Look in my eyes, not around the eyes, but in the eyes....Nah, wrong McKenna mate...... From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search John McKenna (1855 – March 1936) was an Irish self-made businessman and former rugby player, who was the first manager of Liverpool. He was a friend of John Houlding and remained with him after Everton left Anfield for Goodison Park. McKenna used his connections to fish for players in Glasgow, including Duncan McLean, James McBride, Malcolm McVean, Hugh McQueen, Matt McQueen, John McCartney, Bill McOwen and Joe McQue. It was McKenna, acting as the club's secretary, who telegraphed the Football League asking for Liverpool to be admitted to it. He did not disclose his plan to anyone, but it worked - Liverpool were invited into the Football League.