Here’s QPR fan Paul Moore on a subject he really wishes it never came to writing.
The QPR Family is in a state of complete shock as we heard the sad news about the passing of, in my opinion, one of our greatest ever centre backs.
He was only 48 years of age. So talented and taken at such a young age; the world is a poorer and sadder place without him.
Alan McDonald was born on the 12th October 1963 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1981 he joined Queens Park Rangers and so the love affair began.
At first he couldn’t get into the first team so went out on loan to Charlton Athletic where he played nine games. Upon his return he forced his way into the first team.
I was lucky enough to see the ‘big man’ play regularly. Now he wasn’t the quickest on his feet but his reading of the game was amazing.
‘Macca’ always seemed to be in the right place at the right time; that wasn’t by accident but by reading the game. He was a born centre back but not only that; he was a born leader.
Every time when there was a stop in play ‘Macca’ was always talking to his teammates, organising and pointing where they should or shouldn’t be. That was what his game was all about; it wasn’t about him but the team.
A Cup final in 1986 and finishing as the highest London team in 1993 was a couple of his club highlights. He also represented Northern Ireland on 52 occasions; he was captain 28 times scoring three goals.
In 1997 ‘Macca’ left the club and I remember seeing him cry at the end of the season; such was his love and passion for the club.
He had one more season as a player with Swindon and when we got them in a cup game ‘Macca’ was welcomed back with open arms.
It was typical of the man that when the Swindon goalkeeper was injured it was the big man that took the gloves and amazingly kept a clean sheet, but the man he replaced had conceded and QPR won the game.
Macca, the heavens will be a louder place with you in it; the world and the football family can only mourn your loss. Thank for the memories Macca, a real QPR legend.
image: © currybet
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