Tosh (2022)

In 1978 John Toshack left European champions Liverpool to join Fourth Division Swansea City as Player/Manager. Despite having no managerial experience and at just 28 years old, Tosh arrived full of self belief with the support of his mentor, Liverpool legend Bill Shankly.

Tosh made immediate changes to the way the lowly club operated, inheriting a hungry young squad that included Alan Curtis, Robbie James and Jeremy Charles. Tosh outlandishly proclaimed that within four years these young professionals would be playing in the First Division. As Tosh's Swans climbed out of the basement they were joined by star signings like Liverpool's Tommy Smith and Ian Callaghan, and became a force to be reckoned with. Needing a win on the final day of the season and drawing 1-1 with Chesterfield with time running out, Tosh brought himself on to score the winning goal and seal promotion. After a season of consolidation in the Second Division the Swans were on the march again and taking the entire city with them as a new stand was unveiled at the Vetch Field. With new star signings like Leighton James and the return of Alan Curtis, as well as the promise of a trip to Magaluf, Swansea's star was rising, and so was their fearless young manager's. With another final day promotion sealed, Tosh's Swans had reached the promised land of the First Division for the first time in the club's history and Shankly proclaimed his young protege 'Manager of the Century'. Exploding into the First Division with a 5-1 demolition of Leeds it seemed that anything was possible. But just a few months in, Bill Shankly passed away - the week that Swansea were due to play Liverpool, meaning an emotional return to the Kop for Tosh. After famous triumphs over Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool themselves Swansea City finished in their highest ever league position of 6th. In four short years Toshack learned lessons that would stay with him across a career that featured Real Madrid and trophies across the world.