Q & A With Brian McGlinchey

Plymouth Vital will be delving into its archive over the close season, picking out the best of our Question and Answer series with former Argyle personalities; first choice is the interview with Brian McGlinchey.

Brian began his Argyle career back in December 2000 when Paul Sturrock signed the Derry born left-sided player from Gillingham. The former Northern Ireland under-21 and ‘B’ international had also seen service with Port Vale and Manchester City.

Brian quickly became an important member of the team that Sturrock was assembling, playing initially on the left of midfield and then settling into the left back position.

Brian’s whole-hearted displays earned him the affectionate nickname of ‘Mad Dog’ amongst the Argyle fans.
In Brian’s first season at Argyle the team finished in a respectful 12th position in Division Three but things were happening at Plymouth under the guidance of Sturrock.
After a poor start to season 2000-2001, Brian scored the winner against Rushden and Diamonds after Plymouth were 2-0 down and from then on the team went on an amazing run throughout the season to secure the Third Division Championship.

The following season Brian played his part as Plymouth finished 8th in Division Two but opted to move to Torquay United for a 3-month loan at the start of the 2003-2004 season. The move to Torquay became permanent in January 2004 when Brian was granted a free transfer. The popular left back made 79 appearances for Argyle, scoring 2 goals and winning a Championship medal.

Brian enjoyed promotion once again at the end of that season as Torquay were promoted to League One on goal difference. Unfortunately Torquay were relegated back from League One after just one season.
Brian did play a further five games for Torquay at the start of the 2005-2006 season but sadly had to retire from the game at the age of 28 due to a long-standing nerve problem in his back.

Brian is now employed as a mortgage broker for Cross Keys Financial Planning in the Stoke area of Plymouth.

Q: What would be your greatest personal achievement from your time at Argyle?

A: I would have to say winning promotion, there’s nothing better than actually winning honours.

Q: What was your most memorable Argyle match?

A: Probably the 2 -3 win at Rushden, we were under severe pressure and coming from behind was a great feeling.

Q: Would you say that Paul Sturrock is the best manager you have worked under?

A: Without a doubt, tactically he won games for us and we were so well organised. He was very demanding but he definitely got the best out of me.

Q: The 3-2 away win against Rushden and Diamonds in the 2001-2002 season is widely acknowledge as a big turning point in Argyle’s history. It was the first win of the season after a poor start and you popped up with the winner in the 71st minute after being 2-0 down. Without that winning goal Plymouth might not have gone on and won the Third Division Championship. You must have some good memories of that match?

A: It was the turning point in our season, we went unbeaten for 20 odd games after that victory, after that game the team just grew in confidence and the team spirit then was at a all time high.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with your old Argyle team-mates?

A: Yes of course, I am really good friends with Cocko, Davey Worrell, Peter Gilbert, Jason Bent, Buster and Craig Taylor.

Q: Do you go along to Home Park and watch the matches? What are your thoughts on Argyle manager Ian Holloway?

A: I find it very hard to watch games as I miss playing so much but I went to watch the Sheffield Wed game for obvious reasons. As for Ian Holloway I don’t know much about him but he seems to be a real down to earth guy.

Q: You were unfortunately forced to retire from professional football last season because of a persistent back problem; that must have been a harrowing time for you?

A: It’s been the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life, but the old saying ‘life goes on.’ I got married and we had our first baby so it puts things into perspective.

Q: How is your new career at Cross Keys Financial Planning progressing? I take it you live in the Plymouth area?

A: It’s going really well, I’m so glad now that I gained qualifications to be a mortgage broker during my career. It’s a very rewarding job especially helping 1st time buyers getting on the property ladder. I am really happy in Plymouth, it’s so similar to Ireland, the people are very friendly and it’s such a relaxed place to live.

Q: Can you play any kind of amateur football now?

A: Not at all, all I can do is go for walks which is very frustrating but hopefully some day things will improve.

Q: Finally, the Argyle fans hold you in such high regard; do you have a message for the supporters?

A: The Argyle fans are incredible, they are extremely loyal and it was a pleasure and a privilege to play in front of them. All they demand is a 100% and I would like to think I did that.


Thank you to Brian for taking part in the Question and Answer session, a top guy.

Look out for more exclusive interviews with Argyle players and personalities on Plymouth Vital.