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Post by gramps on Jun 23, 2012 15:18:49 GMT
Absolutely gutted. Rest in Peace Alan - you were indeed a good and faithful servant.
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Post by rangerray on Jun 23, 2012 15:27:07 GMT
Sad day but leaves so many happy memories! RIP
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Post by qprian on Jun 23, 2012 15:28:27 GMT
I met him many times in the Railway pub in Greenford, always a pint and a piggy in hand but SO much time for QPR supporters back then unlike the players of today. Legend YES, leader YES, QPR through and through...YES. The clubs treatment of this loyal player after 17 years of great service was shambolic and really hurt Macca. And before you say it wasn't the club then the club are responsible for the manager they employ and John Gregory won't have much sleep tonight. MACCA, its nice to be important but its more important to be NICE, you were a gent in every respect.
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Post by Jon Doeman on Jun 23, 2012 15:44:28 GMT
Had a game of snooker with him once in the Con Club, when he lived in digs in Greenford. I'll add that he was a nice man, which in the end is more important than being a good player.
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tom007
Dave Sexton
Posts: 1,612
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Post by tom007 on Jun 23, 2012 15:53:46 GMT
very sad one of my favourite ever players i hope the club do something special for his family and to remember a true qpr man.
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Post by terryb on Jun 23, 2012 16:02:53 GMT
So young!
RIP Alan & many many thanks from all Rangers fans.
Thoughts & best wishes to all his family & friends.
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Post by RoryTheRanger on Jun 23, 2012 16:09:12 GMT
www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2820292,00.html ALAN MCDONALD - R.I.P Posted on: Sat 23 Jun 2012 Queens Park Rangers Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former Captain and Assistant Manager Alan McDonald. The 48 year-old - who made nearly 500 appearances for the Super Hoops spanning over a 17-year period - died suddenly this morning (Saturday) while playing golf in his native Northern Ireland. Belfast-born McDonald, who would go on to be crowd favourite at Loftus Road, originally signed for Rangers as a schoolboy. He gained valuable experience in a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in 1983, before returning to W12 to eventually hold down a regular starting spot. In his time as a player, McDonald led the R's to the 1986 Milk (League) Cup Final, in what was a memorable run to Wembley. He scored an extra-time goal in our replay win over Chelsea in the quarter-finals, before QPR beat Liverpool in the semis. Rangers were unfortunately beaten by Oxford United in the Final. McDonald also featured in a number of other famous R's victories, including a certain 6-0 win over Chelsea on Easter Monday of 1986, as well as a 4-1 drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford on New Year's Day in 1992. He was part of the Rangers side which finished as the Premier League's top London Club at the end of 1992/93 campaign. The Northern Ireland skipper also won 52 international caps for his country. He is the most-capped player in the history of QPR. After finishing his playing career at Swindon Town, McDonald would eventually return to football - and Loftus Road - when he joined the Club as then-boss Gary Waddock's assistant in 2006. He would later lead Glentoran to the Irish League championship in 2009. The Club would like to extend its deepest condolences to Alan's family and friends at this sad time. May he rest in peace. More reaction to follow.
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 23, 2012 16:09:47 GMT
From QPR Offy
ALAN MCDONALD - R.I.P Posted on: Sat 23 Jun 2012 Queens Park Rangers Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former Captain and Assistant Manager Alan McDonald.
The 48 year-old - who made nearly 500 appearances for the Super Hoops spanning over a 17-year period - died suddenly this morning (Saturday) while playing golf in his native Northern Ireland.
Belfast-born McDonald, who would go on to be crowd favourite at Loftus Road, originally signed for Rangers as a schoolboy.
He gained valuable experience in a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in 1983, before returning to W12 to eventually hold down a regular starting spot.
In his time as a player, McDonald led the R's to the 1986 Milk (League) Cup Final, in what was a memorable run to Wembley.
He scored an extra-time goal in our replay win over Chelsea in the quarter-finals, before QPR beat Liverpool in the semis. Rangers were unfortunately beaten by Oxford United in the Final.
McDonald also featured in a number of other famous R's victories, including a certain 6-0 win over Chelsea on Easter Monday of 1986, as well as a 4-1 drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford on New Year's Day in 1992.
He was part of the Rangers side which finished as the Premier League's top London Club at the end of 1992/93 campaign.
The Northern Ireland skipper also won 52 international caps for his country. He is the most-capped player in the history of QPR.
After finishing his playing career at Swindon Town, McDonald would eventually return to football - and Loftus Road -Â when he joined the Club as then-boss Gary Waddock's assistant in 2006.
He would later lead Glentoran to the Irish League championship in 2009.
The Club would like to extend its deepest condolences to Alan's family and friends at this sad time.
May he rest in peace.
More reaction to follow.
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Post by Zamoraaaah on Jun 23, 2012 16:17:09 GMT
Just seen this. Lost for words. I'm gutted.
RIP Macca.
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manta
Gordon Jago
Posts: 945
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Post by manta on Jun 23, 2012 16:26:47 GMT
I am totally shocked and saddened by this news, and at such a young age. Terrible. Alan was one of my favourite players when I started following QPR. I'll never forget his injury time header to make it 2-2 against Man Utd in the FA Cup 1989 or his hilarious 10 yard slide in the mud in an attempt to keep the ball out against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. So many good memories. I heard Alan being interviewed on Talksport talking about QPR a few months or so ago . He always had our club at heart. RIP to a true QPR legend. (((
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Post by eusebio13 on Jun 23, 2012 16:41:28 GMT
What can you say...a genuine Rangers hero taken from us too early. God bless you and keep you near
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 23, 2012 16:54:21 GMT
Football world shocked by sudden death of former Northern Ireland captain Alan McDonald 47 minutes ago The world of football was stunned this afternoon when former QPR and Northern Ireland captain Alan McDonald died suddenly aged 48. According to a report on The Guardian website, McDonald had been playing golf at the Temple Golf Club near Lisburn this morning when he collapsed suddenly and died. McDonald played for Northern Ireland on 52 occasions over ten years, including at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. A highly rated centre-half, he also captained QPR during a 16-year spell with the club, for whom he made over 400 appearances. He also played for Swindon Town for a season before hanging up his boots in 1998. More recently, McDonald served as manager of Glentoran from 2007 until 2010, winning the Irish League Championship in 2009, and was also involved with the Northern Ireland under-21 side. Commenting on McDonald’s sudden passing, a spokesman for the Irish Football Association said: "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 and Manchester United player 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." McDonald scored three times during his distinguished international career, including this brilliant effort against the Faroe Islands while he was captain of the side. He will be sadly mised. www.joe.ie/football/football-news/football-world-shocked-by-sudden-death-of-former-northern-ireland-skipper-alan-mcdonald-0026208-1?
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Post by cpr on Jun 23, 2012 16:55:08 GMT
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Post by cpr on Jun 23, 2012 16:57:02 GMT
I met him many times in the Railway pub in Greenford, always a pint and a piggy in hand but SO much time for QPR supporters back then unlike the players of today. Legend YES, leader YES, QPR through and through...YES. The clubs treatment of this loyal player after 17 years of great service was shambolic and really hurt Macca. And before you say it wasn't the club then the club are responsible for the manager they employ and John Gregory won't have much sleep tonight. MACCA, its nice to be important but its more important to be NICE, you were a gent in every respect. I too chatted with him in that self same pub. Even met with him in Belfast when I worked out there. Truly lovely marn, so he was. Gutted and still in shock!!!
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 23, 2012 17:01:34 GMT
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 23, 2012 17:05:09 GMT
What a team and Player
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Post by gramps on Jun 23, 2012 17:10:59 GMT
very sad one of my favourite ever players i hope the club do something special for his family and to remember a true qpr man. 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.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2012 17:11:58 GMT
hello everybody I have just got back from holiday and seen this Just cannot believe it, gutted
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Post by rousdonhoops on Jun 23, 2012 17:27:55 GMT
RIP Macca, loved and admired by all QPR fans
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Post by Jon Doeman on Jun 23, 2012 17:33:31 GMT
very sad one of my favourite ever players i hope the club do something special for his family and to remember a true qpr man. 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.
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Post by stylecouncillor on Jun 23, 2012 17:38:33 GMT
Just seen this very sad news on the 6.30 news.Absolute shock fantastic player and servant to our club My thoughts go to his family R.I.P. Alan a great man a genleman and A TRUE QPR LEGEND .
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Post by RoryTheRanger on Jun 23, 2012 17:38:40 GMT
One of the media guys has asked everyone to tweet ideas for a tribute to the official QPR account.
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Post by chrisguy on Jun 23, 2012 17:44:23 GMT
I heard the news as it broke on talksport earlier this afternoon, I don't tend to listen to the station a lot, as they announced it I was just in shock, I still am. I have great memories of "Macca" I too lived in Greenford where he lived in digs with Ian Stewart, I remember chatting too him at his testimonial race night in 1989 with his customary fag and pint in hand. He was an old school centre half of the like we shall never see again, unfortunately, he was shabbily treated by the club while assistant to Gary Waddock , a familiar pattern under so many regimes at the club.
Rest In Peace Macca- A true Rangers Legend.
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Post by froggyranger on Jun 23, 2012 17:44:44 GMT
Ive just got in and seen the sad sad news re Macca. A true Rangers' Legend. RIP Macca.
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Post by geoff65 on Jun 23, 2012 17:49:50 GMT
RIP Big Man. Great captain for both QPR and Northern Ireland. and a really decent bloke, by all accounts. Would it be possible for QPR to organise some sort of format for all of us to post our condolances?
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Post by chrisguy on Jun 23, 2012 17:53:09 GMT
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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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2012 17:54:26 GMT
I hope when we move to a new stadium we will have an Alan McDonald stand
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Post by Marc on Jun 23, 2012 17:56:53 GMT
Heard about this on the way home this afternoon, couldn't believe it!
Fondest memory is of him fronting up against Vinnie Jones when playing Chelsea and Jones was the one to back down. I was in the fron row and it was right in front of me. He'd got fed up of Jones's shenanigans and did a Captain's job.
RIP Macca, taken way too soon.
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Post by blatantfowl on Jun 23, 2012 18:04:26 GMT
Our captain, our leader, our rock in defence.
A stalwart of the club and an inspiration to later generations. Now will be sadly missed.
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andygg
Dave Sexton
Posts: 1,031
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Post by andygg on Jun 23, 2012 18:07:59 GMT
R.I.P Alan, always a legend at Loftus Road.
Very sad news.
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