Ian McNeill

Who is Ian McNeill?

Ian McNeill is a former professional footballer and manager.

Playing at inside forward, McNeill's career included stints at Aberdeen, Leicester City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southend United. Upon retiring, McNeill moved into management, taking charge of Wigan Athletic between 1968 and 1970. He returned to the club for a second spell six years later, leaving in 1981 to become assistant manager to John Neal at Chelsea.

While at Chelsea, McNeill was instrumental in signing players like Pat Nevin, Joe McLaughlin, David Speedie and Kerry Dixon, players who would drastically turn around the club's fortunes and win promotion in 1983–84. When Neal was sidelined with ill-health during the 1984–85 season, McNeill also took temporary charge of first team affairs.

He returned to management in 1987, this time with Shrewsbury Town and remained until 1990. He has since been a scout for Bolton Wanderers, Leeds United, Norwich City and Chelsea.