About Terry Mancini

My footballing career started at Watford in 1960 and I played for 5 years in and mostly out of Watford’s 1st team.

After a serious injury I then spent the next 2 seasons playing for PE City in South Africa, where I recovered well enough to win the South African League and Cup. After almost 2 years I felt I had matured physically and mentally, both as player and person to come back to England and try my luck in the English league once again. This time with a much more physical attitude and a total feeling of personal confidence. I managed to secure a contract with Leyton Orient and went on to captain them to the 3rd division championship in 1969/70.

My transfer in 1971 to QPR led to me playing with some fine players and great friends in a very good team. They included household names such as Venables, Marsh, Bowles, Parkes, Francis, Givens and McLintock. I also gained my first international cap with the Republic of Ireland and went on to gain another 5. In 1974 after winning promotion to the 1st division we took the league by storm, playing very entertaining football.

After a few weeks of my 2nd season in the 1st division and much to my surprise, I was transferred from QPR to Arsenal and went on the play for and captain the famous gunners until 1978. I really felt I had arrived when I stepped out at Highbury for my first home game and then spent the next 3 seasons with Arsenal, playing with some of the greatest names in the game, Ball, Brady, O’Leary, Stapleton etc.

In 1978 I finished my career in the UK and went to play in Los Angeles with George Best and retired in early 1979. I felt I had worked hard enough and achieved more than most would have thought, certainly with the limitations I had as a player. The one thing that always pushed me further was the belief in my own ability which I find is very important to any footballer, sportsman or individual in a 9-5 job. “Work hard at the qualities you have and an attitude that never gives up”

It worked for me!