John McGrath (23 August 1938 – 25 December 1998) was a player and manager in the Football League. August 23 is the 235th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (236th in leap years), with 130 days remaining. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... December 25 is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 6 days remaining in the year. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... The Football League is a league competition for professional football clubs in England, the oldest such competition in world football. ...

Early years

McGrath started out as an amateur player with Bolton Wanderers but it was with Bury that he began his professional career in 1956. In 1960 however McGrath found himself the subject of a bid by Newcastle United and after nearly five years with Bury in which he made 148 appearances scoring 2 goals he left for St James' Park. Look up amateur in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Bolton Wanderers F.C. are a English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Bolton borough. ... Bury Football Club are an English association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. ... A professional is required to possess a large knowledge derived from extensive academic and practical training. ... Newcastle United Football Club are an English professional football team based in Newcastle upon Tyne. ... St James Park is a 52,394 capacity all-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and is the home of Newcastle United Football Club. ...

A Geordie hero

Because of his no nonsense attitude and uncompromising style as a defender John soon became a real favourite with the Toon Army and in seven years with the geordies played 170 games scoring 2 goals before making the long trip to Southampton in 1967. Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) is an English professional football team based in Newcastle upon Tyne, nicknamed the Magpies. Newcastle United supporters are known as the Toon Army. ... Geordie is a term used to describe a person originating from Tyneside and the former coal mining areas of northern County Durham and the dialect spoken by such people. ... Southampton Football Club (originally St Marys YMA) are an English football team, nicknamed The Saints. ...

The move south

John again became somewhat of a cult hero with The Dell faithful during what was a difficult time for the club not only playing 168 games(1 goal) but also making his mark as a very shrewd coach. He also during this period played 3 games on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion. A cult hero is an unlikely icon in popular culture. ... The Dell is the former home ground of the Southampton F.C. football (soccer) team in England. ... Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. are an English football team based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. ...

Coaching and management

After retiring at the end of 1973-74 season John joined the Southampton coaching staff but it was after becoming Port Vale manager in December 1979 that he really found his true vocation. After steadying the ship at Vale Park McGrath eventually led the club to promotion in 1982-83. The following season however John was sacked as Vale struggled and after 18 months with Chester City John found himself without a job in May 1985. Port Vale is an English association football club who currently play in Football League One. ... Vale Park is the home of the English Football League club, Port Vale. ... Chester City Football Club is an English football club from Chester, currently playing in Football League Two. ...

Preston's saviour

Twelve months later though that changed as Preston North End came calling. This once proud club was dying on its knees and after ending the 1985-86 season in 91st position they needed some new blood and new ideas.McGrath was just the man for the job.With the newly laid plastic pitch already installed McGrath assembled a squad of free transfer old pros,lower league journeymen and young cast offs to fire the team to promotion in his first season.He was a hero.However after 4 years of relative success McGrath departed in February 1990 leaving Preston in a far healthier position that when he'd found them and apart from a short spell in charge of Halifax Town in 1992 he never managed again. John became for a while a much sought for after dinner speaker but on Christmas Day 1998 the football world shook when he died suddenly at his Manchester home. This article or section is not written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. ... In football (soccer), a free transfer involves a team releasing a player once their contract has expired. ... Halifax Town Association Football Club are an English football team currently playing in the Conference National. ... An after dinner speaker is a person who makes a public speech after a formal dinner. ... Joseph and Mary with baby Jesus, at the first Christmas Christmas (literally, the Mass of Christ) is a holiday in the Christian calendar, usually observed on December 25, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. ...

External links

• John McGrath managerial statistics at Soccerbase

• Feature on SaintsChat