I'm shocked by this news. Some Charlton fans may know that I spent a year at Swindon Town in the 1998/99 season as Joint CEO before returing to Charlton and Alan was a player/coach during my time there. He was a great guy and I remember having long chats with him about the game in general and the club during my year at the County Ground. He always spoke fondly of his time at Charlton too. Alan was always happy to help me and my colleagues on commercial matters at the Club - we launched a popular matchday service to our Executive Club together whereby Alan would come up before kick-off and tell the supporters the team news - and it is so sad to hear that he has passed away at such a young age.
He made his league debut for us before QPR when on loan. I reckon his performances that season saved us from relegation in the early '80's. He got sent off at Barnsley in penultimate game of the season but we held on for a vital 0-0. Remember his interview after the 0-0 Wembley draw England v NI "It was not a fix" as both sides qualified for the WC Finals.
Just heard this on the radio on the way back from the golf course myself. Shocking news that someone only a few years older than myself he passed away whilst doing the same thing. Remember his time with us well and he was a very good player indeed. RIP Alan.
I remember it being mentioned throughout the years that he had played for us but didn't know when that was,I obviously didn't study our team as much then Just remember him being a very good upright defender for QPR RIP
I'm shocked by this news. Some Charlton fans may know that I spent a year at Swindon Town in the 1998/99 season as Joint CEO before returing to Charlton and Alan was a player/coach during my time there. He was a great guy and I remember having long chats with him about the game in general and the club during my year at the County Ground. He always spoke fondly of his time at Charlton too. Alan was always happy to help me and my colleagues on commercial matters at the Club - we launched a popular matchday service to our Executive Club together whereby Alan would come up before kick-off and tell the supporters the team news - and it is so sad to hear that he has passed away at such a young age.
Very sad news. I don't remember him playing for us, a bit before my time of following the team closely, but as someone has already mentioned, I do remember that interview after the england v northern ireland world cup qualifier in the 80s with the 'it's not a fix' and 'we worked bloody hard' comments. A good defender for QPR. RIP.
Bolloxbolder is right. Without Alan McDonald in 1982/83 we were doomed. He came into the team as a complete novice in terms of 1st XI football and immediately looked the part. He later made the step up to 1st Division with QPR with ease and never looked out of place in international football. Possibly our most important loan signing ever? Without him, I'm sure we would have been relegated and given that we went bust the following season and struggled to find a new buyer, I wonder whether new buyers would have ever stepped in to save a 3rd Division club.
thast such a terrible shame ...he showed great character as a player ,the sort of man youd want in your team ,i am certain he played in our last game of the season victory against bolton ,sending them down and keeping us up
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RIP so so young.
RIP Alan....RIP.
RIP
Sad day
RIP Alan
Gates of 5000 at the Valley in those days !
RIP
RIP Big Man.
RIP
A terrific player, what a tragic loss.
RIP Alan
RIP Alan.
Just remember him being a very good upright defender for QPR
RIP
R.I.P. Alan.
A good defender for QPR. RIP.
As others have suggested a worthy candidate in a poll for "best ever loan player."
RIP
thast such a terrible shame ...he showed great character as a player ,the sort of man youd want in your team ,i am certain he played in our last game of the season victory against bolton ,sending them down and keeping us up