John Gorman was born 16th August, 1949 in Winchburgh, West Lothian, Scotland, otherwise known as Gallopin' Gorman started his career at 16 with Glasgow Celtic in 1965. Stayed until 1970, when he was transferred to Carlisle United, where he appeared 229 times in his six year spell. Suffered a serious knee injury shortly after joing Tottenham Hotspur in 1977, and was sidelined for nearly two seasons.
His first year with the Rowdies (1979), when he played in 29 games of a 30 game schedule and in every playoff game, was voted to the NASL All-Star second team, which was a personal victory over the knee injury. Was, also a vital member of the Championship NASL indoor team, he took the opportunity to score a few goals and tallied 11 scoring points.
The 1980 outdoor season, saw him have another fine year, which earned him an NASL All-Star selection. In 28 games he scored a goal and added six assists for 8 points. 1981, was again constant in something of an inconsistent season for the Rowdies, John was selected team MVP in a combined vote of his teammates and media, as well as being named to the first team of the NASL All-Stars. Missed a five game stretch in the June due to a hamstring injury.
1982, would be the last season for John as he made 27 appearances. A Rowdies' Favourite.
After, his playing career he moved into coaching. John's coaching career has often been intertwined with his longtime friend Glenn Hoddle, starting when John became Hoddle's assistant at Swindon Town. When Hoddle left for Chelsea, John became full-time manager at Swindon. His spell as manager was unsuccessful, with Gorman receiving some unkind nicknames (such as "John Gormless") from fans and the side finishing bottom of the Premiership in 1993–94. Gorman was sacked halfway through the 1994–95 season, with Swindon on the verge of a second successive relegation (which his successor Steve McMahon was unable to prevent).
Despite being Scottish, he later rejoined Hoddle as his assistant when Hoddle became England manager. After Hoddle's dismissal Gorman became assistant manager at Reading. He then worked with Hoddle at Southampton and Tottenham. After leaving Tottenham in 2003 he was briefly caretaker manager at Wycombe but was passed over in favour of Tony Adams. He was taken on as an assistant to Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham, and acted as caretaker manager after Hessenthaler stepped down before returning to Wycombe as manager after Adams' resignation in late 2004.
After turning around Wycombe's poor form, the club finished the 2004–05 season strongly and only just missed out on a play-off place. At the start of the 2005–06 season, a new club record was set by going 21 consecutive league games unbeaten. Towards the end of the season it was announced that John would be taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, his wife Myra having died from cancer a few weeks earlier. However it was announced on 26 May that the club and manager had parted company permanently.
On 5 June 2006 Gorman was announced as the new manager of Northampton Town replacing Colin Calderwood. Calderwood was given the Nottingham Forest position after Northampton finished 2nd in League Two and were promoted. On 20 December, John resigned citing personal reasons. He later attributed his departure to stress. He had been in charge for 22 league games, which saw five wins, with just one at home all season.
In May 2007 he became the chief scout at Southampton. Following George Burley's departure to become Scotland manager in January 2008, he was appointed joint caretaker manager, along with Jason Dodd. After a stint as caretaker manager, John Gorman was relieved of his duties after Nigel Pearson was placed in charge of the club on 19 February 2008. Gorman and Dodd both left the club in June 2008, following the appointment of new manager Jan Poortvliet.
Despite being Scottish, he later rejoined Hoddle as his assistant when Hoddle became England manager. After Hoddle's dismissal Gorman became assistant manager at Reading. He then worked with Hoddle at Southampton and Tottenham. After leaving Tottenham in 2003 he was briefly caretaker manager at Wycombe but was passed over in favour of Tony Adams. He was taken on as an assistant to Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham, and acted as caretaker manager after Hessenthaler stepped down before returning to Wycombe as manager after Adams' resignation in late 2004.
After turning around Wycombe's poor form, the club finished the 2004–05 season strongly and only just missed out on a play-off place. At the start of the 2005–06 season, a new club record was set by going 21 consecutive league games unbeaten. Towards the end of the season it was announced that John would be taking a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, his wife Myra having died from cancer a few weeks earlier. However it was announced on 26 May that the club and manager had parted company permanently.
On 5 June 2006 Gorman was announced as the new manager of Northampton Town replacing Colin Calderwood. Calderwood was given the Nottingham Forest position after Northampton finished 2nd in League Two and were promoted. On 20 December, John resigned citing personal reasons. He later attributed his departure to stress. He had been in charge for 22 league games, which saw five wins, with just one at home all season.
In May 2007 he became the chief scout at Southampton. Following George Burley's departure to become Scotland manager in January 2008, he was appointed joint caretaker manager, along with Jason Dodd. After a stint as caretaker manager, John Gorman was relieved of his duties after Nigel Pearson was placed in charge of the club on 19 February 2008. Gorman and Dodd both left the club in June 2008, following the appointment of new manager Jan Poortvliet.
John has recently released his autobiography called "Gory Tales".
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