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Johnathan McKinstry

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Johnathan McKinstry (born 16 July 1985) is a Northern Irish football head coach, currently with the Gambia national football team.

Johnathan McKinstry
McKinstry with FK Kauno Zalgiris, 2017
Personal information
Date of birth (1985-07-16) 16 July 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Team information
Current team
 Gambia (head coach)
Managerial career
Years Team
2013–2014 Sierra Leone
2015–2016 Rwanda
2017–2018 Kauno Žalgiris
2018–2019 Saif SC
2019–2021 Uganda
2022–2024 Gor Mahia FC
2024– Gambia

McKinstry is the first person from Northern Ireland to manage four international football teams.[1] With a win percentage of 51% across his four international head coaching roles, McKinstry has the best winning record in international football of anyone from Northern Ireland,[2] with the next best record being that of Bertie Peacock with 39%.

Previously McKinstry managed the Rwanda national team, the Sierra Leone national team,[3] Kauno Žalgiris in the A Lyga, Saif SC of the Bangladesh Football Premier League[4] and the Uganda national football team. Whilst in charge of Sierra Leone, McKinstry was the youngest international manager in the world at 27 years of age.[5]

Career

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McKinstry has coached in several countries; Northern Ireland, England, USA, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Lithuania, Bangladesh and Uganda. His early career was focused on elite youth development through roles with Newcastle United, New York Red Bulls, the Right to Dream Academy and the Craig Bellamy Foundation.[6]

In 2013, McKinstry moved into senior professional football when he was appointed manager of the Sierra Leone national football team, whom he guided to their highest ever FIFA World Ranking position.[7] He has more recently been manager of the Rwanda national football team guiding them to the Final of the 2015 CECAFA Cup and Quarter Finals of the 2016 African Nations Championship, Kauno Žalgiris of Lithuania's A Lyga,[8] Saif SC of the Bangladesh Football Premier League[4] and the Uganda national football team

McKinstry has also been linked with several other roles globally. In April 2018 was one of 77 applicants for the vacant Cameroon national team job.[9] It was also confirmed by officials of the Football Association of Zambia in June 2018 that McKinstry had made the final two-man shortlist of candidates under consideration to be named head coach of the Zambia national football team.[10]

Sierra Leone national team

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On 11 April 2013, McKinstry was appointed as the manager of Sierra Leone following the resignation of Swedish coach Lars-Olof Mattsson,[11] becoming the youngest active international head coach in world football.[5] McKinstry spoke about his desire to be awarded the job on a permanent basis[12] and was subsequently retained as head coach for the 2015 CAF Nations Cup qualifiers.

Following defeats to Ivory Coast and DR Congo during a period when Sierra Leone were banned from playing fixtures at home because of the Ebola outbreak, he was sacked in September 2014.[13] He later spoke about his time in the country, including the 2014 Ebola outbreak.[14]

Under McKinstry's care the Sierra Leone team rose to their highest ever FIFA World Ranking position of 50th.[7]

Rwanda national team

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In March 2015 he was confirmed as the new Rwanda manager.[15] He stated he was looking forward to the challenge.[16]

In his first competitive game in charge, McKinstry guided Rwanda to their first away win in four years with a 1–0 victory over Mozambique in the opening round of 2017 African Nations Cup qualifying.[17]

In December 2015, Rwanda finished as Runners-up in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2015, defeating hosts Ethiopia, reigning champions Kenya, and previous tournament runners-up Sudan en route the final before losing 1–0 to Uganda – the most successful team in the region, who claimed their 14th title. McKinstry was named as 'Coach of the Tournament' by sponsors DSTV.[18][19]

In January 2016, McKinstry led Rwanda to the knock-out stages of a major competition for the first time in their history[20] when he guided them to 1st place in Group A of the 2016 edition of the CAF African Nations Championship[21] and qualification for the Quarter Finals. Their progress was halted at this stage however by eventual Champions, DR Congo, following a 2–1 loss after extra time in Kigali.[22][23]

The results obtained in his first twelve months at the helm of Rwandan Football were recognised when in March 2016 the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) rewarded McKinstry's efforts with a new two-year contract that would see him remain as head coach until 2018.[24]

Shortly after the extension of McKinstry's contract, Rwanda recorded their biggest ever win in the Africa Cup of Nations when they defeated Mauritius 5–0 in Kigali.

Despite having only signed a new contract five months earlier, McKinstry was dismissed as head coach in August 2016.[25] He left with a win ratio of 44% from his 25 games in charge. Talking after his sacking he told Oliver McManus that "It was a strange decision but people make these decisions in football and it can be a bit shocking at the time, you just need to dust yourself off and get onto the next challenge."[26]

Kauno Žalgiris

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On 21 July 2017, Kauno Žalgiris announced McKinstry as their new head coach for the remainder of the 2017 A Lyga season.[8]

McKinstry's first game in charge of his new club saw Kauno Žalgiris secure their first ever win over Jonava after 6 previous games with no success.[27]

Following the completion of his contract, McKinstry departed the club in January 2018. He cited the ongoing uncertainty regarding Kauno Žalgiris' league status[28] as a key factor in the decision between himself and the club to go their separate ways.[29]

Saif SC

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On 7 November 2018, McKinstry was named as the new head coach of Bangladesh Premier League side Saif SC, replacing Englishman Stewart Hall.[30] McKinstry assumed control of the team from 10 November 2018 ahead of the 2018–19 Bangladesh Football Premier League season. On 6 April 2019 Saif SC defeated NofeL SC 1–0 in the Bangladesh Premier League 2018–2019 Season. This victory saw McKinstry become the head coach with the greatest number of competitive victories in the club's history.

Following the completion of the 2018-19 Season in which the team set new club records for Most Points in a league season, most wins in a league season, and most Goals Scored in a league season; McKinstry was rewarded with a new 12-month contract to lead SAIF Sporting Club in the 2019–2020 season.[31]

Uganda national team

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On 30 September 2019, McKinstry signed a three-year contract as head coach of the Uganda national football team, replacing French national Sébastien Desabre, who took up a head coaching position with Pyramids FC of Egypt in July 2019.[32]

McKinstry was selected from a pool of 137 applicants, including Africa Cup of Nations winning coach Hugo Broos.[33] Federation of Uganda Football Associations CEO Edgar Watson outlined that the Federation settled on McKinstry as he "fits in our vision of being the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the pitch".[34]

Upon his appointment, McKinstry outlined that his ambitions for the team not only extended to returning to the African Cup of Nations, but also to guide Uganda to their first FIFA World Cup.[35]

On 19 December 2019, McKinstry guided Uganda to victory in the 2019 CECAFA Cup, winning all 6 games throughout the tournament.[36]

On 19 April 2021, it was confirmed by Federation of Uganda Football Associations that McKinstry had reached an agreement with FUFA to bring an end to his 18 months at the helm of the Uganda Cranes.[37]

In his 18 months in charge, McKinstry recorded a 67% win rate from 18 games, including 12 wins, 3 draws and only 3 defeats.[38] This represents the best 'win' and 'undefeated' record of any Uganda national team coach in over 15 years.[39]

Gor Mahia FC

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On 29 July 2022, McKinstry was appointed Head Coach of Gor Mahia FC,[40] Kenya's most successful club side.

The club announced that they had agreed an initial two-year contract.

McKinstry inherited a team in turmoil at a time when it was serving a FIFA transfer ban, was operating with a lean squad and due to off-field issues was struggling to raise enough players to conduct effective training sessions at the time of his arrival.[41]

Despite these challenges, his first season at the club would end in success - guiding Gor Mahia to win the Kenyan Premier League title.[42]

McKinstry followed up his successful debut season with a further improved performance the following year. Leading Gor Mahia to win the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield[43] and the 2023-24 Kenyan Premier League with an 8 point margin over their nearest rivals.[44]

In recognition of these achievement, McKinstry was name FKF Coach of the Year for 2024.[45]

The Gambia national team

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On 1 June 2024, McKinstry was appointed Head Coach of The Gambia national football team[46] on a 2-year contract.

Charitable work

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In November 2018, it was confirmed that McKinstry had joined Common Goal (charity).[47]

Launched with the support of Spanish footballer, Juan Mata in August 2017,[48] the movement encourages professional football players and coaches to pledge at least one percent of their salaries to a collective fund that supports football charities around the world.[49]

Upon joining McKinstry stated that through his work with Common Goal he wishes to give back to the sport that has given him so much.

McKinstry also supports the work of The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation through his role as an expert in the field of teamwork.[50]

The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation develops and educates young people by establishing sports projects across the globe.

Managerial statistics

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As of match played 18 November 2024[51]
Nation Team From To P W D L GS GA %W Honours Notes
  Sierra Leone 11 April 2013 17 September 2014 8 3 2 3 10 10 037.50
  Rwanda 29 March 2015 18 August 2016 25 11 2 12 29 27 044.00 Runners-up 2015 CECAFA Cup
  Kauno Žalgiris 21 July 2017 5 January 2018 12 1 3 8 9 28 008.33
  Saif SC 10 November 2018 30 September 2019 27 15 5 7 42 28 055.56
  Uganda 30 September 2019 19 April 2021 18 12 3 3 30 11 066.67 Winners 2019 CECAFA Cup
  Gor Mahia 29 July 2022 30 June 2024 72 43 21 8 103 43 059.72 Winners 2022–23 Kenyan Premier League

Winners 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield Winners 2023-24 Kenyan Premier League

  The Gambia 1 June 2024 present 8 3 2 3 13 10 037.50
Total 170 89 37 44 236 156 052.35

Honours

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Rwanda

Uganda

Gor Mahia F.C.

References

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  1. ^ "Lisburn man Johnny McKinstry makes history after taking over as Uganda head coach". belfasttelegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  2. ^ Martin O'Neill#Managerial statistics
  3. ^ "British Coaches Abroad: Johnny McKinstry". Football365. 5 May 2014. Archived from the original on 9 January 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  4. ^ a b Andrew Mwanguhya (30 September 2019). "Uganda Cranes Is One of the Very Best in Africa – New Coach McKinstry". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  5. ^ a b "He managed Sierra Leone, now our Johnny McKinstry could take helm in Rwanda". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  6. ^ "Meet Johnny McKinstry, the Antrim guy who's managing Rwanda's international football team |. JOE.ie". JOE.ie. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Leone Stars shine with purpose". FIFA. 2 September 2014. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  8. ^ a b ""Kauno Žalgiris" turi naują vyriausiąjį trenerį". alyga.lt (in Lithuanian). A Lyga. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
  9. ^ Oluwashina Okeleji (23 April 2018). "77 applicants for vacant Cameroon coaching position". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2018.
  10. ^ "FAZ Awaits Govt Response on Coach Payment". 27 June 2018.
  11. ^ Mohamed Fajah Barrie (11 April 2013). "Sierra Leone appoints Irish coach". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  12. ^ Mohamed Fajah Barrie (21 November 2013). "Johnny McKinstry targets permanent Sierra Leone job". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  13. ^ Mohamed Fajah Barrie (17 September 2014). "Sierra Leone sack Northern Irish coach Johnny McKinstry". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  14. ^ Ben Smith (19 December 2014). "Sierra Leone: How Ebola outbreak cost Johnny McKinstry his job". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  15. ^ "Johnny McKinstry on shortlist to be new Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  16. ^ "McKinstry relishes Rwanda challenge". BBC Sport. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  17. ^ Komugisha, Usher (15 June 2015). "Rwanda/Mozambique: Country Ends Four-Year Away Jinx in Afcon Qualifiers". The New Times (Kigali). Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  18. ^ a b "Uganda wins record 14th CECAFA title". The New Times | Rwanda. 5 December 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  19. ^ a b "FERWAFA -Rwanda settle for second spot in Cecafa Challenge Cup". ferwafa.rw. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  20. ^ "Amavubi seek to top Group A unbeaten". The New Times | Rwanda. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  21. ^ "Rwanda top Chan Group A". Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  22. ^ "CHAN 2016: DR Congo beat Rwanda 2–1 in extra-time". BBC Sport. 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  23. ^ "CHAN 2016: DR Congo are champions after victory over Mali". BBC Sport. 7 February 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  24. ^ "McKinstry extends Rwanda contract". Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  25. ^ "Johnny Mckinstry 'surprised' after his sacking as Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  26. ^ "Exploring African football: Interview with Johnny McKinstry • Outside of the Boot". Outsideoftheboot.com. 6 February 2017. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  27. ^ "Kauno Žalgiris – Record against FK Lietava Jonava". Worldfootball.net. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  28. ^ "A lygos neatsakyti klausimai". futbolas.lt. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  29. ^ McKinstry, Darren. "Coach McKinstry moves on from A-Lyga club FK Kauno Zalgiris". Johnnymckinstry.com. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  30. ^ "Former Sierra Leone coach joins Saif Sporting Club". Dhakatribune.com. 7 November 2018.
  31. ^ "Saif Sporting Club Ltd" – via Facebook.
  32. ^ "Uganda appoint McKinstry as new Cranes coach". BBC Sport. 30 September 2019.
  33. ^ "Johnny McKinstry unveiled as Uganda Cranes coach". Newvision.co.ug. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  34. ^ "Uganda: McKinstry appointed the new Cranes head coach | Goal.com". Goal.com. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  35. ^ "Uganda appoint McKinstry as new Cranes coach". BBC Sport.
  36. ^ "McKinstry overwhelmed by Uganda Cranes 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup heroics". Kawowo Sports. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  37. ^ "FUFA Press Statement on Uganda Cranes Coach McKinstry". FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  38. ^ "Fufa finally terminates McKinstry's contract". Daily Monitor. 19 April 2021. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  39. ^ "Uganda – Uganda – Results and fixtures – Soccerway". Int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  40. ^ "McKinstry: Gor Mahia confirm appointment of former Rwanda and Uganda head coach". Goal.com. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  41. ^ "Johnathan McKinstry: The gutsy Northern Irishman daring to return Gor Mahia to its glory days | MozzartSportKe".
  42. ^ "Gor Mahia crowned 2022-2023 FKFPL champions | MozzartSportKe".
  43. ^ a b "Gor Mahia lift seventh Charity Shield after shootout victory over Kakamega Homeboyz". 12 August 2023.
  44. ^ "Gor Mahia crowned 2023-24 FKF Premier League champions | MozzartSportKe".
  45. ^ "Johnathan McKinstry proud of Gor Mahia's efforts after being named Coach of the Year". 27 July 2024.
  46. ^ Gff1 (22 May 2024). "Gambia Gaffer Johnathan McKinstry: Who is 38-year-old Northern Irish - THE GFF | Official Website". The GFF | Official Website.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  47. ^ "Members – Common Goal". Common-goal.org. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  48. ^ "What is Common Goal? Juan Mata's charitable initiative explained | Goal.com". Goal. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  49. ^ "Our Common Goal". Streetfootballworld. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  50. ^ "Our Experts". Sirstanleymatthews.co.uk.
  51. ^ "Johnny McKinstry – Free". Footballdatabase.eu.
  52. ^ "Lydia Akoth and Austin Odhiambo Crowned 2023/24 MVPS at FKF Gala – Football Kenya Federation".
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