Growing up in Cowcaddens in Glasgow, McCreadie was overlooked by scouts at local club Partick Thistle and instead joined Falkirk outfit East Stirlingshire. It was while there that he was spotted by Chelsea manager Docherty, who took him to Stamford Bridge for just £5,000, a transfer deal that included provision for Chelsea playing two friendlies against East Stirlingshire - the second of which never happened. McCreadie, though, would go from the Scottish Second Division to being hailed by Docherty as the best left-back in Europe and making 410 appearances for Chelsea. After retiring from playing, McCreadie joined Chelsea's coaching staff in 1974, with Ron Suart's side sliding towards life back in the second tier. The Scot took over from the departing Suart in April 1975 and, although he could not prevent relegation, he rebuilt the side around 18-year-old midfielder Ray Wilkins and took Chelsea back up to the First Division in 1977.

Source: BBC January 13, 2026 21:53 UTC