Playing Career
McGrath started out as an amateur player with local team Miles Platting Swifts and then Bolton Wanderers, but it was with Bury that he began his professional career in October 1955. The "Shakers" posted a 15h place finish in the Second Division under the management of Dave Russell in 1955–56. However they suffered relegation after finishing 21st in 1956–57, five points below Notts County. Bury then finished fourth in the Third Division North in 1957–58, ten points behind champions Scunthorpe & Lindsey United. They became founder members of the Third Division in 1958–59, posting a tenth place finish. They moved up to seventh in 1959–60, eight points behind promoted Norwich City. In his five years at Gigg Lane he made 148 league appearances, scoring two goals.
In 1960, McGrath found himself the subject of a bid by Newcastle United, and he left for St James' Park for a £24,000 fee. The "Magpies" suffered relegation out of the First Division in 1960–61 under Charlie Mitten. However, because of his no nonsense attitude and uncompromising style as a defender, McGrath soon became a real favourite with the "Toon Army". A disappointing eleventh place finish in the Second Division followed in 1961–62, and Joe Harvey took over from Norman Smith in the management hotseat. Seventh and eighth place finishes followed in 1962–63 and 1963–64, before United were crowned champions of the Second Division in 1964–65, a single point ahead of second placed Northampton Town. They settled into the top-flight with a 15th place finish in 1965–66, though they only avoided relegation by one place and four points in 1966–67. They then rallied to a tenth place finish in 1967–68. Overall, McGrath played 179 league and cup games for the Geordies, scoring two goals, before making the long trip to Southampton in 1968 for £30,000.
Under Ted Bates's stewardship, the "Saints" finished seventh in the top-flight in 1968–69. They dropped to 19th in 1969–70, two places and three points ahead of relegated Sunderland. They the shot up to seventh in 1970–71, qualifying for UEFA Cup football. Southampton then dropped back down to 19th in 1971–72, two places and six points above relegated Nottingham Forest. They rose to 13th in 1972–73, but occupied the newly created 20th place relegation place in 1973–74, one point behind the safety of Birmingham City. In 1973, McGrath played three games on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion. McGrath remained somewhat of a cult hero with The Dell faithful during what was a difficult time for the club, as he also making his mark as a very shrewd coach. He played a total of 195 games for Southampton in all competitions.
Read more about this topic: John Mc Grath (English Footballer)
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