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Brian Kidd
Brian Kidd
Brian Kidd
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Brian Kidd (born 29 May 1949) is an English football coach and former player, who won the European Cup in 1968 with Manchester United. He was most recently assistant coach of Manchester City.

Key Information

Kidd, a striker, played for Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the Minnesota Strikers in his footballing career.

Playing career

[edit]

Kidd was born in Manchester,[1] and started playing for Manchester United as a youngster, joining the club's academy in August 1964. Two years later, he went on to become a professional player with the club.[2]

Kidd had the distinction of scoring on his 19th birthday for Manchester United in their 4–1 victory over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup Final. All in all, he scored 52 times in 203 league appearances for Manchester United.[2]

Following United's relegation to the Football League Second Division in 1974, Kidd was transferred to Arsenal for £110,000.[3] Kidd scored on his debut for Arsenal against Leicester City at Filbert Street. He then scored a brace at home against Manchester City. He was by far Arsenal's top goalscorer during the 1974–75 season, scoring 19 goals in 40 appearances. In the following season Kidd, on 20 March 1976, scored a hat-trick against West Ham United in a 6–1 win at Highbury.[4][5] Altogether Kidd scored 34 times for Arsenal from 90 appearances. In July 1976, he was sold to Manchester City for a fee of £100,000.[3]

With Manchester City, Kidd scored three times against rivals Manchester United, in a 3–1 win at Maine Road and a 2–2 draw at Old Trafford during the 1977–78 season. He would play 98 times for Manchester City, netting 44 goals. He then moved to Everton in March 1979 for £150,000. With the Toffees, Kidd netted 12 times in 44 appearances and was sent off in an FA Cup semi final against West Ham United. Kidd then joined Bolton Wanderers in May 1980 for £110,000. Kidd found the back of the net a total of 13 times for Bolton where he made a total of 43 appearances at and away from Burnden Park. He was then loaned out to NASL team Atlanta Chiefs in 1981. He played 29 times for the chiefs, scoring on 23 occasions.[2][6]

In January 1982, Kidd moved on from Bolton to return to the NASL. He then signed with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and two years afterward with the Minnesota Strikers. He was prolific with both teams when it came to goalscoring, but in 1984 he retired from the game.[2]

Management and coaching career

[edit]

1984–2008

[edit]

In 1984, Kidd began his coaching career at Barrow. He briefly managed Preston North End for several games in 1986.[7] Kidd then became involved in coaching young players before being brought back to Manchester United as a youth team coach by Alex Ferguson in 1988. Over the next three years Kidd helped to bring through a host of talented players like Ryan Giggs and Darren Ferguson. When Ferguson's assistant Archie Knox moved to a similar capacity at Rangers in the summer of 1991, Kidd was promoted to the role of assistant manager. He helped Ferguson guide United to a Football League Cup win in 1992, the Premier League title in 1993, the double in 1994 and again in 1996, as well as another Premier League title in 1997.

Kidd left United to take charge at Blackburn Rovers in December 1998, replacing Roy Hodgson who had been sacked after Blackburn's poor start to the season left them in the relegation zone. Despite Kidd having a promising start with Rovers, which saw him voted Premier League Manager of the Month and having also spent nearly £20 million on new players in his first four months in charge he was unable to save them from being relegated from the Premier League (just four years after being champions) and Kidd was dismissed on 3 November 1999 with Rovers standing 19th in Division One.[2][8]

In 1999, a rift developed between Kidd and Alex Ferguson after Kidd was strongly criticised in Ferguson's autobiography Managing My Life. Ferguson was angered that when Kidd was his assistant manager he had questioned United's 1998 summer signing of striker Dwight Yorke. Ferguson criticised Kidd's footballing judgement and wrote in his book: "I saw Brian Kidd as a complex person, often quite insecure, particularly about his health." Kidd was upset at Ferguson's attack on him and responded by saying: "I believe Walt Disney is trying to buy the film rights to his book as a sequel to Fantasia."[9]

Kidd moved to Leeds United in May 2000 as youth coach but was promoted to act as Head Coach in March 2001 under David O'Leary then Terry Venables. He left Leeds in May 2003 after Peter Reid was appointed manager.[10]

Meanwhile, Kidd was named as assistant to England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson in January 2003.[11] He was forced to end this role in May 2004, just weeks before Euro 2004, due to undergoing surgery for prostate cancer.[12] Kidd had recovered by February 2006.[13]

In August 2006, former United player Roy Keane was appointed manager of Sunderland and there were reports that Keane wanted Kidd to become his assistant manager at the Stadium of Light. However, Kidd instead accepted an offer to work as assistant to Neil Warnock at Sheffield United a few months after their promotion to the Premier League.[14] After the Blades were relegated and Warnock resigned, Kidd remained at Bramall Lane under new manager Bryan Robson (another former Manchester United player) but left the club after Robson departed in February 2008.[15]

2009–present

[edit]

On 11 February 2009, Kidd was appointed as the assistant to caretaker manager Paul Hart at Premier League side Portsmouth.[16] He stayed until August 2009, when he rejected a new contract offer.[17]

Kidd became Technical Development Manager at Manchester City in September 2009,[18] before becoming assistant manager to new boss Roberto Mancini on 19 December 2009, following the sacking of manager Mark Hughes.

In February 2011, Kidd said that he was willing to give Alex Ferguson "the benefit of the doubt" in the dispute that the two men had in the late 1990s. Kidd revealed that although there was no phone call from Ferguson when he was fighting prostate cancer in 2004, he was now speaking to Ferguson after matches again.[19]

In the 2011 FA Cup Final, Manchester City won their first major trophy for 35 years after beating Stoke City 1–0.[20] In the following 2011–12 season, City were crowned league champions for the first time since 1968. In an extraordinary finale to the season, City scored twice in stoppage time to beat Queens Park Rangers 3–2 in dramatic style to win the Premier League on goal difference from Manchester United. Together with Mancini and City's first team coach David Platt, Kidd raced on to the pitch to celebrate Sergio Agüero's title-winning goal for City.[21]

Kidd served as caretaker manager for the final two games of the 2012–13 season, following the departure of Mancini.[22] Kidd returned to his assistant role following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini and worked with both him and his successor Pep Guardiola, before leaving after the 2020–21 season.[23]

International career

[edit]

Kidd was capped twice for the England national football team with both of those appearances coming in 1970.[2]

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1970 2 1
Total 2 1

Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kidd's goal.

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 24 May 1970 Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa, Quito, Ecuador  Ecuador 2–0 2–0 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Manchester United

Manager

[edit]

Individual

Career statistics

[edit]

Manager

[edit]
Team Nat From To Record
G W D L Win %
Preston North End ENG 24 January 1986 1 March 1986 6 0 2 4 000.00
Blackburn Rovers ENG 4 December 1998 3 November 1999 44 12 18 14 027.27
Manchester City ENG 13 May 2013 14 June 2013 2 1 0 1 050.00
Total 52 13 20 19 025.00

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Brian Kidd

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from Grokipedia
Brian Kidd (born 29 May 1949) is an English former professional footballer and coach, best known for winning the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968 and for his long tenure as a coach at Manchester City, where he contributed to several titles. Kidd began his as a forward with Manchester United, joining as a youth player in 1963 and making his senior debut in 1967; over seven seasons, he appeared in 266 matches across all competitions, scoring 70 goals, including one in the 4–1 European Cup final victory over Benfica on 29 May 1968—his 19th birthday—which marked the club's first triumph in the competition and the first for an English side. He earned two caps for , scoring once in a 1970 World Cup warm-up match against Ecuador. After leaving United in 1974 for a £110,000 transfer to , Kidd scored 30 goals in 77 league appearances over two seasons, becoming the club's top scorer in 1974–75 with 19 goals. He then joined Manchester City in 1976 for £100,000, where he netted 44 goals in 98 league games before moving to Everton, Wanderers, and briefly to the North American Soccer League, amassing more than 500 career appearances and 200 goals in total. Transitioning to coaching in the mid-1980s, Kidd started at Barrow and Preston North End before returning to Manchester United in 1988 as youth team coach; he became assistant manager to in 1991, helping develop talents like the "Class of '92" and contributing to five titles, two FA Cups, and one during his tenure until 1998. He briefly managed Blackburn Rovers from 1998 to 1999, then served as assistant manager at Leeds United (2000–2003). Kidd also joined the England national team setup under in 2003 as attacking coach, aiding qualification for the 2004 before stepping away due to health issues. In 2009, Kidd returned to Manchester City as a coach, initially as technical development manager before becoming assistant manager under (2009–2013), where he played a key role in the 2011 win and the dramatic 2012 title; he continued in the role under and , helping secure four more crowns (2014, 2018, 2019, 2021) and other domestic honors over his 12-year stint until departing in 2021. Widely respected in English football for over five decades, Kidd is celebrated for his tactical acumen, player development skills, and bridging the rivalry between Manchester's two major clubs through his career on both sides.

Early life

Childhood in Manchester

Brian Kidd was born on 29 May 1949 in Collyhurst, a historically industrial working-class suburb of , . Growing up in this football-centric area during the post-war era, Kidd was immersed in 's vibrant local football culture, where the sport served as a central pillar of community life and aspiration for working-class youth. Kidd came from a family of devoted Manchester United supporters, which profoundly shaped his early passion for the game. As a young boy, he regularly attended matches at , witnessing the exploits of the club's legendary era and dreaming of emulating his heroes on the pitch. This exposure fueled his enthusiasm, leading him to play avidly in local street games and school matches, where his talent quickly stood out among peers in the Manchester area. By his mid-teens, Kidd's schoolboy involvement with Manchester representative teams caught the attention of scouts, culminating in his signing as an associate schoolboy with Manchester United in December 1963. This pivotal step marked the beginning of his formal pathway into professional football, transitioning to an with the club the following year.

Entry into professional football

Brian Kidd, having developed a strong passion for football during his childhood in , signed as a schoolboy with Manchester United in 1963. He transitioned into an apprenticeship with the club in 1964, joining the structured youth development program at under the oversight of manager Sir . This period allowed Kidd to build his technical skills and physical conditioning in a professional environment, progressing steadily through the club's junior ranks. Kidd turned professional in 1966, formalizing his commitment to Manchester United at the age of 17. Prior to his senior breakthrough, he featured prominently in the youth and reserve teams, where his natural talent as a forward—characterized by sharp finishing and determination—earned him recognition among scouts and coaches. These appearances in lower-level matches helped solidify his reputation as a promising local prospect ready for first-team contention. Kidd earned his debut for the Manchester United first team in the 1967–68 season, coming on as a substitute in the Charity Shield match against Tottenham Hotspur on 12 August 1967, which finished in a 3–3 draw. This appearance marked the culmination of his youth progression and the beginning of his integration into the senior squad.

Playing career

Manchester United (1967–1974)

Brian Kidd made his first-team debut for Manchester United in the 1967 Charity Shield against Tottenham Hotspur, coming on as a substitute in a 3–3 draw at . His league debut followed a week later on 19 August 1967, in a 3–1 defeat to Everton at , where the 18-year-old impressed with his intelligent movement and work rate as a centre-forward. Over the next seven years, Kidd established himself as a key attacking figure, often partnering established stars and in the forward line, contributing to United's fluid offensive play during a transitional period under manager . In his breakthrough 1967–68 season, Kidd featured in 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and helping Manchester United finish second in the First Division. His domestic form included notable contributions in the , where United reached the semi-finals before a 2–1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, and consistent performances in league fixtures that showcased his ability to link play and finish chances alongside and Charlton. Overall, during his time at , Kidd made 203 league appearances (plus 8 as substitute), scoring 52 goals, while totaling 266 appearances and 70 goals in all competitions. Kidd's most significant contribution came in the , where he played a pivotal role in Manchester United's triumphant campaign, culminating in a 4–1 extra-time victory over Benfica in the final at on 29 May 1968—his 19th birthday. He scored United's third goal with a header in the 94th minute, extending the lead to 3–1 and securing the club's first European title as the first English winners of the competition. By 1974, after United's relegation from the First Division, Kidd transferred to for a fee of £110,000, ending his playing spell at his boyhood club.

Arsenal (1974–1976)

Brian Kidd transferred to from Manchester United in July 1974 for a fee of £110,000, following United's relegation to the Second Division the previous season. He joined as a replacement for , who had moved to , and quickly integrated into the squad as a forward, bringing experience from his role in Manchester United's 1968 European Cup-winning team. Kidd made an immediate impact, scoring the winning on his debut in a 1-0 league victory away at Leicester City on 17 August 1974. In his third league match for , he netted a brace in a 3-0 home win against Manchester City, helping to establish his place in the despite the team's inconsistent form. Over two seasons at , Kidd made 77 league appearances and scored 30 goals, becoming a reliable presence in attack. His most prolific campaign was 1974–75, when he scored 19 goals in 40 appearances to finish as Arsenal's top scorer by a wide margin, contributing significantly to the team's mid-table survival. In the 1975–76 season, he added 11 goals in 37 league outings, including a standout in a 6–1 home league victory over United on 20 March 1976. Kidd also played a key role in Arsenal's campaign that year, scoring a in a 3–1 third-round replay win at York City on 7 January 1975, though the team was eliminated 2–0 at home by in the fourth round. Kidd's form remained strong toward the end of his Arsenal tenure, as he scored five goals in the final seven matches of the 1975–76 season. However, with struggling in the lower half of the First Division—finishing 17th that year—and undergoing a managerial change from to Terry Neill, Kidd departed for Manchester City in July 1976 for £100,000.

Manchester City and subsequent clubs (1976–1984)

In July 1976, Brian Kidd transferred to Manchester City from for a fee of £100,000, marking a controversial cross-city move that nonetheless revitalized his playing career. During his three seasons at from 1976 to 1979, he made 98 league appearances and scored 44 goals, establishing himself as a key forward in a side that challenged for the league title in his debut 1976–77 campaign, where he netted 21 goals in 39 league games. Kidd's intelligent movement and clinical finishing contributed to memorable performances, helping City secure a fourth-place finish that season. In March 1979, Kidd moved to Everton for £150,000, where he spent the remainder of the 1978–79 season and the full 1979–80 campaign, totaling 40 league appearances and 11 goals. His time at was marked by solid contributions to the attack, including 9 goals in 31 league games during 1979–80, though Everton finished 19th and were relegated from the First Division. Kidd joined Wanderers in May 1980 on a free transfer, playing for the club from 1980 to 1982 and making 43 league appearances with 14 goals. At , he provided experienced leadership in the Second Division, scoring crucial goals such as the winner in a 1–0 victory over Athletic in 1980, but Bolton struggled with relegation in 1980–81. Seeking new opportunities, Kidd ventured into North American soccer with the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1981, initially on loan from to the Atlanta Chiefs, where he recorded 27 appearances and 22 goals in a prolific season that saw him break the franchise scoring record with 52 points (22 goals and 8 assists). He then signed permanently with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers for the 1982 and 1983 seasons, amassing 44 appearances and 33 goals across outdoor and indoor play, including 18 goals in the 1983 outdoor campaign. In 1984, Kidd moved to the Strikers for the NASL's final season, contributing 13 appearances and 8 goals before the league folded. He retired from professional playing at the end of 1984, concluding a career that spanned over 500 appearances and more than 200 goals across and .

International career

Youth international appearances

Brian Kidd began his international career at the youth level, representing in the under-18 team during 1967. He earned eight caps for the Youth side that year, scoring two goals in competitive fixtures. Kidd's youth appearances included participation in the Youth Tournament held in in May 1967, where reached the final but lost to the . He featured in key group stage matches, scoring once against in a 1-1 draw on 9 May and again versus in a 2-0 win on 11 May, demonstrating his clinical finishing and contributing to 's strong showing in the competition. Earlier that year, he played in a preliminary match against , ending in a 0-0 draw, and a friendly against , helping solidify his reputation as a promising forward. Transitioning to the under-23 level, Kidd accumulated ten caps for U23 between 1967 and 1970, netting five goals in these developmental internationals. His U23 debut came on 1 November 1967 in a 2-1 win over at , , where he started and helped secure victory in a fixture. Notable performances included a goal in a 2-1 victory against on 7 February 1968 at and another in a 1-0 win over on 20 December 1967 at the , , showcasing his ability to perform against quality opposition. These youth and U23 successes highlighted Kidd's talent as a versatile striker, paving the way for his breakthrough into United's first team in August 1967 and ultimately earning him a senior call-up in 1970. His international experience at these levels accelerated his development, allowing him to adapt to high-pressure environments that mirrored club demands.

Senior international career

Brian Kidd earned his first senior for on 21 April 1970, starting in a 3–1 victory over in the at . At just 20 years old, he lined up alongside established forwards such as and in manager Alf Ramsey's squad. Kidd's second and final appearance came a month later on 24 May 1970, when he entered as a substitute and scored England's second goal in a 2–0 friendly win against in , serving as a warm-up for the upcoming . This goal marked his only international strike, contributing to a comfortable victory during England's preparations in . Despite his promising debut and prior success at youth international level, Kidd's senior involvement ended abruptly that year, with no further call-ups. His limited selection stemmed from fierce competition for attacking positions among England's talented pool of forwards, including Hurst, Peters, and emerging rivals like Allan Clarke, during a transitional period post-1966 . Although he traveled with the squad to for the 1970 , Kidd did not feature in the tournament.

Coaching and managerial career

Early roles and Manchester United (1984–1998)

Brian Kidd began his coaching career as manager of Barrow in the Alliance Premier League during the 1984–85 season, taking charge for 19 matches as the club finished 18th in the table. Following his departure from Barrow, Kidd served briefly as assistant manager at Town under in 1985 before moving to a similar role at Preston North End. In January 1986, Kidd took over as at Preston North End in the Fourth Division, succeeding for a short stint of four games until handing in his notice in March. After leaving Preston, Kidd spent time coaching young players before appointed him as youth team coach at Manchester United in 1988. During his three years as youth coach from 1988 to 1991, Kidd played a key role in developing Manchester United's emerging talents, including members of the renowned Class of '92 such as , , , , and . His work focused on nurturing the academy's potential, contributing to the pathway that saw several of these players break into the first team under Ferguson. In August 1991, Kidd was promoted to assistant manager at Manchester United, replacing and forming a close working partnership with Ferguson that lasted until December 1998. In this role, he contributed significantly to the club's success, including three titles in 1992–93, 1993–94, and 1995–96, as well as two FA Cups in 1994 and 1996, and the 1992 . Kidd's tactical insights and motivational skills were integral to the team's dominance during this era, though he departed before the 1998–99 season's triumphant European Cup victory. Kidd left Manchester United in December 1998 to pursue an opportunity as manager at , ending his seven-year tenure as assistant.

Mid-career positions (1999–2008)

In late 1998, Brian Kidd took over as manager of following the dismissal of , inheriting a team struggling in the relegation zone. Despite an initial boost, including winning the Manager of the Month award for December 1998, Kidd could not stabilize the side, which suffered a 0-0 draw against Manchester United in May 1999 that confirmed their demotion to the First Division—the first time a former English champion had been relegated in the era. 's form deteriorated further in the early 1999-2000 season, leading to Kidd's sacking in November 1999 after 11 months in charge, despite significant investment exceeding £30 million in new players. After a brief hiatus, Kidd joined United in May 2000 as youth coach, tasked with nurturing the club's promising academy talents amid growing financial pressures at . Promoted to head coach in March under manager , he focused on integrating young players like and into the first team, contributing to ' run to the 2001 Cup semi-finals. However, as the club's debt mounted—reaching over £100 million by 2003—Kidd faced intense scrutiny from fans, some of whom targeted him due to his Manchester United background, leading to public abuse during matches. His tenure ended in May 2003 when he and assistant Eddie Gray were released early from their contracts as new manager restructured the coaching staff to address the , which ultimately forced into administration. In January 2003, while still at , Kidd was appointed as assistant coach to 's senior team under on a part-time basis, leveraging his experience in player development to support preparations for Euro 2004. He worked closely with stars like and , contributing to tactical sessions and team bonding during a period when qualified unbeaten for the tournament. Kidd's role ended in May 2004 after Euro 2004, where reached the quarter-finals before a loss to . Following his departure from the role, Kidd took time away from coaching due to treatment, undergoing surgery in 2004, before returning in 2006. Kidd returned to club football in August 2006 as assistant manager at United under , joining just after the club's promotion to the . His emphasis on player development helped integrate academy prospects and adapt fringe players during a challenging top-flight campaign, though United were relegated in 2007 amid off-field disputes over administration. Kidd departed in February 2008 following a poor run of results in the , having overseen efforts to rebuild the squad with a focus on technical skills and youth integration. Kidd joined as assistant manager on 11 February 2009 under caretaker manager , helping the club avoid relegation by surviving on the final day of the 2008–09 season. He left in August 2009.

Manchester City era (2009–2021)

Brian Kidd joined Manchester City as Technical Development Manager in September 2009, tasked with supporting the coaching of academy players. He was promoted to assistant manager on 19 December 2009 under newly appointed head coach , forming a key part of the coaching staff during a transformative period for the club. As assistant, Kidd played a pivotal role in Manchester City's first major successes of the era, including the 2011 victory—the club's first major trophy in 35 years—achieved with a 1–0 win over Stoke City in the final. He contributed significantly to the tactical preparations and player development that led to the dramatic 2012 title, secured on the final day with a 3–2 comeback against Queens Park Rangers, ending a 44-year wait for the English top-flight crown. Following Mancini's dismissal in May 2013, Kidd served as for the final two matches of the 2012–13 season, overseeing a 2–0 win over Reading to confirm second place and a 2–0 victory against Norwich City. Kidd retained his assistant position under from 2013 to 2016, helping secure the 2014 title and the 2016 . He continued in the role alongside starting in 2016, contributing to further dominance with wins in 2018, 2019, and 2021, the 2019 , and triumphs in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Over his 12 years at the club, spanning three head coaches, Kidd was integral to 11 major trophies, including five titles, two , and four . On 2 July 2021, Manchester City announced Kidd's retirement from his assistant coach position at age 72, concluding a tenure marked by sustained success and his reputation as a respected figure in the club's backroom staff.

Personal life

Family

Brian Kidd married Margaret, whose family originates from Donegal in Ireland, during his early playing career. The couple settled in the area, where Kidd had grown up in the Collyhurst neighborhood. They have two children: a named Mark and a daughter named Claire Louise, born in the mid-1970s. Throughout Kidd's professional transitions, including his move from Manchester United to in 1974 and subsequent return to City in 1976, his family remained based in the region, providing a stable home environment. Margaret and the children offered consistent emotional support during Kidd's coaching roles across various clubs, with the family attending key matches and celebrations, such as Manchester City's 2012 title win. By that time, Kidd's grandchildren had also become involved, joining the family in sharing his successes and underscoring the role of his personal life in sustaining his long career in football.

Health challenges

In 2004, while serving as assistant manager to for the England national team, Kidd faced a cancer scare that resulted in surgery for , compelling him to step down from the role just weeks before UEFA Euro 2004. The diagnosis and subsequent treatment sidelined him from football for approximately two years, marking a significant interruption in his coaching career. Kidd fully recovered from the 2004 procedure by early 2006, allowing him to resume his professional commitments with renewed vigor. However, health challenges resurfaced in January 2013 during his tenure as assistant manager at City, when he was diagnosed with and underwent surgery at The Christie Hospital in . He recuperated at home following the operation, focusing on rehabilitation to regain his strength. By April 2013, Kidd had returned to his duties at Manchester City, openly discussing his battle with the disease in interviews and emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. His recovery enabled him to continue contributing to the club's without long-term disruption, though the experience underscored the fragility of his . These cumulative health ordeals, alongside the emotional toll of the —including the deaths of close colleagues like Colin Bell, , and —influenced Kidd's decision to retire from his assistant manager position at Manchester City after the 2020–21 season at age 72. He described the period as "sobering," prioritizing personal well-being and time away from the demands of professional football after over five decades in the game.

Honours

As player

As a player, Brian Kidd won the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, featuring in the final where he scored the third goal in a 4–1 extra-time victory over Benfica on his 19th birthday. He also secured the FA Charity Shield with Manchester United in 1967, making his senior debut in the 3–3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur that resulted in a shared . Kidd earned team recognition as Arsenal's top goalscorer in the 1974–75 First Division season, netting 19 goals in 40 appearances to lead the club by a wide margin. Over his two seasons at , he established a strong goal-scoring record with 30 goals in 77 league matches. No major individual awards were received during his playing career.

As coach and manager

Kidd's coaching career, primarily as an assistant manager, has been marked by significant contributions to trophy-winning campaigns at Manchester United and Manchester City, though he secured no major honors in standalone managerial roles.

Manchester United (Assistant Manager, 1991–1998)

During this period, Kidd helped the team secure multiple domestic and European successes under .
  • Premier League: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97 (4 titles).
  • FA Cup: 1993–94, 1995–96 (2 titles).
  • League Cup: 1991–92 (1 title).
  • FA Community Shield: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997 (4 titles).
  • UEFA Super Cup: 1991 (1 title).

Manchester City (Assistant Manager/Co-Assistant Manager, 2009–2021)

Kidd played a key role in the club's transformation into a dominant force, contributing to 16 domestic trophies across three managerial regimes.
  • Premier League: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21 (5 titles).
  • FA Cup: 2010–11, 2018–19 (2 titles).
  • League Cup: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 (6 titles).
  • FA Community Shield: 2012, 2018, 2019 (3 titles).
In his brief stints as a head manager, including at Blackburn Rovers (1998–1999), Kidd did not win any major competitions.

Career statistics

Playing statistics

Brian Kidd's professional playing career spanned from 1967 to 1984, during which he made 660 appearances and scored 251 goals across all leagues and cup competitions for various clubs in England and the North American Soccer League (NASL). His contributions were particularly notable as a prolific forward, with a career emphasizing clinical finishing in top-flight English football and NASL play.

Club Career Breakdown

Kidd began his professional career at Manchester United, where he featured prominently in the late and early , accumulating 266 appearances and 70 goals in all competitions before the club's relegation in 1974. He then joined , scoring 34 goals in 90 appearances over two seasons, including a standout 1974–75 campaign where he netted 19 times in 40 games to become the team's top scorer. At Manchester City from 1976 to 1979, Kidd recorded 128 appearances and 57 goals across all competitions, highlighted by his peak scoring season of 23 goals in the 1976–77 campaign. His time at Everton (1979–1980) yielded 40 appearances and 12 goals, while a brief stint at Wanderers (1980–1982) saw him make 43 appearances and score 14 goals before moving to the NASL. In the NASL, Kidd played for Chiefs (1981: 29 appearances, 23 goals), Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1982–1983: 51 appearances, 34 goals), and Strikers (1984: 13 appearances, 8 goals), totaling 93 appearances and 65 goals in the league.
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
Manchester United1967–197426670
1974–19769034
Manchester City1976–197912857
Everton1979–19804012
Wanderers1980–19824314
Atlanta Chiefs (NASL)19812923
Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)1982–19835134
Strikers (NASL)1984138
Total1967–1984660251
Note: Totals include all league and cup matches; discrepancies in exact figures across sources reflect varying inclusions of friendlies or incomplete records, but the above aggregates primary verified data. Assists data is sparsely recorded for Kidd's era, but available figures show 25 across his English career, with notable contributions in build-up play at Manchester United (24 assists).

International Career

Kidd represented at youth and senior levels, earning 8 caps and scoring 2 goals for the England Youth team, and 10 caps with 5 goals for the England U23 side between 1967 and 1970. He received 2 senior caps in 1970, scoring 1 goal, including the winner in a 1–0 friendly victory over . In total, Kidd amassed 20 youth and U23 caps with 7 goals, alongside his senior appearances.

Managerial statistics

Brian Kidd's managerial statistics reflect his roles as a and across various clubs, primarily in English football. These records encompass league and cup competitions where available, highlighting his win, draw, and loss tallies, as well as goal differences to provide context on performance impact. Detailed records are limited for early non-league stints, but available data from professional leagues show a mixed record, with stronger results in interim capacities.

Barrow (1984–85)

Kidd's first managerial role was at non-league Barrow, where he took charge during the 1984–85 season. Specific win-loss-draw statistics for this period are not comprehensively documented in major football databases, but reports indicate he oversaw approximately 19 matches before departing for an assistant position.

Preston North End (1986)

Kidd served as at Preston North End from January to March 1986, handling a limited number of games during a transitional period. His record across 9 matches (including league and cup fixtures) was 0 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses.
CompetitionMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals Against
Total9027--

Blackburn Rovers (1998–99)

Appointed manager of Blackburn Rovers in December 1998, Kidd led the team through the latter part of the 1998–99 season and into 1999–2000 until his dismissal in 1999. Over 44 matches (spanning league and ), he recorded 12 wins, 18 draws, and 14 losses, resulting in a win percentage of 27%. This period saw Blackburn struggle in the , ultimately leading to relegation despite a respectable number of draws that kept them competitive in mid-table for stretches.
SeasonMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals AgainstWin %
1998/99287129--25%
1999/0016565--31%
Total44121814--27%

Leeds United (2001–03)

Kidd was promoted to at United in March 2001, overseeing first-team duties while serving as assistant manager overall until 2003. His league record across 41 matches was notably strong, with 22 wins, 13 draws, and 6 losses, accumulating 79 points—a 2.20 points per match average that contributed to Leeds finishing in the top half of the table during his tenure. This performance underscored his tactical acumen in a high-pressure environment, though the club faced financial challenges post his involvement. Cup records for this period are not separately detailed in available sources.
CompetitionMatchesWinsDrawsLossesPoints per Match
Premier League41221362.20

Manchester City (2013)

As caretaker manager for Manchester City in May 2013 following Roberto Mancini's departure, Kidd managed 2 matches before took over. His record was 1 win and 1 loss, with 4 goals for and 3 against, including a 2–0 victory over Reading and a 2–1 home loss to United. This short stint maintained City's momentum en route to winning the title under the new regime.
CompetitionMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGoals ForGoals Against
210143

References

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