Alex McNab
Encyclopedia
Alex "Alec" McNab was a Scottish-U.S. soccer player and coach. He began his career in Scotland before moving to the United States. In the U.S., he won six consecutive U.S. Open Cups with teams from both the American Soccer League
and St. Louis Soccer League
. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame
in 2005.
caused the loss of three seasons due to partial suspension of professional sports in Scotland. On April 27, 1922, Greenock won the Scottish League cup over Rangers F.C.
In 1924, Greenock Morton offered McNab £4 per week. He considered this excessively low, but when he asked for a transfer, the club placed a prohibitively high fee on him in order to force him to stay with Greenock. When McNab received an offer from the Boston Soccer Club of the American Soccer League
to play for £12 per week, McNab immediately left Scotland for the United States.
. His first was a 2-0 away win over Ireland
on February 26, 1921 and the second was a 3-0 victory over England
on April 9, 1921.
of the St. Louis Soccer League
in an unofficial national championship series. After finishing second in the league in 1926 and 1927, Boston finally took the ASL title in 1928 to go with their 1925 and 1927 league cups. By that time, McNab was partnered on Boston’s front line with Billy Gonsalves
and Bill McPherson
, forming what was known as the “golden triangle”. In 1928, McNab left Boston for the Fall River Marksmen
. Over the next three season, the Marksmen took three league titles as well as the 1930
and 1931 National Challenge Cup
s. The 1931 Challenge Cup, pitting Fall River against Chicago Sparta
was tied after two game, forcing a decisive third game. However, McNab broke his arm the day before the decisive game and Fall River was forced to play with ten men as they had failed to bring substitutes to Chicago. In 1931, the Marksmen merged with the New York Soccer Club
to form the New York Yankees
. After one season, they moved to New Bedford, becoming the New Bedford Whalers
. The Whalers proceeded to win the 1931 and spring 1932 seasons as well as the 1932 National Challenge Cup
over Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C.
(SBF) of the St. Louis Soccer League
.
and 1934 Challenge Cups
. In 1934, St. Louis Central Breweries took over sponsorship of the team, renaming it appropriately enough, St. Louis Central Breweries F.C. In 1935, McNab won his sixth straight Challenge Cup with Central Breweries. That year the team was renamed the St. Louis Shamrocks
. However, the Shamrocks withdrew from the SLSL, competing in the St. Louis Major League, the city’s second division. In 1936, McNab and his team mates went to yet another National Cup final, falling this time to the Philadelphia German-Americans. In 1937, McNab went to his eighth straight National Cup final, losing this one to the New York Nationals. Following this loss, the Shamrocks where disbanded. McNab then signed with South Side Radio
. In December 1937, McNab gained his release from South Side and signed with St. Matthew's of the SLSL, playing the 1937-1938 season with them. On October 30, 1938, he signed with Burke's Undertakers
for the 1938-1939 season.
brought McNab into the coaching ranks. He immediately proved he was as good a coach as a player, taking SBF to two consecutive league and National Challenge Cup titles.
inducted McNab in 2005 as part of a process of recognizing significant pre-1950s players. According to the Hall of Fame, "We were aware that in the early decades of the Hall of Fame a number of outstanding players had slipped through the cracks of the selection process. In order to correct these oversights we established a Blue Ribbon panel consisting of historians Colin Jose, Roger Allaway and Hall of Famer Walter Bahr
, to review the credentials of all Veterans from the pre-NASL era. Out of a total of 150 players who met the eligibility criteria, the panel unanimously recommended, and the Board approved, the special induction of these five players." McNab was among the five selected.
McNab died in 1960 when he suffered a heart attack playing golf. His son, Peter McNab later played in the second American Soccer League
.
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
and St. Louis Soccer League
St. Louis Soccer League
The St. Louis Soccer League was a soccer league based in St. Louis, Missouri, that existed from 1907 to 1938. At its founding, it was the only fully professional soccer league in the United States.-History:...
. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame
National Soccer Hall of Fame
The National Soccer Hall of Fame is a private, non-profit institution established in 1979 that honors soccer achievements in the United States.-History:...
in 2005.
Greenock Morton
McNab began his career with Greenock Morton in 1916, playing five seasons with the team until his departure for the United States in 1924. World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
caused the loss of three seasons due to partial suspension of professional sports in Scotland. On April 27, 1922, Greenock won the Scottish League cup over Rangers F.C.
Rangers F.C.
Rangers Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland, who play in the Scottish Premier League. The club are nicknamed the Gers, Teddy Bears and the Light Blues, and the fans are known to each other as bluenoses...
In 1924, Greenock Morton offered McNab £4 per week. He considered this excessively low, but when he asked for a transfer, the club placed a prohibitively high fee on him in order to force him to stay with Greenock. When McNab received an offer from the Boston Soccer Club of the American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
to play for £12 per week, McNab immediately left Scotland for the United States.
National team
McNab earned two caps with the Scottish national teamScotland national football team
The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in international football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872...
. His first was a 2-0 away win over Ireland
Ireland national football team (IFA)
The Ireland national football team represented Ireland at association football, it was organised by the Irish FA , and is the fourth oldest international team in the world. It mainly played in the British Home Championship against England, Scotland and Wales...
on February 26, 1921 and the second was a 3-0 victory over England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
on April 9, 1921.
American Soccer League
McNab became an immediate success with the Boston Soccer Club. In 1925, the team defeated the Ben MillersBen Millers
Ben Millers was a U.S. soccer club sponsored by the Ben W. Miller Hat Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1913, it entered the St. Louis Soccer League two years later, winning seven league titles and one National Challenge Cup before its disbandment in 1935.-History:In 1913, Ben Millers...
of the St. Louis Soccer League
St. Louis Soccer League
The St. Louis Soccer League was a soccer league based in St. Louis, Missouri, that existed from 1907 to 1938. At its founding, it was the only fully professional soccer league in the United States.-History:...
in an unofficial national championship series. After finishing second in the league in 1926 and 1927, Boston finally took the ASL title in 1928 to go with their 1925 and 1927 league cups. By that time, McNab was partnered on Boston’s front line with Billy Gonsalves
Billy Gonsalves
Adelino William Gonsalves was an American soccer player, sometimes described as the "Babe Ruth of American Soccer". He spent over 25 years playing in various American professional leagues and was a member of the U.S...
and Bill McPherson
Bill McPherson
William "Bill" McPherson was a Scottish American soccer wing half. He began his career in Scotland before moving to the American Soccer League. He also spent time in the St. Louis Soccer League, winning a total of five league titles and seven U.S...
, forming what was known as the “golden triangle”. In 1928, McNab left Boston for the Fall River Marksmen
Fall River Marksmen
Fall River Marksmen was a United States soccer club, based in Fall River, Massachusetts. They originally played as Fall River United before becoming known as the Marksmen after their owner, Sam Mark. During the 1920s and early 1930s they were one of the most successful soccer clubs in the United...
. Over the next three season, the Marksmen took three league titles as well as the 1930
1930 National Challenge Cup
The 1929–30 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-Eastern Division:-Western Division:a) aggregate after 3 games-Final:-Source:*...
and 1931 National Challenge Cup
1931 National Challenge Cup
The 1931 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-History:...
s. The 1931 Challenge Cup, pitting Fall River against Chicago Sparta
Chicago Sparta
The Sparta Athletic and Benevolent Association Football Club, better known as Chicago Sparta, is one of the longest continually established soccer clubs in the United States...
was tied after two game, forcing a decisive third game. However, McNab broke his arm the day before the decisive game and Fall River was forced to play with ten men as they had failed to bring substitutes to Chicago. In 1931, the Marksmen merged with the New York Soccer Club
New York Soccer Club
New York Soccer Club was the name of a New York soccer team that, in 1930, played briefly in the American Soccer League. Between 1923 and 1930 they had been known as the New York Giants. In 1930 they merged with the Fall River Marksmen to become the New York Yankees. Then in 1931 this club absorbed...
to form the New York Yankees
New York Yankees (soccer)
New York Yankees were a New York soccer team that played briefly in the American Soccer League. They were formed following the merger of Fall River Marksmen and New York Soccer Club. Although the Yankees survived only a short time, they beat Celtic in a prestige friendly and effectively won the...
. After one season, they moved to New Bedford, becoming the New Bedford Whalers
New Bedford Whalers
New Bedford Whalers was the name of three United States soccer teams based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The first Whalers played in the Southern New England Soccer League between 1914 and 1918. The second Whalers played in the American Soccer League between 1924 and 1931 before merging into Fall...
. The Whalers proceeded to win the 1931 and spring 1932 seasons as well as the 1932 National Challenge Cup
1932 National Challenge Cup
The 1932 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-Eastern Division:-Western Division:a) aggregate after 3 games, Stix advance 2 games to 1-First game:...
over Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C.
Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C.
Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C. was a U.S. soccer club which played in the St. Louis Soccer League from 1931 to 1934. The team was known as Hellrungs from 1929 to 1931, St. Louis Central Breweries F.C. from 1934 to 1935 and St. Louis Shamrocks from 1935 to 1938. During its short existence, it won two...
(SBF) of the St. Louis Soccer League
St. Louis Soccer League
The St. Louis Soccer League was a soccer league based in St. Louis, Missouri, that existed from 1907 to 1938. At its founding, it was the only fully professional soccer league in the United States.-History:...
.
St. Louis
The Whalers victory over SBF in the 1932 Challenge Cup brought an offer from the SBF ownership to move west. McNab took the offer, inducing both Gonsalves and McPherson to join him at SBF. They formed the core of a team which took the 19331933 National Challenge Cup
The 1933 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. As in 1931, the ASL teams played a round robin format instead of direct knockout games. The five New York team formed the Metropolitan group...
and 1934 Challenge Cups
1934 National Challenge Cup
The 1934 National Challenge Cup was the annual open cup held by the United States Football Association now known as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.-Eastern Division:-Western Division:a,b) aggregate after 3 games-First game:-Second game:-Third game:...
. In 1934, St. Louis Central Breweries took over sponsorship of the team, renaming it appropriately enough, St. Louis Central Breweries F.C. In 1935, McNab won his sixth straight Challenge Cup with Central Breweries. That year the team was renamed the St. Louis Shamrocks
St. Louis Shamrocks (1935-1938)
St. Louis Shamrocks was an American soccer team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They competed in the St. Louis Association Football League, winning two championships....
. However, the Shamrocks withdrew from the SLSL, competing in the St. Louis Major League, the city’s second division. In 1936, McNab and his team mates went to yet another National Cup final, falling this time to the Philadelphia German-Americans. In 1937, McNab went to his eighth straight National Cup final, losing this one to the New York Nationals. Following this loss, the Shamrocks where disbanded. McNab then signed with South Side Radio
South Side Radio
South Side Radio was a U.S. soccer team in St. Louis, Missouri which spent one season, 1937-1938, in the St. Louis Soccer League.-History:South Side Radio, also known as the South Siders, spent most of its existence in the lower St. Louis leagues and divisions. In 1929, it won the Municipal...
. In December 1937, McNab gained his release from South Side and signed with St. Matthew's of the SLSL, playing the 1937-1938 season with them. On October 30, 1938, he signed with Burke's Undertakers
Burke's Undertakers
Burke’s Undertakers was an American soccer team which competed in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally established as the Spanish Sports Club, it played in the St. Louis Municipal League for several years under the name of Spanish Sports Club. In 1935, the team moved up to the St. Louis Soccer League...
for the 1938-1939 season.
Coaching
The move to Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C.Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C.
Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C. was a U.S. soccer club which played in the St. Louis Soccer League from 1931 to 1934. The team was known as Hellrungs from 1929 to 1931, St. Louis Central Breweries F.C. from 1934 to 1935 and St. Louis Shamrocks from 1935 to 1938. During its short existence, it won two...
brought McNab into the coaching ranks. He immediately proved he was as good a coach as a player, taking SBF to two consecutive league and National Challenge Cup titles.
Non-playing career
In addition to playing and coaching soccer, McNab worked as an engineer in Scotland, and as a sporting goods salesman for the Stix, Baer and Fuller department store in St. Louis after retiring from playing.National Soccer Hall of Fame
The National Soccer Hall of FameNational Soccer Hall of Fame
The National Soccer Hall of Fame is a private, non-profit institution established in 1979 that honors soccer achievements in the United States.-History:...
inducted McNab in 2005 as part of a process of recognizing significant pre-1950s players. According to the Hall of Fame, "We were aware that in the early decades of the Hall of Fame a number of outstanding players had slipped through the cracks of the selection process. In order to correct these oversights we established a Blue Ribbon panel consisting of historians Colin Jose, Roger Allaway and Hall of Famer Walter Bahr
Walter Bahr
Walter Alfred Bahr is a retired American soccer player, considered one of the greatest ever in his country. He was the long-time captain of the U.S. national team and played in the 1950 FIFA World Cup when the U.S...
, to review the credentials of all Veterans from the pre-NASL era. Out of a total of 150 players who met the eligibility criteria, the panel unanimously recommended, and the Board approved, the special induction of these five players." McNab was among the five selected.
McNab died in 1960 when he suffered a heart attack playing golf. His son, Peter McNab later played in the second American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
.