James McAlinden was an Irish footballer who played as a forward for several clubs, most notably, Belfast Celtic, Portsmouth, Shamrock Rovers and Southend United.
13 Facts About Jimmy McAlinden
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In 1934, aged 16, Jimmy McAlinden was playing for Glentoran Reserves, when after a game against their reserves, he was offered a professional contract by Belfast Celtic.
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Jimmy McAlinden made his debut for the club against Chelsea and went onto became a regular in the side.
4.
Jimmy McAlinden returned to Portsmouth for a second spell in 1946.
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Jimmy McAlinden continued to play for United until 1954 and during his time with the club he served as club captain.
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Jimmy McAlinden became something of a cult hero among the club's fans and is remembered as being possibly the best player ever to play for the club.
7.
In 1950, Jimmy McAlinden was caught up in controversy after it was alleged that he received illegal payments during his second spell with Portsmouth.
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When Jimmy McAlinden began his international career in 1937 there were in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations.
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Jimmy McAlinden made his first three appearances for the IFA XI while with Belfast Celtic, his fourth while at Portsmouth and his fifth while at Southend United.
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In 1946, while with Portsmouth, Jimmy McAlinden made 2 appearances for the FAI XI.
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Jimmy McAlinden was one of several players born in Northern Ireland who benefited from the FAI's attempts to establish their all-Ireland influence.
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Jimmy McAlinden continued playing for a further year before finally retiring as a player to concentrate on management.
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Jimmy McAlinden subsequently guided a Distillery team that included a young Martin O'Neill to a win in the 1971 Irish Cup.