QPR REPORT MESSAGEBOARD - Alan McDonald : RIP

« Alan McDonald : RIP - The Funeral »

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gthompson66
Dave Mangnall

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #60 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:23pm »

Macca was a true QPR legend. R.I.P.

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scubahoop
Gerry Francis

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #61 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:26pm »

Like everyone else, absolutely gutted by this news. Every time I read all the tributes here and on Twitter, I just keep welling up. He was a lion of a man and player. Thoughts very much with his family and friends. RIP Macca. A True Legend.

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addicktedrichard
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #62 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:36pm »

RIP to the big man.

Alan is fondly remembered by the Addickted because he played his first league football for Charlton in the 1982/83 season when he couldn't break through in your team at the time . If my memory serves me correctly I think the likes of Bob Hazell ,Steve Wicks , Glenn Roeder and Terry Fenwick were in front of him in the pecking order and you won the old Second Division ( what would now be the Championship ) by 10 points.

The move came about after you had thrashed us 5-1 at Loftus Road and Lennie Lawrence signed him for the last 10 games of the season . He made his debut in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the Valley and his last game was against Bolton in a match where the Addicks retained their 2nd tier status but relegated the Lancashire side .

Alan proved even at 19 he had a poise and composure which belied his years and he played a crucial role in keeping us up.Venables came to watch him personally on a few occasions and our £50,000 bid was firmly rejected and he went on to be an R's legend.

As an aside this was also the season that Chelsea came within two points of relegation to the third tier.

« Last Edit: Jun 23, 2012, 6:39pm by addicktedrichard »

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manta
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #63 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:40pm »

Jun 23, 2012, 5:33pm, Jon Doeman wrote:

Jun 23, 2012, 5:10pm, gramps wrote:

Don't hold your breath, Tom, because it won't happen! Past players mean nothing to the club these days as has regularly been proved.

Disagree, we've good people running our club, I think there will be a game.

I agree the owners will know how much Alan meant to the fans and will organise a worthy tribute to a truly great man. I expect a minute's silence at our game at Swansea and a tribute in the programme.

Earlier I posted a photo and tribute to Macca on my facebook page and started crying. I am devastated.

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cpr
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #64 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:56pm »

There's a facebook group started to rename Ellerslie after Macca, good idea.

Edit: For those on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1....¬if_t= like#!/groups/333163253424724/333181076756275/?notif_t=group_activity

« Last Edit: Jun 23, 2012, 6:57pm by cpr »

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haqpr1963
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #65 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:58pm »

Just arrived home to this news. Shocked.....

RIP Macca.

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RoryTheRanger
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Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #66 on Jun 23, 2012, 6:59pm via the ProBoards Mobile App »

Jun 23, 2012, 6:56pm, cpr wrote:

I've seen some suggestions to rename the Lower Loft family stand after him.

The Alan McDonald Family Stand

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Macmoish
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #67 on Jun 23, 2012, 7:12pm »

As I seem to recall he was one of the four transfer listed by Alan Mullery shortly before Mullery's depature - as the four were unhappy/said so about the Mullery approach

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nomar
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #68 on Jun 23, 2012, 7:16pm »

Sad news. Only 5 years older than me too.

RIP big fella.

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basshoop
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #69 on Jun 23, 2012, 7:39pm »

Gutted. Absolutely gutted by this news.
Sad day.

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Macmoish
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #70 on Jun 23, 2012, 8:06pm »

Personally something along the lines of this, would seem to me the greatest tribute to Alan McDonald - a LIVING Memorial - rather than change the name of the stand or name a plane or have a statue. But to actually something that keeps past QPR Players linked to the club...

Jun 23, 2012, 5:53pm, chrisguy wrote:

I know it has been mentioned on here before and is something I strongly believe in, that something like this will make the custodians of the club realise that the past players of the club need to be recognized for what they have done, this should happen while they are around to enjoy any accolades, not posthumously. A past players association needs to be set up NOW. Other teams have them and can offer chances for the players to do meet and greets with fans and for them to know that they haven't been forgotten. Let's face it when people like Stan, Macca etc have done as much for our legacy and history they shouldn't have to go anywhere else to get work, a job in coaching corporate meet and greets should be the least they get offered.
Brentford FC have just set something similar up i'm sure with the recent TV windfall premier league teams have received some of it could be used in some way to pay tribute to former players, it's the least the club could do.

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #71 on Jun 23, 2012, 8:13pm »

Various ex-QPR player tributes on West London Sports (on a stream at the top of the page)
http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/rangers-mourn-loss-of-club-legend-mcdonald/

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #72 on Jun 23, 2012, 8:13pm »

Jun 23, 2012, 8:06pm, Macmoish wrote:

Actually having given this more thought I think a statue of Macca outside the ground would be a much more fitting tribute. A stand renamed for now and long term in the future if and when we get a new stadium then a statue.

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Jo-Onenil
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #73 on Jun 23, 2012, 8:31pm »

I like the idea of renaming a stand after him.

I have to say I've never seen him play, but the fact he's played 400 matches for us and that he seemed to be a brave defender who was loyal to the club seem to justify the idea of renaming the Ellerslie Road stand.

By the Way, R.I.P. Allan MacDonald. QPR is a big family and the loss of a family member is always a terrible thing. All my thoughts for his family.

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #74 on Jun 23, 2012, 8:37pm »

Just logged on to the net 5 mins ago to find out this! What a friggen shock. I'm broken. I got to know him in '83 when the team came down here and we caught up again in '85 in London. The real McCoy - genuine, sincere and passionate about football, QPR, Norn Ireland and life in general. I can't still believe this and no doubt my ramblings will reflect this. Just absolutely gutting.

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #75 on Jun 23, 2012, 8:42pm »

PS: Class act on and off the field are an undertsatement. Shabbily treated by Mullery and again when he took up the co-coaching reigns. Loved by us fans for his honest, heart on the sleeve and never give up performances. It was and will be an honour for me to have met him.

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gladstoneparkrange
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #76 on Jun 23, 2012, 9:10pm »

My first games I watched at loftus road were with him and Parker at the back! Mountain of a man as a player and a man.
Gutted and my prayers and heart go out to him and his family

God bless mac, you legend RIP

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Macmoish
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #77 on Jun 23, 2012, 9:16pm »

BELFAST TELEGRAPH

Former Northern Ireland captain Alan McDonald dies

Former Northern Ireland captain Alan McDonald has died at the age of 48.

The QPR stalwart won 52 caps for his country and was a member of Northern Ireland's World Cup side in 1986.

McDonald went on to manage Glentoran, winning the Irish League title in 2009, and also coached his country's under-21 side.

An Irish Football Association spokesman told Press Association Sport: "We are deeply shocked at the death of Alan, who won over 50 caps for Northern Ireland. To die at such a young age is terrible."

Former Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy, a close friend and former team-mate of McDonald's, said: "I'm shell-shocked. Words can't even enter my head at the moment.

"Forty-eight is so young. Alan was always larger than life - during his career and after.

"I've just spoken to Norman Whiteside and he is devastated."

A short statement was also posted on the IFA's official website.

"The Irish FA is saddened by this morning's news of the sudden death of Alan McDonald. Our thoughts are with his family at this time," it read.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/l....l#ixzz1yeZVHYF0

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #78 on Jun 23, 2012, 9:29pm »

I heard the news last night in bed, absolutely gutted, it was only recently in print that Macca was talking about our relegation plight last season have some great memories of him ,particularly his battles with our current manager.

RIP Big Man

Alan McDonald -Rangers legend

Cheers,

Jay

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NO1QPRNZ
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #79 on Jun 23, 2012, 9:57pm »

RIP Alan McDonald a great Leader a great Player and a QPR Legend.

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cpr
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #80 on Jun 23, 2012, 10:03pm »

Over 500 in the group now.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/333163253424724/?notif_t=group_r2j

If you are on facebook, join up, it's only a start but an immedite memory of a great man.

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cpr
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #81 on Jun 23, 2012, 10:23pm »

More than 800 already, quite remarkable.

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numpty66
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #82 on Jun 23, 2012, 11:59pm »

An absolute legend. Gutted when i read this earlier.
I grew up watching Macca, a proper defender.
RIP big man, you're gonna be missed.

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #83 on Jun 24, 2012, 1:02am »

Just seen this like everyone I'm absolutely gutted.

A true QPR legend, & for so long the rock at the centre of defence.

Macca gave his all in every game, which is why to this today he's remembered with such regard by those of us lucky enough to have seen him play.

R.I.P. Macca & my most sincere condolences to his family taken at 48 is just too early.

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #84 on Jun 24, 2012, 6:59am »

So sad to hear the news. Macca was a true R's legend, one of the greatest players I've seen at Loftus Road in the last 40 years. The fans loved him and the club should recognise the massive contribution he'd made.

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sharky
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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #85 on Jun 24, 2012, 8:59am »

Just terrible news, and so young. RIP Macca

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #86 on Jun 24, 2012, 9:28am »

Dave McIntyre/West London Sport

Former team-mates pay tribute to QPR hero

Shocked former team-mates of Alan McDonald have paid emotional tributes to the QPR legend, who died suddenly yesterday.

McDonald, who was 48, made more than 400 appearances during 17 years as a player at Loftus Road, where he later returned for a spell as assistant manager.

He was a hugely popular figure among Rangers fans and was the club’s most-capped player, having played 52 times for Northern Ireland.

Fellow ex-QPR captain Paul Parker told West London Sport that McDonald was “a legend who’ll always be adored.”

Parker added: “I can’t tell you how upset I am. Macca was my very good friend – and he was Mr Queens Park Rangers.

“He absolutely loved QPR and demanded that his team-mates share that passion. If you played alongside him you never wanted to feel you’d let the side down.

Paul Parker formed a formidable partnership with McDonald.
“He was everything a player wearing that hooped shirt should be. You ask any QPR fan and they’ll tell you Macca was the man.

“Macca was born a man. He was as rugged and as honest as they come. He gave you everything he had.”

McDonald, who made his QPR debut in 1983, was a smoker and renowned dressing-room joker.

But he was, above all, regarded as a true professional prepared to put his body on the line for the club he joined when he arrived from Belfast as a teenager.

Parker added: “He smoked but no-one could ever question his fitness.

“And while he looked like a big centre-back who would just head it and kick it, he was very good indeed with his feet.

“Not even a manager like Jim Smith, who told everyone what he thought of them, could ever question Macca. He knew Alan McDonald would always produce on the pitch.

“He was, quite simply, one of the very best players I ever played with. Anyone who played with or against him at the time could tell you how good he was.

“He was also a genuinely nice person and a true friend. We used to live near each other and he’d drive me to training every morning.

“It was in the days when QPR trained in Greenford. He’d have the window wound down the whole way so he could smoke – he was a flippin’ nightmare – but you put up with it because everyone just loved the guy.

“There was always laughter and happiness when he was around. He was such a spirit. Such a character.” – Martin Allen

“The fans loved him because he was Queens Park Rangers. Regardless of who wore the armband, whenever Macca stepped on to that pitch he was the captain. Simple as that.”

Steve Wicks, who was at QPR when McDonald was a youngster and later starred alongside him in the run to the 1986 Milk Cup Final, said it was important a fitting tribute is paid to him by the club he served with such distinction.

Wicks said: “He was an incredible servant to QPR, was adored by the other players, and the fans will be devastated.

“I helped him when he was a youngster and he came through and was a magnificent player. I’m unbelievably sad to think he’s gone.

“The club must do the right thing and make sure the memory of that great man is given due respect.

“For starters, they should invite his family over for a game and for the first game of the season black armbands should be worn and there should be a minute’s applause.”

Wicks added: “What can you say about Macca? He was one in a million, he really was. A great player and a great person too.

“It was an honour to have played alongside him. In 1986, when we reached Wembley, to go to places like Chelsea and Liverpool you needed someone like him alongside you.

“If I were going into the trenches I’d take Alan McDonald every single time. But apart from that, he was a fantastic, much-loved person who’ll be so greatly missed.”

Another ex-R’s stalwart, Warren Neill, said: “I can’t believe it. We were both apprentices at QPR and knew each other from the age of 14.

“I loved Macca. I can’t believe this has happened. Alan McDonald was a hero to me.” – Kevin Gallen

“We always had such a laugh – there was great banter – but he was also a top professional.

“I’m just gutted. At first I couldn’t believe it was true. Macca was younger than me and it’s unbelievable to think this has happened.

“I can only say how sorry I am for his family and that my thoughts are with them. Macca was a great man.”

Martin Allen also came through the ranks at Rangers in the early 1980s, and described McDonald as “a great player and a top guy as well.”

“Macca was a terrific defender and a terrific character,” he continued.

“We were in the reserves together as lads and I can picture him now, having a sneaky smoke at half-time.”

McDonald collapsed and died while playing golf on Saturday morning.

He was a keen golfer but, as Allen recalled, his early efforts in the sport were unsuccessful.

Allen explained: “My abiding memory of him is from a pre-season visit to Dublin in 1984. We were there because QPR were sponsored by Guinness at the time.

“We were invited to the Portmarnock Golf Club – one of the top golf clubs around – and the people from the club were there to welcome us.

“Alan Mullery was the manager and we’re waiting on the first tee, and Macca’s the last person to turn up.

McDonald was loved by QPR fans
“Macca shows up wearing a turquoise hat and an absolutely ridiculous top. The image of this will stay with me forever.

“He takes his first tee-shot and leaves a huge divot. He tries again, another divot. After three attempts, another divot and the ball’s still going nowhere.

“You’ve got 18 players on the floor laughing and the manager just standing there, looking at Macca and shaking his head.

“That was Macca. There was always laughter and happiness when he was around. He was such a spirit. Such a character.”

Kevin Gallen idolised McDonald as a boy and was a youngster in the QPR side while the defender was one of the senior players.

He was also at the club when McDonald went back to Rangers as assistant boss following Gary Waddock’s appointment as manager.

Gallen said: “I just can’t take it in. I’m shocked. I loved Macca. I can’t believe this has happened.

“Alan McDonald was a hero to me as a boy and then when I joined QPR there I was playing alongside the man.

“To be honest, he gave me a hard time at first – it was non-stop banter with him around – and I didn’t like it.

“But I got used to it and I realised that not only was Macca a great player, he was a great man – someone I looked up to so much.

“He had a reputation as this hard man. He wasn’t like that at all. He was a gentle giant – a genuinely nice person who everyone thought the world of.

“Macca’s a proper legend and was a great bloke who’ll be missed by so many people. It’s an absolute tragedy that he’s gone.”

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/former-team-mates-pay6-tribute-to83-qpr-hero/

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Re: Alan McDonald - RIP (at Age 48)
« Reply #87 on Jun 24, 2012, 9:44am »

My dear Mam, who has now been deceased for many years was born a McDonald, and I give my deepest sympathy to Alan,s family and friends.

ALAN McDONALD RIP.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. [Irish]

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