Everton were one of the last league clubs to appoint a team manager when Theo Kelly took the job in 1939. There have been some disputes as to when Kelly actually took control of the team as he was club secretary following the death of Thomas McIntosh. However his records are only for his time as manager.
Although he was in charge of the team for about nine season only two were full league seasons due to World War 2. After the war Kelly, who was seen as a remote, autocratic and petty figure, fell out with many of the players. A disagreement with Joe Mercer saw him sold to Arsenal, Tommy Lawton was to leave and Kelly tried to sell T.G. Jones to Roma only for the deal to fall through. It is also said that Kelly was the reason Dixie Dean left the club in 1937
Theo Kelly was better known for his administrative skills rather than that of football management and when he resigned he left the club in a good financial state. The playing staff had been depleted and it became clear Kelly was out of his depth. After two poor seasons, finishing 10th and 14th, he stepped down as manager in September 1948 following a poor start to the season and reverted to his previous roll as club secretary.
Theo Kelly's full managerial record :
Receiving the Colours.
League FA Cup
League FA Cup
League FA Cup
Three photographs showing the vast crowds who attended the celebrations.
