Gordon Jago

Born in Poplar, London, Jago began his professional career as a center back in the Football League at Charlton Athletic, with whom he joined in the 1954–55 season from non-league team Dulwich Hamlet. Prior to Charlton, he played in six full internationals as a member of the England U20 squad. He made a total of 137 league appearances for Charlton scoring one goal, at The Valley and 147 in all competitions. Jago's final season with the Addicks was 1961–62 before he moved back to non-league football, managing Eastbourne United. He started his coaching career with a spell at Fulham.

In 1967, Jago was appointed coach of the National Professional Soccer League, and future NASL side, Baltimore Bays. He later served in a dual capacity as the team's general manager as well. In 1968, Jago assisted Phil Woosnam when the latter was appointed head coach of the United States national team in an effort to qualify for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. A year later he succeeded Woosnam when the latter was appointed Commissioner of the NASL, but ended this role after suffering two defeats in his only games in charge and failing to reach Mexico.

Success in England

In 1970, Jago joined Queens Park Rangers as a coach and became manager in January 1971. It was under his guidance that the basis of the QPR team which in 1975–76 would come within a point of the League title was assembled. He signed pivotal players such as Stan Bowles, Don Givens, Dave Thomas and Frank McLintock and led the club to promotion to the First Division in 1972–73. Jago left the club in October 1974 and was later appointed manager of Millwall where he remained until 1977. In 1976 Jago took Millwall from the Third to the Second Division.

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Jago returned to North America to coach the NASL side, Tampa Bay Rowdies between 1978 and 1982. He saw great success especially early on in Tampa, losing in the outdoor final in both 1978 and 1979 and winning an indoor championship in his second year. Jago would return the Rowdies to the indoor final in the 1981-82 season, but…

Jago married his wife June Isabella Loveday, a former London police officer, in March 1960. The marriage produced one child. His wife died on 8 December 2014. In March 2017 his autobiography, A Soccer Pioneer: The Autobiography of Gordon Jago, was published by Saint Johann Press. Jago died in Dallas, Texas on 4 July 2025, aged 92.