Alan McDonald (Northern Ireland footballer) facts for kids
McDonald while manager of Glentoran
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 12 October 1963 | ||
| Place of birth | Belfast, Northern Ireland | ||
| Date of death | 23 June 2012 (aged 48) | ||
| Place of death | Lisburn, Northern Ireland | ||
| Height | 1.88 m | ||
| Playing position | Centre back | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1979–1981 | Queens Park Rangers | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1982–1997 | Queens Park Rangers | 402 | (13) |
| 1983 | → Charlton Athletic (loan) | 9 | (0) |
| 1997–1998 | Swindon Town | 33 | (1) |
| Total | 444 | (14) | |
| National team | |||
| 1985–1996 | Northern Ireland | 52 | (3) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 2007–2010 | Glentoran | ||
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Alan McDonald (born October 12, 1963 – died June 23, 2012) was a famous Northern Irish football player and manager. He was known for being a strong centre back (a defensive player). Alan spent most of his playing career with Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in England. He played over 400 league games for them during 16 years!
He also played for Charlton Athletic and Swindon Town for short times. Alan was a key player for the Northern Ireland national team, playing 52 times. He even played in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. After playing, he became a coach and then a manager. He led Glentoran to win a big championship.
Contents
Playing Days: A Club Legend
Starting at Queens Park Rangers
Alan McDonald joined Queens Park Rangers (QPR) as a young player in 1979. He stayed with the club for an amazing 17 years! Early in his career, he played on loan for Charlton Athletic to get experience. His first game for QPR was in September 1983.
Alan and QPR reached the final of the League Cup in 1986. By the late 1980s, he was a very important defender for QPR. The club's best finish while he was there was fifth place in 1993. This was in the first season of the new Premier League.
Time at Swindon Town
Alan's last game for QPR was in March 1997. He then moved to Swindon Town in the summer of 1997. He played 36 games for them and scored one goal in his final season as a player, which was 1997–98.
International Football
Alan McDonald played 52 times for Northern Ireland. This included playing in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. He was also an assistant manager for the Northern Ireland national team later on.
He played a very important part in a 0-0 draw against England in November 1985. This game helped Northern Ireland qualify for the 1986 World Cup. His interview after that match was remembered for many years.
Coaching and Managing Teams
Becoming a Coach
Alan returned to QPR briefly in February 2006 as an assistant coach. He left in September 2006. Later, Alan became a coach for Glentoran. He was then appointed manager because the new manager didn't have the right coaching badges.
Leading Glentoran to Success
In June 2007, Alan became the manager of Glentoran in his hometown of Belfast. He managed the club for three seasons. He led them to win the IFA Premiership title in the 2008–09 season. He also coached his country's under-21 team.
As manager, Alan brought in many new players to Glentoran. He signed experienced players like David Scullion and Rory Hamill. He also brought in young, promising players such as Daryl Fordyce and Matty Burrows.
In his first full season, McDonald led Glentoran to win the County Antrim Shield. In his second season, the club became Irish Premiership champions after four years. He continued to sign new players, including former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie.
However, in his third season, Glentoran had a tough time and went on a losing streak. After a big loss, fans wanted him to resign. Alan stayed on for a bit longer but resigned after another loss in February 2010.
Remembering Alan McDonald
Alan McDonald did not manage another team after leaving Glentoran. He owned a trophy shop in Bangor.
On June 23, 2012, Alan sadly passed away while playing golf near Lisburn. The Irish FA (Football Association) shared their sadness, saying they were "deeply shocked" by his death at such a young age. Former teammates and clubs also shared their tributes. QPR, his old club, named their plane for the 2012–13 pre-season tour "The Alan McDonald" in his honor. They also held a minute of applause before their first match of the season to remember him.
Honours
Managerial
Glentoran
- County Antrim Shield: 2007–08
- IFA Premiership: 2008–09
