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 George Mulhall
| Nationality |  Scottish |
George Mulhall will always be remembered for his third spell as manager at The Shay. Leading the club back into the Football League 20+ years after his first period at the helm he delivered the success the fans had been craving for.
Mulhall first took charge in the summer of 1972 when the club found itself without a manager. It was the Scotsman's first managerial appointment in a career which had seen him capped by his country.
A good start was made to the season but things slowly deteriorated almost culminating in relegation. But four wins from the final four games ensured survival in one of the biggest great escapes in the clubs history.
The next season proved just as difficult off the field with financial problems hitting the club leaving Mulhall with little money to improve the squad. A final 9th position in the league though proved that the manager had the ability to get the best out of what he had to work with.
Another full season though appeared to be too much with Mulhall joining Bolton Wanderers in September 1974. Wanting to improve on the previous season's finish was not possible so he looked to build on his career elsewhere.
Mulhall returned to the club in May 1995 to take care of the Youth Team and took control of first team affairs on a temporary basis when John Bird left the club in 1996. He was aided by Kieran O'Regan, and this partnership was one that would take the club back into the Football League. But for now the partnership was only a short-term measure.
After John Carroll's unsuccessful reign Mulhall was asked to retain the clubs Conference status given the lowly position held. The task was passed thanks to a 4-2 victory over Stevenage Borough on the last day of the season.
Quite deservedly Mulhall, along with his assistant O'Regan, were rewarded with full-time contracts to try and improve on what had been a disappointing season and once again they were to pass with flying colours.
Nobody had know just what to expect but with a few additions while sticking with the core of the squad from the previous season the pre-season got off to a flyer. The supporters started to believe that something special was being performed by the managerial team and they weren’t wrong.
Good results followed excellent results and other teams in the league sat up and realised that the Shaymen were going to take some stopping. Town went the full season without losing at The Shay and had won the league with three games to go.
It was a truly remarkable and unforgettable season which will take a lot to beat it. The football played was how it should be, on the floor, and at times the team looked invincible. It was a miracle season delivered by a miracle worker.
Sadly, Mulhall's reign came to a premature end given off field disruptions behind the scenes. But the supporters of the club will forever be in debt to Sir George Mulhall.
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