Was Alan Carr's Dad Really A Football Manager

Alright, picture this: you're at the local pub, nursing your pint, and your mate turns to you and says, "You know, Alan Carr's dad was a football manager, right?" Now, you might be thinking, "Hang on a sec, isn't that the bloke from 'Chatty Man' and 'The Price is Right'? What's he doing managing a football team?" Well, grab your bar snacks, 'cause we're about to dive into a tale that's stranger than a referee calling a penalty in a pub league match.

Meet Gordon Carr, The Unlikely Football Manager

Now, let's rewind to the 1970s. Alan Carr, the comedian we know and love, is just a kid growing up in Northampton. His dad, Gordon, is a man of many hats - a teacher, a milkman, and, believe it or not, a football manager. But this isn't your average Sunday league manager we're talking about. Oh no, Gordon Carr was the manager of Northampton Town Football Club, a team that, at the time, was playing in the old Fourth Division.

Imagine your dad, standing on the sidelines, shouting instructions to the likes of Kevin Keegan and Peter Shilton. That's right, folks, Gordon Carr managed none other than the legendary Shilton, who went on to become England's most capped goalkeeper. It's like your old man coaching the local five-a-side team, and suddenly, Lionel Messi turns up, asking for a game.

From Milk Rounds to Match Days

So, how did Gordon Carr go from delivering milk to managing a football team? Well, it turns out he was a bit of a footballing prodigy himself. He played for Northampton Town in the 1950s and even had a brief spell at Arsenal. After hanging up his boots, he turned to teaching and, later, managing the local team.

But here's where it gets even more bizarre. Gordon Carr wasn't just any old manager. He was a manager with a twist. You see, he was also the club's physio. So, he'd be out there on the pitch, treating injuries one minute, and giving tactical instructions the next. It's like your mate at the pub who's suddenly decided he's the team's coach, physio, and referee all rolled into one.

Alan Carr's Dad: The Original Multitasker

Now, you might be thinking, "How on earth did he manage that?" Well, according to Alan Carr, his dad was a bit of a multitasking marvel. In an interview, Alan said, "He used to do the milk round in the morning, then go and manage Northampton Town in the afternoon. He'd be on the pitch, treating injuries, then he'd come home, have his tea, and watch 'Coronation Street'." It's like your dad trying to do the weekly shop, help with your homework, and watch the football all at the same time.

But Gordon Carr wasn't just a multitasker; he was also a bit of a maverick. He was known for his unconventional methods, like using a ouija board to predict match results. Yes, you read that right. He'd sit in his living room, ask the spirits who was going to win, and then base his team's tactics on the answer. It's like your mate who swears by his horoscope to pick his lottery numbers.

From The Pitch to The Stage

So, what happened to Gordon Carr, the footballing enigma? Well, he managed Northampton Town for a few years in the 1970s, before hanging up his managerial boots. He went back to teaching and, later, became a bit of a local legend, thanks in no small part to his son's fame.

And what about Alan Carr? Well, he's gone on to become one of Britain's best-loved comedians. He's hosted shows like 'Chatty Man' and 'The Price is Right', and he's even got his own Netflix special. But he's never forgotten his dad's unusual career. In fact, he's made it a bit of a running joke in his comedy. It's like your mate who's always going on about that time their dad tried to manage the local football team.

So, the next time you're down the pub, and someone brings up Alan Carr, you can drop this little nugget of knowledge. You can tell them about Gordon Carr, the milkman, the teacher, the physio, and the football manager. It's a tale that's stranger than fiction, and it's sure to get a laugh. Just don't expect your mates to believe you until they've checked it on Wikipedia.