Dundee United ‘icon’ McLean dies at 83 after dementia fight
FORMER Dundee United manager Jim McLean has died aged 83 after a long fight against dementia.
Described by the club as an ‘icon’, he managed the Tangerines for 22 years – from 1971 until 1993 – a period notable for success in European competition.
His team won the league for the first time in season 1982-83, winning the title on the final day of the season by beating city rivals Dundee by two goals to one.
United also won the League Cup in 1980 and 1981 but it was in Europe that some of Mr McLean’s greatest achievements took place.
In the 1983-84 season he took Dundee United to the semi-finals of the European Cup, eventually losing 3-2 on aggregate to Italian giants Roma following an ill-tempered tie at the Stadio Olimpico.
Arguably his finest achievement took place in 1987, when his side defeated football giants Barcelona home and away in the UEFA Cup, eventually losing 2-1 on aggregate to Gothenburg in the final.
Last night, his family posted a tribute on the Dundee United website stating: ‘Jim was a muchloved husband, father, brother, uncle and father-in-law and we will all sadly miss him.
‘His remarkable six-decade career made him a true legend, not only at Dundee United but across the world of football.
‘Jim’s achievements in leading Dundee United to the Scottish Premier League title in 1983 and to the semi-final of the following season’s European Cup are unlikely ever to be repeated.
‘This is a very sad day for our family but we will be eternally proud of Jim.’
Born in 1937 in Larkhall, Lanarkshire, Mr McLean was a forward with Hamilton Accies and Clyde before joining Dundee in 1965.
He moved to Kilmarnock in 1968 before returning to Dens Park as a coach in 1970.
When Jimmy Kerr retired as boss at Tannadice the following year, the United board offered the job to then 34-year-old Mr McLean for his first managerial role.
Flags were flying at half-mast at Tannadice last night.