Births on January 21

Alex McLeish, Scottish footballer and manager

Alexander McLeish: A Distinguished Career in Scottish Football

Alexander 'Alex' McLeish, born on 21 January 1959 in Glasgow, Scotland, is a highly respected figure in professional football, renowned both for his illustrious playing career as a central defender and his subsequent extensive managerial tenure. His journey through the sport is marked by significant achievements at both club and international levels, establishing him as one of Scotland's most decorated football personalities.

Playing Prowess: The Aberdeen Legend and Scotland International

McLeish's playing career is synonymous with Aberdeen Football Club, where he was a cornerstone of their formidable defence during the legendary 'glory years' of the 1980s. Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, McLeish made an extraordinary 493 league appearances for the Dons, demonstrating remarkable consistency and loyalty. His time at Pittodrie was laden with silverware, including famously clinching the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983, followed by the European Super Cup, three Scottish League titles, and four Scottish Cups. As a tough, uncompromising, yet technically astute defender, his performances were instrumental in this golden era for the club.

His exceptional club form translated to international recognition, earning him an impressive 77 caps for the Scotland national team. This tally places him among the most capped Scottish players of all time, underscoring his enduring quality and importance on the international stage, where he represented his country at three FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, and 1990).

Managerial Milestones: From Club Success to National Duty

Following his stellar playing career, McLeish transitioned into management, embarking on a path that would see him lead several prominent clubs and the national team. His early managerial spells included stints at Motherwell and Hibernian, where he honed his tactical skills and leadership abilities. At Motherwell, he notably guided the club to a Scottish Cup final in 1991, while at Hibernian, he secured promotion back to the Scottish Premier League (SPL) in 1999 and achieved respectable league finishes.

His success at Easter Road earned him the coveted manager's role at Rangers in December 2001. Over five years at Ibrox, McLeish delivered an impressive haul of seven major trophies, including two Scottish Premier League championships (2002–03, 2004–05), two Scottish Cups, and three Scottish League Cups. His tenure at Rangers was characterised by strong domestic dominance, cementing his reputation as a serial winner.

National Team Ambition and Premier League Challenges

In January 2007, McLeish took on the significant challenge of managing the Scotland national team for the first time. Despite a relatively short ten-month spell, his impact was profound. Under his guidance, Scotland, widely considered underdogs, embarked on a thrilling UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. They notably secured two memorable victories against then-World Champions France, pushing giants like Italy and France to the wire. Scotland ultimately fell short of qualification by a mere two points, a testament to McLeish's tactical acumen and the team's spirit, leaving many to wonder "what if."

In November 2007, he resigned from the Scotland post to become manager of Birmingham City, who were then competing in the English Premier League. Despite Birmingham's relegation at the end of the 2007–08 season, McLeish demonstrated his resilience by guiding them back to the Premier League at the first attempt in 2009. His crowning achievement with Birmingham came in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, where he masterminded a historic 2-1 victory over Premier League giants Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, securing the club's first major trophy in 48 years. Ironically, despite this landmark success, Birmingham City were relegated from the Premier League again at the close of the 2010–11 season, a bittersweet end to a significant period.

A Controversial Move and Later Ventures

Following Birmingham's relegation, McLeish made a highly controversial move, resigning from his position to take the managerial helm at their bitter city rivals, Aston Villa. This decision made him the first manager in history to move directly from Birmingham City to Aston Villa, and only the second manager after Ron Saunders to have managed both clubs, a fact that intensified the already fierce 'Second City Derby' rivalry. His tenure at Villa Park was brief, lasting only the 2011–12 Premier League season, where the club narrowly avoided relegation. His contract was terminated at the end of that challenging campaign.

McLeish's career then took him to various other clubs, including a short 40-day spell at Championship club Nottingham Forest in December 2012, which ended by mutual consent. He ventured abroad, managing Belgian Pro League club Genk in the 2014–15 season, where he guided them to Europa League qualification, and a brief stint with Zamalek of the Egyptian Premier League in 2016. In February 2018, he returned for a second stint as manager of the Scotland national team, though this period was less successful than his first, culminating in their failure to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020 through the inaugural UEFA Nations League play-offs.

Legacy and Recognition

Alex McLeish's extensive career, marked by both playing distinction and significant managerial achievements across different leagues and national teams, has left an indelible mark on Scottish football. In recognition of his distinguished service to Scottish sport, particularly his contributions to Aberdeen's historic success and his impact as a national team figure, the University of Aberdeen awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2008. This prestigious accolade acknowledged his profound influence and enduring legacy within the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexander McLeish

What position did Alex McLeish play?

Alex McLeish played primarily as a central defender throughout his professional playing career.

Which club did Alex McLeish spend most of his playing career with?

Alex McLeish spent the vast majority of his playing career, nearly two decades, with Aberdeen Football Club, making almost 500 league appearances for them.

How many caps did Alex McLeish earn for Scotland?

Alex McLeish earned 77 caps for the Scotland national team, making him one of the most capped players in Scottish football history.

What major trophies did Alex McLeish win as a manager at Rangers?

As manager of Rangers, Alex McLeish won seven major trophies, including two Scottish Premier League titles, two Scottish Cups, and three Scottish League Cups.

Did Alex McLeish manage the Scotland national team more than once?

Yes, Alex McLeish had two separate stints as manager of the Scotland national team; his first was in 2007, and his second was from 2018 to 2019.

What notable achievement did Alex McLeish have with Birmingham City?

Alex McLeish famously guided Birmingham City to victory in the 2011 Football League Cup Final, beating Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, securing the club's first major trophy in nearly five decades.

Why was Alex McLeish's move to Aston Villa controversial?

His move to Aston Villa was highly controversial because he became the first manager to move directly from Birmingham City, Aston Villa's fierce city rivals, to their club, intensifying the existing 'Second City Derby' rivalry.

What academic recognition did Alex McLeish receive?

In 2008, Alex McLeish was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Aberdeen, recognizing his distinguished service to Scottish sport, particularly during his highly successful playing career at Aberdeen.