|
Post by harlowranger on Jun 28, 2012 7:33:37 GMT
Thoughts are with Macca 's family today ! I certainly will never forget him for what he achieved at the Club and for all those wonderful memories he gave me and fellow Ranger's supporters ! RIP Big Man , sometimes Players get called legends when maybe they are not but in every way possible Alan McDonald was one ! Goodbye Macca
|
|
|
Post by jayrigg on Jun 28, 2012 10:16:10 GMT
I'd like to point out two VERY important things i read just above. Terry Fenwick's comments and also the use of the word "Integrity", they describe what pretty much all fans saw in Macca. Honest, hardworking, "hard as" yet very skilled. Heart on sleeve, wanted to win every game. Things that are the desires of most of us in what we hope, want or expect in players whom wear the famous hooped shirts. Macca delivered time and time again - Even his goalkeeping exploits are stuff of legends. So down to earth, approachable, witty. Sorry more ramblings from me about a man I got to know only a little but what a mark he left - and not from his boot! I still am struggling with this, my apologies. Nice one Andy, I really think the club should be looking at this and maybe some sort of memorial item and testimonial must be considered. RIP Big Man Cheers, Jay
|
|
|
Post by Jon Doeman on Jun 28, 2012 11:03:20 GMT
QPR FC @officialqpr
RT - As his funeral begins ... RIP Alan McDonald. A legend at Loftus Road. Gone but never forgotten. #QPR #RIPMacca
|
|
|
Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 28, 2012 11:19:45 GMT
If any youngster at the youth level ever needed an inspirational figure whom proved you can come up through the ranks then Alan McDonald is such a player.
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 28, 2012 11:52:11 GMT
I have some views. I just don't think they should be on this specific thread.
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 28, 2012 12:47:51 GMT
www.u.tv/News/Funeral-of-former-NI-captain-takes-place/f2a8c14b-357f-4a87-8a84-9ef073dac54cFuneral of former NI captain takes place Published Thursday, 28 June 2012 The funeral of former Northern Ireland captain Alan McDonald has taken place in Ballygowan. The Belfast man, who also captained QPR before retiring from playing and managed Glentoran after turning to coaching, collapsed while taking part in Captain's Day at Temple Golf Club last Saturday. The funeral service at noon was conducted by the minister of the town, Reverend Brian Black. Members of the local sporting world and other well known figures paid their respects to the popular footballer. Among those taking part in the service was sports presenter Jackie Fullerton. Queens Park Rangers released a statement on Thursday saying their thoughts were with his family and friends. "MACCA IN OUR THOUGHTS," their statement read. The IFA described McDonald as "a true gentleman and Northern Ireland legend". He is fondly remembered as one of the few people who have had the chance to play for Northern Ireland in a World Cup, having featured in their 1986 campaign in Mexico. He resigned as Glentoran manager in February 2010, having been at the helm of the Oval club since June 2007. "Not too many people have played in the World Cup and not too many people have captained their country," former Glentoran player Gary Hamilton told UTV. "As a young lad you looked up to people like that. I was lucky enough to have the honour to work with him, to be in his company and to call him a friend." Sports Editor at the Belfast Telegraph, Jim Gracey, told UTV he could remember McDonald as a young player. "The thing I remember most about Alan, when he came into the team, was how in awe he was of players like Pat Jennings and Sammy McIlroy and Martin O'Neill ... You could empathise with that," he said. Other tributes flooded in on hearing of the loss of the former football captain, including from the Northern Ireland team, their supporters' clubs and Celtic manager Neil Lennon. NI Supporters' Clubs spokesman Gary McAllister said: "Alan was admired by the fans for his total and absolute commitment to Northern Ireland as a player, and that passion always came across when he spoke about the team. "He will be fondly remembered, sadly missed. We extend our sincere sympathy to Alan's loved ones at this very sad time." Following the service at Ballygowan Presbyterian Church, Mr McDonald will be laid to rest at a private family service elsewhere. © UTV News
|
|
|
Post by sharky on Jun 28, 2012 13:37:54 GMT
news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61226000/jpg/_61226308_photo(4).jpgAlan McDonald's funeral takes place in County Down Former QPR captain, Alan McDonald, died suddenly at the weekend Continue reading the main story Related Stories Former NI captain McDonald dies Around 500 mourners have gathered in County Down for the funeral of former Northern Ireland and Queens Park Rangers captain Alan McDonald. The 48 year old died suddenly while playing golf on Saturday morning. Well-known footballers including Pat Jennings, Gerry Armstrong and former Northern Ireland manager, Sammy McIlroy, are attending the service. There was also a big representation from QPR at the funeral at Ballygowan Presbyterian Church outside Belfast. 'Legend' Following news of his death, the London club opened a book of condolence to their "iconic former captain and assistant manager". On its official website, QPR said: "The response since the book was opened has been staggering, with hundreds of rangers fans coming down to Loftus Road to pen their tributes to a true club legend." Known as 'Big Mac', he made more than 400 appearances for QPR and was in the team that reached the League Cup final in 1986, losing 3-0 to Oxford United. He also played for Charlton Athletic, on loan, and Swindon Town. During his international career with Northern Ireland, the Belfast-born player won 52 caps, and scored three goals. QPR, the club Alan McDonald was most associated with, paid tribute The centre-half famously played in the Northern Ireland team that drew 0-0 against England in 1985 to qualify for the World Cup finals. Shock More recently, he managed the east Belfast club Glentoran, from June 2007 to March 2010. He guided the team to victory in the County Antrim Shield in his first year in charge. Under his management in 2009, Glentoran won the Irish League championship and narrowly lost the Setanta Cup final to Cork City. He resigned the following year. The news of his sudden death came as a huge shock to the football community in Northern Ireland. From the BBC
|
|
bushranger
Dave Mangnall
"Billion pound team 1, funny little lad from Dorking via Plymouth Argyle 2" (LFW/CW)
Posts: 115
|
Post by bushranger on Jun 28, 2012 13:55:48 GMT
RIP Macca and thank you, LSA Perhaps Macmoish would start a new thread, tomorrow, as to how we actively and positively keep Macca's "flame" burning in QPR. Like many fans, I have lots of suggestions, but think they belong to a new chapter...
|
|
|
Post by harlowranger on Jun 28, 2012 13:58:51 GMT
Hundreds attend QPR legend’s funeral
28/06/2012 by West London Sport The funeral of popular former QPR and Northern Ireland stalwart Alan McDonald has taken place in County Down.
Around 500 mourners attended a service at the Ballygowan Presbyterian Church just outside Belfast.
McDonald, who was 48, died suddenly after collapsing while playing golf on Saturday morning.
He spent 17 years as a player at Loftus Road, where he also had a spell as assistant manager.
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 28, 2012 14:33:47 GMT
RIP Macca and thank you, LSA Perhaps Macmoish would start a new thread, tomorrow, as to how we actively and positively keep Macca's "flame" burning in QPR. Like many fans, I have lots of suggestions, but think they belong to a new chapter... Agree That from the LSA gives me Chills. Very nice
|
|
|
Post by Bushman on Jun 28, 2012 14:47:55 GMT
First game for the Rs away to Wolves on Sept 24th 1983 ended in a 4-0 win. Last game for the Rs home to Wolves on Mar 31st 1997 ended in a 2-2 draw.
A Rangers LEGEND RIP.
|
|
|
Post by Bushman on Jun 28, 2012 17:22:17 GMT
|
|
|
Post by birchambluerinse on Jun 28, 2012 18:30:57 GMT
Lets get a championship league place next season for Macca F*** it...!! RIP MACCA you had True BLUE AND WHITE blood running through your veins.....
|
|
|
Post by birchambluerinse on Jun 28, 2012 19:38:06 GMT
Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 29, 2012 8:32:35 GMT
From the Belfast Telegraph + Photos www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/belfast-telegraph-readers-pay-tribute-as-alan-mcdonald-funeral-is-held-in-belfast-16178936.htmlBelfast Telegraph readers pay tribute as Alan McDonald funeral is held in Belfast The funeral service of former Northern Ireland and QPR football player Alan McDonald at Ballygowan Presbyterian Church belfasttelegraph.co.uk readers háve paid tribute to former Northern Ireland football captain Alan McDonald whose funeral took place in Belfast yesterday The anthem We're Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland was sung by hundreds of mourners as they paid their last respects at Ballygowan Presbyterian Church. ^^Click 'More Pictures' to launch gallery^^ Originally from Rathcoole, Co Antrim he was capped 52 times for Northern Ireland, scored three goals and played in the 1986 Mexico World Cup. Famous former team-mates including Gerry Armstrong and Pat Jennings, past Northern Ireland managers Nigel Worthington and Sammy McIlroy as well as current manager Michael O'Neill also attended the service. BBC sports commentator Jackie Fullerton, told mourners that family and friends were “stunned and devastated”. Below are some of the tributes posted on the Belfast Telegraph's online Book of Condolences for Alan I couldn't believe the news when i heard of Alan's death. He was a larger than life presence on the pitch and did his wee country proud. He was straight talking and that's why he was so loved by the fans. i have many happy memories from the 80's watching Northern Ireland. Thanks for that Alan and my heartfelt sympathy to Alan's wife and children. Julieb70 Alan attended my secondary school, Faraday, when he first came to London. We then met up again when I worked at QPR on match days in the executive box reception. I have very fond memories of Alan, he was a real gent and such a laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. R.I.P MAC, gone but never forgotten. Bolter66 Cannot begin to describe how much sadness that is felt with the loss of a great man and uncle ...may the lord bless you and keep you may the lord make his face to shine upon you and give you peace love from nephew David Colleen and Daniel xxxxxxx HColeen88 Alan will always be a legend to me, a NI supporter who when living in Belfast would watch him at Windsor Park, I cannot remember a player who was visibily more proud to wear the green shirt..and at Wembley his post match reaction will forever make me smile...When I moved to England I worked with lifelong QPR fans who worshipped him as a QPR 'legend' in the same way..they will be equally as shocked and saddened as I am. Alan that game was never a fix ..RIP a true legend, AndyAscot Ive been a QPR fan all my life and BIG MAC is and always will be my favourite player in the blue and white hoops.. My deepest sympaphy to all of alans family and friends we have all lost someone special and a legend in life. www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/belfast-telegraph-readers-pay-tribute-as-alan-mcdonald-funeral-is-held-in-belfast-16178936.html#ixzz1zAYUvvrN
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 29, 2012 8:36:36 GMT
|
|
|
Post by harlowranger on Jun 29, 2012 10:29:13 GMT
TONIA McDONALD - A THANK YOU Posted on: Fri 29 Jun 2012 Following the funeral yesterday of Rangers legend Alan McDonald, his widow Tonia has spoken of her deep appreciation for all the messages she and Alan's family have received since his untimely death last Saturday. In a special message to Rangers fans, Tonia told http://www.qpr.co.uk: "I cannot thank the Rangers fans enough. "We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the Club, Alan's former team-mates and the fans this week. Article continues Advertisement "Alan loved every minute of the time he spent at QPR; he was proud to have captained and coached them. "He never lost his affection for QPR even after we moved back to Ireland and he kept in touch with many of the friends he made during his career there. "The Club was always held with the highest esteem in his heart. "For me to see and meet again so many of his former colleagues and friends yesterday was a reminder of just how highly he was thought of by everyone. "Thank you everyone on behalf of myself and Joshua." Alan's funeral was attended by over 500 people yesterday in the Ballygowan Presbyterian Church in Co Down. Former QPR players, Kevin Gallen, Darren Peacock, Simon Barker, Tony Roberts, Billy Hamilton, Andrew Impey, Ian Stewart, Steve Lomas and Iain Dowie were in attendance, alongside former Northern Ireland players Pat Jennings, Sammy McIlroy, Nigel Worthington, Jimmy Nicholl, Michael Hughes, Keith Gillespie, Tommy Wright, Gerry Armstrong, Jimmy Quinn and current International Manager Michael O'Neill. Also in attendance were many members of the Temple Golf and Country Club, where Alan was a member. The Club was represented by Secretary Terry Springett, as well as members of staff from the commercial department and QPR in the Community Trust. www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2826506,00.html
|
|
|
Post by gramps on Jun 29, 2012 11:15:43 GMT
Must confess that I read all that and looked at the pictures whilst shedding tears.
|
|
|
Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 29, 2012 13:02:15 GMT
Great tributes to a man whom has earned them all. Brilliant effort by the LSA
|
|
|
Post by harlowranger on Jul 1, 2012 10:07:23 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 22, 2014 19:29:55 GMT
Tomorrow will be two years
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 22, 2014 19:33:28 GMT
Flashback
Flashback March 14, 1998
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
BIG AL`S HAPPY RETURN
ALAN McDonald had mixed emotions about his return to Loftus Road with Swindon Town and his incredible 68 minute stint as an emergency goalkeeper.
Macca said:"If someone told me 12 months ago that I’d be playing against Rangers and playing in goal, I would have thought they were a lunatic! Obviously having spent 17 years at Loftus Road, in my own heart I honestly thought I was going to finish my career with QPR.
"So it was always going to be an emotional day for me to return to the R’s for the first time, having left in the summer. And it was tremendous to get a good reception from the Rangers supporters.
"I nearly had to play in goal against QPR down at Swindon earlier in the season as Fraser Digby was only half fit, but he played in that one. I’ve gone in goal for the reserves at QPR and I’ve done it in training loads of times, so it wasn’t a problem for me.
"But when Fraser was sent-off at Loftus Road on Saturday, I was nervous when I had to take over between the sticks. Especially as it was down at the Loft end in front of the Rangers fans. I just thank God that I didn’t make any crucial mistakes. I’m very good friends with the Rangers players and Kevin Gallen made a couple of sarcastic comments about my saves, but I just looked at him and laughed.
"It was Roy Of the Rovers stuff for me to return to QPR and take over in goal. If I’m back again next year, the only way I could top it would be to play against Rangers on my own!" he said.
|
|
|
Post by Lonegunmen on Jun 22, 2014 22:01:48 GMT
LEGEND and not forgotten.
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 23, 2014 6:39:17 GMT
And from the other thread
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 23, 2014 6:41:41 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 23, 2014 8:35:11 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 23, 2014 9:55:09 GMT
Flashback QPR Report Blog Tuesday, May 29, 2007 For Glentoran's ex-QPR Alan McDonald an Eventful Year - It's been an eventful past fifteen month for ex-QPR Irish International Defender, Alan McDonald as he's gone from incoming QPR saviour to apparent incoming Glentoran saviour. QPR's most capped-international player with over 50 caps returned to QPR last February as Gary Waddock's assistant manager. Then this past September, McDonald was fired along with Waddock. As the Official site opening sentence phrased it "Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club." Statement McDonald returned to Ireland, became coach at Glentoran. And now this. Despite his time at QPR, McDonald proclaimed his continued affection for QPR "It hasn't changed my affection for QPR. That will never happen. It was always the first result I looked for before I came back and will always be the first the result I look for." Interview February 2006 - McDonald Returns to QPR March 2006: McDonald Extends his QPR stay Sept 2006: Terminated by QPR October 2006: McDonald Interview - No hard feelings January 2007: McDonald for Newry? Feb 2007 McDonald appointed Coach Glentoran May 2007 - McDonald Set to be Appointed Glentoran Manager May 2007: McDonald at Glentoran May 2007 - McDonald to stay under new manager as Coach Wikipedia SEE ALSO: RON NORRIS/QPRNet 2002 Interview with McDonald qprreport.blogspot.com/2007/05/for-glentorans-ex-qpr-alan-mcdonald.html
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 23, 2014 9:56:22 GMT
Friday, October 20, 2006 Alan McDonald on QPR: "No Hard Feelings...It hasn't changed my affection for QPR""- Ealing Gazette - October 16, 2006 No hard feelings, says Mcdonald ALAN McDonald insists he has no hard feelings towards QPR following his exit in the wake of John Gregory's appointment as manager. McDonald, who spent 17 years as a player at Loftus Road, left his job as assistant boss soon after Gregory was installed. The former Northern Ireland international could be forgiven for having his feelings towards the club permanently soured. He was unhappy at the manner of his release as a player in 1997 after giving Rangers such loyal service. McDonald was then in the process of moving to Belfast - and was in contention for the Glentoran manager's job - before a sudden return to west London as Gary Waddock's right-hand man, only to find himself out of work just eight games into the new season. Alan M But McDonald reflected: "That's part of being in football. I'll just spend some time with my family and see what happens in the future. "I'm moving back to Belfast, which was the plan before I went back to QPR. It's a shame in many ways to have left the club again but these things happen." McDonald has no complaints about the decision to wield the axe, although he is reluctant to comment on the abrupt manner of his departure. Gregory was in place within hours of the League Cup defeat at Port Vale and had been lined up to take over before the game. "Results weren't good and I take my share of the responsibility for that," McDonald admitted. "It hasn't changed my affection for QPR. That will never happen.It was always the first result I looked for before I came back and will always be the first the result I look for." McDonald believes his former team-mate Gregory will prove to be a success in the Rs hotseat. The new boss has made the perfect start with wins over Hull and promotion-chasing Southampton, and McDonald is convinced the turnaround will be maintained. QPR are in action again tomorrow at home to Norwich. "John will do well," he predicted. "There's a good enough squad there to finish quite high up that division. "You've got lads like Ray Jones, Shabazz Baidoo and Pat Kanyuka coming through and that's great to see, because bringing on the youngsters is something the club was always good at and hopefully will be in the future." qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/10/alan-mcdonald-on-qpr-no-hard.html
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 23, 2014 11:47:50 GMT
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
TONIA McDONALD’S ‘THANKS’ TO THE QPR FAMILYPUBLISHED 11:05 23rd June 2014 by @qprfc Alan McDonald’s widow Tonia thanks the QPR family for their support on the second anniversary of his tragic passing … ALAN McDonald’s widow Tonia has thanked the QPR family for their support on the second anniversary of his tragic passing. Tonia, who was a guest of the club at our Championship Play-Off Final triumph over Derby County at Wembley last month, spoke with pride about the support she has received from everyone connected to QPR since Alan’s death two years ago. “QPR have been really supportive since Alan’s passing two years ago – I’ve got nothing but praise for everything they’ve done,” she told www.qpr.co.uk. “Being at Wembley for that amazing day was something that will live with me forever. “It felt like family – sitting down with Bob Hazell, Stan Bowles and co. and talking about QPR. “It was a truly special atmosphere and it was great for our son Joshua, who had never ever experienced that kind of family atmosphere that QPR is renowned for. “It felt like the old times again and long may that continue.” #RIPMacca Read more at www.qpr.co.uk/news/article/230614-tonia-mcdonald-thanks-to-qpr-1659869.aspx#q4X4M5EzWwUS4iAv.99
|
|
|
Post by Macmoish on Jun 24, 2014 6:40:59 GMT
|
|