Ron Dellow, who has died aged 99, played First Division football for Manchester City before the second world war; gave distinguished service in the RAF during wartime; and in the postwar years established a successful career as a manager with Netherlands football clubs.
Born in Seaforth, Lancashire (now part of Merseyside), Ron came from a naval family. He was set to join Liverpool FC in 1931, but was left dangling by the Reds and instead signed for Blackburn Rovers. His career took off in 1934 when he joined Mansfield Town; and his pace, skill and an eye for goal brought a move to Manchester City six months later.
City were then close to winning the Division One title for the first time and had a side of internationals that included Matt Busby, Frank Swift, Jackie Bray, Sammy Cowan and Eric Brook. Within two months of signing, Ron had taken Ernie Toseland's place at outside right and scored four goals in his first 10 games to help City to a fourth-place finish in May 1935.
His career then stalled, as a result of injury and the influence of hard-drinking team-mates, and he left for Tranmere Rovers. This remained Ron's one regret.
At the outbreak of the second world war, Ron joined the RAF. He flew 31 missions over Europe and had to ditch in the North Sea at least once. Then, in 1948, the opportunity arose for him to play football and cricket in the Hague. He eventually settled in Holland, married and moved into management. He managed lower sides until leading Volendam into the Eredivisie (the Netherlands top division) in 1967. At Volendam, he discovered the young Arnold Mühren, who would later play for Ajax and Manchester United. Ron then managed Heracles Almelo and Helmond Sport – and even had a street named after him.
Ron continued to coach in Holland into his 80s. In 1997-98 he saved CVV Germanicus from relegation before deciding to quit at 83.
Ron later lived in a retirement home in Almelo, surrounded by mementos of his career. I interviewed him for a book on former Manchester City players, just before his 99th birthday, and was amazed at his bright mind, and his opinions as to why City had surrendered their title last season.
Ron's wife predeceased him. His daughter, Patricia, who survives him, followed her father into aviation, becoming an airline pilot in the US.