1. Life
Edward Vizard's life spanned from the late 19th century through much of the 20th century, marked by a significant career in professional football.
1.1. Birth and Early Background
Edward Vizard was born on 7 June 1889, in Cogan, a village located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Details of his early life and upbringing are not extensively documented, but his talent for football became evident, leading him to a professional career in the sport.
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2. Playing career
Edward Vizard's playing career was almost entirely dedicated to Bolton Wanderers, where he established himself as a prominent figure in English football for nearly two decades.
2.1. Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Vizard joined Bolton Wanderers in September 1910, arriving from Barry. He made his debut later that same year and quickly cemented his position as the team's primary outside left. He remained with the club for an impressive 18 seasons, making a total of 512 appearances for the team, affectionately known as the "Trotters". During his tenure, he scored 70 goals, contributing significantly to the team's offensive capabilities. His consistency and dedication made him a fixture in the Bolton lineup for nearly two decades.
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2.2. FA Cup Victories
A highlight of Vizard's playing career was his exceptional success in the FA Cup, England's premier knockout football competition. He played in three FA Cup Finals with Bolton Wanderers, and remarkably, the team emerged victorious in all three appearances. These triumphs occurred in the 1923, 1926, and 1929 finals, solidifying his legacy as a key member of a highly successful era for the club.
2.3. Wales National Team
In addition to his club achievements, Edward Vizard also represented his country at the international level. He earned 22 international caps playing for the Wales national football team, showcasing his talent on a broader stage.
2.4. Playing Career Records
Vizard's playing career at Bolton Wanderers concluded with his retirement in 1931, at the age of 41. At the time of his retirement, he held the distinction of being the oldest player to have played for the club. This record stood for many years until it was eventually broken in 1995 by Peter Shilton. His longevity and consistent performance at the highest level of English football underscore his impact as a player.
3. Managerial career
Following his retirement as a player, Edward Vizard transitioned into football management, leading several clubs in the English league system.
3.1. Swindon Town
In April 1933, Vizard left his coaching position with the 'A' team at Bolton Wanderers to take on his first managerial role at Swindon Town. He served as the manager of Swindon Town for six years, holding the position until 1939.
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3.2. Queens Park Rangers
After the 1938/39 football season, Vizard departed Swindon Town to assume the managerial reins at Queens Park Rangers (QPR), succeeding Billy Birrell. His tenure at QPR, from 1939 to 1944, was significantly impacted by the outbreak of World War II. Due to the war, league football was suspended, meaning Vizard never had the opportunity to manage Queens Park Rangers in a competitive league game. Despite the suspension of official league play, the team experienced relative success in wartime football competitions under his guidance.
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3.3. Wolverhampton Wanderers
In 1944, Edward Vizard moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he replaced Major Frank Buckley as manager. He was officially appointed manager of the "Wolves" in April 1944. Vizard led the team through the immediate post-war period, and in the first peacetime season of 1946/47, he guided Wolverhampton Wanderers to a commendable third-place finish in the Football League First Division, which was then the top tier of English football. His managerial spell at Wolves concluded in the summer of 1948 when he was replaced by Stan Cullis.
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4. Death
Edward Vizard died on December 25, 1973.
5. Assessment and Impact
Edward Vizard left a notable mark on English football, both through his distinguished playing career and his subsequent contributions as a manager.
5.1. Player Assessment
As a player, Edward Vizard was highly regarded for his longevity and consistent performance as an outside left. His nearly two decades at Bolton Wanderers, encompassing 512 appearances and 70 goals, highlight his enduring presence and effectiveness on the field. His pivotal role in securing three FA Cup titles for Bolton in the 1920s underscores his importance to the team's success during a golden era for the club. Furthermore, his achievement of 22 international caps for Wales demonstrates his recognition as one of the top players of his time. The record he held as Bolton's oldest player upon his retirement further attests to his remarkable physical condition and dedication to the sport.
5.2. Managerial Assessment
Vizard's managerial career, though shorter than his playing one, also saw significant achievements. At Swindon Town, he laid foundational work for six years. His tenure at Queens Park Rangers was unique due to World War II, where he navigated the club through wartime competitions with relative success despite the absence of official league football. His most notable managerial achievement was guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to a third-place finish in the Football League First Division in the 1946/47 season, a strong performance in the immediate post-war football landscape. This demonstrated his ability to lead and organize a top-tier team effectively.
5.3. Impact on Football
Edward Vizard's overall impact on football stems from his dual contributions as a long-serving, successful player and a capable manager. His dedication to Bolton Wanderers as a player for 18 seasons made him a club legend, synonymous with a period of significant trophy success. As a manager, he contributed to the development and performance of three different clubs, adapting to challenging circumstances such as wartime football. His career spanned a transformative period in football history, from the early professional era to the post-war resurgence, and he remained a respected figure throughout.