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Post by birchambluerinse on Jun 24, 2012 11:12:49 GMT
RIP Alan McDonald.. thoughts to your friends and family.. A true QPR great and leader.. played for the love of our club and football with a heart full of passion and pride. A dying recipe in todays game... Thank-you...
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 24, 2012 11:37:43 GMT
Waddock Wycombe Official Site WADDOCK PAYS TRIBUTE TO McDONALD Posted on: Sun 24 Jun 2012 Blues boss Gary Waddock has paid tribute to his former QPR team-mate and assistant Alan McDonald, who passed away at the age of 48 on Saturday morning. The pair played alongside each other during the 80s before they were reunited in 2006 when McDonald started work as Waddock's assistant at Loftus Road. "I'm in shock - it's absolutely devastating news," he said. "I've known him for years. He was a larger-than-life character, a great guy and an outstanding footballer. He's a legend. "He transferred all of his playing attributes into a coaching capacity and was a very good assistant, but more importantly was a good friend. "It's a sad loss for football. My thoughts are with his family." The thoughts of everyone at Wycombe Wanderers are with Alan's family at this sad time. www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10430~2820526,00.html
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 24, 2012 13:39:59 GMT
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Post by Hogan on Jun 24, 2012 14:09:51 GMT
I am very very saddened by this news, Macca was a proper legend, a great servant to our club and one of my favourite players.
RIP Alan McDonald.
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 24, 2012 15:07:31 GMT
FEATURES & COMMENTBig Mac has been a big part of my life â Iâll miss him 24/06/2012 by Dave Anderson, Harrow Borough FC manager Iâm incredibly sad today, but Iâm also very proud to be able to say that Alan McDonald â a legend who meant so much to so many people â was my friend. We were the best of mates over many years. In fact, I met my wife at his wedding. We were best men at each otherâs weddings, Iâm godfather to two of his girls and heâs my daughterâs godfather. We were at school together and also played for Northern Ireland schoolboys â thatâs how far we go back. McDonald died suddenly, aged 48. He moved from Belfast to join QPR as a teenager, as did our friend Ian Stewart. And after a spell living in Manchester, I joined them in London in 1985. It was Mac and Ian who encouraged me to go into coaching when I retired because of an injury and might otherwise have walked away from the game. Mac and I did everything together. We holidayed together, we talked about everything. Before any major decision Iâve ever made Iâve spoken to him first. Heâs always been either on the end of a phone or on the end of a pint, depending on where weâve been at the time. QPR fans will remember him as a man who gave you everything. And thatâs exactly what he was like as a friend too. He was never interested in talking about himself. He could play for QPR at Highbury on a Saturday and that evening would only want to talk about how Iâd got on managing North Greenford United that day. You hear people say about footballers that the fame never changed them. Well in Macâs case I can honestly say it didnât. He was a born leader of men but also humble. So humble in fact, that when we were holidaying in Africa about 20 years ago, we met a group of lads and when they asked what he did, he told them he was a bricklayer. But when we had a kickabout with them, he treated it like the FA Cup Final. He was organising, barking out instructions and telling the guys where they should be. He couldnât help it. As soon as you put a football near him thatâs what he was like. These fellas quickly realised that Mac was no Sunday league player. When he eventually told them who he was they knew the name, they just didnât believe it could be this guy laughing along with the lads. That was Mac for you; the captain of QPR and Northern Ireland, whoâd happily go along to have a drink with the guys in the LSA [QPR Loyal Supporters' Association] or join Rangers fans for a kickabout in the park. And the banter was relentless. He never let up, was always planning some kind of prank on someone, and in David Bardsley he had a real partner in crime. Those two together were unbelievable! Ian Stewart was also a close friend. He always wanted to win though. Make no mistake about that. I played football with him. I played golf with him. I played Trivial Pursuit with him â and if you beat him heâd throw the board away! He was passionate about football and he truly loved QPR. Being released by the club in 1997 really hurt him. Mac was a genuine one-club man. He loved Rangers and didnât want to play for anyone else, so to leave the place was very difficult for him. And the fans loved him back. The word legend is used far too much but even before the terrible news, you wouldnât have found a QPR fan whoâd have said Mac wasnât a genuine legend. He was like Stan Bowles in that people loved him not only because of the player he was, but because he was a man of the people too. He was a legend, yet at the same time he was of them. Many the time I was left with Macâs stuff while he was signing autographs and meeting fans. With him they didnât just get an autograph or a picture, they were left feeling he had time for them and liked being around them â and he did. Mac was happiest and most comfortable when he was around people, laughing and joking and having a drink. Thatâs shown by the fact that many QPR fans who met him once for a few minutes will tell you they still remember it years later. You still get QPR fans saying âI remember being with Macca in the pub that timeâ and they can tell you all about it. Itâs a unique person theyâre talking about. When I hear things like that it makes me realise how privileged I am to have been close to him and shared so much with him for so many years. He was a genuine legend and a wonderful mate. Weâll all really miss him. www.westlondonsport.com/features-comment/big-mac-has-been5-a-big-part71-of-my-life-ill-miss-him/
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2012 15:28:55 GMT
Nice read Harlow but just makes me feel more sad reading it
Did anybody go to the game when he came back with Swindon and they had a player sent off early on One of QPR's nightmare days
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Post by grillr on Jun 24, 2012 16:00:39 GMT
Absolutely awful news - I still feel numb 24hrs on. He was an immense player. An integral part of the team that went toe-to-toe with the the big clubs for several glorious years in the top flight during 80s/90s. I actually share exactly the same birth day as Macca and I feel that I'm in my prime in many respects - brings it home to me starkly how 48 is an appallingly young age to go. Condolences to his loved ones left behind and thanks for some glorious memories big man.
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Post by gramps on Jun 24, 2012 16:07:46 GMT
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... 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. It may be recalled that I wrote to Beard some months back suggesting that some consideration should be given to past players. As expected at the time, I did not even get an acknowledgement of my letter.
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Post by cpr on Jun 24, 2012 16:12:08 GMT
Nice read Harlow but just makes me feel more sad reading it Did anybody go to the game when he came back with Swindon and they had a player sent off early on One of QPR's nightmare days Best goalkeeper we never had.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2012 16:16:43 GMT
Nice read Harlow but just makes me feel more sad reading it Did anybody go to the game when he came back with Swindon and they had a player sent off early on One of QPR's nightmare days Best goalkeeper we never had. you remember
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Post by Budgies Mullett on Jun 24, 2012 16:50:11 GMT
I've only just heard this and am totally devasted. Alan was a favourite player of mine and I loved watching him play. Without doubt one of the best, if not the best, central defender since I started going in the late seventies.
A friend of mine knew his daughter and said that Alan was a true gent.
I only hope that the club mark his passing. He was fanatical about the R's and it is so tragic at such a young age.
RIP Alan, thank you for the fantastic memories.
Mark
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 24, 2012 17:20:08 GMT
Alan McDonald obituary Steely centre-half for Queens Park Rangers and Northern Ireland guardian.co.uk, Sunday 24 June 2012 16.58 Alan McDonald, who has died suddenly aged 48, was a member of the last Northern Ireland squad to reach the World Cup finals, in Mexico 1986. Though the team did not progress past the group stage, reaching the finals for the second consecutive tournament was a huge achievement for the tiny nation, until 2006 the smallest country ever to qualify. During the tournament the young centre-half was faced with marking two of the most dangerous strikers of the era in Brazil's Careca and Spain's Emilio ButragueĂąo, and though both players scored in defeating Northern Ireland 3-0 and 2-1 respectively, McDonald, relatively inexperienced, performed with typical tenacity and spirit, and was not overawed by the occasion or his world-class opponents. He was 22 at the time and had won a regular place in the national team the year before, making his debut against Romania in 1985, the first of 52 international caps, some as captain. Later that year, he played in an infamous World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley. It was the last group match, and with England already qualified, Northern Ireland needed a draw to join them in Mexico. A dull game ended 0-0. Some people believed it was fixed to ensure both home nations qualified, although McDonald insisted: "If anyone thinks that game was a fix, they can come and see me outside." McDonald was born in Belfast and signed for the London club Queens Park Rangers as a schoolboy. It took him several seasons to break into the first team, and he made his league debut for Charlton Athletic while on loan. When he did reach the QPR first team he established a partnership in the centre of defence with England international Terry Fenwick. He played in QPR's brief Uefa Cup campaign in 1984 and two years later helped them reach the League Cup final. In a memorable run, McDonald scored an extra-time goal against local rivals Chelsea in the quarter-final and the team defeated Liverpool, that year's league and FA Cup champions, in the semi-final, only to crash 3-0 to unfancied Oxford United in the final. During his 17 years at QPR, McDonald played under 10 different managers and was one of the club's few pillars of stability, winning fans' admiration for his loyalty and his steely commitment as captain. He made a total of 483 appearances, the third-highest in the club's history, and scored 18 goals. In the later 1980s he formed an important defensive partnership with England international Paul Parker, and QPR finished fifth in 1987-88, a position they matched in 1992â93, the inaugural Premiership season. More often, however, they were to be found in mid-table. In 1996, the club was relegated from the Premiership, and a year later McDonald was transferred to Swindon, where he played for one season before retiring in 1998. He returned to QPR in 2006 as assistant to manager Gary Waddock. The following year he became manager of Glentoran in his native Belfast, where he stayed for three seasons, guiding the club to the IFA Premiership title in 2008-09. He also coached his country's under-21 side. He is survived by his wife. ⢠Alan McDonald, footballer, born 12 October 1963; died 23 June 2012 www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jun/24/alan-mcdonald?
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andygg
Dave Sexton
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Post by andygg on Jun 24, 2012 17:26:20 GMT
Nice read Harlow but just makes me feel more sad reading it Did anybody go to the game when he came back with Swindon and they had a player sent off early on One of QPR's nightmare days Yeah, I was there, and he got a great reception by our fans, and rightly so. He was a top man.
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Post by Roller on Jun 24, 2012 17:36:14 GMT
It's not in Clive and Paul's class, but here is my personal tribute.... wp.me/p2v6Yy-D
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manta
Gordon Jago
Posts: 945
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Post by manta on Jun 24, 2012 18:39:25 GMT
Some really great eulogies. Paul Finney's really struck home. It's now I am learning even more what a great guy Macca was and how much he meant to our fans who met him. It makes you wonder why our club did not offer him a job somewhere.
I feel numb and shocked still.
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Post by ozzh00p on Jun 24, 2012 23:04:36 GMT
Gutted. 'The word legend is used far too much but even before the terrible news, you wouldnât have found a QPR fan whoâd have said Mac wasnât a genuine legend'. Those words by Dave Anderson sum it up for me.
RIP Big Man..
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 25, 2012 8:39:28 GMT
Ben Kosky Bexley times QPR Legend Alan McDonald (1963-2012) He didnât have the goal poacherâs instinct of Clive Allen, Gary Bannister or Les Ferdinand. He didnât have the panache of Ray Wilkins or the dazzling skills of Roy Wegerle. And yet, for many fans who, like myself, grew up watching QPR in the 1980s and 90s, Alan McDonald was undoubtedly a hero in blue and white hoops. Even then, it was rare for a player to spend 15 seasons at one club, almost all of them at the top level. McDonald managed it because of the spirit he epitomised, the passion and commitment that supporters of every club want to see from one of their players, that feeling that he would run through a brick wall for his team â and come out on top. How many other players would be cheered off the field after being red-carded for elbowing an opponent â none other, in this case, than current QPR manager Mark Hughes? Managers came and went, so did other central defenders â Steve Wicks, Paul Parker and Darren Peacock, to name but a few. Yet Macca always seemed to be one of the first names on the team sheet throughout his long service at Loftus Road and I canât remember any Rangers fan questioning that, or suggesting he should be dropped. He was always worthy of the captainâs armband on the numerous occasions he wore it, not something that can truthfully be said of all his successors. Even when McDonald returned to Loftus Road as a Swindon player â in fact, emergency goalkeeper â and helped them to inflict defeat on Rangers, he was afforded a warm reception by the crowd. And that was still the case almost a decade later, when he rejoined the club as assistant manager to Gary Waddock. I was fortunate enough to get to know Macca during that brief period and found that there was no side to him. He was always straight-talking, always willing to chat about QPR and football in general (especially if he was taking a cigarette break anyway!) and what you saw was what you got. It was clear that Alan McDonald retained a deep affection for QPR despite his somewhat shabby treatment by the club not once, but twice. The last time I spoke with him was for a ânostalgiaâ feature on Rangersâ famous Milk Cup win at Stamford Bridge, when he scored the opening goal. Even 25 years on, he took a huge amount of pride in that and knew exactly how much beating Chelsea on their own turf meant to QPR fans of that era. Itâs inevitable that, as you grow older, the heroes of your youth begin to die. But Iâm sure every QPR fan who watched him commanding the back four year for so long will agree: it was far, far too soon to lose Alan McDonald. www.bexleytimes.co.uk/news/qpr_legend_alan_mcdonald_1963_2012_1_1419835
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 25, 2012 9:09:09 GMT
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 25, 2012 9:59:38 GMT
Belfast Telegraph Alan McDonald: My hero, my world ... my dad - book of condolences 0 0ShareThis12 By Deborah McAleese and Malcolm Brodie Monday, 25 June 2012 February 2010Carling Premiership Match between Glentoran and Portadown at Shamrock Park Glentoran's Alan McDonald February 2010Carling Premiership Match between Glentoran and Portadown at Shamrock Park Glentoran's Alan McDonald Photos More pictures Ads by Google Flights on Sale from $65 Airlines have slashed fares onroundtrip routes across the US.* www.travelzoo.com/flightsIreland Genealogy Records 4,000,000,000+ Names. Hurry-FindYour Ancestors Now! www.FamilyLink.com/IrelandBuy This Stock by 6/30/12 Little-known stock ready to explodeMay deliver gains of 100% or more www.hiddenvaluesalert.comThe heartbroken daughter of Northern Ireland football hero Alan McDonald has called him âthe greatest man that ever livedâ. >>To leave your message of condolence to Alan's family - please use the comment box below<< In a poignant online tribute to the father-of-three, a devastated Courtney Reigh added: âMr Hero. My world. My life. My daddy. Iâm broken,â (he) âis and always will be my legendâ. The Belfast man, who captained QPR, collapsed at Temple Golf Club on Saturday. The 48-year-old, who managed Glentoran after turning to coaching, is believed to have suffered a heart attack at around 11am by the 10th green. A former cardiac nurse who was at the club at the time rushed over to give him CPR until the ambulance arrived. A close friend who was with him when he died described him as âthe perfect gentlemanâ. Stevie Lee was playing golf with the legendary centre-half when he collapsed. âWe were friends for the past three or four years. It is a very difficult time for everyone who knew Alan,â said Mr Lee. Former Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy, a close friend and ex-international team-mate of McDonaldâs, said: âAlan was always larger than life during his career and after. Iâm shellshocked.â Another ex-team-mate Jimmy Nicholl said: âNobody was more committed to Northern Ireland football than Alan. That green jersey and the IFA badge meant everything to him.â Sports Minister Caral Ni Chuilin said his death had âsaddened and shocked the local football communityâ. A campaign was launched yesterday by friends and fans to have a stand at QPRâs Loftus Road ground named after him. He became the regular stopper in the clubâs sweeper system, and helped them reach the 1986 League Cup final. But a medal eluded them with Oxford United winning 3-0. After his playing days he was assistant manager at QPR, then Swindon Town and Northern Irelandâs under-21 squad. He won the Premiership as Glentoran boss, but football management lost its appeal so he bought a trophy engraving business from his ex-team-mate Billy Hamilton in Bangor. Married to Tonya, he had a son Joshua and two girls, Bobbie-Lee and Courtney Reigh. Background Alan McDonald famously played in the Northern Ireland team which qualified for the 1986 World Cup finals after drawing 0-0 against England at Wembley the year before. âBig Macâ, as the 6ft 2ins player was known to his colleagues, was justifiably rated among the most accomplished of Irish centre-backs. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/alan-mcdonald-my-hero-my-world-my-dad-book-of-condolences-16176706.html#ixzz1ynVeZRZk
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Post by addicktedrichard on Jun 25, 2012 11:42:38 GMT
Steve Sutherland the former Commercial Manager at Charlton who also knew Alan when he moved on to Swindon , posted this on the Charlton Life Messageboard .
I'm shocked by this news. Some Charlton fans may know that I spent a year at Swindon Town in the 1998/99 season as Joint CEO before returing to Charlton and Alan was a player/coach during my time there. He was a great guy and I remember having long chats with him about the game in general and the club during my year at the County Ground. He always spoke fondly of his time at Charlton too. Alan was always happy to help me and my colleagues on commercial matters at the Club - we launched a popular matchday service to our Executive Club together whereby Alan would come up before kick-off and tell the supporters the team news - and it is so sad to hear that he has passed away at such a young age.
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 25, 2012 12:17:03 GMT
QPR Book of Condolences
6m QPR FC QPR FC Ăž@OfficialQPR The Club has opened a Book of Condolence in remembrance of Alan McDonald, who sadly passed away on Saturday #QPR...
58s IanJTaylor IanJTaylor Ăž@IJTaylor81 The Book will be open daily (Monday to Friday) between 9.00am and 5.00pm at Loftus Road #QPR
IanJTaylor Ăž@IJTaylor81 Fans unable to visit the stadium personally can send messages for inclusion in the Book via email to tributes@qpr.co.uk #QPR #RIPMacca
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Post by scubahoop on Jun 25, 2012 12:40:23 GMT
Yesterday I went down to Loftus Road with my wife to leave a card, a scarf and some flowers for Macca. Later, we watched the England game. A day that highlighted the real differences in class in our sport. Some of those players on the field for England yesterday probably earn as much in a few weeks as Macca earned in his whole career, yet in my opinion they're not even fit to lace the boots of Alan McDonald.
At the end of the game you could tell Joe Hart was relieved it was all over and that he was already thinking of his holidays wheras the misery on faces of the England fans facing a long journey home with a lot of money spent told another story. Macca would have been with the fans on that one. He was a true man of the people and a proper footballer. Lineker and co to their shame didn't even have the decency to mention him on their programme at all. Made me realise how lucky we were to have had him at our club and how we must use his memory to remember and cherish all the very best things in football. Loyalty, passion, determination, grit , humility. Macca had all of these qualities in great abundance. A great role model for everybody in football and indeed for everyone in life. RIP Macca.
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bushranger
Dave Mangnall
"Billion pound team 1, funny little lad from Dorking via Plymouth Argyle 2" (LFW/CW)
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Post by bushranger on Jun 25, 2012 13:29:20 GMT
Totally agree, Scub. Never mind Roy of the Rovers, we had Alan of the Rangers - he was the badge of the club come to life. It seems unfathomable that he has left us when he still had so much more to give to NI football and, I would have hoped, QPR is some fashion.
I am will make time this week to travel over to Loftus Road and sign the book.
To be fair to MOTD, however, they did announce Alan's death on the highlights show of the Spain v France game. I could hear a slight wobble in Colin Murray's tone, and I'm sure, being from Belfast himself, he would like to have said more than he did, but he obviously had to stick to the timings as it wasn't the live show.
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Post by scarletpimple on Jun 25, 2012 14:53:46 GMT
RIP Big man.
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Post by Macmoish on Jun 25, 2012 18:56:52 GMT
Monday 25 June 2012 BIG MAC PASSING HAS LEFT ME NUMB www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/big-mac-passing-has-left-me-numb-1-3988010Sport. Football. pic: 11th October 1989. World Cup Qualifier at Wembley. England 0 v Northern Ireland 0. Northern Ireland's Alan LIAM BECKETTâS TRIBUTE LAST Saturday, lunchtime, one of those days and dates that will linger long in my mind for many many years to come. I had stopped off in Ballymena whilst en route to a function in Belfast when I got one of those phone calls that everyone dreads, one that really beggars belief. The news was breaking that another dear friend, Alan McDonald had died suddenly at only 48 years of age. I must admit I was totally stunned and numbed that such a talented and likeable sportsman could depart this life so suddenly. I first met Alan in the early 70âs when I was playing for Crusaders and his late father used to bring Alan along to watch the games, he was only a boy aged around 10 years old. The McDonald family were Crusaders fans and I also had the pleasure of Alanâs older brother Roy joining me as a team mate at Seaview when he joined the club from Distillery as the understudy goalkeeper to Terry Nicolson. But the star of that family was undoubtedly Alan. He made the move most other kids dream about and went on to record a very distinguished career in English football and the best part of which was spent at Queenâs Park Rangers in London. It was during his time at QPR when I received a call one evening in Ballymoney. My eldest lad William, who was around 10 years old at the time answered the phone, âitâs Alan McDonald Dad,â he said, âare you in?â I had always told Willy to find out first who it was on the phone before confirming I was in, wrong I know but thatâs the way it was. After a brief chat âBig Macâ said âare you still supporting that âshowerâ at Old Trafford?â Of course I replied. âWeâre down there in two weeks time, if you want to come over Iâll have two tickets for you and Williamâ. Immediately I said âgo for itâ to which he replied, âdoes Willy want to meet any of the QPR team?â to which Will replied âYes, Les Ferdinand.â This was the type of guy he was, he never forgot his roots, he never ever became Billy Bigtime. Incidentally, he was magnificent at Old Trafford that game and was voted Man of the Match. I spoke with him last just a few weeks ago and he was clearly determined to get back involved in Irish League soccer, but sadly that will not now happen. It was with a very heavy heart that I continued my journey onwards to Belfast on Saturday afternoon where I was guest speaker at the âYork Starâ Linfield Supporters Club Legends Dinner. Ironically big Alanâs final club was Glentoran where he was manager. In spite of the Glens being Linfieldâs biggest rivals, the dignity and respect shown by everyone at the York Star L.F.C. Supporters Legend Dinner on Saturday night was phenomenal. A minutes silence for âBig Macâ at the very outset of the proceedings was impeccably observed and tributes were paid to the big lad by manager David Jeffry, Spike Ferguson, Your Star Chairman John and others. Once again this undoubtedly proves that in spite of the rivalry that exists in football, all clubs rally in support and become one big family in times of need, such as now. So, whenever I think of top sports people who have went on to have outstanding careers, yet still managed to maintain their original down to earth personalities, I will think of you, Alan. Whenever I think of outstanding examples of players who, when chosen to represent their country, did so with passion and showed tremendous pride in the shirt, I will think of you, Alan. Whenever I think of someone who had so much to offer our International set-up at some capacity, even if it was to install some pride and desire back into International recognition, I will think of you, Alan. Whenever I think of someone to whom our country can feel proud of, someone who brought so much joy to so many, I will think of you, Alan. Whenever I think of superbly talented local sportsmen (and I can think of two others in particular) who have been called home by the man above much sooner than they should have been in my books, I will think of you, Alan. May I on behalf of everyone connected with sport at the News Letter extend our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the entire McDonald family circle, your contribution to football in this country. You will never be forgotten Alan.
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Post by jjqpr on Jun 25, 2012 20:11:37 GMT
RIP Alan, thoughts are with your family.
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Post by harlowranger on Jun 25, 2012 20:51:16 GMT
Took this from dot orgs Gary , though it was a nice story , sums up our Alan M!
Gaz_R Level 3 dot.orger
Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Posts: 2123 Location: Essex
Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:18 pm   Post subject: The day I met Macca I was on my way to watch the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Knebworth on Saturday afternoon when I had a quick glance on twitter and saw the very sad news about Alan McDonald. It was a shock to us all, myself in particular as he was responsible for a great moment in my QPR supporting life.
February Half term, 1991. I was 14 at the time and at the beginning of a typically boring week off from school. Thinking of something to do, I had the idea about going down to QPR's training ground (at the time they trained at Park Royal at the British Gas Sports Club). Not wanting to go on my own, I talked a couple of good mates (although neither liked football) into coming with me. We jumped on a Piccadilly line train from Ruislip and headed out to North Ealing.
Despite getting lost a couple of times, we managed to find our way to the training ground. However, when we got there, a quick look around soon told us that there wasn't much happening. Naturally disappointed, we began to make the journey home when someone shouted across to us from one of the changing rooms. It was Brian Morris, club physio. He asked what we were doing. I explained that we had come down on the off chance to watch the first team in training. He explained that the first team had the day off. He then asked us where we had come from so we told him. " Hang on a minute lads, I might be able to get you a lift home, wait there". Off he went.We stood around for a few minutes and then he returned. " Ok boys, one of the players is going to drop you off home, he's just had some treatment". And then around the corner walked Alan McDonald.
Even telling you this story now, I'm remembering now like it was yesterday how star struck I was. He shook hands with us all. "My car is the Sierra Cosworth ". We all jumped in, I sat in the front. I remember chatting to him about playing in the World Cup and playing at Wembley. He dropped us all back at Hillingdon Station. As we got out the car, he asked us what we were doing the following day. "Meet me outside the Master Brewer hotel about half 9 tomorrow and I'll take you back to the training ground so you can watch us train"he said. I couldn't believe it!
Needless to say, I didnt sleep much that night! So that we wouldnt miss him, I made sure we got there early so we made our down to the Master Brewer hotel for about quarter past nine. Unbelievably, he was already there waiting for us! So off we went. I remember we got stuck in some traffic and Don Howe called on the car phone!
Not only did we watch the first team train, Macca also let us sit and have lunch in the canteen with the players! We sat and chatted with Ray Wilkins, Roy Wegerle, Clive Wilson amongst others. The day flew by and Macca dropped us all home. Can you imagine Vincent Company or John Terry going out of there way to do something like that!
I remember writing to the club and asking them to thank Macca on our behalf. I hope he got my letter. I remember how he showed us around like he owned the place, how much respect he had from every person who he came in contact with .
The battles with Mark Hughes, going in goal for Swindon , a late equalizer v Man Utd in an FA cup replay at Loftus Road, the winner in a FA cup game at Huddersfield are my other great memories of him. However, the day he showed me around the training ground will always be my greatest memory of him.
Wherever you are now Macca, thanks for that day and thanks for giving it your all when you wore the blue and white hoops.
RIP, Alan McDonald. _________________
Â
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manta
Gordon Jago
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Post by manta on Jun 25, 2012 20:57:54 GMT
What an amazing story.
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Post by Budgies Mullett on Jun 25, 2012 21:22:31 GMT
What a great story, what premiership football player would do that now?
Alan was not only a great leader but a very good footballer. He was so good in the air, I honestly never remember a striker getting the better of him. As his game developed he became a good passer from the back. Great organiser too and developed the skills of Peacock and Parker as his defensive partners.
I remember driving a girl up to Blackburn on our first date (romantic) to see us lose to a last minute penalty when Shearer dived over Macca's challenge which left Macca furious.
His battles with Hughes were legendary. I may have missed it but it would be nice for Hughes to share his thoughts of Macca.
Reminiscing about players often leads to a rose tinted view but this is how I remember it, a great defender who always gave his all for the Hoops.
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Post by RoryTheRanger on Jun 25, 2012 21:31:45 GMT
That is a fantastic story. That would never happen with the over paid players of today.
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