Jim McLean: Dundee Utd announce death of legendary manager aged 83

[CaaC (John)+]

R.I.P Jim, you and the then young Alex Ferguson broke the stranglehold of Glasgow Rangers & Celtic in the Scottish football league in your times in titles & cups & in Europe.

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Jim McLean: Dundee Utd announce the death of legendary manager aged 83

Dundee United named a stand after Jim McLean in 2011

Jim McLean, the manager who led Dundee United to unprecedented success in the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 83 after a long battle with illness.

McLean led United to the Scottish Premier Division title in 1982-83 after consecutive League Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980.

He also took the club to the European Cup semi-finals in 1983-84 and the Uefa Cup final three seasons later.

The Scottish Premiership side confirmed the news on Saturday.

The club's statement said: "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."

And McLean's family, in a statement published by United, added: "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."

McLean managed United from 1971 to 1993 and, latterly, was also the chairman of the Tannadice club before resigning in 2000 after assaulting a BBC reporter.

His 31-year association with the club ended in 2002 when he sold his stake to Eddie Thompson.

McLean - who led United in 10 cup finals overall - was also assistant to Scotland boss Jock Stein for four years, including at the 1982 World Cup finals.

A force in Scotland & beyond

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