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''For the former Kidderminster Harriers, Weymouth & current Tamworth player see John McGrath (footballer born 1980).''

'John McGrath' (23 August 1938 – 25 December 1998) was a player and manager in the Football League.

Contents

Early years

A Geordie hero

The move south

Coaching and management

Preston's saviour

External links

Early years

McGrath started out as an amateur player with Bolton Wanderers and local team 'Miles Platting Swifts' 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.

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.

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.

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. He became manager of Chester City in January 1984 but lost his job 11 months later as the Blues lay at the foot of Division 4. Although results were not always impressive, McGrath began to mould the side that would to go on to win promotion in 1985/86 after further strengthening by Mick Speight and Harry McNally. McGrath gave future England international Lee Dixon his first taste of regular first-team football when at Chester.

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, although it has to be said not first choice with Preston courting the services of Tranmere manager Johnny King and Port Vale boss John Rudge before settling on McGrath. 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.

External links

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★ Profile on English football cards

★ Feature on SaintsChat