Paddy McLaughlin

Patrick Joseph McLaughlin (born 14 January 1991) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Darlington. He has played in the Football League for the club. McLaughlin previously played for Newcastle United, Grimsby Town, Harrogate Town, Gateshead, Hartlepool United and Kidderminster Harriers. He has represented Northern Ireland at levels up to under-21.

Club career Early career

Born in Larne, County Antrim, McLaughlin began his career at Newcastle United in July 2007. He signed a professional contract a year later but he never played a match at St James' Park. In June 2011, McLaughlin was released by Newcastle after four years at the club.

McLaughlin signed for Conference Premier club York City on 30 June 2011 on a two-year contract. McLaughlin said "I thought York was the best club for me. The gaffer has given me the chance to come down here and play some football." Eight days later, he came on as an 86th-minute substitute in the 2–1 win over Luton Town in the 2012 Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley Stadium, seeing the club win promotion to League Two after an eight-year absence from the Football League. He finished the season with 55 appearances and scored 13 goals.

Grimsby Town and Gateshead McLaughlin signed for Conference Premier club Grimsby Town on 28 June 2013 on a two-year contract. Following 2013–14, in which he was a regular in the team that was defeated in the semi-final of both the Conference Premier play-offs and the FA Trophy, McLaughlin found himself less involved with the first team during 2014–15. This prompted him to join Conference North club Harrogate Town on loan in March 2015. He was released by Grimsby at the end of the season.

McLaughlin signed for National League club Gateshead on 10 July 2015 on a one-year contract. After scoring 4 goals in 41 appearances during 2015–16,

Hartlepool United and York City return McLaughlin signed for Gateshead's National League rivals Hartlepool United on 26 June 2018 on a contract of undisclosed length. He rejoined York City on 23 January 2019 on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season, with the club now in the National League North. He signed for the club permanently on 30 April 2019 on a two-year contract.

On 14 November 2022, McLaughlin signed for Kidderminster Harriers on a month's loan.

On 24 October 2025, McLaughlin joined National League North club Darlington on a one-month loan deal. On 1 December 2025, Darlington confirmed that McLaughlin's loan had been extended until the end of the season.

McLaughlin's playing contract would expire at the end of the 2025/26 season. York confirmed that McLaughlin had been offered a non-playing role at the club after their promotion to EFL League Two.

Permanent return to Darlington

On 5 June 2026, it was confirmed that McLaughlin would return to National League North club Darlington for the 2026/27 season after impressing on loan from York City the season before. He signed on a free transfer after his playing contract at York expired.

International career McLaughlin has represented Northern Ireland at various youth levels, up to under-21 level. He earned 10 caps for the under-21 team from 2010 to 2012.

Career statistics + Appearances and goal by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2011–12 Conference Premier

2012–13 League Two

2013–14 National League

2016–17 National League North

2020–21 National League North

2021–22 National League North

2022–23 Conference Premier play-offs: 2012