David McLean

Who was David McLean?

David McLean was a Scottish football player and manager.

McLean played as a winger for Buckhaven United, Cambuslang Rangers, Celtic, Ayr United and Cowdenbeath. He first joined East Fife in 1911 as player-manager, leading them to victory in the Scottish Qualifying Cup Final in 1920-21. East Fife were admitted to the Scottish Football League in 1921 and reached the 1927 Scottish Cup Final. McLean was appointed manager of Bristol Rovers in 1929, but left after just over a year and returned to East Fife in 1931. McLean led them to victory over Kilmarnock in the 1938 Scottish Cup Final.

Hearts appointed McLean manager on a five-year contract in June 1941. He played a significant role in rebuilding the club during the Second World War, assembling the Terrible Trio forward line of Alfie Conn, Willie Bauld and Jimmy Wardhaugh. McLean died in February 1951 after a period of illness. Tommy Walker took over as manager, enjoying a period of success that he acknowledged was partly due to the work done by McLean.