Joe McDonald

Joe McDonald 11/08/1965 - 14/03/1967

Played 114, Won 53, Drew 28, Lost 33, Win Rate 46.49%

Joe McDonald arrived at Huish with a rather impressive cv. Another Scot, he had won two full caps for his country during the 1955 British Championship (Home Internationals). Born in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, he started his playing career at Falkirk where he was a full-back. He moved to Sunderland for £7500 and played over 100 games at Roker Park, before moving to Nottingham Forest where he made another 100 and above appearances and was an FA Cup winner in 1958/59.

He was player-manager at Ramsgate prior to his appointment at Yeovil aged 36, so had good knowledge of the Southern League, as well as good all round experience of football at various levels. As the country celebrated England winning the World Cup in 1966, storm clouds were brewing at Huish. Lack of money, low attendances, popular players released and not replaced and local rivals being successful were all testing the skills of the manager. Many arguments broke out and the supporters club were in dispute with the football club over numerous issues. It must have been a toxic environment to work in, but in March 1967 McDonald was eventually sacked.

He died in Australia in 2003 aged 74.