Ernst Ocwirk

Who was Ernst Ocwirk?

Ernst Ocwirk was an Austrian football player and coach. He is regarded as one of the greatest Austrian footballers of all time.

He spent the majority of his playing and coaching years between Austria and Italy, being both player and manager for the clubs FK Austria Vienna and Serie A's Sampdoria. He also went on to become a member of the Austria national team, which he led to a third place finish at the 1954 World Cup as its captain.

Nicknamed Clockwork by the British for his midfield consistency, he is often cited as the last of the old-fashioned attacking centre-halves; he was known for his aesthetic and technical style of playing, his heading ability, excellent timing and his passing range; particularly his long passing ability. The fans loved him for his modest and fair personality. The international media of the era saw Ocwirk as "the best centerhalf in the world". He is considered one of the greatest central midfielders of all time.