Jimmy McGeough

Jimmy McGeough is a former Northern Irish football player and manager.

His clubs included Sheffield Wednesday, Derry City, Lincoln and Waterford United. He signed for Waterford from Derry in 1966 for £3,000 and was part of the great Waterford side of the 1960s and 1970s He has also successfully managed Waterford, winning league titles in the role, as well as as a player.

He was also part of the only Derry City side ever to win the Irish League (Northern Ireland) and was an Irish Cup winner too with the Candystripes. Derry wihtdrew from the Irish League in 1973 due to civil unrest.

Jimmy McGeough took over following Paul Power's resignation late in the 2001 season. He guided the club to a top half finish in the First Division in his first season and establishing them in the Premier Division.

The following year, McGeough's first full season in charge, Waterford won the First Division title. McGeough unearthed some exciting talents with Republic of Ireland under-21 goalkeeper Dan Connor (footballer), Daryl Murphy and Neale Fenn, all proving to be exceptional signings.

However off the pitch, McGeough had a difficult relationship with club chairman Ger O'Brien. A dip in form with a series of poor results followed and their rift becoming public knowledge. The rift stemmed from McGeough's request to have Kevin O'Brien, the chairman's son, released. A restructuring of the coaching staff, reportedly supported by the manager, saw McGeough handing over some of his power to assistant Giles Cheevers. He was sacked in 2003 leading to much outrage from Waterford's fans.

Jimmy McGeough took charge of Larne FC in August 2004 [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/3546288.stm] and in his first season led the Antrim club to the Irish Cup final at Windsor Park. The tiny club also survived in the Irish Premier League before McGeough returned to the U.S. to rejoin his family. It was reported at the time he returned home that it was due to 9/11-related terrorism laws that prevented McGeough from being out of the US for more than 12 consecutive months.

He went to the US in 1978 after being named on a list with Best, Pele, Marsh and Eusebio among other top players to help begin what is today known as the 'Soccer Boom' in the US. There, he became player/coach of New York Apollo, which was later re-named New York United.

McGeough enjoyed success as a coach in the US, mainly with Long Island Rough Riders. He linked up with Alfonso Mondelo in 2000 to coach Tampa Bay Munity but soon after the Munity franchise was closed down by MLS.

He is currently coaching children in Florida with his son, Jimmy Jnr is also a former professional player with Fort Lauderdale Strikers. His other sons, Paul and Tony were also professionals in the New York soccer scene. He is married to Belfast-born Margaret Ward and also have a daughter, Annette.