Archie McLean (footballer)

Archie McLean

Personal information
Date of birth	1894
Place of birth	Paisley, Scotland
Date of death	1971 (aged 76–77)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
	Ayr
	Galston
?–1912	St Johnstone
1912–?	Scottish Wanderers
International career
	São Paulo state
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Archie McLean (1894–1971) was a mechanic and association football player from Paisley, Scotland who emigrated in 1912 to São Paulo, Brazil.

In São Paulo, McLean's football career flourished and he became known, on the pitch, as Veadinho (the little deer). Charles William Miller is commonly regarded as having introduced the sport to the country.

Early career

McLean was a machine mechanic working for J & P Coats, a textile company.

McLean had played for the Ayr F.C. team that amalgamated with Ayr Parkhouse F.C. to form Ayr United, as well as for Galston and St Johnstone. With St Johnstone he had won the Consolation Cup in 1912.

Scottish Wanderers

McLean was transferred to São Paulo in 1912. Initially he had planned for only a three-month stay.

Shortly after taking up residence there, McLean founded an ex-pats' football team, the Scottish Wanderers. They played in the local São Paulo State League.

McLean's performances caught the attention of the Brazilian public within a year. He was picked for the São Paulo state team against Rio de Janeiro.

Later career and death

McLean's involvement at the highest level of Brazilian football ended in the mid-1920s.

McLean died of throat cancer at 77 years of age.

References

• Peter Cameron. From Paisley to Paulo with Football — the Archie McLean Story. ISBN 0-9555837-0-5.
• Jim Gilchrist. "The Scot who gave Brazil the most beautiful game of all".
• "Archie McLean".