Jimmy Mac, won't be coming back; 1917-1993
BLUES SKIPPER, McALINDEN SUSPENDED UNTIL OCTOBER
Commission Says He Was Paid Illegal Money - Southend United will be without the services of their popular skipper, Irish International Jimmy McAlinden until October 1st as the result of a suspension arising from the findings by a Football Association investigating commission into illegal payments to a player by two directors of Portsmouth F.C. McAlinden is also fined £50.
McAlinden is alleged to have received £750 in £1 notes from the former secretary manger of Portsmouth. This money it is stated had been paid as an inducement to McAlinden to return from Ireland and resume his service interrupted by the war as a professional player for Portsmouth F.C. McAlinden denied this payment had been made to him.
On the evidence, the Investigating Commission were satisfied an illegal payment had been paid to McAlinden. Portsmouth F.C. were fined £750 and ordered to pay the costs of the enquiry.
From the Southend Standard 25th May 1950
MCALINDEN SUSPENSION - UNITED APPEAL TO THE F.A.
Southend United have lodged an appeal with the Football Association concerning the suspension until October 1st of Jimmy McAlinden. Mr. Nevil Newitt said: "We have lodged an appeal with the Football association on the grounds of the acute hardship it will cause the club".
The suspension of McAlinden is of course a serious blow to the promotion hopes of the club. The team has once again been built around the Irish International skipper. While under suspension McAlinden is not allowed to frequent any ground under the control of the Football Association.
When the term of suspension is concluded he will have to be trained up to match standard and this is expected to take at least another month. United are banking a great deal on this appeal as for between the opening of the season in August and October 1st they will be playing some of the toughest games in their programme.
From the Southend Standard 1st June 1950
F.A. TURN DOWN UNITED'S APPEAL
The F.A. have turned down a request from Southend United to reconsider their decision regarding the suspension of Jimmy McAlinden.
The appeal was on the grounds of extreme hardship inflicted on the United by the loss of McAlinden's services during a critical part of the season especially as the offence was committed when McAlinden was not a United player or in anyway connected with the club.
In their reply the F.A. state that they took all these matters into consideration in arriving at their decision.
From the Southend Standard 8st June 1950
A letter from skipper Jimmy McAlinden, Blues Irish International suspended until October 1st, who tells Harry Warren: "I will be back in match-fit condition on October 1st ready for the fray".
So Mac's coming back, this news will relieve a large number of headaches possessed by many supporters, many of whom were resigned to facing the season without Blues schemer-in-chief.
From the Southend Standard 22ndt June 1950
October came and McAlinden returned to the side and that you would think that would be the end of the drama but ....
WHO 'SPILLED THE BEANS' OVER SKIPPER McALINDEN?
There has been one topic of conversation in Southend football circles this week, the future of United skipper Jimmy McAlinden.
The news that he is seeking a move from the club hit the town on Friday, but United directors had kept it 'under the counter' for at least 14 days.
Supporters are entitled to be kept fully informed of the affairs of the club. Telephone calls by the "Standard" to the grand Hotel failed to locate Mr. Harry Warren but late on Friday afternoon came the first public announcement from the manager confirming McAlinden had approached the board about his transfer. (Plus ça change, again! Ed.)
Mr. Warren said McAlinden's desire for a move had been circulated to various clubs in a confidential letter. Someone had broken the trust which was usually respected by all clubs. On Wednesday Mr. Warren said although various enquiries had been made, United had not received any offer so it looks as though he will be saying:
From the Southend Standard 25th January 1951
MAC STAYING?
There is a strong possibility that United may be without their skipper Jimmy McAlinden for the game against Bristol Rovers.
Several enquiries have been received from clubs for his services, in one case negotiations have been opened between the two clubs and it is understood that they have reached an advanced stage. United have stated their terms and the decision now rests with the other well-known League club.
Should Blues skipped be transferred Reg Davies will be brought into the forward line.
From the Southend Standard 8th March 1951
McALINDEN DECIDES TO STAY WITH THE BLUES
The hue and cry over the movements of skipper McAlinden is over. United have come to terms with a club in the forefront of the promotion race in the League Division III (South).
The decision rested with Jimmy McAlinden who had asked to be placed on the transfer list. McAlinden however was not interested in moving to another Third Division Club.
There the matter rests at the moment and I understand that no further offers have been received for his services.
From the Southend Standard 15th March 1951
Extracts from; 'Southend United the Boom Years 1946 to 1955' by Peter William Baker
Celtic Legend - Jimmy McAlinden:
http://www.belfastceltic.org/archive/mcalinden.html
The McAlinden Files
(Player info supplied by Wikipedia, for the full article go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_McAlinden)Personal information Full name James McAlinden Date of birth 27 December 1917 Place of birth Belfast, Ireland Date of death 15 November 1993 Playing position Inside - Right / Forward Youth career 1934 Glentoran Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1934-1938 Belfast Celtic ? (?) 1938-1939 Portsmouth 53 (9) 1939-1945 Belfast Celtic ? (?) 1945-1946 Shamrock Rovers ? (?) 1946-1947 Portsmouth 0 (0) 1947-1948 Stoke City 33 (2) 1948-1954 Southend United 217 (12) 1954-1955 Glenavon ? (?) Total 303+ (23+) National team 1937-1948 Ireland (IFA) 5 (0) 1946 Ireland (FAI) 2 (0) Teams managed 1954-1967 Glenavon 1969-1975 Distillery 1976-1979 Drogheda United
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.
† Appearances (Goals).