| Bth | 25/10/50 | Bristol | |
| P/H | Gk | 5’ 11” | |
| Jnd | 11/03/75 | Torquay | £25,000 |
| Deb | 12/04/75 | Everton (H) | D1 |
| Dep | 11/78 | Chicago Stings | £40,000 |
| App/Gls | 138 |
Mick Mahoney had made over 150 first team appearances for Fourth Division Torquay and had been their Player of the Year for the past two seasons when Joe Harvey snapped him up towards the end of the 1974/75 season.
Mahoney made his debut soon after he arrived and took over from McFaul in 1975/76 helping United reach the League Cup Final. He established himself as one of the best 'keepers in the country over the next two seasons and was voted United's Player of the Year in 1976/77.
Although it was a big step up from the Fourth to the First he adapted very well and worked hard at improving his overall game. An agile keeper he possessed good reflexes and good hands.
He was capable of making some excellent stops, including the BBC’s Save of the Season in 1975/76 for an effort against Ipswich at Portman Road. Popular with the fans the chant “Mick Mahoney, Super Goalie, la la la la la” was regularly aired.
However the signings of two new goalkeepers Roger Jones (in 1975/76) and then Steve Hardwick (in 1976/77) appeared to undermine his confidence and his form during the disastrous 1977/78 relegation season.
He wasn't rated by new manager Bill McGarry and he joined the exodus of players to the United States.
Before Mahoney arrived on Tyneside he was nicknamed “Adge” after Adge Cutler, the lead singer of the Wurzels.
Started his professional career at hometown club Bristol City in August 1968 before moving to Torquay initially on loan and then permanently in August 1970. He was their Player of the Year in 1972/73 and 1973/74.
Signed from Torquay in March, aged 24 and made his debut in the 1-0 home defeat against Everton.
Won BBC’s Save of the Season in 1975/76 for an effort against Ipswich at Portman Road. Helped United reach the League Cup Final but was one of the many players struck down by influenza in the week leading up to it. Lost his place in the side to new signing Roger Jones but Mahoney got back in when Jones injured his thigh.
Mick was unsettled during the summer as he thought he might have to play second fiddle to Roger Jones. But a wrist injury and then a knee complaint kept the former Blackburn 'keeper out and Mahoney went from strength to strength. He played in every game and was named Player of the Year.
As with the vast majority of the players Mahoney was in dispute over his contract during the summer. He wanted a 2-year contract but was only offered 1-year. He only agreed to sign two days before the opening game. Mahoney suffered from injuries and loss of form whilst also being felled by a beer bottle in the UEFA Cup match at Bohemians.
Already transfer listed Mahoney asked to be dropped after the first four games of the season; McGarry stating that he was suffering from a lack of confidence. He became one of the many soccer exiles in America when he was sold to Chicago Stings in November.
Painting by Piotr