As a player, he was a centre back who spent most of his career in England with Queens Park Rangers, notably playing in numerous Premier League seasons.

After retiring as a player, he briefly returned to QPR as a first team coach before going on to manage IFA Premiership side Glentoran from June 2007 until his resignation at the end of February 2010.

[5] He played a significant role in the 0-0 draw against England at Wembley in November 1985 which saw Northern Ireland qualify for the 1986 World Cup,[6] giving a post-match interview rebutting suggestions that the match had been 'fixed'[7] which was remembered for many years after.

[citation needed] In June 2007 he became manager of Glentoran in his native Belfast, where he stayed for three seasons, guiding the club to the IFA Premiership title in 2008–09.

McDonald also brought in young promising players, including Daryl Fordyce, Philip Carson, Matty Burrows, and Shane McCabe.

In his first full season as manager of the East Belfast club, McDonald led Glentoran to win the County Antrim Shield over Crusaders.

In his third season in charge McDonald started by signing former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie and Newry City player Richard Clarke.

[1][2] The IFA posted a short statement on its official website – "The Irish FA is saddened by this morning's news of the sudden death of Alan McDonald.

"[11] QPR posted a message on www.qpr.co.uk which read: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of former captain and assistant manager Alan McDonald.