He scored twice in the FA Cup final against Manchester United in 1957 but also became involved in a controversial incident in which he shoulder-charged (at the time a legitimate form of challenge) the United keeper Ray Wood after only six minutes, leaving him unconscious with a broken cheekbone. McParland’s goals were remembered as examples...
McParland began his career with Dundalk before he was signed by Villa in 1952, spending close to 10 years with the club. As well as the FA Cup win, McParland helped Villa to the Second Division title in 1959-60. The following year, he scored the extra-time winner which secured a 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham...
