Legendary manager Jim McLaughlin dies aged 83

Legendary Irish football manager Jim McLaughlin has died at the age of 83.

The Derry-born striker made his debut for his hometown club at the age of 16 before playing for a number of clubs in England including Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Swansea.

He returned to Ireland as player/manager of Dundalk in 1974 and led the County Louth side to three league championships and three FAI Cups including the double in the 1978/79 season.

During his nine years at Oriel Park, Dundalk reached the last 16 of the European Cup in 1980 where they were narrowly beaten by Glasgow Celtic and the same stage of the European Cup Winners Cup in 1982 where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Tottenham Hotspur.

In 1983, McLaughlin took over Shamrock Rovers and led the Milltown club for three of their four-in-a-row seasons of league success. He also led the Hoops to two FAI Cups during that period of dominance.

He left Rovers to return to his native Derry and led the Foylesiders to a domestic treble in 1989.

He later went on to co-manage Shelbourne with Pat Byrne where he won yet another league title in 1992.

McLaughlin had further spells with Drogheda and Dundalk and managed a League of Ireland XI as well as the Irish Olympic team.

In 2002 he was awarded an FAI Special Merit Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the domestic game.

League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said: "We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim McLaughlin. Jim is a true League of Ireland legend who achieved unprecedented success in our game.

"As well as his incredible career in Irish football, Jim was a remarkable person who will be greatly missed by everyone in Irish football.

"I would like to extend our sympathies on behalf of the League of Ireland and the