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

“Under his guidance we had experiences as players and as a team which you never forget and he was massively respected throughout the game, not just in the places where he worked.”

Central defender Roy Ellam, who had four ever-present seasons as Town enjoyed their promotion and top-flight success, described Greaves as “a wonderful man”.

He said: “It’s very sad news that Ian has passed away because he was my favourite man, without a shadow of a doubt.

“He was a superb coach, but his best asset was his man-management and he did wonders for my career.

“As soon as Ian took over from Tom Johnston as manager, he put me in the first team and was responsible for not only making me into the player I was but filling me with confidence as well.

“He could get inside a player’s head; his one-to-one talks were just fantastic.

“Ian was my favourite manager, even though I worked under Don Revie at Leeds, and I not only held him in the highest regard but I loved him to bits. All the lads did.”

Lifelong supporter Maureen Procter was a member of the Town Supporters Club committee when Greaves was in charge at Leeds Road.

“As fans we all have very fond memories of Ian Greaves and it’s very sad news that he is no longer with us,” she said.

“Winning the Second Division was like topping the Championship now and going into the Premiership, and if we ever achieve it again it will feel just as good now as it did then.

“Ian was always amenable and willing to talk to the fans and he was a great friend to all the players in his squad.

“We also did remarkably well bringing young players through while he was manager and, of course, got to the FA Youth Cup final for the one and only time so far.”