John McKenna

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John McKenna (1855 – March 1936) was an Irish self-made businessman and former rugby player. He was a friend of John Houlding and remained with him after Everton left Anfield for Goodison Park.

McKenna used his Irish connections to fish for players in Glasgow, including Duncan McClean, James McBride, Malcolm McVean, Hugh McQueen, Matt McQueen, John McCartney, Bill McOwen and Joe McQue.

It was McKenna, acting as the club's secretary, who telegraphed the Football League asking for Liverpool to be admitted to it. He did not disclose his plan to anyone, but it worked - Liverpool were invited into the Football League. They played their first Football League match away to Middlesbrough Ironopolis on September 2, 1893, and won 2-0. After an hour's play, it was McVean who broke the deadlock.