Tommy McLean

A traditional tricky winger who made 452 appearances for Rangers after joining in 1971 for £65,000, winning three League titles, four Scottish Cups and three League Cups alongside a 1972 European triumph.

Thomas McLean Jr., born on 2 June 1947, is a Scottish former professional football player and manager. A traditional tricky winger who operated as a midfielder, he joined Rangers in 1971 for £65,000 after starting his career at Kilmarnock. At Ibrox, he was part of the famous 1972 Cup Winners' Cup triumph and made 452 appearances for the club. His trophy haul includes three League championships (1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78), four Scottish Cups (1972–73, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79) and three Scottish League Cups (1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79). He also earned nine caps for Scotland, all achieved during his time with Kilmarnock.

Quick Facts

Born: 2 June 1947
Birthplace: Ashgill, Scotland
Position: Midfielder
Total caps: 516
Total goals: 83

Lore & Background

McLean's journey began in Ashgill, Lanarkshire, where he grew up with his elder brothers Jim and Willie. At one point, all three were at Kilmarnock together: Jim and Tommy as players, Willie as a coach. It was there that McLean won the club's only league title in 1964–65 before moving to Rangers. His time at Ibrox defined his playing career; he was central to the famous 1972 Cup Winners' Cup triumph. Over his tenure, he secured three League championships and four Scottish Cups. Beyond domestic success, McLean represented Scotland nine times, with all appearances occurring while he played for Kilmarnock. Notably, three of these caps were added in October 2021 when the SFA reclassified a 1967 overseas tour as full internationals. He also featured seven times for the Scottish League XI and was selected for Scotland under-18s at the 1963 UEFA under-18 Euros.

Reader's Guide

As a player, he was a traditional tricky winger for Rangers, making 452 appearances and winning multiple domestic trophies between 1971 and the late 1970s. His managerial career was equally distinguished, spanning ten years at Motherwell where they won the Scottish Cup in 1991 by defeating Dundee United, managed by his brother Jim. This victory marked Motherwell's first entry into Europe. McLean also had spells managing Morton (winning the 1983–84 Scottish First Division), Hearts, Raith Rovers and Dundee United. His career path included roles as Rangers' assistant manager, Under-19 coach at Rangers, and director of youth development starting in May 2001. He is also a Scottish Football Hall of Fame inductee (2019).

Did You Know?

His six-day spell managing Raith Rovers in 1996 encompassed only one game before he quit to join his brother Jim at Dundee United.
The south stand at Fir Park was renamed in his honour just one week after he was inducted into the Motherwell Hall of Fame.