12 Facts About Willie McCartney

William McCartney was a Scottish football referee and manager.

Willie McCartney managed both of the Edinburgh derby rivals, Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian.

The newspaper said that Willie McCartney "was intelligent, jovial and had great presence", and described his ultimate failure to win a major trophy as "unthinkably cruel".

Willie McCartney was appointed Hearts manager in November 1919, replacing his father, John.

Unlike his father, Willie McCartney had never played football at a high level because he suffered an injury while playing as a youth and he initially became a referee instead.

In 1933, Willie McCartney asked to be relieved of clerical duties to concentrate on working with the players, but this had no discernible impact.

Willie McCartney resigned in June 1935, as the new chairman wanted a more hands-on approach to management.

Willie McCartney had signed and developed many good players, but ultimately failed to deliver success.

Willie McCartney's appointment produced some excitement, as Hibs drew a crowd of 25,000 for his first match in charge.

Hibs again struggled in his first season, as Willie McCartney tried to find the right blend of the many new signings he had made.

Willie McCartney's Hibs were their main challengers, winning two of the other four cups, and winning an equal share of the league points contested between the two sides.

The guest players moved on at the end of the war in 1945, but Willie McCartney continued to build the side.