Select Page

John McTavish (footballer, born 1932)

For other people with the same name, see John McTavish.

John Roberts McTavish (2 February 1932 – 3 March 2025) was a Scottish footballer who played as a centre-half in the Football League for Manchester City.[2][3] He enjoyed a 10-year career with City, making his debut on 21 November 1953 in a 1–0 away victory against Middlesbrough. For much of his City career, McTavish was a reliable reserve player. He regularly filled in for one of Ken Barnes, Dave Ewing, or Roy Paul, who were ever-present in City's half-back line for much of the decade. [4] He returned to his native Scotland with St Mirren as part of the deal which took Gerry Baker to Maine Road in November 1960.[5][6] He spent five years with St. Mirren, where he scored two goals, and made 91 league appearances. Following this, a year-long loan spell with Stranraer saw him make a further seven league appearances, before he retired from professional football in 1965.[4]

His father Bob and uncle John were also footballers, both featuring for Falkirk and Tottenham Hotspur in the early 20th century.[7]

John McTavish died on 3 March 2025, at the age of 93.[8]

References

  1. ^ Manchester City Player by Player, Tony Matthews, 2013, ISBN 9781445617374
  2. ^ Brown, Neil (2 September 2012). "John McTavish". Post War English & Scottish Football League A – Z Player's Database. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  3. ^ "John McTavish". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  4. ^ a b Penney, Ian; Eyre, Fred (2006). Maine Road Favourites: Where Are They Now?. T.H.E. Hi-Story Press LTD. pp. 126–127. ISBN 9780750944106.
  5. ^ John Robert McTavish[permanent dead link], BlueKing
  6. ^ The Fabulous Baker Boys, Tom Maxwell, 2013, ISBN 9780857906571
  7. ^ The Spurs Alphabet (page 284), Bob Goodwin, 2017, ISBN 9780954043421
  8. ^ "Mr John Roberts McTavish". Dignity Funeral Directors. Retrieved 19 March 2025.