Capped 12 times by Northern Ireland, the Derry native was associated with his hometown club, Derry City and led them to a league title success as part of an historic treble, but he also achieved fame in guiding Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Shelbourne to title wins and in his managerial career, which spanned three decades, he won 18 major trophies.
McLaughlin made his playing debut for Derry City in his teens, in 1957, and made a big enough impression to earn a cross-channel move. A spell with Birmingham City was frustrating but he enjoyed success in further stints with Shrewsbury Town, Swansea City and Peterborough United. He had already embarked on a coaching career in the UK when Dundalk lured McLaughlin back to Ireland in 1974, as player/manager.
He was a huge success at Oriel Park, leading Dundalk to three league and three FAI Cup wins and there were also memorable nights in European competition, like pushing Celtic close in the European Cup and also giving Tottenham a scare in the Cup Winners’ Cup.
An ambitious Shamrock Rovers took McLaughlin to Milltown in 1983 and success was instant, the Derry man at the helm for three successive league titles wins to end a 20-year wait for a league championship, twice winning the league and FAI Cup double while players from that group went on to win Ireland caps, such as Pat Byrne, Liam Buckley and Alan Campbell.
30 April 1989; The Derry City manager Jim McLaughlin lines up alongside his team before the start of the Fai Cup Final match against Cork City at Dalymount Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Derry City, now a League of Ireland club after a spell in the wilderness, targeted McLaughlin as the man to guide them to success and he moved to the Brandywell from Rovers at the end of the 1985/1986 season, where he leaned on some of the Rovers squad to steer Derry to that remarkable treble win in 1988/1989.
He had time for one more league win as he was with Shelbourne alongside Pat Byrne for their title in 1991/1992. Further spells with Drogheda United and Dundalk, again, were more challenging and when they were relegated in 1999, it would be his last job in management.
McLaughlin was also present on the international stage as he had a number of spells as manager of the League of Ireland representative XI and was coach of the Ireland squad which competed in the qualifiers for the 1988 Olympic games. He had a healthy return of six goals from his 12 caps with Northern Ireland (1961-1966).
League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: “We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim McLaughlin. Jim is a true League of Ireland legend who achieved unprecedented success in our game.
“As well as his incredible career in Irish football, Jim was a remarkable person who will be greatly missed by everyone in Irish football. I would like to extend our sympathies on behalf of the League of Ireland and the FAI to Jim’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
A spokesperson for Derry City FC said: “Picking up the three major domestic trophies has never been equalled since.
“Jim’s contribution was recognised throughout Irish football and he was awarded Special Merit Awards by both the Football Association of Ireland and the Soccer Writers Association.
“The historic nature of his achievements at Brandywell was reflected in 2019 when he was awarded the Freedom of the City by the local council.
“The family connections continued with both his son Paul and grandson Ben appearing for the club.
“All connected to Derry City would like to pass on our condolences to his wife Reina; his children Sean, Paul, Martin and Jane, as well as his many grandchildren.”
A Shamrock Rovers statement said: “All at Shamrock Rovers are saddened by the news today that legendary Hoops manager Jim McLaughlin has passed away.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May he rest in peace.
“A full tribute will follow, and Jim will be remembered at tonight’s match.”
Shelbourne also paid tribute, adding: “All at Shelbourne FC are saddened by the death of the legend Jim McLaughlin.
“Jim alongside Pat Byrne helped usher the glory days back to Tolka by guiding the Reds to the league title in 1992.
“Our thoughts are with Jim’s family and many friends in football at this sad time.”
While Drogheda United posted: “All at Drogheda United are saddened to hear of the passing of former manager Jim McLaughlin.
“Jim managed the club for three years, including our promotion campaign in 1994/95.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”