Paul McGrath (footballer)
|
McGrath in 2018 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Paul McGrath | ||
| Date of birth | 4 December 1959 | ||
| Place of birth | Greenford, England | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre back | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Fatima Rangers | |||
| Dalkey United | |||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1981–1982 | St Patrick's Athletic | 26 | (4) |
| 1982–1989 | Manchester United | 163 | (12) |
| 1989–1996 | Aston Villa | 253 | (9) |
| 1996–1997 | Derby County | 24 | (0) |
| 1997 | → Sheffield United (loan) | 7 | (0) |
| 1997–1998 | Sheffield United | 5 | (0) |
| Total | 478 | (25) | |
| International career | |||
| 1985–1997 | Republic of Ireland | 83 | (8) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Paul McGrath (born 4 December 1959) is an Irish former professional footballer, who played as a defender. McGrath is widely considered to be one of the greatest defenders of his era and was known by the nickname 'God' at Aston Villa. Mainly a centre back, he also played as defensive midfielder. He spent the majority of his career at Villa and Manchester United (seven seasons apiece). He is one of only six defenders to have won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He also played for St Patrick's Athletic, Derby County and Sheffield United.
Also a long-time member of the Republic of Ireland national team, he appeared at the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1988, the team's first-ever international tournament.