Bobby Ancell

Robert Francis Dudgeon Ancell (16 June 1911 – 5 July 1987) was a Scottish football player and manager. He played as a left back and was capped twice by the Scottish national side.

Ancell was born in in Dumfries and his playing career began with local side Mid Annandale, from where he moved to St Mirren in 1930. After six years in Paisley, Ancell was signed by Newcastle United for the start of the 1936-37 season. Within months of his move south Ancell received international recognition, making his Scotland debut in a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. He returned north upon the outbreak of World War II, guesting for numerous teams before permanently joining Dundee. After 4 years with the "Dark Blues", he played his final campaign with Aberdeen in 1948-49.

Ancell then turned his hand to management, initially with Berwick Rangers. The "Borderers" were invited to join the Scottish League structure in 1951 and, after he guided them to a successful maiden season in C Division, Ancell was approached by B Division side Dunfermline Athletic in 1952. Ancell was manager at East End Park until 1955, helping the "Pars" to promotion in his final season, when they finished runners-up to Aidrieonians.

Motherwell was Ancell's next port of call in 1955 and he would stay in charge at the Lanarkshire club for the next 10 years. Although unable to match the trophy-winning exploits of his predecessor George Stevenson, Ancell crafted a dynamic young side featuring players like Ian St John, Charlie Aitken and Willie Hunter, which was dubbed the "Ancell Babes". Continual pressure to sell the side's top performers and the resultant drop in league form led to his resignation in 1965.

After a 3 year spell in charge at Dundee ended in 1968, he retired from football management. However he remained involved in the game, firstly as a coach then latterly as a scout until his death in 1987.

External links

* [http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/player_details.cfm?playerid=44177&squadid=1 Profile] at Official Scottish FA site