Jimmy McClelland

James McClelland (11 May 1902 – 1976) was a Scottish footballer who played as a forward. Born in Dysart, Fife, he played for Rosslyn, Raith Rovers, Southend United, Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End, Blackpool, Bradford Park Avenue and Manchester United.

Career Raith Rovers McClelland was born on 11 May 1902 in Dysart, Fife, and began his career with nearby Raith Rovers.

Southend United

He joined Southend in 1923. At Southend he led the scoring charts during 1924–5, with 16 goals in 23 games.

Middlesbrough In March 1925 he moved to Ayresome Park intended to replace Ian Dickson. In 1925–26, McClelland was an ever-present in Middlesbrough's Second Division line-up, top scoring with 32 goals in 38 games.

The following season began badly for Boro, losing three and drawing one of their first four games, scoring just one goal in the process. George Camsell was given a chance for the fifth match of the season after an injury to McClelland. Camsell who scored a record 59 goals as 'Boro won promotion to Division One. McLelland was replaced as the last player to top score there before Camsell did so for 10 consecutive seasons.

After a poor start to 1928-9 he moved to inside-right. Although his goals dried up, he was an important member of the side that won the FA Cup beating Portsmouth 2–0 in the final. McClelland made 39 league appearances, scoring 1 goal. He appeared in all 8 games of the FA Cup run and scored 1 goal (in the 5–2 victory against Liverpool in the 4th Round Replay at Burnden Park). In 1928/29 Bolton finished 14th in Division 1.

In 1931–32, McClelland made 15 league appearances and scored six goals. The following campaign, 1932–33, he made 38 league appearances and scored 15 goals. He also scored twice in Blackpool's run to the fifth round of the FA Cup. McClelland left Blackpool for Bradford Park Avenue in the summer.

Manchester United McClelland joined Manchester United at the start of the 1936–37 campaign, making his debut in the 3–1 defeat at Huddersfield Town on 2 September. Unable to gain a regular place in the United first team, McClelland only made five appearances in his one season at the club, and only registered one goal (in a 2–1 win over Stoke City in March) in only his second match.

After his career with Manchester United ended, he was given a coaching role with the club, looking after the MUJAC (Manchester United Junior Athletic Club) players from the beginning of the 1938–39 season. He remained in a coaching role with Manchester United until the outbreak of the Second World War.

Death

He died in Manchester in 1976 at the age of 73.

Honours Bolton Wanderers FA Cup: 1928–29