Remembering QPR legend McDonald on the anniversary of his deah
QPR fans have today been remembering Alan McDonald on the third anniversary of his death.
Macca, who was just 48, made more than 400 appearances during 17 years as a player at Loftus Road, where he later returned for a spell as assistant manager.
He was a hugely popular figure among Rangers fans and was the club’s most-capped player, having played 52 times for Northern Ireland.
Dave Anderson, Macca’s best man and godfather to his two daughters, remembered a “genuine legend and a wonderful man” in a piece he wrote for West London Sport.
Macca’s former QPR team-mates Gary Waddock, Kevin Gallen, Steve Wicks, Martin Allen and Paul Parker also spoke to us about their memories of the great man.
Parker was speaking from Malaysia, while former QPR manager Jim Smith spoke to us from Spain, where he now lives, describing the ex-Rangers captain as “a great player, a super leader and a great character.”
Other former team-mates, Simon Barker and Rufus Brevett, later added their tributes, with Barker describing the “tremendous shock” felt at Macca’s passing and Brevett fondly remembering him as being “like a big kid.”
Macca’s dressing-room antics with David Bardsley, who was seen as his partner in crime, is the stuff of legend among those who played alongside both men.
Bardsley, who now lives in the United States, also wrote a piece for us about his great friend.
And, marking the three-year anniversary of his passing, many fans and friends paid more tributes on Twitter today.
Morning @QPRFC fans – our thoughts today are with the family and friends of the late, great Alan McDonald #RIPMacca pic.twitter.com/JgyRGhGbgc
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) June 23, 2015
RIP mate cant believe its been 3 years pic.twitter.com/PndbTnPsYW — Dave Anderson (@daveanderson78) June 23, 2015
Remembering today,some of the great fun with Big Macca,the bucket of water left on the top of the half open door,Mr Thompson is here:)) QPR
— David Bardsley (@AcademyQPRUSA) June 23, 2015
Thoughts are with Big Macca’s family and friends today. Great man on and off the pitch and a true @QPRFC legend pic.twitter.com/ai001ksuX8
— Andy Sinton (@AndySintonQPR) June 23, 2015
RIP Big Man pic.twitter.com/ZEJxndOiBM — michael Whelan (@mwhelan1968) June 23, 2015
— Paul Finney (@paulfinney1969) June 23, 2015
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