Alex McLeish

Lore & Background

McLeish started his managerial career with spells at Motherwell and Hibernian, before guiding Rangers to two championships and five cup wins in five years. He then managed the Scotland national team, Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Genk, Zamalek, and had a second stint as Scotland manager.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered against the training ground at Ibrox, turning the turf into a slick battleground. McLeish stood over a pile of cones, his breath visible in the cold Glasgow air. He didn't shout; he didn't have to. The players knew that when Macca spoke, they listened. He kicked a ball sharply toward the goal, watching it curve perfectly through the mist. 'Again,' he said simply. No excuses. Just work.

Reader's Guide

McLeish was appointed Rangers manager in December 2001. He won both the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup in his first season, and the domestic treble in his second season. Rangers won the 2005 league title on the last day of the season. He also guided Rangers to the last 16 of the Champions League in 2005–06.

Did You Know?

• McLeish was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Aberdeen in 2008.
• He is Scotland's seventh most capped player, with 77 caps between 1980 and 1993.
• McLeish played in three World Cups with Scotland: 1982, 1986, and 1990.
• He formed a defensive triumvirate with Willie Miller and Jim Leighton for club and country.