Tommy McLaren

Who was Tommy McLaren?

Thomas "Tommy" McLaren was a Scottish footballer who played as a midfielder.

He moved from Berwick Rangers to Port Vale in November 1967. He spent ten years at Vale Park, racking up 369 league and cup appearances. He helped the club to achieve promotion out of the Fourth Division in 1969–70, and also picked up the clubs' Player of the Year award in 1970–71. He also played on loan for the Portland Timbers in summer 1975, helping the club to the North American Soccer League championship final. Given a free transfer to Telford United in May 1977, he went on to commit suicide in July 1978, having never come to terms with leaving Port Vale. He was 29 years old.