Former QPR and Northern Ireland captain, Alan McDonald, died on Saturday after suddenly collapsing while playing Golf at the Temple Golf Club near Lisburn (N. Ireland). McDonald’s most recent position in the football world was as manager of Glentoran, leading them to a league title in 2009.

McDonald was only 48 at the time of his passing, mostly handling his business in Bangor since leaving the position with Glentoran. His death as such a young age, as one would expect, caused a great deal of shock with QPR and the FA.

The Irish football associations sent out a short statement – We are deeply shocked at the death of Alan. To die at such a young age is terrible.

QPR – Queens Park Rangers Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former captain and assistant manager Alan McDonald.

McDonald began playing professionally in 1981, joining QPR and staying with the club for almost his entire career, until 1997, leaving a year after the relegation from the Premier League. McDonald played 402 matches for the club, scoring 13 goals from the Centre Back position. His best achievement with the club was in 1993, when QPR finished fifth in the Premier League.

McDonald was also capped 52 times for the Northern Irish national team, being part of the 1986 team that made the World Cup in Mexico. He worked as an assistant manager for Swindon Town and Northern Ireland after his retirement.

Image: Source