McShane, Harry (1942)

Overview

On 8th April 1920, Harry came into the world at Holytown. When he 14 he was chosen as the reserve forward for the Schoolboy International at Douglas Park against Ireland. By the time he was 17 he had played for Bellshill Athletic and signed amateur forms then a month later in February 1937 as a professional for Blackburn Rovers. He appeared in only two English League games before War interrupted proceedings.

He came to Douglas Park in 1942 for one match and then in 1943 he was a regular in the side and for the next two years he was a popular player with the support particularly when he teamed up with Willie McCall on the left wing. Harry himself was regarded as a winger though many a grand game he played for Accies at inside forward.

He appeared with several clubs as a guest, Manchester City, Blackpool, Reading and Port Vale. Following the war he returned to England with Huddersfield Town in September 1946 followed by Bolton Wanderers in July 1947.

An exchange deal involving full back John Ball going one way and Harry the other to Manchester United happened in September 1950. He played a significant part in United finishing as runners up to Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the League title.

Two months short of his 34th birthday in February 1954 he cost Oldham Athletic £750. He made 41 appearances and score ten times for them before moving into non-League football with Chorley as player/coach. Still in that grade he joined Wellington Town in 1956 for a season before again moving on to Droylsden in September 1958. He then became yet another Accie to have connections with Stalybridge Celtic when he took on the responsibility of coach there in October 1961.

In the late 1960’s he returned to Old Trafford as announcer, a new career which lasted into the early 1970’s. On giving up the game he worked as personnel officer for Massey Ferguson in Lancashire and he was a founder member of the Manchester United Old Players Association. His son, Ian, is a well known TV actor.

Debut on 29th August 1942 in a Southern League match at home to Falkirk.

Southern League 20 Appearances 13 Goals

Summer Cup 3 Appearances

Summer League Cup 6 Appearances 1 Goal

Accies Career

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