Alan McLoughlin
Personal information
Full name Alan Francis McLoughlin
Date of birth (1967-04-20)20 April 1967
Place of birth Manchester, England
Date of death 4 May 2021(2021-05-04) (aged 54)
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position(s) Midfielder
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1985–1986 Manchester United 0 (0)
1986–1990 Swindon Town 106 (19)
1987–1988 → Torquay United (loan) 24 (4)
1990–1992 Southampton 24 (1)
1991 → Aston Villa (loan) 0 (0)
1992–1999 Portsmouth 309 (54)
1999–2001 Wigan Athletic 22 (1)
2001–2002 Rochdale 18 (1)
2002–2003 Forest Green Rovers 12 (0)
Total 515 (80)
International career
1990–1999 Republic of Ireland 42 (2)
Managerial career
2016–2021 Swindon Town Academy
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Alan Francis McLoughlin (20 April 1967 – 4 May 2021)[1] was an Irish professional footballer and coach, who played as a midfielder for the Republic of Ireland and various English club sides, most notably Swindon Town and Portsmouth. His most notable moment at international level was scoring the equaliser against Northern Ireland in Belfast that qualified the Republic of Ireland for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Career

Manchester United

McLoughlin began his career as a trainee at Manchester United on leaving school in July 1983, turning professional at the start of the 1985–86 season. However, he never played a first team game for United even when featuring over 40 times for the reserves.

Swindon Town

After his release from Old Trafford, McLoughlin played in a trial tournament for Stoke City but was not signed. He featured in an exit trial match at Durham University. He was then offered a one-week trial by Oldham Athletic but joined Swindon Town in August 1986, just after they had won promotion to the Football League Third Division. He made his debut in a 2–2 draw with Newport County on 12 September 1986. However, he did not fit with then-manager Lou Macari's "long ball" style, and seven months and nine appearances later, he moved to Torquay United on loan. His Swindon career looked to be over when he returned to Torquay at the start of the following season for another loan spell, but suspensions to other players meant McLoughlin was given another chance in the first team and he soon established himself as a regular for Swindon.

It was under Macari's successor as manager, Osvaldo Ardiles, that McLoughlin really blossomed. He was an ever-present in Ardiles' first season, scoring 16 goals. He capped a fine season by scoring the winning goal in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium on 28 May 1990 against Sunderland.[2] However, before the next season began, Swindon were demoted by The Football League for making irregular payments to players. This initially meant that Sunderland were promoted to the First Division in their place, and Swindon were demoted to the Third Division; their place in the Second Division was given to losing Third Division play-off finalists Tranmere Rovers. However, an appeal saw Swindon restored to the Second Division.

Southampton

With Swindon in financial trouble, players had to be sold, and McLoughlin left for Southampton in December 1990, for a club record £1 million. However, he failed to find the same level of form that he had at Swindon, and he was loaned first to Aston Villa and then to Portsmouth.[1]

Portsmouth

The latter were impressed enough by McLoughlin to make a bid for him, and so in February 1992 he moved to Fratton Park for £400,000 after making only 29 appearances for the Saints. He helped Portsmouth to the 1992 FA Cup semi-final, scoring the winning goal in the quarter-final tie with Nottingham Forest, only for them to lose the semi-final to Liverpool on a penalty shoot-out. He helped Portsmouth to the brink of the Premier League in 1992–93, but they were pipped to automatic promotion by West Ham United and lost to Leicester City in the play-offs.

Wigan Athletic

In December 1999, he was sold to Wigan Athletic for £260,000. However, injuries prevented him from making a major impact and he made only 22 appearances for Wigan, scoring three goals. He scored once in the league against Gillingham.[3] and also scored a brace in a Football League Trophy tie against Oldham Athletic.[4]

Rochdale

McLoughlin moved on a free transfer to Rochdale in December 2001 and played his part in Rochdale reaching the play-offs in 2001–02 and scored a twice-taken penalty for them on his last league appearance against Bristol Rovers.[5]

Forest Green Rovers

With his career winding down McLoughlin joined Forest Green as a player-coach for the 2002–03 season and also featured in Rovers FA Cup first round tie with Exeter City which was broadcast live on the BBC's Match of the Day programme.[6] At the end of the season, McLoughlin retired from playing to concentrate on coaching with the club.

International career

Republic of Ireland

McLoughlin's performances at club level won him international recognition, and he was named by Jack Charlton in the Ireland squad for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. He made his International debut on 2 June 1990 in a 3–0 friendly win against Malta.[7] He made two appearances at the 1990 World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the matches with England and Egypt.[8][9] [10][11] On 17 November 1993, McLoughlin came on as a substitute and scored a 76th minute equaliser against Northern Ireland in a 1–1 draw at Windsor Park in a critical 1994 World Cup qualifier; the draw, combined with Spain's defeat of Denmark, meant that the Republic of Ireland team qualified for the 1994 World Cup in the United States.[12][13] McLoughlin became the first Portsmouth player to be included in any World Cup squad since the 1958 tournament – nine years before McLoughlin himself was born. He was capped 42 times in total for the Republic of Ireland and scored two goals, his other goal coming on 2 April 1997 in a 3–2 away defeat to Macedonia.[14]

Media career

After the end of his playing career, McLoughlin returned to Portsmouth, where he became a co-commentator on the now-defunct Portsmouth-based radio station The Quay. In February 2011, he joined BBC Radio Solent as matchday co-commentator for Portsmouth matches. He stopped this when offered a role in Portsmouth coaching set up in 2011. He occasionally deputised for Guy Whittingham as co-commentator on BBC Radio Solent.

Managerial career

In July 2011, he joined Portsmouth as Senior Academy Coach, working alongside other club favourites Andy Awford and Paul Hardyman. On 8 July 2013, McLoughlin was appointed Portsmouth's first-team coach.[15] Alongside manager Guy Whittingham, he assisted the side in their first season in League Two after relegation. Whittingham was sacked in November 2013 and replaced by Richie Barker, who lasted just three months.[16] Andy Awford then took charge for the rest of the season as along with Hardyman and McLoughlin, Portsmouth were unbeaten in their final seven matches, keeping in the league and finishing 13th. Awford was appointed permanent manager and McLoughlin kept his role as first-team manager alongside new assistant Paul Hardyman in May 2014.[17] He was released from his position as first-team coach at Portsmouth on 4 December 2014.[18]

Personal life

Born in Manchester in 1967 to Irish parents, McLoughlin grew up on Maine Road, near to Manchester City's then home ground of the same name.[19] He lived in Swindon with his wife Debra and two daughters Abby & Megan.[citation needed]

McLoughlin was diagnosed with a kidney tumour in 2012 and had a successful operation. However, he later died of cancer in the kidneys, chest wall and lungs on 4 May 2021, aged 54.[20][21][22]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Swindon Town
1986–87[23] Third Division 9 0 2 0 2 0 1[a] 0 14 0
1987–88[24] Second Division 8 0 0 0 0 0 — 8 0
1988–89[25] Second Division 26 3 3 0 0 0 3[b] 0 32 3
1989–90[26] Second Division 46 12 1 0 8 4 6[c] 1 61 17
1990–91[27] Second Division 17 4 0 0 4 1 — 21 5
Total 106 19 6 0 14 5 10 1 136 25
Torquay United (loan)
1986–87[28] Fourth Division 16 1 0 0 0 0 — 16 1
1987–88[28] Fourth Division 8 3 0 0 0 0 — 8 3
Total 24 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 4
Southampton
1990–91[29] First Division 22 1 4 0 0 0 1[d] 0 27 1
1991–92[30] First Division 2 0 0 0 1 0 — 3 0
Total 24 1 4 0 1 0 1 0 30 1
Aston Villa (loan) 1991–92[31] First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 1[d] 0 1 0
Portsmouth
1991–92[32] Second Division 14 2 3 1 0 0 — 17 3
1992–93[33] First Division 46 9 1 0 2 2 6[e] 1 55 12
1993–94[34] First Division 38 6 2 4 7 1 3[f] 0 50 11
1994–95[35] First Division 38 6 1 0 5 0 — 44 6
1995–96[36] First Division 40 10 1 0 1 0 — 42 10
1996–97[37] First Division 36 5 4 2 4 0 — 44 7
1997–98[38] First Division 37 4 2 0 2 0 — 41 4
1998–99[39] First Division 41 7 2 0 4 3 — 47 10
1999–2000[40] First Division 19 5 0 0 2 1 — 21 6
Total 309 54 16 7 27 7 9 1 361 69
Wigan Athletic
1999–2000[41] Second Division 15 1 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 17 1
2000–01[42] Second Division 4 0 0 0 1 0 2[a] 2 7 2
2001–02[43] Second Division 3 0 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 4 0
Total 22 1 0 0 1 0 5 2 28 2
Rochdale 2001–02[43] Third Division 18 1 0 0 0 0 2[g] 0 20 1
Forest Green Rovers 2002–03[44] Conference National 12 0 0 0 0 0 — 12 0
Career total 515 80 26 7 43 12 28 4 612 103
  1. ^ a b c d Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in play-offs (2 appearances) and Full Members' Cup (1 appearance)
  3. ^ Appearances in play-offs (3 appearances, 1 goal) and Full Members' Cup (3 appearances)
  4. ^ a b Appearances in Full Members' Cup
  5. ^ Appearances in play-offs (2 appearances, 1 goal) and Anglo-Italian Cup (4 appearances)
  6. ^ Appearances in Anglo-Italian Cup
  7. ^ Appearances in play-offs

Honours

Swindon Town

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b Holley, Duncan (4 May 2021). "Alan McLoughlin: An appreciation". Southampton F.C. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  2. ^ Bateman, Cynthia (29 May 1990). "Fortune smiles on Swindon". The Guardian. p. 14. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "Results for Season 1999/2000". wafc.co.uk. 2 January 2010. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
  4. ^ "Oldham 2-3 Wigan". BBC Sport. 9 January 2001. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
  5. ^ "Rochdale 2-1 Bristol Rovs". BBC Sport. 20 April 2002. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
  6. ^ "More goals for McLoughlin". The Observer. 17 November 2002.
  7. ^ "Malta 0 Republic of Ireland 3". Soccerscene. 2 June 1990. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  8. ^ "England 1 Republic of Ireland 1". Soccerscene. 11 June 1990. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  9. ^ "Egypt 0 Republic of Ireland 0". Soccerscene. 17 June 1990. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  10. ^ "Lethal Dose of Sheedy". New Straits Times. 13 June 1990. p. 26. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  11. ^ "Egypt Block Irish Hustle". New Straits Times. 18 June 1990. p. 32. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  12. ^ "I generated millions for the FAI; put up with crap hotels; suffered death threats from Combat 18: you name it". Irish Independent. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  13. ^ "'A complete oversight' - FAI issues apology to Windsor Park hero Alan McLoughlin over friendly match snub". Irish Independent. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 14 November 2018.
  14. ^ "Macedonia 3 Republic of Ireland 2". Soccerscene. 2 April 1997. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  15. ^ "Portsmouth: Alan McLoughlin named as first-team coach". BBC Sport. 8 July 2013.
  16. ^ "McLoughlin Appointed First Team Coach - News - Portsmouth". portsmouthfc.co.uk.
  17. ^ "Awford set for Pompey manager talks". BBC Sport.
  18. ^ "Alan McLoughlin: Portsmouth coach leaves Fratton Park". BBC Sport. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  19. ^ Shannon, Kieran (4 May 2021). "The big interview with Alan McLoughlin: After football comes real life". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  20. ^ McDonnell, Daniel (4 May 2021). "Ireland football hero Alan McLoughlin dies at the age of 54". Irish Independent. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  21. ^ "Alan McLoughlin: Former Republic and Portsmouth midfielder dies aged 54". BBC Sport. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 4 May 2021. "The Football Association of Ireland extends our deepest sympathies to Debbie, Abby and Megan McLoughlin following the death today of our former international midfielder Alan McLoughlin at the age of 54," the FAI said on Tuesday.
  22. ^ "Alan McLoughlin: A proud Irishman who instantaneously etched his name into the history books". The 42. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  23. ^ "Swindon games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1986/1987"". swindon-town-fc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  24. ^ "Swindon games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1987/1988"". swindon-town-fc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  25. ^ "Swindon games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1988/1989"". swindon-town-fc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  26. ^ "Swindon games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1989/1990"". swindon-town-fc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Swindon games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1990/1991"". swindon-town-fc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  28. ^ a b "Career games played by Alan McLoughlin". soccerbase.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  29. ^ Holley, Duncan; Chalk, Gary (2003). In That Number – A post-war chronicle of Southampton FC. Hagiology Publishing. p. 219,250. ISBN 0-9534474-3-X.
  30. ^ Holley, Duncan; Chalk, Gary (2003). In That Number – A post-war chronicle of Southampton FC. Hagiology Publishing. p. 223,250. ISBN 0-9534474-3-X.
  31. ^ "Aston Villa games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1991/1992"". avfchistory.co.uk. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  32. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1991/1992"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  33. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1992/1993"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  34. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1993/1994"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  35. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1994/1995"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  36. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1995/1996"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  37. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1996/1997"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  38. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1997/1998"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  39. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1998/1999"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  40. ^ "Portsmouth games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1999/2000"". pompeyrama.com. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  41. ^ "Games played by Alan McLoughlin in 1999/2000". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  42. ^ "Games played by Alan McLoughlin in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  43. ^ a b "Games played by Alan McLoughlin in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  44. ^ "Games played by Alan McLoughlin in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 October 2022.

External links

Republic of Ireland squad – 1990 FIFA World Cup
Republic of Ireland squad – 1994 FIFA World Cup
FAI Senior International Player of the Year
Portsmouth F.C. – Hall of Fame inductees
Swindon Town F.C. – Hall of Fame inductees
Swindon Town F.C. – Player of the Season
Categories