McClory Allan Image 1 Motherwell 1930

Description

Armadale, Lothian born goalkeeper Allan McClory began his football career with Harthill Bluebell and Shotts United from where he signed for Scottish League club Motherwell in 1924. He quickly found himself between the sticks for The Steelmen. During the league season of 1924-25, the side was rather unsettled, especially in the club’s defensive unit and thus he was given the opportunity at the expense of long standing first choice keeper Jock Rundell. Some excellent displays throughout that campaign assured Motherwell would not be relegated. In 1926 he also went out on loan for a period to Mid-Annandale. 

He truly was a goalkeeper of International standards, but throughout his ‘Well career, he would only feature in three full Scottish internationals, making his Scotland debut in a 3-0 win over Wales at Ibrox in October 1926 with his final cap more than eight years later also against Wales in a 3-2 win at Pittodrie in November 1934. He also featured in two Scottish League matches in 1926 and 1927.

McClory was a vital part of the side which won the Scottish League Championship in 1931-32, his solid shifts in goal assured the Fir Park faithful that the title was heading Motherwell’s way. He played in all 38 League matches as a club outside of The Old Firm finally won the Championship. The last club to do this was Third Lanark in 1904. He also played in Motherwell’s losing Scottish Cup Finals of 1931 and 1933, both times losing to Celtic. On the 11th February 1933, he became the first ever Motherwell goalkeeper to be sent off. After punching a Rangers effort on goal away, Gers striker Sam English for no reason whatsoever seemingly barged the ‘Well keeper and he retaliated by tripping English’s heels on the way past sending him flying.

He eventually left Motherwell in 1937, he was in his veteran stages. He never went too far as he joined local Lanarkshire rivals Albion Rovers where he stayed for three years. As the Second World War broke out he re- joined Motherwell again in 1940 giving more service to the club. In 1946 after hostilities had ceased, he was given a free transfer, and initially played for Montrose, he joined Irish League club Brideville and played for them in their 1946-47 campaign before his retirement.