Willie McLean



Willie McLeanWillie McLean was a swift replacement for Ian St John who had just been lured to Portsmouth, with the promise of a financial treasure chest. Willie had previous managerial experience with Queen of the South prior to joining the club. Under the helm of McLean he had the likes of Vic Davidson, Willie Pettigrew, Bobby Graham and Peter Marinello at his disposal up front and also had the solidarity of Peter Millar, Willie Watson, Willie McVie and Stuart McLaren players who could all win 80/20 challenges, even if the odds were stacked up in the oppositions favour. Joe Wark and Bobby Watson were also popular hard working players. The squad certainly had a fair bit of talent and flair. Willie was responsible for establishing Motherwell in the new top ten Premier League which would start in 1975/76 and the side would enjoy a decent season where the club would finish 4th in the table. Other highlights during his tenure would of course include two Scottish Cup Semi Final appearances. He decided to step down in December 1977, taking up a new post as a community coach. His younger brother Tommy would enjoy great success as Motherwell manager a matter of years later, his other brother Jim of course led Dundee United to league success in the 80s.

Name: William McLean
Date of Birth: 2nd April 1935
Place of Birth: Lark hall
Playing Position: Winger
Nationality: Scottish

Management Career:

Scotland Flag Queen of the South 1973 1974
Scotland Flag Motherwell 1974 1977
Scotland Flag Raith Rovers 1977 1979
Scotland Flag Ayr United 1979 1983
Scotland Flag Morton 1984 1985

Playing Career:

Scotland Flag Hamilton Academical (Trialist) 1956
Scotland Flag Airdrieonians 1956 1958
England Flag Sheffield Wednesday 1958 1960
Scotland Flag Alloa Athletic 1960 1961
Scotland Flag Queen of the South 1961 1963
Scotland Flag Clyde 1963 1964
Scotland Flag Alloa Athletic 1964 1965
Scotland Flag Raith Rovers 1965 1968