Ronnie McFall
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ronald Joseph McFall | ||
| Date of birth | 18 July 1945 | ||
| Place of birth | Portadown, Northern Ireland | ||
| Playing position | Full back | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1964–1965 | Portadown | ||
| 1965–1967 | Dundee United | 0 | (0) |
| 1967–19?? | Ards | ||
| 19??–1975 | Portadown | ||
| 1975–1979 | Glentoran | 148 | (3) |
| National team | |||
| Northern Ireland Youth | |||
| 1974 | Irish League XI | 1 | (0) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1979–1984 | Glentoran | ||
| 1986–2016 | Portadown | ||
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
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Ronald Joseph "Ronnie" McFall MBE (born 18 July 1945) is a former football player and manager. He was most notably manager of hometown club Portadown for 29 years from December 1986 until his resignation in March 2016. At the time of his resignation he was the longest-serving manager in European club football, having held the record ever since Alex Ferguson stood down as Manchester United manager in 2013.
As a player, McFall represented Portadown (twice), Dundee United, Ards, Glentoran (becoming Irish League champion with the latter). Managing in Irish League football from 1979 to 2016, McFall is amongst the most successful managers in the history of the Irish League having claimed five league titles, four Irish Cups and 20 other trophies during his time with Glentoran and Portadown. McFall was the first person to be rewarded the freedom of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area for his immense contribution to sport. He is also a five time Manager of the Year award winner, and the uncle of current Glentoran defender Ross Redman.
As a player Ronnie McFall played as a full-back. He made his debut for Portadownin August 1964 in a Mid-Ulster derby match against Glenavon in the Ulster Cup. The following season he was signed by Dundee United for £4,000, where he became a regular in the reserve side but failed to make an appearance for the first team. He was released in April 1967 and went on to play for Ards, Portadown again, and Glentoran.
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