OBITUARY: John McNamee (1941 – 2024)

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of former Reds’ manager, John McNamee, who died earlier this week at the age of 83.

Born in Coatbridge in 1941, John joined Celtic as a nineteen-year-old and during his three seasons there played in the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers at Hampden before a 120,000 crowd.

Things were different back in 1963 and all twenty-two players, and the two managers, were Scottish but it was Rangers who triumphed and John had to settle for a runners-up medal.  He was then signed by Jock Stein at Hibs but his new manager soon left Easter Road to takeover at Parkhead.

John then spent three seasons with Hibernian before moving south and signing for Joe Harvey at Newcastle United.  He remained at St. James’ Park for five seasons, making well over a century of appearances for the Magpies.

He then moved on to Blackburn Rovers and was a regular at Ewood Park for two seasons, before winding down a fine career with brief stints at Hartlepool United and Lancaster City.

John was appointed Workington manager in June 1975 and actually played for Reds in a pre-season friendly at Borough Park against his beloved Newcastle United.  He named himself in the team for the opening match of the season at Torquay United and made one further appearance for Reds – his final game as a professional footballer.

John’s first and only managerial role lasted just six months and he was relieved of his duties in December, 1975 winning just three of twenty-three games in charge.

A kind friendly man, he settled in Cockermouth and worked for many years as a postman.

We send our condolences to John’s family and friends.

RIP