Obituary: Ian Greaves

Jan 5 2009 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ian Greaves, the last man to take Town into the top flight, dies at home aged 76

FORMER Town left-back Geoff Hutt reflected on Town’s great days under Ian Greaves and revealed: “He was the best manager I ever played under.”

Hutt played all but four of Town’s top-flight matches over two seasons, having been ever-present in the Second Division championship side.

“I had the utmost respect for Ian – as did all the players,” said Hutt, who is now part of Town’s matchday staff.

“We would run through brick walls for Ian and for Henry Cockburn (the coach), who were a terrific team. They were great days.

“Ian was the best manager I played under - a great motivator, a man who had tremendous success with the club.

“To get us up to what is now the Premiership was a great achievement and the fans still remember those days like they were yesterday. Every time Ian’s name is mentioned, you think of Town in the First Division.”

Hutt added: “When Ian first joined the club he would come over the tops in the car, pick up Chris Cattlin and then collect me at Lindley, where I was in digs, so I got to know him quite well.

“He was coaching in those days and he was a tremendous coach. It’s hard to pick out special memories because there were so many, but his team talks were always so positive. He gave so much self-belief to the players it was unbelievable, and he was a great help to everyone.