Sammy McIlroy
Testimonial November 23rd 1981 v 1977 FA Cup Winners XI

Outfield Kit
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1977 FA Cup Winners XI Kit
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Sammy McIlroy was a supremely gifted midfield player, whose tireless running and intelligent passing illuminated United's side through the Seventies and early Eighties.

Widely regarded as the last of the 'Busby Babes', Sammy McIlroy was actually signed as a fifteen year old in August 1969 after Wilf McGuinness had been appointed Chief Coach. McIlroy signed professional terms two years later and made his senior début in November 1971 at Maine Road, scoring in the 3-3 draw.

A car accident in January 1973 halted his progress temporarily and it was not until 1973/74, when United were relegated, that McIlroy could lay claim to a regular place. He remained an integral part of United's side until his £350,000 move to Stoke City in February 1982. In his time at Old Trafford he won a Second Division Championship medal in 1974/75, appeared in three FA Cup Finals, winning one.

He had three years in the Potteries before joining Manchester City on a free in August 1985. After retiring from playing he moved into coaching. He took Macclesfield Town into the Football League in 1997, and was appointed the Irish national manager in 1999. He resigned after failing to qualify for Euro 2004, returning to club management with Stockport County. He has since guided Morecambe into the Football League

Sammy McIlroy:
419 appearances (28 as sub)
71 goals

1977 FA Cup Winners kit confirmed by photographs sent to us by Tommy Nielsen and Dermot McCarthy.