Sir Jimmy Frizzell was signed as a player in 1961 ish. Originally as an inside left as it was called then. He was a solid reliable player, not spectacular but hard as nails. In his later playing career he was moved to full back by Jimmy McIlroy who ahem "managed" Latics in the Ken Bates years.
It was as manager though, in my opinion, that he attained Latics legend..nay Godlike status. He took us from bottom of Div 4 to 3rd division champions frpm 1969/70 to 73/74. Then kept us in Div 2 for about 10 years till he was sacked. Incidentally 72/73 was similar to this season in that we had a poor start, then a brilliant run, but evenuially tailed off and finished 4th I think, just missing out on promotion as there were no playoffs then. So there is still hope this season.
Anyway back to topic, on a miniscule budget he signed Jim Fryatt, Harry Dowd, Colin Garwood Kenny Clements, Paul Futcher, Alan Groves, Simon Stainrod, Vic Halom, Roger Palmer, Rodger Wylde, George Jones to name just a few, all legends. He made huge profits for the club on transfer deals. So he was a legend who signed more legends. I was near to tears when I heard he had been sacked just couldn't believe it.
Latics did not have much luck in the cup comps under Frizz which I think is where Joe Royle was helped but fair play to Sir Joe, he always acknowledged his debt to Jimmy Frizzell.
Joe is also quoted as saying that at his interview for the manager's job he was told something along the lines of "Jimmy Frizzell has worked miracles at this club but we are looking for something different" !!! says it all really. In my opinion Sir Jim set up the modern Latics with ambition beyond the lower divisions, and he and Sir Joe are without doubt the best managers OAFC have ever had....though I have High hopes for Shez