Glentoran Football Club offers deep condolences to the family of former Glentoran and Northern Ireland Team Attendant Derek McKinley who has passed away.
Derek acted as Team Attendant/Kitman for a number of years and served under managers Paul Miller, Alan McDonald, Scott Young and Eddie Patterson. During his tenure the club won each of the four senior trophies, most recently the Irish Cup in 2013.
Derek was probably best known for acting as Northern Ireland’s main kitman for 30 years, starting with the World Cup match v Israel in November 1981 that clinched our place in the Spain World Cup. He entered the international setup following the sudden and tragic death of legendary Glentoran physiotherapist and former manager, Bobby McGregor. Derek retired from the role in October 2011 in a European Championship qualifier in Italy, his 130th senior international. He was kitman for six international managers: Billy Bingham, Bryan Hamilton, Lawrie McMenemy, Sammy McIlroy, Lawrie Sanchez and Nigel Worthington. At club level he also served as kitman for Portadown, Lisburn Distillery and Knockbreda.
Glentoran First Team Coach and former captain Paul Leeman said on Twitter: “RIP Derek a great man and a good friend to me during our time at Glentoran.”
Derek’s funeral service will be held at 2pm tomorrow (Monday 19th November) in Carryduff at St. Ignatius Church in Carryduff. The club will be represented to pay final respects on behalf of the Glentoran Family,
