Legendary Dundee United manager Jim McLean dies aged 83

The former Tannadice boss passed away on Boxing Day, the club have announced.

STV News

26th Dec 2020

Dundee United legend Jim McLean, who led the club to the league title, has died at the age of 83.

The iconic figure passed away on Boxing Day, the club has announced.

McLean managed United for over 21 years and was also chairman and managing director at Tannadice during his long association with the club.

He won the league title in the 1982-83 season, lifted the League Cup twice, and took United to the semi-finals of the European Cup.

McLean also led United to the final of the UEFA Cup in 1986, where they lost out to IFK Gothenburg.

The club published a statement from the McLean family, which read: “Jim was a much loved 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.

“We would ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time for our family.”

A club statement said: “Dundee United are extremely saddened to learn Jim McLean has passed away.

“An integral part of our history and rise to the forefront of European football, Jim was simply a titan of Dundee United folklore, cherished by the United family the world over.

“He will be sorely missed by us all.”