John McClelland (also known as Jack) was born 19 May 1940 and tragically died on 15 March 1976 at the age of 35 and played for Arsenal as a goalkeeper for four seasons.
He was also an international for N Ireland gaining six caps.
The names of John and Jack are confusing simply because there was another footballer, John William “Jack” McClelland (1930 – 2004) who played for Rochdale, Swindon and Stoke.
The Jack McClelland who played for us was born in Lurgan, and played initially for Genavon. After leaving Arsenal he went on to play for Fulham (51 games and Lincoln (12 games on loan). Wikipedia also has a note that he played for Barnet, although without any details. If you know about this, please do write in.
Jack was signed near the end of Kelsey’s career (which ended in the summer1962) had one major season with Arsenal – 1962/3 where he replaced McKechnie in goal and played 33 games. The following season however both McClelland and McKechnie were supplanted by Jim Furnell, who over the next couple of years went on to secure his place as the first choice keeper.
Jack McClelland therefore played under two of our most under-performing managers – Swindin and Wright.
Jack McClelland died of a brain tumour in March 1976 at the age of 35.
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