Bob Hewison


Robert Hewison was an English footballer who filled various roles on the left of the pitch before going on to make his name as a manager.

Playing career

Born in Backworth, Northumberland, Hewison began his playing career with North East England non-league sides East Holywell Villa and Whitley Athletic before joining Newcastle United in 1910. He joined Leeds City in 1914 but due to the First World War and their expulsion from the Football League he never appeared in an official league match for the club. After suffering a leg break during the 1918-19 season Hewison was asked to serve as City's secretary during their winding up.

Management career

Hewison briefly returned to Newcastle before joining Northampton Town in 1920 as a player-manager. He remained in this position until 1925 when, having retired from playing, he switched to Queens Park Rangers as manager. Under Hewison QPR adopted their familiar blue and white kit although results on the pitch were nothing special for the Third Division South club and he was replaced by Archie Mitchell for the 1931-32 season.
Hewison returned to management in 1932 with Bristol City. However at City Hewison was accused of making illegal payments to amateur players and on 15 October 1938 a joint Football Association and Football League inquiry suspended him until the end of the season, as well as fining the club 100 guineas. When the ban ended in May 1939 Hewison returned to the hot-seat and remained in charge until March 1949. He subsequently managed non-league teams Guildford City and Bath City until his retirement in 1961.