Candidate for United's worst ever manager, Bamlett made his name in football as a referee, becoming the youngest man to referee the FA Cup final at 32, before managing Oldham Athletic, Wigan Borough and Middlesbrough.

Bamlett took up the role of United manager in April 1927 but in his first three seasons United finished in the bottom half of the table, ending up 18th, 12th and 17th.

Those hoping for a turnaround in his fourth year soon had their hopes dashed as in the first 12 games of the 1930-31 season United failed to register a win.

An improvement never came and Bamlett was sacked in April 1931. United were relegated to the Second Division again, finishing bottom of the league.