Smistik tried to bring him to his former team, Rapid Wien, but it was rivals FK Austria who won the race for his services and, in 1947, signed him. He then played for Floridsdorfer AC, where he was spotted by former Austrian international Josef Smistik, who moved Ocwirk to centre midfield. He joined his first club, the local FC Stadlau, in 1938. He is considered one of the greatest central midfielders of all time.īorn in Vienna, Ocwirk began his career as a striker. The international media of the era saw Ocwirk as 'the best centerhalf in the world'. The fans loved him for his modest and fair personality. Nicknamed Clockwork by the British for his midfield consistency, as well as the nickname being suggested by his surname, 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 (both in offensive and defensive tasks) and his passing range particularly his long passing ability. 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. He spent the majority of his playing and coaching years between Austria and Italy, being both player and manager for FK Austria Vienna and Serie A club Sampdoria. A former midfielder, he is regarded as one of the greatest Austrian men's footballers of all time.

*Club domestic league appearances and goalsĮrnst Ocwirk (7 March 1926 – 23 January 1980) was an Austrian football player and coach.

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