Alec Stock was born in Peasedown St John and played as an inside-forward for Tottenham Hotspur, Charlton Athletic and QPR before the Second World War and guested for several other clubs during the hostilities. He joined Yeovil Town in 1946.

He came to prominence as the player/manager of Yeovil Town during a historic F.A.Cup run in 1949 with victories over Bury and Sunderland, before losing to Manchester United in the fifth round. He later managed Leyton Orient (1949-1959), AS Roma, QPR (1959-1965) (general manager 1965-1968), Luton Town (1968-1972), Fulham (1972-1976) and AFC Bournemouth (1979-1980). He was also the assistant manager of Arsenal for 53 days during the 1955/1956 season and was a director of QPR (1977-1979).

During Alec's time as manager of Queens Park Rangers in the 1960s, the team enjoyed unprecedented success in 1967 and 1968. They won consecutive promotions and reached the First Division for the first time, becoming the first Third Division team to win the Football League Cup in 1967, beating then First Division West Bromwich Albion 3-2 in a come from behind win. Stock had a focus on youth, bringing many of the team through the club's youth system as well as blending characters such as Rodney Marsh and Mark Lazarus into the set up.

With internal pressures mounting in the club following the 1967/68 season however, Stock was absent for 3 months, suffering from asthma and he was sacked. Alec later had success with Luton Town, who he helped to promotion from the Third Division and also with Fulham when he led them to the 1975 FA Cup Final.