Born on February 15, 1945, in Birmingham, Lew Chatterley emerged as a versatile footballer who transitioned into a revered coach and mentor. Representing England at youth level, Chatterley’s early promise hinted at a career brimming with potential, and he began his journey as an apprentice at Aston Villa, a club he would serve loyally for nearly a decade.
Chatterley’s professional debut came in the 1962-63 season, and he quickly became a fixture in the Aston Villa squad. Over nine years, he amassed 153 league appearances, scoring 26 goals. However, his time at Villa Park coincided with turbulent years for the club, as relegation from Division One in 1967 was followed by a further drop to Division Two in 1970. Nevertheless, Chatterley’s ability to adapt to shifting team dynamics and his knack for scoring important goals made him a valuable asset.
In March 1971, Chatterley embarked on a loan spell at Doncaster Rovers, marking the beginning of a long-standing association with manager Lawrie McMenemy. This partnership would define significant chapters of Chatterley’s footballing story. Later that year, he departed Aston Villa permanently, joining Northampton Town for £8,000.
Though his stint at Northampton was brief, it set the stage for a move to Grimsby Town in February 1972, reuniting with McMenemy. At Grimsby, Chatterley found his rhythm, contributing 16 goals in 73 league games. His efforts helped the team secure the Division Four championship in 1971-72 and establish themselves in Division Three over the following seasons.
In March 1974, Chatterley made a £15,000 move to Southampton, once again linking up with McMenemy. The transfer marked an opportunity to play in a higher-profile team, but the club’s relegation that season cast a shadow over his arrival. Nevertheless, Chatterley demonstrated resilience, providing valuable experience to the squad. However, by February 1975, he transitioned to Torquay United as a player-coach, where he played a further 57 league matches and scored 10 goals.
Following his playing career, Chatterley’s passion for football continued to shine as he pursued coaching roles. Initially coaching with Chicago Sting in the United States, he soon returned to England to join McMenemy’s coaching staff at Southampton in 1979. During this six-year tenure, the Saints experienced some of their most successful seasons, including a runner-up finish in the 1983-84 First Division campaign.
When McMenemy moved to Sunderland in 1985, Chatterley followed, assuming the role of assistant manager. However, the departure of McMenemy in 1987 brought an end to Chatterley’s time at Roker Park. By this stage, his career had already demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the changing demands of football, both on and off the pitch.
Chatterley returned to the Southampton area in 1987, taking on various managerial roles, including stints with Poole Town and as caretaker at Reading. By 1990, he was back at Southampton, first as a youth development officer and later as assistant manager. His brief period as caretaker manager in 1994 exemplified his ability to step into high-pressure roles when required.
In the latter stages of his career, Chatterley embraced new challenges, including a scouting role at Newcastle United and a career in education. From 1998 to 2016, he served as a full-time football coach at Winchester College, where he guided young players to notable achievements, including reaching the semi-finals of the Independent Schools Cup.