Background
McBride was born in Ayr, and played as a goalkeeper for Ayr in the Scottish Second Division, until joining Preston North End on 5 December 1896, replacing Welsh international James Trainer.
McBride was born in Ayr, and played as a goalkeeper for Ayr in the Scottish Second Division, until joining Preston North End on 5 December 1896, replacing Welsh international James Trainer.
He appeared for Preston North End and the Scotland national football team, amongst others Preston paid Ayr £55 for the transfer, and McBride was given a weekly salary of £3. On 20 March 1901, McBride injured a shoulder in a trial for the Scottish team
As a result McBride missed the last five games of the season with Preston.
His deputy let in 15 goals in those games, and Preston was relegated from the First Division. In the 1903-1904 season McBride helped Preston to regain their position in the First Division winning the Second Division title with 20 wins and 10 drawers out of their 34 games.
McBride had a great season, keeping 14 clean sheets. He played against England four times, including Scotland"s 2–1 victory in 1906.
Preston had the best defensive record in the First Division that season.
McBride was known for his aggressive behaviour and it is reported that during one match, when the opposition"s striker scored his third goal, McBride raced out of his penalty area and shook him by the throat. Failing eyesight forced him into retirement in 1912, but during his 15-year period at Preston, McBride played a record 443 games for the team
McBride was also a member of the Preston side which was runners-up to Liverpool in the 1905-1906 session.