Among the many storylines during Chattanooga FC's 2025 season, one that perhaps flew under the radar in the late summer months and business end of the season was the absence of captain Alex McGrath.
McGrath suffered a season-ending injury in the dying minutes of just the third league game of the season, in Kennesaw against Atlanta United 2. There is never a good time to lose your captain, but it coming that early in the campaign and on the eve of the team's second round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match with Red Wolves, his absence was felt immensely.
Despite not being able to contribute on the field with his relentess pressing, incredible engine and leadership, McGrath was a leader behind the scenes.
Head Coach Chris Nugent and McGrath's teammates spoke of his impact numerous times throughout the season and how much he was missed, which is why this week's news of his new contract will be welcome by everyone associated with Chattanooga Football Club.
"It's because of CFC and Chattanooga as a place that I want to be here," said McGrath. "My wife wants to be here as well, so it makes things a lot easier.
"I'm just excited to get back on the field next season and playing in front of the fans again. When you're sitting out for quite awhile, you know it's part of being a professional footballer, but it doesn't make it any easier. I just want to contribute to more success for the team and keep building off the great season the lads had this year."
It can be easy to forget that the team endured a ten-match winless run in the middle of the season, especially given its eight-match unbeaten streak to wrap up the regular season.
"There was a lot of grit and determination (in the team's 2025 performances), not just from the lads who were here previously, but also the new players who came in throughout the season. I thought everyone contributed really well, even those who came off the bench. That's credit to everyone involved. Everyone got their head down and kept going. It's never going to be smooth-sailing all season. There's going to be ups and downs. The way everyone bounced back was a credit to everyone, and it sets a good foundation for everyone to build on next season."
McGrath grew up in the former coal mining town of Spennymoor, England, just 25 miles south of Sunderland's Stadium of Light, but he has made Chattanooga, Tennessee his home.
"It's all about the people... the fans and other people I've met in the community. It's been a place that was easy to integrate into. The football is also a big part of it. I've enjoyed my football here. I've got that work-life balance. Being in school in North Carolina [Appalachian State University], it's a little bit similar in the area. I always look forward to coming back to the South."
McGrath relishes being captain of Chattanooga FC and representing the club, its supporters and the city and describes his style of leadership as being an "example".
"There's pressures that come with that, and thankfully there's some really good lads in and around the team who I can lean on, too. Farid [Sar-Sar] did a fantastic job leading the team this year. It's great having people like him and Eldin [Jakupović]. Even some of the younger lads, who you may not think at first would have those leadership qualities, but there's plenty you can speak to. Credit to the likes of Luke Husakiwsky who came in mid-season. He's open to learning a lot of stuff. Keegan [Ancelin], Nathan [Koehler], there's a lot of lads who are open to learn but also offer a lot of qualities to the team. We've got a good balance, and hopefully we continue to build on that and keep going with integrating experience with the younger side of the team and putting that together. It's a great honor to wear the armband and play for CFC."
Nugent spoke of how impactful McGrath's absence on the pitch was for the team on multiple occasions, and speaking about McGrath's new contract, he said everyone was "raring to see him back."
"That's obviously a big part of my decision as well, staying somewhere I feel valued. It's great hearing that from the coach's standpoint. The support I got from everyone when I got injured was incredible. That's what makes it easier coming back, knowing I've got that support and everyone has my best interests in mind. That motivates and gives me confidence to come back stronger."
McGrath's hobby as a DJ and love for music is well documented, so it was only appropriate to conclude the interview by getting a taste of what is on heavy rotation for him during the off-season.
"When I find new songs I like, I play them until I get sick of them. I've got a heavy rotation mix that Apple Music puts together, so it's got things like 'Latch' by Disclosure, that's one of the main ones. 'Waves' by Mr. Probz is up there, 'My Love' by Route 94... but I also like a lot of country music as well like Jason Aldean. I also like 3 Doors Down to bring back the 2000s rock."
