He became first-team coach at Bramall Lane in 1969, a position he retained until 1983, helping the Blades to promotion in 1971 along with manager John Harris. He also had two stints as acting manager in 1975 and 1977–78.
In 1969, he became the first-team coach at Bramall Lane, a position he held until 1983, playing a key role in the Blades' promotion to higher division in 1971 under the leadership of manager John Harris. He also filled in as interim manager on two separate occasions, in 1975 and 1977–78.