Tom McGarrity

November 24, 1922 (age 76)

Scotstoun, United Kingdom

After starting his professional career with, he moved to England in 1952 where he played for Southampton. He later became the physiotherapist for Oxford United. During World World War II, McGarrity served with the Royal Air Force as a navigator. After the war, he signed for in August 1946, where he stayed for six years making 128 Scottish League appearances, scoring 34 goals. He was offered the chance to Join Celtic, but his mother, a devout Catholic, was concerned that he might become involved in sectarian rivalry, so he turned down the move. He moved to Maidenhead in England where he practiced as a physiotherapist, having gained his qualifications while playing. When Ted Bates became aware of his availability, he signed McGarrity for Southampton for £4,500 in November 1952. Although he scored on his debut with the opening goal in a 5–1 victory over Hull City on 29 November, a few days after his 30th birthday. McGarrity only made a further four appearances for the Saints" first-team, with Johnny Walker preferred at inside-left. At the end of the season, Southampton were relegated to the Third Division. McGarrity fell out with Southampton in a dispute over financial matters and refused to sign on for the 1953-1954 season. McGarrity decided to quit full-time football and resumed his physiotherapy practice, working in various hospitals in Oxford, becoming head of the Physiotherapy Geriatrics Department at the Radcliffe Infirmary. He continued to play part-time football for Headington United and Banbury Spencer. In the late 1980s he became Oxford United"s physio.

Tom McGarrity

Edit Profile

association football player

Background

McGarrity was born in Scotstoun, west of Glasgow City Centre.

Education

He was educated at Street Mungo"s Academy and played junior football with Arthurlie, gaining schoolboy honours for Scotland in the late 1930s.

Career

After starting his professional career with, he moved to England in 1952 where he played for Southampton. He later became the physiotherapist for Oxford United. During World World War II, McGarrity served with the Royal Air Force as a navigator.

After the war, he signed for in August 1946, where he stayed for six years making 128 Scottish League appearances, scoring 34 goals.

He was offered the chance to Join Celtic, but his mother, a devout Catholic, was concerned that he might become involved in sectarian rivalry, so he turned down the move. He moved to Maidenhead in England where he practiced as a physiotherapist, having gained his qualifications while playing.

When Ted Bates became aware of his availability, he signed McGarrity for Southampton for £4,500 in November 1952. Although he scored on his debut with the opening goal in a 5–1 victory over Hull City on 29 November, a few days after his 30th birthday.

McGarrity only made a further four appearances for the Saints" first-team, with Johnny Walker preferred at inside-left.

At the end of the season, Southampton were relegated to the Third Division. McGarrity fell out with Southampton in a dispute over financial matters and refused to sign on for the 1953-1954 season. McGarrity decided to quit full-time football and resumed his physiotherapy practice, working in various hospitals in Oxford, becoming head of the Physiotherapy Geriatrics Department at the Radcliffe Infirmary.

He continued to play part-time football for Headington United and Banbury Spencer.

In the late 1980s he became Oxford United"s physio.

Achievements

Morton Scottish League Division B champions: 1949-1950.

Views

Described as "highly intelligent, but with abroad streak of pragmatism", he walked out of Morton in 1952 in a row over his wages.

Main Photo

School period

College/University

Career

Achievements

Membership

Awards

Other Photos

Connections

Connections

Tom McGarrity

Background

Education

Career

Achievements

Views

Born

Died

Nationality