Peter O'Rourke (manager)

The young Peter O'Rourke, as featured in the 1903 Official handbook

Peter O'Rourke was City's most successful manager, during his two spells with the club they captured the Second Division Championship in 1908, the FA Cup in 1911 and the Third Division North title in 1929.

The Scotsman joined City from Chesterfield during the summer of 1903 and made his debut at centre half during City's first ever home match against Gainsborough on 5th September. He slowly rose through the ranks being reserve coach, club coach and then manager in November 1905.

He steered City into the first division and then to their FA Cup triumph in six years. The death of his son Francis in 1919 deeply affected him, he resigned in June 1921 and had brief spells in Wales and Scotland before returning to Bradford to manage Park Avenue. He returned to Valley Parade in May 1928 and led the team to the Third Division North Championship. He resigned in May 1930, managed Walsall and Llanelly before retiring in July 1933.

Peter returned to Bradford and lived right next to Valley Parade at 45 Burlington Terrace until his death at his sons home at Odsal on 10th July 1956 aged 82.

Right: Peter O'Rourke the manager and (below) pictured with fellow City legends Mark Mellors (left) and Dickie Bond (centre)

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