Jay McGrath

John-Alan "Jay" McGrath (born 15 April 2003) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for League of Ireland Premier Division club St Patrick's Athletic. His previous clubs are Mickleover Sports, Coventry City and Alfreton Town.

Jay McGrath
Personal information
Full name John-Alan McGrath
Date of birth (2003-04-15) 15 April 2003
Place of birth Birmingham, England
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
 St Patrick's Athletic
Number 26
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2020 Mickleover Sports 7 (0)
2020–2023 Coventry City 0 (0)
2022 → Alfreton Town (loan) 0 (0)
2023 → St Patrick's Athletic (loan) 20 (1)
2023– St Patrick's Athletic 6 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:33, 3 October 2023 (UTC)

Career

Mickleover Sports

McGrath started his senior career with Mickleover Sports where he made 7 first team appearances during the 2019–20 Northern Premier League season.[1] In August 2019, he made history when he (aged 16) and his father John McGrath (aged 39) became the first ever father and son to feature together in an FA Cup tie, when they featured in a 3–0 win over Coventry Sphinx.[2]

Coventry City

After his breakthrough season, he signed for Coventry City on a two-year contract in the summer of 2020.[3] He captained the club's Under 23 side during his time with the Sky Blues.[4] In November 2022, he joined Alfreton Town on a month-long loan deal.[5] His only appearance for Alfreton Town, came in a 4–1 defeat away to Darlington in the FA Trophy.[6] On 14 February 2023 he was loaned out to St Patrick's Athletic until the end of his contract.[7] He was released by the club on 30 June 2023, upon the expiry of his contract.[8]

St Patrick's Athletic

On 14 February 2023, he signed for League of Ireland Premier Division club St Patrick's Athletic on loan until 30 June 2023.[9][10] He scored the first senior goal of his career on 5 June 2023, finding the bottom corner from 25 yards out in a 4–1 win over Derry City at Richmond Park.[11]

On 1 July 2023, McGrath signed a permanent contract with the club upon the expiry of his loan deal and Coventry City contract.[12] On 20 July 2023, McGrath made his first appearance in European competition in a 3–2 loss at home to F91 Dudelange in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.[13]

Personal life

He is the son of former professional footballer John McGrath.[14]

International career

Born in England, McGrath is eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland through his Limerick born father John who is a former Republic of Ireland U21 international.[14] In 2021, he was called up to the Republic of Ireland U19 side for a training camp.[15] On 25 March 2023, McGrath received his first call up to the Republic of Ireland U21 team for a friendly against Iceland U21 at Turners Cross.[16]

Career statistics
As of match played on 8 October 2023[17]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[lower-alpha 1] League Cup[lower-alpha 2] Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Mickleover Sports 2019–20 Northern Premier League 7010——80
Coventry City 2020–21 Championship 000000—00
2021–22 000000—00
2022–23 000000—00
Total 0000000000
Alfreton Town (loan) 2022–23 National League North 00——1[lower-alpha 3]010
St Patrick's Athletic (loan) 2023 LOI Premier Division 201–––201
St Patrick's Athletic 2023 LOI Premier Division 6040–1[lower-alpha 4]0110
Total 331500020401
  1. Includes FA Cup & FAI Cup
  2. Includes EFL Cup
  3. Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy
  4. Appearance(s) in the UEFA Europa Conference League

References
  1. "Mickleover Youngster Signs For Coventry". Northern Premier League. 23 July 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  2. Reporter, Leader. "Limerick man and son make FA Cup history playing in same side". www.limerickleader.ie.
  3. "Jay McGrath Joins Sky Blues!". Coventry City FC. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  4. "INTERVIEW: Sky Blues U21 captain Jay McGrath previews Millwall clash". www.ccfc.co.uk.
  5. "Jay McGrath joins Alfreton Town on loan". Coventry City FC. 18 November 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2022.
  6. "FA Trophy Match Report - Darlington 4-1 Alfreton Town". www.alfretontownfootballclub.com.
  7. "Jay McGrath joins St Patrick's Athletic on loan". Coventry City FC. 14 February 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  8. Dempsey, Andrew. "Sean Maguire leaves Coventry City with St Pat's loan defender Jay McGrath". extratime.com.
  9. "St Patrick's Athletic swoop for Coventry defender Jay McGrath". Independent.ie. February 14, 2023.
  10. "#SAINTS2023 | McGrath Joins On Loan". www.stpatsfc.com.
  11. O'Donnell, Jake (June 5, 2023). "Saints revival continues apace as they thrash Derry" – via www.rte.ie. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  12. Jordan, Luke. "Jay McGrath signs a new contract to extend his stay at St. Patrick's Athletic". extratime.com.
  13. Sneyd, David (July 20, 2023). "Chaos and class in thriller that ends in Euro defeat for St Pat's". The 42.
  14. McCadden, Mark (April 7, 2023). "St Patrick's Athletic defender Jay McGrath is following in his dad's footsteps". Irish Mirror.
  15. Calvert, Ronan (May 26, 2021). "Newcastle West Town celebrate player's Ireland U19 call-up".
  16. "Joe Hodge named Ireland U21 Captain | Football Association of Ireland". www.fai.ie.
  17. "England - J. McGrath - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.
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