and Arsenal, although he did score a fine equaliser in the latter final. That disappointment sandwiched United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool in 1977, the only major honour of Sammy’s 11-year Reds career.

Ron Atkinson sold McIlroy to Stoke City for £350,000 in 1982. Three years later he moved back to Manchester to join City on a free transfer before moving into management.

Spells with Northwich Victoria, Ashton United and Macclesfield Town preceded the role of Northern Ireland boss, before Sammy took over at Stockport County.

In 2005/06 he was appointed caretaker and then permanent manager at Nationwide

Conference club Morecambe.