Tommy McLean

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

In October 2016, McLean was inducted into the Kilmarnock 'Hall of Fame', joining fellow legends James Fowler, Ray Montgomerie and Stuart McLean (no relation). His connection to the club ran deep, rooted in his early days where he played alongside his brothers. Later, on 4 November 2021, it was announced that he would be inducted into the Motherwell F.C. Hall of Fame for his decade-long managerial spell there, which included winning the Scottish Cup in 1991. In a remarkable turn of events just one week after this announcement, following consultations with supporter groups, the south stand at Fir Park was renamed in his honour. His career also saw him manage Morton, Hearts, Raith Rovers and Dundee United, including a famously brief six-day spell at Raith Rovers in 1996 where he managed only one game before leaving to work under his brother Jim at Dundee United.

Reader's Guide

Fans looking to understand McLean's legacy should note his dual success as both player and manager. 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?

• McLean made all nine of his Scotland appearances while playing for Kilmarnock.
• Three of McLean's international caps were added in October 2021 after the SFA reclassified a 1967 tour as full internationals.
• His six-day spell managing Raith Rovers in 1996 encompassed only one game before he quit to join his brother Jim at Dundee United.
• In 1991, McLean's Motherwell defeated Dundee United (managed by his brother Jim) in the Scottish Cup final.
• The south stand at Fir Park was renamed in his honour just one week after he was inducted into the Motherwell Hall of Fame.