcelona, leading to a title play-off match which Europa won 1-0. As champions of Catalonia, CE Europa represented the region in the Copa del Rey that year. They advanced to the final by defeating Sevilla and Sporting Gijón in earlier rounds. However, in the final, held at Les Corts, they were defeated 1-0 by Athletic Bilbao.
4.2. FC Barcelona
Following his successful period with CE Europa, Conyers Kirby was appointed coach of FC Barcelona in December 1924, taking over from Jesza Poszony. His debut match as Barcelona's manager was a friendly against First Vienna on Christmas Day in 1925, which Barcelona won 2-0. During his tenure at Barcelona, Kirby was in charge for a total of 39 games.
4.3. Athletic Bilbao
In September 1925, Kirby took on the role of manager for Athletic Bilbao. He remained with the club for approximately eight months before returning to England in May 1926.
4.4. CE Europa (Second Stint)
Kirby returned to manage CE Europa for a second stint during the 1930-31 La Liga season. However, this period proved challenging for the club. Under his management, Europa finished at the bottom of the league table, which resulted in their relegation to the Segunda División.
5. Honours
Conyers Kirby achieved several notable honours during his coaching career in Spanish football.
CE Europa
- Copa del Rey runners-up: 1923
- Campionat de Catalunya: 1922-23
FC Barcelona
- Copa del Rey: 1925, 1926
- Campionat de Catalunya: 1925
Athletic Bilbao
- Basque football championship: 1925-26
6. Death
Conyers Kirby died on April 9, 1946, at the age of 62.