Malcolm McVean

Malcolm was born in Jamestown, West Dunbartonshire, 3^rd March 1871.

He started his career playing for Vale of Leven Wanderers before joining Clydebank, followed by Third Lanark.

He had been given a trial, by the “Thirds”, against a touring Canadian team, and scored the opening goal, after which he signed on for the 1891-92 season.

Whilst playing football, he also worked in the shipyards serving an apprentice as a boilermaker.

His next club was the newly formed Liverpool F.C.  whom he signed for at the start of the 1892-93 season, securing his name in the club’s history when, whilst club captain, he scored their first goal in the Lancashire League. After gaining entry to the Football League the following season he also scored the first goal for the club.

He left Liverpool for Burnley at the end of the 1896-97 season, but only made four appearances., this resulted in a move back to Scotland.

Malcolm joined Dundee F.C. for the start of season 1897-98, on the recommendation of Jack Hillman and Bob Kelso.

It was reported in the local paper that:

“Although he played many fine games at Carolina Park, his form was too erratic to be altogether satisfactory. McVean was of a sociable disposition, and being gifted with a rare fund of dry humour, was a most interesting companion.”

After only one season at Carolina Port Malcom was once more on the move, this time to the south of England where he joined Bedminster (who merged with Bristol City in 1900)

Never staying in one place for long, he was back in Scotland with Clydebank 1899-1900, finishing his career at Renton F.C. in 1901.

Although not gaining any international caps, he did make the trials both for Scotland and Anglo-Scots matches.

Malcolm died on the 6^th June 1907, after a ten week illness, leaving a wife and five children.

(Image from “Play Up Liverpool)