Tony McMahon

McMahon played football for Barnard Castle and Byers Green before joining Middlesbrough at the age of 12.{{cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/october/the-lowdown-tony-mcmahon/ |title=The Lowdown: Tony McMahon |publisher=Blackpool F.C. |date=12 October 2014 |access-date=3 October 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605195155/https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/october/the-lowdown-tony-mcmahon/ |archive-date=5 June 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tony-mcmahon-3760895 |title=Tony McMahon |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Teesside Live |date=4 October 2006 |access-date=4 October 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301181422/http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/tm_headline=tony-mcmahon&method=full&objectid=17868652&siteid=109975-name_page.html |archive-date=1 March 2012}} He took up a three-year scholarship in 2002,{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/boro-sign-up-magnificent-seven-1993558.aspx |title=Boro sign up magnificent seven |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=14 March 2002 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811122824/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/boro-sign-up-magnificent-seven-1993558.aspx |archive-date=11 August 2015}} and was a member of the Middlesbrough team that lost to Manchester United in the final of the 2002–03 FA Youth Cup. He signed professional terms in 2003,{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/tony-mcmahon-1948037.aspx |title=Tony McMahon |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827130841/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/tony-mcmahon-1948037.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}} and captained the youth team{{snd}}which included the likes of Andrew Taylor, David Wheater and Adam Johnson{{snd}}to the 2003–04 FA Youth Cup title.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/the-secret-is-out-1947989.aspx |title=The secret is out! |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=7 October 2004 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811131607/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/the-secret-is-out-1947989.aspx |archive-date=11 August 2015}}

He was increasingly involved with the first team, and on 3 October 2004, after Franck Queudrue failed a late fitness test, the 18-year-old McMahon made his senior debut in the starting eleven for a 1–1 Premier League draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.{{cite news|title=I'm so proud of Boro|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/im-so-proud-of-boro-3818849|website=Gazette Live|date=4 October 2004|access-date=6 June 2020}} He made a European debut on 21 October in the UEFA Cup group stage away win at Egaleo,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3758966.stm |title=Aigaleo 0–1 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=21 October 2004 |access-date=5 October 2020}} and continued in the team well into December, mostly as a starter, taking his appearance tally to 14. His performances earned plaudits from Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen,{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/6966769.mcmahon-taking-fame-game-stride/ |title=McMahon taking the fame game in his stride |first=Scott |last=Wilson |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=28 December 2004 |access-date=5 October 2020}} Middlesbrough team-mate Ray Parlour,{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tip-for-the-top-3810006 |title=Tip for the top |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=25 November 2004 |access-date=5 October 2020}} and manager Steve McClaren, who said that "If anyone can handle Old Trafford in the way in which Tony did on his debut, then we know that he can be relied on in the future. He did well again at Blackburn and, while he is still very young, he can have a bright future if he continues to learn and make progress."{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/teenagers-with-talent-3819961 |title=Teenagers with talent |website=Gazette Live |date=20 October 2004 |access-date=5 October 2020}} After Boro's injury crisis eased with the return of more established defenders in Michael Reiziger and Stuart Parnaby, McMahon played little in the second half of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boro-3-aston-villa-0-3808092 |title=Boro 3, Aston Villa 0 |website=Gazette Live |date=20 December 2004 |access-date=5 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/top-wrong-table-3803883 |title=On top of the wrong table |first=Anthony |last=Vickers |website=Gazette Live |date=8 February 2005 |access-date=5 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stus-wing--back-aim-3801781 |title=Stu's wing-back aim |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=5 March 2005 |access-date=5 October 2020}} In February 2005, his contract was extended to run until June 2008.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/tony-signs-new-contract-1949150.aspx |title=Tony signs new contract |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=4 February 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827131725/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/tony-signs-new-contract-1949150.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}} In mid-March, he started in the 1–0 away defeat against Sporting CP in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup that eliminated Middlesbrough from the competition,{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sporting-lisbon-1-boro-0-3802579 |title=Sporting Lisbon 1, Boro 0 |website=Gazette Live |date=18 March 2005 |access-date=5 October 2020}} but suffered knee damage that required surgery and six weeks' rehabilitation.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/keeper-nash-to-complete-transfer-3802997 |title=Keeper Nash to complete transfer |website=Gazette Live |date=24 March 2005 |access-date=5 October 2020}} McMahon made 19 appearances during the season, and was voted the club's Players' Young Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/players-awards-for-stew-and-tony-1950191.aspx |title=Player's Awards for Stew and Tony |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=7 May 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827133158/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/players-awards-for-stew-and-tony-1950191.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}}

McMahon's next three seasons were ruined by injury. He dislocated a shoulder during a reserve match in August, returned to reserve-team action five months later, and did not appear for the first team for another four weeks, when he played the first half of a fifth-round FA Cup tie.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/the-big-match-preview-3792654 |title=The big match preview |website=Gazette Live |date=12 August 2005 |access-date=5 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mcmahon-delighted-after-run-out-3783063 |title=McMahon delighted after run-out |website=Gazette Live |date=25 January 2006 |access-date=5 October 2020}}
{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/matches/reports/0,,1~32436,00.html |title=Preston North End 0 Boro 2 |first=Gordon |last=Cox |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=19 February 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111052640/http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/matches/reports/0,,1~32436,00.html |archive-date=11 January 2014}} He lasted less than ten minutes of the Premier League visit to Charlton Athletic before a poor tackle by Bryan Hughes inflicted medial ligament damage to his knee that kept him out for another six weeks, and he played just twice more at the end of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fresh-injury-fears-young-defender-3777560 |title=Fresh injury fears for young defender |website=Gazette Live |date=13 March 2006 |access-date=6 June 2020}}

Under the management of former Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate, McMahon was one of several young players with first-team experience who struggled for game time in the first few weeks of the 2006–07 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hands-off-3763982 |title=Hands off |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=16 September 2006 |access-date=6 October 2020}} Apart from one League Cup tie, he had played only reserve-team football by 19 October 2006, when he broke his leg during a match against Liverpool's reserves. He returned to reserve-team action after four months,{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/injury-woes-on-the-mend-3753779 |title=Injury woes on the mend |website=Gazette Live |date=27 February 2007 |access-date=6 October 2020}} and was included on the bench for a Premier League match in April,{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bernies-bolt-much-work-still-3745165|title=Bernie's Bolt: So much work still to be done |website=Gazette Live |date=3 May 2007 |access-date=6 October 2020}} but an injury sustained in training, initially described as "a knock" that was not thought serious,{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/injury-jinx-strikes-again-unlucky-3745585 |title=Injury jinx strikes again for unlucky McMahon |website=Gazette Live |date=9 May 2007 |access-date=6 October 2020}} but in fact another broken leg,{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2006-08/tony-the-tangerine-1938503.aspx |title=Tony The Tangerine |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=10 November 2007 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827140330/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2006-08/tony-the-tangerine-1938503.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}}{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/mcmahon-two-ex-middlesbrough-players-14760627 |title=McMahon on two ex-Middlesbrough players Pulis should sign, special Neville moment and his coaching dream |first=Dominic |last=Shaw |website=Gazette Live |date=10 June 2018 |access-date=7 October 2020}} not only put an end to his comeback but also delayed the start of his 2007–08 campaign.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mendi-battles-boro-future-3740255 |title=Mendi battles on for Boro future |website=Gazette Live |date=5 September 2007 |access-date=6 October 2020}}

Having returned to fitness with the reserves, McMahon joined Championship club Blackpool on 10 November 2007 on a month's loan. He made his debut the same day, and "fitted in well" as Blackpool beat Scunthorpe United 1–0 at Bloomfield Road.{{cite news |url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/1824167.blackpool-1-scunthorpe-0/ |title=Blackpool 1 Scunthorpe 0 |first=Mike |last=Kewley |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |date=10 November 2007 |access-date=7 October 2020}} Ten minutes into his second match, he injured a hamstring and did not return to action until well into the new year.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/injury-agony-strikes-again-mcmahon-3738846 |title=Injury agony strikes again for McMahon |website=Gazette Live |date=27 November 2007 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/taylors-joy-return-action-3734240 |title=Taylor's joy at return to action |website=Gazette Live |date=12 March 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}} His only first-team outing was for 15 minutes in the last game of the season, an 8–1 victory over Manchester City. At the end of the season, he signed a one-year contract extension.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/middlesbrough/7498014.stm |title=Academy due complete Boro deals |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 July 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}}

McMahon joined Championship club Sheffield Wednesday on an initial month's loan on 21 August 2008. Although signed after their right-back Richard Hinds broke his leg,{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/3612240.mcmahon-makes-wednesday-loan-switch/ |title=McMahon makes Wednesday loan switch |first=Matt |last=Westcott |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=21 August 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}} it was the quality of his passing in attack that particularly impressed manager Brian Laws about his debut.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/7582353.stm |title=Laws pleased with McMahon debut |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}} McMahon was selected in the Championship Team of the Week after his performance against Watford on 13 September,{{cite web |url=http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~1394590,00.html |title=McMahon makes Team of the Week |publisher=Sheffield Wednesday F.C. |date=16 September 2008 |access-date=21 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918054037/http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10304~1394590,00.html |archive-date=18 September 2008}} and his loan was extended to the three-month maximum.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11680/4170852/mcmahon-needed-at-hillsborough |title=McMahon needed at Hillsborough |first=Ashley |last=Marshall |publisher=Sky Sports |date=20 September 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}} He was sent off for a bad tackle on Barnsley's Rob Kozluk on 21 October,{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/4370113/football |title=Davey – I got a bit heated |publisher=Sky Sports |date=22 October 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}} and was recalled by Middlesbrough to serve the resulting three-match ban with them. He returned to Wednesday on 3 November for the last month of his loan,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/7706291.stm |title=McMahon agrees Wednesday return |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}} and in his 15th and final appearance he scored his first senior goal:{{cite news |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A190700529/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=STND&xid=9d86b0e1 |title=Just lovin' it: McMahon's delight at return |first=Adam |last=Steel |newspaper=Evening Gazette |location=Middlesbrough |date=16 December 2008 |page=44 |access-date=7 October 2020 |via=Gale OneFile: News |url-access=subscription}} from an inswinging corner, "McMahon arrived in the six-yard box in the centre of the goal to power a header" past Norwich City's goalkeeper to level the scores at 1–1 in a match that Wednesday won 3–2.{{cite news |url=https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/sheffield-wednesday-3-norwich-city-2-1-643997 |title=Sheffield Wednesday 3, Norwich City 2 |newspaper=The Pink 'Un |location=Norwich |date=29 November 2008 |access-date=7 October 2020}}

With Justin Hoyte unavailable after surgery, McMahon made his first Middlesbrough appearance of the season in a 1–1 draw with Arsenal on 13 December. He performed well, and was involved in Boro's goal. He was more or less a regular in the side as injury cover, for Emmanuel Pogatetz and Andrew Taylor as well as Hoyte, as the team faced an ultimately unsuccessful struggle against relegation to the Championship.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-boy-king-set-big-3723888 |title=New boy King set for big Blues challenge |website=Gazette Live |date=26 January 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/boro-1-portsmouth-1-3719053 |title=Boro 1 Portsmouth 1 |first=Anthony |last=Vickers |website=Gazette Live |date=14 March 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boro-focused-avoid-disaster---3720381 |title=Boro are focused to avoid 'disaster' – McMahon |website=Gazette Live |date=17 April 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/boro-lose-2-1-relegated-3721720 |title=Boro lose 2–1 and are relegated |website=Gazette Live |date=24 May 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}} With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, McMahon believed his performances were proving his long-term fitness: "I've had a full season now of not being injured. I went out on loan, played well and then came back and got back in the team. I was then out of the team for a while but now I'm back in and I'm getting my head down and working hard and hopefully everything will fall into place."{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mcmahon-aiming-play-way-new-3719116 |title=McMahon aiming to play his way to new Boro deal |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}} Manager and club concurred, and McMahon signed a three-year contract extension.{{cite news |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/boro-fc/boro-fc-news/2009/05/02/sothgate-backs-mcmahon-s-boro-captain-ambition-84229-23525788/ |title=Southgate backs McMahon's captain ambition |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=2 May 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}}

Selected ahead of Hoyte by Southgate to start the opening match of the 2009–10 season, a goalless draw with Sheffield United, McMahon's performance earned him a place in the Football League Team of the Week.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-tough-game---tony-3715771 |title=Swansea to be tough game – Tony McMahon |website=Gazette Live |date=14 August 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}} The team continued to be sound defensively and McMahon continued at right back until a 5–0 loss at home to West Bromwich Albion saw him dropped in favour of Hoyte.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/coventry-2-boro-2-3715187 |title=Coventry 2 Boro 2 |website=Gazette Live |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=7 October 2020}} McMahon played in the next three matches before returning to the substitutes' bench for a month, but after a further couple of months in the side he was discovered to have a stress fracture of the foot that kept him out until several weeks into the 2010–11 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/oneil-pogatetz-hope-blackpool-return-3709316 |title=O'Neil and Pogatetz hope for Blackpool return |website=Gazette Live |date=15 February 2010 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/coach-mcallister-looking-more-boro-3698866 |title=Coach McAllister looking for more from Boro |website=Gazette Live |date=8 September 2010 |access-date=7 October 2020}} McMahon played regularly throughout the remainder of the season, mainly as a starter, scored twice with free kicks, including Middlesbrough's opener in a 3–2 win at Millwall,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9379905.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2–0 Scunthorpe United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 February 2011 |access-date=8 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9399327.stm |title=Millwall 2–3 Middlesbrough |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2011 |access-date=8 October 2020}} and was involved in both goals in a 2–1 win against Derby County in March that took Middlesbrough six points clear of the relegation places.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/9415419.stm |title=Middlesbrough 2–1 Derby County |publisher=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2011 |access-date=8 October 2020}}

That began a run of league games that lasted from March to mid-October with only one defeat,{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1697&teamTabs=results |title=Middlesbrough Results |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=8 October 2020}} Select season required via dropdown menu. in which McMahon featured regularly. In the second half of the 2011–12 season he was mainly selected on the bench, but still managed 39 appearances in all competitions. He made clear he did not want to leave the club,{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mcmahon-hoping-complete-boro-deal-3674206 |title=McMahon hoping to complete Boro deal |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=3 April 2012 |access-date=8 October 2020}} and his involvement with the local area was reflected in his Community Player of the Year award,{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/fans/supporters-clubs/0,,1~52176,00.html |title=Fans hail main man Robbo |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=15 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630173337/http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/fans/supporters-clubs/0,,1~52176,00.html |archive-date=30 June 2012}} but failure to reach the play-offs meant pay cuts would be necessary,{{cite news |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A290265578/STND?u=wikipedia&sid=STND&xid=5d2d4926 |title=Boro's six appeal: Top half-dozen is Mowbray's aim for next season |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |newspaper=Evening Gazette |location=Middlesbrough |date=21 May 2012 |page=1 |access-date=8 October 2020 |via=Gale OneFile: News |url-access=subscription}} and although Middlesbrough made him an offer, he did not accept.{{cite news |url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mowbray-no-rush-boro-players-3673402 |title=Mowbray: No rush for Boro players to sign new deals |first=Philip |last=Tallentire |website=Gazette Live |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=8 October 2020 }}

McMahon signed a two-year deal with League One club Sheffield United at the end of July 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/18998201 |title=Sheffield United sign Shaun Miller, Tony McMahon & Matt Hill |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 July 2012 |access-date=9 October 2020}} He was given the same shirt number, 29, as he had at Middlesbrough.{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2012/august/numbers-game/ |title=Numbers game |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=7 August 2012 |access-date=6 June 2020}} He quickly established himself in the promotion-chasing side,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19718806 |title=Tony McMahon targets Sheffield United continuity |publisher=BBC Sport |date=26 September 2012 |access-date=9 October 2020}} and started every match as they remained unbeaten in the League until mid-November,{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2012/november/playing-with-a-smile/ |title=Playing with a smile |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=9 November 2012 |access-date=8 October 2020}} when hamstring problems meant he only played an hour's football in the next month.{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2012/november/wilson-hamstrung/ |title=Wilson hamstrung |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=9 October 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2012/november/blades-v-port-vale---team-news/ |title=Blades v Port Vale – team news |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=30 November 2012 |access-date=9 October 2020}} McMahon scored his first goals on 22 December with two {{convert|30|yard|abbr=out|adj=on}} free kicks to secure a 2–0 win over Crawley Town that took United to the top of the table;{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11719/8352049/mcmahon-brace-takes-blades-top |title=McMahon brace takes Blades top |publisher=Sky Sports |date=22 December 2012 |access-date=9 October 2020}} the second free kick was voted United's Goal of the Season.{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2013/april/awards-double-for-harry/ |title=Awards double for Harry |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=29 April 2013 |access-date=9 October 2020}} Despite an ongoing Achilles tendon problem, he continued as a regular, apart for a two-match suspension for ten yellow cards,{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2013/april/selection-dilemmas/ |title=Selection dilemmas |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=2 April 2013 |access-date=9 October 2020}} until the injury worsened in April. He missed the play-offs, in which United lost to Yeovil Town in the semi-final,{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/may/06/yeovil-town-sheffield-united-league-one |title=Yeovil Town and Ed Upson head to Wembley to Sheffield United's despair |website=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=6 May 2013 |access-date=9 October 2020}} and although there was no need for surgery, he still missed most of the following pre-season.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11683/8732398/No-surgery-for-Blades-defender |title=No surgery for Blades defender |publisher=Sky Sports |date=24 May 2013 |access-date=9 October 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2013/august/happy-to-be-back/ |title=Happy to be back |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=21 August 2013 |access-date=9 October 2020}}

On 17 August 2013, McMahon made his first appearance of the 2013–14 season, starting in a 1–1 draw with Colchester United, and was almost ever-present in the starting eleven until 24 January, when he left for Championship club Blackpool as part of an initial "loan-swap" with another full back, Bob Harris. According to manager Nigel Clough, "We have had to sacrifice Tony McMahon to get the deal done but, fortunately, we have managed to bring in John Brayford, which gives us further defensive options. We were not looking to move Tony on but with his contract up in the summer this gives him a chance to impress at Championship level."{{cite web |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2014/january/harris-arrives-as-mcmahon-departs/ |title=Harris arrives as McMahon departs |publisher=Sheffield United F.C. |date=24 January 2014 |access-date=9 October 2020}}

Despite not having trained with his new team-mates, McMahon made a second debut for Blackpool the next day in a 1–1 draw with Doncaster Rovers,{{cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/january/mcmahon-on-solid-second-debut/ |title=McMahon on solid second debut |publisher=Blackpool F.C. |date=25 January 2014 |access-date=9 October 2020}} and the move was made permanent a few days later.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27945922 |title=Tony McMahon: Blackpool defender signs new contract |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=9 October 2020}} Apart from a two-match suspension,{{cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/march/pre-match-brief-afc-bournemouth/ |title=Pre-match brief: AFC Bournemouth |publisher=Blackpool F.C. |date=7 March 2014 |access-date=9 October 2020}} he remained in the starting eleven, contributing to the team narrowly avoiding relegation and earning himself the Wonga Player of the Month award for March.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27167522 |title=Blackpool 0–3 Charlton Athletic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2014 |access-date=9 October 2020}}
{{cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/april/mcmahon-collects-march-award/ |title=McMahon collects March award |publisher=Blackpool F.C. |date=7 April 2014 |access-date=9 October 2020}}

In June 2014, McMahon became new Blackpool manager José Riga's first signing when he agreed a contract for one year with the option of a second. He was in select company: with less than two weeks to go before the start of the season, Blackpool had only eight contracted players, all outfielders.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackpool/10992919/Blackpool-have-only-eight-players.html |title=Blackpool FC fans furious as squad still has only eight players |first=Luke |last=Edwards |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London |date=26 July 2014 |access-date=10 October 2020}} Under McMahon's captaincy, the team achieved a first win on 6 October against Cardiff City,{{cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/october/mcmahon-proud-after-victory/ |title=McMahon proud after victory |publisher=Blackpool F.C. |date=6 October 2014 |access-date=16 October 2020}} He scored his first goal in the next match, a defeat to Huddersfield Town, and received his fifth yellow card in the next. After serving a one-match ban, McMahon was sent off after 41 minutes of the visit to Fulham on 5 November for "aiming a petulant kick at Hugo Rodallega". At the time, Blackpool led 2–0, but with only ten men were unable to retain the lead, and manager Lee Clark was angered and disappointed at his captain's behaviour.{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/9551585/mcmahon-petulance-frustrates-clark |title=Championship: Clark frustrated by McMahon red card in draw at Fulham |publisher=Sky Sports |date=6 November 2014 |access-date=16 October 2020}}

He returned to the team after his three-match suspension, initially as a substitute, and soon regained his starting place.{{cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2014/december/team-mcmahon-returns/ |title=Team: McMahon returns |publisher=Blackpool F.C. |date=13 December 2014 |access-date=16 October 2020}} He continued to collect yellow cards, and was serving a two-match ban in March 2015 when he was reported to have asked to leave Blackpool.{{cite web |url=https://www.teamtalk.com/news/blackpool-v-charlton-preview |title=Blackpool v Charlton preview |website=Teamtalk |date=16 March 2015 |access-date=16 October 2020}}

McMahon signed on loan for League One club Bradford City on 27 March 2015 until the end of the season.{{cite news |url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/blackpool-fc/pool-latest/thompson-mcmahon-asked-to-leave-blackpool-1-7191328 |title=Thompson: McMahon asked to leave Blackpool |newspaper=Blackpool Gazette |date=2 April 2015 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923230010/http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/blackpool-fc/pool-latest/thompson-mcmahon-asked-to-leave-blackpool-1-7191328 |archive-date=23 September 2015}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/11886624.mcmahon-relishing-fresh-start-at-bradford-city/ |title=McMahon relishing fresh start at Bradford City |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=28 March 2015 |access-date=6 October 2020}} He made his debut the next day as a late substitute, scored his first goal the following week, and started the last four matches of the season, in which Bradford City remained unbeaten.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/12928438.mcmahon-gutted-season-is-finishing-just-as-hes-getting-into-stride-with-bantams/ |title=McMahon gutted season is finishing just as he's getting into stride with Bantams |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=2 May 2015 |access-date=6 October 2020}}

Blackpool were relegated at the end of the 2014–15 season, and McMahon was one of a lengthy list of players released.{{cite news |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/blackpool-fc/pool-latest/pool-left-with-a-few-inexperienced-players-and-no-keeper-sound-familiar-1-7267507 |title=Pool left with a few inexperienced players and no keeper...sound familiar? |first=William |last=Watt |newspaper=Blackpool Gazette |date=19 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017153628/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/blackpool-fc/pool-latest/pool-left-with-a-few-inexperienced-players-and-no-keeper-sound-familiar-1-7267507 |archive-date=17 October 2015}} He signed a two-year contract with Bradford City on 3 July.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33384904 |title=Tony McMahon: Bradford City sign former Blackpool defender |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 July 2015 |access-date=3 July 2015}} He lost time in the early part of the season to a virus, but was soon able to establish himself in the side, despite his right-back position of choice being occupied by captain Stephen Darby. McMahon's versatility{{snd}}able to play at "right back, left back, pretty much anywhere across the back four and in midfield", according to manager Phil Parkinson{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/11884451.bradford-city-sheehans-frustration-at-lack-of-game-time-behind-posh-move/ |title=Bradford City: Sheehan's frustration at lack of game-time behind Posh move |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=27 March 2015 |access-date=6 October 2020}}{{snd}}added to his ability with free kicks and corners and his leadership qualities, made him easy to select.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/13839037.mcmahon-ill-fight-for-the-right-to-stay-in-bradford-city-team/ |title=McMahon: I'll fight for the right to stay in Bradford City team |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=10 October 2015 |access-date=6 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/13897965.wily-campaigner-happy-to-be-bradford-citys-mac-of-all-trades/ |title=Wily campaigner happy to be Bradford City's 'Mac of all trades' |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=6 October 2020}} His first goal of the season came in the FA Cup in November{{snd}}he ended the season with six, including one in the first leg of the play-off semi-final, which Bradford City lost 4–2 on aggregate to Millwall{{snd}}and he provided twelve assists.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14638202.mcmahon-right-man-for-the-job-in-bantams-defence/ |title=McMahon right man for the job in Bantams defence |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=23 July 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020}} He made 49 appearances over the season, all but one of which were in the starting eleven.

With Darby injured at the start of the 2016–17 season, McMahon returned to right-back and stood in as captain.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14681950.cullen-pulls-strings-for-city-slickers-as-bantams-turn-on-style/ |title=Cullen pulls strings for City slickers as Bantams turn on style |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=14 August 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14995375.review-of-year-too-many-draws-but-stylish-bantams-on-right-track/ |title=Review of year: Too many draws but stylish Bantams on right track |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=31 December 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020}} Ten days after performing the unusual feat of scoring twice in a penalty shoot-out as Bradford City lost 11–10 to Accrington Stanley,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36949672 |title=Accrington Stanley 0–0 Bradford City (11–10 pens) |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020}} McMahon scored two penalties in a 3–1 win against Coventry City before tearing a thigh muscle that kept him out until Christmas.{{cite news |title=McMahon injury takes gloss off Bradford City win |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14695373.mcmahon-injury-takes-gloss-off-bradford-city-win/ |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=20 August 2016 |access-date=7 October 2020}} He continued in the starting eleven, and scored twice in the penultimate match of the season, a 3–0 win against AFC Wimbledon that confirmed Bradford City's qualification for the play-offs.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39604936 |title=Bradford City 3–0 AFC Wimbledon |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2017 |access-date=7 October 2020}} Rory McArdle scored the only goal of the semi-final against Fleetwood Town from McMahon's corner,{{cite news |title=Another Bantams play-off party beckons as McArdle uses his head |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15266477.another-bantams-play-off-party-beckons-as-mcardle-uses-his-head/ |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39765840 |title=Fleetwood Town 0–0 Bradford City (agg. 0–1) |first=Peter |last=Scrivener |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2017 |access-date=7 October 2020}} but they lost in the final to a late Steve Morison goal for Millwall.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15299124.morisons-late-goal-shatters-bantams-promotion-dream-at-wembley/ |title=Morison's late goal shatters Bantams promotion dream at Wembley |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=20 May 2017 |access-date=7 October 2020}} With his contract due to expire and amid interest from clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End, McMahon delayed accepting an offer to stay with Bradford City, but in early July, he signed for another year.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15375175.bradford-city-in-dark-over-defender-tony-mcmahons-future/ |title=Bradford City in dark over defender Tony McMahon's future |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=28 June 2017 |access-date=7 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11745/10935366/tony-mcmahon-stays-with-bradford-city |title=Tony McMahon and Rouven Sattelmaier stay with Bradford City |publisher=Sky Sports |date=3 July 2017 |access-date=7 October 2020}}

McMahon was frequently involved in City's goals,{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15555594.mcmahon-happy-to-help-in-strong-bantams-run/ |title=McMahon happy to help in strong Bantams run |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=26 September 2017 |access-date=9 October 2020}} and the first of his own, in a 1–0 win against Northampton Town, was voted League One Goal of the Month for September. The nomination read how "with almost no run-up, McMahon timed his clip over the Northampton wall into the top corner to perfection".{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11751/11077926/sky-bet-goal-of-the-month-james-maddison-tony-mcmahon-and-shaun-miller-pick-up-september-awards |title=Sky Bet Goal of the Month: James Maddison, Tony McMahon and Shaun Miller pick up September awards |publisher=Sky Sports |date=October 2017 |access-date=9 October 2020}} He made his 100th appearance for the club against Doncaster Rovers on 30 September.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15571727.bradford-city-stalwart-mcmahon-relishing-serious-business/ |title=Bradford City stalwart McMahon relishing serious business |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=3 October 2017 |access-date=9 October 2020}} Injuries and illness disrupted his season in December and January, during which the club turned down a bid for his services from Scunthorpe United.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15708492.stuart-mccall-bradford-city-ready-to-do-it-the-hard-way-to-nail-rochdale/ |title=Stuart McCall: Bradford City ready to do it the hard way to nail Rochdale |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=8 December 2017 |access-date=9 October 2020}}
{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15808533.bradford-city-gilliead-extends-loan-for-rest-of-the-season/ |title=Bradford City: Gilliead extends loan for rest of the season |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=4 January 2018 |access-date=9 October 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15802485.bradford-city-stuart-mccall-wants-to-keep-tony-mcmahon-after-scunthorpe-bid/ |title=Bradford City: Stuart McCall wants to keep Tony McMahon after Scunthorpe bid |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=3 January 2018 |access-date=8 October 2020}} He returned to the team in February and was a fixture in the starting line-up for the rest of the season. McMahon was released when his contract expired, after playing 128 matches and scoring 14 goals in just over three seasons.{{cite news |url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16233587.Bradford_City_release_McMahon_and_Law/ |title=Bradford City: Club announce retained list |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=17 May 2018 |access-date=9 October 2020}}

In June 2018, McMahon signed a two-year deal with Oxford United of League One.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44641887 |title=Tony McMahon: Oxford United sign Bradford City defender |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 June 2018 |access-date=15 October 2020}} He began the season in the starting eleven for two successive defeats, and his place was threatened by the poor start, competition and injury.{{cite news |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/16414195.karl-robinson-fires-warning-oxford-united-defence/ |title=Karl Robinson fires warning at Oxford United defence |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=13 August 2018 |access-date=15 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/16601592.cameron-norman-oxford-united-wary-newport-county-threat/ |title=Cameron Norman: Oxford United wary of Newport County threat |first=David |last=Pritchard |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=28 August 2018 |access-date=15 October 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/16892979.karl-robinson-calls-oxford-united-grit-teeth-injury-crisis/ |title=Karl Robinson calls on Oxford United to 'grit teeth' through injury crisis |first=David |last=Pritchard |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=21 September 2018 |access-date=15 October 2020}} He started six matches in October, in which he helped the side keep three consecutive clean sheets, before a cracked rib, aggravated by playing on for 15 minutes after sustaining the injury, put an end to his Oxford United career.{{cite news |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/17226272.cracked-rib-rules-oxford-uniteds-tony-mcmahon-six-weeks/ |title=Cracked rib rules Oxford United's Tony McMahon out for six weeks |first=David |last=Pritchard |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=15 October 2020}}

After the death of his father, and with his family living in the north-east of England, McMahon was keen to return nearer home. He was loaned to League One rivals Scunthorpe United in January for the remainder of the season.{{cite news |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/17637032.oxford-united-looking-tony-mcmahon-move-summer/ |title=Oxford United looking for Tony McMahon move this summer |first=David |last=Pritchard |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=14 May 2019 |access-date=15 October 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/oxfordunited/usnews/17333219.tony-mcmahon-exits-oxford-united-on-loan-for-scunthorpe-united/ |title=Tony McMahon exits Oxford United on loan for Scunthorpe United |first=David |last=Pritchard |newspaper=Oxford Mail |date=3 January 2019 |access-date=4 January 2019}} The club's manager, Stuart McCall, had been in charge of Bradford City a year earlier when Scunthorpe had tried and failed to sign him. McMahon soon established himself in the starting eleven as right back of choice.{{cite news |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scunthorpe-united-coventry-league-one-2710448 |title=How Scunthorpe United's starting XI has changed since the opening day |first=Paul |last=Crute |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=2 April 2019 |access-date=8 October 2020}} Solid in defence, he exerted a calming influence on those around him,{{cite news |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scunthorpe-united-missed-tony-mcmahon-2605897 |title=Why Scunthorpe United missed Tony McMahon |first=Paul |last=Crute |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=8 October 2020}} and was considered one of their best crossers of a ball.{{cite news |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stuart-mccall-formation-issues-ponder-2631099 |title=Why Stuart McCall has formation issues to ponder at Scunthorpe United |first1=Charlie |last1=Wilson |first2=Paul |last2=Crute |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=11 March 2019 |access-date=8 October 2020}} A hamstring injury in April was to keep him out for the rest of the season, and the Grimsby Telegraph suggested that the loss of such qualities would be "a huge blow".{{cite news |url=https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tony-mcmahon-scunthorpe-united-burton-2749337 |title=Scunthorpe United defender Tony McMahon suffers injury blow for League One side |first=Paul |last=Crute |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph |date=11 April 2019 |access-date=8 October 2020}} In his absence, Scunthorpe's relegation was confirmed.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48074731 |title=Plymouth Argyle 3–2 Scunthorpe United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 May 2019 |access-date=8 October 2020}}

Still hoping to find a club nearer home, McMahon remained with Oxford United during pre-season, but was released from his contract by mutual consent on 3 September 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.oufc.co.uk/news/2019/september/tony-mcmahon-leaves/ |title=Tony McMahon leaves Oxford United |publisher=Oxford United F.C. |date=3 September 2019 |access-date=8 October 2020}}

McMahon spent the 2019–20 season taking his coaching qualifications and coaching in Middlesbrough's Academy. On 27 August 2020, McMahon joined National League North club Darlington in a dual role, as player and head of academy.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18681575.massive-coup-darlington-ex-middlesbrough-defender-tony-mcmahon-signs/ |title='Massive coup' for Darlington as ex-Middlesbrough defender Tony McMahon signs |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=27 August 2020 |access-date=1 July 2021}} He made seven league appearances and eight in cup competitions before the season was ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56125565 |title=National League North and South seasons null and void: 'It's a bit of a nightmare' |first=Adam |last=Williams |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 February 2021 |access-date=28 February 2021}}

At the end of the 2020–21 season, he took up a coaching position at one of his former clubs, Scunthorpe United.{{cite web |url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2021/june/tony-mcmahon-joins-irons-coaching-team/ |title=Tony McMahon joins Iron's coaching team |first=James |last=Moody |publisher=Scunthorpe United F.C. |date=28 June 2021 |access-date=1 July 2021}} McMahon departed his role as assistant manager alongside the sacking of Keith Hill on 30 August 2022 with the club sat second bottom of the National League.{{cite web|url=https://www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk/news/2022/august/club-statement/|title=Club statement|website=scunthorpe-united.co.uk|date=30 August 2022|accessdate=30 August 2022}}

On 23 May 2023, he was confirmed as York City 's Assistant Manager having been on the coaching staff under Mikey Morton.{{cite news |title=Appointed York City Assistant Manager |url=https://www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/michael-morton-to-continue-as-york-city-manager-for-2023-24 |website=www.yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk |publisher=York City FC |date=23 May 2023}} In September 2024, he was appointed Director of Football.{{cite web|url=https://yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk/tony-mcmahon-appointed-director-of-football/|title=Tony McMahon appointed Director of Football|website=yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk|date=4 September 2024|accessdate=5 September 2024}}

McMahon was called up to the England national under-16 football team in July 2001,{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/england-call-up-for-boro-youngsters-1997899.aspx |title=England call-up for Boro youngsters |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=20 July 2001 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811122541/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/england-call-up-for-boro-youngsters-1997899.aspx |archive-date=11 August 2015}} and he went on to make six appearances. His England U16 debut was against Scotland U16.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/macca-out-to-defy-scots-charge-1992106.aspx |title=Macca out to defy Scots charge |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=30 November 2001 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827123531/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/macca-out-to-defy-scots-charge-1992106.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}}

He was called up by England U17 for the Nordic International Tournament in 2002.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/italian-job-for-boro-youngsters-1995674.aspx |title=Italian job For Boro youngsters |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=27 August 2002 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811123614/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2001-02/italian-job-for-boro-youngsters-1995674.aspx |archive-date=11 August 2015}} He went on to make five appearances for the England U17.

After two years without representing England at any level, McMahon was included in the England U19 squad for a friendly match in January 2005{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/boro-quartet-on-international-duty-1948986.aspx |title=Boro quartet on international duty |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=20 January 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827131327/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/boro-quartet-on-international-duty-1948986.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}} and made his England U19 debut on 9 February 2005, in a 1–1 draw with Belgium.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/the-four-lions-1949282.aspx |title=The Four Lions! |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=10 February 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827132242/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/2003-05/the-four-lions-1949282.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}} He was first-choice right back for the U19s alongside Wheater, Taylor and James Morrison at the 2005 European Championships,{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/young-quartet-go-for-glory-1685762.aspx |title=Young quartet go for glory |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=18 July 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827134115/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/young-quartet-go-for-glory-1685762.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}} where they lost to France in the final.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/dream-over-for-englands-boro-boys-1685958.aspx |title=Dream over for England's Boro boys |publisher=Middlesbrough F.C. |date=29 July 2005 |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827134913/http://www.mfc.co.uk/news/article/dream-over-for-englands-boro-boys-1685958.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2015}}

{{updated|end of 2020–21 season}}

{{notelist}}

McMahon was born in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and lived in nearby Evenwood with his parents, Tony and Tracey, a sister and a brother.{{cite news |url=http://teesdalemercuryarchive.org/pdf/2005/May-25/May-25-2005-21.pdf |title=Local legend in the making |first=Sophie |last=Doughty |newspaper=Teesdale Mercury |date=25 May 2005 |access-date=4 October 2020}} He attended Evenwood Primary School and Staindrop Comprehensive School, where he met his future wife, Lynsey Matthews, whom he married in 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9753228.middlesbrough-footballer-opts-intimate-wedding/ |title=Middlesbrough footballer opts for intimate wedding |first=Helen |last=Russell |newspaper=The Northern Echo |location=Darlington |date=11 June 2012 |access-date=4 October 2020}} Their first child, a son, was born in 2009, and they also have a daughter.{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/11886624.mcmahon-relishing-fresh-start-at-bradford-city/ |title=McMahon relishing fresh start at Bradford City |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=28 March 2015 |access-date=6 June 2020}}
{{cite news |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14670533.mcmahon-up-for-bantams-cup-escapades/ |title=McMahon up for Bantams cup escapades |first=Simon |last=Parker |newspaper=Telegraph & Argus |location=Bradford |date=9 August 2016 |access-date=3 October 2020}}

His father was a cricketer. At one point, he played cricket, playing for Evenwood Cricket Club and was expected to follow his father's footsteps. McMahon reflected on playing cricket, saying: "I played a lot of cricket when I was younger. I played against Australia when I was 15 and that was brilliant. It's really stayed in my mind because you don't get the chance to do something like that every day. I loved cricket and still do, but I only ever played when I wasn't playing football. I think Durham were interested in me at the time, but my football career took off before they were able to do anything about it. People have told me I could have made it in county cricket, but once things started to happen for me in football, it was never an option."

While progressing through the Middlesbrough's academy, he spent three years at college, studying BTEC National Diploma in Sports Science and passed the course.{{cite news|title=Boro boys score in the classroom – Players net qualifications|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boro-boys-score-classroom---3760945|publisher=Gazette Live|date=4 October 2006|access-date=6 June 2020}} Early in his Middlesbrough's career, McMahon launched Future Goals, which is a new football and fitness programme for children and their parents to improve their lifestyles.{{cite news|title=Footie is good for your future!|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/footie-good-your-future-3782330|publisher=Gazette Live|date=14 January 2006|access-date=6 June 2020}} It was revealed in The Telegraph and Argus article that McMahon plan on studying coaching once he retired from professional football.{{cite news|title=Bantams midfielder Law won't follow in father's footsteps|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/15485487.bantams-midfielder-law-wont-follow-in-fathers-footsteps/|work=The Telegraph and Argus|date=22 August 2017|access-date=6 June 2020}}

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• {{Soccerbase}}

{{York City F.C. managers}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:McMahon, Tony}}

Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Bishop Auckland

Category:Footballers from County Durham

Category:Men's association football defenders

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Middlesbrough F.C. players

Category:Blackpool F.C. players

Category:Sheffield Wednesday F.C. players

Category:Sheffield United F.C. players

Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players

Category:Oxford United F.C. players

Category:Scunthorpe United F.C. players

Category:Darlington F.C. players

Category:Premier League players

Category:English Football League players

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:England men's youth international footballers

Category:Middlesbrough F.C. non-playing staff

Category:Darlington F.C. non-playing staff

Category:Scunthorpe United F.C. non-playing staff

Category:York City F.C. non-playing staff

Category:21st-century English sportsmen