[2] Prentice began his managerial career at the age of 33 in April 1960, when he was appointed as manager of relegated First Division side Arbroath and took up his post for the final two games of the 1959–60 season.
In his first full season (1960–61), Arbroath finished in 12th place in the 19 team Second Division after he had controversially sold top striker Dave Easson to Raith Rovers.
No official reason was given for his exit, but a few weeks before his departure, Arbroath Town Council had refused to allocate him a house on the grounds that his job was not considered to be that of a 'key worker'.
[5] He succeeded Jock Stein, who had managed the side on a part-time basis in addition to his post at Celtic.
[6] Scotland suffered defeats by England, the Netherlands and Portugal,[4][6][7] but recorded a 1–1 draw with reigning world champions Brazil in his last game.