Career
He started his managerial career with Barnsley, being there between 1898 until 1901. When Huddersfield chairman Hilton Crowther decided that a Leeds-based team would be a better vehicle for his attentions, he persuaded his manager to move with him, and so Fairclough took over from Dick Ray as Leeds United manager for the club"s first full season in the Football League. The following year saw the signing of the goal-scoring talents of Tom Jennings and Russell Wainscoat, to stand alongside the defensive abilities of Ernest Hart and Tom Townsley.
Despite Jennings astonishing haul of 35 goals in 42 games, 1926-1927 saw the side relegated and Fairclough resigned in the close season.
He briefly returned to management with Barnsley in 1929, but resigned after a year in the job.
