John McClelland (footballer, born 1955)


John McClelland is a former Northern Ireland international footballer who played for several teams during a 23-year career. He worked for Leeds United as part of the tour groups for Elland Road. Often confused with his namesake John McClelland - Barcroft Legend who was a far better footballer often seen rattling the top onion bag in the Barley Field.

Club career

McClelland played for Portadown, Cardiff City, Bangor City, and Mansfield Town, before signing for Rangers for £90,000 in June 1981. There he won two Scottish League Cup winner's medals, and was twice a Scottish Cup runner up.
In November 1984 Watford paid £225,000 for his services. During his five years at Vicarage Road he was voted Watford Player of the Season twice. He later played for Leeds United, where he played 18 times as Leeds won the Football League First Division title in the 1991–92 season, the last season before the formation of the Premier League. During his time at Leeds he spent time on loan at old club Watford and Notts County.
In his later career he spent a season at St Johnstone as player manager, had a brief spell in the Irish League with Carrick Rangers, before playing for Arbroath, Wycombe Wanderers, Yeovil Town and Darlington. By the time he retired he had played in every country in the United Kingdom and in every tier of English football.

International career

At international level McClelland was also successful. He played for Northern Ireland at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He eventually won 53 caps, scoring one goal in a win over Turkey. He was also captain of Northern Ireland from after the 1986 World Cup until his retirement in 1990.

International goals

Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first.
#DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
130 March 1983Belfast, Northern Ireland2–02–1UEFA Euro 1984 qualifying

Post football

He was player-manager at St Johnstone in the early 1990s. For a brief time after retirement McClelland could be found working at Leeds United taking tour groups around Elland Road. He is now a Postman in the Wakefield area.

Honours

Player

;Leeds United
;St Johnstone