John McLellan

John McLellan, (Some sources state his surname was McLennan) known as Jack McLellan, was a Scottish footballer who played in the English Football League for Accrington. Jack McLellan was a professional player with a fine kick and tackle. His first club was Hearts from his native Edinburgh. He signed for Hearts in 1887 and moved south to England the following year. Season 1888-89 Jack McLennan, playing as a full–back, made his Accrington and League debut on 8 September 1888, at Anfield, the then home of Everton. Accrington lost the match 2–1. Jack McLennan appeared in 19 of the 22 League matches played by Accrington in season 1888–89. Jack McLennan played full–back/centre–half (18 at full–back) in an Accrington defence that achieved two clean–sheets and restricted the opposition to one–League–goal–in–a–match on five separate occasions. On 20 October 1888 John McLellan, playing as a full–back was part of a defence that prevented The Invincibles Preston North End from scoring. Preston North End played 27 League and FA Cup matches in Season 1888-89 and their visit to Accrington was the only time they failed to score a goal. Jack McLellan also appeared in two FA Cup ties playing both at centre–half. In the first match, played at Thorneyholme Road, the home of Accrington, the Accrington defence restricted Blackburn Rovers to one goal in a 1–1 draw.