One to XI:John McClelland

When The Athletic approached us to speak to part-time postman John McClelland about his life after football, we decided to find out how many other colleagues played the beautiful game professionally. While our squad may not make the Champions League, we’re confident we still have a formidable line-up!

Over the next week or two, we’ll introduce you to our first eleven and in January’s Courier there will be a special feature.

So who is this well-travelled journeyman that The Athletic were so interested to track down?...

2. John McClelland

Now working in Wakefield as a postman, John McClelland was previously an uncompromising Northern Irish stopper. During an illustrious footballing career, he picked up cup winners and championship medals at the highest level of the domestic game, as well as captaining his national side. In a career spanning 23 years, he played for (among others) Glasgow Rangers, Leeds United and Watford. He also had a stint as player-manager for St Johnstone.

John received Watford’s player of the year twice, and was also in the Leeds United team that scooped the last ever First Division title, before it became the Premier League.

By the end of his career, John had played for teams of every country in the United Kingdom, and in every tier of senior English football.

You can read the article on John, providing you have a subscription or with a free trial, on The Athletic by clicking here​. 

Remember to lookout for our special football feature in January’s Courier.