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Rhys McCabe
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Rhys McCabe (born 24 July 1992) is a Scottish football manager and player, who most recently managed Scottish Championship club Airdrieonians.
Key Information
McCabe started his senior career with Rangers. McCabe has also played for Dunfermline Athletic, Brechin City and Queen of the South in Scotland, English clubs Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth, and Irish clubs Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic. McCabe has also represented the Scotland national under-21 football team.
Club career
[edit]Rangers
[edit]A member of Rangers under-19 squad[2] McCabe scored in the Youth Cup Final in April 2011 in what was ultimately a 2–1 defeat to Celtic.[3] In July 2011 he made his first team debut as a substitute in a friendly against Blackpool,[4] going on to make subsequent appearances in friendlies against Liverpool[5] and Hamburg.[6] He signed a contract extension in December 2011 extending his stay with the club to 2015.[7] Having been an unused substitute in nine previous fixtures that season,[8] he made his Scottish Premier League debut on 3 March 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 defeat to Hearts.[9] On 25 March he made his Old Firm debut in a 3–2 win over Celtic.[10]
Sheffield Wednesday
[edit]He then signed a three-year contract with Sheffield Wednesday.[11] On 11 October 2012 Sheffield Wednesday agreed an undisclosed settlement with Rangers.[12] His first goal for Sheffield Wednesday was an edge of the box screamer from a corner against Charlton Athletic on 22 December 2012.[13] The goal was subsequently voted goal of the day on Sky Sports News. He scored his second goal for the club in a League Cup tie against Rotherham United.[14]
On 17 March 2014, McCabe joined League Two club Portsmouth on loan for the rest of the 2013–14 season.[15] He was recalled early from his loan spell by The Owls on 24 April 2014.[16] McCabe was released along with 10 other players from his contract at the end of the 2014–15 season.[17]
Dunfermline Athletic
[edit]After his release, McCabe was reported as having attracted the interest of a number of clubs in his native Scotland.[18] Following trials with St Johnstone and Hibernian,[18] McCabe signed for Scottish League One side Dunfermline Athletic in September 2015[19][20] making his debut as a first half substitute in a 5–0 victory against Stenhousemuir, one day after signing for the club as.[21][22] His first goal for the Pars came against Albion Rovers, after an error from Rovers keeper Ross M. Stewart saw McCabe's long-range effort punched into the goal.[23][24]
Sligo Rovers
[edit]On 7 June 2017, McCabe agreed to sign for League of Ireland Premier Division club Sligo Rovers during the July transfer window, following the end of his contract with Dunfermline Athletic.[25]
St Patrick's Athletic
[edit]On 23 January 2019, it was announced that McCabe had signed for St Patrick's Athletic alongside Chris Forrester who signed from Aberdeen.[26] It was announced on 6 November 2019 that McCabe was released, following the end of his contract with the Saints which whom he played for 27 times over the season, scoring once.[27]
Brechin City
[edit]In January 2020, McCabe signed a six-month contract with Brechin City.
Queen of the South
[edit]On 24 August 2020, McCabe signed a one-year contract with Queen of the South until 31 May 2021.[28]
On 23 January 2021, McCabe captained the club in the absence of Stephen Dobbie captain and Gregor Buchanan vice captain through injury, as Queens won 2-1 versus Greenock Morton at Palmerston.[29]
Airdrieonians
[edit]On 11 June 2021, McCabe signed a one-year contract with Airdrieonians in Scottish League One.[30]
Coaching career
[edit]Airdrieonians
[edit]On 26 May 2022, following the departure of manager Ian Murray, McCabe was announced as the player-manager of Airdrieonians.[31] In his first season in charge, McCabe led the Diamonds to promotion to the Scottish Championship via the play-offs at the end of the 2022-23 season. [32]
On 24 March 2024, McCabe guided Airdrie to their first Scottish Challenge Cup trophy in 15 years with victory over The New Saints.[33]
At the end of the 2024-25 season, he ensured the club remained in the second tier, beating Scottish League One club Cove Rangers in the playoff final. [34]
Two matches into the 2025-26 season, on 15 August 2025, McCabe resigned. [35]
International career
[edit]McCabe made his debut for the Scotland national under-21 football team in April 2012.[36]
Personal life
[edit]McCabe's cousin Callum Fordyce is also a professional footballer; two previously played together at Airdrieonians (Callum Fordyce was also McCabe's assistant manager at Airdireionians until his departure) and at Dunfermline Athletic.[37] Shelley Kerr, the former Scotland Women's manager is his aunt.[38][39]
Career statistics
[edit]| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Rangers | 2011–12 | Scottish Premier League | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 9 | 0 | |
| Sheffield Wednesday | 2012–13 | EFL Championship | 22 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 23 | 1 | ||
| 2013–14 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 10 | 1 | ||||
| 2014–15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 0 | ||||
| Sheffield Wednesday Total | 30 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 36 | 2 | ||||
| Portsmouth (loan) | 2013–14 | EFL League Two | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| Dunfermline Athletic | 2015–16 | Scottish League One | 15 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[a] | 0 | 18 | 2 | |
| 2016–17 | Scottish Championship | 23 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 3[a] | 0 | 33 | 3 | ||
| Dunfermline Athletic Total | 38 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | 51 | 5 | |||
| Sligo Rovers | 2017 | League of Ireland Premier Division | 13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 1[a] | 0 | 15 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 32 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 2[a] | 0 | 38 | 2 | |||
| Sligo Rovers Total | 45 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | 53 | 6 | |||
| St Patrick's Athletic | 2019 | League of Ireland Premier Division | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 1 |
| Brechin City | 2019–20 | Scottish League Two | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| Queen of the South | 2020–21 | Scottish Championship | 22 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | |
| Airdrieonians | 2021–22 | Scottish League One | 32 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | 4[c] | 1 | 40 | 7 | |
| Career total | 210 | 18 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 251 | 21 | ||
- ^ a b c d Appearance(s) and goal(s) in the Scottish Challenge Cup.
- ^ Appearance(s) and goal(s) in the UEFA Europa League.
- ^ 1 appearance in the Scottish Challenge Cup & 3 appearances, 1 goal in Scottish League One Playoffs.
Managerial statistics
[edit]- As of match played 9 August 2025
| Team | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | D | L | Win % | |||
| Airdrieonians | 26 May 2022 | 15 August 2025 | 154 | 67 | 30 | 57 | 43.51 |
Honours
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 24. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ "Celtic U19 2–1 Rangers U19 (aet)". BBC Sport. 27 April 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Youth Cup Final: Celtic 2 Rangers 1 (AET; 1–1 affter [sic] 90 mins)". Daily Record. 28 April 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Blackpool 0 – 2 Rangers: Steven Davis makes it a seaside stroll for Rangers". The Scotsman. 19 July 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Rangers 1 Liverpool FC 0: LFC shadow side bring home lack of European nights (GALLERY) – Liverpool Echo". 19 October 2011.
- ^ "The former Rangers wonderkid now plying his trade at Sligo". 29 June 2017.
- ^ "No 41 Rhys McCabe Rangers". Rangers F.C. Archived from the original on 15 January 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Rhys McCabe Stats". Soccerway. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Rangers 1–2 Hearts". BBC Sport. 3 March 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2012.
- ^ "Rangers stun nine-man Celtic in thriller". BBC. 25 March 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
- ^ "Rangers: Rhys McCabe joins Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
- ^ "Rangers: Ally McCoist bullish on club future". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
- ^ "Sheff Wed 2-0 Charlton". BBC. 22 December 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ "Rotherham 2-1 Sheff Wed". BBC. 6 August 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ "McCabe And Toumani Sign". Portsmouth FC. 17 March 2014.
- ^ "Rhys McCabe recalled by Sheffield Wednesday". Sheffield Wednesday FC. 24 April 2014.
- ^ "McCabe released from contract". BBC Sport. 12 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Allan Johnston insists Dunfermline would be 'crazy' to let top talents move on as he eyes up Rooney and McCabe". deadlinenews.co.uk. 28 August 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Rhys McCabe becomes a Par". dafc.co.uk. 18 September 2015. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ Robertson, Neil (18 September 2015). "Dunfermline sign former Rangers midfielder Rhys McCabe". The Courier. DC Thomson. Retrieved 18 September 2015.
- ^ "Stenhousemuir 0 Dunfermline 5". dafc.co.uk. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ^ "Pars ease to comfortable Ochilview victory". Dunfermline Press. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ^ "Dunfermline 3 Albion Rovers 0". dafc.co.uk. 3 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ^ "Pars pick up 3-0 win after slow start against Albion Rovers". Dunfermline Press. 3 October 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ^ "Allan Johnston eyes new faces for Dunfermline Athletic squad but midfielder Rhys McCabe agrees to join Sligo Rovers". Dunfermline Press. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
- ^ "St Pat's complete double swoop for Chris Forrester and Rhys McCabe". Irish Mirror. 23 January 2019. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
- ^ "Saints marching out – Independent.ie". 6 November 2019.
- ^ "QosFC: Welcome to QOS".
- ^ "QoS : Report – Greenock Morton 23.1.21".
- ^ "McCabe bolsters Diamonds midfield".
- ^ "Rhys McCabe named new Diamonds manager". airdrie. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
- ^ "Hamilton Academical 2-1 Airdrieonians (agg 2-2): Visitors promoted after penalty shoot-out". BBC. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ^ "SPFL Trust Cup final: Reaction as Airdrieonians beat The New Saints". BBC. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ^ "Airdrieonians hold Cove to retain Scottish Championship status in front of Sir Alex". BBC. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ^ "Club Statement: Rhys McCabe". airdrie. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ^ "Scotland U21 1–4 Italy U21". BBC Sport. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
- ^ "Callum's long break". dafc.co.uk. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- ^ Ralston, Gary (21 August 2014). "Stirling Uni boss Shelley Kerr learned trade with the best". Daily Record. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
- ^ 'No reason why we won't win the league' – Airdrie boss Rhys McCabe, Jonathan Sutherland, BBC Sport, 19 October 2023
- ^ "Scotland – R. McCabe – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway".
- ^ Rhys McCabe at Soccerbase
- ^ McLaughlin, Brian (26 March 2016). "Dunfermline 3 – 1 Brechin City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
- ^ Limdsay, Clive (20 May 2023). "Hamilton Academical 2 – 1 Airdrieonians". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
- ^ "Airdrieonians win SPFL Trust Trophy to thwart The New Saints record". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
External links
[edit]- Rhys McCabe at Soccerbase
Rhys McCabe
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and youth career
Early life
Rhys McCabe was born on 24 July 1992 in Polbeth, a small village in West Lothian, Scotland, located approximately one mile from West Calder.[11][12] He grew up in a family with strong ties to football, including his aunt Shelley Kerr, who later became manager of the Scotland women's national team.[13] His family's roots are in central Scotland's West Lothian region, where local community life revolved around working-class traditions and regional heritage.[14] McCabe's early childhood was shaped by this environment, fostering an initial interest in football through familial influences before formal involvement in the sport.[14]Youth career
McCabe joined the Rangers youth academy at the age of nine, beginning his development in one of Scotland's premier football institutions.[15] His early involvement highlighted his potential as a central midfielder, a position where he demonstrated strong technical skills and game awareness from a young age.[16] Throughout his youth career, McCabe progressed steadily through Rangers' age-group teams, featuring prominently in the under-19 squad by 2011.[17] This advancement underscored his growing reputation as a promising talent within the academy system, often praised for his midfield composure and vision.[15] A standout moment came in the 2011 Scottish Youth Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden Park, where McCabe scored Rangers' only goal in a 2–1 extra-time defeat.[18] His late equalizer, a curled shot into the far corner just before the end of normal time, showcased his ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes youth competitions and further cemented his status as an emerging prospect.[19]Club career
Rangers
McCabe made his senior debut for Rangers on 3 March 2012, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a Scottish Premier League match against Hearts, which ended in a 2–1 defeat.[20] Three weeks later, on 25 March 2012, he earned his first Old Firm appearance in a 3–2 league victory over Celtic, starting alongside midfielders Maurice Edu and Steven Davis.[21] During the 2011–12 season, McCabe featured in a total of nine competitive matches for Rangers, all in the league, accumulating 703 minutes without scoring a goal.[16] As a young squad player, he provided midfield depth amid the club's severe financial and administrative turmoil, including entry into administration in February 2012 and subsequent liquidation proceedings. McCabe departed Rangers in July 2012 as part of the club's post-liquidation restructuring, signing a three-year contract with English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer.[22]Sheffield Wednesday
In July 2012, Rhys McCabe transferred from Rangers to Sheffield Wednesday in the English Championship on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract subject to international clearance.[22] The move represented an opportunity for the 20-year-old midfielder to adapt to English football after a brief and turbulent stint at Ibrox, where administrative issues had limited his development.[23] Over the next three seasons, McCabe established himself as a squad player at Hillsborough, making 36 appearances across all competitions and scoring 2 goals.[24] His debut campaign in 2012–13 under manager Dave Jones saw the most activity, with 23 outings—including 22 in the Championship—highlighted by a long-range strike in a 1–0 win over Charlton Athletic in December 2012. Subsequent years under Stuart Gray featured reduced involvement, with 10 appearances in 2013–14 (including a League Cup goal against Mansfield Town) and just 3 substitute outings in 2014–15, as competition for midfield places intensified.[3] McCabe's contributions were primarily from the bench or in cup ties, reflecting his role in providing depth during Wednesday's mid-table Championship campaigns. McCabe was released by Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the 2014–15 season, alongside 10 other players, following three years of limited first-team opportunities.[25]Portsmouth
In March 2014, Rhys McCabe joined Portsmouth on a short-term loan from Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the 2013–14 season, providing the League Two club with midfield reinforcement during a challenging campaign marked by financial constraints and squad turnover.[26] The 21-year-old Scottish midfielder, who had previously featured sporadically in the Championship, aimed to gain consistent playing time in a lower division to further his development.[26] McCabe made four appearances in League Two for Portsmouth, starting two matches and substituting in the others, totaling 222 minutes on the pitch without scoring or assisting.[16] His contributions came primarily as a central midfielder, where he focused on defensive duties and ball distribution, helping to stabilize the team's engine room amid a mid-table push that saw Portsmouth finish 18th and secure their Football League status by a narrow margin. The loan period represented McCabe's adaptation to the physicality and pace of lower-tier English football, a step down from the Championship level, though limited opportunities highlighted the competitive depth at Fratton Park.[26] McCabe's spell was cut short when he was recalled by Sheffield Wednesday in late April 2014, returning without any prospect of a permanent move to Portsmouth.[12]Dunfermline Athletic
In September 2015, following trials with St Johnstone and Hibernian, Rhys McCabe signed a short-term contract with Scottish League One club Dunfermline Athletic, marking his return to Scottish football after a brief loan spell at Portsmouth in England.[27][20] The 23-year-old midfielder made an immediate impact, debuting in a 2-1 league win over Stenhousemuir shortly after joining.[27] During the 2015–16 season, McCabe played a key role in Dunfermline's League One title-winning campaign, which secured promotion to the Scottish Championship. He featured in 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.[28][29] In May 2016, he extended his contract for another year, committing to the club for their return to the second tier.[30] In the 2016–17 Scottish Championship season, McCabe continued as a regular starter, making 33 appearances and scoring three goals, primarily in league play. His contributions helped Dunfermline finish fifth, narrowly missing out on the promotion playoffs by three points.[3][31] Overall, across his two seasons at Dunfermline, McCabe recorded 51 appearances and five goals in all competitions.[3] McCabe departed Dunfermline in June 2017 upon the expiry of his contract, becoming a free agent before moving to Sligo Rovers in Ireland.[32]Sligo Rovers
In June 2017, McCabe signed for Sligo Rovers on a free transfer from Dunfermline Athletic, agreeing to a contract until the end of the 2017 season with an option for an additional year, marking his first move outside Scotland to join the League of Ireland Premier Division.[33][32] During his 18-month stint with the Bit O'Red, McCabe made 53 appearances across all competitions and scored 6 goals, showcasing improved goal-scoring form compared to his prior Scottish clubs.[34] His contributions were pivotal in the 2017 season, where he helped Sligo avoid relegation by finishing ninth in the Premier Division, including a vital second-half goal in an August 2017 victory over league leaders Cork City that lifted the team out of the drop zone.[35] In 2018, he continued to influence results with standout moments, such as a 60-yard lob in a 2-1 league win against Limerick in April, aiding Sligo's push to a seventh-place finish and relative stability amid financial challenges.[36] McCabe also featured in domestic cup competitions, including the FAI Cup and League of Ireland Cup, where Sligo advanced to early knockout stages before exits against Longford Town and Waterford respectively.[37][38] McCabe departed Sligo Rovers in January 2019, transferring to rivals St Patrick's Athletic after his contract option was not extended.[39]St Patrick's Athletic
McCabe transferred to St Patrick's Athletic from Sligo Rovers on 23 January 2019, signing a one-year deal to bolster the club's midfield ahead of the 2019 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign.[40][41] In his sole season with the Saints, McCabe featured prominently as a central midfielder, making 25 appearances in the Premier Division and scoring 1 goal, while also playing in both legs of the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round against IFK Norrköping. His contributions helped stabilize the midfield during a challenging campaign, with St Patrick's Athletic mounting a strong push for European qualification in the latter stages, ultimately securing fifth place and a berth in the following season's UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers. The team also lifted the Leinster Senior Cup that year, marking their first win in the competition since 2014.[42] McCabe departed St Patrick's Athletic at the conclusion of the 2019 season as his contract expired, amid ongoing concerns about extending his deal that had been set aside during the push for European spots.[43] He subsequently joined Scottish club Brechin City on a short-term agreement in January 2020.[44]Brechin City
In January 2020, Rhys McCabe returned to Scottish football by signing a short-term contract with Brechin City until the end of the 2019–20 season, joining the club on a free transfer from St Patrick's Athletic in the League of Ireland Premier Division. The move reunited him with Scottish lower-tier football, where Brechin City competed in Scottish League Two following their relegation from League One the previous year. McCabe made five appearances in the league for Brechin City between February and March 2020, starting four matches and accumulating 396 minutes on the pitch without scoring any goals. His debut came as a substitute in a 1–2 home defeat to Elgin City on 1 February, followed by starts in draws against Edinburgh City and Queen's Park, as well as losses to Stirling Albion and a win over Cove Rangers. However, his stint was severely limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led the Scottish Professional Football League to suspend all fixtures on 13 March 2020 after just a handful of games into the second half of the season. Brechin City's already challenging campaign in the fourth tier—marked by inconsistent results and their recent demotion—was further hampered by the curtailed schedule, with the league ultimately ended prematurely in April 2020 and final standings determined by points-per-game averages, placing Brechin eighth. With his contract set to expire at the summer, McCabe departed Brechin City at the conclusion of the disrupted 2019–20 season in late August 2020, becoming a free agent before securing a new deal elsewhere. This brief period highlighted the broader instability in lower-league Scottish football amid the pandemic, where limited fixtures and financial pressures affected player retention and squad planning.Queen of the South
McCabe joined Queen of the South on a free transfer from Brechin City on 24 August 2020, signing a one-year contract until the end of the 2020–21 season. The midfielder quickly became a key figure in the squad during a challenging campaign affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, making 28 appearances across all competitions and contributing 4 goals and 2 assists, primarily in the Scottish Championship.[45] Early in the season, Queen of the South struggled with form and found themselves in the lower reaches of the table, facing potential relegation; McCabe provided vital leadership in midfield, occasionally captaining the side and emphasizing a return to fundamentals to steady the team.[46] Under manager Stephen Dobbie, the club improved sufficiently to finish sixth in the curtailed 27-match season, securing their position in the Scottish Championship without entering the play-offs.[47] McCabe was released upon the expiry of his contract in June 2021.Airdrieonians
Rhys McCabe signed for Airdrieonians on a one-year deal in July 2021, joining the Scottish League One club as a central midfielder following his release from Queen of the South.[1] During his first season, he featured regularly, contributing to the team's competitive efforts in the league and cups.[12] In May 2022, McCabe was appointed player-manager at the age of 29, succeeding Ian Murray and becoming the youngest manager in the SPFL.[5] Over the subsequent seasons, he balanced managerial duties with on-field involvement, making 116 appearances and scoring 14 goals across all competitions from 2021 to 2025.[34] His playing time gradually decreased after the 2022 appointment as he focused more on coaching, but he remained a key figure in midfield when selected.[3] McCabe provided on-field leadership during significant achievements, including scoring from the penalty spot in the second leg of the 2022–23 League One play-off semi-final against Falkirk (6–2 aggregate win), and the play-off final victory over Hamilton Academical on penalties (4–4 aggregate), securing promotion to the Scottish Championship.[48] He also contributed to the club's successful cup campaign, captaining the side in the 2024 SPFL Trust Trophy final against The New Saints, which Airdrieonians won 2–1 to claim the trophy for the first time since 2009.[49] These moments highlighted his dual role in driving team performance through experience and tactical awareness on the pitch.[50] McCabe's final playing involvement came in the early 2025–26 Championship season, with one appearance before his resignation as player-manager on 15 August 2025.[51]International career
Under-21 career
McCabe earned his first call-up to the Scotland under-21 national team in 2012, based on his form with Rangers' youth and first-team squads.[20][52] He made his debut on 25 April 2012 in a friendly against Italy, coming on as a substitute during Scotland's 1–4 defeat at Easter Road, Edinburgh.[53][54] McCabe's inclusion highlighted his emerging potential as a central midfielder, with the match serving as an opportunity to compete against strong European opposition.[53] McCabe secured two additional caps in the 2012–2013 period. On 6 September 2012, he played in a 3–0 win over Luxembourg at St Mirren Park in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier, contributing to a solid midfield performance.[53][55] His final under-21 appearance came on 6 February 2013, in a 1–1 draw away to Greece, where he tested the goalkeeper early in the match.[53][56] In total, McCabe won three caps for Scotland under-21 between 2012 and 2013, without scoring, demonstrating his reliability against various European under-21 sides.[53]Senior career
Despite earning three caps for the Scotland under-21 national team between 2012 and 2013, McCabe did not progress to the senior level and received no call-ups for the Scotland senior team throughout his playing career.[53][11] His early promise at clubs like Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday positioned him as a potential senior candidate, but intense competition for midfield positions and varying club form prevented any squad inclusions beyond the youth setup. No senior considerations were reported after his under-21 appearances concluded in 2013.[57] As of 2025, following his resignation from his player-manager role at Airdrieonians in August, McCabe is no longer active as a player and thus retired from any potential international contention, remaining eligible for Scotland by birth.[58]Managerial career
Appointment at Airdrieonians
On 26 May 2022, Rhys McCabe was appointed as player-manager of Airdrieonians at the age of 29, marking him as the youngest manager in British professional football at the time.[59][60][61] Having joined the club as a player the previous summer from Queen of the South, McCabe stepped up to succeed Ian Murray, who had left for Raith Rovers after guiding Airdrieonians to the Scottish Championship play-off final.[62][59] His cousin and club captain Callum Fordyce was named player-assistant manager to support the transition.[62][60] McCabe's initial setup involved balancing on-field playing responsibilities with managerial duties in Scottish League One, allowing him to leverage his recent experience as a midfielder who had contributed seven goals in 40 appearances for the club.[59][62] He expressed enthusiasm for the role, viewing it as a natural progression toward a coaching career and committing to build on the team's prior momentum.[62] In early squad changes during the summer transfer window, McCabe focused on targeted reinforcements, signing defender Cammy Ballantyne from Montrose and goalkeeper/coach David Hutton to bolster the backline and goalkeeping options.[63] He also pursued a midfield replacement for Dylan Easton, who had departed for Raith Rovers, while retaining the core squad to preserve team familiarity and form.[63] His tactical setup prioritized players aligned with the club's established playing style, with an emphasis on youth development evident in the permanent signing of 18-year-old midfielder Justin Devenny from Kilmarnock, who quickly integrated and showed promise in pre-season and early matches.[63][64]Key achievements
Under Rhys McCabe's management, Airdrieonians achieved promotion from Scottish League One to the Championship in the 2022–23 season by triumphing in the promotion playoffs. The team finished third in the regular season before overcoming Falkirk 6–2 on aggregate in the semi-finals and securing a 2–1 aggregate victory over Hamilton Academical in the final, with a 1–0 second-leg win at Excelsior Stadium clinching the ascent.[65] A major highlight came in the 2023–24 Scottish Challenge Cup, where Airdrieonians defeated The New Saints 2–1 in the final on 24 March 2024 at Falkirk Stadium, with goals from Gabby McGill and Callum Fordyce sealing the triumph. This marked the club's first win in the competition since 2008–09, ending a 15-year drought, and made McCabe, at 31, the youngest manager to lift the trophy.[49] In the subsequent 2023–24 Scottish Championship campaign, Airdrieonians recorded a fourth-place finish with 56 points from 36 matches, ensuring a top-half position and qualification for the end-of-season promotion playoffs against Partick Thistle. This result underscored the team's competitiveness in the second tier following promotion.[66] McCabe's tenure emphasized the nurturing of young talent, integrating academy prospects into the first team and facilitating high-profile moves, such as midfielder Justin Devenny's transfer to Crystal Palace in August 2023 after a standout loan spell. His tactical setup, often featuring fluid attacking play and youth integration, contributed to these milestones by balancing experience with emerging players.[67][14]Resignation
On 15 August 2025, just two league games into the 2025–26 Scottish Championship season, Rhys McCabe resigned from his position as player-manager of Airdrieonians, citing the need to step back from the rigours of management to spend more time with his young family.[58][10] McCabe's departure marked the first managerial exit in the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) for the 2025–26 season, leaving the club to appoint defender Aaron Taylor-Sinclair as caretaker manager, supported by coaches Bryan Prunty and David Hutton, while a permanent replacement search began; Danny Lennon was later confirmed as the new head coach on 28 August 2025.[10][68][69] In reflecting on his three-year tenure, which began in May 2022, McCabe and the club highlighted the challenges of balancing his dual roles as player and manager, with the club praising his "enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism" in both capacities amid achievements like promotion to the Championship and a club-record unbeaten league run.[58][70] As of November 2025, McCabe remains without a club in either a playing or managerial capacity, with no confirmed future moves.[11]Personal life
Family background
Rhys McCabe hails from a family with deep roots in central Scotland, particularly West Lothian, where he was born in Polbeth on 24 July 1992.[1] Growing up in this region, McCabe was surrounded by family members involved in Scottish football, including his aunt Shelley Kerr and cousin Callum Fordyce, which contributed to his early interest in the sport. Public details on his parents and any siblings remain limited. A prominent figure in McCabe's family is his aunt, Shelley Kerr, the former manager of the Scotland women's national team, who guided the side to their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup appearance in 2019.[71] Kerr, the youngest of four siblings raised in Polbeth, followed her two older brothers into football, becoming the first girl to play for a boys' team in the area and later earning 59 caps as a defender for Scotland.[72] This familial legacy extends to other relatives, including McCabe's cousin Callum Fordyce, a professional defender, underscoring a broader interest in Scottish football across generations.[73] McCabe has described his relationship with Kerr as supportive yet not overly directive in his career decisions, noting a "great relationship" where she offers guidance when sought but does not engage in daily football discussions.[74] This dynamic highlights Kerr's role as a positive influence rather than a primary shaper of his path, allowing McCabe to forge his own trajectory in the sport amid the family's central Scottish heritage.[13]Private life
Rhys McCabe has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his prominence in Scottish football. Following his resignation as player-manager of Airdrieonians in August 2025, McCabe emphasized the need to spend more time with his young family, highlighting his efforts to balance familial responsibilities with the demands of his career.[68][58] Born in Polbeth, Scotland, McCabe continues to reside in the country, adopting a low-key lifestyle as a former professional footballer and manager.[12]Statistics
Playing statistics
Rhys McCabe amassed 333 appearances, 30 goals, and 28 assists across his club career in various domestic leagues, cups, and limited European competitions.[3] His statistics reflect contributions primarily in Scottish and Irish lower divisions, with earlier spells in England and brief European exposure. Following his resignation as player-manager of Airdrieonians on 15 August 2025, McCabe has not played further, leaving the 2025–26 season incomplete.[75][3]Club Statistics (All Competitions)
The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of McCabe's club appearances, goals, and assists, aggregated across league matches, domestic cups, and European fixtures where applicable. Detailed competition splits show the majority of his play in league games, domestic cups, and Europe (2 appearances, 0 goals, 0 assists).[3]| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | Rangers | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| 2012–13 | Portsmouth | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| 2013–14 | Portsmouth / Sheffield Wednesday | 14 | 1 | 2 |
| 2014–15 | Portsmouth | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Dunfermline Athletic | 18 | 2 | 3 |
| 2016–17 | Dunfermline Athletic | 33 | 3 | 2 |
| 2017–18 | Sligo Rovers | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018–19 | Sligo Rovers | 37 | 2 | 3 |
| 2019–20 | Brechin City / St Patrick's Athletic | 32 | 1 | 2 |
| 2020–21 | Queen of the South | 26 | 0 | 4 |
| 2021–22 | Airdrieonians | 41 | 8 | 5 |
| 2022–23 | Airdrieonians | 37 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023–24 | Airdrieonians | 25 | 3 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Airdrieonians | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Airdrieonians | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 333 | 30 | 28 |
International career
Under-21 career
McCabe represented Scotland at under-21 level, earning 3 caps between 2012 and 2013 without scoring or assisting.[53]| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland U21 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Senior career
McCabe did not earn any senior international caps for Scotland.[76]| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland senior | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Managerial statistics
Rhys McCabe served as manager of Airdrieonians from 26 May 2022 until his resignation on 15 August 2025, during which he oversaw 153 matches.[77] His overall managerial record at the club was 67 wins, 28 draws, and 58 losses, yielding 229 points and an average of 1.50 points per match (PPM).[77] The team scored 265 goals and conceded 239 during his tenure.[77]By Season
| Season | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For:Against | PPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46 | 25 | 8 | 13 | 88:58 | 1.80 |
| 2023/24 | 54 | 23 | 10 | 21 | 92:82 | 1.44 |
| 2024/25 | 50 | 19 | 10 | 21 | 71:79 | 1.34 |
| 2025/26* | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8:10 | 0.67 |
| *Partial season up to resignation.[77][75] |
By Competition
| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For:Against | PPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish League (Championship/League One) | 118 | 53 | 22 | 43 | 189:177 | 1.54 |
| Promotion/Relegation Play-offs | 16 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 25:28 | 1.19 |
| Domestic Cups (Scottish Cup, League Cup, Challenge Cup, SPFL Trust Trophy) | 19 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 51:34 | 1.53 |
| Total | 153 | 67 | 28 | 58 | 265:239 | 1.50 |
| [77] |
Home vs. Away (League Matches Only)
| Venue | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For:Against | PPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 59 | 31 | 11 | 17 | 106:72 | 1.75 |
| Away | 59 | 22 | 11 | 26 | 83:105 | 1.32 |
| [77] |