Willie 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:

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

Playing Career:

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