Stephen McLachlan (19 September 1918 – 26 July 1990) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a wing half. He spent most of his career with Derby County, yet was often utilised as a reserve player and featured in less than 60 league games over a 14-year period. He later transferred to Kilmarnock where he was released after two years.
McLachlan died in July 1990 after a period of ill health.
Early life During World War II, McLachlan served with the Durham Light Infantry unit, latterly as a sergeant and won a distinguished service medal. During his youth, he played football with St Cuthbert Wanderers.
Career McLachlan joined Derby County in 1938, when he was signed by manager George Jobey in March 1938 from Dalbeattie, a junior club based in Scotland. He was 18 years old when he signed, but did not make his debut into league football until the following year against Preston North End. McLachlan was utilised mostly as a reserve player, with just brief appearances in the senior team, although refused several offers to move to other clubs when interest was shown.
At the end of the 1952–53 season, McLachlan was placed on Derby's transfer list, alongside Bill Townsend and Jackie Parr, all of whom had been with the club since prior to World War II. McLachlan played for Derby in 63 senior games, of which 5 were in the FA Cup. His best run of games came during the 1951–52 season, when he featured 28 times.
He transferred to Kilmarnock in June 1953 for a small fee and ended his career in Scotland. He was released by Kilmarnock in May 1955, after featuring in 28 games over two seasons, his last being in September 1954.
Personal life McLachlan died on 26 July 1990 in Dumfries, Scotland after a period of deteriorating health. He was survived by his widow (Jean McLachlan, d.2010) and son. News of his death wasn't reported in England until January 1991.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsDerby County1938–39First Division1000—101945–46—00—001946–47First Division6000—601947–48First Division0000—001948–49First Division3010—401949–50First Division2000—201950–51First Division8000—801951–52First Division26120—2811952–53First Division12021—140Total58151—632Kilmarnock1953–54Scottish Division B18100602411954–55Scottish Division A00004040Total18100100281Career total76251100913
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