Today, Tuesday 8th April 2014, Super John McGinlay turns 50 years old.
On hearing this news, i was at first shocked he was THAT old, but then it made me feel old being able to remember him in his prime!
McGinlay played between 1992 and 1997 for Bolton, scoring 87 goals in 192 appearances. Those goals alone would have made him stand out in folk law, but it was the importance of the goals that made him a legend. In my time of supporting Bolton, I have never felt a player love my club as much as I do. The days of Rioch, Walker and the like will never be forgotten by so many, including many on this board.
I had the pleasure of meeting him several times, played football with him, and sharing many beers. He would talk you through a goal from the moment he woke up in the morning..
I hope people will use this opportunity and article, to share their magic moment involving John McGinlay.
Mine surrounds the relationship he had with Wolves, and a particular match when he was meant to be injured. In those days, there wasn't the twitter and Facebook opportunities to discuss if he was fit, you simply turned up at the game and waited... It was the moment he came on to warm up, the cheers from us & the boos from them...
In true panto style, he played, scored and was subbed late on... A little wave to the Wolves fans as he left the pitch was priceless. A day when heroes and villains played their part as much as diamond and prozone do now...
When he played, his heart was on his sleeve, when you saw him in town, he acted like the rest of us...
Happy 50th Birthday Super John McGinlay.
Legend, Man & Trotter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1IpHptkL1w
Fast forward to 20 minutes & SJMc's last two goals at Burnden.. Then enjoy the celebrations. God I miss that atmosphere....
John McGinlay
posted on 7/4/14
Nothing like Burnden terrace for atmosphere.
posted on 7/4/14
God you're right MT, can't believe how quick time flies. Def my favourite days as a Bolton fan, McGinlay and Walker was a great partnership and were regarded as real heroes by the fans too. Loved the fact he wore his heart on his sleeve and gave everything he had to win a game. I miss those days, Burnden terrace, the awful toilets at the back, and the great footy. Happy birthday Super John, thanks for the memories and that goal at Anfield will always be my favourite.
posted on 8/4/14
Wolves fans hated him
I agree about the Liverpool goal and the cross for Walker to 'rise like a salmon' in the same match.
Legend is an overused word, but I think Super John deserves the label.
posted on 8/4/14
Unfortunately I am just too young to properly remember Super John, though my first ever game was the last at Burnden and the atmosphere will always stay with me. Though I can't directly remember the times as they happened I, like most Wanderers fans, am fully aware of the legend and have watched countless videos on youtube.
The one thing that annoys me is that when the club did the greatest players poll a few years back Okocha was listed in second place ahead of John! Obviously Nat was top but surely Super John is far more deserving of second place than Jay Jay?
posted on 8/4/14
Mallorca, You must be referring to the two play off games.
I went to both games, Super John was subbed because of a shoulder injury. I watched him when he left the field and he had to have help to remove his shirt. He did look in pain.
I was sure he wouldn't make the second leg but as you say, on he came and played a blinder. That is also my best memory of him. Fantastic, no other word for it.