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Luigi Macari (born 7 June 1949) is a Scottish former footballer and manager. He began his playing career at Celtic where he was one of the Quality Street Gang, the outstanding reserve team that emerged in the late 1960s that also included Kenny Dalglish and Danny McGrain. He is best known for his time at Manchester United, where he played over 400 games. He helped them win promotion back to the First Division and then played in their FA Cup win of 1977. He then finished his playing career at Swindon Town.

Key Information

Macari was the manager of Swindon, West Ham United, Birmingham City, Stoke City (two spells), Celtic and Huddersfield Town.[4][5]

Playing career

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Celtic

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Lou Macari was the only child of Margaret and Albert; he was born in Edinburgh, and spent the first year of his life with his family in the village of Newtongrange, before the family moved to London.[6] His father was in the catering industry, and had represented the British Army at football.[7] The family moved to Largs in North Ayrshire when Macari was aged nine.[8] He was spotted playing for Ayrshire county by Celtic, and signed schoolboy forms for the club at the age of 16.[9] He turned professional at the club in 1968, on wages of £15 a week.[10]

Macari quickly became part of the renowned reserve side known as the Quality Street Gang that also included Kenny Dalglish, Danny McGrain and David Hay.[11] In August 1968, Celtic Reserves needed to defeat Partick Thistle Reserves by at least seven goals to win their Reserve League Cup section over Rangers Reserves. Celtic won 12–0, with Macari scoring four goals.[11] Macari scored 91 goals in two seasons for the reserves and in occasional first team games,[11] having broken through into the Celtic first team in 1970.[9] In 1971, he replaced Willie Wallace in the starting line up for the replay of the 1971 Scottish Cup Final, and scored for Celtic in a 2–1 win over Rangers.[12]

Manchester United

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After a promising start to his playing career with Celtic, he moved south of the border in 1973 for £200,000 to sign for Manchester United, where he spent the bulk of his playing career. During his time with Celtic he had scored 57 goals in 100 appearances since making his first team debut in 1970. He won three League titles and two Scottish Cups in his time at Celtic.[13]

His first game for Manchester United came in January 1973 against West Ham United in which he scored a point-saving goal in a 2–2 draw. In 1977, his deflected shot off teammate Jimmy Greenhoff won Manchester United the FA Cup final against Liverpool (and ultimately denied Liverpool the European treble). He made 400 appearances for the club, scoring 98 goals.

Macari's early career at Old Trafford was spent trying to lead an attack that struggled to achieve anything. Relegation to the Second division in 1974 was the low point but Macari blossomed as a midfielder in the following seasons under Tommy Docherty, as United began to win back a large following with attacking football in which Macari enjoyed popularity alongside players such as Gordon Hill, Steve Coppell and the Greenhoff brothers.

Macari helped United win the Second Division title in 1975. They finished third on their return to the top flight and were runners-up in the FA Cup before going one better and lifting the trophy a year later.[9] He was on the losing side in the 1979 final against Arsenal,[9] and also played in a string of European campaigns during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Scotland

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Macari won two Scotland Under 23 caps in early 1972,[14] before making his debut for the full Scotland national team in May 1972 against Wales.[15] He was a member of the Scotland squad for the 1978 World Cup tournament in Argentina. However, he attracted widespread criticism when it emerged that he had led complaints that the £20,000 bonuses the players would receive if they won the World Cup were too low, then made extra money by selling stories to the press[16] about the disarray and tensions within the Scottish camp. As it turned out, the Scotland team lost their first match to Peru, and drew with Iran. They beat the Netherlands 3–2 but this was insufficient to proceed in the tournament and the Scotland squad returned home without qualifying for the knock-out stage. Macari and his team-mates did not receive the bonuses which were the subject of contention. He won a total of 24 senior caps, scoring five international goals.[17]

Management career

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After leaving Manchester United in 1984, he managed Swindon Town, West Ham United, Stoke City (twice), Celtic, Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town. As a manager Macari insisted upon a strict fitness regime, which included extra sessions in the players' free time and the banning of alcohol in and around the club.[18]

When I took my first management job at Swindon in the old Fourth Division, one of the things I had to adjust to was the fact I was working with players with lesser ability than at Old Trafford. There was a danger of demanding they play like top-flight footballers and then become frustrated with them when they couldn't. But I didn't see any reason why the players at Swindon couldn't be as fit as the players at Manchester United. That was something we worked really hard on, the players accepted it, and we reaped the rewards with promotion in my second season."

— Macari recalls his Swindon days.[19]

Swindon Town

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His successes in management came with two promotions at Swindon Town (Fourth Division champions in 1986 and Third Division play-off winners in 1987). Harry Gregg, Swindon's assistant manager, did not like the style of play implemented by Macari. The divide between Macari and Gregg became more noticeable, so the board chaired by Maurice Earle sacked both of them on Good Friday, 5 April 1985. Macari was then reinstated as manager on 10 April 1985 after a fan-led protest,[20] Swindon then went unbeaten for their next six games, winning, four, and Macari won the Manager of the Month award.[20] The following season, 1985–86 saw Macari collect four Manager of the Month awards as he led Swindon to the Division 4 title with a record-breaking 102-point tally.[20] A second consecutive promotion was achieved in 1987 with a play-off final victory over Gillingham at Selhurst Park.[20] In 1989, Macari was fined £1,000 by the Football Association after he bet on Swindon to lose an FA Cup tie against Newcastle United.[20] In 1992, he was tried and acquitted for tax fraud which took place while he was Swindon's manager; the club's then chairman was found guilty.[21]

West Ham United

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His achievements at Swindon earned Macari a move to West Ham United in 1989–90, becoming the first manager there never to have worked for the club in a previous capacity.[22] Macari was given the job on 3 July 1989.[23] He had a reputation for discipline and tried to change the training and dietary habits of the players.[24] This met with some disapproval within the playing ranks.[24] Macari bought in new recruits in future regular players, Luděk Mikloško,[25] Trevor Morley,[26] Martin Allen,[27] and Ian Bishop.[26] His team struggled to make much headway towards promotion and by the end of 1989 were in tenth place in The Second Division. They were also knocked out of the FA Cup by Torquay United on 6 January 1990 in the Third Round. Shortly after this it emerged that Macari was being investigated for betting irregularities whilst at his former club, Swindon Town.[20] He left on 18 February 1990.[22][23]

Birmingham City

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Macari was appointed as manager at Birmingham City in February 1991. He guided the Blues to a 3–2 victory over Tranmere Rovers in the 1991 Football League Trophy Final.[28]

Stoke City

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On 18 June 1991 Macari was appointed manager at Stoke City. Stoke at the time had just finished in their lowest league position and Macari had the task to turn around the fortunes of the club. He brought in Steve Foley (£50,000 from Swindon Town), Vince Overson (£55,000 from Birmingham City), Ronnie Sinclair (£25,000 from Bristol City) and forward Mark Stein from Oxford United for what turned out to be a bargain £100,000.[4]

Stoke in 1991–92 were in the hunt for automatic promotion all season eventually having to settle for a play-off place where they came up against Stockport County.[4] The first leg at Edgeley Park saw County win 1–0 thanks to a free-kick from Lee Todd after Carl Beeston had been sent-off and in the second leg Stoke went behind in the first minute and despite Stein pulling one back Stoke went out 2–1 on aggregate.[4] Just days after losing to Stockport in the play-offs, they met again in the 1992 Football League Trophy Final where Stoke won 1–0.[28] The 1992–93 season saw Stoke win the Second Division title after amassing 93 points and also went on a club record unbeaten run of 25 games.[29]

Celtic

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In October 1993, Macari left Stoke City and returned to Scotland to manage Celtic.[4] Despite defeating Rangers 2–1 at Ibrox in his first match, his time at Celtic Park was unsuccessful.[30][31] Macari made several moves in the transfer market – none of them particularly successful. Gerry Creaney, one of the few consistent goalscorers at Celtic at that time, was played out of position on the right-wing for several weeks before being sold to Portsmouth for £600,000. Striker Willie Falconer was signed from Sheffield United, right-back Lee Martin and goalkeeper Carl Muggleton came north from England, and in what is considered one of Macari's poorest moves, Andy Payton moved to Barnsley in a part-exchange deal for journeyman striker Wayne Biggins. A miserable 4–2 defeat by Rangers in the New Year fixture at Parkhead left Celtic languishing in the league. An early Scottish Cup exit in January 1994 at Motherwell sealed another dismal season for Celtic.[32] Fergus McCann took over as owner of Celtic in March 1994 and duly sacked Macari three months later.[30]

Return to Stoke City

[edit]

Macari returned to Stoke in September 1994. Stoke finished in a mid-table position of 11th in 1994–95 before the partnership of Mike Sheron and Simon Sturridge in 1995–96 produced 29 goals and earned Stoke a place in the play-offs.[5] Stoke's opponents in the play-offs were Martin O'Neill's Leicester City whom Stoke had already beaten twice in the league.[5] The first leg at Filbert Street ended 0–0.[5] In the second leg, Stoke produced a poor performance and Leicester scored the only goal, Garry Parker's left-foot volley ended Stoke's hopes of promotion.[5] The 1996–97 campaign saw Stoke play their final season at the Victoria Ground which ended with a mid-table finish of 12th. Macari announced he was leaving at the end of the season which was a surprise but he was 'stripped of his duties' before he left and later launched a lawsuit against Peter Coates for wrongful dismissal.[5]

Huddersfield Town

[edit]

Macari joined Huddersfield Town in December 1999 as the club's European Scout and formed part of Steve Bruce's backroom staff. The following season, in October 2000, Bruce was sacked and Huddersfield, who were in relegation trouble after a poor start to the season, asked Macari to step in as caretaker manager. He was appointed as the permanent manager four games later and despite a valiant effort to rescue the club, he couldn't prevent them from being relegated from Division One at the end of the 2000–01 campaign.

Macari managed to steady the ship in 2001–02 and lead the club into the Second Division play-offs as the Terriers looked to bounce straight back up. However they were defeated by Brentford in the semi-finals. Macari's contract was not renewed for the next season with Huddersfield's board stating his defensive style of football as the reason. This was to be Macari's last managerial role and despite being linked with various positions since has not ventured back into management.

Post-retirement activities

[edit]

Macari currently lives in Stoke-on-Trent and works as a pundit for MUTV on several shows. He is a regular guest on Match Day Live before Manchester United home and away games. As well as phone-in shows such as Wednesday Night Phone-in he occasionally does punditry for Sky Sports, and also writes regular comment pieces for the Stoke-on-Trent newspaper The Sentinel. He has given several guest talks at Staffordshire University on the Sports Journalism courses. Macari also owns the "Lou Macari Chip Shop" on Chester Road, near Old Trafford. He wrote his autobiography in October 2009 called Football, My Life.

Macari was portrayed by Scottish actor Tony Curran in the 2014 television film Marvellous, based on the life of former Stoke City kitman Neil Baldwin.[33]

Personal life

[edit]

Macari's mother died just before the 1978 World Cup in strange circumstances. He subsequently discovered that she had overdosed on tablets. "My mum had been on her own, and in the conversation I'd had with her she said she had some friends up there. Putting the pieces together after she died, I just wasn't convinced that the friends were good friends. Some money had gone missing."[34]

His sons Michael and Paul have played professionally with Stoke, when Macari was manager of the club. His youngest son Jonathan died by suicide in 1999 after being released from his contract at Nottingham Forest.[35] Family friend and former manager Dave Bassett said that Jonathan could not handle the pressure of living up to his father's greatness. There was also talk of drugs affecting his son's life and leading to his suicide,[36] but Macari later discounted that theory, admitting that much like the death of his mother, the complete story behind the tragedy may never be known.[34] Years later he said that "money in a young man's pocket is a recipe for disaster and we had that disaster. Only when you go through something like that do you understand the hell of it."[37]

His grandson Lewis plays for Notts County, having signed from Stoke City.[38]

Macari worked with Stoke-on-Trent council to set up The Macari Centre, a street retreat to house the homeless sleeping rough, which opened in February 2016.[39][40] In the COVID-19 pandemic, following the closure of the crowded premises of The Macari Centre, Macari rented a warehouse and filled it with glamping pods for homeless people, giving them socially distanced places of their own and their own individual addresses.[41]

Career statistics

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As a player

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Club

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Source:[42]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other[A] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Celtic 1967–68 Scottish Division One 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
1968–69 Scottish Division One 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 1
1969–70 Scottish Division One 15 7 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 19 10
1970–71 Scottish Division One 11 5 1 1 8 5 1 2 0 0 21 13
1971–72 Scottish Division One 20 10 5 5 6 5 8 4 3 1 42 25
1972–73 Scottish Division One 11 3 0 0 6 4 3 2 3 0 23 9
Total 58 26 8 8 24 14 12 8 8 2 110 58
Manchester United 1972–73 First Division 16 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 19 5
1973–74 First Division 35 5 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 38 6
1974–75 Second Division 38 11 2 0 7 7 0 0 0 0 47 18
1975–76 First Division 36 12 6 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 45 15
1976–77 First Division 38 9 7 3 4 1 4 1 0 0 53 14
1977–78 First Division 32 8 4 3 1 0 2 0 1 0 40 11
1978–79 First Division 32 6 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 38 6
1979–80 First Division 39 9 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 44 9
1980–81 First Division 38 9 2 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 43 9
1981–82 First Division 11 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 2
1982–83 First Division 9 2 1 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 14 2
1983–84 First Division 5 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 10 0
Total 329 78 34 8 27 10 10 1 4 0 404 97
Swindon Town 1984–85 Fourth Division 27 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 31 4
1985–86 Fourth Division 9 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
Total 36 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 2 1 43 4
Career total 423 107 43 16 55 24 22 9 14 3 557 159
A. ^ The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals in the Anglo-Italian Cup, Drybrough Cup, FA Charity Shield, Football League Trophy and Glasgow Cup.

International

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Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland[43] 1972 6 3
1973 4 0
1975 5 0
1977 6 2
1978 3 0
Total 24 5

As a manager

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Source:[42]

Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Swindon Town 23 July 1984 3 July 1989 285 138 67 80 048.4
West Ham United 3 July 1989 18 February 1990 40 15 12 13 037.5
Birmingham City 7 February 1991 18 June 1991 24 12 6 6 050.0
Stoke City 18 June 1991 26 October 1993 138 69 38 31 050.0
Celtic[44] 27 October 1993 14 June 1994 34 12 14 8 035.3
Stoke City 29 September 1994 1 July 1997 151 55 47 49 036.4
Huddersfield Town 16 October 2000 14 June 2002 93 36 29 28 038.7
Total 765 337 213 215 044.1

Honours

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As a player

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Celtic

Manchester United

As a manager

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Swindon Town

Birmingham City

Stoke City

Individual

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lou Macari

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lou Macari is a Scottish former professional footballer and manager, renowned for his combative midfield play during an 18-year playing career that included stints at Celtic and Manchester United, where he won major domestic honors, and for his subsequent managerial success in guiding lower-league English clubs to promotions while also briefly leading Celtic. Born Luigi Macari on 7 June 1949 in and raised in the Ayrshire town of , Macari began his professional career as a youth player at Celtic shortly after their historic 1967 European Cup victory, joining as an apprentice in the celebrated "Quality Street" youth team alongside future stars like . He made his senior debut for Celtic in 1970 and went on to make 100 appearances, scoring 57 goals and contributing to three Scottish League titles (1971–72, 1972–73, and 1973–74) and two Scottish Cups during his time there from 1968 to 1973. In January 1973, Macari transferred to Manchester United for a then-club-record £200,000 fee, reportedly edging out interest from rivals , and quickly became a key figure in the squad as a tenacious, goal-scoring . At , Macari featured in 401 matches and scored 97 goals over 11 seasons from 1973 to 1984, forming part of the team's promotion-winning side in the Second Division during the 1974–75 campaign and playing a pivotal role in their 1983 triumph, though he is often remembered for scoring the deflected winner in the against (2–1 victory). Internationally, he earned 24 caps for between 1971 and 1979, including participation in the finals in , where the team exited in the group stage despite notable performances. After leaving United on a free transfer in 1984, Macari briefly played for Swindon Town as a player-manager before transitioning fully to management. Macari's managerial career spanned nearly two decades, marked by triumphs in the English lower divisions but also challenges at higher-profile clubs. He led Swindon Town to the Fourth Division title in 1985–86 with a record 102 points and secured promotion to the Second Division via the play-offs in 1987, though his tenure ended amid a 1990 scandal involving illegal payments to players, resulting in a three-year ban (later reduced) and Swindon's demotion from the First Division. Appointed West Ham United manager in July 1989, he guided the team to the League Cup semi-finals in his brief stint before resigning in February 1990 to shield the club from the Swindon fallout; during this period, he signed influential players like and Ian Bishop. Returning to management in 1991 after his ban, Macari won the Football League Trophy with Birmingham City that year and then took charge of Stoke City, achieving promotion from the third tier in 1992–93 and reaching the play-offs in 1995–96 during two spells (1991–93 and 1994–97). In October 1993, Macari returned to Celtic as manager, implementing a pragmatic style that delivered the but failed to end Rangers' league dominance, leading to his departure after one season in 1994. His final managerial role came at Huddersfield Town in 2000, where he steered the team to the Second Division play-offs before being sacked in 2001; he retired from management in 2002. Post-retirement, Macari has worked as a football pundit and broadcaster, notably for Irish channel , and established the Lou Macari Centre in in 2017 to support homelessness and poverty alleviation, earning him the League Managers Association's John Duncan Special Achievement Award in 2023 for his charitable efforts.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Luigi "Lou" Macari was born in , , in 1949, the only child of Scottish parents Albert and Margaret Macari. The family relocated to shortly after his birth, when Macari was about one year old, and remained there for eight years amid post-World War II economic opportunities in the catering sector, before returning to and settling in the working-class coastal town of in [North Ayrshire](/page/North Ayrshire). Macari's father, Albert, worked in the catering industry as a , a profession tied to the family's Italian heritage through his paternal grandparents, who had immigrated from and operated a successful seafront café named Macari's in , contributing to the local Italian-Scottish community's emphasis on entrepreneurial spirit and family-run businesses.

Youth football career

Macari's introduction to organized football came during his school years in , where he attended St Michael's Academy in and quickly established himself as a promising with strong scoring instincts. After his family relocated from to when he was nine years old, supported by his parents' encouragement to pursue his passion for the sport, Macari represented both county and at schoolboy level, drawing attention from professional scouts. In 1966, at the age of 17, Macari was scouted by Celtic's assistant manager Sean Fallon while playing in a school match and signed as a youth player for the club on 21 July, joining their reserve setup alongside other emerging talents. He transitioned into Celtic's youth academy under the guidance of manager , undergoing rigorous training routines that emphasized technical skill, fitness, and tactical awareness, often practicing at and Barrowfield. During his initial season in the youth ranks, Macari featured prominently in reserve and competitive youth fixtures, forming part of the renowned "Quality Street Gang" group of prospects known for their flair and goal-scoring prowess. His development included standout performances in Glasgow Youth Cup matches and internal tournaments, where he honed his midfield role by contributing both assists and goals. Among his key youth accomplishments, Macari helped the Celtic reserves secure victories in regional youth competitions and notably scored four goals in a single 12–0 Reserve League Cup group win, underscoring his rapid progress before breaking into senior contention. The team's collective success that season, including topping the scoring charts in Scottish reserve football, highlighted the academy's strength in nurturing talents like Macari.

Playing career

Celtic

Macari signed for Celtic as a youth player in July 1966, joining the renowned "Quality Street" academy team that produced stars like and . He made his senior debut for the club on 27 September 1967 in a 2–0 League Cup away win against United. Breaking into the first team more regularly from 1970, Macari went on to make 105 appearances and score 56 goals across all competitions during his time at Celtic from 1966 to 1973. As a combative , he contributed significantly to the team's success, helping secure three consecutive Scottish League titles in 1971–72, 1972–73, and 1973–74. Macari also played key roles in two victories, scoring in the 1971 final replay against Rangers (2–1 win) and netting twice in the 1972 final against Hibernian (6–1 win). His performances earned him the Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award in 1971. In January 1973, Macari transferred to Manchester United for a club-record £200,000 fee.

Manchester United

Macari joined Manchester United from Celtic in January 1973 for a British record transfer fee for a of £200,000, signing under manager . He quickly adapted to the physical demands and pace of the English First Division, making his debut on 20 January 1973 against United, where he scored in a 2-2 draw alongside a goal from . Despite the team's challenges that season, including relegation to the Second Division, Macari featured in 35 of 42 league matches, showcasing his tenacity in a more intense environment compared to Scottish football. During his 11-year stint at from 1973 to 1984, Macari became a mainstay in midfield, making 329 league appearances and scoring 78 goals while contributing to 401 total appearances and 97 goals across all competitions. Key highlights included United's promotion back to the First Division as Second Division champions in 1975, where Macari's consistent performances helped secure the title with 11 league goals that season. In the 1974 , he played in the semi-final second leg loss to (2-1 aggregate defeat), marking an early high-stakes encounter. The pinnacle came in 1977, when United won the , defeating United 2-1 in the semi-final—with Macari earning man of the match honors for his dynamic play—and then 2-1 in the final, where his shot deflected off for the decisive goal, denying a treble. Macari's energetic, all-action style endeared him to United fans, who appreciated his work rate alongside teammates like (in Best's final months at the club) and a post-retirement influence, as well as midfield partners and . He transitioned effectively to a deeper midfield role under Docherty, enhancing his all-round contribution before Ron Atkinson's arrival in 1981. Persistent injuries led to his retirement from playing in 1984 at age 35, after which he immediately entered management with Swindon Town.

Scotland national team

Lou Macari earned 24 caps for the Scotland national team between 1972 and 1978, scoring five goals during his international career. He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 victory over in the on 24 May 1972. His strong performances at Manchester United influenced his regular selection, allowing him to contribute to Scotland's campaigns under managers including and . Macari played a key role in Scotland's qualification efforts for the , notably scoring in a 4–1 away win against during the European qualifiers on 18 1972. Although not selected for the finals in , his efforts helped secure Scotland's place in the tournament. He also netted goals in other significant matches, including a 2–2 draw with in the 1972 Independence Cup and a 4–2 friendly victory over in 1977, showcasing his versatility in qualifiers and games. Under Ormond, who managed nine of Macari's appearances, he was instrumental in building a competitive squad during the mid-1970s. Macari was included in Scotland's squad for the in Argentina, managed by , where he made two appearances in the group stage: as a substitute against in a 1–0 loss and as a starter in the 1–1 draw with . Despite Scotland's early elimination, Macari's participation marked the pinnacle of his international involvement. His with the national team concluded after the , with no further caps earned amid growing club demands.

Managerial career

Swindon Town

Lou Macari began his managerial career with Swindon Town in July 1984, taking on the role of player-manager shortly after retiring from United. At the time, the club languished in the Fourth Division, facing financial constraints and a squad in need of overhaul; Macari addressed this by recruiting experienced figures like former United goalkeeper as assistant and focusing on building a resilient team through strategic signings and fitness regimens. In his debut season of 1984–85, finished ninth in the Fourth Division, showing early promise but encountering inconsistency. Macari's leadership transformed the team the following year, as they clinched the 1985–86 Fourth Division title with a record-breaking 102 points from 46 matches, including an impressive 14 consecutive home wins, securing promotion to the Third Division. This achievement marked Swindon's first league title in over 60 years and highlighted Macari's ability to instill discipline and momentum. Early in his tenure, however, he faced a setback when briefly sacked in April 1985 amid boardroom tensions, only to be reinstated days later following widespread fan protests outside the County Ground. Building on this success, Macari guided to back-to-back promotions by winning the 1986–87 Third Division play-offs, defeating Athletic in the final on penalties after a 1–1 draw, earning elevation to the Second Division for the first time in over two decades. His tactical approach emphasized , attacking football with quick transitions and physical intensity, prioritizing strength and fitness to exploit forward play; this style was exemplified by integrating promising youth talents like Fraser Digby, signed on a free transfer from Manchester United's youth setup, alongside established players to create a balanced, energetic squad. Over his five-year stint, Macari achieved a win rate of approximately 48 percent across 284 matches, overseeing 137 victories and establishing as a promotion contender. Macari departed in July 1989 to manage United in the First Division, leaving behind a club on the cusp of further ascent after solid mid-table finishes in the Second Division during 1987–88 and 1988–89. His exit was bittersweet for supporters, who credited him with revitalizing the team's fortunes from the lower echelons of English football. Following his departure, Macari was implicated in a 1990 scandal over illegal payments to players at , resulting in a three-year ban from football (later reduced to one year) by the FA and the club's demotion from the First Division.

West Ham United

Lou Macari was appointed manager of West Ham United on 3 July 1989, following the sacking of long-serving boss John Lyall after the club's relegation from the First Division at the end of the 1988–89 season. His success in guiding Swindon Town to promotion had positioned him as a promising choice to rebuild the squad in the Second Division. Macari inherited a team facing the challenge of adapting to life outside the top flight, compounded by the £1 million departure of key midfielder Paul Ince to Manchester United amid fan protests. During his tenure, Macari emphasized discipline, implementing a strict fitness regime and altering players' training and dietary habits to instill greater professionalism. He retained much of Lyall's backroom staff and playing squad while making targeted signings, including goalkeeper from Baník Ostrava, forward from Nottingham Forest, midfielder from Queens Park Rangers, and Ian Bishop from Wimbledon, to bolster the team's depth and attacking options. These additions contributed to a solid start, with West Ham reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup, but the side struggled with consistency, particularly at home, where form faltered despite an overall mid-table push. Macari managed 39 matches, achieving 14 wins, 13 draws, and 12 losses for a win rate of approximately 36%, before resigning on 18 February 1990. His departure stemmed from an ongoing investigation into betting irregularities and illegal payments during his time at Swindon Town, for which he was later fined £1,000; he stepped down to clear his name and spare the club further negative publicity. Under his partial stewardship and that of caretaker , finished seventh in the Second Division.

Birmingham City

Lou Macari was appointed as manager of Birmingham City on 7 February 1991, succeeding and taking over a Second Division side mired in mid-table struggles and severe financial difficulties. His initial role was on a non-contract basis, reflecting the club's precarious position, but he was quickly made permanent as he focused on instilling fitness, organization, and a winning mentality to stabilize the team. Macari's tenure, which lasted until 18 June 1991, saw him oversee squad adjustments limited by finances, including signing players on non-contract terms to bolster the attack and defense without significant transfer expenditure. Under his guidance, Birmingham improved their form, climbing to sixth place in the league by mid-March and finishing the 1990–91 season in ninth position overall, a marked enhancement from their earlier position near the relegation zone. In 18 matches, he recorded 7 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, yielding a win rate of approximately 39%. The highlight of Macari's time at Birmingham was guiding the team to victory in the 1991 Associate Members' Cup (also known as the Leyland DAF Cup), defeating Tranmere Rovers 3–2 in the final at on 26 May 1991. Goals from Simon Sturridge, John Gayle (twice), and a resilient comeback after Tranmere equalized secured the trophy—Birmingham's first Wembley win since —and generated £250,000 in prize money that helped avert financial collapse. This success underscored his ability to rally a squad under pressure, building on the tactical discipline honed during his prior role at West Ham United. Macari departed Birmingham just three weeks after the cup triumph, on 18 June 1991, to pursue the managerial opportunity at Stoke City, citing frustrations over the lack of long-term support and ambition from the Blues' board. His brief spell marked a transitional revival for the club, leaving them in a more secure mid-table standing for the following season.

Stoke City (first spell)

Lou Macari joined Stoke City as manager on 18 June 1991, shortly after leaving Birmingham City where he had guided the team to victory in the 1991 Associate Members' Cup. He inherited a struggling side that had narrowly avoided relegation from the Third Division the previous season, finishing 20th with just 47 points. Under Macari's leadership, Stoke experienced an immediate turnaround, implementing a high-energy playing style and focusing on disciplined organization that revitalized the squad. In his debut 1991–92 season, Macari led Stoke to fourth place in the Third Division, securing a spot in the inaugural play-offs with 77 points from 21 wins and 14 draws. Although they were eliminated in the semi-finals by County on aggregate (2–1 overall), the campaign marked a significant improvement and culminated in trophy success. On 16 May 1992, Stoke defeated 1–0 in the Associate Members' Cup final at , with Mark Stein scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute; this victory provided the club with its first major silverware in 20 years and boosted morale ahead of the league restructure. The following 1992–93 season saw even greater achievements following the formation of the new Second Division. Macari's team dominated the division, clinching the title with a record 93 points from 27 wins, 12 draws, and 7 losses—a win rate of approximately 59%—and embarking on a club-record 25-game unbeaten run that underscored their consistency and attacking prowess. This promotion to the First Division represented a remarkable ascent from near-relegation threats just two years prior, with key signings like Stein contributing 29 goals to the campaign. Macari's emphasis on team unity and fan connection further solidified supporter loyalty, transforming initial skepticism into widespread enthusiasm. Macari departed Stoke on 26 October 1993 to manage Celtic, leaving the team in strong play-off contention in the First Division after 14 matches, having accumulated 28 points from 8 wins and 4 draws. His first spell at the club, spanning over two years, had elevated Stoke from lower-tier obscurity to a competitive force, laying the foundation for sustained progress.

Celtic

Macari returned to Celtic as manager on 27 October 1993, taking over from amid the club's struggles in the Scottish Premier Division, with the explicit goal of revitalizing the team and ending Rangers' stranglehold on the title after three consecutive championships. His appointment marked an emotional homecoming for the former player who had debuted for Celtic in 1968. In his debut match, Macari guided Celtic to a 2–1 victory over Rangers at Ibrox, sparking optimism among fans and signaling a potential shift in fortunes. However, hampered by the club's severe financial constraints, his squad investments were modest and largely underwhelming; notable additions included striker Wayne Biggins from Leicester City for £500,000 and goalkeeper Carl Muggleton on loan, though these failed to transform the attack significantly. Early momentum faded into inconsistency, with the team plagued by draws—14 in total across 34 matches under Macari—despite a strong finish that saw 10 wins in the last 13 league games. Celtic ended the 1993–94 season in second place, 20 points behind champions Rangers, having accumulated 65 points overall but unable to mount a sustained challenge. Despite the league disappointment, Macari led Celtic to victory in the 1993–94 Scottish League Cup, defeating Dundee 3–0 in the final. Tensions with the board escalated over limited transfer budgets and the club's precarious finances, exacerbated by ongoing talks that created instability. Macari's win rate during his tenure stood at 35 percent across all competitions, reflecting the challenges of managing a squad in transition without adequate resources. His time ended abruptly on 16 June 1994 when new owner , who had assumed control in March, sacked him after just eight months, citing Macari's refusal to relocate his family to , irregular attendance at training sessions, and perceived lack of commitment; Macari contested the decision as a loss of managerial control under the incoming regime and later pursued a failed lawsuit.

Stoke City (second spell)

Macari returned to Stoke City in October 1994, shortly after his departure from Celtic, replacing caretaker manager at a club languishing in the Second Division following relegation from the First Division the previous season. With a limited budget, he focused on rebuilding the squad by targeting experienced players to instill discipline and attacking flair, drawing on his successful first spell where he had previously guided the team to the Football League Trophy. In his first partial season of 1994–95, Macari steadied the ship, leading Stoke to a solid mid-table finish of 11th place in the Second Division, avoiding further relegation and laying the groundwork for improvement. The following campaign in 1995–96 marked a high point, as key signings such as striker Mike Sheron—acquired from Norwich City for a then-club record fee—and his partnership with Simon Sturridge yielded 29 goals, propelling Stoke to fourth place and a spot in the promotion play-offs. Although they fell short in the semi-finals against Leicester City, the run demonstrated Macari's ability to compete at the higher end of the table. Sheron was sold to Queens Park Rangers for a club-record £2.75 million in July 1997, providing financial stability amid ongoing constraints. The 1996–97 season saw mixed results, with Stoke sitting fourth at but fading to a 12th-place finish due to a poor run of form in the second half of the campaign; Macari brought back forward Mark Stein on loan from Chelsea to bolster the attack, but it was insufficient to sustain momentum. Over his second spell, spanning 151 matches from October 1994 to June 1997, Macari achieved 55 wins, 47 draws, and 49 losses, yielding a win rate of approximately 36%, reflecting consistent top-half performances in a competitive division despite resource limitations. Macari departed Stoke by mutual consent in June 1997 for personal reasons, coinciding with the club's transition to the new Britannia Stadium and an emotional final match at the historic , where he had built much of his legacy with the supporters.

Huddersfield Town

Lou Macari was appointed as of Huddersfield Town on 16 October 2000 following the resignation of , with the role made permanent on 2 November amid the club's struggles in the First Division and a constrained budget that limited transfer activity. Drawing on his prior experience guiding Stoke City to promotion, Macari focused on stabilizing the squad through disciplined organization and a direct style emphasizing set-pieces to maximize efficiency. Despite initial improvements, suffered relegation to the Second Division at the end of the 2000–01 season, finishing 22nd. In the subsequent 2001–02 campaign, Macari rebuilt momentum with key contributions from forwards such as , who topped the scoring charts with 17 goals across all competitions, and , whose physical presence bolstered the attack. The team secured sixth place and a spot in the play-off semi-finals, where they fell to over two legs, but Macari's overall tenure yielded a 42% win rate across 85 matches. Macari was sacked on 14 June 2002 after the promotion bid failed, concluding his full-time managerial career at age 53.

Personal life

Family

Lou Macari married his American wife, Dale, in 1973 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in , marking the first time a Celtic player had wed there. The couple's enduring partnership has spanned over five decades, with Dale providing steadfast support through Macari's numerous career relocations between , , and managerial stints abroad, as well as personal hardships. Macari and Dale have three sons: Paul, Michael, and Jonathan. Paul and Michael both pursued professional football careers, playing as forwards for Stoke City during their father's tenure as manager there. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited, this is corroborated by club records and match reports from the era.) The youngest son, Jonathan, signed professionally with Nottingham Forest but struggled to break into the first team before tragically taking his own life in 1999 at age 19. Unlike Macari's own upbringing as an , his family life centered on raising these sons amid frequent moves tied to his playing and coaching roles. Macari is a grandfather to several, including Lewis Macari, son of Paul, who has carved out a professional career as a defender, notably with Notts County in . In October 2025, Lewis received a three-month suspension from all football activities—suspended until the end of the 2025-26 season pending no further breaches—and a £750 fine from an independent FA Regulatory Commission for admitting to 354 breaches of betting rules between 2020 and 2022. The family has remained uninvolved in Macari's post-career business endeavors, such as his homelessness initiatives. Macari is a Roman Catholic. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Lou Macari faced significant legal challenges stemming from his time as manager of Town. In January 1990, he was fined £1,000 by for breaching betting rules after placing a wager on his own team to lose an tie against Newcastle United, an incident that led to the resignation of Swindon chairman Brian Hillier and contributed to Macari's departure from the club later that year. Although the betting scandal tarnished his reputation, it was the subsequent tax investigation that drew greater scrutiny. In 1992, Macari stood at Winchester Crown Court alongside Hillier and club secretary Dave Farrar on charges of conspiracy to defraud the through undeclared payments to players totaling around £50,000. While Hillier received a 12-month sentence and Farrar a suspended term, Macari was acquitted after a five-week , with the noting he had no knowledge of the full extent of the irregularities. The nonetheless forced Macari to resign from his next role at West Ham United in February 1990 and created a shadow over his career, contributing to a period of uncertainty between managerial spells. Macari's tenure at Celtic from 1993 to 1994 ended abruptly amid further financial controversies at the club, leading to his dismissal in June 1994. He pursued legal action against Celtic, alleging and , but lost the case in the in February 1998, incurring legal costs estimated at £250,000; an appeal was dismissed in June 1999. These events enforced a career hiatus, during which Macari stepped away from management until taking over at Huddersfield Town in 2000. In his 2008 autobiography Football, My Life, Macari reflected on these ordeals, expressing remorse over the incidents and the personal toll of his legal battles, framing them as pivotal lessons in resilience amid professional setbacks. His family provided crucial support throughout the proceedings.

Post-retirement activities

Media and punditry

Following his departure from management at Huddersfield Town in 2002, Lou Macari transitioned into football media and punditry, drawing on his playing and coaching background to offer expert analysis on the game. He became a regular contributor to MUTV, Manchester United's in-house television channel, where he frequently appears on pre- and post-match shows such as Match Day Live to dissect team performances and tactics. His role on MUTV has allowed him to provide insights into the modern , often referencing his experiences under managers like and . Macari has made guest appearances on radio platforms, including , where he has previewed key matches and critiqued club strategies; for instance, in 2011, he advised Manchester United to rely on rivals' slip-ups to challenge Manchester City in the title race. He has also featured on programs like "Sacked in the Morning," discussing his career highs and lows, including promotions with Swindon Town and Celtic. These radio spots typically focus on English football dynamics, with Macari emphasizing and squad motivation drawn from his own teams. In more recent commentary, Macari has weighed in on international tournaments and transfer activity. Ahead of Scotland's Euro 2024 group stage clash with , he praised Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay's "exceptional" season, crediting his goal-scoring impact as vital for the national team's progression hopes. Macari has also reflected on playing with Manchester United legend , highlighting Best's professionalism in training despite off-field challenges, in a September 2025 podcast appearance. Macari's media work continued actively through 2025, with ongoing MUTV contributions and occasional interviews analyzing the evolving game, though he has expressed no interest in returning to coaching. In January 2025, he questioned Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim's assessment of the squad as the club's "worst ever," urging a focus on unity over criticism.

Business ventures and charity

After retiring from football management, Lou Macari ventured into the sector by opening Lou Macari's Fish & Chips, a traditional British takeaway located on Chester Road near in , . The shop, which has become a local landmark for United fans, offers classic fare like , , and pies, capitalizing on Macari's enduring popularity from his playing days at the club. Established in the post-retirement period, it serves as a steady source of income while allowing Macari to remain connected to the football community. In 2021, amid the , Macari adapted his charitable efforts by installing -style pods within a warehouse in to provide isolated, safe accommodation for homeless individuals at his foundation's facility. These wooden pods, equipped with beds, heaters, televisions, and personal storage, were originally inspired by farm-based units but repurposed to ensure and privacy, accommodating up to 46 residents while minimizing virus transmission risks. This initiative not only sustained support services during lockdowns but also highlighted innovative approaches to crisis response in aid. Macari's primary post-retirement focus has been through the Macari Foundation, which he founded in 2016 to combat homelessness in . The centerpiece is The Macari Centre, opened that year in partnership with , offering emergency shelter, three meals daily, job training, counseling, and pathways to permanent housing for up to 21 individuals at its Fletcher Road location. By 2023, the centre relocated to a larger former pub and hotel site, enhancing capacity and services like addiction support and employment workshops to foster long-term independence. The foundation's mission emphasizes alleviation by addressing root causes such as unemployment and challenges in the local community. In recognition of these efforts, Macari received the League Managers Association's John Duncan Special Achievement Award in 2023. In 2025, the Macari Foundation marked World Homeless Day on October 10 with awareness events across , including community outreach and educational sessions to spotlight local statistics and prevention strategies. Earlier that year, a charity auction hosted by Newcastle and Colleges Group (NSCG) on February 14 raised £7,192 for the foundation through a "Pizza and " fundraiser featuring donated lots like sports memorabilia and experiences, directly funding expansions and resident programs. These activities underscore the foundation's ongoing commitment to collaborative fundraising and impactful interventions against urban poverty.

Career statistics

Club

Lou Macari's club career encompassed stints at Celtic, Manchester United, and Swindon Town, where he amassed 548 appearances and 157 goals across all competitions. His contributions were particularly notable as a versatile capable of both scoring and creating chances, with a focus on opportunistic strikes from distance and set pieces. Assist records from his era are not comprehensively tracked, but contemporaries noted his role in playmaking for forwards during key campaigns.

Breakdown by Club

Macari began his professional career at Celtic in 1966, breaking into the first team in the late as part of the club's "Quality Street" youth group. Over six seasons, he established himself as a goal-scoring , peaking in 1971–72 with 24 goals in 37 appearances, many from midfield runs and long-range efforts, including a decisive strike in a 1–0 win over Hibernian. His departure to Manchester United in January 1973 came after helping Celtic secure three Scottish League titles (1970–71, 1971–72, and 1972–73) and two Scottish Cups (1971, 1972). At Manchester United, Macari became a cornerstone player from 1973 to 1984, thriving under managers and . He scored vital goals in the victory over and contributed to the 1975 Second Division promotion. Peak years included 1975–76 (42 appearances, 14 goals across league and cups) and 1976–77 (50 appearances, 12 goals, including European Cup Winners' Cup ties). His goals often came from midfield interceptions leading to strikes or penalties, with 9 goals from in league play alone during his United tenure. Macari concluded his playing days at Swindon Town as player-manager from 1984 to 1986, making sporadic appearances while focusing on coaching duties. His limited outings totaled 43 appearances and 4 goals, primarily in Fourth Division league matches, underscoring a transition to full-time management.
ClubLeague Apps/GoalsCup Apps/GoalsEuropean/Other Apps/GoalsTotal Apps/Goals
Celtic (1967–73)62/2627/2211/8104/56
Manchester United (1973–84)310/8252/1039/5401/97
Swindon Town (1984–86)33/35/05/143/4
Career Total405/11184/3255/14548/157
This table aggregates appearances and goals by major competition categories, with "Cup" including domestic cups (/, /) and "European/Other" covering continental ties and minor tournaments; figures include substitute appearances where applicable. Peak productivity occurred during 1971–72 at Celtic and 1975–77 at United, periods marked by double-digit goal tallies amid title challenges.

International

Lou Macari represented the national team from 1972 to 1979, accumulating 24 caps and scoring 5 goals during his international career. His debut occurred on 24 May 1972 in a 1–0 home victory over at , marking the start of a period where his prolific club form, particularly at Celtic and later Manchester United, earned him consistent call-ups. Macari's contributions were highlighted in several key fixtures, including qualifiers and tournament games. The following table summarizes select matches, focusing on his goal-scoring appearances and participation in the 1978 FIFA World Cup:
DateOpponentResultCompetitionGoals by Macari
29 June 19722–2Brazilian Independence Cup2
18 October 19724–1 qualifier1
15 June 19774–2Friendly2
3 June 19781–30
7 June 19781–10
Macari's goals were pivotal in various contexts. His brace against on 29 June 1972 came in a neutral-venue friendly tournament in , , where he opened the scoring with a long-range effort in the 40th minute and added a second just before , securing a valuable draw in Scotland's group. On 18 October 1972, he netted the opener after 17 minutes in a dominant 4–1 away win over in a 1974 World Cup qualifier at Idraetsparken, ; this early strike set the tone for Scotland's qualification from their group, as they topped it with an unbeaten record. His final two international goals arrived on 15 June 1977 during a pre-World Cup friendly tour in , scoring in the 30th and 57th minutes to help Scotland come from behind to a 4–2 victory over at Estadio Nacional in Santiago, boosting confidence ahead of the finals. In the , Macari played in Scotland's opening Group 4 matches—a 3–1 defeat to on 3 June and a 1–1 draw against on 7 June—but did not feature in the final group game against the , as Scotland exited the tournament with just one point.

Managerial record

Lou Macari's managerial career encompassed seven terms across six clubs in and , totaling 733 matches with 315 wins, 207 draws, and 211 losses, yielding an overall win percentage of 43%. His record reflects a focus on promotion and stability in the lower divisions, where he secured six honours, including two promotions with Swindon Town and two with Stoke City. The following table details Macari's record at each club:
ClubTenureGamesWinsDrawsLossesWin %
Swindon Town23 Jul 1984 – 3 Jul 1989270132637548.89%
West Ham United3 Jul 1989 – 18 Feb 19903914131235.90%
Birmingham City7 Feb 1991 – 18 Jun 19911875638.89%
Stoke City (1st)18 Jun 1991 – 26 Oct 199312257353046.72%
Celtic7 Oct 1993 – 16 Jun 19944716201134.04%
Stoke City (2nd)29 Sep 1994 – 1 Jul 199714453424936.81%
Huddersfield Town16 Oct 2000 – 14 Jun 20029336292838.71%
Macari demonstrated stronger performance in lower-tier competitions, with win percentages exceeding 45% at Swindon Town and during his first spell at Stoke City, compared to below 40% in higher divisions like the Premier Division with Celtic and the First Division with United. This pattern underscores his aptitude for squad development and tactical adaptation in resource-constrained environments.

Honours

As a player

During his time at Celtic, Lou Macari won three Scottish League titles and two Scottish Cups. Celtic
  • Scottish League: 1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73
  • Scottish Cup: 1970–71, 1971–72
Manchester United
  • Football League Second Division: 1974–75
  • FA Cup: 1976–77
  • FA Cup: 1982–83
  • FA Charity Shield: 1977, 1983
Macari earned 24 caps for between 1972 and 1978 but won no international team honours.

As a manager

Swindon Town Birmingham City
  • Football League Trophy: 1990–91
Stoke City Celtic
  • No honours
Huddersfield Town
  • No major honours

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  85. https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/28/football/manchester-united-homeless-pods-cmd-spt-intl
  86. https://www.itv.com/news/central/2021-02-18/former-stoke-city-manager-adapts-homeless-shelter-with-covid-safe-pods
  87. https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1400003/football-legend-lou-macari-helps-homeless-luxury-glamping-pods
  88. https://macari-foundation.co.uk/the-centre/
  89. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-66449708
  90. https://www.pointsoflight.gov.uk/macari-foundation/
  91. https://macari-foundation.co.uk/
  92. https://nscg.ac.uk/news-and-events/nscg-charity-auction-raises-7-192-for-homelessness-charity-the-macari-foundation
  93. https://www.theknot.news/p/nscgs-charity-auction-helps-the-macari
  94. http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/playermenu/macari.html
  95. https://www.transfermarkt.com/denmark_scotland/index/spielbericht/2373703
  96. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/international-matches/?mid=57544
  97. https://www.thesoccerworldcups.com/players/lou_macari.php
  98. https://www.celticnewsnow.com/data/lou-macari/
  99. https://www.transfermarkt.us/lou-macari/erfolge/spieler/142692
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