after the departure of Brennan to become player–manager at Waterford United, he missed only seven league matches in 1970–71. He made only one appearance in 1971–72, after a recurrence of the knee cartilage problem he had experienced two years earlier, which subsequently required four operations to correct. Although he was able to return for the start of the 1972–73 season, he lasted just six matches in the first team and another two in the reserves before retiring on medical advice, bringing to an end a career in which he made nearly 150 appearances, and scored 10 goals. In recognition of his nine years of service to the club, Manchester United presented Fitzpatrick with a cheque for £20,000, as well as organising a cabaret dinner in his honour, which raised a further £1,000. Statistics Later life After retiring, he returned to his home town of Aberdeen, where he went into business as a wine importer. He died in December 2020 at the age of 74. References Footnotes Bibliography External links Profile at StretfordEnd.co.uk 1946 births 2020 deaths Footballers from Aberdeen Scottish footballers Manchester United F.C. players English Football League players Association football defenders Association football midfielders