David McLean (footballer, born 1883)
David McLean (1883 or 1884 – 14 February 1951)[1] was a Scottish football player and manager.
McLean played as a winger for Buckhaven United, Cambuslang Rangers, Celtic, Ayr United and Cowdenbeath.[1] He first joined East Fife in 1911 as player-manager, leading them to victory in the Scottish Qualifying Cup Final in 1920-21.[1] East Fife were admitted to the Scottish Football League in 1921 and reached the 1927 Scottish Cup Final.[1] McLean was appointed manager of Bristol Rovers in 1929, but left after just over a year and returned to East Fife in 1931.[1] McLean led them to victory over Kilmarnock in the 1938 Scottish Cup Final.[1]
Hearts appointed McLean manager on a five-year contract in June 1941.[1] 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.[1] McLean died in February 1951 after a period of illness.[1] Tommy Walker took over as manager, enjoying a period of success that he acknowledged was partly due to the work done by McLean.[1]
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