Tommy McLaren
Encyclopedia
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.
club Berwick Rangers
. He moved south to England to sign for Port Vale
in November 1967. Vale were then in the Fourth Division
and managed by Stanley Matthews
. McLaren was one of six Scotsmen at the club, though he was the only one not to hail from Edinburgh
. He posted thirteen appearances in 1967–68
, making his debut against Swansea Town
on 25 November, and scoring his first senior goal against Exeter City
in a 1–0 win on 25 March. He was selected nineteen times by new manager Gordon Lee
in 1968–69
, and bagged two goals – one against Bradford City
and the other against Bradford Park Avenue
.
He managed to win himself a regular first team spot in 1969–70
, and posted a total of 41 appearances and five goals as the club won promotion. McLaren adapted well to the Third Division
, and scored six goals in 38 games in 1970–71
, bagging braces against Rochdale
and Reading
. At the end of the season he was awarded the clubs' Player of the Year
award.
He scored six goals in fifty games in 1971–72
, netting a brace against York City
, a goal home and away against Tranmere Rovers
, as well as striking against Aston Villa
and Bristol Rovers
. He played a further 45 games in 1972–73
, scoring goals against Plymouth Argyle
, Scunthorpe United
and Chesterfield
.
McLaren recovered from damaged ligaments to post 47 appearances in 1973–74
, though new manager Roy Sproson
cracked his head on the team dugout after celebrating McLaren's winning goal against Shrewsbury Town
on 19 January. He played a further 42 games in 1974–75
, his only goal of the season coming against Wrexham.
He went out to the United States
to play for Portland Timbers on loan between May and August 1975. He played twenty games in the North American Soccer League
, and scored a goal against the St. Louis Stars
on 19 July. The Timbers made it to the championship final, where they lost 2–0
to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Spartan Stadium
.
He still maintained a place in the "Valiants" first team on his return to Vale Park
, and made 35 appearances in 1975–76
, scoring one goal against Bury
. He posted a further 39 appearances in 1976–77
, and boasted a very strong relationship with the club's supporters. He played a total of 369 games for the Vale, scoring 29 goals. However, in May 1977 he was given a free transfer to Southern Football League
side Telford United
. He stayed with the "Stags" for the 1977–78
season. However, his departure from Port Vale had 'shattered' him, and McLaren was found dead in his car in Telford
in July 1978, having committed suicide
.
his son Scott McLaren was signed on a Football League contract at the club and given the number 50 shirt for the 2010–11
season.
with Port Vale
with Portland Timbers
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
footballer who played as a midfielder
Midfielder
A midfielder is an association football position. Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards. The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role...
.
He moved from Berwick Rangers
Berwick Rangers F.C.
Berwick Rangers Football Club are a football team based in the English Border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, although they play in the Scottish Football League Third Division...
to Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in November 1967. He spent ten years at Vale Park
Vale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
, racking up 369 league and cup appearances. He helped the club to achieve promotion out of the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
in 1969–70
1969–70 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1969–70 season was Port Vale's fifty-eighth season of football in the Football League, and their fifth successive season in the Fourth Division. They achieved promotion with a fourth place finish, taking them back into the Third Division...
, and also picked up the clubs' Player of the Year
Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year
The Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
award in 1970–71
1970–71 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1970–71 season was Port Vale's fifty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and their first season back in the Third Division following their promotion from the Fourth Division...
. He also played on loan for the Portland Timbers in summer 1975, helping the club to the North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
championship final. Given a free transfer to Telford United
Telford United F.C.
Telford United F.C. was an English football club based in Telford, Shropshire.The club existed under various names for a total of 132 years from its formation in 1872. The club was founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 and played at this level for 25 years before being wound up in...
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.
Biography
McLaren began his career with Scottish Second DivisionScottish Football League Second Division
The Scottish Football League Second Division is the second highest division of the Scottish Football League and the third highest overall in the Scottish football league system....
club Berwick Rangers
Berwick Rangers F.C.
Berwick Rangers Football Club are a football team based in the English Border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, although they play in the Scottish Football League Third Division...
. He moved south to England to sign for Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
in November 1967. Vale were then in the Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
and managed by Stanley Matthews
Stanley Matthews
Sir Stanley Matthews, CBE was an English footballer. Often regarded as one of the greatest players of the English game, he is the only player to have been knighted while still playing, as well as being the first winner of both the European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers'...
. McLaren was one of six Scotsmen at the club, though he was the only one not to hail from Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
. He posted thirteen appearances in 1967–68
1967–68 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1967–68 season was Port Vale's fifty-sixth season of football in the Football League, and their third successive season in the Fourth Division. A poor season saw them battle to mid-table in order to avoid the re-election zone. Yet it would be off-the-field developments that would worry Vale...
, making his debut against Swansea Town
Swansea City A.F.C.
Swansea City Association Football Club are a Welsh professional football club based in Swansea, Wales. One of the most successful clubs in Welsh football, it has won 10 Welsh Cups and led the English Football League First Division in December 1981, before finishing the season in 6th position...
on 25 November, and scoring his first senior goal against Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
in a 1–0 win on 25 March. He was selected nineteen times by new manager Gordon Lee
Gordon Lee (footballer)
Gordon Francis Lee is a former English footballer and football manager.A right-back during his playing days, he moved from Hednesford Town to Aston Villa in 1955...
in 1968–69
1968–69 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1968–69 season was Port Vale's fifty-seventh season of football in the Football League, and their fourth successive season in the Fourth Division. New manager Gordon Lee used the season to consolidate the club after it was readmitted to the Football League immediately after being expelled for...
, and bagged two goals – one against Bradford City
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
and the other against Bradford Park Avenue
Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C.
Bradford Association Football Club, previously also known as Bradford and since its reformation in the 1970s now referred to as Bradford Park Avenue, is a football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England...
.
He managed to win himself a regular first team spot in 1969–70
1969–70 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1969–70 season was Port Vale's fifty-eighth season of football in the Football League, and their fifth successive season in the Fourth Division. They achieved promotion with a fourth place finish, taking them back into the Third Division...
, and posted a total of 41 appearances and five goals as the club won promotion. McLaren adapted well to the Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
, and scored six goals in 38 games in 1970–71
1970–71 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1970–71 season was Port Vale's fifty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and their first season back in the Third Division following their promotion from the Fourth Division...
, bagging braces against Rochdale
Rochdale A.F.C.
Rochdale Association Football Club is an English professional football club based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Spotland Stadium. Formed in 1907, they were accepted into the Football League in 1921...
and Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
. At the end of the season he was awarded the clubs' Player of the Year
Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year
The Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
award.
He scored six goals in fifty games in 1971–72
1971–72 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1971–72 season was Port Vale's sixtieth season of football in the Football League, and their second successive season back in the Third Division...
, netting a brace against York City
York City F.C.
York City Football Club is an English football club based in York, North Yorkshire. The club participates in the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. Founded in 1922, they joined the Football League in 1929, and have spent most of their history in the lower divisions...
, a goal home and away against Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, as well as striking against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
and Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers F.C.
Bristol Rovers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Bristol, that competes in Football League Two. The team plays its home matches at the Memorial Stadium, in the Horfield area of the city....
. He played a further 45 games in 1972–73
1972–73 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1972–73 season was Port Vale's sixty-first season of football in the Football League, and their third successive season in the Third Division. Their promotion efforts ended with a sixth place finish, whilst in the two cup competitions they lost out to Newcastle United and West Ham United...
, scoring goals against Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
, Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe United F.C.
Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One....
and Chesterfield
Chesterfield F.C.
Chesterfield Football Club is an English football club based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The club currently plays in Football League One, the third tier of English football. Despite being the fourth oldest Football League club in England, they have spent most of their existence in the lower...
.
McLaren recovered from damaged ligaments to post 47 appearances in 1973–74
1973–74 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1973–74 season was Port Vale's sixty-second season of football in the Football League, and their fourth successive season in the Third Division. They finished in twentieth spot, though were seven points clear of relegation...
, though new manager Roy Sproson
Roy Sproson
Roy Sproson was an English footballer and football manager for Port Vale. A one-club man, he holds the all-time appearance record for Vale, making 837 starts for Vale between 1950 and 1972. This includes a run of 128 consecutive appearances between April 1954 and March 1957...
cracked his head on the team dugout after celebrating McLaren's winning goal against Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury Town F.C.
Shrewsbury Town Football Club is an English Association football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who play in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. The club was formed in 1886 and has played in all the bottom three divisions in various guises since being elected into the Football...
on 19 January. He played a further 42 games in 1974–75
1974–75 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1974–75 season was Port Vale's sixty-third season of football in the Football League, and their fifth successive season in the Third Division. It was Roy Sproson's first full season in charge...
, his only goal of the season coming against Wrexham.
He went out to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to play for Portland Timbers on loan between May and August 1975. He played twenty games in the North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
, and scored a goal against the St. Louis Stars
St. Louis Stars (soccer)
The St. Louis Stars were a soccer team based in St. Louis, Missouri that played in the original NASL from 1967 to 1977.-History:The St. Louis Stars, founded in 1967 as a team in the NPSL were the first ever professional soccer team in St. Louis. The team was headed by Bob Hermann who later went on...
on 19 July. The Timbers made it to the championship final, where they lost 2–0
1975 Portland Timbers season
The 1975 Portland Timbers season was the inaugural season for the Portland Timbers, an expansion team in the now-defunct North American Soccer League. In the Timbers first year of existence, the club won the Western Division title while amassing more points than any other club in the league...
to the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Spartan Stadium
Spartan Stadium (San Jose)
Spartan Stadium, located in San Jose, California, is the official stadium of the San José State University Spartans athletics teams. It is currently the home of the Spartan football and soccer teams....
.
He still maintained a place in the "Valiants" first team on his return to Vale Park
Vale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
, and made 35 appearances in 1975–76
1975–76 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1975–76 season was Port Vale's sixty-fourth season of football in the Football League, and their sixth successive season in the Third Division. Manager Roy Sproson brought Mick Cullerton back to Vale Park, and Cullerton was to become the top-scorer for the season with 21 goals...
, scoring one goal against Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
. He posted a further 39 appearances in 1976–77
1976–77 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1976–77 season was Port Vale's sixty-fifth season of football in the Football League, and their seventh successive season in the Third Division. In the FA Cup, Vale reached the Fifth Round for the first time since 1961–62, after progressing past two Second Division clubs...
, and boasted a very strong relationship with the club's supporters. He played a total of 369 games for the Vale, scoring 29 goals. However, in May 1977 he was given a free transfer to Southern Football League
Southern Football League
The Southern League is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales...
side Telford United
Telford United F.C.
Telford United F.C. was an English football club based in Telford, Shropshire.The club existed under various names for a total of 132 years from its formation in 1872. The club was founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 and played at this level for 25 years before being wound up in...
. He stayed with the "Stags" for the 1977–78
1977–78 Southern Football League
The 1977–78 Southern Football League season saw Bath City win the Premier Division. Minehead, Dover, Bedford Town and Grantham were relegated from the Premier Division, whilst Witney Town, Margate, Bridgend Town and Dorchester Town were all promoted to the Premier Division, the former two as...
season. However, his departure from Port Vale had 'shattered' him, and McLaren was found dead in his car in Telford
Telford
Telford is a large new town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England, approximately east of Shrewsbury, and west of Birmingham...
in July 1978, having committed suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
.
Legacy
McLaren remains something of a legend at Port Vale, and to celebrate sixty years at Vale ParkVale Park
Vale Park is a football stadium in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England. It is the home ground of Port Vale F.C., who have played at the ground since 1950....
his son Scott McLaren was signed on a Football League contract at the club and given the number 50 shirt for the 2010–11
2010–11 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2010–11 season was Port Vale's ninety-ninth season of football in the Football League, and third successive season in League Two. Vale enjoyed a solid start to the campaign, looking like good prospects for promotion. However Micky Adams left the club in December to take charge of Sheffield...
season.
Honours
Individual- Port Vale F.C. Player of the YearPort Vale F.C. Player of the YearThe Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
: 19711970–71 Port Vale F.C. seasonThe 1970–71 season was Port Vale's fifty-ninth season of football in the Football League, and their first season back in the Third Division following their promotion from the Fourth Division...
with Port Vale
- Football League Fourth DivisionFootball League Fourth DivisionThe Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
fourth place promotion winner: 1969–701969–70 Port Vale F.C. seasonThe 1969–70 season was Port Vale's fifty-eighth season of football in the Football League, and their fifth successive season in the Fourth Division. They achieved promotion with a fourth place finish, taking them back into the Third Division...
with Portland Timbers
- North American Soccer LeagueNorth American Soccer LeagueNorth American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
runner-up: 19751975 Portland Timbers seasonThe 1975 Portland Timbers season was the inaugural season for the Portland Timbers, an expansion team in the now-defunct North American Soccer League. In the Timbers first year of existence, the club won the Western Division title while amassing more points than any other club in the league...