John McDermott (English footballer)

Football player infobox2
playername = John McDermott


fullname = John McDermott
height = height|ft=5|in=7
nickname = Macca
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1969|2|3|df=y
cityofbirth = Middlesbrough
countryofbirth = England
position = Right Back
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1987–2007
clubs = Grimsby Town
caps(goals) = 647 (10)

John McDermott (born 3 February 1969 in Middlesbrough) is a former English footballer. McDermott, who is a right-back, has played his entire career at Grimsby Town, and holds the club's all-time appearance record, having played 647 league games, 754 games overall for the Mariners. He is one of only 17 players in the history of English football to play more than 600 Football League matches for a single club.Fact|date=August 2008 Grimsby Town FC and the Grimsby Telegraph newspaper are running a campaign for McDermott to be awarded an MBE; the Telegraph is hosting an online petition. [ [http://www.sportgrimsby.co.uk/displayform.php?act=mcdermott] ]

Career

He was released at apprentice level. However, when the apprenticeship scheme was revamped he was re-signed as a trainee at Grimsby Town and after 13 appearances in the second division he signed professional terms. At the start of his career he was a utility player but then established himself as a regular right-back for the Mariners. Over the decades he was seen by many as a consistent performer as he won Grimsby Town 'Player of the Year' a record three times. In 1994 McDermott suffered an injury and was injured for nine months. He regained his place in the team in 1996 and was quickly becoming one of the most respected defenders outside the Premier League and was linked with moves to Sunderland AFC and Ipswich Town but did not leave his beloved Grimsby Town. McDermott has experienced it all after around 20 years at the club, as he was appointed captain by player/manager Paul Groves. This was followed up by BBC Radio Humberside 'Sports personality of the year' award. Other great memories for him were things like the notable win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup. Further highlights followed in the 2005/2006 season as he had his second testimonial against local rivals Hull City and was included in Four,Four Two magazine's list of the top 50 players outside the Premier League

Throughout his 20-year career, McDermott has experienced promotion or relegation nine times. He considers his Man of The Match award in the Auto Windscreens Shield victory in 1998 to be the highlight of his career. [ [http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2006530572,00.html Mac: I know our fans by name (The Sun)] ]

Retirement

McDermott announced on 20 December 2006 that he would retire at the end of the 2006–07 season. [ [http://www.grimsby-townfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10417~945318,00.html?ptvParm= Grimsby Town Official Site: Macca To Hang Up His Boots] ] McDermott played his final home game for Grimsby on 29 April 2007 against local rivals Lincoln City. The game finished 0–0. McDermott made his final appearance for Grimsby away to Shrewsbury, the final league game of the season, and coincidentally Shrewsbury's final League game at Gay Meadow. McDermott was substituted in the 73rd minute as Grimsby fought out a 2–2 draw. Upon leaving the field, play paused briefly as both sets of fans applauded McDermott off the field.

Honours

Grimsby Town

*Division Four runners up, Promoted: 1990
*Division Three 3rd place, Promoted: 1991
*Auto Windscreens Shield winner: 1998
*Second Division playoff winner: 1998
*Supporters Player of the Year: 2005
*Supporters Young Player of the Year: 1987, 1990, 1992
*Grimsby Town FC Special Achievement Award: 2007

References

External links

*soccerbase|id=5041|name=John McDermott's
* [http://www.codalmighty.net/site/ca.php?page=0607/profiles/john_mcdermott Player profile at Cod Almighty fanzine]