Patrick O'Conell: Barcelona's Irish Saviour | AFC Finners | Football History Documentary

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History will always point to the likes of Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola as the finest managers in Barcelona’s history. But many may not be aware that long before them, they were managed by an Irishman named Patrick O’Connell, who played a huge part in saving the club from bankruptcy, and without him, they may never have become the footballing giant they are today. He also holds a special place in the hearts of Real Betis, after leading them to their only ever top-flight title.
Sources-
www.the42.ie/patrick-oconnell...
www.irishcentral.com/roots/hi...
www.theguardian.com/football/...
nationalfootballmuseum.com/ne...
getfootballnewsspain.com/feat...
www.independent.co.uk/sport/f...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-norther...
www.irishexaminer.com/lifesty...

[@mudflapmatt]

That is dedication to your craft. What a great coach he must have been to play under. Thanks for telling his story Finners.

[@afcfinners]

Risked his life for the club, deserves huge respect

[@depekthegreat359]

The legendary Irish player and manager Patrick O'Conell sir was a good player and fantastic saviour,mainly as a manager at both Real Betis where he won a league title in the 1934/1935 season and saved Barcelona from being extinct and his contributions with the other respective footballing clubs which he played and managed,good friends!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@afcfinners]

Cheers pal, glad that Betis gave him the credit he deserves with the bust

[@historyoffootball87]

Interesting story. I don't think there are too many Irish managers now that manage big clubs like Barcelona.