McLAREN, Andy (1942)

Overview

Here we have a player who as a schoolboy and a junior had few peers. From Larkhall where he was born in 1922 on January 22nd, Andy was capped while at Larkhall Academy in 1936 against England and Ireland as an Under 14 player, He was a member of the very successful juvenile side, Larkhall Gardeners while only sixteen before he was taken to the junior level by Larkhall Thistle where his ball skills at inside forward soon caught the eye of the scouts and he was much sought after.

Taken onto the Preston North End ground staff in 1938, he turned professional in 1939. Another of those disadvantaged by the outset of war. It was during that time that he turned out for Accies, on too few occasions it has to be said, of course other clubs were keen to use him and among them were Royal Albert, Carlisle United, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Bristol City.

During season 1940-41 he scored six goals in a match against Liverpool for Preston. That same season he was in the side which won the Wartime Cup Final at Wembley against Blackburn Rovers.

He was in Egypt for three years while in the RAF at that period of his career. Following the halt to hostilities he formed a partnership with Tom Finney on the right wing at Deepdale and such was his form that he gained 4 full caps for Scotland.

The parting of the ways with Preston came in 1948 when he signed for Burnley in December. Only four months had elapsed when again he moved, to Sheffield United. The lower Leagues beckoned when he stepped down to join Barrow in February 1951, there he played in 155 matches, scoring 52 times, then it was Bradford Park Avenue in October 1954, Southport June 1955, Rochdale November of the same year and finally Fleetwood in May 1957 and there his playing days ended. Later he scouted for Bury.

He worked with Leyland Motors on his retirement from the game. He was the son of George “Carrie” McLaren listed later. Andy died at Chorley in December 1996.

Of medium build at 5’7” and 10sts 7lbs his uncanny use of the ball tormented many a defence. The possessor of a fierce shot as well.

Debut on 15th August 1942 in a Southern League match at home to Hibernian.

Southern League 2 Appearances

Accies Career

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