Famous Players – The 1970’s

Tommy McLaren

Iconic player of the 70’s

Tommy was born in Livingston in 1949 and started his playing career with Berwick Rangers before moving to Vale Park in 1967.

A no-nonsense midfielder known for his fiery temper and crunching tackles, Tommy was also a very skilful player on his day. He played for the club for 10 years during which time he became a legend with the supporters as much for his crazy off-field antics as for his performances on the pitch.

He was released at the end of the 1976-77 season and joined non-league Telford.

Tommy was found dead in his car in 1978. It was concluded that he committed suicide and many people claimed that he took his life because he could not come to terms with being released by the football club that he loved so much. He was just 29.

“I remember once when we had a corner and Tommy ran through the opposition defenders screaming at the top of his voice. He distracted them all and we scored a simple goal.”

1970’s Significant Events

Other famous players of the 1970’s

Click on the following players to see more information: