Whitey McDonald


Robert Logan McDonald was an association football player who earned two caps for Ireland. He began his professional career in Canada, spent four seasons in the American Soccer League, then finished it in Scotland with Rangers F.C..

Club career

Born in Ireland, McDonald moved with his parents to Canada when he was two, growing up in Hamilton, Ontario. The nickname "Whitey" was given to him in reference to the colour of his hair, which was a light reddish-blonde. He began his professional career with Hamilton Thistle, playing in Spectator Cup in 1921 and 1922. He also spent time with Toronto Ulster United before signing with Bethlehem Steel of the American Soccer League in 1924. He played four seasons with Bethlehem.
In 1928, Scottish club Rangers toured the U.S. and spotted McDonald in its game with Bethlehem. They signed him in 1928 and he spent ten seasons with the Glasgow club, making over 200 appearances in the Scottish Football League and the Scottish Cup. While a wing back in Canada and the U.S., he played left full-back for Rangers.

National team

McDonald earned two caps with Ireland national football team. His first was against Scotland in 1930 and the second against England in 1932. In June 1935, he returned to North America with a touring Scottish squad, official eligibility rules not applying.
McDonald was enshrined in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame as an inaugural inductee in 2000.