 On 25 March 2004, McGhee dropped into non-league football to join high-flying Isthmian League Premier Division club Canvey Island on a contract running until the end of the 2005–06 season.Following the club's promotion to the Conference Premier at the end of the 2003–04 season, McGhee failed to hold down a regular place in the team and made 47 appearances and scored one goal before departing at the end of the 2005–06 season.McGhee continued his descent down the pyramid with short spells at Isthmian League clubs Chelmsford City and Wivenhoe Town respectively during the first half of the 2006–07 season.