Jim McLean
Manager Profile

Biography

Unquestionably, the most successful manager in the Club's history, and unlikely to ever be surpassed.

Jim was an inside forward with Hamilton Academical and Clyde before joining Dundee in 1965, ironically making his debut in the 5-0 defeat to United on 11 September. He moved on to Kilmarnock in 1968, before returning to Dens Park as a coach in 1970.

When Jerry Kerr retired as Dundee United manager in 1971 after 12 years at Tannadice, the United board surprisingly offered the position to 34 year-old McLean, who accepted the job as his first managerial role.

McLean's original philosophy was to produce his own young players through a Youth programme, and complimented them with more experienced players brought in from around Scotland.

After a rocky start, he led the Club to its first ever Scottish Cup Final in 1974, and in 1979 he guided the team to its first ever major honour, the League Cup. The team retained the trophy the following year as Cup Finals became a regular occurrence.

The highlight of his tenure at the Club was the 1982/83 season, where the team fought off challenges from Celtic and Aberdeen to win the Premier Division for the first and so far only time.

Under McLean, the Club became known throughout Europe, reaching the Semi-Finals of the European Cup in 1984, and the UEFA Cup Final in 1987.

Whilst still in his role as manager, McLean was made director in 1984 and became club chairman in 1988. Staying on at boardroom level, he retired as manager in 1993, after an incredible 21 years and seven months in the hot seat. He resigned as chairman in October 2000.

After a long battle with illness, McLean passed away in December 2020, aged 83.

A bronze statue celebrating the life and legacy of McLean was revealed at Tannadice in a private ceremony on Saturday, 18 September, 2021. The two-metre high sculpture, which was commissioned by United supporters, was unveiled for public viewing ahead of the Dundee Derby the following day.