South London Press

It's Theo-logical

Theo Foley was sacked as Charlton boss in April 1974 - but the Addicks' loss was Millwall's gain, as he was asked to become manager Gordon Jago's assistant at The Den the following season. It was the start of a long association which the Irishman has kept going for more than 30 years, he tells Toby Porter.

Theo Foley helped steer Millwall from the Second Division not once but twice.
He achieved the feat as assistant first to Gordon Jago, and then after a four-year gap, to George Graham.
But Foley was a vital ingredient in the chemistry both created.
The Irishman was Jago's coach and gave Graham an insight into the club and had a rapport with the players which would hugely improve their performance.
And Foley maintains his link with the club to this day. He works for Charlton at The Valley, but when he goes to watch football, The Den is where he chooses.
"When I was sacked as manager by Charlton in 1974, my son started going to Millwall in protest and we've been going ever since," said Foley, who these days lives in Shooters Hill.
"I have always had a massive soft spot for the club. The staff are first class, extraordinary people. It seems to be built in at the club."

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Foley was party to one of the most inspired signings in recent history, - Phil Walker and Trevor Lee - but gives the credit to Ted Buxton.
"Phil was a lively and arrogant boy and you couldn't knock him down with a steamroller. Trevor was lanky and great in the air and very sensitive. They were an exuberant pair."
Foley has something complimentary to say about all the squad Jago led - Terry Brisley, Tony Hazell, Phil Summerhill, Barry Salvage, Frank Saul, John Seasman and Terry Shanahan.
The most successful of them all was Gordon Hill, later of Manchester United and England - famously hoodwinked by Harry Cripps into wearing his tennis kit for an interview with a fake journalist.

* To read the first of this special two-part interview in full, the South London Press is available from all good newsagents and the Millwall Club Shop. The second part will appear in this Friday's South London Press.