narrowly avoided relegation to Division Three North, however he slowly built a team which gained promotion back to Division One in the 1949-50 season. Throughout the 1950s Wednesday became known as a Yo-yo club being promoted or relegated on six occasions under Taylor’s management. Their best period during this time coincided with Taylor’s signing of Jackie Sewell for a British record transfer fee and the emergence of Derek Dooley as a prolific goalscorer. During this time they were Division Two champions in 1951-52 and then spent three consecutive seasons in Division one, but with little success. After another relegation back to Division Two in 1958, the board of directors and Taylor agreed that he should step down and Harry Catterick was brought in to become team manager. Secretary / general manager Freed from responsibility for team affairs, Taylor showed flair and vision as an administrator for the club. After hearing that England were favourites to host the 1966 FIFA World Cup he was determined that Hillsborough Stadium would stage some of the group games in the competition. In preparation for this he travelled to Chile in 1962 to see that country's staging of the competition. As a result of Taylor’s groundwork, Hillsborough was chosen as one of the 1966 venues, receiving funding from the F.A. for ground redevelopment including the complete rebuilding of the Leppings Lane end. At the end of the World Cup Hillsborough was voted the best provincial venue in the competition. As a result of his efforts, Taylor was offered the post of Executive Secretary by the fledgling North American Soccer League to organise the new professional soccer league in the U.S.A. at the then very high salary of £11,000 per annum. After much thought, Taylor stayed with Wednesday. In 1967 Taylor was involved in a serious car accident but recovered to return to his duties with Wednesday. Retirement, death and testimonial match In January 1974 Taylor announced that he would retire the following summer and he duly stepped down from his post on 30 July 1974. He was immediately named as vice-president of the club and agreed to act as a consultant. Just twelve weeks after retiring Taylor died on 23 September 1974, aged 62 years. On 21 October 1974 a testimonial match was held at Hillsborough in memory of Eric Taylor. The match was held between Sheffield Wednesday and an England XI; Don Revie had