Post by Jon on Jun 13, 2020 13:21:41 GMT
Francis (Frank) Richard McDonough - Born 1915 - Died 1999
Played for Torquay in the 1936-1937 season and then again in 1945, according to another fan stat forum he made 29 appearances and scored 1 goal in the cup
There is also talk in the family that he was involved in the club beyond his playing days possibly as back room staff? he lived in the area until his death.
Any help gratefully received!
Thanks Nicky
Born Ponteland, Northumberland 27 February 1915.
Signed for Manchester City in 1934 and played for two seasons for their reserves in the Central League - often alongside Torquay boy Syd Cann.
Signed for Torquay United in May 1936.
Debut v Reading in first game of 1936/37 season.
torquayfansforum.co.uk/thread/11604/torquay-united-reading-august-29th
Played twelve league games and two Three South Cup games in season. Scored in Three South Cup semi-final at home to Millwall.
Played eleven league games, one FA Cup game and one Three South Cup game in 1937/38.
Was not retained in 1938 and played for Watford reserve team in the Football Combination in 1938/39.
Signed for Northampton Town for 1939/40 and was lodging in Northampton when war broke out.
Moved to work in an aircraft factory in Gloucester and played for Gloucester City in Southern League in 1939/40.
Wrote a long letter to the Gloucestershire Echo 22/8/44 complaining about the lack of sport facilities for athletes working ten hour days in factories. Address was 169 Gloucester Road, Cheltenham.
Signed again for Torquay United on 1 November 1945 as he has "since married a Torquay girl and will now return to reside in the town".
Played three War League games and two FA Cup games between November 3 and December 1. The FA Cup games are generally regarded as "first class" games, War League not.
All games for TUFC at number 4 or number 6. Right or left half.
Not mentioned as playing again that season but was definitely on the retained list at the end of 1945/46. Only mention in 1946/47 was in squad for reserves' Devon Senior Cup semi-final. Fairly certain he was in Europe doing his military service for most of this time.
During 1947/48 he played regularly for Torquay United reserve team in the Southern League but no first team appearances. Released at end of the season and joined Newton Abbot Spurs.
By now was a qualified masseur and offered massage appointments at 64 Victoria Park Road - a stone's throw from Plainmoor.(HE 12/7/48).
Part of the Newton Abbot Spurs team that won the Devon Senior Cup and the Plymouth & District League in 1950.
Big piece in the Herald Express 18/10/58 explains that Frank is now employed by the FA as a coach available to deliver quality coaching to local clubs at no expense to them. It reports that Frank received his coaching certificate after attending a course at Lilleshall in 1952 under the direction of England manager Walter Winterbottom.
Frank was also a keen golfer and member of the Artisans Golf Club. HE 26/7/60 reported that he scored a hole-in-one at the ninth hole at Petitor.
Hope this helps. Any ideas of how many football medals Frank accrued? Would be of great interest.
