Renowned Scotland and Chelsea legend Eddie McCreadie has passed away at the ripe age of 85. The Glasgow-born defender who was once hailed by the legendary Tommy Docherty as the best left-back in Europe, made an indelible mark on the football world with his unwavering commitment and ferocious tackling style.
A product of Falkirk outfit East Stirlingshire, McCreadie's rise to prominence began when he was spotted by Chelsea manager Docherty. He made the Β£5,000 transfer deal that included provision for playing two friendlies against East Stirlingshire, but unfortunately, the second match never materialized.
McCreadie's Chelsea career was nothing short of phenomenal. In his 23 appearances for Scotland, he scored a memorable goal in a famous 3-2 victory over England at Wembley Stadium. For Chelsea, he netted the winning goal in the 1965 League Cup final against Leicester City and helped lift the FA Cup five years later with a replay victory over Leeds United.
McCreadie's playing style was not only intimidating but also flamboyant, showcasing an attacking flair reminiscent of modern-day wing-backs. A highlight-reel moment came in the 1965 League Cup final when he scored a solo goal that left England goalkeeper Gordon Banks stunned.
Upon retiring from playing, McCreadie transitioned into coaching and took on an illustrious role at Chelsea's coaching staff. However, his tenure was cut short after just one season due to a disagreement with chairman Brian Mears.
McCreadie went on to have stints in the United States, managing North American Soccer League franchises such as the Memphis Rogues and Cleveland Force before eventually hanging up his boots in 1985.
Throughout his illustrious career, McCreadie left an indelible mark on Scottish and Chelsea football history.
A product of Falkirk outfit East Stirlingshire, McCreadie's rise to prominence began when he was spotted by Chelsea manager Docherty. He made the Β£5,000 transfer deal that included provision for playing two friendlies against East Stirlingshire, but unfortunately, the second match never materialized.
McCreadie's Chelsea career was nothing short of phenomenal. In his 23 appearances for Scotland, he scored a memorable goal in a famous 3-2 victory over England at Wembley Stadium. For Chelsea, he netted the winning goal in the 1965 League Cup final against Leicester City and helped lift the FA Cup five years later with a replay victory over Leeds United.
McCreadie's playing style was not only intimidating but also flamboyant, showcasing an attacking flair reminiscent of modern-day wing-backs. A highlight-reel moment came in the 1965 League Cup final when he scored a solo goal that left England goalkeeper Gordon Banks stunned.
Upon retiring from playing, McCreadie transitioned into coaching and took on an illustrious role at Chelsea's coaching staff. However, his tenure was cut short after just one season due to a disagreement with chairman Brian Mears.
McCreadie went on to have stints in the United States, managing North American Soccer League franchises such as the Memphis Rogues and Cleveland Force before eventually hanging up his boots in 1985.
Throughout his illustrious career, McCreadie left an indelible mark on Scottish and Chelsea football history.
Just heard about Eddie McCreadie's passing at 85... what a legend! He was definitely one of the best left-backs in Europe back in the day 
. I mean, his playing style was not only defensive but also had this flair for attacking that was so underrated. The goals he scored for Chelsea and Scotland are still talked about today 
. And let's not forget that solo goal against England at Wembley Stadium? 
That's some top-notch football right there. He may have had a rocky coaching stint, but his playing career is the stuff of legends 
. RIP Eddie McCreadie 
. I mean, 85 is old, but is it really worth making a big deal about? Can't we just let him rest in peace now? And his playing style was all about roughing up the opposition, not exactly the kind of 'flamboyant' you'd expect from someone called Eddie... sounds like a bit of a hard man to me 
.
- what a legend! He was definitely one of the best defenders I've ever seen, like a box-to-box machine with that ferocious tackling style 
just can't believe the legend Eddie McCreadie is gone 
. I mean, who else can say they scored against England at Wembley Stadium? 
. anyway, RIP Eddie McCreadie, you'll be missed by the football community 
is still giving me goosebumps to this day 
. It's sad that he won't be able to share his wisdom as a coach anymore 
. McCreadie was more than just a footballer - he was a true icon 
. Rest in peace, Eddie 
#RIPeddieMcCreadie #Legend #FootballIcon
οΈ. The fact that he scored that solo goal against England at Wembley Stadium is still giving me goosebumps 
. The guy must have had some serious energy or drive to have made it through that many challenges 
.
. he inspired a whole generation of footballers in scotland and beyond 
. And yeah, that solo goal in the League Cup final was straight fire 
.
can you imagine having a legend like that on your squad? even though his coaching career didn't work out as planned, his legacy lives on through all the teams he managed in usa