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Former Stoke City manager Thordarson dies aged 71

Gudjon Thordarson, who led Stoke City to promotion from the third tier in 2002 and managed three other English clubs, dies aged 71.

BBC Sport

Published: Saturday, 14 November 2026 at 3:04 PM

Key Things to Know

Former Stoke City, Barnsley, Notts County, and Crewe Alexandra manager Gudjon Thordarson has died aged 71.
Thordarson had been living with Parkinson's disease in recent years.
He managed Iceland before leading Stoke City to EFL Trophy victory in 2000 and promotion in 2002.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Stoke City, Barnsley, Notts County, and Crewe Alexandra manager Gudjon Thordarson has died at the age of 71. The Icelandic manager, who had been living with Parkinson's disease in recent years, passed away following a distinguished coaching career across English football and his home nation.

Thordarson previously managed Iceland before taking over at Stoke City in 1999, guiding the Potters to EFL Trophy success in 2000. He subsequently earned promotion via the play-offs in 2002 before later managerial stints with Barnsley, Notts County, and Crewe.

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