Alec Stock - 1917-2001
Stock was one of the best-known names in football, a 55-year-old west countryman who had made a career of working minor miracles at smaller clubs.
There was giant killing at Yeovil, the Third Division South title with the O's, a League Cup success at Wembley and promotion from the Third to the First Divisions with Rangers and a promotion to Division Two with Luton.
Not only that, but Stock had a shrewd eye for a bargain (he signed Rodney Marsh and Malcolm Macdonald from Fulham for next to nothing) and his financial juggling pleased chairmen as much as his teams pleased the supporters.
Stock did not disappoint at Craven Cottage. The Whites’ League position was stabilised, with four seasons of remarkable mid-table consistency, youngsters were developed under the watchful eye of seasoned professionals like Alan Mullery and Bobby Moore (both Stock signings) and his usual profitable returns shown on transfer dealings.
Above all, however, he got Fulham to Wembley in 1975, an achievement that guarantees him legendary status at the Cottage. Stock was more the man-manager than tactical supremo. He was a superb judge of character, a father figure who created the right atmosphere for the coaches and players, and reaching the FA Cup final crowning moment in a career that was built on cup successes.