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Joe Jordan

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Joseph Jordan (born 15 December 1951) is a Scottish internationalist football ex-player, manager and coach. A forward, Jordan started his senior football career with Greenock Morton. With Leeds United he won the 1973–74 Football League First Division and was runner up in the in the 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup final and the 1975 European Cup final. With Manchester United he was runner up in the 1979 FA Cup Final. He won the 1982–83 Serie B title with Milan and was runner up in the 1984 Coppa Italia Final with Hellas Verona. He helped Southampton to their second highest league finish of fifth in 1984–85, for what would have qualified for the 1985–86 UEFA Cup (had English clubs not been banned following the Heysel stadium disaster). He then ended his playing career with Bristol City where he also became player-manager.

Key Information

Jordan gained 52 full Scotland caps scoring 11 goals. He is the only Scot to score in three World Cups, (in 1974, 1978 and 1982.) For his playing efforts for club and country, he was a Scottish Football Hall of Fame 2005 inductee.

As well as at Bristol City (twice), he has managed or coached Heart of Midlothian, Celtic, Stoke City, Northern Ireland, Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers, Middlesbrough and most recently AFC Bournemouth.[3]

In his first game for Leeds United reserves, he had two front teeth knocked out. That combined with his strong, fearless and committed play, created his fearsome 'Jaws' persona.

Early life

[edit]

Jordan was born in the village of Cleland, Lanarkshire[4] (sometimes given as the nearby town of Carluke[5]). After leaving school, Jordan became an apprentice draughtsman. At age 15, Jordan had also begun playing for the Scottish Junior Football Association club, Blantyre Victoria.

Club career

[edit]

Morton

[edit]

Jordan began his professional career in 1968 joining Morton from Blantyre Victoria for £250.[6][5] He initially played for Morton part-time.[4] His only Morton goal was in the 4–1 home league win versus Partick Thistle on 14 April 1970.[7] That win clinched Morton's place in the new 'British Cup' tournament, the Texaco Cup. Four days later he was involved in the build up for Bobby Collins' goal, clinching a 2–0 win at Rangers.[6]

39-year old Collins was Morton's player-coach. He had started his professional career playing for the club Jordan supported as a boy, Celtic.[4] Collins in 1962 joined Don Revie's Leeds United for five seasons. Revie later described Collins as 'the best signing I ever made'. As well as his Morton duties, Collins was now also Leeds' scout in Scotland. Collins personally recommended Jordan to Revie. Revie watched Jordan in Morton's Texaco Cup game at West Bromwich Albion. Morton won both legs versus West Brom (2–1 home and 1–0 away), for a 3–1 aggregate victory.[8] Jordan described Collins as his 'footballing godfather'. Jordan recalled the Rangers game in his book: "I got involved in the move that resulted in a goal for Collins, my hero and, as it turned out, the man who put in the word that carried me to where I wanted to be, at the top of the professional game."[6]

In total Jordan made 12 Morton league and cup appearances.[6]

Leeds United

[edit]

Aged 18, Jordan signed for Revie at Leeds in November 1970 for £15,000 plus an extra £5,000 dependent on Jordan making Leeds' first-team.[6][5] There was little initial prospect of Jordan making the Leeds first-team, due to the well established, successful Allan Clarke and Mick Jones forward partnership.[5] In 1973, Jordan made 16 League starts and scored nine goals. However, he was left out of the team that lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Sunderland. He played in the 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup final 1-0 defeat to Milan. Jordan scored seven goals in his 25 games in Leeds' 1973-74 League winning team.

By 1974, Jordan was Leeds' main target man providing many knock-downs, especially for Peter Lorimer. With other Scottish players at Leeds, Jordan formed part of the so-called 'Scottish mafia', alongside goalkeeper David Harvey (1965–1980, 1982–1984), defender Gordon McQueen (1972–1978), midfielder Billy Bremner (1959–1976), left winger Eddie Gray (1965–1983) and right winger Peter Lorimer (1963–1979, 1983–1986).[5]

In the 1974-75 European Cup, Jordan scored in the home first-leg wins over FC Zürich (4-1 for 5-3 on aggregate) and Anderlecht (3-0 for 4-0 on aggregate). Leeds also eliminated Újpesti Dózsa (5-1 on aggregate) and FC Barcelona (3-2 on aggregate). Jordan and Leeds lost the 1975 European Cup final 2–0 to Bayern Munich.[9]

In Jordan's 135 Leeds league games he scored 39 goals.[5]

Manchester United

[edit]

Aged 26, Jordan signed for Dave Sexton[10] for Manchester United on 4 January 1978 for £350,000.[11] Jordan reached the 1979 FA Cup final, losing 3–2 to Arsenal.[5] During a 1980 FA Cup third round replay at Old Trafford, Jordan clashed with Tottenham Hotspur's goalkeeper Milija Aleksic, dislocating Aleksic's jaw. The Independent in 2011 described this as a revenge act for Aleksic having repeatedly been charging Jordan during corners.[12] It became known as the game that saw Tottenham's Glenn Hoddle play in goal.[13]

In the four seasons Jordan played in at Old Trafford, they were runners-up in the 1979-80 Football League First Division. They recovered from a poor start to the season to finish two points (two for a win) off top spot.[14] Winners were Liverpool,[15] who for 15 years from the mid 1970s succeeded Leeds as England's team to beat.[16] Jordan top scored for United that season with 13 goals, all in the league. United's second place finish qualified them for the 1980-81 UEFA Cup, as did Bobby Robson's Ipswich Town who finished third. United were eliminated in the UEFA Cup first round by Widzew Łódź on away goals after drawing 1-1 at home and then 0-0 in Poland. Ipswich won the UEFA Cup that season.[9] Jordan top scored again that season, this time with 15 (all in the league).

Milan

[edit]

Aged 29, in July 1981 Jordan transferred to AC Milan.[11] He played in the 1981–82 Serie A season. He thus succeeded Denis Law to be the second Scotsman to both play in and score in the Italian Football Championship, since its landmark 1929-30 Serie A rebrand. Jordan scored two goals in his 22 Serie A games that season,[17] the first of which was the opener in a 7 November 1981, 1-1 home draw v Como.[18]

In the 1981-82 Coppa Italia, Milan finished third in the five team group behind group winners, Internazionale, and Hellas Verona. Jordan's header put Milan 2-1 ahead v Inter in the 49th minute. Walter Novellino had put Milan ahead before Alessandro Altobelli equalised. Giuseppe Bergomi though added a second Inter equaliser in the 89th minute for 2-2 final score.[19]

Milan won the 1981/82 Mitropa Cup. Their opponents in the 4 team round-robin competition were TJ Vítkovice, Haladás and NK Osijek.[20]

Milan went into the last game of the league season in 14th; the third of the relegation places in the 16 team division. To avoid relegation they needed to catch Genoa who were better off by both of two points (two points for a win), and a goal difference of four. After 63 minutes, Genoa were losing 2-1 at SSC Napoli. Milan though were losing 2-0 at AC Cesena. Jordan scored in the 67th minute to ignite a comeback to lead 3-2 after 81 minutes. Genoa though equalised in the 85th minute to draw 2-2. With no further goals in either of these 2 games, Milan were relegated.[18] In all domestic competitions Jordan joint top-scored for Milan that season with six goals with Roberto Antonelli.

In playing in Serie B 1982–83 season, Jordan became the first Scotsman to play in Serie B since its creation in the 1929 Italian football re-structure. He scored 10 goals in 30 Serie B games,[17] with Milan losing only 2 league games all season and never out of the top two places in the table from match week four onwards. They won promotion back to Serie A as Serie B champions (eight points ahead of 2nd placed Lazio). He was again joint top scorer for Milan, this time with 14 goals (from his 36 league and cup appearances) along with Aldo Serena. Penalties were not taken by an attacking player but by defender, Franco Baresi. Jordan's 30 Serie B appearances record for a Scotsman has since been surpassed by Liam Henderson in 2019. Henderson in 2023 equalled Jordan's record 10 career Serie B goals record by a Scotsman. Henderson's Serie B goals, though, were not in one season.[21]

In the 1982-83 Coppa Italia six team group stage Milan lost only once in their five games, to two Paolo Rossi Juventus goals. Jordan scored for Milan in that away 2-1 defeat. Another of Jordan's Coppa goals was in the group stage home win versus Serie A club Genoa. 2-0 down to a Mauro Tassotti own goal and a René Vandereycken strike, Jordan's 43rd minute goal sparked a comeback. Serena added two for a 3-2 win. In the quarter-final, Milan played against Hellas Verona, riding high that season to a fourth place Serie A finish and UEFA Cup qualification. Milan drew the first leg 2-2 away to their opponents from the division above. In the 2nd leg in Milan, Jordan put his team 3-1 ahead in the 54th minute (Baresi had opened the scoring with a penalty). However, after Domenico Penzo made it 3-3 in the 89th minute, Milan were eliminated 5-5 on away goals.[22][23]

Jordan played two seasons for Milan, scoring 12 goals in his 52 league games.[24] Jordan made 66 domestic league and cup Milan appearances, scoring 20 goals.[25]

On the eve of a return to the club in a Champions League game in 2011, as a coach with Tottenham, Jordan said the move to Milan, one of the biggest clubs in the world, was the best move of his career. He opined that it gave him experience he had always wanted, namely a chance to play abroad.[24] He has explained he retained strong links with Milan. One of his four children, Caroline, lives there with her children raised Italian.[26]

Hellas Verona

[edit]

Aged 31, in 1983 Jordan transferred to fellow Serie A club, Hellas Verona. While Jordan had been in Serie B with Milan, Verona finished fourth in the 1982–83 Serie A, earning a UEFA Cup berth. Jordan played three Verona 1983-84 UEFA Cup games. He subbed on in the first round, first leg 1-0 home win v Red Star Belgrade as part of a 4-2 aggregate win. He thus became the first Scotsman to play for an Italian club in UEFA organised competition. In the second round, he played all 90 minutes of the 2-2 home draw and subbed on in the 0-0 away draw v SK Sturm Graz. Verona were thus eliminated on the away goals rule without having lost a game over 90 minutes in that season's UEFA Cup.[27]

Jordan played 24 league and cup Verona games.[28] His appearances were limited by a combination of his injuries and the good form of Maurizio Iorio (21 goals) and Giuseppe Galderisi (13 goals) that season.[29] Jordan subbed on six times in his 12 Verona Serie A games.[28] His only Verona Serie A goal was in the 1-0 home win v UC Sampdoria on 8 April 1984.[30] Verona finished the 1983–84 Serie A season sixth on equal points with Sampdoria and Jordan's ex-club, Milan.[31]

Jordan scored once in nine 1983-84 Coppa Italia games, opening the scoring in the semi-final first leg 2-1 win at SSC Bari.[32] Jordan subbed on in both legs of the 1984 Coppa Italia final, which they lost for the second season in a row, this time to AS Roma. After drawing the first leg 1-1 at home, they lost 1-0 in Rome. That defeat in Rome was Jordan's last Verona game.[33] He was the first Scotsman to play in a Coppa Italia final.

Despite his limited game time, Jordan's season with Verona is looked back upon as successful. Verona fans immediately loved Jordan, appreciating his passion and commitment on the pitch. They displayed a large Scottish flag in the Curva Sud because of him. He is credited with passing on valuable experience to Iorio, Galderisi and other young players at the club ahead of their campaign the next season. Replacing Jordan the season after with Preben Elkjaer up front, Verona were Italian football league champions for the first time in their history in 1985 (including seasons before the 1929 re-brand to Serie A).[29] In August 2023, Jordan was asked by Verona to launch a new club kit. The club said: "Hellas Verona are proud to present the new third match shirt which the players will wear in the 2023/24 season, which sees an example of excellence wearing it forty years after his only season in gialloblù, the unforgettable Scottish champion Joe Jordan."[26]

Southampton

[edit]

Aged 32, in 1984 Jordan returned to England, signing for Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy for £150,000.[34] In his first season there he shared 34 league and cup goals partnering Steve Moran up front.[35] Jordan played for Saints in that season's UEFA Cup, drawing 0–0 at home against Hamburger SV before elimination after an away leg 2–0 defeat to goals by Manfred Kaltz and Mark McGhee.[36] Southampton finished fifth in the Football League First Division that season. Jordan was their league top scorer with 12 goals from his total league and cup tally of 16. Moran's 18 was higher when totalling league and cup strikes. This is Southampton's second highest ever league finish (surpassed only by finishing second the season before). Fifth would have earned a UEFA Cup place. However, English clubs started a ban that season following the Heysel Stadium Disaster.[37]

In summer 1985, McMenemy left, replaced by Chris Nicholl who Jordan "didn't know" and would "never get to know". Jordan then severely damaged his knee in a training ground collision with reserve goalkeeper Phil Kite. Cartilage and medial-ligament injury meant he was out of the first team until March. He then lost his place in the first team in summer 1986 when the club signed Colin Clarke. Jordan scored for Saints in the 1986-87 Football League Cup September 3–0 home win versus Swindon Town.[38] That was his only game in Southampton's run to that season's semi-final.[39]

Bristol City

[edit]

Aged 35, in February 1987 [34][35] Jordan free transferred to Bristol City, where he finished his playing career.[5] He was also player-manager from 1988 to 1989. In 57 Bristol City appearances he scored eight goals, all of which were when City were in the Football League Third Division.

International career

[edit]

On 19 May 1973, three days after appearing in the European Cup Winners Cup final for Leeds, Willie Ormond debuted Jordan for the Scotland national team. Jordan subbed on in the 74th minute for Lou Macari in a 1–0 defeat to England at Wembley.[40]

On 26 September 1973, Jordan scored with a diving header for the winning goal in a 2–1 comeback win against Czechoslovakia at Hampden Park. That win clinched Scotland qualification for the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.[41] That was Scotland's first World Cup qualification since 1958, having failed in three attempts since '58.[5]

At the 1974 World Cup, Jordan scored the second goal in Scotland's opening group game, 2–0 win over Zaire. After the 0-0 draw versus Brazil, he equalised in the last minute to draw 1–1 versus Yugoslavia.[42] Scotland finished the group unbeaten, but were eliminated at that stage on goal difference.[42]

In Ally MacLeod managed Scotland's 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification, Jordan scored a header again winning against Czechoslovakia at Hampden, this time 3-1.[43] Czechoslovakia were reigning European champions at the time.[44] Scotland wrapped up qualification in Liverpool. The Welsh FA in favour of higher gates receipts from the Tartan Army, opted to play Wales v Scotland at Anfield.[45] The match is remembered for, "an infamous penalty decision 12 minutes from time." Jordan and Welsh defender David Jones challenged for the ball in the Welsh penalty area, from a throw-in by Scotland's Willie Johnston. The referee judged hand ball against Jones for a Scotland penalty. TV replays showed that it was though, Jordan's hand that connected with the ball (and also that he kissed his hand once the penalty was awarded). This was the most dubious of three Scots penalty claims in the game.[44][46] Don Masson converted the penalty putting Scotland 1-0 ahead.[46] Scotland's 2–0 win secured qualification by winning UEFA Group 7.[42][44]

In Scotland's opening Argentina 1978 World Cup game, Jordan opened the scoring versus Peru. Peru though won 3–1.[42] Scotland then drew 1-1 versus Iran and won 3–2 versus Netherlands for Scotland's again group stage elimination.[42] Jordan assisted Kenny Dalglish's 1-1 equaliser v Netherlands.[47]

Jordan scored in Scotland's 1982 World Cup 2–2 draw versus the Soviet Union.[42] That meant Jordan scored in three successive World Cup Finals (the only Scot to do so). Subbed off injured in the same game, he never played for Scotland again. In total, Jordan earned 52 full Scotland caps, scoring 11 goals.[5]

Coaching and management career

[edit]

Bristol City

[edit]

Initially player-manager, Jordan was in charge at Bristol City from March 1988 to September 1990 for 134 games. In his first season, City finished fifth in the 1987–88 Football League third division. That qualified City for the play-offs in which they lost a final replay to Walsall.[48]

In February 1989, City lost 2-1 on aggregate in the 1988–89 Football League Cup semi-final to eventual winners, Nottingham Forest.[49] Among Jordan's signings was Bob Taylor from Leeds in March 1989. City bought Taylor for £250,000 plus Carl Shutt valued at £50,000. Taylor scored eight goals in the 12 City league games he played in that 1988–89 Football League season.[50]

Taylor's 27 league goals made him the divisions leading scorer in the 1989–90 Football League.[51] Taylor also scored seven cup goals for 34 in total that season. Robbie Turner was Taylor's strike partner. Alan Walsh, Mark Gavin and Dave Smith were the providers for the strikers. Taylor tore a hamstring in a 4-1 win at Crewe Alexandra. That caused to Taylor to miss the next six of the season's last seven games. In Taylor's six game absence, City managed only one win and three draws. In the last of they six games, City lost 3-0 at Bristol Rovers. Rovers over took City at the top of the table that day. City were promoted as runners-up to their Bristol rivals.[52]

Hearts

[edit]

In September 1990 Jordan was appointed manager of Edinburgh based Scottish Premier Division club, Heart of Midlothian. After a poor start to that season, Hearts had sacked their manager of eight years Alex MacDonald. They turned to Jordan as a high-profile ex-Scotland international striker.[53] He took charge of the club from 10 September.

With 63 points from 44 games, the club finished second in the 1991–92 Scottish Premier Division. Hearts finished nine points behind the champions Rangers and one point ahead of third placed Celtic. Hearts led the league for a significant part of the season, losing just two of their first 28 games. In the 1991–92 Scottish Cup semi-final they were eliminated in a replay, penalty shoot-out by Airdrieonians at Hampden Park. In the 1992–93 Scottish Cup semi-final they lost 2–1 to Rangers at Celtic Park.

After a poor run in the 1992–93 season, including a 6–0 loss to Falkirk, later described by the club as a thrashing, the board sacked Jordan.[53] Jordan left the club on 3 May 1993, having registered 69 wins, 31 draws and 43 losses, from 143 competitive games. Speaking in 2010, Jordan asserted he had done "particularly well" and the dismissal was undeserved. He reflected, "That's life, you get on with it, nobody's going to listen to your sad stories, but that was a sore one".[4]

Celtic

[edit]

After Hearts, in 1993 Jordan became assistant manager to Liam Brady at Celtic, said to be out of an emotional attachment to the club he supported as a boy, and to Brady. Having been in the job since 1991, Brady resigned just four months after Jordan arrived, and he felt obliged to do the same, stating in 2010 that he felt no regrets and that "You've just got to make those calls."[4]

Stoke City

[edit]

Jordan was appointed manager of Stoke City in November 1993, replacing fellow Scot Lou Macari. Macari had left to join Jordan's previous club, Celtic.[54] Jordan was not a popular choice amongst many Stoke fans after it seemed Denis Smith was to be appointed.[54] They eventually accepted Jordan but the style of play served up, soon began to cause terracing grumblings. The side slowly got results going despite the football style on offer. Stoke finished the 1993–94 season in 10th position.[54] The 1994–95 season saw no change in the relationship between Jordan and the supporters. It came as little surprise when after a couple of 4–0 defeats, he resigned on 8 September 1994. The returning Lou Macari replaced him.[54]

Bristol City

[edit]

He managed Bristol City for 130 games in his second spell, from November 1994 to March 1997.

Northern Ireland

[edit]

Between 1998 and 2000, he was assistant manager to Lawrie McMenemy. They unsuccessfully tried to get Northern Ireland to qualify for the 2000 European Championships.[34]

Huddersfield Town

[edit]

From December 2000 until May 2002, he was assistant to his former Manchester United team-mate Lou Macari at Huddersfield Town.

Portsmouth

[edit]

In 2004 Jordan joined manager Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth coaching team, to also work with assistant manager, Kevin Bond.[4] After Redknapp's departure in dispute with Director of Football, Velimir Zajec Jordan coached under Alain Perrin. Jordan took over as caretaker manager for two games in November 2005 after Perrin's departure.[4] Redknapp then returned after resigning from Southampton. Portsmouth beat Cardiff City 1–0 at Wembley Stadium on 17 May to win the 2008 FA Cup Final.[4]

On the morning of 26 October 2008, Redknapp left Portsmouth after agreeing a £5m compensation deal. He instead became the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. That left assistant manager Tony Adams and first-team coach Jordan in charge of the team that day. They drew 1–1 at home with Fulham.[55][56] Adams was formally appointed Portsmouth manager two days later. Adams said, "Joe is Portsmouth through and through, he's part of the woodwork."[57]

Tottenham Hotspur

[edit]

On 7 November 2008 Jordan left Portsmouth to join Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur as first-team coach. That reformed the original Portsmouth back room team; Redknapp had brought in the recently sacked AFC Bournemouth manager Kevin Bond as Tottenham assistant manager.[58]

Queens Park Rangers

[edit]

In November 2012, Jordan re-united with Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers as first-team coach.[59]

Middlesbrough

[edit]

On 17 March 2017, Jordan was appointed as assistant first-team manager under caretaker manager Steve Agnew at Middlesbrough.[60] Jordan left his post at the end of the 2016–17 season.[citation needed]

AFC Bournemouth

[edit]

On 25 February 2021, AFC Bournemouth announced that Jordan had joined the coaching staff.[61] Jordan left his role after the 2020–21 season, upon the expiration of his contract.[62]

Recognition

[edit]

In 2005, Jordan was one of 11 players inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.[63] Having been born in 1951, Jordan was the second youngest of the 2005 inductees, behind the then Rangers manager Alex McLeish, born in 1959, and with the oldest being Charles Campbell, born "circa 1850s".[63] Honouring the "truly great players, managers and officials who have reached the pinnacle of their profession and have made a significant contribution to Scotland's football reputation through their skill, spirit and determination", the induction followed the inaugural 20 Hall of Fame entrants, inducted in November 2004.[64] Citing his "highly successful career at club level" at Leeds, Manchester United and Milan, the Hall of Fame stated Joe would probably be best remembered for his crucial 1973 World Cup qualifying goal against Czechoslovakia.[63]

According to STV in 2010, for his efforts for the Scotland national team as "braveheart Joe", for the "all round bravery and commitment to the cause whenever he [played for Scotland]" and particularly the crucial goal against Czechoslovakia in 1973, and the controversial penalty against Wales in 1977 (described as the 'hand of Joe', in reference to the later infamous Hand of God goal in 1986), Jordan's "status as a Scottish legend is safely assured" among the Tartan Army of Scotland's supporters.[5] According to The Herald, Jordan's hero status took hold with the goal against Czechoslovakia, due to both its significance and the fact it had been seemingly scored "as if it were an act of sheer will."[4]

On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of A.C. Milan, Jordan has been included in the list of the 110 most important players in the history of A.C. Milan .

Jordan is described by The Herald as having crossed two eras in his career – having been a Scottish player at the time they were revered in the English game, he has gone on to coach in England as one of seven Scottish managers or coaches in the Premier League. He attributes this to a common determination and desire to win.[4] In contrast to his playing career, Jordan has lamented the state of the game in Scotland in the late 2000s, which has seen a decline in domestic and international Scottish football, and profile of Scottish players in England, and a drying up of opportunities and even the availability of up and coming local players, contrasted to his era with contemporaries like Asa Hartford, Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain.[4]

'Jaws' persona

[edit]

Jordan was nicknamed "Jaws" early in his playing career due to his lack of front teeth, which had been knocked out during a Leeds United reserve match after he was kicked in the face during a goalmouth scramble.[12][4] Although they were replaced by dentures, these were removed for safety reasons while playing.[5] In Italy Jordan was nicknamed Lo Squalo ("The Shark").[12] When Jordan was manager of Bristol City, fans in the stands waved giant inflatable teeth.[65] According to The Times in 2009, images of Jordan's "ferocious fangs as a player still regularly [appeared in] Scottish newpapers [sic] whenever an excuse can be found to hark back to the game's golden age".[66] Jordan was involved in several confrontations during his time at Tottenham, including with Roy Hodgson,[67] Paul Ince,[68] Alan Pardew, Andy Woodman,[69][70] and Gennaro Gattuso.[71][72] Jordan said in 2010 that he rejected the caricature that went along with his persona, stating "I was what I was, but I look back and I had seven years at Leeds, who were one of the top teams in Europe, then I got a transfer to Manchester United, then a transfer to AC Milan. These are top clubs, and I had opportunities to go to Liverpool, Arsenal, Ajax. I'm not saying that to brag; if those teams thought I had something to offer, it was more than having no teeth."[4]

Playing and management style

[edit]

As one of the nominees for a public vote organised in April 2010 by STV to name 'Scotland's Greatest Team', Jordan was described as an "uncompromising, old fashioned centre forward who was never afraid to put his head where it hurts for club and country", adding that during the 1970s and 1980s "there were few more fearsome sights in world football" than Jordan.[5]

In a 2007 list compiled by The Times Jordan was ranked as the 34th hardest man in the history of the game, with the citation "There have been few more fearsome sights in the European game than 'Jaws' Jordan without his front teeth."[73] David O'Leary, when reflecting on his entire playing career as a defender (spent mostly at Arsenal between 1975 and 1993) he said of Jordan that he was the most combative forward he had ever faced.[4] He has also been described as a powerhouse in aerial play.[5]

Citing his dislocation of Milija Aleksic's jaw in 1980 as an example, The Independent described in 2011 how Jordan was a player who "did not stand for nonsense on the pitch".[12] According to The Herald writing in 2010, alongside his strong play, which due to the way the game was played at that time was almost a necessity if forwards wanted to succeed, Jordan also had a refinement to his game.[4]

Following the clash with Gattuso, playing on his hardman reputation, The Independent listed the "Five reasons not to mess with Joe Jordan".[12] Redknapp has said of Jordan as a coach that "You could put your life on him... He is quiet, but when he says something, it is worth listening to."[4]

In coaching, Jordan is described by The Herald as still having the presence and natural authority he had as a player, and of having an enigmatic solemnity about him.[4] In the same interview, while living in Bristol, Jordan was described as having the intensified Scottish patriotism of an exile, who was willing to seize the opportunity to manage the Scotland national team since 2002.[4]

Personal life

[edit]

Jordan has two sons who have both played professional football: Tom and Andy (who retired due to injury after leaving Hartlepool United). One of his two daughters lives and works in Italy. He has an interest in fine wines, picked up from his time playing in Italy.[4] Jordan supported Celtic as a boy.[4] As of March 2010, Jordan lived with his family in Bristol.[4] He also has a nephew living in Ilkeston Derby, called Matt Smith

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[74]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other[a] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Leeds United 1970–71 First Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0
1971–72 First Division 12 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14 0
1972–73 First Division 26 9 1 0 2 0 7 3 34 12
1973–74 First Division 33 7 5 2 2 0 4 0 44 9
1974–75 First Division 29 4 6 0 4 0 9 2 48 6
1975–76 First Division 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 2
1976–77 First Division 32 10 5 2 1 0 0 0 38 12
1977–78 First Division 20 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 23 6
Total 170 35 19 4 12 3 22 5 223 47
Manchester United 1977–78 First Division 14 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 16 3
1978–79 First Division 30 6 5 2 2 2 0 0 37 10
1979–80 First Division 32 13 2 0 2 0 0 0 36 13
1980–81 First Division 33 15 3 0 0 0 1 0 37 15
Total 109 37 12 2 4 2 1 0 126 41
Milan 1981–82 Serie A 22 2 4 3 4 1 30 6
1982–83 Serie B 30 10 6 4 0 0 36 14
Total 52 12 10 7 4 1 66 20
Hellas Verona 1983–84 Serie A 12 1 0 0 12 1
Southampton 1984–85 First Division 34 12 3 2 7 2 1 0 45 16
1985–86 First Division 12 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 16 0
1986–87 First Division 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 1
Total 48 12 3 2 10 3 4 0 65 17
Bristol City 1986–87 Third Division 19 3 0 0 0 0 5 4 24 7
1987–88 Third Division 28 4 1 0 2 0 6 0 37 4
1988–89 Third Division 9 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 15 1
1989–90 Third Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Total 57 8 1 0 8 0 11 4 77 12
Career total 448 105 45 15 34 8 42 10 569 138

International

[edit]
International statistics
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland[75]
1973 6 1
1974 10 4
1975 1 1
1976 5 0
1977 5 1
1978 8 1
1979 5 1
1980 4 0
1981 4 1
1982 4 1
Total 52 11
Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 26 September 1973 Hampden Park, Glasgow  Czechoslovakia 2–1 2–1 WCQG8
2 18 May 1974 Hampden Park, Glasgow  England 1–0 2–0 BHC
3 6 June 1974 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo  Norway 1–1 2–1 Friendly
4 14 June 1974 Westfalenstadion, Dortmund  Zaire 2–0 2–0 WCG2
5 22 June 1974 Waldstadion, Frankfurt  Yugoslavia 1–1 1–1 WCG2
6 5 February 1975 Estadio Luis Casanova, Valencia  Spain 1–0 1–1 ECQG4
7 21 September 1977 Hampden Park, Glasgow  Czechoslovakia 1–0 3–1 WCQG7
8 3 June 1978 Córdoba  Peru 1–0 1–3 WCG4
9 7 June 1979 Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo  Norway 1–0 4–0 ECQG2
10 9 September 1981 Hampden Park, Glasgow  Sweden 1–0 2–0 WCQG8
11 22 June 1982 Estadio La Rosaleda, Málaga  Soviet Union 1–0 2–2 WCG6

Managerial

[edit]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Bristol City 16 March 1988 1 September 1990 134 68 36 30 050.7
Heart of Midlothian 10 September 1990 3 May 1993 143 69 31 43 048.3
Stoke City 10 November 1993 8 September 1994 40 13 14 13 032.5
Bristol City 15 November 1994 24 March 1997 130 42 51 37 032.3
Portsmouth 24 November 2005 7 December 2005 2 0 2 0 000.0
Portsmouth 26 October 2008 28 October 2008 1 0 0 1 000.0
Total[76] 450 192 134 124 042.7

Honours

[edit]

Leeds United

Manchester United

Milan

Hellas Verona

Bristol City

Heart of Midlothian

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joseph Jordan (born 15 December 1951) is a Scottish former professional footballer and coach, renowned as a formidable striker known for his aggressive playing style, physicality, and distinctive gap-toothed appearance after losing his front teeth during a 1975 match against Manchester City.[1][2] Born in Cleland, North Lanarkshire, Jordan began his senior career with Greenock Morton in 1968 before transferring to Leeds United in 1970, where he established himself as a key forward.[1][3] Jordan's club career spanned over two decades and included stints at several prominent teams across Europe and England. With Leeds United from 1970 to 1978, he made 245 appearances and scored 62 goals, contributing to the club's First Division title win in 1973–74 as well as runner-up finishes in the European Cup (1975) and Cup Winners' Cup (1973).[2] He joined Manchester United in January 1978 for a then-club record £350,000 fee, where he played 126 matches and netted 41 goals over three seasons, including a standout 1980–81 campaign with 15 goals, though the team finished as FA Cup runners-up in 1979.[1] Later moves took him to AC Milan (1981–83), Hellas Verona (1983–84), Southampton (1984–86), and Bristol City (1986–87), where he served as player-manager.[1][3] Internationally, Jordan earned 52 caps for Scotland between 1973 and 1982, scoring 11 goals, and scored in two FIFA World Cups (1974 and 1982), with a notable controversial handball incident in 1978.[3][2] His most iconic moment came in 1973, when he scored the winner against Czechoslovakia to secure Scotland's qualification for the 1974 World Cup.[2] Transitioning to coaching after retirement, Jordan worked as an assistant under managers including Alex Ferguson at Manchester United (1990–2001), where he helped secure multiple Premier League titles and the 1999 treble, and Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and Queens Park Rangers.[4] He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to the sport.[2]

Early life

Family background

Joseph Jordan was born on 15 December 1951 in Carluke, South Lanarkshire, but raised in the village of Cleland, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.[5][6] He grew up in a working-class family in this Lanarkshire pit village, where mining shaped the local community and economy.[6] After leaving school, Jordan took up work as an apprentice draughtsman, reflecting the modest socioeconomic circumstances of his upbringing.[7] The family resided in the Cleland area; Jordan joined the junior team Blantyre Victoria at age 15, immersing him in local football culture.[7]

Introduction to football

Joseph Jordan, born in Carluke in 1951 but raised in the mining village of Cleland in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, was introduced to organized football at the age of 15 around 1966 when he joined Blantyre Victoria, a club in the Scottish Junior Football Association, as an amateur player.[7] Growing up in a working-class community, Jordan balanced his early football pursuits with an apprenticeship as a draughtsman after leaving school, reflecting the typical path for many young Scots in the era.[7] At Blantyre Victoria, Jordan began developing his skills as a forward, playing in the competitive junior ranks where he gained initial experience in competitive matches and physical play.[8] This period marked his entry into structured football, building the physicality and goal-scoring instincts that would define his professional career, though he remained an amateur without senior exposure at this stage.[2] In 1968, Jordan transitioned to professional football by signing a senior contract with Greenock Morton for a fee of £250, leaving Blantyre Victoria after a successful stint in the juniors.[9] At Morton, he initially combined football with part-time work, undergoing early training that further refined his role as a robust centre-forward ahead of his first senior appearances in the Scottish leagues.[9]

Club playing career

Greenock Morton

Jordan signed for Greenock Morton from the junior club Blantyre Victoria in 1968 for a fee of £250, marking his entry into professional football as a part-time player.[9] He made his senior debut during the 1968–69 season and featured sporadically over the next two campaigns, accumulating 12 appearances in league and cup competitions while scoring 1 goal, notably in a 4–1 victory over Partick Thistle in April 1970. This limited exposure at Morton provided Jordan with his initial taste of senior football in the Scottish First Division, where he developed as a forward under the guidance of manager Bobby Collins.[9] In October 1970, at the age of 18, Jordan transferred to Leeds United for an initial fee of £15,000, with an additional £5,000 bonus if he established himself in the first team—a significant sum that highlighted his emerging potential and represented a breakthrough move to English football.[9][10]

Leeds United

Joe Jordan transferred to Leeds United from Greenock Morton in October 1970 for a fee of £15,000, with an additional £5,000 bonus contingent on making 20 first-team appearances.[11] During his seven-year stint at the club from 1970 to 1978, he made 220 appearances and scored 48 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a key forward in Don Revie's dominant side.[10] Jordan played a significant role in Leeds United's successful 1973–74 First Division title-winning campaign under manager Don Revie, appearing in 33 league matches and contributing seven goals as the team clinched the championship with three matches to spare.[12] His physical presence and goal-scoring threat complemented the team's high-pressing style, helping secure a five-point lead over runners-up Liverpool.[13] In the European Cup Winners' Cup, Jordan started in the 1973 final against AC Milan, where Leeds suffered a 1–0 defeat amid later allegations of match-fixing, and he featured prominently in the 1975 European Cup final loss to Bayern Munich by 2–0.[14] Throughout the 1970s, he contributed to Leeds' strong domestic cup performances, including semi-final appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup, bolstering the club's reputation as a force in both league and knockout competitions during Revie's era.[2] Jordan's aerial strength particularly suited Leeds' direct attacking approach, enabling effective hold-up play against robust defenses.[13]

Manchester United

Joe Jordan transferred to Manchester United from Leeds United on 4 January 1978 for a fee of £350,000, a record at the time between two English clubs.[15] The move, orchestrated by manager Dave Sexton, aimed to strengthen United's attacking options amid their push for major honors following a seventh-place finish in the previous First Division season.[1] During his three-year stint at Old Trafford until 1981, Jordan made 121 appearances and scored 41 goals across all competitions.[1] He quickly established himself as a key forward under Sexton, contributing to United's improved form, including a fourth-place league finish in 1978–79 and a run to the top of the table early in the 1979–80 campaign.[1] His physical presence and aerial ability complemented the team's style, helping to secure European qualification in 1980. Jordan played a pivotal role in Manchester United's 1978–79 FA Cup campaign, starting every match en route to the final at Wembley.[16] In the final against Arsenal on 12 May 1979, he assisted Gordon McQueen's goal with a low cross that leveled the score at 2–2 in the 88th minute, though United ultimately lost 3–2 after Alan Sunderland's winner seconds later.[16] This dramatic defeat marked United's only FA Cup final appearance under Sexton. As part of Sexton's forward line, Jordan partnered effectively with midfielders and strikers like Lou Macari, forming a dynamic attacking unit that emphasized pressing and direct play.[1] Their collaboration was evident in key wins, such as the 4–2 league victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 1978, where both contributed to the scoring efforts.[17] Jordan's ongoing international form with Scotland also bolstered his selection and influence within the United squad.[1]

AC Milan

In July 1981, Joe Jordan transferred from Manchester United to AC Milan for a fee of 700 million Italian lire, approximately £300,000, marking one of the higher-profile moves for a British player to Italian football at the time.[18] As the club's only foreign signing that season, he arrived amid turmoil following the Totonero match-fixing scandal, which had led to Milan's unprecedented relegation to Serie B for the 1982–83 campaign.[19] During his two-year stint from 1981 to 1983, Jordan made 52 league appearances and scored 12 goals for Milan.[20] In the 1981–82 Serie A season, he featured in 22 matches, netting just two goals as the team struggled with instability, including three managerial changes and a squad overhaul, ultimately finishing 16th and facing relegation.[19] His physical, combative style—earning him the nickname "Lo Squalo" (The Shark) for his predatory presence in the box—provided a focal point in attack but could not prevent the drop.[19] Jordan remained with Milan for the 1982–83 Serie B season, where he proved instrumental in their title-winning campaign and swift promotion back to Serie A.[21] He scored 10 goals in 30 league appearances, contributing to a strong run that saw the team lose only two matches and secure the championship with relative ease.[19] His experience and goal-scoring form helped stabilize the forward line during the "purgatorio" of second-division football, underscoring his value in the club's redemption effort.[18] Adapting to Italian football presented challenges for Jordan, including tactical differences from the more direct British style he knew, with Serie B emphasizing intense, tactical battles and physical duels against defensive setups.[19] Off the pitch, he embraced Milan's cultured lifestyle—cafes, restaurants, and museums—while appreciating the passionate San Siro atmosphere and supportive fans who made him feel welcome despite initial struggles.[18] Jordan later reflected fondly on the period, noting the fans' backing and the unique beauty of the Italian game, though the era's instability tested his resilience.[22]

Hellas Verona

Jordan transferred to Hellas Verona from AC Milan in the summer of 1983, building on the momentum from his contributions to Milan's Serie A promotion the previous season.[19][18] In the 1983–84 Serie A season, Jordan made 12 appearances for Verona, scoring 1 goal while playing primarily as a centre-forward; his limited minutes, totaling 730, were impacted by injuries and strong competition from forwards like Giuseppe Galderisi and Maurizio Iorio.[23][24] He also featured prominently in the Coppa Italia, appearing in 9 matches as Verona advanced to the final for the first time since 1968.[25] Jordan contributed to Verona's cup run by providing experience and leadership in a squad that blended Italian talent with international players; in the two-legged final against Roma, he entered as a substitute in the 70th minute of the decisive second leg at the Stadio Olimpico, but Verona lost 1–0 in that match and 2–1 on aggregate.[26][27] The team's overall campaign under manager Osvaldo Bagnoli marked a breakthrough, finishing sixth in Serie A—their highest placement at the time—and signaling the start of a golden era that culminated in the 1984–85 Scudetto.[28] After one season, during which his family adapted well to life in Verona with children attending local kindergarten, Jordan opted to end his Italian phase and return to England, preferring the familiarity of the English game and opportunities closer to home; he signed for Southampton in 1984.[28][18]

Southampton

Jordan signed for Southampton in August 1984 on a three-year contract, becoming manager Lawrie McMenemy's key acquisition at the age of 32 after rejecting an offer from Celtic.[6] He quickly integrated into the squad, making his league debut on 25 August 1984 in a 3-1 defeat to Sunderland.[29] Over his three seasons at the club until February 1987, Jordan made 48 league appearances and scored 12 goals, providing experience and leadership in attack alongside striker Steve Moran.[6] In the 1984–85 First Division season, Jordan emerged as Southampton's top scorer with 12 league goals, forming a productive partnership with Moran that yielded 34 goals across league and cup competitions.[30][6] His contributions helped the team achieve mid-table stability, culminating in a fifth-place finish—their highest in the top flight at that point.[31] This strong campaign highlighted Jordan's enduring quality as a forward, despite his international retirement following Scotland's 1982 World Cup exit.[32] However, injuries began to impact Jordan's form, including a knee issue in summer 1985 that required surgery and sidelined him until March 1986.[6] As he approached the end of his contract in 1987, his role at Southampton marked the transition toward the later stages of his playing career, fostering an interest in coaching that would define his post-playing path.[6]

Bristol City

Jordan transferred to Bristol City from Southampton in February 1987 for a fee of £150,000, joining as a player at the age of 35.[33] During his time at the club until his retirement in 1989, he made 57 appearances and scored 8 goals, all in the Football League Third Division. His contributions included 3 league appearances and 2 goals in the 1986–87 season, followed by limited outings in subsequent years as he transitioned into management. In March 1988, Jordan was appointed player-manager following the dismissal of Terry Cooper, overseeing the team while still occasionally featuring on the pitch.[11] He retired from playing in 1989 after one final appearance, having helped stabilize the squad in the lower divisions through his experience and leadership.[34]

International career

Scotland national team

Joe Jordan made his debut for the Scotland national team on 19 May 1973, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat to England at Wembley Stadium, just three days after playing in the European Cup Winners' Cup final for Leeds United.[3] His strong performances at club level with Leeds contributed to his rapid international breakthrough under manager Willie Ormond.[3] Jordan scored his first international goal on 26 September 1973, heading the winner in a 2–1 victory over Czechoslovakia at Hampden Park, securing Scotland's qualification for the 1974 FIFA World Cup.[35] Over the course of his international career, Jordan earned 52 caps and scored 11 goals between 1973 and 1982, establishing himself as a reliable forward for the Tartan Army.[3] Jordan formed a notable striking partnership with Kenny Dalglish during much of his time with Scotland, playing alongside the Liverpool legend for the best part of a decade and appearing together in 47 matches.[36] This duo complemented each other effectively, with Jordan's physical presence and aerial ability creating opportunities for Dalglish's finesse and goal-scoring instinct, contributing to Scotland's attacking threat in various campaigns.[37] Their collaboration was particularly evident in competitive fixtures, where Jordan's hold-up play often paved the way for Dalglish to exploit spaces.[36] Jordan's contributions extended to World Cup qualifications, including the iconic goal against Czechoslovakia. Beyond World Cup qualifications, Jordan was a key selection for Scotland's UEFA European Championship qualifying groups, featuring prominently in matches such as the 1974 qualifier against Spain in Valencia, where he scored his sixth international goal.[1] He participated in efforts for Euro 1976 and Euro 1980, helping Scotland navigate challenging groups that included strong European sides, though the team ultimately fell short of qualification.[1] Jordan's consistency in these qualifiers underscored his importance to the national setup, providing leadership and tenacity in high-stakes games.[3]

FIFA World Cup appearances

Joe Jordan represented Scotland at three consecutive FIFA World Cups, appearing in the tournaments of 1974, 1978, and 1982, where he contributed dynamically as a forward despite the team's early eliminations in each edition.[3] His World Cup campaigns underscored his reputation for delivering in high-stakes international matches, with a total of seven appearances and four goals across the tournaments.[38] In the 1974 FIFA World Cup held in West Germany, Jordan featured in all three of Scotland's group stage matches in Group 2. He scored twice: first in a 2-0 victory over Zaire on June 14, heading in the second goal in the 34th minute to secure the win, and then a dramatic 88th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Yugoslavia on June 22, ensuring Scotland avoided a heavier defeat.[3] Scotland's campaign ended in disappointment after a 0-0 draw with Brazil, finishing second in the group on goal difference and exiting at the first stage without advancing.[3] Jordan returned for the 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, playing in all three group matches in Group A. His sole goal came in the opening 3-1 loss to Peru on June 3, when he headed home in the 14th minute to open the scoring and give Scotland a 1-0 lead.[39] The team drew 1-1 with Iran in their second match—thanks to an own goal—and lost 0-3 to the Netherlands in the finale, placing third in the group and failing to progress to the second stage.[3] At the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain, Jordan made just one appearance due to a squad rotation under manager Jock Stein, coming on as a substitute in Scotland's second group match against the Soviet Union on June 22. He scored in the 18th minute with a sharp finish to give Scotland a 2-1 lead in what ended as a 2-2 draw.[40] Absent from the 5-2 win over New Zealand and the 0-4 defeat to Brazil, Jordan watched as Scotland finished third in Group 6 and exited at the group stage once more.[3] Jordan holds the unique distinction among Scottish players of scoring in three different FIFA World Cups, a feat achieved across 1974, 1978, and 1982 that highlights his enduring impact on the national team's global stage efforts.[41]

Coaching and managerial career

Bristol City

Joe Jordan began his managerial career at Bristol City in March 1988, initially serving as player-manager following the dismissal of Terry Cooper.[11] During this first spell, which lasted until September 1990, he oversaw 134 matches, transitioning to a full-time managerial role after retiring from playing in 1989.[42] Jordan's tenure focused on building a competitive squad in the Third Division, emphasizing disciplined organization and exploiting set-piece opportunities to mount a sustained promotion challenge. In the 1989–90 season, his tactical setup propelled the team to second place, securing automatic promotion to the Second Division just two points behind rivals Bristol Rovers.[43] The campaign also saw notable cup progress, including a run to the Football League Cup semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Nottingham Forest.[8] Jordan returned to Bristol City as manager in November 1994, amid a struggle against relegation from the Second Division, and remained in charge for 130 matches until his sacking in March 1997.[42] His second spell began with efforts to stabilize the team through a pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive solidity and counter-attacking play to grind out results in a lower-table battle. Despite these measures, the side finished 23rd in 1994–95, confirming relegation to the third tier.[44] The following 1995–96 season saw improvement to a mid-table 13th position, establishing a foundation for ambition. In the 1996–97 season, Jordan's tactics evolved to incorporate more fluid attacking patterns, leading Bristol City to a strong finish in fifth place and qualification for the promotion playoffs.[45] However, mounting pressure from inconsistent form earlier in the campaign resulted in his dismissal before the playoff semi-finals against Brentford, preventing any chance of promotion under his leadership.[46]

Heart of Midlothian

Joe Jordan returned to Scottish football in September 1990 when he was appointed manager of Heart of Midlothian following the dismissal of Alex MacDonald after a poor start to the 1990–91 season.[33] His arrival came after a successful stint at Bristol City, where he had achieved promotion to the English Second Division. Jordan's first match in charge was a 3–0 victory over rivals Hibernian on 15 September 1990, setting a positive tone for his tenure at Tynecastle.[8] During the 1991–92 season, Jordan guided Hearts to a strong challenge for the Scottish Premier Division title, ultimately finishing as runners-up behind Rangers after leading the league for much of the campaign and losing only two of their first 28 games.[47] This second-place finish marked the club's best league performance in over a decade and qualified them for European competition the following year. In domestic cups, Hearts reached the semi-final of the 1991–92 Scottish Cup but were eliminated by Airdrieonians in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw.[48] Jordan's time at Hearts extended into the 1992–93 season, where the team participated in the UEFA Cup after their previous runners-up position. They faced Slavia Prague in the first round, securing a 2–1 home win but losing 1–0 away, resulting in elimination.[49] Overall, Jordan managed 141 games during his 2½-year spell, achieving 68 wins, 31 draws, and 42 losses, before being sacked on 3 May 1993 amid a run of poor results.[50]

Stoke City

Joe Jordan was appointed as manager of Stoke City on 10 November 1993, succeeding Lou Macari who had departed amid a club investigation.[51][52] He inherited a side that had shown promise under Macari but faced immediate pressures to maintain competitiveness in the First Division, the second tier of English football at the time.[51] During the 1993–94 season, Jordan guided Stoke to a mid-table finish of 10th place with 67 points from 46 matches, narrowly missing the play-offs by a few positions.[53][54] His overall record across 40 games in charge stood at 13 wins, 14 draws, and 13 losses, reflecting a steady but unremarkable performance as the team stabilized after the transition.[51] Jordan's tenure was marked by significant challenges in squad rebuilding, particularly following the £1.5 million sale of star striker Mark Stein to Chelsea in January 1994, which severely hampered the team's goal-scoring ability and contributed to a lack of attacking potency.[51] Efforts to reshape the squad were complicated by limited resources and the need to integrate new players quickly, while fan expectations for an expansive, attacking style—rooted in the club's recent successes—clashed with Jordan's more defensive tactical approach, informed by his prior coaching experiences.[51] His time at Stoke ended with a sacking on 8 September 1994 after a poor start to the 1994–95 season, despite the relative stability achieved the previous year.[51][52]

Celtic

Joe Jordan joined Celtic as assistant manager to Liam Brady in June 1993, following his dismissal from Hearts earlier that year.[55] His appointment was part of a broader restructuring of the club's backroom staff, aimed at injecting experience and stability during a challenging period for the team.[55] During his brief tenure, which lasted until October 1993 when Brady resigned, Jordan contributed to the tactical setup for the early matches of the 1993–94 season.[52] Under his and Brady's guidance, Celtic topped their Scottish League Cup group stage, securing advancement to the knockout rounds—a foundation that supported the club's eventual 3–0 victory in the final against Aberdeen on 28 November 1993. Jordan's prior managerial experience at Hearts, where he had guided the team to second place in the Scottish Premier Division in 1991–92, informed his input on team preparation and strategy at Celtic.[52] In addition to first-team duties, Jordan was involved in youth development initiatives, focusing on nurturing talent to bolster the club's future competitiveness.[55] His emotional connection to Celtic, as a lifelong supporter from nearby Cleland, underscored his commitment to the role despite the short duration.[52]

Assistant coaching roles

Following his experience as assistant manager at Celtic, Joe Jordan pursued a series of advisory roles across clubs and the international stage, leveraging his expertise in player development and tactical preparation. Jordan served as assistant manager for the Northern Ireland national team from 1998 to 2000 under Lawrie McMenemy, contributing to squad rebuilding in World Cup and European qualifiers.[56] He then joined Huddersfield Town as assistant manager from late 2000 to 2002, supporting Lou Macari in efforts to stabilize the club in the lower tiers of English football during a challenging period marked by financial issues.[52] In November 2008, Jordan reunited with Harry Redknapp at Tottenham Hotspur as first-team coach and assistant manager, remaining until June 2012; his input was instrumental in the team's high-pressing style and defensive organization, culminating in a fourth-place Premier League finish in 2010 and subsequent Champions League qualification.[57] Jordan followed Redknapp to Queens Park Rangers in December 2012 as assistant manager, holding the position until February 2015 and aiding survival efforts in the Premier League through targeted recruitment and training regimens focused on set-piece execution.[52][5] He briefly assisted Steve Agnew at Middlesbrough from March to June 2017 as the club fought relegation from the Premier League, providing guidance on forward play and match preparation during the season's closing stages.[58] Jordan's most recent assistant role came at AFC Bournemouth, where he joined as first-team coach in February 2021 under Jonathan Woodgate, departing upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2020–21 Championship season.[59]

Portsmouth

Jordan joined Portsmouth as first-team coach in July 2004, initially working under manager Velimir Zajec and later Alain Perrin. He first took on a caretaker managerial role at Portsmouth in November 2005, following the dismissal of Alain Perrin, overseeing two matches during a period of uncertainty at the club.[60] This interim stint bridged the gap until Harry Redknapp's return as manager on December 7, 2005.[11] As Redknapp's assistant manager from 2005 to 2008, Jordan was integral to Portsmouth's resurgence, particularly during the 2007–08 season when the team won the FA Cup—their first major honor in 57 years—defeating Cardiff City 1–0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.[61] His contributions extended to post-victory efforts, including a brief interim role after the triumph to maintain team cohesion amid ongoing transitions.[62] Jordan's work also focused on stabilizing Portsmouth during turbulent ownership changes, such as the 2006 takeover by Sacha Gaydamak from Milan Mandarić, which injected funds but required careful management to sustain Premier League survival and build toward European qualification.[61][63] In October 2008, following Redknapp's departure to Tottenham Hotspur, Jordan resumed caretaker duties for one match—a 0–3 defeat to Everton on October 26—before departing the club himself.[60][64]

Playing style and reputation

Style of play

Joe Jordan was renowned as an uncompromising centre-forward, characterized by his physical prowess and relentless determination on the pitch. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (186 cm) and weighing around 80 kg, he possessed a muscular build that allowed him to dominate physical duels and excel in aerial challenges, often outmuscling defenders with his elevation and timing. His fearlessness was evident in his willingness to contest every ball aggressively, making him a formidable target man who thrived in high-pressure situations.[65][8] Despite his tough reputation, Jordan demonstrated notable technical skill in hold-up play, using his strength to shield the ball from opponents and lay it off effectively to teammates, thereby facilitating attacking transitions. As a finisher, he was clinical inside the penalty area, scoring a variety of goals including powerful headers and close-range efforts, with representative examples including multiple braces via headers during his time at Leeds United and Southampton. His ability to combine physicality with precise finishing made him a consistent goal threat across different tactical setups.[8][66] Jordan's adaptability shone through his successful transitions between leagues, from the physical demands of Scottish and English football to the tactical intricacies of Italian Serie A and Serie B. At Leeds United in the English First Division, he formed effective partnerships as a lone striker, while at AC Milan, he adjusted to a more disciplined style, leading the line in Serie B with 10 goals in 30 appearances despite the league's defensive orientation. This versatility allowed him to contribute significantly in diverse environments, scoring in three FIFA World Cups for Scotland and maintaining productivity at clubs like Hellas Verona.[19][8][65]

'Jaws' persona

Joe Jordan earned the nickname "Jaws" after losing four front teeth in a collision during a match early in his career with Leeds United. The incident occurred during a collision in his first reserve match for Leeds United against Coventry City, leaving him with a gap-toothed appearance reminiscent of the shark in the popular film Jaws.[67][22] Jordan refused cosmetic dentistry or dentures for years, embracing the look as part of his on-pitch identity, which enhanced his intimidating presence.[22] This persona was reinforced by Jordan's aggressive playing style, which frequently involved physical confrontations that bordered on the combative. A notable example occurred during a 1977 World Cup qualifier between Scotland and Wales at Anfield, where Jordan handled the ball in the penalty area, leading to a decisive spot-kick for Scotland but no sending-off, as deliberate handball rules in that era typically resulted only in penalties without automatic red cards.[68][69] The controversial decision, which helped Scotland qualify for the 1978 FIFA World Cup at Wales' expense, cemented Jordan's reputation as a tough, unyielding competitor willing to do whatever it took to win.[70] In the media, Jordan was frequently portrayed as Scotland's primary enforcer during their World Cup campaigns in 1974, 1978, and 1982, where his physicality and scoring prowess—netting in each tournament—made him a symbol of the team's gritty determination.[67] Outlets like The Guardian highlighted his "hard man" image, drawing parallels to the film's predatory shark to underscore his role in intimidating opponents and rallying the Scottish side.[71] This depiction amplified his cultural impact, turning "Jaws" into an enduring emblem of 1970s football's rough-and-tumble ethos.

Honours and recognition

Club honours

During his time at Leeds United, Joe Jordan contributed to the club's success in winning the Football League First Division title in the 1973–74 season, marking their second championship in the top flight.[72][13] Later, while playing for AC Milan, Jordan was part of the team that secured promotion by winning the Serie B title in the 1982–83 season, their second such triumph in the Italian second tier.[73] At Southampton, Jordan played a key role in the club's strong performance during the 1984–85 First Division campaign, where they achieved a notable fifth-place finish—their highest league position at the time—which would have qualified them for European competition had it not been for the ongoing ban on English clubs following the Heysel Stadium disaster.[74][75]

International achievements

Joe Jordan played a pivotal role in Scotland's national team during the 1970s, contributing to one of the most successful eras in the country's football history, marked by consistent qualification for major tournaments and competitive performances on the global stage.[3] As a key forward, he helped secure Scotland's place in three consecutive FIFA World Cups, a feat that underscored the team's rising prowess under managers like Willie Ormond and Ally MacLeod.[76] Scotland's qualification for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany was sealed by Jordan's decisive header in a 2-1 victory over Czechoslovakia at Hampden Park in October 1973, ending a 16-year absence from the finals and igniting national excitement.[77] This success launched the "golden era," with Jordan's physical presence and aerial ability forming a cornerstone of the attack that propelled the team forward. The squad's blend of grit and skill, exemplified by players like Jordan, transformed Scotland into a respected force in European football during this period.[78] Building on this momentum, Scotland qualified for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, where Jordan featured prominently in the group stage, including a goal against Peru in the opener. A standout moment came in the 3-2 upset victory over the Netherlands, the tournament runners-up from 1974, highlighting the team's resilience despite an early exit.[79] His contributions exemplified how individual efforts bolstered collective achievements in Scotland's ambitious campaign.[39] The golden era extended to the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where under Jock Stein, Scotland qualified with a robust campaign featuring just one loss, thanks in part to Jordan's leadership and scoring in qualifiers.[78] His goal in the 2-2 draw against the Soviet Union during the finals further cemented his legacy in the team's sustained international competitiveness.[3] Overall, Jordan's involvement in these qualifications and tournaments symbolized Scotland's 1970s dominance in European qualifying groups, fostering a sense of national pride through memorable team triumphs.[14]

Individual awards

In 2005, Joe Jordan was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame as one of 11 inaugural players recognized for their contributions to Scottish football.[3][2] This honor acknowledged his 52 international caps and role in Scotland's national team during the 1970s and 1980s.[3] Jordan holds the unique distinction among Scottish players of scoring in three consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments—in 1974 against Zaire and Yugoslavia, in 1978 against Peru, and in 1982 against New Zealand—earning him recognition for this rare achievement in international football.[2][80] This feat underscores his impact on Scotland's World Cup campaigns, where he contributed 11 goals across 52 appearances for the national team.[3] Throughout his career, Jordan has been widely regarded as a legend for both Leeds United and the Scotland national team, celebrated for his physical prowess and goal-scoring record in key competitions.[81][41] At Leeds, where he played from 1970 to 1978 and helped secure the 1973–74 First Division title, he is remembered as a fearsome forward and club icon.[10] Similarly, his enduring status among Scotland supporters stems from his leadership and performances in major tournaments.[41]

Recent recognitions

In 2023, Jordan served as a testimonial ambassador for Hellas Verona's third kit launch, modeling the all-white design inspired by the club's 1983–84 season during his playing tenure there.[82] The following year, in June 2024, BBC Scotland featured Jordan in its Icons of Football series, highlighting his career as a Scotland hero and one of English football's toughest forwards through interviews and archival footage.[83][84] Building on his foundational 2005 induction into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, Jordan received further honors in 2025 when Bristol City presented him with a double legacy cap—recognizing both his playing and managerial contributions—at Ashton Gate on 3 May.[85][86]

Personal life

Family

Joe Jordan has been married to Judith since the early 1970s, having met her in 1973 at a Leeds disco.[22] The couple has four children: two sons, Andrew (Andy) and Thomas (Tom), both of whom pursued football careers, and two daughters, Caroline and Lucy.[22] Andy Jordan, born in 1979, played as a defender for clubs including Cardiff City and Hartlepool United before retiring due to injury in 2005,[87] while Tom, born in 1981, appeared for teams such as Southend United, Forest Green Rovers, and Weston-super-Mare in semi-professional and non-league football.[88] Jordan's stint in Italy from 1981 to 1983, playing for AC Milan and Hellas Verona, involved relocating the young family abroad, with his sons Andy (then aged 2–4) and Tom (aged 0–2) accompanying him and Judith during this period.[22] This experience fostered a lasting family connection to the country, as evidenced by their daughter Caroline now living and working in Milan, where Jordan and Judith visit regularly—three or four times a year—to see her and their Italian-raised grandchildren.[22] The family's adaptability was key to supporting Jordan's nomadic career, which included moves across England, Scotland, and Europe for playing and later coaching roles, with Judith providing consistent stability amid these transitions.[22] The Jordans have resided in Bristol since the end of his playing days, a location that has anchored their family life in later years.[22]

Post-retirement activities

Following the expiry of his contract as assistant coach at AFC Bournemouth at the end of the 2020–21 season, Jordan has not taken up any active coaching roles.[52] He resides in Bristol, England, where the area has served as his family home since his time as a player and manager with Bristol City in the late 1980s.[89][28] Jordan maintains occasional ambassadorial ties to former clubs, such as Hellas Verona, where he hosted club representatives at his home in 2023 and participated in the launch of a commemorative third kit honoring his 1983–84 season with the team.[28][90] On 3 May 2025, he returned to Ashton Gate to receive a legacy cap from Bristol City in recognition of his contributions to the club.[85]

Career statistics

Club career

Joe Jordan began his club career with Greenock Morton in Scotland's First Division, where he made 12 appearances and scored 2 goals from 1968 to 1970. He transferred to Leeds United in the English First Division for £15,000 in October 1970, playing there until joining Manchester United for £350,000 in January 1978. Subsequent moves took him to Italy with AC Milan (1981–1983) in Serie A and Serie B, followed by Hellas Verona (1983–1984) in Serie A, before returning to England with Southampton (1984–1987) in the First Division and ending his playing days with brief appearances for Bristol City (1986–1989) across the Second and Third Divisions.[91][11] Across his club career, Jordan accumulated 503 appearances and 128 goals in all competitions, including league, cup, and European matches.[92][11]
ClubYearsPrimary LeagueTotal AppearancesTotal Goals
Greenock Morton1968–1970Scottish First Division122
Leeds United1970–1978English First Division22248
Manchester United1978–1982English First Division12441
AC Milan1981–1983Serie A / Serie B6620
Hellas Verona1983–1984Serie A242
Southampton1984–1987English First Division5113
Bristol City1986–1989English Second / Third Division42
Career Total503128
The statistics encompass all competitive matches, with notable contributions in domestic cups (e.g., FA Cup appearances for Leeds and Manchester United) and European competitions (e.g., European Cup for Leeds, UEFA Cup for Southampton and Hellas Verona).[93]

International career

Joe Jordan earned 52 caps for the Scotland national team, scoring 11 goals between 1973 and 1982.[94] The following table details all of his international appearances, including dates, opponents, match scores (with Scotland's score listed second for away/neutral games and first for home games), competitions, and the number of goals he scored in each match.[95][96][97]
DateOpponentScoreCompetitionGoals
19 May 1973England (a)0–1British Home Championship0
26 Sep 1973Czechoslovakia (h)2–1FIFA World Cup qualifier1
17 Oct 1973Czechoslovakia (a)0–1FIFA World Cup qualifier0
11 May 1974Northern Ireland (h)0–1British Home Championship0
14 May 1974Wales (h)2–0British Home Championship0
18 May 1974England (h)2–0British Home Championship1
1 Jun 1974Belgium (a)1–2Friendly0
6 Jun 1974Norway (a)2–1Friendly1
14 Jun 1974Zaire (n)2–0FIFA World Cup1
18 Jun 1974Brazil (n)0–0FIFA World Cup0
22 Jun 1974Yugoslavia (n)1–1FIFA World Cup1
30 Oct 1974East Germany (h)3–0Friendly0
20 Nov 1974Spain (h)1–2UEFA Euro qualifier0
5 Feb 1975Spain (a)1–1UEFA Euro qualifier1
6 May 1976Wales (h)3–1British Home Championship0
8 May 1976Northern Ireland (h)3–0British Home Championship0
15 May 1976England (h)2–1British Home Championship0
13 Oct 1976Czechoslovakia (a)0–2FIFA World Cup qualifier0
17 Nov 1976Wales (h)1–0FIFA World Cup qualifier0
1 Jun 1977Northern Ireland (h)3–0British Home Championship0
4 Jun 1977England (a)2–1British Home Championship0
21 Sep 1977Czechoslovakia (h)3–1FIFA World Cup qualifier1
12 Oct 1977Wales (n)2–0FIFA World Cup qualifier0
22 Feb 1978Bulgaria (h)2–1Friendly0
13 May 1978Northern Ireland (h)1–1British Home Championship0
17 May 1978Wales (h)1–1British Home Championship0
20 May 1978England (h)0–1British Home Championship0
3 Jun 1978Peru (n)1–3FIFA World Cup1
7 Jun 1978Iran (n)1–1FIFA World Cup0
11 Jun 1978Netherlands (n)3–2FIFA World Cup0
20 Sep 1978Austria (a)2–3UEFA Euro qualifier0
25 Oct 1978Norway (h)3–2UEFA Euro qualifier0
29 Nov 1978Portugal (a)0–1UEFA Euro qualifier0
19 May 1979Wales (a)0–3British Home Championship0
22 May 1979Northern Ireland (h)1–0British Home Championship0
26 May 1979England (a)1–3British Home Championship0
7 Jun 1979Norway (a)4–0UEFA Euro qualifier1
21 Nov 1979Belgium (a)0–2UEFA Euro qualifier0
19 Dec 1979Belgium (h)1–3UEFA Euro qualifier0
16 May 1980Northern Ireland (a)0–1British Home Championship0
21 May 1980Wales (h)1–0British Home Championship0
24 May 1980England (h)0–2British Home Championship0
28 May 1980Poland (a)0–1Friendly0
31 May 1980Hungary (a)1–3Friendly0
25 Apr 1981Israel (h)3–1FIFA World Cup qualifier0
16 May 1981Wales (a)0–2British Home Championship0
23 May 1981England (a)1–0British Home Championship0
9 Sep 1981Sweden (h)2–0FIFA World Cup qualifier1
23 Mar 1982Netherlands (h)2–1Friendly0
24 May 1982Wales (h)1–0British Home Championship0
29 May 1982England (h)0–1British Home Championship0
22 Jun 1982USSR (n)2–2FIFA World Cup1
Jordan's 11 goals came in a variety of competitions, with notable strikes in World Cup matches across three tournaments: against Zaire and Yugoslavia in 1974, Peru in 1978, and the USSR in 1982.[95][96][97] The full list of his goals is as follows:

Managerial record

Joe Jordan managed five spells across four clubs, achieving promotions and competitive finishes in the lower divisions of English and Scottish football, though his tenures were often short-lived due to sackings or moves to assistant roles.[42] His record includes two separate stints at Bristol City, where he secured promotion from the Third Division in 1990 during his first spell. The following table summarizes his head managerial and caretaker records by club:
ClubFromToGamesWinsDrawsLossesWin %
Bristol City16 Mar 19881 Sep 199013468303650.75
Heart of Midlothian10 Sep 19903 May 199314969344646.31
Stoke City10 Nov 19938 Sep 19944013131432.50
Bristol City15 Nov 199424 Mar 199713042375132.31
Portsmouth (caretaker)24 Nov 20057 Dec 200520020.00
Overall, Jordan recorded 192 wins, 114 draws, and 149 losses in 455 games as a head manager, yielding a career win percentage of 42.20%.[42]

References

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