The death took place last week of Jim McLaughlin at the age of 83. The former Northern Ireland international became one of the most successful managers in the history of the League of Ireland, winning a total of eight league titles with four different clubs. Born in Derry on Dec. 22, 1940, he made his debut as a 16-year-old for his native city’s pro club in the beginning of the 1957-58 season. He transferred from Derry City to Birmingham City in 1958, but about half of of his 16 years in England were in two spells with Shrewsbury Town. Jim came home in 1974 and took over as player-manager of Dundalk, where he won three league titles and three FAI Cups. Later he won three league titles with Shamrock Rovers and two cups, and also led his old club Derry City and then Shelbourne to league titles. McLaughlin won 12 caps for Northern Ireland in the 1960s and two caps for the Northern Ireland Under 23 side.
