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Joe Jordan

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This article is about the Scottish footballer. For other people with similar names, see Joseph Jordan.

Joe Jordan
Jordan, during his time with Tottenham Hotspur
Personal information
Full name Joseph Jordan[1]
Date of birth (1951-12-15) 15 December 1951 (age 73)[1]
Place of birth Cleland, Scotland
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Position(s) Forward
Youth career
Blantyre Victoria
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1968–1970 Morton 6 (1)
1970–1978 Leeds United 170 (35)
1978–1981 Manchester United 109 (37)
1981–1983 Milan 52 (12)
1983–1984 Hellas Verona 12 (1)
1984–1987 Southampton 48 (12)
1987–1989 Bristol City 57 (8)
Total 456 (106)
International career
1973–1982 Scotland 52 (11)
Managerial career
1988–1990 Bristol City
1990–1993 Heart of Midlothian
1993–1994 Stoke City
1994–1997 Bristol City
2005 Portsmouth (caretaker)
2008 Portsmouth (caretaker)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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. He was runner up with Manchester United in the 1979 FA Cup Final. With Milan he won the 1982–83 Serie B title. At Hellas Verona he was runner up in the 1984 Coppa Italia Final. 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.

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.[17] 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 each of play in and score in the Italian Football Championship, since its landmark 1929-30 Serie A rebrand to Serie A. Jordan scored two goals in his 22 Serie A games that season,[18] the first of which was the opener in a 7 November 1981, 1-1 home draw v Como.[19]

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.[20]

Milan won the 1981/82 Mitropa Cup. Their opponents in the 4 team round-robin competition were TJ Vítkovice, Haladás and NK Osijek.[21]

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.[19] 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,[18] 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 again joint top scored 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.[22]

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.[23][24]

Jordan played two seasons for Milan, scoring 12 goals in his 52 league games.[25] Jordan made 66 domestic league and cup Milan appearances, scoring 20 goals.[26]

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.[25] He has explained he retained strong links with Milan. One of his four children, Caroline, lives there with her children raised Italian.[27]

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.[28]

Jordan played 24 league and cup Verona games.[29] 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.[30] Jordan subbed on six times in his 12 Verona Serie A games.[29] His only Verona Serie A goal was in the 1-0 home win v UC Sampdoria on 8 April 1984.[31] Verona finished the 1983–84 Serie A season sixth on equal points with Sampdoria and Jordan's ex-club, Milan.[32]

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.[33] 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.[34] 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).[30] 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."[27]

Southampton

[edit]

Aged 32, in 1984 Jordan returned to England, signing for Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy for £150,000.[35] In his first season there he shared 34 league and cup goals partnering Steve Moran up front.[36] 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.[37] 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.[38]

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.[39] That was his only game in Southampton's run to that season's semi-final.[40]

Bristol City

[edit]

Aged 35, in February 1987 [35][36] Jordan free transferred to Bristol City, where he finished his playing career.[5] He was also player-manager from 1988-89. 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.[41]

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.[42] 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 draw versus Yugoslavia.[43] Scotland finished the group unbeaten, but were eliminated at that stage on goal difference.[43]

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.[44] Czechoslovakia were reigning European champions at the time.[45] 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[46]. 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.[45][47] Don Masson converted the penalty putting Scotland 1-0 ahead.[47] Scotland's 2–0 win secured qualification by winning UEFA Group 7.[43][45]

In Scotland's opening Argentina 1978 World Cup game, Jordan opened the scoring versus Peru. Peru though won 3–1.[43] Scotland then drew 1-1 versus Iran and won 3–2 versus Netherlands for Scotland's again group stage elimination.[43] Jordan assisted Kenny Dalglish's 1-1 equaliser v Netherlands.[48]

Jordan scored in Scotland's 1982 World Cup 2–2 draw versus the Soviet Union.[43] 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.[49]

In February 1989, City lost 2-1 on aggregate in the 1988–89 Football League Cup semi-final to eventual winners, Nottingham Forest.[50] 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.[51]

Taylor's 27 league goals made him the divisions leading scorer in the 1989–90 Football League.[52] 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.[53]

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.[54] 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.[54] 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 taking over from fellow Scot Lou Macari who had left to join Celtic.[55] Jordan was not a popular choice amongst the supporters at the Victoria Ground as it looked likely that Denis Smith was to become their manager.[55] They eventually accepted Jordan as the new manager but his style of play soon began to cause grumblings from the terraces but the side slowly got results going if not the quality of football on offer, Stoke finishing the 1993–94 season in 10th position.[55] 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 heavy 4–0 defeats he resigned on 8 September 1994. He was replaced by the returning Lou Macari.[55]

Bristol City

[edit]

Returning to Bristol City for a second spell, he managed the club from November 1994 to March 1997 for another 130 games.

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.[35]

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 after a recommendation, Jordan was brought into the coaching team at Portsmouth by manager Harry Redknapp, to work alongside Redknapp and his assistant manager, Kevin Bond.[4]

While working as a coach under Redknapp at Portsmouth, Jordan said of his career and the possibility of future management roles, with clubs or Scotland, "I'm still ambitious and I'm desperate to do well here, along with the other people...I wouldn't rule [management] out, but I'm not chasing it. I get on well with [Redknapp] and we hope that we can achieve something. I won't go chasing every job that's going, I know what I am and what I can do, but I'm not going down the route of applying for jobs."[4]

Jordan continued to coach the team under the management of Velimir Zajec and Alain Perrin. Jordan took over as caretaker manager for two games in November 2005 after Perrin's departure. 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 to take charge of the team that day. They drew 1–1 at home with Fulham.[56][57] On whether both would follow him, when Redknapp left he said he believed former Arsenal player Adams would not follow due to the Tottenham-Arsenal rivalry. Redknapp added, "Joe Jordan has been fantastic for me and I would always be pleased to have him with me anywhere. But he is at Portsmouth at the moment and it is up to him and the club to see what will happen in the future."[56] On his appointment as the permanent Portsmouth manager two days later, Adams said he was keen to keep Jordan, stating "Joe is Portsmouth through and through, he's part of the woodwork, but he's a big man and will make his own decision."[58] Portsmouth praised Jordan's "significant contribution" on his departure after four years at the club.[59]

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.[59]

Queens Park Rangers

[edit]

In November 2012, Jordan re-united with Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers as first-team coach.[60]

Middlesbrough

[edit]

On 17 March 2017, Jordan was appointed as assistant first-team manager under caretaker manager Steve Agnew at Middlesbrough.[61] 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.[62] Jordan left his role after the 2020–21 season, upon the expiration of his contract.[63]

Recognition

[edit]

In 2005, Jordan was one of 11 players inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.[64] 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".[64] 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.[65] 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.[64]

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.[66] 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".[67] Jordan was involved in several confrontations during his time at Tottenham, including with Roy Hodgson,[68] Paul Ince,[69] Alan Pardew, Andy Woodman,[70][71] and Gennaro Gattuso.[72][73] 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."[74] 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]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[75]
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
  1. ^ Includes European Cup, FA Charity Shield, Football League Trophy, Football League play-offs, Full Members Cup, Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, Screen Sport Super Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and Mitropa Cup.

International

[edit]
International statistics
National team Year Apps Goals
Scotland[76]
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[77] 450 192 134 124 042.7

Honours

[edit]

Leeds United

Manchester United

Milan

Bristol City

Heart of Midlothian

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Joe Jordan". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Archived from the original on 8 June 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  2. ^ Dunk, Peter, ed. (1987). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1987–88. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 90. ISBN 978-0-356-14354-5.
  3. ^ "Joe Jordan: Bournemouth appoint former Scotland international as first-team coach". BBC Sport. 25 February 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Joe Jordan still possesses the fierce determination that saw him revered as a player". The Herald. 14 March 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
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  10. ^ "Dave Sexton obituary", 27 November 2012, Gavin McOwan
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[edit]
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