David MacLaren (12 June 1934 – 6 December 2016) was a footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Although born in Scotland, he spent most of his playing career in England, before turning to management in Malaysia and Australia.
Playing career While completing his National Service as a radar technician in the RAAF, MacLaren represented Hong Kong FC and helped Penang win the Malaya Cup in 1954. He also attracted the attention of Chelsea manager, Ted Drake to signing him for Chelsea before he returned to Scotland and joined Dundee. He managed only one first team appearance for the team though, before heading to England in January 1957, where he would spend the rest of his playing career."Dave MacLaren". Neil Brown. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
He joined Leicester City and immediately won promotion to the First Division as he became first choice, but he lost his place to the emerging Gordon Banks during the 1959–60 season. McLaren took this as his cue to depart and joined Second Division Plymouth Argyle at the end of the season."Dave MacLaren". Greens on Screen. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
The goalkeeper made more appearances for Plymouth than any of his other league clubs (131 league games) over five seasons in the second tier, before being signed by Wolves in early 1965. He spent only one full season at Molineux as the club attempted to regain their top flight status at the first attempt in 1965–66, but fell short.Wolverhampton Wanderers » Fixtures & Results 1965/1966-Worldfootball. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
MacLaren got a chance to return to the First Division though when newly promoted Southampton signed him soon into the following season, despite McLaren having been in goal for Wolves when Southampton had scored nine against them in the previous season (in a 9–3 victory).Championship 1965/1966 » 2.Round-Worldfootball. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
He lasted just a single season at The Dell, making 22 league appearances, before losing his place to Eric Martin. After leaving Southampton he joined non-league Worcester City.1967-68 Championship-Worcester City FC. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
MacLaren died in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia on 6 December 2016 after a long illness.
International career While in Penang, he was selected in a Malaya national football team and played in exhibition matches. On 18 September 1954, he played for Malaya against Singapore in a 3–0 defeat. He then played for Malaya against Kalmar FF in a 1–1 draw on 20 November 1954.
The following year, on 11 February 1955, he played against Admira in a 1–1 draw.
Coaching career After retiring from playing, he took on a new challenge in Malaysia as manager of Malaysia national team between 1970 and 1971. As national manager, MacLaren guided Malaysia to qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games as group leaders.
After that, he returned to Australia to manage Sydney City. In 1977, he became South Melbourne Hellas manager for two years.
Personal life MacLaren's brothers, Jimmy and Roy, were also professional footballers. All three MacLaren brothers were goalkeepers.
Honours Player Penang Malaysia Cup: 1954
Leicester City Second Division: 1956–57
Individual Malaya Sportsman of the Year: 1954Dave Maclaren | SaintsPlayers.co.uk. Retrieved 25 January 2022 (Google Image).
Manager Sydney City NSW NPL Grand Final: Finalists 1973, 1974 NSW NPL Minor Premiership: 1973, 1974 Ampol Cup: 1973 Waratah Cup: 1976
References
External links Interview with MacLaren in 2011